Friday, November 30, 2007

Almost Finished!

As promised! The F.A.I.T.H boxes I have been working on all week. I finally finished my project tonight at church. I'll put bows on top of the boxes the day of the Cananta and that should complete my projects for this year. Things are coming together!! Just one more week!

Faith! For all I trust Him. Faith! For all I trust Him. For all I need the Father will provide. Faith! For all I trust Him. Faith! For all I trust Him. That’s the way my faith can be described.


What was suppose to be a very slow week for me, turned out to be pretty busy after all. I've been working pretty hard at trying to pull the rest of the stuff together for the Jr. Choir Christmas Cantata. I had the Faith letters to do, (Meaning, I cut out letters to spell the word FAITH and For all I trust Him, I'll take a picture tomorrow after I get the letter glued onto the gift boxes) and typed in all the information for the programs. I am almost done! I have some last minute shopping to do for it but that won't take me long.

A friend of mine called me yesterday and said that he and his wife (THANK YOU JOE AND JEN)were going to donate all the ornaments we need for our Christmas tree, for the Cantata. The main prop is a Christmas Tree! The cantata is called "The Christmas Family Tree". We needed a lot of decorations because the Christmas cousins will be decorating the tree throughout the play. My friend Barb called last night and said that she had the archway all put together for us and it is waiting in a back room for me to get when I get to church. (THANK YOU BARB) (The archway is going over a bench for a park like setting, I'll take pictures on Sunday)I love the family of God! Last but not least, a "Very Big Thank You" goes out to my husband for sending me the files for the program and for being very patient with me lately.

Two more weeks and it will all be over!

Some folks might not understand how rewarding it is to work with these young children. All the work I put in is always paid back in hugs from those little ones. One of the young girls asked me if I would help her with her solo on Sunday. This is all very rewarding to me, I love music and I also love working with the children.

I am soooo looking forward to it coming together this week. We are going to have a 3 hour practice right after church on Sunday. We will feed the children pizza and hopefully be able to go over the play 3 times. Next Saturday, we will have a four hour practice with the last hour being the dress rehearsal. We are inviting nursery workers, grandparents, anyone that can't make it on Sunday morning.

I got sick on Wednesday morning! I've been pretty much fighting something all week. I still have a throat thing going on and my body seems to hurt everywhere.
Hopefully, I am better by Sunday!

I don't want to forget to tell you about this very sweet award I received from
crystal

I have had to slow down my blog visits so I could get everything done for the Cantata! You'll are still very faithful friends to me.

Thank you Crystal, you are so sweet!

This is the program I have been working on for the past two days!



Sunday, November 25, 2007

Happy Sunday to ya'll!

My Thanksgiving was great! I wish, I would have captured a few pictures, but I left my camera in the car, I was to cold to run out and get it. I'm going to ask my sister-in-law if I can get a few pictures from her. It was wonderful to have our whole family together, (Minus, Becca and Aaron) what a blessing to see so many happy faces. I think my brother said he counted 60 people at his home for Thanksgiving. I have a very big family. WE have FIVE new babies in the family this year!

My fondest Thanksgiving day memory;

As a little girl growing up, I would wake up early in the morning to watch the Thanksgiving day parade. I can still smell the Turkey cooking, and hear my dad and my mom working together in the kitchen, to prepare for our meal. I would watch the parade with an eager, joyful heart, in anticipation of Santa coming down the street, on one of the floats. (I'm a little embarrassed to admit this but I believed in Santa until I was 13) Santa would get out of his float to meet the Mayor of Detroit, to receive the key to the city. Before, he received the key, he would read off some of the names of the good boys and girls. Now that I am all grown up, (LOL!!) I know that Lori was just a common name but he would read my name and tears would come to my eyes. (Oh goodness) The memories still make me smile! (Thank you MOM for creating such wonderful memories)

This year, when I walked in the door from my very long Motor route. (10:30 p.m. until 10:00 a.m.) What do you think was on our TV? Yes, my husband had hooked up the Cable and he had the Thanksgiving Day parade on for me.(and the kids, I'm sure) I made it just in time to see Santa coming down the street. We don't do Santa at our house but we still put most of the gifts out on Christmas eve, I have always done stockings for our children. I put all the things out after the kids go to bed, my children look forward to this each year. When I saw Santa on the TV I waved and waved, I yelled out! "HELLO SANTA" just like I did when I was a little girl. Yes, that feeling of joy came rushing back over me, it was, as if I were 10 again. (My family just puts up with my immaturity) Such great memories!!!

Worship today was "WONDERFUL" Pastor Brian preached out of John and Pastor Rowe did our communion service. Our Worship band members did a great job on the songs. Wow, was it good. On my Motor Route this morning, I tried to only concentrate on preparing my heart to lead God's people in worship today. I played our Wednesday evening practice CD over and over. I wanted to truly be able to Worship the Lord with all my heart, holding nothing back. I can truly say I had the feeling this morning, like I had come home! Home to friends who all have the same goal in mind, to Glorify our Lord and Savior. Our Worship leader was back with us today! It felt like my whole family was together again! My family in the Lord, (They are so dear to me) all striving for the same goal, to bring Glory to our ONE and only Savior, Jesus Christ.
May we give Him all the praise He deserves! YOUR AWESOME LORD!

Today, I have to head off to a Birthday party for one of my Great nieces, she turns one today. (It is 5:43 p.m. and I just woke up, that means, I missed the party)

As I slept today, I received many phone calls! One was from my daughter-in-law. I just called her back and she is all ready for us to sit down and go over our Christmas list together. She knew I was supposed to go to the party today, so she was making fun a bit. It seems like every time I sit down and close my eyes these days, I go to sleep. I think I am just like a little child! I go, ando go until my body finally tells me, YOU ARE DONE! I do admit, I might be a little carried away with the exercise program that I am on. Instead of sleeping last night, I worked out for a hour and then took my shower and got ready for work. My daughter-in-law thinks I need to be committed! : ) I sure am glad she loves me for who, I am, flaws and all! I think I make her laugh!

I sure do pray all of you, had a great Thanksgiving! I pray you always remember to count your blessings.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Monday, November 19, 2007

I made it through the Weekend and Lived!

I made it through the weekend and survived! Most people find the weekend a relaxing time! My weekends are my busy time! I feel as if I were beaten this morning! Sometimes, I forget just how “really old” I am.

Like I wrote in my earlier post; Friday evening I helped make up bags for the Homeless ministry. Saturday, was very busy as well! Saturday morning my husband and I went out shopping our Thanksgiving meal. My husband has to work in the afternoon so we are just going to have a light lunch together and then I will be heading out to my brother's house for our Annual Thanksgiving Day feast. My brother's house will be filled with many family members and friends.

I always make and take the deserts! I did lose my head and asked my sister-in-law what I could bring and my brother half jokingly said "CHEESE CAKE". It jogged my memory that I take the deserts. (I'm losing it) For the last, I don't know how many years, I have taken the deserts. I can’t believe I forget this year. (I don't like growing old) or to much on my plate right now. Two weeks and things should slow down a bit.

The following items are what I will be taking to my brother's house:

All of my nieces and Nephews look forward to my Cheese Cake; so that is on the top of the list.

Choc. Chunk cookies
Sugar cookies
Macadamia nut cookies
Pumpkin Pie
2 other kind of pies but for the life of me, right this minute, I can't remember what I bought? I think it was Choc and Vanilla. This is for my Step-Dad!

After we returned from shopping; my husband had to head off to work and I headed off to help with the scene and last minute stuff, for the Cantata. We had practice for the Cantata at 5:00 p.m. so at 4:15 p.m. I had to head to my Son and Daughter-in-laws to pick up Boaz. After Choir practice I still had to clean the church. I have worked as a Janitor for our church for the last 2 years. I finally got home around 10:30 p.m. Bo and my grandson Josh work for me on Saturday's; let me say this really helps. I do have to say those two little fella’s work well together.

I talked to Aaron when I got home! He called right when I walked in the door! Our conversation was really cute. I was the sounding block for one of his roommates. He is going to ask his girlfriend to marry him. He wanted to know my option on which way he could ask her.

First scenario: He is going to buy a dozen roses and place them at the door to her house. He will ring the door bell and run around and go in the back door. When she bends down to pick up the roses he will be behind her on one knee with the ring. I thought this was so romantic!

Second scenario: He told her he was going to get her a bunch of appliances for Christmas. He was going to pack the ring in a blender box, when she opens this there will be another box. ect. You get the picture.

I told him I liked number one more! Every woman wants to be romanced! It is just in our nature. The second scenario is cute but not really romantic, I don't think.

Another one of the his roommates asked me this question; Would I write to a Sailor that didn't get any mail? I told him, of course I would, in a heart beat. Aaron took care of the mail when he was a recruit. He said, there were guys that didn't get one letter the whole while that they were in Basic training. (How very sad) I did tell them that maybe people in these boy's families, don't like to write letters.

ANNNNYWAY, I finally went to sleep at 11:30 p.m. and got up at 12:30 a.m. to go to work. Yes, I know I only got one hour of sleep. My body really feels it this morning.

I got home from work about 7:30 a.m. and laid down for an hour and a half before heading to church. Worship was great! And Pastor Brian preached a most excellent sermon. I helped with our Homeless ministry and I finally got home around 3:00 p.m.

let’s just say I was wasted for the rest of the night. When I finally did have enough energy to move it was nine O'clock. The boy's and I spent the next hour cleaning our house before dad got home from work. It was then bedtime!

My husband got home around 10:30 p.m. and told us there had been a prison break last night. The prison is only minutes away from our house. There were cops and Helicopter’s flying over for hours. I am a big chicken so this had me really scared. If I tell you what happen the week before, you will then understand my fear. That will be another post.

I have to run and get my babies up for school and get this old body on the treadmill for my morning workout!


These are the bags we made Friday evening. I am not a very crafty person but I finally figured out how to do the feathers. Lets just say, the other leader's and I laughed a lot at ourselves making these bags with the girls.

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Sunday, November 18, 2007

Do you have a Controlling Spirit

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 NASB

13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Galatians 5:13-18 NIV

The problem of the controlling spirit is something that I’ve frequently recognized in myself. When someone “has a controlling spirit,” it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have a demon who is instigating the control. It can simply mean that they are yielding to their own human desire to be in control. I think this might be me!

The controlling spirit likely stems my tendency toward “pride of life” that John mentioned in 1 John 2:16, because it involves trying to get others to do my will. It doesn’t have to be limited to just people. In my pride, I may even try to get God to do my will through selfish or controlling prayers.

The controlling spirit typically uses manipulation to accomplish its purposes.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines manipulation as: “to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage; to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one's purpose.” I can see by this definition, manipulation is self-centered and has nothing to do with love.

There are many examples in the Bible of people who tried to manipulate or control others. Here are a few:



Potiphar’s wife trying to get Joseph to sleep with her (Genesis 39:6-13)


Delilah trying to get Sampson to reveal the secret of his strength (Judges 16:5-21)


Ahab sulking about a vineyard in hopes that his wife Jezebel would get it for him (1 Kings 21:1-15)


Martha appealing to Jesus to make Mary help her prepare a meal (Luke 10:38-42)


Elymas the sorcerer trying to turn the proconsul away from Christianity (Acts 13:6-12)

God wants me to be under the control of only one spirit, i.e. the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:12-16, Galatians 5:22-25). The Holy Spirit has set us free to live for righteousness and no longer be under sin’s rule.

If we’ve been guilty of trying to control others or yielding to someone with a controlling spirit, we’ll need to repent in either case and reaffirm our allegiance to God by yielding to the Holy Spirit.


When we manipulate others, how does that affect our walk with Christ? (Galatians 5:13-14, 16-18)


Why might a controlling spirit cause the presence or anointing of God to lift away? (James 4:6-7)

Prayer:

“Father in Heaven, I repent from any attempts I’ve made to control or manipulate others (specify). I repent from yielding to pride and exerting my will over others. I repent from making any manipulative prayers. I also repent for any times that I have yielded to a controlling spirit and resisted the Holy Spirit (specify). Please forgive me and cleanse me from my sin by the blood of Jesus. I reaffirm that you are my Lord and Savior today. I am sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s leadership. I yield my will to your will, Father. Please fill me with your love for people and help me discern any controlling spirits that may be at work in my daily circumstances. Thank you, Father! I praise you now and forever. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Saturday, November 17, 2007

It's a Girl

I can't believe that I am a "Great Aunt" for the 4th time. My brother called me this morning at 7:00 and told me my oldest niece had a baby girl at 5:00 a.m. this morning. He said, the baby's heart rate went down and they had to do an emergency C-Section. Mama and baby are doing fine now. Olivia Ranee was 7 lbs.

Please pray for this new Mama and Daddy.

I had a great time last night, decorating bags for the Homeless! My Awana group made 24 bags to pass out on Sunday. I'll take a pictures when I get to church this afternoon. Sunday after church we are going to serve the Homeless people a Thanksgiving Dinner, with all the fixings. The bags we made had Toiletry items, goodies, Hats, gloves, some had scarfs inside.

I'd better run, at 2:00 p.m. The Jr. choir Leaders are getting together to finish up the scene. Cantata practice is at 5:00 6:30 p.m. and I have to clean the church after we are done. I always come home tired but serving is something I really love to do.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Family for the Holiday's

Do you know what I have seen through the acts of both of my children! Love is a sacrifice, a choice someone makes for another. I never asked my daughter or my son to come see me for the holiday's. I told them if they couldn't it would be o.k. I knew that both of them wanted to be home more then anything else in the world. I talked to both Aaron and Rebecca yesterday. they both said the same thing to me. They couldn't wait to "COME HOME". This might not be their home any more, but in there hearts this is home and always will be. My children know how much I love them and how much I am willing to and have sacrificed for them over the years. Even though some might see me in a different light! I try to always sacrifce for the people that I love. My children are really showing me how much love was in our house, just by the fact that they can't wait to come home for Christmas.

God shows us this example so clear in the scriptures.

God is love!

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

I am going to be swamped for the rest of the weekend. To many things on my plate to write them all down. I'll write all about it next week

I pray you'll have a great weekend!

Hugs to all of you!

These are the people my daughter works with. (Pretty scary) They were the Willy Wonka Choc. Factory for Halloween. My daughter is the 4th one in from the right.
This is what Becca wrote in the subjest field "My Ugly Helpdesk Photo..." I think it is a nice picture.

My daughter Becca is working as a help desk Operator right now. This is a picture the company took of her. She will work this job and cut hair part-time, after she receives her Texas Beauty licence.

I found out that Becca will be coming home for the holiday's. It won't be on Christmas but she will be here for New Year's Eve. Aaron and Becca will be able to spend a few days together before they return (One to Texas one to Chicago) January 3rd, to their own homes. I don't believe, that I will see Aaron for at least a year after he goes back. After his A school is finished he will be on a ship for 6 to 9 months. That is the reason Becca really wanted to try to get to Michigan for the holiday's if she could.

I feel almost like singing! Well, my children would tell you that I sing, way to much, as it was. When I dropped John and Jimmy off at school this morning they asked me to please keep it down until I pulled out of the parking lot. Hee, Hee

So I thought I'd call my daughter and sing "It's beginning to look a lot likes Christmas" when she got to work this morning. I thought I'd try to start her day off laughing, and it worked! Yeaaaaa!!

I can't believe that both of my children are coming home for the Holiday's. God has been so very good to this old mom.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

I know Your watching over me!


Dear Lord ...
I know you're watching over me
And I'm feeling truly blessed
For no matter what I pray for
You always know what's best!

I have this circle of blogging friends,
Who mean the world to me;
Some days I "post" and "post,"
At other times, I let them be.

I am so blessed to have these friends,
With whom I've grown so close;
So this little poem I dedicate to them,
Because to me they are the "Most"!



When I see each comment,
And view the message they've sent;



I know they've thought of me that day,
And "well wishes" were their intent.

So to you, my friends, I would like to say,
Thank you for being a part;
Of all my daily contacts,
This comes right from my heart.



God bless you is my prayer today,
I'm honored to call you "friend";
I pray the Lord will keep you safe,
Until we write again.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Answered Prayer

I wanted to thank all of you for your prayers and comments, regarding my Worship Leader. I received an email from him this morning.

He said, he was doing pretty good, he was moving a little slow, but he was getting around. He said, thank you for the prayers! As far as he knows, the surgery and everything went well.

I can't wait to meant you all in heaven someday! You'll are "Fantastic"

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Could you please say a little prayer for my Worship Leader, Please, Please!

My Worship Leader is having surgery today at 10:45 a.m. TODAY!

How can I describe this dear brother to you? This dear Brother (and his wonderful wife, Holly) have been so faithful in praying for me. As you all know, I have been going through a bit of a pity party, as of late. With two more of my children growing up and becoming adults, (Boohoo) I have been a little teary eyed lately (Down right depressed, some would say). This couple, both of which, have been two very dear friend's throughout this process, of me "Not growing old gracefully". I want to give a little back to them, and ask for you'll to pray for (Jake) my Worship Leader. (He has been my WL for the last million or so years, it has been a very long time now). and for his wonderful wife, Holly, she is our Awana secretary. I might add, she does a fabulous job. (True servents for Christ) I guess, I have to say, I really respect this man! He is a husband, a father of two very sweet and cute little boy's and a "GREAT" Worship Leader. (He says, we should only use the word "AWESOME" to describe our Lord and Savior ("AMEN" to that). If you'll could pray for healing, (so we can get him back with us quickly) I would be grateful.

I bet, I forgot to mention, this man can play just about every instrument you could think of. My Favorite is the Cello!

Monday, November 05, 2007

It's Marriage Monday!

E-mom is the host of "Marriage Monday" The topic is "Wives Summitting". You can click over to her blog and see what she has to say on the subject. Submission is a Decision not a Dirty Word Down below is my thoughts on the subject.

The wife is to submit to the authority of her husband and the husband is to love his wife as his own body: Oh boy, this is hard for me to follow at all times. I say "I submit as much as I can". My husband says, "I submit when I want to". Sounds a lot different than what this scripture teaches.

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Saviour of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband" (Eph. 5:22-33).

This does not mean that a man may misuse his authority, because if he loves his wife he will sacrifice for her as Christ did for the church. It does mean, however, that he is the head of the family. As head he also bears the first responsibility. He can provide the needed leadership only if his wife respects and submits to his authority.

I think one of the top problems in a marriage is the wife showing respect to her husband. Over and over I hear how woman talk to there husband's and disrepect them. Even belittle them to others! I believe if we want a healthy marriage, we need to set aside selfishness and live for the other person. Do I always feel like sacrificing for my husband? No, I would love to be selfish at times and only think about myself. That is not really even what I want to write about today. I want to write about the way I hear woman talk to their husband's or disrespect their husband's.

These are a few things I have picked up from from the Scriptures today.
Characteristics of love listed in I Corinthians 13.

Not provoked--not responding in irritation but self-control realizing God will not give more then we can bear

Not taking into account a wrong suffered--not bringing up past failings but instead forgiving and forgetting as Christ has forgiven us 1

Not rejoicing in unrighteousness but rejoicing in truth --not enticing her husband to sin but "stimulating to love and good deeds"

Bearing all things -- sacrificing self and committing to your husband

Believing all things -- believing the best and holding to God's promise "that all things work together for good..."

Hoping all things -- having firm hope in God and trusting "all things" to the hand of God including her husband and marriage and

Enduring all things -- seeing trials as opportunity to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ We saw that these things do not come naturally to us but instead we must diligently work at "putting on love" in our lives.

Let’s see what the wife is being called to.

1. The wife is responsible to take action. Some people subtly criticize the command to submission by wrongly interpreting it to mean ‘to lose motivation and sense of purpose.’ It is the other way around. She is to be full of attention and action. She is alert respecting her husband. At the end of the age every wife will be asked to whether she respected her husband. Responsibility means accountability. The husband will be responsible for how the home went because he is head. But she will be responsible for how she respected her husband.

2. The wife might seem surprised at her prime focus to fear or respect her husband. She might wonder how can a great marriage be built on a command to fear her husband. Part of the confusion is what fear means. Part of it is what the world nonstop keeps saying.

The Chinese have two words for fear. One is afraid and the other is ‘in awe of.’ I think the later sense is much more proper. The wife needs to realize no matter how foolish her husband is and how much he focuses on fulfilling his own lusts, he is still her head. Marriage defines the context in which men and women grow. If a women does well in this area, then she will do well in lots of areas. If she does poorly here, then she will have trouble with all things.

I pray this will touch your heart if you find that you are a woman who doesn't "respect your husband". I fear too many women would call themselves respectful but if their husbands were asked to honestly answer this questions, they would have to deny her reverence. Perhaps we are submissive but not reverent or respectful. Even a child can obey because he knows the consequences of disobedience but show by attitudes and actions that it was not from a heart of love. Do we submit begrudgingly or do we lovingly submit showing respect and honor for the position God has given our husbands as head of the home?

Have you ever made your husband feel foolish? I want to write down an example that I heard of how we can make our husband's feel foolish. There was a lady that told of a time when her husband was getting ready to go to church planning to wear a shirt and tie that didn't match. She sarcastically said, "You're not going to wear that tie are you?" He told her he was and wanted to know what was wrong with it. Upon reflection later she realized that her question had made him feel foolish because obviously, he had planned to wear that outfit.

The wife is to "see to it that she respect her husband" (Ephesians 5:33). She should be a "helper suitable" (Genesis 2:20) offering helpful suggestions instead of "put-downs". Scripture gives numerous examples of wives showing disrepect to their husband. Job's wife told him to "curse God and die!" (Job 2:9) instead of supporting him in his time of trial. When she saw King David dancing for joy, his wife, Michal, made fun of David instead of rejoicing with him that the ark was being returned to Jerusalem.

But Scripture does also give us some postive examples of those who did show respect to their husbands. Bathsheba "bowed with her face to the ground, and prostrated herself before the king and said, May my lord king David live forever" (I Kings 1:31) Queen Esther approached King Ahasuerus with respect saying "...if it please the king...my petition and my request is if I have found favor in the King's sight..." (Esther 5:4). Sarah is commended in I Peter 3:6 for she "obeyed Abraham, calling him lord" . We are told in this same passage that we can be like the holy women of old by practicing this same attitude. Ephesians 5:33 says "....let the wife see to it that she respects her husband." It doesn't matter that this goes completely contrary to what is being taught by the world today. This is what God requires of us.

Here are five Biblical Principles for Respecting our Husbands.

They are:

1. The wife is to respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33

2. The wife is to respect his position. I Corinthians 11:3

3. The wife is to act in a respectful manner. Proverbs 31:23

4. The wife is to reprove her husband respectfully. Colossians 4:6

5. The wife who is disrespectful may experience severe consequences. Galatians 6:1

I challenge you to listen to the tone of voice you answer your husband in, listen to how you talk about your husband to others, listen to the words you use to respond to his questions, even evaluate your body language.

Are we showing true "reverence' for our husbands or deceiving ourselves?

How do others evaluate the relationship they see between us and our husbands?

Can we repair the damage done by our disrespectful attitudes in the past?

What are some practical things we can do to show our husbands respect?

I hope we will all honestly search our hearts and see if we are obeying God's command to respect our husbands.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Winning the Race

As I wrote in my post yesterday, we had our Awana Grand Prix today. Pastor Brian brought us the message and then the race began. I'm going to back up just a bit before I write about the Awana race. The morning started out really well. the papers were on time and I was 30 minutes from finishing my route, when my muffler feel off my van. I took my truck to a friend of a friend's to fix my four wheel drive before winter. The man said that he would have my truck back to me by the time I got back from my trip to Chicago. Well, that didn't happen! Not only did it not happen, I haven't even heard from the man. That is something I don't want to even right about.

Being the self sufficient person that I am, I tried to climb under my van and rip the muffler off. Well, let's just say, that wasn't happening. I had to hurry and think of something fast if I were to get to church in time for the race. Boaz and I both had cars we were racing. The Commander, game leader and many others have been egging me on for weeks about this race. I guess you could say, I am a little (VERY, VERY) competitive. It is all in fun! The tow truck driver got to me 20 minutes after I called. That is pretty good since my route is out in the boon docks. I guess if I was going to break down, I picked a good spot. I got home in record time, I the garage I always take my vehicles to and they said they could have it fixed by 4:00 p.m. Another blessing! I made it to the race, another blessing! I also won first place in my division and 2nd place over all, my son Boaz' car won first place over all.

That is not all that happened to me today. I called my friend and he tried to get ahold of the guy that is working on my truck, that didn't work out but he said I could use his truck on my route for a few day's until I get my truck back. Also, my sweet daughter-in-law and her mother picked up my van from the garage drove it to church were I was helping with the Jr. Choir and drove my husband van to him at work.


I don't look upon this day as a curse but I saw such love from my family and friend's today. My darling husband was also kind enough to drive home and pick me up after he weighed our Awana cars in.

Do you all feel the love yet?

God shows His love for us in so many ways, I think of the race today. What does God say about winning the race?

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games go into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:24, 25

My goal today was to win the Awana race in my division. I like to have goals in life, they give us the purpose and drive to accomplish something truly valuable. This principle is especially helpful in our lives as believers in Christ. As we run the Christian race, our goal is to "run in such a way" that we may win an imperishable crown—an eternal reward from our Savior (1 Corinthians 3:12-14; 9:24-25). This requires personal discipline, hard work, and continual improvement. It includes a Spirit-enabled commitment to do our very best for the Lord.

I wrote yesterday, that we had to put some finishing touches on our Awana car's before we raced them. This is our finished car's!
Boaz and I both won first place in our division. Boaz won first place over all but the trophy with his name on it stays at church. I'll try to get a picture after they get his name put on it.

Our finished Awana Cars.


Boaz and I both won first place in our division. Boaz won first place over all the trophy for the over all winner stays at church.

Friday, November 02, 2007

The big Awana race and more Sickness!

For starters, I have to mention a very special blogger. She has some very exciting things happening in her life. Congrat's Kristy! I can't wait to see pics and hear all about your special blessing. The Most Exciting Thing We've Ever Done



Boaz car is the red car, mine is the green car.


We have been pretty busy this week getting ready for the Awana Grand Prix on Saturday. My husband and Boaz have been busy cutting out the cars, getting the axles and wheels ready. Boaz cut out his own car this year! I love the fact that my husband has included Boaz every step of the way, instead of just doing everything him self. Boaz and I have been putting many coats of paint on the cars and we put the clear coat on last night. Today, we will put on the finishing touches! Boaz woke up with a high fever last night so I will prayfully be off to the Doctors this morning, if they can get him in. We really need to get him on some antibotics. He has a bad cough and a sore throat! I pray he will be o.k. to race tomorrow. I'm sure we won't be able to keep him down "BUT" I don't want to get any of the other children sick!

I'll have a race update tomorrow!

Thursday, November 01, 2007

The Process of Forgiveness

The Process of Forgiveness

Have you every had to forgive someone that hasn't asked for your forgiveness? Has someone said things about you that are mean, rotten and nasty, it short of pounds in your head, "WAY TO OFTEN". I will admit, I have had people do this to me. I find myself dwelling on the words they said and how they treated me. OK, I just want you'll to know that the people I am talking about is not part of my home life or church life. I'm having "NO" trouble at home, or at church. To be honest, this isn't even someone I ever have to be around! I feel better already just writing this post. I"m going to spare you'll the details of the offense or the offender. I just thought, if I stuggle, maybe one of you do too! Down below, I have written out a process that has helped me in the past. My life is still good!

As you all know, I took up working-out every morning a while back now. For starters, it really helps with my anxiety. After being on the treadmill for an hour and a half this morning, I decided that maybe that wasn't going to do the trick alone. While I was working out this morning, I rememberd writing this all out for a young lady years ago. She was having trouble forgiving and letting go. I thought maybe it could help someone else.


Most of us do not find it easy to forgive—and if the offense is serious, we may think we are unable to forgive. Perhaps viewing forgiveness as a process can be helpful. The steps outlined below may take a long time, or they may happen within a single day. Prayer should certainly be part of each step. And you’ll probably have to pay close attention to be sure you keep at it, because the process of forgiveness often takes a lifetime.

1. Acknowledge that you have been wronged If you deny that you have been offended you cannot begin the process of forgiveness

Don’t magnify the offense beyond what actually happened, but don’t diminish it either Talk with the offender (usually) to be sure you have not misunderstood the offense Consider what part (if any) you might have played in allowing or provoking the offense and let this modify your intended response Don’t substitute “understanding why” the offense happened for genuine forgiveness

2. Decide not to require payment from the offender Remember that God wants you to forgive others as He has forgiven you Even as you make this decision (and others), ask God to help you forgive Talk with a mature Christian friend both about the offense and your decision to forgive

Finish any needed “ventilation” by talking with only a few friends—not everyone At times you might talk with the offender about your decision to forgive, but don’t bring up the offense every time you have a problem with him/her

Sometimes circumstances may cause you to decide that the offender is helped most by requiring restitution or payment of some kind You may have to renew this decision many times, and your success will depend largely on how successful you are at accomplishing the next three steps


3. Decide to stop reciting the offense to your friends Tell a few close friends about your decision to stop talking about the offense/offender Be sure you have Adequately ventilated before you decide to stop reciting the offense to your friends

Ask your friends to hold you accountable, to tell you if you fail to achieve this goal


4.Decide to let God help you to stop reciting the offense over and over again in your mind and thinking negatively of the offender No one else can hold you accountable to this step, and, depending on the nature of the offense, it may take a long time and be very difficult If you find yourself reciting the offense, stop and pray for the offender

Ask God to help you to stop reciting the offense over and over again in your mind and thinking negatively of the offender

5. Ask God to show you if you should work to repair the damaged relationship with the offender This may be the most difficult part of the process You will have to decide if God wants you to restore the broken relationshipwith the offender Don’t try to do it all at once, take small steps over a period of time Be patient—both with yourself and with the offender—rebuilding trust takes time and new experiences

6. Expect to discover that the process is never completely finished If you think of the offense/offender again (perhaps months or years later), this does not mean you have failed to forgive, but that the process is still on-going If you remember the offense/offender again and feel anger or hurt, don’t conclude you have failed to forgive—instead examine your actions to see if you have treated the person as if they had not committed the offense

Scripture passage that I went to today!

MATTHEW 18:21-22 NKJ
Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"
Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Surely Jesus was not setting a maximum limit on the number of times we should forgive. He gave an absurdly high number so we would realize He meant for us to forgive without limit.

LUKE 17:3-4 NKJ
"Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
"And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, `I repent,' you shall forgive him."

Can we have love but not forgiveness? Or true forgiveness without love?
What often makes forgiveness so difficult is that we tend to think of it as a sacrifice, as giving in, giving up, losing our “rightness.” It’s like giving up the chip that says “You owe me.” It seems to discount the pain we felt. Forgiveness is sometimes experienced as letting someone who hurt us off the hook, no longer holding them accountable for their actions.

A little more about our Trip!

I have no idea, how I missed the picture with Aaron and his brother's the other day. John didn't say a whole lot on our trip. He wasn't feeling real well, but Jimmy and Bo were really excited to see their brother again.

This picture of Aaron and I, was taken right after graduation on Friday. We got in a bit trouble for taking the time to take this picture. They told us to take our pictures off base.
I'll try to post more pictures from our trip tomorrow. Blogger didn't want to let me download pictures today.