Just Sharing...

"I do not know what the future holds

Of joy or pain

Of loss or gain

Along life's untrod way;

But I believe

I can receive

God's promised guidance day by day;

So I securely travel on.

And if at times, the journey leads

Through waters deep,

Or mountains steep,

I know this unseen Friend,

His love revealing,

His presence healing,

Walks with me to the journey's end; So I securely travel on." -- Author Unknown

But O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset.

Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty

of reason to praise Him for all that He will do. He is my help!

He is my God! -- Psalms 42:11

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come to YOU today asking YOU to have YOUR love revealed to all of those who read this. I come to YOU today, asking for YOUR healing on all those who are sick, weary, and mourning. I come to YOU today, asking YOU to walk with all of us to "our journey's end" for we can securely travel on. Of course O LORD, I praise YOU for all YOU have done and all that YOU will do in our lives. In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen.

Psalm 23 (For the Work Place)

That is a "wicked" picture huh? It came on an e-mail about "waves". I have never seen one like that before! Anyway, I am feeling like that cat below here. Here at work anyway. Lately, as my "boss" gets closer and closer to retirement, there are things he just keeps forgetting to tell me. He hasn't been in a pleasant mood for a very long time. It gets to be quite frustrating. So, what do I do then?

I am glad you asked. ha ha. I pull out my "sheet" on

Psalm 23 (For the Work Place)

The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.

He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.

He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without

murmuring and complaining.

He reminds me that He is my source and not my job.
He restores my sanity every day and guides my decisions
that I might honor Him in all that I do.

Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system
crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping
co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body
that doesn't cooperate every minute, I still will not stop--
for He is with me! His presence, His peace, and His power
will see me through.

He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens
to let me go. His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.

His retirement plan beats any 401k there is!
When it's all said and done, I'll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for
that, I BLESS HIS NAME!!!!!


(I didn't get the author --oops). You can see why I like it so. Anyway, I just wanted to remind myself....LOVE YA ALL!

Are you in God's Hands?

When I saw this adorable kitten picture it reminded me that we are in God's hands. I know this kitten isn't held in some one's hands, but I am sure there were many wanting to hold it. I can imagine God is wanting to hold many of us and more in His Hands, because like this kitten I am sure He finds us "adorable". If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me. -- Psalms 139:9-10

Strong Son of God, immortal Love,

Whom we, that have not seen thy face,

by faith, and faith alone, embrace,

Believing where we cannot prove. -- Alfred, Lord Tennyson

"OUR VALLEY VIEW GRADUATES"....2009

Here, our Youth Pastor - Keith Pitts - telling us all about the graduates - he is like a "proud pappa" - of course he has been with these "young adults" for quite awhile! Good job Pastor Keith - I am sure they will NEVER FORGET him! Also he tells us that a couple of them may come back in the fall and be "Youth Sponsors" - SWEET!!!

Here you have 2 sets of twins!!! Yep, the (Blonde) Tara and the (Burnett) Courtney Kayser (definitely NOT identical twins - in body and personality). Tara plans on going to Kirkwood and work her way to becoming an elementary education teacher. Courtney, the music/artist will be going to ISU to study music! The McVey twins I don't know them that well, but have "watched them grow". They do look a like and I can't tell which is which - their names are Amber and Heather. The one in the dark dress on the far left said she might try to become a police officer - so watch out - or elementary ed. teacher, and her sister the one with the white top will go to Kirkwood for 2 years and then transfer to UNI to become a Physical Ed. Major!

Here is Ben Gray, Pastor Mike and Jeanne's youngest son! He is SO talented in MUSIC! He plans on going to school in Nashville - a Christian college - for music! PRAISE THE LORD!

Here is Andy Stuelke - I think that his emotions are "riding high" right now because his Dad couldn't be here. But I hope he could watch from heaven for I do know how proud he would be of his son right now - and every day! Mother, Kathy, how she loves their son - and never missed any events of his that I know of while he was in High School! Her youngest son! Andy plans on going to Kirkwood College for two years and then try to go to "film school" - ACTING! He is a great actor, I know I have seen him in some shows before - and I tell you I was in "awe"!

Here is "Daddy Tim" with his two beautiful daughters - I tell you I just love the contrast. I wonder what it was like raising two daughters, same age - but so different - I am sure Tim has some stories.

Here is where the McVay twins are telling us what they are going to do - you go girls!!!

Couldn't resist this picture - Ben has such a great smile! He told me he will be glad when "this part is all over" and that he can get down to business at college. He knows that it will take a lot of work and discipline to reach his goals but he will - oh yeah!

Here the "leaders" were asked to come up front to pray for the "graduates". It was very moving for me. I was able to touch one of the McVay twins and Ben - I felt God's love pour through me.

Not the greatest picture of Pastor Mike and Jeanne but I liked seeing them together like this! They were listening to what Pastor Keith had to say about the teens.

This my dear ones - is one of our WORSHIP LEADERS - Sheila - a sister to Andy Stuelke and a terrific singer. Talent just runs in that family! Her voice to me always reminds me of "what an angel would sound like" - I know hard to picture, but I think of angels when she sings! You can see Dave back in the back - drumming his heart out - he is very good too. I took a picture of Brian - it didn't turn out well, because he always moves - of course because he is playing the guitar and singing!!!

This is Jolene and "Sir William" - he is not graduating but HE IS TOO CUTE not to be on here! I am sure Jolene is thinking, "He will be grown before I know it".
This concludes SONday - the day for the graduates of 2009 that attend our little humble loving church!

I sure enJOYED this service today - for the graduates and A TERRIFIC SERMON WE HAD FROM PASTOR MIKE. Most of you know Pastor Mike will be leaving us soon - May 31st, HE WILL BE MISSED!!!

GOD'S BEAUTY IN "OUR BACK YARD"

God uses Jerry to maintain His beauty in "our" back yard. Jerry loves it and is good at it. Jerry's hard work shows God's fruits!

These Iris's come up every year, Jerry likes to trim them and bring them in the house for we can "enjoy".

These daisies come up too every year - oh the beauty that God just gives us, so wonderful!

These Pennies are breathtaking. The smell is terrific. I can look out my "office window" at home and enJOY their beauty and their smell!

I am not sure what these are called, but they are just beautiful that is all I need to know.

You can see here Jerry's back breaking hard work!

One flower, says it all!

This is the landscape that was here when we moved in. The previous owners did a wonderful job here. The car and boat is Jerry's reward for hard work - when he can go fishing.

Chives!

Yep, more work FOR THE MAN! Looking good there Jer!

THIS GARDEN IS A GARDEN MADE FROM LOVE, SWEAT, AND A LOT OF CARE FROM JERRY - WHAT CAN I SAY BUT THANKS! Soon we will be able to eat Jerry's fruits of his labor and we THANK GOD FOR IT ALL.

Well that is "my tour" of our back yard....

Now I would like to leave you all this by Ruth Bell Graham:

Dear God,
let me soar in the face of the wind;

up---

up---

like the lark,

to praise and so sure,

through the cold

In the storm

with wings to endure.

let the silver rain wash

all the dust from my wings

let me soar

as he soars,

let me sing

as he sings;

let it lift me

all joyous

and carefree

and swift,

let it buffet

and drive me

but, God,

let it lift.

KEEP SOARING MY DEAR ONES...KEEP SOARING! Love, Anita

Remembering the USS YELLOWSTONE AD-41

The arrow shows the ship (The USS YELLOWSTONE), and that my dear ones is the ship that I spent 3 years on! The ship where Jerry and I met. The ship that took me on 2 Mediterranean Cruises. The ship is now decommissioned. I have a lot of memories about the military and since this being Memorial Weekend, I thought I would just "think back" and remember today the Navy and then on Monday - MEMORIAL DAY, I will be praying for all the military FAMILIES that had loved ones who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and the ones that are now fighting, serving their country for we can be "FREE". The front of the ship - see the pointed part below; I used to stand there on the ledge when we were "underway" and I was called "Forward Lookout". I would stand there looking down at the water and see if there was anything in the water that the crew couldn't see from above. Luckily the worst thing I saw was a dead cow in Egypt. One time I believe I saw a shark! A few times I could see dolphins swimming beside us - that was cool. Another bad thing they made me stand out there in the pouring rain and I got chilled to the bone. I kept thinking, "why me"? Of course back then I didn't know God; but I did realize He had to exist to have made something as big and beautiful as the ocean! I am also thankful God spared my life while I was in because I would not have made it to heaven.

This is a picture of our patch that we had sewn on all of our uniforms. I thought that was neat.

I found these pictures on a website. It has been 20 years since I have been in the Navy, 20 years - hard to believe. Before the ship (which was stationed in Norfolk, VA) I was stationed in San Diego and Japan. Both places were unique and totally different.

Yes, it is fun to remember the "good times" - but I am so thankful that I am here today - for God is with me now - or should I say I am with HIM. HIS SON, MADE THE TOTAL SACRIFICE THAT REALLY SET ME FREE AND HAS GIVEN ME ETERNAL LIFE!!!

However; as I reflect back, I will never forget the ones in the Navy that lost their lives - I am thinking of Pearl Harbor here - of course I was too young to actually see it - but I have watched the commentaries and I remember tears flowing from my eyes when I saw that. I have talked to WWII Vets who now are mostly "gone", what an era that must have been.

Thank you for "remembering" the military with me today, I am hoping that you never forget the ones that died for us - AND FOR SURE JESUS CHRIST - OUR SAVIOR!!! For without HIM, there is NO life.

NINE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT STUDY....

THEY CAME YESTERDAY!!! Now when can we start our Bible Study? How do "I" break them down for they don't overwhelm us? Skimming through them I saw many questions - good ones.

This is a study I don't want to rush through.

The only thing that I believe our group will need individually: a note pad and of course their Bible. These books for example gives us some quick notes, a Bible reading, and then some questions. I will be asking someone to read Scriptures and participate in the questions as much as possible - but the main thing is to be comfortable and enJOY this study.

The "LOVE FRUIT" is the first one and I am hoping to start after we have one meeting to discuss on how we want to go about this.

As you can see just by looking at these books that we can spend quite a bit of time on them. So, please be praying about this study and I am looking at having a "discussion" time Sunday, June 14th at 9:00 a.m. (POWER HOUR). Then I am hoping to to start the study June 28th - hopefully that will be after all the going ons in June - but we can discuss this too!


What do you all think? I am hoping you can "come on board for this". The more the merrier, but now matter what it will happen. I have missed the women's power hour and it's time to "get back on track"!!! Please get excited with me and "jump" in to this study; I think you won't regret it....I know I won't - it is always good to "learn together"!!!

Outside my window: The Birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, our two cats are on the front porch enJoying the fresh air (it has been a long winter for them).

I am thinking: How excited I am to be able to go to City-Wide Prayer this morning and Jerry is going with me, for he is on vacation. Also, I am thinking about feeding "My HOLY SPIRIT" of course.

From the Learning Room: I just finished the Study on Hebrews last Sunday and tonight we are finishing up the Study of Moses in BSF. What great studies they both were! So much to soak in! I love how they both "tied in together" - of course no coincidence there.

I am thankful for: You name it, I am thankful for, I never want to take anything for granted!

I am reading: I am reading two books actually - they both are about "beauty" - and just not the outside - they are working from the inside out. I felt I needed this because I am still "comparing" myself to other women - and not just on their looks. I keep thinking that, "if only I had more wisdom like Marlys" or "oh I want to be a Prayer Warrior like Joanne"... well you get the point. I need to learn that God has given me "my own" - to ASK for wisdom, to become a better prayer warrior, and to grow in my FAITH!

I am running out of time to do the rest of these points. Just had the heart to do a few right now, before I leave to START THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY THAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN ME!

NEEDING GOD'S WORD TODAY, HOLY SPIRIT IS HUNGRY!

I don't know about you all but sometimes I "know" when my Holy Spirit needs fed! I believe there are times that I allow Him to go hungry! That my friends is just wrong!

Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people. -- Proverbs 3:3-4 Message

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. -- Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. -- Proverbs 11:2 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. -- Psalm 46:1 NIV

We live by faith, not by sight. -- 2 Corinthians 5:7

Oh Sisters there are so many Scriptures that feed the Holy Spirit, I know you have some that are "planted in your heart". My prayer for you today, is to place them "in front of your eyes", say them out loud during the day. Let the Holy Spirit know that "you know" He is hungry. Of course some of you are very good at "feeding the Holy Spirit" but for me, I just needed this reminder for myself and I just wanted to share what is ON MY HEART! Love and Prayers, Anita

Rachel's Bridal Shower, my version....

Here Rachel is opening the gift I got her and she knew it was from me right away because I made her an envelope from her calendar last year. It was funny - even Emily knew....You should have seen all the presents that Rachel got - I thought she would never finish opening them. ha ha.

Talk about a good cake!!! Oh my it was delicious!

Here I am with Emily's daughter Meisha, she wanted to sit on my lap to try to use my camera. Okay, I let her...she is precious!

Here I am with one of the "best PRAYER WARRIORS, FRIEND, and SISTER-IN-CHRIST" that you would ever want to meet. Joanne - what would I do without her...I shudder to think!

Here is Kathy P. and Jill - two of my "sisters" - of course you probably recognize Jill - my traveling bud!

Here is the sister of the bride to be and the mother of the bride to be, Kendra and Janet. You sure can tell they are mother and daughter. Kendra has really grown up!

Here is September and Amelia - two precious ones indeed! Amelia is growing way too fast, she will be walking before we know it. Can you see Emily, I bet her hand was tired after writing down all those gifts. ha ha.
Yes as far as "showers" go Emily and September did a wonderful job as hosting this. I never have been much of a "shower" going person - but lately, it seems like I have been going to quite a few and they were all good because they were of people that I love and cherish!

I can't wait to get some wedding pictures of Rachel and Jacob, by then I hope I get more practice. I had to delete quite a few pictures here, still getting the hang of taking pictures. I wish I had the "talent" of Sheila, Linda, Rachel, Emily, and all the other "scrappers"! Give me time women, practice, practice, practice. I just PRAISE GOD that I can delete...I thank HIM for giving us Digital Cameras!!!

Saturday thoughts and "plans"

Isn't that beautiful up there? It came through an e-mail that my "brother Jerry" forward to me. I wrote back and asked him, "If only you believed this to be true". How I pray for my brothers...

Today, this cold windy Saturday seems like a good day for housecleaning, organizing, and maybe making a few cards. I am trying not to feel "overwhelmed" and start with stuff that I can see "fast results", then other.

I have a wedding shower to go to - so I "have to make one card" - one that I will enjoy because I love the bride to be so much. I am so happy for her.

My future plans which is something I am truly looking forward too is having a Bible Study on "Fruits of the Spirits". I went on line ordered a series of the 9 fruits. I am hoping this will be a good one for "our power hour" at our church. The other night the other deaconesses told me if I want a Bible Study for women that I "should go ahead and do it". Well, I prayed first, and then God gave me this opportunity and the ways to order it. Please pray for me that this will be a true blessing for all of those who participate; one never knows who will.

EnJOY this Saturday my dear ones and remember that no matter what you do, do it for the "Glory of God"!

Love and Prayers..................

I know the sun is out there....

It seems like a very long time since I have seen the sun shine all day. Any of you feel this way? Don't get me wrong, I know that rain is needed. I just miss the SUNSHINE! I was thankful that I did get out and walked today, but you should see my hair - fuzz city. ha ha.

Anyway, work was very slow today too, so I had time to "think", pray, and ask God where am I in His eyes. I would like to "think" that I am doing what I am "called" to do, yet my heart tells me that there is more or "something is missing". Have you ever felt that way?

So, as the day ends here at work - I go home and "clean house" some before my fellow Deaconesses come over for a meeting that I forgot we were having tonight. ha ha. Maybe this is a step in the direction that God is leading me....hmmmmmm.

Sunshine on my shoulders...makes me happy!

Didn't see this dog...but what a neat picture of a "mother and her baby". Don't you just love "puppies" or any baby animal?

It is so good to see the sunshine out today, even if it does keep going in out of the clouds. The wind was blowing making my walk very nice. Saw the beautiful trees, birds, a couple of dogs, people mowing their grass, and some others walking. I am so thankful that I can take a half hour at work to do this. It is a GREAT BREAK!

I am going to "my last BSF class" on Moses tonight - well next week we have our "discussion", then we break for summer. They are starting John next year, let me know if anyone is interested. I sure will miss it during the summer.

We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love. -- Psalm 44:25-26

Mother's Day...

Mother's Day is usually very hard for me because I have felt like a "failure" when it comes to being a Mother. Most of you know that. This time Andy, my son, called me and wanted to go out to eat - so we all agreed to go.

This is my son Andy - and his "girl friend" Suzie - they just started dating. Andy just got a divorce and I was praying that he would hold off on the dating thing, but he is 27 going on 28. Suzie seems very nice and is only 4'11" tall - Andy is 6' 3" or 6' 4". We all went out to Metro Buffet for lunch. Please blogger friends, pray for my son here. He is "quite the agnostic". Suzie says she is a Greek Orthodox and does go to church once in awhile but she does work Sundays. I am not sure what Greek Orthodox is. It is so hard for me to "sit back" and "watch" this happen - but I know God is in control. He seems to be quite happy. We know how "rebounds" usually turn out - like I said, it was hard to "watch".

Anyway, all in all this was a good Mother's Day. I hope you all had a good one too.

I saw this picture - thought it was so cute - I felt like that cat yesterday afternoon when I took a very long nap!

Hanging with the "Chick-Lits"

Milly and Jolene waiting with great expectation on our discussion - well maybe not. Jolene is the beautiful woman on the left that brought "Sir William". Milly on the right is VERY VERY SPECIAL to all of us. She is Deb's Mom too.

Our youngest member "Sir William" - he really didn't care for the book, but loves the "ladies". Deb on the left was really in a great discussion here, but I got side track because William was SO CUTE! Also note: Deb opened her house up for us all and I can tell you she is one terrific "hostess"!

Linda with Deb's dog "Missy" - Missy knew that Linda loved dogs and "jumped" right in there to get her loving from her.

Liz and Sheila "pretending to read the book" - it was upside down - I tell you those two sisters - ARE SO MUCH FUN!!!

Yes, this picture of Jill and I is "disturbing" but so was that book!!! I am sure Jill said something that caught me off guard - again! She is the one that "took me" to North Carolina, we always have fun when we are together - she does keep me on my toes!

On a serious note - the book we read was a good one that showed us about a woman who had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - it was fiction, based on a true story. It was hard to read this book, but I was so glad I did. This is another sweet reminder why reading can open up so many doors and give us different "perspectives" of life. So may I leave with you today, my "blogger" friends:

READ! READ! READ!

AND THANK YOU FOR READING MY "BLOG"!!!