A Song in My Heart

I Just Can't Stop...Praising His Name...
I Just Can't Stop...Praising His Name...
I Just Can't Stop...Praising His Name...
JESUS

The Roddler

Wow, whatever happened to the traditional-looking stroller? Well for any who may be interested, here's the New Look in Strollers. It's called The Roddler. Even though my kids and grandkids no longer qualify as needing to use one of these, I found the website a fun place - and the custom "rod" I built was something else. To view the models available or build your own custom Roddler, go to http://www.kidkustoms.com/ .

Never Alone

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Just Walking Through

The Valley Exposes Us to Beauty
We Cannot See from the Mountain Top

Lull-Lull Land

The Cares of Life Sometimes Lull Our Senses.
We think - Peace and Safety.
Then - WHAM - Sudden Destruction.
That is why we must always be Watchful and Pray (for we don't know when we may find ourselves in a position where we are oblivious to the sights and sounds of our enemy).

Trust the Master Weaver

When gray threads mar life’s pattern,
and it seems so out of line,
Trust the Master Weaver
who planned the whole design.
For in life’s choicest patterns,
some dark threads must appear,
To make the rose threads fairer,
the gold more bright can clear.
The pattern may seem intricate,
and hard to understand,
But trust the Master Weaver
and His steady, guiding Hand.

* Poem is courtesy of Hallmark greeting cards

Putting a Spin on Things

* Cartoon was emailed to me, courtesy of a friend.

Freebies? I Doubt It

There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
(guess these little guys' open mouths reveal
that they either don't know that or don't believe it)

We get so excited when we think we're getting something for nothing. We send off for samples (this allows businesses to get our mailing or email address so they can sell our information to others). We get two items for the price of one (all the time we're actually paying for two with a slight discount for that privilege). We buy a car at 1.99 percent interest (car is overpriced to pay the difference in what would have been a kickback to the dealership). We apply for a credit card at zero percent interest to pay-off debt (one late payment on any of our bills, including utilities, and the card's interest rate jacks up to an absorbent amount - 0 to 21% or more). I could go on and on but I'm sure you get the point.

Sorry, it is only an illusion that we get "freebies" - in fact, it is as far from the truth as an elephant flying to the moon tomorrow morning. (Don't you dare ask me at what time its leaving).

Why, even our Salvation didn't come totally free. There was a price paid - not by us, but by the Lord. He paid the ultimate price for us at Calvary.

Nurturing

Thoughts in Nurturing a Child

1. Do your very best
2. Trust God with the results
3. Give Him the credit

Whacked or Trimmed?

"Why has thou…broken down her hedges,
so…all…which pass…do pluck her?" Psalms 80:12

The Lord removed Job's hedge, at Satan's insistence. God wanted to prove that Job was not someone who gave only lip service but through adversity Job would continue to serve the Lord. When the trial of all trials hit Job, I am sure it felt like a weed eater had come in and whacked away his hedge. He lost everything, and everyone was looking to see how he would react. Today, the Lord does the same thing - only this time, we are the "Jobs." There are days when our hedge is removed and we stand exposed to the whole world. Being exposed can come in a whacking or just a trimming; however, no matter which, it will let us know in what shape our experience with the Lord is.

Whether we like to hear it or not, adversity reveals our true character. When we are exposed, every little thing has opportunity to get at us. We become a target to be bruised, taunted, mocked, and/or belittled. Our anxieties bring stress...stress to be what others think we should be, to go through pain within a certain time frame and a certain way, or to agree with whatever advice we receive. That's makes for stress, for sure; but the paramount of our stress is when we stand alone, face-to-face with ourselves. It is then that our flesh starts taking over, and we may think He doesn't care one bit about us or our own. In some situations, it would be far more logical to agree with rejection than believe that God cares. It is during these times that tears may cloud our vision, allowing our confidence to retreat. Hopefully, we will catch ourselves and trust that He will place His protective cover around us once again (in His own way, and in His own time).

I can guarantee that we have all had “Job” moments. So, as the Job of old, we as the “Job” of today must trust until the covering returns. I wrote the poem below a number of years ago after two of the greatest losses in my life. I remember standing exposed for the whole world to see. I wanted to retreat into a cave, and never come out - but I couldn't let my love for Him become only words, for my love for Him was originally born in my heart. I had but one choice, to stand exposed until the hedge grew back.

Why I penned this today, I don't know - but if you are in a Job experience, all I can say is, don't give in - wait patiently for the covering. The hedge will grow back. You can be a survivor! How do I know? Well, I am! (and I'm no one special but for the Grace and Love of God).

The removing of a hedge reveals not only my character
But places me face to face with contentiousness,
Leaving my heart open for bitterness to insert.
It takes words spoken in times of glorious elation,
And boisterously returns them in turmoil.
At this point, I must consider my heart’s location.

Vanity says, denounce creation, recant any inward hope.
Arrogance chimes in, "let go of what is right, what is true"
But it is here that my faith must hold strong.
In the removing of a hedge, my dedication is exposed,
A dedication, an allegiance, not found in books
But written on the pages of endless love.

If I will but believe that He does truly care,
I will allow strength to enter during weakness,
Reclaiming commitments originally sparked.
Setting my mind within reality’s boundaries,
Building a protection for peace to return.
A peace that can only come from above.

The removing of a hedge comes to all,
Uprooting adverse growth woven inside my domain.
The inner makings of my soul will be displayed,
And I will chance openly speaking thoughts once hidden.
Yes, I am destined to become a modern-day Job,
and there will be times when I stand uncovered for all to see.

Ah...Duh...

Help!!
My Mind is Blank!!

On second thought, perhaps it's just resting.

Clickity Clack, Clickity Clack

The Empty Wagon Makes the Most Noise

Oophs, after reading the comments, perhaps I should let you know what I was thinking:

Those with little of God's knowledge in their hearts are usually those who are boisterous, noisy, and disruptive. We hear their empty wagons every day, noisily proclaiming an end-time harvest can't be reaped. I DISAGREE! Don't you?

What's on the Horizon?

Storms make a strong tree


Sufferings make a strong Christian

Water Wisely

This Is One Tree

We Need to Make Sure Stays Watered

...for with just a little watering,
our fruit will ripen for all to enjoy...

Check Out Pages 1 Through ?

If you are always looking in the back of the book,
you will never know what happened to get you there.

Half Cracked?

Some days I wonder -
Am I cracked (or just half way)?

Then I look around, and Thank God
there's at least a dozen more just like me
getting ready to crack
(I love having company)

Need A Lift?

LOVE LIFTED ME

(from all my heavy burdens)

...and He Can Do the Same for YOU...

Put Down the Eraser!

The slate seems to have no distinct meaning,
But in looking closely, its marks signal times past,
gathered while face to face with love.

Caution is extended me this day,
to mirror images I hold dear in my heart,
not erasing treasures that allow beauty to return.

For a day may come when family and friends are far removed,
and it will be memories that keep me strong, believing life is good,
and then I will reflect and say, it has been worth all the sacrifice.

Many times, we only think in terms of the present or future, forgetting times past with our children and friends. Some say, leave the past in the past, I don't agree (totally). There are many wonderful things to gather. Several blogging posts have reminded me of adventures had with my children - their funny (and precious) sayings, the hugs and kisses, the shared secrets, etc. Then there are the crazy times with friends, the wacky presents we'd exchange, the laughter shared, and the tears of happiness and pain shed. These are reflections that I never want to erase; for if I clean my slate, I have lost a world of happiness, joy and caring.

Erase Not Good Remembrances, for a day could come when memories are all we may have.

Do We Believe Everything We Say?

No Matter What We Prefer to Call It....

It May Be Best Known as the Destroyer

Fish Update

Had to show grandson Preston's latest catch. The fish was approximately 12 lbs, and 3 feet long.

He just caught it a few days ago on their chartered fishing trip in Idaho.

Great job, Pres!

"SNAP" to It!

Caught You Off-Guard? Well, you best

KEEP A SMILE ON YOUR FACE
('cause you never know who's watching)

Grandkids Update

Here's a Nana Update. I miss my grandkids terribly but WOW, I doubt I could keep up with them. Here's a little of what's going on in their lives as I promised them I would post.

All I can say is: Go Kids!!!

Bay Area Update
Granddaughters Madison and Cassidy finished play in their baseball leagues - both on winning teams. Cameron would take one girl to one location, and Barbara take one to another location when the girls' games were slated at the same time. Both girls were volunteers, working on fund raisers for Cassidy's school. There have been and continue to be sleepovers with friends (hear that it's been sleepless in Belmont for mom and dad). Plus there are piano lessons/practices and rehearsals for the church musical. And we can't forget, the shopping trips. Madi and Cassie (and their mom) will soon fly to Louisiana to spend time with family. After that, it's the start of another school year.

Bend Oregon Update.
Grandson Preston just finished a week of Football Camp, grooming to play quarterback position starting in the fall (friend Justin in picture with him). He finished his baseball season in May, playing pitcher (his team also had a winning season). Oh yes, he hit two grand slams. He was also in a team marathon on the Deschutes River (running, riding & rafting), and his team came in 4th place. Preston starts Horse Camp in about a week where he will ride and care for horses. He is quite an athlete and very outdoorsy. He swims, fishes (see pic of his catch), plays golf, snow skis, rides motorcycles and ATVs. What a resume for an 8-year old, and I am sure his mom Alisha gets plenty of exercise taking him to and from his activities. After a summer of fun stuff, Preston will return to his Christian school. He loves that too.

Little Can Be Most

Sometimes it is the little things that matter most

Danger's Warning

This Big Sur sign is a warning beyond the physical application.

As Christians, we must be careful not to travel the wrong way - for in so doing, many "fires" may lie ahead which will set ablaze our souls.

Worthy of Praise

Praise Him in the morning
Praise Him in the noontime
Praise Him when the sun goes down

Sshh!

Quiet Yourself

so that Your Heart

Can Hear His Voice

Eating Healthy

Since it is a holiday weekend filled with BBQs, homemade ice cream, and other sumptuous goodies, I know that I must be cautious in what I choose to eat since I'm on a diet (thanks to an inspiring poem posted by Writeathome). Believe me, I am committed to faithfully stay on a well-balanced diet. Here it is just in case you're interested.

No Place Like Home

God Bless America,

Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

God Bless Everyone
and
May Freedom Ring!

Pucker Up?

No way will this frog ever turn into Prince Charming.
Just take a look at his kisser.

Lesson to be learned? Not everything is as it first seems. Be sure to take a second look before jumping (i.e., hopping, leaping) into something you wished you’d never taken part in.

Here's to You

Sending a Bouquet of Blessings
to my Blogging Buddies

Special Friends, I feel blessed to have met or reconnected with you in the wondrous world of technology. You inspire me, motivate me, entertain me, humor me, and teach me the joys and adventures found in life. Thus far, I have spent eight months in Blogville starting November 2, 2007. My, how time flies when you are having fun.

Get Up! Please. . .

I am never down....I am either up....or....getting up