I have tried to figure out how to post a link, but have been unsuccessful. Please go to http://www.praiseandcoffee.blogspot.com/ and read her post for 3/28/08 titled "Alone", the article she cites is so though-provoking for us women. (update - hey, I did it! Now you can click on the link and it will take you to the blog, yeah!)
I have started to "ATTEMPT" to do my spring-cleaning. I haven't done this in quite a while, sooooooooo...here we go=;O
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Love Letter from Jesus
I pulled this poem/letter out to give someone a copy. I hadn't read it in a while. As I read it, it touched my heart once again. As the LORD has been speaking to me through all the blossoms and the birds singing and the sun and all the life that is coming forth all around, this letter was just another way of Him reiterating what He has been showing me through creation.
Dear Friend,
How are you? I just had to send a note to tell you how much I care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were talking with your friends. I waited all day hoping you would want to talk with Me, too. I gave you a sunset to chase your day and a cool breeze to rest you - and I waited. You never came. It hurt Me - but I still love you because I AM your friend.
I saw you sleeping last night and longed to touch your brow so I spilled moonlight upon your face. Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk.
I have so many gifts for you! I try to tell you in blue skies and in the quiet green grass. I whisper it in leaves on the trees and breathe it in colors of flowers, shout it to you in mountain streams, give the birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air with nature scents. My love for you is deeper than the ocean and bigger than the biggest need in your heart.
Ask Me! Talk with Me! Please don't forget Me. I have so much to share with you! I have chosen you and I will wait for you.
Your Friend - I love you! JESUS
Today I made it a point of sitting in my backyard. I sat in the sun and felt its warmth as the scents of orange blossoms came to me in the soft breeze. I didn't have much time (when do I?), but this small amount of time seemed like an eternity. It was so restful and invigorating. Wow! God is so awesome and faithful, He made minutes seem like hours and totally blessed me with His presence. God, You so desire to spend time with me and overwhelm me with your love. So often I think I need to carve out an hour or so in order to spend "quality" time with You. Yet, You know what is happening in each one of our lives. May I not neglect these intimate times with You. (Song of Solomon 2:13 ...Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.)
Dear Friend,
How are you? I just had to send a note to tell you how much I care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were talking with your friends. I waited all day hoping you would want to talk with Me, too. I gave you a sunset to chase your day and a cool breeze to rest you - and I waited. You never came. It hurt Me - but I still love you because I AM your friend.
I saw you sleeping last night and longed to touch your brow so I spilled moonlight upon your face. Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk.
I have so many gifts for you! I try to tell you in blue skies and in the quiet green grass. I whisper it in leaves on the trees and breathe it in colors of flowers, shout it to you in mountain streams, give the birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air with nature scents. My love for you is deeper than the ocean and bigger than the biggest need in your heart.
Ask Me! Talk with Me! Please don't forget Me. I have so much to share with you! I have chosen you and I will wait for you.
Your Friend - I love you! JESUS
Today I made it a point of sitting in my backyard. I sat in the sun and felt its warmth as the scents of orange blossoms came to me in the soft breeze. I didn't have much time (when do I?), but this small amount of time seemed like an eternity. It was so restful and invigorating. Wow! God is so awesome and faithful, He made minutes seem like hours and totally blessed me with His presence. God, You so desire to spend time with me and overwhelm me with your love. So often I think I need to carve out an hour or so in order to spend "quality" time with You. Yet, You know what is happening in each one of our lives. May I not neglect these intimate times with You. (Song of Solomon 2:13 ...Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
JESUS Has Risen Indeed!!!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who...has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:3
Jesus Christ today is risen, and o'er death triumphant reigns; He has burst the grave's strong prison, leading sin herself in chains. - Luther
Christ's resurrection is the bud of promise -
our resurrection is the flower of fulfillment!
Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign. - Lowry
The resurrection is a fact of history that demands a response of faith.
Praise be to God for this "living" hope. Because HE LIVES, I live. O Death where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?...thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah, Jesus is Alive!!!
Jesus Christ today is risen, and o'er death triumphant reigns; He has burst the grave's strong prison, leading sin herself in chains. - Luther
Christ's resurrection is the bud of promise -
our resurrection is the flower of fulfillment!
Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign. - Lowry
The resurrection is a fact of history that demands a response of faith.
Praise be to God for this "living" hope. Because HE LIVES, I live. O Death where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?...thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah, Jesus is Alive!!!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
First Day of Spring
New life is springing forth everywhere. The birds are chirping away at the sign of sunshine and warmth. My backyard is starting to look like people actually live here;) It is bursting forth with colors and scents. All creation shouts the handiwork of a Mighty Creator. All creation is at His command.
Seasons, seasons, seasons...some, you don't want them to end, while others you are screaming that they pass and never show themselves in our lives ever again. Yet, all are needed. All have their purpose. All have a plan. And in the grand-scope of things they ALL work together for our good. There is nothing wasted in God's economy. And if we are honest with ourselves, some chip away at those rough spots that need to be smoothed away.
God is faithful to complete the work He began in us. Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Mom's home from the hospital
We just arrived from the hospital. Mom is home and very happy at that. Thank you all for your prayers. God truly has been my strength and help in this time. Jesus is my Rock, my Fortress and my Hiding Place...thank you Jesus!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Thank You Jesus!
Nothing but thanksgiving and praise to the Lord can come from my heart. Mom is out of ICU. Today I got to get her up from bed and give her a little refreshing. I know she felt good after that and sat for a while in the chair. Then to top it off she received several visits that just lifted her spirits. She loves her family. Yes, there are those times that it just doesn't seem that way, but her face brightens up when she sees her loved ones come to see her.And they'll know we are Christians
By our love, by our love,
Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love
Friday, March 14, 2008
What if?...but GOD!
The What if's are daunting.
Yesterday Mom went into ventricular fibrillation (her heart was going too fast, etc.). She is stable now. When I left the hospital she was sleeping soundly.
I got home blew up at my family and went to bed.
Raw emotions, lots of questions...LIFE, o so fragile and frail.
BUT GOD...through a letter that has nothing to do with this, God spoke to me - "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me (2 Timothy 4:17)...Paul knew that he was not alone...even though man may not have been with him, the Lord was surely right there with him...today, the Lord is with you...1 Peter 5:7 says that we are to cast all of our care on Him for He cares for us."
And this morning through my devotional reading, He spoke to me through Psalm 71:1-16 - "In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame...incline Your ear to me...Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually...You are my rock and my fortress...You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust...My praise shall be continually of You...O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!...I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more...I will go in the strength of the Lord God...(the author said, God was his hope, his trust, and his hiding place in the storms of life...everyone who knows the Lord can find refuge and peace in His abiding presence...When we put our problems in God's hands, He puts His peace in our hearts...For the believer, the ultimate place of refuge is in the presence of God.)"
YOU are My Refuge.
YOU are My Sanctuary.
In You, O God, I will put my trust.
Yesterday Mom went into ventricular fibrillation (her heart was going too fast, etc.). She is stable now. When I left the hospital she was sleeping soundly.
I got home blew up at my family and went to bed.
Raw emotions, lots of questions...LIFE, o so fragile and frail.
BUT GOD...through a letter that has nothing to do with this, God spoke to me - "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me (2 Timothy 4:17)...Paul knew that he was not alone...even though man may not have been with him, the Lord was surely right there with him...today, the Lord is with you...1 Peter 5:7 says that we are to cast all of our care on Him for He cares for us."
And this morning through my devotional reading, He spoke to me through Psalm 71:1-16 - "In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame...incline Your ear to me...Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually...You are my rock and my fortress...You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust...My praise shall be continually of You...O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!...I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more...I will go in the strength of the Lord God...(the author said, God was his hope, his trust, and his hiding place in the storms of life...everyone who knows the Lord can find refuge and peace in His abiding presence...When we put our problems in God's hands, He puts His peace in our hearts...For the believer, the ultimate place of refuge is in the presence of God.)"
YOU are My Refuge.
YOU are My Sanctuary.
In You, O God, I will put my trust.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
And Then There Was LAND...
I knew I should have stayed on the ship...
First there was (okay, I won't even go there)...
Then there was the thought, "hey, it is beautiful outside. Why don't I work on my flower beds." Ouch, the pain!!! Who knew I have so many body parts that can hurt.
Then, of course, I was robbed of one hour of precious sleep. I know, everyone was taken away an hour of sleep, but you see, for me it is a "necessity", a "precious commodity". So I'm walking around with major aches and a fog that just won't break. Monday was so hard. I kept trying to do my routine, but would find every opportunity to just slump somewhere. Not good...
Hey, but there is always another brand new spanking day - TUESDAY!!! (the sun will come out tomorrow, la la la) --- open the door to Mom's room and we are not doing well. You see, she hasn't been feeling well. We are doing and following what the doctor has said, but this day was just not going to go as "planned". She was turning purple on me and on and on. So I rushed her to the hospital. Yes, God always gives me the grace and the patience needed to thrive in this circumstances. You should have seen me go, it truly was all God. My dear friends and sisters in the Lord were praying for us and so we had God Almighty on our side and the prayers of the saints (Thank you Jesus for the love and strength that You give me and for the saints that are so precious to me).
I won't go into details about the hospital. I must say thought that God always goes before us. The people that surround my mother are incredible and the doctors all seem very caring. I can see God's hands working through them whatever the surroundings might be.
So much was seen around me in the hospital that was so heartbreaking. There was this little old lady that was crying, all alone. The Lord gave me the opportunity to speak with her. She said that she lived with her son, but that they were both ill. In fact, they both had been transported by ambulance to the hospital, but she didn't know where they had taken her son. Even though she was very ill and in allot of pain, she was wondering, worrying about her son. I asked her if she had any other family members. She said that she had a daughter who lived in Rialto. I said to her, "then she will come and visit you soon." She said, "oh no, her husband won't let her. He is very jealous." I went in and prayed with her and went back to my own mother. I told Mom the lady's story and Mom said, "yes, I am very thankful with God". The stories are endless, but this one seems to have been etched in my mind.
As I sit here typing my scattered thoughts I read this:
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 ---We are to live by faith, not feelings. To paraphrase Paul's words: "I can keep on bearing all things through Him who constantly infuses His strength into me." Christ's strength, His grace, His power are sufficient to enable us to endure whatever comes our way. by Kay Arthur
God give me Your strength, I know you already have. May your will be done.
First there was (okay, I won't even go there)...
Then there was the thought, "hey, it is beautiful outside. Why don't I work on my flower beds." Ouch, the pain!!! Who knew I have so many body parts that can hurt.
Then, of course, I was robbed of one hour of precious sleep. I know, everyone was taken away an hour of sleep, but you see, for me it is a "necessity", a "precious commodity". So I'm walking around with major aches and a fog that just won't break. Monday was so hard. I kept trying to do my routine, but would find every opportunity to just slump somewhere. Not good...
Hey, but there is always another brand new spanking day - TUESDAY!!! (the sun will come out tomorrow, la la la) --- open the door to Mom's room and we are not doing well. You see, she hasn't been feeling well. We are doing and following what the doctor has said, but this day was just not going to go as "planned". She was turning purple on me and on and on. So I rushed her to the hospital. Yes, God always gives me the grace and the patience needed to thrive in this circumstances. You should have seen me go, it truly was all God. My dear friends and sisters in the Lord were praying for us and so we had God Almighty on our side and the prayers of the saints (Thank you Jesus for the love and strength that You give me and for the saints that are so precious to me).
I won't go into details about the hospital. I must say thought that God always goes before us. The people that surround my mother are incredible and the doctors all seem very caring. I can see God's hands working through them whatever the surroundings might be.
So much was seen around me in the hospital that was so heartbreaking. There was this little old lady that was crying, all alone. The Lord gave me the opportunity to speak with her. She said that she lived with her son, but that they were both ill. In fact, they both had been transported by ambulance to the hospital, but she didn't know where they had taken her son. Even though she was very ill and in allot of pain, she was wondering, worrying about her son. I asked her if she had any other family members. She said that she had a daughter who lived in Rialto. I said to her, "then she will come and visit you soon." She said, "oh no, her husband won't let her. He is very jealous." I went in and prayed with her and went back to my own mother. I told Mom the lady's story and Mom said, "yes, I am very thankful with God". The stories are endless, but this one seems to have been etched in my mind.
As I sit here typing my scattered thoughts I read this:
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 ---We are to live by faith, not feelings. To paraphrase Paul's words: "I can keep on bearing all things through Him who constantly infuses His strength into me." Christ's strength, His grace, His power are sufficient to enable us to endure whatever comes our way. by Kay Arthur
God give me Your strength, I know you already have. May your will be done.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Vacation Has Ended
On Friday I got a call from my brother that Mom was not feeling well. You see the Lord gave me rest from my caregiving duties (thank you Jesus!). First, one of my brothers (the one that lives in Mexicali) kept her for two weeks. He doesn't get to see her often, so this was a treat for him as much as for Mom who got to visit with her son. Then my other brother (he lives in Hesperia) picked her up from Mexicali and brought her to his house. She was going to stay with him for a week. But Friday she was not looking good so he called me to ask me what to do or what to give her. Since she has so many health issues, we just don't give her anything, we first check with her doctor. I called her doctor, but also decided to pick her up just in case I had to take her to the hospital. She did not look good, but thankfully it seems to be a cold or flu or something like that. I've spoken to the doctor and am following what he told me to do. Thankfully she does look better and seems to be getting over this awful thing that is going around and getting everyone sick. Please pray that "it" will run its course and that it won't be anything more than a cold. I must say though, how rapidly things change...
However, I am so thankful for the rest that the Lord has given me. As caregivers every little break counts for so much, but this break was beyond what I asked or prayed for. Thank you Jesus!
However, I am so thankful for the rest that the Lord has given me. As caregivers every little break counts for so much, but this break was beyond what I asked or prayed for. Thank you Jesus!
Catching Up
As you all know I've been a little off in my posting. I've been on my own kind of vacation. The Lord has allowed me a time of rest - thank you Jesus! Stuff continues to happen in our household and in my life, but just haven't been around to post.
Missed posting about my brother, Humberto's birthday. His birthday was on February 27th. My brother lives in Mexico. I do miss "him". I believe God in his mercy will reach down and save and restore him and will give me a relationship with my brother. Please pray for him.
We began our much prayed for Women's Bible Study at the church that we now attend. This is their first Women's Bible Study - how exciting! We are doing a study in the book of James. It has been a blessing to see the ladies ready and anxious to begin this journey. James has already begun to challenge me personally. My first challenge was to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials" - okay, enough said, no need to expound on this:[ And now my challenge is to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath". I'm a talker, so you can see how challenging this is going to be. I believe God has great lessons for us to learn and put into practice. We need to be doers of the Word not just hearers.
Missed posting about my brother, Humberto's birthday. His birthday was on February 27th. My brother lives in Mexico. I do miss "him". I believe God in his mercy will reach down and save and restore him and will give me a relationship with my brother. Please pray for him.
We began our much prayed for Women's Bible Study at the church that we now attend. This is their first Women's Bible Study - how exciting! We are doing a study in the book of James. It has been a blessing to see the ladies ready and anxious to begin this journey. James has already begun to challenge me personally. My first challenge was to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials" - okay, enough said, no need to expound on this:[ And now my challenge is to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath". I'm a talker, so you can see how challenging this is going to be. I believe God has great lessons for us to learn and put into practice. We need to be doers of the Word not just hearers.
Fellowship & Coffee
Fellowship over coffee-awwww! Thursday morning was a treat for me. I had a wonderful visit from Laura and Bekah. We sat and talked. I love how our common love for the Lord brings us together into an edifying and wonderful time of fellowship. The Lord has been good to me and has given me rest for my body and has allowed me to spend time with those I love without feeling like I have to get up and do something. Thank you Jesus!
Happy Birthday Moni!
Happy Birthday to my niece, Moni. I don't get to see her much, but love her dearly. She reminds me so much of my sister. Happy Birthday Moni! Praying that God will continue to work in your life and looking forward to all that He has for you. (this is the only picture I have of Moni. She is with my daughter Angie. Maybe I will get an updtated one.)
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