The End of the World as We Know it...

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat
you right. Love the ones who don't, just because you can. Believe
everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with
both hands." ~ Author Unknown

I was teaching my Sunday school class last week - middle school aged girls - and one of the kids asked me, "Did you think the world is really going to end in 2012?"

If you're not aware of the significance of 2012, here's what Wikipedia has to say about it:

The 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of eschatological beliefs that cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on December 21, 2012,which is said to be the end-date of a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Mayan Long Count calendar. Various astronomical alignments and numerological formula related to this date have been proposed.
A New Age interpretation of this transition posits that during this time Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation, and that 2012 may mark the beginning of a new era. Others suggest that the 2012 date marks the end of the world or a similar catastrophe. Scenarios posited for the end of the world include the Earth's collision with a passing planet (often referred to as "Nibiru") or black hole, or the arrival of the next solar maximum.

Even Hollywood has cashed in on this Mayan prediction. Their catch line - "2012 is an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors."

No wonder kids are worried about what's gonna happen in 9 months! So, what did I tell her when she asked me about "the end of the world" as she knows it?

I told her there were many times in my childhood that the same thing was predicted. For instance, let's just look at a few of them:

1977 - Killer bee scare of the late 70's. One prophecy prognosticator linked the bees to Rev 9:3-12.
1982 - It was all going to end in 1982, when the planets lined up and created magnetic forces that would bring Armageddon to the earth.
1988 - "When Your money fails" hits the book stands claiming that the 666 system is here, referring to THE MARK from Revelation.

1990's - 76 members died as a result of David Koresh and his teaching at Ranch Apocalypse in Waco, Texas.
1998 - Numerology: Because 666 times three equals 1998 some people pointed to this year as being a prophetically significant year.
2000 - Numerology: If you divide 2000 by 3, you will get the devil's number 666.66666666666667.
2000 - The names of the people and organizations that have called for the return of Christ, at the turn of the century, is too long to be listed here.

So, now we come to 2012. The only thing we can really tell anyone about the end of times is this:

Mark 13:32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

So, I'll read the quote I copied at the beginning of this post again, and I'll live everyday like there's no tomorrow! I hope you do, too.

Thought for Today

Live in the PRESENT; but don't forget the mistakes of your PAST... all the while focusing on your purpose for the FUTURE.

Matthew 7:13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to LIFE, and only a few find it."

My Body is a Temple...

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

I've been taking some nutrition classes the last 8 weeks. I've learned some pretty interesting things. For instance, look at the difference in the nutrition facts between eating out and eating at home for just ONE meal:

Take out - Chicken Nuggets (4 pieces), Small Fries, and Small Sprite =
520 calories, 23g fat, 28g sugar: (That's 6 teaspoons of FAT* and 7 teaspoons of SUGAR.)

At home - 4oz Chicken Breast, 1/2c Broccoli (chopped), Large Baked Potato, and 8oz Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade =
431 calories, 1.7g fat, 3.5g sugar: (That's only 1/2 teaspoon of FAT* and 1 teaspoon of SUGAR.)

My husband and I have tried to start using the good old Food Pyramid, and some amazing things are happening to our bodies... we're shrinking!

I guess you really can "eat to live" instead of "live to eat". Who'd a thunk it?



*picture a saucer full of lard - yuck!

Choices

When we wake up in the morning we have two simple choices:
Go back to sleep and dream or wake up and chase those dreams.
Choice is yours...
~ Author Unknown

When I was a little girl I wanted to be a nurse or a writer when I grew up. Well, I worked as a nursing assistant for almost two years, in a local nursing facility, when my son was just a baby, and it broke my heart every time a resident passed away. I decided early on that was not the job for me... I simply got too attached too easily.

Unfortunately, I also learned throughout my life that writing doesn't pay the bills. (Well, except for people like William Shakespeare, John Grisham, Virginia Woolf, and the like.) But, I never gave up on my dreams. As a result, over the years, I've written five children's books for my grandchildren.

I'm in the process right now of getting one of them published. Will I become famous? Of course not! But my granddaughter is going to have a book, about her and her friend, to hold in her hands and read whenever she wants. Someday she'll understand the significance of my writing it for her. Thanks enough for me.

2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

Words you don't hear anymore....

Be sure to refill the ice trays, we're going to have company.

Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter to Willie in the mail today .
Quit slamming the screen door when you go out !
Be sure and pull the windows down when you leave, it looks like a shower is coming up.
Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed.

Wash your feet before you go to bed, you've been playing outside all day barefooted.
Why can't you remember to roll up your britches legs? Getting them caught in the bicycle chain so many times is tearing them up.
You have torn the knees out of that pair of pants so many times there is nothing left to put a patch on.
Don't you go outside with your school clothes on!
Go comb your hair, it looks like the rats have nested in it all night.
Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one.

Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and you are going to make it fall if you don't quit!
There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town.
Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot.

I hope these remembrances have made you laugh, or perhaps they've brought back warm memories you haven't thought of in a while.

Now there's a couple more things I want to list that you also don't hear anymore, and they don't bring a smile to my face... that's the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer in our public schools.



Some changes are for the good of the people, and some are just unfortunate.

Pray for me...

In order to care for others, we must first care for ourselves... Remember to add yourself to your daily prayer list.


Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:10

If we are focused, in better health, and blessed with God's grace... we are better able to touch the lives of others. I personally don't believe we should ask for prayers for ourselves out of greed or selfishness, but I do feel that we can reach so many more people... help so many more people if we are in the best situation we can be in.

So remember to pray WITH and FOR JOY - Jesus, Others, and Yourself.

Manners...

Sunday Night a couple of us youth sponsors decided to take the "Children's Group" from our church on a field trip of sorts. We loaded up the cars and headed to Frisch's Big Boy... 9 kids and 3 adults! Anyway, we had kinda prepped the kids ahead of time of what was expected of them - let's all stand in line when we get inside until they get our table ready, walk together, please and thank you, etc. Below is a little run down of how the evening went:

We got in the parking lot, and began unloading the cars. When we tried to "team up" the kids, so no one had to walk across the parking lot without a partner, of course the boys didn't want to hold the girls hands, and the girls were just as set to stay away from the boys... lol. We finally all got our partners and headed to the door.

Once inside, my granddaughter was the first to go straight to an empty table and sit down. Once I retrieved her and we all got back in line, we waited patiently for our 12 sitter table. The kids reminded me that we shouldn't be burping or screaming while we waited for our seats. I was so proud!

Well, we got seated and managed to scatter the 9 kids (ages 2 to 12)out enough to seat the 3 adults among them close enough that we could give them all the "evil eye" if needed - that way we could make a point without raising our voices. After about 15 minutes we all finally decided what we wanted to eat and drink. (It's funny that kids know exactly what they want to drink until somebody at the other end of the table mentions cherry coke, then everybody wants to change their order to cherry coke.)

While we waited for our food, we went over the lesson of THE LAST SUPPER. Besides having to utilize that "evil eye" proximity convenience seating a couple of times (paper airplanes are so easy to make out of kid's menus), that went really well.

The manager (who did know the kids were coming) got the food to us lickity split. I think he was a little scared to wait too long! We all got our stuff in front of us, and said the Blessing. We were all definitely ready to eat - well, almost all of us... the littlest guy (my 2 yr old grandson) had passed out somewhere around the paper airplanes and didn't even realize his macaroni was sitting in front of him.

So, the kids were eating their food, and the adults were praising everyone when they showed an act of good manners AND tried to make a lesson out of any act of a not so good manner when my cell phone rang. It was about my grandchildren so I felt I needed to answer it. One of the 8 yr old girls said, "It's not good manners to talk on the phone at the table. You should take it to the bathroom." So true! We had created monsters.

It wasn't too long before the kids were finished eating. Unfortunately, the adults weren't quite done. Heck, we were behind because we had been busy cutting up chicken and pouring ketchup, etc. We were still hungry at this point. BUT the kids were done and they were getting bored. We started hearing - "I need to go to the bathroom." Now, we are not silly. We sent each and everyone of this precious children to the potty before we left church just two short hours ago. But, who really knows if they had to go?

So we started allowing them to go "in teams". Everything was going fine UNTIL... we allowed a 12 yr old girl to accompany a 5 yr old girl to the restroom. I looked up from the table about 4 minutes after they had left the table and here comes the 5 year old skipping around the back of the restaurant, so happy and smiling! Were was her buddy?

Anyway, after all was said and done, I was really happy with the way the kids acted during our little experiment... and I think they were excited that we trusted them enough to take them out on a field trip. They learned some great table manners and I learned not to use my phone at the table.

Sometimes you just have to LOL

Unless you are living under a rock, you can't help but get caught up in all the acronyms that people are throwing around now-a-days. I find myself spending a lot of time on Google trying to figure out what folks are trying to say to me in text messages and Facebook posts. So, when I received the following list of "Senior" texting codes yesterday, and I found myself ROFL (rolling of the floor laughing), I thought you might get a kick out of it, too!



Since more and more Seniors are texting and tweeting, there is a pressing need for an OSTC (Official Senior Texting Code). If you qualify for Senior Discounts, these are the codes for you.


ATD: At The Doctor's
BFF: Best Friend Farted
BTW: Bring The Wheelchair
BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth
CBM: Covered By Medicare
CUATSC: See You At The Senior Center
DWI: Driving While Incontinent
FWB: Friend With Beta Blockers
FWIW: Forgot Where I Was
FYI: Found Your Insulin
GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low!
GHA: Got Heartburn Again
IMHO: Is My Hearing Aid On?
LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out
LOL: Living On Lipitor
LWO: Lawrence Welk's On
OMMR: On My Massage Recliner
OMSG: Oh My - Sorry, Gas.
ROTFL: CGGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can't Get Up
SGGP: Sorry, Gotta Go Poop
TTYL: Talk To You Louder
WAITT: Who Am I Talking To?
WTP: Where's The Prunes?
WWNO: Walker Wheels Need Oil
GLKI: Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking In

Feel free to make up your own!

Melancholy

Well, today is my dad's birthday. He would be 67 years old, if he had lived through his battle with cancer ten years ago. (It's hard to believe he's been gone that long.) Anyway, it's got me feeling a bit melancholy today. Cancer is a nasty little booger. It has taken many members of my family, and attacked many others. My mother twice; but thankfully, she is a survivor!

I wrote a couple of days ago about a friend of mine that just lost her 15 day old granddaughter to a bacterial infection. That was the second granddaughter she has lost. She wrote a post on a social network yesterday that her "heart is broken and her faith is diminishing." While I know that her pain must be tremendous right now, I also know that she isn't ready to hear any response to that statement. She just needs time to hurt. When we have someone taken from us, a baby or a father - even if it's a father we had a complicated relationship with - we need time to hurt.

What I want to tell her is this: "God is a loving God. He gave you 15 wonderful days to get to know your granddaughter. Unfortunately, nature is cruel and harsh, and she developed an illness. We (humans) do what we can through science and medicine to help situations like this... to offer the best chance for survival, but in this particular case they just couldn't save her." I want to tell her this, but right now is not the time. She doesn't want to hear logic, she is hurting too much.

When the time is right, I pray that I find the right words to give her comfort. I know that God will be with me.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV)
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Well said...

I'm not a big fan of John Wayne, but I must say - "Well said, Duke!"



(I originally received this through an email from my mother. My step dad is a John Wayne nut! Thanks Moma!)

A Loss...

A dear friend of mine lost her 15 day old granddaughter last night to a bacterial infection. I can't imagine the sorrow that she is feeling. You see, it can take years to find someone to spend the rest of your life with... someone that you truly love. But, it only takes a moment to feel that unconditional love with a infant. You realize in an instant that you would give your life for that child. God blesses us that way.

In a time like this, let's all just take a little extra effort to tell the "blessings" in our lives how much they mean to us.

Shalom

Makes me wonder...

I read in the paper today about a past "Teacher of the Year" that plead guilty to sex abuse charges for having an inappropriate sexual relationship that lasted several months with a 16 year old student... and took place at the school. Wanna guess what his defense was in the case?
Depression, and according to him, he had also suffered from several blows to the head in the past that affected his thought processes.

Well, that may be all well and true in his particular case. Who am I to say for sure. BUT, it makes me wonder two things:

1) Was his thought process only messed up when it came to his sexual conduct? I mean he was evidently a great teacher. Good enough to get "Teacher of the Year" at least.

2) I have suffered from depression all of my life. If you are depressed, most times intimate relations are the last thing on your mind. Plus, a lot of times, if men are on medication, they suffer from side effects of those medications that interfere with that portion of their lives.

So, while I realize that we all are sinners in this place we call life, and I know that I have no right to place judgment on this man, I can't help but wish that this teacher could accept responsibility for his actions without bringing depression into the whole conversation.

If you have followed my blog at all, you know that I have several goals in my postings: To share the love of Christ, to help educate others about Mental Illness, and to hopefully alleviate the stigma of Mental Illness. So, when I hear about defenses like this teachers, it reminds of why the third goal is so difficult.

I must say in closing though, that as a Christian, I know in my heart that I must pray for this man (and the entire situation) regardless of my personal feelings. Only God knows what's in his heart (or brain).

Young Friends...

I spent the evening with my granddaughter and her best friend. They had me spellbound all evening. Two four year olds can tell you a lot about true friendship.

For instance:
1) Laugh hard - If something cracks you up... let it go and enjoy the moment. Don't worry if others are looking, or what they will think if you accidently snort. LOL

2) Say what's on your mind - Don't sensor yourself to the point of being on eggshells. If someone truly is your friend, they'll want to know what's on your mind.

3) Be honest - If you don't want to go down the slide - Don't do let anyone bully you in to it.

4) It's okay to call someone out if you know their they are not being honest! - Let your friend know that they don't have to be "special" to hang out with you... they just need to be themselves.

I always heard that "everything I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten"... I think there may be something to that!

The First "Valentine" GIFT

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Humble...

Earlier this week, on the radio, I heard a story about the importance of being humble. Then, today during our worship service we had a short skit on being modest. So, what is so important about being meek? Why should we not be arrogant? What is the purpose of being HUMBLE?

We read about it in the Bible...
Matthew 11:29 (CEV)
29 Take the yoke*** I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.
Matthew 23:12 (CEV)
12 If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.

Jesus was the ultimate example of what it means to be humble. The Kings of Kings was born in a manger among animals... not jewels and worldly possessions. After a three year ministry - that was always under the ridicule of the so-called "righteous" men of His time - He was placed bleeding on a cross between two criminals to await His death. Did He beg and plead for His life? Did He ask His Father to take away His misery? No, He accepted His role in OUR salvation... and He did so unpretentiously. Jesus was humble.

If we can follow just a bit of His example... put others above ourselves, love and honor our God and our neighbors - I think we will be on the right track.



***The Plowman (farmer) binds the yoke upon the neck of the oxen, so that it would not fall off or be shaken off. Yoke bound around the neck of man would cause his strength to diminish, one may waver and fall under the yoke (load).

The Sixth Day...

In a nutshell, God created the Universe in SIX days. This is how he did it:

Day 1: The heavens, the earth, light and darkness.

Day 2: Heaven

Day 3: Dry land, the seas, and vegetation.

Day 4: The sun, the moon and the stars.

Day 5: Living creatures in the water, birds in the air.

Day 6: Land animals and people.

Day 7: God "rested".

What I want to concentrate on today is what happened on DAY SIX. Every other thing that God created, He made from nothingness... out of thin air! But, when it came to mankind, it was a bit different:

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

Man and Woman were made in God's IMAGE. Really think about that for a moment. Each one of us are created IN THE IMAGE OF GOD! That is not saying that if we are white that God is white... if we are black that God is black. What that is saying is this - all the goodness of God is in us. We are given love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control because we are made in the IMAGE OF GOD!

If at any time in your life you doubt your worthiness, remember that.

Thought for the Day

Nothing is better than laying next to your grandchild as they are falling asleep, and the last thing they say before their little eyes close is... "I love you, Nana."

A Little Silliness...

This was sent to me by my mother. It was just too funny not to share, and everyone needs a little silliness every once in a while anyway...

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women, so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied.

Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall.

You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter,the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants! The dispenser for the modern 'seat covers'(invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't - so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR!), yank down your pants, and assume 'The Stance.'

In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold 'The Stance.'

To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, 'Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!' Your thighs shake more.



You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail.

Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet. 'Occupied!' you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT .. It is wet of course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try. You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear, 'You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get.'

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too.

At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.

You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line of women still waiting.

You are no longer able to smile politely to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe. (Where was that when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, 'Here, you just might need this.'

As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the Men's restroom. Annoyed, he asks, 'What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?'

This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with public restrooms (rest??? You've GOT to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men what really does take us so long. It also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door!

This HAD to be written by a woman! No one else could describe it so accurately! Thanks Moma!

Bible Verses for Valentine's Time...

Genesis 29:20
So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.

Proverbs 30:18-19
There are three things that amaze me—
no, four things that I don’t understand:
how an eagle glides through the sky,
how a snake slithers on a rock,
how a ship navigates the ocean,
how a man loves a woman.

Song of Solomon 1:2
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine.

Song of Solomon 8:6
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails ...

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

and the most important...

Matthew 22:37–39
Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

Friendship Day?

I heard tonight that Valentine's Day is now called Friendship Day in schools. I think I kinda like that. No pressure on the kids to have boyfriends or girlfriends... and hopefully everybody has at least one friend from whom to get a "Friendship Card".

So, what makes up a FRIEND? Well, we discussed that a bit tonight at our Women's Group meeting at church. Seems there are a lot of different types of FRIENDSHIP. I even checked it out on the internet. According to Liz Spencer and Ray Pahl**, there are eight types of FRIENDSHIP:

Associates were people who only shared a common activity, like a hobby or a sport.
Useful contacts were people who shared information and advice, typically related to work or advancing ones career.
Favor friends were people who helped each other out in a functional manner, but not in an emotional manner.
Fun friends were people who socialized together, but only for fun. They didn’t provide each other with a deep level of emotional support.
Helpmates were a combination of favor friends and fun friends. They socialized together and helped each other out in a functional manner.
Comforters were like helpmates, but they also provided emotional support.
Confidants disclosed personal information to each other, enjoyed each other’s company, but weren’t always in a position to offer practical help, for example if they lived far away.
Soulmates displayed all of the elements.

What type of friends do you have? Hopefully, ones that you can count on.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (KJV)
9Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.


**http://www.thinkoutsidein.com/blog/2010/04/eight-types-of-friendship/

For all the Volunteers Out There...

Volunteers...

V is for the valiant efforts you show each day.

O is for the organizations that you help.

L is for the love you share.

U is for the understanding in your smile.

N is for the needs you meet.

T is for your talents.

E is for everything you give.

E is for everybody that thinks you're fabulous.

R is for a reminder that the world would be lost without you!

Beauty Queen

When I was in elementary school, we had an annual “competition” for Prince & Princess and King & Queen of our school. I remember one year – I was in second grade, my sister was in fourth – I won the title for Princess and she won for Queen. We both were so excited! We got these little awards… her trophy was a tad bit bigger than mine – after all, she was a Queen. And we got these beautiful long stem red roses.
When they put those roses in our little arms, tears came to our eyes… not because we were so touched, but because they were filled with thorns! No matter, though. We stood there and waved to everyone, in our best royal waves, acting as if nothing in the world was wrong. Why? Because that’s what women do. We can sacrifice a little pain for our beauty… Even little girls knew that.
When I turned 11 years old, I BEGGED my mother to “fix” my eyebrows. I was one of those unlucky girls that had the whole uni-brow thing going on… I still do if I don’t wax every six weeks. Anyway, after begging and pleading and swearing that I would “keep up” with them, my mother sat me down and began “plucking”. After about 2 minutes on ONE EYE, I begged her to stop! I didn’t really care if my eyes matched or not at that point. But, we women must go through these things to be pretty, so I sat there until she was finished. (The same thing happened when “I just couldn’t live another moment if my legs weren’t shaved”, and I about bled to death from all the teeny tiny cuts I inflicted on myself.)
But seriously, why do so many women go through so many unnecessary options to maintain what the world believes is the standard of beauty? Some drive themselves crazy by jumping on the scale every day or suffer from eating disorders, some spend hours at the gym - beyond what is healthy, some buy every ointment they can get their hands on for their “imperfections” or go under the knife for radical plastic surgeries. It’s so unfortunate because we all should be measured (and accepted) by the beauty of our hearts… not our bodies.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Thought for the Day...

1 John 3:1
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God...

Right From the Start...

My son and I took his daughter to the doctor earlier this week. She wasn't happy about being there... even less happy when she discovered that her doctor was a BOY!lol However, when Dr. Mason listened for Jesus in her heart while checking her heartbeat and lungs, she decided he was okay - she even gave him a sticker when we were leaving.

In a world where kids can't say the Pledge of Allegiance or openly pray in school, our family has made some important decisions when it comes to my granddaughter - who'll be four in a couple of weeks:
1.) She attends a daycare that PRAYS before every meal, and teaches important moral lessons (in addition to the THREE Rs).
2.) She plays sports through the YMCA because they teach more than just the fundamentals of basketball or soccer... they teach four core values - respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring.
3.) We have her watch television shows and movies - like Veggie Tales - that have important lessons for her mind and heart.

God has blessed us with this precious little creature, and we intend to take the responsibility of raising her very seriously.

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
6 Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

God Has a Plan...

Jeremiah 29:11 "for I know the plans I have for YOU, declares the LORD"

Did you ever wonder what God has in store for your life? I know I have... many times! I've wondered the same thing about other people's lives, too. For instance, I like country music. To be honest I love pretty much all types of music, but country is my favorite. Anyway, at one time I listened to a local radio station that featured a DJ on their morning show by the name of Bobby Jack Murphy.

Bobby Jack wasn't the normal, run of the mill, morning disc jockey. He was a disc jockey you could really relate to... sometimes he flustered his words, most times he talked about things that interested the average person, and always he was sincere. And then, he was gone! The radio station decided to replace him. I wondered what plans God had for Bobby Jack.

Well, about six months ago, I tuned into one of my favorite "talk radio" channels - 94.7 WFIA (a Christian station) - and guess who was on there! Yep, Bobby Jack Murphy! Not only had God lead him to another outlet for his talent, he has allowed to prosper in that position: Bobby Jack was recently the WINNER of the WHAS 11's Best Radio Personality!

If you are in the Kentuckiana area, I encourage you to tune into Bobby Jack and his show, On the Way Home weekdays at 4pm. Plus, is you're a country music fan, WFIA offers Country You Can Believe In weeknights at 7pm.

Remember, God always has a plan... He had one for Bobby Jack, and He has one for YOU!


"I'm no preacher or Bible Scholar, just a growing Christian who wants to share with others along the journey to our ultimate home, with Him"
Bobby Jack Murphy

FAITH...

It's not the size of our faith that saves us... it's the god we have our faith in that saves us.

Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me."


I choose to have faith in my Lord - the creator of Heaven and Earth - and His Son, Jesus Christ.

A Letter to God...

I received this in an email today. It is one of the kindest things you may ever see.


Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

“Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love,
Meredith”

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

"Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love,
God"

It is not known who replied, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.


Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.