June 29, 2010. Verse for today.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1

This is actually a fairly well know Psalms verse. I've heard it before. I posted it today because when I opened my Bible just now...this is where it opened to. I think I will add this to my little notebook.

June 29, 2010

As I stated in my previous blog post, I wanted to talk about ways in which my life has changed since accepting Christ. Another thing that has changed within myself is just a new found sense of well-being. It's kind of hard to explain. All my life I been a worrier, a fretter...someone who always felt that if things were going to go wrong...they would. If life was going to poop on me...it would. (that was another thing I've changed..my language. The word poop used to be replaced with something more colorful)

Anyway, in the last couple of months...while life itself has gone on normally, inside me things are different. Chris and I still struggle with finances, we still deal with difficulties within our families, we still have the same things going on in our life...but, it's not freaking me out like it usually does. Sure, I do get stressed a bit...I mean, we all do. But...it's different. I wish I could put it into words better.

I now have the Lord to lean on, to help, to talk to. I can turn to the Bible for comfort, for guidance and to help put things into perspective. I have friends who I can turn to if I feel I need to talk to someone other then my spouse. Instead of keeping all my worries bottled up inside of me....I let them out.

The instance with our van was a good example. My whole reaction to this situation was different.

I have begun a small notebook that I carry in my purse. In it I have jotted down scripture verses that I have found comforting. As I learn new ones, I add them to the notebook. If I need to, I can take it out anytime I want and read a verse if I need to. I find it reassuring and comforting to read these words.

More later....

June 28, 2010. Verse for today.

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." Matthew 16:25.

I found this verse on the C28 Facebook page. I really like it. (C28 is a Christian clothing company)

June 27, 2010.

I wanted to start posting about some changes I've had since I accepted Christ into my life. I've spoke of some of these changes before, but when you sit back and think about it you realize just how much Jesus has affected me.

I have begun to pray. Not the kind of prayer you spout out when you're frustrated with a problem you're having...or the kind of prayer you say when you really want something material. (ya know, like a new car or cell phone) I'm talking serious talking with God. Every once in awhile someone on my friends list on Facebook will ask for prayers for something. It might be for someone who is ill, or for a serious problem in their life. When I read this...I will stop momentarily and say a prayer for that person.

In church during the time when you can ask for prayers for things...I have begun jotting down in a small notebook the different prayers people are asking for. Then, during the week I will periodically take that notebook out and read these requests and say a prayer for them.

We have had a weekly gathering at my church called BUMP. Brushwood United Methodists in Prayer. I've mentioned that here in my blog in the last couple of weeks. Those who feel called gather at the church on Wednesday evenings and for 45 minutes we all sit in silent prayer in the sanctuary. I take my Bible to this along with my little notebook. During that time I say my own prayers...as well as pray for the prayer requests I find in my notebook.

Praying out loud in front of others is still a challenge for me...but, I have done it a couple times in the last month. It still feels a bit awkward and I sometimes find my mind will have trouble connecting to my mouth when I pray out loud...but, I'm getting better.

Two months ago I never voluntarily took it upon myself to pray. I was one of those people who would just pray when it was convenient for me...when I wanted something, or was frustrated with something.

This is one area where I am changing....and it's change I really love!!!!

In upcoming blog posts I'm going to talk about what other ways I have changed.

June 26, 2010.

Well, we have our van back. It was returned to us the next day by order of the court. I'm sure that is something the repo company does not have to do everyday! The lady in their office told us this was only the second time they have ever returned a car they have taken for repossession.

Praise God, prayers are answered. It's funny...when I first found out they had taken our car...I did not spaz out...did not freak...did not have a melt down. Chris even asked me if I was feeling OK. A few months ago, I don't think I would have had the same reaction.

Also, my birthday was Thursday! Another year older and rounding the curve to 50. I turned 46 this year. My older brother does turn 50 this year...boy, how time flies.

June 26, 2010. Verse for today.

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18)

Some advice we all need to read!

June 25, 2010. Verse for today.

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7 13-14

June 23, 2010.

The trials and tribulations of life just keep going. Satan really seems to be throwing a lot of stuff at us lately. Or should I say recently. Things in our life had quieted down, but in the last couple of days he has reared his ugly self.

Funny, though, I am responding to these trials a bit better then before. Chris and I have been involved in a person bankruptcy for what seems like forever. These things usually don't take as long as ours has, but complications with an annuity have made it drag on. Even our attorney said this is the longest one he has dealt with.

That being said, it should be over soon. Money from Chris' annuity has been received by the court to be dispensed amongst our creditors. But, the folks who have our car loan must be tired of waiting. What they have done is really kind of illegal since we are in bankruptcy court...but, they had our van repossessed last night.

It's quite a rude awakening to get up and see your car gone. I was upstairs getting ready for the day, Chris came up the stairs with a funny look on his face. I knew something was wrong and he told me the van was gone. The look of defeat on his face was so overwhelming. But, for me I didn't lose it like I normally would have. Sure, I'm upset and mad that this has happened....but, what can you do? Chris sat down and said a prayer right then and there. He asked me if I was OK....and I said, yes, I'm fine.

We went downstairs then to address the immediate issue of how I was going to get to work, etc. Our Pastor's wife came to our rescue on this one. She is away visiting family right now, and her van is here so we are using it for a few days. Next issue...figuring out how to get the van back. Chris has been on the phone a lot today with our attorney, the annuity people, the courts. It will be a couple days to get this all sorted out.

In the meantime.....I am OK. What happens, happens...I have faith the Lord will see us through this newest trial. I have too many other things going on to let this one thing knock me down. I started my new part-time job as secretary for my church. That presented itself with it's own challenges today. I will face them again on Friday.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I turn 46. It's kind of surreal knowing my next milestone birthday I will be 50. 50!!!!! I just can't believe that! I will begin getting AARP magazines in the mail pretty soon. Ouch!

June 23, 2010. Verse for today.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. (Hebrews 11:1-2)

June 22, 2010

I've gotten out of the habit of posting here in my blog. Life has been going along and things are OK. That is a good thing. I started a new part-time job today as secretary for my church. I am really excited about this and hope I do a good job. I will still be working my other part-time job at the swine vet and also in the evenings at the cinema. It keeps me busy and coming and going from home, but that is OK. Anything to make a little extra money and get our bills caught up.

I'm praying that my position with our church will also help the church. The secretary is instrumental in getting information out to the community about events and happenings at the church. This is so important to help a church grow. Getting information to the newspaper, to the cable company for ads. Also in just keeping in touch with the members about upcoming events is important. Today I placed my first "phone tree" call about an event taking place this evening. There are many different ways to get information to the members and public....probably some ways I didn't list here.

So, my goal as secretary for now is to learn everything I need to learn...but, to also get information to the public about our church.

June 21, 2010. Verse for today.

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his very soul?" Mark 8:36


A good verse we should all read everyday.

June 20, 2010. Verse for today.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

This is similar to the verse I posted a few days ago from the book of 1Peter. Love is spoken of quite often in the Bible.

June 19, 2010.

Another Christian group who is one of my favorites is the group Glad. They are not as well known as others. Chris and I have seen them live twice and would love to see them again. They are known in performing either as a band or singing A Capella. I like them for their talent in singing A Capella. The way their voices meld together is just so impressive. Here is a you tube link to them singing The Easter Song. And here is a link to their performance of A Mighty Fortress..another favorite of mine.

And here is a link to Glad's website. It's been several years since we saw them in person. At that time there were 5 guys in the group, but I see now in looking at their website there are only 4. I periodically check their touring schedule to watch for when they may be in my area, but so far they haven't been close enough. Hopefully someday soon.

June 19, 2010. Verse for today.

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:121

June 17, 2010.

I've been busy this week trying to put a garage sale together. I haven't posted much here, but will get back into a regular posting schedule after the big sale. Tomorrow is the garage sale. I haven't had a garage sale in many years...mainly because they are just a lot of work! I'm having it at my moms since she has a garage. We do have a carport, but by using her garage I was able to drop things off and get them ready ahead of time.

My friend Karen is doing the sale with me and my mom has some things in it as well.

Hopefully, I will get rid of a lot of my unwanted stuff...and by doing so make some money to help make up for the vet bills we incurred with Rudy in the last couple of weeks.

I'm off to bed...have to be up early in case my mom has early birds knocking at her door!

June 17, 2010. Verse for today.

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17


Maybe this is why I felt like I knew person when I accepted Christ into my life!!!!!

June 16, 2010. Verse for today.

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1Peter 4:8


In a Bible study class I attend this verse stuck out at me today, so I thought I would make it my verse for today. To bad more people don't follow what this verse says.

June 15, 2010.

Today is Rudy-dog's birthday! If anyone is reading my blog, I'm sure you'll roll your eyes a bit at this post. But, today is my dog's 7th birthday! Here is a baby-pic of Rudy. This was taken the day we brought him home. He was 10 weeks old. My mom gave Rudy to my husband as a gift. At the time, I was totally against having a dog. For one thing, we had two cats at the time who had been our pets for over 15 years. I just didn't want a dog coming into the home and torturing them..which dogs love to do with cats. Plus, at that time Chris and I were living in Illinois and we both worked in Chicago. We were gone almost 10 hours a day. It wasn't fair to the dog to have to be cooped up that entire time. Plus, I knew while I was working I would be worried about the dog being cooped up the whole time.

But, anyway, he came into our lives in June of 2003. And his puppy-stage was rough. He chewed up stuff, put holes in my clothes. I hired a dog-walked at the cost of 10.00 a day to come and let him out while we were working. And I have to say, the first 6 months with Rudy were not fun..not fun at all. Then, after about a year he began to lose his puppiness and became a more grown-up dog. He still barks like a lunatic when a car pulls into the driveway...but, that is just Rudy.

He has become a best friend to my husband. After Chris' accident he was pretty depressed and just not the same. My mom gave Rudy to Chris partly because of this. And Rudy and Chris have become best buddies. When I am home with just the dogs, Rudy will watch out the window for Chris to come home. Once home, Rudy will then relax and not keep his vigil. I dread the day Rudy is not with us, I really wonder how Chris is going to take that.

I really never thought I would become so attached to a dog. We adopted our other dog, Charlotte, three years ago. She was a rescue from an animal shelter. I was worried how Rudy would accept her because he seemed happy being an only-dog. But, he has such a good nature that he accepted her with no problem. He wasn't real happy, but now he and Charlotte are friends. We take them to the vet together and if the vet takes Charlotte out of the room, Rudy gets upset.

So, that is a brief story of Rudy. Our motto is..."never a dull moment with Rudy". He truly makes our live interesting!

June 15, 2010. Verse for today.

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fist of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being." Job 12: 7-10

June 14, 2010. Verse for Today.

In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1 Corinithians 15:52


Wow...kinda makes me hope I will be around to actually witness all of this!!!!!

June 13, 2010. Verse for today.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather then Christ. Colossians 2:8

June 12, 2010.

Not much to blog about today. I'm passing time until I need to go to the cinema for tonight's movie. This will be my first night starting the projector on my own...but, I just heard they called off the go-cart races at the track so Chris may be home anyway for 7PM show start. We have some nasty weather moving in here. It's getting darker outside and I can hear thunder in the close distance.

I do not like storms. Well, I take that back. I don't mind gentle, easy spring storms. But, the ones that make you duck and cover...I can do without those. I know they are God's way of rejuvenating the planet. The rain helps crops grow and the lightening puts nitrogen back into the soil. But, I can do without the tornado's, please! And golf-ball sized hail. And high winds that scare me. Yes...I am a storm wimp. I don't even like the loud, sudden, crashing thunder. To this day I will still cover my ears. (wimp, wimp, wimp)

Ah, well..............

June 12, 2010. Verse for today.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. Psalms 19:1-2


Funny, I was lazy this morning so I just googled, "verse of the day" and several websites came up that offered a Bible verse of the day. I clicked on several and most of them had this verse. Makes me wonder if they all get their verse from on single source or if one company is offering all these websites.

June 10, 2010.

Last evening Chris and I attended BUMP again. This is "Brushwood United Methodist in Prayer". It's open to anyone in church (or outside the church) and for 45 minute in the evening we sit in the sanctuary and pray. As I said in an earlier post, I really couldn't imagine myself sitting and praying for 45 minutes. I really figured I would fall asleep.

But, I have found these 45 minutes to be wonderful and to pass by so fast. I almost hope BUMP would continue for many weeks, but I think it's only scheduled for a few.

Last week in church during the pray and share time, I took out a small notebook and copied down every one's prayer requests and also their joys. During BUMP time this week, I took out that notebook so I could pray for specific people and their requests. That was a very gratifying thing to do. I also prayed for others who weren't in my little book. Friends, family and even strangers. One thing that has touched me lately is the news broadcasts about how the animals in the gulf are dying from the oil spill. I made the mistake of looking at some pictures of these animals online. I wish I hadn't done that as those pictures have bothered me all day. I have a lot of compassion for animals and I should know better then to look up pictures of animals in distress. I had the same reaction after Hurricane Katrina with all the abandoned pets.

But, anyway...my main reason for this post is BUMP. Two months ago I would have never attended this...I wouldn't even have given it a second thought! My how things change.....

June 10, 2010. Verse for today.

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13


I was poking around on the internet today and came upon a website called Bible Gateway. It looks like a good resource for finding Bible verses and it offers many different versions. They also have a verse of the day...and I used their verse for today. My husband has been struggling with forgiveness and bitterness toward someone...I may email this verse to him.

June 9, 2010. Verse for today.

Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11

I like this verse...nice simple and to the point. I'm going to add this one to my little notebook of Bible verses I carry in my purse.

June 8, 2010.

Just kind of a rambling post today. It's almost 11AM and so far today I've gotten a lot accomplished! Two loads of laundry, mopped the kitchen floor and lightly mopped the wood floor in the front of the house. Dusted furniture in front two rooms. Emptied the dishwasher and cleaned up the kitchen. Brought down some more things from the attic for next weeks garage sale. We had a whole bunch of artwork (I guess it's artwork) that we found at Chris' brothers house after he died.

We weren't sure if any of it was of any value, so we brought it all home. Put it in the attic. I tried researching some of these pieces, but found most aren't really anything valuable. Some even have some price tags on them. Who knows where he got them. Chris' brother was a bit odd and he would find things at second hand stores or garage sales. He would by things at these places, not because he needed them...but, because he thought they were an investment. He thought they were extremely valuable and maybe some things were that he bought. But, most of these pieces are not and many are in really bad shape. So, I dragged them all down and am going to price them all 1.00. For most, the frame is the most usable thing about them. What I don't sell I'll take out to Jasper Junction..or if they are in too bad of shape I will probably just throw them away.

Tomorrow night we will be going to Worship Team practice and something at our church called BUMP. Brushwood United Methodists in Prayer. We went last week. I am not one who has spent much time praying in my life. I have been working on it! Before this began, I kept thinking...how the heck am I going to stay awake praying for 45 minutes. But, you know...it was not hard at all! I spoke to God, I read the Bible a bit and I prayed for anyone and anything that came to my mind. This past week in church, during the prayer and share time I wrote down names and situations involving people. I am going to take that with me tomorrow and read it during the prayer time. Lift of specific individuals and pray for them. That 45 minutes goes by fast. Kind of took me by surprise!!!!

June 8, 2010. Verse for today.

Wise God, according to your word, love is the most excellent way to deal with anything. 1 Corinthians 12:31

Good advice for everyone!

June 6, 2010.

What beautiful weather we have had today. Last night was another story. Had some really nasty storms come very close to our little town. These storms triggered some tornado activity just west of us...I don't know if there was damage from those tornadoes, I haven't heard. I just praise God that they had lost some of their intensity by the time they reached us. Still got a lot of rain and a good light show from them, but no warning sirens went off and we woke up to wonderful, cool dry air this morning. God is good.

Church today was also good. A friend asked me to conduct children's church for the next 3 weeks. This happens during the last half of the last service so I did not get to hear the sermon. Will have to catch up on that once it gets posted to the churches website. Kristen helped me and we had 3 little kids in church with us. We pretty much just did the craft that was supposed to have been done with today's lesson. I did read the Bible passage...but, I'm sure the 3 to 5 year old minds were not really listening and more wanted to play and make the craft. No problem there as it was fun watching them make their "chariots" out of construction paper, macaroni and glue. (Luke loves to glue!)

I spoke in an earlier post this week about my husband finally giving his life wholly to Jesus Christ. The only problem he is having with this...is he is having a hard time saying it out loud!? I don't know if he finds these words uncomfortable to say...or awkward. I'm not sure. I do truly believe he has given his life to Christ....I'm just not sure why he is finding it hard to speak it out loud. He even had trouble with this at church. Instead, he would say it in other ways. I may have to broach this subject with him as I would genuinely like to know why he finds this difficult.

June 6, 2010. Verse for today.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor. Psalm 29:2

This verse seemed appropriate for a Sunday morning!

June 5, 2010.

Another one of my favorite Christian musicians is Michael Card. He is not as well known as others and it often irritates me that you don't hear his music on Christian radio stations. I would guess he's just not as popular with the younger crowd. I have had the pleasure of seeing him in concert twice. Once at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and once at a church in the town we used to live in in Illinois. Both concerts were wonderful and I would love to see him again in concert. One of my favorite songs by him is Joy in the Journey. Here are the lyrics and click on the title to hear this song on You Tube.

Joy in the Journey

There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey

And all those who seek it shall find it
A pardon for all who believe
Hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind

To all who've been born in the Spirit
And who share incarnation with Him
Who belong to eternity stranded in time
And weary of struggling with sin

Forget not the hope that's before you
And never stop counting the cost
Remember the hopelessness when you were lost

There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey

And freedom for those who obey...

June 5, 2010. Verse for today.

I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live: moreover, it is God's gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. Ecclesiastes 3: 12-13.

June 4, 2010.

Well, after weeks of being undecided and just being a bit confused...my husband finally accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. He is a big over-analyzer and for weeks now he has just had no direction with himself. Wednesday night, he finally felt the nudge and made the commitment. I and the others who were with him all had the same response..."It's about time!"

I can already see a change in him. He seems more relaxed...much less stressed.

It will be interesting in the next few weeks watching him grow...watching us both grow with Christ and with our church family.

I have to give big hugs and appreciation to the folks at our church, Brushwood Methodist. Everyone there is just so wonderful! I have never felt so comfortable and so at-home in any church ever.

More on this later.....

June 4, 2010. Verse for today.

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. " John 15:13

I saw this on someone else's Facebook page and like it enough to post it!

June 2, 2010. Verse for today.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

So true! The devil is always ready and waiting to pounce. He watches for when you are at your weakest so remain strong!

June 1, 2010.

Praise God, Rudy is going to be alright. His test results came back today that it is a bacterial infection in the right side of his nose. Our vet is going to request a couple more cultures of the samples they took to make sure he's on the right antibiotic...and to just double check for any signs of fungus. But, no cancer. Needless to say, I gave the big lug a big old hug when I got home! Not sure he liked that!

As for me, I don't feel so good. I started feeling yucky today and have been running a fever since early afternoon. Except for bad body aches, I don't have any other symptoms. Well, a headache that is starting...but, otherwise nothing else. Weird. I have heard there are a lot of viruses going around, so I'm guessing I picked up something from somebody. I see a lot of people at the cinema...so, who knows where I picked it up. Last night my legs felt unusually heavy...when I went upstairs they felt heavy as lead. I really didn't think too much of it....now today my legs are just very achy.

Hopefully I'll wake up and it will be gone....hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight!

June 1, 2010. Verse for today.

By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. Hebrews 11:29

Another verse found by just letting my Bible fall open.