My self pity party over my daughter moving seems so petty after reading about the Virginia shooting rampage. The cares of this world seem like just that, silly cares of this world. My prayers go out to all the victims, friends and families of this horrible, unnecessary loss of innocent life.
We have only one person we can go to for comfort and healing at this time "Jesus the Lord of all".
Jesus Christ is the Lord, and He reigns supreme over all!
How many acknowledge this truth? Most will not -- The Lord remains the almighty, He is the invincible Ruler of the universe.
What took place Monday was so awful! Will the people of this world turn to God or blame God for this act? I can only pray they will turn to Him instead of blaming Him. People will ask how God could allow something like this to happen.
We have taken God out of our public schools. WE ban His truth and outlaw prayer, but we will some how blame God for what has happened. The Lord, who made the earth and all its creatures, continues to guard, sustain and use all things for His own eternal purposes. I don't know why that young man killed all of those innocent people? One thing I do know, it wasn't God's fault. We don't want God in our schools but He is the one that gets blamed when things like this happen. God has given us all a free will, which we all want and use daily.
Scriptures that I think support what I am saying:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:13-15)
God is still the "Lord of heaven and earth" -- our eternal Maker and Provider who "gives to all life, breath, and all things." Acts 17:24-25
I pray all of the victims will find comfort in the Lord at this time.
Where else can we turn for comfort? He alone is our hope, our sufficiency, our fountain of wisdom, our source strength, our very life -- both now and forever!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4)
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! 'For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?' For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever." Romans 11:33-36
Wonderful Lord, awesome Master, I surrender myself to Thee. Please comfort the family and friends that have lost loved ones in this tragic slaying. Heal our Nation once again I pray. I give You my heart, all that I am and have. Only You, My glorious Lord and Maker, can comfort these people right now, I turn this all over to You.
I want to thank You dearest Lord for listening to my prayers.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Safe and Sound in Texas!
I had a very rough day yesterday! I knew I would, so it came as no surprise to me that my head pounded all day and I'd be sick to my stomach. It is just normal signs when I am upset about something. It will be hard for a while but that is just all part of raising children. Children go through many different stages growing up. I believe parents do as well. This is just another season in my life I have to deal with. I am happy for my daughter!
The trip to the airport was, let's just say, a most interesting and very crazy trip. We missed the Smith parking structure, this is where we instructed to park. (My oldest son was correct, I wasn't listening) I finally figured out how to turn around and go back the other way. I then parked in the wrong parking structure. I parked in the McNamara Terminal instead of the Smith Terminal. We had to take a shuttle to the Smith Terminal. It was very nerve racking! We got their in plenty of time to get her on her flight.
The boy's seemed a lot better last night, No more tears!
Rebecca made it to Texas around 3:50 p.m. yesterday. There was a misunderstanding as to where she was flying into so Grandpa and Grandma went to the Dallas airport; they told them that Southwest didn't fly into their airport. They called me and told me if Rebecca called they were on their way. They headed for Lovelace Airport. To make a long story short, Rebecca flew in on an ATA flight not a Southwest flight. She was at the Dallas Airport. She called and asked were her Grandparents were and told me she was at the DTW airport in Dallas. Finally, after about an hour, they found each other.
Rebecca said, "Both flights were great" She said, "She had great seats". She did tell me a funny story about a guy who was seated next to her on the way from Chicago to Texas. I guess he told her his whole life story. He was 27, married for 6 years, one child, he owned his own business and was traveling to Dallas to meet his partner for a business meeting. I had to laugh at her! She said, "Way to much information". (Chuckle)
She is now safe and sound in Texas.
The trip to the airport was, let's just say, a most interesting and very crazy trip. We missed the Smith parking structure, this is where we instructed to park. (My oldest son was correct, I wasn't listening) I finally figured out how to turn around and go back the other way. I then parked in the wrong parking structure. I parked in the McNamara Terminal instead of the Smith Terminal. We had to take a shuttle to the Smith Terminal. It was very nerve racking! We got their in plenty of time to get her on her flight.
The boy's seemed a lot better last night, No more tears!
Rebecca made it to Texas around 3:50 p.m. yesterday. There was a misunderstanding as to where she was flying into so Grandpa and Grandma went to the Dallas airport; they told them that Southwest didn't fly into their airport. They called me and told me if Rebecca called they were on their way. They headed for Lovelace Airport. To make a long story short, Rebecca flew in on an ATA flight not a Southwest flight. She was at the Dallas Airport. She called and asked were her Grandparents were and told me she was at the DTW airport in Dallas. Finally, after about an hour, they found each other.
Rebecca said, "Both flights were great" She said, "She had great seats". She did tell me a funny story about a guy who was seated next to her on the way from Chicago to Texas. I guess he told her his whole life story. He was 27, married for 6 years, one child, he owned his own business and was traveling to Dallas to meet his partner for a business meeting. I had to laugh at her! She said, "Way to much information". (Chuckle)
She is now safe and sound in Texas.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Saying GoodBye!
Rebecca, Me and Shelly (Rebecca's best friend)
In two hours I will be leaving to drive my baby girl to the Airport; Her plane takes off at 10:20 a.m. She is moving to Texas. I have held it together pretty well, just a few moments were I had to stop and get myself under control. I wanted Bec to see her relatives before she left for Texas. After church we went out to lunch with my mother-in-law, and last night I had my family over to say goodbye. My Step-dad and Momand my little sisters came over, B.C. and Jess, along with my adorable grandchildren came as well. Shelly, Rebecca's best friend was over too! Rebecca got together with all of her friend'ss Saturday; They threw her a going away party. It really wasn't a sad time last night. We had so much fun! At one point we were all laughing so hard at my mom we had tears running down our faces. This really isn't a time to be mourning but rejoicing that my baby girl is a woman now. I know with all of my heart she will make it just fine on her own. We are very good friends so I am not just saying goodbye to my daughter but a dear friend.
Jon and Jimmy are having a very hard time with their sister moving away. Jon has been upset since he found out his sister was moving. Jimmy held it together until this morning. Bo is at B.C. and Jessica's and A.J. was his funny self this morning. He gave his sister a big hug and kissed her on the cheek; something that teenager's don't do (He always teases her that he is going to give her a big kiss on the cheek). You know how brother's and sister's can be. Showing emotion is not in the cards! Except, for this morning! We are a very close family so I knew Jon would take it harder than others. He doesn't like change!
She is all grown up and moving on in her adult life. This is something that I should be rejoicing about not sad and depressed. She will be meeting new people and going places that most girls her age can't go. My dad and step-mom asked her if she would travel with them and meet my Step-mom's side of the family. She will be in Texas for a few weeks and then they will be traveling to South Carolina were they will be for a few months. Rebecca is very responsible, she has no bills so she is able to take a few months off work and do this. She will settle down in Texas in July.
When I think of not seeing my baby girl for a while it is upsetting but it reminded me of this song. As much as I will long to see my girl again, I long to see the Savior more. I can only imagine how much I will long to see her after about a week. Can you imagine the day we get to see our Savior face to face, how will I feel? What will I do? I am sure I will fall to my knees in awe of Him. Will I dance, sing, cry for joy? What joy fills my heart knowing that I will one day be in heaven with Him. I Can Only Imagine!
I Can Only Imagine
I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine
Chorus
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes
And I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine I can only imagine
Chorus
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine I can only imagine
Chorus
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine I can only imagine
I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine
I can only imagine when all I will do is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine
Artist: MercyMe /Bart Millard
@Simpleville Music (ASCAP) (Admin. By Fun Attic Music)
Sunday, April 15, 2007
What Shall I Give Thee, Master?
What Shall I Give Thee, Master?
David Brandt Berg
Today Lord, I give thee my all, everything I have is Yours Lord.
What shall I give Thee, Master?
Thou Who didst die for me!
How can I give less than give of my best,
When Thou hast given all to me!
What shall I give Thee, Master?
Thou Who didst die for me!
How can I give less than all of my best,
I must give all to Thee!
—Homer W. Grimes
I want to give you my best Lord, I want to give you my praise! I will worship only you!
This is my desire
To honor You
Lord with all my heart
I worship You
All I have within me
I give You praise
All that I adore is in You
Lord, I give You my heart
I give You my soul
I live for You alone
Every Breath I take
Every moment I'm awake
Lord, have Your way in me
Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 138:1
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
Psalm 149:3
Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
Psalm 150
Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments andpipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
David Brandt Berg
Today Lord, I give thee my all, everything I have is Yours Lord.
What shall I give Thee, Master?
Thou Who didst die for me!
How can I give less than give of my best,
When Thou hast given all to me!
What shall I give Thee, Master?
Thou Who didst die for me!
How can I give less than all of my best,
I must give all to Thee!
—Homer W. Grimes
I want to give you my best Lord, I want to give you my praise! I will worship only you!
This is my desire
To honor You
Lord with all my heart
I worship You
All I have within me
I give You praise
All that I adore is in You
Lord, I give You my heart
I give You my soul
I live for You alone
Every Breath I take
Every moment I'm awake
Lord, have Your way in me
Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 138:1
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
Psalm 149:3
Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
Psalm 150
Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments andpipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
Friday, April 13, 2007
Be Still and Know that I am God
"Be Still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It reminds me to let go and trust God. I like to control things; I have been working on this in my life for a very long time. I looked up the word "be still" in Hebrews this morning and it literally means "let go". I sure have a very hard time with this. "Letting go" and "letting God". The New American Standard Version says, "Cease striving" and in the margin says, "Let go and relax." I sure would have a happier life if I just would learn to "Let go and relax" and "Let God".
I am a very hyperactive person. I often have to remind myself to "calm down," to let go and relax. I dwell on things that I just need to "Let Go Of" and "Get over". The changes that are going on in my life right now are things that I have no control over. I need to sit back and "Be Still", " Let God", "Give Over Control". I won't give up studying the scriptures and trying to Grow in this area.
I WON"T GIVE UP ON GOD
I know that God really does care for me! He also care about everything I am going through and will go through in the next few months. I daily try to "Cast all my cares upon Him" I Peter 5:7 because I know "He cares for me". God does care for me, I know this to be true. He also wants me to care for others, even people that I think are hard to love. (Shame on me for feeling this way) He knows my thoughts before I think them. (Yikes)
Psalm 139:1-3 - O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar, you discern my going out and my lying down, you are familiar with all my ways. (NIV)
Romans 8:27 - God looks to see what is in people's hearts. And He knows what the Spirit is going to do. The Spirit talks to God for God's people. And He asks for them what God wants them to have.
HERE ARE SOME REASONS WHY I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON GOD:
1. God is always greater than my need.
2. God always is greater than my enemy.
3. God always loves me.
4. God always has better plans for me than I do for myself.
5. God always gives me what is good for me.
6. God always is available to me.
7. Whatever God gives to me can never be taken from me. (Thank you Lord for my Salvation)
Neva added one more excellent on to my list: http://dancing-in-the-light-neva.blogspot.com/
Here is one more, I wont give up on God because He wont give up on me.
What a wonderful privilege it is that I can turn to God each day and each hour of the day. I have the liberty through prayer and reading His Word to meet Him in the inner chamber and to hear what He has to say? I should imagine that every Believer would use such a privilege gladly and faithfully.
I am a very hyperactive person. I often have to remind myself to "calm down," to let go and relax. I dwell on things that I just need to "Let Go Of" and "Get over". The changes that are going on in my life right now are things that I have no control over. I need to sit back and "Be Still", " Let God", "Give Over Control". I won't give up studying the scriptures and trying to Grow in this area.
I WON"T GIVE UP ON GOD
I know that God really does care for me! He also care about everything I am going through and will go through in the next few months. I daily try to "Cast all my cares upon Him" I Peter 5:7 because I know "He cares for me". God does care for me, I know this to be true. He also wants me to care for others, even people that I think are hard to love. (Shame on me for feeling this way) He knows my thoughts before I think them. (Yikes)
Psalm 139:1-3 - O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar, you discern my going out and my lying down, you are familiar with all my ways. (NIV)
Romans 8:27 - God looks to see what is in people's hearts. And He knows what the Spirit is going to do. The Spirit talks to God for God's people. And He asks for them what God wants them to have.
HERE ARE SOME REASONS WHY I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON GOD:
1. God is always greater than my need.
2. God always is greater than my enemy.
3. God always loves me.
4. God always has better plans for me than I do for myself.
5. God always gives me what is good for me.
6. God always is available to me.
7. Whatever God gives to me can never be taken from me. (Thank you Lord for my Salvation)
Neva added one more excellent on to my list: http://dancing-in-the-light-neva.blogspot.com/
Here is one more, I wont give up on God because He wont give up on me.
What a wonderful privilege it is that I can turn to God each day and each hour of the day. I have the liberty through prayer and reading His Word to meet Him in the inner chamber and to hear what He has to say? I should imagine that every Believer would use such a privilege gladly and faithfully.
E-mail of The Year
My mom sent me this email yesterday, boy did I get a chuckle out of it. I have to say when I go to bed at night, I am exhausted from my days work. I thought this email was pretty funny!
Thanks Mom for the email. : )
Voted Best E-mail of The Year
A man was sick and tired of going to work every day while his wife stayed home. He wanted her to see what he went through so he prayed: "Dear Lord: I go to work every day and put in 8 hours while my wife merely stays at home. I want her to know what I go through, so please allow her body to switch with mine for a day. Amen."
God, in his infinite wisdom, granted the man's wish. The next morning, sure enough, the man awoke as a woman. He arose, cooked breakfast for his mate, awakened the kids,
set out their school clothes, fed them breakfast, packed their lunches, drove them to school, came home and picked up the dry cleaning, took it to the cleaners and stopped at the bank to make a deposit, went grocery shopping, then drove home to put away the groceries, paid the bills and balanced the check book. He cleaned the cat's litter box and bathed the dog. Then it was already 1P.M. and he hurried to make the beds, do the laundry, vacuum, dust, and sweep and mopped the kitchen floor. Ran to the school to pick up the kids and got into an argument with them on the way home. Set out milk and cookies and got the kids organized to do their homework, then set up the ironing board and watched TV while he did the ironing. At 4:30 he began peeling potatoes and washing vegetables for salad, breaded the chicken and snapped fresh beans for supper. After supper, he cleaned the kitchen, ran the dishwasher, folded laundry, bathed the kids, and put them to bed. At 9 P.M. he was exhausted and, though his daily chores weren't finished, he went to bed where he was expected to make love, which he managed to get through without complaint.
The next morning, he awoke and immediately knelt by the bed and said: - "Lord, I don't know what I was thinking. I was so wrong to envy my wife's being able to stay home all day. Please, oh! oh! please, let us trade back."
The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, replied: "My son, I feel you have learned your lesson and I will be happy to change things back to the way they were. You'll just have to wait nine months,though. You got pregnant last night."
Thanks Mom for the email. : )
Voted Best E-mail of The Year
A man was sick and tired of going to work every day while his wife stayed home. He wanted her to see what he went through so he prayed: "Dear Lord: I go to work every day and put in 8 hours while my wife merely stays at home. I want her to know what I go through, so please allow her body to switch with mine for a day. Amen."
God, in his infinite wisdom, granted the man's wish. The next morning, sure enough, the man awoke as a woman. He arose, cooked breakfast for his mate, awakened the kids,
set out their school clothes, fed them breakfast, packed their lunches, drove them to school, came home and picked up the dry cleaning, took it to the cleaners and stopped at the bank to make a deposit, went grocery shopping, then drove home to put away the groceries, paid the bills and balanced the check book. He cleaned the cat's litter box and bathed the dog. Then it was already 1P.M. and he hurried to make the beds, do the laundry, vacuum, dust, and sweep and mopped the kitchen floor. Ran to the school to pick up the kids and got into an argument with them on the way home. Set out milk and cookies and got the kids organized to do their homework, then set up the ironing board and watched TV while he did the ironing. At 4:30 he began peeling potatoes and washing vegetables for salad, breaded the chicken and snapped fresh beans for supper. After supper, he cleaned the kitchen, ran the dishwasher, folded laundry, bathed the kids, and put them to bed. At 9 P.M. he was exhausted and, though his daily chores weren't finished, he went to bed where he was expected to make love, which he managed to get through without complaint.
The next morning, he awoke and immediately knelt by the bed and said: - "Lord, I don't know what I was thinking. I was so wrong to envy my wife's being able to stay home all day. Please, oh! oh! please, let us trade back."
The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, replied: "My son, I feel you have learned your lesson and I will be happy to change things back to the way they were. You'll just have to wait nine months,though. You got pregnant last night."
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Day 2-6 The rest of my Vacation/ Avalanche Bay Michigan's Largest Indoor Waterpark - Boyne Mountain ...
This vacation was a much needed time away for my family. Two more of my children will be out of the house in the next four months. One is moving to Texas and the other is leaving for the Navy on August 22, 07. It was so nice to be able to spend our last family vacation together. Most of our vacation was spent at Boyne Mountain. We did many different things while there.
We stayed in the Boyne Cabins, I'll post the pictures. It was beautiful; we had enough room to sleep all of us comfortably. We had 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms down stairs, With 1 large bedroom upstairs with a bathroom. The main floor had a kitchen, living room, dining room and laundry room. It had a full kitchen with a dishwasher in it; I didn't have to worry about washing the dishes. We also got to enjoy a hot tub on our back deck. It was wonderful; I went in it every day we were their. I had such a relaxing time!
We spent one day at Avalanche Bay it is Michigan's Largest Indoor Water Park. We had a blast at the water park. We took the kids here on Wednesday.
Avalanche Bay also has an Arcade room with over 100 games to play. We took the kids to this on Tuesday.
We got caught in a snow storm on the way home so we stopped in Cadillac and stayed a night their. It was really a fun time! We watched two movies on T.V. At this hotel we could pay for movies that are playing at the Theaters right now. We were all piled on two beds eating pizza and enjoying a quiet evening inside out of the snow.
We left early Friday morning so we could stop at Baker’s Book Store (A Christian Book Store) in Grand Rapids. We spent a few hours their but I think I could have spend all day looking at books and music. We got home about 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday.
Cabin Photo's
Avalanche Bay and Boyne Mountain Pictures
We stayed in the Boyne Cabins, I'll post the pictures. It was beautiful; we had enough room to sleep all of us comfortably. We had 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms down stairs, With 1 large bedroom upstairs with a bathroom. The main floor had a kitchen, living room, dining room and laundry room. It had a full kitchen with a dishwasher in it; I didn't have to worry about washing the dishes. We also got to enjoy a hot tub on our back deck. It was wonderful; I went in it every day we were their. I had such a relaxing time!
We spent one day at Avalanche Bay it is Michigan's Largest Indoor Water Park. We had a blast at the water park. We took the kids here on Wednesday.
Avalanche Bay also has an Arcade room with over 100 games to play. We took the kids to this on Tuesday.
We got caught in a snow storm on the way home so we stopped in Cadillac and stayed a night their. It was really a fun time! We watched two movies on T.V. At this hotel we could pay for movies that are playing at the Theaters right now. We were all piled on two beds eating pizza and enjoying a quiet evening inside out of the snow.
We left early Friday morning so we could stop at Baker’s Book Store (A Christian Book Store) in Grand Rapids. We spent a few hours their but I think I could have spend all day looking at books and music. We got home about 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday.
Cabin Photo's
Avalanche Bay and Boyne Mountain Pictures
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Day 1 of my Vaction (The Mackinaw Bridge)
After I got off of work on Sunday morning April 1st, my family was already to leave for our vacation. Our first stop was my favorite vacation spot, "The Mackinaw Bridge". Before we headed to "Boyne Mountain" on Monday, I asked my husband if we could add a day to our vacation, and leave on Sunday and spend the day at Mackinaw. We stayed at the "Days Inn", in St. Ignance. We wanted to stay at the "Holiday Inn" but it was closed this time of year. The Days Inn was not bad, it was very clean. We spent the day relaxing; we ate in Mackinaw City and went back to our hotel room for swimming and a time to relax. These pictures were taken the first day of our vacation. If I have time, I'll post the rest of my vacation pictures over the next few days.
We are driving over the Mackinaw Bridge
This picture is taken out of my side window, as we crossed the Bridge
This picture was taken from our hotel room. A.J. Jimmy, Jon and Bo.
Again this picture was taken from our Hotel room. This is Lake Michigan. Daddy (ignore silly face) Mommy and Bec.
We spent a lot of time swimming on our vacation. The kids loved it!
Days Inn in St. Ignance
We are driving over the Mackinaw Bridge
This picture is taken out of my side window, as we crossed the Bridge
This picture was taken from our hotel room. A.J. Jimmy, Jon and Bo.
Again this picture was taken from our Hotel room. This is Lake Michigan. Daddy (ignore silly face) Mommy and Bec.
We spent a lot of time swimming on our vacation. The kids loved it!
Days Inn in St. Ignance
Saturday, March 31, 2007
In loving Memory of my cousin Shawn
I was very close to my cousin growing up. Our Grandpa and Grandma would make sure we were together as a family a lot. As we both got older and had families of our own we grew apart. I loved to play Barbie dolls when I was a young girl. The only one of my cousin's that I could talk into playing with me is Shawn. He always had such a sweet personality. He will be missed by all!
Hall, Shawn C.
Hall, Shawn C. Milan, MI Age 38, died unexpectedly on March 28, 2007 at his home. He was born on December 7, 1968 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Lester and Jacqueline (Woolcott) Hall. Shawn was a graduate of Forest High School in Ocala, FL and was a carpenter and tile layer for many years.Shawn was dearly loved by his parents, sister, brother, nieces and nephews, and he loved fishing with his grandfather in the Upper Pennisula at Lake Gogebic. He is survived by his parents; his children, Zachariah, Tori, Isaiah, Hezakiah;sister Ranae of Saline and brother Bryan of Dundee. Shawn loved all his children very dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Chuck and Lucy Woolcott and Elizabeth and Bernie Hall. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-5 and 7-9pm at Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home, Milan where funeral services will be held Monday at 1pm. Burial will follow at Marble Park Cemetery, Milan. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by signing the guestbook at www.ochalekstark.com.
Published in the Ann Arbor News on MLive.com on 3/30/2007.
Living for the simple things in lifeThis is Chuck and Lucy Woolcott our Grandparents that took us Up North.
Living for the simple things in life: Mackinac BridgeThis spot was special to all of us.
Hall, Shawn C.
Hall, Shawn C. Milan, MI Age 38, died unexpectedly on March 28, 2007 at his home. He was born on December 7, 1968 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Lester and Jacqueline (Woolcott) Hall. Shawn was a graduate of Forest High School in Ocala, FL and was a carpenter and tile layer for many years.Shawn was dearly loved by his parents, sister, brother, nieces and nephews, and he loved fishing with his grandfather in the Upper Pennisula at Lake Gogebic. He is survived by his parents; his children, Zachariah, Tori, Isaiah, Hezakiah;sister Ranae of Saline and brother Bryan of Dundee. Shawn loved all his children very dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Chuck and Lucy Woolcott and Elizabeth and Bernie Hall. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-5 and 7-9pm at Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home, Milan where funeral services will be held Monday at 1pm. Burial will follow at Marble Park Cemetery, Milan. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by signing the guestbook at www.ochalekstark.com.
Published in the Ann Arbor News on MLive.com on 3/30/2007.
Living for the simple things in lifeThis is Chuck and Lucy Woolcott our Grandparents that took us Up North.
Living for the simple things in life: Mackinac BridgeThis spot was special to all of us.
Fruitfulness in God
I personally desire to be planted as close to God as I can, so that I can drink from the living water and grow spiritually. I don’t want to plant myself near the television or the movie theater or the porn sites. If I feed on all that the world’s “junk food,” my spiritual condition will reflect that. By planting myself near God’s resources, I have the promises that I will flourish in the courts of God, I will bear fruit even in old age, and I will be fresh and flourishing to declare that God is Good!
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Psalm 92:12-15
This Psalm gives us a glimpse of what fruitfulness in God looks like. A person’s lack of fruitfulness in God can be a major foothold of condemnation from the devil. It can be easy to get overrun in our sin, stalled in our faith and convinced that God is out to punish us. If that’s your situation, take comfort that Jesus bore God’s entire wrath toward you on the cross. You now have peace with God (Romans 5:1) and can boldly come before God for help at any time (Hebrews 4:16).
God’s gift to you along with the forgiveness of your sins is that he counts you as righteous through the blood of Jesus. As such, you may claim the promises in the Bible toward the righteous (Romans 3:21-29). The above Psalm contains several such promises. The one requirement is that you must “plant yourself” in the house of the Lord. This means we should be well grounded in the word of God (the Bible), plugged into a good church and pursuing a relationship with God.
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Psalm 92:12-15
This Psalm gives us a glimpse of what fruitfulness in God looks like. A person’s lack of fruitfulness in God can be a major foothold of condemnation from the devil. It can be easy to get overrun in our sin, stalled in our faith and convinced that God is out to punish us. If that’s your situation, take comfort that Jesus bore God’s entire wrath toward you on the cross. You now have peace with God (Romans 5:1) and can boldly come before God for help at any time (Hebrews 4:16).
God’s gift to you along with the forgiveness of your sins is that he counts you as righteous through the blood of Jesus. As such, you may claim the promises in the Bible toward the righteous (Romans 3:21-29). The above Psalm contains several such promises. The one requirement is that you must “plant yourself” in the house of the Lord. This means we should be well grounded in the word of God (the Bible), plugged into a good church and pursuing a relationship with God.
Friday, March 30, 2007
The Church Gossip
Below is a little tale about "The Church Gossip". It was sent to me in an email. Before I get to the email, let me tell how church gossip can destroy lives. This email had me thinking of all the gossip that I have heard in the past and what the scriptures tell us to do about it.
Gossip can and will destroy people! I have seen this in my own church on many occasions. If we are saying things that are not building people up, then we are tearing them down.
What about the person that has gossiped about you? Do you have the right to turn around and gossip about them to your friends because they have gossiped about you? NO!!!! You don't!
I even heard of a trained Christian Councelor, after meeting with someone that came to him. Go to a person that this councilee brought up in their meeting and told the person that this person came to him and what the person said. (How this person gossiped about him and how others were gossiping about him) I pray this person sees his sin, repents and turns from this evil. The other person thought that this behavior was o.k. I did council this person to go back and confront this sin. I don't think I will be going to this person for counceling anytime soon. Who knows who they will tell that I have been to see them. If I am going to go to someone for counciling, I want to make sure they can keep things to themselves. I promise if they tell you about someone else, they are telling someone else about you. (Again, this person doesn't attend my church)
How long will people let this evil live?
Another thing that people don't understand is how clever people can be when they are gossiping. A person came to me about a letter that was written about them. This letter was placed on the car of a young lady concerning this other person (The two people involved in this no longer attend my church) I don't know what was said in this letter, just what this person shared with me. For starters, if a person comes to you with gossip about another person, don't go to that person and share what was said. Why tear a person down in this way? It sounds to me like someone was jealous of the two of them spending time together or something. I really didn't know either one of the people very well so I don't know what there relationship was at that point. The funny thing is the two of them spent a lot of time gossiping about people in our church that they thought might have written this letter. (This letter was placed on a young ladies car) I couldn't even believe some of the people they accused of writing this letter. They tore down innocent peoples reputation! I told this person to get the letter so innocent people were not gossiped about anymore. The other person would not provide the letter to this person. If this person really cared about this man as she said she did, would she really tell him of the things that were said about him? or did she do it so she looked like she was the victim? and all the other ladies that they gossiped about were evil. Why would she not go to an Elder or Pastor regarding this? How many other people did these people share this with? The people they were gossiping about could not even prove they were innocent or defend themselves.
The person came to me with this so I told him this was just another form of gossip. I do pray that these two people will repent and turn from this sin.
I believe the Bible is clear on this. I have spent sometime this morning looking up and studying scripture.
Gossip destroys relationships, friendships and reputations.
I tell my children if you have nothing good to say about someone, just keep your mouth closed. We are not always going to get along with others; some people will rub us the wrong way. This doesn't give us a right to gossip about them.
The Christian who gossips doesn't really care about others, especially the ones they're gossiping about. They really care more about themselves. They just want to have juicy information to attract others to themselves. The apostle Paul said in Philippians 2:3, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteems others better than himself. 4, Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
1Corinthians 13:5 "Love...thinks no evil..."
Paul also said in Romans15:2, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." Only words of edification, building up should come out of your mouth as Paul also teaches in Ephesians 4:29, " Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
Only Good words!
Only Encouraging words!
NO tearing down words!
I have even heard these words from people. "If they mess with you they mess with me". I have heard other words that are similar to these. "When people say things about you I take them personal because I care about you" Sure, it sounds good to the one that has been gossiped about. It's flattering to hear something like this but are theses really Godly statements? I think not!
Only Good words!
Only Encouraging words!
NO tearing down words!
What about the friend that has heard gossip about you and comes and tells you all about it. They say they tell you so you know what is being said about you, because they care deeply for you. They tell you because they want your attention. They want you to think they are standing up for you, they are tearing you down. Stop listening to this evil!
A word to those that listen to gossip:
Proverbs 17:4, A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
If someone comes to you with gossip - Don't listen! If they blurt something out about others, tell them that they need to GO and talk with the person that they seem to be offended by. Tell them you'll give them a few days or a week to reconcile with this brother or sister in Christ, and that you'll be checking up on their progress of reconciling with the person they're gossiping about. This method will normally stop people from coming to you with gossip.
Proverbs 10:19 says, "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise."
Plain and simply, the person who's always JUST TALKING TO TALK, will eventually fall into many sins of the tongue.
Psalm 34:13, Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
The word "keep" in the Hebrew has the sense of watching and guarding. You've heard the expression, "Watch your tongue." That's exactly what we must do. Guard what comes out. God has given us two lips and two sets of teeth to guard our speech. Don't be involved in the Devil's business of destroying the testimonies of the Saints. Do speak the truth in love, Only to the one that you're concerned about. If you've struggled with Gossip it's time to repent and develop godly speech patterns that build others up.
The Church Gossip
>Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals,
kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several members did not
approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain
their silence.
>
>She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an
alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar
one afternoon.
She emphatically told George (and several others) that
everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. George, a man of few
words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't
explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing.
>
>Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house...walked home...and left it there all night.
>
>You gotta love George!
What do we do if our brother sins? These verse are very plan on how to handle sin. I'm saying a brother or sister in the Lord is going to take being confronted well. We do have Scripture as to how we are to handle this situation.
Matthew 18:15, "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother."
Luke 6:41 & 42, "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye."
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
James is not saying that this man is sinless, but rather that he is spiritualy mature. The spiritually mature believer has control of his/her tongue. It does not control them, they control it.
James says that a mature believer can control the tongue. So what does he mean in v. 5-8?
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6, And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
One little match can burn down a whole forest. One little tongue can cause so much destruction. James is illustrating for us how destructive the uncontrolled tongue can be. Gossip and Slander is SO damaging within relationships. The person who gossips really does not care about others. In fact, the gossiper is prideful,wanting to have juicy information to share in order to get others to listen to them. People caught up in the sin of Gossip need to understand that James says that the tongue is "a world of iniquity."
No Christian should have the characteristics of the wicked's tongue. But sadly, some do. Christians need to realize just how much God hates the sins of the tongue:
Prov. 6:16, These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Lying is listed amoung the most vile of sins. Gossip can be a form of lying and God HATES it. Christian, if you struggle with Gossip - repent of this sin
Gossip can and will destroy people! I have seen this in my own church on many occasions. If we are saying things that are not building people up, then we are tearing them down.
What about the person that has gossiped about you? Do you have the right to turn around and gossip about them to your friends because they have gossiped about you? NO!!!! You don't!
I even heard of a trained Christian Councelor, after meeting with someone that came to him. Go to a person that this councilee brought up in their meeting and told the person that this person came to him and what the person said. (How this person gossiped about him and how others were gossiping about him) I pray this person sees his sin, repents and turns from this evil. The other person thought that this behavior was o.k. I did council this person to go back and confront this sin. I don't think I will be going to this person for counceling anytime soon. Who knows who they will tell that I have been to see them. If I am going to go to someone for counciling, I want to make sure they can keep things to themselves. I promise if they tell you about someone else, they are telling someone else about you. (Again, this person doesn't attend my church)
How long will people let this evil live?
Another thing that people don't understand is how clever people can be when they are gossiping. A person came to me about a letter that was written about them. This letter was placed on the car of a young lady concerning this other person (The two people involved in this no longer attend my church) I don't know what was said in this letter, just what this person shared with me. For starters, if a person comes to you with gossip about another person, don't go to that person and share what was said. Why tear a person down in this way? It sounds to me like someone was jealous of the two of them spending time together or something. I really didn't know either one of the people very well so I don't know what there relationship was at that point. The funny thing is the two of them spent a lot of time gossiping about people in our church that they thought might have written this letter. (This letter was placed on a young ladies car) I couldn't even believe some of the people they accused of writing this letter. They tore down innocent peoples reputation! I told this person to get the letter so innocent people were not gossiped about anymore. The other person would not provide the letter to this person. If this person really cared about this man as she said she did, would she really tell him of the things that were said about him? or did she do it so she looked like she was the victim? and all the other ladies that they gossiped about were evil. Why would she not go to an Elder or Pastor regarding this? How many other people did these people share this with? The people they were gossiping about could not even prove they were innocent or defend themselves.
The person came to me with this so I told him this was just another form of gossip. I do pray that these two people will repent and turn from this sin.
I believe the Bible is clear on this. I have spent sometime this morning looking up and studying scripture.
Gossip destroys relationships, friendships and reputations.
I tell my children if you have nothing good to say about someone, just keep your mouth closed. We are not always going to get along with others; some people will rub us the wrong way. This doesn't give us a right to gossip about them.
The Christian who gossips doesn't really care about others, especially the ones they're gossiping about. They really care more about themselves. They just want to have juicy information to attract others to themselves. The apostle Paul said in Philippians 2:3, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteems others better than himself. 4, Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
1Corinthians 13:5 "Love...thinks no evil..."
Paul also said in Romans15:2, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." Only words of edification, building up should come out of your mouth as Paul also teaches in Ephesians 4:29, " Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
Only Good words!
Only Encouraging words!
NO tearing down words!
I have even heard these words from people. "If they mess with you they mess with me". I have heard other words that are similar to these. "When people say things about you I take them personal because I care about you" Sure, it sounds good to the one that has been gossiped about. It's flattering to hear something like this but are theses really Godly statements? I think not!
Only Good words!
Only Encouraging words!
NO tearing down words!
What about the friend that has heard gossip about you and comes and tells you all about it. They say they tell you so you know what is being said about you, because they care deeply for you. They tell you because they want your attention. They want you to think they are standing up for you, they are tearing you down. Stop listening to this evil!
A word to those that listen to gossip:
Proverbs 17:4, A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
If someone comes to you with gossip - Don't listen! If they blurt something out about others, tell them that they need to GO and talk with the person that they seem to be offended by. Tell them you'll give them a few days or a week to reconcile with this brother or sister in Christ, and that you'll be checking up on their progress of reconciling with the person they're gossiping about. This method will normally stop people from coming to you with gossip.
Proverbs 10:19 says, "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise."
Plain and simply, the person who's always JUST TALKING TO TALK, will eventually fall into many sins of the tongue.
Psalm 34:13, Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
The word "keep" in the Hebrew has the sense of watching and guarding. You've heard the expression, "Watch your tongue." That's exactly what we must do. Guard what comes out. God has given us two lips and two sets of teeth to guard our speech. Don't be involved in the Devil's business of destroying the testimonies of the Saints. Do speak the truth in love, Only to the one that you're concerned about. If you've struggled with Gossip it's time to repent and develop godly speech patterns that build others up.
The Church Gossip
>Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals,
kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several members did not
approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain
their silence.
>
>She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an
alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar
one afternoon.
She emphatically told George (and several others) that
everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. George, a man of few
words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't
explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing.
>
>Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house...walked home...and left it there all night.
>
>You gotta love George!
What do we do if our brother sins? These verse are very plan on how to handle sin. I'm saying a brother or sister in the Lord is going to take being confronted well. We do have Scripture as to how we are to handle this situation.
Matthew 18:15, "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother."
Luke 6:41 & 42, "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye."
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
James is not saying that this man is sinless, but rather that he is spiritualy mature. The spiritually mature believer has control of his/her tongue. It does not control them, they control it.
James says that a mature believer can control the tongue. So what does he mean in v. 5-8?
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6, And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
One little match can burn down a whole forest. One little tongue can cause so much destruction. James is illustrating for us how destructive the uncontrolled tongue can be. Gossip and Slander is SO damaging within relationships. The person who gossips really does not care about others. In fact, the gossiper is prideful,wanting to have juicy information to share in order to get others to listen to them. People caught up in the sin of Gossip need to understand that James says that the tongue is "a world of iniquity."
No Christian should have the characteristics of the wicked's tongue. But sadly, some do. Christians need to realize just how much God hates the sins of the tongue:
Prov. 6:16, These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Lying is listed amoung the most vile of sins. Gossip can be a form of lying and God HATES it. Christian, if you struggle with Gossip - repent of this sin
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The Funeral is going to be Monday
Death is so very hard! I don't know if my cousin was a believer or not. I know he attended church for sometime after his divorce. I went and took my Aunt and Uncle some money this afternoon before I went to my route. I know nothing but God's Word can bring them any comfort but I just wanted to try and help out as much as I could. (My husband was more than willing to let me give them money)
When my son passed away we received a great deal of help from our community, our parents and relatives. It doesn't help the pain go away but it might help with the funeral expencises.
My poor Aunt and Uncle, they look so very bad. My heart breaks for them.
The Veiwing is Sunday and the Funeral is going to be on Monday.
When my son passed away we received a great deal of help from our community, our parents and relatives. It doesn't help the pain go away but it might help with the funeral expencises.
My poor Aunt and Uncle, they look so very bad. My heart breaks for them.
The Veiwing is Sunday and the Funeral is going to be on Monday.
My Cousin pasted away last Night he was only 38!
I just found out my cousin Shawn past away from a heart attack last night. He was only 38 years old, he had five children under 11.
We just don't know when it is our time to go. He was sick with a sinus infection yesterday, I guess he went to the Doctors, they put him on medication for the Sinus Infection, he felt good enough last night to help some friends move. I guess he told them he wasn't feeling very well so he went and layed down. After a few hours they checked on him to make sure he was o.k. and he was stiff by that point.
I just feel so badly for my Aunt and my Uncle. My Uncle and cousin were suppose to start a business together soon. It is just so heart breaking, then I think about his poor children!
You never think you are going to bury your own child. I know from losing my own son how hard this is going to be on my Aunt, Uncle and his brother and sister.
May God be with them at this time.
“Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44.)
- Paul
The hour is approaching when the souls of man will hear
A mighty shout resounding in the sky
In power and great glory King Jesus will appear
And take His children home to paradise
It will be a celebration for the ones who chose His name
But total separation for the ones who turned away.
Are you ready for the trumpet?
Are you ready for the call?
Soon the angels will assemble to usher in the Son of God
Will He come and find you faithful?
Will He know your name at all?
Every moment brings us closer
Are you ready for the call?
We just don't know when it is our time to go. He was sick with a sinus infection yesterday, I guess he went to the Doctors, they put him on medication for the Sinus Infection, he felt good enough last night to help some friends move. I guess he told them he wasn't feeling very well so he went and layed down. After a few hours they checked on him to make sure he was o.k. and he was stiff by that point.
I just feel so badly for my Aunt and my Uncle. My Uncle and cousin were suppose to start a business together soon. It is just so heart breaking, then I think about his poor children!
You never think you are going to bury your own child. I know from losing my own son how hard this is going to be on my Aunt, Uncle and his brother and sister.
May God be with them at this time.
“Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44.)
- Paul
The hour is approaching when the souls of man will hear
A mighty shout resounding in the sky
In power and great glory King Jesus will appear
And take His children home to paradise
It will be a celebration for the ones who chose His name
But total separation for the ones who turned away.
Are you ready for the trumpet?
Are you ready for the call?
Soon the angels will assemble to usher in the Son of God
Will He come and find you faithful?
Will He know your name at all?
Every moment brings us closer
Are you ready for the call?
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Dusting!
A.J. was sworn into the Navy today. He leaves August 23, 2007 for a 5 year deployment. There will be time for dusting when my children are grown and gone.
Living for the simple things in life: The Navy Recruiter
The moral to this story below isn't that there is dust on my tables or my house isn't clean. The moral to this story is take the time for your children and your family. Make life fun for them. There will be time for other things when they are gone. It comes in a blink of an eye! I promise, I know first hand.
Dusting
"A house becomes a home when you can write "I love you" on the furniture." AMEN !!
And my house is sure a home!!
I can't tell you how many countless hours that I have spent CLEANING! I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect -- "in case someone came over." (Maybe this is a hyperbole for me).
Then I realized one day that no-one came over; they were all out living life and having fun!
Now, when people visit, I find no need to explain the "condition" of my home. They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing while I was
away living life and having fun. If you haven't figured this out yet, please heed this advice.
Life is short. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter, or do some Bible study, spend time with a friend bake a cake or plant a seed, go play golf, ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there's not much time, with rivers to swim and mountains to climb, music to hear, songs to sing and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.
Dust if you must, but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come around again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind, old age will come and it's not kind. And when you go -- and go you must -- you, yourself will make more dust!
It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.
Live well, Love much, Laugh often!
And when this world closes in on me,
let me follow the example of Jesus --
to ask my closest friends to keep watch,
and then go and find a quiet place to pray.
Living for the simple things in life: The Navy Recruiter
The moral to this story below isn't that there is dust on my tables or my house isn't clean. The moral to this story is take the time for your children and your family. Make life fun for them. There will be time for other things when they are gone. It comes in a blink of an eye! I promise, I know first hand.
Dusting
"A house becomes a home when you can write "I love you" on the furniture." AMEN !!
And my house is sure a home!!
I can't tell you how many countless hours that I have spent CLEANING! I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect -- "in case someone came over." (Maybe this is a hyperbole for me).
Then I realized one day that no-one came over; they were all out living life and having fun!
Now, when people visit, I find no need to explain the "condition" of my home. They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing while I was
away living life and having fun. If you haven't figured this out yet, please heed this advice.
Life is short. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter, or do some Bible study, spend time with a friend bake a cake or plant a seed, go play golf, ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there's not much time, with rivers to swim and mountains to climb, music to hear, songs to sing and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.
Dust if you must, but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come around again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind, old age will come and it's not kind. And when you go -- and go you must -- you, yourself will make more dust!
It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.
Live well, Love much, Laugh often!
And when this world closes in on me,
let me follow the example of Jesus --
to ask my closest friends to keep watch,
and then go and find a quiet place to pray.
Preparing for Awana
I have switch up a little bit from Bible Trivia to Bible searches for my Awana girls. They seemed to be getting a little bored with the Trivia each week.
These are the songs I prepared to lead the girls in tomorrow evening at Awana clubs.
My Savior Lives
Our God will reign forever
And all the world will know His name
Everyone together
Sing the song of the redeemed
I know that my Redeemer lives
And now I stand on what He did
My Savior my Savior lives
Every day a brand new chance to say
Jesus You are the only way
My Savior my Savior lives
The King has come from Heaven
And darkness trembles at His name
Victory forever
Is the song of the redeemed
My Savior lives
My Savior lives
My Savior lives
words and music by Jon Egan and Glenn Packiam
© 2006 Vertical Worship Songs
c/o Integrity Media, Inc., 1000 Cody Road, Mobile, AL 36695
All rights reserved. Used by Permission.
Everyone (Praises)
Great in splendor
Lord of everything
Worthy is Your name
Never-changing
Ever-reigning King
Worthy is Your name
All creation rises up
To declare Your wonders
As people everywhere sing
Praises
To the One Who saves us
Through His blood He gave us life
And now we come
Everyone
More than able
Always faithful friend
Worthy is Your name
Bright and burning
You’re returning again
Worthy is Your name
All creation rises up
To declare Your wonders
As people everywhere sing
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
words and music by Glenn Packiam
© 2004 Vertical Worship Songs/ASCAP
Song: God Of Wonders
Artist: Chris Tomlin
Lord of heaven and earth Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of all creation Of water, earth, and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle Glory to the Lord on High
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth (2X)
Early in the morning I will celebrate the light
And as I stumble through the darkness
I will call Your name by night
God of wonders, beyond out galaxy You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty You are holy, holy
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth (4X)
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty You are holy, holy
God of wonders beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty You are holy, holy
God of wonders beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy
Precious Lord reveal your heart to me Father holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
These are the songs I prepared to lead the girls in tomorrow evening at Awana clubs.
My Savior Lives
Our God will reign forever
And all the world will know His name
Everyone together
Sing the song of the redeemed
I know that my Redeemer lives
And now I stand on what He did
My Savior my Savior lives
Every day a brand new chance to say
Jesus You are the only way
My Savior my Savior lives
The King has come from Heaven
And darkness trembles at His name
Victory forever
Is the song of the redeemed
My Savior lives
My Savior lives
My Savior lives
words and music by Jon Egan and Glenn Packiam
© 2006 Vertical Worship Songs
c/o Integrity Media, Inc., 1000 Cody Road, Mobile, AL 36695
All rights reserved. Used by Permission.
Everyone (Praises)
Great in splendor
Lord of everything
Worthy is Your name
Never-changing
Ever-reigning King
Worthy is Your name
All creation rises up
To declare Your wonders
As people everywhere sing
Praises
To the One Who saves us
Through His blood He gave us life
And now we come
Everyone
More than able
Always faithful friend
Worthy is Your name
Bright and burning
You’re returning again
Worthy is Your name
All creation rises up
To declare Your wonders
As people everywhere sing
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
words and music by Glenn Packiam
© 2004 Vertical Worship Songs/ASCAP
Song: God Of Wonders
Artist: Chris Tomlin
Lord of heaven and earth Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of all creation Of water, earth, and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle Glory to the Lord on High
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth (2X)
Early in the morning I will celebrate the light
And as I stumble through the darkness
I will call Your name by night
God of wonders, beyond out galaxy You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty You are holy, holy
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth (4X)
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty You are holy, holy
God of wonders beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty You are holy, holy
God of wonders beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy
Precious Lord reveal your heart to me Father holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Monday, March 26, 2007
Before I was a Mom
We have a flu bug going around our house, I have a bunch of sick children today! It's just a part of being a mom. I love every part of being a mom, the good times, which is always fun and the bad times, in which I can grow in practice and kindness.
Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put them down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.
********************************
Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put them down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.
********************************
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Sunday Devotional
I want to live Unselfishly!
I have thought about this a lot lately! Over the last two years I have become a very selfish person. I was, the kind of person that would give without ever even thinking or needing something in return, even if it were just someone's love. With Christ's help, (being in His Word and praying daily) I am getting back to my old self. Not my old nature before Christ but my old self. A person that doesn't need or want anything in return for the things that I do or did for others. I can't change the past or my past actions. I have to set the stage for the here and now.
I am so very ashamed of my behavior, may God forgive me!
I want to "Love", expecting nothing in return. I want to "Give", though I may never receive a thank you. I want to "Forgive", even though they might not forgive me. I want to invest everything I have in people even if nobody notices. Isn't this "the high calling" Paul talks about in Philippians 3:14-15? 14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;
Love is a choice - one that costs! I can't love others while I'm starring into a mirror or give to others while I'm clinging to what I've got. Love will cost me time, my money and my preoccupation with myself. I know that I'm not going to just one day turn back into this person. To be loving I've got to take up the cross daily, deny myself and make others my priority.
I remember the woman that was caught in adultery? Jesus stooped down to reach her, stood by her under attack, then sent her home redeemed and refocused. I want to be like Him. I want to be more like Christ! I need to go and find people who are hurting, hopeless, and even wrong. When I do, I need to minister to them until they're redeemed, restored and right. That is, I guess, what I believe to be me living unselfishly!
This verse says it all!
Luke 6:31-35
Chapter 6
31"As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. 32If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. 35But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
I have thought about this a lot lately! Over the last two years I have become a very selfish person. I was, the kind of person that would give without ever even thinking or needing something in return, even if it were just someone's love. With Christ's help, (being in His Word and praying daily) I am getting back to my old self. Not my old nature before Christ but my old self. A person that doesn't need or want anything in return for the things that I do or did for others. I can't change the past or my past actions. I have to set the stage for the here and now.
I am so very ashamed of my behavior, may God forgive me!
I want to "Love", expecting nothing in return. I want to "Give", though I may never receive a thank you. I want to "Forgive", even though they might not forgive me. I want to invest everything I have in people even if nobody notices. Isn't this "the high calling" Paul talks about in Philippians 3:14-15? 14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;
Love is a choice - one that costs! I can't love others while I'm starring into a mirror or give to others while I'm clinging to what I've got. Love will cost me time, my money and my preoccupation with myself. I know that I'm not going to just one day turn back into this person. To be loving I've got to take up the cross daily, deny myself and make others my priority.
I remember the woman that was caught in adultery? Jesus stooped down to reach her, stood by her under attack, then sent her home redeemed and refocused. I want to be like Him. I want to be more like Christ! I need to go and find people who are hurting, hopeless, and even wrong. When I do, I need to minister to them until they're redeemed, restored and right. That is, I guess, what I believe to be me living unselfishly!
This verse says it all!
Luke 6:31-35
Chapter 6
31"As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. 32If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. 35But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
Friday, March 23, 2007
I was asked to pray over a meal for a Bridal Shower!
I spent most of the night tonight shopping for a Bridal shower gift for a dear young couple that will be getting married on April 28th, 2007. I bought them a Punch Bowl set that they wanted from "Bed, Bath and Beyond". I have known the young man since he was 3 years old, I've known the bride for at least 8 years. This is one of my good friend’s sons. I have sung with this woman for 15 years; In Trio's, duets, at concerts and on our Worship team. I was asked to pray over the meal tomorrow for the Bridal shower. I get very nervous when I have to speak in front of people. I know I am a singer but it really is different than speaking and praying in front of a large group of people. I also said I would help in anyway needed; they asked if I would buy the products needed to make the punch. I just thought I would get everything tonight and take it to church so I wouldn't have to worry about it in the morning. The shower is at 12:00 p.m. Jimmy and Jon's best friends are spending the night tonight and Bo is in Lansing so I thought this would be the perfect night to slip away and handle everything that needed handled for tomorrow.
With the Lord's help, it is really to Him, I have come up with this prayer for the young couple and the meal:
Lord God, Creator of the universe, Father of us all, we have gathered here to celebrate the up and coming wedding that will soon take place between Amanda and Bradly. Bless, oh Father, this food that we are about to receive with grateful hearts as a sign of your continuous bounty and providence. May your generous blessing descend also upon this young couple, their families and friends present here today. I thank you for the hands that have prepared this meal. Amen!
I just don't want to get up and babble because I am nervous.
Father, help me not to babble tomorrow, thank you for putting these words on my heart to say to You.
Side note: Bo called about 8:30 p.m. and said they made it safely to Lansing and that he made weight. He said the hotel was “GREAT” and that they were about to go swimming. Bo was so excited this morning to be able to stay in a motel all weekend and go to States. He has a bad cold so I am a little worried about him. I am leaving him in the Lord’s hands. He will keep him safe and sound.
With the Lord's help, it is really to Him, I have come up with this prayer for the young couple and the meal:
Lord God, Creator of the universe, Father of us all, we have gathered here to celebrate the up and coming wedding that will soon take place between Amanda and Bradly. Bless, oh Father, this food that we are about to receive with grateful hearts as a sign of your continuous bounty and providence. May your generous blessing descend also upon this young couple, their families and friends present here today. I thank you for the hands that have prepared this meal. Amen!
I just don't want to get up and babble because I am nervous.
Father, help me not to babble tomorrow, thank you for putting these words on my heart to say to You.
Side note: Bo called about 8:30 p.m. and said they made it safely to Lansing and that he made weight. He said the hotel was “GREAT” and that they were about to go swimming. Bo was so excited this morning to be able to stay in a motel all weekend and go to States. He has a bad cold so I am a little worried about him. I am leaving him in the Lord’s hands. He will keep him safe and sound.
Bo and Josh are going to States this Weekend!
I didn't get a chance to post about last weekend. We took the kids to Clarkston for Regional’s in Wrestling. Bo won first place and Josh won in Third place! The top four Wrestlers in each class qualify for States. My other boys didn't make it. My son B.C. and Jess are going to take Bo and Josh to Lansing this weekend to Wrestle at States. They are leaving when Bo and Josh get out of school. The boy’s have to weigh-in tonight. They will wrestler for the top eight slots tomorrow. If they get past this cut they will wrestle on Sunday. How very exciting for Josh and Bo.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Exercising and Enorphins Release
I'm faithfully exercising an hour everyday, the scale is moving but not as fast as I want it to. I guess I want results right now!!! I hate every minute on the treadmill. The only part I like about it is the five minute cool down when I am all done. I know that sounds bad but it is the truth. I do like how I feel the rest of the day when I am all done and have had my shower and I am cleaned up for the day. They say your body gives off a natural ENDORPHIN RELEASE. (See Endorphin Release below)
I was waiting to exercise until after I got the kids off to school, I find that not to be the best for me. I got up and exercised early today. I think this will work out a lot better on the days I don't have to work until 4:00 a.m. in the morning and try to get up at 5:30 a.m. and excercise.
A.J. just left for school, Jon is in the shower, I need to get Jimmy and Bo up for school. I am getting my two of my Grandchildren this morning at 7:40 a.m. I'll feed Josh and take him to school with Bo. I get to keep Ethan until 12:30 p.m. today. I love spending time with all of my grandchildren. I am sure Ethan will want to spend time in the game room today.
I have the route to do this afternoon and Worship team practice tonight at 5:50 p.m. Work at 10:00 p.m. (I feel like I am a news reporter, details at 11:00 p.m.) O.K. I'm being a little silly.
HOW DOES EXERCISE AFFECT ENDORPHIN RELEASE?
Blood levels of beta-endorphins have been found to increase to as much as five times their resting levels during a prolonged bout of aerobic exercise (over 30mins). This measurement varies from person to person and is affected by how much regular exercise you take part in.
As tolerance of the body to opioid drugs increases with increased use over time, the pattern of tolerance to endorphins follows a similar path(3). The more regularly you exercise, the higher the body's natural tolerance to endorphins. This means that as you exercise more, you require a higher intensity of exercise in order to produce the same endorphin release. As with opioid drugs, exercise can become addictive, as athletes begin to require the analgaesic effects of the endorphins. This analgaesic effect is sometimes referred to as "the runners high". Like any addiction, exercise addiction can result in dependence, tolerance, and continued use or participation despite adverse affects, leading to the sacrifice other activities to devote more time to exercise.
The "runners high" is said to be experienced by 60-70% of well conditioned runners.
EXERCISE!
Every day I am bombarded
In each direction that I turn
By those who claim that EXERCISE
Causes flab to crash and burn!
I did jumping jacks and sit ups
Went out and bought that darn machine
The one that guarantees in 30 days
I'd be trim and fit and lean...
I put it in the extra room
That we affectionately call the "gym"
With all the other paraphenalia
That will one day make me slim!
Ab mats for doing crunches
A small tramp to run in place
That awful, go-nowhere pedaling bike
That only leaves me red of face!
I have workout clothes and sweat bands
Even a "get-fit" coffee cup!
But that scale hasn't budged an inch
So, I'm on the verge of giving up!
I've just about convinced myself
That it's true what some folks say...
You have heard it too......Eat Right!
Get Fit? Die anyway!!
So for those who are devoted
To trying to make me over, PLEASE!
If God wanted me to touch my toes
He would have put them on my knees!
I believe He loves us as we are
That includes both big AND small
So when I reach the gates of Heaven
It will be with flab and all!
Copyright; Dusty Tincher
I was waiting to exercise until after I got the kids off to school, I find that not to be the best for me. I got up and exercised early today. I think this will work out a lot better on the days I don't have to work until 4:00 a.m. in the morning and try to get up at 5:30 a.m. and excercise.
A.J. just left for school, Jon is in the shower, I need to get Jimmy and Bo up for school. I am getting my two of my Grandchildren this morning at 7:40 a.m. I'll feed Josh and take him to school with Bo. I get to keep Ethan until 12:30 p.m. today. I love spending time with all of my grandchildren. I am sure Ethan will want to spend time in the game room today.
I have the route to do this afternoon and Worship team practice tonight at 5:50 p.m. Work at 10:00 p.m. (I feel like I am a news reporter, details at 11:00 p.m.) O.K. I'm being a little silly.
HOW DOES EXERCISE AFFECT ENDORPHIN RELEASE?
Blood levels of beta-endorphins have been found to increase to as much as five times their resting levels during a prolonged bout of aerobic exercise (over 30mins). This measurement varies from person to person and is affected by how much regular exercise you take part in.
As tolerance of the body to opioid drugs increases with increased use over time, the pattern of tolerance to endorphins follows a similar path(3). The more regularly you exercise, the higher the body's natural tolerance to endorphins. This means that as you exercise more, you require a higher intensity of exercise in order to produce the same endorphin release. As with opioid drugs, exercise can become addictive, as athletes begin to require the analgaesic effects of the endorphins. This analgaesic effect is sometimes referred to as "the runners high". Like any addiction, exercise addiction can result in dependence, tolerance, and continued use or participation despite adverse affects, leading to the sacrifice other activities to devote more time to exercise.
The "runners high" is said to be experienced by 60-70% of well conditioned runners.
EXERCISE!
Every day I am bombarded
In each direction that I turn
By those who claim that EXERCISE
Causes flab to crash and burn!
I did jumping jacks and sit ups
Went out and bought that darn machine
The one that guarantees in 30 days
I'd be trim and fit and lean...
I put it in the extra room
That we affectionately call the "gym"
With all the other paraphenalia
That will one day make me slim!
Ab mats for doing crunches
A small tramp to run in place
That awful, go-nowhere pedaling bike
That only leaves me red of face!
I have workout clothes and sweat bands
Even a "get-fit" coffee cup!
But that scale hasn't budged an inch
So, I'm on the verge of giving up!
I've just about convinced myself
That it's true what some folks say...
You have heard it too......Eat Right!
Get Fit? Die anyway!!
So for those who are devoted
To trying to make me over, PLEASE!
If God wanted me to touch my toes
He would have put them on my knees!
I believe He loves us as we are
That includes both big AND small
So when I reach the gates of Heaven
It will be with flab and all!
Copyright; Dusty Tincher
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