Another Get Rid of Your Junk Post

I was in church yesterday morning and I noticed something about my Bible.  I was turning to the scripture that our pastor was going to read from and I was having a hard time getting there because of all the junk crammed into my Bible.  I had old bulletins, some dating years back, old pictures of my children, drawings, several book marks, old notes, two pencils and a pen.  I have gotten so used to the junk in my Bible that I didn't even notice that it was there.  Until yesterday when it kept trying to spill out.

I know that the the pastor preached a wonderful sermon from James 4 but I don't remember what it was.  I was too busy looking at the junk in my Bible.  A thought came to me when I realized that I wasn't even listening.  My thought was that my Bible was like my life.  I have been working on removing the junk from my life but  many times I don't because I am so used to the junk. The junk seems normal.  Sometimes there is so much junk in my heart that I don't  hear God talking to me just like I wasn't listening to God's word yesterday because I was occupied with the junk in my Bible.

I need to clean out my Bible, just as I need to keep the junk out of my heart.  I want this new year to be the best junk free year ever! I need to be strong and leave the junk behind.  I need to leave it at the throne of my King!  What about you?  Is there junk in your life?

Happy New Year's to You!  Hoping that 2013 will be junk free!!

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love.

This post is for YOU!

I don't know who YOU are but this post is for you!  There is someone out there that needs to be reminded of their worth.  Is it YOU?  The holiday is over and maybe you are feeling let down?  Nobody seemed to care what you wanted or even ask.  You feel taken for granted and nobody cared that you were up until midnight getting presents wrapped and making last minute cookies.

For some reason I can't get YOU off of my mind.  I know that you are out there and I have a message for YOU!!  YOU are worth more than silver or gold!!  YOU are worth more than diamonds or rubys!  How do I know this?  The Bible tells me!  Just read the scripture below and remember that when you think that nobody cares there is ONE that does!!  It is the ONE that knit you together!!

Psalm 139:13-18

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts,^[a] God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you.

Do you know the ONE that knows YOU better than you know yourself?

John 14:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me.

Merry Christmas!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”Isaiah 9:6 NIV

                              What a wonderful gift to all the gift that was foretold in Isaiah!!

I bought the pictured Nativity set in Israel in 2008.  It is made of native olive wood.  I still remember the thoughts and the awe I felt while walking the streets and paths that Jesus had walked.  The only thing that could be better than walking the streets of Israel  will be when I walk the streets in Heaven.  I will walk in Heaven when I die because of the gift that was given for all who accept.  It started with the babe born in a manager.  He was born to die for you and me and he rose again paving the way so that we can walk in heaven someday!

                                             Have you accepted that gift??

John 3:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

                                MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Journey Continues:Christmas Eve

Just thought I would write a short update on Richard.  I have had many people ask about him so I thought I would let you know.  He is doing pretty good.  He still seems tired in the evenings, some evenings he is more tired than others but he really pushes himself.  He will do things because he will not and never has liked asking for help.  With the tiredness comes some grumpiness but he had that before he had cancer.  :)  We all have that I think, some more so than others!  He is looking forward to Christmas, being with family and celebrating the birth of his Savior!

Merry Christmas to everyone and as always we thank you for the many, many prayers you have prayed for him and for us.

“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:16-20 NIV

It's a Jungle Out There

Have you been to the store lately?  It is a maze of people pushing and shoving or stopping and talking.  I have noticed that many people have frowns and impatient looks on their face. I probably have had some of the same looks on my face.  Others are wandering aimlessly through the aisle with bewildered looks on their face!  Especially in that one store that starts with a W.   I decided last week that I would not go back there  until next year.

It seems like a jungle out there.  People are roaring, screaming and look like they will pounce if one makes a move in the wrong direction.  There is chaos, noise and unfriendliness.  It makes me wonder what season this is?  It seems like a season of me, me and more me.

I realized that I need to stop, pause and reflect on this season.  The Christmas season is a time to reflect and be thankful for a Savior that was born in a stable.  It is a time to be thankful for the King that was born and that what He brings to me and to you is PEACE!  He is the Prince of Peace!!

Next time that I am out in the Jungle I need to greet the maze with a smile and a Merry Christmas.  It might change a frown into a smile and a reminder of the King!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to my Savior!!

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” Luke 2:11-14 NIV

Who is in your genealogy?

Who is in your genealogy?  I have thought about that question at different times in my life.  I have wondered about where my ancestors came from.  Some of them I do know and some of them I don't.  I have wondered what kind of people were in the line that I came through.  Do you ever think about your ancestors?

The other day I was reading in the first chapter of Matthew.  Most of the time I just skip right past the lineage part.  This time I slowed down and read the genealogy of Jesus.  I took my time and pondered over some of the verses.

There were names that I recognized immediately and other names that I don't ever remember seeing.  There was one verse where I lingered and read over again as thoughts raced through my head.  It was:

Matthew 1:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ and Jesse the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,.

I mainly was focused on the second part of the verse. I recognized the name instantly.  The second part of the verse began with the name of a king.  He was a man after God' heart.  This man also was a murderer, committed adultery, than married that man's wife but God still used him and left him in the line that was headed up to Jesus.  This reminded me that it doesn't matter how many times that I mess up Jesus is still my King.  He is still the Lord of my Life.  The moment that I ask him into my heart, He was and is there to stay!!

What about you? There is a question that is more important than where did my ancestors from.  It  is do you have a King in your heart?

Revelation 17:14

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

John 14:5-7

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus the Way to the Father

⁵ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you really know me, you will know^[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

The blanket of FEAR!

Friday was a day that I would like to forget but as much as I want to I can't.  News trickled onto the internet about a mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut.  I was filled with horror and thoughts that this can not be right.  Somebody had to have gotten the news wrong but it was not.  The more that I read and heard from others I knew that those parent were covered in a blanket of fear.

They had to go to that school and wait to found out if their child was alive, wounded or worse.  I can not imagine the horror and fear that filled their souls!  20 children and 6 adults were killed at an elementary school then the shooter took his own life.  He also killed his own mother.  27 families have been changed forever. There were times that I could not listen, read or hear anymore.  The news was more than my mind could fathom.  The families that lost loved ones could not just turn the news off though.  They are having to deal each minute with the loss of their child, sister, brother, parent and friend.

Since the news there have been many prayer vigils, support and sympathy pouring out to that community from the rest of the United States and across the world.   I think that we should cover the families, the children that went through the horror of that day, the teachers and the community with  many blanket of PRAYERS!  Let's cover them in prayers that God will enfold them in His arms, that He will comfort them and give them strength to make it through each day!  Pray that God will cover them with His love and peace.

Let's keep our blanket of prayers going for these families in the next days, weeks and months!

Luke 18:15-17

New International Version (NIV)

The Little Children and Jesus

¹⁵ People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.¹⁷ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

The Spider Bite

Have you ever been bitten by a spider?  I have.  In 2001 I was at a flea market in Texas and felt something on my hand.  I looked down and saw a spider.  I went into panic mode and started jumping, yelling and dropped everything that I was carrying.  I felt a sting as the spider fell to the ground.  My hand immediately swelled up and turned pink.  I don't know if it was from the bite or just the fact that a spider had been on me but I felt nauseated and  faint.  I was ready to leave that flea market and never go back.

I did leave fairly quickly with the rest of my family.  The farther away from that flea market and that spider the better I felt.  My hand did feel sore for a while but it healed without a visit to the doctor.  I was already on antibiotics for an infection and I watched it to closely to make sure that my hand didn't fall off or something worse.

I remembered that spider bite the other day when I saw another spider bite.  This one was not on me.  It was on a young lady that had been bit by a brown recluse spider.  It looked terrible and had a huge scab with red around it.  It made my spider bite look like a flea bite.

I know the ones that read my posts regularly know that I hate spiders!  The spiders remind me of the devil.  They are evil and they can spread poison.  The devil is evil and will spread poison.  He will fill me full of poison at my weakest moments.  He knows what my downfalls are and he will bite down, twist and bite!  He wants his poison to spread through my system before I know what is happening.  Sometimes the poison may make a huge wound and sometimes it is just a flea bite but it still will affect me.  It can affect you too!

My antibiotic against the devil's bites are prayer, the Bible and the Holy Spirit.  Just as I always check for spiders in the shower I have to pray, read the Bible and listen to the woo of the Holy Spirit.  The devil wants to bite and scare me but I have the antibiotic.  He wants to bite you too!  Do you have the antibiotic?

John 14:25-27

New International Version (NIV)

²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 3:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

The Journey Continues:Update on Chemo

This will be a really short update but wanted to let you know that Richard's chemo went really well.  He even got through sooner than they had said.  So far no side effects.  The nurse told us about one young man that was taking it, after two bone marrow transplants failed, and he is remission right now.  That gives us hope.  Praying for the same with Richard.  His blood work up looked pretty good.  His white blood count was up to 9100 which is the best I have seen it probably since his transplant in May of 2011.

Thanks again for all the prayers!!

1 Kings 8:28

New International Version (NIV)

²⁸ Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.

Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941

I was not here yet in 1941 but I have seen the movies and the news reels of what happened on December 7th, 1941.  It has been said that this event woke up a sleeping giant.  The movies and the old news reels send chills down my spine.  I root for the men and women even though I already know their fate.  I mourned for them as the movies show them dying with their sinking ship and as the bombs hit the shelter that they are in.

I had the privilege of going to Pearl Harbor the summer of 2004.  It was awesome!  It was chilling and it was sobering.  I walked around with a sense of awe and unbelief.  I could not believe something like this had happened on this perfect Island.  We zipped across the bay on a motor boat to see the Arizona Memorial.  The mood of everyone was light but the closer we got the talking died down and as we stepped onto the Memorial everyone grew quiet.  I felt as if I was back in time.  I could see the bombs fall and the Arizona sinking.  I looked down into the quiet waters and saw what was left of the Arizona.  I can not thank those that died in person but I am grateful for their sacrifice. Their sacrifice also saddens me.

I know the rest of the story and so do you.  We know the ending of that war.  The giant awoke and finished the war.  My concern today is what about that giant?  Has it went back to sleep?

There is One that never sleeps.  There is One that is always there even when the bombs in your life are falling! He is there even when your ship is sinking.  He has always been there!  Yesterday, today and tomorrow, He will never leave you!!

John 11:25

New International Version (NIV)

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

John 14:6-7

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you really know me, you will know^[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

The Journey Continues:Chemo tomorrow

Richard starts his chemo tomorrow.  He has been fighting something for about ten days now.  He has had that throw up stuff that was going around and then he got the coughing, sneezing, fever, achy, can't sleep stuff.  He still is fighting that but seems better.  He hasn't had a fever but he does have that cough, running nose and his eyes seem glazed to me but he told me I was crazy.( I am not crazy)

Pray that he will be well enough to take the chemo but that if he is not they will know it.  They will do blood work first and will look at that plus they always take the temperature.  He seems really tired and cranky tonight.  Pray that he will have a good nights rest and wake up refreshed!

Your prayers are much coveted!! Thanks!!

Ephesians 6:18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

The Long and Whiny Road:Questions I left unanswered

Most parents will agree with me that children are very inquisitive and have many questions!  My boys were no exception and my girl is still asking questions I would rather not answer.  I remember my oldest son ask me how come there were lines on the inside of his hands.  With all the wisdom that I could muster I told him, "BECAUSE".  I know children think that parents are so wise and have all the answers but someone forgot to give this mother the key to that quick wisdom a parent is suppose to have.  I know that my children will remember the word because.  At times the questions were too soon.  They didn't need the answers yet but when they came of the age that the answers might help them they didn't ask.

My boys were typical and very curious.  They listened at school to the talk of other children and sometimes came home with questions that went unanswered.  My second boy had apparently heard some older grade school girls talking but the only thing that he remembered from their conversation was that girls are periods.  He came home and ask me, "If girls are periods then are boys questions mark?"  I immediately said yes and left the real question unanswered.  

I played the piano for a few years at a small church that was pretty desperate and I was the only one that they could get.  One morning when playing before the service I heard my third son.  I looked up and saw in his hand an unmentionable covered in pink in his hand as he was very loudly asking, "What's this, Mom?".  I jumped up, went to him, grabbed the unmentionable, put it in my purse(took the purse with me) and said, "It's nothing!"

My daughter has many questions that I have no idea how to answer.  She is always asking questions about body parts and are they supposed to be that way.  She always gets mad when I tell her that I have no idea.

Even if I told her what I thought it would be, I would be wrong!

There are questions that I would always try to answer.  Those were the questions that they ask me about Jesus.  If I didn't know the answer we would look them up in the Bible or ask someone.  I welcomed those questions!  I also told them that God will always answer them but they have to listen.  I told them that God will answer yes, no, or not yet!

God is waiting for a question!  He wants to hear from you.  He wants to hear, "Will you Come into my heart?"  Have you ask that question?  God will never leave you with unanswered questions!

John 3:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

““I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 NIV

What's on the inside?

We started a new quarter in Sunday School meaning that we have new quarterlies!  I have had mine for one week.  I help teach in fifth grade Sunday School.  By the time I got to Sunday School Sunday the cover of my Sunday School book was off.  It had came off.  The glossy, attractive cover was gone.  I kept trying to place it back where it should be but it kept slipping off.  There was nothing to keep it there.

My book now is just Plain Jane.  No gloss, no pictures, just words, verses and instructions.  The more I thought about the situation with my book the more I realized something.  This is a saying that I have heard many times and I think you probably have too.

It is what is on the inside that matters!!  The meat of my Sunday School book is on the inside, not the cover!
Just like my Sunday School book, all the good stuff that I need is on the inside!

It made me wonder what my insides look like?  Is that where all my good stuff is??  I know sometimes I really look bad but I need to remember it is what is on the inside that counts!!  The good should be on the inside.  The good of God is on my inside and hopefully my actions show this!  What about you?  What is in your insides?  Is it the good stuff?

Matthew 5:15-16

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

PRAY FOR BABY TRINITY

A good friend of mine had another grandbaby this morning.  Her name is Trinity and she looks precious.  I saw her picture a few minutes ago on facebook.  This little one has an infection and has been taken to the NICU unit.  She has stopped breathing twice.  Please pray for this precious baby and her mother.  Also don't forget about the anxious grandparents and aunts and uncles.  Thanks!!

I know you guys will pray!!  You are such wonderful prayer warriors!!

Ephesians 6:18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.