Focus in 2006

Psalm 103

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And forget none of His benefits;

Who pardons all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases;

Who redeems your life from the pit,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;

Who satisfies your years with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

The LORD performs righteous deeds

And judgments for all who are oppressed.

He made known His ways to Moses,

His acts to the sons of Israel.

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.

He will not always strive with us,

Nor will He keep His anger forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins,

Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Just as a father has compassion on his children,

So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

For He Himself knows our frame;

He is mindful that we are but dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,

And its place acknowledges it no longer.

But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children's children,

To those who keep His covenant

And remember His precepts to do them.

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,

And His sovereignty rules over all.

Bless the LORD, you His angels,

Mighty in strength, who perform His word,

Obeying the voice of His word!

Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,

You who serve Him, doing His will.

Bless the LORD, all you works of His,

In all places of His dominion;

Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Holiday thoughts...

I've not had much time for blogging these days with James being home. Am I complaining? Not in the least! :) We have had wonderful times filled with fun and, for me, a special one-on-one time of talking that lasted from 10pm-ish till 2 am. Did I go to bed happy? My "relational tank" was filled to overflowing making this momma very happy! :)

Today has been spent assembling a new desk for us. James surprised us with one for part of his Christmas presents to us. I will have so much more room for my computer and Bible study! I can hardly wait!

I pray that your Christmas was filled to overflowing with the Lord's blessings. Life did not begin for Him when He was born in that manager because He has always eternally existed. But, imagine for a moment what He gave up in Heaven to step into our filthy, sin filled world to make it possible for us to enter into a relationship, a very personal and real relationship with the Creator of our world, God Himself.

New Years is fast approaching and I am excited to see what the Lord has planned for us. I know there will be growth times that may be quite stretching. I am also looking forward to growing more deeply in my relationship with Christ. He, alone, is the "joy of my salvation." Without Him I would not be who I am today. Oh sure, I am quite positive I'll still be stretched and pulled as I continually release James to His care. He loves our son far more than we do (can you imagine?) and knows what is best for him. So as James, steps out in this phase of this season in his life there are many things ahead for him. Exciting times, tough times, joyful times, and growth times, as well.

My little momma continues to get smaller and weaker before my eyes. I have no idea what is ahead for us this next year with her but I trust in His soveriegn design for her life, as well as for ours. I do pray that she would begin to feel better, to regain some of her strength which she has lost and to regain her weight. She continues to lose weight which she can ill afford.

She has had a grand Christmas. For James, she gave him the bust of a pilot sculpted by Michael Garmen, in Colorado Springs, which was given to my Dad upon his retirement as a pilot, after 33 years in the Air Force. From one pilot in the family to another....it was a beautiful time, filled with tears.

I haven't posted but I have taken time out to sit down, sometimes late at night, to stop in a read all of my favorites! You all are the greatest! You cause me to laugh, to think and ponder, to grow and stretch....just what friends are for, iron sharpening iron. Thank you!

Here's looking forward with joy and anticipation to New Years 2006!

Gayla, my Friend...

For those of you who read Gayla over at Journey of the Heart would you lift her and her family up in prayer before the great Physician? She is having to deal with major life altering health issues with several of her family (Mom and Brother) as well as two friends. Jump over to her site and check out her posts which will bring you up to date.

Here I Sit...

It's about 1:30 in the morning and here I sit again. If I recall, I spent the Thanksgiving holiday on prednisone trying to get well. Here it is just two days before Christmas and I am again on prednisone trying to get well. It's a much stronger dose this go around and it's a stonger anitibiotic. And, I have more cough medicine with codeine...yea!!! EVERYONE will be much happier when it comes to bedtime if I have one teaspoon of codeine. ;) My allergist did send me to have blood drawn to see if I have pertussis...in plain English it's called whooping cough. Doesn't that just beat all? If that comes back positive...well, it just won't. That's all there is to it.

But the other MAJOR consideration for me is my glucose readings...you know, those 'blood levels' we diabetics are always so concerned about. While I was at the doctor's office this afternoon they gave me a breathing treatment followed by 3 pills of prednisone. I forgot to ask for my amryl (sp?) which meant I didn't get my internist called until almost five. The amryl is supposed to be taken once your levels rise. Mine are over 500. They are usually around 110. I've taken the amryl and am waiting to see how soon they begin to drop. I've been so thirsty and now I understand why...my levels were too high! So, if the prednisone doesn't keep me awake tonight all the water that I have been drinking surely will! Lol!

I learned about the "levels and prednisone" a couple of years ago. I had forgotten to tell my allergist that I was now a diabetic. Jim and I spent the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend with friends and I kept having to drink. I went through the huge Super sized drinks in about 8 minutes and kept having to go back for more. It was difficult to talk because of the dry mouth. I felt awful and couldn't think straight. On Sunday morning I take my levels and they are over 400 and my meter says "check ketones." Well, I'm Type 2 diabetic and on medication but not insulin so I had no idea what 'check ketones' meant. I called my sister who is my personal in house medical consultant and she had the nerve to not be home! ;) So I left a message about what my levels were and what the message had said and then left to run an errand by myself. While I'm gone she calls back as soon as she listened to my message and talks to Jim and tells him he needs to get a hold of me ASAP because I can go into a diabetic coma. She impresses on him how serious this is etc..... I come back and my levels are now even higher. I call the doctor on call and he tells me to have my husband drive me to the ER....Pronto! Do Not Pass Go...Do not collect $200.00. I spent the rest of the holiday in the ER on two separate trips hooked up to IV's as they tried to get my levels down below 250. Live and learn!

On to better news. It has been a delight to have James home. We have had such a fun time talking, talking, and talking some more. He and I went down to Cabellos (sp?) (the outdoors store) tonight after dinner. Jim, James and I ended up going out to eat for dinner since I spent the better part of the afternoon at the doctor's (which then put me behind in my Christmas cooking). James and I dropped Jim off at home and we went on Cabello's. What a neat store that is. James bought hiking boots so he and his friend Ben B. can go hiking tomorrow up in the snowy mountains. That should bring James home with a smile! He loves to hike the mountains!

I took a cd into W*lgr##ns to print a pic off. We are giving it to friends for Christmas in a picture frame that says "Friends". I'm sure you've seen different ones around. Anyway, I took it in and asked for one hour development. No problem. I come back after the doctor visit to pick it up. There were no pics transferred to the photo people in back. Thankfully, I have the cd still with me. I popped it in again and pull up the pics which I want. I leave and will come back when my Rx's are ready and after we have eaten dinner.

On our way home we stop to make my pick ups. There is still nothing able to be printed even though I selected the pics I wanted. "No problem," I tell the guy. "I'll just go home and have my tech savvy son make the transfer to a disc for me. I mean, I am so computer illiterate it's not funny (even though my nephew and niece told me on this trip that they've been VERY impressed with my ability to "muddle" through and figure things out concerning my blog). However, if my son can fly these million dollar planes and figure out all the computer stuff on them, then, surely he can show me how to transfer a picture from my computer to a cd to take to the photo people. :) Well, he in fact did that for me right before he went to bed.

So, it was about 11 p.m. and I'm wired (from the meds) so I run over with my new cd to get the pics printed. The same guy is there. I insert the cd and it tells me I have "no images". NO IMAGES!!! I cry out! Another man, not the guy who works there, comes to my assistance and he started the process over. Well, he pulls up the images on the PREVIOUS CD!!! Did you get that? On the PREVIOUS CD! Rather than risk not getting anything I select "print all." It prints out my receipt and I am able to eject my cd.

The guy who works there isn't working on any other order and he tells me he can tell really quickly if it has worked this time. He pulls up the order...it says there isn't anything there! But, he pushes more buttons and says, "Well, it says 8 pics ordered (chosen from the PREVIOUS BAD CD), and zero images shown. Oh wait! Here it says there are 2 images." I go behind the counter and look and I said, "Those are the two images I am wanting printed." So he printed those while I waited and he talked about how the machine must be 'haunted' or something. He sure didn't understand how the previous cd's images showed up on the new cd which only had 2 images. I calmly told him, "It's from the Lord!" He told me it sure must be. And, I assured him I was positive because I had been praying that this third try would work because this was to be a Christmas present which needed to be done by tomorrow! :) Isn't the Lord good? He is so faithful!

Well, it's almost 2 a.m. and I need to check my levels and take my very swollen feet to bed.

Please forgive all my grammer tense errors (of which there are many). I just can't focus enough to take the time to make corrections.

Goodnight, all!

Comment Here for previous post

For anyone desiring to comment on the post "Something wonderful to meditate on" please do so on this entry. Thanks everyone!

A test...

This is a test to see if you can post a comment. My last entry is not allowing it for some odd reason. I think it must have something to do with Blogger and hopefully, it is just a temporary thing and Blogger will get it's act together. I apologize on Blogger's behalf for any inconvenience.

Something wonderful to meditate on!

Hey, everyone, I popped in over to Jules' at Faith or Fiction? and she has directed everyone to check out what Bob has written at Gratitude and Hoopla. It is beautifully written and right on target for this time of year. Very thought provoking and a wonderful piece to just meditate upon. Enjoy! It's called "What Child Is This."

Blog Color?

Your Blog Should Be Blue

Your blog is a peaceful, calming force in the blogosphere. You tend to avoid conflict - you're more likely to share than rant. From your social causes to cute pet photos, your life is a (mostly) open book.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

This is pretty accurate for me. However, my favorite color is green!

It's Official!!!

We are back after a wonderful trip! From beginning to end it was filled with family, fun and the WING CEREMONY! We had the largest turnout there. However, there were two pilots from Italy and they came close in family who attended.

I wrote my entry and posted and it disappeared into cyberspace! ACK! I will try and reconstruct what I originally wrote but I'm not making any promises.

The day of the ceremony dawned rainy and cold but it didn't dampen any of our spirits. The morning began with a breakfast on base welcoming all of us. My sister and her husband attended with Pilot, J and I. Then we headed back to the hotel to pick up the rest of the crew and returned to the base to get our tour and to see the planes etc. Afterward, we stopped for a quick bite to eat before we returned to the hotel to change for the ceremony.

I didn't take too many pics of the actual ceremony because they had a professional photographer who took still pics and recorded it for a DVD. We have purchased that and when it comes in I will post more pics.

Saturday continued with the cold so we opted for more indoor activities. We chose the Texas State Aquarium which proved to be very interesting. The boys were especially excited to see and touch some really neat specimen! After our time there we headed back to the hotel where we gathered in the 'party room' (the large suite for our niece and her family) to watch football and eat pizza. We put the napping children in our room with the baby moniter.

Everyone headed out early Sunday morning to go to D and M's home in McKinney. We stayed in CC with Pilot and had some time for just the three of us. Monday afternoon found us back on the plane headed home. Pilot is now half way home and should arrive early evening tomorrow (Wednesday). Yea!

Once we were on the plane J and I looked at each other and sighed, "He is now fully released from us." His dad and I enter a new season of our life. Our job on rearing him is now accomplished and we have placed him securely in the Lord's hands. It will be exciting to see what the Lord will bring our way this next year!

The two roommates basking in their accomplishment! 

The First Stop

Our first stop was at DFW airport where we met up with dear Gayla. She is as warm and bubbly in person as she is in her blog. It was wonderful to sit down and begin talking as if we have known each other for years! That sweet aroma of Christ surrounds her inside and out! The only downside to our visit...it wasn't long enough! I look forward to strengthening our friendship over time. Now, if I can just meet the rest of you in person! :)

It's That Time!!!

I have been so busy lately trying to finish up all the little (and big) details which needed to come together for us to leave. Whew! I've had no time to blog but have managed to drop in to most of your sites a few times over the past several days.

We are packed and ready to go. The time has arrived! We leave early tomorrow morning and tomorrow evening we will have dinner with James and my sister and her husband. But, before that, Jim and I will be meeting our famous Gayla from Journey of the Heart fame! There will be a layover in Dallas and she is coming to the airport so we can meet! Pray that we can find each other without a lot of problems!

Oh, please don't forget about me while I'm gone. I should return to Blogland Tuesday and will be posting pics of the grand occasion! So, until then, God bless and Merry Christmas!

Monday Night Thoughtball....

It's that time again! It's Monday Night Thoughtball over at Faith or Fiction?. Go on over and check it out. The topic of discussion tonight is Spiritual Gifts.

I Don't Think So....

Your Birthdate: January 12

You're a dynamic, charismatic person who's possibly headed for fame. You tend to charm strangers easily. And you usually can get what you want from them. Verbally talented, you tend to persuade people with your speaking and writing. You are affectionate and loving, but it's hard for you to commit to any one relationship. Your strength: Your charm Your weakness: Your extreme manipulation tactics Your power color: Indigo Your power symbol: Four leaf clover Your power month: December

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

C-130

( Click on image to enlarge.)

I cannot believe the culmination of several years of hard work has now come to an end. If you are new here you might be interested in reading here the "early" years of James deciding on the military and how it came to be.

Now, all that hard work has paid off and he will be flying the straight C-130 stationed at Pope AFB, North Carolina. Training will take place in Little Rock, Arkansas. Everyone in their two squadrons got the straight C-130. There weren't any spec op planes to be had. The men were told if they had a desire for spec ops to let it be known once they arrive at their base where they will be stationed. Then as the opportunity presents itself they can move into spec ops. He seems very contented with the decision and for that we are grateful. I think it very interesting that there weren't any spec op planes available. We are resting that the Lord has placed James right where He desires him to be at this particular time. One of his roommates will go to Pope AFB along with James and the other roommate will stay at Little Rock.

Now, the next big event is to actually get those wings pinned on! Next week! Yea!!

Ahhh, MUCH Better....

I can honestly say that today was a MUCH better day! Granted it isn't over yet, but, He has sustained, uplifted, encouraged and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d my time today so that I have accomplished a lot! The Lord is soooo Good. He is Faithful. He is mindful of all my weaknesses. Praise His Holy Name!

Now, I have to confess that our son has called a few times today and that, too, has caused me to sing like a canary. (Which is a feat unto itself since all I can do is make a joyful noise unto the Lord!)

I highly recommend taking a "time-out" with the Lord each and every day! It will do wonders for your attitude, what all you accomplish (and don't accomplish), and just your overall well being. Try it! Whew! I'm glad I did!

PTL!!!!

Praise the Lord! He doesn't have to work! Now we are just waiting on the leave approval! :) Can you see my HUGE smile?!


:)

*ACK*

I cannot believe what idiotic things I've done over the past couple of days. My mind is going in a zillion directions at once and I can't seem to rein it in. It doesn't help matters that I need to accomplish a "to-do" list that seems like it has grown expedentially over the last few days. I ignore questions...well, I listen and hear the question and think about the response, then move on without ever replying. I had to go back in to the Saturn dealer today, not once but twice! The last time I told them not to let the gal who had been helping me go to lunch for at least 20 minutes. If I didn't return in the allotted 20 minutes she was free to leave for lunch! ;) I can't even begin to list the 'blogging' errors in other people's comment boxes...and not even thinking through, logically, that I could just delete the whole thing!

Well, I know what it is. Obviously, I have too much on my mind, too much to accomplish in too short of time and I'm on the yuck medicine that messes with my mind and sleep patterns. What to do? Naturally, the very first thing to do is stop and P.R.A.Y. After that I need to sit and contemplate...

• "Listen to this Job, stand and consider the wonders of God" (Job 37:14). I need to remember that God is in control. My running around helter/skelter will not accomplish anything. Give it over to Him...release...He is infinitely more able to stretch my time and my energy to get the things done in a way that is honoring and pleasing to Him.
• "Cease striving and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Here I need to take a 'time-out'. Let me sit at His feet listening intently to what He has to say to me. Focus...on...Him and Him alone.
• "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul" (Psalm 23:2-3a). My time in His presence is refreshing. It gives me clarity of mind and peace. Calmness overtakes me and I slow down. I stop. I savor my respite. This brings me immense contentment. He has my best interests at heart.
• "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee [me] with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee [ME] with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17). God, Himself, brings me gladness! Gladness results when I allow God to be with me. The source of happiness, joy, peace etc in in the Lord alone. And, to think, God sings over ME!
• "Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens" (Psalm 113:1-4). I need to lift my eyes upward toward where my help comes from. Keep them full on His wondrous face! May I not focus inwardly but totally on Him; trusting Him for everything.

Thank you, Lord for your unfailing love, your mercy toward me. Thank you for having compassion on me, gently lifting me up. May You flow out of me as I rise in the morning ready to meet the day which You have planned for me. Open my eyes so I might see You as you move obstacles out of my way, smooth over rough territory and increase my time to finish what needs to be done. You alone, Lord, are worthy of my praise. There is none Other. May the words of my mouth be encouraging, uplifting, and edifying to those around me but most of all, glorifying to You throughout my day. I pray these things in Your Son's Name, Jesus. Amen.

Asthma...

Along with whatever "gambooey" I just got over, my asthma was triggered. I have valiantly tried to 'make do' and weather out the storm but I finally caved in because of the horrid cough. Thursday, I called my allergist and explained about our trip to TX in just 12 days time and explained I had to be over the cough! He started me on prednisone.

I have "issues" with prednisone. The main issue is that I'm diabetic and it affects my 'numbers' very significantly. In the past when I took it my numbers spiked very high and I experienced vision loss, some of which remained permenant. Since then, whenever I go on it my internist will begin me on an additional medication that will offset the negative aspects of the prednisone as far as my diabetes is concerned.

Prednisone has some side effects one being depression and another one being insomnia, along with getting 'reved up.' The short time I'm on prednisone (7-14 days---this time just 8 days) I get so much accomplished in my home. It affects me with the insomnia and I become quite hyper, talking all the time and finding closets and drawers and cubbards to clean out and organize, silver to polish...all those things you leave for spring cleaning...because I cannot sit still and do nothing. Thankfully, I do not experience the depression that could arise in some people.

I haven't had much time to really sit down and post. I've had a lot of time to think about posting but I keep hopping around from one idea to another! In fact, too many ideas flooding my mind at one time! :)

However, I can't complain about the results. I get my asthma back under control, I lose the cough, and I get an organized and clean house once again! Now, back to James' closet! :)

Calling All Prayer Warriors!

James has called and informed us that he may get his leave time approved but could also be called to work during that same leave time over Christmas! It's a far piece to commute to work from UT to TX. Our request for prayer is James will get his leave approved and he will NOT have to work, at all, during his Christmas break. It is a totally selfish request on our part, but His Word says that He delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. I'll update you when I hear anything. Thank you so much for faithfully lifting our son up before His Holy throne!

Scripture...

Gayla over at Journey of the Heart is having a very good discussion on using Scripture....hop on over there and check it out! Enjoy!

The 7-Ups of Life...

1. WAKE UP - Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. DRESS UP - The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. "The cheerful heart has a continual feast." Proverbs 15:15

3. SHUT UP - Learn to listen to God and others. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3 "Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise." Proverbs 19:20

4. STAND UP - For what you believe. "Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

5. LOOK UP - To the Lord. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

6. REACH UP - For something higher. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

7. LIFT UP - Your prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead pray about everything." Philippians 4:6

Simple things...

There are many days when I struggle with doing the repetitive chores that occur when keeping a home. There are days when I seem to struggle with the lack of prayer time. Or I don't get to read in my Bible as I much as I would like. I'd rather spend hours getting lost in the Word than dusting etc.

I have always seemed to spend a lot of time in my car. In the past, before James had his drivers license, I spent time on the freeway taking him to and from Christian school. The time spent in the car after I dropped him off was such a great time of communicating with the Lord. Over the years I have come to see my more "mundane" tasks like dusting, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, etc as a perfect time to accomplish the chore but at the same time spend time with the Lord. Not only does it take my focus off of me and direct it back to whom it should be on, but it allows me to thoroughly work through any issue I may be struggling with. Or, it may be a time for praying.

Ironing is one of my favorite prayer activities. As I iron my husband's shirts I pray over his sleeves (arms and hands). Of course, there are his shoulders and back and I cover those. He needs strong shoulders because he is carrying the responsibility for our home. His hands reach out in friendship as well as needed strength to help someone in need. The collar represents his mind and all that he allows to penetrate. There is so much garbage out there that fights to keep the things of God from influencing him.

Truly, my daily chores are blessings. I watch my momma as she struggles to use her hands. They can no longer open a baggie and it is very difficult for her to pick up things off the floor. She would love to be able to do simple tasks again. Sometimes I guess we don't really understand the joy of being able to accomplish things until they are taken away from us.

May I never take for granted the smallest blessing. I pray that the Lord would open my eyes so I may see daily all that He pours out upon me. Not just those big blessings that one can't help but notice, but also the small ones, the snow gently falling, a mother's smile, a growing plant, a friend's voice, the ability to type, eyes to notice.

"And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessings" (Ezekiel 34:26).

Welcome...

Welcome, old and new friends! If you are new and haven't marked my 'Frapper Map' please take a moment to do so! I would love to be able to see where you are from. And, if you have a blog, leave a comment so I can drop in at your place too! :)



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It has come to my attention that I am in a race regarding my Frapper Map. Now, my closest and dearest friends know how competitive I am....but for those of you who do not....just understand that I am. Trust me.

Now, if you are a first time visitor and you don't think you will EVER be by this way again, that's okay, but GO AHEAD and SIGN my Frapper Map located on my side bar. I would be ever so grateful!

For all the Anonymous visitors I think you are able to sign it too. If you find out you cannot, please leave your first name and a 'shout out' message for me in the 'comment section' of this post. I'll add you under my moniker. :)

Any other new reader, please, SIGN my Frapper Map! I would be deeply indebted! :) Thank you!!!!

He's Syllabus Complete!!!!!

HE IS DONE!!! OH YES, HE IS!!! CAN YOU TELL WE ARE HAPPY? :0

Oh Eternal Father, Giver of every perfect gift, we are thankful for your faithfulness! You alone, Lord, are the One who has equipped him to reach this goal in his life. Lord, we rejoice in your sustaining power as he faithfully met each challenge put before him this past year. We thank you, Lord, allowing him to be selected as a pilot and we thank you for equipping him to reach this day. Lord, I know it is You alone who has placed James here. May he always recognize that You are the wind beneath his wings, that even when he sits as pilot, he is your co-pilot.
Lord, now we wait to see which area of service you will place him. You know the desires of his heart. If it be within your will Lord, we ask that you would grant his choice of plane to him.
Again, we sing Hallelujah to You alone, Lord. The only One who is worthy to receive our praises! May You continue to be glorified by James' service! Thank you, Lord! In Your Son's Precious Name I pray, Amen.

ONLY 15 DAYS TILL WE SEE HIM. ONLY 17 DAYS TILL HE IS PINNED!!!!!

As the clouds lifted...

As the clouds lifted this morning a beautiful sight unfolded. Our area around our home received about 4 inches. Two to four more inches are due to begin falling later tomorrow. Time to bring in more wood for the fireplace! :) 

Blogging Personality...

Your Blogging Type is Logical and Principled

You like to voice your well thought out opinions on your blog. And if someone doesn't what you write, you really don't care! Serious and blunt, sometimes people take your blog the wrong way. But you're a true and loyal friend to those who truly get you.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Monday Night Thoughtball....

I just wanted to remind everyone that Jennifer over at Sob'ah is hosting Monday Night Thoughtball for Jules at Faith or Fiction?. If you want to get involved in a great discussion opportunity pop over to her place and check out her question for the night. Discussion will continue through tomorrow. I do believe this will be the last guest hosting for awhile. Next Monday should find us all back at Jules' place.

8th Grade Science test!

You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 7/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

This is absolutely amazing for me! :)

Intuition?

When James was four Nana gave him this pilot airplane ornament. I wonder, did she know then? :) Only two more flights to go! 

Ummm...warmth!

It's snowing outside and it's warm inside with a fire tonight and a good movie. 

Looking Like Christmas...

The tree is up! 

Looking Forward to Christmas....

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone. My little momma has caught what Jim and I have had. She did not go with us to our friends around the corner. But, I always cook a Thanksgiving meal for us, even if we go out to friends because we love the leftovers. I fixed her a plate to have along with all the trimmings of salads and cranberry sauce. She loves cornbread dressing and she can eat her fill of it to her hearts desire.

We had a wonderful time of fellowship with L and J and their daughter, Melissa, her friend, Andrea, and her other friend, Bodie. The only young person who was missing was James but he is getting his fill today at his best friend, Abby's family, in Houston. It will have to tide him over until he comes home at Christmas.

Now, I pray that we maintain a spirit of thanksgiving as we turn our thoughts and hearts to Christmas. Oh, how I pray that everyone would come to know and love Christ my Lord and Savior. He reached down and pulled me out of the dung heap and has seated me in the heavenly places, right there beside Him! His love for me is unfailing, unending, ever present and always enduring. There is nothing I can do that will separate me from Him. "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

Now, my prayer for each of you is taken from Ephesians 3:16-21, in the Amplified Bible:

"May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]---To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it)."

This is my wish for each and every person who drops in to visit my blog. If you are someone who doesn't know my Lord and desires to meet Him I would consider it a privilege to introduce you to Him. You may let me know in the comment section and I will give you my email address for more in depth discussion. And, for those of you who are my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord, Let Us REJOICE!!

Tagged, again....

I have been tagged again by Suz this time. Here are the rules. Pay close attention because you may be the next to partake in all the fun! Remove the blog at #1 from the following list and bump everyone up one place; then add your blog to the #5 spot.

1. Blither
2. Tammy
3. Erin
4. Suz
5. Claire

Next select 5 friends to pass this on to:
1. Jules
2. Gayla
3. My niece, Claire
4. Pam
5. Melissa

What were you doing 10 years ago?
We were living in our small first home and James was in 8th grade playing basketball. My Mom and Dad came for Thanksgiving that year. I was a stay at home Mom.

What were you doing 1 year ago?
We were having our first Thanksgiving in 22 years without our son. He had just started flight training at Moody AFB, GA on November 4. Also, we were adjusting to the news that he would not be home for Christmas either. (He did surprise us Christmas! You can read about it here.)

5 snacks you enjoy:
1. popcorn
2. nachos
3. chips and dip
4. veggies and dip
5. anything chocolate

5 songs to which you know all the lyrics:
Since I don't sing...I make a joyful noise, and my mind just doesn't remember song titles and words...this will be very short!
1. Trust and Obey
2. Amazing Grace
3. And Can It Be
4. Majesty
5. American Pie

5 things you would do if you were a millionare:
1. Well, we own our own home and cars so I guess we would put some into savings/invest
2. We would look for ways to use it for the Lord (there are so many more people we would like to support on the mission field)
3. I would make sure we would set some aside that would grow larger enabling us to travel wherever our son will be stationed
4. We would travel to see family and new babies and new homes etc.
5. Maybe a trip to Europe. I think it would be lovely to see it again but this time with my husband.

5 bad habits:
1. reading to the detriment of what I should be doing
2. too much blogging
3. not exercising enough
4. snacking too much (I love snacks!)
5. staying up too late (reading again!)

5 things you like doing:
1. I love to read
2. Spending time with my family (my husband and son, and extended family)
3. Blogging
4. Bible study
5. Spending time with my husband!

5 things you would never wear again:
1. a bikini
2. a tube top
3. low rider pants where one's middle shows (shivers...) well, maybe that should just be gaudy clothes period.
4. stilletos
5. Hmmm...I'm sure there are many things I would never wear again but I'm at a loss right now for the fifth.

5 favorite toys:
1. digital camera
2. computer
3. books
4. did I mention my digital camera?
5. more books

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

"I, Claire, will bless the LORD at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul will make its boast in the LORD;

the humble will hear it and rejoice.

O magnify the LORD with me,

And let us exalt His name together."

Psalm 34:1-3

"O taste and see that the LORD is good;

How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

O fear the LORD, you His saints;

For to those who fear Him there is no want.

The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;

But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.

Psalm 34:8-10

"Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens,

Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;

Your judgments are like a great deep.

O LORD, You preserve man and beast.

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!

And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;

And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.

For with You is the fountain of life;

In Your light we see light.

Psalm 36:5-9

Need a Laugh? :)

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

You Are The Stuffing

You're complicated and complex, yet all your pieces fit together. People miss you if you're gone - but they're not sure why.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Seven Things...."Condensed"

Too busy of a day for me to think of seven so I'll do a "condensed" version. Jennifer over at So'bah My Soul tagged me for this meme.

Four things I want to do before I die:

1. Well, first and foremost, I want to make it to Corpus Christi in Dec to pin those pilot wings on our son!
2. I want to see and hold the newest addition to our family, due in late March. My niece is pregnant with her fifth child...a GIRL after having four boys!
3. I want to be able to travel wherever James is stationed! :)
4. Daily, I want my relationship with the Lord to grow deeper and deeper. Instead of Him SHOUTING to get my attention I would love it if He would just need to whisper my name...better yet, just give me 'a look'!

Four things I cannot do:

1. I cannot sing...I make a joyful noise!
2. I cannot speak and understand Russian.
3. I cannot be 20 again!
4. I cannot beat my son in arm wrestling anymore (There, James, I've ADMITTED it!) [It was a very long time ago in which I DID beat him]

Four things that attract me to my hubby:

1. How he makes me feel cherished.
2. His walk with the Lord.
3. His sense of humor.
4. His faithfulness.
5. His kindness and love he continually shows to my Mom.
6. His good looks!
7. His willingness to pitch in and help me
8. Okay...okay...I can get carried away talking about him....

Four things I say most often:

1. I love you.
2. Jim!
3. Hey, babe!
4. Praise the Lord!

Four books or authors I love:

Well, I guess it goes without saying that my Bible is my most favorite so I'll list others...and I could go on and on about books and authors but will limit myself....

1. RC Sproul
2. Randy Alcorn
3. Beth Moore
4. AW Tozer

Four movies I watch over and over again:

This is a stretch for me because I don't watch too many but here goes...

1. October Sky
2. Apollo 13
3. You've Got Mail
4. Sleepless in Seattle

Four people I want to jump in...I'm not a big one on listing people so if you desire to jump in then give me a holler.... Thanks Jennifer for tagging me! :)

Monday Night Thoughtball....

Oh my! I cannot believe that it is Monday, oops, now it is Tuesday and I forgot all about Monday Night Thoughtball!!! Normally it's at Jules' Faith or Fiction? site but Gayla at Journey of the Heart is hosting this one due to a deadline Jules is trying to meet. I'll chalk up my forgetfulness to the fact that I've been nursing my hubby who had hand surgery this morning. Let's just say it's been a very busy day for me!

Anyway, Gayla has posted an interesting question for discussion so hop on over there and leave your two cents worth to her poser. The discussion will continue until tomorrow afternoon. I look forward to seeing you there! :) And along the way, you will meet some more nice people! You can't beat that!

Heavenly Places...

"To whom then will you liken Me that I would be his equal?" says the Holy One.

Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing." Isaiah 40:25-26

Rylee's Final Report...God's Total Goodness!!!

What a week for my modem to go out--I couldn't mass mail you all to let you know how God answered prayer for RyLee so abundantly. So sorry for the delay. Surgery lasted over 13 hours, 11 of which were spent severing all the blood flow to and from the tennis-ball-sized malformation, the largest one this surgeon has ever removed. Her vitals, including brain waves, stayed stable the entire time, and she did not lose much blood. It appears there have been no complications. Her vision was not affected, and she seems to be functioning mentally the same as before surgery. This is a tremendous answer to prayer. She got off the ventilator Tues. morning and went home Friday! (We were told to expect a 7-10-day stay). The portion of her skull bone that was removed on 9/17 remains frozen until all swelling goes down and will be put back on in a month or so (pretty amazing!). Until then she must wear a helmet when she's up.Thank you all for your prayers. As you think of it, our prayers now include RyLee's rehab of her speech and her right hand, reading and listening comprehension, and writing. Nathan is starting to feel like he and RyLee can finally get on with their first year of marriage (she was in the hospital seven different times, and one time lasted 7 weeks.) We are so glad this is over and the AVM is OUT! We thank God for all of you who prayed and now share in the truth of 2 Cor. 1:10-11 "Who delivered [RyLee] from so great a death, and does deliver ...in whom we trust that He will still deliver...You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many." Love,Ken & Marcia

Laughter is good....

I am awake with a coughing spell. They don't seem to be fully gone yet. :( While I am trying to get the coughing under control it helps to have a smile. Otherwise, my focus would be on me and the lack of sleep...then would come grumbling. Smiling is a MUCH better choice! 

It's Working....

Target Getting the Message - Stock Drops 7%

"There is an anti-Christian bias in this country, and it is more on display at the Christmas season than any other time." – Bill O'Reilly, The O'Reilly Factor, Fox News Channel – (Speaking about the decision of Target and other stores to ban the use of "Merry Christmas" in their stores and advertising.)

Dear Bill ,
On October 7 we brought to your attention that Target was banning the Salvation Army's kettles from the front of their stores. Now we've learned Target is also banning the use of "Merry Christmas" from their in-store promotions and from their advertising in papers, TV, etc. Your efforts are having an impact. USA Today (11/16/05) announced that "Target alarmed investors by saying projected sales at stores open a year in November would miss the estimated 4% to 6% growth. Shares of Target fell $4.13 to $54.30." (A 7% drop.)

Target's ban of the Salvation Army and "Merry Christmas" expresses the same attitude toward Christianity as that held by Michael Newdow, who wants to ban "In God We Trust" from our currency and "under God" from our Pledge of Allegiance. AFA is asking individuals to boycott Target during the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend—the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Please share this request to boycott Target on that weekend with friends, family and members of your church and Sunday school class. Please sign the petition to Target. This petition will also be sent to other major chains banning the use of "Merry Christmas" including Costco, BJ's, Wal-Mart, Sears/K-Mart and Kohl's. It is basically too late to change their policies this year, but we can change it for next year. Last year we called for a boycott of Federated Stores because they banned "Merry Christmas." This year they are using "Merry Christmas!" A successful boycott of Target will send a message to every company! This is your opportunity to make your voice heard. Please act today and then forward this to friends and family.

Click Here to Sign the Petition To Target and Other Stores Now!

Sincerely,
Don Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman
American Family Association

P.S. Please forward this e-mail message to your family and friends!

I DID IT!!!!

Still trying to get the hang of it: I figured out how to post these silly things. I've never done it correctly until now! Yipee! Yea! You know, it truly is the simple things in life that excite me! :P



You are Franklin!


Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

The Newest Member....

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of the Bug Team located on my side bar. If you click your mouse on the 'treat box' you will take a treat out and Cocoa will jump up and eat it. Just try not to over feed him, we don't want him to get fat! :o

This came via LJ's blog, My DairyLand Diary. Thanks LJ!

Remembering His Birthday....

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer. It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first, people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face......... and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years most close their doors to me. Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling, "Ho-Ho-Ho!" He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying : "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party were in his honor! At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and....do you know .... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one ? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas for you to allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all you heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation, will be left outside. Do you know how you can answer this invitation? It is by extending it to others whom you care for... I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year... See you soon....I love you !-Jesus-

Customer Service Announcement....

I dropped in over at Gayla's tonight after she had been to Wal-Mart. The same Wal-Mart who does not desire to say "Merry Christmas." After she talked with a store manager, who assured Gayla that Wal-Mart listens to their customers, the manager gave her a number to call to register any displeasure. So if you want to keep "Merry Christmas" at Wal-Mart please take a moment and call and let your desire be known. I'm sure they would appreciate hearing from all of us. After all, they listen to their customers! :)

1-800-WALMART

1-800-925-6278

ONE MONTH....

Sorry, I didn't mean to shout up in the 'title' section...but, it is one month from today that he gets to pin on his wings! Does it show that I'm just a wee bit excited? ;)

Seasons....

I do believe I've managed to live through both of them!

The New Holiday?

This about sums it up!

 

Grrrr.....

I'm mad! I get mad about this time each year and it seems to be growing each year. Why? Because retailers are choosing to not say "Merry Christmas." There biggest quarter for earnings which is based on Christ's birthday and they don't want to acknowledge it. Give me a break. I really can't see what is so offensive about Christmas to atheists or even other religions. After all, you get a paid holiday. You can have a party with your friends. Who says you need to honor Christ? If you are not a Christian then just enjoy the festivities without any religious hype to it. Gosh, you do that every Sunday. Why should Christmas be any different? For Target, Wal-Mart and the others who choose to be "politically correct" (*that said DRIPPING with sarcasm*) I will not be purchasing items from your store this Christmas season. On Bill O'Reilly's show this evening he stated that one large retailer (which I do not remember the name) chose to do the same thing last year and they LOST money. This year? They are back in full force saying, "Merry Christmas!" You can be assured we will be saying, "Merry Christmas!"

Success for Rylee!!!!!

RyLee's surgery lasted approximately 11 hours, with 3 hours of preliminaries. The AVM (malformation) was the size of a tennis ball - the largest the doctor had ever removed. Her vitals stayed stable the entire time, and there were no complications. RyLee had a good night of rest last night, and her vision and hand coordination are good. She is doing remarkably well & is very alert. The portion of her skull that was removed will be put back on in a month or so, when the swelling goes down. More updates will be coming as she recovers. Thank you all for your prayers. The family is very appreciative & couldn't have done without them.

Brrr...

Today is the first day that it really seems like winter! We were down in the upper teens/low 20s this morning and our high is only supposed to be 38. The positive side to this is we do have sunshine today but the smog is moving in to stay for awhle...UGH!

 

Under the Weather :(

 

Choke Canyon Reservoir

In the afternoon at Choke Canyon Reservoir
(taken by 'The Pilot')

 

Rylee's Surgery Details...

RyLee and Nathan are sitting on our sofa eating gingerbread cake (with lemon sauce) as I write. We had a wonderful church service this morning and prayer time where the elders surrounded Nathan and RyLee and led us in prayer for them. Nathan told us today that up till now he has prayed for strength for himself and RyLee to be able to go through whatever happens (and God has answered--they have been amazingly calm and accepting), but now he is begging God to let all go well for RyLee's surgery tomorrow and that no more disabilities will result. The AVM has to be removed one artery at a time. Clip the artery, then monitor blood pressure and stop bleeding (low bp = brain damage, and high bp = hemorrhage); then clip another artery, etc. By Monday evening we will know if she survived surgery, but will not have any news as to her function until Thursday. So I won't email unless I know something new. We are happy that RyLee’s parents, Dave and Chris, and brother Derek came to church today for the first time. They are believers, but don’t seek Christian fellowship. Please pray for Grandma Jayne (Chris’ mother) who is not a believer and has never been interested. She is amazed at how well Nathan and RyLee have handled their problems. RyLee will be hospitalized 7-10 days. Thanks again for sharing this burden with us. Love, Ken & Marcia

More on Rylee...

RyLee's surgery to remove the Arterio Venus Malformation from her brain is scheduled for MONDAY, November 14. She will have an MRI at 7:30, followed by surgery. Pray for her all day, because that’s how long it will take. Doctors had hoped to shrink the AVM first, but complications have prevented that. RyLee has been home since 10/28 and has worked hard at speech rehab every day. She can say “Mm-hum, no, and Nathan.” She understands everything she reads but not everything she hears. The AVM is in the reading comprehension and vision area of her brain.

Shopping...

I've spent the day shopping and it still isn't my most favorite thing to do. However, this was shopping for a very important occasion coming up very soon! :) I did find my outfit to wear up on stage when we pin his wings on. I also purchased another casual sweater to wear with slacks and 2 pairs of shoes...one casual (Sass clogs because I can get them in 'slim') and the other a black dressy low heal pump. I'm just about ready! Now, if only December would hurry up and arrive! :)

Low Levels...

Guess what?! These low level flights which James is doing are navigational low level flights. James is sitting in the right seat which is the c0-pilot seat! Do you realize what this means? He has totally completed his flying from the left seat as pilot!!! He has 6 more of the low level and the sixth one is a navigational check ride (which is his final test over the navigational system). How cool is that? Wow!

God's Holiness Changes Us....

I've been meditating on Isaiah where he has the vision of God upon His throne. Isaiah is so overcome by the holiness of God and by the wretchedness of his own self. He calls judgment upon himself. Isaiah was a changed person because of his encounter with God.

Well, then I began pondering some more. I thought about who had seen God *in person*. Now, we know that God is a spirit (John 4:24) and that no one can see God and live (Exodus 33:20). That brought to mind Moses. Now, God allowed Moses to see His back but never his face. Actually, he saw God's glory, not the full glory of His face, but from His back.

When Moses returned to the people his face was shining. The people were terrified by it. They shrank from Moses. It was so bad Moses had to cover his face. Moses had come so near to God that he was reflecting God's glory.

I find this fascinating because as I thought about Moses I applied it to the culture in which I live. The mormons believe that their prophet, Joseph Smith, saw both Christ and God the Father. I have always maintained that he did not because of the biblical verses that tell us that God is a Spirit and we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Also, I go to the passage where it says no one can look on God's face and live. But, another thought came to me as I meditated on this. If Joseph Smith had truly seen God the Father, face to face, then 1) Joseph Smith would be dead according to the Scriptures or, let's suppose he did manage to live Joseph Smith would have been a changed boy. Since he was so close to the Father he too would have reflected the glory of the Lord just like Moses which would have instilled fear in the people. That did not happen. There was no visible change or sign that young Joseph had seen God. People were not afraid of Joseph Smith...there was no visible glow emanating from him.

This is yet, another important reason for one to search the Scriptures like the Bereans did to find out what is Truth (Acts 17:11). It is so important to be grounded in God's unchanging Word so as not to be led astray by false teachings.

Above the clouds...

Flying above the clouds.

 

Looking down...

A view from the cockpit.

 

Cheap and proud of it...

I ran across this while browsing through the news tickers. I would have to say this man is definitely cheap....

TCanavansays:

"I'm the cheapest person I know. Instead of buying a house I put an ad in the paper saying, FREE DEMOLITION...I got my pick of a house. I took the house apart and hauled it to my land and rebuilt it. Instead of paying thousands on a mortgage I pay $221.00 a month for the land."

Corn Chowder...

It is rainy and cold today. The perfect day for soup! This is what is on my dinner menu this evening!

Corn Chowder

2 lbs. sausage or hamburger
8 Cups of diced potatoes
1 tsp. marjoram
4 Cups of water
2 cans whole kernal corn
2 cans cream corn
2 Cups chopped onions
4 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 cans evaporated milk

Brown meat and drain. Add all other ingredients except corn. Simmer until potatoes are done. Add corn. Heat and serve. Add a loaf of crusty and bread and ENJOY!

Colors...

Do you think there are colors that we still haven't even seen yet?

 

Holiness?

Monday Night Thoughtball over at Faith or Fiction? focused on whether there was anything along your path to God that, at first glance, you just couldn't wrap your brain around? Did you ever get it resolved? Well, I've pondered that thought ever since and have been thinking about the holiness of God.

Now, think about Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning..." There was no history, nothing...nada...zilch...zero...except God. So before the world began there was nothing. Have you ever tried to wrap your mind around nothing? Where is nothing? It doesn't exist because if nothing existed then it would be something and not nothing. Does that make any sense to you? How do you think about nothing? You can't because as soon as you try to think, it becomes something. And, something isn't nothing.

Now apply this to God and creation. God created the world out of nothing. Creation involved bringing into existence everything that is. At one point there was nothing and then God spoke and there was something. How? God called the universe into being. Can you imagine His voice? Here is the voice of God which can bring something out of nothing. He can bring life out of death. All of this by the sound of His voice.

The act of creation is the first event in our history. I'm well aware that there are many people who choose not to believe the biblical account of creation. Maybe they prefer to believe in chance. But, doesn't that seem preposterous to you? What are the chances that the universe was created by chance?

Look at Genesis 1:1 again. "In the beginning God..." He alone is eternal, He alone has power over life and death. By the power of His command He can call worlds into being. Isn't that power staggering to you? It is to me! God created the world by the sheer power of His voice. That humbles me, makes me feel no larger than a gnat, if that big. Does that make you want to know Him? To know His majesty, His power, His holiness?

Dealing with God's holiness is foundational to our Christian walk, I believe. It is basic to our understanding of who God is and of Christianity. God's name is holy (Luke 1:49). As you walk down the street in today's society you might not realize it is holy. It seems like it gets trampled upon all too often. People certainly don't show respect for His name. There doesn't seem to be too much honor, nor reverance and what about awe? Think about this...His name which has all the power is the one abused. You don't hear someone walking down the street mad saying, "Oh, Allah!" No, there isn't any power to that name. There isn't a need to destroy that name.

How we understand the person and character of God the Father affects every aspect of our lives. His holy character has something to say about every aspect of my life and yours...financial, politics, romance, business, athletics. Everything!

God is inescapable. There isn't any place to hide from Him. It isn't that He penetrates every aspect of our lives but He penetrates it in His majestic holiness. We can't avoid it. We can't worship, we can't be obedient nor grow in our spiritual walk without it. God has declared, "Be holy, because I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44).

I'm going to leave you with a question...When you think of God as holy, what comes to your mind?

Tonight's Sunset...

This is the sunset I saw tonight right before the trick-or-treaters began arriving. I stood in the center of my driveway and snapped away!

Flowers on October 31st!

Never in all my 25 years of living in Utah have I ever had my flowers still blooming on my front porch on the last day of October!

Monday Night Thoughtball....

Hey, it's Monday Night Thoughtball over at Faith or Fiction? hosted by none other than our dear friend, HeyJules. Drop on over there and add a comment or two. The discussions each Monday are well worth the visit. Everyone can get into some deep issues but the spirit is very civil and respectful of one another's views, even if those views are different from the others posted. I think you'll enjoy your time spent there.

Grade Complete!!!!! :)

Thank you all for your prayers today for James! He has just called and he PASSED his check ride! He is considered 'grade complete' meaning that his ranking in the class is now determined.

His charts and graphs will be turned in on his 'low level' flight briefing; most likely Tuesday morning. Tomorrow morning he will brief at 8:15 a.m. and then fly his solo flight.

That just leaves 6 low level flights and his 7th low level flight is his FINAL CHECK RIDE and he will be completely done...syllabus complete!!!

So, if the Lord brings him across your mind this week would you please lift him up in prayer before His mighty throne? You already know that his parents would appreciate it and I know that James would too! :)

Psalm 84

How lovely are Your dwelling places,

O LORD of hosts!

My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord;

My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.

The bird also has found a house,

And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,

Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts,

My King and my God.

How blessed are those who dwell in Your house!

They are ever praising You.

How blessed is the man whose strength is in You,

In whose heart are the highways to Zion!

Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring;

The early rain also covers it with blessings.

They go from strength to strength,

Every one of them appears before God in Zion.

O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;

Give ear, O God of Jacob!

Behold our shield, O God,

And look upon the face of Your annointed.

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.

I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

The LORD gives grace and glory;

No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts,

How blessed is the man who trusts in You!