Daily Dozen - it's Wednesday....

1. How good are you at delaying gratification?
I have gotten much better as I get older! When I was young...well different story because it was all about ME, now that it is ALL ABOUT GOD, and by "fasting", I have learned that with Him, I can delay gratification.

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?
Bread, dark chocolate, cookies, pizza...just to name a few.

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?
6 on a good day, 3 on a bad day.

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?
I couldn't wait to graduate from college - I really wanted to be a Social Worker, even though I have my degree in Social Work, I never worked in it. It did help me with my "personal life though" - God doesn't waste ANYTHING!

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?
Yes, at times and it has "bit me"! Other times, short cuts helped me!

6. Which line is hardest to wait in?
Bathroom lines.

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?
Back in those days, we had to wait. I would have liked to know though.

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?
Depends on the child or the elderly person.

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?
Yes. Who hasn't?

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?
I had to wait 3 months before I was able to go into the Army. I had to "listen to my Dad" for those 3 months...very rough....IF I would have waited 6 months I could have been in the Air Force - but Dad wanted me out - so the Army it was.

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?
No brainer here - Jerry - and I tell you what, it is so hard for me to wait on him at times. :) I know he is worth the wait though.

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)A) Anticipation by Carly SimonB) The Waiting by Tom PettyC) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard MarxD)
I must admit "Anticipation", especially when I was younger! Even now though I don't like waiting for things to start, or waiting on "people to show up".

Little Decisions Add Up

http://www.glynniswhitwer.blogspot.com/

check out her blog, she has some good tips. Here is a sample - Her January 27 one - today:

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Importance of Little Decisions
Today I have a devotion running on Proverbs 31 and Crosswalk.com regarding the importance of little decisions. God has been speaking this truth into my life for many years. It's a principle I learned from reading Matthew 25 and Parable of the Talents. God was just as pleased with the servant who invested 2 talents as He was with the servant who invested 5 talents. Both servants showed themselves faithful with what they were given. And the one with the 2 talents didn't discount that which was entrusted to him because it was less. He valued it just the same.

I believe God is watching me constantly to see what I do with the "little" things He has entrusted to me. Am I faithful with what doesn't look like much to the others ... even me at times? Can He trust me with just a little bit more?

You see, being steadfast in little things is the truest indicator of whether you'll be steadfast in greater things. Making wise decisions in the little areas of life, prepares me for making wise decisions in the greater things of life.

I thought I'd share some of the little decisions I'm called to make every day that have great importance to me, and over time have proven to have even greater value when added together.

These are not in order of priority, except for #1 and 2.

1. Reading my Bible daily. (Most of the time at night, just before bed.)
2. Not criticizing my husband.
3. Using coupons when possible. (A penny saved is more than a penny earned.)
4. Going to bed with my kitchen clean. (Helps me start the day with a right attitude)
5. Writing thank you notes. (I could still do better in this area)
6. Not saying "I would never do that .... say that ... wear that, etc. ..." (Helps keep pride and judgement from my lips)
7. Stopping what I'm doing and facing my children when they talk to me.
8. Using lots of fresh vegetables and fruits in my cooking.
9. Making shopping and errand lists.
10. Keeping my gas tank above 1/4 full.

I'd love to hear what little decisions you make that add up to make a big impact.

I recently received a new book by author named Sarah Cunningham called Picking Dandelions. It's to be released next week by Zondervan. I've love to give it away to someone at random. Just make sure you leave a way for me to contact you. In His Love,Glynnis

Maybe I will make a list soon...Anita - or we all could. :)

Winter is here for awhile..

No snow, green grass, blue skies oh my. How I long for that.
Flowers so pretty and you even have to put on a sunshine hat.



Reality check:

Winter is here for awhile

I can't find my smile.

Winter is here to stay,

Winter is needed so they say.

I for one LOVE the Sun

Lately we have had none.

Now I sit here and ponder,

What will I do I wonder.

STOP, this silly thinking,

No more "dinking".

God has given us the four seasons,

Why, HE has HIS reasons!

Acceptance is the key,

We just have to wait and see.

God has a plan for you and ME.

By Anita who else would write such a silly poem.

Mellow....

After being on my computer for a "couple of hours" - can't believe how the time flew - I reckon I could take a cat nap.

I noticed reading "facebook" and other blogs, it looks like a slow mellow day for us all. Like others too I would love to see the sunshine.

Well, maybe I will go watch a movie and see if there is sunshine on it - I wanted to watch "Fireproof" again - will wait for hubby to come home, then put that "puppy" in. If anyone wants to come over to watch it with us, call - it will probably be around 1:00 p.m. until we do.

Jan 20 Random Dozen

1. So I was thinking about how Jon Bon Jovi never seems to age much. His hair is smaller nowadays, but he still manages to look like a boy somehow. And then that made me think of the story of Dorian Gray. Question: If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why?
I really don't know. I look at my pictures and one of my better ones was when I was in the Army and had lost weight by running. I liked the way I looked but my family thought I was anorexic.

2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?)
Applesauce Meatloaf - it's easy, it's quick.

3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal?
I too, have a pity party, then Jerry usually reminds me how God has blessed us and then he prays for me and then I pray for me to SNAP out of it - for I am blessed and like Linda, I know there are so many hurting people out there.

4. When was the last time you danced in public?
Way long ago! When I was in the military, Jerry and I used to dance a lot. I miss that - well the slow dancing.

5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer?
I am both - I tend to dream that I am a realist - but I tell you SPIRITUAL is my true way I want to be!

6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well?
This is a sore spot for me, I was NOT a very good Mother. I did try to always encourage him to follow his artistic side - and he is.

7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show?
I like Ope (sp?) - now because I have learned to LOVE children so much.

8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Maybe a 5 - I have watched his speech a few times...I really respected his values.

9. Have you never been mellow? Have you never tried … to find a comfort from in side you? (Sorry, Jorge was singing that song just now, and it just seemed to be perfect timing as I was creating this week’s questions.) REAL question: What is your #1 driving pet peeve?
Cell phones for sure. They cause people to do so many stupid things! Like not stopping at a red light, turning right in front of you, etc.

10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate?
Green - I look at green as a comfort color and I feel comfortable now that I am home and don't have to drive out in the freezing rain.

11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be?
Since I am such a CAT person - I would say Jerry is a TIGER...grrrrr

12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day?
Reading actually - because at work in my "down times" I can read. Also I read a lot when I am home.

What? Housework? Spiritual housework!

First of all these pictures have nothing to do what I am going to say but they are so cool! Wanted to keep them on my blog. :) Wouldn't that be something to have all those cats? I wonder how they got them in there.

Okay, I found this a while back, made me a copy and found it again, so I thought I would go ahead and post it - especially since "Author Unknown" wrote it.

MONDAY WASH DAY

Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.

TUESDAY IRONING DAY

Dear Lord, help me iron out the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see beauty in others.

WEDNESDAY MENDING DAY

O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.

THURSDAY CLEANING DAY

Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

FRIDAY SHOPPING DAY

O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

SATURDAY COOKING DAY

Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

SUNDAY THE LORD'S DAY

O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

WIP - Work in Progress

God keeps "hitting" me with these TASTY TID-BITS in my on-line devotions. Of course this one I had to share - for I CAN REMEMBER I AM WIP! Once again, I have highlighted what hit me the most.

Work in Progress by Lisa Crum

A few years ago while I was still newly-employed at my last secular job, I kept hearing my boss refer to the "year-end WIP reports" (I thought he was saying "whip!"), and I didn't have a clue what he was talking about until I saw it in writing. W-I-P. Being new to all those accounting office buzz words, and wanting so to make a good impression, I privately asked a co-worker what WIP stands for. She kindly replied, "work in progress."

OK, I now had what the letters stand for, but I still didn't grasp what the term really means. Next stop--internet dictionary. Hmmm...a piece of work that's not yet finished. How interesting. Self-explanatory, actually.

Unfinished stuff. I can totally relate to that, can't you? My stack tray is full of it, and so is my house!

But on a deeper level, let's talk about us. I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, "work in progress" in my prayer time this morning. Not having heard that term in months, I had to just sit and mull it over before getting ready for work.

You and I are God's work in progress. As new Christians, we begin as a rough draft (a really rough draft!). In the course of our lifetimes, God has to do a lot of revising, adding, subtracting, changing our thinking, changing our attitudes, undoing what we've done to ourselves and what other people have spoken over us.

That stack of papers on my desk hasn't got a will; the time it takes for completion is entirely up to me and my willingness to whittle it down. However, with God's work in progress, the "worked on" items--we-- have a free will! For that reason, it takes Him all our lives to work out the "bugs." Sometimes we catch on quickly; other times He has to delete the same things from our mindset over and over.

But He's patient. He envisions the finished product and He's so willing to see us through to the end. As long as it takes, as a matter of fact. If you struggle with frustration over your failures, as I often do, know that God's grace is sufficient. No matter how often you've fallen flat on your face, or "almost but not quite" succeeded in fulfilling your destiny, it's not so late in the game that God can't redeem the time for you.

He's an expert at implementing "Plan B" for all of us who didn't get it right the first (or second, or third!) time. Hop back up onto Father God's worktable today and allow Him to do a new thing in your life. He's got plans for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future...you're His very valuable work in progress.
"...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6


Lisa Crum is a freelance writer and Christian songwriter. She is a staff member at Regional Church of God in Delbarton, WV www.regionalchurch.org, where she serves as administrative/ pastoral assistant as well as in music ministry. She is currently working on her first book, "Doing It by the Book," which uses the Genesis creation as the blueprint for turning dreams into realities. She and husband Dana are members of Regional Church and lifelong West Virginians.


Looks like a book I may be looking for in the future!

Looking for the Messiah, Max Lucado

I am highlighting the parts that "hit me" - because I am in the Union - a Laborer Secretary as some of you may know - I couldn't pass THIS up to keep in my blog! SWEET REMINDER FOR US ALL - DON'T MISS HIM!!!

Week of January 15
Looking for the Messiah, Part 1 by Max Lucado

SUPPOSE JESUS CAME to your church. I don't mean symbolically. I mean visibly. Physically. Actually. Suppose he came to your church.

Would you recognize him? It might be difficult. Jesus didn't wear religious clothes in his day. Doubtful that he would wear them in ours. If he came today to your church, he'd wear regular clothes. Nothing fancy, just a jacket and shoes and a tie. Maybe a tie ... maybe not.

He would have a common name. "Jesus" was common. I suppose he might go by Joe or Bob or Terry or Elliot. Elliot ... I like that.

Suppose Elliot, the Son of God, came to your church. Of course, he wouldn't be from Nazareth or Israel. He'd hail from some small spot down the road like Hollow Point or Chester City or Mt. Pleasant.

And he'd be a laborer. He was a carpenter in his day. No reason to think he'd change, but let's say he did. Let's say that this time around he was a plumber. Elliot, the plumber from Mt. Pleasant.

God, a plumber?

Rumor has it that he fed a football field full of people near the lake. Others say he healed a senator's son from Biloxi. Some say he's the Son of God. Others say he's the joke of the year. You don't know what to think.

And then, one Sunday, he shows up.

About midway through the service he appears in the back of the auditorium and takes a seat. After a few songs he moves closer to the front. After yet another song he steps up on the platform and announces, "You are singing about me. I am the Son of God." He holds a Communion tray. "This bread is my body. This wine is my blood. When you celebrate this, you celebrate me!"


What would you think?


Would you be offended? The audacity of it all. How irreverent, a guy named Elliot as the Son of God!

Would you be interested? Wait a minute, how could he be the Son of God? He never went to seminary, never studied at a college. But there is something about him ...


Would you believe? I can't deny it's crazy. But I can't deny what he has done.

It's easy to criticize contemporaries of Jesus for not believing in him. But when you realize how he came, you can understand their skepticism.

Jesus didn't fit their concept of a Messiah. Wrong background. Wrong pedigree. Wrong hometown. No Messiah would come from Nazareth. Small, hick, one-stoplight town. He didn't fit the Jews' notion of a Messiah, and so, rather than change their notion, they dismissed him.


He came as one of them. He was Jesus from Nazareth. Elliot from Mt. Pleasant. He fed the masses with calloused hands. He raised the dead wearing bib overalls and a John Deere Tractor cap.

They expected lights and kings and chariots from heaven. What they got was sandals and sermons and a Galilean accent.


And so, some missed him.
And so, some miss him still.

From A Gentle Thunder Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1987) Max Lucado

Random Dozen - 1/13/10

First - I like this Scripture:
Philippians 4:8, "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." (MSG)

1.When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you cave?
Dark Chocolate – NO I DID NOT YEAH!

2. M & M's or Skittles?
M & M’S AS LONG AS THEY ARE DARK CHOCOLATE ONES!

3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through?
Yes, I have actually – 3 times – now I am reading it in a different way – taking my time taking notes on the chapters I read. The times I read it through were good but not as good as studying it!

4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning?
Give me 5 minutes – I have to pet Sam first (my cat).

5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to?
Only cruise I have been on is a Navy one – and yes yes yes I would love to go on a cruise – those Christians one they have offered at times.

6. Who is your favorite actress?
I don’t really have one – on the Classic side – Kathryn Hepburn!

7. ______ is something that I will just never understand.
Dishonesty. Don't like it....never will! (I agree with Linda here)

8. How much of a technology junkie are you?
Not very – I like my computer (and the many programs, great tools), I finally got a cheap cell phone for emergencies, I have an MTP player (I really like that).

9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you?
I like “Making Cards for People” and enjoy sending them to anyone – especially to my sweet aunts. I LOVE HOW LINDA MAKES HER CARDS AND I LOVE RECEIVING THEM FROM HER!

10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut?
November sometime – but not that drastic.

11. What do you enjoy shopping for most?
Books

12. What's the last thing you think of before you leave the house?
I say goodbye to my pet and tell them I love them. What can I say...HE is my kid. : ) (I am with Linda on this - I just had to change pets to pet – I love my “kid” too!)

Prayers for my son...

This "cat plate" was given to me by a dear sweet Sister-In-Christ, Milly King. She gave it to me on my birthday last year. Thinking about the years past, we come across things that mean a lot to us. Things that come from loved ones. This picture below was given to me many years ago for my birthday from my son. When I look at this I am reminded of him not being saved. He is lost for now. He tells me he is happy and content. He tells me he doesn't need much. He is a singer in a band, not a band one would really want to hear as Christians, but a band no less that he truly enjoys. I am glad he has it, but oh how I pray someday he will be singing for the LORD. I lift my son up daily and I pray for his salvation. He is 27 now, has a "live in" girl friend. He also works part time as a dj and karaoke at different bars. This "saddens" my heart as a mother.

I look at Andy and see myself in him when I was his age. I see that woman who was so lost and doing much worse things than he has ever done. I know that I have been "saved by the Grace of God". I know my Mother prayed for me all throughout those years. Oh I am so grateful for those prayers and prayers from other loved ones. Prayers that have been answered!

How many of you out there have "loved ones that are lost"? I know quite a few of you do. Never stop praying and ask others to pray for them as well.

We may not "see our prayers" answered. My mother only heard of her prayers being answered for me, she never got to see. I wasn't able to go back to California to "show" her, but she knew! She knew in her heart, when she turned me over to God, I would be saved. I have turned my son over to God, I turned him over as soon as I was saved. I may "never see that" but in my heart I know he will be. My prayers will be answered.

A Hug from Jesus...

When I got this picture through e-mail from Laurie, I had to post it to remind me that Jesus is always there ready to give me a hug! I just need to run to him and allow him to hold me. May this be a sweet reminder to "us" all, a picture to keep in our minds and souls.

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. -- Psalm 18:15 NIV

First Dozen for the New Year

1.On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being a cranky-baby-hissy-fitter, how much of a complainer are you?
Depending on the day - I am praying daily not to complain though! Every day is such a gift!

2. When someone else is talking, do you listen, or are you thinking about what you're going to say in response?
Depending on who is talking - at work sometimes I do think about what I am saying - I know that has to stop!!! I am praying to listen more!!!

3. I just deleted 1062 messages from my email account. Do you have any plans for a clean sweep this month--of anything?
I have many plans! Doing them, is what I need to do!

4. Tell us about your perfume. Was it a gift? What does it remind you of? Do you have a signature scent?
I don't wear any...I used to wear Navy.

5. What is your best organizing tip for the new year?
Less is more.

6. What is your favorite comic strip?
Don't have one - used to be Garfield.

7. Do you sleep with a fluffy or flat pillow?
A firm fluffy pillow - like foam rubber.

8. What color is your kitchen? Why did you choose that color?
I have no idea what color my kitchen is - it has wall paper on it - I do so want Jerry go remove it!!! I sure would have NOT chose that!

9. What’s the most interesting bumper sticker you’ve seen?
My mind went blank...I know I have seen quite a few...

10. Do you prefer an expensive writing tool or whatever is lying around? (Are you a Montblanc or a Papermate?)
I like Pilot G-2 07 colored pens!!! I will write with others though, I am really not that picky.

11. What chore doesn’t feel like a chore – you just enjoy it (at least most of the time)?
Vacuuming because I look at as exercise.

12. If your parents often repeated themselves, what is something one of them said more than once?
What will the neighbors think? (I really did not like that, but in all actuality, people are looking at us).

25 Ways to "Experience God"

These are really good suggestions - I am going to try some out...how about you?

25 Ways to Experience God
Make this year amazing!
· Published in the January February 2006 issue (Navpress Magazine)
· Written by Marlene Lefever
·

1. With a friend, visit three churches where Christians worship in very different ways. Talk about the experience: How was God honored? How did He speak to you?

2. Arrive at church 10 minutes early. Spend time praying that God’s presence will be felt throughout the service.

3. Take a walk alone in nature, and sing or pray aloud to God.

4. Read a novel written by a Christian (such as C. S. Lewis’ science-fiction trilogy or Narnia series). Talk with a friend about how you saw God revealed in the book.

5. Visit an art museum and study several paintings with biblical themes. What do they suggest about the nature of God? What insights do they provide?

6. Listen to Scripture being read on tape or CD. Close your eyes and allow your mind to picture what you’re hearing.

7. Visit a church that has traditional stained-glass windows. Identify the pictures and symbols they contain. What aspects of God’s works and character are revealed?

8. As you study a portion of Scripture, draw with symbols, words, and doodles what the passage is saying to you about God.

9. Play "I Spy" throughout you day by watching for God’s presence in the ordinary things that happen to you: a kind word, protection on an icy road, the first gold leaf of fall. Each evening, share with your family or a friend (or record in your journal) where you saw God at work that day.

10. Praise God by writing an acrostic around one of His names. In an acrostic, the first letter of a word starts the first sentence; the second letter, the second sentence; and so on. For example:
Great and wonderful You are.
Oh, how my heart praises You.
Dear Savior, You are worthy of all my love.

11. Write your own words to go with the the tune of a familiar hymn or worship song. Sing your message to God.

12. Memorize a Christian poem, such as "On His Blindness" by John Milton.

13. Take a vacation with God, a one-day retreat where you get away from life-as-usual to be totally alone with your Savior.

14. Kneel or lie prostrate before God when you pray.

15. Read a story from a picture Bible with an elementary-age child.

16. As you read your Bible, make note of similes that liken things in nature to the attributes of God. For example, the fury of the hurricane is like God’s anger; the gentle rain is like God’s mercy. Keep a running list of these in your journal, or turn them into a Bible bookmark.

17. Create a shelf that contains mementos of God’s blessings to you.

18. Write an imaginary letter to someone who has never heard about God, and describe Him to that person. Or record what you would say on tape.

19. Take five minutes to list all the adjectives you can think of that describe God. Then thank God for each word.

20. Draw a cross. On the cross write every sin you can remember committing, especially those for which you can’t forgive yourself. Write, "Nailed to the Cross" over your words as a visual reminder that God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven you completely.

21. Pick a theme to study throughout a book of the Bible, such as the love of God. With a colored pencil, underline portions contributing to that theme.

22. Each day for a week, reflect on how your day would have been different if you were not a Christian. Don’t allow yourself to become blasé about the difference Christ makes.

23. Imagine yourself sitting on God’s lap. How do you feel? What do you tell Him? What might He say to you?

24. For your five favorite hymns or worship songs, find Bible passages on which they were based or that affirm the truth of the songs’ messages.

25. Sit in the back of a children’s church service, and listen to how those children respond to God.

Today....not too exciting....

So much for getting things done today. I was able to give blood, I hadn't been able to for the past two times because of my "iron" was low. Today it was way above - PRAISE THE LORD, at least I felt like I "accomplished" one thing.

Yesterday Jerry and I went to "the farm" - Jerry's folks. WE had our "Christmas" - what consisted of FOOD FOOD FOOD!!! Of course I "felt like the good year blimp"! Homemade candy, pie, salads, turkey, rolls - oh yeah, I ate them all. I did a 4 mile walk inside before I left though, but still - that is a "drop in the bucket" when it came to all the food I ate. We did have a good time with his folks and Jerry's sister even came in from Nebraska with her two daughters - that was a pleasant surprise.

For the rest of the day - it is 3:15 p.m. - I could do so much, yet, I just want to take a nap. I will try to stay awake though, and try to accomplish something. I am reading a very good book called Spiritual Mothering by Susan Hunt. It takes me awhile to read these kind of books because I take notes on them. I still haven't started our book club book - maybe I will read some of that.

What a boring post....sorry about that. I guess a boring day has to come it's way.