Avoiding Traps Of hell

I've been up since very early this morning, praising God, remembering that the family is still in bed asleep, I've tried to keep it down. :) Aren't there times that your heart gets so full that you've gotta just offer Him praise?



Joseph has been spending his evenings working on putting that engine into his Jeep. Last night he came home to say he had to make a purchase before he could go further with it. A chum of his is helping him ocassionally, it's been good company for him and gives him someone to bounce off ideas while he's navigating through this project.

Pat phoned last night to say that he'd found a repair manuel for his car on e-bay and wanted me to make the purchase. It's a manuel on a few CD's. I don't know, I just have something about having a BOOK in my hand when I'm learning something. Who wants to be dependent upon having to have a computer with you while making car repairs? LOL Told him I'd take care of the transaction. He's been sent away again this week with his work, as he has been much of this last year. Next month he's putting papers in to see if he can be sent back to the facility where he'd worked for about 15-20 years. The adventure of traveling has long lost it's luster for him. :)

Kept Sarah home last night from work at the library, she's gettin' well and thought that I was over reacting to this, because she "felt alright". Don't know...just seems that I've been Mama long enough to know that a fever is a good indication to take measures. Would you agree? Good Grief!!! :) She has a preferance to Puff tissues with moisturizers in the paper, to be soft for the nose. She came home from the market with one of her siblings to show me that along with the purchase I sent out for, she had two boxes of tissue - her kind of tissue - at the price of $2.40ish a box for her nose. I quietly reminded her that I didn't pay that much for tissue, ever...and would appreciate her remembering that. Just think that $5.00 for two boxes of tissue is a little much, don't you? LOL LOL

Aubrey, Louis and Liam came home last night from their trip to Oklahoma, visiting their family. It's been quiet around here without that little guy. Mary Beth has brought Ethan over the last couple of days for us to watch (enjoy!!!) while she's been helping with the indoor painting of the new local crises pregnancy center. She's enjoyed volunteering there. I believe it to be an unexpected pleasure for her. If she should happen to bring him by again today, Liam will enjoy his company too.

Aubs came home excited about a product she's been interested in for a long time. What is it? Arbonne, I believe. She's glad to find cosmetics that are, if I remember correctly - free of chemicals, they're basically herbal. She was so glad to bring me home some samples to use. Her mother-in-law and sister-in-law are representatives and brought home some fun stuff. Some of it was "anti-aging" products. LOL LOL I'd always figured I'd grow old gracefully, I suppose she thinks this will be a plus in that department. :)

Emily went over to our pastors home to help her yesterday to do some major cleaning. It came about 9:00 last night and she'd not come home, the gals had crashed and Emma was just going to keep Ms. Alma company for the evening and we'll be seeing her today sometime.

When Mary Beth finished painting for the afternoon, she'd brought a sweet movie that I enjoyed. Don't like much of what is produced for consumption these days...and is a shame that it's called "entertainment", but this one is SWEET. I'd recommend it, if you've not already seen it. It's called "Sarah Cane" I believe. An endearing movie, and worth your time to view.

There's another video that we've watched again this week, it was a powerful reminder to my heart. Called "Close Encounter of the God Kind" by Jesse Duplantis. If you don't see another movie all year long, this you need. He recalls the time that he was transported to Heaven and a summery of what transpired there. It's a powerful message and one that we all need to hear. JESUS IS COMING.

Michael wants to go to the pool this morning early to do laps for a while. I really like it when the kids go with a sibling, have just never gotten away from a "buddy system". After all these years. LOL Pat works nights, and he will often go with Michael when he's home. I bought 1/2 a years worth of membership for the family, didn't want to pay for a whole year until I saw how much it would actually be used. Sometimes Joseph and Louis will go down together before they have to be at work in the morning. I want our money's worth out of this thing.

Joseph and I have talked over this last year about building a small aviary for Emily's little Abigail. For those of you who don't know who she is, Emma's kept company, for about 8 years, with a colorful, obnoxious cockatiel. Emma dotes over this little critter so, and Abby knows that Emily is REALLY the ONLY one in this house that LOVES her. LOL

Emily has a "summer house" for Abby so she can take her outside enjoy nice warm days. Her home is a LARGE cage that she occupies in our family room. We've spoken of making a small area, probably over one of our small evergreen bushes, enclosed so Abigail would have a bit of freedom that she's never known before. It would mean keeping the bush trimmed back, but the gal has lived indoors all her life and would enjoy a bit of room outdoors where she could interact with the locals, and even gather some of her own food, you think? LOL Joseph was speaking again with me yesterday about wanting to pull that together for Emma. Her birthday is in June, but it'd be nice if it could be realized during the Spring time. He's got a project of putting his Jeep back together right now, so it's not something that will be tackled any time soon.

Emily has long been the bird enthusiast in our home. She enjoys feeding what population she can, but that will often draw those NASTY grackels. Don't you HATE them. Well, I don't use that word often, but they do discribe how I feel about those destructive creatures. I know God created them, but I believe they are possessed. I've found a bird feeder that will not allow squirrels or grackels to pilfer the stash. Where DO folks come up with such ideas? LOL Well, the weight of the larger creatures will not allow the food to be dispensed, and it works on some kind of spring mechanism. A friend of mine in Texas makes use of one, and while I was doing some research, saw that they were not too costly. There is even a "heated" bird bath for the serious bird watcher, but I don't think I'll provide a spa in our yard just yet. LOL

I like this new graphic I found, just below. Have decided that I will use it as a bar just before I share some of God's Word in each of my posts.



While I was reading this morning in a devotional there was a "Thought for Today" at the end of the page. It says: Jesus is interceeding for us to keep us right, holy, ready, mighty, and filled with Himself so that we might bring the fragrance of heaven to the world's needs.

This devotional is comprised of sermons taken from Smith Wigglesworth. I believe he's probably my favorite patriarch...along with John G. Lake. I always enjoy reading about these men. They walked in great faith, in the power of God's Word and unashamed of whatEVER Jesus called them to do. They were DEAD to themselves, and the Lord was able to work mighty things through their lives.

There is MUCH that pulls at our lives to influence us ouside of God's Word, and the paths that He has for us. We've all been "baited" to take paths that are not intended for us, or to neglect fellowship with the Lord, and His Word, and to make it an integral part of our lives. It is refreshing to know that even Jesus is interceeding for us while we are here....so we are kept right, holy, ready and mightily filled with His Spirit to be His hands, feet, mouth, ears and eyes on this planet.

Father, Thank You that Jesus is not finished minstering to us, even now. Thank YOU that You help us to walk in the paths of holiness where there is great protection for us all. Help us not to fritter away our days and nights and that our lives be spent for YOUR plans. Help us to illude the traps of the devil to distract us from Your purposes in our lives. God, the only safe place in this planet is in Your Secret Place, and under Your Shadow. Help us to dwell there, Lord, knowing that not only is there SAFETY, but sweet communtion with YOU. Help us to be hungry and thirsty for this. In the Name of Jesus.

The Son Dial

I have some dear family who has recently been going through some trying times. This fall, I asked the Lord what I could do beside pray. The thought came to me to bring some things to the mail box, they needed something to smile about. I giggled, sounded like FUN....and asked Him to show me what it was I needed to gather.

This picture, and yes, Renna, you'll have to "see" it....is what caught my eye for one purchase. Renna has a sweet blog, and her post today was about God's ability to navigate us through fog just as easily as He does when "we see clearly".

Some of our family are pilots, they had to learn how to navigate with instruments because there may come a time that it will save their lives.

This instrument is both a sundial and a compass. When I saw it for sale I knew this was one thing I must get, it wasn't just any sundial, but THIS is a SONdial. If we keep our eyes on the SON He will certainly point us in the right direction!!! LOL LOL

Don't you LOVE it? LOL God has such a sense of humor!!!! I think we all need a SONdial, don't you?

The Old Paths-The Good Way

It's been a good day. The family is getting well. Emily came home from Texas tonight. Patrick comes home tonight for the weekend. This week was our 37th anniversary and he spent it away with work.

It warmed up enough to put a window or two open to air out the house for part of the day.

I treated myself with new rugs, curtains for the shower and window for the upstairs bathroom. Didn't buy any when we first moved in last year, and there has been no color or warmth to the room. One half the room is carpeted, and the other half has linolium. With the new purchase, it reminds me that the old linolium needs to be replaced. All it would take is a scrap, it's a small area.

I've been looking for some wallpaper and something of a splash to put into the small area of the kitchen and little dining room we have. The last time I purchased wallpaper, I did so online after having found what I wanted in some books. Was able to save about 1/2 with the purchase. Have spent far too much time looking through samples. Want something made of vinyl so it can wash easily.

Twice a year we, at our fellowship, host a ladies meeting over a long weekend, in October and in February. The first weekend of February is when it's scheduled. It's always a time of refreshing. It's not a "girly" time, actually, as with other ladies meetings I've attended over the years. We have speakers come from in and out of state, and the Spirit of God always meets us in great anointing and presence. Well, I should say that He does that every time we meet each time in our fellowship, but it does seem that we're especially blessed during these meetings. I do not take that for granted.

There is something that I've jotted down in my Bible that goes:
Speak to Him, thou, for He hears, and Spirit with spirit can meet. Closer is He than breathing and nearer than hands and feet. (Alfred Lord Tennyson)

Nearer than hands and feet....hummmmm. Mr. Tennyson must have had sweet communion with the Lord.

We need the same awareness of God's presence with and in us. I've heard the phrase "God inside minded" used over the years. I suppose that is what Mr. Tennyson was making reference to. It would do us well to remember that we really are hooked up with God. It would make a difference what we set our hands, eyes, ears and mouth to...and where we set our feet.

There's a place over in Proverbs 4 that tells us:
20 My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.

It speaks of our words, eyes, flesh, ears, our feet.
He speaks of us keeping His Word first place in our hearts, that it's our life even our good health.

He's telling us that we're to guard our hearts, because when we do, we will be speaking life and not death over ourselves and those about us.

Perverse lips is not just foul language, swearing....It's speaking those things that bring death and destruction to us.

We're admonished to look straight ahead. There is a path that we belong on. Over in Isaiah 35 we're told about the highway of holiness. We're not to choose our own path, or let even our eyelids look at another. Instruction to ponder the path of our feet, not to turn to the right or left, and remove our feet from evil.

Remember the Word telling us in Jeremiah 6:16
Thus says the Lord:
"Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,
And walk in it;
Then you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'

We've got to ASK for the "old paths" where the good way is.

We've been hearing for some years about a "NEW way", that the old way people got saved, delivered, worship, praise isn't going to cut it for us now. Strange.

He told us that we'd find REST FOR OUR SOULS on the old paths. My goodness, which of us do not need REST for our souls?

Father, I ask You to help us to put Your Word first, remember that YOU really are as close as our hands and feet....to be mindful of your presence. I ASK YOU for the old paths, and that You help me from stepping out of them. Thank You for bringing rest to my soul while I walk in Your paths. Thank You for helping me not even to look to the right or the left, and to ponder the Paths Of Your Choosing. I choose Your Way, Your Life and health, Your safekeeping, in Jesus' Name.

Perfection

Isn't this fellow just the sweetest thing? Just perfect. I have nine others just like him, 10 perfect grandchildren. His name is Liam.

I've raised eight children, and to this day they are all, the best they know how, walking with the Lord. Sometimes they think they know more than they do, but that's alright, they're still growing up, eh? LOL Most importantly, they are still gaining ground in their walk with the Lord....that is a work that takes a lifetime.

While visiting with one of our daughters late last night, we prayed and agreed on God's Word and tore down strongholds in her life/home and took great pleasure in letting the devil know that he has lost, and all he has to look forward to is the Lake of Fire. I was reminded about how perfect she is, how perfect all of our children are....they just don't know it. :)

God was reminding me that we are perfect. I want to look through His eyes. He gets to help us make smooth the rough edges in our lives, but He has not Created anything or anyone in vain, knows JUST what He had in mind for us from the foundation of the Earth, and wants us to GET THE BIG PICTURE with Him so we can get along with the plans He has for us.

I have a friend in Texas, that enjoys knitting and she made a post on her blog about a piece she was knitting and it did not turn out to her liking. She was advised to take it apart and redo it, and then she remembered her mothers words that if there is anything worth doing it's worth doing right. :) Have been chewing on that post.

God believes that about us also. He has great confidence in what He's put inside each of us, and even if He needs to bring correction to undo what we've done or allowed in our lives - no matter how it comes - He knows the worth of the building He invested in us - He's planted seeds of GREATNESS in each of us. I WANT to see what HE ALREADY SEES.

In His Word, He's called us the planting of the Lord. He knows how to weed His garden and prune our lives. I'm convinced that none of us know how much God loves us, or the quality of Love that He's extended towards us, quite often we've not had a good example. If we did, we'd readily hop into His Word and onto His lap, love on HIm.... get down and jump for JOY, and stay in that JOY for the rest of our lives.

God is looking for fellowship, looking for friends, and it's not until we understand His heart and Love that we will come into that Fellowship and Friendship with Him.

I have eight wonderful children and ten wonderful Grandchildren and they are all the planting of the Lord. They have seeds of Greatness that God is growing inside each of them. He wants them to see how perfect they are.

I thank You Father that we ARE YOUR PLANTING. Thank you that You know how to bring us into Your likeness. Thank You that Your Son Jesus brought us the power to live an overcoming life. Thank You that You are PERFECTING us, that everything You designed for us to be, we walk right into it through the finished Work of Jesus, by Listening and Doing all You've declared to us in Your Word. I receive Your Love towards me. I receive Your Plans and Purposes for me. I receive Your power through me to get done all Your Good Pleasure. You are the Potter and I am the clay. I submit to, and receive the design that You have ordained in my life, in Jesus' Name.

Tree Planted By The Water

I found a picture that resembles the title of this blog. Thought I'd shed some light as to why it's named the way it is.

Over in Psalm 1:1-3 we're told:
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

This passage is not speaking of arrogance. It's about right standing, decisions, a way of life.

In Matthew 6:33 we're told:
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.

For people who are really intent on pleasing the Lord this is a pivitol passage. Seeking first. When we are focused on seeking Him first, our A1 time will not be spent with people that are outside of the Kingdom of God. It's not that we won't have dealings with them, but they are not our primary companions.

Verse 1 tells us....
---Not to take advice from ungodly people. Well, they don't have God's wisdom, and that is what we need.

---Not to be in a standing attitude, or become a servant to in the ways that ungodly people live, or to remain in the paths of the ungodly. According to the Hebrew translation.

---Not to sit in the seat of the scornful. Not to dwell there. The only place we're suppose to dwell is in the Secret Place of the Most High.

While our DELIGHT is in the Lord and His Word and Ways He has for us THEN

We shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water.
Our part of the country is quite arid, and we don't have the moisture it takes to be kind to what grows. I know of a man in the southern part of Texas that as he planted trees, right next to it he also "planted" some PCV pipe so he could get water to the roots of the tree, and it would flourish, and he had the most beautiful trees in that part of the country. We've all seen how foilage flourishes when they are growing near a resource of water.

That brings forth its fruit in its season,
It's disappointing when we've planted something that is suppose to bless us with what it produces, and it does not. That's how our lives need to be.

Whose leaf also shall not wither
If the leaf does not show up, the fruit of that tree will not either.

And whatever he does shall prosper
Over in III John 2 we're told.....
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

This is always the Lords intention for us...He said above all things that's what He wants.

When we take this entire passage into consideration, I WANT WHAT GOD WANTS.
The wisdom that His Word offers us, when we make use of it, will yield a great fruit in our lives....and I take great comfort in knowing that I really am the planting of the Lord, and He's planted me by the Water, and as a result, I do and will bear a lot of fruit. My life has meaning, I'm doing what I'm created to do, bear the fruit that God intended, and making a difference in not only my own life, but those around me.

This is what I decree over myself, my husband, my children, my grandchildren and my church family.

Father, I thank YOU that we are disciples taught of You, obedient to Your will, and GREAT is our peace and undisturbed composure. I thank You, that we put You first in our lives, living to please You, and as we do we are Trees Planted by the Water, and we bear Your fruit, and whatever we do shall prosper. We have Your peace that surpasses even our own understanding, and our hearts are satisfied. When our hearts are not satisfied, we will always reach for the bitter thing and call it sweet. Thank You Lord, for not leaving us an unfinished work, and working in and through us to will and to do of Your good pleasure. In the Name of Your Son Jesus.

Hand Sanitizer

When the girls went to Alco this morning to get a few things they also brought home some hand sanitizer. There's a few with a sniffle and a bit of a cough and they were talking about taking a tissue through the day and putting some sanitizer on to wipe off the door knobs and other frequently handled items through the house so we'd not be passing the sniffles about. Asked them to use it when they were on the keyboard as well.

Have been needing to remind the gang to be sure and wrap themselves up with a scarf when they bundle up to head outside. Even using a hooded coat, with the frigid weather they need their neck and front of the neck wrapped and to be able to pull part of their scarf up over the mouth so as not to breath in icy air. They think they are impervious.

I enjoy extreme weather, but not as extreme as we had last winter with several inches of ice. Thankfully, we've had only snow this season. Haven't had firewood for quite some time, but this Spring and Summer the gang will be cutting and gathering. I've missed the pot bellied the last few weeks.

Emily accompanied a friend of ours down to South Western Texas. Our friend didn't need to be traveling by herself, and Emily is usually up for a road trip. It's warmer down there, for sure. They'll return by weeks end.

I joined Netflix this winter to bring in a few movies that we don't have here in town. It's helped occupy some of the time that would otherwise be spent outside.
We've been able to make use of some real classics, from the '30's, '40's and '50's. Has been a treat. There are new/newer films, but it's been nice to use the classics ones.

I need to be grading some papers and they've been sitting all afternoon waiting for me....and there's family to feed and church to ready for.

Will be leaving you with this:
Romans 8:38, 39
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shalla be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thank You Lord for this promise, thank You for Your Love and that it's dependable, YOU are dependable. That brings great confidence, Father. I receive Your Love today, and for all of my tomorrows. I ask You to help us to have faith to receive what YOU have for us, in Jesus' Name.

Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:15-32 tells us the story of some men on the road to Emmaus, a town about 7 miles from Jerusalem. They were sad about recent events - the crucifixion of Jesus, and the disappearance of His body after being laid to rest. A stranger came to join them on their walk and asked why their conversation was so sad.

Their response was, like, don't you know what's been happening around here, are you a stranger to these parts? They went on to tell the stranger about a man named Jesus, who did mighty works by God, that Jesus was a Prophet and how the leaders of the religious order had delivered him up to have him fasely accused and executed for all he had done and taught. How after he'd been buried, Jesus' body was removed, and they were lamenting over it.

The strangers said, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

When the men were approached their destination, the stranger said he was traveling further, but the couple invited the him to stay over because it was late. While the three were at the table for a meal, the stranger took the bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to the two men. Their eyes were, at that moment, opened and they knew HIM to be Jesus - and the instant Jesus was recognized, He vanished.

They said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"
There are times when we are walking about in our lives, pondering things in our own hearts and a direction, a solution, a relief in our soul or spirit takes place and we don't often see the hand by which it came, or what was whispered into our hearts as being from the Lord. We travel on our own roads to Emmaus, don't we?

It is not a difficult thing to listen to and recognize the voice of the Lord. He will speak only those things which will be in agreement with His Word. While we feed on God's Word and spend time in prayer, we will become accustomed to and recognize His voice. People who do not do those things, will not be "hearing". It's a hard life that depends upon ones own inguenuity and cleaver thoughts and plans. There's no peace, no success, no direction from God there, for our lives. It's all doable....or He wouldn't have given us those instructions.

While we are walking through our lives, we can and should expect the Lord to speak with us, BECAUSE HE IS. It's a sobering thought that while He is communicating with us, we aren't recognizing His voice, in our spirit. Like those men on the Road to Emmaus. I don't want to be one who's heart burns within me and not know why.

Father, I ask You to help us give ourselves to Your Word and to prayer. It's there where we grow in knowledge of You. Your wisdom, Your Word, is the principle thing in our lives. Help us to respond when our hearts burn within us with Your presence and Your voice to us. Help us to be hearers and doers of what you say. In Jesus' Name.

The Sad Looking Purchase

Doesn't this look like fun? Joseph made this purchase over the weekend for his Jeep. The Jeep has been parked for over a year. He's always blamed the move into town to this house for it "blowing". Not.....just rotten timing. Now is the time to get it on the road again. Next will be another top, be it soft or hard.

I don't know ANYTHING about mechanics, but Joseph said that he and his Dad could get it up and running in no time. They won't be able to make use of the garage...it's already in use. I'm sure that Michael will be helping them. They rebuilt a transmission for it quite some time ago.

I've never been fond of Jeeps.

Jeeps are known for rolling over easily. We know folks that have had that misfortune. I begged Aubrey not to buy it. I begged Joseph not to buy it from her. I've prayed over that vehicle and it's drivers for years, and have hoped it would have left our family long before now. Maybe there will be good news after it's repaired, that he's decided to sell it.

Lovely thought! eh? :)

Joseph and Doug have enjoyed using their Jeeps to take the gang on "fun" rides out through pastures, river beds, and any other interesting place they can find.... being the off the road vehicle it is. I just plead the Blood of Jesus as they drive away with our precious cargo. It's not that I think they are irresponsible or careless drivers, but maybe I could find some dreadful footage of Jeep accidents, and it would help them to think twice about a new terrain. :) Did your drivers ed. instructor do that to you? LOL

The fellows will be using James' pickup to retrieve it from Oklahoma next Saturday. They'll enjoy the ride down, and spend some guy time together, but it will be a long day on the road. (About 600 miles round trip)

I'm pleased that the boys have/and are learning how to make their own repairs. It will save a lot of money "down the road". That was a pun, wasn't it? :)

Would like to think that this sad looking purchase, after it's installed, could make it's way into a very nice sale/trade in - for a more dependable and safer set of wheels.

I leave you with.....
Psalm 37:40 which says:
And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them,
Because they trust in Him.

Thank You, Father that You are trustworthy. Help us to turn our hearts towards You and place our trust in You, in Jesus' Name.

The Hair Post

Emily has been wanting a "hair book" for a couple of years. She got one for a Christmas gift. She and the rest of the girls have been having a good time with it. Almost like playing "dress up" isn't it? LOL

 
It's been interesting watching them, with their straightening iron and learning to work with "straight" hair. The girls all have lovely hair, just enough wave/curl, but I suppose it's like when I was in high school and "straight" was in. eh? LOL

When I was their age, it was the "curling iron" that was the rage. It didn't take long to know how long "too long" was, when the smell of burning hair would waiff past me. It takes a while to learn to appreciate what we already have, I suppose.

About 25 years ago, I walked into a hair salon in Virginia and the owner of the shop told me that women paid $80 to walk out with hair like mine. Now 25 years ago, $80 was a lot of money. It's a lot of money right now, but it was beyond me why anyone would pay good money to have what I did not appreciate. He enjoyed working with a thick lively head of hair. Wanted to take our oldest daughter on tour up in New York to model for him at some kind of "hair expo". Nope. She was sorely disappointed for a while. Didn't sound good to me, would it you? LOL

I posted the kids' picture at the heading today. The girls all moaned, it's about 2 years old and they're disappointed with my decision. :) Well, it's still a very good picture of them all, and until I'm moved by another, this one stays. They are some of the "Trees Planted By the Water" the planting of the Lord, from this house.
A Scripture reference from Psalm 1:1-3.

During the time of this photo, Joseph was beginning to grow his "long hair". I'd so hoped that he'd get a trim before the photo session, but he declined. He did let it grow out quite a bit. It's a very tight curly head, and even when it was laying upon his shoulders when wet, it bushed out just under his ears when dry. Unfortunatley, he did not allow it to bush out to give his face and hair some form. What he did do, however, is wash it, slick it back and then put a beanie stocking cap over it. When it would dry, he'd take it off. What a sad sight, I mean if you're going to look unkept, you may as well do it with a little shape and style, right? The girls tried to show him how to pick it out and I encouraged him to use mouse, but wasn't to his liking. It was a glad day when he finally became tired of it and got a buzz. The girls wanted to show him what it would look like "straight", and that would have been a bad idea....he may have liked it straight....and long....and would have taken much longer to tire of looking unkept.

Oh yes, the girls' hair. It's always so nice to see their lovely, bouncy, shiney hair after it's washed. Nice when straightened also, but they don't have to pay to have some bounce and lovely curl to make them look just a tad more feminine. *Sigh* I suppose they will learn to enjoy it in time. This little book of Emmas goes a long way to bring some "soft shapes" to their straight hair. Don't you think?

Wednesday morning ramblings

Hello Loves,

I know this finds you all well.

I'm looking out my windows and the few minutes it's been snowing we already have considerable ground cover. We've not made a snowman yet this winter, if it's moist enough, we need to consider that. :) I need to make a nice pot of chili today...would be a good day for it.
Have been keeping a nice cup of hot tea nearby - thinking of you, Aunt Lottie. lol

I phoned Joseph a while ago to see if he has to be on the road today, but he was too busy to stay on the phone. He's often pushing it down the roads all across the countryside.

Sarah just came in from outdoors looking for the cat, they didn't tuck him in last night, and it's snowing. He'll come around when he gets hungry, no doubt. She was upset, but didn't get home from work until around 8, and didn't think about him.

Jeanie is having a Pampered Chef party next week. Don't like parties anymore, you? LOL
But I do like the product and will be leaving her with an order of a couple of kitchen items that I need replaced.

Michael went to town with a lady we know so he could do some running errands for her. It's become slick and driving and walking is evidently not safe. Sounds like she needs to stay home, eh? LOL We may be homebound tonight from church if it's as bad as all that. Louis works for D.O.T. and he told Aubrey he'd not be home until late tonight.

Pat phoned this morning, and I had him looking for something for me at Wal Mart and he said he found it. We will all be very glad to have our new Wal Mart here. Don't know when ground breaking will be, but it's due to open March of '09. Pat uses their services for tires, he's on the road so much, and there's been occassion that he's had tires repaired or replaced without cost.

I spoke with Darel a few nights ago. He's sounding tired. He'd been emptying boxes for his new home. Told him that Pat and I'd be out next month for a visit. It'll be good to lay eyes on him.

I asked Sarah how she's enjoying her job at the library. She said that it's been good, and this week they are removing all the books and dusting the shelves and each book. Gee, that sounds interesting, doens't it? LOTTA BOOKS to dust. LOL I asked her how often the library shelves gets dusted, and she did not know, but said that those that work there when told about this weeks work all moaned. So it's not something that is looked forward to I suppose.

Our little Pizza Hut is going to be replaced with a new one. That's interesting. It's going to be larger, have something called Wing Street and something else. Our little ol' town? Well, I suppose they want a face lift.

Mary Beth and Ethan were here yesterday afternoon...it was good. We kicked around, watched the boys play and while, before their nap. While Aubrey was resting, Mae took the boys to a nearby park. Later the girls went for a walk, in lieu of going to the gym. Doug was working late and that made it nice for a long visit, before she needed to go home.

It's quiet now....sounds like one of the girls laid Liam down for a nap. He came to me with his blanket a little while ago and didn't want to settle down yet, but was getting there.

Hey Heather, I've lost all of my address' on the old computer, and am rebuilding my list. Could you please send me your sister and dad's e-mail? Thanks!

There's really not news here, just dropping off a note this week, and want to share some of God's Word before I close here....

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

2 Corinthians 10:5
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ


Father, in Jesus' name, I dedicate myself to renewing my mind by reading, meditating, and speaking Your Word. Lord, it is my desire to keep my mind pure and clear from anything that would hurt and or damage my relationship with You. Your Word says to think on things that are pure, lovely, just, of a good report, and of virtue and praise.

You said in Your Word to take every thought captive. I choose to think about good things, and I refuse thoughts that are inappropriate for Your children. Lord, when I am tempted to doubt, worry, or fear, help me to speak Your promises, to overcome the attacks on my mind with answers from Your Word. Lord, let me be quick to respond to wrong thoughts and desires by replacing them with proper thoughts.

I refuse to fill my mind with the poison of gossip, backbiting, and jealousy. I make a quality decision to meditate on Your Word and to keep my mind pure and honest that I might be receptive to Your voice and ever ready to do Your will. Lord, I know that with Your help, I can win the battle in my mind and overcome every wrong thought with the power of the spoken Word.

I choose to consecrate my mind, my will, and my emotions to You, Lord, for Your service. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Sending Love to You All,
xoxoxo
Sharon

January 10, 2008

Hello Loves,

I know this finds you all well.

We're fine here. Have had some more snowfall the last few days but not a lot and not with ice, so the temperatures are warm enough today to melt most of it away. Outside of the small hill the boys made Christmas Eve for the kids to slide down. It will be there for a while.

Since dismantling our web site I've found a place to stay in touch without so much maintenance. I've not embellished it any just yet, but just got it up and running for a quick note to you all.

Pat was detailed away this week, but will not need to be away over Saturday. Said this morning that he'll be home late tomorrow. I traveled with him last week to Wichita. Aubrey was here to see after everyone. It was a quiet time away. I was able to read and study and catch up on the news. (As depressing as it usually is. :) )

I've not been to a theatre for many years, and Pat wanted to take up a movie while there. We'd seen the first National Treasure when it came out on DVD, and we spent New Years Eve at the movies. It wasn't a disappointment, and made for a nice evening after dinner.

Sarah has a new part time job at the local library, is in better surroundings, with good management. She's been able to stay on top of her school work, and that's the deal. We have a new librarian last year, a nice friend of ours over the years we've been here, she's worked there herself. It's been a place that Emily has always DREAMED of working at, being the bookworm she is, and she has submitted her own application this week. There have been vacancies with college kids going back to school. She let the lady know that she works every Friday at the newspaper office and has for years, so she was able to keep it, with this very part time job.

You all have pleasant holiday? Traditionally we have the family together over Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day the gang can be with their own families or in-laws or whatever plans they've made for the day.

It was a good afternoon/evening, followed by board games, dessert and coffee, and some good laughs. Everyone contributed to the dinner. We also celebrate Jeanie's little Stevens birthday, which is also the 24th, and he was able to open his birthday gifts before everyone else dug into theirs. I do believe he was the first one upstairs to look over what was his FIRST, eh? It's always fun. When he was very little he always thought he had the BEST birthday party ever at our house. LOL Gee, I don't know, he may still think that.

Joseph has been working for a local medical supply company...hum, I think he was working there before I took down our web pages, so that's not news.

Jocy and Jac have been playing basketball this winter.
Steven was in the high school senior play, Oklahoma this fall, and he thought that was really big stuff. I do think he was in last years production of the Wizard of Oz as well.
Jeanies kiddos were in a Christmas play at their church that they all enjoyed.

Jeanie is still working as a para at the high school and enjoys being there where Jac is.

Michael is in the kitchen right now, enjoying making dinner. It's a beef, veggie Koren dish over rice. Smelling yum.

Erin still has her day care. On the way home from Wichita last week, Pat and I stopped in Garden and met up with James and Erin and the kids to have dinner with them. Was a good time. Afterwards they wanted us to stop by the house and play some games, but we needed to do some shopping before heading home.

Next month Pat will be taking a trip out East to join in the celebration of his parents 65th wedding anniversary. Jeanie and Eddie are going, and Mary Beth and Doug have made plans to join them. He'll be there for only a long weekend, and then when he heads home, he and I will be traveling to the Springs for a few days.

My brother Darel has moved from Montana this week, he's bought a home around Col. Springs and I'm so grateful that he's nearby and not so far for a frequent visit. He phoned today and he sounded well. He's unpacking his belongings now for the last couple of days.

Emily is watching a little one for a couple of hours this afternoon/evening. A boy she watched this summer for a time. Looks like his mama needed to put in a little overtime at work. Liam is having a good time playing with another little person this evening.

The kids all work tomorrow, it will be just Aubrey, Liam and I. It's not like the kids are preadolescence anymore, but it will still be a quiet house, nonetheless.

Sarah and Emily have had pity on our old grandpa cat this winter and put him inside the garage during the cold winter nights, along with his food and water. We've tired of feeding the neighborhood strays. His name is Baby, and he moves a lot better this winter and is quite satisfied with the girls mercy upon him. :) Sarah bought him a kitty litter box in case he needed it, and it's turned out he has, so she's been in charge of all that.

A few days ago, Sunday afternoon, Aubrey and I were getting dinner ready to feed the gang here. I heard the water boiling ready to make a batch of tea for the table. Aubrey reached to make use of it and the handle broke spilling scalding water on both the tops and bottoms of her barefoot feet. She was screaming while falling to the floor, and I rushed her into the bathtub for some cold water. While interceding for her, bringing up God's Word and binding the devil that instigated this, I was declaring that there would be no blisters, no pain and no wounds of any kind. We were in there for quite some time and then I phoned for some agreement from the few that I trust to stand on God's Word, with us.

About 7 hours later, I was changing her bandages, and there were no blisters, no redness of skin at all, and no pain. My heart was so full of thanksgiving. It's always humbling when the Lord answers prayer, isn't it?

Aubrey has not had to stay off her feet, from that day on. Actually, the next day she and Mary Beth went to the gym at the rec. center to walk on the tread mills, and make use of the other equipment.

God is so awesome! He's faithful to His Word. His arm is not short, nor is his ear deaf.

Before I close this evening, I want to share some of God's Word.

I use to be so upset with Adam and Eve for not taking from the Tree of Life that God had provided them instead of taking the forbidden. While mulling over the Word recently, I've been reminded that we also have a choice to make use of the Tree of Life in our lives, as well.

....in Proverbs 3:13 it tells us....
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.

We need to seek first God's kingdom (Matthew 6:33)- we do that by putting Him first, His Word first in our lives. His Word IS OUR Tree of Life.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us:
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

It's a win-win situation for us all.

Father, I ask You to help us to put your first, to seek you with all our hearts, Your Word IS our Tree of Life and we need everything you have for us. You told us that if we would draw near to You, You would draw near to us, and I thank you for your faithfulness. Cause each of us to be hungry and thirsty after all You are and all You have for us. In Jesus' Name.

I'm Sending Love to You All,
xoxoxo
Sharon