Thoughts

I am sitting here wondering about my thought life. We had a missionary at church and he brought out how many thoughts go through our mind in one day. Care to guess? 70,000 Yes, I said 70 ~ not 7 thousand. That's a lot of thoughts. So I began to look up the word thought, think, thinketh etc. The first one I thought of is found in Psalm 40: 5 "Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward; they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee; if I would declare and speak them, they are more than can be numbered." Then on down in the chapter in verse 17 "I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh on me." I really like the thought of the Lord thinking on me. Who am I that He should even give one thought to? Yet, He does think on his children. Do we think about Him and His manifold blessings? Or do we dwell on our trials and test that come? It is so easy to want to look around at the circumstances, things that are changing in this great land of ours, the stock market (what is that?), the health care, so many things we could think on. But we can choose not to dwell on the negative. We can think on the Lord. How many of the 70,000 thoughts that we think each day are about the Lord? "The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity." Psalm 94:11 "Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me; and know my thoughts." Psalm 139:2 Look up "thoughts" and see how the word is use in different ways. For instance: Genesis 6:5 "And God saw that the wickedness of man was was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Bad thoughts got man in trouble and they suffered from it. Check up on your thought life. As a man thinketh in his heart so is he. If we think negative thoughts we will wind up depress. If we think positive thoughts ~like for instance~how good God is to us we will be blessed. I always try and end my prayer with when the devil comes with a bad thought ~ that I can overcome remembering that the Lord thinketh on me. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations (thoughts) of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. I've heard the saying : You can't help the birds from flying over your head, but you don't have to let him build a nest there. What have your thoughts been lately. Are they acceptable in the sight of God?

Make Me A Blessing

MAKE ME A BLESSING Ira B. Wilson, 1880–1950 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. (Proverbs 11:11) Nothing is lost that is done for the Lord, Let it be ever so small; The smile of the Savior approves of the deed As though it were greatest of all. —Unknown We are of little value to our Lord if we do not produce fruit for Him. In fact, the command of Scripture is to bear “much fruit.” Regardless of the task to which God calls us, whether it be great or small, it will receive His promised blessing when we do it faithfully and with sincere motives. The Scriptures also teach that our deeds of compassion and mercy must be done with cheerfulness, never simply out of duty (Romans 12:8). St. Francis of Assisi said, “It is not fitting when one is in God’s service to have a gloomy face or a chilling look.” Representing Christ and serving others must become a normal, happy lifestyle as we “carry the sunshine where darkness is rife.” The text of this hymn was written in 1909 by Ira Wilson, a musician associated for many years with the Lorenz Publishing Company, serving as editor of the popular periodicals for church choirs, The Choir Leader and The Choir Herald. The music for the hymn was added 15 years later by George Schuler, who served for more than 40 years in the music department of the Moody Bible Institute. Throughout his lifetime Mr. Schuler contributed much fine music for both vocal and keyboard use. “Make Me a Blessing” was first introduced in 1924 at a Sunday school convention in Cleveland, Ohio, where Schuler had 1,000 copies of the song printed for the occasion. It was received with much enthusiasm, and these words have since been widely used to challenge believers to make their lives useful to God. Out in the highways and byways of life many are weary and sad; carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, making the sorrowing glad. Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love. Tell of His pow’r to forgive; others will trust Him if only you prove true every moment you live. Give as ’twas given to you in your need. Love as the Master loved you; be to the helpless a helper indeed; unto your mission be true. Chorus: Make me a blessing, make me a blessing! Out of my life may Jesus shine. Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray. Make me a blessing to someone today. Simply breathe this musical prayer as you go forth to represent Christ. Ask the Lord to put someone in your path today that you can be a blessing to. In doing this you will find the blessing you receive is far better than you have given.

My Brother had this on his blog and I thought it was good. He gave me permission to use whatever material he has. You can still find him at ozarkcountryparson.blogspot.com. God Lives Under the Bed God lives under the bed. I ran across this story and I had to stop and pray for the Lord to help my faith . I am not sure who wrote it but I hope it will help your faith. Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. One night he was praying out loud in his bedroom, and I stopped to listen, "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, Under the bed..." I laughed & tiptoed to my room. My brother Kevin’s unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world in which Kevin lives. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled due to problem in labor. Apart from his size (he’s 6-foot-2) there are few ways in which he’s an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and always will. He’ll probably always believe God lives under his bed, Santa Claus fills the space under the Christmas tree and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them. I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to the workshop for the disabled, home to walk the dog & eat his favorite macaroni/cheese dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the routine is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washer like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner. He stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day’s laundry chores. And oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of the passengers. "That one’s goin’ to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn’t know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power. He doesn’t care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he’s working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He’s not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride, unconcerned with appearances, Kevin’s not afraid to cry when he’s hurt, angry or sorry. He’s always transparent, always sincere. He trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap, I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances – they all become disabilities…when I do not trust them to God’s care. Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he’s spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I’ll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. And Kevin won’t be surprised at all!

It's Catching!

Seems Spring has sprung! Things are coming alive. I should be able to write something but my mind is blank as to a particular thing to write about. I read where several are having the same problem ~ so maybe it is catching. Maybe it is the pollen in the air this time of year. My allergies are all flaired up and causing sinus and throat problems. The cars are all yellow with pollen. No need to wash them until the pollen is gone. My husband is outside working in the yard. He is one of the more fortunate ones that doesn't have trouble with allergies. Since I can't seem to get into the writing mood why don't you go over to the KJVblogs.blogspot.com and read my post there today? Then scroll on down and read some of the other post. I'll get back as soon as I get can. Have a good day!

HUGS

For all of you that are going through a trying time I just want to send you a hug. Take it and remember I am thinking about each of you and try and pray for those that I know.

We all need to know we are thought about, right? I find comfort when I hear from you and know you have been praying for

me. Take time to comment on the post that bless you and even those that you just pass through. We need to encourage one another in the Lord. That is one way you can be a blessing to others right at home. Have a blessed week and remember God loves you and so do I.

USIN AND THUMMIN

I am finally home and actually did a little housework today. My Mom is now in the nursing home. She has her good days and bad days. We are all doing pretty good. I have never like to go to nursing homes. It is always depressing to me. I guess the Lord thought I needed to get over that feeling, so here we are going at least twice a week or more. I am so glad for the Word that gives us comfort when we need it , cheers us when we are down cast. I suppose in all of this sitting with Mom and knowing what we were facing and are now facing ~ the Lord is always there. He promised He would never leave us or forsake us. I'm so glad for His promises that we can depend on. I read a true little story called: Usin' and Thummin' A minister in England had frequent conversations with and uneducated cobbler who, nevertheless, was well acquainted with the Word of God. One day he mentioned the cobbler's remarkable knowledge of the Bible to a young friend. His friend boasted that he could ask some questions the cobbler would be unable to answer. on being introduced to the man, the visitor asked, "Can you tell me what the Urim and Thummin were?" The cobbler replied, "I don't know exactly; I understand the words apply to something that was on the breastplate of the high priest. I know the words mean 'Light and Perfection' and that through the Urim and Thummin the high priest was able to discern the mind of the Lord. But I find that I can get the mind of the Lord by just changing a few letters. I take this blessed Book and by usin' and thummin' it, I get the mind of the Lord. I wonder are we usin and thummin enough in the Word of God. There are three remarkable rules for Bible study. The first is: "Get everything out of the Bible." Let it be the teacher. Do not come to prove your theory, but find what is truth. The second rule is, "Read nothing into the Bible." There needs to be a strong purpose and deep humility of spirit to follow the second rule. The third rule is: "Let nothing remain concealed in the Book." The first rule makes the result dependable, the second makes it accurate; the third makes it fully rounded, avoiding partial or half views. S.D. Gordon Just thought I would pass on what I read today.

I MUST TELL JESUS

I MUST TELL JESUS ~Elisha A. Hoffman ~ 1839-1929 2 Timothy 4:17 "The Lord stood by me and Strengthened me." O help me Lord to take the time To set aside all else That in the secret place of prayer I may with you abide. One of the loneiliest feelings we can have come when we face a time of need without having one trusted friend in whom to confide. Elisha A Hoffman, author and composer of more than 2,000 songs gives the following account of this well-beloved hymn. During a pastorate in Lebanon, PA. there was a woman whom God permitted many visitations of sorrow and affliction. As I was coming to her home one day, I found her much discouraged. She unburdened her heart, concluding with the question, "Bro Hoffman, what shall I do?" I quoted from the Word, then added,"You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus! You must tell Jesus! For a moment she seemed lost in meditation~then her eyes lighted up as she excalimed, "Yes. I must tell Jesus." As I left her home I had a vision of that joy-illuminated face. All I heard all along my pathway the echo, I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus." Bro. Hoofman quickly wrote the words and soon completed the music as well. Since it's publication in 1894 this hymn has reminded many believers that they have a heavenly Friend who is always available to hear and help.

I must tell Jesus all of my trials

I cannot bear these burdens alone.

In my distress He kindly will help me,

He ever loves and cares for His own.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles

He is a kind compassionate Friend,

If I but ask Him, he will deliver

Make of my troubles quickly an end.

O how the world to evil allures me,

O how my heart is tempted to sin!

I must tell Jesus and He will help me

Over the world the vict'ry win.

I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear these burdens alone.

I must tell Jesus , I must tell Jesus,

Jesus can help me! Jesus alone!

Determine to go to Jesus with all your concern, temptations, and trials that may arise. He's the best Friend anyone can have. If you are hurting, your heart breaking, seemingly all is going in reverse, find a place of prayer and unload your soul on Him. He will not fail you, I can promise.

I know it has been awhile since I have written. Sometimes other things have to come first. I know most of you know that my Mom has not been well!

I have been at her home with my sister all last week and part of the week before. We were there to take Mom to Doctor appointments she had. She has lost almost all use of her legs and will never get better. She is gettting weaker everyday. We thought physical therapy would work but two doctors said no. They advised her to go into a facility where she can have 24 hr care. We knew that eventually this would come, but it is like death, almost. None of her six children wanted this. But we feel at this time it is best for her.

Tomorrow she will be going and I know this is not easy on her. Just think of probably looking at your home and all your possessions for the last time! It is so emotional for all of us. If I would let myself go I could break down every time I think of it. But I know that our God knows what is best for her. I also know He will see us through this if we just trust Him.

The adult class at church is already making plans to send her cards and going with me to see her. They may have seen her a couple times. (My husband told me this on the way home from church today.) It touched my heart to know they care enough to want to do this. It will help not only Mom but me, as well.

If you think of us during this coming week~please pray for us. It is hard on those that live close by and probably harder on her children that live a long distance. They want to be here but can't.

Hopefully I can get back to posting soon.

A Blessing!

I just feel like telling you that at our age we have taken on a teen-ager. Our grandson, Stephen, is living with us now. Due to bad circumstances at home and bad company he kept ~ Stephen was on a downward spiral.

Last September we helped him get into a re-hab center. Before he went the Lord saved him. There were times when we almost gave up hope,

but we kept praying. He was back home~ which is not the best place for a child trying to come clean should be. But about two weeks ago he was put out, and called us. His Paw Silas and I decided to give him a chance.

We are amazed at what the Lord has done. He had to work and the Lord

supplied that job about two miles from here. A man at church has a furniture business and he hired Stephen on trial basis. Most of the people that work there are Christians and we feel that is a blessing. His first paycheck was only for two days. We told him about tithing. He put his tithing in and this last week the Lord supplied him with quite a few hours overtime. Plus! This week he put his tithing in again. We told him not to expect money back everytime he paid tithe, but that the Lord would bless him.

He comes home singing a song one of the church boys was singing while at work. Then Yesterday morning the pastor felt led to preach on hell.

When Bro Rusty gets to preaching ~he gets with it. Stephen had never heard anyone preach like that. He remark how much he like the preaching. Last night~ after a blessed time of worship and preaching~

right before we dismissed the pastor wanted us to sing out theme song:

I"M ON THE WINNING SIDE. Stephen came home singing that song and saying "I can make it because I'm on the winning side." What a blessing! Stephen has a story to tell that we will post at a later date.

In the meantime , would you pray for Stephen as he battles with some of his past and ask the Lord to help him grow spiritually?

Wow! I forgot how much a teen-ager eats! It's been a long time since we had our son home. Pray that the Lord would give us wisdom. We don't want to push any of our convictions on him, we want him to get his own.

Just think of him as being you son or grandson and pray daily. Thanks!

We will give you more about Stephen later.