Thankful Thursday

It has been awhile since I did a Thankful Thursday post but, I'm back at it because it is good to share our praises and things we are so thankful for. Be sure to visit spiritually unequal marriage for more Thankful Thursdays. This week has been quite the week so far. I have been sick since last Thursday. Although I am much better now. The weather has been cold and rainy every day and it seems it has been one obstacle after another for DH and I. We have and will get through these obstacles as we always do. One of these obstacles was running out of propane gas yesterday. We both knew we were getting low but, with this crazy cold damp weather we still have had to run our furnace at times. DH was at work and this particular morning I hadn't heard the furnace run for quite some time. It was beginning to get a might chilly in the house. I smelled gas and realized the pilot lights had gone out on the stove. I called DH. It is what I feared...We had run out of gas. DH told me to shut off the gas outside on the tank. I did..so I thought...seeing how I never seen or looked under that little hood on the tank before. I called the gas company and they would have to make an emergency run which in turn would cost me another $150 more to have them come out that day or I could wait until next week. Sigh....My day was already getting worse by the minute. First rule of thumb..NEVER RUN OUT OF GAS on cold rainy days before a holiday! If this wasn't bad enough..a few hours later my Dad came over. As soon as I opened the door, he about fell over. The smell of gas was overwhelming. Having being congested some still from being sick I did not know it was that bad. Perhaps I was just used to the smell but, for whatever reason Dad said it was a wonder my dog and I wasn't on the floor unconscious. We opened windows, turned on the fan and we soon had the smell gone for the most part. Dad said I had went the wrong way and had turned the gas instead wide open. Rule number two..Please always know how and where to shut off your gas! It could mean life or death. I am thankful my father showed up at our house when he did. . I am thankful God watched over my little dog and I and that we were able to get some gas right away to keep our home warm and so we are able to cook our Easter dinner on Sunday. Speaking of Easter.. I thank God for the amazing gift that comes to us on Easter, and it is much better than that chocolate rabbit you plan to nibble the ears off of. Jesus death on the cross, his resurrection, and his ascension into heaven. God gave Jesus to die for our sins and he raised him to life so that we would be acceptable to God. HE loves us that much! Happy Easter everyone!

Book Review- The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews is quite the storyteller! The final summit is a story about a quest to find the one principle that will save humanity. David Ponder at 74 years of age sits and reflects back over his life. David has been feeling pretty lonely and somewhat depressed. He is summoned by Gabriel, the archangel. David Ponder sits at the table with people from history. Some of your greatest thinkers.There is only one chance to save humanity. Each chapter introduces another principal for leading a successful life. This is man kinds last chance. Centuries of greed, pride and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. To me this book wasn't exactly nonfiction nor was it fiction. This was a very different kind of book I have ever read. It has so much truth and inspiration. I tried to get into this book but, since I didn't read Andy Andrews earlier book The travelers gift I found myself a little lost at times in the story. This is the first of any Andy Andrews books I have read. This book is very well written. The historical information presented was very interesting. I might or might not read more of his books but, if I did I would definitely read this book again as I feel I would get a better understanding out of it. As a member of the Book Sneeeze blogger review program, I was recently sent a free copy of the final summit by Andy Andrews in exchange for my honest review.

We find contentment in the promises of God

The role of money in people's day to day lives is quite amazing when it's put into prospective. The primary reason Americans get up in the morning is so they can go out and make money. Money buys things. Money influences people. Money keeps us alive. Money makes us happy, or does it? Have you ever noticed contentment is an illusive commodity today? In fact, much of the business world works hard to breed discontent so that we will buy their product and keep the economy healthy. They tell us something is new and improved so we will feel that we have less than the best and are somehow "behind the times" so to speak. Gambling institutions (including lottery officials) show us pictures of what we could do with the winnings of the lottery. They are deliberating trying to make us feel dissatisfied with life playing to our greed. They want us to believe that we are not significant if we don't have the best and newest. Let's be honest, It is hard to be content in the difficult times. We look around and see others who seem to be doing better than we are and we feel cheated. It is hard to feel satisfied, confident, joy, when our plans are suddenly changes, when life is not going the way you want it to be going. For me this past 2 weeks has been just that. Living in a rural area can sometimes have its pitfalls especially when it comes to Internet service. Broad band or dial up is our only option. I love my computer. I spend alot of time, maybe too much on it. But, dial up is ....SLOW....! I am so limited on what I can do and trying to do my surveys take forever if I can even do them. I could go on and on and I have to tell you I have done my share of moaning and groaning. If broadband wasn't so expensive and didn't have that up front cost maybe I would have had it by now. DH has given in and agreed to let me set up broad band for my computer., which is exactly what I have done...well...supposedly..One of the providers that I decided on never got back with me after they said they would. I could call them back, but somehow I suddenly do not feel comfortable about this. I have the cash in my hand..I can finally have my "fast" Internet...But why can't I just be content with what I have? This is going to break us for the next two weeks even though this can be done. I mean just because my Internet doesn't do all I want it to do, I still have Internet right? I have been praying about this. One thing I have learned about this world we live in is how fast it is developing. We now have so many technologies that has helped us control places that we might never be. One of the great technologies is the Internet and with only decade ago dial-up Internet was the prevalent form of Internet connection. Today, dial -up is totally irrelevant. Dial-up is already going into extinction. Maybe for the moment, broadband Internet isn't for me. Perhaps later, In God's timing and that's alright with me. I should be content on what I do have. Waiting for God's timing is probably one of the hardest things we have to do, but it's worth it. Too many people believe happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction is found in power, possessions, promotions and pleasure. But, these are roads that lead to dead ends. There is only one road to contentment and it goes through Jesus. Are you content with what you have from the Lord?-not seeking more or complaining of less?
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New Year's Resolutions

Every year I try, I really do. I try to make wonderful and inspirational New Years Resolutions and most years, they trickle by the wayside in just a few short months. I either can't stick to my guns or I find I never really wanted to in the first place. I was sure this was year I would stick to my resolution because I even got a head start on it way back last year. Yep, I thought it would go smoothly because I have already succeeded by losing a few lbs, eating healthier, exercising by walking when ever I can, just being more active in general. But, I had a game plan and I had already been working on it....so this was a piece of cake. I had it nailed. I pledged to myself that 2011 was the year. I have entered the year sure of myself. Sure until, lets see, what's today's date? Yep, it's true. I have already managed to find a slew of excuses and reasons why I haven't managed to make my regularly scheduled workout times. I am so steamed at myself! Seriously? Okay, so I still have time to recover and go on to keep this resolution, but already my heart feels like it's failed and why bother..
Yesterday something occurred to me. I have been trying to do this all on my own. I have been deciding what I was going to do, how I was going to change myself, and going about it in my own human power.
Don't we all do that in some form or another? Maybe it's not a new years resolution and workout for you, but haven't you ever tried to do something that feels big under your own power?
To make it work, and have a sticking power, there is only one driven force that has the ability to change anything of value. And that force is God. I know, I know, sounds a little preachy when I say it out loud. But hear me out....
Only God has the power and strength to take something tired, worn, dirty and old and change it into a whole new clean, whole, and life filled beginning. It doesn't matter what it is- name anything- and God can bring new life into it. Be it your finances, your job, a relationship, or even plain ole you! He can make all things new. He can strengthen, renew and grow us. But there is something important in having this happen...we have to want it, and then ask for it. He has to be invited into the changes we desire, into the new beginnings we crave, into relationships we hold dear. Like anyone of us, He won't jump in where He's not wanted. But, He'd jump at the chance to be part of your life if you asked! It's what he desires most.
I know if I truly want to become a more healthy person this coming year, I won't resist the temptations that lead to failure without the sustaining strength that God at my side will bring. So I've invited Him into my New Years Resolution. I know that He will motivate me and help make 2011 amazing!!!
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Offer Valid until.....

I have a big binder I keep that is filled with all my clipped coupons. Every month at the end of the month I try to weed out the coupons for products I know I will never use and look for the fine print that reads "valid until" because I don't want to be embarrassed at the store or restaurant when I try to use an expired coupon. It's a reminder that there is a good reason to respond to an offer when it is first presented. In the future, the offer may no longer be valid, because time will have run out. That is why I urge those who do not have faith in Jesus to come to him and accept him as their savior and Lord. Jesus came to earth that we might have a rich and satisfying life. He died for our sins to bring us safely home to God and give us eternal life(John 3:16) When you accept Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, you will receive forgiveness for your sins-no matter how small or large; freedom from guilt; love for those around you; and hope has no limit. However you must respond quickly"for you don't know what day your Lord is coming" (Matthew 24:42). When Jesus returns and gathers his followers from all over the earth, it will be too late to decide to join him.

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday and I am incredibly thankful for everything that has happened the last few weeks. The bible says Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything, Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Yes, I started 2010 off on the wrong foot with pinkeye and then tearing a muscle in my lower back/hip. But, hey, I have Jesus, good friends and family. God said slow down and if this was the only way I would listen well, so be it. It has for me a very painful and scary month. I refuse to sit and feel sorry for myself. I am so much better now. All of your prayers helped. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Although I have recovered for the most part, I still need help in the morning to get dressed. DH has been there for me every day taking care of me and the house. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful caring husband. I am thankful for being able to get out this morning. Yay! After a month of staying in the house, sitting, not being able to move much, I managed to get out, get my hair done and eyebrows waxed. It felt wonderful! My hairdresser also rubbed the back of my neck with lavender oil. This felt amazing! Between the smell of the lavender oil and the massage on my neck, when I got home I literally fell asleep in the chair. I was so relaxed. I am thankful for the sun that has been peeping in and out so far today. There is nothing like a bit of sunshine on a very cold snowy day to boost the spirit. I am ready for spring. How about you? I am thankful for my father. He went in for surgery on his back yesterday for a spur and now they say he may have had a heart attack as he had to go off his heart meds a few days before his back surgery so his heart is now a concern. Would you please pray for my father? I know at times I tend to worry more often than I should, but I have seen lately when I give my concerns and worries right to God, he gives me peace and my eyes are open to what I should be thankful for and that is a wonderful feeling! Visit Lynn at spiritually unequal marriage for more Thankful Thursday posts.

apology and prayer request

I want to wish everyone a very happy New Year and I want to apologise for the lapse in my blog. I have been down for the past 4 days with my back and haven't even had a desire to be on my computer. I am in so much pain right now. It's a struggle to sit, stand or lay down. I am not sure what has happened or why. I was just standing when I got this awful spasm in my lower back with pain that about dropped me to the floor.Call it a pinched nerve, bulging disk or ruptured disk, herniated, I don't know. I do know it is extremely painful. I had pink eye just before this happened and within a few days it ran its course and I healed wonderfully. Now I have to deal with this which is alot more difficult. I would give anything to be able to get out of bed, go to the bathroom and dress myself without my husbands help. You don't realize how much you take these things for granted until you can't do them for yourself. I can't bathe or fix meals I basically can't do much at all. I have tried to walk a bit with a cane as I refuse to baby this. Sometimes I just break down and cry. I just want to get well. I know God won't give me more than I can bear. Please pray for me. I have always been a big believer in prayer. I hope and look forward to be able to get back to blogging everyday, for now I will just have to see what happens . Thanks!

Bethlehem the day after Christ was born

Today my husband and I went to Bethlehem the day after Christ was born. They call it Bethlehem Marketplace. My old church, Fairview Missionary, every year puts this event on. This year marks the 20th year. It's amazing and an awesome reminder of the reason behind the season. We try to never to miss this event.The Styrofoam city and sandy streets come to life with a cast of 200 fairview attenders talking about the exciting news of the birth of a baby boy they call Jesus. In costume everyone portrays what it was like in Bethlehem in the days after Christ was born. While you wait to go thru the streets of Bethlehem you are seated in the Sanctuary where you listen to beautiful Christmas music which is all done from fairview people as well. I believe for some of us, our lives get so hectic and busy with opening presents and visiting family that the whole reason behind the season gets forgotten. There are gifts that are more important than the ones under the Christmas tree. Remembering Christ at Christmas time will make your holiday celebrations so much more meaningful and happy. Take time this Christmas to give thanks for the birth of Jesus Christ who came to us so very simple and the importance of the sacrifice He made in our behalf. Give your heart to Christ. Let him be at the top of your Christmas list.

Becky"s Back!

If you have read my March 15, 2009 post called My best friend, it"s labeled under friendship. I talked about my dear good friend, and neighbor Becky., the inspiration she is to me and how she left for 6 months to go live in Indianapolis, IN to live with her sister. She is back! She stopped in this morning to say hello. She said she tried to call but her sisters phone wasn't working right and they didn't have long distance. In the 6 months, I have only gotten to talk to her once on the phone. My, it was awesome to see her. I have missed my good friend alot! We talked and talked and talked. She has her house back and is here to stay. As you recall, Becky has dementia and quite frankly I was afraid she wouldn't remember me. That's crazy I know. The Lord knows and watches over us and allows things to happen for a reason. Sometimes we don't always understand at first. Because,Becky had been on cymbalta. This is a prescription medication for the treatment or management of fibromyalgia, major depression and general anxiety disorder which in turn was causing most of her dementia and confusion. She isn't on this anymore although ,she still has fribromyalgia but, Praise God has improved greatly. She also, finally, a while back started receiving her disability. She looks great! Everything from her health to her mind. I think the Lord knew she needed this long vacation .I am very happy for her and most of all glad she is back home. I am looking forward to many times of fellowship and praying together like we used to. Hubby and I plan on going to her church sometime with her. I've been wanting to visit this church because it's just down the road from where we live. Yes, I truly believe the Lord knows what is best for us. Thank you Lord for bringing Becky safely home and all you have done for this woman who loves you so very much and who is obedient in your word.

The Day Of Rest

We need to urge people to lay aside everyday tasks once a week for a day of rest. Sunday should be a time for spiritual growth, family, activities and such, to pause after a busy week of work routines whether at the workplace or from home, to focus on faith and family. It feels good to set aside this day to just rest! Did you know the word "sabbath" means "the day of rest"? God created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th, for this reason, one day is set aside during the week as a day of rest and worship. Now, however, it is not a day to waste away by doing nothing. Unfortunately, Sunday is usually a catch-up on chores day. Okay, Yes, I am guilty. You might think a day of rest?How? Dirty diapers don't stop on Sundays! Besides, I have barely the time to read the grocery ads and cut out my coupons, let alone Christian books! Can you relate? I am so guilty. Does taking a day of rest seem like impossible? In biblical times, keeping the Sabbath would bring delight not duty. Here's how we can make Sunday special. First: Plan ahead, take some time Saturday eve to prepare the next days dinner to prevent Sunday morning chaos. Second: Set aside time to focus on the Lord by going to church, worshipping and reading the word. Third: Take time for each other, unhurried, a special time. Take time to rest in the Lord! Many people have to work on Sundays. This however cannot be helped in most cases.Yes, there always seems to be more things to do than time to do them. The Sabbath has been celebrated for thousands of years. ultimately, its up to us to welcome the spirit of rest back into our busy weekends so we will feel refreshed and experience greater delight in all of our endeavors.

Thankful Thursday

This past week I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful I am loved and it is really thankful Thursday today! I am thankful for all the people who read my blog, whether you comment or not, I appreciate you spending a little time with me. I am thankful for my yard sale success this last weekend and all who helped. The weather just wasn't too kind, but, then it cleared and the people came. I am thankful I have the money now for a new computer. I am thankful for my daughter even though she continues to live her life un wisely at times and it troubles me. I am thankful she continues to go to school for nursing and called us yesterday to tell us she got all A's on her finals this week. Praise God! I am thankful for my husband, friends ,my online friendships, and family. I am humbled by the amazing people that God has placed in my life. I am thankful for the opportunity to wake up each morning and embrace all the day has to offer. I am thankful, I just am!

Loving My Husband Friday

John is amazing! He is my best friend. I love my husband very dearly. We have fun together, and I truly enjoy spending time with him. I know he feels the same. I feel so blessed to be married to someone who loves me as much as he does. If anyone can make you feel special he can. Although, my husband doesn't accept Christ in his heart (yet) I don't ever stop praying or believing that John will one day share my faith, but in the meantime, I pray that God will love him through me, thus enabling me to be the very best wife I can be. I honor him as my husband. I feel so blessed and I trust God to fill those places that John cannot. I believe that is what we should do whether our husbands share our faith or not. No man, or other human being for that matter, can be everything we need them to be. Only God can do that. We need only to ask. Share why you love your spouse and don't forget to head over to http://dailyessentialsanddeals.blogspot.com for more loving my husband Friday. Hope you all have a wonderful Friday and a fantastic weekend!

Loving my husband Friday

I am taking the time every Friday to focus on my husband, what I may love about him or what he has done to encourage me this week, or perhaps just a tip on how to keep our marriages strong. Don't forget to pray for your husband and let him know your bragging about him. Just go to http://mominin-thepeerreview.blogspot.com Let's pray for all marriages and for one another. Let's keep them strong!

I love my husband for his little surprises that he surprises me with!

I love him for his understanding and lending ear when I need to vent!

I love him for his willingness to give to others, even if it means he goes without!

I love him for the great Dad and Papa he is to his children and grandchildren even his stepchildren, treating them all equal and loving his stepchildren and grandchildren as if they were his own flesh and blood!

I love him for the hard worker he is! Never complaining! I don't think there is a lazy bone in this mans body!

Okay, its your turn!

Gossip

This has been on my heart for some time now. Are you a gossip? I have done it. I think we have all struggled or done it some time in our lives. On my side family this past year there has been more gossip than carters got cod liver pills, and not to mention, I seen it so much when I used to work outside the home. So, this is why I have felt so lead to write about this subject. I have prayed about this so many times. So......here it goes... just a reminder really for all of us....Gossip destroys. Spreading rumors, false accusing, backbiting, busy bodies whatever you want to call it hurts others. Who is going to trust us with anything when they think we will tell everyone else? It tears people down! It produces nothing good in a persons life period! Gossip really only ends up creating greed, hate and envy, It is also a way we judge others, which really isn't our job. God is the judge of people, not us. I believe gossip is a sign that we are not really active in our faith and in our lives. If you think about it, the busier we are the less time we have to gossip. We gossip out of boredom. It may start as a simple conversation about people and then escalates quickly. Wow! haven't we all been there. The bible clearly tells us to do more than discuss other peoples lives. Levictus 19:16 " Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbors life. I am the Lord"(NIV) If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it! Period! I believe God doesn't like these things because of the motives behind them and the damage they do to others. These actions divide and give way to others sins as Christian's, our mouths are to be instruments of grace. We need to use ours graciously in speaking to others.