Wide Awake

I woke up at 2:27 a.m. And could not go back to sleep. So I tried some relaxing techniques, I prayed for people, I was almost getting back to sleep when it hit me....I get to see my son today!!! Now I'm wide awake! Why do I continue to be so joyful each time I know I'm going to see him? Let me think. Perhaps it's because I have several people in my life that have lost their child...or, perhaps there was a time I went weeks, or months without hearing from him and when I did, it was short and there was something not right. My son and I have been through a lot together. As a single parent for a few years in my early 20's, there were times it was just him and I. I remember turning on the oven early in the morning in the dark winter months, and as I got ready for work, I would lay his clothes, socks and shoes on the oven door and place a chair in front of it so that when I finally got my son up, he wouldn't be cold. I'd warm up that old Monte Carlo and wrap him in a blanket and carry him downstairs to the warm car. Some people thought I overdid it with him a bit, especially since he was twelve at the time (just kidding, he was two)...but I couldn't do enough. When I first saw him, I loved him. He was a part of me. As I watched him grow, I couldn't help but be so proud of him and all of his accomplishments. He was so smart, creative, talented, athletic, handsome, funny and most importantly, kind and compassionate. Everyone loved him, yet some were jealous of him, but he usually won them over. He now is a 32 year old man who is a hard worker and loyal to his job for eleven years. We went to San Diego and one memory was me laying on the beach and I looked to see if he was returning from the store on the boardwalk and I see this tall, handsome, fully grown man walking towards me with a hairy chest. That's my baby?! Then I wonder how much God loved His son. Knowing we can't come close to loving the way God loves, amazes me. Yet, a love that great, was the sacrifice God used to show us how much He loved us. Cruel? No. For we are His kids too once we believe. He gave His firstborn, perfect and I mean perfect son for us so that we all get to live with Him in heaven together forever. Right now as I look forward to today, I know only too well that our time together will come to an end and it will seem like we only just got together. Yet I know, one day He will come and wipe every tear away, all loved ones reunited forever and ever, never to rush away again...what a day that will be!

Well I Think I'm Going Out Of My Mind

Yesterday, someone I love very much stated emphatically that she was going to be tested for Alzheimer's. She said she serious too!! I, being the nosy friend I am, ask what brought this on? She replied "I forgot to bring in food for the Ladies Bible Study...yet, I was the one who sent out the reminders to everyone!". I'm just standing there watching her in a near panic and just sort of shook my head... Really???! Because of that?? She then goes on to list several other things she has forgotten. I would have LOVED to have agreed with her, after all, she believed she presented a great case of evidence. However, all I could do was simply shake my head, place a half smirk on my face and launch into what I've done. Isn't that what true friends do? I start off with driving my car through my garage, then I go into looking for my cellphone while I'm talking on it..., and finishing off with trying to put my shoes on while I'm still wearing my house slippers!! I leave out all the times I've gone into a room only to realize I've forgotten what I'm looking for; showing up at doctor appointments on the wrong days...leaving books, purses, and people behind. Once I was in Chicago with Clay (he wanted to tour the city) for my annual review and thinking it was the next day, Clay and I are getting ready for the art museums when all of a sudden my phone rings and it's my boss called asking where I was! Not to mention all the meetings I missed, etc. I mean this has been going on since I've been in my 40's!! So, I've come to realize that when I'm rushed, or not really focusing...these things seem to happen more frequently. Also, when I get excited...watch out!! Haha. So, I humbly realize I'm pretty messed up, yet it doesn't matter because God thinks I'm perfect. I'm also learning the He will use whatever He wants to humble me. Now, I do crossword puzzles and pray for the Lord to help me remember the important things, like ... Love hopes all things, believes all things and endures all things....yet, I'm going to be humbled anyway He sees fit. Sisters, let's comfort each other and learn to laugh at our mess ups, our goofs. Let's grow old together and wait on Him who made us... After all, there was only one perfect man who ever walked this earth...

Walk Along Side

On Sunday evening, our bible study group was presented with an opportunity to walk along side with women who were saved while in prison. These women are going to be released and need someone to walk with them as they find a good church family, as they figure out where to work and to be encouraged in the Word. I've been in many a jail and spiritually, years ago, in my own prison of my mind. As I was telling my older sister about this great opportunity, she let out a "please be careful". I was thinking about this and perhaps I'm a tad bit more excited about this opportunity, I do believe the Lord gives us discernment. I've met and shared with many women and some men and God has always protected me. While I hope to never test the Lord, I have to believe that I've come across dangers seen and unseen and He protected me. Just because someone got caught and served their time doesn't mean they're anymore dangerous than the housewife hooked on pills, or a woman married to an abusive man. If the Holy Spirit is walking along side us and is in us, whom shall we fear. So I pray that I can help minister, encourage, edify,and love whom ever God puts in my life. We are vapors and only here for a little while. The church needs to wake up and start loving people to the Lord. We only have this day...let's not waste it. While I love my sister with all my heart and know for a fact that she loves me, I am responsible to do whatever I'm led to do...always praying for wisdom and understanding. If we don't do it...who will?

Meditate On This...

Last night, out of curiosity, I watched Oprah's show on Transendental Meditation, or TM. Boy, did it seem great and with all the hype of wanting more peace in the world, better health and better relationships, I found myself so curious that I just had to research this. The bible states that we are to test all things to see if they are from God. My friends, this is nothing more than a way to get our minds on something other than the Lord. The Hindu religion is false, yet we should continue and pray for them. I like the idea of reincarnation, this way I don't have to make a decision for Jesus. The only way to get to God is through His Son...not chanting over and over a phrase till you feel a high. Here is one highlight I copied from a website..."TM is false and unscriptural meditation. Like most of the devil's devices, it perverts something God ordained for our good. God ordained meditation, but not meditation on Hindu prayer words nor meditation on our own human wisdom. The meditation God ordained is meditation on his word: Psalm 1:2; 119:97; Philippians 4:6-8 - Instead of Hindu prayers as a means of achieving peace, we should pray to the true God of the Bible. We should meditate, not in accordance with the false doctrines of Hinduism, but on that which is true, pure, etc.". This was from the link below my friends that I have copied. Let us be wise and research and test all things. After all, it is well pleasing to the Lord to meditate on His scripture. A lot of people state the discipline that goes with the TM lifestyle of meditating 20 minutes each day, twice a day. However, the bible states we should "pray without ceasing". We are to WALK in a manner worthy of our calling. Loving each other, dying to self, and praising the Lord. Let each of us strive to be conformed to the image of Christ, yet we realize while we are in this "earth suit called the flesh" we will never be perfected till we see Him face to face. What a glorious day that will be! I love you all and in love encourage you to search the scriptures. God's Word never returns void. Here is that link..though it's lengthy, it's informative. http://www.gospelway.com/religiousgroups/transcendental_meditation.php

Slow Down...You Move Too Fast

What a busy week! I went from watching over a sickly dog to running full throttle ahead, but it was fun. Yet, it's time to come back to where there is balance in my life. I've been planting ferns and flowers, going to yard sales looking for treasures, riding bikes and walking with friends, cooking new recipes I've never tried before, luncheons with friends, some evening lady parties, taking photographs and sending them to loved ones, visiting with strangers who are terminal and encouraging them, it just goes on and on. God has a lot for us to do. And if I try to do it in my strength, I can get tired real quickly. Even when I was questioned about being a Jesus freak by a friend I've know from the bank I worked at, I just laughed and we ended up having a conversation about the issues going on with a daughter of his who is suicidal. People are suffering. But maybe I am a bit too (I hate this word) preachy. So, I have resolved to simply slow down, love as much as I can and forgive as quick as I can, and work as unto the Lord as best as I can. However, I need to rest when I can and pray for peace. All around me are sisters hurting, friends needing jobs, people struggling with addictions and loved ones grieving. If I can just help one, I pray I can. Like that song that goes "if we are the body, why aren't our hands reaching". All of us have a part, no matter how small to try to encourage each other and help. Yet, we have to rest and breathe in His peace, and exhale our fear and stress. Life is great. God is good. All the time. Yet God did create a Sabbath rest. Not necessarily Saturday, but if that is your day where you can rest, then rest. Read a book, go for a stroll, movie, picnic. Enjoy nature, music, life. Get to feeling groovy all over again. Put away thoughts of what needs to be done. Focus on your heart beating, your pets happiness, the roof over your head He blessed you with. Take time to meditate on His word...to be still and know that He is God. Try it. I am.

Different Strokes

A friend of mine went out of town and asked me if I could facilitate one of her bible studies she happens to lead. This friend is a born teacher. She has always helped me with figuring things out and I've learned a lot from watching her too. She's just one of those people that loves to help others and was a born teacher. I guess you could say, that's one of her special gifts. About two months ago, we got to see someone come to the Lord and she said something like "sharing like that makes me nervous". I pop off the mouth, because I'm never nervous with that, and say there's nothing to be nervous about because it's the holy spirit working through us and it's like we're not even doing it. Sure enough, she is approached to go witness to this terminally ill lady and asks if I'll go with her cause she gets nervous. I'm excited to and the calls start. Long story short...weeks have gone by, phone tag is getting old now and my friend makes up this beautiful gift basket and as she's going out of town, she asks me top drop it off. I do, me and the lady talk and she is a believer and is assured of her salvation. My friend is so happy and relieved. Now, I'm going to fill in for my friend's bible study when all of a sudden I'm shaking. I'm scared. I don't know any, and I mean not one, of these ladies. And they are very intelligent women. I kept messing up...everything out of my mouth was backwards (and I only said two things) I couldn't wait for this bible study to be over. As I'm driving home shaking my head, I ask the Lord what was that all about. Well, He showed me! Just because one of His kids gets nervous in doing something for Him, doesn't mean they are not letting His spirit work in them all the way. It's simply because we all have different gifts. However, that doesn't mean we can't be stretched out of our comfort zones occasionally to do His work. Wow. I get it now. God can use anyone of us to accomplish His will in any area He desires. We just have to be available and prayed up. I learned a lot about myself, and the Lord last night. He doesn't always want us comfortable. He wants us growing...actually conforming to the image of His son...and until the day we go to be with Him, we should be expecting the unexpected.

A Tale of Two Sets of Two Sisters

The week has flown by! Where does the time go? It seemed like each of us had a test of some sort going on in our lives this week that didn't seem like it was going to end. Some of us were having horrific physical problems and others were having emotional, lack of faith problems. We were either ministering to people, or we were being ministered to. What a neat balance to have. Out of curiosity, I looked up the word "balance". It stated: A stable situation in which forces cancel one another; equilibrium. In reviewing this week, I now see the balance of the entire week that happened between to birth sisters and two Christian sisters I have. Had I stopped on day three out of seven days, this week would have been totally off balance! This week could have been a movie where it involved all these sisters. Each sister going into the week in total doom....being either physical or spiritual doom. I was spiritually in a place of doom because of my lack of faith. Then, a friend was feeling doom physically as her body convulsed with sickness. Another friend had a spiritual issue where she wondered if someone was going to get ministered to before they passed away. My two birth sisters were struggling also. One with being in the throws of grief and the other one watching this sister grieve and not knowing what to do for her. These were all battles in one way or another where I believe had we not been there for each other...we might have surrendered over to the doom. My friends encouraged my mind and helped not only my faith increase, but helped me by assuring me that it was sort of normal to feel certain ways. The friend with the sickness was ministered to not only by words of encouragement but by soup and a visit. My other friend was ministered to by a plan of taking something over to a person needing the Lord and another friend making the trip to ask the questions and find out the answers. Everything and everyone working together with the Lord right smack dab in the middle! He orchestrated everything perfectly!! I was giving an ear and encouragement to both sisters of birth, while my spiritual sisters were giving to me words of encouragement and gifts! It was such a balance!! Now, to sit back and reflect on this week is such an eye opener to just how great God is!! He takes care of details....He keeps me balanced. Only God could have worked out this week as great as He did!! I love you Lord and your ways never cease to amaze me!!!! Thank you!!

Worry? Who, Me??

Whew! What a crazy couple of days spent worried sick over a dog!? What happened to my faith?? What happened to praying and believing? What happened to trusting the Lord with all my heart?? Friends are bringing meals over??! People are calling and writing to see how my DOG is doing?? Where did my balance go and how on earth did I let it get so lopsided? The week started off great, like any other week, except my baby, Buster, seemed tired. I carried him to the back yard and while holding him I prayed, Lord, please heal my puppy...I love him and thank you for always hearing my prayers according to your will. Amen. He got worse...now he can't walk. Monday morning, even though my sister who has worked on animals for 30 years, tells me it's gas, after I give her all symptoms, I get more and more uneasy. So, off I run to the nearest animal hospital. I won't go through all the stuff that entered my brain, but none of it was hopeful. After all the testing, X-rays, and examinations, they tell me it's gas. However, they want to run several more tests just to make sure. Well, the bill is already passed five hundred, so I decline and take Buster home. Now, I'm on the phone with my sister every thirty minutes with the next thing to do. There's no sleep and now fear has consumed me. He is licking a little yogurt though...and he did drink some water, but still, fear is there. I'm now crying, wondering why isn't he running with the other puppies? Tuesday, no sleep for three days...missed bible study, missed lunch with a friend, missed helping another friend. I'm now so tired and worried that I just can't do it anymore, so I let go. I finally get sleep, I finally eat. Buster is better. Now, I'm embarrassed and upset with myself. Oh me of little faith... The Lord couldn't have sent anyone better than my sister, but because I had allowed this fear in, not even the animal hospital could comfort me. Why? Because there's something about caring for something that can't tell you exactly what is wrong... Like a baby, it's horrible when you can't get them to say what hurts. There is something about verbalizing what's wrong that can ease a burden. I never went to the Lord asking Him to take my fear...to fill me with hope. All that worry had nothing to do with Buster getting better. I pray the next time fear comes in, I verbally ask the Lord to shield me and fill me. I pray I remember this loss of four days and the peace I needed to feel from the Lord. There's a huge difference between being concerned and being worried sick. Did it really show how much I love my dog, or did it show how little I trust the Lord? Let me pray next time, like Peter prayed, "Lord, I want to believe...help me with my unbelief...". Now, time for me to go eat crow....

Rejection Hurts

This weekend went by very fast. My garage sale went pretty smooth and I met some nice people. One lady in particular really was interesting. She bought some big ticket items because they just bought a second home in Arizona. So, she paid for her items and said they will need to get a truck to pick up the bigger things. She seemed worried that I was going to sell the entertainment center again for more money. I assured her I would put a sign up indicating it was sold, but she wouldn't leave till I did. I had several other people, but when I noticed her fear, I promptly found some paper and wrote "SOLD". She asked for my cell phone number and off she and her husband go. Garage sale is over when my cell phone rings and it's Pat (which is this ladies name). She asked if she could pick up the entertainment center Sunday morning. I said sure, however I would be at church from 9 something to 11 something. I assure her that I'll put it in the courtyard by the front door for safekeeping. Sunday morning comes and the thought hit me that wouldn't it be nice to simply offer her several kitchen items that didn't sell for free... So, I grab paper and pen and write a note stating that. I decorated the note (tricks I've learned from my gifted friends) and found a beautiful big golden bowl with matching plate. I place that on top of the item. Church was great, and as I pull up I see the cabinet is gone, but then I couldn't believe what I saw. The beautiful bowl and plate were left on the ground...in the dirty rocks. Why? Perhaps she didn't like it, or she thought I left it there accidentally?? I don't know. Sort of hurt my feelings a little when all of a sudden I was thinking if this is what Jesus feels when He offers the gift of salvation, only to see that we won't take it. When He offers peace, yet we prefer stress. When He shows us how to handle life through His Word, yet we don't pick up the bible. I feel good offering what I had as well as my friendship to her. Yes, maybe she'll call but more importantly maybe we will start building our relationship with the Lord stronger by communicating through prayer and reading His Word.

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The Sound of Silence

I'm home all alone...well, not totally alone...my six babies are here sleeping on my bed in their designated spots. Curled up in their little fur coats. I love my puppies! Yet, it's totally quiet...all I hear is a slight ringing in my ears...nothing new. Lord, are you here? Ah..yes, there you are. So I'm not totally alone. This makes me think of Mom Cranford, 84 years old, lives in a trailer in the woods of North Carolina. Within six months, lost two sons who had been living with her for over 10 years, to cancer. I ask her if she's alright living there all by herself and she replies "Yes, because I know Jesus is here and at night I curl up on my recliner and ask Him to just hold me .. And He does.". She has this unbelievable assurance that her boys, whom God loaned her she reminds me, are back with their Father in heaven and she will, most definitely will, see them again. She grieves, yet not like those who have no faith. It truly is comforting to me to know she's going to be alright. She reminds me that every day is a gift from God and she praises Him for every day. We have amazing conversations that last at least an hour. Each of us taking turns sharing our favorite scriptures and miracles we've seen. Then I think of my sister, who lost her daughter, my niece, Angela. The doctors said Angela had 19 heart defects and wouldn't make it a year. However, God allowed us to borrow her for 25 years. She went to be home with the Lord three years ago, come this Tuesday. My poor sister, how I ache for her grief...she shared the guilt she had, as if that contributed to anything the Lord decides. I pray that the Lord will give her some peace and remind her daily that Angela is with the Lord. We will see her again. I so want her to have some comfort like Mom does. Maybe soon she will. I believe she will. Life is short and not only are our loved ones only here for a little while, but so are we. I wonder if we knew how much precious little time we had with each of them, if we would love them harder, forgive them quicker and really listen to their hearts. My Aunt and Uncle lost their only son and yet, they recall some precious times they had with Shawn. He was 35 and very healthy and handsome. Prime of his life. Who would have thought....? This sound of silence I hear helps me reflect on people in my life that I love. It reminds me that we are vapors...here for a little while to love people to Christ... Let's take the time to be in a quiet moment and allow the Lord to speak to us, to teach us and to fill us with His love. I ask you Lord to fill me with your love! Give me wisdom and understanding. Help me think on good things, above, not things on this earth. Let us curl up on your lap and ask You to hold us. Let's be still....and know that You are GOD...

Goodbye To Stuff

Yes, it's that time of the year. When I go through my closets and cabinets and have my annual garage sale. I don't know why...but I absolutely love doing this. First, I get to meet the neatest people, then I get to give them a hard time haggling over a price, some stuff I get to just give away or charge a dime, last year I made a man open his wallet cause he was buying something for one dollar and said he only had twenties and I didn't believe him...but that was all he had. It's just fun. This year my baby Christian Debra is going to be with me because she has some items to sell and I can already see us just swapping our stuff and calling it a day! LOL! We have the exact same taste. Then whatever money we make is already spent because I do this sale for one reason, and one reason only...my son's birthday! However, I can't help but think how great it's going to feel to have more room in my closets...more room in my cabinets. Able to better organize what the Lord has graciously loaned me to manage. The feeling of someone looking at something I have and wanting it and taking it to their home to enjoy now. The three and one half hours will go by fast and stuff left over will be donated. Whoever invented these sales invented a great thing. It's also a great way to witness. One year a few Jehovah Witnesses came by and we started chatting and when I told them I use to be one, they asked what made me stop witnessing for the Lord. I was so happy to share with them how my life is a witness and how much I love that Jesus did it all for us when He died and rose from the dead. It was pleasant and easy and above all, it was the Holy Spirit. My team is coming over to help me get stuff fixed up for the "eye appeal" and I'm just excited. I love the Lord, I love my life and I never dreamt it would have been this great. Sure things happen and it almost breaks my heart but stuff is going to happen with or without the Lord. I'd rather have Him in my life because He is my peace and my comforter. I believe He is going to take care of my son and all my loved ones as He woos them to Him! I remembered a part of my dream I just had last night (this is true) and it was a Scripture being spoken over and over. The Scripture was WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US. The joy of the Lord is my strength and I love Him!

Running on Empty?

Recently, a friend sent a cute photo of a gas dial where the needle was in a particularly common place "EMPTY". The strange thing about this photo is she has seen my gas tank at this point more than most people. At first I reasoned that I'll fill up later because there are more urgent needs now that need my attention than stopping for fuel. Then I have to admit that I actually don't like gas stations...I've had a few issues shall we say with some hoses being dragged around due to me not putting them back in their proper holders. Always rushing. Then there's that smell of gas that really brings me some bad memories because as a child I accidentally drank gas and had to have my stomach pumped. I thought it was cool aid...cool aid that needed more sugar! I laugh now, however, seriously, that was the Lord watching out for me even at that age. Then, I notice what was written below the funny photo. It was this: “Many of us harbor hidden low self-esteem. We deem everything and everyone more important than ourselves and think that meeting their needs is more important than meeting our own. But if you run out of gas, everyone riding with you will be left stranded.” (T.D.Jakes) ♥ I hate to admit this but this recently happened. I felt spiritually, physically and mentally empty. I thought I was doing things for the Lord...trying to be all things to all people, and it caught up with me. After many sleepless nights, I felt empty. But thanks be to God, He placed Godly friends who prayed for me. What Satan meant for bad, God turned into something good. I'm not a spring chick...I can't keep running on empty. What's crazy is I don't have to do all this running. I'm the one getting on people when I see them doing too much. Like the flight attendant's say in case of an emergency, place the oxygen on yourself first, then the child. I am so thankful I have Godly friends that know me well enough to know when to pray and when to say "STOP". So I did something this morning I haven't done in a long time. I went back to bed and slept. I woke up feeling refreshed and renewed in my spirit, emotions and my body. Im going to start taking care of myself and practice what I preach for a change. It's gonna be a great day! Thank you Lord!!

The Sisters

Anyone that has known me for a while knows that I have sisters....three to be exact. We were all born relatively close in time, maybe 18 months apart being the furthest. With this set up comes both good times and trying times. The one sister that I feel most connected to of course is my oldest sister. She stands in the way of me being the first born, but now as I looks at her road, I'll gladly take second. The sister one and a half year younger than me, is an enigma. One day she's up and almost too up for me, the next day she's MIA for weeks at a time. Then there's the youngest, likes to help, loves to gives advice, loves children. Each one possesses talent. The oldest, can take are of any animal and person for that matter. Has a deep heart but won't let you love her too much. She can also tell you what she sees and I'll admit, at times the truth does hurt. But she doesn't do it to crush anyone, at least I hope not. Then the middle sister is very creative, a great homemaker, great at facials, yet has a hard time finishing her goals, almost as if she's afraid of success. The youngest sister is unique in that she sees treasures in items that I would normally walk by. Loves to collect rocks, loves her girls, is a hard worker but needs her quiet time like we all do. When we all four get together, it can be either the best time or it can involve the police. But I wouldn't trade them for any other sisters because they are mine. I may say things in frustration at times, but if anyone else does...watch out. Funny thing now is we are all going through menopause. We didn't know it though until the eldest one told us, as well as told us what supplements we need. Now when we have a disagreement, we have something to pin it on. We complain about the hot flashes, mood swings, weight gains, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, but at least we have each other to talk to ... When we're all talking! Haha. I love my sisters. Some I could hang out with for days and some an hour will do, but I still love them. I couldn't imagine growing up without all of us together. I love you sisters!

Walking Through Someone Else's Fire

About three years ago, I met a lady at church who was just beginning to walk in a fire. She lost her home, business, so-called friends and on top of it, her health was not good, her family was at odds, her dog disappeared (yet, the Lord had mercy and the dog was found), her faith was tested. I decided that the good Christian thing to do would be to take her for coffee. First thing out of her mouth was "I can't afford it"...I said , let me take care of it. My gosh, it's just a cup of coffee, I thought to myself. I had no intention of befriending this woman because I didn't feel we 'clicked' if you know what I mean. But soon, one coffee led to another, then as she shared all her fears all I could do was pray. She had some bitterness, but not a lot especially how this could happen when they had worked so hard. It wasn't until years later she told me how they started trusting in things and little on God. How many times have I done that...through these years we went on camping trips, luncheons, long walks, moves, and my least favorite "American Idol" haha, but it was fun. I had no idea that down the road my heart was going to be broken...that an alliance was going to be crushed my money gone like overnight (and God had mercy and another friend fed me) and that my marriage was going to be dissolved. She was there, even at the court. She was also there when I threw caution to the wind and did stupid things and she never judged me. She just loved me through it. And it wasn't long that I was able to forgive, move on and get back closer to God than ever. I see this in her too. Now I realize that it wasn't me walking through her fire with her alone, but Jesus was there. And He had her walk through my fire with me. That's what we should do. Who of us know what each day will bring? If I were you, I'd try to make some good Godly praying friends. For without them, life as we know it would be much tougher. A friend at times can stick closer than a brother.

What I've Lost vs. What I've Gained

When I was 24, I asked Jesus into my heart. This was on a Sunday night. The next Monday my girlfriends and I went to our favorite lunch place from our jobs as legal secretaries. As we sat around this huge booth, one of the girls was so excited she was practically foaming at the mouth when she announced "my attorney won a huge case for Chip N Dales and has given us tickets to so that we can go see these men strip for free on this Wednesday night!! Now, as embarrassing as this is to admit, I was always an anything goes kind of girl and had this happened a week ago...who knows. Around the booth they went to see who was in....when they got to me, I simply said that on Wednesday night I am getting baptized. Not only could you have heard a needle drop, but I don't ever remember in all the times we had been going there, the check coming and being divided that fast! Off they ran as if I had told them that I was having a procedure to get rid of a hideous contagious disease! I laugh now but I must say, I felt alone. My friends were gone and I hate to sound paranoid but when I entered a room, this hush came over the place and people left. I don't remember one Christian coming along side to tell me this was not only normal...but a good thing. So, the Lord delivered me, promoted me and put Godly friends in my path. I worked at the Bank now and Christians were everywhere. My first day after Thanksgiving, the Executive prayed at the table before we ate. We had weekly bible studies and saw prayers answered. For 20 years, the Lord allowed me to witness and even lead people to Him. This chapter of retirement I find myself in has blessed me with the greatest friends ever! My Aunt and Uncle and I have never been closer, I have a Godly mother in law who is a prayer warrior even though she just lost two sons in six months. I thought God was going to turn me into a robot, but all He has been doing is sanding off some of the rough edges around me and my heart. I love deeper and I cry easier (which I sort of don't like), but it doesn't matter. What my cousin Shawn wrote before he went to be with the Lord was "the only thing that really matters is our personal relationship with God." He was right!

Friends

As I was waking up this morning I happen to think about my friends. Sometimes I like to go back to the time when I first realized we had crossed that line from acquaintinences to friendship. I have to admit, some of my long time friends were friends the moment we met. Then there are those friends that I didn't think I really wanted to befriend because they were too much like me! Then there are those friendships that occur when the chips are down and they latch on like a bulldog to see you through. There are also those friends that you really didn't realize we're friends till they were gone. I even have friends I rarely see, however, once we hook up again, we never lost a moment. There are those friends I consider closer than some of my sisters, yet there's a sister that is over all of my friends. My closest friends and I do try to get together once in a while and share an afternoon. Today happens to be one of those days. We are off to the zoo! Then to a fancy restaurant called "Dillons"! It's a beautiful day to do this. I can already see the four of us pointing out things the rest of us would have not seen. This outing is in honor of my friends 50th Birthday. She's finally going to become one of us in her fifties! What's so odd, is she is the most mature one out of the four of us! LOL! When it was just her and I, we would walk miles just talking about our past, our thoughts and our future hopes. This was one of those friendships that, for me, happened when I first met her. She had everything I wanted as far as she is very smart, yet doesn't flaunt it. She's very pretty yet very modest. She doesn't act one way at church and another way at home. She shares from her soul, yet when she does it, I see her heart in it and learn. She's not afraid to be an open book, yet she's rated PG. She's God-fearing, a great wife, fantastic teacher, good listener, insightful, not afraid to share her thoughts when you ask, yet she's very tender. Yes, we've had some bumps in the road, but all that did was bring us closer. I love her and I pray she has a wonderful day today. I am blessed to have the friends I have. May the Lord help me to show each of them what they mean to me...

Dog Tired?

Have you ever felt like you've hit a wall and you just want to take the phones off the hooks and close all windows and just hide under the covers so you can rest?! Do you find yourself behind in cleaning, paperwork and errands? Is today the day you just want to stay home but you have too many people depending on you? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions then I have some news that you probably weren't ready for. But, you are blessed! Yes, and very blessed in deed! I find my self in this same area and as I groaned to walk to the coffee pot at five this morning I'm thinking, there are those that didn't sleep in a bed last night...that don't have a coffee machine, that don't have covers, house slippers, a robe, that don't have pets that love them, or friends that need them, or family. There are those that can't walk, or wake up in a hospital, or worse. I'm not saying this to bring anyone down, but I think for me, I need to change my thinking! I am blessed! I mean not just for things mentioned and seen, but for things unseen! I have the joy of the Lord who is my strength, I have a purpose for my life and a God that works through me! I have fantastic Christian friends and the best church in the world not to mention the best Pastor! I have the Holy Spirit to guide me and give me wisdom and understanding! I have God watching me and loving me, only seeing the good in me?!? I get to pray, read, share, give, love, breathe and bask in the sun (son)!! Please remind us Lord to be grateful and count our blessings! Please don't let me give in so quickly to murmuring, which your Word states is up there with murder!? I want to be found praising you knowing that each step I take, each beat of my heart, each breath I breathe in is only because You gave those to me! Even when those are gone...drumroll please....I go live with you in heaven for ever and ever in a new body that doesn't get tired or old! I'm beyond happy I woke up dog tired because this is just a test ... Greater is He who is in Me than those that are in the world! When I'm weak, He's strong!! So, I have a decision... I can walk by the Spirit!! Then I won't carry out the desires of the flesh. Thank you Jesus for. My life!!