Friday, November 30, 2007
Hand Writing
For all of you be glad you do not receive hand written notes from me. You need to take the hand writing quiz and see what it may say about you. Latter today we are traveling to Amish country of Northeast Indiana for a Christmas party for the office my husband works in. The boss is paying for an over night stay in the Home Stead Inn, a dinner and show at the Blue Gate Restaurant, and a carriage ride from the motel to the restaurant and back to the motel after the show. Very romantic. Hope to take pictures and then learn how to put them on this blog. If you would like just goggle and see for yourself what the area is like.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Every Day to Give Thanks
We are to be thankful everyday of our life, but reality hits and problems in our life come and I don't feel like saying thank you for what hits me. I am glad God allows me to look back and to see how I am to be thankful for what every it was. A friend sent me this poem in an e-mail and I felt I needed to share it so show us how God is protecting us and for that I am very thankful. I believe each of us knows someone in the military, they may be family or a friend or a friend of someone we know. Please share with me in saying thank you to God and to each and every person that is protecting the shores of the United States and is working to keep the Stars and Strips flying.
A Different Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as
you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's
try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and
think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
A Different Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as
you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's
try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and
think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Verse for Wednesday
Withold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually perserve me. Pslms 40:11 (KJV)
I believe this verse says what this story is protraying. A friend sent this to me and I want to pass it on. I believe it is a type of Christmas story.
RED MARBLES
I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes.
I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but
clean, hungrily apprizing a basket of freshly picked green peas.
I paid for my potatoes, but was also drawn to the display of fresh
green peas.
I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the
peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller
(the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.
'Hello Barry, how are you today?'
'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They
sure look good.'
'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'
'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'
'Good. Anything I can help you with?'
'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'
'Would you like take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.
'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'
'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'
'All I got's my prize marble here.'
'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller.
'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'
'I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort
of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner
asked.
'Not zackley but almost.'
'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip
this way let me look at that red marble', Mr. Miller told the boy.
'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.
With a smile said, 'There are two other boys like him in our
community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to
bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.
When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he
decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag
of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their
next trip to the store.'
I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man.
A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the
story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.
Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one.
Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that
Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.
They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my
friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them.
Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the
relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we
could.
Ahead of us in line were three young men.
One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts,
dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking.
They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her
husband's casket.
Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke
briefly with her and moved on to the casket.
Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young
man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand
in the casket.
Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.
Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and
reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told
me about
her husband's bartering for marbles.
With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the
casket.
'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you
about.
They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them.
Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or
size...they came to pay their debt.'
'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she
confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in
Idaho.
With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her
deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red
marbles.
The Moral : We will not be remembered by our words, but by our
kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the
moments that take our breath.
I believe this verse says what this story is protraying. A friend sent this to me and I want to pass it on. I believe it is a type of Christmas story.
RED MARBLES
I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes.
I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but
clean, hungrily apprizing a basket of freshly picked green peas.
I paid for my potatoes, but was also drawn to the display of fresh
green peas.
I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the
peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller
(the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.
'Hello Barry, how are you today?'
'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They
sure look good.'
'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'
'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'
'Good. Anything I can help you with?'
'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'
'Would you like take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.
'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'
'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'
'All I got's my prize marble here.'
'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller.
'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'
'I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort
of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner
asked.
'Not zackley but almost.'
'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip
this way let me look at that red marble', Mr. Miller told the boy.
'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.
With a smile said, 'There are two other boys like him in our
community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to
bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.
When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he
decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag
of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their
next trip to the store.'
I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man.
A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the
story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.
Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one.
Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that
Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.
They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my
friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them.
Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the
relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we
could.
Ahead of us in line were three young men.
One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts,
dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking.
They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her
husband's casket.
Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke
briefly with her and moved on to the casket.
Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young
man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand
in the casket.
Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.
Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and
reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told
me about
her husband's bartering for marbles.
With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the
casket.
'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you
about.
They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them.
Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or
size...they came to pay their debt.'
'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she
confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in
Idaho.
With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her
deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red
marbles.
The Moral : We will not be remembered by our words, but by our
kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the
moments that take our breath.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday
"One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy."
~ Elisabeth Elliott ~
I didn't think I was going to have time to look and see what the quote of the week would be and then I though I hope it is something I could relate to. Well today I will be traveling with my husband to Northeastern Indiana on business and I was remembering what was going on a year ago after I read the quote. I was nearing the end of a semester in college and had only two weeks to get three projects done and write out two presentations that were to be given on the same day. On top of that final exams would be going on and I had a Trig final to take and I had to pass it so I could pass the class which this was the third time I had taken it.
Today I am thankful and glad God was with me a year ago as He is today. If I had not lived through many semesters of projects and knew that God did listen to me rattle off the list of must do things, I might have fallen flat on my face. God filtered the list and put items in order and through out the ones that could wait for another day or week or never. I can't say that I am perfect, but I can say that through Christ I will have the strength to do what has to be done when I put God first.
I never try to be to busy to do God's will, but I am human I make lists and God gets put in the background and then maybe some thing happens to make me sit and bring God to the fore front again and throw out the list of what makes me to busy to do the will of God.
~ Elisabeth Elliott ~
I didn't think I was going to have time to look and see what the quote of the week would be and then I though I hope it is something I could relate to. Well today I will be traveling with my husband to Northeastern Indiana on business and I was remembering what was going on a year ago after I read the quote. I was nearing the end of a semester in college and had only two weeks to get three projects done and write out two presentations that were to be given on the same day. On top of that final exams would be going on and I had a Trig final to take and I had to pass it so I could pass the class which this was the third time I had taken it.
Today I am thankful and glad God was with me a year ago as He is today. If I had not lived through many semesters of projects and knew that God did listen to me rattle off the list of must do things, I might have fallen flat on my face. God filtered the list and put items in order and through out the ones that could wait for another day or week or never. I can't say that I am perfect, but I can say that through Christ I will have the strength to do what has to be done when I put God first.
I never try to be to busy to do God's will, but I am human I make lists and God gets put in the background and then maybe some thing happens to make me sit and bring God to the fore front again and throw out the list of what makes me to busy to do the will of God.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Prayer
Last night our Church held the Hanging of the Greens. I would like to share the closing pray that the congregation said in unison.
"Dear Heavenly Father, we really want the simple beauty of Christmas; we want the carols and songs to remind us of that great miracle when our God, who created all things, came to earth as a baby, to know and love us exactly as we are.
It is hard to understand why You love us, but we want to follow the example of the Wise Men and the Shepherds and give You the gift of our love. Sometimes our gifts just don't seem to be exactly right, but this Christmas, we pray that You will receive our gift of live and make our gift right, pure, and real the way it should be. We give you thanks for every token of Your love."
May this pray be yours this Holiday Season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
"Dear Heavenly Father, we really want the simple beauty of Christmas; we want the carols and songs to remind us of that great miracle when our God, who created all things, came to earth as a baby, to know and love us exactly as we are.
It is hard to understand why You love us, but we want to follow the example of the Wise Men and the Shepherds and give You the gift of our love. Sometimes our gifts just don't seem to be exactly right, but this Christmas, we pray that You will receive our gift of live and make our gift right, pure, and real the way it should be. We give you thanks for every token of Your love."
May this pray be yours this Holiday Season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
A Sunday Seven
The Seven items I am going to write about comes with great enthusiasm. The week turned out to be very busy, but enjoyable.
1. Sunday was an after noon of food and fellowship at our annual Harvest dinner at our Church after Church services.
2. Monday a day to spend at home to wash and hanging clothes on a cloth line and enjoy the sweet smell of fall.
3. Tuesday was a day of sunshine. My husband picked corn and took a load to the elevator. Then in the evening we attended a girls basketball game and our girls won both games.
4. Wednesday was a day of providing food for a family so they could have a Thanksgiving dinner and delivering to a very surprised family of six individuals. Then in the evening to attend a Thanksgiving service at our Church.
5. Thursday was a day of driving and visiting our two daughters and one son-in-law in Michigan near the thumb of Lake Huron. The roads were an answer to pray that there was not very much snow on the roads. Great day of fellowship.
6. Friday was a day of driving home a different way than we went so my husband could stop and see a few farmers that are his clients for Crop Insurance. Fellowship and a safe drive home was had.
7. Saturday was a day of basketball for us. In the afternoon we attended a girls game and in the evening we attended a boys basketball game. All four of the games were won by our boys and girls teams.
1. Sunday was an after noon of food and fellowship at our annual Harvest dinner at our Church after Church services.
2. Monday a day to spend at home to wash and hanging clothes on a cloth line and enjoy the sweet smell of fall.
3. Tuesday was a day of sunshine. My husband picked corn and took a load to the elevator. Then in the evening we attended a girls basketball game and our girls won both games.
4. Wednesday was a day of providing food for a family so they could have a Thanksgiving dinner and delivering to a very surprised family of six individuals. Then in the evening to attend a Thanksgiving service at our Church.
5. Thursday was a day of driving and visiting our two daughters and one son-in-law in Michigan near the thumb of Lake Huron. The roads were an answer to pray that there was not very much snow on the roads. Great day of fellowship.
6. Friday was a day of driving home a different way than we went so my husband could stop and see a few farmers that are his clients for Crop Insurance. Fellowship and a safe drive home was had.
7. Saturday was a day of basketball for us. In the afternoon we attended a girls game and in the evening we attended a boys basketball game. All four of the games were won by our boys and girls teams.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Black Friday
I am here to say I was not involved with Black Friday. I tried that once and no more. I hope all had a wonderful Turkey day. My husband and I started out at 9:30 A.M. Thursday morning to drive for 5 hours to reach a daughter's home for a wonderful supper. The weather was not as bad, but it took 30 more minutes to reach our destination. You see that for the 3 years we have been driving in Michigan and have experienced snow every Thanksgiving. Two years ago it took us 10 hours to get there. This year we prayed for good driving and the pray was answered, only about 20 miles of snowy roads and only saw 3 spin offs. We had a wonderful time of hugs, laughs, and food. There are 5 of us until grandchildren and I do not get to see my girls very ofter; so to spend an afternoon to Friday morning to get a lot of girl talk done was so enjoyable. My husband and son-in-law are still getting to know each other so they did some guy talk. We had beef and noodles with mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. My oldest made cookies and we brought a store bought pumpkin pie. I am not a pie baker.
My oldest is a cook at a camp for at risk kids and for the next 6 weeks she will be making turkey dinners for a meal since most of the kids don't get a meal on Christmas. (That is why no turkey for our meal.)She has to cook 5 large turkeys every Wednesday to feed everyone. The guys and girls who also work with the kids tell them the story of the birth of Jesus and then pass out Christmas gifts in the largest garbage bags that are made.
Well I will close and end my senseless rambling for this evening.
My oldest is a cook at a camp for at risk kids and for the next 6 weeks she will be making turkey dinners for a meal since most of the kids don't get a meal on Christmas. (That is why no turkey for our meal.)She has to cook 5 large turkeys every Wednesday to feed everyone. The guys and girls who also work with the kids tell them the story of the birth of Jesus and then pass out Christmas gifts in the largest garbage bags that are made.
Well I will close and end my senseless rambling for this evening.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thankfulness
I am combining Word Filled Wednesday with Thankful Thursday today with a verse I would like to share to explain why I am so thankful.
Romans 8:28 King James Version
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
Why this verse. It is not a Thanksgiving verse, but for me and a friend it created two beautiful young adults. To begin, 33 years ago on November 22, 1974 a beautiful girl was born to John and Joyce at 11:30 P.M. in Jasper County Hospital Indiana. Her name was Lynn Marie and weighed 6lb 7oz. and was 20 inches long with a head of brown hair and the fore head of her Grandfather Poisel.(this description is from memory since we do not have any pictures of her) Then on November 30, 1974 at around 8:00 P.M. she died and from the atrophy it was determined it was SIDS. (Today in 2007 it is still not know why this kind of death happens.) This began for me 11 years of HELL. I was angry at God for taking a child I had waited for over 5 years. Then I felt guilty that I might have killed her. Then through many wonderful individuals I began to heal, they listened and answered questions. God did give me 2 beautiful, intelligent, humble, hardworking, and simply wonderful girls who were born in 1979 and 1980. These two were part of the healing that was provided by a wonderful God who loves His children.
God gave me the most understanding man to marry. John put his grief in the back ground to take care of me and lift me up hourly, then daily, then weekly, then monthly, and finally yearly until I could heal and come back to the loving arms of God. I love God most for giving me this man.
On a beautiful June Saturday in 1979 a friend and I were talking on her back porch step as her husband and mine were working on a tractor. About 6 months before this conversation she had lost a baby of 5 months to a heart problem. When this son was born, she was told by her Dr. that she would be unable to have any more children. She had 2 older sons so she was resigned to what the Dr. had to say. God is so good. He does make something that is bad work together for good. During this conversation I suggested that she find a different Dr. and explain everything and see what he might have to say. Well, from that conversation 2 children have been born to their family, a boy and a girl. The boy was born 2 weeks after my youngest and they have been friends for along time.
When a birthday is celebrated on a Sunday or a holiday it is to me more special. So tomorrow I will be celebrating Thanksgiving in Michigan with my two daughters and rejoicing and remembering 33 years ago and praise God for his arms lifting me up and healing my heart and giving me 22 years of happiness and wonderful memories of a daughter I was privileged to hold for 8 glorious days. There may be tears, but they will be of joy not sadness.
So you see why Romans 8:28 is a Thanksgiving verse. For anyone grieving a child, healing comes and the memories are always there. Know that God cries along with you and smiles when you smile and laughs when you laugh. This is the first time I have been able to write about Lynn and what her birth and death has done in my life. To find God again has brought me to a time in my life that I can hear Him and thank Him for his patiences to wait on me to come back into His loving arms. Please have the most beutiful and enjoyable Thansgiving of November 22, 2007.
Romans 8:28 King James Version
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
Why this verse. It is not a Thanksgiving verse, but for me and a friend it created two beautiful young adults. To begin, 33 years ago on November 22, 1974 a beautiful girl was born to John and Joyce at 11:30 P.M. in Jasper County Hospital Indiana. Her name was Lynn Marie and weighed 6lb 7oz. and was 20 inches long with a head of brown hair and the fore head of her Grandfather Poisel.(this description is from memory since we do not have any pictures of her) Then on November 30, 1974 at around 8:00 P.M. she died and from the atrophy it was determined it was SIDS. (Today in 2007 it is still not know why this kind of death happens.) This began for me 11 years of HELL. I was angry at God for taking a child I had waited for over 5 years. Then I felt guilty that I might have killed her. Then through many wonderful individuals I began to heal, they listened and answered questions. God did give me 2 beautiful, intelligent, humble, hardworking, and simply wonderful girls who were born in 1979 and 1980. These two were part of the healing that was provided by a wonderful God who loves His children.
God gave me the most understanding man to marry. John put his grief in the back ground to take care of me and lift me up hourly, then daily, then weekly, then monthly, and finally yearly until I could heal and come back to the loving arms of God. I love God most for giving me this man.
On a beautiful June Saturday in 1979 a friend and I were talking on her back porch step as her husband and mine were working on a tractor. About 6 months before this conversation she had lost a baby of 5 months to a heart problem. When this son was born, she was told by her Dr. that she would be unable to have any more children. She had 2 older sons so she was resigned to what the Dr. had to say. God is so good. He does make something that is bad work together for good. During this conversation I suggested that she find a different Dr. and explain everything and see what he might have to say. Well, from that conversation 2 children have been born to their family, a boy and a girl. The boy was born 2 weeks after my youngest and they have been friends for along time.
When a birthday is celebrated on a Sunday or a holiday it is to me more special. So tomorrow I will be celebrating Thanksgiving in Michigan with my two daughters and rejoicing and remembering 33 years ago and praise God for his arms lifting me up and healing my heart and giving me 22 years of happiness and wonderful memories of a daughter I was privileged to hold for 8 glorious days. There may be tears, but they will be of joy not sadness.
So you see why Romans 8:28 is a Thanksgiving verse. For anyone grieving a child, healing comes and the memories are always there. Know that God cries along with you and smiles when you smile and laughs when you laugh. This is the first time I have been able to write about Lynn and what her birth and death has done in my life. To find God again has brought me to a time in my life that I can hear Him and thank Him for his patiences to wait on me to come back into His loving arms. Please have the most beutiful and enjoyable Thansgiving of November 22, 2007.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
A Different Tuesday
"The purpose of Christianity is not to avoid difficulty, but to produce a character adequate to meet it when it comes. It does not make life easy; rather it tries to make us great enough for life."
~ James L. Christensen ~
This is the quote for The Word For Tuesday, but I am going a different direction for this post. This year I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving Day. It is a special one for me which I will explain in the next day or two. So today I would like for you to read Psalms 100 and think of Thanksgiving
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves:we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good: his mercy is everlasting: and his truth endureth to all generations.
~ James L. Christensen ~
This is the quote for The Word For Tuesday, but I am going a different direction for this post. This year I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving Day. It is a special one for me which I will explain in the next day or two. So today I would like for you to read Psalms 100 and think of Thanksgiving
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves:we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good: his mercy is everlasting: and his truth endureth to all generations.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Prayer for Thanksgiving
This is Marriage Monday and I am going to stray from my usual writing to talk about Thanksgiving and what it means to me. I love studying History and as I was doing some research on Thanksgiving I came across a pray of the Iroquois Indians. The pray was found on http://www.2020tech.com/thanks/temp.html. If you would like to do your own search start here. I am thankful for the Indians who gave up their lands so the white man could live in what has become the United States of America.
A THANKSGIVING PRAYER FROM THE IROQUOIS (SENECA) PEOPLE
Gwa! Gwa! Gwa!
Now the time has come!
Hear us, Lord of the Sky!
We are here to speak the truth,
for you do not hear lies,
We are your children, Lord of the Sky.
Now begins the Gayant' gogwus
This sacred fire and sacred tobacco
And through this smoke
We offer our prayers
We are your children, Lord of the Sky.
Now in the beginning of all things
You provided that we inherit your creation
You said: I shall make the earth
on which people shall live
And they shall look to the earth as their mother
And they shall say, "It is she who supports us."
You said that we should always be thankful
For our earth and for each other
So it is that we are gathered here
We are your children, Lord of the Sky.
Now again the smoke rises
And again we offer prayers
You said that food should be placed beside us
And it should be ours in exchange for our labor.
You thought that ours should be a world
where green grass of many kinds should grow
You said that some should be medicines
And that one should be Ona'o
the sacred food, our sister corn
You gave to her two clinging sisters
beautiful Oa'geta, our sister beans
and bountiful Nyo'sowane, our sister squash
The three sacred sisters; they who sustain us.
This is what you thought, Lord of the Sky.
Thus did you think to provide for us
And you ordered that when the warm season comes,
That we should see the return of life
And remember you, and be thankful,
and gather here by the sacred fire.
So now again the smoke arises
We the people offer our prayers
We speak to you through the rising smoke
We are thankful, Lord of the Sky.
(Liberally translated)
Chuck Larsen, Seneca
A THANKSGIVING PRAYER FROM THE IROQUOIS (SENECA) PEOPLE
Gwa! Gwa! Gwa!
Now the time has come!
Hear us, Lord of the Sky!
We are here to speak the truth,
for you do not hear lies,
We are your children, Lord of the Sky.
Now begins the Gayant' gogwus
This sacred fire and sacred tobacco
And through this smoke
We offer our prayers
We are your children, Lord of the Sky.
Now in the beginning of all things
You provided that we inherit your creation
You said: I shall make the earth
on which people shall live
And they shall look to the earth as their mother
And they shall say, "It is she who supports us."
You said that we should always be thankful
For our earth and for each other
So it is that we are gathered here
We are your children, Lord of the Sky.
Now again the smoke rises
And again we offer prayers
You said that food should be placed beside us
And it should be ours in exchange for our labor.
You thought that ours should be a world
where green grass of many kinds should grow
You said that some should be medicines
And that one should be Ona'o
the sacred food, our sister corn
You gave to her two clinging sisters
beautiful Oa'geta, our sister beans
and bountiful Nyo'sowane, our sister squash
The three sacred sisters; they who sustain us.
This is what you thought, Lord of the Sky.
Thus did you think to provide for us
And you ordered that when the warm season comes,
That we should see the return of life
And remember you, and be thankful,
and gather here by the sacred fire.
So now again the smoke arises
We the people offer our prayers
We speak to you through the rising smoke
We are thankful, Lord of the Sky.
(Liberally translated)
Chuck Larsen, Seneca
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Hymns for a Sunday Seven
This morning in a quite time before the Preacher's sermon I started looking through our Church hymnal and decided to look up seven hymns that have the words King, Lord, and God. It did not take long and her are the first seven I found. As I was writing down the titles I noticed praise, everlasting glory, worship, our help, who reigns above, and bless. Words we are to do for and what God does for us. These titles were found in the first thirty pages. Maybe if you have a quite time you can look and see many more with more words for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Enjoy!!
1. O Worship the King
2. Lord We Praise You
3. God of Everlasting Glory
4. The Lord is in His Holy Temple
5. Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above
6. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
7. Bless The Lord
1. O Worship the King
2. Lord We Praise You
3. God of Everlasting Glory
4. The Lord is in His Holy Temple
5. Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above
6. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
7. Bless The Lord
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Prayer For A YOUNG MAN
Give __James__ a good mind, a teachable spirit, and an ability to learn. Instill in them a desire to attain knowledge and skill, and may they have joy in the process. Above all, I pray that they will be taught by You, for Your Word says that when our children are taught by You they are guaranteed peace. You have also said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). May they never be a fool and turn away from learning, but rather may they turn to You for the knowledge they need.
All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13
A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. Proverbs 1:5
James is a teenager who got into some trouble for the third or fourth time and a judge put him in a secured home for boys with counselors. He has an anger in him that needs to come out. I am praying that he will trust one of the counselors enough to tell what is really the problem and get it worked out. I know he can become a wonderful young man and do great things in and with his life. If you know of a teen in trouble please pray for them.
All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13
A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. Proverbs 1:5
James is a teenager who got into some trouble for the third or fourth time and a judge put him in a secured home for boys with counselors. He has an anger in him that needs to come out. I am praying that he will trust one of the counselors enough to tell what is really the problem and get it worked out. I know he can become a wonderful young man and do great things in and with his life. If you know of a teen in trouble please pray for them.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
A Thursday to answer questions
Today I am thankful for The Preacher's Wife. She has a Bible Study on Moses on her blog and today I am going to answer questions from her study.
1. How current is your God? Is he up to date on all your issues or do you have old hurts you still hold behind your back? Until you asked I was pretending that yes I am up to date with issues, but I am still holding behind my back a hurt or two.
2. Has the enemy ever told you there are situations that are 'old news' that are better left stuffed down? Or perhaps because they were so long ago they can't possibly be affecting you now? Yes the devil has told me that and today one of them has come back to mind. I have known for along time the the enemy lies and thinks nothing of it, but at times I still listen.
3. In the matter of established authority, does God truly reign in your life? Where are you when He calls your name? Oh, yes God reigns in my life and any where or any time I am there to listen.
4. Do you ever feel God has forgotten you in your 'west side of the wilderness'?
I did about 3 years ago when I was going through an infection that I could not get cleared up and before I would listen I almost died. God was there all the time, but I was not listening. God sent me to a different Dr. who was up to date on this kind of womans problems.
5. Have you ever experienced a time of cleansing where God has illuminated and rejuvenated you? When God answered my pray for healing from that infection. He brought so much joy and bounce in my feet that I was almost to the stars some days. I even got to meet 3 non traditional individuals that I was able to encourage to stay in collage through the long time it would take to make it to their goal of getting a degree and doing what they want to do with it. If not, do you find you are in need of this now?
1. How current is your God? Is he up to date on all your issues or do you have old hurts you still hold behind your back? Until you asked I was pretending that yes I am up to date with issues, but I am still holding behind my back a hurt or two.
2. Has the enemy ever told you there are situations that are 'old news' that are better left stuffed down? Or perhaps because they were so long ago they can't possibly be affecting you now? Yes the devil has told me that and today one of them has come back to mind. I have known for along time the the enemy lies and thinks nothing of it, but at times I still listen.
3. In the matter of established authority, does God truly reign in your life? Where are you when He calls your name? Oh, yes God reigns in my life and any where or any time I am there to listen.
4. Do you ever feel God has forgotten you in your 'west side of the wilderness'?
I did about 3 years ago when I was going through an infection that I could not get cleared up and before I would listen I almost died. God was there all the time, but I was not listening. God sent me to a different Dr. who was up to date on this kind of womans problems.
5. Have you ever experienced a time of cleansing where God has illuminated and rejuvenated you? When God answered my pray for healing from that infection. He brought so much joy and bounce in my feet that I was almost to the stars some days. I even got to meet 3 non traditional individuals that I was able to encourage to stay in collage through the long time it would take to make it to their goal of getting a degree and doing what they want to do with it. If not, do you find you are in need of this now?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Word Filled Wednesday
I, Joyce, commit to living a life marked by grace, available to me by my faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, who died for the forgiveness of my sins through the shedding of His blood on the cross. His death, followed by His resurrection on the third day, provided the one and only sacrifice needed for my sins.
As I live a life marked by His grace, I will strive to recognize my own sin, seeking forgiveness from the Lord, including myself and others if necessary, and readily accept God's forgiveness. I will commit to practicing forgiveness with others and myself.
In His grace, I will move forward resolving to live rightly, with right thinking based on the Scriptures, again and again. Instead of wallowing in my sin and being held captive by my guilt or pride, I will repent and live free, redeemed in Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
This commitment and Scripture come from extravagantgrace.net that you can find from my side bar. You will find the site very insightful and heart warming. I felt that I needed to post it here to be accountable for the words of the commitment.
As I live a life marked by His grace, I will strive to recognize my own sin, seeking forgiveness from the Lord, including myself and others if necessary, and readily accept God's forgiveness. I will commit to practicing forgiveness with others and myself.
In His grace, I will move forward resolving to live rightly, with right thinking based on the Scriptures, again and again. Instead of wallowing in my sin and being held captive by my guilt or pride, I will repent and live free, redeemed in Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
This commitment and Scripture come from extravagantgrace.net that you can find from my side bar. You will find the site very insightful and heart warming. I felt that I needed to post it here to be accountable for the words of the commitment.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A Word for a Tuesday
"Love is beautiful, but it is also terrible--terrible in its determination to allow nothing blemished or unworthy to remain in the beloved."
~ Hannah Hurnard ~
Early this morning I saw this quote, but nothing came to mine and I was just not going to post anything today. Well, this afternoon I was reading a post and the writer was talking about missing children who were at a Youth outing. That got me to thinking about my grown daughters who I miss and the quote. Love is beautiful when a Mom like me who can listen to a daughter on the phone tell about a cooking class she is giving to teens from her church and be content that I can not be there to see her in action. Then it can be so terrible when another daughter calls just before Christmas to tell me that her boyfriend of 5 years just broke up with her. It was terrible love when I could not be there to hold her in my arms and let her cry. Love for this daughter who can state in her blog the real reason for the break up for her blog friends to see. Terrible in its determination to allow nothing blemished or unworthy to remain in the beloved means to me that God wants me to come to him clean of sin. We can come to him clean as white snow after our water baptism like a hymen says "Whiter that Snow"
~ Hannah Hurnard ~
Early this morning I saw this quote, but nothing came to mine and I was just not going to post anything today. Well, this afternoon I was reading a post and the writer was talking about missing children who were at a Youth outing. That got me to thinking about my grown daughters who I miss and the quote. Love is beautiful when a Mom like me who can listen to a daughter on the phone tell about a cooking class she is giving to teens from her church and be content that I can not be there to see her in action. Then it can be so terrible when another daughter calls just before Christmas to tell me that her boyfriend of 5 years just broke up with her. It was terrible love when I could not be there to hold her in my arms and let her cry. Love for this daughter who can state in her blog the real reason for the break up for her blog friends to see. Terrible in its determination to allow nothing blemished or unworthy to remain in the beloved means to me that God wants me to come to him clean of sin. We can come to him clean as white snow after our water baptism like a hymen says "Whiter that Snow"
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Veterans Day, Sunday
This is a Sunday Seven concerning Veterans Day November 11, 2007. I believe when a celebrated day comes on Sunday it is a little bit more special.
1. Thankfulness for all of those men and women who have fought for the freedom for all of the citizens of the United States. Starting with the fight against the English in the middle 17 hundreds
2. Thankful for my father, Kenneth Burton, who fought in WW II in the Philippians as a transport person. He enlisted in the Army in 1941 and was to begin his first leave on December 15, 1941; instead he waited for word where He would be stationed. He did not talked often about his time in the Army and the war. One time I remember he talked about floating in the Pacific and seeing giant turtles and Dad showed us the coins of the region.
3. Jack Jensen was a classmate of mine who fought in Viet Nam and died in 2006 from the after effects of Agent Orange. I am also thankful for all my classmates who fought in Viet Nam.
4. Thankful for the young men and women who are fighting at this time in the Far East for freedom from terrorist throughout the world. One young lady from our area just returned from Iraq, Emily Boresma, is in the National Guard. Trey Wright is in the Army and will be going to Afghanistan on December 1st.
5. Thankful for the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, Army Reserves, and National Guard of today and yesterday that was honored at our local High School on Friday November 9, 2007.
6. Thankful for all individuals I did not know who fought for my freedom in all of the Armed Forces in each and every war and conflict.
7. Finally, I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ who is the ultimate person for freedom and the Chaplains who have been there for each and every person who needed to talk and pray. The minister of our Church was in the Air Force and is now a Chaplin for the Army. He has gone to Iraq, San Diego, California, and Texas to counsel the burn victims of bombings.
I would like to continue talking about Veterans Day. Today in Church Captain Donald Herchel of the 283rd spoke and showed pictures of his time in Afghanistan. He was thanking the Lord for saving his life time after time. An example, as Captain he felt he should be at the front of the line in a trip and each time they were out on patrol and drove over a mine, but it was the next truck that was hit and killed 5 individuals. He has written a small book on His time in the Far East and the name of it is ANGLE ON MY SHOULDER. I am not for sure where you can buy it so search and I hope you will find it.
In our bulletin the following article was added:
VETERAN'S DAY 2007 LEST WE FORGET
Let us remember with grateful hearts those who have served our country, past and present, in order to preserve our many God given freedoms.
In remembrance, the following poem commemorates the fallen of the "Great War" and brings to mind the poppies we wear on veteran's Day each year.
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
In Flanders fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
1. Thankfulness for all of those men and women who have fought for the freedom for all of the citizens of the United States. Starting with the fight against the English in the middle 17 hundreds
2. Thankful for my father, Kenneth Burton, who fought in WW II in the Philippians as a transport person. He enlisted in the Army in 1941 and was to begin his first leave on December 15, 1941; instead he waited for word where He would be stationed. He did not talked often about his time in the Army and the war. One time I remember he talked about floating in the Pacific and seeing giant turtles and Dad showed us the coins of the region.
3. Jack Jensen was a classmate of mine who fought in Viet Nam and died in 2006 from the after effects of Agent Orange. I am also thankful for all my classmates who fought in Viet Nam.
4. Thankful for the young men and women who are fighting at this time in the Far East for freedom from terrorist throughout the world. One young lady from our area just returned from Iraq, Emily Boresma, is in the National Guard. Trey Wright is in the Army and will be going to Afghanistan on December 1st.
5. Thankful for the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, Army Reserves, and National Guard of today and yesterday that was honored at our local High School on Friday November 9, 2007.
6. Thankful for all individuals I did not know who fought for my freedom in all of the Armed Forces in each and every war and conflict.
7. Finally, I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ who is the ultimate person for freedom and the Chaplains who have been there for each and every person who needed to talk and pray. The minister of our Church was in the Air Force and is now a Chaplin for the Army. He has gone to Iraq, San Diego, California, and Texas to counsel the burn victims of bombings.
I would like to continue talking about Veterans Day. Today in Church Captain Donald Herchel of the 283rd spoke and showed pictures of his time in Afghanistan. He was thanking the Lord for saving his life time after time. An example, as Captain he felt he should be at the front of the line in a trip and each time they were out on patrol and drove over a mine, but it was the next truck that was hit and killed 5 individuals. He has written a small book on His time in the Far East and the name of it is ANGLE ON MY SHOULDER. I am not for sure where you can buy it so search and I hope you will find it.
In our bulletin the following article was added:
VETERAN'S DAY 2007 LEST WE FORGET
Let us remember with grateful hearts those who have served our country, past and present, in order to preserve our many God given freedoms.
In remembrance, the following poem commemorates the fallen of the "Great War" and brings to mind the poppies we wear on veteran's Day each year.
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
In Flanders fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Jesus Loves Me
We all know the song. Some know all the verses. Well as I was reading a farm related news paper I saw this poem and it pricked my heart. I would like to share it with you.
JESUS LOVES ME
Author Unknown
Jesus loves me this I know
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim
Sill He bids me trust in Him.
Though my steps are oh so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
Though I am no longer young,
I have much which He's begun.
Let me serve Christ with a smile,
Go with others the extra mile.
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear
"Have no fear, for I am near."
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say
That I love Him every day.
The Farmer's Exchange
JESUS LOVES ME
Author Unknown
Jesus loves me this I know
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim
Sill He bids me trust in Him.
Though my steps are oh so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
Though I am no longer young,
I have much which He's begun.
Let me serve Christ with a smile,
Go with others the extra mile.
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear
"Have no fear, for I am near."
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say
That I love Him every day.
The Farmer's Exchange
Friday, November 9, 2007
Not Forgotten
Thankful Thursday was not forgotten, but delayed a day so I could go on a day trip with my husband. He is a Crop Insurance Agent and has clients in many counties of Indiana. So yesterday, Thursday, we traveled to Morgan and Putman counties to see five of his clients. I am thankful for the warm day of travel, for the color of the leaves, for a safe journey down and home again, and for the fellowship my husband had with the farmers. Most of all, a day of good conversation with a man I have known for nearly 41 years.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Word Filled Wednesday
Hello, I would like to discuss interceding in pray for our children. I totally believe in pray for my children. I have done it from the first time I learned I was pregnant with our first children to today 33 later. Today my children are in their mid twenties and out on their own in jobs they went to college for. Like most Mothers I want to be there when the good happen, as well as, the bad times, but I can not. Going to God in pray is the next best thing to being there. He knows and helps, sends individuals, and speak to my girls when I can not. You will see a link to Interceding for our Children and would recommend you click on it and check it out. If you are a mother of small children or a mother of grown children, take it upon yourself to pray for them when you think of them and when you don't have them in your thoughts.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
In Other Words
Quote
"In our lives the darkest times, the days that are bleak and black, add depth to every other experience. Like the dark bits of color in a mosaic, they add the contrast and shadows that give beauty to the whole, but they are just a small part of the big picture."
~Amy Grant~
Mosaic: Pieces of My Life so Far
I read the quote for the Tuesday In Other Words and liked it, but I received the following and felt that I needed to add it today. It may go along with the thoughts of the quote or not.
Malachi 3:3
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it" If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. "Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."
"In our lives the darkest times, the days that are bleak and black, add depth to every other experience. Like the dark bits of color in a mosaic, they add the contrast and shadows that give beauty to the whole, but they are just a small part of the big picture."
~Amy Grant~
Mosaic: Pieces of My Life so Far
I read the quote for the Tuesday In Other Words and liked it, but I received the following and felt that I needed to add it today. It may go along with the thoughts of the quote or not.
Malachi 3:3
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it" If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. "Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."
Monday, November 5, 2007
About Submission
How the Lord works is so amazing. He has a way of talking to individuals such as I. About 4 weeks ago My husband and I attended a Revival and Tommy Oaks spoke on the topic for 3 services. He talked mostly to the men, but he was telling us women to listen so we could make it easier for our mates to understand why and how I to continue to submit to my husband as he submits to God. I need to first submit to God and then it will be extremely easier to submit to my husband. Now 4 weeks later I am beginning to understand why I am to submit. God is forever and He is the head of our marriage and both of us as we submit to God then we will and do have a marriage that has and is sustaing the trials of a life together for the past 38 years and will continue to be the head for the rest of our lives together. Submission to and for a mate is the most important for my marriage.
Hugs for a Monday
If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you
And share with you its beauty
On the days you're feeling blue.
If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own;
A place to find serenity,
A place to be alone.
If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding
Are impossible for me.
I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend who's always there.
This is a Hug Certificate!!
I would do it just for you
And share with you its beauty
On the days you're feeling blue.
If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own;
A place to find serenity,
A place to be alone.
If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding
Are impossible for me.
I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend who's always there.
This is a Hug Certificate!!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
LOVE OF GOD
Here are seven scriptures on love of God from the King James Bible
1. Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
2. II Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.
3. I John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
4. I John 2:5 But whoso keepeh his work, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
5. I John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seethe his brother have need, and shutteh up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him.
6. I John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous.
7. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (The ultimate Love of God)
1. Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
2. II Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.
3. I John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
4. I John 2:5 But whoso keepeh his work, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
5. I John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seethe his brother have need, and shutteh up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him.
6. I John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous.
7. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (The ultimate Love of God)
Friday, November 2, 2007
Faith Filled Friday
Today in faith I am going to bring up a subject that I feel is important to pass along. This was a topic that was addressed in my oldest daughters blog. She was listing to her local Christan radio station and the topic came up with a web site to visit and was the first time she had heard about it. Without going into much this is something my daughter has come in contact with from an x-boyfriend who has the problem. She would encourage everyone to support and pray for this cause.
White Ribbons Against Pornography (WRAP) Week 10/26/2007
Washington, D.C. — The 20th annual White Ribbons Against Pornography (WRAP) Week begins this Sunday, October 28 to raise awareness of the harmful affects of pornography. Concerned Women for America (CWA) joins the national campaign to provide opportunities to fight pornography and sexual addictions and call for a respect for sexual virtue.
WRAP Week began in 1987 as a result of one woman, Norma Norris, who sought to sensitize the public to the magnitude of the pornography problem in everyday life. For one week, people are asked to wear or display a white ribbon in solidarity against pornography.
The Supreme Court determined in 1973 that the First Amendment does not protect “obscene material” (hardcore pornography). People can complain to businesses that distribute pornography, write letters to the editor, distribute information to the community, educate community leaders about the negative effects of pornography, ask pastors to address the sin of pornography, support those who are on the “front lines” of the fight against pornography, contact their State Prosecutor and U.S. Attorney to complain about violations of state obscenity laws, and ask state and local legislators to curtail “sexually oriented businesses.” More information regarding particular state laws and ordinances is available at www.moralityinmedia.org and www.obscenitycrimes.org.
To schedule an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact Natalie Bell at 202-488-7000 x126.
Wendy Wright, President of CWA
Wendy Wright notes that “75 percent of convicted rapists admit they were acting out what they had seen in pornography, and 80 percent of child molesters admit their spiral down began with pornography.”
Janice Crouse, Ph.D, Director and Senior Fellow, Beverly LaHaye Institute
Dr. Crouse is an expert on the effect of pornography on relationships affecting women and children and on the link between pornography and sex trafficking.
Matt Barber, Policy Director for Cultural Issues
Mr. Barber said “Many people think that pornography is victimless. They don’t realize that many forms of widely accepted pornography are in fact a direct violation of federal and state obscenity laws. These laws should and must be enforced. Ultimately, it is women and children who are most victimized by pornography and the lack of obscenity law enforcement.”
CWA State Directors and Leaders are also available to provide local viewpoints and activities
For Information Contact:
Natalie Bell
(202) 488-7000
media.cwfa.org
Feel free to investigate this web site.
Concerned Women for America
1015 Fifteenth St. N.W., Suite 1100
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: (202) 488-7000
Fax: (202) 488-0806
E-mail: mail@cwfa.org
White Ribbons Against Pornography (WRAP) Week 10/26/2007
Washington, D.C. — The 20th annual White Ribbons Against Pornography (WRAP) Week begins this Sunday, October 28 to raise awareness of the harmful affects of pornography. Concerned Women for America (CWA) joins the national campaign to provide opportunities to fight pornography and sexual addictions and call for a respect for sexual virtue.
WRAP Week began in 1987 as a result of one woman, Norma Norris, who sought to sensitize the public to the magnitude of the pornography problem in everyday life. For one week, people are asked to wear or display a white ribbon in solidarity against pornography.
The Supreme Court determined in 1973 that the First Amendment does not protect “obscene material” (hardcore pornography). People can complain to businesses that distribute pornography, write letters to the editor, distribute information to the community, educate community leaders about the negative effects of pornography, ask pastors to address the sin of pornography, support those who are on the “front lines” of the fight against pornography, contact their State Prosecutor and U.S. Attorney to complain about violations of state obscenity laws, and ask state and local legislators to curtail “sexually oriented businesses.” More information regarding particular state laws and ordinances is available at www.moralityinmedia.org and www.obscenitycrimes.org.
To schedule an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact Natalie Bell at 202-488-7000 x126.
Wendy Wright, President of CWA
Wendy Wright notes that “75 percent of convicted rapists admit they were acting out what they had seen in pornography, and 80 percent of child molesters admit their spiral down began with pornography.”
Janice Crouse, Ph.D, Director and Senior Fellow, Beverly LaHaye Institute
Dr. Crouse is an expert on the effect of pornography on relationships affecting women and children and on the link between pornography and sex trafficking.
Matt Barber, Policy Director for Cultural Issues
Mr. Barber said “Many people think that pornography is victimless. They don’t realize that many forms of widely accepted pornography are in fact a direct violation of federal and state obscenity laws. These laws should and must be enforced. Ultimately, it is women and children who are most victimized by pornography and the lack of obscenity law enforcement.”
CWA State Directors and Leaders are also available to provide local viewpoints and activities
For Information Contact:
Natalie Bell
(202) 488-7000
media.cwfa.org
Feel free to investigate this web site.
Concerned Women for America
1015 Fifteenth St. N.W., Suite 1100
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: (202) 488-7000
Fax: (202) 488-0806
E-mail: mail@cwfa.org
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Thusday Bible History
The following was sent to me by a friend. I needed a good laugh after a long day on the road and thought others would enjoy it also. This is a Thankful Thursday.
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but
God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one,'
butI think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a
light!' and someone did. Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they
weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve
disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden
of Eden. I'm not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't
have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was
Abel. Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for
Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one
of his kids was kind of a ham. Noah built a large boat, and put his family
and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they
said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than
his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for
some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports
coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton
Heston.&nb sp; Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the
evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These
plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel
Lights every day with manicotti. Then He gave them His top ten Commandments. These
include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's bottom (the
Bible uses a bad word for bottom that I'm not supposed to say, but my Dad
uses it sometimes when he talks about the President). Oh, yeah, I just
thought of one more: Humor they father and they mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to
use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the
town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a
slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500
porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise
to me. After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of
these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on
the shore.
There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have
to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of
the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been
born in a barn, too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door!
Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I
was!')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the
Pharisees and the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst
one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible
vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just
washed his hands,instead.
Anyway, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went
up to Heaven, but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is
foretold in the book of Revolution.
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but
God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one,'
butI think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a
light!' and someone did. Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they
weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve
disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden
of Eden. I'm not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't
have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was
Abel. Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for
Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one
of his kids was kind of a ham. Noah built a large boat, and put his family
and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they
said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than
his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for
some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports
coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton
Heston.&nb sp; Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the
evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These
plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel
Lights every day with manicotti. Then He gave them His top ten Commandments. These
include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's bottom (the
Bible uses a bad word for bottom that I'm not supposed to say, but my Dad
uses it sometimes when he talks about the President). Oh, yeah, I just
thought of one more: Humor they father and they mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to
use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the
town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a
slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500
porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise
to me. After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of
these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on
the shore.
There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have
to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of
the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been
born in a barn, too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door!
Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I
was!')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the
Pharisees and the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst
one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible
vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just
washed his hands,instead.
Anyway, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went
up to Heaven, but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is
foretold in the book of Revolution.
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| What Joyce Means |
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Heart
| Your Heart is Red and Green |
 You are down to earth, laid back, and secure in who you are. You bring strength and sanity to relationships. You're good at communicating and working through problems. |