Shoot Me Now, PLEASE!

Jimmy and I only had boys.  Girls were NEVER on my desire list when it came to having children.  In fact....I had people lined up to take a girl child away if I delivered a girl.  Boys were on my wish list.  Girls would require shopping, dressing, sewing, tiaras, lots and lots of shoes, dance lessons and costumes, rows and rows of net and HAIR....mega hair and nails!  This was just NOT me!  BOYS were my deal.  Soccer games, basketball and so on.  I was meant to be a boys mom!

If I were to have a girl, there would be a wedding!  A very EXPENSIVE wedding.  That would require me to SHOP!  GAG!  Anyone who knows me well, knows I would rather have my hand slammed in a car door than shop!  And on a budget?  Trying to please someone else?  DOUBLE GAG!  Yes, I planned the rehearsal dinner for the boys.  And I even made a very large todo of it.   We had themes and mariachi bands and football fields and all kinds of things.  But it wasn't a full blown wedding with dresses and decorated tables, with bridesmaids dresses,  and all the other trappings.  Boys...that's the way to go.

Well....I've blown it now.  I have a sweet friend.  Sandra.  My nail tech.  She's getting remarried.  In six weeks.  Her late husband planned her first wedding.  She's panicked.  Doesn't know a thing about planning a wedding.  I opened my BIG MOUTH.  "Oh I'll help you!  Don't panic!  It will be fine!"  STUPID ME!  WHAT WAS I THINKING?!!!!!!!!!

Now I have a daughter.  Shoot me now!

BLESS HER HEART

In the south, women often comment about other women and add a "tag" phrase ending with "Bless her heart"!  It sounds sweet and thoughtful, complimentary in fact.  But actually, it usually means something totally different.  For instance, if a women were walking down the street wearing a dress two sizes two small, cleavage showing waaaaaay too much for what would be considered a woman NOT of the "evening" and strutting herself with great confidence, another woman having lunch at a sidewalk cafe with friends would look up, and upon seeing her might comment, "look at that sweet women...bless her heart!!!"  In this case, it would mean, OMG!  What a TRAMP!  See, sometimes OUR words don't often reflect what they mean.  Our yes' are not always yes and our Nos are not always no.

However, we can always depend on God's yes being yes and His no being no.  His Word NEVER fails, is ALWAYS true and always means what He says it means.  I am grateful He is faithful, dependable and reliable.  I am grateful His Word is ALWAYS true.  YES it is!

RIPPING MADE PERFECT

Now that I have granddaughters, my interest in sewing has increased.  I never liked it when I was younger.  And since Jimmy and I only had boys, I never needed to sew.  But since having little girls in the family, I have begun to love sewing for them.  As my interest in sewing renewed, there was one distasteful memory about sewing that quickly came back to mind.  "Ripping"!  Yes...since I'm not the pro my mother and sister are, I tend to do a lot, and I do mean a LOT, of ripping.  For those of you who are not familiar with the term "ripping", it is a process of removing a previously sewn seam and re-sewing it again.  It sounds easy enough....but not so much.  And when you must "rip" over and over again...it gets tedious!  NOT my favorite part of sewing in the least.  Ripping is done when there has been a mistake made and one must alter the garment, making adjustments to make it right.  It seems harmless, easy enough by the maker.  But even then, there can be seen, small holes in the garment where it had been previously sewn (scars). 

Sometimes God has to "rip" out, or convict us of, our old sin nature to make us right with Him.  It must seam tedious to Him to do it over and over again.  But when He finishes, we are perfect...just right....His creation.  Our sins, previously sewn could leave scars.  But with His touch, those holes (scars) are removed and the garment of our lives are made whole and beautiful again.

I am so grateful he doesn't leave us as ugly, filthy rags but makes us into beautifully, perfect garments! 

GRIEVING AND REJOICING

Several years ago,my earthly father died the day before Easter.  It took several days to plan the funeral because of the celebration of our dear Lord's resurrection.  It was a very difficult time for our family.  We should have been celebrating, but instead, we were grieving.  

I wonder when Jesus was hanging on the cross with all the sins of mankind, past, present and future placed upon Him, how God felt to make Himself "unavailable" to His son?  I'm sure He was there (like a parent watching their small child from the shadows, unseen by the child).   But making Him bear those sins alone for 3 dark, lonely and painful hours must have been excruciating for our Father.  I can only imagine the pain He must have felt, the grieving He must have been going through.  To "assign" your loved one that duty because you love others soooo much.

As I remember and feel my grief and miss my dad, I must also remember how much my heavenly Father loved me to give up His son on my behalf and for those that have preceded me to be with Him.  I rejoice in my grief as I look forward to the day I will see  Him face to face and also see my earthly father seated with Him in heaven.

He is not here....He is Risen!

HE'S NO OZ

I was watching Dancing With The Stars last night.  Dorothy Hamill is a competitor this year and has had an injury.  She came on at the end of the first elimination show and announced she would be leaving the show because of injuries even though she had not been in the bottom two in scoring.  I joked, she needed a Dr. Oz that night.  (Get it....Dorothy and Oz?  I know...lame!)

Funny how we often turn to our great "Ozs" when things go wrong.  Or the great Oz of "good luck" when things go our way. Perhaps the great Oz when we just want a parking space or want to win the lottery.  Apparently the great "Oz" is designed to be our own personal assistant and provider.  But the funny thing is....like in the movie....he's just a dream with no real power.....a wanna be.

Yet scripture says in "Him" all things are possible.  "He" has a plan for us, a plan to prosper us, not to harm us...a plan for us to have a hope and a future.  I rejoice when singing "turn your eyes upon "Him" (Jesus), look full in "His" wonderful face.  Then....the things of the earth will grow strangely dim in the light of "His" glory and grace."  He's no Oz....He's oh so much BETTER!

Nailed Wide Open

My grandchildren live about a mile away.  I know that is not far.  But every time I go over to their house and see my little one year old grand daughter, I open my arms wide and she runs to me for a big hug.  What a joy it is for this old gal.  That sweet smile.  Those dimples.  The sparkle in her eyes.  She's such a joy to see.

I wonder if that is how our heavenly father feels when we finally decide to spend a little time with Him?  But He doesn't have to come to our house.  He's always here, waiting with arms open wide.  Waiting for those moments when we'll recognize He is standing there waiting for us to notice Him.  Waiting for just a few moments of our time.  I read recently, His arms are open all the time, just waiting.  In fact, so that we will know they are open and waiting and that they never shut, He nailed them open.  How can I resist a love like that?  How can I not claim Him as my own?

The Wind Beneath our Wing

It was early this morning, before the sun rose, with just a little light in the sky.  Hershey wanted out to do his "thing" and I always go out with him for a little fresh air.  I was standing on the porch and noticed Hershey looking up into the sky.  Then I heard.  The singing....like a host of angels...voices in one accord.  Though all were in their own pitch and singing their own praises, it was heavenly.  And in a  minute, it quieted...and I heard Him speaking to them as they bowed in reverence.  Then they began again.

If Hershey and the birds in the air begin their day in total adoration of their Creator and He speaks to them as the wind blows through the trees, why don't we, sinful men, understand the Creator is in our presence and sing our praises the minute we awake each day and all day long.  Though we don't see Him, he's as real as the wind we feel.

That crazy secular song from a while back...."the wind beneath my wing"...that is our Lord, our Creator, our Love.  SING!

FEAST OR FAMINE?

No!  Don't!  Stop!  Good puppy!  Good Hershey!  Sit!  Cookie?  How many times a day do I say these words?  I'm still in the process of training Hershey and somehow....He's not quite trained yet!  I can't quite get this precious, chocolate bundle of hair to do the things I need him to do.  Probably because I can't get into the habit, or should I say, I'm not quite trained in making sure I'm consistent in my training methods, to ensure Hershey obey the rules set down to be a good and obedient dog.  I do my best...I give him the finest "treats" to ensure he loves doing what is right.  And the things I am able to do that with (i.e.  outside potty, sit for treats and dinner, bed time, come when called), he does well.  I guess I just have to work on the other things like, no barking, heel when walking, etc.

You know, God gives us treats when we are obedient to Him as well.  We have the joy in knowing we are right with Him.  We have peace, comfort, oneness with Him.  He continues to guide us, direct us and commune with us.  He never leaves us and lives within us.  Yet, there is always this one part of us that sometimes separates us from Him.  This one part we refuse to let go.  One part, like Hershey, is our one little stubborn streak that we continue to disobey.  And we feed/treat this part, this "sin nature" of ours.  And why do we treat it, like I treat Hershey when he does things right?  With dog training, if you treat a dog for doing good, it affirms the behavior and a dog will continue the behavior.  If you stop the treat, he will discontinue the behavior.  So....if we feed our sin nature,...won't we continue the sinful behavior? But if we stop feeding the sin....won't we stop?  Example:  There is a woman who loves to decorate her home.  She is constantly buying decorator magazines and pouring through them, looking for the next new idea for her home.  She tears out pictures, draws designs out and picks out swatches to recover the furniture for her next project.  However, her husband keeps telling her they are terribly in debt and are unable to spend any money on anything.  Though the woman knows this, her habit and desire to spend continues.  You see...this sinful desire to have what she doesn't need and can't afford, what God does not intend for her at this time does not need to be fed by her continued purchase of these magazines.  If she would discontinue to feed this sinful nature of purchasing the magazines, the desire would soon fade and that part of her sinful nature would come under God's control.

So...feast or famine?  What are you feeding your sinful nature that needs to stop?  I think I've had enough.....what about you?

WHAT'S YOUR NAME?

http:www.facebook.com/loveysDiaryI had the privilege of attending a wonderful lunch today.  The lunch was a fundraiser for a local Young Lives chapter.  This group is a division, I think, of Young Life that mentors to young, unwed, high school girls.  These young women are remarkable.  They come to this group, many from the most devastating situations and difficult home and/or personal situations, with no where to go or no one to look to.  Here, they're shown unconditional love, acceptance and the One who can meet all their needs and provide the hope they need for a future  - a future already planned in advance for them from the beginning of time.  These young women are the Hagar's of our day.  Women with children born out of wedlock and often looked down on, despised, mocked and turned away.  Women who are left with children to care for alone.  Young women who are cast out but found by their Redeemer who "sees them" where they are at their lowest point.

I guess many of us feel as Hagar did at one point.  Though we may not have an illegitimate child, we are in the position of feeling alone, cast out, ridiculed and despised because in our sinfulness, we failed to trust God and tried to do things in our own way and in our own timing.  We too have had haughty attitudes, despised another, mocked another and even hated in our hearts.  We have been Hagars at some point.  We have hit our Hagar moment.

What is your name right now?  Is it Hagar?  How are you feeling?  Did you know that someONE sees you right where you are?

I'm thankful HE has seen me

STUFFING AND SQUEAKERS

http://facebook.comWell, he's done it again!  We bought Hershey a new stuffed toy for Christmas and he has totally destroyed it!  He LOVES stuffed toys....especially those with "squeakers" in them.  He's had many, many of them.  And with each one, he has meticulously managed to open each one, remove the stuffing all over the house over the period of several days (I guess to give me the "pleasure" of having white carpet for a LONG time) and remove the "squeaker" from it, carrying the "squeaker" around in his mouth like a prize bird he had just caught!  After chewing on the squeaker for a period of a day, he manages to leave plastic chunks in areas I won't even talk about and then throws up in his bed at night. 

Well....his new Christmas toy, a BEAUTIFUL stuffed Baylor Bone was no different.  And I had managed to keep it so well hidden in the Christmas tree from him until Christmas day.  He didn't start on it right away.  But this past week....he went to town.  I have picked up stuffing ALL WEEK LONG!  Then...last night...THE SQUEAKER!  I saw it in his mouth and grabbed it before he could....well, you know.  I thought I was pretty smart.  Yep...that's me...pretty smart all right.  Yep...pretty smart....and who's the one who GAVE him the stuffed bone??????  Well, you can guess where that beautiful Baylor bone is now.

But aren't we like Hershey?  We take the beautiful things God gives us and yank the stuffing right out of them.  The fluff that God put in it to make it beautiful for us, we somehow seem to destroy or remove.  How often in our complaints and selfishness do we flatten the beauty of the gifts God gives us?  Then, we take the "squeaker", the "joy" he puts inside, and rip it out until there is nothing left.

I'm so thankful God is not like us...he doesn't throw it or us away like I do.  God restores, renews, loves us and returns us back to a state of rightness with Him.  He continues to shower us with His gifts and teaches us to to lovingly care for them and those around us.

Thank you Father for loving us enough to teach us the joy in the gifts you provide.

SLEEPYHEAD

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Hershey just cracks me up! I go to wake him in the mornings to let him out and he can hardly wake up. I've never known a dog that has such a hard time waking up. I don't know why...he just does. He's such a sleepyhead. I open his crate door and he slooooooowly comes out.....strrrrreeeeeetches, leeeeeeeeeans into me and just stands there, like he needs something to lean on until he can get his bearings. Then he gives this HUGE yawn, looks up....and BAM! He's awake! Don't get it. One minute half asleep....the next, BAM! Awake. Blows my mind.

Are people really different? I guess I am. And of course, here I am this morning, as I have the past few mornings, awake since 3:00 am. MAN! I hate these mornings. I am NOT an early bird, though I usually get up early. But its not my favorite time of day. Like Hershey.....I'm slow to wake up. And when it do finally awake...,it is NOT a BAM! It is more like a....Oh jeeee whiz......do I really HAVE TO ???????

However, I have found in these times when I can't sleep and end up getting up at these, as other people call them, "ungodly" times of the morning, they are really my "Godly" times of the morning. It is in these wee hours of the morning, when the house is soooo quiet, soooo still, no one to interrupt me, no Hershey bounding about, no barking, nothing,,,,that I get to meet and hear my Lord. It is in these "Godly" times of the morning that I can really listen, without interruption, without phones, without all the other stuff, with a clear mind and with only God's Words.

So today....I'm thankful for those days I can't sleep and God wakes me up...opens the cage I sleep in. Encourages me to get up, come out, snuggle up to Him, listen and visit.

Good morning sleepyhead!

MAN'S BEST FRIEND

http://facebook.com  I've already introduce you to our new puppy.  Yep, Hershey...our chocolate labradoodle.  Yes, he's adorable.  He's lovable, friendly, funny and the cutest dog on earth.  I know, I know....EVERYONE says that about their dog.  However, it's really true about Hershey!  He's chocolate and I could just eat him up!

The thing about Hershey is that he is the most social dog I know.  He loves people.  ALL people.  Doesn't matter who they are.  I thought, perhaps, it was just me, and MAYBE, Jimmy.  But no...he loves ALL people.  And he desperately wants ALL people to love him.  He even SMILES at people.  You can tell by the last picture I posted.  He's a HOOT!  Well....except for those times when he gets so excited that he "relieves" himself as he bounces around greeting someone. ( Most don't think that is very charming).  But Hershey can't help himself....he is so jealous for other's love.  He loves them so that he wants their love too. 

The fact is, when people talk about man's best friend, I truly believe they are talking about Hershey.  They guy is just a knock out of a friend.  He's all over you with kisses and fun!  When you are down...he makes you laugh.  When you need to exercise and don't want to ....he's there pushing to walk.  When you have too much on your plate and are feeling guilty for over indulging...he's there begging to take the hit for you and take it under the table.  When you are cooking and drop stuff on the floor...he's there cleaning for you (what a champ)!  If you leave food on the table, he'll clean the table for you.  (now really, do your children do that?)  And when the grandchildren come.....he BABYSITS!!!!!!  WOW!  When you are in bed and cold, he's there to keep you feet warm.  They guy just does it ALL!  MAN'S BEST FRIEND!

However, there is someONE else who we might consider even more than my Hershey as man's best friend.  SomeONE who is just as social in His relationships with those he cares for.  SomeONE who not only loves me, but loves everyone and wants everyone to love Him.  SomeONE who loves people so much that He is jealous for their love.  SomeONE who brings us joy in times of sadness, pushes us to be our best when we want to go otherwise.  SomeONE who doesn't want us to carry around the guilt, so took the hit for us on the cross.  SomeONE who http:www.facebook.com/loveysdiarycleans up our messes when we are trying to follow His recipe for life.  SomeONE who babysits our families when we turn them over to Him and leave them in His hands.  Someone who holds us in His arms and comforts us and warms us in the glow of His presence.  Man's Best Friend.  SomeONE...Our Lord Jesus Christ!

ROCKING

http.//facebook.comWe have a rather new puppy.  His name is Hershey.  Hershey is a year old, and is still in the "chew" stage of his "toddler" years.  If you want proof...just look at the skirt of the chairs in the loft upstairs in our home.  For some reason, Hershey decided the skirt on one of those chairs was VERY tasty!

Those two chairs are really the most comfy chairs in our home.  My husband and I LOVE to sit in them to watch movies.  He says we need to have them recovered.  I hate to do that because they just wont be the same...you know how that goes.  They just won't "feel" the same.  The original fabric felt so good and the chair cushions were "just right".  So....what do I do?  The question begs...do I look for new chairs or do I recover?

If I look for new chairs, I would love to get those neat "glider/rockers", like they have in baby rooms.  You know...they are soooooo smooth and soft.  There is something about sitting in them that just puts you to sleep.  You just sigh when you sit down in one of them.  They are plush and soft and they rock and swing and turn and make you feel all kinds of good!  Yes...perhaps that is the answer.

Don't you wish there were "gliders/rockers" for things that could make you feel like that at those times in your life when you are down or even those times of despair?  Those times of loneliness, when you feel all alone, desperate, no where to turn and no one to turn to.  No one who understands and you don't know what to do next or how to "fix" what is going wrong?

I was studying Genesis this week, where Hagar had run off from Abraham and Sarah and was in the desert.  She was alone and pregnant with Abraham's son Ishmael.  She fled Sarah, who was angry with her.  She was desperate, no food, no money, no family, no help and no one to turn to.  BUT....God met her were she was....God "saw her".  And when God spoke to Hagar....it was like He "rocked" her in His arms and made all things right.  He spoke truth to her, told her what to do, told her what would happen and told her to go back to Abraham and Sarah and obey.  He brought peace and joy to Hagar.  He cared for her.  God was her "glider", her "ahhhhhhh", when all the world seemed right, because He was there in the center.

I had that experience once.  I was alone, pregnant, desperate, in despair and felt as if no one understood or cared.  God "saw me" in my despair and God actually "rocked" me!  It's true....it was like rocking/gliding in one of those baby rockers.  He made all things right by His peace and joy, truth and mercy.  It was as if He was rocking me and holding me "under His wing and close to His heart."

Have you been rocked recently?  If not.....I know someONE who is waiting with open arms.

THE BEST BIRTHHDAY GIFT

Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones not of material value, but those that prick our hearts, our souls and our minds.  Those that stay with us for eternity and remind us of what is most important in our lives.

On December 24, 1968, William Alders, Astronaut for Apolo 8 space mission looked up from the surface of the moon and saw the most majestic view he would ever witness.  He saw the earth rising across the horizon of the moon's surface.  After being told to wait by the shuttle commander because the picture wasn't a scheduled photo, Alders grabbed his color camera and snapped the below picture which would today, be known as the most influential environmental photo ever taken.  But to many Christians, it may be one of the biggest examples of proof of God's handiwork in creation, ever.  To believe that THIS could come from a BANG instead of the tender care of a Master's hand is insanity.

This week, the first chapter of Genesis tells us of how God carefully and orderly orchestrated His creation in six days and on the seventh day, rested.  And in no less than 7 times did our Creator look at all He did and proclaim "it was good!"  In fact, the last time, the sixth day, He proclaimed, "it was VERY good!"

Just looking at the picture below, one can see it is not only good, but it is indeed, VERY good.  And looking at this incredible picture, taken on  my birthday in 1968, I too, believe without a doubt, it is VERY good.

You see, our Creator doesn't do things half way.  He doesn't do things any way but the VERY best.  He is orderly, precise, intentional, complete and all He does, He does without reservation.  He created the VERY best and He gave His VERY BEST for our redemption.  My question is, how do I do the things He calls me to do?  Am I orderly, precise, intentional, complete and do I give Him my VERY BEST and serve Him without reservation? 

What a beautiful reminder Earthrise serves for each of us.  A reminder of the BEST gift our Creator has given us...redemption through the blood of His son Jesus Christ!

I am grateful for such a beautiful birthday gift!

 

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APPLE's NEW REVELATION

Yesterday, began our first week of the study of Genesis at BSF.  "In the beginning" is how God begins His description of His creation.  Genesis is a description of "new beginnings" about many things...of God's creation of this world, of man, of man's need for redemption, of His chosen people, of a covenant with man and so on and so on.  But what is interesting to me, is after His creation of man, man's "new beginning" of a need for redemption all began with an "APPLE".

On September 12th, our first class day, Apple, Inc. announced the near production and sale of their new iPhone 5.  Now this was something I have been waiting for for several months.  I am qualified for an upgrade on my iPhone and have been waiting for the new "5".  When I awoke on Wednesday morning, the 12th, excited about the first day of BSF, I took Hershey (our puppy)out for his morning "you-know-what"!  We usually sit on the steps a moment together before he is ready to go.  At 5:00 a.m. in the morning, it's still dark, the moon is still in the sky, stars bright and the air quiet and still.  The air was cool and light and it was a perfect time to reflect and pray as we sat together looking into the sky.  It was truly beautiful, and at that moment, I understood what God meant when He said everyone had proof from nature alone, He was creator of all things good.  There is no excuse for anyone to deny knowing Him.  I could not help but sit in praise and thanksgiving at the beauty of the morning.

After a few minutes, in all my humanness, my mind wondered to the "toy" being revealed that day.  Oh boy!  The "Apple iPhone 5"!  As I thought about it, I got the picture of the Apple logo in my mind.  An apple with a bite out of it.  I began to laugh at myself.  And then, hung my head in shame.  What a pity I thought.  Man's first need for redemption began with a bite out of an apple.  Man's desire for something, some "thing", not necessary, just something man wanted, some "thing" he put before God, some "thing" that would offer him power, knowledge, whatever he desired.  But that "thing" is the very "thing" that would separate him from the "One" who provided him with all that he really needed.  Now, man would need redemption.  I hung my head in shame because it reminded me of my need for redemption and what it cost my Lord.

I guess all these "Apple" products can serve a great purpose.  They can be a GREAT reminder to us all of the love and generosity our Lord poured out as He hung on the cross to redeem each of us for the penalty of our sin.  Display the logo, as a reminder of your Redeemer!

KING of ME

Keep drinkin' coffee
Stare me down across the table
While I look outside

So many things I'd say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet
And count the cars that pass by

You've got opinions, man
We're all entitled to 'em
But I never asked

So let me thank you for time
And try to not waste any more of mine
Get out of here fast

I hate to break it to you babe
But I'm not drowning
There's no one here to save

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)

You sound so innocent
All full of good intent
You swear you know best

But you expect me to
Jump up on board with you
Ride off into your dellusional sunset

I'm not the one who's lost
With no direction oh
But you won't ever see

You're so busy makin' maps
With my name on them in all caps
You got the talkin' down just not the listening

And who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

All my life
I've tried
To make everybody happy while I
Just hurt
And hide
Waitin' for someone to tell me it's my turn
To decide

Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

Let me hold your crown, babe
Oh oh
Ah

The lyrics above are from a song entitled "King of Anything".  I'm sure it was written about an unhappy couple.  I first thought it rather funny - a "You go girl" kind of song.  But later, realized it could also describe our attitudes toward our heavenly Father at times.

Some ONE did die and make Him King of EVERYTHING!  Is He your King?

DOORS

My son Graham has this knack for capturing unusual pictures while riding the subway, bus or taking a liesurley run on a sunny afternoon.  He always has his phone with him and manages to capture the picture and post it on Facebook or texts me with some approprate or humorous caption.  I received this one by text this morning with the caption, "Where does your door lead?"

It reminds me of the doors that are opened and closed by our Lord each and every day.  Think of the story of Noah.  God opened the doors of the ark for the safety, protection and salvation for all who would trust Him, follow His summon and come under His wing of protection.

God also closed the same door of the ark for the safety, protection and salvation of those who trusted Him, followed His summon and came under His protection in the ark.

Remember, it's not what happens when the doors are opened closed, but our attitude and response to their opening and closings. 

I'M A CARRYIN GRAMA?

Hey! Are you packin? If so...you better be carryin! Isn't it funny how words can be perceived to mean several things? Take for instance, "packin". In this case, is meant to mean "carrying" a gun." And "carryin," to mean a "license to carry a firearm or a gun." But there can be other meanings too.

My mom went to the hospital last Thursday to have a stint put into the artery along her right femur. She had two blockages in the artery of her right leg. One 99% blocked below the knee, and one 80% blocked above the knee. In order to clean out the artery, they went through the groin area to clean out the veins where the blockages were and put a stint in the artery above the knee (apparently they do not put stints below the knee). Years of bad eating habits and a family history of high blood pressure were probably the cause for the blockages.

Mother had the same procedure done in October on the left leg. The procedure worked so well, she was looking forward to this one. Her left leg no longer had pain when she walked and she could walk further and longer than before. With the right leg cleaned out and the artery opened up, she was looking forward to exercising and feeling better without experiencing pain.

The first procedure went by without a hitch, except that the nurse caused her much pain AFTER the surgery when he had to press on the artery opening in the groin area until the compression stopped the bleeding (about 20 minutes). She hated that. There was much complaining over THAT procedure! Otherwise, she felt no pain the day after and was ready to walk down the hall. However, this time, the cardiologist chose a different device to stop the bleeding. It is called an Angio-seal Device. It is an anchor placed into the opening of the incision, and is drawn together with the collagen with an absorbable suture, stopping the bleeding. After 60-90 days the anchor, collagen and suture, naturally absorb into the body. Before leaving the hospital, mother was given a card to carry with her for 90 days, until all was absorbed, in case of an accident, or medical emergency, so EMS workers or doctors would be notified of the device. NOW, mother is known as "carryin!" Yes, my 85 year old mom is a "carryin" grama!

Staying at the hospital with my mom, made me realize I have blockages myself. I too, have needs to be cleaned and opened so the blood of Jesus can flow through me. My blockages have been cause by years of unconfessed sin, pridefulness, arrogance, lack of faith and unbelief. These sins have cause callouses to form inside me that needed to be cleaned out - "rotor rooted" as one might say. Opened to allow God's goodness and mercy to flow through to others.

That's exactly what the Lord Jesus did for me on the cross. His blood, shed on the cross, cleansed me and freed me from the sins that blocked me from having that wonderful relationship with the Father. This whole procedure makes me realize that I too, am "carryin." I too, carry notification of something inside. I too, am cleaned out, cleaned so there is nothing "blocking" God's freshness and purity flowing through me. I too, am sealed with identification that I have been healed and have new life within. That "seal", God's Holy Spirit, is what I "carry." It identifies me as being healed and cleaned out. It says God has touched me. God has healed me. I belong to Him.

Yes, I am "carryin!" I'm a "CARD CARRYIN BELIEVER!"

So today, I am thankful for two things. One, to God for the wonderful knowledge, skill and ability He gives our doctors, nurses, scientist, and etc., who are able to give my mom newness in her physical life - new energy and time to enjoy the time she has without pain. But also, I am thankful for my Lord Jesus Christ, for the healing He has done in me, my mom and my family and friends. For giving me new life, new energy, no more agony over sin, no more burden and shame for confessed sin, but joy in my repentance as He has paid the cost that I may have eternal life now, in abundance.

Are you "carryin?"

TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES

Travel...yes, I love to travel. It is one of my favorite pastimes. Even the "transportation" which I usefor travel is interesting. Sometimes, I take a car (my least favorite mode of transportation). Cars are okay...but on long trips, and I mean anything over five hours, a car is not my favorite way to get from one place to another. Especially if I must go in Jimmy's Corvette! I hate his car. It is VERY uncomfortable for me to travel in. There have been times when Jimmy and I took his parents motor home. Our children were little and we would take family trips to the beach and stay in the motor home. My idea of "camping" is in a motor home that is air conditioned, with a restroom that has a shower; a kitchen; bedroom (at least one for me) and a table one can eat at and play games at. "Camping" need not be toooooooo outdoorsy! But I do like a motor home. You see, I don't have to do any of the driving. After all, I'm a girl who has never driven a HUGE RV and don't intend to learn how to drive one. I can travel just fine walking around in an RV, getting people food, going to the bathroom when need be, playing games, etc. when we are on our way to wherever our destination is. The only problem with an RV is that you have to pull a car along with it. An RV is hard to park in the middle of big city you are trying to tour. Jimmy likes to drive THROUGH the city and SAY he has been there and seen whatever is in the city. NOT my idea of travel. I'm a touch it, feel it, taste it, experience it kind of traveler. So RVs aren't my favorite mode of travel either.

Planes are good. However, Osama has ruined that for all us good Americans. It has become a hassle to get on a plane anymore. I'm not complaining that we need to keep the security of our air travel safe...it's just that when trying to look nice when I travel, even for a short distance, I have to undress in line in order to go through security. Taking off most of what I wear in order for that security thing not to blow up is kind of tricky. Then, trying to put it all back on in front of everyone after you get on the other side...well, I might as well have done a strip show! By that time, I no longer look as nice as I did when I started out. What's a girl to do? Sometimes I bring socks to put on my feet so when I am expected to take my shoes off, I don't have to walk on that cold marble floor through security. The floor MUST be filthy with all those feet that were in other's shoes. Can we say foot odor, fungus, etc.? YUK! Then I have to put the nasty socks back in my bag when I take them off to put my shoes back on. The list just keeps going on! Have you ever had to sit in a seat on the plane with someone who hasn't bathed in a while? I worked a flight once (when I was a flight attendant) when a couple asked it they could be moved because the man next to them smelled so bad they couldn't think. The fact was...when I walked down the aisle, and he was sitting by the window, I could smell him several rows BEFORE I ever reached him! It was a LONG, LONG flight overseas! Then of course, the bathrooms on planes...well, we just won't go there! Still, a plane is best for long distances.

What a bout a bus? Do I dare go there? Have you really ever ridden a bus? Now that is a trip!!! I have on occasion ridden a bus. Not here in the states that I remember, but I have overseas. The seats are even more uncomfortable than those of a plane. Then you have people getting on and off at different locations. They too, have luggage. There's the sway and stop and go and of course, the dreaded "bathroom"! I'm not going to say anything else about a bus...you will just have to use your imagination...because whatever you think...think 10 times worse!

What about a train? I know, they are slow. But I like trains. You can move around on a train. There are stops with people getting on and off. BUT...think about this...you have assigned seats. There are some seats where there is a table where others can sit across from you. If you are with a group, you can play games. Trains have a dining car. They even have sleepers if you are traveling over night. They travel through cities and through the country. The view ranges from sad to beautiful. You can take your time and see the country. You can walk around. You can sit, sleep and eat. There are even trains who have private (glassed in) seating areas. You can reserve non smoking areas. I've traveled on trains in Europe and I love trains. Fast trains are the best. Yes, here they are longer. But with the right friends and family...they could be some really great times together.

I have an opportunity to take a train in March to Dallas for our Bible Study Retreat. I hope I can find some friends to travel with me by train. I think it would be great. What a way to really get to know people. Train travel here in the states, consists of moving along, slowly and surely, making necessary stops to add people and drop people off, pick up necessary supplies, times for eating meals, times for rest, times for conversation, times to just relax, times to take care of business (by phone or e-mail) and even time for fun. On a train, one can manage all those things that you can do some of on a plane, some of in a car, some of on a bus, but all of on a train.

Isn't that the way it is with our Lord. We all have one final place to go. One place that can only be reached by His help. Only be reached when we "hitch hike" a ride with Him. He is the only one who can take us there. He is the only one who has the "ability" or the right "passage" to take us there. HE is the ONLY WAY. Do you have your thumb out?

So today, I am thankful for transportation. For trains, planes, buses, cars, horses, motorcycles, bicycles and feet. I'm sure there are others....I just haven't tried them. Thankful for transportation that gets me to the places I need to go and the places I like to go. But most of all, I am thankful for my Lord. Because HE is "the way", the only "way" by which I can arrive to my ultimate destination...eternity with Him. HE is the way, the truth and the light.

Anyone need a ride?

ANYONE GOT THE RIGHT TIME?

Well, Graham and Whit finally moved into their new place. Though still in some boxes, furniture is arranged, some pictures hung, dog kennels out and ready for the pups to use and beds ready to collapse in. They still can’t use their kitchen...still waiting on the remodel to be completed and having to eat out and keep dishes, pots and pans and utensils in boxes until the wood floors are in place, cabinets are up, appliances in place and hooked up and painting done. Ahhhhh, the joys of moving!

I talked with Graham last night and asked him to send me pics to see the place so far. He said they weren’t ready to take pics yet. No painting has been done and no drapes bought or put up. I sort of laughed. Their bedroom has a window that is wide open for the neighbors next door to step out on their balcony and see right into their bedroom, looking at them in bed! Oooooops! However...the view out of ALL their windows throughout the apartment is breathtaking. Amazing how we all view the “undone things” with frustration, yet forget to notice the unbelievable beauty right around us.

But back to my point...Graham’s statement that “he wasn’t ready or had the time right then to send pics.” It’s funny that “that statement,” was the same one a sibling of mine said one day when we were talking and I asked him about his relationship with our Lord. His very comment was that he just “didn’t have time for that right now”. Really? Seriously? No time at all? Hmmmm. I wasn’t sure exactly what he meant, but my hunch was that he wasn’t ready to deal with what he thought would cost him something or that he would have to give up...i.e. money, time, conviction, personal standards for living, etc. He wasn’t ready to give up “his” idea of what “he” wanted to do or how “he” wanted to live “his” life. It really saddened me. Because, you see, I knew how much he was really missing out on. How much “more” he would have. Since I’ve truly known my Lord, I’ve known the abundance of life one has when they know the Lord Jesus as Savior. Only those who truly know him understand all one forfeits when they refuse to take time to know Him AND what MORE they have to gain by doing so.

So today, I am thankful for time. God has allowed me to stay at home and not work outside the home. I am thankful for the available time I have to spend with Him in prayer and study. The time I have to serve Him in my church, in BSF with my family and friends. I am thankful for His Words in the scriptures that promise He will make up for those years I have wasted. That my time is not measured the same as His time. That thee will be a “time” when He will draw my sibling to Himself and that my sibling will have such a passion to know Him that “time” will not exist, but only moments with our Lord. But mostly, I am thankful there will be a “time” when he will come again and we who know Him will face Him face to face and “time” will not longer exist.

My prayer is that, especially for my family and friends, ALL will take the “time” to come to know Him as their personal savior. All will have “time”, God’s time, to spend with Him and one day have an intimate relationship with Him.

How much time do I spend with Him daily? Is it like time in a bottle, measured, calculated, no more or no less than what is measured in the bottle? Only a measured amount? Or is it uninterrupted? Passionate? Time I can’t live without?

Hmmm...I better get moving today...Jimmy will be home soon from his errands and will be asking what I did with MY time! (What a slave driver! Ha!)