To Cyberspace....

Live in such a way that those who know you but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you.

Live, Love, and Laugh.

Hurray!

Looks like I have a temp job for a few weeks (maybe longer). Our town highway garage flooded out and they need help separating the paper files to be copied.

God provides. He has something in mind for me (and everyone) and it would do us well just to be patient and wait upon Him. I had an opportunity to go to a clambake today where a lot of potential employers were hanging out.

I prayed befor I left was that an opportunity would arise and He would direct my steps. The only employer that talked to me was the one I have right now and told me that he may need me longer than 3 weeks. Hallelujah!

It may not be the job of my dreams (He knows about that) but it'll do for the time being until the other job is ready for me.

"Be still and know that I am God". I need that verse. He comes through.

We Was Jammin'!

Finally got our group back together and jammed last night.

I've sooo missed the sounds of a lead guitar and harmonica. I think we played about 30 or 40 songs.

Of course, we had a 'killer' bass player (me)! If only I had my new strings so that I could reach the 'cellar'. (We play in my basement but the bass 'b' string is so low that they call it the 'cellar')

All of our fingers were cramped when we got done four hours later. Good thing I had the coffee and brownies ready.

I'm off to work today. I'm helping dry papers at the town highway office.

Got to go get my tetnus shot at 9, though. Not looking forward to that.

Have a blessed day, everyone!

Decisions...decisions...

In Joshua 3:15, he says "Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest." Jericho was taken at harvest time.

The flood is all that distracts us from our deliverance and the harvest of souls.

We need to cross over the Jordan, keeping focused on Jesus (Priest in the middle of the river on dry ground).

Do we let the 'Jordan's flood waters' keep us from pursuing God's vision for His church? Or do we take Jericho?

Interrupted Lives

For the last two days I've helped the flood victims.

My pastor preached on the Good Samaritan yesterday. His sermon was titled "Who Cares". He motivated 61 people to show up at a rescue center to help devastated families after church. We interrupted our schedules to help those who we couldn't recognize. There were no smiling faces or laughter...just despair and grief.

We made a difference. We hauled, moved, loaded, cleaned, sorted and comforted. Our efforts seemed like ants moving a monumental mountain.

Today, the volunteers were less. There are less supplies. Gloves and bug spray are running low. Masks are in short supply.

But God provides. There's that word...but. But, God. He has made all the difference. He is present in every hug, handshake, surprised hope...everything.

As my hauling partner and I were going back to the headquarters, we came across an automobile accident. On the ground sat a young woman, just crying and shaking. I ran to her and just hugged her.

She'd lost everything, borrowed a car and headed to the church for more clorox to clean with. Along came an elderly driver and t-boned their borrowed car.

Her shaking voice just kept saying "I want my life back". It's a nightmare that the people want to wake from. I just wanted to hold her and make it all go away for her.

I don't know her name but she was ok. She calmed a bit and talked to me. Finally, I asked if I could pray with her and she just shuddered and grabbed onto me and nodded. I hope my words were led by the Spirit and were encouraging to her. It sounded like jibberish to me. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit who shows the Father what our heart is really saying. He's the Great Interceder.

"Can I pray with you?" are words that make the stoniest heart bleed. A fresh round of tears were torn from her soul. It was her darkest hour but also the most hopeful. Pray for her salvation.

Hug someone today. It doesn't matter what color their skin is or if they're American or Iranian. It all comes down to this one fact: we're all people with needs.

There is no defense against love.

Show and Tell...

My favorite shrub...flowering dogwood. It's dark red bark stays through the winter. I trimmed it back to make room for the flagstone walkway and now it's re-blooming!

This is what the birds left for me from their spring feeding. The bumblebee is reaping a harvest and after it goes to seed the birds will finish it off. Amazing cycle of life.

My pointelle (?sp). I just planted it this morning. It blooms all summer.

The world that God created for us is so full of color. The cycles of life correspond to His cycle of creation...growth, bloom, death. But death doesn't have a hold on those who believe in His Son, Jesus. As the flower dies, it's seed falls to the ground where it is fed by the water and nutrients, then is reborn into a new plant that grows and blooms.

As we realize that Jesus is the only way to real Life, we die to our self and walk in the ways of God. We are buried, nurtured with the water of the Spirit and the Word of the Bible, then bloom again in the knowledge of eternal life with Him in heaven.

Well Spring of Life

Wash me from my sins, O God.

Create in me a pure heart.

We've had tons of water in this area of land. The river looks as if it's dead, there is so much mud.

But, God regenerates everything He's made. The particles and debris will be filtered out. In a week's time, it will be running sparkling clear.

The mud soaked grass will be springing back up to touch the sun. The short rainfalls will cleanse the bushes and highways. Flowers have bloomed through muddied buds, creating a blooming mass of flowered browned leaves.

Birds of all kinds are questioning the homeowners, wondering why the bird feeders are empty. They'll be refilled soon.

What has been lost to the enemy will be taken back. He cannot hold onto what is good because it comes back to the Father.

In a month's time, cleanup will still continue but what we've gone through won't seem so bad. The stories will remain burned in our memories, but life goes on.

Next year, it'll be the talk of the Flood of 2006. We've named the disaster. History is past, the future yet to come.

We mustn't hold onto despair but release it to fly away to the next level of living.

All things work together for good, for those who are in Christ Jesus. Even the bad, tough, rough and awful.

Soul Reunion

It's taken me 53 years to discover my identity. It's in Christ. Only through Him have I been able to accept me.

I went to my 35th high school reunion over the weekend. Only a small turnout but we had time to talk to each other and remember the 'good' old days.

Those days were full of pursuing acceptance from each other. With clothing, hair styles, pierced ears we tried to 'fit' into the societal hierarchy within our class. How much of a jock you were, dictated the number of females chasing you. Cheerleaders always seemed to win out.

After graduation, things started getting more difficult. Fitting into the world that has already grown up, challenged the most astute high school graduate. All of a sudden, we were at the bottom again.

Talking with someone at the reunion, she remarked how fortunate my husband and I were with our 35 year marriage. She asked "What do you regret?"

"Nothing." It just slipped out.

"Not even one? I always wanted another child so I have that regret?"

"Nope. Everthing that has happened to me, even the bad things or the wrong road chosen, have made me who I am today." And I'm pretty happy with me at the moment, even with all my faults. My character has been transformed. I know that when I discover something about me that I don't like, it will change.

Think back on that conversation, I realized how true that statement was. I did sinful and wrong things that I'm sorry about, but don't regret them. I would never have know how perfect Jesus is without them. I'm still short, still a little bottom heavy, but that isn't the 'me' that I see today. I am what I feel, think, say and believe. My faith has sharpened and honed my character, transforming my thinking of eternal, not external treasures.

God is so awesome. His praise should always be in my heart, if not on my lips. The Great Potter knows His plans and He has shaped me for today. Tomorrow I may look, see, feel, be different than today, but I have learned that it is for my benefit and His Glory.

Yes, I am today much closer to the Kingdom of God, especially since I've left my desires of yesterday behind.

It's All About Hope

Hope deferred makes the heart sick.

Yes, it's Biblical. When you hope and hope and hope and hope for something that doesn't come, you have the tendency to give up. Despair and unbelief take the place of a joyful expectation of a desire fulfilled.
The Founding Fathers of the United States of America had a dream. The hope started with a desire to worship God in a biblical way that wasn't allowed at their time. Persecution led to inspiration, the inspiration of freedom.

It wasn't freedom to do anything you please, it was freedom to make choices.

As Americans, we are free to choose a lot of things, some good, some bad. If we choose the right things the results will show. If we choose unwisely, we suffer the consequences. We have a lot of freedoms. Where they take us only God knows. We have chosen God in the past, let's choose God for the future. He is the only hope we have. He has made it plain with His Word.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. II Chronicles 7:14-15

Yes, God Bless America, my home sweet home.

Sunday Sunday

This is a new day. A fresh opportunity to start over.

May it be friendships, jobs, loved ones or a new life, we've been given mercy to go forward without remorse or regret about the past.

In the northeast, we seem to be able to pick up ourselves faster than those who don't have the resources living within a large city, such as New Orleans.
People in the flooded areas are already cleaning out their basements and houses, seeing what is salvageable and what isn't. Backhoes and plows are removing the mud that had swamped homes, cars and businesses. Huge water tankers are washing down roads and parking lots.


Even Burger King and McDonalds have re-opened with bottled water and port-a-johns. The resilience of the human nature is astounding.

Whatever material loss there is, can be replaced; other than personal momentoes. But even those cannot be wiped out of your mind. Maybe that's why God gave us memories. Everything else can be destroyed by moth and mold.

But the Lord has given us promises. If we hold true to His Son, Jesus, He will see us through everything. We have a bright future, eternity with Him, where there will be no more tears or pain. One day at a time, Sweet Jesus, that's all we're asking from You.

Here is what the sunset looked like last night.
Don't you think it holds the promise of a brighter day today?

Good Friday Morning

Today is my weekly prayer meeting at church. Our church is still in the flood emergency section of the city, so I didn't encourage people to travel.

Did you ever wonder how you sound to other people when you pray? I have so many inadequate words to tell God how wonderful He is. I know that I fail to pray 'aright' but somehow He hears me.

Less often than more, I just talk to Him. I'm hoping He'll forgive my stumbled words and misquotes of Scripture. I feel as if I should be so much farther along in my faith than I believe that I am.

I can almost feel my heart cry out to Him. There is so much unbalance in this world, so much injustice. My soul longs for His justice and mercy to manifest in everything. I want Him to be King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I may not have flowery speech or prose of pen, but God still understands. He's the greatest when I'm the weakest. My poor mite given in faith speaks volumes of love, faith and hope in Him.

I love Him.

Thursday June 29, 2006

The state of emergency still exists. Water levels are lowering but still over flood stage. Lots of roads are closed.

I went to the office supply store and stopped in at church. Water is still coming up out of the manhole covers. Water, water everywhere.

The following pictures are some that I snapped on the way into the city. I noticed the hilltops look a little brown, as if the leaves were stripped off the trees. Very strange looking.



It's amazing how we're all just like little ants. The sun comes out and we're back to work, pushing and shoving dirt and food around. The human spirit is amazingly resilient. The Christian spirit may get knocked down and around but we're never defeated as long as we keep our eyes vertical and not horizontal. With Christ as our focus, He straightens everything out. All things work for good for those that are in Christ Jesus. Yes, even the bleakest turns around for an excellent purpose.

Flood Update

This is our town park. In the distance is the river itself. You can't see the bottom of the trees. Only the roof of the pavilions are visible. All you can hear are the birds chattering in the tops of the trees.

The sun has come out hot and strong. Odors are getting more prevalent. At first it was an oil/gas smell. Now the raw sewage, dead fish and other things are mingling with the wetness.





My mom, sister and her friend were rescued by my sister's fiance. He finally made it through the obstacle course and took them back to their house. I just delivered my grandkids back home. It was their first experience walking a plank across the deluged ditch.

The scanner is non-stop with rescues and repairs. Reports of floating houses, cars and trees have come across the phone lines. A pizza shop exploded earlier and fires have sprung up in houses and other businesses. A man stranded on top of his tractor trailer has been rescued also. Several helicopters have gone overhead. I think they're army or national guard units.

Roving reporter, Bonnie (Bonniewrites) will be sharing her photos soon. She's gone north of the city, I'm south.

They're calling this the 100-year flood. I've seen videos on other floods that have happened in the last 100 years but I never expected to be in one. Thank God that He directed us to move to higher ground.

That's where He is...higher and higher and higher.

Like a Flood...

Hey guys! We're stranded in New York State. Even though I'm on a hill, it's become an island. We had over 6 inches of rain last night and expect 1-3 more today. Our rivers are at least 10 feet over flood stage and small dams are failing.

My mom, sister and her friend were stranded at a gas station all night and they finally made it to my house this morning. I had to go get my grandchildren this morning so that their mom could go sort the mail. They won't be delivering today though.

When I woke up this morning, I thought 'Lord, what can I do in this situation?' I had ideas of taking cookies to the fire station or highway shed but they're surrounded by water, too.

So the Lord brought my family to me. I don't know how long they'll be here because the roads are washed out and the bridges, too.

I am thankful that I don't live in the valley but on the mountains there can be danger, too. Trees and logs have washed down the roads, clogging sluices and making the water find another course. All kinds of debris has floated down. The water has undermined the road edgings and in some places popped the blacktop up in the air.

I can't get to anyplace to take better pictures, but as I can get out, I'll pass them along.

Thanks for your prayers. The east coast has been devastated and it wasn't even a hurricane that did it.

But I know that in all things, God is still God. He watches over us and protects us.

This too shall pass.

Who's That in the Mirror?

I have been discovering the most amazing things about myself lately.

I walk along day after day and think "I'm not too bad!" I clean the house, cook the meals, pay the bills, open the door for someone else and just believe that I'm doing exactly what God wants me to do.

Amazing!

Until...

I'm at the computer trying to finish something before it's too late and my hubby will come in a sit down by me. He will suddenly bump my mouse elbow and make me miss my mark on the screen. Which is ok because it can happen. But, it's the immediate rush of annoyance that bubbles up from the pit of my stomach and I just want to scream at him!

Where in the world did that come from? It couldn't really have been from me.

Here I am so clean on the outside that I squeak and then this blackness shows up.

I certainly understand David's cry to the Lord.

I am in very much need of the right spirit within me. I understand that I'm still just flesh and it's normal that things do irritate me.

I want to strive to attain the prize at the end of the race. I want to present to others the image of Christ. I need His Spirit within me.

More of You, Jesus....less of me.

The End is Near

My Bible study for this day is Revelation 13.

In verse 7, it says "He (the beast) was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them."

I feel it is time for us to pray for those who will be going through the tribulation, be it 2 years from now or (if the Lord should tarry) 20 years from now.

They will need strength that no man on earth has needed before. Their endurance must last. The Word of God will need to be written upon their hearts, burned in their minds as with a hot iron. They will need creativity to survive without the mark of the beast.

I really feel the time is short. The only future hope is with the Lord. Peace may come upon our world for a time, but being of human nature, men and women will turn once again away from the True Light of God and satisfy their own desires.

The answer is found only in God and His Son Jesus Christ. You will find Him only when you come to the end of yourself. He will pick you up, dust you off and restore you to the purpose for which you were created.

Reach out and take His hand....

Do I Look Any Different Today?

Guess what?

At rehearsal Thursday nite, I played the bass guitar. It's such fun and easy! I'm learning some bass runs.

My pastor is going to re-string it into a 5-string sound but it will still have only 4 strings.

It's amazing how God gives us gifts and we don't use them until we try them out. My hubby and I (in our 50's) are having a blast.

Don't grow stale as you get older. Try new things together to keep your marriage exciting and fresh.

Oh and by playing bass guitar, I can keep my fingernails longer than if I stayed with the mando or six-string. God is so good.


By learning guitar together, we've been able to understand how important harmony and rhythm is to produce a clear and pleasant sound. You have to work together. God still refines our relationship on a daily basis. I've found where I've been too quick to interrupt or unwilling to listen. We've got to walk together on the same page.

My prayer for you today is that God blesses your marriage and brings unity and harmony into your lives. May the peace of God surpass ALL understanding and give you wisdom beyond measure. Love to All.

The Lord God Jehovah

Today I praise God for being Jehovah Jireh, my provider.

There is so much that I am thankful for, especially for that which I have not seen yet.

I'm believing in Him to supply all my needs, even if I may have deserved to be without because of a past decision.

People say that God won't provide when you have done something to lose what has been given to you.

But I say, God is the only One who can provide anything. He has created everything and therefore is Jehovah Jireh forever. He is the God of restoration.

I can do nothing on my own, but only in Christ Jesus, who sustains me.

He gives me all my strength, love, hope, desires, life....

There is nothing without Him. Praise be to God!

Tongue Tied

Boy, is mine ever loose. I have tried to bind it but as soon as I declare it, it shakes loose and all kinds of things come out that I regret later. Why is that?

Oh, remorse!

How many fires did I start yesterday and it'll take a week to put them out! I don't know. James is right. Paul is right. The Word is right.

Woe is me! I am a woman of unclean lips!

Judgement begins in the heart so my heart must need to be purged too.

Oh Lord, I need your mercy. Expand my heart so that I may have compassion as you have had on me! In Jesus Name, Amen!

There, that's done! Oh what a blessed relief it is to know that God forgives as soon as I repent. The apologies are on the way and I can go back to doing His will this day!

What a wonderful evening we had, all the same. The local park had a live band concert under a pavilion. The crisp evening air mingled with notes and words, community and children's laughter. All ages participated in listening and eating.

Every town should have this event once a week. People surround themselves with the beauty of the earth, breath in the fresh air and the green of summer.

Such a pleasant time to keep in my memory when the falls leaves drift or the snowy cold ices over the river.

The park setting reminded me of all the novels that had the town park scene. I could picture the heroines and heroes as they enjoyed the barber shop trio or the mayor stepping up to the microphone with his little hat announcing the 4th of July festivities.

I think of Judy Garland in the Wizard praying "There's no place like home."

It's the warm memory fuzzies that help us to enjoy this life. It's also the meeting of people and sharing celebrations.

I had a blast. Thank you, God.

Am I Mixed Up or What!

Your Brain is 60% Female, 40% Male

Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female You are both sensitive and savvy Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve

What Gender Is Your Brain?

You Are 28% Open Minded

You aren't exactly open minded, but you have been known to occasionally change your mind. You're tolerant enough to get along with others who are very different... But you may be quietly judgmental of things or people you think are wrong. You take your own values pretty seriously, and it would take a lot to change them.

How Open Minded Are You?

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Spookie, you have too much time on your hands to find all these things.

They're fun....anyway

Mocking Monday

Hi everyone!

Just thought I'd share the bloom of my new Mock Orange shrub. The pleasant orange scent drifts as you walk by.

The humidity is rising today and even though, it's only going to be in the 70s, the air is very stuffy. Thunderstorms are on the horizon.

My daughter dropped by with the most beautiful tribute to my husband. She had taken photos at last year's family reunion and snapped one of her dad and grandfather. Mike was playing his guitar and his dad was listening next to him.


My daughter has been such a blessing to us.

When I first found out that I was pregnant with her, my husband said he didn't want anymore children. His concern for me overrode any desire for another child. Eventually, he came around to MY belief of God's gift to us.

She's very special and has blessed him the most. He's very thankful for her, even though he thinks she's veeerrry 'high maintenance'.

Hope you all have a God blessed and directed day.

The Day of the Father

This must have been one of the hardest days that I've had since my dad passed on.

Three years have gone by and the cut still breaks open when I think I'm in the most control.

As I think back about the memories of my dad, love speaks the loudest.

He reminds me a lot of Jesus. He was of no account, no beauty or bearing, but the world to me. His love was lavish, even when I wasn't the best daughter.

The tears came hard today at church. I miss him a lot. I would love to have his soothing words calm the turmoil of my mother's distress. He would know what to do and say.

I guess it's all the more reason to believe that God is my heavenly Father. That His love is the love that encompasses so much more than my earthy dad ever could.

Some day will come that I shall see him again and I can't wait.

My dad may not have taught me baseball, gardening, or anything but fishing.

He taught me love.

Friday Sweet Friday

Booboo hasn't returned. I'm so sad and then again anxious that he may be lurking around and will 'pop' out when I least expect him.

The bird feeder is empty. The birds hate me now. The puzzled goldfinch were hanging on my window screens. I felt very low. But, God has provided much more food for them naturally now that it's flower blooming time.


My husband and I got a good start on our patio. We worked on it 4 hours yesterday. Once I trim it up with flora and furniture, it'll look as if it's been there for years.

Next is my perennial bed. I've missed having one since we moved 5 years ago. If I plant some coneflowers I think the goldfinch will love me again. The flower contains the thistle-type seed that they love. Thankfully, they winter here so I'll see them when their colors dull to a pea green.

God bless everyone this weekend. I hope it's Spirit filled.

Shhhhh! He's still around!

Yes, my new buddy is hanging out 'til the food is gone.

He reminds me of a story I wrote last year. I'll share....
Camp Demolition

“Danger! Danger! Danger!” the cry of the blue jay called. Swooping to and fro, in and out of leaves, the bird excitedly warned others of the intruders. “They’re baaaaaaaaaack!” he screeched.

Along came a Jeep load of hikers jarring the beautiful crisp, clean morning of serene calm. Dust flew everywhere as the squealing brakes brought the vehicle to a stop in the clearing.

Rabbits scurried all over the place. Squirrels dropped their loads and scrambled up the mighty oaks. A doe and her young leaped away through the tall golden grasses.
The hikers climbed out.

With great stretches their agile bodies moved once again after the long drive. They tossed out their tents to be pitched later and readied their gear for the trek up the mountainside. The group headed for the trail and soon peace was restored.

Warily, the blue jay darted out from his hiding, perusing the disturbed area. His glittery gaze roamed to find something shiny or edible.

The doe and her fawn wandered back to grazing, keeping a careful eye on their surroundings. The rabbits, with their insatiable love of clover, nibbled once more.

Behind the fallen tree, another watcher lazily viewed the scene with interest. A bit braver than the rest of the woodland creatures, he cautiously moved forward towards the camping area.

“Hmmmm” he muttered curiously. He sniffed and pawed through the pots and pans. The zippered bags gave him a lot of trouble so he just tossed them in the air. He pushed on the rolled up tent but left it alone after his interest waned.

His attention turned to the unsecured jeep. He peeked inside the open topped vehicle. Seeing no obstructions in his way, he hopped onto the driver’s seat. “Very interesting” he muttered again. “Things are for touching,” so he touched. He pulled. He prodded. He poked.

So absorbed with this new play toy, he was unaware the Jeep had started to roll on the little incline. He must have moved it out of gear.

As the jeep trampled over the supplies, it jarred his concentration. Finally, feeling the movement, he stood up in the driver’s seat and hung onto the wheel. “Oops” he muttered, “I think it’s going to stop real soon.” Out of the Jeep he jumped as it hit the large beech.

Turning, he studied the situation. His head tilted to one side, then the other. Confusion lighted his eyes as the spew of steam from the radiator hissed and sputtered. He raised his paws into the air and muttered “hmmmmm” and walked away, very much unconcerned at the outcome of his adventure.

As he ambled over to the fallen tree for a nap, a commotion could be heard on the trail. The humans had returned! He hunkered down, hidden once more, peering out through the hole in the log.

The hikers stopped dead in their tracks as they entered the clearing. Their eyes unable to take in all the disarray, one by one they babbled until no intelligible sentence could be heard alone.

Creatures can make mistakes, touching others’ belongings. But humans should read the posted signs “Do Not Leave Your Unlocked Vehicle Unattended” and “Wild Animals Are Not To Be Trusted”.

Muttering animals only do what comes naturally. Natural man does the unnatural and reaps what he sows.

Lions and Tigers and....BEARS! OH NO!

See the picture? This is what I woke up to this morning. MY FIRST BEAR SIGHTING IN MY YARD! Yikes!

He's soooo adorable. Just a pup, he is. About 5 feet high. He loved my bird seed. I bought the kind with raisins and nuts mixed with the seed.

The other feeder is going to need some tlc. My son came down with his camcorder, too.

I wonder where mom was?