Getting Back to Normal...

Well, if you've checked my Blog lately, you've noticed things have been a little less personal than normal. I've been going through some crazy things in my life the last month or so, and as a result my posts have pretty much been inspirational reflections for me instead of by me. Life has been happening at my house. I appreciate your patience while I've been sitting back and catching my breath. Now, hopefully, I'm back.

However, I wouldn't be back, if it weren't for the love and compassion of God, my family and my friends. I have felt the results of the "Prayer Warriors" in my life. Nothing is more humbling than to know that so many people are praying for you and the concerns that are keeping you up at night.

In the last month, I was gently reminded, by one of those people (my mother - lol), that things will work out according to God's WILL and in God's time. (The same things I've preached here for the last 9 months, but I seemed to forget when things got a little too personal for me.)

The past several weeks has taught me a couple of things:
1) I have a wonderful support system.
2) I have a gracious and loving God.
3) No matter how much I think I'm in control - I'm only kidding myself. I still need to learn how to give my issues over to God. (At least, as completely as any human can.)
4) I am a Blessed person.

It's good to be back.

Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

FOUR DAYS LATE

FOUR DAYS LATE
(C. Aaron Wilburn / Roberta Wilburn)

The news came that Jesus
Please come fast
Lazarus is sick
And without your help he will not last

Mary and Martha watched their brother die
They waited for Jesus
He did not come
And they wondered why

The dead watch was over
Berried four days
Somebody said
"He'll soon be here, the Lord's on his way"

Martha ran to him and then she cried
"Lord if you had been here
You could have healed him,
He'd still been alive"

But Lord, four days late
And all help is gone
Lord we don't understand
Why you waited so long

But his way is God's way
Not yours or mine
And isn't it great
When he's four days late
He's till on time

Jesus said
"Martha, show me the grave"
But she said
"Lord, you don't understand,
He's been there four days"

The grave stone was rolled back
Then Jesus cried
Lazarus come forward
Then somebody said
"He's alright, he's alive"

You may be fighting a battle of fear
You cry to the Lord
"I need you"
But he has not appeared

Friend don't be discouraged
'Cause he's still the same
He'll soon be here
He'll roll back the stone
And he'll call out your name

But he's four days late
And all help is gone
Lord we don't understand
Why you waited so long

But his way is God's way
Not yours or mine
And isn't it great
When he's four days late
He's still on time

He's still on time
Oh my God ...
When he's four days late
He's still on time
He's still on time

“Depression, Gratitude and Charles Hadden Spurgeon”

“Fits of depression come over the most of us. Cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy.
This depression comes over me whenever the Lord is preparing a larger blessing for my ministry. The cloud is black before it breaks and overshadows before it yields its deluge of mercy.
Depression has now become to me as a prophet in rough clothing, a John the Baptist heralding the nearer coming of my Lord’s richer benison. So have far better men found it. The scouring of the vessel has fitted it for the Master’s use.
Immersion in suffering has preceded the filling of the Holy Ghost. Fasting gives an appetite for the banquet. The Lord is revealed in the backside of the desert, while His servant keeps the sheep and waits in solitary awe.
The wilderness is the way to Canaan. The low valley leads to the towering mountain. Defeat prepares for victory. The raven is sent forth before the dove. The darkest hour of the night precedes the day-dawn.
The mariners go down to the depths, but the next wave makes them mount to the heaven. Their soul is melted because of trouble before He bringeth them to their desired haven.” ~ Charles Hadden Spurgeon



He preached over 600 times before the age of 20. His sermons sold about 25,000 copies a week and were translated into 20 languages. The collected sermons fill 63 volumes and stands as “the largest set of books by a single author in the history of Christianity.”
Yet Spurgeon openly struggled with both physical (gout) and mental (depression) illness that required him to be out sometimes months at a time. In his sermon, “When a Preacher is Downcast”, Spurgeon offers struggling pastors some simple advice (such as exercise, recreation, and regular time off). He also observes that his periods of depression often preceed major ministry challenges.

I hope that those of us that suffer from clinical depression can gather strength from Mr. Spurgeon's story.

Story and picture taken from - http://pistolpete.wordpress.com/2008/12/07/spurgeon-on-depression/

How To Plant Your Garden

First, you Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.



FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING , PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:



1. Peas of mind
2. Peas of the heart
3. Peas of the soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:



1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:



1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:



1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:



1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

~ Author Unknown

IF...

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.



I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle..

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later... Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's, more 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute; look at it and really see it; live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us...

We still have time to change.


photo - http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Fireplace-RM.jpg

Trust

Revelation
3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.



When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go. Only 1 of 2
things will happen - either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!

I Did My Best...

At the end of the day, when you're either washing your face or brushing your teeth, and you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, it does your heart good to know - without a doubt - that you can honestly say:

"Today I did my best... my best for God, my best for my family, and my best for humanity."

"If today were my last day on earth, I could rest assured that I gave my best to make the world a better place than it was when I entered it."

"I may not have succeeded in my hopes or dreams, but I did MY best in all that I did."

If I look at myself in the mirror, with no regrets, and say those things, I can live with my failures... I can live with my shortcomings... and I can live with the disappointments that others see in me, because I know I gave my all.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters...

God is with you...

God is there. For you. Today. Always. Forever.
He is there... For you! And He wants you to know it.
He wants you to live in this reality.
It does not depend on your feelings or your thoughts.

He is there, for you. Always.

He is your Friend. He listens to your complaints
and He is full of attention when you are hurting.

He is there. For you. He listens and He is full of understanding.
Don’t doubt that. He is there. He knows. He listens.
He understands. He will help you.

He is the One who never leaves you. He is faithful.
He is the One who helps you.

He is your Friend.

You can share your heart with Him.
Your joys and your griefs. Your dreams and your fears.
He is your Friend. Your faithful one.

Trust Him. He is there. For you.


I am with you...



I am with you. Always.
No matter what your life looks like.
No matter what you are thinking.
No matter what is happening around you.

I am. I am with you. Always.

I made the decision to serve and love you. Always.

My hand is upon you, my child.
My hand will guide and lead you.
My hand will protect you.
My hand will strengthen you.
My hand will never leave you.

I have made the choice to help you.
I have made the choice to love you.
I have made the choice to be there.

For you.

So rest in Me. So rest in My presence.
So rest in the assurance that I do not leave you.
Rest, my child and find healing.
Rest and find life.
Rest and find Me.

I am. With you.

I love you.

Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit.


http://www.heavenisopen.com/newsletter/godisthere.html

Always Remember

With the recent activity in the Middle East, I thought it fitting to post this speech from Abraham Lincoln on my blog site today. Let's always remember the men and women that fight for OUR freedom.


Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
November 19, 1863

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

On June 1, 1865, Senator Charles Sumner commented on what is now considered the most famous speech by President Abraham Lincoln. In his eulogy on the slain president, he called it a "monumental act." He said Lincoln was mistaken that "the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here." Rather, the Bostonian remarked, "The world noted at once what he said, and will never cease to remember it. The battle itself was less important than the speech."

Many Parts, One Body

I'm teaching two Baptism classes right now... one is for middle school aged kids and the other is for elementary aged kids. Tonight during the younger aged class I thought I was really making some headway with my discussion on "Many Parts, One Body - The Body of the Church", when I was promptly put in my place. It went a little something like this:

I had the kids draw a stick figure...

When they were done, we talked about how Jesus is the "HEAD" of the church. This allowed me to lead into the following question: "If the Pastor preaches each week using his WORDS, which part of the body would he be?" The kids answered - The mouth! YAY! My next question was: "What can WE do with our hands to help others... something Jesus would want us to do?" The kids answered - Mission work! YAY! We went on and on until we had names written beside each PART of the BODY - the Head, the hands, the feet, the mouth, etc. Then, after we completed our lesson, I asked the kids - "Out of everyone represented on here - besides Jesus - who is the most important?" After they thought about it for a minute, the kids answered - "No one is more important than the others. It takes everyone to make the BODY of the CHURCH!" YAY! I was so proud!

And then one of the kids asked me this: Who's the nose? I almost had'em! LOL I love teaching children!


1 Corinthians
Unity and Diversity in the Body
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Beauty must be on the inside...

Thought for Today



1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

It does the heart good...

Today was absolutely glorious! And I must admit - it did my heart some good! After a long winter, I needed a day spent with the sun shining on my face, with the smell of food cooking on the grill, and the sound of my grandchild laughing nearby - I thought my senses would explode!

It still amazes me after 44 years the way the world works. The design that God set into place so many years ago is sheer perfection. Each season having a job. Each animal,each bug, each cloud moving along to orchestrate a perfect day... Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide working together like husband and wife... the sun and moon sharing responsibility for our welfare. How can anyone think this all happened by luck?

I had a great day today! I am at peace and God is Good! And the world is a great place!

I'll Be....

This song was written by Diane Warren for Reba McEntire. While I realize it was intended to be a song about a child and her mother's love - the video is a tear-jerker! - this song can also be a great testimony of God's love for all of us...

I'll Be

When darkness falls upon your heart and soul.
I'll be the light that shines for you.
When you forget how beautiful you are
I'll be there to remind you.
When you can't find your way,
I'll find my way to you.
When troubles come around,
I will come to you.

I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter.
When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be.

And when you're there with no one there to hold.
I'll be the arms that reach for you.
And when you feel your faith is running low.
I'll be there to believe in you.
When all you find are lies.
I'll be the truth you need.
When you need someone to run to.
You can run to me

I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter.
When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be.

I'll be the sun.
When your heart's filled with rain.
I'll be the one.
To chase the rain away.

I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter.
When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be.
I'll be.

St Patrick's Day

Well, tomorrow is St Patrick's Day. I'm sure throughout your life you've learned that March 17th is a day that everyone wears green. But what else does the day mean? Well, this past Sunday, during Children's Group, we took an opportunity to explain the Christian significance of the day to our youth. (If you've never heard the story, I think you'll find it interesting.)


Perhaps the best-known legend of Saint Patrick involves the shamrock, the little plant that has gone on to become famous throughout the world as a symbol of Irish heritage.


After training as a priest and bishop, Patrick arrived in Ireland in 432AD and immediately set about trying to covert the pagan Celts who inhabited the island. Having previously lived and worked there, he was very probably already aware that the number three held special significance in Celtic tradition (and, indeed, in many pagan beliefs), and he applied this knowledge in a clever way.

He used the shamrock, a three-leaved clover which grows all over the island, to explain the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity... ie the theory that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are each separate elements of just one entity.


As every pagan holiday approaches, you can research the historical Christian significance behind that date. Then, you can share that information with your family. That's a fantastic tradition to start with your loved ones!


The story of St Patrick taken from - http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/legend-of-Saint-Patrick.html.

A Beautiful Story

An amazing picture became a message of faith in Spain. This was taken at the baptism of Valentino Mora, son of Erica, a single mom of 21 who asked the photographer to take a picture of her son for free.

The photo of the baptism of Valentino Mora is sweeping the Internet, because at the time the priest pours the Holy water over his head, the water flows in the shape of a rosary (see photo above).

This story began at the Parish of the Assumption of Our Lady in Cordova, Spain, where the baptism of a one month baby took place. At the time that Valentino came to the baptismal font for the sacrament of baptism, Erica asked the photographer Maria Silvana Salles, who was hired by other parents baptizing their babies, to take a photo of her son as a favor, since the young mother had no way of paying for it. The photographer, moved by Erica's request, agreed to take a photo of Valentino.

Maria Silvana works with a traditional camera and had to send the film to be developed to a shop in Cordova. When she received the photos, she noticed with surprise that the water poured from the head of Valentino was a perfect rosary.

The photo of the baptism of Valentino has awakened faith in the people of Cordova who come to the humble home of Erica and Valentino Mora to touch him.

The truth is that this sign of faith has mobilized this town in Cordova, whose neighbors go to Maria Silvana's store to buy the picture as if it were a prayer card.

I tried to verify this story on Snopes.com... nothing was listed on their website about it. I think it's a beautiful story either way!

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr


Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3, 5-6

MY Coat of Many Colors

When I was a little girl, my mother made quite of few of my and my sister's clothes for us. I particularly remember a pair of flower dresses we had one year. The dresses were identical except for the colors - one was yellow and the other was blue. Everyone asked us if we were twins. (We aren't.)

Anyway, the summer those dresses were sewn, my mother had scheduled for us to have our pictures professionally taken. The photo appointment was made... the dresses were made... and we got pink eye - One of us in the right eye and the other in the left eye! My mom kept the appointment with the photographer. I'm glad she did.

When I think about that picture, I also think about the summer my sister and I got chicken pox together. We sat at the screen door at the front of our house and watch all our cousins playing outside. We were covered with calamine lotion and we were miserable - but we had each other!

You never know when life is going to give you a great memory, so make sure to take advantage of all of them!

Thought for the Day

Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
~Sir Winston Churchill

Even when it hurts...

My granddaughter needs to wear special "boots" when she sleeps at night because she was born with a club foot. These boots are not comfortable... they are not pretty... they are not her favorite thing in the world. In fact, my four year old granddaughter absolutely LOATHES these boots.

Tonight, our evening was gonna go like this:
take a BATH
read a STORY/read a STORY
we LAY DOWN
she FALLS ASLEEP
and then I sneak THE BOOTS ON, right?

Well, that didn't happen. Actually, it almost happen. Up until the boot part, I was golden, but she woke up! AND she cried for 40 minutes for me to take those boots off of her.

Did I take them off? NO! I love my granddaughter and it broke my heart to see her so upset. (And she was upset! She cried so hard that she had trouble breathing for minute and I had to go get her something to drink.) But, I know that these boots are going to guarantee that she walks correctly and runs without trouble and will not need surgery in the future. So, I held her and hugged her until she feel back to sleep. (And then I cried for me, because it was hard to see her upset for 40 minutes and not take those boots off.)

To my child and grandchild: I may make mistakes while being your Mom and Nana - sometimes more than I would like to admit, but I will always be there for you... to hear you... to cheer you... to laugh or cry with you... to protect you with my life... and to love you for eternity with all my heart!

Lent begins...

Today is Ash Wednesday... the beginning of Lent. Well, what is Lent?

The Meaning of Lent by Lynne Chapman, BellaOnline's Christian Living Editor

Many Christians observe Lent, the forty-day period before Easter beginning on Ash Wednesday. Participants are to imitate Jesus, who spent forty days in the desert in prayer and fasting before beginning His public ministry. Observing Lent helps to cultivate the spiritual discipline of making personal sacrifices, reminding us of the importance of spiritual truths over earthly goods.

As we approach Easter, it is fitting that we meditate on the serious subject of the sacrifice that Jesus made to save us from eternal death and separation from God. He willingly and single-mindedly embarked on His mission to teach the truth and to die on the cross as the ultimate and lasting sacrifice for our sins – the sacrifice that God required.

Romans 6:23
This passage tells us that the result of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.


His resurrection proved His power over sin and death. Eternal life is the gift that will be given to those who believe and trust in Him.
For some, Lent is a time of fasting and prayer. Many others observe it by giving up a special indulgence, such as candy, soda pop or TV.

This may be a good time to think about the blessings we have and about the frivolous things we tend to hold onto. It may be a good time to give up something we enjoy as a reminder of the true meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice.

But, what does God require of us?
This is what He requires: to do what is right, to love with mercy, and to walk humbly with HIM - everyday, not just during Lent.

How will you answer?

Tomorrow

Who knows what tomorrow brings? But with faith, hope, and love in the good Lord, we are not lost. He will lead us and guide us, no matter what comes our way.

Tomorrow is a big day for me and my family. I am nervous and worried and scared and anxious. I know that God will be with us; but still...

How often have you felt this way? I haven't very often, but I do tonight. I've realized that when I do get this way, it's because it involves the people I love the very most in my life. The very people I would give my own life for - my son or my granddaughter.

When I feel this way, I am not saying that my faith in God has diminished... I'm saying I need Him even more. I need His strength and compassion. I need His wisdom and understanding. Quite frankly, I need Him.

"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 3:5-6

SUCCESS

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

He Keeps Me in His Embrace

Sometimes life deals us a hand that is so hard to handle that we don't know how we are going to get through. What do I do in those instances? The first thing? I turn to God. The second thing? I call my sister - lol (But, only after I dry my tears from my husband's shoulder.)

A lot of times I hear people say, "How could God do this to me?" or "Why would a loving God allow this to happen?" Well, I believe that God still grants us FREEWILL. It's the same freewill that He afforded Adam and Eve, the Israelites,and even the killers of Jesus. The problem is, when people chose to take advantage of that freewill, WE sometimes get caught up in the ripple effect of their bad decisions.

As a result, innocent people have died at the hands of drunk drivers, children have been killed while attending classes at school, and parents put their children in harm's way. God doesn't cause any of these things, but they happen. WE, as people with compassion - people with kind hearts and empathy for our fellow man - must do what we can to make a difference in this world!

You may think that one person can't make a difference, but you can. It's called the Butterfly Effect. I challenge you to spread your wings and brighten the world... today!

The Butterfly Effect - The butterfly effect is a metaphor that encapsulates the concept of sensitive dependence on initial conditions in chaos theory; namely, a small change at one place in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. Although this may appear to be an esoteric and unusual behavior, it is exhibited by very simple systems: for example, a ball placed at the crest of a hill might roll into any of several valleys depending on slight differences in initial position. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_effect)

40 Things...

40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home

Practical life skills
…there is more to cooking and baking than simply opening a can or reheating a meal.

…that it’s important to sort your laundry not only by color, but by fabric type and care instructions.

…that no matter what the fashion is at the time, when it comes to an interview, work or special occasions — grab an iron. Walking around all wrinkled and creased sends a message of laziness.

…how to grow and care for a plant. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to instill responsibility. I’d start with an easy to care for houseplant like an umbrella tree or amaryllis or a potted tomato plant out on the deck.

…how to change a car tire so that when they get a flat they are less likely to be stranded on the side of the road not knowing what to do.

…to drive responsibly and to be acutely aware of the consequences of drinking and driving, even if they are the passenger.

…that they can save money on books if they frequent the library.

…how to do standard maintenance on their cars like change the oil and various filters as well as top up fluids and replace light bulbs.

…how to read a bus schedule so if they aren’t in a position to afford a car they can still get around with public transportation.

…that they can have a lot more fun if they build things from scratch. I’m thinking birdhouses, step stools, go-karts, kites and paper planes.

…how to tie a variety of knots so whether they are tying up a boat or pulling a car out of a ditch or snowbank they are better armed.

…how to barbecue a perfect meal paying particular attention to pre-grill prep and special recipes.

…the importance of reading food labels. Not only to become aware of individual ingredients but to also know the quantities of sugar, additives and types of fats they contain.

…how to hem pants, sew on buttons and mend socks.

…how to type properly with both hands on the keyboard. In a society where computers are used for nearly everything, learning how to type properly will increase their efficiency and productivity.

…the concept of compound interest. Who doesn’t want to make interest on interest?

…how to create an effective budget that allows them to live within their means and continually increase their net worth.

…how to read a map and use a compass.

…how to build a quinzee and survive a night in the cold. (A quinzee is basically a hollowed out mound of snow and are actually quite warm to sleep in! This was one of my favorite experiences as a kid.)

…how to swim and tread water, these skills could potentially save their life.

Philosophical life lessons
…that they can be happy if they choose to be happy.

…that a smile is the simplest thing you can do to truly brighten the day of someone else.

…about compassion and how they can go beyond empathy by truly understanding and feeling other people’s pain and suffering. Once they have this understanding and a genuine desire to relieve other’s pain it will make them better people.

…that there is no such thing as being too polite. You can never say please, thank-you or excuse me too often.

…how listening without judgement, criticism or offering solutions to problems, is a guaranteed way to show someone you care.

…that respect goes beyond being kind to their elders – it also includes property, people in general, animals and even themselves.

…to focus on enjoying what they already have instead of wasting time focusing on what they don’t have.

…that NOBODY knows EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING.

…that it’s okay to be wrong as that’s how we learn.

…to pursue things that are right for them as opposed to blindly following what society says they should do. The road less traveled usually brings the greatest rewards.

…that nobody will care as much about their money as they will, so they should choose their investments and financial advisers wisely.

…that people usually do the best they can with the information and knowledge they have at the time.

…that if something looks too good to be true it likely is.

…that the more they become attached to a thought or idea in the future, the greater their disappointment (suffering) will be when it doesn’t play out as planned.

…that friends may come and go but family will always be by their side. Always.

…that they will get more than they ever could have imagined simply by being kind and generous to those less fortunate.

…that life is short and that they should make the most of each and everyday. They should do things that make them smile, that make them feel alive and energized. Live.

…to remember that life is more about enjoying the journey than simply reaching the destination.

How I see my role as a parent (grandparent) — I’m here to guide them, teach them and make sure they are well equipped with the skills, knowledge and common sense to survive and thrive on their own once they leave home. Time will tell if I’ve done my job well.


Taken from http://mysuperchargedlife.com/blog/40-things-to-teach-my-kids-before-they-leave-home/

Worrying...

A friend of mine had the following quote posted on their Facebook status yesterday:

"Worry is the opposite of faith. It steals our peace, physically wears us out, and can even make us sick."

That kinda "worried" me a little bit. So, I responded as follows:

However, we are human and worry is a part of life.... even Jesus, when He was on the earth - part man, part God - worried. As He entered the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed,
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my wi...ll, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground...
Jesus found strength in His Heavenly Father, just as we should when we are worried. I have tremendous faith, but I must admit, I do find myself worrying about worldly things. However, I know that God's WILL will see me through all things. Phil 4:13.
(Okay, I'm done preaching...lol)

I think it's a natural part of life to worry about things that come our way. I'm worrying about a few things right now! But, it's whether or not we let our lives become overwhelmed by that worry. We must never forget that God is always at our side to give us comfort.

...and, we've got to be willing to accept that everything is not always going to turn out the way we want.

Happily Ever After...

My little brother is getting married this weekend! I'm so very excited for him, but I can't be at the wedding because tomorrow I'm having yet another procedure done on my back (actually my neck). He lives in Mississippi, and I live here in Kentucky, so it's impossible to be able to be at both places at the same time. I'm really disappointed.

My brother was not the type of person that dated a lot of girls throughout his life. Actually, I only met one girl that he's dated, besides his bride to be, and they didn't date very long. So, when he moved to Mississippi and we started hearing about this woman that he was smitten with - we knew it was serious.

Now, he's getting married AND becoming a step-dad! I can't even begin to say how happy I am for him and his new family. I read their posts everyday on Facebook and I can't help but smile. The future holds so much in store for them. It's going to be wonderful.


Genesis 2:24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

It Was Then I Carried You

Along life's road, wherever you travel there will be times when life unravels. There will be grief and there will be pain. The wind may blow you off your track, knock you down or push you back. And fear may start to fill your heart,... your world may seem to fall apart. But on this journey, wherever you roam, you never have to walk alone. No matter how hard the road may seem, how steep the hills or deep the streams, He'll be your shelter in the rain, your comforter in times of pain. He'll pick you up whenever you fall and always be there when you call. He'll take your hand when the road gets long and carry you when you can't go on. He shed for you his precious blood, out of his undying love. He gave his life to set you free and promised he will never leave. With him there's nothing you can't do. With Jesus you can make it through.
~ Author Unknown

Thanks Jessica

HONK! HONK!

Remember these lessons from the geese:

Fact- As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an `uplift" for the following or trailing bird. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact: Whenever a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the "lifting power" of the bird immediately in front.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go (and be willing to accept their help as we help them).

Fact: When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies to the point position
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership with people.

Fact: The geese in the back of the formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging and not something else.