Friday, May 30, 2008

PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER

"Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit but in humility consider OTHERS as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Phil. 2: 3,4 (Holman)

WHO do you consider more important than yourself? Hmmmmmmmmm. Make you think?

We are a self-centered society. In today's society and culture, it is all about ME! What I want, what I deserve. Just listen to the voices of advertisements:

You deserve a break today.

Have it your way.

Because You're worth it.

Everything you want, nothing you don't.

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

Yes, the world would have us put SELF first. But, Jesus says we are to consider others BEFORE ourselves...to prefer others over ourselves. Tall order, isn't it? Not so hard when it's someone you love or someone who treats you well. But what about the guy who cuts you off in traffic? What about the sales clerk who is slow, rude, and inept? What about our spouse who wants to watch the ballgame when we want to watch American Idol?

I Corinthians 13 gives us a model for how to love one another and for the motivation to prefer or consider one another above ourselves. It reminds us that we can "talk the talk" but if we don't "walk the talk", our talk becomes worthless and empty. We can have all sorts of Bible knowledge, but if we don't act on what we know, so what? I can be a great philanthopist, and give to all sorts of charities and ministries. But...if I treat my neighbor like dirt, in God's eyes I'm missing the boat.

God is all about relationships. He desires for us to be His hands, His feet, His mouth and His heart to those around us. We do that my considering others above ourselves. We do that by heeding I Corinthians 13 as our model:

4 - Love is patient.....Love is kind.....Love does not envy; it is not boastful nor conceited.

5 - [Love] does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked and does not keep a record of wrongs;

6 - [Love] finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth

7 - [Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 - Love never ends.

Go back and put your name where is says "love". Does it fit you? If not, then maybe today is the day to ask God to help you make that a reality as you walk through this day. Keep that thought in mind throughout today. PREFER OTHERS ABOVE YOURSELF!!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

TRUST OF A CHILD

With the wind blowing through her hair, our granddaugther soared higher and higher as I pushed her in her swing. She was filled with delight, her entire face smiling as she joyfully leaned back her head, absorbing every drop of glee that she could from her favorite thing...swinging! As I watched her, I too, was thrilled with the pure joy of watching her.

I could not help but think as I watched her enjoying such a simple pleasure, how lucky she was. No cares...no worries....just total peace. She was not worrying if there would be food later to eat, where she would lay her head that night, or if there would be anyone there to take care of her needs. She did not worry because she was confident that those who love her would provide everything that she needed and would care for her.

Is that not how it is supposed to be with our Heavenly Father? He has promised to care for us...to meet all of our needs. He who clothes the lilies of the field and cares for the birds of the air...will He not much more care for us, His children? Of course He will. Then why do we fret?!

Oh that we could come to a place of such utter trust and confidence in Him that we, like my granddaughter, could just relax and enjoy His presence, knowing that He will take care of all of our needs.

The lines of a song I've quoted here before come to mind:

Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet
Or we'll walk by his side
On our way.
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go
Never fear
Only trust and obey.
Trust and obey
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
Today may we throw back our heads, drink in the beauty of all that God has placed around us to enjoy and trust Him as a little child! Maybe we all need a good swing!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

PSALM OF DEPENDENCE

A VOICE OF HOPE FROM THE LORD - Psalm 25

My child, turn your hope toward me. Trust in me. Wait on me. No one who waits on me will be disappointed.

I desire to make my ways known to you. Let me teach you my paths. I want to guide you in MY truth and demonstrate to you that I AM the God of your salvation.

My compassion and faithful love are all around you. They have been since the beginning of time.

Because of my faithful love, I remember no more the sinful acts of your youth nor your acts of rebellion.

I am good and upright and I desire to show sinners [like you] the way of truth. I will lead the humble and show them what is right and good. All my ways demonstrate my faithful love to you. Because I am the great I AM, I will forgive your sin, even when it is great.

Anyone who puts their trust in me, I will show him my way. He will live a good life and his descendants will inherit the earth.

I reveal my secret counsel to those who reverance me and I also reveal my covenant to them.

Keep your eyes firmly fixed on me [and not your circumstances] and I will rescue you from trouble.

When you are alone and afflicted, just look up, I am there for I long to be gracious to you. Even when the distresses of your heart are many, and your suffering is great, I will rescue you.

Although your enemies are many and you are troubled on every side, I will guard you and deliver you. You will never be ashamed if you put your trust in me. You are safe with me.
I am your refuge.

Monday, May 19, 2008

ARE YOU SELLING YOUR BIRTHRIGHIT?

Selling Your Birthright

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman


"Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright." Genesis 25:34


Esau was brother to Jacob. One day he came back from hunting in the fields. He was hungry and tired. His brother Jacob was preparing some stew and Esau asked Jacob for a bowl. Jacob used this time to negotiate for what seems unimaginable - the family birthright.

Why would Esau take his birthright so lightly? Because he did not understand its value. Every business day countless men and women exchange their birthrights for worldly goods, because they see what the world has to offer as more valuable than what God might offer.

This is not all their fault. Satan has blinded the minds and hearts of men and women for centuries. He does not want them to know the tremendous gold mine that awaits the child of God. Their inheritance is filled with meaning, purpose, and rewards that await them both here and in Heaven. Satan keeps men and women from seeing the real value of their own godly inheritance.

Your role as a workplace Christian is to be the key that unlocks this prison that keeps so many in captivity. You may be the one to reveal the truth that allows them to enter into the inheritance God desires for them. Pray that God allows you to see each unsaved person you encounter as one who needs the key you hold in your hand. Then you will add to your own inheritance laid up for you in Heaven.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

WE ARE FEARFULLY & WONDERFULLY MADE

This is one of the most incredible, awesome things I've ever seen or heard. It is a little over 8 minutes in length, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE watch it all! And pass it on. If there is anyone in your life who doubts God, PASS IT ON!!!!!!!!!!! If there is anyone in your life who needs to know they are being held in God's hand, PASS IT ON!!!!!!!!! If there is anyone in your life who just needs to be recharged, PASS IT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Friday, May 16, 2008

SECOND CHANCES

From my all time favorite author!!:)



He Understands
by Max Lucado

I know I’d read that passage a hundred times. But I’d never seen it. Maybe I’d passed over it in the excitement of the resurrection.

But I won’t miss it again. It’s highlighted in yellow and underlined in red. You might want to do the same. Look in Mark, chapter 16. Read the first five verses about the women’s surprise when they find the stone moved to the side. Then feast on that beautiful phrase spoken by the angel, “He is not here, he is risen,” but don’t pause for too long. Go a bit further. Get your pencil ready and enjoy this jewel in the seventh verse (here it comes). The verse reads like this: “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee.
Did you see it? Read it again. (This time I italicized the words.)
“But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee.”

Now tell me if that’s not a hidden treasure.

What a line. It’s as if all of heaven had watched Peter fall—and it’s as if all of heaven wanted to help him back up again. “Be sure and tell Peter that he’s not left out. Tell him that one failure doesn’t make a flop.”

Whew!

No wonder they call it the gospel of the second chance.

Not many second chances exist in the world today. Just ask the kid who didn’t make the little league team or the fellow who got the pink slip or the mother of three who got dumped for a “pretty little thing.”

Not many second chances. Nowadays it’s more like, “It’s now or never.” “Around here we don’t tolerate incompetence.” “Not much room at the top.” “Three strikes and you’re out.” “It’s a dog-eat-dog world!”

Jesus has a simple answer to our masochistic mania. “It’s a dog-eat-dog world?” he would say. “Then don’t live with the dogs.” That makes sense doesn’t it? Why let a bunch of other failures tell you how much of a failure you are?

Sure you can have a second chance.

Just ask Peter. The message came loud and clear from the celestial Throne Room through the divine courier. “Be sure and tell Peter that he gets to bat again.”

It’s not every day that you get a second chance. Peter must have known that. The next time he saw Jesus, he got so excited that he barely got his britches on before he jumped into the cold water of the Sea of Galilee. It was also enough, so they say, to cause this backwoods Galilean to carry the gospel of the second chance all the way to Rome where they killed him. If you’ve ever wondered what would cause a man to be willing to be crucified upside down, maybe now you know.

It’s not every day that you find someone who will give you a second chance—much less someone who will give you a second chance every day.

But in Jesus, Peter found both.
From No Wonder They Call Him the Savior© (W Publishing Group, 1986, 2004) Max Lucado

Thursday, May 15, 2008

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

"The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want." Psalm 23: 1

For a follower of Christ, that is all that needs to be said.

What exactly is a shepherd? A shepherd is one who watches over sheep. Have you ever thought of the fact that sheep need tending? Cows don't have a shepherd. Horses don't have a shepherd. They all graze in the fields. Then why is it necessary for sheep to have a shepherd and not cows or horses?

One reason. Sheep are dumb! No offense to these sweet, little wooly creatures, but it's the truth. They are one of the dumbest animals alive. That is why they NEED a shepherd.

A shepherd is their PROVIDER. He finds them green pastures. Without a shepherd, a sheep will just graze in the same spot til it grazes down to the dirt. He also helps them to find still water. Sheep will not drink from running water. They need STILL streams to drink from. The Shepherd must also find still water that is not polluted or else the sheep will become ill.

A shepherd is a CARETAKER. He keeps the wool shorn from the sheep as it becomes heavy. Otherwise, the sheep will become so weighted down, it can hardly move. It can also cause the sheep to fall and be unable to right itself. Not to mention the fact that a heavy coat of wool is a haven for insects and parasites that will infest the sheep if it is not taken care of by the shepherd.

A shepherd is a GUIDE. He leads the sheep where it needs to go. A sheep will follow another sheep right off the edge of a cliff. A shepherd will direct the sheep along the path that is best.

A shepherd is a PROTECTOR. Sheep are prey to many wild animals and they do not have any defense. They do not have sharp teeth or claws. They are totally dependent upon the shepherd for their protection. That is why a shepherd must watch his sheep even at night. The wolves and coyotes will come to attack the sheep in the dark but a watchful shepherd will protect his sheep.

A shepherd LOVES his sheep. He calls them by name. They come to know his voice and will follow him when he calls. He knows exactly how many he has and if one goes astray, he will go and find it, knowing that it will probably perish without him.

Yes, a shepherd knows his sheep. He knows their needs and he is ever watchful.

David was a shepherd boy. He understood the life of a shepherd and the nature of sheep. Therefore, he penned these words:

The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. [He will provide everything I need. I can depend upon Him.]

He causes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [He knows my needs and He provides for me].

He restores my soul. [He sees that I get the needed rest. He knows my limitations.]

He leads me along the right path for his name's sake. [He knows the way because He has been down this road before. He will not lead me where I should not go. I can trust where He takes me.]

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me. [Sometimes the road leads through shadowed valleys. But the sheep knows that his Master is with him even in the dark and He will protect him and never leave him. He trusts his shepherd no matter where the road leads.]

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [With the rod the shepherd guides the sheep where he should go. With the staff, he pulls him back from danger.]

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. [Shepherd will always provide for his sheep and keep watch over them, protecting them from the enemy.]

You annoint my head with oil, my cup runneth over. [Oil was used to soothe a sheep who was diseased or had become infected through parasites. The shepherd tenderly cared for his sheep, blessing them and caring for them with tenderness on a daily basis.]

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. [With God as his shepherd, David knew that he was in the best hands possible and he desired nothing more than to be in the presence of the Lord forever and ever!]

I hope as you read this 23rd Psalm from now on, it will take on new meaning to you. Realize today that God is YOUR shepherd and YOU are his sheep. He wants you to depend totally upon Him for your Protection, your Provision and your Plans for the future.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

HATS OFF TO BUBBA

In today's culture, teens are often portrayed as wild, disrespectful and out of control. Sadly, that is a correct portrayal of many. But it is not a true representation of ALL teens.

In 1999, after seeing the movie, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen was inspired to paint a tribute to the veterans on an old rock outside of a quarry in Iowa. This large rock had long been a place where teens painted graffiti. After "Bubba" painted his first inspiring scene, no one has touched it. He has painted new scenes every year since.

Bubba is now married to "the love of his life", Maria and has his own business, Bubbazartwork. To quote Bubba "I couldn't do anything without the love and support of my family, friends, and the good Lord." Sounds like a fine young man to me.

Take a look at the slideshow below. To learn more about Bubba and his artwork, visit: http://www.bubbazartwork.com/




Patriotic-Rock Painting By Ray "Bubba Sorensen II

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

TODAY

"This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118: 23

TODAY.

T O D A Y..................focus on it.

Do not rewind to yesterday or last week or last year. It's history.

Do not fast forward to tomorrow. It may never come.

TODAY, focus on this moment...this minute. What does God have before you TODAY?

There is an old saying "An idle mind is the devil's workshop". There is MUCH truth in that! Have you ever noticed when you are alone and have time on your hands...even if you are busy...what starts going through your mind? Do you find yourself going down old trails, re-living past hurts or failures or nursing old wounds? STOP IT!!! It's history...gone...done! LET IT GO!!!!!!!!!!

Or maybe you find yourself worrying about tomorrow or next week or next year. Maybe you dwell on all the "what-if's"....

What if this ache in my shoulder is not just arthritis...maybe it's something worse...

What if gas continues to go up and groceries go up and other stuff continues to rise...how will I pay my bills?

What if we have a storm and my house gets flooded? or blown away? or a tree falls on it?

What if something happens to my husband? my child? my grandchild?

What if...what if...what if..................!!!!!!!!!!

How many hours have you spent wondering and worrying over all the "what-if's" in your life only to find that none of them ever materialized? Do you know the definition of Fear?

F alse

E xpectations

A ppearing

R eal


Have you ever thought about what you COULD have been doing with all that time? Has it ever occurred to you that while you were worrying, the seconds of THIS day were passing you by and that you had just exchanged a day where nothing was wrong and you COULD have been enjoying yourself for a day of worry about stuff that never happened!!?

God says THIS is the day the Lord has made and we are to rejoice in IT! You see, Satan knows your Achilles heel. He knows right where to aim the fiery dart to rob you of your peace in today. He knows whether to cause your mind to rewind or fast forward or both. He loves to take you there because then you are robbed of the joys God had for you TODAY!

So you must learn to beat him at this game. And the Lord tells us exactly how to do that. Abide in Him. Take captive every thought that exalts itself against Christ. Just refuse to go there. When Satan begins to rewind or fast forward your mind, STOP! Begin to quote scripture. Begin to pray. Begin to praise God in a song. You can't do both at once!

Paul gives us the prescription for enjoying today and defeating Satan:

"Don't worry about anything, but in EVERYTHING through prayer make your requests known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses every thought will guard your hearts and minds [against Satan's fiery darts] in Christ Jesus. Finally brethren...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are commendable...THINK ON THESE THINGS!!!" Phillipians 4: 7,8

Today, if you find yourself rewinding or fast forwarding your mind's tape...STOP...and Phillipians 4:8 it! If what you are thinking does not fit in any of those "whatsoevers", then stop the tape, and put in one that does!! God will reward you with peace and you will be able to rejoice and be glad in this day!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

MOTHER LOVE

Mother Love


M emory
O pens
T he
H eart
E ngaging
R emembrance


A mother’s hands are the first embrace a child will carry from place to place.

A mother’s heart will ponder anew and dream impossibility for you.

A mother’s faith is the greatest gift, for in prayer alone your burdens to lift.

A mother’s face is etched with beauty,

A mother’s path, devotion and duty.

As the seasons pass and the years unfold, we understand better a mother’s hold.

Her children become

Her hands release

A grip of love abides to ease,

Rites of passage come and go,

College and marriage

Grandchildren to know.

Change enters again.

Trials weather frail hands.

Her heart awaits,

Her faith renewed,

Her face is framed with love for you.

Her path is heaven

God’s time has come.

The Love of Jesus takes her home.

But Mother lives on in you and me

Her call of faith, her liberty

Found only in HIM whose Life will reign,

A Cross of Grace that still remains.

A legacy of love, a trust so tender,

Her Mother Love we do remember.

Billie Cash
Mother, Grandmother, Author
May 2008

** Billie lost her own sweet mother just a few months ago. This will be her first Mother' s Day since her mother entered Heaven.

"Her children arise and call her blessed. "Proverbs 31:28a

Saturday, May 10, 2008

A TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS

Mothers are probably the most abused species on earth. From the moment they give birth to a child, they are spit up on, puked on, pooped on, wakened at all hours of the night for all sorts of reasons, and screamed at from wailing infants to angry teenagers. Yet with one wet, sloppery kiss or one tight squeeze around the neck or one straggly bunch of weeds clutched in a tiny fist given with the words "Here Mommy"....all of that melts away. That's just how mothers are.

She is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (unless she is lucky enough to get a little time away with Daddy). Her resume is quite impressive:

Chef - preparing healthy, well-balanced meals all the while convincing a 3 year old that green peas are really "green glow pellets" that will give him super powers

Waste Management expert - cleaning up many poopy diapers and all that goes along with that scenario as well as episodes of stomach upsets that create messes from head to toe

Nurse - rocking sick babies, wiping the brow of fevered children, sitting by the bed through the night just making sure they are breathing ok, watching every cut and scrape for sign of infection, kissing hundreds of boo-boos

Engineer - able to build lego castles, lego skyscrapers, put together toys that a "real" engineer would need a degree to build

Chauffer - managing to get every child to every soccer practice, piano lesson, dance lesson and baseball practice while doing her own errands along the way; driving kids to church for choir, mission projects, Mother's Day Out, and church services; even handling their social lives for birthday parties, sleep overs and fun times with friends until they get their own license to drive

Event coordinator - Staging the most creative birthday parties and baking the best birthday cakes ever; celebrations for everything from first poop in the potty to making 100 on a spelling test

Tutor - teaching the art of tying shoes and buttoning clothes; drilling math skills, reciting spelling words, helping with science projects, health projects, reading and more...

Counselor - consoling weeping children due to the loss of a pet, a favorite toy, a friend who moved away, snubs by a "supposed" friend, the first broken heart..

Detective - found the missing paci, the missing teddy, the missing shoes; unraveled the mystery of "who dunit" when everyone involved points to the other; solved the case of the mysterious brown stain on the living room carpet

Entertainer - Sang silly songs and danced around the room with a 1 year old to stop their crying; made the silliest faces imaginable to a tiny baby just to elicit one little toothless grin; made up games and songs on rainy days to keep bored children occupied; created a stage and audience for all the performances of the most talented kids on earth;

Religious instructor - taught them songs about Jesus since they were born, read Bible stories to them til they were old enough to read for themselves, prayed with them, taught them to pray, taught them about God and His wonderful creation, taught them to take their troubles to Him.

Also skilled at multi-tasking, scheduling appointments, coordinating play dates, fashion consulting and refereeing. Additional duties include: seamstress, hairdresser, coach, roommother, chaperone, team mother, den mother, sponsor to cheerleader squad, gynastics team, band, etc.

Served on PTA, booster clubs, teen board, and concession stands.

Yes, ALL of these things are included in mothers' resumes and more...Why? Because that is just what mothers do.

Mothers always have to play the bad guy. They are the ones who refuse to get you up every 30 minutes as a baby, allowing you to cry instead til you quit waking up through the night. They are the ones who take away your paci, who refuse to allow you to wear diapers any more, who won't let you stay up til all hours of the night. Mothers are the ones who make you eat yucky food like broccoli and green peas. They are the ones who will not let you ride your bike in the street or throw your ball through the neighbor's window. They are a real kill-joy when it comes to TV, too. They will only let you watch a limited number of hours and then only what THEY want you to watch! Bummer! When you get older they are the ones who decide what you can and cannot wear, much to the chagrin of many a teenage girl. They are the ones who search for and usually find the Playboy magazines hidden in the boys' rooms and who refuse to give them back! Yes, mothers can definitely be a real kill-joy. That's just how they are.

Yet mothers are always the one their children run to, they are always the one they know will be there with a hug and a kiss and a prayer. They are the ones who will tuck them in at night, scare the monsters away and let them know that all is well. They will kiss all their boo-boos away, mend Teddy's arm when it falls off and keep stitching Pooh Bear back together because it's baby's favorite lovey. Mothers know just how you like your sandwich fixed, which cup is your favorite, and can read your favorite book without ever opening the cover. She is the one who will hold you when your heart is breaking and weep with you when there are no words to console you with. She is the one who will spend hours on her knees in prayer for you, who will hurt with you and for you til all is well in your world again.

Mothers hold your hands while you are little but your heart for a lifetime. Their love is never ending, no matter what. And if they are a Christian, they have no greater joy than to know that their children walk in truth. They spend their life raising you so that you can stand on your own two feet and grieve when you do because they miss you so much. Mothers must give you roots and wings even if it breaks their heart. Most mothers think that when they get their children raised, their work will be done and the worrying they did for 18 years will be over. But then they find that instead, their hearts just open wider to envelope the spouses of their children and then be filled to overflowing with love for the grandchildren that come. No, a mother's work is never done, but neither is the loving. That's just how mothers are.

Friday, May 9, 2008

JESUS CALLING

Several weeks ago while at a retreat with dear friends, one of them shared a little book with us entitled "JESUS CALLING". It is written by Sarah Young and all of us fell in love with it! I think most of us came home and bought our own copy.

It is written as if Jesus is writing to you, speaking personally to you. The daily devotionals are very short...can be read in less than a minute. But to pick it up each day, and listen to what HE has to say is amazing! I can't encourage you enough to find and purchase this book. It has been a tremendous blessing to all of us, and I know it will be to you as well. Be sure to read the preface of how Sarah came to write this book. You will appreciate it all the more if you do.

Here is today's just to whet your appetite:

Don't be so hard on yourself. I can bring good even out of your mistakes. Your finite mind tends to look backward, longing to undo decisions you have come to regret. This is a waste of time and energy, leading only to frustration. Instead of floundering in the past, release your mistakes to Me. Look to Me in trust, anticipating that My infinite creativity can weave both good choices and bad into a lovely design.

Because you are human, you will continue to make mistakes. Thinking that you should live an error-free life is symptomatic of pride. Your failures can be a source of blessing, humbling you and giving you empathy for other people in their weaknesses. Best of all, failure highlights your dependence on Me. I am able to bring beauty out of the morass of your mistakes. Trust me, and watch to see what I will do. Romans 8:28; Micah 7:7

Thursday, May 8, 2008

SUNSHINE FOLLOWS RAIN

We have been experiencing a monsoon season here in our area. We had one of the heaviest rains ever last Friday! Probably in the neighborhood of 4-1/2 inches fell in about 12 hours.

The next morning, the clouds were parting, the sun was rising and everything looked totally different from the day before. It was a beautiful day!

I could not help but think how much that is just like our lives. The storm clouds gather, the rain pours.......sometimes in torrents...and it seems as if the sun will never shine again. The darkness and the heaviness of the clouds weigh us down. The thunder rolls, the lightening flashes and it seems as if our whole world is about to crash around us. Then, ever so slowly the rain begins to subside. The roar of the thunder seems to be farther and farther away. The lightening ceases to flash. The winds become still.

Darkness gives way to morning and the sun shines through in all its brilliance!! It's a new day!

We all go through those storms in our life. Some are mild and short-lived, others seem to last forever and are so tumultuous! Yet the storms do not last forever. God breaks through the clouds and the darkness and brings His light to the situation and His peace begins to flow.

Psalm 30:5 says "Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy cometh in the morning"!

If you find yourself in the midst of a storm today, just remember it won't last forever. The SON will break through the clouds and the sun will shine again in your life.

Friday, May 2, 2008

DESCRIPTION OF AN ANGEL

Some people have a fascination with angels. They collect angels of all sorts. Some people believe that their loved ones become angels when they die (although there is NOTHING in the Bible to support that at all). There is quite a lot we can learn about angels in the Bible, however, if we choose to spend the time.

Many picture angels as having a halo and wings. I have an angel, but she has neither a halo or wings, at least not that are visible! She has blonde hair and the most beautiful eyes you ever saw with the longest eyelashes you can imagine! Her smile will light up a room and she is always happy (unless she is sleepy).

She has boundless energy and can move with the speed of light from spot to spot, happily chattering all the way. She is curious about everything, wanting to know "whassat" or "what happened" constantly.

She delights in the simplest of pleasures such as swinging with the breeze blowing in her hair as she squeals with delight "Yook at me, Papaw, yook at me!!!!!!!!!!!" (can't say 'L's yet) or peering into a crawdad hole as she beckons to the creature she really does NOT want to see "Yo!!!!!!!!!! Yo!!!!!!!!!!!!" She can spend countless minutes engrossed in poking sticks in the ground or picking berries off of a plant. She loves the outdoors and revels in every sight and sound.

She gives the best hugs and kisses anywhere, exclaiming with great gusto "I love you..... always..... you bet!"

She loves to read books (or be read to) and has since she was a baby. This has already helped her to learn to count and she is beginning to recognize her colors. She loves Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Curious George and Little Bear. She also loves Hermie (from the Max Lucado video series) and Nemo and Fox and the Hound. She giggles at Elmo and sings along with Mickey.

She can readily tell you that her daddy is on the "hel-copter helping sick people" and her mommy is at the "hospital helping sick babies".

Yes, my angel is no ordinary angel. She is my precious granddaughter and today she is 2 years old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is a blessing beyond compare, a joy and delight and I am so grateful to God that He has blessed us with this precious little angel.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

NONE LIKE YOU, LORD

O Lord, there is none like you! You are past finding out. You are higher than the Heavens and deeper than the deepest seas.

Our finite minds cannot grasp that You, O Lord, have always been!!! You have no beginning and no end. How can that be? You are Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

You are incomprehensible! Your thoughts toward me are more than the sands of the sea!! Lord, I have stood on the seashore and seen the innumerable grains of sand just within the scope of my vision. Yet you tell me that you have MORE thoughts than that of me! Your focus on me is 24/7. I have your full attention every moment of every day. There is never a time when you are not thinking of me, listening to me, seeing me, hearing my thoughts and seeking to communicate with me. Yet while you are doing that with ME, you are doing the same with the other billions of people on this earth at the same time!! What an awesome God you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Father, what love you have for me that you would not leave me in my sinful state. But that you would make a way to bridge the gap between us by sending your only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for my sin. Your son, beloved and cherished, was sent by You to be the sacrifice needed to pay MY sin debt! What love!!! What incredible love! I cannot think of THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST movie without pain in my heart to realize what Jesus suffered for MY sin. It should have been me, yet he willingly took my place and suffered for MY sin when He was perfectly sinless himself. What amazing love!! "I love you....written in red."

Oh God you are SO holy, so perfect in every way. You alone are God. You spoke and this world was created. You will speak again one day, and the skies will part and Jesus will return in all His radiant glory!! One day we will all bow at your feet and together with the angels we will sing Hallelujah, Worthy is the Lamb!

Father, I praise you for who you are....

King of Kings

Lord of Lords

Alpha and Omega

The Great "I AM"

Lion of Judah

Our Great High Priest

Our Loving Father

Creator God

Master Designer

Our Rock

Our Redeemer

Our Strong High Tower

Mighty to Save


You, O Lord God, are EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!! Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty. Let everything that hath breath praise You today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!