My next book

I decided to read this book, Winter Haven by Athol Dickson, for my next adventure and I'm glad I did. As soon as I picked it up I knew that this was the one... ever experienced that before? Well, any way, this is a Christian fiction book. I LOVE mysteries and suspense. Although I've only just started reading I'm already in love with the way the author uses words. He gives such detailed descriptions that you can see, hear, feel, smell, and live what the main character is going through. I know this will NOT be the only book from Mr Dickson that I'll read :)

Another GREAT book!!!

I just finish Randy Alcorn's book " The Treasure Principle". I LOVED IT!!!! Yes, it's about giving, but it's NOT based on 'giving to get' but on the Biblical principle 'that since all we have comes from God, then it's our responsibility to use what He's given accordingly.' There are a few points either I had not heard before or that really impressed me, they are:

• Since we are God's money manager's we need to seek His advice in the areas that He'd like us to invest in.
• Leaving large amounts of money to our children after our deaths may rob them of a blessing from God.
• The only thing Jesus said in the book of Acts was: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
• We often hear the saying "home is where your heart is" well so goes our 'treasures'. If our hearts are in the business of giving, our 'treasures' will not be of this world but of the one we will one day enter (that is if your giving is as to the Lord, and not for pride or selfish means)
• What we do in this life has but a short time to live (or be active) but what we do to further God's Kingdom now will not only help others now, but us later.
• I am a citizen of Heaven with all the rights that go along with that citizenship. I am only spending a short time here.

If you'd like to know more about giving and the blessings you get from giving, I'd really recommend this book. As I've mentioned before Rick and I have been so blessed since we started seriously giving as a means of worship and praise. As my mom always says "You can never out give God!!!" It just took me a longer time to learn this... sure wish I had taken advantage of these principles earlier in my life.

A Bump in the Road

Well, after a very short wait for the 'SINNER' book at the library, I finally got to start reading it yesterday. I was really excited to be starting it when I realized that I need to read the previous books in order to get the full picture of the story. So, I guess this book will have to wait until it's my turn to read the other 2 books in the series. I need to make another trip to the library to return this book for the next person to enjoy.In the mean time, I'm really loving the Randy Alcorn book "THE TREASURE PRINCIPLE". There are so many wonderful things in this little book. It's exciting to be a part of GOD's circle of life... He give to us, we give to others, they to go others, God gives back to us and the circle of true happiness begins. And one of the best parts in this circle is that in the end, when we are in Heaven, God isn't going to ask to see our savings account or our credit card receipts, but He is going to pull out a scroll and remind us of what we did and what we gave in His name and on that day, in that moment in time, God will reward us with riches that no fire, hurricane, debt collector or flood can destroy!!! I LOVE that and can't wait. My prayer now in this moment is "God help me to be sensitive enough to know where you want me to give YOUR money, time, and help."

"For where your treasures are, there will your heart be also..

Little did I know...

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you probably noticed that I've been concerned about the time when 'Chrisitans' will be seen as the 'enemy' and our freedoms and rights will be undermined. Well, as I was searching for my next fiction book to read, I ran across this interview in which Ted Dekker talks about his current best seller "Sinner". I can't decide if I want to start the series or just read this book. I've read "Adam" which Dekker wrote also. And when he says he writes 'edgy' books, he's right. But I just can't get this new book out of my head. The video below not only explains Dekker's new book, but also what I've been talking about for a long time now... scary... yet truthful... and Biblically based... I'm not making these things up...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!

Myspace Graphics- At Myspacejunks.com

WE LOVE YOU LOTS!!! ;)


This one's for you! Remember the day(s)...

Summer Reading...

This is the book I've decided to read now. The author, Randy Alcorn, is one of my favorites. Quoting from the back cover of the book, "Priceless treasure is within your reach. And with it, liberating joy. In Randy Alcorn's THE TREASURE PRINCIPLE, you'll unearth a radical teaching of Jesus-a secret wrapped up in giving. One you discover this secret, life will never look the same. And you won't want it to! Do it. Ask God what's on your mind... Open my eyes, Father. What am I holding on to thats robbing me of present joy and future reward?" This is a quick read... kinda like a gift book. But packed for of jems like "You can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead." This is not for people who say 'but I don't have anything to give, or for those who 'need every penny'. It is for those who realize that God already owns everything they now have or will ever have. After all, He really owns everything, we are only His managers or caretakers.


I'm also continueing to work my way through the Old Testament. Genisis through Malichi. I'm currently in Numbers during my evening reading and Zechariah in my morning reading. Won't you join me! Get to know God's love letter!!!! Below is a fun way to learn the books of the Bible...

Yes, I'm on my soapbox.... again!!!

I just finished reading this article, Bush v. Gore lawyers take on gay marriage ban. I'm very concerned about this. To me it's not about legalizing gay marriages or not, it's about our freedom to vote and how there is coming a time when our votes mean nothing. The people of California voted to undo what the government put in place as a law. The people's votes were their voices. And now those who were for gay marriages are angry because the majority of people in their society said they didn't agree with the proposal, they are going to over rule the majority of their neighbors? I know a lot of people are upset about this and see nothing wrong with over turning the majority rule, but I do!!! And it's not about 'it' being right or wrong, it's about our freedom!!!!! Wake up America!!! I know, me being a 'born again' Christian who is not afraid to let her 'voice' be heard, my viewpoint on things isn't very popular, but I do have that right to believe that way, just as those who feel that gay marriage is ok have that right too. I'm not debating that, I'm just very concerned that America is well on her way to becoming a government that is ruled and owned by the government and that the power to control our country is now longer in the 'mighty' vote, but in the pocketbooks. The previous election is an example of that... who really bought the presidency? Where did all that money come from that put 'their' man in office? And now Rick just told me that he heard on CNN news that 'the powers that be' (money and power in America) are saying that until the economic times change, our country will be a socialistic country... it's right there on Twitter!!! I've been saying these things for years and people laugh at me, but I've been right about a lot of thing in my life in which others thought I was silly to believe what I do. Scroll down to my posting about Socialism and see where our headlines of today fall... and remember all the banks that have been 'bailed out' by the US government are now accountable to that same US government. God help us, have mercy on our country if not for any other reason than some of your children happen to reside here!!!

Finished...

Today I finished 2 books that have made me look at things in a different light. The first is the book to the left, HEALING WATERS BY Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburg and the complete NEW TESTAMENT. One of my goals for this year was to read through the complete Bible. And today, I completed half of that goal. One thing I see more clearly now is the BIG PICTURE. Although I've probably read the New Testament many times... a verse here and a chapter there, but reading it in it's entirety is a lot different. I was able to distinguish the individuals' voices as I read one letter to the next. I could see the differences in how each author, under God's direction, told the story of Jesus in the gospels. It means a lot more to me now and I would challenge you to do the same. What I did was start reading Matthew in the morning (1 chapter) and Revelations (1 chapter) in the evening. I also am reading the Old Testament through from Genesis through Malachi. I do this reading also during my evening reading. I have fallen again in love with the unbelievable God, my 'Abba'.


The second book I just finished, HEALING WATERS, really touched me. It is full of suspense, self-realization, a world view of some 'religious' people/leaders of this world. I don't want to give anything away, but Mary Graham (President of Women of Faith) says this about the book "For every women struggling with self worth, here's HEALING WATERS. My own personal quote from the book is "Salvation is not dependent on a dress size". I LOVE THAT!!! You can click on the picture to order a copy of your own or to read more about the book. Check it out!


So, if you're about to go on a vacation and need something to read, I whole heartily recommend these 2 books!!!

Memories

I know it's not Veteran's Day, but I think this is a beautiful poem. Having lived most of my adult life as a Navy wife, this means a lot to me. And we will soon be placing our son, Chris, in the Navy's hands as he's about to enlist. God bless him as well as all our men and women who are now, and who in the past, have given their lives for our country!




Veteran’s Day TributeWhen America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.By Joanna Fuchs

A Beautiful Passage

During my Bible reading tonight, I came across this passage... "⁹ You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich." 2 Cor. 8: 9. Unconditional love! that He would do that for you and me.

Jesus, the Great Teacher

This is absolutely one of my most favorite pictures of Jesus. When I was teaching 4 year olds, one of the parents gave me a card with this picture on it. While ministering to these precious little ones, I could feel Jesus in our midst as we learned more together about the world He created for us and how we are to live with each other. I just had to share this. And although I miss teaching so very much, I sometimes think, maybe that's what my job in Heaven will be :)


"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

¹⁴ When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." Mark 10: 13 - 14 (NLT)

Happy MOM'S Day, MOM!!

Thank YOU for being a Godly mom and for training me in the way of the Lord!!!
I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOO!!

The Creative

I am so excited about what I've been up to over the past week or so. I've been praying that God would show me new ideas in my designs. And I thought I'd show you what the results were. Many people wonder how I do this so I thought I'd explain the creative process that I go through in designing. The first thing I do is pray that God would lead me through or to give me an image in my mind's eye. I also ask to be lead or drawn to a color or a group of colors that seem to 'fit'. In the case of the little "KNITTED Granny Squares" I was thinking about how could I take a straight line and cause it to create "corners". Once I figured that out then I knew from experience how to make the 'holes' that would give the squares that 'Granny' look. I must admit it took about 7 times to really get the pattern down, but I'm really please with what God and I came up with. The second pattern on the right is called Bara (this word is Hebrew for create, to make something from nothing) As I picked up my needles and yarn I asked God to direct my hands and I heard the number 8, so I cast on 8 stitches. Then the Spirit seemed to say try something you'd think wouldn't work and we will work it out together. And that's how 'we' came up with a totally new and different stitch!!! I have many many stitch design books and have never seen this one. It's so exciting because the more I knit and as the cloth took shape it looked and felt just like an old retro chenille bathrobe or bedspread. I love both of them. So, as I completed the cloth I had to smile because it's it just like our Heavenly Father to give us something we love and to guide us through the times we've asked for His presence!

Nicole's Beautiful Lapghan

I just had to share this picture of a client of mine's lapghan she made for a church raffle that they are having tomorrow in order to make money to complete a building project. She requested me to design something that she could contribute. I had a lot of fun designing this because each square means soemthing. I loved doing the research and getting to know more about the Catholic Church. Her church's name is St. Mary's.


Nicole, you did a wonderful job!!! Thank YOU for letting me be a part of this project.

Watch and See...

Will we loose these freedoms? Watch & See....

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." 1st Amendment to the US Constitution

Check this out... do a google search if you don't believe me...

"The oppressive, anti-faith "hate crimes" legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday and is pending in the Senate. If passed, this legislation could stifle free-speech rights of pastors and other religious leaders."
Focus on the Family Newsletter

It's only a matter of time before the Government will be socialized and it will tell us how and what to believe! And where and what we can spend our money on. Sounds a lot like we'll soon be just puppets on a string... that is unless we are smart enough to realize what is really happening.

Happy 80th Birthday DAD!!

I find myself wondering...

Did I give you your due..
For all that you've done for me
Did I ever thank you?

For all of my childhood memories
For helping me deal with life's stresses
For helping me accept my defeats
And celebrate my successes?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
Good judgement, courage, and being true
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared
Did I ever thank you?

If I have forgotten, I'm thanking you now
You taught me right from wrong....
I hope you know how much you're loved and appreciated
I hope you, instinctively, knew it all along.


Love you!!!

One of the most precious gifts my parents gave us as children was the gift of travel. What a blessing to be able to see all the wonderful things God created for us and to meet people from all over this country. I found this map below that allows you to 'color' the map according to where you've traveled. As you can see, we were blessed to be able to see all of the US except Alaska. When we grew up, my parents completed their dream with a cruise along the Alaskan coast. We really do have a beautiful land!!!


visited 49 states (98%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or

Laughter is the BEST medicine

As soon as I ran across this video it brought back so many wonderful memories of my teaching days... kids really do say the most profound things. Take a look...

Storing up treasures

For the last few years I've wished I was a home owner. That is until the past 6 months. Now I understand that it was God's will for us not to be tied down with so many earthly 'things'. Because Rick and I have moved long distances and because I really never felt connected or grounded in any one area, we never have 'collected' all the things most people our age have. Being like this makes moving when God leads so much easier. Little did I realize that, God has actually been teaching us something all along. Where our treasure is that's where our hearts will be. We are living in the day (not the future), giving as God commands and listening when He speaks. And we have the assurance that when we do as he says, we will be protected by jobloss, economic disaster, and want. In this area of faith and trust God says in Malachi "Try it! Put me to the test!" He goes on and says that "Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease." And it's been about 3 years now that we have been following these principles and all our needs God has supplied.

Yesterday I picked up another book by Randy Alcorn "Money, Possessions, and Eternity". In the video below Randy talks about the principle above. Please watch with an open heart and allow God to show you the way out of an otherwise bad situation. I know that if you trust God and do as He asks He is faithful. If He can do these things for us, He can do them for you too because God is no respector of people. He loves us all the same. And wants to bless all His children in the same ways.

He Is Risen!!!!!

How Great Is Our God...

At a time when so many people are stuggleing with their own lives, many loose sight of God. In order to harvest God's blessings, one has to be right with God. The only way to be right is to understand who God is and who we are. As we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and the Jewish Passover, let us not forget How Great Is Our God...

Since I've been doing a lot of reading in God's Word, The Bible, and because today is Palm Sunday, I decided this week to finally watch the movie THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. I thought that now I was strong enough to watch it without letting my emotions take over. I was wrong!!! And I'm so very thankful I was wrong. Through this very graphic reinactment of the final hours of MY LORD AND SAVIOR I gained the true nature of just what he did for me and the extent of the pain he endured because of his unconditional love he showers on me and all that are his children. I would encourage all of you to try and get hold of this movie and watch what he did because he loves us so. I think you will look on the Easter story... Jesus' story... in a very different way. I think, like I thought, that we don't want to know exactly what he went through to provide a way for us to get to God. I think we feel that we don't need to 'see' what he went through because it's too painful for us to watch. Maybe you're like that. I know I was. But after watching this I understand just how much God loves me that he would allow Jesus to go through what he did and I understand now the true sacrifice that Jesus went through. Watching this movie has gotten this message way down in my very being... in my soul. I will NEVER again take my thankfulness for what Jesus did for ME on the cross so lightly. I would again encourage you to watch this. It's very very powerful and if you can walk away from viewing what Jesus did for you without any feeling, then I will pray that your heart would no longer be hardened. There is only one way to the Father, God. And that is through the blood of Jesus that he so freely gave for our sins. I know this isn't a popular way of believing any more, but IT IS THE ONLY WAY!

The REAL Stairway To Heaven

Today in my Bible reading I fell in love with this verse:
Then he said, "I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth."
John 1: 51 (NLT)

This has been banned in America

I recently got this in an email message and was saddened when I read that in many many US radio/tv stations this video is now banned!!!! YES, in AMERICA... freedom of speech? Where has it gone? People against Christ and His followers are allowed and even encouraged to let THEIR beliefs be known on the street corners, in the classroom, and in our congress... for THEM what THEY say and believe IS FREEDOM... but for those like me and the singers of this song what we have to say or believe is unpolitically correct... where oh where has OUR FREEDOM really gone?

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

The video below is in honor of a dear family friend's passing.
Mr Jones we know you are rejoicing with Jesus and are now totally healed!!

Today is Beautiful Christian Sisters Day!!

Christians

by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!
Pretty is as Pretty does... but beautiful is just plain beautiful!

TODAY IS BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTERS DAY!!!

Sho U Chicken Recipe :)

One of the best things about Hawaii is it's mix of foods from all over the world. Whatever kind of food you like best, you can find it there. The other day my Sis (Vicky) emailed me a favorite "local kine" Shoyu Chicken Recipe. I made it today, but didn't get a picture taken before the sun went down :( BUT trust me it was just as good as any I've had in Hawaii.... IT'S SIMPLE, INEXPENSIVE TO MAKE, & IT'S GOOD!!! I hope you will give it a try!!! :)
Sho-U Chicken (Soy Sauce Chicken)

1 thumb size piece of ginger root, peeled
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. water
1 clove garlic, mashed
1 4-5 lb. pkg chicken thighs, skin removed (about 10-12 thighs, you can also use leg quarters)

Place first 5 ingredients in crock-pot, stir. Add chicken thighs. Cook on high for 6-8 hours or low for 10-12 hours. Serve with rice.

In Hawaii we called this a plate lunch and was served not only with rice but also with mac salad. When I was teaching prek in Pearl City and on the days we had a field trip, I would always stop at this little 'whole in the wall'. It's called Kabuki and it's at 98-042 Kam Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701. I would walk up to that open window on the left and there would be various choices of local foods. They would put my choices in a little white box with chop sticks. How fun!!! Loved it!!! (I also loved their ono fish, vegie tempura, sushi, sausage... I guess I loved it all!) :)LOL

Never A Dull Moment :)

The other day I saw a group on Ravelry (a knitting/crocheting social network) in which every member created a photo journal. They were to take 1 picture a day and post it to their 'journal'. No words were needed, just the picture. Making the saying a picture has a thousand words. SOOO... I decided, I'm a bit late to be able to start with a group, so I've decided to do the same thing on my own. You can check out my 'photo' of the day at IN MY FOOTSTEPS. I think it's going to a lot of fun!!! I always wanted to be a photographer!!! :)LOL I hope you will stop by.

Something to think about...

I ran across this quote from a minister serving during World War II...
"In Germany they came for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."
Reverend Martin Niemoller, date unknown

What a day to be alive!!!

I just came home from doing my usual Sat. running and had to come right to my puter to write about how happy I am to be alive!!! It's absolutely gorgeous today here in the Great Northwest. I'm still shaking due to sensory over load. The sky is beautiful blue... you know the kind... like on the day before Spring? The air is crisp and clean and it's a blessing to inflate your lungs with such cleansing breaths. The snowy covered mountains that stand guard around our little town of Bellingham are looking over this hamlet by the sound. I saw people walking stopping and chatting... people who haven't been out all winter were walking their dogs... there was a buzz of business at our neighborhood gardening store... ladies were turning the soil in their flowerbeds as if to wake up the beauties that are sure to appear... men were out and about gathering things to fix up things around their homes that had been neglected during the winter... and through it all I just thanked God for allowing me to be right here... right now... to experience this beautiful day!!! What a wonderful way to worship the creator and to thank Him for the beauty of His Earth.... I love the way He loves me!!!

Were It Not For Grace

Love... real love...

On this day when the whole world seems to be celebrating love, I became aware of how much I love... I love my husband... I love my children and their children... I love my parents... and my sister and brother and their children and grandchildren... I love my friends... and then I realized I love my God more with every minute and every passing hour and that I've got to start showing that love to those who need it. Francis Chan calls this Crazy Love. After having finished his book, my eyes have been opened to a new love. One that I'm going to nurture from now on for the rest of my life.

If you've ever wanted to know what God really wants for your life, this book might be a good place to start... the key is that He wants a relationship with you... all he wants is your love.

I've often heard people say who they want to talk to when they get to Heaven... that is after they spend some time with Jesus... up until now, other than family & friends, I had no one that I could think of that I'd really like to sit down with and just talk about God's wonders, glories, and love... that is until now... now I know, Rev. Chan is who I want to 'chat' with. I want to live every day (now BEFORE I get to Heaven) with Jesus by my side and in my thoughts and I want to be thinking constantly about Heaven. Then the next time I see that man on the corner with his sign asking for money, I'm going to forget what "they" tell us to do and I will see Jesus in his eyes and I will make sure I have some money to give. I get it now.

Just listen to what Francis says about our wonderful God...

You, a Born Again American? I am!!!

Add YOUR Voice

Thanks, Mom... what a blessing!!

Since we're talking about what our hands can do for others, let us never forget where we should put our faith in times of trouble and times of plenty... they are so strong...

Trying To Be Something We're Not

As I was flipping through the channels a few minutes ago, I came across Joyce Meyers. She was talking about something that really touched me and made me think of myself in a different way. Joyce was talking about trying to be like others and not being who God made us to be. Some of her Bible references had to do with how God says he knew us before we were even formed in our mother's womb. And after creating, God said "It is good". He didn't say "well... this is good... this is not so good... this is NOT good... he said 'everything I made is good'. The eye-opening thing that she said that really touched home is "It is an insult to God for trying to be/wanting to be just like someone else." He created each of us for something special. He has a purpose for each of us. He didn't make us all to be exactly a like. I've always been amazed when I was teaching how many children who came through my classroom and each looked so different from each other and they each had such different personalities. What a wonder God is that in creating each of us, He never gets bored or never runs out of ideas in His creation. People ask me all the time "How do you come up with so many designs?" And I don't know how, except God gives me ideas... many times, I have no idea where the name of a design comes from, except I seem to hear or sense it and that's what it becomes. As a designer/creator, I wonder as I begin a cloth where will it go... sometimes I have no idea until it's done... but God being THE great designer/creator... He knows before He even starts what each of us will be or how He will want to use us. It's up to us to realize it's Jesus living in us that works through us, it's not we ourselves. With looking at life in that manner we can see that we do have a purpose and that purpose isn't to be a replica of someone else.

There is a caution though to what I've just said... yes, everything that God makes is good, but being good doesn't mean we are perfect or without sin. We all have sinned and fallen short of God's will for our lives, but the most wonderful thing that our loving Father gives is forgiveness through the sacrificial death of His son, Jesus. Once we ask Jesus into our hearts, God sees us through Jesus' blood and we are 'good' again. What kind of love is that?

Just Stop And Think

After finally finishing the book "Heaven", I was at a loss as to what to read next. I know I posted 4 books that I got in December for my reading list, but for some reason, I just didn't have the drive to pick any of those books up. I don't know about you, but when I really get into a book, the book becomes alive in me. All of my senses are awaken by reading. It as if I jump into the book and the author is my best friend who leads me along the way. Well, a few weeks ago, I got a coupon in the mail for 33% off of one item at our local Christian book store. I didn't want it to go to waste, so I went to the store thinking I'd like to find a Nativity set that might be marked down. Instead, I found this little red book called "Crazy Love". I picked it up, read the back cover, put it down... looked around the store... picked up a few other things... but I kept going back to the book... God was leading me... telling me... 'YOU NEED THIS ONE'. So, I bought it and I just started reading it and all I can saw is "WOW!!!" I know this is going to be my next "favorite book". I don't want to spoil it because I'm praying that many of you might be enticed and will want to read it too!!! But I will say, it is very very easy to read and there are on-line videos to go with every chapter. PLEASE take the time to watch this video.... Please JUST STOP AND THINK....

God Bless!

Opening & Closing Doors :)

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! 'The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe, tell it. God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close. If you need God to open, some doors for you...the ask Him to do it for you and BELIEVE. Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing..

I will not be counted as one to keep my mouth quiet...

For a long time now, I've wanted to watch the movie "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed". Today I got the opportunity to watch it and was amazed that once again another freedom of the Christian community in America is being stifled. Well known educators who are the science community are being fired and black balled in AMERICA for even mentioning Intelligent Designed!!!! WE are loosing some of our best scientific minds in fear that they might mention God. How very sad!!! When are we going to WAKE UP!!!! Censorship in America is a very quiet power that is rising and gaining a stronghold in all areas of life, especially in the academic arena. This same kind of censorship is not found in other countries.... strange, but true.



Keeping with this same theme about keeping quiet about 'Godly' things, my dear friend Elaine from Hawaii, called me this week so upset because she had just started a new teaching job with Head Start. She had just been let go after only a few days because she 'prayed' with the children before they ate their lunch. Just like me, Elaine has spent most of her almost 30 years of teaching prek in a church school, were freedom abounds. But she learned a really sad lesson about 'government' education. She was told that she was to never allow Christianity to enter into her classroom by her words or her actions. And because Head Start is a government program, they could not 'risk' having this very loving child/parent teacher in their program. Because they didn't want to 'risk' loosing funding by our federal government. It's ok to 'demean' and 'humiliate' children (which I have first hand knowledge of happening in public/government sponsored schools)and to 'burst their bubble of innate faith that all children have' but it's not ok to teach children principles like "do unto others how you'd like them to do unto you"... and we wonder why children are killing children IN SCHOOLS!!! ???? Where has common sense gone?

Learning to save money from the past :)

I think we are all trying our best to be as frugal as we can these days. In my own search for ways I can make our food budget go further, I began looking in the past for possible ways that others have done to stretch a dollar. The first thing I did was search our local library for old recipe books published during the late 30's - mid 50's. I didn't have very good results, so I then went to Ebay. Below you will see 3 of 4 books that I bought. I thought maybe I'd share a few things from them. I've seen all of these cookbooks quite often on ebay, so they are still out there for purchase.

One of Rick's favorite foods is a quick sandwich. Since we live so close to his work place, he comes home every day for lunch. I might try one of these ideas that have come right out of the Victory Cookbook:
Misc. Sandwiches & Sandwich Fillings:
-Raisins mixed into cream cheese
-Chopped raisins, figs, dates, or prunes, mixed with chopped nut-meats and moistened with mayo
-Peanut butter mixed with mayo and mixed with raisins, dates, figs, or bananas (this is one of Rick's favorites)
-Equal parts of olives, peanut butter, celery mixed with a little salad dressing
-Cream cheese mixed with chopped stuffed olives
-Chopped stuffed olives and nuts mixed with a little salad dressing
-Cream cheese mixed with crushed pineapple between very thin bread slices
-Currant jam with pounded walnut meats and creamed butter
-Pimentos, cucumbersm and onion or chives minced, and mixed with mayo and spread on wheat bread
As you can see during the war years peanut butter and cream cheese seemed to be staples. And while I'm sharing ideas for sandwiches, I thought I'd share 2 other recipes that I make quite often. These were very common in my home when I was growing up in the 60's and 70's:

Sandwich Spread
3 lbs Bologna or Cooked Ham (I like to buy it in a chunk, but bologna is hard to find now a days in our area) you will need to grind this. I have an electric food grinder that I use, but I have used a food processor.
4 hard boiled eggs that I also put through the grinder
1 small jar of relish (I use sweet relish... I don't like quite that much, but Rick does)
Enough mayo to make the spread moist. Rick likes a lot of mayo, so I would say I put in at least a cup or more.

After putting the Bologna or ham through the grinder along with the eggs, I then mix that up and add in the relish, the last thing I do is add the mayo. You might have to adjust the recipe according to your or your family's own likes. This goes a long way and we like it on crackers, bread, even on toast.


My Favorite Pimento Cheese Spread!!!
I LOVE this and Rick has requests every week for sandwiches made from this by his co-workers. I think we give away more than we eat :)LOL
I use what I think is a 3lb chunk of Medium Cheddar Kroger Brand Cheese (this is always on sale and is about $5.00)
2 large jars of chopped pimentos
a good amount of mayo (the same as above) depending on personal taste

Using the food grinder, I put both the cheese and the pimentos through the grinder alternating the two making sure that cheese goes through last. I then mix that up and again, add a good amount of mayo. This is sooo good on bread or crackers. And is best at room temperature so it is easier to spread.

I store both in air tight containers. I'm not sure how long these spreads stay fresh in the fridge, our's don't last more than a week :)LOL

Search Me Oh God

Dr. Charles Stanley is my absolute favorite Bible teacher today. If you've never taken the time to listen to him, I would encourage you to do so especially this week. You can hear him talk on YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH... it doesn't matter if you've been a Christian for a long time, or just making your way to the Lord, there is something in this sermon for you. I was really blessed and have taken this message to heart. Based in Psalms 139, Dr Stanley explains the importance of us asking God "search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalms 139: 23 - 24 NLT)

The song below added to the worship and blessed me so...

I LOVE this story...

Today I got the story below in an email from my mom. Although I just LOVE this story, I'm sure she sent it to me because it involved a teacher and it really does sound like something I would have done with my class when I was teaching. She didn't know this, but many years after I had graduated from college when my boys were well into school, I went back to college to do further study in Psychology. During one of my classes, my prof asked us to write down 5 things about someone in the room and then tape the paper on the back of the person and then we were suppose to try and get that person to know what others thought about them. Well, I will never ever forget one of the things the young man who wrote my 'characteristics' wrote (I would NEVER have thought this about myself)... He wrote: "Sue has a very kind smile. I can tell she cares about others because she listens." If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that a couple of years ago I had to get dentures due to my extreme anemia that I had suffered with. Well, since I was a child, I've been aware how crooked my teeth were. I use to get teased a lot because of them. But being 'the strong one' I just learned to live with it and then when I started teaching preschoolers I learned an important lesson from them... whenever they use to say "Mrs Schaefer, why are your teeth falling out?" I would always tell them... "they aren't, this is how God made me... we're all different, and this is my way of being different" So, when the young man put that paper on my back, and everyone talked about my smile, it made me look at myself in a different way still... I thought most people only saw what's apparent (my crooked teeth) not my spirit. This story below reminds me of my own experience... it's so important that we do tell others... what we sow is truly what we reap....

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other
students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space
between each name.

Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say
about each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their
assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in
the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a
separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said
about that individual.

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the
entire class was smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never
knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others
liked me so much,' were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew
if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it
didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The
students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of
students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in

VietNam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special
student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin
before. He looked so handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved
him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to
bless the coffin.

As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer
came up to her. 'Were you Mark's math teacher?' he asked. She
nodded: 'yes.' Then he said: 'Mark talked about you a lot.'

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together
to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously
waiting to speak with his teacher.

'We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet
out of his pocket 'They found this on Mark when he was killed. We
thought you might recognize it.'

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of
notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded
many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were
the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's
classmates had said about him.

'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said. 'As you can
see, Mark treasured it.'

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie
smiled rather sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in
the top drawer of my desk at home.'

Chuck's wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.'

'I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary'

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took
out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group.
'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said and without batting
an eyelash, she continued: 'I think we all saved our lists'

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for
Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that
life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.

So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are
special and important. Tell them, before it is too late

Starting out right :)

I am really looking forward to what God has in store for me this new year. :) I had my final visit with my Dr on the 2nd and I got a very good report... my blood pressure was great and the doctor even checked it 3 more times for her own reassurance. So, what took a year to do, was well worth it. Thank you God!!!


Today I finished my 30 days of in depth Bible Study using the "Knowing & Loving The Bible" by Catherine Martin. I absolutely LOVE this book!!!! For anyone who is wanting to develop a closer relationship to God through studying His Word, I fully recommend this book. I love all the resources of Bible aids and how to really study the Bible. I also learned a lot about how God speaks to us through His word. This is one book I would give to the new believer, or to someone who has been walking with the Lord for a long time. I learned so much and I am so excited about being with God during 'our' quiet time, I now spend time with God in the morning, afternoon, and evening. I've discovered that this is THE most important thing I need to do every day.


These are my "To Read" books for this year. There's a little bit of everything... Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs (Character Bible Study), Thomas Kinkade & Katherine Spencer's Cape Light (first of a series), Jesus, the Man Who Loved Women by Bruce Marchiano (my relationship with Jesus) and Healing Waters by Nance Rue & Stephen Arterburn (fiction).

Although I've spent almost a year in my Heaven book by Randy Alcorn, I've loved every minute reading about my future home. I will admit, it starts out a bit deep, but once I got further into the book, I fell in love with it and didn't want to rush through the book. I've only got a little more to go. If you've ever wondered about Heaven and how to live today as if you're there, you should read this book. I will be sad when I finally finish it, but as you see, I've got a good stack I can start on :)

A new year, a new beginning...

Well, here it is towards the end of the first day of a new year. When I was younger, I never really thought about making resolutions and really sticking to them. But as time has gone on, I have. :) Over the past 3 years, I've been able to incorporate those resolutions into my life and feel good about being able to do so. I've been really thinking about what I want to 'resolve' this year. The dictionary's definition of "resolution" is: "the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc" The thesaurus defines "resolution" as: "determination, strong will". Some of the synonyms of "resolution" are: boldness, constancy, courage, dauntlessness, devotedness, decision, declaration, dedication, doggedness, earnestness, energy, firmness, fixed purpose, fortitude, guts, heart, immovability, intent, intention, judgment, mettle, moxie*, obstinacy, perseverance, pluck, purpose, purposefulness, pervasiveness, relentlessness, resoluteness, resolve, settlement, sincerity, spirit, spunk, staunchness, staying power, steadfastness, stubbornness, tenacity, verdict, willpower. I like the sound of any or all of those words... they sound a lot like me :)LOL... especially strong willed. One thing I don't want for my life in 2009 is to be the direct opposite of being "resolved"... that being complacent, indecisive, or weak.

Now, trying to put into words what I've decided to work on this year....

• first and foremost I am going to be in the Word more than I ever have been. I love knowing that whenever I open God's Word, The Bible, that the Almighty is actually speaking to me. And although I've read so much of the Bible, I'm just know learning how to hear God speak to me directly.
• I'm also going to work on accepting me just the way I am. Something I just don't understand about "the media" and real life is that.... a day never goes by when there isn't a news report or an article on the internet saying how obese we Americans are, yet... I've been over weight all my life and have been to probably 5 doctors in my 53 years and yet NONE of them EVER talk to me about my weight... and I'm not 5, 10, or even 20 pounds overweight, I am eligible for a lap band surgery, so you can imagine how much overweight I must be... and WITH blood pressure problems, you would think that my weight would be the first thing they mention... BUT they don't. I'm the one who has to ask... beg for help with loosing weight.... I've even had three of those drs say to me "it's more important that you are healthy at the weight that you are than to 'diet' and loose your good health" So... why do we hear one thing on the news and hear something different in 'real life'? One day while picking up all this medicine I'm on, I told the pharmacist about how I thought I would get the lap band surgery, and she and the other pharmacist that was there were so upset that I even thought to do that. They told me NOT TO DO IT!! I was a little surprised by their opinions. But I asked why and they told me that they see so many people who have had any weight loss surgery and the people do loose weight, but within a short time, those same people regain it and are worse off than before the surgery. I told the two pharmacists that I would think about it. So, I guess.... no I AM going to work on just accepting me the way I am...
  
• But I'm not going to just do that, I am going to start some kind of exercise program. Even if it's just walking to the post office down the street, I'm going to do something.

I think those 3 things are enough to keep me busy and enough to focus on. :)

In closing, I want to thank all of you for stopping by my blog. I'm so happy that so many of you are from outside the US. How exciting that cyberspace can link people of all countries together. Please visit often :)

As usual, I also want to share a song that touches my spirit. I hope that this is my 'legacy' too...

Plans and a prayer...

For those of you who follow Harvest Moon, I'm getting ready for our annual New Year's Eve sale. I think it's going to be fun for those who love what God has blessed us with. We're going to be posting a new Pattern Grouping as well as having a ***Search & Find*** sale. :) We're going to be offering a large number of patterns for $1.00. The sale only lasts a few hours, but it's a lot of fun!!! So, if you're a knitter be sure to stop by the UPPER ROOM and see what all the excitement is about. For the first time ever we will be offering a bib & bath set as well as some cloths that can also be made into European bath mitts.

And now for the real blessing... as I've been spending more time in the Word of God, I've been finding treasures that I had forgotten about or new things I had never seen before. The prayer below is one of those. Paul is talking to the Ephesians and he is praying for the Spiritual Growth of the people in that church. But it's such a beautiful prayer, I had to share it with you tonight...
Ephesians 3: 14 - 23:
"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,^[a] 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.^[b] 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." (NLT)

May this be my prayer for my brothers and sisters throught the world this coming year. May you be blessed with God's love and grace no matter where you are or what country you call home for as long as we are brothers and sisters in the Lord we are truely one family with one Father, the Almighty God. Amen

Today is the day of salvation...

"2 Corinthians 1 As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. 2 For God says,“At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation." (NLT)Let us not sleep!!!

It's about the CROSS

I can't remember when was the last time I was with my whole family at Christmas. I've learned that Christmas can be celebrated on a beach with temperatures in the 80s as well as under a roof covered in snow. Some of my most favorite Christmas memories are when we had very little and when gifts cost nothing. It's in these times of want or great harvest that I remember what Christmas is really all about... it's NOT the gifts, it's NOT all the goodies, it's NOT the tree, it's NOT bonuses, It's NOT even the carols or Christmas readings... but it IS when God came down and proved HIS love to us... to ALL of us.... He GAVE what HE had with no expectation of GETTING anything in return... HE GAVE US LIFE, and PEACE, and JOY, and HEALING to any of us who believe.

It's all about YOU, JESUS!!

What Christmas means to me....

This and That

I thought I would share a few things with you today that might interest you :)

Be sure to check out my FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONGS & VIDEOS (to the right). So many of these bring back a lot of memories of other wonderful times. I even included a few from Hawaii.

For a week or more the weather broadcasters have been saying "SNOW on Wed." Well, they were really right in our area!!! I so enjoy watching the birds outside our living room window. God always reminds me of how he cares for them and how much more he cares for us. Today, as you can see, they are holding on tight for dear life :) Behind them you can see the pond that is now frozen over and covered in snow. What a beautiful sight. Thank you God for how you created all things to work together and for giving me my sight.

Earlier I told you about a wonderful book that I've been using in my devotional time (Knowing & Loving The Bible by Catherine Martin). I wanted to share a few things on how to make the Bible come alive and to ultimately create an intimate relationship with God.
Getting The Most Out Of Your Bible Study
1. Slow down so that you make time to study every day.
2. Put yourself in the situation-

• ask "Why is this being said?
• ask "Whis is it included in the Bible?
• ask "What is the purpose of this passage?

3. Interact as you read God's Word-

• ask questions
• talk to the Lord about what you are reading
• ask Him what he means

4. Think about the Word day & night
5. Memorize Scripture

• choose a life verse that means something special to you

The RESULTS from this kind of study
1. Fruit
2. You will begin to reflect the character of Christ
3. You will live the life worthy of the Lord
4. You will be able to lead others to Christ

And one last quote from Martin that says a lot to me that I wrote in my Bible:
"The challenge for you is not to be in the Word more, but to have more of the Word in you. It is not what you do in the Word, but what the Word does in you." I LOVE THAT!!!

Tisk, tisk, tisk...

I just heard a news report that in England, religious leaders are having to include a Hindu snowman, a Jewish Menorah, and something from the Muslim community with their nativity scenes in order to 'respect' or 'include' other religions during this Christmas season. I'm sorry to say this for friends of other religions, BUT COME ON!!!! the Christmas celebration is just that... a Mass for Christ. When are we 'Christians' going to finally stand up and say "NO!!!" Christmas has nothing to do with Hindu, Muslim, Shintoism, or any other non-Christ center religion. As a matter of fact, some of those other religions HATE Christianity. So, why on earth do we allow such stuff to take place during the time when we, Christians, are celebrating the birth of the Savior who came to save us ALL... yes, even those that do not even know Him or choose not to believe in Him? It's just another case of Christians not taking an active stand. This situation reminds me of the following quote "Give us clear vision, that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything." ~ Peter Marshall, US Senate Chaplain 1947 This quote came as the whole world was reconstructing itself... after WWII and at the beginning of the Cold War.

Here in Washington state, we've had a big controversy going on at our state house surrounding freedom of religion. You can read a little about it at this link, if interested. A man representing Freedom from Religion group posted an anti-religion sign next to the Nativity Scene and the "Holiday" tree. This really caused a be stir in the news. And eventually, the sign was stolen and then given to a radio station because 2 of their broadcasters kept discussing why the sign shouldn't be there. Again, I ask... What is this world coming to?

I remember a few other quotes dealing with complacency:
"When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail." Pearl S. Buck "Evil prevails when good men do nothing" Aristotle

I don't want to leave you today in such a state, I just wanted to give you some "food for thought. With that said, how about a nice Christmas Song to remind us what Christmas is REALLY all about?

Mary, Did you know?

Please sign this petition...

The following is found on Focus On The Family's website. Please take the time to read this info here, or on their site, and sign the petition. Help keep Christ in Christmas!!!

"For years, the retail industry has made a steady move to secularize the Christmas season. Many national retailers refuse to even use the word "Christmas" in their promotions. Focus on the Family Action has been monitoring this trend, which is part of a larger movement to purge Christian references from the public square. Many retailers are quite willing to take money from Christians but refuse to even acknowledge the Christian basis for Christmas! With more than 90 percent of Americans believing in and celebrating "Christmas," we believe it is time for the secularization of Christmas to end.
Tell Christmas-Purging Retailers: "I Stand for Christmas"

Focus Action has launched a nationwide grassroots campaign to challenge the secularization of Christmas. Called "I Stand for Christmas," Focus Action is using radio, e-mail and the Internet to ask concerned Christmas shoppers like you to sign a petition calling on retailers to stop purging Christmas.

"I Stand for Christmas" Petition States I am troubled by the growing trend among retailers to secularize the Christmas season by marginalizing or refusing to use the word "Christmas" in marketing and promotional materials. Christmas is fundamentally a Christian holiday, and efforts to secularize Christmas are offensive.

I am joining Focus on the Family Action’s "I Stand for Christmas" campaign to call on retailers to stop purging "Christmas." I stand for Christmas, and I urge you to stand for Christmas as well by highlighting "Christmas" in your stores, catalogs and Web sites. Further, I plan to consult Focus on the Family Action's Shopping Guide, which categorizes retailers by their treatment of "Christmas," while making my Christmas purchases this year. "

Nothing Can Seperate Us...

I know that so many of you are going through things that seem so hard right now. It would be easy for me to say something comforting, but true encouragement can always be found in God's word. It's for that reason, I wanted to share with you a passage that helps me through those times...

Romans 8
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”^[n]) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[o] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)

Meeting God Face to Face

From the time I was a very young girl, the Bible has been my favorite book. I loved memorizing the verses while in Sunday School so I could get that 'special' Bible. As a child, I was fascinated by the book itself because during 'morning services' I would hear the minister talk about the Bible being 'God's Word'. I also remember one of those first verses that I memorized "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." Psalms 119:11. I remember asking so many questions of my teachers and my minister, like: "What happened between the Old Testament and the New Testament?" and "When was the Bible written?" I also remember the looks I got when I asked such questions... like "How did this child come up with this question"

Then when I went away to college (Anderson University) I had even more questions. My Bible classes were some of my very favorites, especially the Gospel of John. It was during these years that I really had to look more closely at what the Bible was saying especially to me. I was raised as an American Baptist and I found myself in a Church of God (Anderson, IN) school. Up to this point in my life I thought all Christians believed the same thing. That was until I got in those small Bible classes where the prof, knowing that I was one of only 3 Baptist students on campus, started questioning me about "my" beliefs. During the questioning, I didn't really appreciate being put on the spot like that, BUT as I 'grew' in my knowledge of the Lord and His Word, I was so very thankful for that experience because I learned my first lesson in Bible study, that being that God speaks to us through His Word. Through reading and studying, I began to learn to hear God's voice in the written word. AND because of this experience, God began to draw me nearer to Him so that we, together, could 'work out my salvation'. I had to figure out what and how I believed and why. I am so very thankful that I had this opportunity to really develop my own belief system.

As I went further through life, when things happened to make the journey rocky, I was able to pull from my memory those very important Bible verses I learned as a child. I also had the 'tool' or 'guide book' to get me through those 'bad' times. During these experiences I realized that not only was it a very Holy Book, and that God speaks to me through the Book, but also that in it the words where 'active'. I found comfort when hurt, health when sick, hope when depressed, and love when I felt unloved. In one single book, I found who God is.

One of THE most exciting things as a teacher and a mom was sharing the Bible and it's stories with my children. I felt it not only an honor, but a grave responsibility to share God's word. And the thing I loved most about introducing God's Word to small children was that they always wanted more... one more story... please!!! Children seem to have an internal awareness of God that they seem to loose as they grow older. I hope in this way, I will always be a child... always wanting more... even if I've read that passage a million times, I want more.

While roaming around in our local Christian Family Bookstore, I came across a book that I just couldn't put down, "Knowing & Loving The Bible, Face to Face with God in His Word". Have you ever had these strong feelings when finding a book that intrigues you? One lady I knew said she got that same 'feeling' from the smell of the book. Another told me it's the way the book 'feels' in her hands or the type setting used to print the book. I just couldn't go home without this book, so I 'treated' myself. I was going to keep this for the new year as a resolution to 'go deeper' in my study and devotional time. BUT I could NOT wait :) (see, there's that little girl) Any way, I just LOVE this book so far. I am going to use it over the next 30 days. There are 3 choices of how you can read the book...1)read only the parts that interest you, 2)read it as part of your devotional time over 30 days, 3)as you would read any other book... read until you get tired. I so recommend this book to anyone. The writing style is very very readable and easy to understand. Where the HEAVEN book that I also LOVE so much is much more detailed or deep, kinda like an academic book. On the other hand, I can see why this is the perfect book to include in a 'get closer to God' time. You can get it at: CBD, Family Christian Bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at the author's website (you've GOT to check it out!!!). Won't you join me in making your time with God one 'appointment' you NEVER want to miss?

Speaking of appointments. I've mentioned many times how I use journaling a lot in my life, both in my 'designing' and also in my 'every day' dealings. Last year this time I found a wonderful Journal, again at my local Family Christian Bookstore, I just LOVE it. I take it every where!!! It is chuck full places to put important info, appointments, and notes. Although I don't have a 'real' job, I use the journal to remind me of verses, ideas, or just sayings that I don't want to forget. There are Bible verses for each day as well as an address section, a budget section, important 'info' section. It has it all. Next to my Bible, this is my most important and used book that I own. This year I'm giving them as gifts. I keep all of my 'journals' so that maybe someday one of my grandchildren might want to get to know me better :) I haven't much as far as worldly goods... but I am a zillionare in the memories and experiences I'd love to share with them. Those things are priceless. You might want to check one out for yourself.

Praise & Promises

We have been so blessed to have a car that is paid for and that not only gets great mileage, but also requires very little mataince. Saturday after running around all day, I went to pick up Rick at work. I got there a bit early, so I turned off the car. It was raining and I wanted to just sit and enjoy hearing it rain. It was already dark and getting cold. When Rick got in to start the car, nothing happened. The first thing he did was go check the battery, the first thing I did was pray. I have learned that in situations like these, God wants to work.... maybe to get our attention, maybe to show others of his faithfulness, maybe to teach us something... but I've learned that when faced with something like this I have two choices... 1)I can "OH NO!!! Just what we need... especially here at Christmas time" or 2)Take a deep breath, and look to what we have to be thankful for. I will admit that so many times, my choice has been the first. BUT NOT this time. Rick and I both talked to each other about how many times we have been in situations like this and God has provided and things just 'worked' out. This time, both of us together, decided to get out of the car and put up our collars (or my hood) and walk the block and a half in the pour rain and rejoice in the fact that this didn't happen when I was on the other side of town or that it didn't happen when we went on our last road trip through the mountains. We're not sure what the problem is our how much it will cost, but we know God's faithfulness in that if we give him the first of our fruits, he WILL take care of all our needs. Now we are awaiting and watching how God will work :)

The other day as I was reading my Bible, I came across the passage below and just got so much comfort from it. If you're going through something... whether you've lost your job, or your hours have been cut, or are facing a medical emergency, or have problems with relationships, or things just not right at home, may I reach out to you and tell you, God is the answer to all those things. Both Rick and I have been through all these things and more, and through each situation, we saw God working. If he can do these things for us, he can do them for you.

Psalms 37
3 Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.

5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.

8 Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
9 For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. (NLT)

Why Thanksgiving....

This is why we celebrate Thanksgiving... The Father of Our Nation's declaration!!!

Please read why and ask "Do we still have these same ideas today, and if not, we need to find what we as individuals can do to preserve those freedoms?"

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

---

Source: The Massachusetts Centinel, Wednesday, October 14, 1789

Things I am thankful for:

• My Loving Heavenly Father who made a way for me to come unto him through my Savior Jesus Christ
• My husband who is not only my best friend, but my protector, my guide, the one who sits on the other end of the teeter totter that helps to keep me balanced, and who loves me unconditionally with acceptance of who I am
• My children who've come through me but are their own people. What a gift to see how God has worked in both of their lives
• My step-daughters who are becoming wonderful loving young ladies
• My beautiful full of life grandchildren. Although we are far apart, our hearts are tied with strings :)
  
• My home that shelters us from the storms of the day
• My very RICH childhood that was filled with memories of places that most have never gone to, of being brought up in a strong Christian home, parents that truly have reflected God to me... my dad who played with me and sat with me every night playing "Cribbage" to help me learn how to add :)... to my mom who never gave up on me and to both for instilling in my a work ethic. And for my brother and sister who had to put up with a LOT from me.
  
• My special mission "Harvest Moon". It was just 2 years ago when I cried out to God to provide a means for us to met all of our financial needs... and He is providing!!!! Through tithing and giving, God has met those needs for us and in these times that everyone is having financial problems, God has put an umbrella over us, protecting us from the financial hardships of the day.
• My friends that I've made through knitting and this blog. Those who bless us and those who encourage us through notes and cards of kindness.
• I am so very very thankful today for my health!!! A few years ago I faced death and was told I would have been dead if I hadn't gone to the hospital when I did. And today, I'm thankful for every day that God allows me to wake up and praise Him!!
• My sight. God has created a big wonderful beautiful world for us to live in. I never take my sight for granted. It is so important to me.
  

I hope you'll take a few minutes today to reflect on those things you are thankful for. I have so many many other things that I didn't list here... big and little.

Sweetly Broken

My heart is like a one room schoolhouse that belongs to the Lord. God has been teaching me that He doesn't judge us against each other but we are judged according to what we do or don't do with what He gives. This week I've been dwelling on these thoughts as I've gone about my daily routines and as I read God's Word and meditate on these ideas that He puts in my heart, I'm once again amazed at the grace that God shows.

We can learn more about this concept in Matthew 25

Parable of the Three Servants

14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver^[b] to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.

16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.

19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’

21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!^[c]’

22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’

23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’

26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’

28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ LNT

I love this passage. What a privilege it is to be entrusted with gifts and talents that are to be used as an investment for God. In order for me to be able to be like that first servant that Jesus taught about, I must be 'Sweetly Broken' in order to do His will and not my own. As I learn to do more of His will then I not only help Him to accomplish what He wants to do through and in me, but I also reap the rewards for working so hard. The more I learn to do His will, the more He will give me to do. In this story, Jesus didn't give them each the same amount, but he gave them "in proportion to their abilities". It's what they did with what they had that mattered. He also said the same exact thing to both of the workers who took what they were given and made more. He praised them in saying ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!' This parable has taught me that God doesn't judge us against each other but against what He has given us to do. Below is a beautiful video that touches my heart and reminds me that in order for me to do God's will and to be a faithful servant I must be a broken vessel that He can use.

Ever said this?

I know, I know... once you read this and watch the video... I know you'll think I'm such a legalistic person, maybe I am and maybe I'm not. But having taught preschoolers for almost 25 years I have seen a change in children and their language. The thing that saddens me the most is that they use God's name in vain. And I know they've heard it from their parents and on tv. I was just reading an article on the use of OMG on blogs and other places in cyberspace. AND how many Christians don't see anything wrong with it. Well, I'm NOT one of them. I see it every where I look and it bothers me. The taking of my God's name in vain really makes me mad and sad. And then when I see it on blogs where the author professes Jesus as their Savior and then slap him in his face by using OMG. By using the 3 letter acronym, it totally voids any witness they might have. You can't be on the fence in life... either you're a Christian who tries not to sadden the Lord, or you're not and will do what you want to please the masses. And NO I've never used God's name in vain both out of respect for God and because I've known how the children I've taught watch everything I do and listen to everything I say. I would never do anything to lead not one of them astray. In response to something I read, I found this video and am so impressed with the message. You decide for yourself.

Something to think about...

Luke 4:44 Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.

Our reason for doing things...

I absolutely find the Heaven book by Randy Alcorn to be one of the most encouraging and exciting books I've read in a long time. I know I talk a lot about it, but that's because I go back over many chapters so I don't miss anything. Well, today in my study, I was reminded about a song from way back that really touched me and encouraged me as I taught in Christian schools as a young teacher who wondered if 'my work' would touch the future. I want to share that song with you. It really does give us a real reason for doing what we do. How little do we realize that what we do, or say, or give to others, really may be revealed when we do get to Heaven. When I was teaching, my heart's desire was to someday be able to see how all those hundreds of children that have gone through my classroom turned out. Now I have hopes that I will in Heaven :)

As a post script, Billy Graham has played a very important part in my spiritual life. I accepted Jesus into my heart at the age of 9 and was then baptized. After that I was very active in my home church and a turning point in my life came in 1972 when, as a Senior in High School, I attended a Billy Graham Expo '72 youth rally in Dallas, Texas. It was there that I took another step in my spiritual growth in that I dedicated my life to doing God's will and that He called me into the teaching/childrens/family ministries. And I still long to serve. Most of that comes from my love for my Savior and the mission Dr Graham spoke and challenged us to way back all those years ago.

How sad...

For years I've watched one of my favorite TV shows on ABC and have always been challenged by ideas that might not have been my own and I was impressed by the humor and intellect until the last 2 episodes. I understand that this is going to be the last season for this show. Tonight I did something I'd never done before, I turned it off before the end. I was saddened by the way the ABC political agenda seeped into and dominated the story line. I was also sickened when people who voted for McCain were called "idiots". How very sad!!! I thought there was to be respect for all who vote no matter how they vote. I thought this was 'the land of the free and the home of the brave'. Seems to be that it's not the land of the free if we are not free to believe as we'd like without being called an 'idiot'. I guess the end of that phrase "the home of the brave" might be true for those who don't believe as the majority on things. You'd have to be brave to stand for the things that go against the 'status quo'.

Our Eternal Rewards.... something to look forward to :)

November is such a special time for us at the Schaefer home. Not only is it a time of remembering all the things we have to be thankful for, but also celebrating what God has given and how mightily that He's worked in our lives. We also are rejoicing in the anniversary of Harvest Moon Designs. It's been 2 exciting years since God entrusted us with this adventure of designing little squares of cloth that are inspired by so many different things... scripture, life experiences, friends, songs, the beautiful seasons that our world goes through that moves us through time. We made many friends from all over the country and have been blessed by so many kind words and prayers. Neither Rick nor I could have ever imaged how God could use what little we had in such a mighty way. And we thank him every day for providing above and beyond our daily needs. If you haven't visted Harvest Moon we'd love for you to stop by :) Just click on this link.

My very favorite pastor to date is Dr. Charles Stanley. I wanted to share with you today something that encourages me to 'fight the good fight' and to look to the things to come. I hope you'll enjoy the short video as much as I do. :)

Look what I found...

If you've been reading my blog for a while now, you know I find some things very interesting... sometimes they are thought provoking, sometimes inspiring, and sometimes educational. I just couldn't resist posting this and wondering if any one of you out there knows of the US law and can site it that demands us to pay income tax? I hope you will take the time to watch the video and wonder as I have "Who really is in charge?"

You can follow this link to watch more of this very enlightening information.

Blessings and Words from the Bible

I realize that over the past few postings, I've been saddened by the current affairs of our world, so today as I listened to God speak, He took me to this passage below... and as always it was pertinent to my life today. Through it, I've gained joy and confidence that "in ALL things God works together for those who love him and are called"....

Romans 8
More Than Conquerors
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[j] who[k] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[l] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

More Blessings...
One of my most favorite things are Japanese Craft books. I just adore and am amazed at the beauty of the little quilted objects that they create. I also love them because when they write the directions, they also use very detailed photos to go along with each step that is needed to create the object. Well, up until just last month, I would purchase these books via ebay. And when we went to Hawaii, I went to a Japanese bookstore and picked up many of them there. Last month I found an Asian website that if your order is more than $30, shipping is FREE!!! So, I kinda went wild... below you will get a glimpse of the books that came in yesterday's mail. I've had such fun looking through each one amazed at the beauty of each item. Enjoy..



Another collection that I've been blessed to enlarge is my collection of stitch design books. With these that I won this week on ebay, I probably have about 15 now. And again, the ones I love the most are non-English designs. I've learned how to read European English, French, and Japanese patterns. Just when I think there couldn't be another new stitch I found a new one... :) kinda like just when I think God could not bless me more, He does!!!

Maybe tomorrow I will choose some of my favorite things from my Japanese books to share with you :)

As expected it's only 6:35pm and the election has already been called. Why should anyone in the West even go and vote. Since the President is decided through the Electoral College, individual votes don't really count. I'm so happy it's all over. Now the time of real prayer begins. Yesterday I listened to a minister yesterday reminded Christians that God is always in control and through this election he just might be trying to tell us something... we have broken so many of His commandments and we have treated him like dirt and thrown him out of places where he was held at the highest esteem... all so that our own lives can be made better... let the government pay for all our health care... let them pay everyone's mortgages... let them take over private businesses and enterprises... let them take over our IRAs and bank accounts... but it's all for the betterment of our country... for society? Sounds like socialism. Sounds just like Europe in the mid-1930s. We are so human... we never learn... history repeats itself... "all we like sheep have gone astray"... we will follow anyone who tells us just what we want to hear... there are people all over the world who think we are arrogant and self-righteous... hmmm.... sounds like they just might be right. But tomorrow's another day and we will rejoice and be glad!!! :)

Today as I read God's word, I came across this passage. I love it...
Jeremiah 1:
4 The Lord gave me this message:

5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

6 “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

7 The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” 9 Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,

“Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
10 Today I appoint you to stand up
against nations and kingdoms.
Some you must uproot and tear down,
destroy and overthrow.
Others you must build up
and plant.”

11 Then the Lord said to me, “Look, Jeremiah! What do you see?”

And I replied, “I see a branch from an almond tree.”

12 And the Lord said, “That’s right, and it means that I am watching,^[c] and I will certainly carry out all my plans.”

13 Then the Lord spoke to me again and asked, “What do you see now?”

And I replied, “I see a pot of boiling water, spilling from the north.”

14 “Yes,” the Lord said, “for terror from the north will boil out on the people of this land. 15 Listen! I am calling the armies of the kingdoms of the north to come to Jerusalem. I, the Lord, have spoken!

“They will set their thrones
at the gates of the city.
They will attack its walls
and all the other towns of Judah.
16 I will pronounce judgment
on my people for all their evil—
for deserting me and burning incense to other gods.
Yes, they worship idols made with their own hands!

17 “Get up and prepare for action.
Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say.
Do not be afraid of them,
or I will make you look foolish in front of them.
18 For see, today I have made you strong
like a fortified city that cannot be captured,
like an iron pillar or a bronze wall.
You will stand against the whole land—
the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah.
19 They will fight you, but they will fail.
For I am with you, and I will take care of you.
I, the Lord, have spoken!”

When God asks us to do something... or to speak something... we must obey as God commanded Jeremiah. It is not God who has changed, but us.

Could This happen again?

Sixty-eight years ago to the day, Poland Jews were herded like cattle into the Warsaw Ghetto. Included in the group of people were men, women, children... old and young who did nothing more than be who they were. Today I watched the movie THE PIANIST. I've included in this posting a clip from the film. There are some very provocative ideas that I found quite interesting...
These are quotes from the movie:

• While some Jews watched as their neighbors were slaughtered in the street "It's too absurd" how could this happen to us? I ask... Could this happen to us? Is something like this already happening in our world today? Maybe to Jewish people, maybe to others, but they didn't think it would happen to them. Again I ask... Could this happen to us?
• The Polish peoples never thought it could happen in their country.
  
• Each was allowed to take 15 personal items with them. What would you take?
  
• "People don't even know what's going on around them?" The people in the movie realized that the whole world knew what was happening with them, yet they couldn't understand why no one could see it.
• "There's dignity in fighting back." "Don't let them get you alive"
  
• Propaganda fell from the sky. How curious... today it travels by not only radio waves, but via cables and satellite dishes and Internet connections. But even today it is here. Maybe not he same message, but one that could divide peoples into 'red' and 'blue' states... into 'winners' and 'losers'... into 'Christians and Socialists'...
• "Food's more important than time." Life is more important than things.
• How can any one group of people loose their humanity to the point that it turns our world upside down? that life is not valued at all if that life is not one like your own?
• Where would you go... where would you run... if there's no place to hide?
• God can use an enemy to bring peace and sustain life... for He loves us all, not always what we do... but he loves us.
• Someone may take everything that we have, but the gifts that God puts in us whether music or kindness, or art, or writing, or anything that he gives that helps us to enrich others lives can never be stolen or beaten out of us... for in the things that make us human He lives.

I thought this movie was excellent and expresses what happened to millions of people in lands occupied by Hitler and his regime. God help us that it will NEVER happen again. This is a true story. If you are sensitive to the pain of others please don't watch the video. But even though, please don't forget that this really did happen.

Tea, Patterns, & Verses

It's been a while since I've sat down and just talked about 'everyday' things and I thought I'd do that today :)

To start off with, over the past 2 years I've been able to do something that I've never in my life been able to do... and that is keep my New Year's Resolutions. Last year I resolved to stop eating salt on my food... now, I don't even cook with it any more, nor do I add it to my food. But I do know now that most foods already have salt in them. For over 50 years I've craved salt. As a young girl I remember eating it by itself. The only 2 other times that I forced myself not to eat it was when I was pregnant. I can't believe how salty food now tastes... naturally. So that's one thing I've 'done for myself'. The other resolution was to stop drinking soda (or pop, if you're from the east :). With all the pain I was having early in the year, I thought maybe for some reason it might be cause by the soda. I never really drank a lot... maybe 1 glass a day with my evening meal (8oz) but I did drink it every day. So, this year my resolution was to stop that. And I've done really well. I may have a small soda if we go out to eat, but not all the time. I've fallen in love with iced tea!!! I'm sure if I looked hard enough, I could find that it, too, isn't good for me, but I'm not going to look :)LOL Below you can see my favorites!!! While visiting my mom, she got me 'hooked' on Lipton Cold Brew... LOVE the convenience!!! And then last week Rick brought home an ice tea maker and I went crazy!!! I love brewing the tea with 2 Lipton Large Size (regular brew) tea bags with one of the following: Earl Grey, OR Mint Green Tea, OR Blackberry Tea. Since each taste sweet to me, I don't use as much sweetener as I usually would. If you are a tea love, give it a try :)

I've been very busy designing once again. And I feel good about doing it. It's a joy to see something come into being as I listen and obey. I was chatting with my bff BONNIE and I just had to share my latest design with you all. It won't be available until late next week or so. When I'm knitting sometimes I just 'feel' something special with a design. I'm not sure why I feel that, but this is one that was a dream to knit. I call it "Love Buds" because the little lace border looks like it's made up of rose buds and I love this cloth. It feels so soft and cushy :)

And finally, I wanted to draw your attention to my side bar where you will see a special Bible verse. Jason is the webmaster for Christian Webmasters and he happened upon my blog one day and asked if I'd like to post his script on my blog. His script randomly selects a different verse every so often. You can get his script for your blog or website HERE. Be sure to check it out. We can never have too much of the WORD. :)
God Bless All!!!

Words of Comfort in Times of Stress

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."

Matt. 11: 28

Are we about to loose this in America?

Yesterday I wrote about why I don't listen to the news any more and as usual, I began thinking about other times in history when the news media used their power to influence the masses. Now, I wasn't alive during the 30s & 40s but I am a big history buff. As a young girl I read all I could about these times because I found it interesting.. I loved the fashion and the music... that's a teenager's view of those times, but now as an adult, I find that history seems to be repeating itself. Today I've spent time reviewing propaganda fills from Nazi Germany. Oh the similarities between them and our national news... one view, one voice, one vote... how very sad!!! At this time in history, the whole world is looking to one man to pull us out of economic ruin. Just as much of the world was looking to Hitler to pull them out of the remnants of the Great Depression. Personal needs out weighed the needs of the country. Sounds like today? Promises being made that may never be backed up with action. (Wonder if we will be taxed if we could bring a personal law suit against Mr Obama if he does raise taxes? Isn't he now making oral contracts with the people of America?) So many things to think about. Who would have thought 30 40 years ago when young people were fighting for all kinds of freedoms that in just a very short time, we would actually want to give them up for selfish goals? How sad that so many people gave their lives for these freedoms that we now are willing to do away with in what seems to be a heartbeat because life has gotten a little hard. This time it's not Nazi Germany that is controlling the digital news world it's the Democratic party. And just like so many of the innocent German people, Americans are following a path of propaganda just because it's there. I wouldn't be so bothered by this election if the news media would just give equal respect to ALL parties. Did you even know that there are more than 2 people running for president?

One of the most interesting things I found when I searched you tube for things about propaganda was this little film below it was made in the 1940s by High School students. They are talking about Capitalism (which is one of the basic principles of the American Constitution) what it is and isn't. It's a bit scary to listen to what it isn't and see what is happening right now, right here in our country... government stepping in private banking... government wanting to invest/control private business... tell me we are not slipping back in time. God help us all!!!

I don't believe everything I hear or read.

I no longer watch any news on tv. It seems the election has already happened and Barack Obama will be our next president. I'm wondering just how many people will actually vote? I haven't heard any news reporter give any news that wasn't leaning towards Obama. If I was teaching in a High School and I even mentioned His name or McCain, I would loose my job and possibly my teaching license. Yet the liberal news media goes into millions of households and schools and businesses and are given an unlimited access to their own propaganda.

Yes, I think our nation needs a change. Yes, I think most of our lawmakers in Washington have their own agendas. Yes, I think we are in severe financial difficulties. Yes, I sure KNOW our educational system in this country is in need of a revamping. Yes, I REALLY do know what it's like to be in the military system. Yes, I don't have adequate health coverage. And yes, I've lost my job in the past 3 years.

BUT... one person CAN make a change that will effect a nation! Why don't we have laws that limit terms that our Representatives can hold in Washington? Who's really responsible for the bank failures??? People living way beyond their means... did President Bush go with them to sign their loan papers for homes they knew they couldn't afford and put a gun to their head? People blame him for all the problems because it's the modern American Way... blame everyone else, don't accept responsibility for our actions... "the devil made me do it"... all of these came out of philosophies that I grew up with... another... "don't worry, be happy" well, now all those things are coming back to haunt America... and the bad thing is that due to the actions or choices of a few, we are all going to pay... this is one of the main goals I had as a preschool teacher... "OUR
CHOICES EFFECT OTHERS!!!"

I'm sorry, but the other day I saw a talk show on which they had a couple in which the wife had just lost her job. The host of the show introduced them to someone who was going to help them through their struggle. The host also said "these are people just like so many Americans today" Well, I turned it off when they said that this couple now had to live on $8,000 a MONTH!!!! WOW!!! I would dare say, that I don't know anyONE who makes that nor have I ever known anyone like that and I was a profession making top dollar in my own profession with 2 degrees!!! I'm sorry, but I just don't feel sorry for those people. I know, on the other hand, MANY MANY people who make just a little over that in a YEAR HERE IN AMERICA!!!! Now, those are the people I feel for... they are hard working... live paycheck to paycheck and cry at night because they can NOT give their children some of the basics in life. These are the ones who make too much for help and make too little to survive. Some of these people are the most proud of our land. You probably wouldn't know it if you saw them... their the ones who don't take charity, they don't let their neighbors know what's going on in their lives... many may not even tell their own families. These are the people I feel for and try to help with what we've been blessed with.

Well, I didn't mean to go on and on like that, but sometimes just writing my feelings out seems to relieve my own stress. I haven't given up hope yet, I will continue to pray that God will intervene. May He look beyond our humanness and have mercy and grace on us and may we turn our hearts toward him for he is the only true answer to our problems. May we not find ourselves in this situation a few years from now....

More Things To Pray About

Time seems to have gotten away from me and I didn't post prayer requests for days 4 -7, so I'm going to jot down a few that you can join me in prayer over. If you'd like to participate with 700 Members, you can go to A CALL TO PRAYER.

From Day 4:

Pray for the protection and peace of Israel as they celebrate Yom Kippur. Pray that God would send His angels to protect our countries. And pray that America would be a strong and resolute friend to God’s chosen people.

From Day 5:

Pray that Christians would stand in unity. Pray that our ministers would preach the gospel message with boldness and love. Pray that they would teach their people to:

• love and respect the body of Christ;
• live godly lives;
• pray;
• read the Word of God; and
• be a witness to their communities.

Pray that local churches will be lights in their communities to shine the Gospel message to the lost.

From Day 6:

Pray that God would give you wisdom with your finances in these volatile times. Pray that the financial crisis will be solved quickly and that order would be restored to the financial markets. Pray that God’s people would be prospered in these uncertain times.

There is a temptation in uncertain times to give in to fear of financial ruin. But the Apostle Paul taught that we were to rejoice in the Lord at all times, knowing that God will supply our needs. He declared:

I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
—Philippians 4:12

Then he shared this wonderful promise:

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

It is God who gives us the strength to work, to plan, to strategize, to think, and to get wealth. The Lord promises that as we put him first in our lives he gives us the ability and energy we need to obtain prosperity.

But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. —Deuteronomy 8:18

But the key is to put the Lord first in all things, then all the other things that concern us in this life – finances, material blessings, peace in our homes – they will be added to us.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. —Matthew 6:33

From Day 7:
Pray for the Jews who are returning to Israel from around the world in response to biblical prophecy. Pray that they would come to know Jesus at their Messiah. Pray for their protection as they move their families to the land of Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

From a Catholic friend...

As soon as I finished viewing this powerful message, I had to post it. I wanted to share it with those of you who are wondering what we can do (besides praying) to some how turn our country back to God...
think about it...

Day 3

Pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare hearts around the globe to receive Jesus as Savior. Pray for Christians everywhere to have opportunities to share the Gospel, and that hundreds of millions of people will be brought into the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel is the key to the second coming of Jesus Christ

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. — Matthew 24:14, NKJV

Each believer has the privilege of preparing the world for His coming by sharing their faith with others.

We can ask God for all we need to be a witness for Him. He will give us the opportunities, the words and the courage to tell others that God loves them and sent His Son to be their Savior. Sometimes the best place to begin is to share with someone what God has done for us. It can be an answer to prayer, a problem solved, comfort when we needed it, or a healing we received.

The Bible tells us that the word of God always produces fruit and it accomplishes everything God wants it to, wherever He sends it. What a promise! Pray that the Lord would use you to share His word. And pray that all over this world people would hear the gospel and pass from death to life, by believing that Jesus Christ bore the penalty for their sin on the cross.

Day 2

Pray for God to protect Israel. Ask God to change the plans of any nation who plots to harm Israel. Pray that the hearts of leaders in Russia, Iran, and any other hostile nation, will be turned away from hurting Israel.

The Bible instructs us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. In this volatile time, it is important that we remember that the Jews are still God’s chosen people. When God made His covenant with Abraham, He declared:

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. — Genesis 12:2-3, NKJV

While Christians are part of spiritual Israel, the natural nation of Israel is very dear to God’s heart – and very much a part of His plan. Today there are threats to the tiny nation of Israel from enemies on every side. As believers in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we must band together with our Jewish brothers and sisters, crying out to the Lord for His protection of the people of Israel.

For thus says the LORD of hosts: "He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye." — Zechariah 2:8, NKJV

URGENT Call To Prayer

For weeks I've been sensing an urgent need to pray for our nation and for our leaders. Today I got a note in the mail from CBN asking for those who wanted to, to pray for our nation and the conditions of the world today. So, for the next 30 days, I will be posting a prayer request that will be sent to me in hopes that you will join with me in prayer. Today's request:

Day 1

Pray for God to protect our nation. Pray for repentance in America and ask God to supply all our needs — as individuals, as families, and as a nation.

Crisis comes in many forms. Currently we are experiencing an economic crisis and many feel the frustration and fear of the uncertainty ahead. During these times it is important to remember that only God is our source. It is easy to fall into anxiety as we see the volatility of world economic markets. But Jesus told us not to worry, but instead to trust in Him:

" Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? — Matthew 6:25-26, NKJV

Then Jesus gives us the key to trusting in Him in uncertain times:

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. — Matthew 6:33, NKJV

As we put the Lord first in our lives, in our relationships, in our finances, and in every decision, He will bless us and provide our needs – even in the most difficult of times.

— CBN.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WESTON!!!

WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!

If My People Pray...

No, I didn't watch the debates. Minds have already been made up and where ever I turn I see people fighting and saying such ugly things about those who really are trying to do something positive for our country. Instead, I spent my hour and a half praying for our country. With all the things that are happening here with the economy, with natural disasters, with 'the war' wouldn't you think America should be looking to the one who can answer and show us the way out of these things? But we aren't... instead people on the left and people on the right and those from the blue states and those from the red states are looking instead to one man to get us out the the situation that WE are all in!!! WE'VE done this to ourselves. I'm a product of the 50's/60's when our parents did all they could to give us all we wanted, then when I had my own children, I did the same thing for them, but now the sad thing is... my son is finding it hard to give his children the things they want because each day he is threatened with the possibility that his job will be moved to Mexico... but then I thought... 'aren't they coming to the US because they don't have jobs'? I remember way back in the '70s, while in college, they told us then that we wouldn't see any of our social security... well, as I get closer to that age... I'm thinking maybe 'they' were right... 'they' said a lot back then about the future and so far... most everything has come true. One of those things that I pray for every day is that our country (its people) need a revival. One in which we would see all the blessings God has given us and many would submit themselves to Him... see our need for His guidance... and truly follow in Jesus' footsteps. The only way that will happen is when and "If My People Pray"

Another Creative Venture...

Isn't this little lady a sweetie? She was one of my students that blessed my life in Hawaii when I was teaching preschool.

Who wouldn't enjoy starting the day with that smile?

Ok, now on to another creative venture that was given by the Lord...

As I was driving home this morning from the store, I was in awe at the beauty of the morning... the sky a beautiful autumn blue, the sun shining bright, the leaves just beginning to turn, and the air crisp with a new season. I love praising God for His handiwork and for allowing me to enjoy what He created for us because He loves us so much. As I drove, I was praying expressing to Him how very thankful I was for the day and for life. And as I did so, I found myself singing this song that He gave to me for the children....

Praise the Lord in Action (sung to the tune of "If You're Happy")

Say good morning to God
and praise the Lord (clap, clap)
Say good morning to God
and praise the Lord (clap, clap)
Say good morning to God
He's the Father of us all,
Say good morning to God
and praise the Lord (clap, clap)

Put your hands up in the air
and praise the Lord (clap, clap)
Put your hands up in the air
and praise the Lord (clap, clap)
Put your hands up in the air
Let Him know that you care
Put your hands up in the air
and praise the Lord (clap, clap)

Put your hands down on your feet
and praise the Lord (tap your feet)
Put your hands down on your feet
and praise the Lord (tap your feet)
Put your hands down on your feet
Tell the Lord that He is sweet
Put your hands down on your feet
and praise the Lord (tap your feet)

Put your hands upon your hips
and praise the Lord (with hands on hips turn from side to side)
Put your hands upon your hips
and praise the Lord (with hands on hips turn from side to side)
Put your hands upon your hips
Sing praises from your lips
Put your hands upon your hips
and praise the Lord (with hands on hips turn from side to side)

Say good morning to God
and praise the Lord (clap, clap)
Say good morning to God
and praise the Lord (clap, clap)
Say good morning to God
He's the Father of us all,
Say good morning to God
and praise the Lord (clap, clap)

I thought this would be a really cute song to have the children sing in the morning to both get them into the habit of talking to God in the morning as well as getting some exercise or to get wiggles out before circle time :)

Thank you, God!!!

My Prayer Book

This week I read an article on How To Make A Personal Prayer Book. The author, Letitia Suk, describes in the article "Creative Connection: How I changed My Picture Of Prayer", how she creates one of these pocket sized scrapbook type books to help her to remember prayer requests for her family & loved ones. After reading the article I just "had" to create one for my prayer & devotional time. In the article, Suk tells us that she uses actual photos in her book, but in the little book that I chose to use, there wasn't room for actual photos. So, I tried to use verses and stickers that pertained to the person that I created the page for. I thought you might like to see my book. The pictures below are the pages, they do not have the prayer requests on them, those are kinda private. The purpose of the little book is so that I can either pop it into my purse when I'm out and about and I have time on my hands (like in the dr office, waiting in line at the grocery, or maybe waiting while Rick runs into a store to pick something up) Those little bits of time can be used wisely if we follow 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 "Pray without ceasing" or when I'm at home and spending time with the Lord. I really liked the way my book came out :) Please excuse the 'blueish' tint of the pictures. The light wasn't really as I would have liked it to be.

This is the cover of the prayer book. On the 3d sticker it says "Life begins the day you start a garden" I choose that one because I thought of my prayers as the seeds that I hope will go deep into my family & friends hearts.

This is the inside of the cover. On the left it says "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalm 118:24. And there's a small gold dove right under the scripture. One the right hand side of the book, pg 1, is my page. I will put those requests that I want to make for my needs. There's another 3d sticker. The little girl looks a lot like I did as a child. I don't think I'll ever think of myself as a 'grown up' in Christ. The verse I choose for my page says "And all things, whatsover ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21: 22. I also put a small dove in the right hand bottom corner.

Page 2 & 3 are for Rick (my hubby) and Steven & Shelly (oldest son & daughter in law). On Rick's page there are little message buttons that say "Together" and "Forever". His verse says "With God all things are possible." Mark 10: 27. And his page has a 3d sticker that has a framed heart on it. On Seven & Shelly's page their verse says "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" Isaiah 12: 3. Their little message buttons say "Home Sweet Home" and "Love" two things I pray they will always have.

The next 2 pages are for my grandchildren. Weston, Joseph, Andrew, & Mylie. Their Bible verse reads "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Deut. 6: 5. This is the verse I would always teach my prek children when I was teaching. Their message buttons say "children" and "hugs & kisses". Their 3 d sticker has a picture of a little child in a frame with a flower at its side. And I had to add a little flower for my only grand daughter :)

The next 2 pages are for my son Chris & my Mom and Dad. Chris' message button says "treasure" because that's what he is to me :) and this Bible verse says "No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Cor. 2:9. On my Mom & Dad's page the message button reads "Legacy" their Inspirational word is "Faith" and their 3d sticker has the word "memories" on it. You get the message on their page. I am so thankful and blessed to have them for my parents.

These pages are for my sister, Vicky & Dennis and my brother Jeff & Jeana. Vicky's message button says "sister" and their verse is " To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. " Their 3d sticker is of a butterfly on a postcard. Ecc. 3:1. Jeff's message button reads "brother" and his verse says " Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the svidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11: 1. Their 3d sticker is of a beautiful iris flower.

These pages are for my stepdaughers Sabrina & Jackie. Their message buttons read "Smiles" and "Delight" which they both have and are. Their inspirational words say "God Bless"
The next page is for my friends who ask for my prayers... Bonnie, Deb, & Lin. Their message button reads "Hold Dear" and their Bible verses read "Love thy neighboras thyself" Lev 19: 18 and "A cheerful heart is like a good medicine" Prov. 17:22. The 3d sticker on their page is one of my favorite things... a bird.

This is the inside back cover. The page to the left is a blank page for any requests that might be made for other requests. On this cover page the verse says "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" Psalms 150: 6 And another small dove under the verse. You can see the black ribbon that runs through the book that can be tied to close the book.
Please feel free to email me at: schaefer_design_studio@yahoo.com

I Am a " Kept " Woman.

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind,
But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer,
but the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong,
but the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,
but GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Matt. 6:25 -34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.
When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!
I'm blessed to be " kept ."

Thank you Vicky!!
God Bless

My Favorite Time Of The Year

The First Day Of School!!
I could hardly wait... even when I was teaching, I found it hard to sleep the night before school was to start :)

Whenever I visit my family in Piqua, Ohio, I love to visit this area... it's so peaceful and calm... it's like being hundreds of miles from life's troubles.

I love looking at the world as a child... many times, while teaching, the children and I would go and just look up... they taught me so many things, I miss them :)

Isn't this tree beautiful.. so perfectly shaped.. so colorful.. but without it's neighboring trees it wouldn't be as beautiful as it is... kinda like us... we need each others so our differences can be seen, and our beauty made known.

I remember the day I took this picture. It was a cool crisp day and as I gazed up I just stood there in amazement at the beauty of the colors God has created. The brights against the blue and white, no artist could have painted it that lovely.

Thank you God,
for the beauty of the Earth.

More Evidences of the Sheep... Their Fruit

The article below was written by James L. Morrisson. I wanted to share it with you today because it seems I made someone a bit upset yesterday by my posting on Wolves in Sheep's Clothing.

"II. THE IMPORTANCE OF FRUIT

"By their fruit you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:20)

A. DEFINITION

Karpos, Strong's #2590, means fruit, literally or figuratively. Vine defines it, in the figurative sense, as "the visible expression of power working inwardly and invisibly, the character of the 'fruit' being evidence of the character of the power producing it." (W.E.Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Jr. "An Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words", Thomas Nelson, 1984, p. 463). As Paul points out in Romans 7:4-6, when we were "controlled by the sinful nature" we "bore fruit for death"; when we "serve in the new way of the Spirit" we "bear fruit to God". Different heart conditions lead to different kinds of fruit. God's desire is that we bear "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22), the "fruit of righteousness" (Philippians 1:11), a "harvest of righteousness and peace" (Hebrews 12:11), the "fruit of the light" (Ephesians 5:9; see also Romans 6:21-22, speaking of the "benefits" we "reap".)

Fruit can be shown by a person's actions, or character attributes, or both. It is shown by such things as the way we conduct ourselves, whether we have a godly influence on others, and whether we properly represent God to others. The New testament uses "fruit" in two main senses: (a) the harvest of souls that we bring to the Lord, and (b) the evidence of a godly character. In this paper I shall focus on the second sense.

Since fruit is the "visible expression of power working inwardly and invisibly", our emphasis should be on allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to work within us. If we do that, the fruit of the Spirit will appear. If we "live by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:60) we will show the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit can be counterfeited; the condition of our heart cannot. There are those who may seem to display many of the characteristics listed in Galatians 5:22-23, but if they are not living by the Holy Spirit they do not have the fruit of the Spirit.

I experienced this in my family. We had a strong "family code" which included peace, patience, self-control and some other aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. It was in many ways a good code of behavior. It was not based on the Holy Spirit, and neither I nor my other family members had the Holy Spirit living in us. It was not the fruit of the Spirit.

B. BY THEIR FRUIT YOU WILL RECOGNIZE THEM

Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). (Love is one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit). A major problem in the body of Christ today is that outsiders do not see the fruit. They look at professing Christians and say, "I can't see that they are acting any differently from the rest of us. If their faith doesn't produce a change in the way they live, what good is it? " Someone has asked, "If you were accused of being a Christian, what evidence could be presented to show that the accusation is true?"
In 2 Corinthians chapter 3, beginning with verse 7, Paul is writing about the time when Moses came down from Mount Sinai and "the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory." In verse 18 he compares that with what should be happening with us, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with everincreasing glory." Isn't this saying that Spirit-led Christians should look different? That there should be something about them that sets them apart from non-Christians? Indeed, Paul emphasized that the present glory is greater than that in Moses' time. Hence the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit should be striking and obvious.

One of the meanings of "glory" is appearance, reputation, the recognition belonging to a person. (See Spiros Zhodiates (ed), "Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible", King James Version, A.M.G Publishers, Chattanooga, TN, 1991, p. 1708, #1391.) We are supposed to show who God is by what we are. We lost this ability with the Fall of man (Romans 3:23), but now because of the Cross it has been restored to those who believe in Jesus Christ. Thus it is that we can "be" witnesses (Acts 1:8), we can be living epistles (2 Corinthians 3:3). When we fail to do this we misrepresent God, and cause his name to be blasphemed among non-believers (see Romans 2:24).

Fruit is also important as the means by which we tell the true from the false. Jesus said, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:15-20). The fruit is how we tell true prophets from false prophets. The same principle applies to every kind of ministry.

In Matthew 24:4, speaking of the end times, Jesus began by saying, "Watch out that no one deceives you." In verse 24 he warned us that in the end times "false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible." As we approach the end times we need to be especially alert to deception. The spiritual gifts can be counterfeited. There are psychics and New Agers today who receive words of knowledge, prophesy, heal, do miracles, and the like, but if they do not receive their gifts from the Holy Spirit, do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ and do not show the fruit of the Spirit they are "workers of iniquity" (Matthew 7:23 KJV; compare Deuteronomy 13:1-5)."

You can read more on this teaching on Mr. Morrisson's website. To continue in the same vein of thoughts as Mr. Morrisson's, how many pews are filled with those who can't wait to get outside the church to gossip about someone or wish that something bad would happen to their neighbor? Or those who "borrow" things from others, or take a little too much time on their breaks at work? Or maybe use God's name in worship while inside the sanctuary and they curse His name as soon as they are out of ear shot of the minister? I'm not judging, but what I am asking is that we examine all of our actions so that we see what those who don't know our Lord as Savior, King, Father, and giver of all that is good sees.... do they see Jesus in us? or do they see someone who is no different than the non-believer? We are to be lights that shine bright in the darkness... we are to be different... others are suppose to want to be like we are... not look as someone and say "I don't need Jesus in my life because their actions (fruit) are the same as mine". God has called us to be a part of this world (for HIS glory) not be of this world. Those are totally 2 different things. Either you are for Him or you're not. That's not my idea or standard, it's God's. There is coming a judgement for us all. By our fruits we will be made known.

Wolves In Sheep's Clothing

Aren't these the cutest little animals? They look so innocent and without harm. Did you know that Jesus spoke quite often about us being like sheep? One of the things he did speak about is to beware of wolves in sheep's clothing. He was so explicit about it that he gave a warning to his followers and to us that we have to be aware that there are those who claim they come from him, but are not. Matthew 7 records his teachings on this matter...

"Matthew 7:
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (NIV)

Although the warning that Jesus gives is very strong, he further tells us that when he sends us out into the world we are to be as sheep, but to also be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves."(Matthew 10: 16) (NIV)

When I read this, I wondered... "does that mean Jesus does not want us to just 'let things go'... to 'follow the crowd'... to not just "allow things to continue as they have?" And then I realized that in the last verse Matthew 10:16 he was speaking to his disciples warning them of what they will encounter after he is gone. What they (we) must do to continue with the spreading of the gospel. And although we now have freedoms that his followers didn't have, we still carry Jesus' cross in all that we do... no matter what we are doing... whether it's to the office... to the classroom... to the byways.... to the hospital... to the market place... or even in our homes. We are to guard and protect that which God has given. As scary and as hard as I find that to be, it is something I/we must do in order to further God's kingdom. We can not take for granted that everyone we meet that claims to be from God (Christian) are. There are many wolves in sheep's clothing walking among us.

Blaming God When Bad Things Happen To Good People

When I was young, I often thought about why God lets bad things happen to good people. I've always been one to be 'over sensitive' to what happens to others. I struggled with this for a long time. That was until I grew to understand the true nature of God and how much He really loves us. As you can tell by reading my blog, I do believe we all have a very important choice... either to accept God's gift of salvation which is through believe in Jesus as God's one and only son who lived, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again who sits at the right had of God and who will one day come again to take us to the home that He is now preparing for those who believe in Him. I am prefacing what I have to say because this only applies to God's own children. If you have not accept God's free gift, then this doesn't apply to you.

I just finished watching a religious program on which a couple shared their story of the loss of their 3 teenage daughters who were killed in a car accident. My heart ached for their story. The girls were all between 12 - 19. And they were killed when they were passing a car head on while they were on their way to their brother's soon to be wife's bridal shower. What a very sad day and a horrendous tragedy this family had to bear... watching their only son get married 3 days later and then burying their only daughters 2 days after that. I have no idea the strength it took that family to go through that. And again, my heart breaks for them.

It's in circumstances like this one or maybe like the one so many people are going through right now of loosing their homes. You might be one of them. They wonder why has God allowed this to happen to me? I've always done everything as I should. I love God, I do what He asks of me, I love my neighbor as myself, I give as I should. And yet tragedy comes... to us all. None of us are exempt.

This is what I've learned...

1. no matter how far away we think God is from us, He is closer to us than our next breath
2. through Jesus, God does know exactly how much our loss hurts... whether it's physical pain (which Jesus endured during the Crucifixion) or the loss of material things (Jesus never had a home) or emotional pain (Jesus' friend Lazarus died) or feeling as if our friends have turned against us (the only true time when Jesus asked His friends to stay and pray with Him, they fell asleep)
3. as hard as it seems when the tragedy happens,"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8: 28)
   
4. it is "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10: 10)
   

For me, the most important of those 4 things that I've learned along my journey in life is the last one... to know where tragedy comes from takes the blame off of God and puts it where it should be... "the thief". You see, God created all of us with a wonderful gift of Free Will. That means we have the ability to choose to make choices. Sometimes we make very good choices, and other times we don't (and then we often pay for the choices we make). Sometimes others in our world make choices and they effect our lives... like the father of 5 who was hit by a drunk driver and killed a few weeks before his sixth child was born. We forget that each of our lives touch others. And our choices really do matter. This is one of the absolute most important goals I had while teaching and raising my own children. We do not walk in this world alone.

But the thing that gives us all hope when we face times of trials is that God will never leave us or forsake us. Even in cases like the one I shared earlier about the girls who were killed in the head on crash... who's choice was it to pass the other car? the sister who was driving chose to pass. And we weren't told about the people in the other car? I wonder what happened to them? Were they killed? or maimed? Yes, it was such a great loss for that family, but NO... God did not cause that accident to happen... it was just that... an accident. And yes, God could have miraculously intervened, but He didn't there was a purpose in the choice the driver made... "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

And this brings me to my final point... not all good people love God. I know many many wonderful, kind and loving people but they don't know/want to know God. And as tragic as it is, things don't work out for their good. I keep them in my prayers as well as my brothers and sisters in Christ who are going through fiery trials. And more so. Because they don't have the answer to that deep and longing question "Why?"

If you're going through something like this... a loss... a sickness... a hurt... pain... or are questioning "Why Me?" turn to the Father, the Giver of Life, the Lord of Salvation and I can guarantee you WILL find your answers. But be prepared, the answer may not be what you want to hear but you can be assured... God will take that loss, that sickness, that hurt, that pain, that tragedy and will turn it for your good and for the good of those that YOU touch. He is the same today as He's always been. And HE LOVES YOU!!!

Righteous Indignation

In some Christian doctrines there is only one time when anger is an appropriate reaction... Romans 12: 9 puts it like this: "9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

I've been thinking about this a lot lately and was thinking about creating a SHAME ON YOU list.

From the time I was a very little girl I've carried this 'righteous indignation' with me. At times, it's been a gift and at others, it's been a burden. What is 'righteous indignation'? It

is an emotion one feels when one becomes angry over perceived mistreatment, insult, or malice. An example of this would be when Jesus was in The Temple and he became angry and drove the money lenders out. I would dare say that at this time, Jesus was mad!!

A few of the things that make me have a lot of 'righteous indignation' are (may not be in any specific order):

1. People who talk down to others because of their position in life (or the one they feel they are in)
2. The mistreatment of our elderly and our children, who are too young or too old to speak for themselves.
3. When one group of people are treated one way because of who they know and others treated another way because of who they don't know.
4. In situations where being 'right' is more important than doing what is 'right'.
   
5. Watching good law abiding people work hard to stay within 'the lines' and others, who don't think the rules apply to them, get away with murder and many other things (big and small).

Paul goes on in Romans in verses 10 - 21
10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I so LOVE this passage!! And am so thankful that God lead me to this passage today. He has spoken again and touched my spirit.

One of the many treasures I find in this passage is "being patient in affliction". With all the pain I've been going through these past 8 months, I'm learning how to be patient when I want it over NOW!! :) All I need to do is keep my eyes on Jesus... my beautiful Jesus

My Inspiration & Creator

I thought I'd share the new designs that God laid upon my heart this week. I love the time we spend together as I see a cloth come together. It makes me imagine what it must have been like during creation. What a power He holds in His hands... to create something from nothing. I need a guide to help me create, He needs nothing. And my mind can not even imagine all the the creative miracles He produces every day.... He's so good.

Grandma Misses You JOE & ANDREW SOOOOOO Much!!!
Have a wonderful day!!
Love you bunches and bunches
XOXOXOXO

Beautiful Colors

I just wanted to share some of the new yarns that I've collected over the past few weeks. I LOVE the colors. Starting from the tan Bernat (Colonial Color) and moving to the right... Lily Sugar'n Cream English Lavender, and a wonderful Confectionary Color (Wine) which is resting upon another Confectionary Color (Smokey Wine) [more about these in a minute], and then a nice skein of Lion Cotton Natural, and another Colonial Color (Boston Blue), finally another new color combo from Sugar'n Cream (Weathered Rose). I have plans for all of these as well as those used in my last grouping.

For those of you who are knitters, I wanted to let you all know of a great place to order from... Marie's Yarn and More is a fantastic place to shop!!! I came across her e-store while searching on line for other colors in the Bernat and Sugar'n Cream yarns. And when I found Marie's I was so surprised to see so many different colors that she offers. I ordered the Smokey Wine and the Wine colors that are going to be perfect for Christmas from Marie on Wed and it was here TODAY!!! from Michigan to Washington State!!!!! THAT is wonderful delivery only $7.95!!! As soon as I opened the box and saw that the yarn was exactly as I had seen it in my mind's eye, I had to send a 'thank you' off to Marie!! I asked her if she would be able to help those knitting my designs with obtaining the yarn if they'd like to knit up a pattern in the same yarn, and she was so happy to assist. So ladies, if you see a color you like, but can't find it in your local stores, go check her out. And remember... she has the large sized skeins as well as some of the smaller size. She also carries other yarns, too. I'm so excited!!! I have yet to use up any of the large skeins that I've purchased over the past 2 years that I've been creating cloths and you all know how many I HAVE :)lol!!! Another tidbit about the Bernat & Sugar'n Cream yarns... I know there's a lot said about these yarns versus Peaches & Creme, but what I've found is that they do NOT fade as quickly as the Peaches & Creme. I might take a few pictures in the next day or so to explain further what I mean. I also find that the larger skeins (12 - 14 ozs) are softer.

I'm so very thankful every morning that I open my eyes and can see all the beautiful and wonderful colors God has used in His creation!!! They never cease to amaze me...

Name it... Claim it

Yesterday was a really bad day for me. The firey darts of the enemy that were aimed at me all hit like arrows to a bulls eye. As you know, I suffer from bouts of unexplainable pain in my abdomen. I've had a cat scan, multiple blood tests, and have been poked and prooded and the 'doctors' can't find a thing wrong with me, but the pain is so unbearable. I've been to the ER twice for this pain, and I can not afford to do that ever again. All I have to take the pain away is Tylenol and prayer. So, yesterday, I was taking a lot of both. As I lay asking God to touch me and take away my pain, I saw all these snap shots of my life... little bits and pieces of things that made my life so rich. And as I remembered all that God brought me through, I just praised Him. And although the pain continued, He walked with me through the fire/the pain. I am so blessed, I really do have so many riches... not of man, but those given by God. I don't know what today will bring, but I do know how it will end... victory in Jesus!!! And by His stripes am I healed. I'll name it, I'll claim it. Yesterday, today, and forever!!!

For My Dear Friend, Deb...

I've been where you are. God IS there.... reach out to Him. These are for you. They are the songs God used to bring me back Home....

All we go through can either draw us to our Savior, or drive us away... it's our choice which way we go. No one understands as much as someone who has been through the same experience. Thank God He is such a loving Father that He allows His Sisters to find each other... even if it's in cyberspace to lift each other up. Please pray for our friend Deb... He's with you... He love's you... He is your comforter, your Healer... accept Him now...



To God Be The Glory Forever & Ever!
Amen!!!

The Sword , we don't want to leave home without

This is one of those "God patterns". I was listening to a sermon and I saw this in my mind. I'm praying that you are able to see the open Bible below the simple cross. For me this gives me an image to help me understand how important it is to be prepared for any kind of battle... whether it's temptation, trials, or spiritual warfare. Did you put on the Full Armor of God? I did :)

Putting On The Armor of God

Before reading today's entry, I want to warn those of you who may not believe in the powers that surround us, this may not be something you'd like to believe in, but spiritual battle/warfare is a very real thing...

THE ARMOUR OF GOD
Ephesians 6: 10 - 18 (NIV)
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

The reason I brought this up is because, don't you know... after my post about going into battle, I had a myriad of attacks yesterday upon getting up in the morning... the unexplained pain that I suffered from when I stopped designing was back at the same intensity as before!!! But this time I was prepared!!!! As soon as I realized what was happening I put on the ARMOR OF GOD. The pain didn't go away instantly, but it taught me a very valuable lesson... PUT THE ARMOR ON AS SOON AS RISING!!! as soon as I am awake, I will put the armor on!!

How do you do that? And why?

• By knowing what the armor is... The belt of TRUTH... The breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, Feet fitted with READINESS, Shield of FAITH, Helmet of SALVATION, and The Sword of the SPIRIT (God's Word) Having this knowledge, we can see where the 'enemy' attacks: 1)He wants us to doubt the truth, 2)He wants us to believe that our righteousness is found in acts, not grace 3)He wants us NOT to be ready for battle so that we can become a causalty of war 4)He will do all he can to destroy our faith in God and in our selves 5)Although he'd like to destroy our salvation, God secures it for all eternity through Jesus 6)He knows that if we don't know God's word, we don't know the power we have over him.
• How do we put on this armor so that we are protected? By daily reading it over and over until it gets into our spirit so when the battle comes we are prepared.
  

This morning upon rising, I went to the Word and I did put on this armor... now, I'm ready for the battle...

Going Into Battle

Since I last wrote it's been like Heaven has opened up and poured upon me a rich blessing of ideas. They are coming upon more quickly than I can knit them up or even write them down. Now I think I know what was happening over the past few months when I just couldn't pray my way through... I was under attack and now it's time to wage war... I LOVE Cece Winans!!! And boy did God use this song to speak to me!!!!





To God Be The Glory

I'm Standing With My Sling & Stone...

What a wonderful God we serve that He comes down and speaks to us in our every day life at unexpected times.... here I thought that He was done with me designing... and THEN... yesterday, I picked up a cone of yarn and started to knit... and with each stitch I made I felt God surround me once again and He spoke deep in my spirit these words... "I did NOT give you a spirit of fear... but of power, love, and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7. As I knit, I found myself not thinking about what I was knitting but of those who needed my prayers... and as I prayed, the design took effect... no frogging... no math problems... just a peaceful time with my Lord... before I always knew when God was with me while I was designing because the name of the patterns just appeared with no thought on my part. Well, this is what happened with the first pattern. Then as I was listening to some of my favorite music, I 'saw' another pattern that God wants me to create...... and then another :) WOW!!! Was I wrong. I'm not sure what I was afraid of, but I'm no longer afraid. And I know that there must be someone out there that might be dealing with fear, because whenever God wants me to share here, there is always a song that is given... one I don't have to find to go with what I write, and sure enough, the song in this video was the FIRST song I came to. Be strong and know that if Jesus is living in you, then there is NOTHING to be afraid of. Instead, God has given us the spirit of power, and love, and self-control so that we can carry out the task He has given us to do. God be with you as you journey today. Be strong and of good courage.

Happy FIRST Birthday Mylie!!!!

We LOVE you, Sweetie!!!
Grandma misses you!!
OXOXOXOX

A Neighbor's Reminder Of What's To Come

I was on my way back to our apartment when a neighbor stopped and wanted to 'chat'. I know this man has been suffering for at least 2 years from cancer and other health problems. So we talked for a while and then he asked me... Are you ready? Did you know that Jesus is coming soon? I said that I am ready and that I am watching and listening for the trumpet sounds. He was so excited about what some people call The Rapture (take a look at the video further down the page on the right under the title "Are You Ready". For those not knowing or having not heard of this event, it will be THE most influential event since the death and resurrection of Jesus. In Matthew 24: 42, Jesus tells his follows that he will come again to take those who are his with him. Amongst the Christian community, there are 3 major views on this event... pre-trib, mid-trib, and post-trib. I, personally believe in the first pre-trib, but that's not really important (I think). The important thing is if you're ready.

To get back to the neighbor story... another neighbor & his wife were walking to their car when the first neighbor stopped and asked the man.... calling him by name, the first neighbor said "You ready for Jesus?" And to my biggest surprise, the second neighbor said "I don't have time for Jesus today". WOW!!! To actually heard those words... I've never heard that before. And the first neighbor then said "Well, you better have time, neighbor" He is coming SOON. None of us know when that will be. I may not even get done with this posting and He could call us. It might be in 100 years, no one knows. All I know is I want to be ready.

I grew up in the 60's & 70's and was part of what people called "The Jesus Movement". I had a wonderful time at Expo '72 which taught young people how to take Jesus & His message into our 'world'. I've never lost sight of the commitment that I made there. And when my group got back to our small town we went right to our school board and won the right for Bible study IN our High School before school, during lunch, and were able to 'witness' to our fellow students after school. We were even asked to speak in classes about our Christian faith in front of our peers. What a blessing. After that people knew what we stood for and we were never EVER made fun of. All of us were very much respected by our friends AND teachers.

One of the songs that we sang when we got together during those times was the song sung on the video below.... I wish we'd all been ready. So many things have come about since we heard these words 30 years ago. If you've asked Jesus into your heart, then you are ready :) If you haven't, please let God speak to you and ask Jesus into your heart. It doesn't matter about what you've done or not done, God's love & grace covers it all. I hope someday to meet you all either in Heaven, or on our way up to meet Jesus in the air.

Painting With Thread Day 3

Well it took me almost all day to get the back stitching done, but it's done now and I can move on to the next heart. I don't know if I'll move up, to the right or the left, or down. The pattern has 4 rows of 3 hearts each. I guess you'll have to come back tomorrow and see which way I decide to go :)

Painting With Thread Day 2

You probably don't know what you're looking at right now, but hopefully tomorrow I'll have the back stitching done and the picture will pop. Your monitor is correct if you are seeing the stitching on a pale blue material. For those of you 'stitchers' I thought I would really put these new glasses to a test so I'm using 18 count aida. Being away from this art and then to pick it up again... it's like riding a bike... you never forget :)LOL



I am also excited about a package I got in the mail today. I LOVE Japanese craft books... especially quilting books. I found these 4 on ebay and got them for a great buy. I haven't even had time to look through them... I'm soooo excited!!!! So, I know what I'll be doing tonight ;)

We are also singing God's praises for our son, Chris. He's going back to school to work on a degree in Animation/Graphic Design/Game Design. This is something he has wanted to do ever since he was a child. Our whole family has been praying for God's will to be done in this situation. Because he is just a few weeks short of being 24 he's in a weird position for getting student aide. Being young in the faith, Chris and I had many many talks about how God answers prayers. But today Chris saw the hand of God reach down and intervene on his behalf and he now has all the financial aid needed for his first year!!!! Thank YOU GOD!!!!! God's answers to our prayers don't always come when we want them to come... sometimes He even says no... sometimes He says 'wait'. But whatever the answer is, we need to thank Him!!!! And know that God Still Answers Prayer. What are you praying for today?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SISTER, VICKY!!!!

Because you're more than just my sister.... you're my friend!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Love you!!!

Painting With Thread

One of the most recent miracles in my life has been to get new glasses that make me able to see well enough to cross stitch again. Many years ago, I taught myself how to 'paint with thread' using simple cross stitches that individually didn't look like much... but when put side by side would become a beautiful picture with many varients of color. I love watching as I follow a pattern that isn't on the fabric and within a short time... voila! I've created something that I couldn't have on my own.

This is what I'm working on now... each day or so I plan to show my progress...

This is a rather large project. There will be 12 hearts, a border, and a Bible verse to tie it all together. Hope you stop back again and see the progress.

Ever Had PMS?

No, I don't mean the kind we women get before experiencing 'that time of the month'. What I'm talking about is PRE MINISTRY SYNDROME? What are the characteristics?

1. anxiety (where will I go? what will I do?)
   
2. head aches (due to the a change in environment)
   
3. emotional sensitivity (will I be able to do the job? I will miss my family. What will others say?)
   
4. back pain (from packing, moving, or rearranging life)
   
5. impulsiveness (I may never have this $20.00 again, so why not blow it? They might not have that where I'm going)
6. loss of concentration (I want to do so much. How will I be able to accomplish all I want to do for the Lord? Where do I start?)
7. sleeplessness (excitement prevents relaxation... daydreams at night fill your head)

Know what's THE BEST remedy for this malaise? It's not staying in bed with the covers over your head... it's not holding a heating pad to all the aches and pains caused by PMS... it's not staying away from 'forbidden' foods... it's not complaining to who ever will listen... It's good old fashioned PRAYER!!!!!

Now, you might not be on what you consider the threshold of a mission... but if you are one of God's children... you are!!! Every day that you go out into the workplace, the school, the social agencies that you might go to, you are out on the mission field. And if you or I really take our 'calling' to go throughout the world and tell others seriously, then it's important to start every day with a lot of the stuff that prevents PMS.... PRAYER!!!

God loves to hear whatever we have to say. He just loves to hear our voice. When I was teaching at a school where my own boys went when they were little, it didn't matter that I would have 40 children in my room, I could always hear 'Steven' & 'Chris' if they were anywhere close to my room. That's because they were MY kids. The same is true about God... He knows the sound of HIS children and because He is Omnipotent He can hear us all at the same time!!

Please join me each morning before you start your day, in a time of prayer... on your knees...

I Had A Dream...

About 20 years ago I was at one of those 'crossroads' that I spoke about earlier and I needed to know what God wanted for me. My mom had said "God talks to you in your dreams sometimes, why not ask him to tell you what he wants you to do through a dream" That very night I had the following dream:
I was in a sterile environment like a hospital I was standing at a nurse's station or an information area. I walked up to the counter and before I could say anything, the woman sitting there told me that she had been expecting me and that I was there to find out something important. I was a little scared and excited at the same time. She went on to tell me that I needed to find the man with the white cross... so I walked down different hallways that branched off of this information/nurses center. I couldn't find this man. So, I went back to the place where I started, but the lady wasn't behind the counter. As I began to walk away, a man came up to me and opened his suit coat. There on the inside of his coat on the right hand side was a white cross. I shook my head and told him I knew he had something he needed to tell me. He walked me into a large hospital room. there were 3 beds on the right and 2 on the left. Even now, I can see this as if it were yesterday. I could see the sink and a mirror and the door that led into the bathroom. In each bed I saw what looked like life sized Cabbage Patch Kids. The man lead me to the center of the room and told me to look around. He then told me to go to each of the 'dolls' and touch them with my hand and then to return to the center of the room. I did that... then he said "take a look again...." I did and to my surprise all the 'dolls' came to life. He said "this is what you are to do".

For years I searched for a 'real life' man that might have a cross or anyone who might know what the dream meant. And for the past few years I've wanted to go back to school to be able to work as a chaplain. Well, yesterday I signed up for classes that I think might get me closer to that desire. Again, it's so far from what I've done recently, but not so far from what I've done in the past. I was once a volunteer intake worker for the Navy/Marine Relief Society. And a few years after that, I was a phone intake counselor for Honolulu Suicide & Crisis Center. I loved both opportunities!!!! And I'm so excited... I hope to be able to possibly work as a volunteer chaplain or maybe an assistant.... maybe God's going to 'drop' me in that kind of environment next!!! :)

On Eagle's Wings

Living in the Great Northwest and on the edge of a beautiful pond, we are surrounded by all the beauty and creatures that God put on this earth for our enjoyment. One of my most favorite things to do is to sit and look out our picture window overlooking the pond and watch the birds. It's getting to be that time of the year when the Canadian Geese are stopping by on the migration. They always seem to fly in or out of the pond area at either sunrise or sunset, so I'm able to enjoy listening to their 'fellowshipping' one with another. During the mid morning to mid afternoon the sea gulls come for their time at 'the pond'. I love watching how they dive and swoop and cry all at the same time... it's almost like a game they play with one another. They are such comedians :)LOL. And then... every once in a while... as I sit and just listen to the quiet, I will hear a screech in the distance... and I know a majestic eagle is on its way for a visit to 'the pond'. Soaring so effortlessly high above where the other birds fly... I see the beauty of peace and strength. They make it look so easy... they hardly flap their wings... I could watch them forever.... soar and circle and finally swoop down into 'the pond' for their evening meal. I would love to be able to fly on the wings of one of them....

How I've been spending my days...

HANDS TO WORK, HEART TO GOD

I thought I'd share with you some of the things I've been doing lately to keep myself busy :)

As much as I've wanted to knit, it no longer comes to me. I've spent hours and hours knitting only to rip those hours of work out to start again. I've even tried knitting another's pattern and that didn't work. I've tried knitting one of my own patterns and the words are like a foreign language. Below are a couple of the items I wanted to knit, but couldn't... I think I might have 'knitter's block' :)

BYOB by Moira Ravenscroft and THE ABSOLUTE Best (my pattern)

I'm also learning verbal Japanese. This is something I've always wanted to do since teaching First Grade in Hawaii. Every week my class would have Japanese and Hawaiian Language classes. So Rick got me a program to learn how to speak the beautiful language. So far, it's pretty easy :)

I've also been tring to figure out how to make the points pointed when I sew triangles together that were cut with a template. I want to quilt the material & make it into a bag. My mom has explained it so well over the phone... but like my sons, I think I might do better seeing it and doing rather than with words... guess I need to make another visit back to Ohio :)LOL! Below you will see what I'm talking about in the 2 rows toward the top of the picture below. The other fabrics are some that I'd like to use in making a bag for the fall.

When my hands aren't busy, I've been reading A Place Called Trinity by Della Parr. It's the first Christian Historical Fiction that I've read. I love reading books that take me to a place where I get to know the characters and their lives and where towns/communities are a big part of the story. And so far, this book has it all.

And finally, the hardest thing I'm trying to do is loose weight. Although I am way over weight, and I've been to 4 doctors in the past 20+ years, NOT ONE has suggested I go on a diet. One doctor told me "God makes people in all sizes and the most important thing is that you're healthy." Another said "Let's concentrate on getting your blood pressure down." (NO diet). And yet another said "It's not healthy going on these diets to yo-yo up and down. I'd rather you not" Now, I'm not talking 20 lbs overweight, I'd like to loose about 80 and I'd still be a little over what I should be. This experience just amazes me when all we hear on the news is how Americans are obese and need to do something about it... yet when I've asked and begged the Drs I've gone to, I've been told those things above. This time when I went to the Drs I told her that I am determined to do something about my weight. I initiated the conversation and told her I wanted her opinion on the LapBand and if I'd be a good canidate. She said I would but that I would need to be on a 'diet' for a while. So, I'm on a high protein/low carb diet. I've lost inches over the past 4 weeks, but I'm not sure about pounds. I go back to the doctor's in a couple of weeks. :)

So, that's about it for what I've been doing. I'm going to end with a couple of my favorite little blessings:

Andrew, Joe, Weston, & Mylie(my grand-babies!!)

Bless you all!!!

A Vision Of Our Father's Love

The other day my sis sent me this wonderful video below. And being me, my first reaction to it was "What does God want me to learn through this touching video?" Just like always, He showed me what a father's love is all about. You see, the young man in the video had asked his father to participate with him in an Iron Man contest. This kind of contest involves cycling, swimming, and running. Many people don't complete it because each event it done right after the other... there is no rest for the contestants. Well, as you can see, both father and son made it to the finish line and were winners in their own rights.

The things God taught me through this video are:
1)All we have to do is ask and our Father hears us
2)No matter what we think we can't do, God can do it through us
3)Our Father is with His children no matter what struggles and trials we go through
4)When we are truly His, the victory will be ours as long as we have Him behind us all the way


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Would You Follow? I will walk by faith...

A while ago I read a wonderful book called A Steadfast Surrender by Nancy Moser. I LOVE this book. At the time, I was so blessed to be a part of a wonderful teaching position. God spoke to me as I read this book... "what will you do?" He asked me. You see, the story is about doing what God asks of you without knowing exactly what that might be. In the book, Claire Adams was a famous artist. Her work was known around the world. She had it all... a beautiful home, cars, respect, fame, money... and then at the height of her success, God spoke to her and said "Follow Me." He didn't shout it... he didn't threaten her... he didn't bribe her... he simply said in a quietness that only her soul could understand "My daughter, trust me... follow me" And so she did. She gave everything away except a few clothes that she took with her. And she headed out in her car, being lead by God to where he would tell her to stop and do what he would tell her to do... day by day... living as a tool for God's use... with nothing but him to lean on. I don't want to give any more of the story away, but not only did she learn about God's faithfulness and her service to the Lord, but people around her learned things about themselves and God as well.

I've gone through this same thing a couple of times in my life... and people thought I was totally wacked (or crazy)... with success and all the things the world has to offer, for someone to just up and leave... now that is unheard of. During my last teaching job, I heard this call from God to 'give it up & be still and wait upon me'. That year was absolutely the best teaching year I've ever had. The parents were so supportive, the staff were so encouraging, and God was blessing in so many ways... and then I heard Him say... "follow me". When I told the school that I would not be signing next year's contract, they tried everything they could to get me to reconsider... they offered me a $5.00/hour raise, a promotion in status, they even offered me a vehicle. Parents of younger children begged me to reconsider because they wanted their children in my class. And yet, I knew, I had to follow God. After that, God taught me so many things... and to be honest, there have been times when I've wished I hadn't left, but then I see how he saw the big picture, and I so often only see the corner.

And then a few years ago, I needed health care and didn't have insurance nor the money to get the care I needed. So, I prayed to God that he would supply this need. And one thing I've learned in life about how God answers prayers is this... sometimes He works in miraculous ways to provide what we need immediately, and then at other times we must wait, and yet at other times he wants to work through us to provide us with our needs. This was the case in my need for medical care. That's when God gave me Harvest Moon. Through designing simple dishcloths, God supplied my need and my medical care was taken care of.

Now, I've come to another crossroad... for months now, I've heard God say "I've got something else for you to do." And I've fought this... maybe because we were able to do things for others that we weren't able to do before... maybe because through Harvest Moon, I was able to touch others... maybe because I was afraid of letting people down... maybe because what would people think of me walking away from another success... but when it comes right down to it... maybe I didn't have enough faith. But Jesus said "if you have the faith the size of a mustard seed, you will be able to say to a mountain 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you". So that's what I'm going to do... I'm going to use that small size faith the size of a mustard seed and I'm going to see what God has planned for me now. There will be other Children of God to pick up where I left off and I am excited about what He has for me. And I WILL WALK BY FAITH...

Walk By Faith (Jeremy Camp)
The words are mine today...
Will I believe you when you say
Your hand will guide my every way
Will I receive the words You say
Every moment of every day

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Help me to RID my endless fears
You've been so faithful for all my years
With the one breath You make me new
Your grace covers all I do

yeah, yeah , yeah, yeah, ya

well i will walk by faith
even when i cannot see
because this broken road
prepares your will for me

Well I'm broken- but I still see Your face
Well You've spoken- pouring Your words of grace

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me
(Repeat)
Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Hallelujah, hallelu

I will walk by faith, I will walk by faith,
I will walk by faith
I will walk by faith, I will walk by faith,
I will walk by faith
I will walk by faith, I will walk by faith,
I will walk by faith
I will walk by faith
I will walk,I will walk
Faith
I will walk, I will walk by faith

How should we pray? (please scroll down for following posts)

This week I'd like to 'chat' about The Lord's Prayer. Each day I'd like to share some of my thoughts on how Jesus taught us to pray. Below you will find the Biblical account of how Jesus taught his disciples to pray...

Matthew 6:5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9"This, then, is how you should pray:

" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

I included the few verses before the prayer itself because I wanted to draw some attention to the circumstances of Jesus' time and how they don't really differ from those of today. The thing I find most fascinating in the prelude to the prayer is that Jesus assures us that "our Father knows what we need before we ask Him." I find this comforting because in any kind of loving relationship, don't we usually know what our loved one needs or wants before they even ask? That is if we are 'in tuned' to that person? When my boys were little, I knew what they wanted before they asked because we were so close. Even though Rick and I are just humans, from the time we first met, we seemed to 'know' what the other needed or was feeling. And this isn't some kind of mystic thing... it's a form of communication. Back in the '70s when I was in college we talked a lot about nonverbal communication. And the more you knew someone else, the more 'in tuned' you were to their nonverbal ques. God is like that. He created us, He loves us, He wants the best for us, and He knows what is in our hearts. The thing He desires most is a relationship with us that is based on communication. Even though I knew what my boys wanted, I enjoyed hearing them tell me what they desired. Then when I was able to give that desire, my heart overflowed with joy at seeing their response and hearing them say 'thank you'.

Tomorrow, I want to talk a little about the couple of verses in what we call The Lord's Prayer.
Don Moen has this beautiful interpretation of this lesson on prayer given by Jesus, our Lord. You might also like to take a look at little Zoei's song... find her video under "Out of the mouths of Babes" And this little girl was only about 2 1/2 when she say the traditional Lord's Prayer.





TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2008
Our Father that art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name
Aren't these beautiful words? For me, I envision my loving Father in Heaven... maybe He's walking among friends and family who have already been called home, or maybe He is sitting in a comfortable room talking with Jesus who sits at His right hand... but what ever He is doing, He's in a place where He can see all His children and all at the same time. And as I think upon the rest of this verse... hallowed be thy name... I think to myself about what does the word 'hallowed' mean? The dictionary describes it as: "regarded as holy; venerated; sacred". A synonym would be "blessed". Venerated means to treat with with reverence. And reverence is a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe... and that's what I think of most when I think of God my Father... awe... in the big things (like my salvation) and in the more simpler things like the flowers of the fields. As you listen to the music of the video below, think about the Father who is in Heaven who is worthy of all our praise, worship, and awe. And then as you go through your day, look and see all the small blessings He sends to tell you how much He loves you and be thankful in all things.





WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2008
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
When we talk to God about His kingdom we are recognizing His kingship over all. The dictionary explains this as follows "kingdom: the domain over which the spiritual sovereignty of God or Christ extends whether in Heaven or on Earth". The verse goes on to say "your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" That says to me that I need to pray for those things that are all ready in heaven as being here on earth at this very time... not necessarily in the future... but right now. And what do we know about those in heaven?... there shall be no sickness or pain, no suffering or fear... there will be rejoicing... Should we not then pray for those things right now in our life? And that in and through Jesus we can walk each day as if in heaven even though we are on earth... we are in the world, but we're not of the world.






THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2008
Give us this day our daily bread.
I find it interesting that this part of the Lord's prayer is so brief, yet within it's meaning is something so important for us to never forget... The NIV Bible interprets this verse as "Give us every day the food we need". And as soon as I read that, I was reminded of another verse that talks about our needs... "Luke 12: 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"






FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2008
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
For some, this may be one of the harder things for us to do because in order for our 'debts' to be forgiven, we also must forgive those who are our debtors. The comma in this sentence acts as the center point of a scales or a teeter-totter... both sides of the sentence are equally important. The Amplified Bible puts it this way... "12And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (^[b]left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have ^[c]given up resentment against) our debtors."







SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2008
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
In this part of the Lord's prayer, Jesus is teaching us that we can come before our King and ask him to help us to over come temptation. He doesn't say we won't have temptation in our life, but he tells us to ask God to keep us from it. And then Jesus goes on to say "deliver us from the evil one" some versions of the Bible out right say 'the devil'. Back when I was growing up in the 60s/70s there was a common saying "the devil made me do it"... he may try to make us 'do it' but we have Jesus word that we don't have to be lead into that position (temptation) and we don't have to be 'tricked' by the devil, or the evil one. Through this we know that God understands that we face evil every day. And just like any loving Father, he wants to do all He can to help his children... even in times of their being tempted... when the storm of temptation is so strong, He is there to deliver us.