SNICKER DOODLE

In hopes of giving someone a laugh I thought I would review a few moments of absolute silly-ness in my life. Besides falling up the stairs carrying groceries, body slamming myself down in a cow pasture, hanging upside down in my first few attempts to repell one time after climbing, opening a cardoor so hard I about knocked my own lights out, but instead I just broke the skin enough to give me a huge knot on my head. Poured out a half a jar of salad dressing on my plate on accident over at a friend's house for dinner. Jumped a fence that appeared to be locked but was actually open and not only that, but called a friend to help me get my computer bag over the fence after I had jumped it. Once I was safely on the other side, he leaned on the gate accidently and it opened. Lit a fire in a fireplace not too long ago while housesitting, and spent hours sword fighting the air with a half of a broom in attempts of ridding the house of three to five wasps. More than a few times now have started boiling water to make hot tea, the phone rings, and by the time I remember to check on the water I was boiling there are barely two drops left in the pot. This has happened more than a few times now.

I am sure I could keep thinking of others, but I think I will end with this one. As one of the outdoor leaders on a canoeing trip with the youth this last summer. Two of the kids in particular were not getting along, so me and another female counselor were discussing some solutions to the problem. Somehow within a few seconds we were launched up on a boulder rock in the middle of the river. Alot of the teams gear was strapped to our canoe (inflatable). While every one else watched us like we were America's funniest, her and I proceeded to dislodge ourselves through prayer and some super silly motions. It was ridiculous to say the least. We kept paddling and laughing so hard we could barely breath. And the unexpected worked wonders...the others were so distracted by our predicament they totally forgot they had any problems at all.

THUNDER

In the middle of the night I heard extremely loud cracks of thunder and lightening. It was so loud that it made my heart pound and woke me from deep sleep. I was awake long enough to say, "Every one will fear God, the whole earth will fear you Lord." Then I layed back down to rest. Awoke this morning to continual downpours...it's early afternoon and it's still raining out.

"When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightening of the thunder...And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."Job 28:26, 28

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness..." II Peter 3:10-11

"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." Romans 14:11

STAYING IN SHAPE?

I was listening to an old sermon yesterday and thought it would be beneficial if I shared these things with you. Eight things that shape your life whether you think so or not.
1)The literature you read will shape you
2)Songs you sing and the music you enjoy will determine what you are like inside
3)Pleasures you indulge in will influence your spiritual and physical life
4)Ambitions and what you think about
5)Places we go
6)Words we speak
7)Friends we cherish
8)The thoughts we brood over will determine the condition of our lives, the choices we make.

CERTAIN WOMEN

..."And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities...which ministered unto him of their substance." Luke 8:2-3 Jesus went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, and certain women...

Ladies ~ do you go where He goes? Are you ministering to Him out of your substance? Where is your alabaster box? Is what you value most being poured upon Him? Do you think the woman that came to the Pharisee's house in the midst of a great gathering let her fear or insecurities stop her from falling at his feet and touching him? No. By the sound of things she was beside herself with adoration and thanks for who He was. While others ridiculed her in their thoughts, the King of Glory speaks aloud of her actions and tells her that her faith has saved her. Forgiven much. Loves Much.

KINGSMEN

"ON THAT NIGHT THE KING COULD NOT SLEEP...he requested the book of records be read." A noble matter had apparently been overlooked, but it was remembered and rewarded. The very man that hated the jews and planned destruction for Mordecai and His people was chosen to take the king's royal robes and horse and escort Mordecai through the city streets proclaiming, "THUS SHALL IT BE DONE UNTO THE MAN WHOM THE KING DELIGHTETH TO HONOUR." ---Esther 6

THE KING AND THE KINGSMEN ARE THINKING UPON GREAT MATTERS...THAT SHALL BE DONE.

AGAIN and AGAIN

I have noticed lately some friends of mine that find themselves in circumstances that seem to be reoccuring again and again. They find it somewhat annoying and instead of attempting to see it positively for what it is, they are leaning more towards defensively explaining away or maybe even blaming someone else for what keeps happening to them. I can recall a few times that the same thing has happened in my life. Every thing does happen for a reason. Maybe it could be another chance to do or say what we did not do or say last time.

Maturity recognizes opportunity and does not overlook the possibility that there could be a lesson to learn in every situation, especially when it involves another person. No need to overthink things, but if you notice a particular difficulty or circumstance repeating itself in your life again and again...I believe it might not be far from the truth that there is definetely something that you are not getting or understanding. So maybe ask God, "What am I not getting or what am I missing here? Please show me what I need to know and teach me what you want me to learn in this."

It is important to consider what we might not be considering. Otherwise, round and round we go in our own thoughts and continually disregarding reality. What great gifts God has given to us in our friends...to make us more like Him.

FEW DAYS AWAY

God is so faithful and I am so thankful for the little get-a-ways He provides to run right into Him. Such a great provider He is. No matter how busy and crazy life gets, there is nothing like a few days away to refresh and renew right perspective. The little things that are immeasurable, like the embrace of a friend...can heal so much. What relief to be surrounded by people that love you to HIM and pray for you and your family as if your cause were their very own. Lord, how perfectly Your love chases after us, until we are running with everything we have to fall upon You.



Beautiful blanket of stars I gazed upon in Oklahoma a few days ago. It was so dark out the brilliance of the stars seemed brighter than they have ever been, or maybe it was just because I was with an old friend.