When was the last time you heard a rooster crow?? I grew up on a part time farm. My dad had a job and the farming was a part time thing. We had cows, horses, chickens and roosters. The thing about roosters are they have a very distinct crow. The roosters on our farm usually chose to make their voices vocal about the time the sun was just peeking over the horizon. I have a feeling that all roosters like to send this wake up call to everybody within earshot. They see the light and want to share the news, "Time to Wake Up!!".
Have you ever struggled with something that is wrong but you tell yourself you will NEVER do that. NEVER!! Days or months go by and then you slip and do whatever it is that you had said, no, I will NEVER do that!! Did you wake up to a rooster crow with the light of the new day bringing pain and shame? If you have you are in good company!
Matthew 26:69-75 tells of one named Peter. Jesus had told Peter that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. Peter told Jesus that he would NEVER deny or disown him. NEVER!! Immediately after the third time that Peter denied Jesus a rooster crowed. I am sure that Peter quickly felt the pain and shame of what he had done. He wept bitterly!!
Peter made a mistake but he didn't let it defeat him. He spent the rest of his life telling others about Jesus. His mistake did change him. It made him better! He saw the light and wanted to share the news. When you get your wake up call; what will you do? How will you spend the rest of you life?
Where will you be when the rooster crows? COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
This is "THE DAY"
Most of the people that read this blog know that I have children that were and are in the military. They also would know that at various times between the years of 2005 and 2010 there were three deployments. There was one that deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and the other has been in Iraq. It was their choice to join the military and though I am so very proud of them I would not have chosen the military for them.
I am a proud citizen of the United States and willing to defend if needed but the thought of my children going into danger seemed almost impossible to bear. I knew there would be a chance of injury or death and if I could have kept them from deploying I would have. I did not want my children sacrificed!!! There were sad, anxious tears and moments during each deployment but what tears of joy with each return!!!
I may not have been willing for a child of mine to be sacrificed but I know of One who was. I don't know how this Father could stand to see His Son tortured and beaten. How could He watch as His Son walked the road to a certain death. The crowds yelled, mocked and spit on Him during that long walk that ended at a cross.
This Father and Son were willing even though they knew that "THE DAY" would come when the Son would walk the path to the cross. They were willing because of YOU and ME. Without the cross we would be nothing because it didn't end there. The Son rose again!!!! He is alive and because of His sacrifice we can experience eternal life.
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and hisclothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Jesus did sacrifice for us but HE is ALIVE!!!
I am a proud citizen of the United States and willing to defend if needed but the thought of my children going into danger seemed almost impossible to bear. I knew there would be a chance of injury or death and if I could have kept them from deploying I would have. I did not want my children sacrificed!!! There were sad, anxious tears and moments during each deployment but what tears of joy with each return!!!
I may not have been willing for a child of mine to be sacrificed but I know of One who was. I don't know how this Father could stand to see His Son tortured and beaten. How could He watch as His Son walked the road to a certain death. The crowds yelled, mocked and spit on Him during that long walk that ended at a cross.
This Father and Son were willing even though they knew that "THE DAY" would come when the Son would walk the path to the cross. They were willing because of YOU and ME. Without the cross we would be nothing because it didn't end there. The Son rose again!!!! He is alive and because of His sacrifice we can experience eternal life.
The Death of Jesus: Matthew 27
45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[d]47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Matthew 28
Jesus Has Risen
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Jesus did sacrifice for us but HE is ALIVE!!!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Who's Your Daddy??
Do you know who you are? Where did you come from and where are you going? In other words, who's your daddy? I have seen this question alot lately and it has my mind buzzing. Most people know who their daddy is, so to me it seemed like a silly question at first but who is your daddy and where did he come from? What about your mother?
I would venture to say that most of the people reading this blog are citizens of the United States as are most of our parents but is that what makes us who we are? Are we who we are because of our parents, our experiences or a mixture? Does if have to do with our ancestry? What defines who you are?
I was born the fourth of five children to parents of mixed ancestries. This probably helped define who they became and in that sense who I have become. My dad's heritage is Hungarian and also from other various parts of Europe. I have a copy of the citizenship paper where his grandparents and his then two year old father became citizens of the United States in 1892. My mother was born with a mixture of Irish, Dutch and Indian. I grew up to stories of how her dad was almost full blood Indian but there is nothing to prove it. There are stories but nothing on a roll. My son has found on ancestry.com where my mom's great grandfather married a cousin of President Jackson. Proof will be when documentation is found. Does a document define who we are?
My parents may have came from mixed bloodlines and these lines may help define them but their biggest influence on me was taking me to church. It was there that I learned of a heavenly citizenship and that there is right and wrong. Their taking me to church is where I learned of the One who took my place and sins to the Cross and His name is Jesus. They pointed me to the perfect bloodline. My hope is that people realize that my biggest defining point is Jesus.
My name may not be on an Indian roll BUT when the roll is called up yonder I will be there. My name is on that roll!! Is yours???
In memory of my daddy, 1927-1995, and in honor of my mommy!!
I would venture to say that most of the people reading this blog are citizens of the United States as are most of our parents but is that what makes us who we are? Are we who we are because of our parents, our experiences or a mixture? Does if have to do with our ancestry? What defines who you are?
I was born the fourth of five children to parents of mixed ancestries. This probably helped define who they became and in that sense who I have become. My dad's heritage is Hungarian and also from other various parts of Europe. I have a copy of the citizenship paper where his grandparents and his then two year old father became citizens of the United States in 1892. My mother was born with a mixture of Irish, Dutch and Indian. I grew up to stories of how her dad was almost full blood Indian but there is nothing to prove it. There are stories but nothing on a roll. My son has found on ancestry.com where my mom's great grandfather married a cousin of President Jackson. Proof will be when documentation is found. Does a document define who we are?
My parents may have came from mixed bloodlines and these lines may help define them but their biggest influence on me was taking me to church. It was there that I learned of a heavenly citizenship and that there is right and wrong. Their taking me to church is where I learned of the One who took my place and sins to the Cross and His name is Jesus. They pointed me to the perfect bloodline. My hope is that people realize that my biggest defining point is Jesus.
My name may not be on an Indian roll BUT when the roll is called up yonder I will be there. My name is on that roll!! Is yours???
In memory of my daddy, 1927-1995, and in honor of my mommy!!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Throwing up in Church
Throw up or vomit according to the dictionary means to eject matter from the stomach through the mouth. If you have ever thrown up then you know it can be much more than that. Throwing up can be a vile, toxic stench that comes spewing from your mouth and nose with such force it shatters the calm of life. It can accompany sickness, pregnancy or children.
My first experience with throwing up in church was when I was a young child. It was close to Christmas and we were practicing for the Christmas program. My brother kept pointing behind me and of course I had to twirl around to look. I remember we were singing 'Away in the Manager' holding song books pretending that we could read the song. I am not sure if I made it to the second verse because after about three twirls of looking behind me a foul, disgusting stream of chunks expelled from my mouth and onto the song book. I was very mortified and put the book on the altar and ran to the bathroom. Several minutes passed and I went back toward the sanctuary and peeked through the door. The room was empty, the song book and throw up gone. Someone had cleaned up my mess. There was no sign that I had left something so noxious at the altar.
Another 'adventure' with throwing up in church involved my first born son. He looked so clean and sweet on that Sunday morning. I had him in on my lap during worship service. I was cuddling him close when he made an awful noise that brought forth a small river of ill smelling, slimy looking yuck. I gathered him close and tried to sneak from the service but left a few puddles of vomit on the pew. I wiped at it with the edge of my dress and slunk out to clean my son up. I ran to the nursery and took care of him then tried to sneak back into the service with a wet rag to clean the pew. I got to the pew but someone had cleaned up the vomit. It was gone.
Both times I felt embarrassed but God's family wiped away the mess and left it clean. I know you might feel ashamed at the thought of throwing up in church but God wants our throw up. He wants us to bring our vile, depraved, toxic selves to His altar. You might think that nobody can cleanse your vomit but God can. He paved the way, with His Son, for us to bring our vomit and throw it up to Him.
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 tosave the world through him.
My first experience with throwing up in church was when I was a young child. It was close to Christmas and we were practicing for the Christmas program. My brother kept pointing behind me and of course I had to twirl around to look. I remember we were singing 'Away in the Manager' holding song books pretending that we could read the song. I am not sure if I made it to the second verse because after about three twirls of looking behind me a foul, disgusting stream of chunks expelled from my mouth and onto the song book. I was very mortified and put the book on the altar and ran to the bathroom. Several minutes passed and I went back toward the sanctuary and peeked through the door. The room was empty, the song book and throw up gone. Someone had cleaned up my mess. There was no sign that I had left something so noxious at the altar.
Another 'adventure' with throwing up in church involved my first born son. He looked so clean and sweet on that Sunday morning. I had him in on my lap during worship service. I was cuddling him close when he made an awful noise that brought forth a small river of ill smelling, slimy looking yuck. I gathered him close and tried to sneak from the service but left a few puddles of vomit on the pew. I wiped at it with the edge of my dress and slunk out to clean my son up. I ran to the nursery and took care of him then tried to sneak back into the service with a wet rag to clean the pew. I got to the pew but someone had cleaned up the vomit. It was gone.
Both times I felt embarrassed but God's family wiped away the mess and left it clean. I know you might feel ashamed at the thought of throwing up in church but God wants our throw up. He wants us to bring our vile, depraved, toxic selves to His altar. You might think that nobody can cleanse your vomit but God can. He paved the way, with His Son, for us to bring our vomit and throw it up to Him.
John 3:16-17 (New International Version, ©2011)
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
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Journey, the Pain and the Blessings of Cancer
Life is a journey. Sometimes you know where you are going, and sometimes you just wander around. Sometimes you get a roadblock and sometimes that roadblock sends shockwaves through your body that leaves a hopeless pit right in the middle of who you are. Sometimes the roadblock is easily fixed and sometimes not.
My husband is in the midst of a roadblock now. It is a nasty, stop you in your tracks roadblock. We learned in October, 2009 that my husband has cancer. When the Doctor delivered the news it felt like I had been suckered punched right in the middle of my being. I looked at my husband and knew he was feeling the same way. Even thought the Doctor assured us that this cancer that my husband had was Hodgkins Lymphoma and easily curable we still staggered from his office in bewilderment. I am sure that the pain of this news was reflected in our eyes.
The Doctor's plan was six months of chemo and then we should see remission. He did warn us that there were about 5 percent of patients who do not respond. We didn't dare to even think about that five percent. We thought ok, this will work. Remisson by late spring, then vacation in July. WRONG! Late spring rolled in with warmer weather and flowers but not remission.
It was with much pain that my husband heard the news that he would be spending much time that summer in the hospital, not on vacation. We love to travel and look forward to our family vacations each year. The Doctor's plan now was stem cell transplant after more chemo. The good news was that
the stem cells could come from my husband. The stem cell transplant took place in August, 2010 and after many days in the hospital and recovering at home he returned to work. He was tired of being cooped up and ready to go.
A pet scan was performed in October, two months after the stem cell, and it was with high expectations that we went to get the results. The Doctor had a nervous look and stammered as he handed out another roadblock in my husband's battle with cancer. The stem cell transplant had not worked and this Doctor seemed at a loss about what to do. We decided to get a second opinion and booked an appointment at a leading facility in Houston, Texas.
December, 2010 we arrived at the facility with hopes of a cure and different opinions. Several days and many test later we received grim news. The type of Hodgkins Lymphoma that my husband has will keep coming back no matter what. They did suggest that there might be a trial my husband could qualify for and a donor stem cell tranpslant might help but didn't give us much hope. We faced alot of what ifs on that long trip home.
We made a second trip to Houston right before Christmas. More test were run and we met with the stem cell Doctor. Finally this Doctor gave us a sliver of hope! He told us that with the right donor this cancer could still be cured. There are still many hurdles to get past but this is still HOPE!!
The donor stem cell transplant will take place when my husband gets close to remission . There are already two excellent donors who are ready and willing to be used when the time is right. The transplant will take place in our state which means no travel and family and friends will be close.
I am so proud of my husband. He is a fighter and even though he has faced the reality of what could become an early expiration date he has continued to live life.
The Family of God has gathered around us and showered us with prayers, visits, calls, cards, food and money. We feel humbled and blessed from the outpouring of love and support that surrounds us daily. We can feel the power of those prayers going forth on our behalf. We can feel the Arm of God surrounding us as He walks this journey with us. The hopeless pit in the middle of our being has eased as we remember who we are and that God is in control.
My husband is in the midst of a roadblock now. It is a nasty, stop you in your tracks roadblock. We learned in October, 2009 that my husband has cancer. When the Doctor delivered the news it felt like I had been suckered punched right in the middle of my being. I looked at my husband and knew he was feeling the same way. Even thought the Doctor assured us that this cancer that my husband had was Hodgkins Lymphoma and easily curable we still staggered from his office in bewilderment. I am sure that the pain of this news was reflected in our eyes.
The Doctor's plan was six months of chemo and then we should see remission. He did warn us that there were about 5 percent of patients who do not respond. We didn't dare to even think about that five percent. We thought ok, this will work. Remisson by late spring, then vacation in July. WRONG! Late spring rolled in with warmer weather and flowers but not remission.
It was with much pain that my husband heard the news that he would be spending much time that summer in the hospital, not on vacation. We love to travel and look forward to our family vacations each year. The Doctor's plan now was stem cell transplant after more chemo. The good news was that
the stem cells could come from my husband. The stem cell transplant took place in August, 2010 and after many days in the hospital and recovering at home he returned to work. He was tired of being cooped up and ready to go.
A pet scan was performed in October, two months after the stem cell, and it was with high expectations that we went to get the results. The Doctor had a nervous look and stammered as he handed out another roadblock in my husband's battle with cancer. The stem cell transplant had not worked and this Doctor seemed at a loss about what to do. We decided to get a second opinion and booked an appointment at a leading facility in Houston, Texas.
December, 2010 we arrived at the facility with hopes of a cure and different opinions. Several days and many test later we received grim news. The type of Hodgkins Lymphoma that my husband has will keep coming back no matter what. They did suggest that there might be a trial my husband could qualify for and a donor stem cell tranpslant might help but didn't give us much hope. We faced alot of what ifs on that long trip home.
We made a second trip to Houston right before Christmas. More test were run and we met with the stem cell Doctor. Finally this Doctor gave us a sliver of hope! He told us that with the right donor this cancer could still be cured. There are still many hurdles to get past but this is still HOPE!!
The donor stem cell transplant will take place when my husband gets close to remission . There are already two excellent donors who are ready and willing to be used when the time is right. The transplant will take place in our state which means no travel and family and friends will be close.
I am so proud of my husband. He is a fighter and even though he has faced the reality of what could become an early expiration date he has continued to live life.
The Family of God has gathered around us and showered us with prayers, visits, calls, cards, food and money. We feel humbled and blessed from the outpouring of love and support that surrounds us daily. We can feel the power of those prayers going forth on our behalf. We can feel the Arm of God surrounding us as He walks this journey with us. The hopeless pit in the middle of our being has eased as we remember who we are and that God is in control.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (New International Version, ©2011)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Friday, March 11, 2011
No Spiders Allowed In Heaven!
What are you scared of? One of my biggest fears is spiders. In fact some (family) would say I become quite insane when it comes to spiders. Just the thought of spiders sends shivers down my spine. I probably am an arachnophobia. Arachnophobia is a fear of spiders and other arachnids such as scorpions. I do have a hard time being rational when those creepy, eight legged monsters creep close to me!
During my childhood I never worried about monsters under the bed, only spiders. My nightmares were of spiders crawling all over the floor and up the walls. The spiders in my nightmares usually resembled tarantulas. My fear has not subsided as I have grown older. I have probably perfected some moves that could probably be labeled the Spider Dance.
The story that broke sometime ago about how in a lifetime each person swallows at least three spiders had me trying to invent something that would keep my mouth shut while sleeping. I would fall asleep with my hand over my mouth but it would not stay there. I did read on the Internet the other day that this a myth but on this matter I probably will err on the side of caution.
This fear of spiders is so strong, that when my daughter softly called, "mama" one morning, and I turned and saw her standing very still with a giant brown spider attached to her chest my instincts told me, RUN!!! I fought the fear and told her not to move and gathering my wits I somehow used my purse as a weapon and skimmed it off her chest slinging that spider into the air. Then I went into the spider dance, yelling, screaming and tearing at my clothes.
I know that God created spiders for a reason. I know that it wasn't so that I would invent the Spider Dance. It has something to do with bugs and the Eco system. I just think bugs could have been squashed by a pig. Everything God does is for a reason, whether we like that reason or not.
I am thankful for my God that holds me in His Hand and comforts me when the monsters(spiders) of life are at my doorstep. His compassion sustains me through each and every spider dance I endure.
I am praying though that there will be no spiders in Heaven.
Old Spiders do Die when I stomp them and do the spider dance!!
During my childhood I never worried about monsters under the bed, only spiders. My nightmares were of spiders crawling all over the floor and up the walls. The spiders in my nightmares usually resembled tarantulas. My fear has not subsided as I have grown older. I have probably perfected some moves that could probably be labeled the Spider Dance.
The story that broke sometime ago about how in a lifetime each person swallows at least three spiders had me trying to invent something that would keep my mouth shut while sleeping. I would fall asleep with my hand over my mouth but it would not stay there. I did read on the Internet the other day that this a myth but on this matter I probably will err on the side of caution.
This fear of spiders is so strong, that when my daughter softly called, "mama" one morning, and I turned and saw her standing very still with a giant brown spider attached to her chest my instincts told me, RUN!!! I fought the fear and told her not to move and gathering my wits I somehow used my purse as a weapon and skimmed it off her chest slinging that spider into the air. Then I went into the spider dance, yelling, screaming and tearing at my clothes.
I know that God created spiders for a reason. I know that it wasn't so that I would invent the Spider Dance. It has something to do with bugs and the Eco system. I just think bugs could have been squashed by a pig. Everything God does is for a reason, whether we like that reason or not.
I am thankful for my God that holds me in His Hand and comforts me when the monsters(spiders) of life are at my doorstep. His compassion sustains me through each and every spider dance I endure.
I am praying though that there will be no spiders in Heaven.
Old Spiders do Die when I stomp them and do the spider dance!!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My Old Grey Shoes, They Ain't What They Used to Be
My feet are a pain. They always hurt and finding shoes that are comfortable is not an easy task.
Once upon a time though I found the perfect pair of shoes. They were grey, just the right width and made walking an easy task. When my feet hurt I prefer to stay reclined but most jobs require one to be present. The discovery that I had finally found the perfect pair was met with elation and after that the grey shoes spent lots of time with me.
My grey shoes and I were together almost everywhere I went. We explored the beaches in Hawaii and Florida. We walked to the edge of Pikes Peak and looked out over Colorado. We spent time at the foot hills in North Carolina. Those shoes were on my feet when I flew into Germany. I even wore the grey shoes as I watched my sons graduate from their marine, army and national guard training and my daughter from Kindergarten.
If shoes could talk those grey shoes could tell on me. Since they were with me most days they have seen my moods, attitudes and impatience. Those grey shoes may have been perfect but they still couldn't make me behave. There is only ONE that can do that and HE walks with me daily. HE never leaves me. When HE sees my moods, attitudes and impatience I feel that gentle nudge that tells me to behave.
I wore those shoes every day but one day I knew that something was wrong. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was but each day the feeling got worse. I finally figured out that the grey shoes were not perfect anymore! I had walked the perfect right out of those shoes. They were not what they used to be. The grey shoes and I had walked our last walk together. It was with sadness that I put those shoes away.
There is ONE that sticks closer than grey shoes and HIS names is JESUS! We will never walk a last walk together! We will walk together now and for eternity!
Old grey shoes don't die they just walk away!
Proverbs 18:24
New King James Version (NKJV)
24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,[a]
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |
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