Check your motives by Joyce Meyer

September 24


Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah).
—Galatians 1:10

Our reason or motive for doing the things we do is very important. God wants us to have pure hearts. He wants us to do what we do because we believe He is leading us to do it or because it is the right thing to do. God wants us to be motivated by love. We should do what we do for the love of God and man. If we are motivated by fear, it does not please God.

God instructs us in His Word not to do good deeds to be seen of men. We are not to do things to be recognized and honored. When we pray, we are not to do it to be seen of men or to try and impress God by heaping up phrases and repeating them over and over. God is not impressed with the length and eloquence of our prayers. He is searching for sincerity and fervency. Any work of ours that is impure will be burned up on Judgment Day. We lose our reward for any work that is done with impure motives (See Matthew 6:1-7 and 1 Corinthians 3:13-15).

We should regularly take some time and ask ourselves why we are doing the things we do. It is not what we do that impresses God, it is the "why" behind what we do that He is concerned with.

Disney World Count Down

In nine days I'll be leaving for the happiest place on this old earth. Just me, Kerrie, Kaylin and Eli. I'm really looking forward to this trip. This will be the first time I've been and not taken someone that has never been. I always enjoy seeing it through someones eyes for the first time and making sure they see and do every single little thing. This trip is just us and since we have been many times we are just going to hit the really great rides and shows. We have dinner and/or lunch reservations everyday at places we have never taken the time to visit. We are going to Universal one day and Sea World one day. Can't wait!!

Be Faithful by Joyce Meyer

September 23


So then . . . consider Jesus . . . [See how] faithful He was to Him Who appointed Him [Apostle and High Priest], as Moses was also faithful in the whole house [of God].
—Hebrews 3:1-2

In Hebrews 3, we are told that both Moses and Jesus were faithful. In the New Testament, the Greek word translated faithful means "to be trusted, reliable," in other words, to be dependable. Do you know what it means for us to be dependable? It means we have to keep our word. If we tell somebody we are going to do something, then we need to do it. If we say we are going to be somewhere at a certain time, we need to be there and on time. It is amazing how many people are just not dependable. They can't be counted on to do what they say they will do or be where they say they will be when they say they will be there. Again, it doesn't matter how gifted a person is; if he is not faithful, God cannot use him.

And we must understand that God tests faithfulness. It is not enough to say, "Oh, yes, I'm faithful," because God will say, "Well, let's see." Do you know how God tests our faithfulness? He assigns us to do something for a period of time that we don't want to do, something that is not fun or exciting, something that may require us to submit to someone else's authority for a while, and He'll tell us in our heart, "Just be faithful." Faithfulness is not just showing up day after day—it is showing up day after day with a good attitude. God will reward that kind of faithfulness. Luke 16:12 tells us that if we are faithful over what belongs to someone else, God will give us our own.

Open Eyes

The mighty deeds of God are everywhere. Our trouble is that we don't see them. Here is a very childish "revelation" which came to me one day: Maybe the reason we don't have praises to give God is that we try to praise Him with our eyes closed. When we open our eyes and look around, we find all kinds of things to thank the Lord for. Where in the Bible does it say we must close our eyes to pray? I did a quick dash in my mind from Genesis to Revelation- I didn't find any such rule. It's not there. In fact, the Bible shows the opposite; Psalm 121 says, "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains." Jesus began His last prayer by "lifting up His eyes to heaven" (John 17:1). It is true that sometimes we need to close our eyes and look deep inside ourselves. But when we praise God, we are reaching outside, and we find many more things with which to fill our praise boxes as we look around. Fill your empty boxes with new words and new songs. Praise Him for His mighty deeds.
(From: Disciple by Juan Carlos Ortiz)

Neighbor Love

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. --Leviticus 19:18

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. --John 13:34

God does not say, "Love your neighbors." You cannot love the whole world. He says, "Love your neighbor." So take one person, one family. Start to pray for that family. Start to look for their problems, their needs--spiritual, material, psychological, all kinds of needs. Don't go to them with a tract; you will look like a salesman. Go to sell yourself. Go to give yourself to them. Let them know that you love them, and give your service to them. Jesus didn't say, "Let your mouth speak before men in such a way that they may hear your nice words and glorify your Father." He said, "Let your light shine"--your love! Good works are the evidence of our love.
(From the book "Disciple" by Juan Carlos Ortiz)

Love.... that's not much to ask of us!!!

The Oxygen Of The Kingdom

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. --John 13:34-35

The oxygen of the Kingdom-love. I found that it is not one of the virtues of the Christian life-love is the Christian life. It is not one of the most important things-it is the one thing. The quality of eternal life that Jesus gives is love. It is the oxygen; there is no life without it. The only thing that will go through death and into the eternal is love. Love is the light of the new Kingdom. Listen to what John says: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and every one who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1 John 4:7-8). When love is generated from the inside, it solves all kinds of problems. The fruit of the Spirit is love-as well as joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Love is not one of the elements of the Christian life- it is the element. Love is the life itself. Are you really aware of the importance of love? Only if you understand this can you be open to the Spirit. Love is the Christian life. Many other things such as gifts and worship are nice, but love is the life.
(from the book "Disciple" by Juan Carlos Ortiz)

Living In The Kingdom

If any one wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. --Matthew 16:24-25

We must flee from darkness and the kingdom of selfishness, where everyone lives for himself and does his own will. We must get into the Kingdom of God, where everyone lives for God and does His will. To be in the Kingdom, we must die to ourselves. But many people who have been saved don't yet understand that they are slaves. They want to keep on doing their own will. It won't work. When we find Jesus, it cost us everything. He has happiness, joy, peace, healing, security, eternity, everything.
So we say, "I want this. How much is it?"
"Well," "it's very expensive."
"Well, I have ten thousand dollars in the bank."
"Good-ten thousand dollars. What else?"
"Well, I have a few dollars here in my pocket."
"That's fine. What else do you have?"
"Well, nothing. That's all."
"Where do you live?"
"In my house. Yes, I have a house."
"The house, too, then."
"You mean I have to live in my camper?"
"You have a camper? That, too. What else?"
"I'll have to sleep in my car!"
"You have a car?"
"Two of them."
"Both become mine, both cars. What else?"
"What more do you want?"
"Are you alone in this world?"
"No, I have a wife and two children..."
"Oh, yes, your wife and children, too. What else?"
"I have nothing left! I am left alone now."
"Oh, I almost forgot! You yourself, too! Everything becomes mine-wife, children, house, money, cars--and you too."
Then He goes on. "Now listen--I will allow you to use all these things for the time being. But don't forget that they are mine, just as you are. And whenever I need any of them you must give them up, because now I am the owner." That's how it is when you are under the ownership of Jesus Christ. We have done wrong in the past by not telling people the whole story. We've told them that everything Jesus has becomes theirs, but we forgot to mention that everything we have becomes His. And there's no lordship if we won't do that. So it is with the Lord. We are "in Christ." It is up to us whether we stay there or not. In order to remain in Jesus, we must lose everything and become Jesus. We lose our life. We treat Jesus as if He were our slave. Servants don't say, Lord, do this and do that." Servants say, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" The satisfaction of the servant is to see the Lord satisfied. May God help us to do with joy what servants in His Kingdom do.
(From the book "Disciple" by Juan Carlos Ortiz)

Servants Of The Kingdom

But which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, "Come immediately and sit down to eat"? But will he not say to him, "Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me until I have eaten and drunk;and afterward you will eat and drink"? He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? --Luke 17:7-9

The servant in the first century was a genuine slave-a person who had lost everything in this world. His liberty, his freedom, his will, even his name was gone. When Jesus told His little story about a master inviting his slave to eat first, the disciples laughed. The slave had to serve the master first-always. Jesus then concluded, "So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, "We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done'"(Luke 17:10). We may not like to hear it, but it is true: We are the slaves of Jesus Christ. We were bought by the Lord. We've heard so often that Jesus died for our sins. That's only part of the story. The reason He died and was resurrected, says Paul, was to be the Lord of all us slaves. He explains it very wonderfully in 2 Corinthians 5:15 - "He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." Jesus brought the solution. His death on the cross and His resurrection really means this: Any slave who looks to the cross in faith is allowed to count that death as his own death. He dies: Satan loses him.
(From the book "Disciple" by Juan Carlos Ortiz)

First Day of CEC

This morning I took my little man Eli to his first day at Hazel Green Child Enrichment Center. Don't let the happy look in the car fool you! Things went really well considering this was all new for him. He wanted me to "hold you" which means he wanted me to pick him up. One of the teachers said I'll hold you and he went right to her. As I drove out of the parking lot (really really slow) I watched (they were playing on the playground) and he looked fine. No tears is very fine to me! I have prayed that God will watch over him and help him feel loved and secure.... I'm going to keep that faith and trust.... remember.... I'm working on keeping my Joy! Oh how these little precious ones that God shares with us can fill our hearts with all kinds of emotions. I thank Him for each moment... even the less happy ones!!

I'm keeping my Joy!

Today's been one of those days... you wake up saying "Oh thank you Lord for another day. Forgive me for my wrongs and let me please you today". You have your morning cup of coffee watch a little news and up you go to get ready for this new and wonderful day. Then it starts... while putting your make up on you have a hot flash from ----! No really, you can see the sweat beads popping out all over your freshly put on make up so you have to put more on cause the old has dripped to the floor. You leave the house on your way to drop off the grand kids. The first one was a breeze so we are on track again with this good day. The second one takes you forty five minutes due to "issues" with the sitter which causes you to arrive at work around 9:30 (good thing the boss is on vacation). You have a lunch date with a friend at 11:30 and need to leave work at 11:10 because it's in Madison. You do the math.... your not at work long enough to do anything before it's time to leave. Your lunch turns into a "deep" conversation because of "issues" with your friend and God is just telling you to stay and talk.... so you do. You get back to work at 3:30. Oh what the heck... just go home! You get home with the oldest grandchild, decide to sit on the deck and watch her swim, your neighbor comes over with her kids so you have good company, all is well again. You did get two more charms for your new Pandora bracelet so I say it's an okay day... you made it without hurting anyone. Then, the phone rings (your thinking "don't answer it") you should have listened to yourself. With NO notice you now have NO sitter for the little grandchild due to those "issues". Your neighbor is off tomorrow and will be more than glad to watch him while you tell your daughter to call the daycare that you wanted to send him to when school started anyway. She is concerned about his lack of "potty" interest.... all I can hear is .... good will come of this!! I did it.... I made it through the day and did NOT lose my Joy! Concerned .... sure.... I'm human..... however, I will trust that God knows what is best and will provide for us if we just trust in Him!! Thanks for sharing my day---- and my Joy! Feel free to keep us in your prayers!!

Happy Birthday To Me

As this day comes to an end, I'm thinking of how blessed I am. The people in my life both past and present. Fifty Two.... wow.... I can remember when I thought that was really old. Now, it's just a number and I hope to keep counting! Thank you God for allowing me time here to spend with my family and friends. Please let me show them every chance I get how special they all are and how much I love them.

The Gospel Of The Kingdom

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. -- Matthew 11:28-29

We like to hear about the first verse, verse 28. But Jesus' words, "Take My yoke upon you," are not so popular. You now live for the King, not for yourself. If you want to read the gospel of the Kingdom, go back and read the verses you never underlined, because that is the truth you lack. I do not underline the Bible anymore, because underlining divides the verses into first class and second class. Everything is important. This is the gospel of the Kingdom: "Repent, and believe!" You either will or you won't. We are not saved because we agree to a certain doctrine or formula. We are saved because we obey what God says. All Jesus says is, "Follow Me!" He doesn't say where, or how much He will pay us. He just gives the command. Salvation is a commandment. God wants everyone to be saved, because all have sinned. So He commands us to repent. If we don't, we are disobedient to God. This is why there is a punishment for people who don't repent. If it were only an invitation, there would be no punishment. Salvation is submission. Salvation means coming under Christ. You become a citizen of His kingdom. You are covered by His protection. If a person from another planet were to come and see how Christians live, he would think that Jesus had said something like this: "Seek ye first what you are going to eat, what you are going to wear, which house you are going to buy, which car you are going to drive, which job you are going to take, who you are going to marry--and then, if any time is left, and it it's not too uncomfortable, please do something for the Kingdom of God." My purpose is to extend the Kingdom. So inch by inch I must recover the things that belong to God. To do that, I have to eat; to eat, I have to work. But the purpose of it all is to extend the Kingdom of my Lord. That means my values have to change. I don't work at Ford Motor Company to earn my livelihood. I work because God needs that spot on this earth; He needs one of His soldiers to conquer it for Him. And Mr. Ford happens to support my conquest. But my real Lord is Jesus Christ. Or else I should stop using the name. Because Jesus asks, "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?"

(From the book "Disciple" by Juan Carlos Ortiz)

The "Gospel According To The Saint Evangelicals"

The below is from a book I'm reading. I will share with you as I go through it. Please remember I'm only taking portions of the book to share, if you would like to read the entire book the name is "Disciple" by Juan Carlos Ortiz. It's not a newly printed book, my boss and friend bought several copies online and is sharing one with me.

And why do you call Me, "Lord, Lord" and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46



Lord doesn't mean today what it meant when Jesus was here. Back then it meant the maximum authority, the first one, the one above everything else, the owner of all creation. The gospel which we have in the Bible is the gospel of the Kingdom of God. It presents Jesus as King, as Lord, as the maximum authority. Jesus is at the very center. The gospel of the Kingdom is a Christ-center gospel. But in recent centuries we have been hearing another gospel-a man-centered, human gospel. The minister says, "People, if you will accept Jesus-" (You see, there is already a problem, because it is Jesus who accepts us, not vice versa. But we have put man in the place of Jesus, so man is very important now.) We are always appealing to man's interests. Jesus is the Savior, the Healer, and the King coming for me. Me is the center of our gospel. Our prayers are man-centered. "Lord, bless my home, bless my husband, bless my cat, bless my dog, for Jesus' sake, amen." That prayer is not for Jesus' sake at all-it's for our sake! You must come and give yourself to Jesus and fulfill His demands when He speaks as Lord. We must let God take out our brains, wash them in detergent, brush them, and put them back in the other way. Our whole set of values must be changed. God is the center. We must change our center of gravity. He is the sun, and we revolve around Him. The Gospel according to the Saint Evangelicals (the Fifth Gospel) is taken from verses here and there in the other four Gospels. We take all the verses we like while we forget the other verses that present the demands of Jesus Christ. We cannot cut Jesus Christ into pieces and take only the piece we like best. Paul's gospel was summarized in Romans 10:9: "That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved." He is the Lord. He is much more than Savior. You see, the Fifth Gospel has made a strange thing: an optional commandment! You do it if you want; if you don't, that's all right, too. But that's not the gospel of the Kingdom.

My note from Kaylin

i love u



I left my laptop for a moment and returned to the above message..... did she get in trouble for touching it..... NOT! I think I'll just save my post I was going to write for next time.

I love you right back my sweet girl!

28 years ago today...

I was two weeks past the due date, hot, and thinking I had a very bad case of indigestion. Did I mention that I also had one of those horrible summer colds? I woke up around 3am not feeling so well, it took Bob about one second to decide we were going to my mom's. She knew that indigestion didn't come every ten minutes... so after a phone call to the doctor off we went to the hospital. After hours and hours of waiting and watching other women come and go they decided to induce my labor and break my water... that was the first time I saw my knees in months. I still was being so brave and not wanting any drugs.... all natural. It was not long until I was asking for those drugs.. however.. I didn't get them because it was time to have our baby (we had no clue if it was a boy or girl). Here we go to delivery... and a few minutes away... we have a beautiful baby girl.

Bob and my dad had said all along that if it were a girl they would have nothing to do with her.. Wrong! The second they saw her they were wrapped. Now it's time for a name, we knew that if it were a boy the name would be Robert Clayton Milam because Bob's dad is a Sr. and Bob is a Jr. so.... no need to worry about a boy name. Bob wanted to name her Bobbie Lynn (after him and me since my middle name is Lynn). I said no thanks. She was named Kerrie (after my dad's middle name Cary) Melissa (after my great friend Tina Melissa). I did mention that I had summer cold with stitches in my private.... not a good feeling. Well, that's the day my first and only child was born. I wanted more children however, God knows what is best for our lives and HE knew she would be enough for me. I thank him for giving me the experience of pregnancy and allowing me to have my one healthy little girl. Happy Birthday my daughter.
I forgot to mention that also on this special day of June 2, 1982 it was my parents 25th wedding anniversary..... she was God's present to them.

Hormonal Day

Today has been one of those days. You know.. the ones that make you wonder "why in the ho ho did I get out of the bed". I have felt somewhat hormonal the last few days anyway so it started off with some old female issues. For those of you old enough to understand what I'm talking about... if you don't ... just wait until you pass the fifty mark. You either feel like crying or beating someone up. I'm not sure which is the best feeling? No... really.... I'm telling the truth here. The bad part is... it just comes out of no where with no warning at just about anytime. Add a dose of daily life with these already crazy feelings and you have a great big mess of a person. As my niece Amanda put it in her blog... I had my own private pity party... only I'm sure I invited everyone around me. Sorry about that. I did make it through the work day without hurting anyone or breaking anything. As I'm driving home my phone rings and it's a friend... with the answer to a prayer.... my day gets so much better. I lost my desire to beat someone up however, I did cry... tears of joy, tears of thankfulness for such a good friend and tears of hope. I know God is good... even when things don't turn out so well. I know sometimes we think we know what we want and what would be best for us... trust me.... we don't know anything. I've had prayers answered that I discovered were not in my best interest... I did ask for it. If my "friend" happens to read this, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your trust in me. I hope you know I would do the same for you. Thank you God for loving me and placing people in my life.. even the ones I want to beat up.

Sixteen years ago...

From left to right : Lilah, Debbie (me), Gina, and Debbie L.

and still friends... well... with the exception of Gina. She is now my ex-sister-in-law, I can't tell you the last time I heard from her. We all went to Birmingham to see Michael Bolton and guess what? He cancelled the concert... so we just made the best of it and still had a good time. Oh how I wish I could be that thin again!!

Good Story

One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job.

His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had, that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment, and frustration.
Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. And with tears in his eyes, he prayed:
'Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot, I don't know how. It is not fair Lord, I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray you will teach me to do the one thing I cannot do: Teach me to forgive .'


As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them.



He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

'Have you ever told a lie?' He asked?

The man answered - 'Yes, Lord..'

'Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?'

The man answered - 'Yes.. Lord.' And the man sobbed more and more.

'Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours?' Jesus asked?

And the man answered, 'Yes, Lord.'

'Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?'

The man, crying now, answered - 'Yes, Lord.'

As Jesus asked many more times, 'Have you ever'? The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer - 'Yes, Lord'.

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.

Jesus said, 'I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you.'

It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.

Read the following first line slowly and let it sink in.

If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

Outside Fun

Enjoying the simple things in life!

Twilight

Don't laugh at me.... I know I'm the only person in this world that had not seen this movie. Well.. not anymore. I bought and watched it tonight. Let me just say a few words for those few of you that may not have seen it..... it is well worth watching. It's not my usual type of move or so I thought. I love a good funny movie and/or a chick flick. I hate anything that might frighten me. I hate CSI shows or anything that will upset me (murder, someone hurting a child... you get the picture). This is a very different type movie however... still a very deep love story. I will have to read the book for anything the movie may have missed and will read the ones to follow. That's all for now..... God Bless!

Face Book Update

Okay.... I think maybe I was wrong about the Face Book thing. I have spend more time over the past few days playing with it. I also have found some old friends.... some have even found me. The only problem is.... I have no time now.... I really won't have extra time now that I have found a new toy. How do you fit everything in? I guess I better get up and iron my clothes for tomorrow, clean up the kitchen, take the clothes out of the dryer.... go to bed just in time to get up in a few hours! God Bless!

Face Book

Let's talk Face Book..... I just don't get it. I've tried to understand the motive behind it, I need some help here. Is it just a chat room? I'm not sure anyone would want to know what I'm doing all day long. Am I not using it right? For those of you that use it.... please share the "fun" with me... I just don't seem to get it. In case I never "get it" how in the world can I get my name off of it? If you love it.... please share. God Bless!!

B.A.M.

While our normal Saturday visit with my parents Kaylin wanted to go to Books A Million. She didn't have to twist my arm very hard or very long before I said "lets go". I could spend hours in that store.. good thing because she could also. We did go home with a sack full of new books and everyone was on sale... makes it even better.
Think I'll go watch Nora Roberts "Northern Lights" now. God Bless!!

Mawmaw and Pawpaw Enzer

Our visit with Jeff's grandparents on our way home from the beach was really nice. I have no clue what kind of face Eli was making?? No telling! I want us to go back soon and spend a few days with them. They were so sad to see us go.

Kaylin and I went to the Mall today, I needed to pick up her pictures and she had birthday money she was itching to spend. She is truly a shopaholic.... I think we could have spent the day there if we had the time. She did get some really cute clothes and the best part was they were all on sale. I'll close for now... the floors are in bad need of a cleaning. Thought I'd share one more of the pictures from our trip... Can you tell the sun was facing them?? God Bless!!

I'm Home

After a wonderful trip to the beach I am back home. We left about 9:30 made a stop in Foley and ate at Lamberts (oh I can still taste those great hot rolls). Our next stop was to visit Jeff's (my son-in-law) grandparents. They live just past Foley and are the nicest, kindest, cutest little couple (pictures tomorrow, so tired tonight). We finally got on the road around 3:00 heading home. I think I'll turn in now... busy day tomorrow... need to unload the car, unpack the suit cases, go to the grocery store and go pick up Kaylin's eight year old pictures. I've done so good blogging each day I didn't want to let this day pass. Until tomorrow, God Bless!!

The Last Night

Well, even though I wanted it to last much longer the time has come to say goodbye..... to this wonderful place.... the beach. Tomorrow morning we will be on our way home. Instead of feeling sad I'm going with sweet memories and will be looking forward to my next journey. I did miss my friend Lilah, she is my beach buddy. I guess that means we will have to return.... that works for me. See you soon, not sure if it will be tomorrow... just depends on what time we get home and how I feel. God Bless!!
PS.... Lilah, tell Mr. Leonard Happy Birthday!!

What a beautiful day we had. The sun was shinning, the water was clear, and the breeze was as good as ever! We all enjoyed the day. Kaylin and I got a little "red" and we used lots of sun block... we may have to go out early and then wait until late tomorrow. I guess we can just go eat Dip n Dots in the heat of the day... sounds good to me! Do you like the back of Eli's head in the picture above? He is not the camera ham his sister is, you have to be really fast to get him. I think most of my shots are of his back side. I think I'll turn in now, it's been a long day and I'm wore out! One more day and then back to the real world (sad face). God Bless!!

Just Having Fun

Dinner at Lulu's... soooooo good!!

Which one of the above is eight and which is almost twenty-eight?? During our shopping spree today they thought it would be funny to play a trick on people (like anyone would believe it) by buying fake tongue and nose piercings. I have to say it was kind of funny watching people look at Kaylin while we were out. I'm sure they were thinking "what kind of parent would let a little girl do that"! Oh well, they had fun. Tomorrow is suppose to be beautiful so I'll probably see you tomorrow night. God Bless!!

Morning Walk

Kerrie woke Kaylin up this morning at six for a walk on the beach looking for shells. I can't explain it.... why can I get up no problem yet if I were going to work I would just want to crawl back under the covers?? We had a beautiful mostly sunny day yesterday... today... lot's of rain. That's okay, we are enjoying just being lazy. We are going to do a little shopping and go eat at Lulu's (yummy). I'm going to catch up on some reading and study some more on the book of Romans. The weather is suppose to be nice tomorrow and the rest of our time here. If I have more pictures or anything new to share I'll check back in before going to bed. God Bless!!

Beach Thoughts

What better way to start out.... my little man Eli having fun at the pool.

My little model Kaylin having fun at the beach.

I love the beach. The smell, the sound, the breeze, it just doesn't get much better. As I did what I love to do "people watch" my pondering thoughts today went to morals and values. Where do we get them? Why do some have them and some don't? I use to think we got them from those that raised us (parents, grandparents, step parents, etc.). I no longer feel that has very much to do with who we are. Sure, it plays a small part..... this is just my thoughts on the subject and you know what people say about that.... everybody has one! Here's just one example: my sweet grandmother had five children. Four boys and one girl. She raised them all the same and each one of them is very different. I've heard some make comments like "no wonder they turned out the way they did, look at the way the parents are". Again just my thoughts but.... BULL! I feel that once you reach a certain age just plain old common sense and conscience should kick in and make you responsible for your own actions. I really worry about our little ones. I see so many parents drink in front of them so will they think it's "normal" to drink because if mommy and/or daddy does it..... it must be right?? How do you tell them it's not when you do it yourself? I see them putting things, places, and people in front of their children.... again, how to you "make this up" to them? And will it be too late once you decide to? Okay, I guess I've preached enough on that. So... what's your thought on the subject?

Sorry I've not been around much... I'm praying that this trip will get me out of my "dumps" and get my JOY back!! Until next time, God bless you!!

See What I Won

Let's back up a few weeks before my blogging skills took a vacation...... I was reading one of the blogs I love to visit (Jill). Every Tuesday she has a wonderful giveaway and guess what?? I won! A custom canvas painting from Alison. Of course I couldn't just have one, so I bought one. I was so please with them when I received my paintings. What to see them?? Sure you do!

Thank you so much Jill for your giveaways and thank you Alison for my paintings!

Monday Madness

And it's almost over....first let's start from the morning. My sweet grand children are both home sick with fever and "crud". My sweet daddy is in the hospital going through a ton of test due to a passing out spell Saturday night. We are a girl short at work, one of the keyboards will not work, one of the printers has died, the good doctor is two hours late and patients are getting restless. Now that's just the morning! The good news is we all made it through the day - God is good! See you tomorrow!

Saturday at Home

It's been a while since posting. One of the reasons is that my niece Amanda who also is one of my employees has been off for the past two weeks. She has adopted a beautiful little little girl name Flor and is spending time with her. She will be out for another two weeks so things will be busy for a while. It's sad to admit it however, I am not use to having to work so hard. I really don't like it either. I have worked hard my entire life to get to the point of not having to work as hard....and I like it. I'm counting the days until she is back and things are back to "normal". I'm afraid things will not be as easy for her, it's going to be an adjustment having someone to be responsible for other than yourself. Please pray for her and Flor during the next few weeks.
Usually I visit my parents on Saturday with the grand kids. Today I am home because Kaylin woke up with fever, coughing and runny nose. I decided it would be best to keep her in, I don't want mema and pop exposed to anything. I have washed any and everything in the house. Right now she and Eli are taking a nap (first sign she is sick.... she NEVER takes naps).
I guess I'll close for now, just wanted to say Hello and let you know I'm still around.

Thursday Thankfuls

Today I'm thankful that Amanda and Flor are so happy! Congrat's to your new family!

Witty Words Wednesday-From Wise Women

I'm not picking on men today - it was just the next section in the book.

A woman's rule of thumb:
If it has tires or testicles, you're going to have trouble with it.

Boys will be boys, but girls will be women.-Anonymous

Women who aspire to be as good as men lack ambition.-Anonymous

The cock my crow, but it's the hen that lays the eggs.-Margaret Thatcher

A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A women must do what he can't.-Rhonda Hansome

Slowing Down

I've notice that it's not just me slowing down with the blogging. I may not leave a comment however, I have been trying to visit so I can keep up with everyone. As much as I enjoy this it seems I have had little or no time left for it lately. I've been fighting the "crud" since Friday, I'm sure it's just the weather. Seems everyone has had a touch of it. I really wanted to at least take a few minutes this morning to say Hello. We are short staffed at work - for a very good cause - my niece Amanda is off for the next four weeks. She is in Guatemala picking up her beautiful daughter Flor. The final stages of the adoption will be tomorrow morning. She leaves Friday bringing Flor HOME. Please pray for them, this will be an adjustment for both of them so I know they would appreciate all prayers.

When You Speak, God Hears by Max Lucado

Those who pray keep alive the watch fires of faith. For the most part we don't even know their names. Such is the case of someone who prayed on a day long ago. His name is not important. He is important not because of who he was, but because of what he did.
He went to Jesus on behalf of a friend. His friend was sick, and Jesus could help, and someone needed to go to Jesus, so someone went. Others cared for the sick man in other ways. Some brought food; others provided treatment; still others comforted the family. Each role was crucial. Each person was helpful, but no one was more vital than the one who went to Jesus.
John writes: "So Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, 'Lord, the one you love is sick'" (John 11:3, emphasis mine).
Someone carried the request. Someone walked the trail. Someone went to Jesus on behalf of Lazarus. And because someone went, Jesus responded.
In the economy of heaven, the prayers of saints are a valued commodity. John the apostle would agree. He wrote the story of Lazarus and was careful to show the sequence: The healing began when the request was made.
The phrase the friend of Lazarus used is worth noting. When he told Jesus of the illness, he said, "The one you love is sick." The power of the prayer, in other words, does not depend on the one who makes the prayer but on the one who hears the prayer.
We can and must repeat the phrase in manifold ways. "The one you love is tired, sad, hungry, lonely, fearful, depressed." The words of the prayer vary, but the response never changes. The Savior hears the prayer. He silences heaven so he won't miss a word. The Master heard the request. Jesus stopped whatever he was doing and took note of the man's words. This anonymous courier was heard by God.
John's message is critical. You can talk to God because God listens. Your voice matters in heaven. He takes you very seriously. When you enter his presence, the attendants turn to you to hear your voice. No need to fear that you will be ignored. Even if you stammer or stumble, even if what you have to say impresses no one, it impresses God--and he listens.
Intently. Carefully. The prayers are honored as precious jewels. Purified and empowered, the words rise in a delightful fragrance to our Lord. "The smoke from the incense went up from the angel's hand to God" (Rev. 8:4). Incredible. Your words do not stop until they reach the very throne of God.
One call and heaven's fleet appears. Your prayer on earth activates God's power in heaven.
You are the someone of God's kingdom. Your prayers move God to change the world. You may not understand the mystery of prayer. You don't need to. But this much is clear: Actions in heaven begin when someone prays on earth. What an amazing thought!
When you speak, Jesus hears.
And when Jesus hears, the world is changed.
All because someone prayed.

Thursday Thankfuls-Kept Woman

I read this yesterday while visiting Polly & Steve and loved it. I wanted to share with anyone else that may not have ever seen it.

I Am a 'Kept' Woman?
You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind,
But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)
There were times when I thought I could go on no longer,
But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)
At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong,
But the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)
Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,
But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on,
the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Matt. 6:25 -34)
When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.
When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)
I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!
I'm blessed to be 'kept.
I'm Kept by the Love and Grace of God! I am indeed a 'kept' woman and praise God for it!

Today I am thankful for being a "kept women"!!

Witty Words Wednesday-From Wise Women

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends.-Laurie Kuslansky

Women best understand each other's language.-St. Teresa of Avila

If we would build on a sure foundation in friendship, we must love friends for their sake rather than for our own.-Charlotte Bronte

A friends is someone you can be alone with and have nothing to do and not be able to think of anything to say and be comfortable in the silence.-Sheryl Condie

Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness.-Lois L. Kaufman

Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.-Cindy Lew

It is not what you give your friend but what you are willing to give that determines the quality of friendship.-Mary Dixon Thayer

Wonders of the World

I received this in an e-mail today from my friend Connie H. It was a great reminder of how often I forget the "small" stuff to be thankful for. This is one of my favorite songs. Enjoy!

Memories Monday-Happy Birthday Grandma

Today would have been my grandma's birthday. As much as I miss her being in my life I would not wish her back to the crazy world. I know she is healthy, happy and in God's heavenly family today. She meant so much to me and touched every heart that knew her. Happy Birthday grandma - I love and miss you!

Toothless Again

My grand-daughter Kaylin lost two teeth within three days. She will be eight in March and has only lost five of her teeth all in about nine months. Bless her heart now they are all going to come out at once. This is a picture from Monday night:
Eli was not happy about sister's ordeal

This is from Wednesday night:
Her step dad Jeff has been the "puller" I know that's not a word.... you know what I mean.
The tooth pillow her mema made her has really been put to use. She found twelve dollars for her old useless tooth each time. I don't remember getting but about 50 cents.... the price of a tooth has really gone up!

Have a blessed weekend!!

Thursday Thankfuls-1/29

Music. Have you ever thought what life would be like without it? My friend Katie had a blog yesterday about how much she enjoyed it and how her father played an important role in that love. It started me thinking of how much it has played in my life. Have you ever been driving down the road and a song come on that just takes you back to a place and time in your life. Some may have been fun times with your friends, old boy friends (yuk), the loss of a loved one, a wedding, and the list just goes on. Here are a few of my memories:

The Rose (my wedding, grandmother's second wedding)

Space Cowboy (riding down the road with my friends)

Amazing Grace (going to church with my grandma, my grandma's funeral)

Eli's Coming (the birth of my grandson)

Anything by Kenny Chesney (my daughter)

Car Wash (dancing the night away with my friends)

Summer Breeze (finishing High School)

No Shirt No Shoes (Kayin singing every single word at age 4 maybe)

I am very thankful for all music. Just about every song links one person with a memory of some kind. Turn up the radio and think back .....

Witty Words Wednesday-From Wise Women

There are three ways to get something done: Do it yourself, employ someone, or forbid your children to do it. -Monta Crane

Never lend your car to any to whom you have given birth. - Erma Bombeck

Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home. -Phyllis Diller

When I was crossing into Gaza, I was asked at the check post whether I was carrying any weapons. I replied: "Oh yes, my prayer books." -Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Memories

For those of you that may not know the two cuties above the one on your left is Susan Milam and on the right you have me. I have no clue how old this picture is, I'm guessing mid 80's? I borrowed the photo from some that Amanda had on her Picasa. We did pretty good considering I took the picture by just holding the camera in front of us. This is from one of the many beach trips we took. I remember we just had the bug and decided to drive to Panama City on a Friday and just stayed the weekend.... with no kids.... can't see me doing that now.... guilt would eat me up. I really liked the red lipstick, what was I thinking? We really had some great times together and I miss her so much. She was not just my sister in law she was my friend!

Thursday Thankfuls 1/22

With so much to be thankful for it's always hard picking something without thinking of it all. Today I would like to share this poem that pretty much covers it all... hope you enjoy.

I am thankful for everything I have experienced
In this life of mine
For in all I have found
That in His Word-the answers I find

I am thankful for all the tears I have cried
For they have taught me to appreciate laughter
They have given me the ability to see
The joy that comes after

Through my tears I have come to know
His Holy Spirit in my life
How He is always there
And comforts through the strife

I am thankful for the storms I have encountered
Knowing that the rainbow is at the end
Realization that they are only temporal
That with time all will mend

I have learned that I don’t need to be strong
For He supplies the strength for me
He shoulders my burdens
Regardless of what the circumstance may be

I am thankful for all the relationships
For the good and yes, for the bad
For they have given life to my emotions
An appreciation of what I have had

My most valuable relationship
Is that with my Father
I know that I can trust Him
As I can trust no other

I am thankful for the pain I have known
It has given a compassion for the suffering
An ability to reach out to others
An appreciation of little things

I understand the greatness of His love
And the pain He has suffered for me
How He endured all things
So that I could be set free

I am thankful for the hunger and thirst
That I have had to go through
I appreciate having food before me
And sharing it with others too

He has given himself as my food and drink
To make sure that I was fed
His Blood shed for my drink
And His Body broken for my bread

Most of all, I am thankful for His Grace
For the provisions that it brings
How it has provided forMe in all things

Kathleen Shelton Poulson

Witty Words Wednesday-Between Us Girls

Women say the darnedest things! Women are smart; women are insightful; women are introspective; women are observant; women are sensitive; and, often, women are very funny. "If I didn't laugh, I'd cry," we sometimes say. We laugh at the crazy predicaments we get ourselves into, and the crazy people in our lives, especially our families. Humor is one of our most valuable assets in life, helping us get through difficult situations without killing ourselves... or anyone else. The ability to laugh at ourselves is the best kind of humor. It helps us see things in the proper perspective, and it keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously. As Elsa Maxwell encourages us: "Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can." (From: Witty Words Wise Women)

My Joy Is Back

Thank you Lorie for sharing your e-mail with us. If you have not read it please visit her blog, you will be glad you did. It reminded me of just how loved I am.... how could I have a "bad" day knowing this?? Well, I'm not going to let someone rain on my sunshine! I will talk to this person with love in my heart not anger and hurt.

Have you ever...

Woke up saying this is going to be the best day ever...... I'm going to be the best person I can be and let God have his way with my life. Your drive to work was great, you even make the time to drive the speed limit and manage to let other drivers pull out in front of you without thinking "bad" thoughts. You get to work grab your cup of coffee and BAM - it happens. Someone in a blink of an eye makes you just want to pick your purse up and walk out the door! All those great feelings you had just took a trip.... and without you. Okay, I'm feeling better now that I have all that out. Much better to type those frustrations then to start talking about them. Just wondered if it was just me or if this has ever happened to you. I have to go pray now.....

She's Back

No excuse for myself.... I have not been a good blogger. I have no new pictures to show and not really anything new to share. At the least I could have just said Hello and left comments... please forgive me... I will be better. I am starting a new Bible Study next week and I'm really looking forward to it. It will be about the book of Romans so I'm hoping to have good things to share with you. Until next time God Bless you all!

The Lord, My Faithful Friend

By Gail Rodgers

She drove through the early morning hours trying to push the cobwebs from her mind. This fresh disappointment came just when she had begun to hope that, this time, things would be different. Why did people always seem to let her down?
The pink sky of the morning sunrise caught her attention. As the sun rose over the horizon of a new day, she couldn’t help but think of God. Some familiar words from the Bible surfaced in her mind…
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22 - 23)
She knew the Holy Spirit was reminding her of the truth of God’s Word. God had never let her down. He had always been there. At every twist and turn of her journey He had been faithful to her. Morning after morning His tender mercies were there for her just as faithfully as the sun rose daily over the earth.
As she thought about her life she realized afresh that God had never let her down. In times when she felt confused or disappointed, He was there to help her. He held her through the ups and downs of everyday. She determined to praise Him for that even in the face of this fresh disappointment.
Take a moment right now and review God’s track record in your life. He has been faithful even when others have not. He is faithful even when we ourselves have not been faithful to Him.
Right now, as you read these words, His compassion for you is a sure thing. You will not be consumed by the present circumstances if you look to see His fresh mercy and grace every day. They are there for you today just as surely as the sun rises above the earth.
Set your eyes on His faithfulness right now. Choose to praise Him with these words from (Psalm 57: 7-11) “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music… I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.”
We praise the name of the LORD our God!

Thankful Thursday 01/08/09

Happy Birthday Elvis! Today I am thankful for all the great memories he brought to my life. When I was a little girl my uncle Wayne use to take me to see his movies. We had such a good time, I remember going to the theater downtown. Does anyone remember the names? I think the Lyric was one? Every Christmas I send him an Elvis ornament, no telling how many he now has. I also remember going to see him in concert. Imagine, Elvis in Huntsville Alabama - I thought it was the best thing ever! Are you an Elvis fan? What are some of your Elvis memories?

Jesus Is Taken From Egypt To Nazareth

After the death of Herod the Great, Mary and Joseph return to their homeland, but notice that they don't settle in Judea, but in Galilee, in the little town of Nazareth. Why did Jesus and his parents not return to Judea? After Herod dies, his son, Archelaus was appointed Tetrarch of Judea. His brother, Herod Antipas ruled Galilee. Archelaus was even more blood thirsty than his father and equally paranoid. The family would be safer in Galilee. Because Jesus will grow up in Nazareth, the Pharisees and Sadducee's will wrongly assume that Jesus was originally from there rather than Judea, therefore disqualifying Him from being the Messiah. Judeans viewed Galileans as inferior people who lacked wisdom and were only interested in money. They were even despised by other Galileans. (From:When the Good News Gets even Better)

New Years Resolutions

This was sent to me in an email. I thought it would be wonderful if I would do these simple things. What a blessing if we would all do them.
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus .'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
'If God is for us, who can be against us?'
(Romans 8:31)

My Day Out

What a great way to start the New Year. Kaylin and I went to see a movie (yes.... popcorn, coke and candy). She wanted to see "Marley and Me". I was not sure since it was rated PG and she is only seven (unless you ask her and she is almost eight). Well, she won. It was a good movie, we laughed and cried (is that not the making of a good movie?). After the movie we went to rent movies and instead ending up just buying four (buy two get two free). We picked up Pizza and even picked one up for Kerrie, Jeff and Eli and delivered it to them. We watched "Drillbit Taylor" (we had to have a chat about some of the words) still it was an okay movie. Next we watched "Nims Island" (much better language) and a pretty cute movie. We do own them if anyone would like to watch them (no late charges). Getting out of the house was so much better than just sitting here all day. Well, back to a routine tomorrow... I work half of the day. Until then...... enjoy life and do something nice for someone. God Bless!!

Thankful Thursday 01/01/2009

Before getting started on today lets go back to yesterday for just a moment..... I had Kaylin and Eli the entire day and did not leave the house. In fact, we did not even put clothes on until we showered for bed and then we just put clean PJ's on. If I was not sure of it before I am now.... I am NOT a stay at home kind of person! I love those kids but I need routine (the OCD in me I guess). Okay, back to today..... HAPPY NEW YEAR!! My day at home yesterday has me planning to get out and about today. I'm not sure what we will do or where we will go ..... just know that we will get out of the house! So today I am thankful that I did not hurt the kids or myself and that I did learn from it....I will take them out today and have fun! Enjoy each moment we have and be thankful for them! I'm thankful for another day God has given me!