True Story

My father-in-law took my mother-in-law out jewelry shopping a little before Christmas last year. They looked in several jewelry stores and she spied the perfect ring. She tried it on and it was beautiful. Although Mr. Pierce encouraged her to get it, she wanted to think about it over lunch.

After a wonderful lunch of shrimp and steak, topped off with a delicious chocolate dessert, Mr. Pierce leaned over and covered his wife's hand with his. Stroking her hand lovingly, he looked into her eyes, thinking about the ring. He asked, "Mary Lou, is there anything you'd like to stop by and pick up on the way home?"

She thought for a second and said, "Jimmy, I need a big bottle of Maalox."

He laughed and said, "Oh, honey, it's Christmas! Get the big bottle. Let's go all out and get you the cherry flavor!"

+++

Please visit Kim, our hostess of Friday Funnies, for more laughter. Be sure to post your own Friday Funny there and link up!

Thankful Thursday ~ 5 Senses

“I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” ~ Psalm 7:17 (ESV )

This week's Thankful Thursday theme is the five senses. What a wonderful verse Iris' has chosen and great theme for gratitude.

God has gifted us with our senses, each is a true blessing to me, as I still have them all.

Sight - I am so thankful for the beautiful things I see each day, the goodness in a world that sometimes seems a little, well, alot, crazy! "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." ~ Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

Sound - I am thankful that I will hear the trumpet call of God at the Rapture. "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NIV)

Touch - I'm so grateful that God has given me the sense of touch to feel the guiding hand of God. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." ~ Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Taste - I'm thankful for the gift of taste when I feast on God's Word. "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" ~ Psalm 119:103 (NIV)

Smell - I'm thankful for the sense of smell, for I can smell the sweet aroma of each and every one of your blogs. You bless me! "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." ~ 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV)

God has surely blessed me this week. I have so much to be grateful for.

While I'm still not well, I am recovering. I have a lingering cough and a sinus headache. I'm on my second round of antibiotics and am so thankful God has gifted doctors in knowing how to treat bronchitis, ear infections and sinus infections (and more!)

I'm especially thankful for my dear husband and his patience with me as I battle The Plague.

I'm thankful for time spent with grandchildren and time spent with family and friends.

I'm thankful for the WOW Gals and this wonderful blogging community. Your blogs bless me in ways you cannot imagine.

I'm thankful for the freedom I have to vote. I cannot imagine living in a dictatorial society.

I'm thankful for good books to read.

I'm especially grateful for a good home to live in and heat (remember how I was praising the Lord for a/c just a few short weeks ago? Fall has arrived in Mississippi, and at nighttime the heat feels good when it's 45* F outside!)

Most of all, I'm thankful for God's love, giving me the endurance to get through another week.

Happy Thankful Thursday, everyone!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34

For more Thankful Thursday's, visit our hostess, Iris, by clicking on the button below. Be sure to drop her a line of thanks for hosting this most awesome meme!

Word-Filled Wednesday - Psalm 23:1

Put me in a rocking chair and I want for nothing. I either have the companionship of a friend, a grandson or nephew, a good book, or some time alone, just praying with God. I am perfectly fulfilled when I'm rocking.

The Psalmist, David, knew a thing or two about fulfillment. Let's look at Psalm 23:1 in depth.

When David referred to the Lord, he called Him Yĕhovah, or Jehovah, which is the Hebrew word for "the proper name of the one true God". Oh, what a beautiful name!

He called the Lord "my shepherd", too. The Hebrew word for shepherd is ra`ah. One of my favorite meanings is that they associate with and are friends or companions or special friends of others. They tend their pasture, they teach and rule, (whether a flock of animals or people), and are charged to feed the herds cows, sheep. They guard the flocks with their lives. As a shepherd himself growing up, tending sheep in his father Jesse's pasture, David knew the intricacies involved in caring for the flock.

Eason's Bible Dictionary explains, "The duties of a shepherd in an unenclosed country like Palestine were very onerous. "In early morning he led forth the flock from the fold, marching at its head to the spot where they were to be pastured. Here he watched them all day, taking care that none of the sheep strayed, and if any for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, seeking diligently till he found and brought it back. In those lands sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to some running stream or to wells dug in the wilderness and furnished with troughs. At night he brought the flock home to the fold, counting them as they passed under the rod at the door to assure himself that none were missing. Nor did his labours always end with sunset. Often he had to guard the fold through the dark hours from the attack of wild beasts, or the wily attempts of the prowling thief (see 1Sa 17:34).", Deane's David."

The italics are mine. These are some pretty endearing qualities of God our Shepherd. He literally watches over us all the time! He takes care of all of our needs, physical and emotional, and ensures we are are not in danger or in want. Shepherds are always overseers.

I love how David connected LORD and Shepherd. He recognized Him as the ultimate God, the one true God, the God who created him, yet also recognized Him in relationship with Him as not only the the ultimate authority figure and caretaker, but also as a friend and companion.

Shepherds are called to live sacrificially, just as our Great Shepherd did and does today for us, the sheep of His pasture.

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." ~ John 10:11 (NIV)

Just as David knew he would not be in want with God as his Shepherd, we can be assured that the same holds true for us today.

The Hebrew word for want is chacer.

1) to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need
a) (Qal)
1) to lack
2) to be lacking
3) to diminish, decrease
b) (Piel) to cause to lack
c) (Hiphil) to cause to be lacking

With God, we can be assured that we will lack nothing, but the key is in realizing that we will lack nothing we need. In this day and age, anything we want (vs. need) is pretty much available, there for us to run out and purchase at our leisure, but what about the things only God can give us?

The gift of grace, the laughter of a child, the healing of a disease deemed incurable by man, security and faith, hope in an unstable world, wisdom found in the depths of His Word...I could go on and on.

How in the world does He meet all our needs? Through Jesus Christ, His Son.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

We don't have to worry about anything. God has us covered.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." ~ Luke 12:32 (NIV)

I can say with David, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." I am confident in God's ability to provide for all my needs. In Him, I want for nothing.

To participate in or view more Word-Filled Wednesday's, click the button below and visit our hostess, Amydeanne. Be sure to thank her for hosting this most excellent meme!

In Pursuit of Proverbs 31 Bible Study Part 6 - Being A Mother


Amy writes:


1. Children are a gift from the Lord.

Children are a gift from God, they are His reward. Psalm 127:3

Children truly are a gift from the Lord. Whether we receive them biologically or as a bonus, as was the case when I married, they come as a bonus with your husband. Kristyn became an even greater gift to me when we tried to have children and the Lord said "Wait, then yes, but not on earth." I went through a period of infertility, became pregnant during this time and our angel was born into Heaven rather than earth. After another period of infertility, and an intense time of prayer, God opened the eyes of my heart and let me see the gift before my very eyes. The one I had mothered as though she were my own became the ultimate gift to me. She was all I had, and I can honestly say that I did my best with her. She's 24 now and is married. Now I have grandchildren. And a host of nieces and nephews and cousins who make me very happy!

"He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD." ~ Psalm 113:9

Connecting with our children is something we must do from the moment they become ours. To some it comes easier than others, and we are certainly tested in our flesh sometimes to disconnect with them because of one reason or another.

Amy has given some good guidance on connecting with our children:

Ways to truly connect:

1. Establish a day of the week for family night.
2. Read a book together.
3. Go outside with them and actually play with them. Don't just watch them.
4. Ask your child what he/she thinks of things. Find out what they are thinking.
5. Start and hold to some family traditions.
6. Eat a meal together at the table - without the television on.
7. Take your children to places that hold great memories for you and explain it to them.

These were all things I did with Kristyn throughout the years. Our traditions still hold, from going and dropping a rock in the lake on Thanksgiving (I don't know why - it's just done!) to talking and talking and talking some more. Sometimes all I had to do was ask a question and she could talk for hours. I let her talk because I wanted her to know what she had to say was important to me. One thing we did was have a "Girls Night Out" once a month. I can remember when she was little a special time we shared. We went to see the movie Harriett the Spy, and as soon as we left the parking lot, I said, "Would you like to see Matilda, too?" We saw 2 movies in one afternoon. She loved it! It was something that normally we wouldn't do, but it made her feel special and like she was getting a major treat!

2. We must parent on purpose

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

While we are responsible for parenting the ones given to us by God, it's not just about manners and safety and how to play sports. It's not just about academics or art. We are biblically responsible for our children's training. We must not leave it for someone else.

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." ~ Deuteronomy 6:4-9

We are called by God to be solely responsible for the education of our children regarding matters of faith. Whether we send our children to public or private school or homeschool them, we are called to be the ones to instruct them. A great supplement to this is lessons learned in school, Sunday School and church. But we are to be the first in teaching them.

Kristyn grew up in a multi-denominational enviornment. Both denominations are Christian, and we agreed not to interfere with each other's teaching, as long as it was biblically sound. Kristyn's mother began to get her on a regular basis when she was 8 or 9 years old. They went to church on Saturday and observed that day as their Sabbath. When Kristyn was at home, she had no chores to do that day because I knew she wouldn't at her mom's. Tabitha treated her the same way on Sunday's. She didn't make her do any chores on Sunday, because she knew it was the day we observed our Sabbath. While we had no dietary restrictions at our home, we did not insist that Tabitha feed Kristyn things that were "against" their religion while she was over there. We worked well together in training her in Christ, and did not quarrel over minor differences.

Discipline, unfortunately, is part of the child-raising process. Whatever our methods of discipline were, we stuck to it. It was hard sometimes. Steve was the disciplinarian at home for major issues. Fortunately, they were few and far between. I always stuck by what he said or did for disciplinary purposes. She learned a lot by example. Not all discipline is bad. There is the matter of self-discipline, and I was able to teach her that, too. For me, part of my own self-discipline was rising early for morning devotions and quiet time. Soon, she wanted to participate, and she absolutely loved the devotions we'd use and request them when we were having a hurried morning and didn't have time. We'd make time at her urging. There were things she taught us!

Amy wrote, "Read Matthew 18. Be sure to highlight any that stand out to you and be sure to take notes."

Matthew 18

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Children have no preconceived notions. They are born innocent (for all practical purposes). They are totally dependent on us for their every need. If we lead them astray, "Woe to us." as my bonus daughter used to say! "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost. Our children's welfare is of our utmost importance. No child is more valuable than the other, no matter how many children we have. Losing one, gaining another, doesn't balance out in our hearts when one is lost. I think about how concerned we are for them and their safety and health and realize that God is way more concerned than I am because His love is so much higher than mine. We can do all we can to protect them, but our protection can only go so far. As much as we care for our children, we simply do not have the capacity God does to love them. When one wanders off, we search to the ends of the earth to find them. Our heart grieves when they are lost. But oh, when they return, or if they don't return on earth, the joy that we will have being reunited with them in Heaven. I cannot wait to hold Sydney in my arms! If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you....We must discipline our children in love, and all their offenses don't have to be announced to the grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." This reminded me of how Steve and I should always be on the same page with Kristyn, even as an adult, covering her in prayer. Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Which is almost the exact number your have to forgive your kids growing up, hah hah!

3. We must allow our children to become who He designed them to be.

While we are to counsel our children in love and give them guidance on helping them plot the course of their lives, we must remember that each one is unique. Amy references Psalm 139. No one knows us more intimately than God, and the same is true of our children. God has placed within them their own hopes and dreams, and we must free them to live out God's purpose for their lives, not our purpose. I thought Kristyn would make a good chef or a great artist, and I always encouraged her in that. God planted within her the desire to stay home and mother her children, and likewise, I encourage her now.

Focused Thoughts:

1. Children are a gift from the Lord.
2. We must parent on purpose.
3. We must educate our children. It is our responsibility.

Scripture for Memory:

The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!—Proverbs 20:7

Write It Down (or post it):

Be sure to record your revelation and thoughts in your bible, notebook, or let us all share in what you are learning and write a post about it and link it here!

Done - see above.

Share with us what God has revealed to you when were seeking Him.

I sought God so intimately for an 8 year period regarding one matter, and as I began to pray, He laid more on my heart than I could have ever imagined. God has revealed Himself to me through His Word in so many ways. As I have sought Him, He has reminded me:

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
~ Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. ~ Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

His plans have been far richer for me than I could ever have imagined. I really limited myself in praying for "just one child, Lord. Just one!" He has given me a bonus daughter, a son-in-law, 2 grandchildren and 7 nieces and nephews, and several precious cousins.

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." ~ Ephesians 3:20

For Study Purposes:

Study the word "train" in the bible. Use a concordance. Record your findings.

From www.blueletterbible.org -

The Hebrew word for train is used 3 times in the KJV and has two meanings.

The word used in Proverbs 22:6 is chanak. It means: 1) to train, dedicate, inaugurate a) (Qal) 1) to train, train up 2) to dedicate.

I think this definitely speaks to how we raise our children.

The other Hebrew word for train is shuwl, which means, 1) skirt (of robe)
a) of high priest's robe b) of God's train, city as woman, ignominy, defilement (fig)

The garment that covers each of us as mother's should be our husbands and God!

Sit down with your spouse and discuss your current parenting techniques. What can be changed? What worked well with you concerning your own parents and what didn't?

With Kristyn being 24, this is not something we could do, but we have discussed grandparenting techniques already! As for what worked well concerning our own parents.....I came from a highly dysfunctional home so I was ready to adapt to his chosen method of child-rearing. Anything sounded good to me. I'll be like Forrest Gump and say, "That's all I've got to say about that."

Ask God to speak to you about how you should be training your children. What have you heard from Him? How do you intend to train them in that way?

I did so much praying regarding Kristyn. Once I felt led from God to pray for her her entire fourth grade year. I never missed a day, and she never had a problem. I don't know what my prayers prevented, but I trust Him. I have asked Him for wisdom and guidance in training her many times in the past, because I was not a Momma. I was 20 years old and the sudden bonus mom of a 6 year old. I made a few mistakes along the way, but I trust that God worked it all out for his own good.

Questions to ponder: Have you been connecting with your children? How can you improve upon what you have been doing? Are your discipline techniques working? What can you do differently?

Everything is perfect in that department. I can say that because she's grown and gone. Our nest is empty now. Seriously, we connected well and established a bond that proved to be permanent, though it was tested during her late teenage years. All is well now and I am so happy that even though I was not perfect, God's grace stepped in where my lack of skill and wisdom was simply not there.

In "Other" Words Tuesdays is hosted by Loni at Writing Canvas today. Please visit her and see what she and the others had to say on this topic.

This is one of my favorite verses in the Psalms. The protection of God from evil and plague, or harm and disaster, is one I find very comforting and reassuring. It reminds me of His sincere love for me, that He is active and concerned in every aspect of my life. Not only in blessing me, but in keeping evil from me.

Shamar is the Hebrew word for the word "keep" in this Scripture. Shamar means:

1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
a) (Qal)
1) to keep, have charge of
2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
a) watch, watchman (participle)
3) to watch for, wait for
4) to watch, observe
5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)
6) to keep (within bounds), restrain
7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)
8) to keep, preserve, protect
9) to keep, reserve
b) (Niphal)
1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware
2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain
3) to be kept, be guarded
c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed
d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

What a wonderful assurance that God has sent His angels with the charge to keep, guard, observe, take care of, and pay heed to our hearts.

There is spiritual warfare going on all around us that we may not even be aware of at the time.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." ~ Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

In reading about evils and plagues mentioned in the Bible, I have found myself very thankful that our loving and merciful God sends His angels to do a lot of the fighting for us. They surely fight far more for us than we realize! Only a loving and merciful God would send His messengers to do that for us. While we are not to worship angels, I am thankful for them and the victories they win for God on a daily basis.

May He be glorified as we cling to His promise in Psalm 91:10-11!

I know the subject of Halloween is on many of our hearts this week. Do we or don't we trick-or-treat? Do we or don't we go to Harvest Parties at church? Do we or don't we have parties at home?

While we won't be having our usual party (God has done some convicting of my heart and I have had to spend some time in deep prayer about this subject), this year Kristyn & Corey are coming up and bringing Liam & Nolan. While Corey goes out with Nolan and Kristyn's oldest brother Wayne trick-or-treating (Nolan is going to be a character from Between the Lions on PBS), Steve and Kristyn will ooh and ahh over the little Snow White's and Barney's and pass out candy to trick-or-treaters while I am inside cuddling with Baby Liam. There will be hot dogs and chips and dip afterward for supper and maybe some of theose cookies with icing on them that I am oh, so fond of...and that will wrap up Halloween for us. I'm hoping to call it an early night!

One verse I'm holding near this year...

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)

The Greek word for appearance is eidos, which means:

1) the external or outward appearance, form figure, shape
2) form, kind

Whatever your custom on Halloween night, I do hope you have a safe and fun night. Know that no evil will befall you and that God has angels surrounding you and protecting you, keeping you safe because of the love of the Lord.

We will be doing the same!

Be sure to visit Loni at Writing Canvas and see what she and the others have to say on In "Other" Words Tuesdays.

Arise and Shine: Being an Exceptional Mother in the Midst of the Ordinary

I'm so glad to see you At the Well this morning! Kim, over at A Second Generation of Homeschooling, is hosting this week's visit. She chose a great topic.

That sounds like some tall order to fill, but it's an excellent call to arms. Especially if you're a mother with children still at home.

Our nest is empty now. When I got married at the age of 20, I got a package deal. My husband had custody of his 6 year old daughter. We met when she was 5, and I fell in love with her from the moment she said, "My name is Kristyn. My daddy's had a million wrecks."

It seems like a lifetime ago. My bonus daughter just turned 24 years old. She is married and has a home of her own and 2 precious sons, ages 3 weeks and 14 months.

I look back on those years of mothering this precious child and wonder, did I mother her as Christ wanted me to mother her? For she needed a mother. She was desperate for a mother-figure. She had a mother who made some pretty bad choices, leaving Steve to raise her with the help of his parents when Kristyn was 3. By the time she was 6, she needed more than a grandmother and an occasional mother in her life. She needed consistency. A port in the storm. An anchor. (I need to be quick to say that her mother has grown up and is a great mother now. Although she only got her every other weekend consistently starting when Kristyn was about 8, through the years she has married and had other children. She is an excellent mother to them and to Kristyn, and a woman of God. I am proud to call her friend.)

Lisa asked some questions that I will have to reach back in the recesses of my memory to find the answer to.

What daily tasks seem mundane or monotonous to you?

Cooking dinner and cleaning. It could seem like such a vicious cycle!

How can we change our outlook when completing these tasks?

I found that praying while I did it helped, as did singing and involving Kristyn and Steve in helping me do it. Kristyn loved to play a game where I would say, "You get the ingredients, I'll cook it." She'd come up with some pretty fun stuff and it was fun to chit-chat while she saw what I'd come up with. Since I worked outside the home, as Kristyn got older, she was really able to help me with the cleaning of the house. After she finished homework, she'd have a few chores she had to do, and it made my job at home much easier. I have always said that I have no regrets in life, but if I had one do-over, it would be to quit work the day we got married and stay at home, learning to live on one income so I could be there for them and not have a divided heart, working both outside the home and in it.

What impact do these tasks have on our husband and children? How does it make a difference in their lives?

Nourishment and having a tidy home make for a nice enviornment to live in. It was always easy for them to feel full and healthy, and for Kristyn to have been able to invite people into our home without worrying what the house might look like.

Is it okay to focus on earthly recognition when completing these tasks for our loved ones, or is receiving an eternal reward sufficient? Which does Jesus think is more important? Shouldn’t that be our focus, as well?

While receiving an eternal reward is what we do get and is more than sufficient, in my opinion, a little earthly recognition is encouraging. Earthly recognition should not be our primary goal, though.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you." ~ Philippians 3:12-17

One year, I didn't get a Mother's Day card and nothing was mentioned. Before church that morning, I called Tabitha and asked if she wanted to see Kristyn. On our way over there, we stopped and I let her pick out a card for her mom and some clothes. We dropped Kristyn off at Tabitha's, headed for church, and I never prompted him or berated him for forgetting. While I never mentioned it, inwardly I crumbled. Then I stewed. Was I not deserving of this "trophy"? Did he not view me as a true mother, since I had no fruit of my own womb? Didn't he notice that his daughter was clothed and fed and her homework done and that she could read and....and....wait. Was I doing all this for recognition for some card and perhaps a dinner out? Oh, ouch!

When we got back home, saw Kristyn playing in the yard. What?!? Her mother brought her back home before we even got out of church. (Luckily, Steve's parents were home. At the time we lived on their land in a mobile home behind their house.)

I went in, cooked our own dinner, washed our own dishes, and looked at my family - my family. Earthly recognition is overrated. I had my Mother's Day present laughing in the den with her Daddy while they watched some goofy movie. My husband did realize a few weeks later that he hadn't gotten me anything for Mother's Day. In his defense, Mother's Day falls around our anniversary and his birthday. It's hectic. but he hasn't forgotten since. I think he made it up to me by taking me out to dinner. And he hasn't forgotten since. In fact, sometimes it comes early, hah hah!

As I said before, earthly recognition is encouraging, but it's overrated. Our Father rewards us daily through the privelege of experiencing the joy of watching over our husbands and children in love each day.

The chat topic for this week is provided by Kim. She writes, "Tell about an experience when you sensed God’s super natural power working through you. Give details! :)"

I was 17 years old. I saw him come out of the stairway door. He was dressed in fatigues and had black grease paint under his eyes. He had a black duffle bag. He laid his duffel bag by the stairwell and we locked eyes as he suddenly stood on the other side of the unlocked glass door from me.

I repeat. I was 17 years old. I am 38 now. We didn't face matters of security issues back in the day, and the teen in me froze. This was a summer, spring break and Christmas holiday job that Daddy got for me answering the phone, opening the mail and directing visitors where they needed to go. And one I absolutely loved, except for at that moment!

I felt the need to run fast and run far. I stood up, but immediately had to sit back down because I could not feel my legs. Perhaps if I had run, he would hurt someone. I didn't know if he had a gun or not. I only knew he could have had one.

I prayed. I asked God what on earth I was supposed to do? It was a short prayer, "God, what do I do?" You can pray quick prayers like that. He is quick to answer if you listen.

I felt a whisper in my heart. "Press the new button." I sat there staring at this man on the other side of the glass like he was a visitor, contemplating whether or not to come in. I tried not to let him see the fear I felt. I'm thinking, "New button? What new button?" And then I remembered. When I started back to work that summer, I was told that a button was under the desk drawer, and I was not to press it unless I needed to. It was easy to bump and I wasn't to bump it. I'm not sure I even realized what it was for. I had only been back for a week or two! "Press the new button." My legs worked! I could feel my knee....Press Press Press Press Press! I heeded that voice. I pressed with my knee and just kept watching him.

He decided not to come into the receptionist's office but to go back in the stairwell. As soon I saw the door close completely, I stood up only to find out that I could feel nothing on my body. Fear had caused my body to collapse. How could I have pressed that button with jelly legs? Only by the power of God flowing through me.

Daddy had an office in the next building, but he was already off duty. He was a security officer at the time (he's retired now and works on contract 2 days a week.) But another officer came to the rescue. He appeared almost immediately, it seemed, and all I remember saying was "Stairwell. He let me press the button." He called down the hall for my boss to come up, which she did. He told her "so and so" was in the building and to get me to the back office to calm down.

He didn't take time to let me cry on his shoulder at that moment, and Daddy wouldn't have either. He took off for the stairwell and chased the man down, catching him a few streets over. I was so scared and I remember telling my boss that I wanted my Daddy (there's a mature employee, huh?) and that He let me press the button. She asked me, "Who?" and I told her that it was God. She was a believer, too, so she didn't question it. She helped me get up and we walked back to her office, where she called my Daddy to come and drive me home. I got to go home early that day. And I didn't have to fight the traffic alone. Imagine that!

About the man...I knew his name, I knew his face, and I knew his personality. He was known to be on medication and to be of significant threat when he was off of his medication. He was of the opinion that he was owed something by someone. He stalked that someone who worked in our building, and by law she could not give him what he owed.

But there was Someone else whose Name I knew. Although I have yet to see His face, I knew His personality. He was known to me to be my Defender and my Strength. When I had jelly legs He reinforced them enough to "Press the new button."

What was in his duffel bag, by the way? A football, an old coke can, a pair of stinky socks, and 2 job applications he had colored in blue marker. Outside the lines, I might add. No bomb squad was called. Again, this was back in the day. The officer just looked in it for inventory purposes and to make sure there was no weapon. The socks reeked, but they didn't count as a deadly weapon.

The last I heard, he was in and out of the state hospital. I should ask Daddy whatever became of him. I haven't thought of him in years. 21 years have gone by since then and I can still hear the whisper I felt in my heart, "Press the new button." I wonder if that button is still there. I'll ask Daddy. He can find out.

Award's Day

Earthmommy, from At Shore's End, has gifted me with the following award. This makes my heart sing! How sweet is she to do give me this award?

Am I a Kreativ Blogger? I pray so! There are rules that go along with this award. You have to list six things that make you happy. No problem! I'm not going with the traditional, God, my husband, my friends, writing, reading......which all make me happy, of course. I'm letting you inside my heart here.

Six Things That Make Me Happy:

1.) Someone already having the coffee made when I get to work.

2.) Wilson fussing when he's laying in my lap and I have to get up.

3.) A bag of hershey's kisses from Daddy, unexpectedly.

4.) Turning on the tv and finding a favorite movie just starting.

5.) Me being able to email a friend clear across the country, okay, only 8 hours away, and feeling like I'm sitting there talking to her.

6.) The smell of Pine-Sol when someone else has mopped.

I have to pass this along to 6 people.

It's impossible for me to choose only 6 because all of you are creative bloggers. Snag this award for yourself and pass it on, m'kay?

To view my other awards, please go here. Someone the other day said they expected me to have a sidebar full of them. How humbling! You can click on the button on my side bar that says "Blog Awards" and there they are! In their own little blog.

Feeling blessed and wanting to share the love,

Election Concerns

I have never done a political post on my blog. I'm changing that for now. I just read an article on the Jerusalem Post website that was interesting.

My heart says, "Our country will do the right thing."

My head doesn't believe we will.

Are you concerned about the outcome of the election? I'm praying McCain/Palin will win.

While I would never ask you who you're voting for, I'd love to ask you to pray. Just pray that God will move the hearts of the people to vote in accordance with His will and purpose for us as a nation. I would never presume to know the will of God, but I cannot imagine that He would bless an Obama presidency unless he makes some major major changes on his stance on certain issues, abortion being one of them.

Without revealing who you are voting for, who do you think will win? Not who you *want* to win, but who you think will actually be our next President. What do you think the impact of the next President/Vice President on America will be? Positive or negative? Finally, do you believe that God would remove His hand of protection from us if our country elects the wrong leader?

Friday Funnies is a meme hosted by Kim at Homesteaders Heart. Enjoy the lighter side of Friday by clicking on the button above and visiting her site to see her funny and the ones posted by others. My contribution is below:

While I sat in the reception area of my doctor's office, a woman rolled an elderly man in a wheelchair into the room. As she went to the receptionist's desk, the man sat there, alone and silent. Just as I was thinking I should make small talk with him, a little boy slipped off his mother's lap and walked over to the wheelchair. Placing his hand on the man's, he said, 'I know how you feel. My mom makes me ride in the stroller too.'.

As I was nursing my baby, my cousin's six-year-old daughter, Krissy, came into the room. Never having seen anyone breast feed before, she was intrigued and full of all kinds of questions about what I was doing. After mulling over my answers, she remarked, 'My mom has some of those, but I don't think she knows how to use them.'

Out bicycling one day with my eight-year-old granddaughter, Carolyn, I got a little wistful. 'In ten years,' I said, 'you'll want to be with your friends and you won't go walking, biking, and swimming with me like you do now.' Carolyn shrugged. 'In ten years you'll be too old to do all those things anyway.'

Working as a pediatric nurse, I had the difficult assignment of giving immunization shots to children. One day I entered the examining room to give four-year-old Lizzie her needle. 'No, no, no!' she screamed. 'Lizzie,' scolded her mother, 'that's not polite behavior.' With that, the girl yelled even louder, 'No, thank you! No, thank you!

My wife left the car unattended for only a minute, but it was long enough for our two-year-old to climb in, throw the car into reverse and crash into a lamppost. He was fine, but the car wasn't. I had a hard time explaining who was behind the wheel to the insurance company. After a pause, the adjuster asked, 'Do you let him drive often?'

One afternoon while I was visiting my library, I noticed a group of preschoolers gathered for story time. The book they were reading was There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. After the librarian finished the first page, she asked the children, 'Do you think she'll die?' 'Nope,' a little girl in the back said. 'I saw this last night on Fear Factor.'

My sister had been ill, so I called to see how she was doing. My ten-year-old niece answered the phone 'Hello,' she whispered. 'Hi, honey. How's your mother?' I asked. 'She's sleeping,' she answered, again in a whisper. 'Did she go to the doctor?' I asked. ' Yes. She got some medicine,' my niece said softly. 'Well, don't wake her up. Just tell her I called. What are you doing, by the way?' Again in a soft whisper, she answered, 'Practicing my trumpet.'

On a brutally humid day, I walked past a miniature golf course and saw a dad following three small children from hole to hole. 'Who's winning?' I shouted. 'I am,' said one kid. 'Me,' said another. 'No, me,' yelled the third. Sweat dripping down his face, the dad gasped, 'Their mother is.'

On the way back from a Cub Scout meeting, my grandson asked my son the question. 'Dad, I know that babies come from mommies' tummies, but how do they get there in the first place?' he asked innocently. After my son hemmed and hawed awhile, my grandson finally spoke up in disgust. 'You don't have to make something up Dad. It's ok if you don't know the answer."

Awards Day, The Sequel

Cheryl, at Hope for Each Day, is an incredible woman of faith and strength, and I am blessed to call her friend. She has gifted me with two awards that

A word about Awards.

One of the definitions of award is defined by my buddy Webster as something that is conferred or bestowed especially on the basis of merit or need.

I am humbled that I am deemed to merit these awards, and the need for encouragement and inspiration by these awards helps me realize that I am touching the lives of those who have passed on the awards to me for God. I pray that I am truly deserving of these awards, and that as I pass these on, I share the encouragement and inspiration I have received from them to you!

Now, on to the awards Cheryl gifted me with.

I'd like to pass on those of you who comment here and in my original Awards Day Post from last night. Leave a comment in either place.

Awards Day

Darlene from Everything to Me aka Puff's Pocket has gifted me with a great award! I'm feeling pretty awed and humbled by it. Thank you so much for sharing the love, Darlene! You are a jewel and I love your blog. It's always a treat to peek in and see what's on your heart. I'm simply amazed that you'd consider me for this award.

Denise from Shortybear's Place has also gifted me with some more awards! I feel so honored and blessed by her. She has a heart that is bigger than the world and it just oozes love (and spoils me rotten)! Thank you so much for each of these awards, Denise. They keep me humble and blogging for the Lord. I appreciate each and every one of your comments. You are such an encourager and are so full of compassion and wisdom. You mean the world to me.









I'd like to pass these awards to the most regular readers of this blog. You know who you are. You are faithful to comment regularly and spur me on toward growth in Christ. I love your blogs because I find great encouragement and friendship there. Love lives in your blogs through Christ our Risen Savior, and I rejoice that He has connected us through this blogosphere. When you've picked it up, leave me a comment.....

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”~ Colossians 3:16 (ESV ~ emphasis Iris')

Iris is thankful for friendships this week. I, too, am grateful for the precious gift of friends.

Friends helpd me make it through a journey through the desert. I have been miserable from October 8 through I'd say about Sunday with The Cold That Turned Into a Sinus Infection With a Hint of Bronchitis and Two Ear Infections. On top of that, I have a mild case of thrush. My friends listened to me whine appropriately and covered me with prayer.

They knew I was miserable, not only because of The Plague, but also because I couldn't see the new grandbaby while I was sick. And since I shared the love bug with Steve, he couldn't see them either. That was remedied Monday night. (You can see pics by clicking here!)

I was also miserable because during my time of illness, I became spiritually parched. Not completely dried out, because I have soaked up so much of the Word this last year, but enough that the fruit was kind of wilting. I got back into a daily routine of quiet time with the Lord and am now completely saturated. In fact, my cup runneth over. My friends encouraged me and never belittled me. They understood and admonished me to do what I needed to do - spend that time with God - in a loving way.

In other words, they taught and admonished me with wisdom.

Friends like that are good to have!

What is the biblical definition of a friend? From what I gather...

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." ~ John 15:9-17 (NIV)

F - Friendship is all about love.

R - Relationships take time to develop.

I - Intimate friendships are a gift from God.

E - Everyone needs a friend.

N - Never pass up the opportunity to make a new friend.

D - Define the level of friendships in your life in a healthy manner; some will be closer than others.

S - Sacrifice is necessary in friendships.

H - Husbands should be our main "best friends". (Next to Jesus, of course!)

I - Influence your friends by living a life that is pleasing to God.

P - Pray daily for your friends.

Father, thank You for being my Friend. You are my trusted advisor and counselor. I praise You for the gift of the friendships I have here on earth, my circle of friends I see on a daily basis, those in the WOW Gals Groups, and the blogging sisters I have bonded so closely with. I pray that You would deepen my relationships with my friends that I'm just getting to know and help me to love them with the love You have for them. Give us a bond that speaks to the unity we find in You, oh Lord. Father, I praise You for the friendship I have with my husband. It is my most cherished one here on earth. He is an awesome friend, Lord.

For more Thankful Thursday blessings, visit Iris at Grace Alone. I guarantee you will be blessed by this meme. It's a wonderful ministry.

David did not build his trust on the strengths he had at his disposal. Back in the day, chariots and horses were used in battle and were also a mode of transportation. They were symbolic of strength. David knew of a Strength greater than all the strengths of chariots and horses. He trusted in the Name of the Lord His God.

We have many sources of strength in this world we live in. We find strength in our homes, families and friends, the church, our leaders, jobs, etc. We are, for the most part, confident our troops can defend us if we ever go to war. We are confident that our dollars will buy what we need and want. We trust that the air we breathe is clean, that the rain that falls is pure, and the freedoms we have are secure.

All these can be gone in an instant. Homes can be destroyed by fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, or other horrendous acts. Our families and friends can move away or die, leaving us lonely. Our troops may come up against forces stronger than they and perish. The dollar we have in our pocket at night may be as worthless as the paper it is written on when the stock market opens the next morning. Our air can become polluted, rain can contain contaminates or be accompanied by sleet or hail and ruin crops. Our freedom can fall as fast as a vote is cast in congress and signed off on by the governor or president of our state or nation.

Believe it or not, I am a glass half-full person. I'm positive by nature and don't expect any turmoil to rock my world anytime soon. I pray the things I mentioned above don't happen...but it could. And some of it already has. The moral decline of our country concerns me greatly, as does the economy and the election coming up soon. I'm concerned, but I do not worry.

I rest secure that my trust is in the Lord, who will provide. That's Who my biggest trust lies in - the Lord. I love how He is faithful, no matter what the state of the world or state of my life is. He is constant. His love never changes and His provisions are guaranteed through the grace He gave us through His Son.

I love to trust in His Name. He is a God with many names...

Here are just a few...

Adonai-Jehovah -- The Lord our Sovereign

El-Elyon -- The Lord Most High

El-Olam -- The Everlasting God

El-Shaddai -- The God Who is Sufficient for the Needs of His People

Jehovah-Elohim -- The Eternal Creator

Jehovah-Jireh -- The Lord our Provider

Jehovah-Nissi -- The Lord our Banner

Jehovah-Ropheka -- The Lord our Healer

Jehovah-Shalom -- The Lord our Peace

Jehovah-Tsidkenu -- The Lord our Righteousness

Jehovah-Mekaddishkem -- The Lord our Sanctifier

Jehovah-Sabaoth -- The Lord of Hosts

Jehovah-Shammah -- The Lord is Present

Jehovah-Rohi -- The Lord our Shepherd

Jehovah-Hoseenu -- The Lord our Maker

Jehovah-Eloheenu -- The Lord our God

"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." ~ Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

"Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness." ~ Psalm 29:2 (NIV)

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name." ~ Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)

What are some of your favorite names of God? How has He shown Himself to you by revealing Himself through the power of His Name? And oh, what a sweet Name He has! It is to be trusted, worshiped and revered.

For more Word-Filled Wednesday, click on the button below.

Updates on the Grands

Imagine giving a precious 13 month old boy 6 shots. Today was immunization day for Nolan. I realize these things must be done but 6 shots? Puh-leeze! Nonnie would have spanked the nurses about it for hurting that baby. I'm told he cried bucket loads of tears, as did his Kristyn, and he kept looking at her while she was helping hold him down like, "Why are you doing this to me?" Later in the day he was running through the house playing like normal though. Go figure. His other grandmother has him tonight. She's expecting crankiness and fever based on years of experience with her boys. Poor Tabitha!

Liam weighed in today at 5 lbs., 13 oz. He has gained 8 oz and has been deemed a "keeper" by the doctor. Kristyn laughs that the doctor refers to her babies in terms of fishing, hah hah. Liam's nickname is "Fish", but that's another post. Also, his jaundice level is still dropping so we're praising the Lord for a healthy baby. Corey is out of town tonight, so Kristyn is spending a quiet night at home with the baby. While he sleeps, she's catching up on housework and some zzz's herself!