Happy New Year

 

Happy New Year to all  my blog friends. I pray this year is all that you hope it to be. That the Lord blesses you with good health and finds you in the center of His will.  Who knows this may be the year that our Lord comes to take us home.  Even so Come Lord Quickly.

"Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing."  

2 Timothy 4:8

We Made It Through Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is traditionally spent with my side of the family and for most years at my parents home;.  The last couple of years because of my Mothers health we have spent it at my younger brother and his wife's home.  Some of the grandkids had said that it did not seem like Christmas without being at Nana's and Pa's.  So we went back their house this year.

We knew it would be hard. Nana 's health has improved some since her stroke this past summer. However, she is still not quite the same. She is much quieter and not able to get around as easily as before.  Then with my sister- in -love's home going, we were all rather sad but trying to keep the mood light for everyone else.  But you knew that everyone missed her so.

The meal wasn't quite as much as before but that was okay. No one had quite as much of an appetite as before.  Although we have started the tradition of having chili for the past several years.  A few traditions changed this year or were completely dropped.  Instead of my Sis-in-love bringing her Potato Salad , her daughter had that honor this year. It was delicious.  However, I had hard time eating it and not thinking of her mother for she was our designated Potato salad maker for every family gathering. She made the best.

When dessert time came it was mentioned more than once that even though a chocolate cake was there. It did not have hard candy icing.  That is my job. I let them down. I was not in the mood. I was trying to keep a tradition that my Granny always did.  She made Chocolate Peanut butter Balls.  Those things are hard work.  My hubby helped some. He said he wouldn't do that again for them.  After making all those balls and dipping them in chocolate. I just couldn't start making a cake.

Then some of mentioned that we didn't have our Christmas punch.  Mother has made that since I can remember. This was a FIRST!!! She sent Dad after an ingredient but he came home with the wrong thing.

Yes Christmas was different.  But we still had each other and we had love and no one doubted that love.  We also knew what the real meaning of Christmas and it is not all those traditions of favorite foods and places to meet. But it is THE GIFT of GOD'S SON sent down to earth as babe born in a manger to become the Savior of the World. EMMANUEL - GOD WITH US. We miss Sherry but we have the blessed hope of seeing her again because we have THE BLESSED HOPE!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

What is Your Favorite Christmas Carol, Song or Hymn

What is your favorite Christmas carol or song. ?   We all have many memories of favorite songs of this time of year.  Some of our earliest may be Jingle Bells, Jingle bell Rock, Silent Night,Oh Come All Ye Faithful or   Away in the Manger.  No matter what it is I am sure it brings back some fond memories.

  My Favorite Christmas Song is "Mary Did You Know?" Can you imagine being Mary holding your new born baby knowing that He is the Son of God and wondering what is in store for Him.  If you are a mother, you know what it is like to hold your newborn and wonder what his life will be like. If you will be able to mother him, protect him, guide him or have any wisdom at all in how to any of those things. But can you imagine what it be like to have been entrusted to bring up the Son of God until He reached the age of earthly maturity. What an awesome responsiblity?


One person who thought about the things that Mary could have thought about holding her newborn but could have not possibly known was Mark Lowry.  In 1984 he composed the following song. It gives me cold chills everytime I hear it. 

MARY DID YOU KNOW

Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know, that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered,
Will soon deliver you! 

Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Will give sight to the blind man?
Mary did you know, that your baby boy

Would calm a storm with His hand?

Did you know, that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod
And when you kiss your little baby,
You've kissed the face of God?

Oh, Mary did you know?
Mary did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear,
The dead will live again,
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
Praises of the Lamb?

Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?

Did you know, that your baby boy
Was Heaven's perfect Lamb?
And this sleeping Child you're holding
Is the Great I AM

~ Words by Mark Lowry ~
~ Music by Buddy Greene ~

Daniel's Gloves

An Anonymous Story called "Daniel's Gloves" (Author Unknown or is it? Please. Read on.) I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day.

As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street.. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, 'I will work for food.' My heart sank. I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways.

I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him.

I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car. Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: 'Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square.' Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack. I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor.

'Looking for the pastor?' I asked. 'Not really,' he replied, 'just resting.' 'Have you eaten today?' 'Oh, I ate something early this morning.' 'Would you like to have lunch with me?' 'Do you have some work I could do for you?' 'No work,' I replied 'I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch.' 'Sure,' he replied with a smile.
As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions.

Where you headed?' ' St. Louis '
'Where you from?' 'Oh, all over; mostly Florida ..'
'How long you been walking?' 'Fourteen years,' came the reply.

I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, 'Jesus is The Never Ending Story.'

Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences.. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly.. He gave his life over to God 'Nothing's been the same since,' he said, 'I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.'

'Ever think of stopping?' I asked. 'Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me. But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles, that's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.' I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: 'What's it like?' 'What?' 'To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?' 'Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me.' My concept was changing, too.

We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, 'Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in.' I felt as if we were on holy ground.

'Could you use another Bible?' I asked. He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. 'I've read through it 14 times,' he said. 'I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see' I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.

'Where are you headed from here?' I asked. 'Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.' 'Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?' 'No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next.' He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things. 'Would you sign my autograph book?' he asked. 'I like to keep messages from folks I meet.' I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, 'I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.' 'Thanks, man,' he said. 'I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.' 'I know,' I said, 'I love you, too.' 'The Lord is good!' 'Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?' I asked. A long time,' he replied And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed.. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, 'See you in the New Jerusalem.' 'I'll be there!' was my reply. He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, 'When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?' 'You bet,' I shouted back, 'God bless.' 'God bless.' And that was the last I saw of him.

Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them.... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them. Then I remembered his words: 'If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?' Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. 'See you in the New Jerusalem,' he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will.... 'I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.'

Let's continue to pray for one another. God bless and have a nice day!

Longing for Home.

After saying good bye here on earth to my sister in love, I have longed even more for home. For years I have quoted the old song "Heaven's Sounding Sweeter All the Time." The older we get and the more family and friends that we keep going home the more we long to be there also. Not counting the fact that Our Blessed Savior is there waiting for us too.

For the past eighteen months or more, we have several of our family and friends go home to heaven. I have had a couple of aunts, my best friend's son, my sis in love's father, my grandmother, some friends and acquaintances, and now my dear sis in love. This happened so quickly no one had time to adjust to the fact that she had cancer much less that she was dying. However, I believe that God was merciful in that. She did not have to suffer with a long battle with dealing with this horrible disease. God did heal her by taking her home.

Her funeral was amazing. My brother and Dad did the funeral. Her brother and Dad did the graveside. My Dad was her pastor for the last 25 years. However my brother is the one who gave the message, he preached on the everlasting arms of God from Deuteronomy 33:26-27. The songs that were sung were not sad. "Until Then" was sang and some of the congregation joined in on the chorus. At the grave side everyone sang "What A Day That Will Be." I think she would have been pleased and I believe that God was.

We were all worn out especially my brother and his children. Please continue to pray for them as they try to adjust to life without a wife and a mother in their home. I know that it has affected me more than I thought it would so I can not imagine what they are going through.

One blessed day we will all be at home together. The circle will not be broken, the family will all be together for the first time ever. And we will worship at the feet of our Savior. We have a sibling that we have never seen over there. There are grandchildren that never took their first breath or if they did it wasn't for long. And can you imagine the extended family of God from Adam & Eve on down to very the last brother or sister to become His child. What A Glorious Day That Will Be!!!!

In honor of my dear Sister In Love

My Dear Sister in Love went home this morning. She had a brief battle with cancer. She leaves behind a grieving husband and 2 daughters and a son. She is standing in the presence of the KING.

If You Could See Me Now

If You Could See Me Now
(Kim Noblitt)

Our prayers have all been answered. I finally arrived.
The healing that had been delayed has now been realized.
No one's in a hurry. There's no schedule to keep.
We're all enjoying Jesus, just sitting at His feet.

Cho: If you could see me now, I'm walking streets of gold.
   If you could see me now, I'm standing strong and whole.
   If you could see me now, you'd know I've seen His face.
   If you could see me now, you'd know the pain is erased.
   You wouldn't want me to ever leave this place,
   If you could only see me now.

My light and temporary trials have worked out for my good,
To know it brought Him glory when I misunderstood.
Though we've had our sorrows, they can never compare.
What Jesus has in store for us, no language can share. (Chorus twice)

You wouldn't want me to ever leave this perfect place
If you could only see me now
If you could see me now
If you could only see me now

We All Want To Know

I would like to share a poem with you that was given to my husband years ago when he was diagnosed with leukemia. My sister in law framed it and gave it to him. Now she has been diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Please keep her in your prayers.




We All Want To Know

that we are cared for and that some one understands. God does care about our feelings. He is sensitive to our losses, our sorrows, our anxieties. God is the God of love and hope, seeking to lift us above our difficulties, a us and strengthening us. When we are the end of our rope, He enables us to hang on. When we are at a loss and cannot understand why. He gives hope and assurance that He is walking with us. Always with us, never deserting us what a wonderful God! And I know our God will continue to show His love for you in special ways, supplying your needs, helping you over rough spots, and blessing you beyond expectation. God is that wonderful and He loves you that much!

update

This past week has been very busy. Labor was spent preparing lunch and taking to my son's and prepared them some homemade ice cream to have later. Tuesday through Thursday I spent taking my older friend to see her different doctors. She is 87 and such a joy to be with. On Friday evening we had a rehearsal dinner for my nieces wedding.

Saturday was the big day. Her wedding was beautiful it was held outside at my parents. Beautiful reception after-wards. I helped to direct the wedding and then I helped serve. I was worn out Saturday night. My niece asked my husband to shoot fireworks for her wedding and he and the boys gave her a beautiful show. One of my cousins from S.C. said so " this is how you do a wedding in Tennessee". She a band playing good "clean" country music. Her brother and his girl friend sang Johnny Cash & June Carter songs. We had a wonderful time.

Please pray for the mother of my niece. She definitely has liver cancer. The doctors still do not know the primary site. The doctors are going to biopsy the lungs.
Pray for my Mom. She is still dealing with a lot of pain. We will be talking with the doctors next week about a pain pump.

I Believe

I saw this today and thought I would share it. Hope you enjoy.



A Birth Certificate shows that we were born.

A Death Certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . .. . Relax . . . And read this slowly.

I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
doesn't mean they don't love each other..
And just because they don't argue,
doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in
a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be
done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best
time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be
the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had,
and what you've learned from them.....and less to do with how many birthdays
you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others..
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your
grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally
different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, if
a friend cries out to you........you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being
I saw this today and thought I would share.


I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in.
I just did.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.
Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the
journey of life.

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED

Dear Friends,
Sorry if you came by to visit my blog and all you saw was PRAYERS ARE NEEDED. I didn't get a chance to finish my post. My sister in law was informed yesterday that she might have cancer. Her liver is enlarged and has a mass. The doctors feel that her breast may be the primary site. She had biopsies done today but will not get the results until Sept.14th. She has been battling health issues for awhile now. This is very upsetting for our family.

Their daughter is getting married next Saturday, Sept 12th. So we are all looking forward to this time of celebration. At least maybe their minds will be busy with preparations and not so much waiting on tests. Pray for good weather also as this is to be an outside wedding at my parents place.

Remember my Mom as she continues to recover from her stroke. Pray that my husband and I can minister to my brother and his wife as we have been through the diagnosis of cancer 11 yrs ago. We can testify to the Grace of God in our lives.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations the we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort which you are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3

Tears of the Saints

This video really struck a chord with me. Just think of how many people in the world do not know Jesus. Have we done all we can to reach them? I think not. This is so convicting.

Heaven's Grocery Store

HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE

As I was walking down life's
highway many years ago
I came upon a sign that read

Heavens Grocery Store.

When I got a little closer
the doors swung open wide
And when I came to myself
I was standing inside.

I saw a host of angels.
They were standing everywhere
One handed me a basket and said
"My child shop with care."

Everything a human needed
was in that grocery store
And what you could not carry
you could come back for more.

First I got some Patience.
Love was in that same row.
Further down was Understanding,
you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of Wisdom
and Faith a bag or two.
And Charity of course
would need some of that too.

I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost
it was all over the place.
And then some Strength and Courage
to help me run this race.

My basket was getting full but
I remembered I needed Grace,
And then I chose Salvation for
Salvation was for free
I tried to get enough of that
to do for you and me.

Then I started to the counter
to pay my grocery bill,
For I thought I had everything
to do the Masters will.

As I went up the aisle I saw
Prayer and put that in,
For I knew when I stepped outside
I would run into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful,
the last things on the shelf.
Song and Praise were hanging near
so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel
"How much do I owe?"
He smiled and said
"Just take them everywhere you go."

Again I asked "Really now,
how much do I owe?"
"My child " he said,
"God paid your bill a long, long time ago."

Anonymous

Update again.

I haven't forgotten about you . I have just been busy. Mother is back home and seems to recovering well. She has had some issues with panic attacks. She does not like to be left alone. She is still trying to remember things that happened in the hospital. She doesn't remember much of anything of that first week in the hospital. She was in the hospital for 10 days. She has home health coming to help with some physical therapy. She doesn't seem to have any physical problems from the stroke and we are so thankful for that. Thank you to all who have prayed for my family.

My husband, my son and daughter-in-law went to sell somethings in 127 yard sale. We still own a place up near Jamestown. My son did pretty well. I only sold one item. We needed to go up there anyway to pay the man who takes care of the place for us. We are putting this place up for sale. If anyone is interested in a 3 bedroom brick home, in the Clarkrange, TN area feel free to contact me. It has a full basement.

Update on My Mother

Mother is doing so much better today. She has had a very rough week and a half. Saturday, she was very weak and did not seem anywhere near herself. Sunday, when my husband and I went to see her, she was asleep. She had quite a bit of company before we got there. Reports were that she was still very weak.

On Wednesday morning of last week, Dad called from the hospital to tell me that he was in ER. Turn out that he was just exhausted and stressed out. The hospital has had a sitter sitting with Mom since none of us are able to stay 24/7. My brothers work, my sisters-in-laws have health issues also. With my MS, I can't stay very long before I am worn out. I was in the bed most of Friday.

This morning I received a call from the hospital. My youngest brother was on the phone. He told me that he had someone who wanted to talk to me. I knew then that it would be Mother. When she was put on the phone she said "Hey, Girl". That was wonderful to hear. Her voice sounded clear and strong. When I took Dad to see her later she looks really good. She will be going to rehab tomorrow, Lord willing. Please continue to pray for her and our family.

Update

Just a quick update. Mother has been moved out into a room. She will be having some physical therapy tomorrow. She also has one more test to be done. The doctor has still not found the source for the stroke. She is still somewhat confused which I believe maybe from some of the medication. She may get to come home Friday. Thanks for your prayers.

Good news

My husband went for his biannual check-up today with his oncologist. Everything was normal and he had lost 9 lbs. We are so thankful for the Lord's blessings in continuing to give hubs good health. Over 11 yrs ago, the doctors only gave him 4-7 yrs to live. God has been so gracious.

The doctor wants to schedule another Bone Marrow biopsy in January. This will the first one in three yrs. Blake hates to go through these biopsies and has been so thankful that he hasn't to have one in all this time. Before this it was every 6 mos. then every year. God's grace has been sufficient through all of this and I know that it will continue to be.

Continue to keep my mother in your prayers. She is still not doing well. Pray for SIL. She will be having some testing done in the morning. Pray for the strength of my family as we continue to take care of Mother.

Prayer Request

Friends , I come to you once again requesting prayer for my Mother. Saturday evening Mother had a stroke. She seems to be suffering no ill effects so far. The doctors haven't been able to do all the tests that need be done.
Sunday night and this morning she was in good spirits. Today at the lunch time visitation she was in tremendous pain and very agitated. When she had the stroke, she was cut cold turkey off all of her pain medications. She can't be on pain medications while the doctors are still trying to determine what is going on with the brain. Please be in prayer for her and the family as we try to take care of her. She will be in Intensive Care for a few more days.

Blue Roses

This was sent to me in an email by my uncle. I thought it was very good so I decided to share it with you. How many blue roses do you know or have you met? I know a few and have met several. They are so precious.

Blue Roses
Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do laundry and there's no
detergent? Well, I guess it was time for me to do my store run, which
included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the
checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that
appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently
waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his
hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over
here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as he
turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His
eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy,
what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.
"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name
is Hal."

"Hal, like Halloween?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from
the next aisle. "You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let
the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes
about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with
excitement because he was the center of someone's attention. He then
abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the
time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look
at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then
I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the
prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's
garden, however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for
their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if
someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that
rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who
are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion but I sure love
living in God's garden."

Please the next time you see a BLUE ROSE don't turn your head and walk off,
take the time to smile and say Hello. Because by the grace of GOD this
mother could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece, nephew.
What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From an old dandelion.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

Jesus Loves Me for Seniors

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow.
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.

(CHORUS)

YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME...
YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

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.

(CHORUS)

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.

(CHORUS)

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."

(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.

(CHORUS)

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 Touch of the Master's Hand

This evening my Dad called to ask if I had a copy of the poem "The Touch of the Master's Hand". A very good friend of his had died yesterday evening. He was 90 yrs old. This friend had played the violin for years. However, this friend did not know Jesus as his Savior. One week ago on Sunday evening, he asked the Savior to save him.

My Dad has been asked by the family to read this poem at his funeral tomorrow. Pray for the family and rejoice that there is one more child of God that is heaven. To the right is a picture of my Dad's friend. His name is Clint Kilgore.

We all need the touch of the Master's hand ( his nail scarred hand) just as Mr. Kilgore did. For years he had relied on his church membership to get him to heaven. But for the last couple of weeks he had dreamed about going to heaven and not getting in. He "was introduced to The Gate. Jesus said in John 14:6 " I am the Way, the Truth , and the Life, no man cometh to the Father except by me." I pray that if any of you don't know Jesus as your Savior that you will soon come to know Him.

The Touch of the Master's Hand

It was battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
but he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good people", he cried,
"Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"

But, No,
From the room far back a gray bearded man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as the angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow.

"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"
"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone", said he.

The audience cheered,
But some of them cried,
"We just don't understand."
"What changed its' worth?"
Swift came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."

And many a man with life out of tune
All battered with bourbon and gin
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin

A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.

But the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.

Myra Brooks Welch

This is a verse in the passage of Scripture in Matthew 6 that I claimed when my husband first started his own business. It was a scary time for me. We were moving 240 miles away. We were leaving the security of a regular paycheck. We were leaving friends and church that I loved. We had 2 small children. Our oldest was four. Our youngest was 10 weeks old. I read this passage and claimed the promises there. I can say that we have always been fed and clothed and have not went lacking. God's grace is sufficient. That was nearly 22 years ago. I still claim these promises.

Call to Fall

July 5th is National Call to Fall. We have been asked to fall on our knees and faces to seek God that He may heal our land and bring Revival to our Country. Join me and others in prayer today for America.

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day!

Thanking God for His rich and bounteous blessings on the USA. Thanking all the men and women now and in the past who fight for and have fought for this blessed freedom we enjoy. Before this day is over, will you join me in Thanking God for the privilege of living in the United States of America. We may not always agree with everything that is going on in this country but I am still proud to be an American. I hope you are too.

puppies in spring

Please mute the play list.

30th Wedding Anniversary

Today, my husband and I are celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary. I thank God for my precious husband. We have been through many ups and downs but God has been faithful through all of it.
We have had for better and for worse. We have had health and sickness. We have had some richer and poorer times. But we have had each other and the help of the Lord to go through each of the seasons that come into our lives. I pray that we have many more years together.

God's Chisel

This video is based on Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
I pray that you are encouraged by it.

Root of All Evil

What is the root of all evil? The Bible plainly tell us that the love of money is the root of all evil. It doesn't say that money is but that the love of money is. 1 Timothy 6:10 You may say that you don't love money. But do you love the things that money can provide: Clothes, cars, houses, vacations, etc. ? My thing is the security that money provides. My family lives a modest lifestyle.
However living week to week. Not even paycheck to paycheck because when you are self-employed you can't on a paycheck. You learn to live by faith. Sometimes my faith is stronger than others. I admit this one area that I struggle in. When things are really tight. I get anxious. I know that God's Word tells me to "Cast on all my care upon Him for He cares for me." 1 Peter 5:7.
God teaches me this over and over again. I remember when we first started in business 22 yrs ago. God gave me the Scripture in Matthew 6 that if He takes care of the lilies of the field and the birds of the air , He will take care of me . Friends, He has not failed to do so. So why do I let things like money or the lack thereof bother me? My God is faithful.
I saw this video today. I thought you might enjoy it and just see how Satan uses money to discourage us.