I just happened to find someone who has a laptop and wanted to let everyone know that "crazy" is how it has been. We are out of our house and, if you can believe this, I'm actually at this point "relaxing". The Scripture that God continues to bring to my heart and mind is Psalm 91:1-2, he who dwells in the secret place of the most High God, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to my God, you are my Refuge you are my God, I will trust in you (my version). And one in Isaiah that says "you will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed in thee (I will put the whole Scripture and reference once I am home).
Thank God for His incredible Word...all-sufficient, filled with comfort...Thank you Jesus!
More to come once I have time...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Hungry Critters
It has been exciting around here. I had to take these pictures to show just how nasty these critters (termites) can be. We had to pack all our edibles on Tuesday and out of our house on Wednesday. I wanted to take a picture of our tented house, but forgot my camera. The workers showed me a piece of wood that they took of. There wasn't much wood left, all that was left was the paint - an incredible sight! Anyhow we were able to come home on Friday and tried to get the house together before leaving to a Leadership Retreat.Thursday, May 21, 2009
Update
For those of you who at times read my blog - just wanted to let you know that I have not fallen off from the face of the earth, I've fallen a few times, but not off the face of the earth.
It has been really odd-crazy around here. Let's see, doctor appointments, lab work, x-rays, plumber, termite inspection, doctor appointments...did I mention doctor appointments, me under the weather (yeah, what's new), back went out, neck did not want to turn, a cough that just doesn't want to go away, some medical issues that are still being checked out...
And in case you are wondering..."the circus is coming to town!" Yes, my friends, we have to tent our house for termite fumigation. We are now in the process of working out all the logistics - this is so complicated! Who would have thought these tiny little creatures could create so much havoc and do so much damage.
So anyhow, keeping up with blogging, even though there have been things I want to write(good things), has been close to impossible. I just wanted to stop by and say hello, I'm still here...keep praying for us.
It has been really odd-crazy around here. Let's see, doctor appointments, lab work, x-rays, plumber, termite inspection, doctor appointments...did I mention doctor appointments, me under the weather (yeah, what's new), back went out, neck did not want to turn, a cough that just doesn't want to go away, some medical issues that are still being checked out...
And in case you are wondering..."the circus is coming to town!" Yes, my friends, we have to tent our house for termite fumigation. We are now in the process of working out all the logistics - this is so complicated! Who would have thought these tiny little creatures could create so much havoc and do so much damage.
So anyhow, keeping up with blogging, even though there have been things I want to write(good things), has been close to impossible. I just wanted to stop by and say hello, I'm still here...keep praying for us.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Tea Time!
On Sunday we were invited by Theresa to a Tea she put together for her Mom, Gloria. The Hall family has become just an incredible part of our lives - we love them all! Anyhow, the table was gorgeous and the food was "DELICIOUS". Theresa and her aunts really out did themselves. They really should have their own business. Everything was yummy and gorgeous. The company was incredible. We felt like such ladies...we had a wonderful time. Thank you Theresa for all your work and for having us be part of this wonderful time:)Saturday, May 2, 2009
Busy, Busy, Busy
Wow, has it been busy around here. Lots of Doctor's appointments, both for myself and my daughter. Now we have follow up appointments...got to love these bodies! Amidst of it all I have to thank the LORD that we have health insurance - hasn't always been this way...thank you LORD!
I have also been blessed by the LORD to be able to spend wonderful time together with women that I love. I've been able to simply sit and spend quality time with each one of them.
I had a chance to spend quality time with two dear friend. We sat and enjoyed a quiet evening together over dinner. We treasure these times together.
On Saturday, my friend Laura and I got the opportunity to spend the day together. We not only had the opportunity to sit together and enjoy each others company, but we also got to enjoy getting fed both spiritually and physically by wonderful women of God. We got to attend a wonderful Conference at Grace Community Church. The theme was COMMUNION with God and COMMITMENT to others. I wish I could give you ALL that I received from the LORD through these wonderful teachers, but I would not do it justice. Suffice it to say that what we were taught was not watered down and was like a scalpel in the hand of a surgeon. Surgery of the heart took place and, although it hurt, I know that the healing and the "health" of my soul is what God is looking for in me.
God has truly blessed me with wonderful women around me.
I have also been blessed by the LORD to be able to spend wonderful time together with women that I love. I've been able to simply sit and spend quality time with each one of them.
I had a chance to spend quality time with two dear friend. We sat and enjoyed a quiet evening together over dinner. We treasure these times together.
On Saturday, my friend Laura and I got the opportunity to spend the day together. We not only had the opportunity to sit together and enjoy each others company, but we also got to enjoy getting fed both spiritually and physically by wonderful women of God. We got to attend a wonderful Conference at Grace Community Church. The theme was COMMUNION with God and COMMITMENT to others. I wish I could give you ALL that I received from the LORD through these wonderful teachers, but I would not do it justice. Suffice it to say that what we were taught was not watered down and was like a scalpel in the hand of a surgeon. Surgery of the heart took place and, although it hurt, I know that the healing and the "health" of my soul is what God is looking for in me.
God has truly blessed me with wonderful women around me.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Angie is Home
My daughter, Angie, is home for the summer. It brings such joy to my heart to hold her in my arms and see her beautiful face. Thank you LORD for bringing her home safely and sustaining her through her first year at Mt. Zion...your faithfulness, O LORD, is from everlasting to everlasting.
Check out a couple of pictures from her arrival - click here.
Check out a couple of pictures from her arrival - click here.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
David's Response to His Enemies
After Absalom begins his take over of his father’s kingdom – David would have said it was God’s kingdom – David and his people flee.
2 Samuel 15:23…toward the way of the WILDERNESS.
Can you imagine David’s heart on this journey? It wasn’t a journey he chose nor one that he was glad to embark on. It was a situation totally beyond his control. And to top it off, his pilgrimage is not a smooth one – on this “way of the wilderness” David encounters lots of issues.
Remember David’s response to Saul? Well here in 2 Samuel 16:5-14 we are given another glimpse at David’s response to another one of his enemies.
v. 5 - …came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shemei…he came forth, and cursed still as he came.
v. 6 – And he cast stones at David…
v. 7 – And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
v. 8 – The LORD hath returned…the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son:…thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.
Shimei was sort of saying, “Everything that is happening to you, David, is your fault. God is judging you”. If this were me, I’d be a basket case by this point. Just let me crawl under a rock and never come out.
v. 9 – (read the response of those with David? Yeah, this would probably be me. “Off with his head!”)
David’s response:
vv. 10-12 – And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will require me good for his cursing this day.
v. 13 – And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hillside over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.
How is that for additional turmoil on this already difficult journey – someone right along with you cursing you and throwing stones and dust at you?
v. 14 – And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.
Then later in 2 Samuel 18:5 we read, …Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom…(This was David’s concern for his son, Absalom, regardless of all that Absalom had brought him through).
Then when David finds out about Absalom’s death we read in 2 Samuel 18:33, David response, And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
Breaks your heart, doesn’t it? David’s treatment of his enemies gives us much to ponder and meditate, and also brings us to a place of searching our hearts to say, “Change my heart, O God, make it ever new. Change my heart, O God, may I be like YOU.”
2 Samuel 15:23…toward the way of the WILDERNESS.
Can you imagine David’s heart on this journey? It wasn’t a journey he chose nor one that he was glad to embark on. It was a situation totally beyond his control. And to top it off, his pilgrimage is not a smooth one – on this “way of the wilderness” David encounters lots of issues.
Remember David’s response to Saul? Well here in 2 Samuel 16:5-14 we are given another glimpse at David’s response to another one of his enemies.
v. 5 - …came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shemei…he came forth, and cursed still as he came.
v. 6 – And he cast stones at David…
v. 7 – And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
v. 8 – The LORD hath returned…the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son:…thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.
Shimei was sort of saying, “Everything that is happening to you, David, is your fault. God is judging you”. If this were me, I’d be a basket case by this point. Just let me crawl under a rock and never come out.
v. 9 – (read the response of those with David? Yeah, this would probably be me. “Off with his head!”)
David’s response:
vv. 10-12 – And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will require me good for his cursing this day.
v. 13 – And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hillside over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.
How is that for additional turmoil on this already difficult journey – someone right along with you cursing you and throwing stones and dust at you?
v. 14 – And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.
Then later in 2 Samuel 18:5 we read, …Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom…(This was David’s concern for his son, Absalom, regardless of all that Absalom had brought him through).
Then when David finds out about Absalom’s death we read in 2 Samuel 18:33, David response, And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
Breaks your heart, doesn’t it? David’s treatment of his enemies gives us much to ponder and meditate, and also brings us to a place of searching our hearts to say, “Change my heart, O God, make it ever new. Change my heart, O God, may I be like YOU.”
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Chaffey High School Alumni Game
Jaime batting
Jaime catching
My handsome son;)
Today, just for a moment I was transported back in time.Just for a moment I sat and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the ballpark.
Just for a moment life felt normal;
Just for a moment I could sit in the sun watching my son play baseball.
Thank you LORD for those "moments".
Love Your Enemies
In our Women’s Bible Study we have been going through Elizabeth George’s book, A Women After God’s Own Heart. We have been extremely challenged, to say the least. Hence, God is teaching me about being a woman after His heart, as David was.
In my morning reading I’m going through the Old Testament. At this point I am reading through 2 Samuel, today I read about Saul’s death.
As of late God has been showing me some things about Saul and David’s relationship, and of course teaching me some things (He is always refining me and there is still quite a bit of dross that He is wanting to melt away).
God grabbed my attention when I read David’s response to his enemy’s (Saul) death – 2 Samuel 1:11-12, 17 – Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them;…And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul,…And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul…
Wow! No wonder God had sought himself “a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14) and this man was David. Given Saul and David’s history, I would think that David’s response would have been one of relief; one of saying, “Good, I don’t have to be on the run anymore. I don’t have to be hiding or looking over my shoulder. This ‘difficult person’ is gone!” Then a big sigh of relief…NOT!!! David’s response was far from that, in fact, it was totally the opposite.
And, once again, given the past stories that we’ve read about David and Saul, could we have expected any other response from David? David had many opportunities to defeat and destroy Saul, yet David always chose the higher road.
Ya think this Scripture applies here?
Matthew 5:44 - But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
In fact we don’t ever hear of David sitting with his buddies and telling them all his woes and how awful Saul was to him in spite of David being there for Saul.
Proverbs 10:19 – In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
1 Peter 4:8 – And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Lots to learn…lots to meditate on.
God is absolutely not done with me yet. Thank God for His long-suffering.
In my morning reading I’m going through the Old Testament. At this point I am reading through 2 Samuel, today I read about Saul’s death.
As of late God has been showing me some things about Saul and David’s relationship, and of course teaching me some things (He is always refining me and there is still quite a bit of dross that He is wanting to melt away).
God grabbed my attention when I read David’s response to his enemy’s (Saul) death – 2 Samuel 1:11-12, 17 – Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them;…And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul,…And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul…
Wow! No wonder God had sought himself “a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14) and this man was David. Given Saul and David’s history, I would think that David’s response would have been one of relief; one of saying, “Good, I don’t have to be on the run anymore. I don’t have to be hiding or looking over my shoulder. This ‘difficult person’ is gone!” Then a big sigh of relief…NOT!!! David’s response was far from that, in fact, it was totally the opposite.
And, once again, given the past stories that we’ve read about David and Saul, could we have expected any other response from David? David had many opportunities to defeat and destroy Saul, yet David always chose the higher road.
Ya think this Scripture applies here?
Matthew 5:44 - But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
In fact we don’t ever hear of David sitting with his buddies and telling them all his woes and how awful Saul was to him in spite of David being there for Saul.
Proverbs 10:19 – In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
1 Peter 4:8 – And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Lots to learn…lots to meditate on.
God is absolutely not done with me yet. Thank God for His long-suffering.
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