Normal Day ...

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.



                                                                       Mary Jean Iron

Choose Kindness

Choose kindness, at every opportunity.

Even if it’s difficult.

Especially if it’s difficult.

Because you never know if it might be your last opportunity with that person.

Photo Credit

Watch This Now!

If you haven't already seen this video of Susan Boyle , you have to watch it.

We all love the underdog -- you will not be disappointed.

The best part for hub and I was watching the judges' faces!!

Do not judge one another, lest we be judged.

Baby Faith Hope ....

This child is an absolute miracle.

Go here to read her story.

God utterly amazes me sometimes -- I need to remember these things when things look darkest for me.

Keep them in your prayers! Make sure you hear Faith sneeze. She's darling.

The Blood of Jesus

(Received this in an email today -- how so very true!)

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart.

She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution.

But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children.

It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son.

The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans...

This is when the problems began.

You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son.

The church began to argue and fight about the matter.

So they decided to have a meeting.

As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand.

The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past.

As she began to cry, the pastor's son stood to speak..

He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be.

He began to speak and his statement was this:

'My fiancees past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial.

So, does it wash away sin or not?'

The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters.

Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ..

If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble.

What can wash away my sins?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!!

'Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.' Psalm 55:23

Image Courtesy of Proclaiming.Net

...Anyway

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It never was between you and them anyway.

Mother Theresa reportedly kept this on her wall:

Three Trees

Image Courtesy Link

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.'

Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and Queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.'

Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches. They will think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me .

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter.' He began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll just take this one,' and he cut it down.

When the first tree was sold to the carpenter, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.

The years went by and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Image Credit

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Choosing Joy Today!

Why don't you join me?

Image courtesy of ChristArt.

Did you know the word "JOY" is written 102 times in the Old Testament and 63 times in the New Testament. (King James Version)

Here's a small sample of those that touched my heart today!

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psa 5:11

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fullness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore. Psa 16:11

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart. Psa 32:11

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit. Psa 51:12

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Jam 1:2

I normally don't post (or watch!) videos -- but I saw this on A Chelsea Morning and it touched my soul. I especially loved the last part where the man who played Jesus, turns and smiles at you and beckons to you to come. This is how I imagine Him. Blessings to you!

I'm Invisible ...

I read this earlier -- and can TOTALLY relate.

Memorial Day - 2007

It seemed fitting this morning that rain would come down from the sky. It was a gentle reminder to me of the Lord's sadness concerning some of the choices we make in life. I need to seek the Lord for every decision I make -- even simple (meaningless to others) decisions.

We visited the cemetery yesterday -- and also paid respect to the veteran's cemetery. I enjoy seeing all the flags decorating every grave. For me, it means that we have not forgotten one of those Soldiers. And we should not ever forget their supreme sacrifice. Ever.

To all the Soldiers, Veterans, retirees -- I give you my humble thanks for all that you do, or have done to protect our country and its freedoms. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and give you grace ...

Thankful Thursday -- All things!

First and always, I am thankful for the Lord -- His supreme sacrifice for me and others. He's an awesome God, and I'm thankful He chose to draw me to Him.

Yesterday afternoon was a pretty rough afternoon, and my faith was pretty low -- our poor horse! She's such a good girl. You can read the story here. But after service last night -- I am believing the Lord for her complete recovery. I have to -- my trust is in the Lord.

We had a visiting minister instead of Bible Study last night -- he has a healing ministry -- How like God? -- I realize that its only a horse and things could be far worse in other areas of our lives -- I think it was just everything -- especially stating what should have been done when she was first injured. We had a different vet come out last night -- this is who we wanted originally, but one of her fill in vets came out last week. So -- it was an awesome service and I am thankful for that.

I'm thankful that my husband's foot is healing. (It was pretty ugly looking Tuesday afternoon at the doctors!) It looked better last night when I re-wrapped it.

I'm thankful my son Josh has been a huge help with chores this week, even though he carries a full load with school and his job.

I'm thankful for the tulips (and sub!) my daughter Sarai gave me -- I love tulips!

And the roses Josh gave me late Sunday night -- I told him to save his money, he said No, this makes him happy cause it makes me happy.

I'm thankful for a little girl who was so tired last night she fell asleep in my arms -- I think I needed that human touch -- and it actually comforted my soul and spirit.

I'm thankful that the vet knows someone who might be interested in Rowdy -- and it would be a great new home.

After my post last night -- the vet was going over the other bill. We had not received it in the mail yet. I think I might have had a coronary had it showed up! She said that there were ALOT of over charges -- because the fill in vet didn't know the prices. The bill was $290 for last week. Gasp! She gave a bunch of credit -- and after last night the total was $367.50. God is awesome! And she let us pay 1/2 now and 1/2 in a month. This is not too common in today's world. I asked her if I could pay half in 2 weeks -- and she said you can even pay it in a month. Wow! I am believing God for the funds for this!

I'm thankful I am feeling so much better today and I woke early enough to spend time with the Lord.

I'm thankful for my husband and my kids who put up with all my drama sometimes! Hey, I have to put up with theirs! {grin}

And as always, I am thankful for this community of bloggers who are an encouragement to me.

Happy Mother's Day

I wish all of you a wonderful Mother's Day.

If your mom has gone on to be with the Lord -- rejoice that she is and remember with joy some good memories that you shared. I am in that place today. I am so thankful that the Lord saw fit to save her at 74 years of age. He took her home to be with Him in 2005.

If you are in the place of wanting to be a mother, remember that the Lord's will is to give you the desires of your heart.

If you have no physical children -- remember that you have opportunities to be a spiritual mother to the motherless. And may have a greater impact on that soul.

May your day be filled with love, peace, laughter and joy!

May the Lord bless you, keep you and give you grace ...

Thankful Thursday --

When praying this morning -- the word Abundance resonated through my brain and spirit. We are blessed abundantly! I am so thankful for the Lord today, truly my cup runneth over.

Its been a rough few days -- but the Lord is still in control of every situation, and He knows exactly where we are, and He is working everything out for our good.

I'm thankful my husband came through surgery okay and the Lord kept His hand upon Him.

I'm thankful he helped us with the horses bandages and medication yesterday (and hoping he is pain free enough to help today!!) (sorry, wimpy!)

I'm thankful that our horse's injury didn't extend to the tendons, and she is walking on it fine. Even though we are having to doctor her and baby her -- it could have been so much worse. There is a reason she got hurt -- we were selling her -- but perhaps it wasn't the safe, good home I had been praying about?

I'm thankful for the breath of life and the good health our family has.

I'm so thankful for the help my sons gave me yesterday, when I needed it.

I'm thankful the Lord is going to take care of some situations in our lives -- that only He can fix.

And again, I am thankful for this community of bloggers, who are a blessing to me.

We are so very, very blessed!

P.S. I am thankful that the rains have stopped and things are drying up across Kansas!!

Clouds!

The above photo is my road -- we come off the main highway and onto gravel and way down that road is our house. I usually pray and walk on the road -- and last night when I reached the highway and turned around the sun streaming through the clouds was so beautiful. I always carry my phone so was able to get this shot with it.

If you look in the middle of the photo between the larger openings -- God showed me some images! It was so cool! At first it looked like a man with his arms outstretched reaching down and I felt the presence of the Lord in an awesome way!

I took a photo and as the sun set, things changed in the sky. It next formed into a cross ... and then an angel. I was too busy praising the Lord to get another photo, I wish I did! But the man reaching down is a gentle reminder of God's love and concern for everything that is going on in our lives and that He gave Himself so that we might spend eternity with Him.

My husband has surgery on Wednesday morning, if you would, send a prayer heavenward that everything would go well and that the Lord would keep His hand upon him and guide the hands of the doctor and nurses.

Thankful Thursday

First and foremost, I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ.

I'm thankful He knows our needs ahead of us, and provides for them long in advance. We were a little short this paycheck due to unexpected medical bills that they just now are billing. {sigh} There was some mileage money from my husband's work that was deposited this morning in our account which will cover them. A small prayer yesterday about this and God answered.

I brought my daughter to the emergency room last night. If you know me, you know I avoid the ER/hospital at all costs! But she needed to go because something was wrong. She did get prayed for by our Pastor, but being a mom and impatient and not knowing what was wrong with my child, I took her. God touched her in the room while we were waiting for the doctor. There is NO other explanation, so I give all the praise to the Lord for His healing touch.

There is so much I am thankful for, it would take forever to list them all!

Once again, I am thankful for this blogging group of ladies who are an encouragement to me and allow God to use them for His glory. Visit Sting My Heart for more thankful posts!

National Day of Prayer

"Prayer is an investment. The time you dedicate to prayer isn't lost; it will return dividends far greater than what a few moments spent on a task ever could. If we fail to cultivate this discipline, prayer winds up being our last resort rather than our first response."
Dr. Charles R. Swindoll

Remember to pray for the leaders of our country, that the Lord will guide them in their decisions (knowingly or unknowingly)

Pray for family, Pastors, church family, friends, neighbors, teachers, Soldiers worldwide, world leaders, business leaders, and the lost.

Thankful Thursday!

First and foremost, I am always thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ -- His mercy and grace He bestowed on me, an undeserving soul!

I am thankful that I can still post today -- even though its late and my job kept me busy today. {grin} And thankful for said job!

I am thankful for the little blessings the Lord sees fit to bless us with.

Since its so cold again -- I am thankful for our wood stove. I am thankful that my daughter is helping me with transportation issues this week!

Also, that my husband's acting manager let him go early today since he is so sick. (This could be confirmed as a miracle for the US Postal Service!)

I'm thankful my husband has some knowledge about how a car works so he can fix his truck which has been acting up!!

I'm thankful that the Lord has a sense of humor. I am thankful that sometimes when I don't see something I need to change in myself -- He put blatant signs so that I don't have a choice but to see! (More to come on that!)

I am thankful for the joy of the Lord! He's an awesome God, worthy of all our praise.

For more Thankful Thursday posts visit Sting My Heart!

Tuesday -- Soul Searching

Matthew 6:25-34
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

I've been doing quite a bit of soul searching, and praying lately.

I think the events at Virginia Tech, may have brought it on, but I was thinking about life before that.

A family friend's daughter, who has stomach cancer. They say, stage 3. She's only 24. She is also a mommy.

A call from an old co-worker. Who is not a believer. Her cancer is back. 1 year, and its back. My heart was heavy, it still is. (I'm not being her judge, its just fact.)

It brought eternity so much closer to reality.

Thinking about things I should have done, and things I'd still like to do.

Memories to share with my children.

The thought of living today, for today, as if there were no tomorrow.

I know we have no guarantee of it ... and sometimes it makes me sad. Yet other times -- I yearn to be so much closer to the Lord, without so many worries. Which in the grand scheme of life -- they really aren't important.

I think the "Mamma Bear" mindset kicks in -- worries about my kids and what would happen to them, even though I believe the Lord will not allow us to remember those things in Heaven.

I've even reviewed my will! And yes, it needs to be updated -- but it covers the main things.

I'm glad in many ways, that I don't have little ones at this point in my life, and my oldest is an adult and well capable of being a responsible guardian. (She knows I'll come back to haunt her, if she isn't!) LOL! kidding (kinda!)

So ...

Make a memory today for someone else.

Tell someone you love them, that you don't tell often enough.

Smile and laugh a little more.

Rejoice in the Lord ...

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice,

ye righteous: and shout for joy,

all ye that are upright in heart.

Psalms 32:11 KJV

On that joyful word from the Lord,

my prayer is that the Lord bless you, and keep you ... and give you grace.

Easter Skit Slideshow

Please click on View all Images to see the photos in a larger format. This was a very powerful skit. Take a look at the faces of the people ... God moved in a huge way.