Which of these have you ever done? The ones in bold are things I have done before. Some are on my "bucket list"....better get started on some of them and become a little more of a risk taker! Life is short!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept in an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (a little craft business years ago with a friend)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten cavier
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (I thought it was, but the guy was being careful :/)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone’s life (I helped try once while working at Continental...)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Blessed Thanksgiving!For blessings past and blessings today,
We thank you dear Lord.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
(Picture approx. 1988- Justin, Jaime, Rebecca, Jim and Emmalie)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Christmas Excitement
I love Christmas!!I love Christmas! I love that we are celebrating with good health this Christmas! I love the sounds, smells, memories, and traditions of Christmas. The kids in our family always open new pajamas on Christmas Eve. This began with a purpose to have the children look cute in their Christmas morning pictures and quickly became an expected gift regardless of the age of the children. On Christmas morning, all children must pose for the annual "at the top of the stairs" picture before racing into the family room to tear into presents. After presents, we have the standard home-made biscuits and all the fixin's followed by hubby reading aloud the Christmas story. What is your family's tradition? I'd love to hear.
Enjoy the picture from last year's "top of the stairs" very early Christmas morning picture.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Precious Time
Time is such a precious commodity but we tend to waste so much of it on meaningless tasks, conversations, whims, and worries. The past 2 months have made me recognize this fact even more so. I feel as though the Lord has given us another chance to do life "right". I know we won't accomplish that every day or every minute but at least as a result of cancer touching our lives, I am aware of the need to try. I am aware that every minute sleeping next to my spouse, watching him breathe, engaging in conversation together, sharing a laugh or tears are special......special never to be regained moments but yet moments that make memories. It is my choice what type of memories are made. Now, I do not live in fear but in the very reality of the present because that is all any of us are promised.
On October 15th, Jim's scans and lab work were clean and the lesions on the lungs remain unchanged. That's good news! We have a 3 month reprieve before a repeat performance in January. We have laughed, loved and lived so much more since the diagnosis in August simply because our perspective has changed. Our faith has grown and become tangible in so many forms. You know faith truly is a gift wrapped in many layers. We have unwrapped so many of those layers lately and are just getting to the precious gift inside. A gift that is indescribable, uncontainable...the very character of God Himself. Faith is believing that God is....simply that He is the great I AM and all that that entails. I am finally able to say, thank you for allowing cancer to touch our life. Thank you Lord, for making me aware.
On October 15th, Jim's scans and lab work were clean and the lesions on the lungs remain unchanged. That's good news! We have a 3 month reprieve before a repeat performance in January. We have laughed, loved and lived so much more since the diagnosis in August simply because our perspective has changed. Our faith has grown and become tangible in so many forms. You know faith truly is a gift wrapped in many layers. We have unwrapped so many of those layers lately and are just getting to the precious gift inside. A gift that is indescribable, uncontainable...the very character of God Himself. Faith is believing that God is....simply that He is the great I AM and all that that entails. I am finally able to say, thank you for allowing cancer to touch our life. Thank you Lord, for making me aware.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
To My Little Bit
Happy Birthday, to my Little Bit. Twenty-four years ago today the Lord blessed us with you, our sweet Emmalie Joy. You have lived up to your name....devoted one filled with joy. You have taught us so much through the years. Your optimisim and spirit of encouragement have been a balm in our home and lives throughout the years. I will never forget the day, you were 4, and you asked if had not miscarried the baby before you if I would have still had you? WOW!! I quickly replied, I am sure we would because our lives would not have been complete without you and God knew our family would not have been complete had you not been born. I still feel the same way today! Today, you celebrate as a married lady, but forever you will be my baby. I'm glad you are my friend, my teacher, my encourager, my sunshine, my tiny-tot, my little bit, my child, my daughter....heart of my own heart. I love you so much! Continue to grow in God's grace! Happy Birthday! I celebrate you today! I'll love you forever; I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be!
Monday, September 29, 2008
STORMS
Storms seem to come in waves..... At least that's how my life, our life, has been since August 27th. That is the day that will forever be etched in my mind as "the" day we discovered that something was not quite right with my precious hubby. On August 28th, CT scan results were relayed to us. A very large mass was inside his left kidney, renal cell carcinoma, kidney cancer. The big C that naively I thought would never touch us. No family history, no symptoms, no abnormal blood work, perfect physical in May, nothing that would have indicated there was this vicious disease brewing in his body.
We have seen many of God's miracles already....a very "in tune" GI doctor that felt the enlargement during one of those routine palpitating on your tummy type exams and who had received "cancer" news himself about his toddler-he understood where we sat that day. An appointment at MD Anderson was scheduled on the following day all because Jim "just so happened" to miss a meeting with a customer on August 28th who "just so happened to be" the vice chairman on the board of directors at MD Anderson. We were in for the appt on Sept. 3rd, less than a week after diagnosis, with one of the top surgeons/urologist that specializes in large tumors of the kidney. While there we asked when would surgery be (understand I thought you have a mass this big...it's coming out tomorrow! This is my man! So I packed bags prepared to check into the hospital. NAIVE!). Usually it takes 2-3 weeks to get on his schedule but "he just so happened" to have a cancellation for that Friday morning! So this whirlwind got crazier....radical nephrectomy of the left kidney, 26 lymph nodes removed and many other areas biopsied, probed, pushed and shoved (oh, and the gall bladder came out which is what sent us to the GI dr. initially). Four days after that, Jim was doing "better than the doctor ever dreamed he would be" but it made him uneasy to send him home just 4 days post surgery. We came home on Wed., 5 days post surgery and 48 hours before the hurricane.
IKE entered our world on the 12th of Sept. Our home and family were spared but not our electricity. One week we played 'survivor' with no water (we have a well), no flushable toilets (we have a septic system), and no lights. Our kids located a generator and window a/c on Thursday before this storm making life bearable. Poor hubby, couldn't help do anything before or after the storm and it wore on him emotionally.
God's power has been evident. The staples are out, biopsies and lymph nodes were clear but the mass, a little larger than a grapefruit, was indeed clear cell kidney cancer, which appeared to be confined to within the inner wall of the kidney! Now, a grey cloud looms over our heads as we await Oct. 10th for rescans, to check out 3 very, very, small lesions in the lungs that looked suspicious. If there is no change or increase in numbers of lesions we just continue to rescan and observe. If there is a change, we begin drug therapy. Please pray....we covet your prayers so much. God's hand has been in this since the beginning and we know He will walk the journey with us whatever that entails. I long for many more days alongside my spouse that I entered into covenant with 34 years ago and selfishly I beg God daily for that!
The songs and scriptures that come to our mind during these days...and it's only been a month, are those we learned as little children...back to the basics. "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves ME! Yes, Jesus LOVES me! Yes, JESUS loves me, for the Bible tells me so!" No matter what, no matter where, no matter the name of the storm.
We have seen many of God's miracles already....a very "in tune" GI doctor that felt the enlargement during one of those routine palpitating on your tummy type exams and who had received "cancer" news himself about his toddler-he understood where we sat that day. An appointment at MD Anderson was scheduled on the following day all because Jim "just so happened" to miss a meeting with a customer on August 28th who "just so happened to be" the vice chairman on the board of directors at MD Anderson. We were in for the appt on Sept. 3rd, less than a week after diagnosis, with one of the top surgeons/urologist that specializes in large tumors of the kidney. While there we asked when would surgery be (understand I thought you have a mass this big...it's coming out tomorrow! This is my man! So I packed bags prepared to check into the hospital. NAIVE!). Usually it takes 2-3 weeks to get on his schedule but "he just so happened" to have a cancellation for that Friday morning! So this whirlwind got crazier....radical nephrectomy of the left kidney, 26 lymph nodes removed and many other areas biopsied, probed, pushed and shoved (oh, and the gall bladder came out which is what sent us to the GI dr. initially). Four days after that, Jim was doing "better than the doctor ever dreamed he would be" but it made him uneasy to send him home just 4 days post surgery. We came home on Wed., 5 days post surgery and 48 hours before the hurricane.
IKE entered our world on the 12th of Sept. Our home and family were spared but not our electricity. One week we played 'survivor' with no water (we have a well), no flushable toilets (we have a septic system), and no lights. Our kids located a generator and window a/c on Thursday before this storm making life bearable. Poor hubby, couldn't help do anything before or after the storm and it wore on him emotionally.
God's power has been evident. The staples are out, biopsies and lymph nodes were clear but the mass, a little larger than a grapefruit, was indeed clear cell kidney cancer, which appeared to be confined to within the inner wall of the kidney! Now, a grey cloud looms over our heads as we await Oct. 10th for rescans, to check out 3 very, very, small lesions in the lungs that looked suspicious. If there is no change or increase in numbers of lesions we just continue to rescan and observe. If there is a change, we begin drug therapy. Please pray....we covet your prayers so much. God's hand has been in this since the beginning and we know He will walk the journey with us whatever that entails. I long for many more days alongside my spouse that I entered into covenant with 34 years ago and selfishly I beg God daily for that!
The songs and scriptures that come to our mind during these days...and it's only been a month, are those we learned as little children...back to the basics. "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves ME! Yes, Jesus LOVES me! Yes, JESUS loves me, for the Bible tells me so!" No matter what, no matter where, no matter the name of the storm.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I HATE SNAKES
ALL snakes are bad!!!!!!! I hate them all, even if God did create them. They belong outdoors away from people and pets. They should definitely NOT be in your house. Imagine my surprise when I returned home from Wal-Mart to walk into my bedroom and discover a 2 foot long, ok just about 14 inches, snake on the floor near my bed of all places!!! Adrenaline gushed into overdrive and my one mission in life became "Kill the snake!" While screaming bloody murder, I chopped that baby into smithereens (is that a word?). Now my older daughter was on the phone, on speaker, listening to my screams and not having much empathy for me at all. I really thought her Dad had taught her that it is not polite to laugh at other people's misfortunes. I'm pretty sure she was laughing at me and not the snake's misfortune. Did I mention how much I hate snakes? I was a very brave girl klling that snake all by myself, don't you think? No lingering around being seduced by this serpent for me! Now the next mission for hubby is to find how in the world a snake got into our house!!!???? (oh, and pick up and dispose of the dead snake and then I will clean up the blood and guts.) I wonder where I will sleep tonight? After the kill, I checked and it was a non-poisonous snake but I don't care because there really is no snake that is good unless dead...in my opinion! Now that the heart palpitations have stopped I think I will go check and make sure that that ginormous snake is still dead!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Out of the mouths of Babes
Deuteronomy 11:19
Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
This past weekend we had the privilege of keeping our son's children...(precious angels, I might add!) Memories poured in all weekend while they were here.....sleeping "3 deep" with my grandparents and them never once complaining; watching Justin play all over again through his children; the mistakes I made while parenting; the thousands (probably millions) of back scratches given through the years; my kids favorite songs being sung in the car; taking a 4 year old to Big Church for the first time; getting 2 preschoolers dressed and to church on time; balancing chores and play time with them; silly uninhibited laughter; the sudden urges of a 4 year old to need to potty when no bathroom is near; taking the time to stop and look at the world while explaining God's hand in it all; big bear hugs and multiple I love yous; picky eaters; wonderful imaginative stories; hours spent with Pops playing legos; baby laughter and snuggle time; putting tiny bows in baby fine hair; searching for a quiet 16 month old; washing laundry in Dreft; trying to wipe a face that is a moving target; and the list could go on and on.
The BEST was getting the phone call the next day and hearing the sweet words, "I miss you Granna and I remembered the song you sang to me! Want me to sing it to you?" And THEN, out flowed the words of "God is so Good" in perfect pitch....the simple song which contains such a big, big TRUTH!
You just never know what those little ones are picking up on and how that TRUTH will carry them one day. This is the song that carried me so many times through my Dad's stroke and 3 1/2 years of being in a nursing home, paralyzed. GOD IS SO GOOD....regardless! So teach them to your children, and to your grandchildren. I love making memories! We all make them every day...what kind are you making? What are your children and grandchildren observing in your life, hearing from your lips that is becoming TRUTH to them? Yes out of the mouths of babes!
Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
This past weekend we had the privilege of keeping our son's children...(precious angels, I might add!) Memories poured in all weekend while they were here.....sleeping "3 deep" with my grandparents and them never once complaining; watching Justin play all over again through his children; the mistakes I made while parenting; the thousands (probably millions) of back scratches given through the years; my kids favorite songs being sung in the car; taking a 4 year old to Big Church for the first time; getting 2 preschoolers dressed and to church on time; balancing chores and play time with them; silly uninhibited laughter; the sudden urges of a 4 year old to need to potty when no bathroom is near; taking the time to stop and look at the world while explaining God's hand in it all; big bear hugs and multiple I love yous; picky eaters; wonderful imaginative stories; hours spent with Pops playing legos; baby laughter and snuggle time; putting tiny bows in baby fine hair; searching for a quiet 16 month old; washing laundry in Dreft; trying to wipe a face that is a moving target; and the list could go on and on.
The BEST was getting the phone call the next day and hearing the sweet words, "I miss you Granna and I remembered the song you sang to me! Want me to sing it to you?" And THEN, out flowed the words of "God is so Good" in perfect pitch....the simple song which contains such a big, big TRUTH!
You just never know what those little ones are picking up on and how that TRUTH will carry them one day. This is the song that carried me so many times through my Dad's stroke and 3 1/2 years of being in a nursing home, paralyzed. GOD IS SO GOOD....regardless! So teach them to your children, and to your grandchildren. I love making memories! We all make them every day...what kind are you making? What are your children and grandchildren observing in your life, hearing from your lips that is becoming TRUTH to them? Yes out of the mouths of babes!
Friday, July 25, 2008
My First Born
Has 30 years really gone by so quickly? You were the "first" of many in our lives and in our family.
~The first to teach us the REAL meaning of family!
~Our first son...our only son.
~The first to name Mi'-Mi'
~The first grandchild sooooo much like your Granddaddy Thomas
~The first to teach us how to love and let go...allowing you to learn often times the hard way
~The first one parented and to teach us about parenting...that had it's downsides for you, I'm sure.
~The first to defend your sisters
~The first to carry on the Patterson name
~The first to make us proud Grandparents
~The first to make me laugh and cry as a parent
~The first to present us the "creative ways" to wrap presents
~The first drummer in the family
~The first to pee in my face!
~The first to question my beliefs and make them your own
~The first child to become our little brother in Christ
~The first one to be part me and part Dad...what a wonder and a miracle
~The first tenderhearted child of the family...not even wanting to leave the Christmas tree "all by its 'lone" at bedtime
~The first tiny one who stole my heart and still holds it, forever more.
I love you so much and am so proud of you! Always remember Whose you are and no matter what...Jesus loves you most of all!
~The first to teach us the REAL meaning of family!
~Our first son...our only son.
~The first to name Mi'-Mi'
~The first grandchild sooooo much like your Granddaddy Thomas
~The first to teach us how to love and let go...allowing you to learn often times the hard way
~The first one parented and to teach us about parenting...that had it's downsides for you, I'm sure.
~The first to defend your sisters
~The first to carry on the Patterson name
~The first to make us proud Grandparents
~The first to make me laugh and cry as a parent
~The first to present us the "creative ways" to wrap presents
~The first drummer in the family
~The first to pee in my face!
~The first to question my beliefs and make them your own
~The first child to become our little brother in Christ
~The first one to be part me and part Dad...what a wonder and a miracle
~The first tenderhearted child of the family...not even wanting to leave the Christmas tree "all by its 'lone" at bedtime
~The first tiny one who stole my heart and still holds it, forever more.
I love you so much and am so proud of you! Always remember Whose you are and no matter what...Jesus loves you most of all!
Friday, July 18, 2008
My Girls
Well....we shopped till we dropped...quite literally! All of us took advil at the end of the day for some type of pain! What a GREAT time we had, minus cell phones even! Everyone spent their allotted money; some even grabbing gum and mints at the last possible minute trying to spend every nickel given! :) Calories didn't count all weekend either! So, if you notice a few extra pounds on us the next few weeks... it's really just a figment of YOUR imagination! Many memories were made and excellent wardrobe choices added. I love you Jaime, Kristen,and Emmalie!! Thanks for taking the time to spend your weekend with me. (Hubbies, thanks for letting them! You were all great sports about it all!)
Tomorrow is the big day...Daddies will be left alone with young children while my 3 daughters and I head out for a girl's weekend together. Normally we do round-top together but this past year was crazy so I decided that we would just do a local get away together. I am excited b/c being around them makes me feel young plus it makes me still feel like "mom" to these adult girls. Hopefully it will be fun for them as well. I'm sure the 2 mommies will just enjoy uninterrupted adult conversation; not too sure how the newly-wed feels about leaving her hubby on one of the few free weekends that they have at home together! Can't wait and hopefully someone remembers to bring a camera!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
It's all a Racket
Is it just me? I think cable companies, phone companies, internet providers are all, as my grandmother would say, in cahoots together. Being the dutiful, frugal wife that I am, I have been looking for ways to save a few dollars every month on those bills that provide conveniences we love. Ok, for one I'm turning in one DVR box to save us $12.95/month. For pete's sake, there's only 2 of us now! Can't I record all the shows we can possiblywatch or need to watch on just one of those things??!!?? Then, I began calling about different internet providers...oh the things they promise! That is until you start asking questions and you really begin to compare apples to apples. I've talked to people that I am positive were not in the USA b/c we couldn't even communicate, to people that couldn't even figure out how to transfer my call to someone who could answer my questions! Did these people graduate high school? Anyways, to make a long story short, I think I am going to change my phone number from a metro number to a local number and "bundle" it (woo hoo) with internet service for a savings to my family of 2 of about $40/month! Now that's worth the frustrations I experienced this am. I hate to give up my coveted phone number that I've had for the last 25 years; the one I taught my kids little jingles when they were little to memorize it. I guess I will be making up new jingles to help this mind remember the new number once I get it. But heaven's to betsy....couldn't they just make a number that follows you wherever you go like a cell number. Maybe my sweet son-in-law could develop that computer program!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Another Grandbaby.......
I'm getting another grand-baby via Emmalie and Steven. Ok, ok, not the human kind but the canine type. Emm and Stevo are right now, this moment, on their way home from Oklahoma with their brand new boxer puppy, Abraham Lincoln (aka Abe, Abraham or Mr. President). He is 8 weeks old and has been planned for and named for over a year now. I must admit from the pics I've seen, he is a cutie! I'm sure this "baby of mine", Emmalie, will probably convince me to let him come inside my house. Oh the power of love and persuasion. But seriously, couldn't they find a puppy in Houston? Who knew you had to go all the way to Oklahoma for these things?!? The memories they have made.
I just met Abraham and I am in love with him....adorable does not begin to describe him. If I didn't have 2 labs, I'd get a boxer for sure!
I just met Abraham and I am in love with him....adorable does not begin to describe him. If I didn't have 2 labs, I'd get a boxer for sure!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy 4th
Today we celebrate our country's independence. So many long for that still today! We live in a free country yet many still choose to live under the bondage of sin (despite the freedom offered in and through Jesus Christ), thinking that is what true independence really is. I read a book this past week, THE BIG IDEA, and a thought has stuck with me. When children are given an area that is fenced in they play more freely, exploring and enjoying themselves. However, when given an area with no boundaries, they hover close to their caregiver and will not venture out or try anything new b/c they do not feel safe. I'm sure you see the spiritual application.
So Happy 4th of July (and birthday to my sis!)!! For all those that have fought for and still fight for my freedom, THANK YOU!!
So Happy 4th of July (and birthday to my sis!)!! For all those that have fought for and still fight for my freedom, THANK YOU!!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Again Please
I'm ready to go back...maybe not Cabos, just anywhere with the ocean and sand. Well, not Galveston either (sorry all you Galveston fans). I grew up going to the sugar sand beaches of Florida and Alabama so the relaxation of hearing the waves, feeling the wind, and smelling the salt air is just a part of me. As much as I've tried to make it a family occurance this year, it's just not happening! Oh well, hubby and I will just have to go alone, again. Where do you like to relax and unwind?
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Should I?
I have encountered several situations in my life where I have wondered should I?
~Should I tell someone I love that I sense that they are going in a direction that the Lord doesn't desire? Should I tell them I don't think they are making a wise choice?
~Should I confront strangers when I see injustice being done to a teen/child?
~Should I remain quiet or voice my opinion?
~Should I tell someone I have been praying for them, even though I may not know why the Lord has placed them on my heart?
~Should I say no more often?
~Should I no longer work in student ministry because I'm over 50?
~Should I take time away by myself?
~Should I hire someone else to iron? ;)
~Should I hug more and cry more?
~Should I? Should I?
~Should I ask questions to get others to open up or just wait until they're ready? How will I know if they are ready?
As a body of Christ we have certain privileges and responsibilities. How do those fit into and expand into our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Will I be held accountable for remaining quiet when I had those "Should I?" thoughts at the risk of hurting someone's feelings or making them uncomfortable? Could I have protected that person from pain? I think it is a precarious position to be in if you know God has given you the gift of discernment and exhortation and then knowing when and how to use it...when to speak and when to just pray. For everything there is a season...
~Should I tell someone I love that I sense that they are going in a direction that the Lord doesn't desire? Should I tell them I don't think they are making a wise choice?
~Should I confront strangers when I see injustice being done to a teen/child?
~Should I remain quiet or voice my opinion?
~Should I tell someone I have been praying for them, even though I may not know why the Lord has placed them on my heart?
~Should I say no more often?
~Should I no longer work in student ministry because I'm over 50?
~Should I take time away by myself?
~Should I hire someone else to iron? ;)
~Should I hug more and cry more?
~Should I? Should I?
~Should I ask questions to get others to open up or just wait until they're ready? How will I know if they are ready?
As a body of Christ we have certain privileges and responsibilities. How do those fit into and expand into our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Will I be held accountable for remaining quiet when I had those "Should I?" thoughts at the risk of hurting someone's feelings or making them uncomfortable? Could I have protected that person from pain? I think it is a precarious position to be in if you know God has given you the gift of discernment and exhortation and then knowing when and how to use it...when to speak and when to just pray. For everything there is a season...
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
FISHING....
I have had all these thoughts rattling around in my brain after a sermon I heard a few Sundays ago. I literally began to jot them down on some scratch paper so I wouldn't forget. They are still jumbled and maybe one day I will put them in proper order for a devotional or something...but until then here goes.
~We're called to be fishers of men. Those disciples had been doing what they knew best, fishing, all night long with no success. They know those waters, where the fish were at certain times of the day, etc. They continued using their tried and true methods, all to no avail. Along comes Jesus (whom they didn't recognize) with a new fangled idea to fish on the opposite side....results-overwhelming! Do we rebel at new ideas determined to do things the way we always have, thinking we know best?
~As a child when I fished with my Daddy, I would never touch the bait (unless it was artificial), never took the fish off the hook for fear of getting "finned" but loved the thrill of the catch even though many times the pursuit was quite boring and mundane. Aren't we like that with souls? We want the thrill of the catch but don't want to "get our hands dirty", don't want to get hurt (finned) in the process, and often lose interest in the pursuit of souls because it becomes boring and mundane. Do I just want the bragging rights of the catch and yet not willing to put forth the all nighters, early morning risings, hooks in my hands, sitting still waiting for the right opportunity, and the taking the fish off the hook?
~Fishing doesn't end with the catch. After we have made the catch, it requires taking the hook out of the mouth, bringing the fish home, cleaning it, and preparing it for a wonderful meal. We so often catch the soul, and then just leave it, not wanting to bring the fish "home", often tossing it back into the world's pond. I must follow through in the entire process of fishing...start to finish. It requires a willingness to disciple that soul, cleaning it up, considering it worthy of keeping, showing and teaching them how our Heavenly Father cuts away the nasty stuff to make them a pleasing aroma to the world.
~Fishing is not something you intuitively know how to do. Just as my Daddy taught me how to fish, we must be taught how to reach and teach those fish. It requires sitting at the Master's feet, listening to Him and doing things His way. Am I willing to sit? Am I willing to practice, casting and reeling it in over and over even when there are no nibbles on the other end of the line? Am I so in tune with the line that I can feel just a slight nudge and realize that another fish is ready to be reeled in?
Ok, I think that's it for now. I really want to be a fisher of men, a fisher of my grandchildren, of students, of neighbors. Do you? Pick up that net and cast it on the other side....results-overwhelming!
~We're called to be fishers of men. Those disciples had been doing what they knew best, fishing, all night long with no success. They know those waters, where the fish were at certain times of the day, etc. They continued using their tried and true methods, all to no avail. Along comes Jesus (whom they didn't recognize) with a new fangled idea to fish on the opposite side....results-overwhelming! Do we rebel at new ideas determined to do things the way we always have, thinking we know best?
~As a child when I fished with my Daddy, I would never touch the bait (unless it was artificial), never took the fish off the hook for fear of getting "finned" but loved the thrill of the catch even though many times the pursuit was quite boring and mundane. Aren't we like that with souls? We want the thrill of the catch but don't want to "get our hands dirty", don't want to get hurt (finned) in the process, and often lose interest in the pursuit of souls because it becomes boring and mundane. Do I just want the bragging rights of the catch and yet not willing to put forth the all nighters, early morning risings, hooks in my hands, sitting still waiting for the right opportunity, and the taking the fish off the hook?
~Fishing doesn't end with the catch. After we have made the catch, it requires taking the hook out of the mouth, bringing the fish home, cleaning it, and preparing it for a wonderful meal. We so often catch the soul, and then just leave it, not wanting to bring the fish "home", often tossing it back into the world's pond. I must follow through in the entire process of fishing...start to finish. It requires a willingness to disciple that soul, cleaning it up, considering it worthy of keeping, showing and teaching them how our Heavenly Father cuts away the nasty stuff to make them a pleasing aroma to the world.
~Fishing is not something you intuitively know how to do. Just as my Daddy taught me how to fish, we must be taught how to reach and teach those fish. It requires sitting at the Master's feet, listening to Him and doing things His way. Am I willing to sit? Am I willing to practice, casting and reeling it in over and over even when there are no nibbles on the other end of the line? Am I so in tune with the line that I can feel just a slight nudge and realize that another fish is ready to be reeled in?
Ok, I think that's it for now. I really want to be a fisher of men, a fisher of my grandchildren, of students, of neighbors. Do you? Pick up that net and cast it on the other side....results-overwhelming!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Each day my church has a devotional of the day...today's was great.
A spiritual legacy...that's what I want to leave. I don't want to be a whiner about what I had or didn't have in the past nor a lamenter about what I did or didn't do correctly with/for my own children. I know I did the best I could with the knowledge/experience I had. I want to move forward...gleaning from life's experiences and pressing onward to the prize set before me. Much has been inherited and invested into my life from/by my parents, Sunday School teachers, peers, youth workers, teachers, pastors, family, friends, etc. I want to multiply that investment and yield an even greater return on those, therefore leaving an even grander inheritance for my children and grandchildren. Read the devotional...hopefully it will speak to you.
A spiritual legacy...that's what I want to leave. I don't want to be a whiner about what I had or didn't have in the past nor a lamenter about what I did or didn't do correctly with/for my own children. I know I did the best I could with the knowledge/experience I had. I want to move forward...gleaning from life's experiences and pressing onward to the prize set before me. Much has been inherited and invested into my life from/by my parents, Sunday School teachers, peers, youth workers, teachers, pastors, family, friends, etc. I want to multiply that investment and yield an even greater return on those, therefore leaving an even grander inheritance for my children and grandchildren. Read the devotional...hopefully it will speak to you.
Devotionals at CFBC |
| Posted: 17 May 2008 02:00 AM CDT “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim 3:14-15 (NIV) Financial prosperity may not travel through your family tree, yet sincere faith can. Consider what your parents have left you in the realm of faith. What did they model before you as a child? How did they impart sincere faith throughout your upbringing? Were they instrumental in developing your appetite for reading God’s Word? Did God use them to strengthen your prayer life and to fortify your faith in God? Whatever your parents have left you in the realm of faith, make good on it. Maximize what you have been given. Standing on their shoulders, your sincere faith can grow and even multiply through the relationships in your sphere of influence. Paul instructed Timothy to continue in what he had learned from the holy Scriptures. God’s Word is your best teacher. If your parents pointed you to God’s Word and demonstrated an abiding love for His Word, you are blessed. If your parents did not hand down that kind of passion for God’s Word, don’t allow their neglect to immobilize you. Commit to feeding your appetite for reading the Bible and choose to impart that lifestyle to others. What are you doing with what you have been given? Eliminate excuses and embrace daily spiritual disciplines that will enhance your walk with God and impact others for God’s glory. One of the most powerful investments in your day is the investment of time you allocate to reading the Bible. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell |
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
God knows the details
God knows all the details...He is a God of order....we've all heard it but I had never actually "seen" it.
I'm a huge Louie Giglio fan/supporter; I admire the way he can take God's word and make it alive, applicable, and keep it authentic. You have to watch this clip on God Tube! I think I will order the entire series. This will (should) give you chills!
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=152b5103d741aca61093
I was reminded as I daily fret over the details of my life, my kids' lives, and my grandchildren's lives that He is in charge....ordering every single detail simply because that is who He is! He is the I AM.
Enjoy! I would love to hear your response to this clip. Watch it now!!
I'm a huge Louie Giglio fan/supporter; I admire the way he can take God's word and make it alive, applicable, and keep it authentic. You have to watch this clip on God Tube! I think I will order the entire series. This will (should) give you chills!
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=152b5103d741aca61093
I was reminded as I daily fret over the details of my life, my kids' lives, and my grandchildren's lives that He is in charge....ordering every single detail simply because that is who He is! He is the I AM.
Enjoy! I would love to hear your response to this clip. Watch it now!!
Friday, May 2, 2008
MRI Survival
You would think that at age 53, one would not be afraid of too many things...especially knowing I survived raising one boy and two girls. I mean after all, I should be equipped to handle just about anything, right? However, about 10 years ago, I realized I am claustrophobic! Not the type that I freak out in elevators, or small rooms, but put me in an MRI machine near my face and head and add to that the knowledge that I cannot move or get up pretty much causes near hysteria. Today I had to have an MRI on my ankle/foot. (injured it 9 weeks ago) I was so fearful, that I made my sweet hubby take me in case I needed "drugs" which would require a driver to take me home. He kept reassuring me that I would be fine. YES!!! He was right! Granted they had to put me in a cage to keep me contained and I was able to chat the entire time with the technician. (actually the machine was inside this cage/barrier type thing). I did it; no drugs, no hysteria!
I realized we do the same thing to our Heavenly Father. We fret and worry over the unknown, the future all the while He keeps saying "You will be fine. You will see." I don't understand why when He has proven Himself over and over to me in the past, that I still don't completely trust Him for the future but yet when I look back, I always say, "YES! He was right!" Praise the Lord, He is patient and continues to love me through all the fretful times of my life....sometimes even 'caging me in' and causing me to be still and know that HE IS GOD!
I realized we do the same thing to our Heavenly Father. We fret and worry over the unknown, the future all the while He keeps saying "You will be fine. You will see." I don't understand why when He has proven Himself over and over to me in the past, that I still don't completely trust Him for the future but yet when I look back, I always say, "YES! He was right!" Praise the Lord, He is patient and continues to love me through all the fretful times of my life....sometimes even 'caging me in' and causing me to be still and know that HE IS GOD!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The Blog Bug has bitten me, an over 50 wife, mom, Granna, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and child of the King. My girls, Jaime, Emmalie, and Kristen are to blame. Life has taught me much thus far, with mutiple lessons yet to learn. We'll see how well this goes...exposing thoughts and feelings to an unknown world.
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