Jerry brought me flowers!

Hi there, the roses above are not the ones Jerry brought me -- but he did bring me red roses and yellow flowers mixed in - yes, it is the Cyclone theme - I don't know if he was thinking of that or not. I didn't get to ask him, HE BROUGHT THEM TO ME HERE AT WORK. I was pretty excited. I gave him a big ole kiss and hug! That was such a wonderful surprise! I am so blessed to have a godly husband in my life, I know that. I pray every day that God brings us even closer. Now, what can I do for him....well I have some ideas. :)

Isn't this picture precious! I just LIKED it so I thought I would post it to look at later. It was in an email about "getting along", etc. It is amazing what animals can teach us.

Well, I pray blogger land friends that you are having a good day - GOD BLESS YOU!

HECTIC MONDAY...but I am "home" now....

Like Sam, here, it is time to curl up and relax after a "long" Monday! I had a lot to do today, and that was good - the day did go by rather fast! PRAISE THE LORD! I got a good walk in and my pedometer says I got over 12,000 steps in (I just got one Saturday, fun, and quite the little motivator to keep me moving.)! Isn't it great to be "home" - imagine what "home" will be like in heaven....ahhhhhhhhh

While I am relaxed, others are...

I like this picture and it is how I feel when I come home from work - or after I have had a good work out.

What is on my heart now is that those poor people in the Dakotas, Minnesota - the flood victims! I watch the news and have those "flash backs" of the floods here. Mother Nature can be so brutal. I know we are all praying for them. Let's pray to for the ones that are still rebuilding here in Cedar Rapids, I am sure when they see the news it is much worse for them!

Sharing joy...true joy...

When I saw this picture I smiled so much. I thought of children like Chloe and Bridget on how we are blessed by their laughter's and smiles. I thought of Isaac and Aiden how fun they are to watch. Watching Hannah grow throughout the years and Jillie brings JOY.

We can watch children grow and we can share their joy - but when do we STOP acting like children in our walk with Jesus? When do we step out in faith and share the GOOD NEWS? When do we stop "feeding ourselves" and allowing God to have us feed others?

I have been asking myself these questions for quite sometime. I have been praying about this for quite sometime. I believe God has given me answers through other people, books, and of COURSE HIS WORD! I have seen people "fall away" because their hope was in people and not God. I have witnessed joy by sharing the Gospel and the rejection of sharing the Gospel.

I have been blessed in so many ways since I have accepted Christ in my heart and have studied God's Word. Why wouldn't I want to have others share that too?

Please pray for me that I have opportunities to share the GOOD NEWS and for yourselves to do the same. Time is running out...there are so many lost people out there. How many are your friends, your family, or your co-workers? Have you ever looked at any of them and asked yourself, "Where would they go if they died tonight?" or "Would they go to heaven or hell if they died tonight?"

Well, that is where my heart is today. It is very heavy for the LOST.

Feeling like a child, a happy one...

When I saw this in one of the e-mails, I just had to save it and post it. It truly reminds me that we are HIS children and that He gives us such comfort! He holds us close, and you can picture Him knowing your thoughts - like this picture shows him just looking... Of course we don't know exactly what Jesus looks like - yet....
Love and Prayers all!

One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven...

My dear loved ones, I picked up thie book "One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven" by Mark Cahill the other day at the "Half-Off Book Store" for only $2 - it was not a coincidence that I was to get this book! I am on page 102 and I tell you I have been so MOVED by this book to want to share the Gospel so much! I know that I have been "planting" seeds...but are they planted in the right places? I am praying now every day for the Holy Spirit to help me plant the right seeds at the right time! There are questions in this book that really has my "wheels" turning and my heart aching for the LOST! I recommend this book to EVERY CHRISTIAN out there! Of course like Mark Cahill points out about the Bible:
B - BASIC

I - INFORMATION

B - BEFORE

L - LEAVING

E - EARTH

I have been reading...

Good Morning!!!
I just wanted to quickly share that I have been reading "The Love Dare" - the book that was given to that guy in "Fireproof" - I am telling you sisters, this is good. And it just doesn't involve a spouse - it can be used for your family,friends, you co-workers, etc. Of course it truly helps a marriage - I am on day 11 and I can already see a difference in my attitude - with God's help of course! I am finding out that I am more patient, less angry, and really wanting to spend time with Jerry and other people. Of course I still "enJOY" my time alone with God the best, but God tells us to reach out - sisters - I am reaching!
HAVE A BLESSED DAY! Remember Dare to Love God and that is the true WAY to love others!

Eagle is WET

I got this off an e-mail about the two Eagles bumping into each other, and the guy thought this Eagle would drown and he fell into the water. Our powerful God didn't let that happened. He helped the Eagle out of the water and helped him perch up on the tree and dried him off. After the Eagle was dry, he flew off.

I think that is a good message for us all. Sometimes we "get wet" but you know what, we dry! With God's help, we won't bump into the same "eagle" and we can fly again! I know sometimes we have to sit back and rest in Him, that is better than "flying" off without a goal or a mission. That is where I am today, resting in HIM.

Right now I know He is using me here at work and He is still teaching me so much more about His Word. Of course, I am praying so much for Valley View and "our family". For now our "church is wet" - and it needs healing and time to "dry". I just pray that all of us "rest in HIM, pray and ask for guidance before any decision to be made and "not fly" too soon.

Well, for all those "eagles" who are shaken, wet, and needing to dry - just hold your head towards the SON and OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL DRY YOU!!!

My day, on my birthday....

Well today is my birthday, 54 years old. I don't have pictures to post of me when I was younger, even though I could probably find some if I dig. Back in those days, not many pictures were taken. Back in those days are hard to remember. ha ha. But what I do remember is that birthdays were special, at least that was a day set apart for me...not always, but most of the time. Now that I am older, "I expect the same" but really, it is NOT a day set apart for me - for God has set me apart me every day, so every day is special! I thank GOD for giving me birth but I THANK JESUS who gave me life!!! He changed my life - so my REAL BIRTHDAY is in April sometime when I accepted Him in my life. So, today, I celebrate birth, but every day I celebrate LIFE!

Just rambling...

I loved this picture because it shows just how much beauty is shown in TEAMWORK!!!

Well, I can't believe Monday is almost over already, this day went by rather fast, yet not so fast. I know...anyway, it sure was a beautiful Monday - I didn't get out to walk though, my brother (Kenny) called me from California so I talked to him instead - a good compromise. Isn't it great to be remembered from loved ones whom you haven't seen in so long?!

Tomorrow I am off work - took a day vacation, looking forward to that. I definitely want to get a walk outside then. Of course my cats will look forward to spending time on the porch - they did yesterday, loved it!


I had baby carrots today, do you think it will help after eating SO MANY TREATS YESTERDAY--probably not. But oh they were so good! Jennifer made some great ginger cookies, I had to buy a doz. and a half, Kathy made this delicious bread - sweet bread I think - oh it was so good toasted! I did give some to Marlys and Dale...too good not to share. Of course I bought a pumpkin bread, a poppy bread, chocolate chip cookies, and a couple of those delicious brownies that Deb made! I did freeze the other breads and the two doz. cookies - will try to eat them as a special treat. I am not going to beat myself up over it because hey - it was for a good cause. Not every day you can get such wonderful baked goods either.

Well, dear sisters, LET'S ALL CHOOSE TO KEEP OUR EYES UP!

Too good not to share...I need to repent!!!

This couldn't have come at a better time for me! I am so there!!! Thank you God for this!!! Can any of you relate??? Dear Jesus "set me free from this bondage!" Below, I added the color, the bold, and the italic that I could relate to the most! I don't know if this is illegal or not but I am chancing it...I get this daily devotion from Proverbs 31 woman...if you want the website, I can tell you.

Jealous Much?
Marybeth Whalen

"So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." Deuteronomy 5:32-33 (NIV)

Devotion:
"Do you ever get jealous?" my friend asked me. I could tell she was hesitant to ask me this. What if I said I don't struggle with jealousy, and she was left alone with her feelings spread out in front of us, vulnerable and exposed. In that moment, I had a choice to make - be honest and vulnerable with her or gloss over the truth with some spiritual platitude. To say out loud what I wish weren't true, or purport those feelings I wish were true. In a split second, I made the decision."Of course!" I responded. "I struggle with jealousy more than I wish I did." I watched her breathe a sigh of relief that she was not alone. And then we spent some time talking about the things we find ourselves being jealous of, how petty we feel about it, and how we keep our focus in the right place, redirecting our thoughts to where they need to be instead of running off on a jealous tangent. I wish I wasn't prone to those jealous feelings. Jealous that this person got a book contract by a company that turned me down. Jealous that this person got booked to speak at an event I really wanted to do. Jealous that this person gets waaay more blog comments and waaaay more hits than I ever dreamt of. Jealous at this person's true gift for writing, and that person's unique blend of humor and profundity. Jealous of houses, clothes, weight. It's so base, so silly, so human.
God has taught me much about jealousy - how to turn from it, how to guard myself against it.

But unfortunately, knowing what to do and actually forcing my mind and my will to do it are sometimes two different things. Through the years, God has shown me "the rest of the story" when people I was jealous of in the past had terrible things happen to them. And I heard His whisper: "Still want her life?" Oh, how ashamed I was for wanting what was never mine to have, because I couldn't handle the burdens that accompanied that life. He knew it, why couldn't I accept it? Yes, the big green-eyed monster does rise up within me unbidden, too often for my taste. I want to slay him forever but he seems to have multiple lives, returning again and again to take up residence in a heart that isn't supposed to be his home. Do I ever get jealous? Absolutely. Do I want to be jealous? Not at all. Each day I focus on who God created me to be (complete with gifts as well as limits) and the situation He has placed me in. I re-situate my mental blinders so that I am not tempted to look to my right or my left. I keep my focus on Him, and Him alone. When I do that, jealousy has no place in my life. The trick is to keep doing that every day, learning to be content where He has me and resting fully in that.

Dear Lord, please help me not to be jealous of others. I know I can do this when I stay focused on You and trust Your will for my life. Please help me to keep blinders on, not looking to the right or to the left at the people around me, but constantly training my eyes to look to You and Your Word. Thank You Lord for Your perfect plan for me and I am excited to see what You will bring about in the fullness of time. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now that is a cat...

This was on a fact or fake - this was a FACT!!! Can you imagine feeding that cat? Talk about cuddly. However; if he laid on our feet like Sam does that would HURT! Well, I just wanted to post that for I could enjoy it.... ha ha. Have a great day!

Feeling a little homesick...and "heavy"

This is my "big brother" Jerry Hooper. He lives in California along with my other brother Kenny, whom I don't have a picture of -- yet. Anyway, as you can see in the background this is beautiful country, I believe he said this was near Oregon - but I am not sure. He was riding on his Harley that day. I haven't seen him for about 10 years at least. I talk to him once in awhile. He is the brother that always has a joke to tell and doesn't take life seriously. I am posting this particular picture for you can "pray" for him, for he is not saved! He turned 60 in January and as each passing year, well you know! Also my brother Kenny is not saved either, so if you could, lift him up also. They are my two that is left in my immediate family. I want to thank you in advance for your prayers - where there are two or more in agreement!

Yesterday, I found out at the Doctor's Office that I had gained 8 pounds from last year. Probably a lot of you know that is not good news for me! I have been eating some excessive amounts of food - now I have the consequences - in my BELLY. Some of you may say, 8 pounds no big deal - but to me it is. So please my dear sisters, please pray that I don't become "obsessive of these 8 pounds" but please pray that in God's timing I will lose them! It is more of A HEALTH ISSUE THAN VANITY!

“And ye shall eat and not be satisfied.” (Leviticus 26:26 KJV)
“Why spend money on foodstuffs that don’t give strength? Why pay for groceries that don’t do you any good.” (Isaiah 55:2, LB)

May the peace and love of Christ be upon you!
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul
Proverbs: 27:9 msg

JUST SAYING HI ON THIS MISTY DAY

Hi my dear sisters! Just thinking of you all and I am in between projects so I thought I would just write what I have been up to, etc:

Saturday

• Visited the in-laws Saturday. Then we went to the Amish stores - great fun. My Mother-in-Law made the BEST SOUP!

Sunday

• Had "fun" with the children at children's church - even though I might have "lost control" a few times - I don't like being the "bad cop". All in all it was good - we talked about MERCY!!!
• Had a good visit with my friend Jerri Ellis - made two dishcloths while I was there - gave her one of course! She still hasn't completely healed, some of you may remember praying for her last year, if you get a chance please lift her up again for healing--thanks.
• Had a "Spiritual Fix" at the Gathering. I am telling you we prayed and we felt God's presence so much!

Monday

• Watched Dancing with the Stars Monday - wasn't going to, but I really do enjoy this show! I don't know who are my favorites yet but a few I know "need to go". ha ha.

Tuesday - TODAY!

• I am going to go to the "doc" at 3:00 today - yearly check under the hood. I am praying all goes well of course!
• I am going to go to BSF tonight - GO MOSES! I tell you BSF has some really good studies. Next one in September will be John, they say that is a good one! Of course they all are.

Wednesday - TOMORROW

• Tomorrow looking forward to seeing Joanne Hopson, Marlys, JoAnna, and Laurie at our deaconesses meeting.

As you can see not much going on and yet....my life is so content (for now). That of course could change in a second as we all know, but until then I am going to enJOY being content!

I did not pray for rain BUT...

I didn't pray for rain, but I sure did enjoy going to the Amish. There are many "stores" up there and it was so fun to spend time with my in-laws. My Mother-in-Law truly is a "hostess" - you should have tasted the soup she made...well, maybe you can, I am going to try to make it for the next "fellowship dinner". The Amish people are so "different" - yet one has to admire what they go through. The young girls at this one store were just singing while we were shopping - it was great! PRAISE THE LORD that this rainy day turned out special for me.

I bought my "ticket"....

George getting up close and personnel!

Hi everyone, we just got home a few minutes ago - went to Lemstones and bought my ticket for HIS WOMEN - this year's theme: Beneath His Wings - Lizz Curtis Higgs and Daniel Kirkley will be there - sounds great to me! There will be information about it at church - or you can fill free to talk to me about His Women - this will be my 6th year going I think...I do know if you want to go, you may want to purchase your tickets SOON - and hopefully some of us can car pool and go together! It will be a day full of fellowship and fun!

This week went by so fast! A lot of good things happened this week! My son moved out, I got a flat screen on my computer for work, and something else happened. I just know that God has really blessed me this week. I tell you what blessed me the MOST was going to Prayer Warrior Women last night. We prayed for so many and praised God from our hearts. I went there in a "funk" and left there in PEACE and touched by God's Spirit! I thank God so much for my Sisters-in-Christ! What would I do without them - oooo I shudder to think...

Well, it is getting late - even though it is Friday night - I am ready to go to bed at 9:00 p.m. We are going to Jerry's folks tomorrow so I will need my energy - especially if the weather holds out, we are supposed to help load wood! If not we will go to the Amish...hmmmm should I pray for rain? ha ha.

I GOT MY BOOK, CHICK LITS!

I got my book yesterday (The Potluck Club) and I am looking forward to reading it.

Just being grateful for today....

The picture of "my guys" is one of my favorites - I took it awhile back but I wanted to share it with you all.

I am having such a pleasant day - which is quite refreshing after yesterday (Monday - long story). Anyway, my day started out with my devotions and a wonderful work out with Christian Fitness! I am telling you that show really gives me a GREAT workout! I decided not to walk today, since I will probably walk tomorrow twice - that is if Janet, Jeanne, Julie, and Jill are up to it and anyone else for that matter. Oh yeah I voted today...did you? Well, I have BSF later and I always enjoy that - even if I don't get home until 9:00 p.m. - well worth it! I hope and pray you all are having a good day, and "Thank You LORD, for my friends!"

MARIE'S 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Marie sure was surprised when her sister showed up! I didn't catch her name, but she is her younger sister of 2 or 3 years.

Here is our darling Marie, standing infront of all the "fun things" that her relatives brought - on the side is a photo album of Marie and lots of memories. She was a classic lady in her days and still is! Can you really believe she is 90 - well, she will be tomorrow!

Dianne Yanda made the cake - the one that is standing up is not a real cake but looks very good! The real cake sure tasted good! If you look left of the cake you will see the "cat" envelope that I made. ha ha.

Here are my 3 kitchen helpers - DEB, LISA, AND JILL - Jill has looked better and maybe I will post one of her later looking better - the first one I took, she stuck her tongue out, the second one I took Deb and Lisa stuck their tongue out....but we are buddies!!!Here is another one of my favorite ladies again - MILLY! I loved the way she had her "hair" covered, she reminded me or royalty! The one to the right is Dianne - the one who made the cake!

It was a fun event and to those who missed out - well you missed out! I love "gatherings" like this, to celebrate, to laugh, and just "be".