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! 

Is God on Facebook?

Did God join Facebook!!
Recently when I checked in on Facebook I was startled to find God in my list of friend suggestions! I know He is everywhere, but He is usually less conspicuous.
He is cool like that. He doesn’t push Himself on us, just waits patiently for us to reach out to Him.

Is He looking for His children who haven’t contacted Him much lately?
Does He need to join Facebook to look at friends profiles to find out what they are doing?Does He have to join in order to see their photos so He remembers how they look? Maybe He wants to sign up our birthdays on MyCalendar so He won’t forget about us and can remember just how old we are. That is too funny!

Over 5 million people 'liked' God's page, but only 56, 000 were talking about God.
Similar to society as a whole I suppose.
But wait, there is another God page, and another and another!
Misguided humans playing God on Facebook? Ministering in His name does not mean taking his name!

What does He think of Facebook? I wonder if He thinks His children are wasting a lot of precious time posting things like “Going to sleep.” and “I’m bored.” when they could be praying, planting, growing, singing, praising, helping, feeding, reading, leading, following,… well, you get the picture.

Maybe He is remembering how amazed we were with that e-mail we thought was da bomb a few short years ago. Or how excited His children were when the telephone was invented and they could talk with their friends without leaving home.
Or, how we used to visit face to face, sharing hugs and
wiping tears and really listening to each other.

Would God join Facebook? I just can’t see it.
Maybe he would, just to be friendly with everyone.
But I am pretty sure He can get people’s attention
in more magnificent ways. I am thinking my God is chuckling over the thought. After all, He is omniscient.

I wonder if He is on Twitter.

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.” Psalm 139:1-3

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!

Lifestyle Evangelism

She was as red as a red rose.

As we stood in line in the Piggley Wiggley, she turned and asked,

"Do you know of a natural remedy for sunburn? We don't have money."

My husband hearing only the "natural" part said, "aloe".

Me hearing the 'no money' part, looked closer at the sunburn.

She pulled up her shirt to show that her stomach was burned also.

The flaming red burn covered every inch that was exposed, arms and back, also.

Having once been in that same predicament and remembering how painful and miserable it was, it was easy to feel compassion.

~

I chose to ignore the fact that the young couple was unwisely purchasing beer and cigarettes, when medication was the greater need.

I hurried to the first aid isle and found the only sunburn product.

Back at the check out, I watched as the young woman put back the cigarettes when she could not find enough change in her purse to pay the cashier.

The man chose the beer over her physical pain and remarked that he had told her not to go to sleep in the sun.

As they completed their transaction, I told the woman to wait a moment.

When the Solarcaine was scanned I handed it to her with a God Bless You.

Whether they were grateful or spongers didn't matter.

I would have felt shame if I had walked away without trying to help someone in pain.

The outcome is not what matters, doing what Jesus might do in the same circumstance is paramount.

Although He might have healed the burn, naturally!

~

"In the same way, let your light shine before men,

that they may see your good deeds

and praise your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16 (New International Version)

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.

HAPPY AND JOY ARE TWO DIFFERENT WORDS

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

I have not been happy lately. Not spending time with family members can make me sad instead of happy. Spending cherished moments with family can make me happy, very happy. I like feeling happy. Feeling deep down happiness, well... it makes me happy!

Happiness comes and it goes, depending on a multitude of different circumstances.

I was so happy to see my grandson receive awards for his hard work in middle school Band.

He was happy, too.

Happiness is fleeting and was soon stolen. The joy he brings to my life remains.

Spending time with my daughter at the beach on Mother's Day made us both happy.

Although the real reason we were there on Mother's Day makes me very sad.

Finding myself in a place I never dreamed I would encounter is more than enough to overwhelm my heart with grief. Still, the joy of the Lord remains my strength. Some things would be impossible to bear without that joy.

Even when I am unhappy, joy is with me. I have briefly felt that joy slipping after the death of a baby, while watching my children make life changing mistakes, and when I have made life changing mistakes myself. Thank God that joy is not dependant on my mood or circumstance.

During the past 6 months I have enjoyed many things. While the unhappiness fell like a fog around my heart, it could not permeate my heart. Only because of God's grace and mercy did it not find a home there.

Recently my daughter and son-in-law suffered the loss of a fifth unsuccessful pregnancy. How does my daughter remain hopeful? Why is she still smiling? Could it be because the joy of her faith in Christ gives her strength and hope?

The presence in my home of my only grandson has been denied me since November 15th, 2009. I am reminded of something he said to me and his papa last summer, "I guess ya'll are pretty lonely when I am not here." Neither of us knowing that soon we would find out just how lonely. At the time we had laughed and said, "Not really." We looked forward to his visits each week, however, we did not want him to feel responsible for our happiness.

Helpless to change the current circumstances over which I have no control, I had to do something. Sitting, helplessly waiting is not an option I am comfortable with. I needed to do something. Today I did this.

The yellow ribbon will remain until my grandson is free to visit again.

"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! " Isaiah 30:18

EXPECT A MIRACLE!

Only God can perform miracles.

And He gives us many miracles every day!

Some do not see this.

They try to explain them away.

~

Faith is believing in things we cannot yet see.

Expecting miracles like when Jesus calmed the sea.

~

In the book of Matthew from the Bible, there is a verse in chapter 8 that talks about faith and a miracle. Jesus is in a boat with his disciples when a storm comes up on the lake. The waves sweep over the boat causing the disciples to be afraid. They ask Jesus to save them before they drown. Jesus replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."
~

What miracle would you ask God to perform?

THANK YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER!

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

SNOW? It's a big deal around here!

It has been 40 years since we saw snow... Well, not really. There was the blizzard of '73 and the 'surprise' snow that shut the city down 6 or 7 years ago. I can't visualize that exact date due to PTSD.
My boss's error in judgement that day cost me big time. Because she was from a state which frequently experienced snow, she could not comprehend what the big deal was for us. She scoffed at the excitement and urgency to get out of town. Therefore, I waited too long to leave and could not move my frozen Lincoln out of the parking lot. I stood in line with all the other stranded motorists and paid a ridiculous amount to spend the night two blocks away at the Marriott (where the power went out and I wept for my nice warm fireplace at home). It was the first and only time I have been given a toothbrush along with my room key. No one checking in was prepared for an overnight stay.

But I digress.... anything not frequently seen becomes either very special or very terrifying, depending on your personal circumstances. While I am concerned for those who will suffer from the cold I cannot ignore the beauty of snow flakes floating and swirling to the ground. I cherish the first moments outside after the snow has ended and before drivers have ventured onto the slippery roads. The hushed silence of a fresh snow is a rare and amazing gift. Moments of not a single sound as the miracle stops us in our tracks. Perhaps this is God's reason, His joy, for sending the snow. To force His frantically busy children to pause a moment to witness His wondrous works. Like the rare snowman below.

Truth be told, I had nothing to do with making this snowman. My mother told us children that it was too cold to go out, so we did not get to play in the snow. She went outside, built the snowman and then allowed us to come out to have our picture taken with it.

There were many rumors, drawn from fact, that the snow was full of dirt, pollution and nuclear fallout. I thought for years that my mother did not want us to get sick and was too unfamiliar with snow to know that it would not hurt us. But now I wonder if she actually wanted some time to herself to play in the snow.

If you have snow today how dirty is it? Do this to see:

Gather these items:

a plastic container that is empty, clean, and has a lid
a coffee filter or piece of paper towel
a bowl
a magnifying glass

Fill the container with fresh snow
Put the lid on the container and let the snow melt.
After it has melted hold the coffee filter or paper towel over the bowl.

Pour the melted snow slowly over the filter or paper into the bowl.

What do you see piling up on the paper or filter?

If you can't tell, use the magnifying glass.

(I am not sure I want to ruin my fantasy)

~

"From the fullness of His grace,

we have all received one blessing after another."

~John 1:16 (NIV

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!

~

NO REGRETS

I love this song. It is depressingly sad, yet it draws me back to feel the pain again, maybe because somehow I want to fix things for those who are hurt. I want to never hurt those I love and I regret my failures of the past.

Regret hurts the heart and there is no rewind on our actions. It is a bittersweet song. A reminder that those who do the hurting want to stop as much as we want them to stop. They are trapped by their own memories.

"as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
"Psalm 103:12

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?

What makes Weebles Wobble?

Weebles have a weight at the bottom end,

Weebles wobble when pushed,

but never fall completely over.

~

I feel like a weeble this week.

Except my weight is on my shoulders

I am wobbly, but

With God's help I will not fall over!

~

Weebles wobble, but they don't fall down!

~

It is funny to picture myself tipping over

and then popping back up.

I bet I surprise some people!

LOL

~

"It is for freedom that God has set us free.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be

burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Galations 5:1

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

~~~~~~~~~~~

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?

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

Did God join Facebook?

Tonight when I checked in on Facebook I was startled to find God in my list of friend suggestions! I know He is everywhere, but usually He is a little more unobtrusive. He is cool like that. Doesn’t push Himself on us, just waits for us to reach out to Him.

Was He surprised that someone would impersonate Him, as I was surprised when I saw He had joined? Did He get tired of MySpace or is He looking for His children who haven’t contacted Him much lately?

Does He need to join Facebook to look at friends profiles to find out what they are doing?

Does He have to join in order to see their photos so He knows how they are changing?

Maybe He wants to sign up our birthdays on MyCalendar so He won’t forget about us and can remember just how old we are. That is too funny!

What does He think of Facebook? I wonder if He thinks His children are wasting a lot of precious time posting things like “Going to sleep.” Or “I’m bored.” when they could be praying, playing, planting, growing, singing, dancing, helping, feeding, reading, leading, following,… well, you get the picture.

Maybe He is remembering how excited His children were when the telephone was invented and they could talk with their friends. Or how amazed we were with that e-mail we thought was da bomb a few short years ago. Or, how we used to visit face to face, sharing hugs and wiping tears and really listening to each other.

Would God join Facebook? I dunno... I just can’t seem to see it. Maybe he would, just to be friendly with everyone. But I think He could get people’s attention in more magnificent ways. I am thinking my God is chuckling over the thought. After all, God is omniscient?

I wonder if He is on Twitter.

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.”
Psalm 139:1-3

WAITING

I had to wait a long time for a scheduled biopsy. The waiting gave me time to become nervous.

I listened to praise and worship music through my iPod to keep myself calm and focused. After an hour alone in the little surgical room I began to wonder if everyone had gone home. It was nearing 6 o'clock and my appointment had been for 4:30.

I clicked the iPod off to listen for activity in the building. What I heard was the Doctor saying "I'm sorry..." I couldn't hear the rest.

Then the Doctor came in and told me the results of blood work (almost all good news)

The biopsy was, despite the stinging anesthetic, nearly painless (why are we surprised when God answers our prayers?). I was leaving when I saw a woman crying in the hallway and I knew that on this day I was the fortunate one.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

WHEN GOD MAKES PERFECT SENSE

A few years ago I discovered a Dobson book entitled When God Doesn't Make Sense. I was enduring trials brought on by misguided Christians in my church family. None of it made any sense to me at the time. I asked God why? I thought about Job a lot. I prayed a lot. Still, I was crushed in spirit. As I struggled through those dark days I found ways outside the church to use my gifts instead of dealing with the painful circumstances at church. In effect, I let others decide my response to their own weaknesses.

While Satan may have worked hard to sabotage my assignments from God, he could only have a temporary hold as my strength came from a mighty fortress. Standing firmly now, from the other side of pain, I clearly see that God did make sense all along.

"My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness"

2 Corinthians 12:9

Had I allowed Him, God would have given me the grace to stand firm in the face of my accusers. Instead for years afterward I would get unexpected barbs from certain persons because they had heard something and accepted it as truth. I ignored these, thinking I was not defending myself. However, I realized later that it was God I was not defending. It was His reputation I did not protect since I was serving in His name.

There is always a reason God allows us to suffer and in the end our actions and reactions should glorify Him. Keeping silent is not always the right thing to do. It is in surviving any ordeal that we are able to relate to others who are struggling. It is then that we are able to share that His promises are indeed true. And this is the likely reason for our trials!

I can not remember where I saw this. It isn't mine. But it is true.

Believe God ~ Follow His instructions ~ Receive His promise

Prayer Request:

The one who reminded me of this verse is enduring a trial of her own. It may appear that God is not making sense right now. Please pray that His plan will soon become clear.

Weekend Prayer Spa Booster

The prayer spa is such a good idea. I wish every stressed woman could experience a combination of prayer, spiritual cleansing and physical renewal.

I have found it a struggle to write during the past weeks. I struggle to wrap my brain around the fact that Julia is not here. I visit my brother and listen to his list of post death chores. It is unbelievable or unthinkable that there are those who call him and question decisions he has made. He simply did everything Julia asked of him.

I remember when our baby was critically ill and the doctors said "Prepare yourself, he isn't likely to make it through this." And, I thought, how do you prepare yourself? You are praying for a miracle, wouldn't preparing for disappointment reveal a lack of faith?

And we had an entire year to know that Julia would die from the melanoma. We didn't prepare because we were praying she would live. Later we were simply praying that she would live to see her daughter graduate college in May.

Three years of battling cancer and yet it seemed so sudden. I asked my brother, "Do you feel that it was too quick." And he answered, "Yes, even though Julia took a last look around our house before we left for the hospital."
Even though she told him she would not be returning home. It still seemed too soon.

Grief takes time, some say an entire year of firsts must go by before you can really move on. The first birthday, the first Christmas, etc.
Death is somewhat like birth. Mysterious and miraculous, too. Is it always such a surprise? The wonder of new life and the marvel of life leaving us to be with Jesus.

I know that thirty three years later I still feel a pang of sadness when I think of my baby. No wonder, only 6 weeks later I have not fully accepted that a family member is no longer on the earth. Why does the world not allow time to grieve. Why must we be rushed to return to our 'normal' routine. Even at church the bereavement/prayer list only posted Julia's name for one week. What?

With our baby the thought that haunted me was, "I forgot to put a blanket around him in the tiny casket." As if he would feel cold.

With Julia it is that I wanted to tell her to go find my daughters' babies and hold them for us until we arrived. (I promise I am not losin it. It is 2 a.m. and I think I might actually be asleep) I didn't tell her that because she was still fighting to live.
And we were still praying for a miracle.

Perhaps it is God's desire that we never feel totally content here on earth. There are better things, better times, in a better place.

OK, I think I am beginning to ramble. My point was, I have had trouble focusing on writing. Maybe writing the above has loosened the strap of grief around my heart.
Maybe the weekend at the Prayer Spa helped. Thank you Jesus!

Maybe in the morning I will read this and it won't make sense. But, God will make sense of it for me.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:

for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4