Thanksgiving Day 3

In 2008 when I wrote "I am thankful that I live in a country where I have the freedom to worship my God" it was a simple statement of fact.  Today I see this freedom attacked from many directions  and I wonder how long before we are not free to express our belief in God and His son Jesus.  How much has already been taken away while we ignored the erosion.  America has become like much of the world, enjoying the gifts from above with no thankful apreciation of the source.

Sadly, this is not only the lost, the atheist, the evil ones; it is also those who profess to be followers of Christ.  Yes, we are all guilty.  We are all sinners subject to the temptations of this world.  The love of pleasurable pastimes, as innocent as a football game or as impure as any of the ten commandments, have become our idols.  No longer do most feel any shame regarding sin. (demonstrated by the many who appear on talk shows to reveal their sins)  Those who seek to follow the Bible are labeled fanatics or extremists. 

I am confused by the prayers of politicians who create bills that become laws.  I  am confused as to why public prayer is allowed at government functions, but our school children are not afforded the same consideration.  I want to personally persue this inequality, but fear it will only hasten the demise of prayer in goverment.

Today I am thankful that in 2013 I am still free to worship God with other Christians in public or in private! 

5 Year Review

This Thanksgiving my daily thanks will focus on a 5 year review.  What has changed or not changed in the last 5 years.    This was my post on November 2, 2008  

In 2008, as we approached ELECTION  DAY, I was concerned for the future of America.  One of the Presidential candidates was not someone I believed could lead America into a better future.  My post was focused on financial concerns.  In 2013 the state of our economy and our government is far worse than I had imagined.  A government shutdown, mandatory Health insurance bill and a President who appears clueless regarding the people in America and his responsibilities as President of the United States.  Today I am thankful I still have health insurance but am concerned regarding the increasing cost and mandatory stipulations as we move into 2014.  Most of all I am thankful that ultimately God is in charge, and not the greedy, self centered politicians whose shortsighted thinking is pushing America towards a cliff which can only end in disaster.

30 Days of Thanksgiving

 I am thankful that God sent His son, Jesus, for me personally!  It is something that can never change.  And I am thankful that God has given so much to me that 30 days will not be enough time to cover it all. 

Change Is A-Comin'

Going to lunch with my daughter today was memorable. Dining at our favorite restaurant for the last time as simply Mother and Daughter. Things will change and we can hardly wait to be Mother, Daughter and Granddaughter! The missing piece of us will be arriving in approximately two weeks.

So many lunches have been spent dreaming of this child and how wonderful it would be to have a little one to share our special times. God has heard our prayers and answered. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

A BLOG WORTH WAITING FOR!

THE BEST BLOG EVER!

YOU CAN'T OUTGIVE GOD!!

Recently I gifted a friend with a certificate for Zesto banana splits. I have never eaten a banana split simply because the thought of bananas with ice cream does not appeal to me. My husband is a banana split lover, however I would choose a simple sundae and pass on the banana split.

A few days after I had gifted my friend with the banana splits, my daughter and I went to dinner at a favorite restaurant. Someone in the kitchen goofed and my daughters' salad arrived without dressing or several other toppings that should have been included. My own 'peppers and onions' had no peppers.

When the error was noted and corrected, we were told that dessert would be on the house.
Soon two beautiful dishes of ... you guessed it, BANANA SPLITS, were placed in front of us.
Never having desired a banana split I picked up the spoon to taste it planning to just take a few bites to be polite. I was pleasantly surprised that the desert was delicious. Even the bananas. It didn't occur to me until later that I had given banana splits and I had been given banana splits right back.

And here I am back at the Island Spa, gifted with weeks of pleasure by a friend who I simply called to check on a few years ago. Working and volunteering together I knew little about her personal life. When I learned she had lung surgery I called. My friend asks nothing in return. I did nothing deserving of this. Yet I am here. Enjoying vacation time that I knew I was giving up when I left my job. I am humbled by the gift, as it reminds me of another gift.

The gift of love from God who sent His son Jesus to die that I might have the gift of life. I do not deserve the gift, yet I have it.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. "

Philippians 4:19

RESPECT FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Yesterday as I placed my red, white and blue items on the counter at Wal-Mart. The young man behind the register asked, "Already getting ready for July 4th?" I replied, "No, these are for our Memorial Day Celebration."

He rolled his eyes!! That got him a quick history lesson he obviously needed, although his facial expressions proved he could not care less. He was more interested in being a smart aleck. How did he slip through the interview process to gain this job?

When I reminded him that the sacrifices that others have made allowed him to have his job and live in freedom he again rolled his eyes. I was not only surprised by his behavior but very disappointed to think that he represents many of the young people in our society. I left quickly before he experienced my wrath.

I did feel righteous anger, and his employer will be getting a copy of this blog. The young man certainly needs to be put in his place. I have talked to young men in foster care who have absolutely nothing, and they are respectful of America and of me when I speak to them.

The justification of my feelings is in part that I have served as guardian ad litem for three young men who are now serving their country in Iraq, Afghanistan and Korea. My husband is a veteran of the Viet Nam era. My son in law serves in the Coast Guard. Moreover, as a teen I watched the suffering of a family as they dealt with the death of their young loved one in Vietnam.

No, this Wal-Mart employee did not know who he was speaking to, but that is my point. I could have been the mother or widow of a recently killed soldier for all he knew. Disrespect in itself is abhorrent but disrespect for America and those who are willing to risk their lives to protect you is an abomination.

THANK YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34

Lion King

My favorite vacation adventure.

Our personal tour guide had us running to make this show on time, but I am sooo glad she did!! Thanks ASH!

AWESOME DISNEY!

Yep, you can get that close to God's creations!

DISNEY HERE WE COME!

Remember the people mover?

(now the Transit Authority)

CELEBRATE MARRIAGE!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

3 John 1:4

~

It is so refreshing to my soul to see

a couple committed to God

and therefore their marriage.

And when it is my own children what a joy!

~

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

~

On the 10th Day of Christmas - ANSWERED PRAYERS

My Husband Smells Like Christmas Cookies! Yummy!

He really does smell delish! And this is an answered prayer! When I developed Anosmia (the loss of Olfactory Perception) one of the most disappointing losses was the ability to enjoy my husbands cologne. It smelled just awful to me. We tried several new ones in vain.

Recently the distortion suddenly changed and currently he smells like sweet cookies baking (as I remember). I hope this lasts for a while!

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that,

if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask,

we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. "

1 John 5:14-15

As for Dogs...I learned today through more intensive testing that I am allergic to mixed breed dogs? Is this a mutt? We have no pets so this should not be a big deal in daily life. However someone we love has a mixed rescue dog. hmm...

On a lighter note I am allergic to weed! What?

~

4th Day of Christmas - Gifts

Today was a day to enjoy thoughtful gifts.

Ribs cooked in my new Not your Mother's Slow Cooker.

This was a perfect couple gift for the both of us.

I always have to borrow an extra crock pot when we have a party.

This one will get lots of use.

Making its first trip out to a News Years Eve Party on Thursday!

The practise ribs are scrumptious!

Easy Rib Recipe

Baby Back Ribs, cut apart

1 bottle of Bar B Que sauce

1/2 cup honey

Cook on slow for 8 hours.

~

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And a handy dandy comfort control!

Food and comfort... what more could we want?!

NO WORRIES

Today I ventured into Babies R Us to choose a gift for an upcoming shower. I had been in this store numerous times to purchase gifts for expectant or new Moms. I had even browsed here with my own daughter when she was pregnant.

Today I was caught off guard by the overwhelming emotion as I stepped through the door. My eyes darted quickly away from the racks of pink and blue onesies and tiny precious shoes. My heart suddenly felt so heavy. I turned towards the checkout counter and hurriedly grabbed a gift card.

One day I would walk through the aisles again and sigh over the adorable small creations, but not today. Today a gift card was the best I could do.

As I walked out into the sunshine of a perfect sun filled day, I did not see it. Tears threatened to turn into sobs. I took a deep breath and attempted push the pain away.

I think I must never show how much my heart breaks for her, and for me. I think I must forever be her cheerleader. But then I read this and know that today she is mine.

CONSIDER IT JOY!!

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith

develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work

so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything."

James 1:2-4

~

I am amazed ,

although I shouldn't be,

at God's grace to me.

I have persevered through trials during my life

and especially the past few years.

And finally know the joy

that comes through this process.

Instead of continually feeling discouraged

after the bumps in the road,

I quickly feel almost elated that

having Satan come after me

is an assurance that I am a threat to his evil plans.

~

Consider this,

if Satan never attacks you,

is it because you are not seen as a threat?

President Brings God back to Schools!

I realized after reading this that something wonderful happened this week in our schools.

Our President indicated in his speech that he wants students to follow his example. He then ended his speech with God Bless You and God Bless America. I encourage all students and teachers to follow your President's example! Ask God's blessing on each other and America each day.

I am so excited that President Obama brought God back to our classrooms!

GOD IS GOOD

"Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes.

His wife said to him, 'Are you still trying to maintain your integrity?

Curse God and die.'

But Job replied, 'You talk like a foolish woman.

Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?'

So in all this, Job said nothing wrong."

Job 2:8–10

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I notice that when Christians share good news,
they often say something like
"God is good." or "God is so good."
But, I don't usually see comments on fear, pain, anxiety,
or other troubles followed with that statement.

We tend to want to emphasize how good God is
when He has been especially good to us or someone we love.
Sometimes, we follow that statement with 'ALL THE TIME'.

If we truly believe that,
then we should exclaim "GOD IS GOOD."
even when the news is bad

or we are struggling.

Yesterday Satan viciously attacked me.
I was stunned, unable to respond appropriately
and I was disheartened.

But I want to say, despite that cold, brutal attack
GOD IS GOOD.

Because if He is good on the mountain,
then He is good in the valley.
God has been so good to me,
He is good right now
and He will be good tomorrow.
God is good!!!

~~~~

How has God been good to you today?

Island Escape

SALTY DOGS

SALTY VETERANS

INTERESTING HISTORY

EXOTIC BIRDS

REMINDERS

BEAUTIFUL SKIES

NUTRITIOUS SUSTENANCE

(it contains carrots)

RELAXATION

AWESOME VIEWS

FAMILY SMILES

FAMILY GAMES

"We had joy, we had fun. We had seasons in the sun."

THANKS MARILYN!!!!!

And Only One Came Back

Remember the story of the 10 healed lepers in Luke? Ten healed and only one came back to give glory to God. (Luke 17:11-19 ASV) This scripture came to mind when I was thinking about the following:

All of the places listed below and more have visited PRAISE HIS NAME and only one has taken a few moments to take a photo of the name of Jesus.

United States
Brazil
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Ireland
Lexington, South Carolina
United Kingdom
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Belgium
South Africa
Colombia
Washington DC
India
La Grange, North Carolina
Italy
San Diego, California
Poland
Pullman, Washington
Mexico
Wallace, Michigan
Hanoi, Dac Lac, Vietnam
Kearny, New Jersey
Kingsport, Tennessee
Weslaco, Texas
Haysi, Virginia
Ellsworth, Maine