PROSPERITY AND PROVISION

PROSPERITY AND PROVISION
Sunrise-Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.


Heavenly Father, thank you for the glorious sunrise this morning, and with it another opportunity to see your hand painting the sky. How dark the world would be without the sun, (without Your Son) for there would be no life, no warmth, no beauty. How dreadful it would be if you were not there, if your love did not shine forth, for then I would be in utter darkness, and for ever searching but never able to find peace. I was so at peace with my life this morning. I know that everything that happens and will happen is in your control. Thank you again for the beautiful sunrise this morning.

I'm feeling Great! Little Bald humor from my son and grandson.

I forgot to include in my post yesterday that I am feeling great! I'm back singing on the Worship team. Friday I started back doing both of my routes and my janitors job. Everything is healing up nicely. Oh, life is good.

God has been very, very good to me.

I'll finish telling my story soon but right now I have to run and get Boaz from his soccer practice.

You might think I'm whacked-out but here are a few funny comments from my son Bo and Ethan regarding me losing my hair from the Chemo. Hey, what can I say. I have to keep laughing. I refuse to let this destroy my life or my personality.

Boaz wanted to know about the Chemo so my husband and I told him that the oncologist told us the worse thing I'm really going to have to deal with is my hair loss. Boaz looked at me and said, "Dad is not going to want to sleep with you with a bald head. If he reaches over to rub your shoulder, he won't know if it is your bald head or your shoulder." I could not stop laughing at his comment. A little while later we turned the lights off to go to sleep. My husband reached out and started rubbing my shoulder. I said "How do you know if your rubbing my shoulder or my head". Hee, hee

Last night we went to my oldest Grandson's soccer game. It was a bit cold out last night so my husband brought blankets for me to cover up with. Ethan jumped up on my lap and got underneath the blankets. He kept staring at me with a funny little look on his face. I finally asked why he was looking at me so funny.

Remember he is only 5.

He said, "That looks real." I said, "What looks real." He said, "I know Nana that you have a bald head." he said, "Your hair, it looks real." I said, "Ethan, this is my real hair." He said, "Your not going to go bald? What if you do, if it is windy will your hair blow off." I assured him if my hair blows off, he needs to run and get it as fast as possible because it cost me $165.00. He asked me to tell him more funny story about my wig. We are going to be just fine. My family loves me for me not for my hair or how I look.

If that is all I have to look forward to with Chemo, I think I will just keep laughing about it.

I almost forgot the most important thing. My grandson scored a goal! Whooohooooo Goooooooo Josh!!

Blessings to you all!

What took place at my Physical

I think I'm strong enough now to tell my story! I'm only going to tell this story so that all of you women reading my blog will not put off getting your yearly check-ups. If I can save one woman from all of this, it will be well worth sharing my story.

About two months ago I went to the doctor's office because I felt a lump in my left breast. It had been there for a bit and I thought I'd better get it checked out. My grandmother was diagnosed with Breast cancer in her 40's.

I went for my check-up Monday morning March 17, 2008. It was St.Patrick's day 2008. I didn't tell them about the lump when I called, I just told them I needed a physical. After I got checked in, I told them about the lump. The Nurse that did my physical wasn't happy. I got a very long. long lecture! I tried to explain why I waited so long before I came to see the Doctor. Oh, I thought it would just go away after a bit. If you have read my blog for any length of time you will know I keep myself very busy. Always something else I should be doing. After much nagging from my Daughter-in-law and my Mom, (You know I love you both very much) I decided I'd better make an appointment.

The next day (Tuesday March 18th, 2008) the nurse sent me to get a Mammogram and Ultra sound on the lump. I had several pictures taken! I was then placed in a waiting room with a group of women all dressed in the same hospital shirt; with all of them having the same frightened look on their faces. One by one the women's names were called. They were told they were free to go or that they needed to get more pictures taken. It was a bit spooky waiting for them to tell ME I was good or I had to go get more pictures. Well, I being one of the lucky ones had to get more pictures taken.

I was then moved to another room where a woman sat crying. She was the only one in this room. I felt so sorry for this poor woman, I said a silent prayer for her at that moment. It was then my turn to have an Ultra sound. After everything, they sat me down in a conference room (I knew this could not be a good thing) and the Radiologist told me I had cancer. They showed me my pictures and where the Cancer was. They told me I needed to find a surgeon. It really didn't hit me at that moment what it all meant and how my life would begin to change.

Finding a surgeon: This is a story I will wait to tell. How I found my surgeon was a bit of a miracle.

They then sent me to have an MRI because my Breasts are dense; Meaning they can't see through them. I was then sent to get the tumor biopsied. I was told it wouldn't hurt very much; well it hurt pretty bad. They take what looks to be a big dart gun, it is shot through the breast into the tumor and it takes out tissue. They did this in four different areas of the tumor. Ouch, ouch and ouch! I had seven children with no medication so I tryed to take it like a man.

This is just the start of what would be a long two months! More in my next post.

My life has been a bit Crazy!

If I blog about what has transpired in my life the last month, no one would believe me. Unless infact you know me! I'll have a little more time for blogging next week after all of our guest or should I say Care Givers have left. My baby girl and my dad return home tomorrow and my boy will be leaving on Monday.

Stay tuned...more details next week.

How my husband and I Met! By Loriannhouse Marriage Monday!

Don't forget to pop over and view Chryslis blog; she is the host of Marriage MondayI It's Marriage Monday; I love her slide show


I have no idea why it took me so many years to see what a fantastic man I am married to. Three months ago my eyes were opened, I could finally see all the sacrifices and the love this man has for me. Tears spring to my eyes just thinking about how I could have lost this man years ago. God spared his life and I am so thankful to Him for that. May I never take my husband for grated again. He is a strong leader, a very hard worker and provider, the best husband a woman could ask for, a dad that loves and gives up doing anything for himself to take care of and give to his children. Last but not least and most importantly a very Godly example for me and our children to follow. I never hear him complain about how hard he has to work to provide for us. The more I write about him the more my heart bursts with love for this man.

I found out I was ill about a month ago. I have had many test run, appointments and I have also had two surgeries in the past week! My husband took two weeks off work (he said he would take more if I needed him to) to take care of me. He has done all the laundry, dishes, cleaned the house, got the kids off to school AND he has had to help me undress, shower, dress, montitor the fluid from my drain that was attached to my side and my pain medication. Plus, the poor man still had to worked his second job. He also set someone up to watch me and the kids while he went to work. Goodness, I don't know what else to say about this man. I'll just tell you the story of how we met. Some day soon I'll share about my illness with all of you and how God has brought people into our lives to bring a sense of peace about the whole thing.

My husband and I met while we were both working at McDonalds. I was the opening manager and he was an employee. I don't remember the first time we met but I love to hear him tell his side of the story.

A funny side note: When we were young children our parents used to hang out together and we used to be watched by a babysitter in our home. I didn't remember him and he didn't remember me. How wild is that!

I was down in our break room at McDonalds's sitting with my boyfriend at the time. My husband (Jim) was on his orientation. The manager that was taking him around introduced us. (I don't remember this) My husband said he thought WOW! when he first saw me. (He is such a funny guy) He said, "I saw this beautiful lady through smoke filled eyes." (I smoked very heavy back then, I quit smoking 18 years ago, May). I love when he tells this story, I always get a chuckle from it.

My husband worked the night shift, I only worked with him a few times before he went on his senior trip to Spain. After he return home, I needed to cross train a closer on the opening shirt. (It was for a raise, all the manager's had to cross train an employee). My husband (just friend's at the time) and I, along with a group of our friends started hanging out together after work. Jim (My husband) and I became really good friends over a period of time. We played on the Mcdonald's coed softball team together, plus we did many other things as a group.

Manager's and crew were not allowed to date. A friend of my husband's dared us to go out on a date together. I had a little boy and really needed my job but I went anyway. We were already friends but it was a bit different being alone with him. Oh my, did I think he was good looking. The only problem was that he was younger than I was. I was looking for a father for my son and I didn't see how this could work out.

I kept seeing him anyway regardless of his age. (He is three years younger than I am) Like I said, we went out on several dates before he approached me one night in McDonalds's parking lot. He came up to my car window and asked me if I liked him? I said yes! He said, "NO, I mean do you really like me?" At that point I knew I wanted to marry this man. (He was just so cute) After we dated for over a year, he asked me to marry him. We were married not long after that.

My husband not only married me but took on my son (Bret was seven at the time) he treated Bret like his own from the very start. Even when we were just friends he would go to Bret's Baseball games. No other man I dated took such interest in Bret. Bret started calling him dad right after we got married. At 19 he was more responsible than a lot of the older men I dated. It was o.k. that they dated me but they really didn't want anything to do with my son. My husband gave up a Three year scholarship to the U of M to marry me? I wonder why such a smart guy would give up so much and have to work so hard his whole life, to marry me and take on my son? I don't know if I will ever figure that out. How could I every replace such a man? Even back then, he sacrificed his life for me. My husband is a great dad, he loves all of his children very much!

It's in the Valley we Grow

It's in the Valley we Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then we have to remember
That it's in the valleys we grow.

If we always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
We would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

We have so much to learn
And our growth is very slow,
Sometimes we need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys we grow.

We do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.


The little valleys are nothing
When we picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for the valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

Have a blessed weekend!

It's almost time for Marriage Monday!

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Join us May 5, 2008
Next Topic—
"The Crazy Way We Met"

Here is a sneak preview of my upcoming post.

My husband and I met while we were both working at McDonalds's. I was the opening manager and he was an employee. I don't remember the first time we met but I love to hear him tell his side of the story.

Come back on May 5th for "The rest of the Story".


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Just when I needed You Most

I can't imagine not knowing God. I know there were many years that I tried to do things without Him. Growing up I didn't know the first thing about God and His love for me. I only remember going to church one time as a child. It was a Easter Sunday; My sister, brother and I received what I thought to be, some lovely clothes for our Easter gift. We dressed all up and headed off to church. On our way home from church my parents argued about us not being dressed well enough for "those people". I thought if that is what church is all about, why would I want to go to it. (I was only around 5, but it left me with some very bad thoughts about God, church and church people). What an impact that church could have had on an unsaved family. I PTL that in my teen years my Step-dad and Mom received Christ as their personal Savior and not long after that I did.

Last night I read about Jesus taking the little children into His arms speaking about the love, care and protection with which He embraces all those who come to Him. This is how God is, He doesn't care about the clothes we wear. In my forever and ever persuit for complete holiness (I know I can't receive complete holiness until I see Jesus someday). I am forever searching the scriptures to see how God wants me to live my life. I was so comforted by these verses below. Knowing His arms are forever around me helping me make it through each day, carrying me when I run in to some hard times. These verses remind me and show me, how things in my life, that I think are troublesome are nothing for God.

I am so glad God’s arms are everlasting. My arms grow tired too soon. I can only do so much with my arms, before my arms fall limp by my side, but His arms are everlasting. They never grow old, they never weaken and they never need to rest. Their strength never fail and they last forever. Long after they have done all the saving, comforting and creating that needs to be done, they will still be as strong as the day it all started.

Chronicles 32:8 speaks about the weakness of the arm of flesh (man’s arm) and yet I so often put my trust in the arm of flesh which is very weak, limited and will fade away. If I were being swept away by a powerful river and a child stretched out his arm, but at the same time, a giant stretched out his arm, would I grab the hand of the child or the giant? Why then do I grab the arm of flesh when God’s mighty arm is also outstretched? Seems crazy, yet that is exactly what I do most of the time.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms… (Deuteronomy 33:27


Psalm 89:13 says: “You have a mighty arm; strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.” Yes God’s arm is mighty. In fact it is almighty. We have real limits to how much weight we can pick up, but there is no limit to God’s strength. He is all-powerful and has unlimited power.


Throw yourself on Him with all your cares, fears and weakness. Lean on Him. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5)

When I stumble and fall God is always there to catch me. Psalm 37:17 says “For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.”

How reassuring to know He is not only steadying me when our legs feel weak but He also holds me up. Unfortunately I often think I am standing on my own feet and don’t realize that I am being upheld by Him.

Just when I need Him, Jesus is near,
Just when I falter, just when I fear;
Ready to help me, ready to cheer,
Just when I need Him most.
Just when I need Him most,
Just when I need Him most,
Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,
Just when I need Him most.

Just when I need Him, Jesus is true,
Never forsaking, all the way thro',
Giving for burdens pleasures anew,
Just when I need Him most.
Just when I need Him most,
Just when I need Him most,
Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,
Just when I need Him most.

Just when I need Him, Jesus is strong,
Bearing my burdens all the day long;
For all my sorrow giving a song,
Just when I need Him most.
Just when I need Him most,
Just when I need Him most,
Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,
Just when I need Him most.

Just when I need Him, He is my all,
Answering when upon Him I call;
Tenderly watching lest I should fall,
Just when I need Him most.
Just when I need Him most,
Just when I need Him most,
Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,
Just when I need Him most.

The Surgeon

She jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room.

She said: 'How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?'

The surgeon said, 'I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it.


Sally said, 'Why do little children get cancer? Doesn't God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?'

The surgeon asked, 'Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university.

Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair. 'Would you like a lock of his hair?' the nurse asked. Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.

The mother said, 'It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. 'I said no at first, but Jimmy said, ' Mom , I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom .' She went on, 'My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could.

Sally walked out of Children's Mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car.

The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room.

She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She lay down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.

It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Lying beside her on the bed was a folded letter.

The letter said :

'Dear Mom ,
I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say 'I Love You' . I will always love you, Mom , even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know.

Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom ? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom ? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him 'where was He when I needed him?' 'God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children.

Oh, by the way, Mom , no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have to give God His pen back now He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm sure the food will be great.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore the cancer is all gone.. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me.

The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?

Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.

'When you're down to nothing, God is up to something.

Do you see the bright side of Things?

I can't leave my blog on such a sad note, it is just not my personality. I had a wonderful visit with my boy; I can't wait until I see him again. Maybe, I'll be able to visit Virgina. Won't that be fun!


I talked to Aaron last night and he said things were going to be o.k.., I am so grateful that he is willing to serve our Country.

I always try (I sometimes fail) to look on the bright side of things that happen in my life. My husband asked me if I was always going to cry when our children visit and when they leave to go back home. I told him, I am sure I will always cry! I don't think that it is a bad thing. God gave us our tears and emotions for a reason. I just seem to always have a reason to either laugh or cry. I asked my boy's if they were going to cry when Aaron left this time. Jimmy looked at me and said he was just hard to him leaving. I understood what Jimmy meant. It isn't that he won't miss him, he is just use to him not living at home anymore. I don't ever want to get to the point were I am hard to them leaving. If I cry it is just because I will miss them so much. I don't stay down for long, just a few days. I am now looking forward to all the fun stories he is going to be able to share with me.

My weekend was busy but good! Bo had a soccer game yesterday; his team won! They are 2-0 right now. There was a big Word of life conference at our church yesterday so I couldn't clean the church until they left. I got home around 10:00 p.m. This a.m. my papers were really late, so late that I couldn't even make it to church. There is a bright side! It was suppose to rain last night and it didn't. When it rains I have to bag all papers plus I get soaked. Sunday papers are pretty big, it takes a lot of energy without having to bag them.

This afternoon I went to my oldest Grandson's soccer game (His team won) I then went over to his house for a Birthday party for him. I can't believe Josh is 10 already. I had a wonderful time!

I am now going to get an early start on my Monday cleaning. On Monday's I try to go through my house and clean really well. That means dusting, vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing everything I can get my hands on. This way the rest of the week I just have to pick up and do laundry. I like to always have my house ready for guests to drop in.

On the brighter side! (Just kidding)

I am now going to sign off and get to cleaning!

BTW-My kids all made the schools Honor roll! woohoo!

The Next Chapter

I put my boy (Sailor) on the plane a few hours ago. He is now heading towards the next chapter (Five years) of his life. I think the unknown makes us all a bit nervous. I don't think I will ever stop aching to hug my children. I've been putting the guest room back in order for the last hour. Not that it was that messy but I needed to put Aaron's things that he couldn't take with him away. What can I say besides it is so very hard. We had such a wonderful time with Aaron, Grrrrrr, this is just so hard. I hate growing up! I mean my children growing up. : ) It'll just be a few days until I can stop the tears from flowing. Darn it, I'm such a girl! Did I say how much I will miss him!

Spring is in the Air

It was so beautiful on my route yesterday. I know it is Spring when the golfers are out. Reddeman Farms Golf course was busy, busy, busy with people. The only thing I don't like about the golf course is that the road I deliver on is just feet away from the golfing range. One year, one of the golf balls hit my truck and dented it. LOL!!! I am always afraid one will fly in my window and hit me in the head. RoFL!! I know this sounds so silly! I wish I could say I'm joking but I roll up my window if people are at the range hitting balls.

BTW-My tulips are coming up! I would take a picture but I'm feeling a bit lazy this morning. I am just happy that Spring has arrived!

Did I mention how much I love Spring?

It just makes me feel like singing

Spring is in the air, lalala lah, lah
Spring is everywhere, falala lah, lah
Spring is here and there falala lah, lah, lahahahahahahahahah

So sorry! Just a silly moment is all.

Oh what a beautiful morning… oh what a beautiful day….. I’ve got a beautiful feeling.... everything’s going my way…. Oh what a beautiful day!

A fun night of Bowling

We all went to the bowling alley Friday evening for a little fun! Well, lets just say it started out as fun and ended as a bit of competition among all my boy's. Yes, this included my grown son's as well. LOL!! Jessica's brother, who so happens to be 29, was a big part of the (Boy) manly competition.
We ended the evening at Big Boy's for a little treat before going home.
Here is Ethan getting a big High five from his Uncle Donnie after Ethan knocked down all the pins. Donnie was hot tonight as well. I watched some great bowlers tonight.
Here is Ethan's Daddy and my oldest son. His smile shows how well he was doing.
Big John owned this round.
Aaron ended up being the all around winner in the last game.
Two thumbs up says John and Joshua.
Here are my babies Ethan and Jenna.
Oh yea, oh yea, Boaz was hot tonight.
Yummy, Yummy eat up Bret, Jessica and Ethan. The snacks at the bowling alley were great. Chilli cheese fries, Chicken Tenders and Nachoes and cheese.
Another High Five for Ethan from Aaron. Ethan was so happy just to knock down a few pins.

Trials

On Sunday our Assistant Pastor prayed for the offering. While praying he asked God to be with those people that might be going through trials in their life. I thought I'd do a little digging into the scriptures to see what God has to say about trials.

As I have reflected over trials that I have faced in my own life, I was drawn to the first chapter of James. In the first 13 verses we are given some understanding of the purpose of trials that come our way.


Purpose in Trials
(verses 2-4)

1. When difficult times come into our lives and we find ourselves unable to comprehend/to understand; the enemy is quick to throw doubts/questions into our minds.

2. We find ourselves questioning God's goodness/God's wisdom in allowing these things to happen.

3. We may even be bitter and angry with God for allowing this to happen to us and wonder if He really understands.

4. But God's word confidently reminds us that God does understand . . .

Things do not just happen haphazardly to the Christian.
With no meaning/no purpose.

5. God is in control and as Paul reminds us no one or nothing can separate us from God's love. Rom. 8--even the most difficult of circumstances.

6. James reminds us that God wants us to trust Him in the trials of life.

For as we trust Him in the trials God can use the difficult trial to mold us:
To mature us.
So that we will be more like Jesus Christ our Savior.

7. Isaiah the prophet said in trying to comprehend God's ways: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts. Neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isa. 55:8-9)

8. God would have us trust Him in the difficult trials:

For even though we cannot understand He loves us and He is in control.
He will use this trial to help us grow spiritually and to help us mature and become more like Jesus Christ. This is what I am praying for in my own life.

9. Trust Him! Keep your eyes on Him! And God will use even this trial for His glory. I have to remember to trust Him in all that I am dealing with. I know He will work everything out to His glory.

10. But James goes on to tell us that not only does God have purpose in trials--but also that God gives wisdom in trials.

Wisdom in Trials
(verses 5-11)

(Read verses 5 and 6)

1. James recognizes that we may not always be able to see the purpose in trials or see the good that can come from trials.

2. When we find ourselves unable to see the good and the purpose in trials we are to:

Keep on asking Him for wisdom.
In faith.
And our God who loves to give will respond so that we can see the good and the purpose in trials.

3. Then James illustrates and says:

That even a poor man has much good in his trial of poverty if he knows God--the owner of the universe.
And a rich man through he lose everything can rejoice in the good of having learned not to place his faith in riches which quickly pass away.

4. God has been very good to us in allowing us to see the good even in difficult trials.

For so much good has already come from this trial:
As individuals we have seen faith in action and we have learned lessons we shall never forget.

5. Yet in the days to come we will continue to need wisdom to see the purpose and the good in this trial.

James exhorts us to keep on asking God in faith for wisdom.
And our generous loving God will give us the wisdom needed.

(But finally James reminds us that not only does God have a purpose in trials; and gives wisdom in trials but thirdly there is comfort in trials.)
Comfort in Trials
(verse 12)

(Read verse 12)

1. James here reminds us that this life is not all there is to life.

That right will be commended.
That due reward will be give for faithfulness.

2. We often live as if we are the living on the way to the dying.

3. But God's word makes it very clear that we are the dying on the way to the living.

4. What is in store then for one who knows Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and passes from this life?

Phil. l tells us that when a Christian departs he is with Christ.
II Cor. 5 tells that when we are absent from the body we are present with the Lord
And I Corinthians 15 and I Thessalonians 4 tells us that someday that body which for the present sleeps in the grave will be resurrected and united with our soul/spirit and in this glorified state we will be with the Lord forever.
And there rewards will be given for endurance through trials and for faithfulness to God in difficult times.

I have come to this Conclusion

l. There is purpose in trials:

God is still in control
He has not forsaken us but wants us to trust Him so we can mature.

2. God has and will give us wisdom to see the purpose and the good in all trials--As we ask in faith.

3. And there is comfort in knowing that this life is not all there is--that absent from the body means present with the Lord.

I have tried to work through the book of James in my quiet time this week. I know God wants me to grow, mature, and to seek Him in all trials I find myself going through.

Materials used The Bible and Bible.org

All is Well

This is a picture of my son Aaron, my niece Erica and her fiance Aaron.

I woke up this morning at 5:15 a.m. Out of habit I checked my phone to see if my boy texted me. I then remembered he is in our home asleep in his bed.

My Sailor is home; all is well.

Special Blessings

I want to thank all of you for praying for my son, Aaron, to pass his final test to become an Electrician in the Navy. He received a 91 out of 100. He will be coming home tomorrow and will spend 15 days at home before heading off to his new Base in Virginia. He will be on the• USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) — Norfolk, Virginia. I know all the prayers helped! He seemed so happy last night on the phone; he was packing everything and just having a great time with him roommates. One of them will be going to Virginia too! They want to stay in touch; this I think will help Aaron alot. I can't wait to see him and give him a big hug.

Once again, I thank you for all of your prayers.

"Amazing Grace (My Chain Fell Off)" by Chris Tomlin

Check out this video: Amazing Grace My Chain


I had the last two days off of work so I had a little extra time on my hands. I have been trying to find some songs to order for special music. I just ordered Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), Accompaniment CD. I love this version of Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin. Thought I'd share!

I am so excited to be able to worship our Awesome Living Savior tomorrow. I will be singing a special for closing hymn in both of our morning services. What an honor to be able to sing praises about our Great King.

I will be singing "The Splendor of the Cross" by Betty Jean Robinson/Melody Mountain Music/BMI

Listen to "The Splendor of the Cross" here. BTW-This is not me singing, I found this on the net.

The Splendor of the Cross

How all of Heaven must have sighed that day,
When on a lonely planet, far away.
They watched their suffering King,
His head bowed down,
Piercing thorns where there had been a crown.
There were no flowers blooming all around,
Where his precious blood came streaming down,
See the King of Glory dying for the lost,
Oh, the awesome splendor of His cross.

And that old cross will always testify to me,
For there my Savior died, alone to make me free,
And now what things were gained to me, I count for loss,
To own my Savior and the splendor of His cross.

They cursed Jesus, and dared Him to come down,
As they gambled for His robe there on the ground,
But God answered man's rebellion with His love,
For all must come to the cross and through the blood.
Ten thousand angels stood at His command
Yet, He cried, Father, forgive them for their sin.
Behold your Savior dying for the lost,
Oh, the awesome splendor of the cross.

Repeat Chorus

What things were gained to me, I count for loss.
To own my Savior and the splendor of His cross.

I pray You'll have a fantabulous Lord's Day.

After church tomorrow, I'll be heading over to my Great nephews Birthday party. He turns 8 tomorrow. Yea!! What fun! I bet I can get some pictures!! Hee, hee

What a wonderful Day/A big Happy Birthday to my Step-dad!

There were 19 of us altogether at Easter Dinner. Happy Birthday Dad; He is the guy with the gray hair 6th picture on the slide show.


My Easter was wonderful! It started out with my papers being 45 minutes "EARLY". Now that was a miracle in itself. I got to church at 7:00 a.m. this gave me enough time to get washed up, dressed and ready to practice with my worship team at 8:15 a.m. I was so excited! Sunday school was good, Worship was excellent and the sermon was even better The Resurrection Is Important. Now listen to this; 18 people were baptized as well! We serve an AWESOME GOD! He is the risen Savior.

We had Easter dinner with my family at 1:30 p.m. : ( minus my baby girl (I missed you Rebecca) and my baby boy (I missed you too Aaron). I guess, I should have gotten more pictures of my family instead of the food but I was soooo hungry and everything looked so good. : ) I'm sure it seems like I am always holding my little granddaughter but I just love my little peanut. It was a good day!

Jesus' Last Supper with his Disciples/Acted out by my Awana group

Wednesday evening in Awana we played out Jesus' last supper with his Disciples for the girls. We dressed them in clothes like they would have worn back then. We prepared food kind of like what they would have eaten. Commander Mcintosh even showed them how Jesus washed the Disciples feet. I couldn't believe how interested they were in hearing about the last Supper. They sat very still and listened to what Commander Mcintosh had to say. He portrayed Jesus, while Mary, Kelly and I were serving the food. It was a great evening!

Down below is what the Bible has to say about the last supper.

The Last Supper: An Introduction
The Last Supper is one of several major events in the earthly life of Jesus Christ that are recorded in the Bible. The Last Supper is a description of the last meal Jesus Christ had with His disciples prior to His arrest and crucifixion on a roman cross about 2,000 years ago. The Last Supper contains many significant principles, and continues to be an important part of Christian lives throughout the world.

The Last Supper: The Significance
The Last Supper is described in three of the four New Testament Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Here are some of the life-changing highlights, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. First, Jesus predicts He will suffer soon after this meal and it will be His last meal prior to finishing His work on behalf of the kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-16). Second, Jesus gives His followers symbols of remembrance for His body and His blood sacrificed on behalf of all mankind. "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me'" (Luke 22:19).

Third, Jesus provides a very important principle for living a Christian life: the greatest are those who serve others, not those who expect to be served (Luke 22:26). Finally, Jesus provides hope to his followers: "and I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Luke 22:29-30).

For the last two millennia, the Last Supper has inspired people to live by faith in Jesus Christ, by serving others instead of following the worldly influences of expecting to be served.

The Last Supper: The History of the Event
The Last Supper was held on the evening of preparation for the Jewish Passover, a very holy time for the Jewish nation in remembrance of when God spared the Jews from the plague of death on every firstborn child in Egypt. Jesus arranged the dinner purposely by instructing His disciples where to host it. His twelve disciples were with Him during and after the meal. It is here that Jesus makes the prediction that Peter will deny knowing Him three times before the rooster crows that morning, which became true. Jesus also predicts that one disciple, Judas Iscariot, will betray Him, which also became true. The Last Supper was a gathering for Christ to fellowship with His disciples one last time prior to His arrest and crucifixion.

The Last Supper: The Application
After the Last Supper, Jesus Christ willfully and obediently allowed himself to be brutally sacrificed on a wooden cross. He did this to reconcile each of us to God by paying the debt of our sins, which we could never do on our own power. In return, Jesus makes a simple request, remember this act of love He performed on our behalf. Jesus Christ did not have to die for us. He did, however, because He values every life on earth and wants to see each of us sitting at His dining table someday in heaven. Throughout the Bible, and throughout history, the truth of Christ's message has been established - that we can join Jesus in heaven by acknowledging His sacrifice and accepting Him into our life. In addition, we can apply the lessons Jesus taught at the Last Supper to live a faithful life while here on earth by serving others in love. The bread is a symbol of the body of Jesus, never to be forgotten as it was given to us. The cup represents the blood of Jesus, never to be forgotten as he poured out His life for us. Jesus Christ has offered everybody the gift of His life, death and resurrection. The Last Supper reminds us of Christ's sacrifice, and that by faith in Him, we can dine with Christ for all eternity.

Christ Resurrection

My life is changing once again! Life is never boring around my house. That is for sure! I have a bit to do to get ready for Easter dinner. We are going to be spending Easter at my son and daughter-in-laws. I was going to have it at my house but something unexpected came up this week so my daughter-in-law took over and moved it to her house. What a blessing that was!

I spent the evening at Bret & Jessica's house last night. We went over the Easter dinner menu. I am responsible for the plates, cups, silverware, napkins, pop, fruit tray and cheesy potatoes.

Our Easter Dinner menu:

Glazed Ham
Grilled pork
Cheesy Potatoes
White salad-Cool whip, Crushed Pineapple and Cream Cheese; mix it all together and it's my mother's White Salad recipe. (I can't wait to eat this mom)
Green Bean Casserole
Corn Casserole
Sweet potato Casserole
Fruit Tray
Rolls

For Desert
Peach Pie
Peach cobbler
Pecan Pie
And whatever else my son and daughter-in-law come up with


Blessings to you all!

Lori

Christ Resurrection

Matt 28:5-6 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

Matt 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Easter is a holiday when most people think of the Easter bunny, decorating eggs, dressing up in your best Sunday outfit and going to church.

Easter should be more than just another holiday to a Christian. It's the Sunday set aside to recognize the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. GOD sent his WORD in the form of a child, being born to Mary the Virgin as God's only Begotten Son. He lived a very short time on earth, having been a carpenter and then God's messenger the last three years or so of his life. He was crucified, nailing all our sins to the cross, covering them with his precious blood. If we believe on him, accept his free gift of salvation, then we too will see him in all his Glory one day!

Jesus was compelled to bear his own cross, to travel to Golgotha, where they placed upon his head a crown of thorns and proclaimed him "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS!". They placed him between two thieves hanging on a cross, drove nails through his hands and feet, later piercing his side to make sure he was dead. They took his garments to draw lots to see who would get them.

Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? "

He was mocked and given vinegar to drink instead of water.

John 19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Mark15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Mark 16:2 And very early in the morning the first [day] of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Mark 16:3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Alleluia He Has Risen

They came to see His body in the tomb
With spices all prepared.
When they arrived no one was in the room
They were full of despair.

He has risen from the dead
Alleluia, Alleluia
He is living now instead.
Alleluia, Alleluia
He has risen from the dead.

Now they came to see Jesus On the way.
They didn't know He was the same
When He spoke it was early in the day.
Then He called Mary's name.
He has risen form the dead
Alleluia, Alleluia
He is living now instead
Alleluia, Alleluia
He has risen from the dead.

They ran to tell the news,
Jesus is alive to the disciples there.
In joy they told the rest,
Jesus is alive ~
It was alleluia square!

He has risen from the dead
Alleluia, Alleluia
He is living now instead
Alleluia, Alleluia
He has risen from the dead

Poem written by: Lena Ayer Kittrell ©