tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46189122973019232182024-03-13T23:52:18.652-07:00Moments with MeanmaMeanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-31259927120194441242014-07-02T18:21:00.000-07:002014-07-02T18:29:47.069-07:00Freedom Isn't FreeAs I reflect upon the approaching holiday, (Friday will be the 4th of July)I can't help but focus upon freedom and it's cost. I think as a whole, we are slowly losing perspective on what it really costs for us to be free. Sometimes, as Americans, we seem to trample on the grace that freedom really allows us.
For instance....there has been an awful lot of discussions about Hobby Lobby on Facebook lately. They won their Supreme Court case against being forced to pay for abortions dealing with insurance. People are appalled at this decision....yet they should be down on their knees thanking God that the Supreme Court will still allow some of these freedoms. We have the right to open businesses and choose how we run them. We still have our right to bear arms...but for how long. America is slowly being indoctrinated by the media and government that it is a good thing to slowly give up all of their constitutional rights and have mandated rules and regulations (not by the people) but by whoever the people in charge feels is necessary to do to get the people to all mindlessly follow. If we speak out, and try to fight against our rights slowly being taken away, we are sometimes even condemned by our own peers. And believe me, if the word "Christian" or "religious" happens to be attached to it in some way, there doesn't seem to be much tolerance at all. It won't be long (already happening to some degree), when church denominations will not be allowed to exist because,their differences are too offensive or divisive. We are entering a socialist world view. Is that what America really wants to become? Is that what you really want to see happen? Because we are only about one generation away from becoming that. America has become fat, selfish individuals who want more, more, and more! We are living in a material world and only crying injustice if it affects something that we happen to care about. We donate billions of dollars to save the puppies, whales, seals, owls, prairie dogs etc, then turn around and donate and support pro-choice institutions, killing our future children.....in the pretense that this is about the women, ignoring the fact that this is a real baby. Now, don't get me wrong, we should be taking care of the earth and of women and all the other things....but where is our perspective? What is happening to our hearts? Why are we becoming so callous and selfish? Millions of men and women and eighteen year old boys have died for the freedom of America and it's almost like Americans are yelling at their graves.."Well, we didn't ask you to!" But do you realize that in order for you to be able to have the right to do the things you can.....your freedom, America's freedom, cost them their lives. Why are we so abusing the grace of this freedom? Yes! It is your right.....because as of today...we are still free! But how much longer do you have before the doors burst open and you surrender all your rights and become slaves to the government or worse the United Nations. Pornography is running rampant in our country...yet we are still free to choose to look at it. We should take pride in our country....but we still have the freedom to burn the flag and bash our president. We can post some of the most disgusting things on Facebook and utilize our Freedom of Speech in whatever foul way we want....because there was a cost to this freedom. We still live in a land that allows you the freedom to pretty much "do whatever you want". We are seeing this freedom implemented in Colorado with the legalization of pot and the same sex marriages. We can still go to church and talk about God (although it's getting harder to talk about Jesus). Guess that name has a little too much divisiveness and intolerance attached to it.
I guess what I'm really saying is....think about the freedoms and opportunities that affords you to pursue your dreams and desires (whether they be honorable or dishonorable) to the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for you to enjoy this freedom at this very moment! Please, take this freedom seriously! Don't be willing to sell your birthright (America's freedom) for a bowl of soup! Don't trample the grace that allows you the freedom to live life abundantly. Freedom isn't free! There is always a cost or a sacrifice involved. This fourth of July.....Enjoy Your Freedom......it may not be here tomorrow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPo5dnxAq62hX8l2CqSTBY0trPFiwqCxS3izN0K6bOMkNkuypClKU4tezSsOdS2H9-W2NOgHrD9qXfmCg374Zg1bsvd-Jwf7UpooUCSS45QAELsrePZ9UWVdbanOeQQVDzggqTK_Zeqw/s1600/327728193_HeRoD-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPo5dnxAq62hX8l2CqSTBY0trPFiwqCxS3izN0K6bOMkNkuypClKU4tezSsOdS2H9-W2NOgHrD9qXfmCg374Zg1bsvd-Jwf7UpooUCSS45QAELsrePZ9UWVdbanOeQQVDzggqTK_Zeqw/s320/327728193_HeRoD-M.jpg" /></a></div>Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-34271998845189102222014-06-10T17:10:00.001-07:002014-06-10T17:10:24.408-07:00The Parable of the Playground of LifeOkay...so my parable begins...."Life is like a teeter-totter. Sometimes you are up. feet swinging underneath you, laughing and giggling,....and sometimes you are down....bumping on the ground with a swack! And so life goes...Up! Down! Up! Down! And if you are going to stay on the ride....that is how it goes. When you are young and unhindered by life....you are light and free and spend most of your time in the air. You just don't understand the weightiness of how the game works. But as the heaviness of life begins to take it's toll, you spend an awful lot of life sitting on the low end wondering when it will be your turn to be lifted up again. You begin to learn that only someone with weightier problems than yours are really able to lift you up.....and so rather than deal with all their wisdom along with their burdens, I felt it was time to hop off of the teeter totter and move on to the next ride. I probably dropped the ball, when I let that teeter totter drop, maybe even hurt someone on the other end, but I didn't think much of it. After all, there are places to go and people to see....so I ran on. I hadn't minded the ups so much, but those downs of life became too much for me to handle....I ran to the Merry Go Round. This looked more my speed and I loved the music. The carousel is an endless ride around and around, and it goes slow enough for even the most unadventurous. For awhile, I was enamored by it's hypnotizing lull and smooth ride....but in actuality, you never really go anywhere on the Merry-Go-Round. The journey is the same day in and day out I began to get bored with it. You just keep passing by the same people in the same ruts and the scenery never changes. How much can you learn about life on an eternal road to nowhere? I glanced a few times at the gigantic slippery slide, although it's promise of adventure looked very scary to me. And again...no matter how high you climb...you eventually have to come down a slippery path to where??? I'm not much of a thrill seeker. I like things that are safe. I'm seeing a pattern here, I think. Adventure can get you to a higher plane, and the exhilaration might be worth the risk, but again.....life always involves more than you are willing to give, or fear that won't allow you to give it. So I passed it by, at least for now. Was their nothing in this playground of life for me to enjoy? I did stop to smell a couple of flowers on my way to the swing set, but again, I remembered that these, too, must die. I did swing for a couple of minutes, but not too high, and not too long. After all, life wasn't meant to be fun....was it? It just seemed selfish of me to do what I enjoyed....so, I didn't. I can still feel the breeze blowing through my hair and hear the giggle that rose in my throat. I felt free! For a moment, I forgot the worries of life and just enjoyed being! I decided that I like the swings....but it seemed to me like pleasure brought with it, guilt. How sad to want to soar in a swing, but feeling the pleasure and enjoyment of it is wrong. I went and sat down by the biggest tree in the park and cried! I cried for things that can never be, and I wept for things and the way they are. I yearned to be a child again, but alas, I am not. I am growing old. I have forgotten what a playground (or life) if you will, is really meant for.
I have strayed away from the very thing it was created to be. The wonderment of little eyes, the tiny barefooted freedom of the green grass or squishy mud between your toes. The awe of a child's hands that explore, and grasp, and feel. Oh, and especially the ears that hear the wind whisper it's secrets from an ever present Creator who runs and plays next to me. I am my Father's child, although I am already fifty-five. He still sees me as if I were the newborn baby in my mother's arms. As the ups and downs of life weigh heavy on these fifty-five year old shoulders crying under the tree, Jesus came to me in my sadness and lifted me to my feet. Grabbing my hand, he pulls me to my feet.
"Come play with Me," He says with an impish grin.
He drags me to the slide first and tells me He has my back. The way looks steep....but He is right behind me. We giggle and laugh as the speed of the slope takes me to the bottom. He sits on the teeter totter and I am high in the air waving my feet and smiling.
"Will there be bumps?" I ask warily.
"Yes," He replies, "but I will be there to pick you up and brush you off. And at the end of life's ride....I will be there waiting for you to come play with Me in the kingdom My Father and I have created." He starts to leave me, and I cry out to Him.
"I can't do this alone! This playground is too hard! Too many ups and downs! Too much loneliness and sadness. And Jesus, I say, "Things DIE here. It hurts when you have bumps. Sometimes, the pain is unbearable to my heart. I have so many questions...Why? Please, don't leave me. The playground is getting darker all the time."
Jesus looked at me with sadness in His eyes. "In this world you will have troubles, Cathy. But rest assured, little one, I have overcome the world."
Jesus motioned again for me to follow Him. "Come, it is my pleasure to give you the kingdom."
I started to follow at a distance, than began running to catch up with him. I smiled as He began skipping. It's funny...although my weary old body couldn't skip very well.....my spirit began to skip...and it didn't take long for my heart and soul to follow.
Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-22125209954391159982014-05-03T19:58:00.000-07:002014-05-03T19:58:23.289-07:00Playing Catch UpHoly cow! I haven't been on here in a very long time. I still love writing....so that isn't the problem. A lot has been going on in the year it has been since I last wrote. My husband, Gregg, had a pacemaker put in in December of 2012 and then in May of 2013, he had an ablation of the heart, which is surgery where they burn around the heart in order to stop the atrial fibrillation. He had some problems early on, but we just went for his appointment on April 2014 (Year) and he is doing really well and gaining his strength back. It's been a long haul, though. They make it sound easier than what it actually is....so don't buy the talk that it is a piece of cake. It isn't.
Then our youngest daughter had a complicated pregnancy. She was told that the baby has downs syndrome and delivered a month early on April 23rd. After 3 days of doing okay, the baby had to be flown to Denver. After a week in the NICU with really high jaundice count and really low platelet count, she is finally rallying around. Things are looking up! Our faith has been tested and hopefully proven true, however, I must confess that I got a little testy with God a few times. I will feel much better down the road a little farther, however Aspen Ariya is a beautiful gift from God and we are so grateful for her. Mostly, you just see how kind and loving all your friends and community are and how all the prayers said on her behalf are so important to you when you are going through something like that.
So, I guess, I would have to say that we have had our fair share of prayers lifted up lately. We have seen love come in the form of kind words, gifts, money, and prayers. Facebook really shows you how many people and connections you have in the time of need. Both experiences have shown me how important it is for me to be in tuned to others' needs at critical times in their lives, also. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq85KG_NdrjNLkcfGSfoaWQZrerbn03FtxEgTQolg7VKccLqtIndYMDkeyTTqNDcBj7itQbWKfeJbqgq70b4d0DOKYg78cwkaUiv1wqhOqtRtoVuhG636YNljfUUizVdEGptH9nk-Vik/s1600/10176235_653546940949_7047458365622108346_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq85KG_NdrjNLkcfGSfoaWQZrerbn03FtxEgTQolg7VKccLqtIndYMDkeyTTqNDcBj7itQbWKfeJbqgq70b4d0DOKYg78cwkaUiv1wqhOqtRtoVuhG636YNljfUUizVdEGptH9nk-Vik/s320/10176235_653546940949_7047458365622108346_n.jpg" /></a></div>
Anyway, welcome to our family, Aspen! I can't wait to learn so much from you. And to my blogger friends.......I've really missed talking to you. I'll be back soon!Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-22583330041125543732013-06-26T18:05:00.001-07:002013-06-26T18:17:38.063-07:00Breaking the Silence! The Supreme Court has spoken. Today will go down in history as the day same sex marriage became legal and recognized as acceptable. A lot of my facebook friends will say, "It's about time." "People have the right to love whom they want." "It's no one's business what people do in their own bedrooms." And I thank God that we are still in a free country and able to have the freedom of speech to be able to express our opinions. However, I am noticing an interesting trend here.....that freedom of speech is somehow not intended for Christians. Christians are called horrendous names and do not seem to have the right to share their opinions with the world. So, for the most part, because I love my facebook friends, I "tolerate" the f-bombs, the crude jokes and pictures, the political agenda of the "gays", the demeaning Obama comments, the recipe lovers, the cat lovers, the cowboys, the drinkers, the gun toting conservatives, the "post if you love Jesus and ignore if you love Satan"....posts! Because that is what this country is all about! The freedom to have a voice and be heard. And so, as long as freedom is still an option in this country...I am going to play my freedom card and share my own for a moment. This should not make me intolerant, a hate monger, a narrow minded bigot, or a bible thumper. It should make me an American. So, to set the record straight, in case I have been misunderstood, and in case at my funeral, someone may say.....I didn't know that is what she believed, I'm breaking the silence. I'm stepping up on my political platform and risking you liking me to tell you who I really am. So, here goes.
<b>I believe abortion is murder.</b> I believe lots of the people I know and love have had them....we do what we do with the knowledge we have at the time. And I love those women who face what appears to be no other option. I do not pass judgement on anyone...but if I were allowed to talk to you personally, I would tell you....don't do it. There are options. I understand there are some very hard cases...but these are the exceptions....not the rule. Most abortions are done for convenience. (This is one I use to fight on the side for abortion.)
<b>I believe homosexuality is not a disease. </b> I believe it is a chosen behavior. If I again, could talk to each of my homosexual facebook friends, I would tell you that I love you and understand that you believe God made you this way. I just don't want you to believe that because I don't comment on things that I accept this behavior as true. I believe the majority of homosexuals have been molested as children that have left them broken. Again, if you are my true friend, I should be able to express this even if you disagree with me. If this really angers you, and changes your opinion of me, please feel free to delete me as a friend. I will understand. However, I can't sit be and let the world believe I think it is true.
<b>I do not believe in aliens!</b> You know, the outer space kind. However, I do believe they will have a part in the great deception to our world in the near future.
I<b> believe in a real heaven and a real hell!</b> I see the results of good/evil on earth all the time.
<b>I believe that not everyone goes to heaven when they die. </b> Only those who place their trust in Jesus Christ will enter heaven. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Again...this is either the truth or a lie. Either Jesus is who he says he is...or he is a liar! That simple.
<b>I believe the Holy Bible is God's word</b>. Every bit of it is true. You heard me....even the hard to except parts. Otherwise, why believe any of it? How could you know what parts are real and what parts aren't?
<b>I don't know if I believe in bigfoot.</b> But if he is real, he is a created animal....not a missing link.
<b>I absolutely do not believe in evolution. </b> Adaption, yes...evolution....NO. Why do we keep getting worse if the theory of evolution is true? (And I use to believe in it....so I changed my mind on this one.)
<b>I still believe there is hope for mankind..</b>..if we turn from our wicked, self centered ways and repent. I do not believe repent means to be sorry for.....I believe it means to change directions....do an about face....change the way we are going.
<b>I believe God loves us....and is not out to get us.</b> That He gives us chance after chance to see Him for who He really is. That even though "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, He made a provision for that through Jesus Christ." We are the only thing blocking our way to receiving that love and forgiveness.
<b>I believe that we never die</b>....your soul lives on eternally somewhere. And that eternity starts here in this life...right now. God has a plan and a purpose for every person and that no one is an accident. But we do have a choice...what we do with that life we were given.
<b>I believe Jesus is coming again! </b>And from the looks of things....it could be soon.
<b>I believe our children are a gift from God. </b> A legacy to leave the earth after we are gone.
<b>I believe WE are the church. </b> Church is not a building we go to on Sunday. It is a living breathing spirit that resides in each of us. It is about love, and kindness, and patience, and selflessness, sharing, and giving.
I'm not just the overweight body that greets you at the elementary school everyday. I am a multifaceted being with ideas, and thoughts, and creativity, and spirituality, as are you! Will you choose to love or hate me based upon one aspect of my belief system?
Thank you for allowing me to express who I am and what makes me tick! You don't have to like me...but you don't have to deny my rights as a Christian, either! I believe there is enough room on this planet for me and you.......and maybe a bigfoot or two????
Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-52591820391346503222012-10-13T23:31:00.001-07:002012-10-14T17:25:16.102-07:00God's Timing I am waiting...our 6th grandchild will be born sometime within the next couple of hours and I find the significance of the date very interesting. You see, it is 11:30 pm on October 13. If it arrives after midnight....it will be an interesting story of God's grace and His perfect timing. God's timing is something we really do not have a grip on. Ecclesiastes 3 states, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build." and in 2 Peter 3:8, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."
Time just isn't the same in the kingdom realm as it is here on earth. So often, we can't understand why God is silent for so long when we need to have our answers quickly,why He tarries and delays when we feel He should move quicker. And yet, it seems timing is everything to Him.
When Jesus heard that His friend Lazarus was sick and in need of healing, He did not rush to his side, but the bible says, in John 11:6, "So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, <b>he stayed where he was two more days</b>." This is something that we find difficult to understand, yet Jesus had no need to hurry. He knew exactly what He was doing. There was no rush, even when Lazarus' sister ran out to meet Him and tell Him that He was too late.....her brother, Lazarus, had died. She stated that if Christ had been there, he might have lived.....but Jesus was too late!!! In her eyes, once his heart had stopped beating...Jesus was impotent. Render powerless. Unable to perform a miracle. As long as their was life....there was hope. Why is it so easy for us to forget that in the supernatural kingdom, we all are ETERNAL beings (whether we are saved or not?) So although Lazarus was physically dead....spiritually He was still alive. Jesus knew this.
Let me state for the record that Jesus is NEVER too late! Jesus is ALWAYS right on time. Again, we may have difficulty recognizing this in the earthly realm....but that is what He wants to teach us. When you get your mind wrapped around the kingdom realm...there is always hope! The lesson He taught us was that EVEN in the physical realm, when all hope is gone....Jesus IS our hope.
I have always been a person who likes to be on time. I'm a clock watcher. We need the seconds...the minutes....the hours....the days....the months....the years. They help us stay sane in an insane world. But God isn't like us in that way. He isn't constrained by time. His timing is perfect. He knows the exact time whether it is in our realm or His. And that is why I started this blog in the first place.
You see..it was EXACTLY one year ago that Gina was told in the doctor's office that they could not detect a heart beat on the child she miscarried. It's little heart had stopped beating in the womb and she had to say goodbye to a little baby she never got a chance to meet. She saw it's ultrasound picture and knew it was a gift from God that was taken away from her before she even got to hold it. But....exactly one year later, on the exact day....it is the birthday of my newest grandchild...a gift...and another miracle in the lives of the Raben's. Thank you, Jesus for your timing....so we will always remember and celebrate the life of TWO special children, one that is now in the kingdom realm and one that is here with us in the physical realm. Your grace is amazing....and your timing is PERFECT! Miss Kira arrived at 11:59 pm....I just got the call....mother and baby doing fine!
Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-49259855109168551602012-08-31T22:30:00.001-07:002012-08-31T22:30:06.493-07:00The Fight is Getting More Ferocious As I type...fire is within 5 miles of our house. If the wind changes, well....OUR HEDGE WILL HOLD....because our God is bigger.....our God is stronger....our God is higher than any other power in the universe.
We serve a mighty God....prayers are being lifted all over the surrounding area....we need rain.....we need this blazing inferno to stop. It's sad, but I have a feeling it is sort of how the end of the world will be....fires out of control everywhere and no one to fight them....left to run rampant incinerating everything in their path.
We have no use for God until we need something from Him. How many have called on His name in this crisis, but have not spoken to Him in a very long time.
Oh, Father....we repent of our selfishness and stubborness. We cry out to you in our fear and anguish...please forgive us. We need you always. In the good and the bad. Please form a hedge around our land, our family, our house....and keep us safe from the arrows of the enemy. Let no weapon formed against us prosper. Thank you...Save us Lord. As we stand firm in the enemy's attack! Amen.Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-50947064559995776472012-08-28T22:27:00.002-07:002012-08-28T22:27:59.628-07:00The Attack Continues...But We are More Than Conquerers As I write this, I am continuing from the last blog where I explained how my family was under attack from one of the highest demon adversaries. I can't even begin to tell you some of the ways he is trying to destroy our family, but I do know that he is mad as a hornet for some reason.
As I write this, my youngest daughter, Jill and her husband, Vaughn, are in their second week of Chi Alpha ministry on the WNCC campus in Scottsbluff. It isn't an easy campus to get onto with a Christian ministry, so they have kind of an uphill battle. Last week they had their first meeting with about 15 attending. Saturday, they had a bowling party and about 20 attended. Tonight, Jill had facebooked saying that it was a great night of ministry on campus with nearly 30 attending. Her excitement was short lived. At 10:30 pm tonight, she called asking us to begin our spiritual warfare in prayers. The enemy had struck again.....while they were in their meeting, one of the boys in there group lost his home to a fire (during the meeting). Afterwards, they all went to have pie at a local cafe (17-18 of their students and them. Jill and Vaughn's pastor called and told them about the fire and they had to go try and find a place for this boy to stay. While they were trying to find a motel for him.... they drove back by the cafe and there had been a multi car accident involving several of their students. They were all in shock and a couple of them had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital complaining of neck and back injuries. One of them now does not have a car. Jill immediately called us, as she also believes that we are under attack. The enemy is like a roaring lion seeking to kill, steal and destroy. His time on earth is short and he fears our family's faith and ministry. He knows we are close to big spiritual victories.....Please continue to cover us in your prayers and the blood of Jesus.
What a mighty God we serve! Greater is He that is in us, than He that is in the world! All praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If God is for us...who can be against us??? Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-59388623814447419452012-08-21T19:04:00.000-07:002012-08-21T19:05:02.597-07:00Under Attack My family has been under attack this month. It started with a lot of physical ailments and has progressed to an all out war on our family, health, careers, finances, etc. I started putting two and two together when I started noticing that many of the same physical symptoms Gregg and I had, started showing up in the people around me. (Sounds weird, I know) but I've been exploring a lot about healing and spiritual attacks....and this was definitely a spiritual attack. Immediately, my husband and I started a defensive prayer vigil. To make a long story short, during my prayer time, I asked God to show me the name of my spiritual attacker. I was given two words which I immediately wrote down on a piece of paper, then went back to praying. When we had finished our prayers, Gregg and I began to investigate the two words God had given me. I knew I did not have the first name quite right, as I had placed a question mark behind it and told Gregg that it wasn't quite right, but something close to it. The first name I had written down was Abadding ( I told him it could be Abadingdon...or Abaddon or something close to that. He said he thought that Revelation mentioned a demon named Abaddon (also known as Apollyon. Wow...that was interesting. He is actually the head demon of the Abyss and king of the locusts. The name Abaddon means destroyer. Fitting. The second name was Hadad. The complete name of the spiritual demon waging war on us was Abaddon Hadad. After researching Hadad in the old testament, we discovered that Hadad was the adversary of King Solomon. Again...very interesting. Adversary (Satan) King Hadad was opposing the King of wisdom. (Jesus). We learned a lot by exploring online also, but determined that our family is being attacked by one of the higher demons. Abaddon (of the 7th heirarchy.....Hadad (the 7th son of Ishmael. Okay, by now you are going to think I am crazy...but that is okay...believe me, I understand.
Since our discovery, I can't begin to tell you of the things that started happening in my family's life. He is trying to take us down....trying to take us out. He is messing with our minds, our bodies and our extended family. Apparently, he is afraid we are very close to doing something dynamic for the kingdom of God, because he is trying to destroy our witness, our credibility, our marriages, you name it.
We are in a battle....but praise God, we will be victorious. Romans 8:37-39
New International Version (NIV)
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Keep our family in your prayers as we battle the enemy. War is hard, and I am tired.
Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-73737105630823674522012-08-02T17:40:00.000-07:002012-08-02T17:40:34.041-07:00Pet Flies and Singing ToiletsIt's been a long couple of weeks! It seems that no rain, ever-over-the hundreds heat, and crappy health issues are plaguing our house. So maybe a little dose of humor at my expense is in order. After a Sunday night of a self imposed anxiety attack believing I was having a heart attack created enough fear and doubt in me, I decided it was time to go to the doctor....rather than the emergency room. Thus began all of the tests and crap that go along with it. My EKG was normal, but doctor ordered a stress test next. He actually thinks it is sleep apnea...not my heart....but thus another test. Now, I have been walking on the treadmill so was familiar with that....but again fear set in. I had heard horror stories about people dropping over dead from that test. Of course, when I got in there, my blood pressure skyrocketed. I had been walking on my treadmill at a .5 incline. They were going to start me out at a ten. Ha Ha Ha. Are you serious? I did great on the test and passed with flying colors, however I now have to take 2 little blood pressure pills a day. Monday night, I go in for my sleep apnea test...It sort of creeps me out to think about all these people sitting around watching you sleep....I mean, what if I scratch something that itches....what if I pick my nose....or pass gas...or some other horribly embarrassing thing.....for goodness sake....WHAT IF I TALK OUTLOUD IN MY SLEEP...I mean, I have some WEIRD dreams. On top of everything else, I have developed this hacking cough that will not go away! I sound like I should be going to a tuberculosis ward. They will have some fun with the squeals, squeaks, and sounds that come out of my throat now. I'll sound like an orchestra with all my vocal and other bodily instruments! Then, Gregg finally made a doctor appointment for his atrial fibrillation. It seems his heart decided to go for the finish line. It had to be bad for HIM to call the doctor himself. Doctor wasn't impressed with the speedy little devil and sent him to get a cardiogram today. They couldn't even get an appropriate reading because they couldn't get his heart down under the 95 beats. His was going 120 some continually, even in a restful state. Doctor said he was a stroke waiting to happen and put him on the same blood pressure medicine they gave me....also put him on Warfarin....which he is not impressed about. Hopefully, we'll know more on Monday, if not before. He's been living with this for 12 years now, but the last couple it is become continual, not just once in awhile. Wolff Parkinson White syndrome runs in his family, so hopefully he can have the ablation (sort of surgery) to fix it like his brother, nephew and niece did. We are also in the process of ripping up our carpet, as the carpet layers are coming tomorrow. Furniture is piled in all the other rooms, and it's like a safari to get to the kitchen. So.....after all this.....I decided a nice warm soaking bath in a dark bathroom sounded amazing.....I got the water nice and deep, nice and hot and poured in some aches and pains soothing oil and crawled in for a peaceful stress free time in the tub. Right??? Ha Ha Ha! Don't be absurd. That would be too easy. As I just got settled in.... a tiny little kamikazee fly decided to give me some company. He dive bombed me buzzing in my ear then landed on me long enough to illicit a flapping of my hands to shoo him away. This continued for the next five minutes with him skating on my exposed flesh while I tried to kill him. Why is it that a single fly can create such havoc with two invisible feet and an annoying buzz? He had just left me alone for 2 seconds when my singing toilet decided to give me a personal concert. It started warming up it's voice with a low continual whining tone, than increased it's pitch to a shrill shrieking shrew. It's been doing this lately....maybe it just wants someone to pay attention to it....give it a little pat on the lid, and a friendly handle shake. But, seriously.....does it need to serenade me while I'm trying to relax in the peace and quiet of a dark room and warm tub? It of course, would not shut up until I jumped out of the tub dripping wet and shook it's hand! I decided that I really didn't sweat the big things very much....my trust is in God for those things.....But those small irritating things did not set well with me! Someone looking in would have thought I was a crazy lady...flapping the air, yelling and shaking the handle of a toilet telling it to SHUT UP! I think I need to chill....oh, by the way....the toilet is singing again as I type this. I might as well join it. Oh solo mi oh! Where did my pet fly go??Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-70817662660694254912012-07-27T20:22:00.000-07:002012-07-27T20:22:37.152-07:0012 Wonderful Stories, What's Your Story?It's been a week now since the shooting in Aurora, Colorado and I feel it's now time to share my views. I watched today as many were having funerals and memorial services for the victims of this horrendous crime. But it was interesting that one theme seemed to shine through in the midst of all the sorrow. No one would allow themselves to become hateful and bitter because of what happened. They all seemed to rise up and take the higher road. They wouldn't allow their loved ones to become victims.....but victors over evil. It's easy to see something like this and become cynical, believing that evil is running rampant and taking control of our earth...however, it seems that we witness incredible strength, love, and good in these tragedies, which proves that mankind still has a heartbeat....still believes in good....still rallies together to fight evil. As an author, I found it profound that the most important thing the families wanted to do, is to tell their loved ones' story. To immortalize them by sharing about how these lives, cut short, had made a difference. Maybe not to the world, but to those who loved them. Each of the 12 lives that ended that morning, had been so important to someone. Even the shooter, whom we don't really want to deal with, had people who loved him.
We may have many years on the earth, or only a few, but even a newborn baby taken from the earth after a few hours of life has made a profound mark on someone's life. We are stories waiting to be shared. Do you realize that you have an effect on the lives of those who know you? Each and every one of the twelve played an important part in the lives of those around them. They were dearly loved and they will be soooo missed. None were well known or famous.....none had made life changing contributions to the world as a whole.... none had done anything newsworthy or noteworthy to earn the respect of the masses......but each one had touched lives and will never be forgotten....Some for their smiles, their kindness, their funniness and others for their acts of bravery in protecting others as they were dying....
And though, some madman may think he can take away our freedom by fear....though he may think he has earned his notoriety in such a heartless and cowardly manner....and though we get a closeup look at evil face to face.....the human spirit is undaunted, and undefeated! In fact, we rise up powerfully united ready to take on this evil force that tries to take us captive.
You are vitally important to someone. Their story is entwined with your story. You influence the people you meet either in a positive or negative way. We need to spend far more time loving and less time worrying, griping, and working. We need to tell people they are important to us.....before time gets away from us....or is taken away from us.
Are you pleased with the way your story is going? If you had been one of the victims....what would they be sharing about you right now? If the victim had been someone you love....what would you wish you had told them? It's too late for them. But if you're reading this, it's not to late for you. Don't assume people know how you feel about them.....tell them....hug them....enjoy them...
One life makes all the difference. Your life makes all the difference.
God bless all of the families who have been effected by this ONE man's sin.. Now turn to the ONE man who's death can change your life forever, Jesus Christ, and start rewriting your story.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBR2ex5oysqhllNSkxjzg1saX-CxHckxOaE9RK71FDiZ3YUhCSN2ZcqtFqY75sfkpWYxWSpH2KRrQaTTn8sElsrHW2KI5Y62l8VX6KMPEj2au8fjqnisfF9Pf99P9BaDhjHUB7vYnADY/s1600/120723013638_victim_composite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBR2ex5oysqhllNSkxjzg1saX-CxHckxOaE9RK71FDiZ3YUhCSN2ZcqtFqY75sfkpWYxWSpH2KRrQaTTn8sElsrHW2KI5Y62l8VX6KMPEj2au8fjqnisfF9Pf99P9BaDhjHUB7vYnADY/s400/120723013638_victim_composite.jpg" /></a></div>Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-55589016146997789582012-06-12T22:14:00.000-07:002012-06-12T22:14:30.943-07:00Rocking the BoatOkay...I haven't been here since March...but when I came back, everything has changed. They say it's easier to use...I don't know about that. But it is what it is. Adaptation! I can do this!
I guess that should be the topic of my blog. Change. The reason it's a good topic is that the last month has been full of change for us.
I've told you before how much I loved church and my pastor. Well, he left. Gave two weeks notice and when we got back from our trip to Branson, we had 2 weeks left with him.
I knew it was coming...just wasn't quite ready for it. Change. I think God is telling me I have become complacent and accepting of certain things, certain ways....so it's time to rock the boat. And boy did He rock it! During the time of His rocking the boat....we can hang on for dear life, or fall out and drowned. I prefer to hang on, thank you very much.
I can't tell you some of the things that have happened in the last month (they involve others) but let's just say that it effected me in big ways. Sometimes, even though God is shaking someone else's boat, we are caught in the waves and undertow.
Gregg (and the Word of God, plus the Byrds) reminded me that there is a reason for every season. "A time to be born, a time to die, a time to sow and a time to reap, a time to laugh and a time to cry." We like some seasons better than others. Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn...each serves a specific purpose. Spring...new beginnings, anticipation. Fall....a time of reflection and preparedness for the coming season of Winter. Winter...a cold, harsh season that we're never prepared for when it drops it's icy fingers and grabs us by the hand inviting us to come with it and learn great lessons. Lessons are always learned in the winter season of our souls...but sometimes at great cost.
Isn't it funny that some of us are in our soul's winter season while the summer sun is spreading her warmth upon us. And some of us are celebrating summer souls in the physically cold winter season.
Change...do you see that word in a negative or positive way?? Nothing stays the same....everything changes. I believe we should look at change as an opportunity. God is rocking the boat....shaking our tree.....stirring the water....He's saying, don't get too comfortable...I have plans for you!
Change....no one said it would be easy! But when you begin to feel your branches starting to shake or your boat starting to tip..take heart, and accept it as your opportunity to enter a new season of Spring, a time of new beginnings and new growth!Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-85533070677907201822012-03-29T03:24:00.004-07:002012-03-29T04:46:08.894-07:00The Purpose of My LifeI've been directing the all school play this spring and one of the gifts I get to witness everyday is this God given ability in each of my students to become more....does what I am saying make any sense?<br /> You see, as a director or coach, it is our purpose to take the raw talent (or lack there of) of each student and slowly shape their performance into something more...something beyond what they believed they were capable of. I get to slowly cut through their inhibitions and fears, and right before my eyes, watch this inner strength and talent emerge. And when it surfaces, it is like magic. What a gift to me as a director. <br /> It may not always be apparent to the audience that they are seeing something beautiful and magical take place, but to the director or coach, who has worked numerous hours with the student, it truly does amaze and leave me standing in awe.<br /> I guess I could say that my personal motto or mission statement, what I feel God has placed me here on earth to accomplish, is to help others reach their full potential. To bring out the best of who they are and who they are meant to be, and help them to recognize and to bring into fruition the gifts that God has placed into them. Serving as a secretary of school seems to have been the place I have always ended up. We are sometimes led down paths that we didn't think was where God purposed us to be, but end right back where we began, only to realize that we are exactly where God intended us to be all along. For me, that seems to be associated with working at the school. And although I never went to college and never got my teaching degree as I intended...God has placed me in an environment where I have the ability to come in contact with so many lives every day and teaching is what I was always intended to do...just in a different way. Every day I have the ability to do what God has intended me to do all along....to help build lives and to encourage those I come in contact with to become all that they can be. I AM a teacher. I use words and lessons to enable the people I come in contact with. I am overwhelmed by the awesomeness of this job that He has given me. How blessed I am to get to share in the beauty of building and shaping lives by the words I say or the comments I make.<br /> At the realization of God's word that says I have the ability to bring life or death with my tongue. To bless people or to curse them. Oh, what a great responsibility. But, oh, what an awesome gift. To take God's seeda, His children, to nourish and tend them until they develop into the beautiful flowers He intended. To watch passion and strength emerge from the words I share from my mouth. Have you ever thought about the power you hold in your tongue? I have watched people blossom in front of my eyes as I watered them with my words, but I have also seen them wilt to the ground as I scorched them with my heated comments. <br /> So many people ask, Why am I here? What is the purpose of my life? And I believe that I found the answer to that question. Our purpose isn't about us...our purpose is about others. When we make it our purpose to edify and build up the people we come in contact with...we make flowers bloom and the world becomes a better place. Our words and encouragement birth future doctors, future inventors, future teachers, and future actors. We mentor others to become the best they can be and end up helping to create future mothers, future encourager, future givers. The possibilities are endless. We are helping the Creator of the universe, develop and raise His seed into a beautiful garden. Someone's words helped to develop Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Albert Einstein, and Billy Graham. But someone's words also helped develop Hitler, Charles Manson, or Saddaam Hussein. <br /> Use your words wisely. Use your tongue to bring blessings and inner beauty. Be an encourager and edifier. Bring out the best in those you deal with daily. A kind word can change the world. <br /> I am so blessed. Thank you, Jesus, for showing me my true purpose through allowing me to direct this play. True character is built in frustration, laughter, and stress. Your wisdom and insight keep me focus on the right reasons I am directing this play. And the flowers are beginning to bloom!Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-17072469260083299022012-03-06T15:07:00.004-08:002012-03-06T15:58:25.682-08:00Applauding Kirk Cameron!Okay....Here goes! I'm sure this blog is going to offend a lot of people. But, it's time I get as politically incorrect as I possibly can. I can't believe that Kirk bashing or Christian bashing is acceptable behavior and taking a moral stand and having a conviction that God's word is true has become abominable in our world today! It is a sad day when a CHRISTIAN is bated into a controversial subject in an interview and than tells what he believes and why, only to become the butt of cruel and vicious comments by the media and the so called Hollywood Royalty! First of all, if I give a flying fig about what the Hollywood crowd thinks is acceptable and tells me is loving, I've made a BIG mistake....following that crowd is sure to lead to a path paved with sorrow, divorces, drugs, alcoholism, abortions, diseases and a wide road of destruction to the pits of hell! If we as Christians are going to be so bashed by having a moral opinion or standard.....then we might as well get hit with everything they can throw at us. They are going to ALWAYS call us unloving and judgmental...because they know that it bothers us as Christians when we think we are being misunderstood or unloving. But I can tell you now that I would rather be accused of being thought of as unloving by a bunch of liberal, radical Hollywood nuts pushing the homosexual lifestyle and agenda on the world, than to embrace something that is abhorrent and yes....UNNATURAL to God. Homosexuality is the biggest slap in God's face when He created LIFE producing beings to unite and become one. Homosexuality can NEVER produce life on it's own. I applaud Kirk Cameron for standing firm on his convictions as the insults and mud are hurled at him! They can apparently say whatever mean thing they want about Kirk, and it is alright to them. But taking a stand on homosexuality makes us unloving!!! Whatever!!!<br /> Do what thou wilt! Satan's plan. Do whatever you want.....do whatever feels good. Forget that someday you will stand before the maker of the universe and have to give an account for the lifestyles you choose to lead. So, I'm standing up next to you Kirk! I too, am against homosexuality and abortions. I am politically incorrect. But in all honesty, Kirk, my blog only has 3 or 4 followers.....so it's not as big a risk as it is for you! Just don't back down!<br />Remember, John 15: verse 18: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to this world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." and John 15: 21 "They will treat you this way because of my name." <br /><br />And...if you happen to stumble upon my blog and hate it...don't read it. You don't have to agree with me....enjoy the freedom to disagree...I have a feeling, it won't last long!Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-56927686266893979822012-02-26T19:13:00.003-08:002012-02-26T20:10:46.702-08:00VoicesGreetings!<br /> It's been awhile since I posted a blog and decided it was time I let you all know I am still alive and kicking. <br /> So, I went to the movies this afternoon and saw "The Vow". It actually got me thinking about a lot of things. The movie is about a husband and wife who are involved in an auto accident resulting in the wife losing her memory of him as her husband. She could remember being engaged to someone else and so she reverted back to the person she was before she met him. She pretty much was totally different from the person he knew. <br /> On the way home, Gregg and I talked about who we really are and where our identities really come from. For instance, I can't swim and am pretty much afraid of water....is it possible that under different circumstances and different relationships....I would be an exceptional swimmer and love the water??? What if one of the Osmonds with all their musical talent would have been adopted at birth by someone with no interest or gifts in music. Would their natural ability to sing have surfaced on it's own regardless of their environment or the way they had been raised? We all have God given talents and interests, but how much of who we are is actually determined by our environment, parents, and culture. What do I really love....and what have I been told I love? What has been predetermined and what has been learned? How much of what we do or say is what we really believe and how much is determined by expectations and influences of others? <br /> Have you ever really thought about what you would be if you were free of all judgments, fears, and expectations of others? <br /> We ate at the Texas Roadhouse yesterday, and halfway into our meal they cranked up the music and all of the waiters and waitresses came out and line danced to the song. I watched their faces. Some were embarrassed to have to do it. But others were enjoying every minute of it and doing it well. They were FREE. It made me smile inside to see people who were not in bondage to fear and embarrassment. They were not held captive by the thoughts of others or fear of failure, or insecurities in abundance.<br /> Too often we are stopped from being FREE by the voices in our heads that tell us we are too old, or too fat, or too inferior, or too ____________. You fill in your own blank. It doesn't really matter. We all have those voices in our head. I guess the point of all this is that far too often, we let these voices control our actions and in doing so....lose our own FREEDOM in the process. Jesus came to set the captives free. He came to give us life and give it to us abundantly. In actuality...I wanted to jump up in that aisle and dance with them. I wanted to experience the exhileration of a freedom that didn't care what the people looking on thought!! Maybe they would see my joy and laugh along with me instead of at me. But, alas...I sat there, not even allowing myself to drop the peanut shells on the floor because it just wasn't right to do so. At least, that is what one of the voices in my head kept telling me. Curse these chains of bondage...these blasted voices in my head that condemn and control. <br /> Like the old song says, "I've gotta be me...I've gotta be me! What else can I be...but me?" What I'm learning is, that as soon as I grab hold of my identity in Christ and realize what I was created to be....nothing will be able to stop me! It's coming....and if you see me line dancing in the aisle of a grocery store, or singing off key at the top of my voice...or even wearing plaids and stripes together..you will know that I've finally arrived. But if you think I've lost it or I'm stupid, or too old to be acting in such foolish ways....well, I really don't care.<br /> Where the spirit of the Lord is.............there is freedom! In his sermon today, my pastor made a statement that I think we all should live by. You only need to be concerned about an audience of One! His voice is the only one you need to listen to! And seriously.......I think He is saying DANCE!Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-20905165682756378892011-12-27T18:35:00.000-08:002011-12-27T19:31:45.263-08:00My Father-in-Law<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV45aU5BBV5Ut5wnSrrG0lXkxT8Uo8zeBBUwoMsJ4yO2gB6Ki6aOSWJhjxwj5fhUQ8TDxY3XhuqmY1f-w4TJTWmwxPayKHJf2O4Bep6U3BD8Yo0yEWG202dw1e6oKZhPktAwTL4tcK-4/s1600/Christmas+2011+073.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV45aU5BBV5Ut5wnSrrG0lXkxT8Uo8zeBBUwoMsJ4yO2gB6Ki6aOSWJhjxwj5fhUQ8TDxY3XhuqmY1f-w4TJTWmwxPayKHJf2O4Bep6U3BD8Yo0yEWG202dw1e6oKZhPktAwTL4tcK-4/s400/Christmas+2011+073.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691014904810863858" /></a><br />My father-in-law is a gem of a man. This year he has witnessed his 91st Christmas. In March, he will turn 92. I was fortunate enough to get to have him over for Christmas Day dinner. I enjoyed the twinkle in his eyes as he still teased my dad! And the excitement he showed as he opened our Christmas gift of a new shirt. I watched him struggle to unsnap each of the buttons and rub his fingers against the soft material. He was determined to try it on right then and there and as Grandma Veda patiently helped him out of his old shirt and into the new, I witnessed an enduring love between the two of them. How tenderly she treated him...proving a love that had weathered sixty odd years of marriage. Four children had been born of this love and now many great grandchildren later...the love still endures. He no longer is the strong farmer/rancher I remember when I entered the family thirty-five years ago....the fraility of ninety years has taken it's toll. Hands shake and tears form easily in the corner of cloudy, distant eyes. Yet, I can still see the loving father...the providing husband....the patriotic World War II veteran...the bible believing Gideon....the proud cattle rancher....the faithful Sunday School teacher....He wore many hats in his 90 years, yet he very seldom ventured more than a hundred miles away from home.....he could toss a mean horseshoe in his day...could milk cows with fewer fingers than most (due to an accident), he was honest, a good neighbor, and would loan you the shirt off of his back. If he ever had need to borrow anything, he would return it better than he received it. His door was always open for a visiting evangelist or company on Sundays. In his day, he could work circles around men much younger than himself. He was proud of his Danish heritage and prouder still of his Lord and Savior. When Wednesdays and Sundays would roll around, you would find him in church. And that is where you would still find him if he were strong enough to attend. It is with the greatest honor and respect that I give homage to this wonderful man and patriarch. How fortunate I have been to get to know him. What a gift to us all. God bless you, Jimmie H. Raben. We love you!Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-90216846374543157512011-12-01T15:20:00.000-08:002011-12-01T16:02:56.108-08:0010 Things I Love About Me!Okay...this may be an interesting title for a blog. It may even sound a little conceited or boastful. But I can ensure you...it is far from that. Actually, I use to have a problem with liking myself...until I met Jesus, that is. I struggled with understanding unconditional love. Everyone places conditions on our love...right? I went to a church for a very long time that beat me up with the notion that if I didn't watch my p's and q's...or hold my mouth just right....God would be displeased and boot my sorry bottom out of His presence. I tried hard to please Him....tried "doing" all the right things...but it was never done with right motives...I could never "do" enough for a "perfect holy God". I intellectually "knew Jesus" for many years...but when I really got to know Him....and the grace that He came to bring us....well, then...I fell in love with Him!!! And I learned how much He loved me! And accepted me....warts and all! WOW! After awhile, I began to see what He saw in me! I was a pretty amazing creation of His! And so are YOU! When you get a hold of that information.....it will change your life....like it has mine!!! Oh, I am not perfect...far from it....and I still need to fix a few things....but amazingly....He finds me irresistable! So...I decided to list 10 things about myself that both He and I find uniquely appealing!<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight:bold;">My sense of humor!</span> He often laughs at some of the things I say and finds me witty, funny, and creative! I appreciate that one of my gifts is my humor! I love making people laugh! And it is uniquely my own...Thank you for my amazing humor!<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Flexibility!</span> I may seem stressed out sometimes...but I've discovered that I do my best work when I can "go with the flow". I do it well and I thank Him for flexibility as one of my unique "Cathy" gifts. <br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight:bold;">My compassionate heart!</span> I may appear to be cold and uptight on the outside....but oh...what a beautiful heart God has put in me!! Thank you, Father.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight:bold;">My generous/giving spirit!</span> I LOVE to give gifts to people! I would say I love to lavish gifts on my family! If I had more money.....wow....I just want to give things to people! Thank you God, that you poured so much of this spirit into me.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Ability to Cry! </span> I cry so easily....but it comes from such a sensitive heart. How cleansing and freeing to not be afraid to share your emotions with others and allow them to catch a glimpse of my heart! It makes me cry just thinking about it. lol. <br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight:bold;">My desire to right the wrong!</span> I have a keen desire to protect the underdog....to fight for causes....to take a stand against evil! I love that about me!! <br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight:bold;">My Passion!</span> I'm passionate about everything and have an opinion about everything! I love the color red! I hate alcohol! Everything is always black or white to me! I love that God gave me passion about things! I just need to learn how to redirect some of this passion and tame down the strong opionions.<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight:bold;">I'm patriotic!</span> Somehow, I picked up the importance of country....and freedom....and our great American roots! I love America and the National Anthem and the fact that we are still "One Nation Under God". I am in awe of our military who is willing to lay down their lives for me...and my right to have freedom! <br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight:bold;">I Love that I see potential in Everyone</span>....and want to bring out the best in everyone! If I can contribute to someone becoming the best that they can be...then I have met my goal on earth! Everyone has something beautiful to offer to this world...and it makes me happy when I can draw that out of people! What a wonderful gift God has given me when I get an opportunity to make this happen.<br /><br />But what I most love about me is this........10. That I accepted the best gift God has ever given me.....Jesus Christ! He loves me unconditionally....He made all these wonderful traits in me...it is just my job to fine tune them and hone those traits and skills to represent Him to others in a real and untarnished way! When I abide in Him...His life flows from me in a natural way....not me trying to "do" things on my own! <br /><br />And you know what? As I began listing the 10 things I love about me.....I started thinking of more than ten. I've come a long way from not even liking myself very much....to loving myself!!Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-14510460689522712502011-10-31T18:13:00.000-07:002011-10-31T19:48:50.114-07:00Cradled in His Arms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieU_muFXzEdsVYvA1Z80HOnMy_XzYmIq6Ftz_mMKSy3gjZDK8rCQs4mmKNOjKC5iHMtYczmpCn16IbspP4MNpXXpdb5oXEZ9yKqTUesJ1jEU10u50mj4xND_38ALQw-C4d7NzLXYweD1E/s1600/1st+Ultrasound-Sept+28%252C+2011+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieU_muFXzEdsVYvA1Z80HOnMy_XzYmIq6Ftz_mMKSy3gjZDK8rCQs4mmKNOjKC5iHMtYczmpCn16IbspP4MNpXXpdb5oXEZ9yKqTUesJ1jEU10u50mj4xND_38ALQw-C4d7NzLXYweD1E/s320/1st+Ultrasound-Sept+28%252C+2011+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669853811549804514" /></a><br /> My heart has been crying this month. I want to share a very personal story with you. I've always been a pretty open person, so sharing something personal isn't that odd for me, however, I am sharing this in order to share what God is doing in my life. I am also a very emotional person, so this isn't shared without good reason. My blogs usually have some sort of spiritual message I am trying to relay, and this one is no different. In fact, it has several....I have just finished reading my daughter Gina's blog, so she has shared it, which means that I can tell my side of the story now, also, without revealing anything that she had wanted to keep to herself. <br /> Three weeks ago, we went to visit my daughter and the family stopped to have ice cream at the Dairy Queen. She had an envelope full of pictures for me and as I was looking through them, one caught my eye in particular. It was an ultrasound picture of a tiny baby and I knew immediately that we were going to be grandparents again. Even though Gina has three wonderful daughters, a fourth child would be a welcomed addition to the family. I was excited! We hoped for a little grandson and we vocalized it to her...wouldn't it be nice to have a little boy??? We also joked with her about how "some" members of our family and even just friends and people in general were bound to make the comments about "don't you know what causes those." or "I can't believe you would want any more... to even "I hope THIS is the last one." Comments that are said without malice....however, can still hurt all the same. Fortunately, for once, I was not the voice of these comments. I was happy! I love grandchildren...and they are exceptional parents....so why should anyone care...(unfortunately....they seem to. none the less). Or at least they feel it is their right to instruct people on things that aren't really their business. Why do we do that, anyway? Why can't we make positive, encouraging comments, instead. Anyway...we had an ultrasound picture of a healthy baby with a strong heartbeat. <br /> Friday, Gina had a regular doctor appointment and they could not detect a heartbeat....they sent her in for another ultrasound and discovered that the baby had stopped growing at 8 weeks and there was now no heartbeat. They gave her the option of a D and C or to wait out a miscarriage. She waited until she knew I would be home and called me. We cried together and wondered why?<br /> Saturday, Gregg and I attended a healing conference in Rapid City, SD. We have been feeling that God is leading us into ministry in the area of healing (both spiritually and physically). It was an interesting conference and we both felt we had learned some valuable information. When I got home that night, I really felt that we needed to go the next day and pray over Gina and the baby. We felt we needed to pray "life" into this little one and knew that God is able to do all things so that is what we did. Our whole family were united in this decision and we prayed for a miracle, believing that God would do this. We had God's promises and scripture that confirmed this and our faith was strong. The whole week was dedicated to believing, praying and scripture. Our faith grew stronger each day. Even though we were praying for the impossible, we believed we would receive it. I learned so much during this time....as long as she hadn't miscarried....I believed there was hope...<br /> The next Friday, she went in for her appointment and asked for another ultrasound believing that God had given her a miracle....he really had....but not in the way we were hoping for...there was no change....no growth.....no heartbeat. <br /> I was a little irritated with God....where was MY miracle? Why wasn't He giving us what we were having faith for? And actually....He answered me!<br /> Our faith should not be dependent upon the results....that's right...you heard me correctly. God REQUIRES us to BELIEVE and TRUST...regardless of the outcome! and not only that, the outcome has nothing to do with your faith! The outcome belongs to God and God alone. But YOU determine what YOU do in any given circumstance regardless of the results! Our faith should look like a straight and narrow road in the valleys and on the mountaintops. It should remain level, unfaltering, no dips and no rises.....circumstances should not dictate our reactions. IN CHRIST ALONE I PUT MY TRUST....God wanted me to believe for a miracle....that is what He asks of us. To trust and believe for miracles, always. But He doesn't always respond with a miracle. <br /> If I am going to be immersed in a ministry of healing (wounded souls and broken bodies) I would need to understand this one key thing. There will not always be a healing. But it doesn't mean you don't ask for one...EVERY TIME. <br /> I don't know why healing doesn't happen the way we want and every time we want. But I don't need to know. God knows....and I know God. That is enough for me. I will not falter every time He doesn't answer the way I think He should. I am to do what He asks...and He asks me to step out....that's it....step out and believe for the impossible! The results are HIS.<br /> On Saturday, Gina miscarried. How could something so tiny have affected all of our lives so much? I grew such an appreciation for people trying to have children and unable. How could they go through this once, let alone five and six times? And how cruel people's comments can be. They really don't understand. <br /> There WAS a miracle involved in my story! The miracle was Gina's faith. It rose up when she needed it most. And it got her through a very difficult time. <br /> Now I can't end the story without sharing something with you all that you may not like.....but I have to.<br /> That 8 week old ultrasound picture I saw was a baby with a beating heartbeat. It was not some fetus or lump of cells, or whatever else you may call it. My heart longs to hold this grandchild that is now being held by Jesus in heaven. But, someday....I will meet him/her when they greet me in heaven at the end of my life. <br /> Choosing to end the life of the unborn as a convenience is sin....It happens thousands of times every day throughout our country. Tiny heartbeats are stopped on purpose. Tiny cries are stilled because of lack of understanding. But if you have had an abortion....turn to Jesus for forgiveness. He loves you....and longs to cradle you in His arms just as He is holding your tiny little baby.Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-30988453275497101182011-09-11T17:28:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:33:35.760-07:00Our Real Enemy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1dIHYC57C-k9A5Zh9U8-EiOSAeEcC4uwfpDgzgnqKjwu4PxUsU0mqjudShPw2f-YAgJ8K-e0ApxGDLEP3l2LKp_VQm-XjMYGsfNygHRFSNYavXt7IYnEqNL2r_BKjVbRQJ2iPrYOWb8/s1600/300px-National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1dIHYC57C-k9A5Zh9U8-EiOSAeEcC4uwfpDgzgnqKjwu4PxUsU0mqjudShPw2f-YAgJ8K-e0ApxGDLEP3l2LKp_VQm-XjMYGsfNygHRFSNYavXt7IYnEqNL2r_BKjVbRQJ2iPrYOWb8/s320/300px-National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651279900894623394" /></a><br /> Today has been a day of mixed emotions. It is hard to believe that ten years have past so quickly and yet the pictures of that day are hauntingly, ever present in my mind. I wanted to remember, so I went to you tube and watched some of the horrendous videos of that day forever etched in my memory. Two tall twin towers, one burning, literally melting, while the other was approached by a large jet heading straight into the tower. Then shortly after...an attack on our Pentagon. It was so shocking, I had never seen anything like it. So many lives lost, forever, in an instant. They were just going about their business in a normal way, never dreaming that it would be their last moments on earth. Their last breakfast....their last conversation with a loved one.<br /> The feelings all came pouring back to me as I re-watched the footage. Shock, anger, sadness, fear, a flood of emotions. But the United States rose up in unity and patriotism that was unequaled. Our flag could be seen flying everywhere, declaring our unity against the unseen enemy that was attacking our homeland. <br /> But, today, I also noticed other videos on you tube....videos that were calling 9/11 a hoax....a conspiracy....a lie. Everything from a rendition of the Bee Gees song "Staying Alive" to singing the tune with the word's changed to "9/11's a lie".<br /> Conspiracy theories ranging from missile attacks by our own country, to alien attacks, to the plane that crashed into the trade center was a hologram!! I was shocked to say the least. But, why was I so shocked? There are many who still claim that the holocaust and the moon landing are hoaxes, frauds, fakes....and have never happened, either. <br /> It sort of sounds like a lot of people I know...deny the obvious. Blame someone other than the real perpetrator....or worse yet, believe it doesn't involve you, so remain indifferent to it all. <br /> Quite frankly, we all know who the real perpetrator was that day. It was Satan and his army of evil-doers, doing what he does best. Creating chaos, confusion, fear, and taking out as many humans as he could in the process. <br /> <span style="font-style:italic;">"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12.</span><br /> Although our battles play out in the physical realm, the war is really spiritual in nature. There IS a supernatural realm, and there is a real battle between good and evil....truth and lies......God and the devil. <br /> In John 10:10, Jesus tells us that "<span style="font-style:italic;">The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."</span><br /> And 1 Peter 5:8 adds, <span style="font-style:italic;">"Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."</span><br /> Satan may have used human hands on earth to do his bidding....but he is our enemy. He sets traps and snares and lies in wait to pounce on us and capture us by his deceit.<br /> It makes me sad that some people have no trouble believing in God or heaven, but are in denial of Satan and hell. He is very real....but even though it may look as though he is winning a few battles....he has already been defeated!!! Jesus has crushed the head of the serpent...his reign of terror has an end! <br /> Today's remembering of the events of 9/11 are a reminder of this. Stay diligent and pray that God's hedge remains around us and around America....God longs to gather you under the protective shadow of His wings as a mother hen gathers her baby chicks. Don't get so independent that you don't think you have a need of God and you become the baby chick that wanders too far away that you can't make it back under the wings of your mother when danger approaches.Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-50269296773711917352011-09-08T22:28:00.000-07:002011-09-09T00:11:49.913-07:00The "Too" Moments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6HKAl3GewxBn7m_YEWFoO7RymgtoTnlnrhKgrsqy_AFEjOQ-M0cL63dRUUnBuM8Wq0U9vC158W3PdCUxF8P-UobT5BKxsmbVD1JInfbc_fFjSvUhAYbASHftZBd30N9pFuHkFHbbnd0/s1600/65172_526906943519_141800575_30776843_4046865_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6HKAl3GewxBn7m_YEWFoO7RymgtoTnlnrhKgrsqy_AFEjOQ-M0cL63dRUUnBuM8Wq0U9vC158W3PdCUxF8P-UobT5BKxsmbVD1JInfbc_fFjSvUhAYbASHftZBd30N9pFuHkFHbbnd0/s320/65172_526906943519_141800575_30776843_4046865_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650254094590111810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWLSK36BMiTdY1tKuJ2aA1ylZ2IBowFyAd8j_Skf7evolBjIfa6mt-6tTaB2Vlz3pChqyerplulRhZ6zzIDYPrWyKmBNkMPGs3FpmlqdQLw3jgWkKNZ9NqxnfyRLsvLibkcANhTlQYuo/s1600/Dec+24%252C+1985b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWLSK36BMiTdY1tKuJ2aA1ylZ2IBowFyAd8j_Skf7evolBjIfa6mt-6tTaB2Vlz3pChqyerplulRhZ6zzIDYPrWyKmBNkMPGs3FpmlqdQLw3jgWkKNZ9NqxnfyRLsvLibkcANhTlQYuo/s320/Dec+24%252C+1985b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650251618133790274" /></a><br /> It's 11:30 pm...I can't sleep....so I have decided to write. Ten minutes have passed and I've got nothing. I have a blank screen in front of me. It seems I also have a blank mind. I could write about how I miss the sounds of Jill's laughter echoing in my house, or Jordan begging me to play a game with him, or Gina bossing her siblings around and playing school with them. I could share how I especially miss the family meals around the table and taking my children to Sunday school and church. I still remember all of the words to the Sunday School songs I taught them, but I'm beginning to forget the sounds of their little voices singing them. I could write about how I miss arguing with them about what they can and can't wear to school. Why didn't I just let them have a little freedom? Why was everything a big deal? Why didn't I pause to look at them closer and take in every curl, dimple and smell of their childhood? <br /> I remember saying....why don't you just grow up! Or...quit being a baby! So they did....<br /> Every day, working at the school, I see parents so busy they don't see what is right there in front of them. They raise their children, not understanding that some day they will belong to someone else. Parents who frantically toss their children in front of television sets or video games so they can gain a few moments peace, but in the process, lose them to a world that robs them of their innocence and pushes them to grow up too fast. Parents who don't have time to teach values and manners to their children because it's just too hard and takes far too much time. Parents who love their children enough to buy them telephones and televisions in elementary school....but have no time to gather them on their laps and read a book to them. No time to teach them nursery rhymes, or take them to church. <br /> Don't get me wrong...I'm not bashing the parents of today...they have soooo much on their plates. But I want to scream at them....SLOW DOWN! You're missing out! When your children are three....you think you'll have them with you forever...you think you'll have more time with them later....but you don't!<br /> I remember telling them to hop down off of my lap because I was too hot and sweaty to hold them....how I wish I had those moments to do over. <br /> You see, time has a way of subtly stealing the things that are most precious and dear away from you. And those special moments are gifts to us. But they only last two seconds. I like to call them the "too" moments, because TOO often, we miss them because we are TOO busy, TOO tired, or TOO grouchy! <br /> We don't get "Do overs" with children. God loans them to us for a few years, and then we are left with an adult child, modeling the life he/her saw demonstrated to them in our lives. <br /> Listen to me, parents. The best way you can love your child is to raise him to become adults that others will love and respect. Do you let them back talk you? Do you give them everything they want or let them do everything they want? Or do you help them to understand that there are consequences to their actions? Even though it may hurt you to discipline them... it will help them to become well loved and respected adults.<br /> I've made lots of mistake raising my children...but the biggest error was not slowing down and loving them in the moments. I long for them to be little again so I can take back harsh, unloving words that I shouted at them, cutting through their little hearts. Rash words that flew out of my mouth before I could take them back. I'd give anything to take back my impatience...while their little hands tried to put on shoes quickly enough to suit me....or pick up toys just the way I demanded it. I long to kiss away little tears that I had caused because of my own selfishness. I long to walk into there bedrooms while they are sleeping and just gaze at them for an hour. <br /> Yes, I could write about all the flowers I could have stopped and smelled...and how many picnics and stories I could have shared...about listening to the laughter and pausing for the smiles....and pondering at the wonder in their eyes....and kissing away the tears.....but....it makes me too sad.....and too lonely....and too bittersweet........................so, I won't.Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-61621647113427669382011-08-14T19:15:00.000-07:002011-08-14T20:16:42.583-07:00Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVE7TS3LpCWdtRn2ujOV3cmbe4XomMoDydWR9u2QQD-4YE6bJGyNHaSGt4iClxx1T8uE-jCcBg4JXXq63hu0doolot5PKxvVJhsXEkY05GCPhBTMLkHnGgWt1jVPazKHgITu2DEdJsRc/s1600/Summer+2011+204.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVE7TS3LpCWdtRn2ujOV3cmbe4XomMoDydWR9u2QQD-4YE6bJGyNHaSGt4iClxx1T8uE-jCcBg4JXXq63hu0doolot5PKxvVJhsXEkY05GCPhBTMLkHnGgWt1jVPazKHgITu2DEdJsRc/s320/Summer+2011+204.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640915330526887618" /></a>
<br /> We moved our youngest daughter, Jill, and her husband, Vaughn, this weekend...80 miles south of us! It has definitely been an interesting weekend!!! To start with, when we arrived at the new apartment, that was supposed to be ready for them....well....it wasn't! Imagine our surprise when we walked in and the new carpet was not finished...all the appliances were not installed....the painting and dry-walling were not complete....all the doors in the house were needing rehung....and the plumber wasn't finished. The linoleum in the kitchen was only half laid, and the counters were not finished. No one had told us it wasn't finished....the landlord had said it would be done....the contractors had a different story. The carpet layers showed up at about nine and told us they would be finished around 1:00. It was more like 3:00...then they told us we couldn't put any of the appliances in for 72 hours until the linoleum set up or it would bubble and tear. None of the other contractors showed up at all...so we at least appreciated the carpet layers coming and finishing.
<br /> It will be very nice when it is completed, but we could only pile boxes and furniture into the bedrooms, and they will be without appliances until Monday or Tuesday. We could live with that so we left them with Vaughn's parents and came home.
<br /> It had been a long day so we went to bed early. At 11:00 pm, the phone rang and it was Jill asking us where Lori and Bill's 2 duffle bags were. The last we had seen them, they were laying outside in the grass by the back door. No problem, right? Wrong....someone had stolen them and it had their cell phones, ipods, overnight clothes and medicine in it. Yeah!!! Welcome to Scottsbluff, Jill and Vaughn! You have thieves in your neighborhood!
<br /> It's sad to think there are so many dishonest people out there. But back to the story!
<br /> Church was fantastic as always....God was very close. We did a little grocery shopping, got home and had a message on our answering machine. It was Jill's voice calmly explaining that they had been in a little fender bender and needed our insurance information (the car and insurance is still in our name). It hadn't done much damage to the other lady's car, but had bent the hood pretty badly on Jill's already crappy car. Vaughn had hit his head on the steering wheel and Jill hit her head also, but both are fine....the other driver is fine....so thank God, it could have been much worse. Again...Welcome to Scottsbluff, Jill and Vaughn!
<br /> The icing on the cake was when I called Gina. Jill couldn't take her cat, Meeko, with them so Gina said she would keep it for them. Generous, right! Anyway, he got out and ran away....so bye, bye, Meeko! Welcome to Scottsbluff, Jill and Vaughn!
<br /> There was an upside to the day, though! Thank God for stupid people! The kids who stole the duffle bags were caught because they were texting with the cell phones! Yeah! So they recovered the stolen things, but they can't have them back for a month or so because they are evidence! Ha Ha Ha!
<br /> Mama said there'd be days like this.....there'd be days like this my Mama said!
<br /> And then, I realized that though this looked like a crappy, irritating day....that was really all it was! A crappy, irritating day! We need to put perspective into play and see things for what they really are.... you see, this weekend....Gregg's cousin's son was hit by a train and killed! And we stopped in our tracks in shock and sadness and prayed to our heavenly Father for forgiveness! Perspective! Jesus...please forgive us for our lack of it! Help us to realize that our really crappy days are a wonderful gift from God to teach us perspective on the really important things in life! Life is so fragile....and we have no idea how something so precious can be taken from us in an instant. Open my eyes, Lord, to what real pain is. Give me compassion for others who are going through horrific circumstances and use me to provide comfort and healing in their lives! Help me to truly understand how to use our days wisely and to bring sunshine into the lives of those we come in contact with instead of complaining about such trivial, unimportant things! Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-2739813576452790672011-07-27T17:29:00.000-07:002011-07-27T21:19:51.541-07:00I Believe It, So It Must Be True!Isn't it interesting that we all believe that whatever we believe is RIGHT? I have an opinion about everything from the color of a flower to which is the best way to put a roll of toilet paper on the holder...going over or going under. Obviously, over is the right way to do it! Ha...Gregg would disagree with me on that one. When he changes it....he always puts it under. Always having to be right is something I have struggled with my whole life. I'm finally dealing with this, although, it isn't easy. I have always been a hard core black/white, left/right, right/wrong, yes/no believer. Decisions are usually easy for me. I make the decision...and it's always the right one...even when it isn't! I know I have been wrong a couple of times....but I really can't remember when! (said tongue in cheek) I have a hard time understanding people who have no opinions (or at least keep their opinions to themselves). I am more than willing to share my opinion when asked...and more often then not, even if you don't ask! But, lately, I am becoming aware of the fact that just because I believe something...doesn't make it truth! Gasp! Is this Cathy talking? Yep! So mark my words...you may want to throw them back in my face someday!<br /><br />This is especially true when dealing with the spiritual. I don't know how many times I have started a conversation with the words..."Well, I believe..." like I was stating an absolute truth! I'm still guilty of doing it....but I try to bite my tongue now and change that to say, "God's word says this."<br /><br />I'm learning that it doesn't matter one iota what I THINK is true. It only matters what IS true. Proof in point, I used to believe in abortion...I was wrong! I used to believe in evolution.....I was wrong! I used to believe I was unlovable...I was wrong! I used to believe there are many ways to God....I was wrong! I used to believe a lot of lies...and waivered and hemmmhawed on what I believed! I was wrong!<br /><br />Praise God, my beliefs, didn't affect the Truth!<br /><br />Jesus says, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life! No one comes to the Father except through me." Was He lying? What do you believe? Better yet, what is the truth?Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-49743235314151018152011-07-24T17:00:00.000-07:002011-07-24T17:55:52.523-07:00New Beginnings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bzTvO8CbnwZRi9bi2kDi3qivmYFdh5INNerI8xaRTwaYC83xh1_9iSh7UdQWOcjq9NjInSKL7zBVYPga4mneo3hd41MHyV1vZCK_GHJojjv3m_Psz-ItXA_qUwXL-jAgXLU49N63pM0/s1600/Branson+trip+5-20-2011+083.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bzTvO8CbnwZRi9bi2kDi3qivmYFdh5INNerI8xaRTwaYC83xh1_9iSh7UdQWOcjq9NjInSKL7zBVYPga4mneo3hd41MHyV1vZCK_GHJojjv3m_Psz-ItXA_qUwXL-jAgXLU49N63pM0/s320/Branson+trip+5-20-2011+083.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633086303761263122" /></a><br /> I have been in a physical slump lately...spiritually I've never been better....but physically it feels like I'm falling apart. At 53, I've lost my motivation! I've lost my passion....I've lost my ABILITY!! Ha! No, really. Physically, I've been feeling like a frumpy, overweight, middle-aged, exhausted,has been. Spiritually, I'm at an all time high, but my body is actually in rebellion to this inner strength and energy I've been having. My spirit cries out to be everything I was meant to be and my body falls asleep in my chair. My spirit tries to motivate me to new heights and my body drags me down to new lows. I have aches and pains in places I never even knew existed. I have pain on my pains and twinges on my hinges! The sad part is, my mental state (mind) tends to side with my body! <br /> Gregg and I were talking on our way home from church and we decided besides the obvious reasons for our tiredness and lack of motivation (overweight, age, etc.), we tend to believe one of the reasons for our lack of motivation is no vision! Our last child left the nest in October, but is now moving to another city and starting her career. My babies are all on their own! I've done my job the best I knew how and hopefully it was good enough. There is nothing left to do on the parent scale. We are cut loose....free....on our own....back to two! And while we love each other dearly...we're finding we're kind of boring!! Seriously, I know it's hard to believe....but it's true! We decided that we need a life!!! So, there is a lot of serious talk being thrown around our house lately! We're mapping a plan....discussing our dreams.....redeveloping our vision.....checking our pulses for life (and, yay, we discovered our hearts our still beating). At 53, we are not ready to lie down and play dead...even though our bodies are trying to make us do that some days! We're throwing around some interesting possibilities but in the end....our spirit is going to WIN the battle! Look out body and mind! We're going to get you under control because THE SPIRIT has great things for us to do! Our vision is getting better!! Our hearing is being fine tuned!!! Our bodies are being revitilized! Our hope has been restored! Our dreams and passions are resurrected! God is offering us new beginnings..........and we are choosing to take them. Isaiah 40:31 says, "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." And once we're soaring...we're going to help you soar, too!Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-60838849106490832162011-07-08T20:27:00.000-07:002011-07-08T21:03:53.306-07:00Hungry, I Come to You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVI6hmXroOMfPO5MCPCbbu5l2epFDUt9QJPUOUdGXhPBU8BM4dTRmETZam0PZxKFPd11wze1-3kk210mhUwydI3uoDHefUc-dBSDUFSYodYZuTIeBeaGGat1VdFInhOaYopG_1lnwj6NI/s1600/washing-jesus-feet2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVI6hmXroOMfPO5MCPCbbu5l2epFDUt9QJPUOUdGXhPBU8BM4dTRmETZam0PZxKFPd11wze1-3kk210mhUwydI3uoDHefUc-dBSDUFSYodYZuTIeBeaGGat1VdFInhOaYopG_1lnwj6NI/s320/washing-jesus-feet2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627198244614331794" /></a><br /> I just finished watching a television preacher, Jentzen Franklin, explain how we must empty ourselves of everything to truly be able to be filled of God. I thought about how we are the vessels (jars of clay) that have been created to carry His very presence. But if that jar is already filled up with junk that I carry around with me all the time, then it is already full and He is unable to pour His presence into my container. If we are already "full of ourselves" then He will set us aside and look for empty containers that are able to hold His presence. Jesus continually seeks out empty vessels.<br /> I came to the conclusion that part of our problem with being full has to do with our attitude toward church. You see....even though Sunday is really the first day of the week, we tend to look at it as the last day of the week. In other words, by the time we finally go to church on Sunday....it is like the end of our week, not the beginning. We come in filled to the brim with a long work week, exhauseted, full of emotions, squeezing in any spare time we have, <span style="font-weight:bold;">IF</span> we even go to church at all. We are so filled up with junk and crud from the past week that we have nothing left to give God. But maybe, if we looked at it differently, we would see Sunday as the first day of our week....a time to go to His house and dump ourselves out at the feet of Jesus, emptying our container for a fresh new week. That way, Christ could fill us up fresh again and send us back out into a hurting world, full of Him instead of our own "stuff". <br /> I noticed that when we go to church empty and longing to be filled, worship will be a refreshing drink to our dry, thirsty souls. Christ poured himself out for us....maybe it's time we spilled ourselves out for Him.<br /> A couple of worship songs help give us the idea of what true worship looks like: "Hungry, I come to you for I know You satisfy. I am empty, but I know Your love does not run dry."<br /> And what about "Here, before Your altar I am letting go of all I've built. Of every motive, every burden, everything that's in myself...."<br /> The key to having Jesus' presence fill you, is to empty yourself. Let go of all that you know, come hungry...pour yourself out so you can carry the very presence of the King.Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-60431896901754415872011-06-25T20:09:00.000-07:002011-06-25T20:49:22.188-07:00While You Were SleepingI try to stay away from controversial subjects that may be misconstrued by the reader or hurt someone I know and love. But there comes a time that if we don't take a stand on some things, then we are in big trouble. The headlines today are plastered all over about the state of New York legalizing gay marriages. I find it a very sad day in United States history. In fact, I discovered, it is actually the 6th state to legalize it. Seriously....what is happening to us as a people??? I have friends that live homosexual and lesbian lifestyles and I would never wish to hurt them. But, I can not be silent on this issue. I realize I will be called a lot of things for my beliefs and none of them will be pleasant, I'm sure. But I refuse to accept this as a good thing for our nation. Are we becoming so proud a nation and people that we believe we can continually spit in the face of God and have no fear of repercussions? God's Word means nothing to anyone anymore. Who do we think we are?<br /> Casting Crowns, a contemporary Christian band, says a lot in it's song "While You Were Sleeping". The following words should haunt us. "United States of America, will we go down in history as a nation with no room for it's King." As great of a nation as the United States of America is....we have pushed God out of our lives and our country and embraced a philosophy of love for self, love of sexually immorality, and utter rebellion and insubordination to our King and creator of all things. Wake up, America. It is only going to get worse. As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the end times. There will be a day of reckoning. Pray that He doesn't find you sleeping in your indifference.Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4618912297301923218.post-59389674875632072592011-05-29T20:18:00.000-07:002011-05-29T21:31:43.840-07:00Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngjslURO4EFx8Jh1deD95AbEZJ2af25KLxN-u4ixeGSOsZFVzlpw24v6Q31-ti70SCiPZy724ssHy4u_TX4GZ2gJ9Rzk5in6GR5Cwqk7VjroplWpahXWH9VUhNvPwh8qdbpNNwWXKZho/s1600/Branson+trip+5-20-2011+148.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngjslURO4EFx8Jh1deD95AbEZJ2af25KLxN-u4ixeGSOsZFVzlpw24v6Q31-ti70SCiPZy724ssHy4u_TX4GZ2gJ9Rzk5in6GR5Cwqk7VjroplWpahXWH9VUhNvPwh8qdbpNNwWXKZho/s320/Branson+trip+5-20-2011+148.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612362170516974498" /></a><br /> I have always been a person controlled by fear. As a small child growing up, that is how my mom kept me in line. I knew every weird and unusual horror story there ever was. BABY CHOKES TO DEATH ON OWN SOCK!!! CHILD KIDNAPPED FROM OWN FRONT LAWN!!! COUPLE KILLED WHEN PLANE CRASHES INTO THEIR BEDROOM WHILE THEY WERE SLEEPING!!! <br /> Fear has been no stranger to me. In fact, it was almost my friend. I never really had to set goals or desire much....fear kept any form of dreams in check. Go to college??? Too many scary uncertainties. Move away??? Not even a possibility. Travel?? Ha! Are you kidding?? Life for me was very limited...I needed to keep safe and alive....that was the goal. No risks! I was kept in the bondage of fear without any physical chains holding me in place. Only invisible chains of fear could anchor me to a spot indefinitely. <br /> My sister dealt with it all a different way! I don't believe she was as paralyzed by fear as I was, but she was determined that NOTHING was standing in her way! If fear arose in her....she would do the exact thing she was afraid of just to prove she could! She was not about to allow fear to control her. She loves to travel and ride amusement park rides. She goes to scary places and does scary things. She looks fear in the eye and dares it to stop her! Fear shrinks when Jeanne looks it in the eye!<br /> I have tried to face my fears a few times....I absolutely vowed I would walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge.....(until I got there). I could hardly make it to the first pillar and decided it wasn't worth the anxiety it caused me when I really didn't need to walk across it anyway. So I stayed put relaxing on the patio until my family walked across and back. <br /> Why am I writing a blog on fear anyway? I think I want everyone to know that with Jesus Christ in your life...fear just sort of starts to go away and peace comes in it's place. I'm a perfect example of this. My baby steps toward freedom are becoming giant steps. <br /> There have been a few turning points in the right direction for me, but when my friend's daughter died of cancer, I started to heal of my own cancer of fear. I began to see the fragility and briefness of life. And how sad it is to waste even a moment of this precious gift of life in fear. I began setting goals and making plans. I decided that I would step out and do one of the things I had wanted to do for a very long time....go to Branson, Missouri.<br /> Now this may not seem like a very big goal to you....but for me it was pretty huge. There are a lot of fears and worries involved there. Fear of spending money, driving through big Kansas City on the interstate (which I hate), unknown places and planning, being away from home for too long... (sounds dreadfully fearful...doesn't it?) But for me, well it was! And guess what??? I survived quite nicely, I might add. In fact....I had a blast!! So much fun and good times! <br /> Now let me tell you....I had to ride over bridges spanning high flooding water, ride on winding, curvy roads high in the Ozarks, drive at speeds on interstate that I don't like, cramped in the backseat of a car for 15 hours. I faced a gigantic boa constrictor two feet from me in a magician's show, floods and tornadoes. I spent time in a Walmart back hallway when two tornadoes were heading our way. We spent several hours surrounded by tornadoes in Kansas City that were churning their way around us like we were in the eye of a hurricane. And if that isn't enough....I was in a car with a hungry, dieting Jeanne for 17 hours solid (okay..sorry Jeanne).<br /> I guess the point is this......I really wasn't all that afraid during any of it. God's peace is an amazing thing. "Perfect love casteth out fear" and God is love....so when God is your peace there is nothing to fear! The things I was afraid of were all still skulking around me trying to strike fear in my heart....they didn't go away, in fact, they grew worse. Satan is still like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. One of my greatest fears (tornadoes) was the thing he used to try to strike fear in my heart. But...greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world." God provides a peace that passes all understanding. I had viewed what an F5 tornado had just done in Joplin, Missouri...75 miles away....but God placed us in the eye of the storm, safe and sheltered. I think I began to realize that death is the only real thing Satan has to try and put fear in our hearts....but with the Lord as your shepherd....death has no sting! We, as Christians, have no need to fear even death itself...<br /> I don't know that I will ever go sky diving or bungee jumping....but, hey, that Alaskan Cruise is looking better all the time.Meanmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02159249262514543379noreply@blogger.com0