In a Crisis

Wow.  It's so amazing to see God's people in the midst of a crisis---even from a distance!  Just amazing.  It's exactly how the body of Christ is supposed to work---all the time.  The right hand helping the left hand.  The left ear helping the mouth.  The heart helping the....well, you get the picture!  

While Emily has gone through her trauma, we've just been on the sidelines anxious to help but not knowing how.  But when you want to "get out there and fight," the coach puts you in.  And you know what?  It doesn't matter if you're starting, you just want to assist.  

I'm blessed.  I'm blessed to see how many are in the body of Christ---from all over the world! (thanks to statcounter.com)   I'm blessed to see how many want to help.  I'm blessed to read/see/hear the prayers of so many going up on behalf of Emily.  I'm blessed to know people are giving, preparing meals, taking kids to school, offering to babysit, etc.  I'm blessed to see people using their God-given gifts in this crisis.

I love my brothers and sisters.  And I'm never prouder than I am right now to see them working together for someone I love.

I can't wait to tell Emily that in 2 1/2 days she's had more hits on her blog than I've had in 3 months!!!

Flood of Cards for Emily

Wouldn't it be awesome if we could have Emily's room flooded with cards when she wakes up?  If you'd like to send her a card, send it here:   

Luke & Emily Panter

c/o Bridgeview Baptist Church

PO Box 820
Quinlan, TX 75474

As you can imagine, this journey will be an expensive one.  If you'd like to include a gift card to Wal-Mart for diapers, groceries, etc.---there's one near them where they can redeem it.  Or...you might like to include a pre-paid Visa card (you can pick them up at your local Wal-Mart, Target,  or grocery store).  I know Luke will have expenses while staying with Emily at the hospital---just eating out, paying for parking, gasoline going back and forth, etc.  (Luke is the pastor of this church, if you didn't catch that earlier.)

But regardless of whether you can help out in that way or not-----let's flood Emily's room with CARDS!!!  Help me get the word out on this one!

Thank You

Thank you to all who are praying for Emily Dietz Panter, my niece. She came out of surgery! We're so grateful for how God is answering our prayers. Please pray that her kidneys would begin functioning properly and that she will have full neurological function. It's so incredible to see the response of the body of Christ. We're blessed.

Emily is in Surgery

Please be praying for our niece, Emily, right now while she's in surgery. They were going to find where she's "seeping" blood and repair it. She's still in critical condition, but seemed to improve last night. Pray that the doctors will have great skill and knowledge from the Lord. Pray for her husband, Luke, who is operating on no sleep. He hasn't left Emily's side. And pray for their 5 children. I know things are probably chaotic with their schedule "off." Just pray that God meets every need!

New Motivation

Crises have a way of bringing us up short and making us realize and focus in on the important.  Our family had a crisis last night.   It was long distance for us (and oh how we wish we were there!), but it's still affecting us.  

First of all, we're so grateful to see God at work.  He's done so many amazing things to magnify Himself.  But it's also made me evaluate my life.  Do I tell people I love often enough that I love them?  Do I encourage others?  Do I point out what they're doing well?  Do I invest in their lives?  Do I demonstrate my love, God's love?

I want to refocus.  I want to do what God has called me to do.  That's one of the things God spoke to me about on this retreat---to quit doing what He's called others to do.  Do what He's called me to do!!  

Thank You, God, for this reminder to make my life count for more.  Thank You for Emily's life.  Help her through this night, Father.  Strengthen her and encourage her.  Sing to her through this night.  I love you, Daddy!!  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer Request

Would you please pray for our niece, Emily? She had her 5th baby Sunday  (a girl---Sarah Michal) and last night the aorta in her leg ruptured. She is in critical care at Baylor Medical. They had to airlift her from the first hospital they took her to because they couldn't find where she was bleeding. Last night, they couldn't get her blood to coagulate, so they had to pack her leg. She is in a drug-induced coma and they're unsure of her neurological state. She "coded" last night, but they brought her back. Today, her blood is coagulating, but they think she may still have a small bleed.
Things to pray for:
*Pray that her neurological state is perfect
*Pray that they can find the source of the bleeding and get it stopped
*Pray that her blood will coagulate
*Pray that she's healed completely
*Pray for the peace of her family
*Pray for all their needs to be taken care of---babysitters, meals, etc.
*Pray that as they bring her out of the coma, she responds as she should
*Pray for her children to be comforted
I'm sure God will show you how to pray. Thank you for praying. Please add this prayer request to your prayer rooms or prayer chains.

Divine Home Makeover

One of the things I learned while I was on the retreat this weekend was a project in which all the Dalhart churches are participating. A group called "The Hands & Feet of Christ" are leading them in doing a Divine Home Makeover for a family in Dalhart. The excitement these girls had for this project was contagious! In fact, I came home thinking about how we could do this in our community! All it takes is the body of Christ working together. If you'd like to learn more, go here and take a look:
http://bosell.blogspot.com/

The Retreat

I was able to go to Cuchara this past weekend with the Dalhart women. What an unbelievable time. And God showed up! That's always so exciting, so fulfilling to me. It was wonderful to see so many of the women discover (or confirm) their temperaments and spiritual gifts. They are a very gifted group. We even discussed being prepared for the last days and talked about being vulnerable to one another and moving into deeper friendships. These women are sponges and are so much fun to be around. Thank you, Rachel, for planning such a great time! I LOVED being there!
When I got home, my repaired car was in my driveway! Woo-Hoo! My sweet husband had even taken it to the carwash. Andy told me that when he went to get the car out of the shop, the bill had been paid. My giving friends....I am blessed.
I had a busy day today which is good...because I came home and crashed! And I didn't even stay up all night at the retreat like most of those girls!
Good times.

I'm retreating for the weekend

The First Baptist Dalhart girls have asked me to join them on their retreat this weekend.  Yee-haw!  I can't wait!  We get to visit Terry's cabin, see a few leaves hanging on to their trees (hopefully) and hear from God.  I'm very excited.  These girls are wonderful---so much fun, so full of life, so full of love.  I'll be the Momma of the group---but how wonderful that they don't mind including me.  Is that not awesome?  The only thing I'm bummed about is that Amy won't be there.  AAAAMMMMMYYYY---we'll miss you!!

So pray for us.  We really want to hear God!

Expelled!

If you didn't catch this movie when it came to the theatre, RUN, don't walk, to rent it, buy it or borrow it. You MUST see this movie!!  It's in stores now.

Benefits of Canker Sores

1.   You eat less

    a.  You eat less fattening foods

   b.  You eat less salty foods

    c.  You eat less spicy foods

2.   You talk less

    a.  You don't argue

   b.  You can be more expressive with body language

3.   You can skip things you want to avoid because it's hard to talk

4.   You get sympathy

5.   You get more done because you're not talking

6.   You don't cook as much (since you're not going to be eating anyway)

7.   You watch more tv

8.   You spend more time reading

9.   You discover new things while you're at the health food stores looking for healing potions

10.  Your sign language really improves   

Blessing

Father,
Bless this day for all my friends reading this right now. May we know You better at the end of this day. Reveal a part of yourself that we may not understand. Draw us into Your love and grace. Give us understanding of one another. Help us to carry someone else's burden today. Give us thankful hearts---hearts full of gratitude towards You and all You do in our lives. Bless us with good friendships. Give us enjoyment and delight over the little things. Let us savor those moments. Help us to be an exact replica of You and an expression of Your love to others. Give us divine connections today. Bless us with peace. May we be blessed and may we bless others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Thankfulness

After reading Mendi's blog, I was reminded to be thankful in all things. So I'd publicly like to thank God in all things He's allowed into my life.
Father,
Thank you for loving me---even when I whine. Thank you for a wonderful husband and 8 great kids. Thank you for my 7 healthy grandchildren. Thank you for all my friends. If I counted my wealth by family & friends, I'd be the richest woman in the world. And I do...so I am. Thank you for all the gifts you've given me....my house, my job, my car, my health, love, your friendship. Forgive me for my ungratefulness, Father. Forgive me for whining over things like my car, having to stay late after a board meeting, canker sores....Those things are nothing compared to the blessings you've brought into my life. Thank you for reminding me tonight to be grateful. I wish that was a natural response in my life. I desire it, God. Please make me into a naturally grateful person. Transform me by renewing my mind. I give it to you, Lord. Thank you for the rich life you've given me. I love you, Daddy. Really, I do!! Please speak to my heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Please pray about my car!!

Seriously. Andy called the tire shop today and they came out with all their equipment to get the tire off my car. It was an ordeal! (I did it up good.) We got it off and they put the spare on and then I followed Andy as he drove it to the tire shop. It was going down the street crooked!!!! YIKES! I knew then we were in trouble. The tire shop called us later and said they couldn't fix it--we'd have to take it to a body shop. So...we came and got it and took it to the body shop. The tire shop also told us that the spare was separating, so we'll need a new spare.
The body shop sent us back to the tire store to get a new tire so that they can check it all out after the body work. We think we'll also have to take it to another shop to get a rear end alignment. Apparently, not everyone does that.
Would you just pray?

My filing cabinet

I'm laughing so hard!! One of the sweet guys at Living Water had an agenda today. He came by to "fix" the filing cabinet that was broken into. This filing cabinet is 4 feet wide and is about 5 feet tall with 4 drawers. The only thing wrong with it was that it would no longer lock (which I didn't plan to do anymore anyway) and the top 2 drawers didn't completely close.
I asked him if he needed me to unload the drawers and he assured me he didn't. I had some work to do in the back...and when I came back into my office, files were strewn everywhere! He had his trusty screwdriver and was busy at work. That was 2 hours ago. The only reason I'm able to post this is because he left for a break.
WHY didn't I bring the camera to work today? (I may call Andy and have him go get it...it's that good!) So for right now, let me describe it. The 2nd drawer is hanging out. Well, it's a little worse than that. One side of it is sitting on a chair. (He was using my sculptural globe for a prop and I could see it bending, so when he left, I switched it out for a chair.) There are black prints all over the front of this drawer. It's off the roller and won't go back on. It's now bent where he's been hammering it to try to make it fit. Dings all over the front of the drawer.
Personally? I don't think it's going back together. I'm sure our insurance is going to cover it anyway, so I just think it's hysterical that he wanted to save us some money and not replace it...and now we're going to have to replace it!
What a guy! A sweetheart. But definitely not a mechanic. Good thing he's retired! Goodbye, filing cabinet!

Time Change

When is the stinkin' time going to change?!?  I'm tired of taking showers in the dark!!!

Self-photography

Did you know that if you have a digital camera, you can go in your bathroom and hold said camera up to photograph yourself, see your image in the mirror and know what kind of shot you're going to get?

See blog below if you don't believe me!

Keepin' it REAL

Amy brought up the point to me last week about how it's so easy to just share the good, fun stuff and give an unrealistic view of ourselves as we blog. That's true. I responded to her tonight on her blog that it doesn't offend me that we share the good stuff. I think it keeps us focused on the good things that take place in our lives. It keeps us grateful.
But then....I was reading the book of John tonight. OUCH!! Talk about keepin' it REAL! Jesus kept it really real. Not only for himself---but he was quick to point out the realness in others. I almost said I was glad I wasn't hanging around with him then. But...he's the same yesterday, today and forever, right? I think he's still doing that. If we don't admit our realness, I think he's quick to point it out himself.
And then a new blogger (a shout-out to Julie!) wrote me and told me she read through all my blogs (bless her, God!) and appreciated my realness. I'm not sure I'm quite so deserving of her compliment, but I want to keep it real....really, I do!
So having said all that...I'm not sure where I'm going here. How real do we get? I don't think you want to hear my complaints. You don't need my opinions. Gosh! It makes me nervous to write anything now.

WHAT DO I TALK ABOUT?!?

I know....pretty scary!! Can you tell I've laid around all day? But I'm committed to keepin' it real!!! Too real?

Phone Numbers

My bratty 30-year-old "kid" brought something to my attention this past week. (Hope you're reading, Matt!) He called me needing his uncle's phone number, so I gave it to him. He said he also might call his grandmother, so I asked him if he needed her phone number, too. "Nope," he said, "Granny's number is xxx-xxxxx, Mama's number is xxx-xxxx and your number is xxx-xxxx. Old people never change their phone numbers!!" Can you believe he called me OLD????

What do you think this says about our society? You should see my address book!! I started using white-out because my kids' numbers changed so often. In fact, I'm surprised they still sell address books. How do they make any money? Or maybe it's a lucrative business because people change addresses and phone numbers so often.

But seriously. I think there's something to this....

Voter's Guide

I've looked and looked for this kind of voter's guide this past month. And I finally found it here. Hope it helps all of you as you prayerfully consider how to vote!

http://www.afa.net/08VG/index.html

The Emperor

What does the Bible say about elections? Not much, I've found out. Do you realize how often in history a country has had the privilege of voting for a leader? Not often. (Understand, I'm not really a history buff, but I do remember a few things from school.) So it is a privilege. I've been thinking on this quite a bit and doing some research in the Bible and here's a passage I found quite interesting. It's taken from I Peter 2:13-17.

13Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,

14Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service.

15For it is God's will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons.

16[Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God.

17Show respect for all men [treat them honorably]. Love the brotherhood (the Christian fraternity of which Christ is the Head). Reverence God. Honor the emperor.

Honor the Emperor. Wow! We may all need to do a history study on the Roman Emperor. From what I remember, he was not a godly man. Do you realize how few government leaders in history have been godly? Yet God tells us to honor them.

So where does that leave us in American government....when we have an opportunity to vote? PRAY. Hold the candidates up against the Word of God. And then honor.

Here's something that gives me great hope: Isaiah 9:6

"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."

Remember

This morning, I read Psalm 106. Several times throughout the chapter, it says things like this: "They soon forgot His many acts of kindness to them...or Yet how quickly they forgot what He had done for them."
So I began trying to think back and remember all God has done for me---and to thank Him as I remembered. Let me name a few:
1. He chose a wonderful husband for me.
2. He has delivered us financially over and over when we least deserved it.
3. We saw a miracle of rain in China when we asked God to prove who He was to the people.
4. We saw a girl healed of seizures.
5. I've seen the miracle of my children's salvation.
6. I saw God bring in godly spouses for my children. He protected them.
7. God has protected our ministry over and over.
8. We've seen God's miraculous provision 100's of times.
9. I've seen God change my heart.
10. God has delivered us from the attacks of the enemy.
11. I've seen God deliver marriages.
12. I've seen God deliver from addictions.

13. I've seen lives changed at Living Water---people are now in leadership who used to come for help.

14. I have a twice-gifted house.

15. I have a fully furnished, well-decorated house.

16. I've seen God's grace in action.

17. I've been the recipient of many gifts.

18. I've become a giver.
...More to come as I remember today.

Let's remember together today. What has He done for you?

My baby....

Ever since my grandkids started losing their baby teeth, I've wanted to tell my favorite "Tooth Fairy" story. Tonight's the night.

Zach is our baby. See above photo. This is not when Zach was four. But isn't my little redheaded, freckle-faced boy cute? Zach was also our loudest kid. I think it came from being the youngest of 4 children---and trying to be heard. Zach was also a sanguine personality...which means he was the life of the party! He was our family entertainment as he grew up. Seriously. He gave us hours of laughter. In fact, there may be more Zach-stories to come! I had to tell you all of this to set up this story.

When David, who is 2 years older than Zach, lost his first baby tooth at 6 years old, he was so excited to put his tooth under his pillow for the Tooth Fairy to come. Now you also have to understand that at the time, we lived in a 2 bedroom apartment where Amy, David & Zach shared a bedroom. (Matt slept in the dining room! ha!) After giving this some serious thought, Zach came to me almost in hysterics because he "didn't want That Tooth Fairy coming in his room!!" Of course, I started laughing (not always a good thing to do) and tried to convince Zach it was going to be ok. He wasn't convinced. His hysteria rose another notch. Since it was past bedtime, I decided to handle this situation seriously. So...I took Zach into my bedroom and told him, "Zach....I'm the Tooth Fairy." "Uh-uh!!!," he said, with his eyes wide. "Oh yes, Zach. It's me. And I'll prove it to you. Tonight, when I put money under David's pillow, I'll put a dime under your pillow so you'll know I'm the Tooth Fairy. But you can't tell David. It's our secret," I told him. You could see the wheels turning in his four-year-old mind. He looked at me quizzically and asked, "HOW DO YOU GET TO ALL THOSE HOUSES EVERY NIGHT?!?"

The Prodigal Son

If you ever have time to listen to sermons online, I highly recommend these sermons---they're a video---even better! They are by Robert Morris, who is pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. I've listened to two of his series, "Welcome Home" (about the prodigal son) and "The Blessed Life" (about firstfruits). They are both excellent!! Our small group is watching "Welcome Home" on DVD and it is changing our lives. I've never seen a group of men so excited about a teaching as our men are about this!! Check it out!
http://www.gatewaypeople.com/index.php?action=res_sermons

Nostalgia

Last night, Caitlin wanted to light up her jack-o-lantern again. She didn't want to put it ouside for fear of it being stolen. (Does that make you want to repent, sons?!?) So we lit it up. About 30 minutes later, I went in to check on it and stood over it to look at the candle. When I did, I got a good whiff of candle burning pumpkin....and oh my! What a nostalgic moment. I love that smell! It almost made me want to go in and dress up like a hobo. (We didn't have exotic costumes in my day!!)

Heard from Pampa...

Matt, Alexis & Big Baby almost 2 years ago.

Ryan, Alexis & Benjamin a year ago.

Those who know our family might wonder why Alexis isn't here with Caitlin.  Alexis is Caitlin's younger sister.  At times, they have wanted to come to Gran & Pops by themselves for their own special attention...but this time, Alexis decided she needed to go see Granny in Pampa while Caitlin came here.  I think the hysterical part is the main drawing card in Pampa, besides Granny, of course,  is "Big Baby."   This is an antique doll that my mom has at her house which Alexis named.  Mom has sewn clothes for this doll and Alexis loves to dress it.  I also think the reason Big Baby is so special is because it's probably the one thing Granny hasn't allowed the kids to take home.  So Big Baby stays in Pampa.  Alexis went to Pampa and to Big Baby.

I talked to Granny this morning to see how it was going and she said they were having a great time.  Not only did she have Alexis, but she also had Benjamin.  Benjamin is my sister, Sandra's, 6 year old son.  Alexis & Benjamin are only 3 months apart.  Yes.  I have grandchildren older than a nephew.  (It's Sandra's fault.)  So mom is keeping a grandchild and a great-grandchild who are the same age at the same time.  Is she not amazing?  (Actually, she said it's easier to have them at the same time to entertain one another.)

Mom said that Benjamin and Alexis are getting along GREAT!  As I thought about that, I thought, "Yeah!  Those 2 should.  They're both the youngest in their families and are probably tired to death of being bossed!!"  They had found and rescued a cat, they were collecting cocoons, Granny was taking them to McDonald's for lunch and then to Dollar Tree for a spending spree.  Benjamin informed Alexis that Dollar Tree was the BEST place to shop.  I'm sure she already knew that....

Now my only concern is that as Caitlin & Alexis compare their weekends that Granny may have won.  I mean...how can it get better than Big Baby and shopping?  Although Caitlin did get a pair of stylin' reading glasses at Dollar General.  And there's always the pumpkin.

Caitlin, Hymns & Pumpkins

Caitlin came to see us tonight. Isn't she beautiful? She's 9 years old now and I can barely get my chin on top of her head. We had a Sunday School party in our plans, but she was game to go with us. And she loved it. Of course, she was the only child there among all us grandparents---and got all the attention, I might add.
We had a pumpkin carving contest and Caitlin was the judge. I'm afraid she may have been corrupted---a couple of groups tried bribing her! But she chose the pumpkin that was carved laying on it's side that was "puking." Yep. It had pumpkin seeds and pulp coming out it's mouth. Quite a statement by a bunch of grandparents!!
Then we went inside and sang around the piano. And being the age we are, we sang hymns. You know, we're really the borderline generation. We began learning choruses in high school. In fact, some of the songs we sang tonight were from a musical we sang way back then. (He's Everything To Me) I like to think we're the open-minded generation---we like hymns, choruses, praise & worship music, etc. Or at least, I do.
But tonight, I was kind of sad as I watched 9-year-old Caitlin trying to sing along with us. She knew none of the hymns. And it made me sad to realize these songs are going to be "lost" with our generation. And I'm not a hard-nosed person who thinks that we need a hymn for each worship song we sing. But tonight, I really listened to the words of some of the songs we sang. They were extolling God, calling us to worship Him and to give testimony to the great things He has done in our lives. I know the debate that praise songs are "to" God and most hymns are "about" God---but we need both. Tonight, I saw the hymns in a different light. It was one generation telling the next generation about the God they serve----and why.
Well...after the party, Caitlin talked Pops into going and getting her a pumpkin so she could try her own hand at carving. Why, you may ask, does a 9-year-old have a knife in hand, doing her own carving? Because she's being overseen by a fussy grandfather who guides each stroke of her knife and constantly reminds her not to slit her wrist. Seriously. She's very proud of her first pumpkin. She says it's a tradition in her family that her daddy carves the pumpkins. Gee....I wonder where he gets that???

Dumb, Dumb, Dumb

It all started this afternoon when I was in a hurry. I was trying to do some things to take care of our adopted students so I could then get home and relax. As I said....I was in a hurry.

Our driveway is divided from our neighbors by this low pipe rail. It's been a source of problems for a long time, right Amy?

You have to make a wide right turn into the driveway to avoid hitting this rail. And you can only do this if you're not in a hurry....

Like I said....I was in a hurry today. Dumb, dumb, dumb....

You got it! I ran right into that pole----and heard a loud KAPOW! The tire exploded. But that wasn't the worst of it.

Andy tried to remove the tire so I could go get a new one....and it wouldn't come off. He tried moving the car over a little to have more elbow room and I watched as the tire wouldn't rotate. (which accounts for the above skid marks) Apparently, I've not only ruined a tire, but a wheel and possibly an axle. Why, oh why did I have to be in a hurry???


But aren't my mums lovely this fall?

If you could...

If you could go one place tomorrow (anywhere in the world), where would it be?

Clara

I want to tell you about a woman for whom I have a great deal of admiration. Her name is Clara. Clara is a feisty woman in her late 70's, I'm guessing. She and my mom have spent their adult lives teaching children in Good News Clubs. If you don't know what that is, it's Child Evangelism flannelgraph Bible stories, songs and Bible verses taught in an hour-long setting for children. Clara has not only taught, but she's organized purchasing a chapel on wheels to be used in places where homes were not available. She's been instrumental in purchasing tons of candy to be given out to kids each week. She taught more than one class a week in her heyday.
Several years ago, Clara was diagnosed with the worst kind of arthritis. She has been in excruciating pain for years...but you'd never know it. She has maintained her sense of humor in the worst of situations---and she has a wonderful sense of humor!! She's an amazing woman. Someone I admire and want to be like. I only hope I could have her attitude if I were in that kind of pain. How do you do that?
Because of her arthritis, she's had to have help this past year. And recently, she's had even more help. My mom has gone to stay with her some evenings and this past Tuesday evening was one of those times. When my mom got there, she found Clara in the bathroom floor. She'd fallen and thought she'd broken a hip. She had on a medic alert---but it didn't work! They took her by ambulance to Amarillo and found that she'd broken her shoulder and not her hip. She knows she's going to have round-the-clock care now, but it hasn't deterred her sense of humor. She told Andy & I last night that she knows they can't do surgery--she wouldn't survive. And then she told Andy he better not get out of the country---she wants him to sing at her funeral. Her parting shot as we walked out of her hospital room was this, "If you're not there to sing at my funeral, I'll come back to haunt you!!"
What a lady---a funny lady!

Question

If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?

(This is not a trick question and your answer does not have to be spiritual.)

Better perspective.

I don't know about you, but when my body hurts, my whole perspective is skewed. So after getting home this evening and putting my leg up for awhile and after a few Tylenol, I had a different perspective on my day.
Let me tell you about it....
My day started out with Andy getting up before daylight to do a good deed for me---he went to speak to some teachers on behalf of Living Water. What a guy! Then a precious little boy opened my door and climbed into my bed and said, "I can't sleep, Guh." So we turned on the tv and watched Little Einsteins.
I got to hand out funds this morning to some needy, deserving people. I was blessed to get to share Jesus Christ with each of them and see 2 people come to Christ!! They were both so broken. One lady told me she'd been praying...but when she realized she really didn't know Christ, she was eager to receive His free gift to her. Amazing. I'm amazed anytime I see a baby being born---physically or spiritually!
Mid-morning, I was excited to see 2 cute little kids come in to Living Water bringing lunch to share with me. It was a hoot later to peek into the chapel and see them standing at the front, singing and preaching together.
And then I came home to a clean house!
You know what? I had a great day!

It's been a bad day.

I got up this morning to go walking with Jodina at 8. We met at the park and had walked around it a couple of times and were about 1/4 of our way on the 3rd round when I slipped on a piece of wet bark (Thank you, God, for the rain!) and fell on my already sore knee. I just had to sit there a minute and keep from passing out. Hard fall. But I managed to get up and get to my car. I'll be ok.
Then I got to Living Water and discovered some wonderful soul left about a dozen boxes of clothes at my front door over the weekend----which were now soaking wet!!! (Thank you, God, for the rain!) Fortunately, Gib was still here and he began helping me get them to the dumpster. The boxes were falling apart as we tried to haul them. THEN as I got around the corner, I realized they'd FILLED UP my back door with more stuff---probably 25 boxes there! AAARRRGGGGHHH!!!!! So frustrating!! What? They didn't hear the weather report?? (Thank you, God, for the rain!) And the sad thing is....it was probably nice clothing. But there's not much we can do with soggy clothing.
I can only hope my day gets better....(Really, God, thank you for the rain!!)

***Update***

Sigh....I was afraid this would happen. Living Water has neighbors living in low-rent housing behind us. Some of them were watching as we loaded all these wet boxes in our dumpster. As I was leaving work, I looked down our alley and saw where they had dug through our dumpster and had strewn boxes, clothing and stuff everywhere. I just didn't even have the energy to deal with it and kept on going. Jason, I want to worship with my life every moment....it's just hard sometimes, you know?!?

Apple Dumpling Recipe

Shanna made these when we went to Lubbock. Since David & Lindsey were coming this weekend, I decided to get the stuff to make them. Wow!! They are so good.....and so EASY! I doubled the recipe thinking we might have more people here (and didn't) and wasn't sure how they'd survive as left-overs, but they were just as great tonight as they were last night. This is a quick and easy recipe to make for guests and they'll never guess they're so easy!

1 Granny Smith Apple, peeled, cored and cut into 8 slices
1 Can of Crescent Rolls
1 stick of butter
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

Grease an 8x8 dish. Roll one slice of apple in each crescent roll. Arrange apple rolls in pan. Add other ingredients to a pan and cook on stove until the butter is melted. Pour over the apples. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. At the last 10 minutes, I basted the apple rolls with the sauce. These are great served a la mode!

Smile Shutter

I had to try out the smile shutter setting on my camera. It focuses in on a face and won't snap unless the person is smiling. I had to keep reminding Tinkerbell to smile! Ryan was ready with his cheesy smile!!

Playing while my house is cleaned....

So....guess what I'm doing? I'm a woman of leisure while my house is being cleaned. AAAHHHHHH...it's wonderful, I tell you! Lindsey & I worked out a deal. She needs money while David is looking for a job and I need a clean house. Now who better to get than someone with OCD? HA! (I know she'll read this---but she's the one who admits to that disorder---and she can post a blog about my dirty house. I can provide the pictures for her!! ha!) She's a detail person and I'm....not. She'll clean out all the cobwebs that have been here since we first moved in. What a deal!
In the meantime, I've gotten to play with Captain Hook and Tinkerbell. So here we go with the pictures.

Tinkerbell (AKA Addie Belle) helps Captain Hook (AKA Ryan) put on his gear.

And then Tinkerbell takes off for her maiden flight.

Captain Hook is called to the lunch table. Isn't it funny? Kids put on a costume and immediately assume the role. Here he's saying, "Arrrgghhh, Matey!"

Tinkerbell extended her wand to each of us and said, "Click." I'd never been "clicked" by a fairy before!

Captain Hook had a few more "Arrgghhh, Matey's" before he could eat his hot dog.

Tinkerbell wanted a picture of her wings. Aren't they beautiful? (Dollar Tree....$1)

Captain Hook discovers I've created a "pirate" out of his hot dog. It caused him to gobble it up. (The head, especially!)
It's so much fun playing Captain Hook & Tinkerbell while your house gets cleaned.

Politics

I'm jumping in. Why do we feel like we shouldn't talk about it? But really...it could be life or death...of a nation. Think I'm being dramatic? I've been accused of that before, so I feel pretty comfortable here. ha!
But tonight, I heard some pundits talking on MSNBC about the vice-presidential debate and all the pieces fell into place for me. Here's what they said: "It all boils down to economics."
So what fell into place, you ask?
Luke 16:13
"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
We're in trouble. Our nation serves the wrong master! I think it's imperative that we repent and cry out for God's mercy.
2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

The Last of the Last Days!

Do you remember taking a long trip with your parents and asking, "How much longer?"  I know we used to answer our kids when they were small in terms they understood, "One more Little House on the Prairie....or one more Mr. Rogers."  I think that's what the signs are for.  God has given them to us to understand the time line we're on.  But He's also told us in Luke 12:37 that we'll be blessed if we're awake and alert and watching for Him when he comes.  I guess that's my motivation---to wake us all up to be the ones watching!  You know, God has always prepared His people.  Think of Noah.  God warned him what was about to happen (the flood) and told him what to do (build an ark).  Who was blessed?  Those who believed (Noah & his family).  Think of the Israelites in Egypt.  God warned them (they were leaving Egypt) and told them what to do (collect gold from the Egyptians).  Who was blessed?  Those who believed (those who put blood over the doorposts).  God has warned us.  What has He told you to do?  Will you believe?  So...here are some more verses about what it's going to be like in the last days.

II Peter 3

1.  Scoffers will come in the last days mocking the Truth.  They will walk after their own fleshly desires.

2.  People will ask, "What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again?  From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”  My interpretation:  People will say, "People have been saying he's coming back for thousands of years and he hasn't!  What makes you think it's soon?"

3.  People willfully overlook and forget the fact that everything was created by the word of God.

4.  The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow with what He promises.  He is acting out of long-suffering.  He doesn't want one person to perish.

5.  The day of the Lord's return will come like a thief in the night.

6.  Beware of wicked persons and the error of lawless people.

7.  Grow in grace, spiritual strength, understanding of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

Daniel 12:4

1.  Understanding of the last days won't come until the last days.

2.  Many people will be running to and fro---much travel and busyness.

3.  Knowledge will increase.

You've probably seen a repeat of alot of the same warnings throughout my 3 posts of the Last Days.  That's because God wants us to "get it!"  Beware of false prophets and wicked people.  And prepare for persecution.  I believe it's an act of worship to be watching and preparing.  Let's ask God to prepare us...and to make us the ones who are watching.  Come quickly, Lord Jesus!!

I can't quit here.  There may be someone who reads this blog and doesn't know if they believe in Jesus Christ.  You don't know if you were to die today if you'd go to heaven.  Please go to this website and read how to accept Jesus as your Savior:  http://www.ccci.org/wij/index.aspx

 

The Last Days, Pt. 2

Part 2 of what the Last Days will look like.  This is taken from II Timothy 3:

1.   Perilous times of great stress (Difficult to deal with and hard to bear).

2.   People will be lovers of self.

3.   People will be lovers of money--aroused by an inordinate greedy desire for wealth.

4.   People will be proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters.

5.   People will be abusive, blasphemous, scoffers.

6.   Children will be disobedient to parents, unholy, ungrateful, and profane.

7.   People will be without natural human affection, unemotional, callous and inhuman.

8.   People will be relentless; unwilling to come to a truce.

9.   People will be slanderers, false accusers, troublemakers.

10.  People will be without self-control, loose in morals and conduct.

11.  People will be uncontrolled, angry, fierce and haters of good.

12.  People will be treacherous and betrayers.

13.  People will be rash and inflated with self-conceit.

14.  People will be lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.

15.  People will have the appearance of holiness but deny the power of God in their lives.

16.  There will be those who worm their way into the homes of weak-willed women to teach them.  These women are inquiring and gathering information but never arriving at Truth.  (Consider your television!)

17.  Avoid these reprobate teachers.  They are hostile to the Truth.  They have depraved and distorted minds.  They are counterfeits!

18.  All who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution.  You'll be made to suffer for your religious stand.

19.  Wicked men and imposters will deceive and lead many astray.

20.  Herald and preach the Word!  Keep your sense of urgency!!

21.  Time is coming when people will not tolerate sound and wholesome instruction.  They will have itching ears for something pleasing and gratifying.

22.  People will gather one teacher after another to a considerable number---to satisfy their liking, to support the errors they believe.

23.  People will turn aside from hearing Truth and wander off into myths and man-made fiction.

The Last Days, Pt. 1

I don't claim to be an authority on the last days, but I do know how to read.  And as I've been reading, I thought I'd just post some signs of Jesus' return I've found.  Here are some things to look for before the return of Christ from Matthew 24.

1.  Error.  There will be teachers of false doctrine

2.  Men proclaiming to be Christ.  They will say, "I am the Messiah," and lead many astray.

3.  Wars & rumors of war

4.  Nation will rise against nation

5.  Famines

6.  Earthquakes

7.  All of this will be like the beginning of birth pangs

8.  Believers will be handed over to suffer affliction & tribulation and put to death

9.  Believers will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.

10.  Many will be offended & repelled & will begin to distrust & desert Him.  They'll stumble & fall away.

11.  There will be betrayal of one another

12.  They will pursue one another with hatred

13.  Many false prophets will rise up & deceive & lead many astray

14.  The love of the great body of people will grow cold because of multiplied lawlessness & iniquity.

15.  The Good News will be preached throughout the whole world to all nations

16.  False prophets will do signs and wonders--to deceive and lead astray

17.  When you see all these signs, all taken together, come to pass--you can know Jesus is at the door.

18.  People will be eating and drinking and marrying.  Life will be casual.

When Guilt Moved In

Guilt moved in

One piece of furniture at a time.

How was I to know that

She wanted what was mine?

Subtle, at first, 

She brought in beautiful, fresh paint.

"Lie down, lie down!," she said,

"I wouldn't want you faint."

She rearranged each room

Until I was confused.

The suggestions that I offered her

Were....REFUSED!

Why don't you paint that chair?

And move it over there?

How can you stand that clock

And it's loud tick-tock?

Why do you have this art?

Don't you think it's ugly?

Give it to old blind Bart

You've ignored him lately.

"Move this, change that!"

Her voice grew louder and louder.

I felt pressed and torn;

All I could do was cower.

My strength was gone,

My arms sagged, I had no more fight.

Why did I let her in?

She's taken all my rights.

What's that?  A knock on the door!

The Prince of Peace comes in.

"Be gone!  Away with you!

I know your real name--SIN!"

"My dear," He said, 

"You must guard the door of your mind.

Don't invite Guilt in

And My restful peace you'll find."