Get Plugged In

As I go through and search for good illustrations or stories to give to you, and read some of your blogs, I sometimes get under conviction in just reading. Things like: Making a difference in some ones life, letting my light shine, prayer, and many things the Lord speaks to us about if we take time to listen. That brings another thought: What am I doing with the time God has given me. Do I let "things" come in between God and me? Not sinful things, but things like maybe, letting the duties of the home come first. I have had to prioritize and look at what is really important. Of course, we know our devotions and the Word should come first. Sometimes I find, at the end of the day, that I have accomplished something in getting my house straightened back up, but did I take time for the Lord that I should? I do not want the things of God to get mundane, like housework. Just busy doing this and that mechanically. I mean, who has to think about making beds, washing clothes, cooking etc. It is just something I do without even thinking about it. But what about spiritual things? Have you ever read a chapter in the Bible and stop and realize you did not know a thing you read? I have had to go back several times and re-read and concentrate. I don't want to read just to say, "I read so many chapters today." Another thing is our prayer life. This is where the devil does not want us to go because he knows that in prayer is where spiritual battles are fought and won. I'm sure not a match for the devil. But our God is. I want to make a difference in someones life this year. I want Jesus to be seem through me. I want to do what I do for the Lord whole heartily. I read the following illustration and I don't want just a light bulb, but I want to be plugged in to Jesus. The story is told of a native from a remote mountain village who had the opportunity to visit a large modern city for the first time. He could not bring much home with him, and he had little money. But he was amazed at the electric lights which he saw everywhere. So he bought a sack full of electric lights bulbs and sockets with switches so he could turn them off and on. Arriving home he hung the light bulbs in front of his home and on his and his neighbor’s trees. Everyone watched him with curiosity and asked him what he was doing, but he just smiled and said, "Just wait until dark--you’ll see." When night came he turned on the switches, but nothing happened. No one had told him about electricity. He did not know the light bulbs were useless unless connected to the source of their power. Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing." There are many people who do not know that the way they are living their lives is useless. They got the education; they got the job; they made the family; and bought the home but when the sunsets and night comes and they reach for the switch nothing happens. They do not know that there is a source, which makes all these things light up!

Babe of Bethlehem

Wishing all of you a very Merry and Peaceful Christmas. Thank God for for the Babe that came to bring "Peace On Earth," and to impart His peace to us. Worship Him today!

SANTA OR SATAN

Do you tell your children that Santa is coming from the North Pole to bring gifts? I found this writing and after reading it ~ Well, I had never heard it from this viewpoint. Read it or discard it, whatever you want but it is thought provoking! Santa Claus and Satan's Cause The modern-day Santa Claus is an American version of Saint Nicholas, a fourth century Roman Catholic bishop from Asia Minor who was noted for his good deeds and gift giving. This tradition first spread throughout Europe, and then found its way to America by the early Dutch settlers. Since God's word warns us to BEWARE of tradition (Col. 2:8), we shouldn't be surprised to find the Devil right in the middle of the world's most celebrated holiday. Lucifer's desire has always been to dethrone God and exalt himself (Isa. 14:12-15). He desires worship (Luke 4:7; II Ths. 2:3-4). Perhaps you've never thought of it, but please note how Satan robs the Lord Jesus Christ of His glory by spreading the Santa Claus tradition... SANTA IS ETERNAL A child knows nothing of his beginning. To a child, Santa has just always existed. JESUS CHRIST IS ETERNAL"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Rev. 1:8) SANTA LIVES IN THE NORTH Tradition holds that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, a place ABOVE the rest of us. JESUS CHRIST LIVES IN THE NORTH "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King." (Psa. 48:2) SANTA WEARS RED CLOTHING Santa wears a red furry suit. JESUS CHRIST WEARS RED CLOTHING"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." (Rev. 19:13) SANTA HAS WHITE HAIR Santa is always pictured as an old man with white hair like wool. JESUS CHRIST HAS WHITE HAIR "His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;" (Rev. 1:14) SANTA FLIES AROUND GIVING GIFTS Santa has the ability to defy the laws of gravity and fly around giving gifts to people. JESUS CHRIST ASCENDED AND GAVE GIFTS UNTO MEN"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Eph. 4:7-8) SANTA IS COMING SOON During the Christmas season it is emphasized over and over that "Santa is coming". JESUS CHRIST IS COMING SOON "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Rev. 22:20) SANTA IS OMNISCIENT Children are taught that Santa "knows when you've been good, and he knows when you've been bad". JESUS CHRIST IS OMNISCIENT "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." (Pro. 15:3) "And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" (Mat. 9:4) SANTA IS OMNIPRESENT Santa must be omnipresent, because he has the ability to visit over a billion homes in a twenty-four hour period. That's over 1100 per second! JESUS CHRIST IS OMNIPRESENT "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Mat. 18:20) SANTA IS OMNIPOTENT He has the ability to carry presents for over a billion children. JESUS CHRIST IS OMNIPOTENT"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Mat. 28:18) SANTA HAS SPIRIT HELPERS CALLED ELVES Webster, 1828: "ELF...a spirit, the night-mar; a ghost, hag, witch" JESUS CHRIST HAS SPIRIT HELPERS CALLED ANGELS "Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." (Mat. 4:11) SANTA - SANAT - SATAN? Sanat Kumara is worshipped by some new age groups as God. H.P. Blavatsky, the mother of the new age movement, said on page 350 of her book, The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 2: "The name isn't important. It is the letters". "Santa" has the same letters as "Satan"! According to G.A. Riplinger, "Ole Nick" is listed as the name of a fallen angel in the Dictionary of Fallen Angels. Friend, don't glorify Satan by giving the glory and attributes of Jesus Christ to Santa Claus! Santa is a COUNTERFEIT GOD, and you are honoring Satan when you teach your children to believe in Santa! Christians should teach their children the TRUTH. We should glorify God by teaching our children about Jesus Christ and His saving grace!

Two Babes In a Manger

The author of this story is not known but I came across it and thought it was good. In 1994 twoAmericans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics in the public school. They were invited to teach at prisons, and a large orphange. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused and left in the care of a government- run program were living in an orphanage.They related the story in their own words. It was nearing the holiday season, 1994, time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable,where the baby Jesus was born, and then placed in a manger. Through out the story, the children and orphange staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word. Completeling the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, which was cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city. Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Some squares of flannel, cut from worn out night gown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia, were used for the baby's blanket. A doll like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought form the U.S. The orphans were assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. He looked to be about six years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately ~ until he came to the part where Mary put the Jesus in the manger, then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said... "And when Mary laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had no place to stay. I told him I had no mamma and pappa, and I have no place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have have a gift to give him like everyone else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. So I asked Jesus, "If I keep you warm, will that be a good gift?" And Jesus told me "If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody has ever given me.' So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and told me I could stay with him~ for always." As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that fell down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his little shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little orphan had found someone who would never abondon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him ~~~for always I've learned that it' not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts " Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5: 16-18 What gifts would you bring to the manger?

Jesus is The Reason

We have all seen the sign, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season! But I don't think I have ever really seen it until now. I guess last night's sermon at church for just for me. We had our Christmas Program which brought home the truths of Missions. Then a short and to the point message. We sometimes get so wrapped up in buying or not, family, etc. I just made the remark last week that Christmas would not be the same this year without Mom. We have had five funerals in 2009 in our immediate family. I was looking at the past and getting depressed. Especially after we went to the cemetery to put flowers. I came home just feeling the weight of oppression or depression on me. I tried to keep busy. I wanted to make cookies and candies. That's what Mom always did. Then she passed them out. I thought about her fruit cake. We won't get one this year. We won't see much family this year. All those things that will take the place of what Christmas is all about if we let it. It is not about Mom or our other love ones that have gone on. It's not about for those fig cookies and fruit cake. If that is so, which it is, then what am I fretting about? It's about a Babe that was born to be our Savior. Not that I deserve Him, but because He loved me enough to not only be born but to die on on old rugged cross that I might know Him. I'm trying to re-focus on that Babe of Bethlehem's manger. That's what Christmas is about. He truly is THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

Circle of Friends Award

My sweet friend, Cathy, at Melodiesandhymnsongs.blogspot.com, passed this award to her readers. I am blessed to receive it from her.I am supposed to list 5 things I love to do.

1. Read, especially the Word of God.

2. Play Piano

3. Spend time with my my family

4. Baking, especially at Christmas

5. Visit with my internet friends

I am passing this award to all of you, who have become my wonderful Circle of Friends.

Love and Blessings, Aliene @meditationsandmemories.blogspot.com

Hand Made Gifts

This is the hen I was working on the other day when my sewing machine acted up and everything else went wrong. If you did not read about about that day, go scroll down a couple post.

Also I crocheted varigated dish clothes and pot holders to match.

I crocheted jar tops for preserves. I am fixing my kids a box with a lot of different hand made gifts, bread loafs, candies and whatever comes to mind. I have had two hen potholders for 10-12 years. I use them all the time. Need to make two more hens and I will be through. I thought about a basket at first, but then I saw the big round decorated boxes and got three of them. The boxes can be used afterwards to put stuff in and just set around with other decor. It has been fun doing this. I still have cookies and candies to make. Monday and Tuesday I will be making more Amish banana loafs and some more chocolate. My two grandsons next door sure love the chocolate.

Some ask me if I was making gifts for Christmas. The hen (?) is what I was working on when the machine acted up the other. Or is it a rooster.

Use your own imagination!

MOUSE ORNAMENT

This is something that children can make. Red and green felt, eyes and small black pom pom. You can see the slits above each eye. You run the ears through that. Cut a smaller slit in the back to put a candy cane through. I did this several years back. I put a little poem about Christmas with it. (Use your imagination) Let the children pass them

out. I don't remember the what poem I had. Probably something I made up. Cut a pattern and let the kids do one. Or two ~ You can use it as an ornament on the tree.

CHRISTMAS LOVE CUP

This is a neat idea for a little something to hand out at Christmas. I know you can't read it so I am writing it out.

1.Rubber Band- to draw you to the ones you love. James 4:8 2. Bright Shiny Penny ~ To remind you that your smallest talent comes from God to be used~not hidden. Luke: 16:10 3. Tea Light Candle~ to help you brighten a dark day or night. Matt:5:44 4. Straight Pin~ To deflate you in case you become puffed up. I Corinthians 13:19 5. Band Aid ~ To help hurt feelings, yours or someelse. 1Peter 4:8 6. Gift Tag ~ To remind you, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts: 20:35 7. Mug, ~ (I found Christmas mugs,) Hot Chocolate~ For you to have an opportunity to share with someone else. 8. Foam Cup, Napkins, Hot Chocolate~

Love was meant to be shared !

"For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son that whoso ever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3"16

Put all the stuff in the Christmas Mug.

Make a copy of each ingredient and it's meaning and share with friends and neighbors. Keep one on hand in case someone comes to visit. I made the card on my computer. In the foam cup place a little sip-lock fill with chocolate.

I prepare the mix myself, then place the foam cup in the big mug.

Let me know if you do this. It is fun!

I had a posting for today but have no idea what happened to it. Just wanted to wish all of you BLESSED THANKSGIVING! Count your blessings~bet you come up with a lot more than you can count. I was piddling around in the car the other day and came up with this.

Those rocks that were in the way,

As I traveled life's highway,

Those things that gorged and bruised my soul,

When I wanted so bad to be made whole,

CAN I THANK THE lORD FOR THEM?

Those days when the children were small,

As I touched their fevered brow,

As I rocked and sang

Til the wee morn' hours,

Finally to tuck them in,

Only to have to do it over again,

CAN I THANK THE LORD FOR THEM?

That rock that said the bills are due,

Income did not meet the need,

We scimpt and saved and was appalled,

As we had to rob Peter to pay Paul.

CAN I THANK THE LORD FOR THIS?

That day when that child went astray,

The rock that said they had lost their way,

As I cried and pray with a broken heart

And wondered did I do my part,

To lead and guide them from the start,

Was my efforts all in vain?

CAN I THANK THE LORD FOR THIS?

That day when the doctor said

The very word we often dread,

Cancer and surgery the next day,

What was there that I could say?

CAN I THANK THE LORD FOR THIS?

At the time I could not see,

What those rocks would do for me,

Those rocks that bruised and gorged my soul,

That child that needed to be made whole,

The one that seem to lose his way .

When I knew all I could do was pray.

That day when I heard,

That dreaded word,

And listened to what the doctor said,

The cancer had not spread,

It will take a while to heal,

Many more rocks I've stumbled over,

Many mistakes I've made,

But the Lord reached down

Put me back on my feet,

All the rocks I've in this Christian life

Have been what strengthens me

for the days ahead.

AND, YES, OH YES, I CAN SAY

THANK YOU LORD FOR BEING WITH ME ALL THE WAY.

This is just a few blessings that have come. But I know that whatever He sends, He will lead the way.

Have you ever wondered why certain things come in your Christian walk with the Lord? I'm sure we have said to ourselves and maybe to someone else, "I just don't understand." This last year I have wondered why? Why did so many things come at one time? Then I felt I was not trusting God to know what was best for my life. He is over all things and He has a purpose. When I lost my Aunt I knew she was with the Lord. I knew her suffeings were over. As I watch my own Mother suffer and finally put in a nursing home I knew it was best for her. She had suffered so much that several of us were praying the Lord would take her home. We did not want to see her suffer anymore. July 9th The Lord called her Home. Was it easy? No! The Lord is giving Grace. We don't understand God's ways ~ but like the scripture~

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me." My sister-in-law lay in a hospital bed from July 12 - September 22. Why she had to go so young, none of us knew why. But the Lord knew. Mom, my Aunt and my Sister- in-law are all missed but we know where they are. While they are gone from sight the Lord is still working on us.

Refining us and getting us ready for what may be in the future. We may never understand here on earth, but we can trust the One who knows all.

We need to remember "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me."

I read this below but could not find who wrote it. Just thought it was appropiate. I set beside a tiny crib and watched a baby die, and the parents slowly turned to me and said, “Preacher, tell us why?” And I walked away from the nursery where still born babies lie, and a mother stretches out her empty arms and says, “Preacher, oh preacher, tell me why?” I saw a young girl’s burning tears and heard her lonely cry, as she held an unused wedding gown and said, “Preacher, oh preacher, tell me why?” I heard the cancer patient say, “Tis gain for me to die.” Then I looked at her husband crying and whispered to myself, “I wonder why?” I’ve seen a father take his life and the widow stands near by, and the little children say, “Mom, we’ll ask the preacher and he’ll tell us why?” I’ve seen a mother stand beside a little grave and cry, and though she never let me know I knew she wondered why. I’ve heard an orphan family faintly say as they gazed up in the sky, “Though mom and dad have gone away, I think the preacher will tell us why?” So I tip-toed to my Father’s throne, so timid and so shy, to say, “Dear God, some of your own, their wanting to know why?” Then I heard him say so tenderly, “Their eyes I will gladly dry, but they must look through faith today, tomorrow, tomorrow they will know why. If now they find the reasons why their hopes have gone awry, in heaven they’ll miss the joy of hearing me tell them why.” And so I find it pleases him, whenever I can testify, I’ll trust my God to do my best and wait and then he’ll tell me why.

Did you wake up this morning with a heavy heart because of some burden that may be weighing you down? Or did you wake up with a joyul heart regardless of the things that have come your way. You might be in a deep valley right now. But just lift up thename of Jesus. Mary was in a dilemna when she found out she was with child. Her very reputation was on the line. She might be an outcast. Joseph's name would be on the line. Her parents ~ what would they say? But Mary looked beyond all that and all she saw was: She was to bring the Messiah into the world and she said "My soul doth magnify the Lord." She had enough faith to believe that God was in this and she could rest in Him. And we all know the outcome. That was one of her dark times for a little while, but God ws going before her to work things out. Another time had to be at the crucifixion where her Son hung on the cross. But her faith never faltered. Three days later she experienced an amazing event. Her Son was alive. You may be going through a deep dark valley today. It may seem that your reputation is on the line. Maybe some one has wronged you. (That happens in the Christian life.) Maybe you have a problem with your health. Maybe that child that you love so much has taken a wrong turn and you feel helpless to do anything. Whatever your situation in life this very moment ~ just take a few minutes and say, "My soul doth magnify the Lord." Remember ~ He never leave us in our distress. Just praise Him for being with you. The mountain top is in view. He will bring us out. We can either praise Him or we can feel sorry for our self. Self pity stinks. So why not Magnify the Lord. I just know your day will go much better.

WITNESSING

Great Give A Way

If you like to read take a trip over to Karla's blog @ ramblinroadstoeverywhere.blogspot.com. This is a great give a way. By the way~ have you seen Deborah's give a way yet at songsoffaith.blogspot.com If you have not ~ she has a great give a way, also. But you need to hurry because it will end soon. You will find it at This, also, is a great give a way. Take advantage. Who knows~ you just might win>

FIFTY ONE YEARSAnother year has passed and the Lord has blessed us with another year.

We will be going to eat tonight the 13th and just spend the day together tomorrow where ever the road leads. Shopping maybe?

I wrote this poem last year for our 50th. Just add one more year to it.

November 14th will be 51 years that we have been together as husband and wife. After we finished high school we were engaged, but waited for nine months to get married. We are still in love with each other, only the bond has grown stronger. Strange, but we even think alike. A lot of times read each others thoughts. We just Thank the Lord today for another year .

Fifty years is half a century For most good things to last. But we're still together and still in love, And share a wonderful past. Memories sweet, old and new Are in our hearts to stay. We give our Lord the credit For this wonderful day. Down memories lane- as we go back We know that God ordained Marriage as a Sacred Trust, Come trials, heartaches or pain. Today we celebrate fifty years And remember as we became one, It has always been Each for the Other And both for the Lord.

Memory

IN MEMORY

Most of you know that we lost my Mom in July and My husband's sister in September. She had 3 grandaughters and we wanted them to have something in memory of their Grand Mother. After making a search for crystal angels I came across these. It has a verse on the angel and we had Joanna's name, date of birth and date of death put on it. Two grand daughters are in their early teens and the other one is four years old. I read a new blogger online and we shared comments. A loved one had passed away and the grandchildren were sad. She said that the minister talked about the hermit crab. How there is just a shell. Then went on to say that the Minister told them that their grandmother was only a shell. She was not there. She was in heaven. Then every grandchild got a shell in memory of their loved one. I thought that was neat. We sent flowers for my Aunt that lived in Michigan. We told them to put four Doves on the plant, one for each child to take home with them. They had never heard of that but really liked it. So when Mom passed away they sent a beautiful plant and on it was a Dove. Their Mom and My Mom were sisters. The plant was for me and I immediately knew where it came from. Just some ways to help keep a memory alive.

IF GOD SHOULD GO ON STRIKE

I found this and don't know who wrote it but really makes you think. God has been good, so good, His mercies are new every single day. Sometimes I wonder at His Grace for every situation in our life. He supplies my every need. I am so glad for a Savior that is not dead. We are a privileged people. If we would take time to sit down and just think on His Love and protection. Even when we are not aware of danger close by, our Savior has us covered. I often have wondered how close we came to a tragedy but He was there before us. I'm in His safe keeping now, tomorrow and always. Praise His Lovely Name! How good it is that God above has never gone on strike, Because he was not treated fair in things he didn't like, If only once he had given up and said, "That's it, I'm through!" "I've had enough of those on earth, so This is what I'll do." "I'll give my orders to the sun--cut off the heat supply!" "And to the moon give no more light, and run the oceans dry." "Then just to make things really tough, and put the pressure on," "Turn off the vital oxygen 'til every breath is gone!" You know he would be justified, if fairness was the game, For no one has been more abused, met with more disdain than God, And yet he carries on, supplying you and me. With all the favors of His grace, and everything for free. Men say they want a better deal, and so on strike they go. But what a deal we've given God to whom all things we owe. We don't care whom we hurt, to gain the things we like, But what a mess we'd all be in, if God should go on strike.

"Look Daddy, I have a cap like yours. Did we both have a bad hair day?"

Cadon Michael Sanchez

Born: Saturday November 7 At around 7 P. M. 5 pounds

Son of Christopher and Nicole Sanchez

We are so thankful that Cadon arrived safe and sound. He gave us a fright about 5 weeks ago.

Christopher and Nicole were in Houston, Texas when Nicole's blood pressure sky rocket.

She had preclampsia and was put in the hospital for almost a month. She finally got to come home on the 1st of November. One week later little Cadon made his appearance. So our Saturday was spent at the hospital.

Just thought I would share this. I don't usually put family pictures on here very much.

Christopher is our grandson and little Cadon is our 6th great grandchild. Did I really say great?

Wow! How time flies. I am so anxious to get ahold of little Cadon. I did hold him a few minutes.

So tiny! Like a little china doll.

Twinkies and Root Beer

– Twinkies and Root Beer - unknown source] A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of Root Beer and he started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an elderly man. The man was sitting in the park just feeding some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the man looked hungry, so he offered him a Twinkie. The man gratefully accepted it and smiled at boy. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again, the man smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the man, and gave him a hug. The man gave him his biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy? "He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? God’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!" Meanwhile, the elderly man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked," Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added," You know, he’s much younger than I expected." As we near the end of this transition, as things start coming into place, isn’t it a good time to turn away from our wants and desires and instead trust in the Lord to renew our strength even if its just with Twinkies and root beer? The prophet Isaiah goes as far as to say… "Has thou not known? Has thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31) In the midst of transition, it is better to keep our priorities on God’s will rather than our own.

Comments

Comments mean so much!

It may take a little of your time. If you like the post say so, if not

say so. Sometimes I get discouraged because I don't have a comment.

I wonder what I am doing wrong. I know you pass by but it sure would make a difference if you would take just a minute and comment. Right now I need encouragement.

I told you about Deborah's give a way.@ songsoffaith.blogspot.com. It's ashame that you can't at least comment. If you go to her Songs from my journey http://lyricdevotions.com/ you will see a video that she has put together.

And the kjvblogs.blogspot.com

This has some good devotions and other stuff on it. I know some of you stop by but would you take time to leave a word or two? You never know what it can do to lift a person up.

Are we wasting our time, should we go elsewhere -- No! forget I said that!

I am KJV and that's where I will stay. Should not we as Bible Believing

Fundamentalist try to uplift one another?

Tell me where I can help you or what I can change and I will be glad to

consider it. We are help to help each other.

So help! The light is Red which means stop and comment.

I really do love you and try to pray for you and help to lift some burdens. I know you do the same but it is just a matter of letting each other know.

The Maze

In Baton Rouge every year there is a corn maze for the children to go through. Of course, parents go along with the smaller children. Corn is planted in a pattern and there are paths that you follow. One path leads out. The other path sometimes leads to confusion. "Where am I? Which way do I go now? I'm lost?" The teenagers from church went. They always come back with who got lost, who finished first etc. So tomorrow we will find out.

We, as Christians, sometimes, find ourselves in a maze of our own making. "Where am I? How did I get here? How do I get out?"

We, somehow missed the path the Lord had for us to follow. Do you ever get on a path that led to nowhere? You had to turn around and try to find your way back. Sometimes going around in circles?

I'm glad the Lord gives us signs to follow. Starting on a trip what is the first thing you do? Get a map and find the path for you to go to get there!

Right? Then follow the markers and signs that lead you to your destination.

The Lord has given us the Road Map , the BIBLE. There only two ways in it. The broadway that leads to destruction. The narrow way that leads to Heaven. We came to the cross roads one day and had to decide which way we would go. I'm so glad I took the narrow way.

On this way are a few mazes. We get in situations that muddle our minds

and we seem to be in a fog. Our heart is crushed at times, or maybe our friends are few. We might have a few tumbles and get discouraged. But we have Someone that leads the way and all we have to do is follow.

We were reading in our devotion this morning about the Temple being rent in twain. From the top to the botttom! That means we can enter into His Presense at any time and anywhere. We can find our way by listening to the whispers of The Blessed Holy Spirit. He will always lead us out of the maze and set our feet back on the right path.

Has your life been in a maze lately? If so, go to Jesus and let Him lead you out. He will lead you from a muddled maze to His Amazing Grace.

PUT YOUR TROUBLES HERE!

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord--and He shall sustain thee." Psalm 55:21

Cast your troubles where you have cast your sins; you have cast your sins onto Jesus--cast your troubles there also! As soon as the trouble comes, quick, the first thing, tell it to your Father in heaven! Remember, that the longer you take telling your trouble to God--the more your peace will be impaired. The longer the frost lasts--the more likely the ponds will be frozen. Oh! It is a happy way of smoothing sorrow, when we can cast our burden upon the Lord. Oh, you agitated Christians, do not dishonor your religion by always wearing a 'frown of concern'. Come, cast your burden upon the Lord. I see you staggering beneath a weight, which He would not feel. What seems to you a crushing burden--would be nothing but a bit of dust to Him. See! The Almighty bends His shoulders, and He says, "Here--put your troubles here!" "Casting all your care upon Him , for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7

By Charles Spurgeon

Great Give A Way

PUMPKIN PATCH AND SPICE PATCH GIVE A WAY I was reading my nieces blog ramblinroadstoeverywhere.blogspot.com and she was posting about a give a way on pumpkinpatchprimitivequiltshoppe.blogspot.com

27 patches for a nice quilt! Hop on over and mention I sent you.

Bearing One Another's Burdens

I do hope each of you have a wonderful Sabath Day. I am not able to go today but I certainly want to be there. I'm always afraid I'm going to miss something special.

Tuesday I drove to Jackson Ms. to help my sister get some of Mother's

stuff, that no one knew what to do with, organized so we could have a garage sale and get it out of the way. My sister-in-law from Arkansas came and we worked all day some Tuesday and Wednesday getting it all sorted out. Thursday I started having severe pain and called my husband. We met him and my daughter halfway and I came on home.

Have been going for therapy. After x-rays it turned out to be fibromyalgia. I can't take a lot of medications ao I am going alternative. I knew I had it but never so severe. Anyway, that's why I'm home today.

But, I am counting my blessings this Sabbath Day. God has been so good.

At the same time there are those that are carrying heavy loads today. Go to this dear sister's blog and read what she is going through. She needs our prayers. alleluiabelle.blogspot.com

Sometimes we take a prayer request so lightly. We never know what some one that is sitting right next to us in church might be going through. Let us bear one anothers burdens. In doing so our burdens won't seem so heavy. Read Alle's story and take time to pray for her and leave her a comment. I don't know her ~ but I could feel her agony and heartache through her writing.

I hope each of you have a wonderful Sabbath day!

MISSIONARIES

I guess the Lord has been speaking to me about praying more for our missionaries. Sunday morning in Sunday School I was telling my nine year old bus girls about foreign missions. They seemed a little confused.

This is a fairly new class. I have a world wide mission map in the class. One little bus girl said "Oh, like those countries on the map." The lesson was on the parable of the stewarts and their talents.

Then when the message comes up Sunday night ~ our pastor spoke on Faith Promise Missions . So far the Lord has helped us to keep ours up to date. Anyway, Pastor's message was taken from 3 John. He brought out the 8th verse as the text. "We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. "

Fellowhelpers! He brought out that the wellbeloved Gaius was pastor

of the church. Then Diotrephes in v.9 who wanted to have the preeminence . He wanted to be first. He said some harsh words and those that did not agree ~he wanted to put them out of the church. (Know anyone like that?) But John was saying ! Don't follow those that are evil but those that doeth good.

Then he brought out Demetrius who had a good report of all men.

Wouldn't you like for that to be said about you? I wonder, when I passed from the scene ~ what will people say about me! May the Lord me to live in such a way that something good will be remembered.

Fellowhelpers! How can we help our fellow man. Especially those on the mission field. He said a lot more but somehow "Fellowhelpers by sending missionaries in our place" stuck in my mind.

Then Monday I got on kjvblogs.blogspot.com and Susan Hutchins had written about their work as missionaries in Canada. Did you know that Canada is a big mission field? I did not realize that until read her entry.

Go by and read her post.

Seems like all day Sunday the word "Missions" came up. Would you rather stay home and give and pray or would you rather go and sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. Our missionaries not only have cultural shock when they get to a field ~ but their whole way of life changes. How would you like to be in cold Canada right now? As far as I hear there is a need for more missionaries there. Will you pray that the Lord supply the need there and on all mission fields.

We have several couples from our church that will be leaving for the mission field. They are out raising their support now. We, as laymen , have a responsibility to those that are on a missin field field and those that are going. May God help us to be faithful fellowhelpers.

Christmas Ornaments!

For today I thought I would tell you about ornaments. You make them! I made a cheery pie and a blueberry pie out of this recipe years ago. I still have the cherry pie sitting in my kitchen. My sister has made Christmas ornaments out of the same mixture which I want to do this year. Just use cookie cutters! The direction for ornaments and pies are a little different. This only ornaments.

SALT DOUGH CLAY

For Christmas Ornaments only

1/2 c. salt

3/4 c. warm water

Let stand 5 minutes in Bowl

Add 2 c. all Purpose Flour

Stir until thoroughly combined

Knead dough 7-10 minutes until smooth

Roll out and cut with cookie cutter putting a hold in the top for hanging on a tree or wherever

Bake on Foil Covered Baking Sheet @ 350 for 1/2 hour

or until dry and light brown.

May be painted and finished off with a thin coat of shellac

or clear Acrylic.

The directions for pies are different so don't make pies with these directions.

If anyone makes anything post it on your blog. I'm going to see what I can come up with.

Love God and do as you please?

Love God and do as you please. This came up on Bible Commentary and left you hanging. So I went to see what really was the meaning. St. Augustine, an influential Christian author of the fourth century A.D., wrote this: "Love God and do as you please." On the surface, that may seem like a license for sin—"As long as I love God, I can do anything I want, and God's okay with whatever I do." But Augustine seemed to realize that if you genuinely love God, then you will want to do what honors him most. Just as a married woman who loves her husband will want to make him look good, lift him up, and honor him, so also a person who loves God will want to glorify, magnify, and honor him. If you truly love God, then his Holy Spirit will transform you such that what pleases God will become what pleases you. Jesus, who is God, made this observation: "If you love me, keep my commandments. " (John 14:15). Similarly, the Apostle John wrote, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grieveous." (1 John 5:3). And finally, the Psalmist wrote, "My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly." (Psalm 119:167). When we love God, then we want to obey him; obeying him becomes a sign that we love him. Jesus linked love for God with obeying the commandments (i.e., with obeying God's law) in this way: " JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIGHT" . And the second is like it: " THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40). "For whom he did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." (Romans 8:29). In this way, what pleases you and what pleases God become one and the same such that if you love God, you can do whatever pleases you and God will be pleased.

Teaset and China Cabinet

This is a tea set that Mom had for years. I always told her she had to leave it to me. So I got it, but frankly I would rather have Mom if she could Have been in good health. But God knows best and He took her Home. I seriously doubt china cabinets or tea sets are on her mind now. I googled the pattern but have not come across it yet. If anyone knows please let me know. As for the china cabinet to the left ~ I think everyone in the family had their name behind it. I did not put my name because I had no hopes of getting it. It seem to be the most~ what I would call ~sentimental piece of furniture in the house. Thanks to my brothers and sisters ~ it was passed on to me. I am so thankful to them. Everytime I look at it I get teary eyed. It makes me think of Dad first. He got this for Mother way before he passed away ~ which will be 21 years Christmas Day. Then I really think Mom enjoyed all of us telling her ~ well, maybe not everyone, but me telling her just where I would put it. I did not have a clue that I would ever get it. Then my siblings who so graciously gave up their claim to it. That china cabinet will always keep us together as a family. I can always look on the back and see their names. As for the other tea sets in the china cabinet ~ they were given to me over the years. I have put some of them on my blog. If you are wondering where I put the china cabinet ~ it is right where my brother and husband put it when they brought it to its new home. Katty-cornered in the living room. It matches my piano and furniture perfect so I just left it there. Just thought I would share that with you since it meant so much to me!

Amish Friendship Bread

Did any of you receive a batch of the Amish Friendship Bread that was so popular a few years ago? There was one called Herman that went around the south. Now to get Herman ~ you have to get a starter from a friend. It made four batches. You give two away and kept two for yourself. Use one batch to make several loaves of Friendshipship Bread and keep one for another starter of Herman. Seems Herman is quite popular once he gets started. But you have to keep the love affair going with him or you might lose him. Then you will have to go back to the Amish to get a starter. At least that is what is told. But guess what? I was looking through some of Mom's old recipes and came across Herman. The starter was so simple. 1 cup sugar, one cup plain flour and 1 cup milk. You have to really be faithful to Herman or he might harden his heart. You have to check in on him at least once a day. (Now wouldn't you want your lover to check in at least once a day?) After you get Herman started in a large deep plastic or glass bowl and covered with a cloth ~ all you do is stir him every day for 17 days. On day 18 you do nothing, (Poor Baby ~No one is checking on him on this day.) On days 9, 20, and 21 you have to stir him. On day 22 you stir and add 1 cup sugar, 1 cup plain flour, 1 cup milk. Stir again. Days 23-26 you peek in on Herman and stir him up good. On day 27 you add 1 cup sugar, one cup plain flour and 1 cup milk. You should have about 4 cups of Herman Starter. Now Herman loves to travel. So take 1 cup and give to a friend. Then take another cup and give to another friend. You see, Herman likes to meet people. So keep him going! You will have 2 cups of batches left for yourself. Divide and use one batch to make your Friendship Bread. (I make loaves to give out during the holidays) You can keep the other starter and get Herman going again. I have never gotten Herman started up. Only twice was a starter given to me. But I started Herman four days ago. He will be done in time for the holidays. I got a starter last year and make little loaves with alluminun pans. Just put clear plastic wrap on top and tie a bow around it. Great little gifts to pass out. Include the recipe for a starter. Herman would love that! I have the recipe for the Amish Friendship Bread just in case any one are interested. I know you would love to meet Herman! He's fun to be around. Oh, by the way, DO NOT USE A METAL SPOON TO STIR HIM WITH. He has an allergy or something to metals. I'm not sure what.

Two Horses

Two Horses ~ Author Unknown

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her. As you stand and watch these two friends, you’ll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see. Good friends are like this You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there. Please listen for my bell and I’ll listen for yours.

Closed Doors?

Just a few thoughts today that's been running through my mind.

I was thinking that we sometimes think we know best about certain situations in life. But as things have come and gone in my life I know that God knows best! How many times did it seem a door was closed when we needed it opened? We may, with best intentions, decide upon a course of action, then find the way is blocked before us.

We know the Lord has led and guided us, unfailingly in the past. Does the road block mean we can just jump over it or go around it? We have never doubted God's guidance before, we know what it means to have the Lord's Presence with us and He has always provided. But now we find ourselves in a situation where we have no way to go. If we jump over or go around the roadblock we know danger is ahead.

Who is hindering our onward march? Paul wrote in 1Thessalonians 2:18

"Wherefore we would come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us! " Did not Satan hindered Daniel's prayer for 21 days? Daniel 10:12-13 "Then said he unto me, Fear not Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, Thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdon of Persia withstood me, one and twenty days: but lo,Michael, one of the chief prince, came to help me."

Sometimes a hindered prayer may be a roadblock. Satan will fight and make us believe there is no way out. If we try, within ourselves, we will miserably fail and get out of God's will. But, if we, with patience , will hold on and remember God is working in our behalf, we will come out victorious.

We need to know if this thing is from Satan or from the Lord. So that means we need discernment to decide the difference. No matter the roadblocks ~ we need to "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7 We need to be sensitive to the leadings of the Holy spirit in our lives. We are to keep on praying and with a heart toward God we will find that sooner or later, after seeking the will of God, why in His wisdom He closed one door only to open another. In this open door is the answer.

God's time may not have yet come, in whatever situation or roadblock you may have come against. But don't knock against the roadblocks. Just stop and know that the Lord has not forgotten you. He may be preparing you for something good. Your answer is on the way. Just rest in Him and let Him give you rest and peace that only the Lord can give. He will wotk the "situation" in your life out in such a way that you will be amazed.

God's hindrance is one method of His guidance.

Sometimes the lions' mouths are shut

Sometimes God bids us fight or fly;

Sometimes He feeds us by the brook;

Sometimes the flowing streams run dry.

Sometimes the burning flames are quenched;

Sometimes with sevenfold het they glow;

Sometimes His hand divides the waves;

Sometimes His billows overflow.

Sometimes He turns the sword aside;

Sometimes He lets the sharp blade smite;

Sometimes our foes are at our heels,

Sometimes He hides us from their sight.

We may not choose, nor would we dare,

The path in which our feet shall tread;

Enough that He that path hath made,

And He, Himself shall walk ahead.

The danger that His love allows

Is safer than our fears may know;

The peril that His care permits

Is our defence where'er we go.

Annie Johnson Flint

The Son

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this." The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It’s a gift." The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100? $200?" Another voice yelled angrily, "We didn’t come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs and Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids" But still the auctioneer continued. "The son The son Who’ll take the son?" Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I’ll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. “We have $10, who will bid $20?" “Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters” "$10 is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?" The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10" A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let’s get on with the collection" The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I’m sorry, the auction is over." "What about the paintings?" I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything" God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who’ll take the son?" Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

I had this riddle for years. I gave it to my son when he was a young man and it did not take him long to figure it out. Some of you have probably seen it. If not, it is a challenge. Try it! This riddle was written by a lady in California in response to an offer from a gentleman in Philadelphia, that he would pay anyone $1,000 who could write a puzzle he could not solve. He failed to solve it and paid the money. Adam, God made out of dust, But thought it best to make me first, So I was made before now, To answer God's most holy plan, A living being I became, And Adam gave to me my name, I from his presence then withdrew, And more of Adam I never knew. I did my Maker's law obey, Nor never went from it astray, Thousands of miles I go in fear, But seldom on earth appear, For purpose wise which God did see, He put a living soul in me, A soul from me God did claim, And took from me the soul had fled, I was the same as when first made, And without hands or feet or soul, I travel on from pole to pole, I labor hard by day, by night, To fallen man I give great light, Thousands of people, young and old, Will by my death great light behold, No right or wrong can I conceive, The Scripture I cannot believe Although my name therein is found, They are to me an empty sound, No fear of death doth trouble me, Real happiness I'll never see, To Heaven I shall never go, or to Hell below. Now when these lines you slowly read Go search your Bible with all speed, For that my name is written there, I do honestly to you declare, "The answer is ONE word."

Jesus is Always There

We never know what a day may hold. Seems for us it has been death and funerals.

We got back home and in a couple days my husband just collapsed in the dining room.

Had to call 911 and they took him to the ER. It turned out that he was de-hydrated and exhausted. A lot of it was caused from stress. He has always worked in the yard and stayed outside a lot. That is what he had been doing. Thank the Lord, he is okay. Well, at least he found out he had the heart of a 20 yr. old. Can you believe that? He vows and declares since that is what they told him ~ he can go right back out. That's where he is now.

Not me! I'm recuperating from the scare he gave me!

Our grandaughter calls and tells us her Mother-in-law passed away in the night. So I guess we have one more funeral to go to.

We never know what a day may bring forth but I'm so glad for Someone to bring all all cares to and know that He will do what is best in our life.

We can't foresee the turning of the tide When problems beset us and tears are cried. Sometimes life deals from the bottom of the deck Filling us with worry and leaving us a wreck. The enemy seeks to devour and destroy, Using deceptions to eliminate our joy. While walking through the valley, our heads hung low, The mountain top seems so high, our footsteps slow. How many times have we traveled this road To battle the frustrations of troubles bestowed? Yet when we come to our darkest hour God demonstrates His infinite power. It doesn't matter how bad things might seem, He always comes through, our faith to redeem. God will not fail us in our times of pain. He'll never forsake us, by our side He'll remain. So when we find ourselves at a total loss Or when the valley seems too wide to cross, Just remember you're in His love and care, Look over your shoulder, He's always there!

Home At Last

Just to let you know that Silas' sister is Home At Last. She left this world with a wonderful testimony. The doctors, nurses etc. could not explain what was keeping her alive but the Lord knew. She was a blessing to everyone that saw her jolly spirit. She knew she did not have long to live, but yet you would have never known it. She was so witty. The day before she passed away ~ the nurse came in to check on Joanna. Jo opened her eyes and the nurse ask her what her name was. Joanna knew what they were doing so her reply was so serious "Susan B. Anthony." The nurse look at her and Jo smiled and told her what her name was. She was truly a saint and is now rejoicing in heaven with the love ones that have gone on. Kind of makes a person have a hankering for heaven. What will it be when we get over yonder? Hopefully we can get some much needed rest and start back into a normal life. Last November was when Mother started going down and she lasted until July 9th. On the 12th of July Joanna was put in the hospital. So we have kept our suitcase packed. I'm ready to get back into my usual house work and talking to some of you again. I've tried to keep up on KJV but not on my personal post.