Thankfulness

Thank you Jesus!

Today, for the first time since her stay in the hospital, Mom decided she wanted to get out of her robe and into regular clothes. She also, wanted to come out of her room and work on her puzzle. She must be feeling better. Since she's been home from the hospital she has not wanted to leave her room, get out of her robe or leave her oxygen. We are making progress.

Yeah!!! On Thursday I was blessed with a "new" recliner sofa. My hubby and son gave me an early birthday present. Thank you guys, I am so blessed:) now I don't have to curl-up on the couch. Although, my daughter says that I will be spending all my time sleeping in my comfortable sofa, and I have to admit she might be right. I get so fatigued that at times I sit for a little bit only to find myself nodding off.

On another note, my daughter and I got a chance to go to the movies on Friday. It was a very nice time of going out and doing girl stuff. In fact, before the movies we actually splurged on a pedicure. (my feet were so sore though. Go figure, even this fun thing had to make one part of my body hurt.) But on a more chipper note, we really had a good time at the movies. There wasn't much to pick from so we ended up watching "Dr. Zeus, Horton hears a Who". I laughed so hard and I even spilled soda on myself. The only thing that was annoying was this man behind us on his cell phone. I simply don't get it (I won't even go into this one). And another man in front of us had one of those cell phones on his ear that kept blinking a bright light every second or so. Other than that it was a pleasant time and the laughter kept me from saying anything to them. When we came out we kept saying, okay, I kept saying, "a person's a person no matter how small" (a line from the movie).

LAUGHTER - good medicine

A friend of mine e-mailed me these jokes. I was rolling on the floor. Some hit too close to home and I almost lost my "dentures". Enjoy!!!

~~Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, "How old was your husband?" "'98," she replied. "'Two years older than me." "So you're 96," the undertaker commented. She responded, "Hardly worth going home, is it?"

~~Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman: "And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?" the reporter asked. She simply replied, "No peer pressure."

~~I've sure gotten old! I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I'm half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends. But, thank God, I still have my driver's license.

~~I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor's permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over. (this was too funny...aerobics, anyone:)

~~An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart. "Wal-Mart?" the preacher exclaimed. "Why Wal-Mart?" "Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week."

My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.

Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out. (hey, I've been doing it all wrong:)

It's scary when you start making the same noises as your coffee maker.

These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says, 'For fast relief.'

THE SENILITY PRAYER : Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

Now, I think you're supposed to share this with 5 or 6, maybe 10 others. Oh, heck, give it to a bunch of your friends if you can remember who they are! Always Remember This: You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing.

'Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.'

Ouch!!!

Hola Amigas!

Last I wrote, somewhat, I was off to attempt to spring clean. Yeah, right! All was going well and I was actually making progress. Then I came across this other blog that made cleaning your shower sound as easy as “spray, wait, wipe, whoalla - you have a squeaky-clean shower”. So off I go to the store with my list on hand. Came home with all my supplies and set off to conquer the dreaded shower tile. I seriously thought, hey now I can clean this by myself. There was hope in the horizon. You see, cleaning the shower is one of those chores that bring me to my knees. Well actually to a fetal-position on the couch without being able to move, in lots and lots of pain…yes, I’m serious. For a while, someone else has done it for me, but this person has been really busy and I thought, hey, this sounds easy enough. I can do it – not!

All I have to say is that the only thing that fell to the floor quickly was ME. My knee went out, my back went out, etc., etc. – I will spare you the gory details. But being the trooper that I am, I finished the task at hand. When my hubby got home, I was on “the couch:(”. Needless to say, I haven’t finished my spring cleaning and the probability is that it won’t get done any time soon.

Sunday, we celebrated our churches 4th Anniversary. It was a wonderful time of rejoicing in what God had done and a time of great expectation of what God will do in the future. My Spirit was rejoicing, but my body was…(blah!!!) I sure could have used my Mom’s wheelchair;-O

Monday came and went and I never made it to workout. Tuesday, I finally made it and I got, drum roll please, my 200th workout t-shirt, yeah!!! This was so exciting. Yes, I know it is just a t-shirt, but it is a tangible sign of a great task that has been accomplished by this “ache-breaky-body”.

Okay, so now you have the run down. Until next time, Amigas!

All Grown Up

When I saw this video it broke me. Our kids grow up so fast. I've heard this song before (Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman), but to see the images in the background, was incredible. And to think that we were kids too. Did my Dad feel like this? I still remember when he walked me down the aisle. I walked with him by his arm. He was proud as a peacock. My Dad never voiced his feelings, yet I could tell he loved every minute of it, because he love me. My Dad...I don't think of him much, yet today I remember walking down that aisle with My Daddy.

Our Daily Bread Devotional

April 7, 2008
Why? Why? Oh, Why?
ODB RADIO: Listen Now DownloadREAD: Proverbs 3:1-12
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons. —Hebrews 12:7
Why must I suffer disappointment, sorrow, and tribulation? What have I done that God should send me trials? Is He displeased with me? These questions are constantly asked by God's dear children.
Much of this fear and questioning is due to our misunderstanding of God's dealings with His own. He has His good reasons. And one of those reasons is for our spiritual discipline. We should be far more afraid of being left alone than of God's chastening, for He wastes no time on worthless objects that give no promise of fruitfulness.
On the shores of Lake Michigan are great barren sand dunes that have never felt the point of a plow. But in the rich lowlands beyond them, the farmer is constantly cultivating the soil. The farmer knows what he is doing, so he keeps on breaking up the soil. The deeper the plow works and the more the sharp harrow, the more precious the crop will be when harvest time comes.
God's plow goes deep, but it is only that in the end we may forget the plowing and rejoice in the blessing of bearing much fruit for Him. "No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Heb. 12:11). — M.R. De Haan
When blades of distress cut deep in the soul,Breaking up ground that was untouched before,The Lord is preparing soil to bear fruitFit for the harvest to feed many more. —Hess
All sunshine and no rain make a desert.

Jesus The All Sufficient One

"HE IS" by Aaron & Jeoffrey


This is the God that we serve. He is! Therefore, I believe and trust Him.

(credit: I read a post in The Internet Cafe by Elaine Bateman that had the lyrics to this song. It so touched me that I had to share it. And because I love music, I posted the song. If you would like to see what Elaine wrote please visit the link to The Internet Cafe on my sidebar. It will also touch your heart.)

Quiet Time

The other day at Bible Study someone commented about spending time with the LORD. She mentioned how important it is. The thing that stuck out to me was the fact that “He longs to spend time with us”. The LORD reminded me of the poem/letter that I posted in a previous post. The LORD also reminded me of a tiny, yet powerful little booklet that I have read time and again: Robert Boyd Munger’s “My Heart-Christ’s Home”. There is a section in the booklet that speaks about spending time with the LORD. I read it, made a copy of it and gave it to this sister. The LORD, however, has been bringing it back TO ME again and again. Today as I was reading a totally different book, this book "just happened" to quote from Munger’s booklet, and, of course it just happened to be the section I had copied and given to this sister – here is what it says:

The Living Room

We moved next into the living room. This was a quiet, comfortable room with a warm atmosphere. I liked it. It had a fireplace, sofa, overstuffed chairs, a bookcase and an intimate atmosphere.

He also seemed pleased with it. He said, “Indeed, this is a delightful room. Let’s come here often. It’s secluded and quiet, and we can have good talks and fellowship together.”

Well, naturally, as a young Christian I was thrilled. I couldn’t think of anything I would rather do than have a few minutes alone with Christ in close companionship.

He promised, “I will be here every morning early. Meet me here and we will start the day together.”

So, morning after morning, I would go downstairs to the living room. He would take a book of the Bible from the bookcase, open it, and we would read it together. He would unfold to me the wonder of God’s saving truth recorded on its pages and make my heart sing as he shared all he had done for me and would be to me. Those times together were wonderful. Through the Bible and his Holy Spirit he would talk to me. In prayer I would respond. So our friendship deepened in these quiet times of personal conversation.

However, under the pressure of many responsibilities, little by little, this time began to be shortened. Why, I’m not sure. Somehow I assumed I was just too busy to give special, regular time to be with Christ. This was not a deliberate decision, you understand; it just seemed to happen that way. Eventually not only was the period shortened, but I began to miss days now and then, such as during midterms or finals. Matters of urgency demanding my attention were continually crowding out the quiet times of conversation with Jesus. Often I would miss it two days in a row or more.

One morning, I recall rushing down the steps in a hurry to be on my way to an important appointment.

As I passed the living room, the door was open. Glancing in I saw a fire in the fireplace and Jesus sitting there. Suddenly, in dismay, it came to me, “He is my guest. I invited him into my heart! He has come as my Savior and Friend to live with me. Yet here I am neglecting him.”

I stopped, turned and hesitantly went in. With downcast glance I said, “Master, I’m sorry! Have you been here every morning?”

“Yes,” he said, “I told you I would be here to meet with you.” I was even more ashamed! He had been faithful in spite of my faithlessness. I asked him to forgive me and he did, as he always does when we acknowledge our failures and want to do the right thing.

He said, “The trouble is that you have been thinking of the quiet time, of Bible study and prayer, as a means for your own spiritual growth. This is true, but you have forgotten that this time means something to me also. Remember, I love you. At a great cost I have redeemed you. I value your fellowship. Just to have you look up into my face warms my heart. Don’t neglect this hour if only for my sake. Whether or not you want to be with me, remember I want to be with you. I really love you!”

You know, the truth that Christ wants my fellowship, that he love me, wants me to be with him and waits for me, has done more to transform my quiet time with God than any other single fact. Don’t let Christ wait alone in the living room of your heart, but every day find a time and place when, with the Word of God and in prayer, you may be together with him.

I know it’s long, but powerful. May we know the privilege of communing with the God of the Universe.

Joshua - Jericho

Joshua 5:13 - Joshua lifts his eyes, sees a man, asks one question.

Joshua 5:14 - The captain of the host of the LORD responds, "am I now come", Joshua is on his face in worship and asks, "What saith my lord unto his servant? (How did Joshua know? Didn't he need more info, more something? Joshua was so sensitive.)

Joshua 5:15 - the captain, "Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy". And Joshua did so. (again, no questions asked. Joshua simply obeyed.) In Joshua 6:2-5, the LORD gave Joshua specific instructions. It amazes me that not once did Joshua chime in or ask anything or begged differently or bargained for a different way. Joshua simply listened (be still and know that I AM God). Then in verse 6 we see Joshua carrying out all that the LORD told him to do. We don't see Joshua second guessing what he heard. We don't see Joshua saying, "Well, people, I think this is what God told me to do. Let's do this and see what happens. By the way, keep me in prayer because I don't know what will happen, but here we go." There is assurance, obedience and confidence. And, guess what, the people followed without questioning his leadership. (on a total side note - I must admit that I've read this story many, many times, but for some reason today I thought, "hey, the people obeyed Joshua without complaining. And the people of Jericho didn't sit on the wall and mock the Israelites. Yes, I know what you are thinking, 'if you are a Mom whose kids watch veggietales', this is what happens in a veggietale movie. How easily influenced my mind is. My doctrine was all wrong because of a cartoon! - okay, back to the serious part...)

This so spoke to me. How often do I receive from the LORD without questioning, or bargaining or begging for a different plan? And then there are those times when I wonder, "hey, did I really hear that?" or "is this really from the LORD?" How incredibly patient Our LORD is toward us. How loving and gentle. His love is unconditional and His long-suffering amazes me. LORD Jesus make us willing servants, ready to listen and most importantly ready to do Your will. Give us an undivided heart. Renew a right spirit within us. Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom and that we may bring honor and glory to Your Most Holy Name.

What Kind of Bird Are You?

What kind of question is this, you ask? Yesterday, I heard a message by Dr. David Jeremiah, titled "Courage When Fatigue Drains You" (http://www.oneplace.com/). It was so encouraging. One of the analogies that he used was about birds. He asked, "Are you a flapper, a glider, or a soar(er)?" You know what scripture reference he used, of course, Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ("the ability to wait the master aptitude")

As an example for a "flapper" he used the hummingbird. He goes around flapping its wings all the time. So are we like the "flapper", flapping around making lots of noise, doing lots of stuff, but not finding peace. Or are we like the glider, who goes through life gliding, but eventually hits the floor because it looses the wind beneath its wings (hey, isn't this a song? sorry...). Or are we a soar(er), like the eagle. Who can rise above the circumstances. Who can soar because God is the one that sustains us. God is the one that is beneath us, above us, around us...who can go wrong with that.

Note: These are my thoughts from the message. This is what the Holy Spirit showed and ministered to my heart. They are not verbatim (word-per-word).