snow snow go away

Fall is here.The leaves are falling at a rapid rate.The temperature is getting cooler by the day.Some of us would rather have warmer weather.As we grow older ,we don't look forward to the cooler temperatures and then there's the snow.....Pretty as it may be.It is annoying when we still have to drive to work.Or you live way back in the woods like me and at times get snowed in for several days.There have been several occasions when I have been ready to call in the Coast guard and tell them bring the boat or a helicopter and get me out of here.Ive seen enough squirrels and snow.While being stuck here was fun for a day.It is no longer enjoyable.I want to see people.Other people besides my family members who are now getting on each others nerves. Fighting over the TV Remote.Oh if only the cable would go out.Who have had way too much hot cocoa Who grew tired of playing in the snow 48 hours ago .And if I have to hang one more wet article of clothing by the woodstove......

Why do we always want things to be different? If we are stuck in the snow.We can't find ways to accept it and enjoy the time with our family.We are looking for ways to get out of the situation.There are people who work long hours each week.They don't spend much time with their families.A minute here,a text message there.They would give their right arm to be snowed in together.Some,pay a lot of money to go on vacations in the snowy wilderness.Have I got a house for you! Complete with,a driveway that is hard to drive down, unless you have 4 wheel drive.Lots of squirrels and an occasional snake in the kids room.

I think of my friend Carol. She makes me laugh.She can take any situation no matter how difficult or sad and she will make you crack up. She can find the humor in a trip to wawa.Just ask her about the time.....
She has kept me howling while we both have been raising our children for the past 17 years. And its nice to have someone who you can laugh with while you are going through hard times, and trying to figure out how to raise a child.
She is still laughing but now there is an intruder in her life.And some days it might be hard to find a smile let alone a chuckle.

When our children are small.We can protect them.We know where they are.Who they spend their time with.We have control.But as they grow older they venture out.The cord starts to stretch further away from Mom and Dad.The ones who can protect them from harm.Protect them from the people that can sway them or undo all the good we have tried to instill in them.We picture horrible things and people just waiting outside the confines of our safe warm house,ready to pounce on our vulnerable little babies the split second they walk out the door.The big bad wolf in sheep's clothing waiting for red riding hood in the dark lonely forest.

We are going along just fine and then comes the.....dreaded Girlfriend or the Boyfriend.Then one we would never choose for our precious babies.The one who right now has more influence on them then anyone.We want to throw them out of our homes.Barracade the doors,lock the windows and keep our child inside where it is safe.Where we are in control.But we all know we cannot do this.There have been people who have attempted it ,but they either end up in jail or the Dr Phil Show.Or the children leave ,never to return again.We've caused division in the family and now they don't call or come home.

The thing we have to remember is the Lord is in control.He loves our children more than we ever could.This is something that we as Mothers can't even begin to grasp.We love them more than anything.How could He love them more? But He does.

He knows from the very moment they are born and given to us as gifts,what their lives will be like.He even knows about the dreaded Girlfriend.He might not have put her there,but you will learn something from the whole experience.And He will get you through it all.

And while us Mothers are spending our days worrying,plotting against this intruder in our home.Thinking of ways to remove this person from our child's life.We are wasting precious energy and time.Most likely the relationship will not last,and we will be exhausted by the time it does , if we don't put our trust in the one who loves them more than we do.The one who has a plan and a purpose for our children.The one who created them and loved us enough to give us these precious gifts to raise.

It is hard being a Mother.The letting go,the trusting that our babies will be ok when they are away from us.We can choose to let go and let God.Or hold on to them with a death grip that will cause them to run.We can choose to spend our waking moments consumed with thoughts of how this person is ruining our lives.But He knows them better than we do.He will protect them.And while at this time in our lives we are not happy with our child's choice.We have to trust that it will all work out.Let go of the worry and fear.Let the Lord give you peace that will astound you.But you have to loosen your grip and let him take the hand of your beloved baby.And one day you will look back and realize that all the worrying,fear and unrest weren't necessary.For he or she is long gone and your child is doing just fine.They are in the care of the one who Loves them the most.

I lift my eyes up to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and creator of earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber; Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

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 14:27

Blessings
Dee

Lifes a roller coaster

On my way home this morning I noticed the leaves on the trees had started to change.Then tonight as I looked out and I noticed that the Marsh grass had started to turn brown.Fall is approaching,but how did I not see it before? Did the leaves change over night? I don't think so.Life has a habit of constantly changing,each day is different than the next.

But did you ever notice things change right before our eyes and we miss them.Our children seem to grow up over night.How did my blue eyed Barney the dinosaur loving 3 year old,turn into a 17 year old with a beard,a drivers license? When did my little Logan turn into a 10 year old who is now almost as tall as me?When did all these lines around my eyes appear?

Life is changing quickly before my eyes and it will continue to do so.It is like riding a bicycle with no brakes.we are riding down the road,at times we speed up and hang on for dear life,unable to slow down,unable to stop the ride we are on.If we had our way we would cruise slowly taking in the sights,we can put our feet down and slow down the bike if we want to.The one thing that keeps coming to mind is that.Although we can't stop life from happening or moving quickly
.We do have the ability to either enjoy the scenery and the ride.Or we can hang on for dear life.Clutching the bar white knuckling it like we were on a roller coaster and we have a fear of heights.Eyes shut tight,holding our breath until its over., missing it all.

But for those that enjoy roller coasters.The ride is exhilarating.The ups and downs of the track,The wind whipping in your face,being able to see the tops of the trees below.The miles and miles of landscape we can see from the top of the peak.Until the roller coaster starts to descend. The rush of air,the feeling that you are going to fall out of the car at times,but you are safely seat belted in. The hairpin turns.You feel alive, A little scared at times.A little giddy but when the ride ends.No matter how scary it was.You want to do it again.

That is how life should be.There will always be ups and downs.you may feel you are going to fall and at times you are holding on for dear life.Only to go around a bend that makes you smile and you laugh until your belly hurts.We have a choice, enjoy life or dread it.While none of us can ever say that Yes, we enjoyed every moment of every day.There are some days we want to pull the covers over our heads and hide.There will always be times that if we had to choose what is happening to us,we wouldn't wish it on our worst enemy.But we manage.If we remember that we were put on this earth for a purpose and every moment of our life is planned out.We can hop on that roller coaster,put our face to the wind and ride with the confidence that we will make it to the end of the track.And the ride will be worth it.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 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.

Blessings
Dee

Bee's in my hair,but im ok

I had a bee in my hair this morning,which caused me to rip out my pony tail holder,while ripping out some of my hair with it.Tearing off my shirt,and doing the crazy shake your head,wave your arms dance until the buzzing stopped and the bee was found,Tangled in my hair.The bee is no longer with us,I must say., We had a snake in the dining room the other day,it started out in the kids room. More on that later.

One teenage son who has a knee injury,hence visits to get an MRI,physical therapy,One doctor visit for inhalers for possible exercise induced asthma.One husband with a stomach virus now turned into a severe head cold for the past 7 weeks.One 10 year old with a blood shot eye,belly ache and the sniffles. Did I mention the snake in the bedroom? But in the midst of all of this ,Im doing alright.It a wonder im still sane.But im doing ok.

Each morning when we wake up we are never to sure what our day will be like.We can have visions of what we would like it be like.But rarely do our visions match our day.Some days are quiet and calm.We breeze right on thru.Others start out peaceful, but can turn into a bee in the hair,snake in the house.visit to the Doctor day.Not what we have in mind.

I worked with my friend Cathie yesterday. She lost her husband of 40 some years recently.Although the family knew it was coming and had time to prepare somewhat.Im sure that day She would have rather had a nice quiet uneventful boring day.She reminded me that we had prayed months ago that the Lord would put people in her life to encourage her. I do not know what it feels like to lose someone that close,but im sure your greatest fear is the loneliness,and the fear of the unknown.The intense feeling that someone has pulled the rug right out from under you and you are laying on the floor banged up and bruised and bewildered.But the one thing that she said was that she did not feel lonely.That she knew God was in control of her life.

As we go through life we can hear the words"He is in control and will never leave us'.But we are never 100% postive that we trust in that.What if its not what I want.What if He forgets about me.What if Everyone forgets about me.I will be alone.I will feel this way for the rest of my life.

The one thing I have learned this year from talking to so many women who have lost loved ones,Husbands ,Children.Is that they got through it all.Some days they didn't know how they did it They could hardly get out of bed,But they had the strength to keep going.

Most of them can tell you now that they can feel the Lords peace.Sure there is sadness some days.We wouldn't be human if we didnt feel emotions.But all of them can tell you honestly that their joy has returned,and they made it through something that they thought was impossible to handle.

So I ask you today,are you trusting in the one who can carry you through whatever life throws at you? Whether it is a bee in your hair,snake in your house,or the death of a loved one,loss of a job or major health problems.

Do you believe that He will pick you up in his arms and carry you? Or are you still lying on the floor after the rug was pulled out from under you,wishing your life was better,crying over your bruises but not putting your trust in Him and not getting up,dusting yourself off ,wiping your tears.He can't help you if you don't let him.

Your morning may be quiet but we never know what is around the corner. Your never too sure of what is up ahead.But the one thing we can be sure of is How much He loves us,That He is in control of every second of our day,and He will never leave our side.There may be Bees in your hair,sick kids,even a snake slithering down the hall,but you will be alright if you trust in Him.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Blessings Dee

Devotion on Hope

The definition of hope·less

1. Having no hope; despairing.

2. Offering no hope; bleak.

3. Incurable.

4. Having no possibility of solution; impossible.

How many of us put our hope and trust in the Lord,only to yank it back.We are like children when they go fishing,They cast the line,pull it back. cast again, and in 2 seconds they pull it back in,the line is now tangled in the weeds,The bobber and hook need to be cut off,They must start all over again.Within an hour or two fishing isn't as fun as they thought it would be.They just want to go home.And they sure are exhausted and there are no fish to bring home.

We go through life half believing that He can do what he says He can do. When things are going well.We have hope .We tell others who are in despair," Have hope, God will carry you through" we go through out the day dispensing our wisdom and quoting scripture to those in need.Why we could be on the stage like joyce meyer or the Girls from women of faith.We sure sound good!

But when the roaring waves of life come crashing down on us,we soon forget what we have told others. We begin to doubt,we become fearful.What if God doesn't answer this prayer.What if He chooses to say no.What will I do? What if He is not paying attention?

We all have things in our life that we have been praying for ,for years,sometimes decades.We see no change,as a matter of fact things have gotten worse.We have situations in our lives right now,that seem hopeless.God can do anything,but I doubt He can fix this.....Its hopeless,But you don't understand,,,there is no way they can change,Why is it,we can believe most of what we read,but if it seems hopeless in our eyes,this is the one thing God can't do.

We become doubters.How many of us pray,asking for certain things ,but as it is leaving our mouths,our minds are thinking "not going to happen"," I'll just open my mouth,but what I'm praying isn't going to happen".How can He work if we are stifling him?I picture a hand over a mouth muffling the words.If you have ever gone through the McDonalds drive thru you can relate.When they repeat your order back,most of the time you just agree and pray that it is correct. You can't understand one single word they have said.He already knows what you are praying,but He wants to hear it ,He wants you to believe it.


When we pray we need to believe, believe and receive.When things seem so hopeless that is when we need to go to him and give it to him.All of it,all of the doubt and the pain.We cannot take it back.Lay it at his feet and walk away.He will pick it up,He will carry the heavy load.

He can take the most desperate situation and breath life into it.He will take away the weariness of carrying the heavy burdens of life and hopelessness.Take the weight from your shoulders and place it at the feet of Jesus.And walk away knowing that it is already taken care of.

No amount of worrying about it,will make an ounce of difference.Cast your cares on him.like the fishermen who has fished for many years. Throw out the line,and leave it there.but instead of a fish you will have the peace of knowing He's got it.

Psa 42:5 (NNAS) Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.

Psa 71:5 (NNAS) For You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth.

Rom 8:24-25 (NNAS) For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
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.
Blessings
Dee

This morning I watched a skittish young squirrel that was scared to death of a piece of watermelon.Last night I had placed an old slice under the bird feeder.I'm assuming the squirrel was young.As they grow older they sure do get bolder.If they see something they want and it is right next to you they will come and get it.But this squirrel seemed scared to death of a piece of fruit.

He would skitter sideways towards it and run away,he would constantly look at it,look away,run towards it then run away again and again.At first it was amusing ,after 10 minutes of watching I wanted to yell"Its a watermelon,not a bomb,just go get it! But how was he to know? He or she is a squirrel.They live in a world where the unknown is dangerous.One wrong move and you are someones lunch.Or a pancake lying in the road.Life is scary when you are a tiny squirrel.You must always proceed with caution.

Even though we are not squirrels at times we live our lives like them.We become fearful of the unknown.Hesitant to try something new,something that is out of our comfort zone.The what if's take over and we stay right where we are.Staring at the watermelon slice,that we sure would like to have,but something keeps us away from it.We constantly look at it,run towards it,but then we run away.The endless cycle of doubt starts.

We may want to get to know someone but are afraid to invite them over,what if they say no? Why would they want to spend time with me? We want to be involved in a ministry,take a class,or try something new.But as we start to move forward,we become skittish like the squirrel.The whispers start in our ears.You can't do that? Who are you to think you can? ,Why would they want to get to know you?What if you fail,what will people think?

Whispers that start small and are like the hissing of snakes,subtle and quitebut persistant.They are at their loudest when the Lord calls us to do something .The sound is deafening at times.Nothing can drown them out.

Jesus wants us to have an abundant life.He has given each person gifts and talents to use for his kingdom.He wants us to step out of our comfort zones.He promises to be with us.But we forget that most of the time.We continue to stay right where we are.We want to move forward,we have dreams of doing great things.We can see it,but something holds us back.

Think of the little squirrel.If He chose to be a little braver and step up to the watermelon.He would find out it is just fruit,that it tastes good,and all of it would be his.His little belly would be full.But instead He choses to torture himself this morning.He will never know the sweetness of the watermelon.The satisfaction of overcoming his fears.The joy of pushing himself past the fear and completing the mission

.Do you want to be the squirrel and spend your days wishing and hoping but never getting what you want? Will you waste your days running towards what He wants you to do,but when you are almost there,you run away like the little squirrel? Don;t listen to the whispers that try to talk you out of what He wants you to do.All you have to do is take the first step.He will be there every step of the way.Trust him.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

Blessings
Dee

A light in the darkness

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

After reading this mornings newspaper I have come to the conclusion that our world is quickly becoming a mess,violence is way up, people have lost their minds.I wonder at times if there is any good news happening in our area.I have always thought that we need a newspaper of just happy,positive things going on.But would there be enough to fill it? I'm sure there would be plenty but most days after reading the press it makes you question.

I love the picture of the mountain above with the moon.It makes you think of how dark the world has become.Some days the darkness and the heaviness hangs over us like a thick dark blanket,we question if there is any light out there?.Where I live it is dark,So dark at times you can't see your hand in front of your face if there is no moon.When we first moved out here,the outdoor spotlights didn't work,So, when it was time to go to your car if you didn't have a flashlight,good luck trying to find where you where going.

You had to take baby steps,like when you are blindfolded playing a game as a child.You take tiny steps with your hands outstretched to protect you in case you trip or run into anything like a tree or a wall.A little hesitant for fear what was ahead.

At first living out here was a little too dark,a little too far from civilization,and there was a little too much nature walking around at night.Things you could hear but couldn't see.The fear of what was out there or who was out there, was there at times.The fear of the unknown in a strange place

.But as we began to work on our house and put up the spotlights and become familiar with our property things began to look differently.We could walk outside with confidence,knowing if anything was near us like the raccoon who happened to be following us hissing as we dragged the bag of trash to the cans.We could find our way,even if there was no moon.We felt safer with the light.

This is how the Lord is ,if he is in our lives.While the world around us continues to become more violent.When some days we think about what our futures will be like ,especially for our children and grandchildren,we shudder.
But the one thing we have is the Lord.He is the light in the darkness.He will show us the way.He will keep us on the path.He will be our protection when at times the darkness seems to be everywhere,closing in and surrounding us until it is hard to see any light.He is there.Like the tiny looking moon over the mountains in the picture above.While we may be deep in the dark valleys at times,or hanging on the side of a mountain too big to climb ,by just our fingertips.All we need to do is look up.And the light of Jesus will shine down upon us,illuminating our way like a lighthouse on the darkened beach that beckons the lost ships in the night."Here I am " It says,"Here I am,I will bring you to safety"",I will bring you out of harms way".A comforting glow that calls us to the shore safe and sound.So, when your world seems its darkest,and you can't find your way,look up and his heavenly light will shine ever so brightly for you to see.
Blessings
Dee

2 Samuel 22:29

You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.

This morning as I sat on the porch having my morning Coffee,I watched the squirrels surrounding the bird feeders like a little group of boy scouts around a campfire.The birds going back and forth to get their breakfast of sunflower seeds.All was calm,except the hummingbirds.They are about the cutest little birds you have ever seen,if you have had a chance to see them up close.Tiny in size,their wings go so fast they are a blur.All day they zip back and forth from the trees to the feeder.When you see them they look so sweet and adorable,you want to put one in a cage so you can look at it all day and hear their little squeaks.

But if you happen to be another hummingbird,look out,Looks are deceiving.They are the most territorial birds around.All day they fight.Zooming into each other little fighter planes.We have 2 feeders ,there is plenty of nectar to go around,but all day they are like spoiled little children.Defending their territory,smacking into each other,squeaking quite loudly.Always on the defense.They seem to waste precious energy defending their turf,they rarely rest.I would think they would be exhausted by nightfall.

We all have days like this.While we look sweet and nice on the outside.Inside we are not pretty at all.Sometimes we can hide it ,other times out is all comes and those in our path ,get a smack,just like the hummingbirds.We wonder why the birds act the way they do.They can never change,they are a bird,thats how God created them.They will defend their territory until the day they die.

But we have the choice each morning.While the Lord did create us with certain personalities and traits.What is inside does not have to stay put.We can constantly work on changing our hearts,our thoughts and our actions.Each morning we need to go to the Lord and ask that our hearts be overfilled with his Love and His peace.Sure we can skip that and go about our merry old way.And some days our way is far from merry!.But do we want to go through our day with heavy hearts.with aggravation upon us,looking at the world as the hummingbirds do,waiting for people to come near us,invade our territory and take what we think is ours?

No,this only drags us down.It causes up to lose our joy,our peace.If we let it take over we walk around grumbling and complaining,holding onto things like spoiled little children who have a death grip on a toy they don't even want,but they can't let it go for fear someone else will take it.We need to let it go.Let go of the anger ,the guilt,the things that cause us to be defensive.Let it go and let God replace it all with joy and peace.Let go of the fear that grips you and causes you to want to hide under the covers.Let go of the past that still holds on and refuses to let you move forward.Let go and let Him begin to replace it all with Peace,Hope,and strength.Remember the birds,they cannot change but you have a choice.
Blessings Dee

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law

Expectations

Expectations, we all have them.We expect certain things from people in our lives.Our spouses, friends,coworkers,even more from our pastors.We will have a thought stuck in our minds of how this person will react and the sad thing is most of the time,they do not respond how we had hoped.

I think of a friend ,it was her birthday.She had many friends and relatives.All day she waited for them to call her or stop by to wish her a happy birthday.But the phone did not ring,nor did the doorbell.And so by the end of the day she sat crying on her bed,the thoughts running through her mind that no one cared,here were people she had known for years,why even her best friend did not call.She had expected them to remember and they had let her down.

It was not that these people didn't love her.There were many that did.But our lives are so filled to the brim with commitments,stress,and distractions that we do forget the little things like birthdays,or making that phone call when we know friends that are struggling with life and could use some encouragement.We put things on the back burner so to speak and charge forward each day trying to get everything done that is on our to do list.We are running at break neck speed and we disappoint people or forget to make that call or stop in for that visit.

Someone had told me years ago.If they are human they will let you down.But Jesus will not.He is the only one in your life who will always be there.Someone else told me in life we need to lower our expectations when it comes to people.We are all flawed,we may have good intentions but we will always at some point drop the ball in the game of life.This makes us wonder if everyone is going to fail us in some way why bother to have friends,Why set ourselves up for a fall?

Jesus did not put us on this earth to go it alone.Think how boring that would be? We would never be hurt or let down but im sure spending time with just ourselves would get old real quick.I think of the people in my life that will say" I don't need people".How sad is that?The real reason behind that comment is fear.Fear of rejection, fear of being hurt, we are vulnerable,giving a bit of ourselves that yes, might possiblly be hurt at some point.Why they might even let us down and then that would be painful wouldn't it? So they keep to themselves,growing more bitter and more alone each day.Without God and other people the heart can start to wither and become hard and cold.If we start to keep track of the times people have let us down,we will quickly become angry,the bitterness will begin to seep in.One by one we will start to distance ourselves from others.

Jesus wants us to have a life full of joy.He wants us to surround ourselves with others who can encourage us when we need it.To be there when we are suffering.We cannot go it alone.We are all flawed in some way.We will all eventually let someone down.But the fact is that we are human.The only perfect one is Jesus.He will surround you with people who will love you and be there for you,but we cannot expect them to be perfect.We need to look at others through His eyes.Forgive those who have not done what was expected.Jesus forgives us over and over again.How wonderful is that? Today why not ask him to give you his eyes and his forgiving heart,your day will be one filled with blessings and wonder.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls for he has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10


Blessings Dee

At this moment my living room resembles a recording studio.I have a drum set in one corner,five guitars leaning against the fireplace,one large piano and an organ all crammed into a house the size of a postage stamp.My children both love music.My oldest son can be seen walking around with a guitar strapped to him at all times,I have actually found him asleep with the guitar still attached,pick in hand.My youngest will go from the piano to the organ,to the drums and this will continue through out the day. They both have amazing talents when it comes to music.

As a parent I realize this and try to encourage them ,but with that comes the noise.Cymbals that cut through your ears like a knife.Try to complete a task while the guitar amp is cranked up as high as it will go.I dare you to try and remember what in the world you are doing and why you walked into the room.The only thing to do in this house is to take a walk,or find some ear plugs.Even though I will most likely need a hearing aid in the future due to blown out ear drums.My children will never be able to say they were not encouraged and that I never let them express themselves.Believe you me,there is some expressing going on in this home daily.

Loud music reminds me of our thoughts.At times we can't block them out.We try to focus on other things,but the thoughts continue on.Did you ever sit in church praying,all is quiet,all of a sudden the strangest thought pops in your head.You open your eyes and look around and think" where in the world did that come from"?You close your eyes,start to pray and here comes another one.I find that while I am driving the strangest things pop into my head.It is usually things from my past that I would like to forget.That long since been forgiven,but there they are.At times they make me cringe.How many times have we had some really rotten things run through our minds?

Each day thoughts run through our minds like the thousands of cars that drive the freeways.Zooming through,some stay and continue to swirl in our brains.They usually are the negative things that have happened to us.Why is the positive ones pop up occasionally but don't stick around like the negative ones? How many of us can recall a mean comment that someone said to us in grade school? Most likely all of us.They embed themselves in our mind like a splinter in our foot.Hard to remove and the pain it can cause here and there hurts.

Jesus wants us to protect our thoughts.Do you know He can do that for us? He can help us guard out minds.He can be the filter that lets the negative go in one ear and out the other ,so to speak.But if we meditate on the positive, after a while it sticks around.We can easily recall positive happy thoughts rather than the debilitating mean or negative ones.If we immerse ourselves in Scripture we can leave no room for the negative.In with the good,out with the bad.

Remembering scripture is not one of my strong areas.I have a better chance of learning how to become a trapeze artist or an Olympic athlete than retaining scripture,But if we take one verse a week and try to remember ,it is like having a shield when we are in a war.The more scripture the bigger the shield.

Each morning we have a choice,one is to go through this day with positive thoughts,being on the lookout for the negative ones that settle down in our brains with the plans of staying for a long time.Like the cousin that comes for a weekend visit and never leaves.Or we can choose to let those untruths swirl in our heads,where they grow and change and then birth new negative thoughts.How many times have we had something pop in our heads,we then dwell on it and in about a minute it is a full blown horror story,we then become fearful and that will stay with us throughout the day,and possible the next ?

We start out the day positive,our self esteem intact but by midday if we listen to the whispers,we are not so positive,our self esteem is starting to plummet.Sound familiar?

So today why not ask Him to protect your mind? He made the heavens and the earth do you think that He can't help you change your thoughts? Read scripture and it will be your shield that will protect you when the whispers of Satan start to settle in your thoughts. Now go and prepare for battle,you have Jesus on your side and there is no way you can lose.

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”

Blessings
Dee

In the shelter of the almighty one

This evening as I went on my usual nightly walk out on the Marsh.The rain had ended earlier and the dreary sky had turned pink and gold . Always a nice surprise after all the rain we have been having.As I stood by the water.I noticed little circles forming here and there,This is usually the minnows that come near the edge when the tide is low.But as I looked the circles were everywhere in the water.I realized that it was rain.But the interesting thing was I was about a foot from the waters edge and none of it was touching me.It was raining a foot away and I was dry.A few minutes later the skies opened up and I was soaked.

This made me think of the storms in life.We can at times be surrounded by them,but if we are under the shelter of the almighty one,at times we can sail through them seemingly untouched.When they are over we scratch our heads and think" how in the world did I get through that? Was I sleeping? At times after a particular storm in my life,i have wondered if perhaps i was in LA LA land during the whole thing.You replay it over in your mind and some how you have come through something that has the capability to level us,but we have come out untouched.We have made it through the rough times with nary a scratch.Hard to believe but it is possible.

There are other times that we feel like the cowboy in the old westerns ,the one who has been tied to the back of the horse and dragged through the desert for days.We have been slapped around so much we feel as though we have been thrown into the boxing ring and hey we never signed up for it.We grow weary,we are beaten up and just plain tired of it all.

I have a saying that I say at times when something is going on in my life that I did not ask for.I say" Hey Lord,why don't you go see so and so down the street,I think they need some work in that area,but me,no Im good,thank you very much.I don't need any work in that area.I'm sure He thinks Im hilarious.I know He is using this circumstance to grow and change me.To perfect me where I am in need of perfecting.But some days I want to shout at the top of my Lungs.Go Pick on someone else.

But then I think of the times that I have had complete peace,and have emerged from a trial completely unscathed and I am so thankful.I am always amazed at what He can do.And I am always amazed at the work that He has done in me during certain hard times in my life.Will I still whine when things don't go my way? I will try not to,but I can guarantee I will. Will I be in awe when I am carried through a storm and emerge unharmed,covered in total peace? Yes.

I urge you to read Psalm 91.This says it all.How can we be fearful after reading this? We need to read it and believe it and we need to receive it.

¹ Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
³ For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
⁵ Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
⁶ Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
⁸ Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

⁹ If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
¹⁰ no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
¹¹ For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
¹² They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
¹³ You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

¹⁴ The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”

Blessings
Dee

Never forget that everything is significant and is working together for the good that God has planned for you.

This statement is true,but how many times do we not believe it? There are times in our lives we cannot see God working and we sure can't hear him.So we begin to wonder.

This morning I had called a friend.I said to her" What are you doing'? She said "actually I was praying,praying that someone would call me or stop by and give me some encouragement."
Well after she said that I thought " Well i guess im the one".

Funny, how we go about our days thinking where is He? Did he go on vacation? Is he busy with someone else,maybe He is on the other side of the world? My friend was not seeing him today,but there he was,

I picture him sitting there saying" ok lets see,she needs some encouragement down there,hmmm i will tell Dee to call her,right after she is done praying for that.Some people call that coincidence,but what it is ,its God.Listening to our prayers,hearing whats on our hearts,and knowing what we need at that precise time.Nothing is a coincidence in this life.

There are times in our lives we have things going on that we can't even fathom why they are happening and how in the world is God going to work this one out for good.We feel that we have been dropped off on the side of the road somewhere in no mans land.Hello... is there anyone out there???

Some times distractions keep us from hearing Him.I know the past few weeks,I have walked into a room that was 2 feet away and couldn't remember why i was in there.My friend prayed with me and i was thinking of my grocery list,all a million other things.I barely heard half of what she said.I try to focus,but it is a struggle.With too many things to think about,and decisions to make sometimes we can't think straight.

At this time in my life,God is yanking out of my comfort zone.Everything that is familiar,and comfortable I am being moved out of.What is the reason? At this time I don't have a clue.Is He doing a work in me? That is a big yes.Am i happy about it? Yes and No. No that i am uncomfortable and feel slightly lost.But yes, because its happening for a reason,and i know the outcome is going to be good.

See how if we believe that all things work for the good,we can get through anything?.It may be a rough and bumpy ride,but it will all be worth it when its over.Hopefully this ride will be a short one for me.maybe just a ride around the block.But it could turn out to be a long road trip that entails lots of stopping and going,some sights that are breathtaking to see,some hairpin turns in the road ,but after this trip comes to an end.I will be a little wiser,a little stronger,and will be ready for the next one to begin. I will also be able to help someone else,who has just begin their journey down the same road.All I have to do is remember that He is doing the driving and its going to be ok no matter what.

What we need to do on our road trips is sit back,take in the scenery,enjoy the ride,even if He is taking us somewhere we don't think we want to visit.How about a nice trip to disneyland,or how about to the Grand canyon Lord! I'd rather not go in this direction,it doesn't look fun and the scenery isnt' that pretty right now.But what we do not know is what is further down the road.What may be right around the next bend might be something that is so beautiful or more wonderful than we can ever imagine.We wouldn't want to miss it.But if we don't allow him to drive and if we allow him to take the roads He wants to,instead of us causing him to swerve off the road and head in the direction we have chosen to go.In the end it will be a road trip that we were glad we took.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
blessings
Dee

What happens when things do not go your way? How many times would you like to trade in your life for someone elses? Kind of like those game shows on TV,where you can buy a vowel, or pick any case you want,and it might be the one with the huge amount of money in it. i"ll trade this for that.Wouldn't it be great if we could say" I'll take Bill Gates life please,or maybe Oprah,anyone else's out there,but your own.Would things be better? Maybe for a while,but then we would realize they have their own set of issues and worries.

I think of a boy who lived with us when he was small.His life was not easy before he came to us,He and his siblings had been placed in so many different foster homes,they lost track of where they had been.They also lost track of their belongings and showed up at my house each holding a brown paper bag holding some items of clothing and a doll or two.

Thats it,to be on this earth 7 years and this is what you have.All your belongings in a little bag sitting on your lap,while the tears flow from your eyes because you don't know where you are,who these people are,and where you are going next. You wonder if anyone loves you,why is this happening and will you ever have a home?You can bet if he had a choice of trading in his little life,he would have jumped at the chance.

Even now as an adult,I can bet he has wished for a better life.One like the kid down the street.Who has had the same boring parents all his life,The same bedspread,and curtains for years,the same address,the things that this kid thinks is boring and mundane.Im sure each one would look at the others lives and wish for some of it.

But the thing we don't realize is that although our lives are not always wonderful,there have been things that we had wished had not happened.There are some of us,who think we got the short end of the stick so to speak.We look at others and think "God must love them more.their live has been so much easier".But we do not know half of what these people have gone through.Even those we call close friends.We know them,but we do not know every detail of their entire lives.And they do not know about ours.

I love the verse Joel 2:25 'I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten-- the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm-- my great army that I sent among you.

What this means is no matter what your life was like as a child .Or even the past few years.He will replace those lost years.When we think of the damage Locust can do,they come in like a dark cloud,eating everything in sight.They fly out leaving behind fields that were once green and full of life.That are now mowed down,damaged and destroyed.But the wonderful thing is,after some time.Once the rain has fallen and the sun has come out.Slowly but surely the new growth starts to poke thru the earth,each day growing a little greener and a little taller.Until one day the field is full of tall lush new growth blowing in the breeze.It is restored.It is better than ever before.

That is what Jesus can do for us.Even those lives that seem so painful,the ones that it is a miracle we have grown up to become functioning adults.He can and will restore what the locust have eaten.But we have to let him.We need to go to him and ask and allow him to work.We cannot do it on our own.So today,you can choose to allow Him to begin to work,and give you the wonderful life you never had.Or you can stay right where you are,the damaged,beaten down field,that eventually will cease to exist,it will become barren wasteland empty and full of dirt.Let him restore you.You will be amazed what He can do.

Blessings
Dee

Whats in your Garden, flowers or weeds?

People fascinate me.I love to sit at the mall or boardwalk,anywhere really and just sit back and watch them.I wonder who they are,what their lives are like..I can spend just a few minutes with someone and kind of figure them out,so to speak.My father always had this gift.I would bring home a new friend who I thought was wonderful.He would spend a few minutes with them,then later he would tell me all about them.And it was usually not what I wanted to hear.That one will get you into trouble,Somethings not right with that one,They won't even look me in the eye.I always thought with each new friend that even though they weren't upstanding christian people, I thought maybe just once he would be fooled.But he always saw through their charade and saw what I didn't want him to see. That used to literally drive me crazy.I still cringe at times when I think back on who I chose to spend my time with.Im positive my parents wondered at times where my common sense had gone.

Now that I am older I now have the gift,same as my father.But thank goodness my oldest son,also has it and does not choose to bring the type of friends home that I did.When he was small I would say to him" you sure a good friend picker outer" and he would say with much enthusiasm"I know'! I pray that this continues.

How many times do we surround ourselves with those who maybe are not the best for us.If you are a Christian you are to be out in the world,helping those that are struggling.But in your everyday life the ones that you are surrounding yourself with,the ones who you call when you yourself are struggling,the ones you spend a lot of time with,Who are they? Do they lift you up,encourage you? Or when you hang up the phone do you feel worse ? What kind of advice are they giving you?

There are people in my life,who just 5 minutes in their company feels like eternity.I want to run for the hills. If I was in a good mood before I am not now.There are others I could spend hours with them,and enjoy every minute of it.I could be having the worst day of my life,and when I leave them,everything has turned around for the better.

I have watched women sitting around a table talking about their husbands,The conversation starts out with one women complaining about her husband.Before you know it every women at that table is contributing to the conversation and the bash fest( as i call it) starts up.You can walk away from that table ready to find the nearest divorce lawyer or your husband so you can tell him off.This in turn will start the road to discontent,fighting etc.

I have watched a different scenario take place.Take another group of women.Same woman starts to complain,but the conversation is different now.The women at the table, point out the husbands good points, they pray for the woman struggling.The end result is a woman walks away from that table, thinking a little clearer, she is a little stronger and supported.Hey the situation doesn't look as bad now.

Do you see the difference? Jesus wants us to surround ourselves with people to encourage us,to love us,to point us in the right direction.He doesn't want us to be by ourselves.He certainly does not want us to go it alone.Or worse yet,be around those that drag us down.

The Lord has given me amazing friends at this time in my life. But I can remember a time,thinking" I have so many friends but something is missing".A lot of them were not true friends. When certain things took place in my life who was there? Not a lot of them.

This started the weeding process.I now have a network of women that I can call in a moment notice. Some I do not know when their birthday is,there exact street address .But I know I can call for an uplifting word or prayer.That is a gift.One that the Lord wants to give each one of us.So today if you are in need of people in your life that will be there to encourage and love you.Just ask Jesus and He will start the weeding process,and He will replace the weeds in your garden with beautiful flowers that will brighten your day.

I love this saying that I found in a devotional calender.
The friend given to you by circumstances over which you have no control is God's own gift.Author unknown

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl 4:9-12

Blessings Dee

---

The peace of God

Do not be anxious about anything,but in everything,by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving,present your requests to God.And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.

When I read this verse,what stands out to me is the word peace.A peace that transcends all understanding.A peace that will be there regardless of what we are going through.How many of us have felt this? How many of you have not? I can remember times in my life,when things were happening that I had no control over.Things that i would never in a million years have thought would ever happen to me.But they did ,and I did not have a clue how to deal with them

.Most of the time it was a waiting game,wait and hope to God that it would be over soon.I can remember times where i laid in bed at night,thinking the worst,the scenario playing over and over again in my mind,and each time it did,it was getting worse.

I remember one night during a extremely stressful time in my life.i could feel my heart actually skipping a beat,After noticing that, I started to have trouble breathing,my chest felt tight,like I couldn't get enough air .I lay there most of the night,afraid to wake my husband,because he would probably have taken me to the emergency room,where I didn't want to go.

I thought to myself if I close my eyes I will not wake up.The fear of death,stole my sleep that night.The fear of the unknown caused me to think crazy things.And before i knew it the crisis was over,I was still alive,and I had stressed over something for no reason.

How many times do we do this? We have planned our funeral down to the last detail,or we have taken a small crisis and in our minds ,we have ourselves,dead,homeless, or broke,in seconds .The list goes on and on.Fear in our minds is like someone throwing a match in a haystack.

At this time in my life.I have found that I can go through even the hardest times with a peace that amazes me. There are people in my life that have none.They are like the tiger in a cage, pacing back and forth,there is no peace there,just an anxiousness,a restlessness,and overwhelming fear.

You cannot have peace without Jesus.He can give you peace that astounds you.But He cannot give it to someone He does not know.So many want the peace ,but not the relationship with Jesus.They think they are just fine most of the time,but when a crisis hits,they want the peace. But they want it without Him.But with onecomes the other.

We have choice.If we want a peace that totally engulfs us and takes us through times in our lives that could literally devastate us ,we have to have a personal relationship with the one who provides it.. I have watched women who have lost children or a spouse,speak at their funerals.How can this be done,we wonder? When we watch others laying on the floor at the funeral a sobbing,heap, ,devastated beyond belief.It is peace that transcends all understanding that enables them to do the impossible..It is hard to believe that we can have it at times when we are so broken,where our hearts are hurting so bad,we can;t even breathe.

But it is possible,and it is there waiting for us to ask for it and receive it.We cannot make it on our own,why not let Jesus take away your pain and your fears? Why not let him cover you with a blanket of peace so warm and comforting that you will not know how you ever lived without it.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”John 16:33

blessings Dee

How many of us are excited that spring is here? I am.This is the time of year that I look forward to. After the cold, windy winter i am ready for some warmer weather and no wind.Gentle breezes maybe,but i have grown weary of the cold cutting wind that seems to blow through my yard almost every day.Living on the water on a hill does not help.

Some days we like to look out the window to see what is blowing by,perhaps the patio furniture,an occasional pillow or maybe even the garden swing skidding by.In the middle of the night we hear tree limbs falling like rain at times.

I remember when my son always had to have a kite.And each time the wind would beat it into a shredded pile of plastic attached to a string.He would then cry.Or it would whip it around so hard and throw it into a tree,too high for us to ever retrieve it.One kite stayed in the pine tree until it turned into just strings.Many a summer we would look up and there it still was.

Wind can be a gentle warm breeze,blowing through our windows on a summer day.We enjoy it,it is needed on hot muggy days.We look forward to it most of the time.But at times ,like here in the winter it is relentless.A constant blowing,beating on the sides of the house,causing old,withered branches to break and fall to the ground.It pushes and pushes on the patio furniture,the ones that are not heavy enough to withstand the constant wind.It then cartwheels across the yard,finally ending up where ever the wind choses to send it.

At times in our lives we feel like we are in a windstorm.There are times when all is well,the wind is gentle and warm.It is comfortable.But there are other times,when we are pushed and pushed,we feel like we are being pulled from every direction.We aren't even sure what direction we are heading anymore.We are like the tiny boat in the ocean,being tossed about in the wind and the waves.It is at the mercy of the wind and water, Even the strongest engine at times can't get the boat to its destination.

It is like when we play pin the tail on the donkey.We put on the blindfold,someone spins us around ,we stop and then have to put the tail on the donkey.Nine out of ten times.we are so far from the target its hysterical to watch.You can end up on the other side of the room,or worse yet,ready to stick the tack into a persons body.Ouch.

Without Jesus it is easy to see how we can feel beat up by the wind,like the tiny boat being tossed in the angry sea.Were are we getting our direction from? What is guiding us? If it is the world or we try to do it ourselves.We can easily become disoriented,lose our focus.We can become so weary and worn from the wind.

But if each day we go to Jesus and ask him for direction in our lives.If we read his word.This is the map that will guide us to our destination.He is the shelter that will protect us from the constant beating of the wind.He does not want us to lose our focus,or grow weary.He wants to guide us,protect us,and love us.Don't let the world and the wind send you skidding across the yard like the lawn furniture.Or like the boat in the water at the mercy of the hurricane.Let him be your guide and you will rise high like the kite that is soaring in the gentle breeze on a warm summer day.

Proverbs 3:5,6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.

Isaiah 43:1-2 Don't be afraid,for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name,you are mine, When you go through deep waters and great trouble,I will be with you.When you go through rivers of difficulty you will not drown.

Blessings
Dee

Decisions Decisions

Decisions,decisions,Every day we have so many to make.What we will eat,where we will go,some days it seems like that is all we do all day long.The most important choice of the day is what mood we will be in.We can choose to be happy and joyful,or down right miserable.Or the in between one,kind of happy but with a side of annoyance.Where our moods are like a ping pong match,happy,miserable,happy,miserable.That is where I am at this time.

Happy, but through out the day the annoying little things poke at me here and there.The pinched nerve in my hip,which with every step causes me to wince.The feeling of not knowing where the Lord wants me at this time.Kids home all week from school.What do you do with 2 children with a large age span between them,who say im bored about every 5 minutes and who seem to eat every 10 minutes and one leaves a trail of everything he eats and does all day long.If he was lost in the wilderness,you would have no trouble finding this one,just follow the trail of stuff.

The fact that we are down to one vehicle and we now have 3 drivers in the house,And on top of all of that I am starting to have hot flashes.One of those can turn the perkiest cheerleader, prom queen, saccharine sweet type of girl, into the wicked witch of the west in seconds.So there you have it.grumble, grumble, grumble.

It is our thoughts that set the tone for the day.The ones that will choose what mood we are in,how we respond to things.Then in turn how people will respond to us.Crabby usually attracts crabby.If we are joyful we can cause others to search and find joy in their lives.We can choose to walk around grumbling ,and miserable. Or we can have the woe is me attitude.Poor poor, me,We can put our hand to our forehead like the women in the old movies,the ones who can't handle what is going on at that moment,they are on the verge of passing out from the heavy burden of woe.The problem is we will find ourselves laying on the ground with no one in sight.Most people have enough aggravating things in their lives,so when they see you coming they will go the other way.Uh oh,here comes the hobbling,broom wielding,crabby woman with two kids,and hot flashes,RUN!

But if we choose joy in the midst of all the pinched nerves,the hot flashes that make us feel like we have a wool sweater on in 100 degree heat.The never endless job of picking up after our children,the endless pile of laundry,the list goes on. We could all probably write a very long list in seconds on things to gripe about.But what good does that do? We now have a list to focus on,reread over and over again,which in turn intensifies our miserable mood.Right? We have the capability of choosing what enters our mind and stays there.Will it be our complaints?our aches and pains? Our lack of whatever it may be.Or will you choose to focus on what the Lord has given you? And that is Life,health,family,His gift of salvation,and all the other blessings He has bestowed upon us.When you wake up tommorrow what will you choose?

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.But only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs,that it may benefit those who listen.

2 Corinthians 4:18 So we don't look at the troubles we have right now.rather,we look forward to what we have not seen.For the troubles we see will soon be over,but the joys to come will last forever.

Blessings Dee

Words echo in the canyons of our memories and reflect in the mirrors of our minds.When I hear this I picture the grand canyon,miles and miles of mountains and deep valleys. If you stand and yell,your voice might travel for miles, bouncing off of the mountain sides,back and forth,back and forth.over and over again.


This is how it is when words for some reason stay embedded in our minds.Cruel words that were once spoken to us now stick around,bouncing and ricocheting around and around in our mind.Why is it kind and loving thoughts don't hang around for long?.Why we do think of them occasionally here and there.But the hurtful words seem to stay around way to long,they keep playing over and over again like a scratched record that skips in the same spot.These thoughts can shape us and become part of us.Do you remember the saying "sticks and stones may break my bones,but names will never hurt me?" This is so untrue.We know that broken bones can heal,but the words thrown at us hurt,and they can continue to hurt for years.Even when they are untrue we start to believe they are true.

How many times have you been told you could never accomplish anything? There is a good chance you won't accomplish much.How many people are told each day that they are no good?.How can you believe any different if thats all you have heard?How will you ever become the awesome creation that God made you to be,if all you hear are things that tear you down,and make you feel unloved,and unworthy?

Our minds are constantly bombarded with negative images.We deal with many types of people each day.If they are unhappy negative people,their moods and comments can rub off on us if we allow them too.What we need to remember is that the negative thoughts that tear us down,the ones that make us cringe and replay themselves over and over are not from Jesus.We need to guard our minds.If we keep our focus on Him,on what is good,If we fill our mind with Scripture and the Truth, the negative things don't have much room in our minds to take a hold

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." – Philippians 4:8


Phillipians 4:8 says it all. These are the things we need to be focusing on.We need to remember that we are an amazing creation,that the Lord has a purpose and a plan for our lives.That no matter how you were before.Regardless of what you did or how you lived your life before.If have a relationship with Jesus,you are a new creation.Out with the old,in with the new.So if the thoughts from the past keep popping up,you need to remember that is not who you are.You will never be that person ever again.Keep your mind on Him and He will guard your mind.He can replace the negative thoughts that paralyze you.The ones that cause you to feel unlovable or incapable of doing great things, with positive ones.

Phillipians 4:7 And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

The choice is yours.What you let dwell in your mind.Don't let those unpleasant thoughts echo thru the canyons of your mind.Focus on Him and He will replace the lies with the truth.

Blessings
Dee

Who will you listen to?

As I sit at the computer All I keep hearing over and over and over again is Alfalfa from the Little Rascals singing "I'm the Barber of Seville" coming from the other room. For most of us over 40 we remember that episode.Poor Alfalfa ,we all know He did not become a professional singer.Thank goodness for that.All though they would have put him in the funny out takes on American Idol. He couldn't sing but He sure was cute.

The one thing that amazed me is ,If I was watching the DVD,I would be enjoying it.But the fact is I am in the other room,and his little voice is like listening to fingernails on a blackboard, or like a howling screeching cat outside at night.Why is this I thought? I do the same with the spongebob cartoon. If I am in front of the TV ,he is amusing,but if I am in another room.If I hear that annoying laugh one more time......

This makes me think of our focus on God.If our full attention is on him.If we are praying, reading or listening to someone preach.We are enjoying what we hear,It gets our thoughts going,we think of all the blessings in our life.We see his hand in everything.We want to hear more,we want to see more of what He has in store for us,or what He wants to teach us.

But find us on a day where the last place our attention is on God or when we are not in a good place.Maybe we have kind of pushed him to the side.When He starts to speak to us,it can be like those fingernails on a black board, or the screeching cat,We don't want to hear it. It grates on our nerves.Go bug someone else,we want to say.When we are focusing on things of the world we become stressed and distracted ,we will never be rich enough,thin enough,smart,witty, or creative enough,We are striving to be like the world.And we will not ever be everything it tells us we can be.

I love the commercials or the magazine articles that tell women that they can have it all.Sorry to disappoint you ,but you cannot have it all.Women today strive to have the big beautiful home, filled with beautiful furnishings that they created or crafted,perfect children with 4.0 grade averages,cute as little buttons.the women need to be thin,Botoxed,perfectly dressed,minivan driving,PTA mommies who work a full time job,They must cook each meal including snacks from scratch,preferably from Martha Stewart or Rachel Rays cookbooks.No wonder so many women are on medication for stress.Or some moms choose to run,leave their families and hop on a plane to somewhere,just not where they are now.For good.
Go to your localPublic school PTA meeting and tell me how many joyful ,smiling women you see,You can probably count them on one hand.We cannot be all the world tells us we can,something or someone will suffer.We were not created to be super moms or people.

It is only when we are in tune with Jesus.When we slow down long enough to pay attention to Him,that is when we can hear him.When our focus in on Him,we can enjoy Him.We can enjoy the life He has planned out for us.But when we are focusing on the world and all it says we should be,If we take our eyes off of Jesus and leave them on the world.We become stressed,depressed, and annoyed and we start to think Alfalfa should be on American Idol.We become used to that screechy little voice,the voice of the world that hisses you are not good enough or rich enough.We have a choice to listen to that or the soothing loving voice of the God who loves you.What do your ears want to hear?


1 Timothy 6:11 "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness."

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Blessings
Dee

1-800-Jesus

Today as I was chatting with a woman who was not feeling well, I said to her" would you like me to pray with you?" Her response was" no I don't need that "and proceeded to quickly, I mean quickly walk away from me."You don't want me to pray for you when you don't feel well"? I said.She walked away shaking her head no.The funny thing is this woman is a Christian.I have had this happen other times,with women who had professed to being Christians, who ran bible studies in their homes.And they said no. No to prayer......That is like a woman saying no to a lifetime supply of chocolate. Or to a man, Free cable with all the sports channels for the rest of your life.How can you pass it up? But for some reason so many of us do. We don't understand the power behind it.We don't realize that we have the power to move mountains.Prayer can cause life changing events to start taking place.

This is one area that I just find so hard to believe at times,that people don't want prayer.This is like the Hotline to God.This is huge. We are given the privilege of having a God who is wide awake 24 hours a day ,ready at a moments notice to hear our prayers, our fears,our worries and our cries.This is what He wants us to do.It is like picking up the phone anytime and calling your best friend.The one who you know will be there,who will listen to you,who will say the right thing to comfort you.The one who you can call at any hour.

I think of last spring .My Mother was battling lung cancer. What do you do in that case? Do you sit back,cross your fingers and hope that it turns out ok? No you pray,you pray with all your might.He already knows what you will be praying for,but He wants to hear it come out of your mouth.He wants your full attention.He wants you to pray believing that He does hear your prayers and that He will answer it.We need to believe it and receive it.

I think of every week when I meet with my friend to pray.I look back at my journals that are filled with answers to the prayers that we have prayed.He doesn't want us to hold our breath and hope for the best.He wants us to bring it to him.

As we pray He may not answer our prayers how we want them answered.But He does answer every single one.We do not know why He chose to heal my Mother ,while others have left this earth.But I do know He is using her in a mighty way.And He will continue to do so until her job is finished here.

.We do not know what lies ahead for any of us.But the one thing we do know is we have access to Him twenty four seven.That is 24 hours a day,7 days a week,365 days a year for the rest of your life.We need to stop crossing our fingers and holding our breath,and start praying.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Mark 11:22-23 (KJV)

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (Jeremiah 29:12)

Blessings
Dee

If today, you went to the Doctor and found out you had 6 months to live.What would you do differently? What would you change in your life? Would you keep everything exactly the same?
I think most people would say no,there would be a lot of things they would change.Things they would do.Relationships that they would try to mend.What would you get rid of and what would you keep.

Why is it that most of us choose to hang on the jobs we dislike. Relationships that suck the life out of us.We hold onto grudges way too long.We choose to be unforgiving to some.Choosing to hold onto that unforgiveness till the day we die,and the funny thing is the person we don't forgive usually doesn't know we are holding a grudge,And it is eating us alive, but meanwhile they go on their merry way,never realizing what we are holding onto.

We tend to walk through this life miserable at times.Plodding through our day.But when faced with the possibility of maybe leaving this earth,people go into high gear.They start to enjoy life.Even the small things that we over look each day.

I remember a time when I babysat my friends daughter Julianna ,she was around 3 at the time.One day I decided I would take her for a walk.She didn't want the stroller.Well, my children are older and I forgot how it is to walk with a small child.My plan was to quickly go around the block,she would then take a nap, and then I would have some quiet time.Her plan and mine were not the same,I soon found out. She was going to stop every foot and check out every rock,bug,and flower.Exclaiming each time "Look Dee!" Like she had never seen a grey rock or dandelion .I looked at her treasures but I had come to walk,and this was not going to be a quick jaunt around the block it was going to be an all day event.

Half way through she became tired and I had to carry her home,and we were not just a block or two away.But when she woke up all she could talk about was all that she saw on our walk.How many times do we overlook the small things in life.If your an adult probably quite a lot. If your 3 years old,you don't miss anything.And it is all exciting.Every day of your life is like going on a treasure hunt.You leave no stone unturned.You wake up excited and you go to sleep ,excited about tomorrow.

We need to look for the small blessings in life.We tend to notice the big ones,but most days we don"t have time to slow down and notice much.But it is the little things that became oh so important to those who's time is limited.

Each day the Lord fills our day with little blessings,and if we slow down and look around we will see them.I like to sit outside at dusk and watch the sunset.It is silent,except for the birds heading for home ,the geese flying in for the night or in the summer the bugs that come with warm weather.It is then when I quiet down and look around do I see what is around me.I can hear my self breathing ,which reminds me that I am alive,something we take for granted so often.

I hear the birds and the night sounds,which tells me I have the ability to hear and I am thankful for that.I love the sound of the silence at dusk.When we take the time to sit and see all that He has created it is amazing,and we become thankful for even the tiniest details.But when we are running full speed ahead ,looking ahead at whatever we hope to accomplish ,get or do, we miss all the little blessings and we forget how awesome He is,and how amazing life can be.

Why do we choose to run through this life when we have the choice to slow down and sit and take in all that is around us?.To spend time with those we love before it is to late.To remember that He has given us life and breath and a wonderful life that most days we take for granted.Why do we put off the important things for another day.What if that day does not come?.Why miss out on all He has put in front of us to enjoy.Take the time to notice the little things .Your life is a gift from God,now go and live it to its fullest.Live your life with excitement and joy.You will be glad you did.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

blessings
Dee

T

This picture gives me the willies. I wonder if it is real or created on a computer.I can't even imagine what thoughts would run through your head if you were swimming up to a wave and there in front of you is a huge shark. I'm sure a million things would run through your mind but I can guarantee that the first one would be how in the world do I get the heck out of here.ASAP,I believe that even those who do not believe in God would be calling out his name.

I have a friend who has surfed around the world.In one country they are a mile away from shore,thats where the waves are.Two of them surf while the other two look for sharks.What I want to know is ,if they do spot one, do they realize that they are a mile from land? What now? Thinking of this scares me to death.But they love to surf and if a shark or two has to be there, oh well ,they keep an eye out,but they are there to ride the wave.

At times our life is like being at sea,we can float on our backs enjoying the sunshine, we can ride the gentle waves.At times they are small and few,other times they come in like a thundering wall of water that is being pushed by a storm,Huge rolling sets that knock us off our feet, rolling us under the sea,while we are gasping for air,trying to swim to shore.

Occasionally there is a shark or two, that will put fear in us, we are trying to enjoy the water and they appear out of nowhere.Sometimes it is just the little crabs grabbing at our feet, the sun light that is a little too bright that day, causing some uncomfortable sunburn,nothing to bad,but annoying and a bit painful.

Each day can change in an instant just like the tide.But like the surfers the one thing we need to focus on is the ride ,its all about the ride.There may be huge storms in your life, or there may be minor annoyances each day like the sunburn,but with Jesus we can ride it out.You cannot surf with out a surf board,and you cannot get through life without Jesus.There will always be those waves that come in here and there and knock us off our feet, there will be a shark or two that will show up when least expected to scare us half to death.Jesus is that hand that will reach in when you are trapped under that wave,and pull you to shore,He is the one who will protect you when the sharks show up.

Jeremiah 33:3 — “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”

Joshua 1:5-7,9 As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous. Be strong and very courageous. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Blessings
Dee