How can one dog get into so much trouble? I let them out this morning and before I even got dressed, Sam had jumped the fence (with her line on) and was now on the other side of the fence trying to dig in the frozen ground to get back in! After getting dressed and going around the snow drifts, I got her on a leash. Both dogs are to stay inside until I can watch them. I don't need Sam going over and getting caught up on the fence!
So I went to check the internet and while I was gone, Sam chewed a big hole in Beamer's pillow and pulled out the stuffing. NOW they ARE going out and not coming back. Since it wasn't suppose to be above freezing, I was going to just let them out for short periods at a time. Now, they can just chill out there. I walked past the window a little it later and the sun had come out and they were both sunning themselves on the deck.
This afternoon I baked cookies and watched the news and a Christian station for a bit. I promised Kathleen cookies tomorrow and I got them all done before the dogs came back in. (Yea!) The drive for a pepsi isn't here today...but I sure am tired. As soon as I hear from the kids, I am going to bed. The dogs are already in. The pillow repaired. We are ready for the night!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Seemlingly Endless Craving
Have you ever tried to kick an addiction? Its tough. I have been addicted to Diet Pepsi most of my life. The first time I got pregnant I immediately quit drinking pop and smoking cigarettes. I wasn't going to hurt my baby. I did restart both at a later date. I quit cigarettes completely the next time I stopped (although I did puff from my husband's cigarettes a couple of times when we were under great duress.) Pepsi was a problem, though. Its a magnet for me. I'll spend $8 on gas just to go get a drink. Then I will be so mad at myself for doing that.
Not that long ago, I was completely off Diet Pepsi and then one day I was somewhere and all that was available was Pepsi to drink. I thought, just this one time. Unfortunately, there is no "only one time" drink for me!!!!! Now, here I am going through the withdrawal of it again. It is a lot like quitting smoking, if you can get through the first 10 days, you got it made. The first couple days I am like in a stupor, it is so hard to even stay awake or alert. My body is screaming for another drink.
Pepsi and Coke affect my thinking, my emotions and what I do with my life. I will procrastinate on doing things forever, if I have a drink. The little euphoria it brings makes me content and gives a false feeling that all is good. Then when it is over, before long my body is craving another drink.
So, now, Day Three without a Pepsi drink. The groggyness is lifting and I am somewhat normal again. I know that in time, I will reach the point where I will be able to taste a pepsi and not even like its taste.
In the meantime...orange juice, soup and toast, along with good healthy meals for supper. Its time to get healthy, there is a lot of work to do.
Not that long ago, I was completely off Diet Pepsi and then one day I was somewhere and all that was available was Pepsi to drink. I thought, just this one time. Unfortunately, there is no "only one time" drink for me!!!!! Now, here I am going through the withdrawal of it again. It is a lot like quitting smoking, if you can get through the first 10 days, you got it made. The first couple days I am like in a stupor, it is so hard to even stay awake or alert. My body is screaming for another drink.
Pepsi and Coke affect my thinking, my emotions and what I do with my life. I will procrastinate on doing things forever, if I have a drink. The little euphoria it brings makes me content and gives a false feeling that all is good. Then when it is over, before long my body is craving another drink.
So, now, Day Three without a Pepsi drink. The groggyness is lifting and I am somewhat normal again. I know that in time, I will reach the point where I will be able to taste a pepsi and not even like its taste.
In the meantime...orange juice, soup and toast, along with good healthy meals for supper. Its time to get healthy, there is a lot of work to do.
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Home Fires are Kept Burning
Yesterday the Great Falls Tribune had an excellent article on what the Montana Guard's role was in combating PTSD. see:
My son just left on another deployment. Great difficulties await his family and all the other families that are facing the same situation. The spouse now has the sole responsibility of caring for the children, taking care of the finances, and maintaining the home. All emergencies are now her sole responsibility. Single parents manage, but the situation is not the same. (Not to make light of single parenting...that is a tough job and I commend all those girls that get it together and make it work!) When husband and wife work together, make decisions on the family together, and with each maintaining their responsibility in the home...there is now a void -- one is missing. The support and strength they received from each other...is now only found in a fleeting phone call at times. Add to that the stress of caring about the safety of the spouse. Add to that the loss the children feel when they know Dad is not going to be home for a long time.
Tim and Huimin prepared for the separation: A dependable car, finances up-to-date, plans for the future made, and things that needed fixing - maintained.
Huimin, just like all the other wives, has already set in motion her plans to keep those home fires burning. In other deployments she got the kids involved in planning for Dad's return. And, she worked on preparing for the future. She then made plans to make it possible to have a time away for rest and relaxation when he returned. They also sent letters. Just those little special letters from Mom and the kids with drawings of the family with (now also the cat) and dog and the heart-felt "I love you" messages are his greatest treasurers. All things aren't perfect, but prayer and Trust in God will get everyone through the days until our loved ones return.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20100124/NEWS01/1240301/Montana-model-for-PTSD-detection-to-face-first-major-test
My son just left on another deployment. Great difficulties await his family and all the other families that are facing the same situation. The spouse now has the sole responsibility of caring for the children, taking care of the finances, and maintaining the home. All emergencies are now her sole responsibility. Single parents manage, but the situation is not the same. (Not to make light of single parenting...that is a tough job and I commend all those girls that get it together and make it work!) When husband and wife work together, make decisions on the family together, and with each maintaining their responsibility in the home...there is now a void -- one is missing. The support and strength they received from each other...is now only found in a fleeting phone call at times. Add to that the stress of caring about the safety of the spouse. Add to that the loss the children feel when they know Dad is not going to be home for a long time.
Tim and Huimin prepared for the separation: A dependable car, finances up-to-date, plans for the future made, and things that needed fixing - maintained.
Huimin, just like all the other wives, has already set in motion her plans to keep those home fires burning. In other deployments she got the kids involved in planning for Dad's return. And, she worked on preparing for the future. She then made plans to make it possible to have a time away for rest and relaxation when he returned. They also sent letters. Just those little special letters from Mom and the kids with drawings of the family with (now also the cat) and dog and the heart-felt "I love you" messages are his greatest treasurers. All things aren't perfect, but prayer and Trust in God will get everyone through the days until our loved ones return.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Coming Home
There is nothing like a little winter weather to make the trip long! Kathleen and I finally got back to Montana but could not get back to the house because the county roads have not been plowed out. Kat parked the car and Andy used 4-wheel drive to pick up and transfer us home.
During the years when our family was young, I made sure our house was in order and everything done up before we left on a trip, so that when we returned home, it would be a "welcome home" time and a time of rest. This time it is Kat and Andy's house that is a welcome rest.
We also have another home, a spiritual home, as Jesus describes:
Jesus also promises us another home, a future, eternal home that will be forever,
What a great Hope we have--to someday live in the Glory and Love of God! Imagine..such sinners as us loved by the Almighty God -the creator of all things!! This awesome God--holy and pure--has adopted those who follow Him, as His children, and has prepared great things for us. May you know His Peace and His Love in your life today.
During the years when our family was young, I made sure our house was in order and everything done up before we left on a trip, so that when we returned home, it would be a "welcome home" time and a time of rest. This time it is Kat and Andy's house that is a welcome rest.
We also have another home, a spiritual home, as Jesus describes:
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.'
Jesus also promises us another home, a future, eternal home that will be forever,
John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
What a great Hope we have--to someday live in the Glory and Love of God! Imagine..such sinners as us loved by the Almighty God -the creator of all things!! This awesome God--holy and pure--has adopted those who follow Him, as His children, and has prepared great things for us. May you know His Peace and His Love in your life today.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
To California
Kathleen and I took off to see Tim and family. It is probably just as well we did not check the weather report before we left. Montana was balmy compared to our traveling weather. We hit rain, snow, ice, slush, freezing temps, and blowing snow where we could not see the road on the mountain roads above Wells. As we got to Reno we saw the signs "chains required" for trucks. We got to Boom Town and bought chains; there was now no travel for any vehicles unless it had chains, was a 4-wheel drive or had snow tires. So we went across the Sierra Nevada mountain range at 25-30 mph. FINALLY we got to the other side. Rain never looked so good!
We arrived at Tim and Huimin's with the directions that Victoria gave us. The rain altered between downpour and drizzle, and the winds altered between breeze to gales. There was even hail. We then lost electricity. Victoria and family came up after they got off work. Supper was cooked on the BBQ grill and candle light danced in the rooms. The children danced to Kathleen's music on her laptop, played charades, played cards and then made shadow animals with the flashlight. It was fun.
We are going to enjoy another day with Tim and family and will head back to Montana this weekend. Thank God that He is with us.
We arrived at Tim and Huimin's with the directions that Victoria gave us. The rain altered between downpour and drizzle, and the winds altered between breeze to gales. There was even hail. We then lost electricity. Victoria and family came up after they got off work. Supper was cooked on the BBQ grill and candle light danced in the rooms. The children danced to Kathleen's music on her laptop, played charades, played cards and then made shadow animals with the flashlight. It was fun.
We are going to enjoy another day with Tim and family and will head back to Montana this weekend. Thank God that He is with us.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The World of Lies
Do you remember as a child when you believed all you heard? When our schools taught that we are an evolved species, or that the earth was created by the “Big Bang”, we believed it. As children, we believed in Santa Claus, the Easter bunny and were suspicious of there being werewolves, vampires, ghosts and fairies. We believed in magic. For what purpose? Where does this leave God? At what point does a child leave all the “make-believe” behind and put his faith in the Lord.
The Bible has great stories of miracles that surpass our understanding, yet the world—not just the children-- has fallen in love with wizards and make-believe spiritual realms where PEOPLE have power to overcome evil beings.
The Bible is full of stories of love and romance. Yet the world has fallen in love with the adulterous lifestyle of all types of perversions and glorifies those perversions. Their eyes are not on God, only on fulfilling their lusts.
We live in a world filled with lies. We live in a world where churches have been deceived by the lie. In Jeremiah 23 it is prophesied:
13 “ And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria:
They prophesied by Baal
And caused My people Israel to err.
14 Also I have seen a horrible thing in the prophets of Jerusalem:
They commit adultery and walk in lies;
They also strengthen the hands of evildoers,
So that no one turns back from his wickedness.
All of them are like Sodom to Me,
And her inhabitants like Gomorrah.
So it is in our world. Our nation is accepting abortion as a “medical procedure” and homosexuality as an “alternate lifestyle.” God forbids both. Churches that accept these lies in the name of “God’s love” has only perpetuated the lie. If the members of the church are as one, now, what are you to that sin? If people practicing abominations are welcomed into the church as members in order that they may be healed, what healing is there when the abomination has been embraced and no longer called a sin? Jeremiah 9 warns us of this time:
4 “ Everyone take heed to his neighbor,
And do not trust any brother;
For every brother will utterly supplant,
And every neighbor will walk with slanderers.
5 Everyone will deceive his neighbor,
And will not speak the truth;
They have taught their tongue to speak lies;
They weary themselves to commit iniquity.
6 Your dwelling place is in the midst of deceit;
Through deceit they refuse to know Me,” says the LORD.
In Romans 1 Paul declares God’s wrath on homosexuality:
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
In 2 Thessalonians Paul further condemns the homosexual lifestyle:
10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Homosexuality is just not a perversion of a few – it is being adopted into our culture, into our laws, into our families, into our churches and into our schools. To see the great length our schools have gone to culture the homosexual lifestyle in children, see:
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/about_us.html#OurDonors
For those who have established abortion as a "choice", God has seen the blood on your hands. Isaiah 59 reads:
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear.
3 For your hands are defiled with blood,
And your fingers with iniquity;
Your lips have spoken lies,
Your tongue has muttered perversity.
4 No one calls for justice,
Nor does any plead for truth.
They trust in empty words and speak lies;
They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.
We have all heard the Ten Commandments. They are found in Exodus 20. Verse 13 reads, “You shall not murder.” Yet, by the millions, babies are being killed in the womb. The abortionist and activists cry out that it is only “a blob of tissue” and that it is only a “fetus” and that it is “not viable.” That tissue—that fetus—has a face, a heart and a soul. Of course it isn’t viable, that is what mother’s are for-—to protect and nurture until baby can live on its own breath. What tragedies our children (mothers-to-have-been) are enduring to be deceived by the lie and then to see the truth when a dead baby is delivered!
Abortion is not new. It was around in Biblical times, only then the baby was thrown into the fire as means of sacrifice to receive favor from the “gods.” See http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/Abortion%20is%20Murder/sacrifice.htm
To see where our Nation stands now, see: http://www.lifenews.com/
The end to this world, as we know it, is coming soon. The King of Kings and Lord of all is about to return. Let us be ready for that day.
The Bible has great stories of miracles that surpass our understanding, yet the world—not just the children-- has fallen in love with wizards and make-believe spiritual realms where PEOPLE have power to overcome evil beings.
The Bible is full of stories of love and romance. Yet the world has fallen in love with the adulterous lifestyle of all types of perversions and glorifies those perversions. Their eyes are not on God, only on fulfilling their lusts.
We live in a world filled with lies. We live in a world where churches have been deceived by the lie. In Jeremiah 23 it is prophesied:
13 “ And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria:
They prophesied by Baal
And caused My people Israel to err.
14 Also I have seen a horrible thing in the prophets of Jerusalem:
They commit adultery and walk in lies;
They also strengthen the hands of evildoers,
So that no one turns back from his wickedness.
All of them are like Sodom to Me,
And her inhabitants like Gomorrah.
So it is in our world. Our nation is accepting abortion as a “medical procedure” and homosexuality as an “alternate lifestyle.” God forbids both. Churches that accept these lies in the name of “God’s love” has only perpetuated the lie. If the members of the church are as one, now, what are you to that sin? If people practicing abominations are welcomed into the church as members in order that they may be healed, what healing is there when the abomination has been embraced and no longer called a sin? Jeremiah 9 warns us of this time:
4 “ Everyone take heed to his neighbor,
And do not trust any brother;
For every brother will utterly supplant,
And every neighbor will walk with slanderers.
5 Everyone will deceive his neighbor,
And will not speak the truth;
They have taught their tongue to speak lies;
They weary themselves to commit iniquity.
6 Your dwelling place is in the midst of deceit;
Through deceit they refuse to know Me,” says the LORD.
In Romans 1 Paul declares God’s wrath on homosexuality:
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
In 2 Thessalonians Paul further condemns the homosexual lifestyle:
10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Homosexuality is just not a perversion of a few – it is being adopted into our culture, into our laws, into our families, into our churches and into our schools. To see the great length our schools have gone to culture the homosexual lifestyle in children, see:
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/about_us.html#OurDonors
For those who have established abortion as a "choice", God has seen the blood on your hands. Isaiah 59 reads:
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear.
3 For your hands are defiled with blood,
And your fingers with iniquity;
Your lips have spoken lies,
Your tongue has muttered perversity.
4 No one calls for justice,
Nor does any plead for truth.
They trust in empty words and speak lies;
They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.
We have all heard the Ten Commandments. They are found in Exodus 20. Verse 13 reads, “You shall not murder.” Yet, by the millions, babies are being killed in the womb. The abortionist and activists cry out that it is only “a blob of tissue” and that it is only a “fetus” and that it is “not viable.” That tissue—that fetus—has a face, a heart and a soul. Of course it isn’t viable, that is what mother’s are for-—to protect and nurture until baby can live on its own breath. What tragedies our children (mothers-to-have-been) are enduring to be deceived by the lie and then to see the truth when a dead baby is delivered!
Abortion is not new. It was around in Biblical times, only then the baby was thrown into the fire as means of sacrifice to receive favor from the “gods.” See http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/Abortion%20is%20Murder/sacrifice.htm
To see where our Nation stands now, see: http://www.lifenews.com/
The end to this world, as we know it, is coming soon. The King of Kings and Lord of all is about to return. Let us be ready for that day.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Forgiveness
What a great God have we! He is the God of fairness, truth and justice. We can forgive each other's injustices against each other and know that, also, God will forgive us of our sins.
There is one sin, however, that is not forgiven by God. I remember, as a kid in confirmation, of being so afraid to "blasphemy" the Holy Spirit. I tried to imagine what I could do to cause that. What could possibly be so bad! How could any heart be beyond repentance? You may have run into people with hearts of stone, but whoever you, or I, think may have crossed that line to commit "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit" through their actions and words, it is best to leave the judgment to God. Only He knows the true hearts of men.
"Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
(The Unpardonable Sin) 31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come."
Those who have hurt me are forgiven by me; I have put them in my prayers. I cannot walk with God when there is bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart. Our God will be our Deliverer and He will bring true justice. If I, by not forgiving someone, cause that person to lose his or her soul to Satan, then what righteousness have I? All of God's children are precious in His sight. If He forgives their sin, can I do less? If they are not repentant, that is between them and God.
"Matthew 10:27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
When Jesus sent out the disciples he told them:
"Matthew 10:12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"
May we all be worthy when the Holy Spirit comes to us. The choices we make are for eternity.
God be with us.
There is one sin, however, that is not forgiven by God. I remember, as a kid in confirmation, of being so afraid to "blasphemy" the Holy Spirit. I tried to imagine what I could do to cause that. What could possibly be so bad! How could any heart be beyond repentance? You may have run into people with hearts of stone, but whoever you, or I, think may have crossed that line to commit "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit" through their actions and words, it is best to leave the judgment to God. Only He knows the true hearts of men.
"Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
(The Unpardonable Sin) 31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come."
Those who have hurt me are forgiven by me; I have put them in my prayers. I cannot walk with God when there is bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart. Our God will be our Deliverer and He will bring true justice. If I, by not forgiving someone, cause that person to lose his or her soul to Satan, then what righteousness have I? All of God's children are precious in His sight. If He forgives their sin, can I do less? If they are not repentant, that is between them and God.
"Matthew 10:27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
When Jesus sent out the disciples he told them:
"Matthew 10:12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"
May we all be worthy when the Holy Spirit comes to us. The choices we make are for eternity.
God be with us.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Anger
Did someone accuse you falsely or someone you loved? A year and a half ago someone accused my grandson of causing destruction and then insinuated that I lied when I said that he did not do it. Everytime I see this person, I see red! Its not that I dwell on it, as it is not in my mind until I see him.
Last night I went to a meeting and our accuser was also there. As I sat in the meeting I realized that this anger that I had was poisoning me. There was a hard ball where my heart should be and I did not think I could make myself look kindly. I tried to dismiss it, but could not make it go away.
When the meeting was over, a kindly neighbor lady came and talked to me, and the bitterness in me dissolved to a great degree, and then others joined us. When I left I was able to be remotely kind to the person that falsely accused us. This is where prayer and forgiveness is going to have to take over. What kind of relationship do we have with our God when we can't see beyond our own anger?
We are told in Colossians 3:8
Is it possible to keep ourselves holy? Our God has great confidence that we are able to do so and instructs us to do so in Colossians 3:12
May we all find love for one another. God help us all.
Last night I went to a meeting and our accuser was also there. As I sat in the meeting I realized that this anger that I had was poisoning me. There was a hard ball where my heart should be and I did not think I could make myself look kindly. I tried to dismiss it, but could not make it go away.
When the meeting was over, a kindly neighbor lady came and talked to me, and the bitterness in me dissolved to a great degree, and then others joined us. When I left I was able to be remotely kind to the person that falsely accused us. This is where prayer and forgiveness is going to have to take over. What kind of relationship do we have with our God when we can't see beyond our own anger?
We are told in Colossians 3:8
But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
Is it possible to keep ourselves holy? Our God has great confidence that we are able to do so and instructs us to do so in Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
May we all find love for one another. God help us all.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Warmer weather ahead
According to the weather forecast, by tomorrow we will begin to have our highs above freezing. Earlier in the week, it predicted Friday's temp at 32 degrees and now it is predicting a high of 41 with a high mostly in the 30s for the next 10 days! We can all sure use some warm weather.
I saw an interview on tv the other day, where a reporter was interviewing a boy of about 8-10 years old. She commented on his red ears and he said he couldn't even feel them. I couldn't believe that no one immediately put something over his ears!!!
When I was a young kid, I remember one particular winter that we had a blizzard. It was very cold and I don't know if this was that same "cold snap" where the temperatures dropped about 30 degrees within minutes and our cats that weren't in shelter froze in their tracks.
On this day, the sheep had disappeared during the blizzard and Uncle Pete had gone to find them. When he didn't come back, my Dad took the pickup and went to look for him. Dad went down the road and was going up the road on the other side of the field when the pickup stalled. He walked back to the house, which was about 1/2 mile. His ears froze on the way to the house. He was in such pain that day. One of his ears was enormously swollen. Later when I heard the term "cauliflower ear", I recognized it to be his condition. Eventually, he lost all hearing in that ear. He had wore a cap with flaps, but that was not enough.
Uncle came back. The sheep had drifted down the bottom of the valley, where the creek ran, and into the neighbors.
Whether you got little ears, like a kid, or are an adult, frigid weather will freeze all that is not protected. I pray that the Lord comes back soon and makes the world right so that there will be no hurting or freezing cold child.
As kids, we walked the 1/2 mile to school. I remember on so many occasions having frostbitten hands with white blotches on them and how they stung when they were warmed up. Bundle up your children - winter has no mercy. God be with us.
I saw an interview on tv the other day, where a reporter was interviewing a boy of about 8-10 years old. She commented on his red ears and he said he couldn't even feel them. I couldn't believe that no one immediately put something over his ears!!!
When I was a young kid, I remember one particular winter that we had a blizzard. It was very cold and I don't know if this was that same "cold snap" where the temperatures dropped about 30 degrees within minutes and our cats that weren't in shelter froze in their tracks.
On this day, the sheep had disappeared during the blizzard and Uncle Pete had gone to find them. When he didn't come back, my Dad took the pickup and went to look for him. Dad went down the road and was going up the road on the other side of the field when the pickup stalled. He walked back to the house, which was about 1/2 mile. His ears froze on the way to the house. He was in such pain that day. One of his ears was enormously swollen. Later when I heard the term "cauliflower ear", I recognized it to be his condition. Eventually, he lost all hearing in that ear. He had wore a cap with flaps, but that was not enough.
Uncle came back. The sheep had drifted down the bottom of the valley, where the creek ran, and into the neighbors.
Whether you got little ears, like a kid, or are an adult, frigid weather will freeze all that is not protected. I pray that the Lord comes back soon and makes the world right so that there will be no hurting or freezing cold child.
As kids, we walked the 1/2 mile to school. I remember on so many occasions having frostbitten hands with white blotches on them and how they stung when they were warmed up. Bundle up your children - winter has no mercy. God be with us.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Planning for Spring Planting
Lots of good news in the mail....the seed and bulb catalogs are out!! Kathleen wants a BIG garden next year, so it is going to be fun to start planning for one. We also have a great opportunity to plan for trees and some flower beds. One of the ads that came said we don't have to pay til everything is delivered---now isn't that an invitation to go all out!!!
When my Mom and Dad got married, back in 1949, they, too, had stars in their eyes! My Mom LOVED big gardens. She came over from Norway and stayed with my Great Uncle Pete.
Uncle Pete had a homestead, that was totally irrigated land--it was a beautiful piece of land. He had a herd of horses in the far off pasture, on adjoining land. They were used for plowing, hauling hay and all the farming chores. (At what year they went from horses to farm implements...I don't know. I do remember that first tractor though. It was a CASE tractor with iron wheels and it was big!)
His home place had the familiar western building--a tar paper house. It had brown bricks as a decorative print on it. It was nice, warm, and friendly.
He had a wood stove for cooking and used kerosene lanterns for light. The front porch, which was as big as the kitchen-dining room, had an oil burning stove, although I don't know at what point that was put in. There was also a root cellar that went under the house, with its entry right outside the kitchen window. Out the front door and perhaps half a football field away, was a big building that was used for storing grain. And, a short distance after that was the chicken coop, barn, pig pen and hay storage, all built in an L shape, with corrals on the inside of the "L". It was a place that, as kids, my brothers, sisters and I loved to explore!
Mom and Dad lived with Unce Pete the first year of their marriage, and Mom grew a garden that was huge! The following year they moved to their own place up the road a bit.
I've picked out pictures that show some of the vegetables from the garden Mom, Dad and Uncle Pete put in.
Also, here are baby pictures on the horse, dog and by the pickup-truck.
You will notice in some of the pictures Dad and Unce are in suits, or, dress pants, shirt and tie, and Mom in a pretty dress. These special clothes were reserved for church, church and sunday school programs, school programs, meetings, going-to-town, and company. They had respect for others and they took care of their family.
The adventures of a new life are fun! Make the most of them, take care of your family and have reverence for God. Life is good.
When my Mom and Dad got married, back in 1949, they, too, had stars in their eyes! My Mom LOVED big gardens. She came over from Norway and stayed with my Great Uncle Pete. Uncle Pete had a homestead, that was totally irrigated land--it was a beautiful piece of land. He had a herd of horses in the far off pasture, on adjoining land. They were used for plowing, hauling hay and all the farming chores. (At what year they went from horses to farm implements...I don't know. I do remember that first tractor though. It was a CASE tractor with iron wheels and it was big!)
His home place had the familiar western building--a tar paper house. It had brown bricks as a decorative print on it. It was nice, warm, and friendly.
He had a wood stove for cooking and used kerosene lanterns for light. The front porch, which was as big as the kitchen-dining room, had an oil burning stove, although I don't know at what point that was put in. There was also a root cellar that went under the house, with its entry right outside the kitchen window. Out the front door and perhaps half a football field away, was a big building that was used for storing grain. And, a short distance after that was the chicken coop, barn, pig pen and hay storage, all built in an L shape, with corrals on the inside of the "L". It was a place that, as kids, my brothers, sisters and I loved to explore!
Mom and Dad lived with Unce Pete the first year of their marriage, and Mom grew a garden that was huge! The following year they moved to their own place up the road a bit.
I've picked out pictures that show some of the vegetables from the garden Mom, Dad and Uncle Pete put in.
Also, here are baby pictures on the horse, dog and by the pickup-truck.
You will notice in some of the pictures Dad and Unce are in suits, or, dress pants, shirt and tie, and Mom in a pretty dress. These special clothes were reserved for church, church and sunday school programs, school programs, meetings, going-to-town, and company. They had respect for others and they took care of their family.
The adventures of a new life are fun! Make the most of them, take care of your family and have reverence for God. Life is good.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
New Year
New Years began with Kathleen and Andy cooking an absolutely fantastic dinner of different kinds of (made from scratch) Chinese food!! Family came from out-of-town and in-town and everyone seemed to enjoy Kathleen's specialties. What a good day it was!
Regarding resolutions for me, this year is going to be different! There is not going to be any resolution to exercise, or lose weight, or quit anything. Its time to get things in order. The family scrapbooks will be finished, the pictures sent to the kids, the storage taken care of and cleared out, and projects will be completed. 2010 will be a good year.
God Bless family and friends! May 2010 bring you many blessings!
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