November in Review

It turned out that I did not complete my daily thanks post due to several events/issues.  The most difficult trial of November was a sciatic nerve problem that lasted the entire month.  I visited the Dr the last week of October and was given pain meds instead of a solution.  Just when I thought my life was changed forever the pain or inflammation departed.  But not until after I had gained back a few of the pounds I had struggled to lose!  Pain was my constant companion, causing me to miss moments with Ellaree Rose when she wanted me to lift her up into my arms. Many times I did anyway causing the pain to worsen. 

Highlight of the month was Thanksgiving at my home.   The chairs around the table were filled and my pre planning of fun brought meaningful conversation. Guests were Grana and Julianna, along with John, Amber, Ellaree and Walker.  Missing and missed were Ben and Susan plus Bri and Jake.  It as a good day!   God has blessed each of us abundantly and we are thankful!

Today I am thankful for Rev. Billy Graham and I wish him a very

HAPPY 95th BIRTHDAY!

 

One of my most precious memories is that of my husband and I taking our children to hear and see Billy Graham. That is me right in the middle of the above photo. We attempted to attend every night of the Crusade. It was very cool after the sun went down, but the SON was there keeping our hearts warm us as we worshiped through His messenger, Rev. Graham. Seeing so many respond to the call to begin a relationship with Jesus was thrilling beyond words!

SHARING GOD'S LOVE!

One of God's greatest gifts is children.

Mix that gift with BUBBLES and it is pure joy!

The children dance with joy!

They really love me my bubbles.

   "See that you do not despise one of these little ones.

For I tell you that in heaven their angels always

see the face of my Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 18:10 ESV

FBC BLOCK PARTY
Thank you Pastor Harrison!

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.