I Am Not Being Rebellious!

I am a firm believer in 'trying' to take one day at a time, enjoying each season as it comes, and accepting the weather as the Good Lord sees fit to give it.  I honestly cringe when I hear people say things like: "I can't wait until the weekend!" (when it's only Monday!)  "I hate Mondays!"  "I can't wait for cooler weather." and then, when it's cooler weather, "I hate this weather, I wish Summer would hurry and get here."  I've been guilty of some of the same, especially when I was younger, but I've just come to the conclusion that each day is a gift from God.  We can be cheerful and speak blessings, or, we can wish our lives away.  For instance, I live in Mississippi, so, I expect the weather to be very unpredictable.  Why we act so surprised when we are sweatin' down to our undies in July is beyond me.  And on the other hand, unlike this past Christmas, we can 'dream' all we want, but, most years, if you live in Mississippi, you won't have a White Christmas!   I remember one Christmas, we had the windows raised, the ceiling fans going, and we were wearing short sleeved shirts.  You Just NEVER Know!  Don't be surprised if you turn on the air conditioner in the day time and the heater at night anytime in October through April, IF you live in Mississippi.  So, I figure, taking one day at a time weather wise is one way to cut back on stress.   Moving on to Mondays!  Monday mornings are a gift, just like Saturday mornings.  Why do we hate Mondays?  Monday morning is a nice, clean, fresh beginning; REALLY, it is!  And who knows; Tuesday may never be ours to enjoy.  Do you hate Winter?  Spring may never come.  My point?  Enjoy each day as if it's the only day you  have...it just could be!  Do I ever complain?   Yes, I am human.  BUT, I am aware of when I do complain about such as I've written here, and, I try to stop, repent, and thank God for the generous gift of life.   There are many good things about each season.  God gives us variety.  Seasons are sort of like meals; most people don't want the same thing to eat all the time, and if the weather were the same all the time, I know I'd get a bit bored and tired of it.  I love rain, but when we go for days at a time and all we see outside is rain, I'll be the first to admit, it begins to wear on my nerves!   That's the way I've been with the snow lately.  We've had more snow since Dec. 25 than I remember having in a month in my lifetime.  Christmas morning, the snow was exciting and pretty; I ran outside and played!  January 10th, I made some snow cream, but stayed in until late that afternoon.  That was the day we had 7 inches.  Needless to say, there was still snow on the ground for over a week; snow lost some of it's excitement to me...and then, last week, it came a little dusting again; and this week, again!  And yes, I've said; "O.K., the snow's been pretty, I enjoyed it, but it will be fine if we don't get anymore until next Christmas!"  I even told Noelle that I was taking my 'Winter Wonderland' background off of my blog...Of course, she was quick to point out that my blog background had nothing to do with our real live winter wonderland.  I knew that, but I decided to change my background to something more generic, just the same.  Boy, has this been random! Ha.  My point is this:  I changed my Winter Wonderland background and changed the first 3 songs on my blog from snow songs, because, I am a bit tired of snow...but, I also want to remind myself that each day is a gift that I need to accept no matter the weather, no matter which day, and no matter the season. (of the year, or the season of my life)

Purpose

I've been thinking about the beginning of this new year, two-thousand eleven.  I decided to NOT make any resolutions.  Why?  Because I usually fail at keeping them.  I decided to just purpose in my heart to continue to try to serve and love God, family, and others daily; trust God, and to just take one day at a time.  I do need to lose weight!  I do need to read my Bible through!  I do need to worry less!  I do need to pray more!  I do need to be more disciplined!  I do need to _______ many things; but...I know if I just continue to try to love and serve God, family, and others as is my true heart's desire, all the other things will fall in place.  I so desire to be pleasing in God's sight, and with that being my goal in life, I just feel like all else is small stuff.  To be pleasing in God's sight will make me strive to read my Bible more, to trust God more and to worry less, to serve others more joyfully, and to even be more healthy.  I found this quote, The Hero,  in a book I'm reading.  It says this to me...Just do what you are suppose to each day, be where you are supposed to be each day, be consistent, and be faithful to God and to your family, and life will be meaningful and a blessing.  As for doing what I am supposed to do; God tells me to tell others about Him, He tells me to love others, He tells me to be faithful, He tells me to love Him with all my heart, soul, and mind, He tells me to please Him, He tells me to not be apart of the world, He tells me to resist temptation and evil, He tells me to "Shine"!   May I say IF I just purpose in my heart to be found pleasing in God's sight each day of this year, I'll be busy doing what I should, and I'll be found where I should be.   Below, I have also included some verses that are wonderful and wise scriptures to live by each day and to even make your 'life' verses.    Happy 2011 to each of you from Life By George!

The Hero

The hero does not set out to be one.  She is probably more surprised than others by recognition.  She was there when the crisis occurred...and she responded as she always had in any situation.  She was simply doing what had to be done!  Faithful where she was in her duty there...she was ready when the crisis arose.  Being where she was supposed to be...doing what she was supposed to do...responding as was her custom...to circumstances as they developed...devoted to duty- she did the heroic!

~Richard C. Halverson, "Perspective" newsletter, Oct. 6, 1977. (Gender changed)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.  ~ Psalm 19:14

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. ~Psalm 90:12

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.  ~Matthew 5:16

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; ;and all these things shall be added unto you. ~Matthew 6:34

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among who ye shine as lights in the world. ~Philippians 2:13-15

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men, The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.  ~ Philippians 4:4-9

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  ~Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men.  ~Colossians 3:23

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God: and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  ~I John 4:7

I Know How Humpty Dumpty Felt

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the King's horses, And all the King's men

Couldn't put Humpty together again!

I wrote my own little rhyme for my GREAT FALL.

Liesa-Liesa, going down the stairs,

In a big hurry, should be aware...

Missed a step and low and behold,

Down the steps, she tumbled and rolled.

Holding her camera in her hand,

To take a picture of a coyote and her little man.

Broke the camera, oh the shame,

She's bruised and battered, but not completely lame.

Pretty purples and black now color some body parts,

But the breaking of the camera is what broke her heart.

A lesson is learned in this painful fall~

Slow and steady helps one to stay on the wall.

It's ok to chuckle a bit.  It wasn't ok to chuckle Saturday night though!  I was going to the garage to take a picture of Cale and a coyote he had killed.  I was going pretty fast and I missed a step.  I thought I would NEVER reach the bottom.  I know it had to be a funny sight!  Just thinking about it now makes me laugh.  I was thinking "Will this ever end?"  My bottom was going ninety to nothing down the wooden steps and when I got to the bottom step, I did this little flip and landed on my knee and cheek. (Yes, as in my face!)  Noelle yelled for her daddy.  She said, "Mother, I thought you were dead, all I could see were legs, and you weren't moving!"  And even that brings a humorous image to my mind! lol.

I could hear Cale running through the basement to get to me.  He had deer blood all over him. He had been hunting and had killed a deer (and the coyote).  Scot and Noelle had flew down the steps and Scot had stepped over me to get to the bottom.  I was trying to sit up and I was leaning on Cale's leg and listening to Scot tell me NOT to lean on Cale's leg due to the blood, etc.   They helped me to sit on the bottom step and I was feeling of my cheek and panicking because I knew I had landed on it.  Y'all know by now how vain I am.  I finally got up and made it back upstairs where I realized I had broken my camera!!!  Tears started flowing!  I took Aleve before I went to bed hoping that it wouldn't take all the king's men to get me out of the bed Sunday morning.  I slept pretty well.  I wasn't too bad sore Sunday morning.  THEN, I saw the bruises!  Very colorful, I might say!  As the day went on Sunday, the soreness set in.  By yesterday morning, I was very sore.  I kept taking Aleve and tried to keep moving to get the soreness out.  I'm still colorful, but I feel much better today.   I decided to go ahead and share this with y'all and to just laugh about it.  I also want to say that I am very thankful that I am just bruised.  And I know I can get another camera, but I've just tried so hard to be frugal lately with Christmas coming up and so many extra expenses with having a Senior in school this year.  I guess the breaking of my camera just sort of busted my bubble, so to speak!  I seriously am very thankful that God was with me, as He always is.  And I'm thankful that I get kicks out of even what could be bad things.  Life is good!

This is the sign that we see on the way down the stairs to the basement.  (If you're not flying down them so fast that you can't read!)  I have not told my parents about my fall yet.  I am cooking for them for Thanksgiving.  If they knew I had been so sore this week, they would want us all just to eat out, so shhhhh....What Happens In The Man Cave Stays In the Man Cave.   

I'll post about Scot's ordeal with a pinched nerve next.  He said that we are falling apart together.  That's a good place to be falling apart if I am! :)

Here's the picture I had taken before my battery died.  That's why I went back upstairs.  I was getting new batteries to take more pictures.

Taters

Some people never seem motivated to participate,

but are just content to watch others do the work.

They are called "Spec Taters".

Some people never do anything to help,
but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work.
They are called "Comment Taters".

Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do,
but don't want to soil their own hands.
They are called "Dick Taters".

Some people are always looking to cause problems

by asking others to agree with them.
It is too hot or too cold; too sour or too sweet.
They are called "Agie Taters".

There are those who say they will help,
but somehow just never get around

to actually doing the promised help.
They are called "Hezzie Taters".

Some people can put up a front

and pretend to be someone they are not.
They are called "Emma Taters".

Then there are those who love others

and do what they say they will.
They are always prepared to stop whatever

they are doing to lend a helping hand.
They bring sunshine into the lives of others.
They are called "SWEET TATERS".

I'm thankful for all the SWEET TATERS in my life!

I Know Whom I Have Believed

In life, sometimes we get comfortable; everything goes well with our job, family, church...daily life is, you know?....good! A strong-brisk storm comes along unexpectedly and it causes us to search ourselves. WHO am I serving? WHY am I serving? WHAT can happen to make me quit serving? I have dared to go deep within my heart, soul, and mind lately, which is very helpful and enlightening to do every now and then. As a matter a fact, it will either bring out the best in you, or the worst in you. It will tell the tale, as my mother would say. We can learn a lot from being in life's sea when the waves are rocking our boats fiercely. My recent soul searching has increased my faith. You know how you really don't know how you will feel or react until you come face to face with circumstances? I can say, I would do this, or I would do that, but the truth is, I really don't know until that circumstance comes knocking at my door. I'm happy to report that I do know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day. I'm happy to report that I serve God because He is worthy, and thus far, I am weathering the storm and am not jumping ship. A song I like says... 'When the storms are raging, I'll not be afraid. God holds me in the palm of His hand. When my ship is drifting and sails are frail, God holds me in the palm of His hand.' I'm thankful for the check up I've had, although painful, my faith and my hope has been increased, and I can pass the good news on to you, there is peace in the midst of the storm all because of Jesus. Another song says...'I will serve Thee because I love Thee, You have given life to me. I was nothing before you found me, You have given life to me. Heartaches, broken pieces, Ruined lives are why You died on Calvary, Your touch was what I longed for, You have given life to me.'

Between You & God

People are often unreasonable and self-centered,

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,

People may accuse you of ulterior motives,

Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you,

Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous,

Be happy anyway.

The good you do may be forgotten tomorrow,

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,

And it may never be enough.

For you see, in the end,

It is between you and God,

It never was between you and them anyway.

~Mother Teresa

Daily Bible Reading

How is it I fail in something that should be so easy? I had been so disciplined reading the scheduled daily Bible readings until a few weeks ago. It's no one's fault but my own, but the week my son was so sick, I missed a day or two, and then, it was hard to get back on track. I still read my Bible, but just haven't kept up with the schedule. I had been posting the weekly schedule on my blog, but since I'm behind, I thought I wouldn't post it. But, if anyone was keeping up with the schedule that I was posting, if you'll leave me a note, I'll send you a schedule. I'm not quitting, I'm just not up to date on this and I felt like a hypocrite posting the schedule when I'm so far behind. As my husband would say, "You're not the pope". But, there is my confession! Ha. Pray for me that I do better. By the way, if you're reading Life By George today, thanks for dropping by. I appreciate all my friends in Blog-Land!

A Special Day

Today is a very special day. Our daughter Noelle accepted Jesus as her personal Savior 7 years ago today. What a blessing! Of all the things I'm thankful for, the salvation of my children are at the top of the list. What a serious thing this is. I don't think we as parents can even fathom the seriousness of this great decision in their lives. It's the difference in Heaven and Hell. We are so guilty of putting such emphasis on other things whether it be education, material things, popularity, etc., sometimes we put such little emphasis on the most important decision any of us will ever make. My children can't get to heaven on my salvation; it's a personal thing. Jesus is a personal savior. He doesn't call us as a family, he calls us individually. I think I've said before in a post, but it stands true today: I would have rather never given birth to my wonderful children than for them to die without Christ. I have asked God for a lot of things, but nothing more important or urgent than for the salvation of my children. God didn't force His great gift upon them, but through His Gospel message, He convicted their hearts and helped them to see their need for a Savior. Ephesians 2:8 & 9 says this: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
My words are so inadequate when I try to thank God for His gift. I am soooo glad that His salvation is based upon His love and what Christ did for us on Calvary, and not based upon anything I do. I fail miserably every day. What peace I have when I realize that my salvation is dependent upon Him, the perfect one. Thank you Lord for saving Noelle. Because of Your grace and mercy, she and I will spend eternity with You. Happy 'Saved By Grace' birthday Noelle.

Bible

I Give You To God

Swearing in of the 44th President of the United States of America

Before the inauguration.
President elect Obama, Laura Bush, President Bush, & Michelle Obama

President Bush speaking with Malia and Sasha

Shall we dance?

Vice President Joe Biden with wife Jill

Yesterday was a somber and quiet day in my home. There's usually alot of yack and laughter going on, but not yesterday. The television is a no-no on school days, but yesterday was the exception. It wouldn't have mattered if we were swearing in Porky Pig (no comparisons intended), we would have been glued to the t.v. watching each and every detail. This was a "history" day! When I say 'history', I'm not just speaking of the first African-American President, I'm speaking, this is it for the 44th inauguration, no matter who is was. I mean America is over 200 years old, and this is only the 44th leader we've had, and really, there hasn't been 44 leaders due to some of them serving more than one term in office. In my lifetime of almost 44 years, I've seen Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, and now Obama sworn in. President Ford didn't even have an inauguration day due to the circumstances of that time. President Johnson was president when I was born. So, as I said, yesterday was a very historical day. I thought yesterdays inauguration was very well planned out and organized, two things I appreciate with any event. I was impressed with several things of the day. Alot of things are just for show due to all the media, etc., but at the same time, this is what I saw: I saw President and Mrs. Bush being very cordial, helpful, and encouraging to the Obama's; I thought it very nice and thoughtful of Mrs. Obama to have a gift for Mrs. Bush, I loved the clothes the Obama's chose for the day-very tasteful- but not over the top, Sasha and Malia Obama were very well behaved-that's always a plus, I loved it when the reporter told that the Obama children would still be required to make their own beds in their new home, he also said that President Obama doesn't drink coffee, but also continued to say that he doesn't drink alcohol either, so that made me happy, (the alcohol, not the coffee part!) My Country Tis of Thee sung by Aretha Franklin was a winner to me (as I do have some "soul" in me!), ....it was just a pleasant kind of day to me. The hoopla is history today and the real work is begun. This is the day that if we've not started to pray already, we need to begin. We need to pray for our leader, President Obama. I am very candid in that I did not vote for this man, I did not support this man in any way, not because of color, age, experience, etc., but simply because of his stand on certain issues. Those issues include homosexuality and abortion. I do not type anything this morning on my blog that I would not respectfully, yet firmly express to my president face to face. I stand upon God's Word and I shall not be moved. BUT, Barack Obama is now MY president and I choose to support him with my prayers and well wishes respectfully and sincerely. I too once was blind, but now I see, and the same God that saved me by his marvelous grace can convict our nations leaders hearts and show them the truth of His Word. With that said, I do enjoy seeing the Obama family on t.v. and I enjoy reading about them. They seem very sincere, they seem very fun, thoughtful, and caring. I love the vigor, charm, friendliness, and zeal about them. No one can accuse them of being "stiff". President Obama's job and my job are two different things: His is to lead our great nation, mine is to pray for him and to hold him up to God. I don't wish for this man to fail in any way. Should he fail, we all fail! His success is our success. I encourage each of you, no matter how you feel about him personally, pray diligently for President and Mrs. Obama and their children, and for the other leaders of our nation right down to the mayor and council people of our towns. God is still faithful, true, long-suffering, kind, and all-powerful. I may never be known to Presidents and Kings here below, but the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords knows my name, He knows my heart, He knows my thoughts; How special I am to Him! , so therefore I feel quite comfortable casting all my cares upon Him and trusting Him with my hearts desires and all my fears. I am thankful to be an American, and it's just by the grace of God that I am, but I'm even more thankful to be a child of the King and to know that I'm bought by the blood of my Saviour Jesus. I'll close with these verses that have been such a comfort to me through the years. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Women of The Bible

I am enjoying Genesis more this time than I ever have before. I had been reading a book about women of the Bible and some of the things that the writer brought out in that book has helped me look at the lives of Eve, Mrs. Noah, Rebekah, Sarah, and some of the other ladies quite differently than before. I just never had put much thought into them I guess. I'm not reading Job yet in my daily reading, but Bro. Harold has been teaching out of Job on Sunday nights at church. Something dawned on me the other night; I just sort of sat there dumb-founded! I was proud of myself though. The thoughts I had were so overwhelming that it's honestly a miracle I didn't stop the class with one of my "oh my goodness" moments! Mrs. Job is talked about negatively alot and put down. Well, I put myself in her shoes the other night and I felt downright sorry for her. Not only did Job lose everything, but poor Mrs. Job did as well. Now, God could replace my material possessions and He could heal my husband, but no matter how many more children He gave me, it would never replace the ones I already had. Give that some thought and then put Mrs. Job down; I can't! Who knows what I would have said or done in her situation. I'm not condoning her telling Job to curse God and die, but I can say I understand a bit more since I gave it some thought and tried to walk in her shoes. I know God does all things well and that He's always right, but I saw Mrs. Job in a different light and I thought I'd share.
Sometimes I think we don't realize that the people in the Bible were just like we are, they were made of flesh and bones, they weren't "super" men and women. They were just ordinary people that were willing to be used by God. Just reading about Abraham and Isaac lying about their wives, Rebekah deceiving Isaac helps me to see that they sinned and made wrong choices, but God always forgave and used them for His glory anyway. That's great news to me and very encouraging to me! I mean well, but I'm human and I can mess up so badly at times. That doesn't make it right, but it does give me hope that I can be forgiven and that God will still use me if I'll let Him. He's just so good in spite of my goofy self!

Your Vote Matters

In our Sun. School lesson for Nov. 16, we will consider "Key Christian Duties," including the responsibility we as Christians have before God to respect, obey, and pray for those in authority. (see Rom. 13:1-7; I Tim. 1:2-3) We will briefly consider a few ways we can influence those who hold public office. It is not only our right, it is also our duty to get involved.
First, pray for wisdom and for the election in general.
Second, study the issues from a biblical perspective. Don't just listen to what the candidates say, look at their voting record and previous statements as well.
Finally, to the best of your ability, vote in a manner pleasing to God.

How important is one vote?
Consider this true story:
On election day in 1840, an Indiana farmer named Henry Shoemaker had traveled all day to cast his vote. He arrived at the county courthouse just as the polls were closing-just in time to vote for the candidate of his choice for the Indiana state legislature.
A close vote was expected, but not the heavy turnout that occurred. Shoemaker had to use a makeshift ballot since election officials had run out of official ballots. His choice for the state office was Madison Marsh, who was elected by just one vote.
But the story does not end there. In those days, U.S. Senators were elected by state legislatures. Madison Marsh cast his first ballot as a legislator for a man name Harrigan, who was elected to the United States Senate by one vote. During his tenure in office, Senator Harrigan voted for Texas to become the 28th state of the union; and oddly enough, it was by just one vote statehood for Texas was passed. We can only guess how different our world now would be were it not for Henry Shoemaker who, with determination, made his way to the polls that election day in 1840 to cast his ballot.
Don't sit this election out! Be involved. Your vote really does matter.

(I got this from our Sun. School Literature)

PRAY!

I am sooo very burdened about the upcoming election. Our freedoms are depending upon this election. The very truths our country was founded on depends on the election.
I am desperate; I want God's attention!!! Read Genesis 18:16-33. Abraham pleaded to God to save Sodom. I asked Scot last night why God didn't spare Sodom and he said because Abraham quit asking. So, I am not going to let up! I am going to ask and plead with God each day to have mercy on us one more time and to somehow, if it could be His will, intervene on our behalf. I beg and encourage you to pray fervently each day in the days ahead. The future depends upon our prayers and God answering them.
I am also praying for Mr. Obama, Mr. Biden, Mr. McCain, and Mrs. Palin. My prayer is that they will know Christ (if they don't) in a personal way; through His great salvation. I am praying for old-fashioned Holy Ghost conviction. Salvation works!!! It opens eyes to God's truth, it heals, and it will correct. But for the grace of God and Christ's blood, I might be in the same shoes some of these are. I once was blind, but now I see! Pray for eyes to be opened all over this great country. According to CNN, these are the states that are either safe or leaning for Obama: WA, OR, CA, NM, MN, ME, IA, WI, IL, MI, PA, NH, NY, VA, DC, MD, DE, VT, NJ, CT, RI, MA, AND HI.
These are the states that a toss up between the two: FL, NC, OH, MO, CO, AND NV.
The following are leaning to McCain: MT, ND, AR, LA, IN, AND WV.
The states not listed above are considered safe for McCain.
Pray for the people in these states!!! Pray that the ones that are not sure who to vote for will somehow cast their vote for the more conservative. (even if they don't even know why they are doing so!) Pray for the ones that are leaning toward conservative, to stick to their guns and have the guts to go against the grain!
Mark 11:22-24
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

If you believe that God can do anything, please spend time with Him this week and pray and ask him to have mercy upon our country one more time. May God's will be done.

Angels, Godliness, & Words

Scot taught on Angels tonight at church.
I enjoyed the study very much. The verses he gave us were so encouraging and uplifting.
Just to think that God gives angels charge over us. There's no tellings how many times we are kept from harm by God putting an angel between us and the danger. In Daniel, God sent an angel to shut the lions mouth. Wow!
We talked about the angels Michael and Gabriel, seraphims, & cherubs. He said angels are sent as messengers and guardians. The angels mentioned in the Bible are masculine form.
Other verses used:
Gen. 16:7, I Cor. 15:39, Ps. 148:1-2, 5,
Zech. 1:9, Matt. 1:20 and 24, Matt. 2:13 and 19,
Ps. 91:11, Dan. 8:16, Dan. 9:21,
Dan. 10:13 and 21, Dan. 12:1, I Thes. 4:16, Jude 9,
Jude 6, Is. 6:1-3 and 6, Ezek. 1:5, Ps. 34:7, Dan. 6:22, Heb. 13:2, Matt. 25:34

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I've been reading A Woman's High Calling by Elizabeth George. Today, I read about Godly speech and personal discipline.
How to follow our calling to godliness:
(from pages 18-22)
1. Pray- Prayer will most definately affect our behavior.
2. Purpose- to be more aware of God's presence.
3. Praise the Lord
4. And Praise Him some more
5. Pick a point of meditation
6. Prize-your high calling to reverent behavior.
7. Plan-to act in ways that attract attention to the Lord rather than to yourself.
8. Ponder- your behavior and your choices, for by them you tell on yourself.

You Tell on Yourself

You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,

By the very manner in which you speak,

By the way you employ your leisure time,

By the use you make of dollar and dime.

You tell what you are by the things you wear,

By the spirit in which your burdens bear,

By the kind of things at which you laugh,

By the records you play on the phonograph,

You tell what you are by the way you walk,

By the things of which you delight to talk,

By the manner in which you bear defeat,

By so simple a thing as how you eat.

By the books you choose from the well-filled shelf:

In these ways and more, you tell on yourself.

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A note from me:

May I tell you that it DOES matter what we say and how we say it? Words cut far worse than a knife. Words can either make or ruin someones day. Words can lift or tear down. Words can encourage or discourage. It's our choice! God does not make us speak goodness and kindness; it pleases Him when we do though. I myself am going to make a point and a matter of prayer to work on my tongue and my Words! I want to be an encourager, a good day maker, a lifter-upper. ( I made up that word) I want to spread sunshine all around, not slander and hurt.

Pray for me as I work on this and other Godly traits. And pray for me that I will handle peoples Words with a heart that over-looks and forgives quickly.

TWENTY

Yesterday, Noelle informed me (and others) that one month from yesterday she will celebrate her 20th birthday. 20 - Jumping Johosaphat! Is that possible? She will not be a teen-ager anymore, I won't be the mother of a teen-age daughter anymore. Twenty years ago, I didn't even know if she was a Noelle JoBeth or a Zachary Scot. Noelle has been a joy in my life. She is the young lady that I wish I had of been. As a little girl, she was soooo shy. If someone walked up to us and spoke to her, she'd grab my leg and hide, and almost make me fall. She was so talented and so smart. She would sing or quote Mother Goose or the Bible constantly. She could put us on a show being her dramatic self, almost a Shirley Temple personality when acting out something or singing. And believe it or not, she was quite a tom-boy. If you have only known her for a few years, you might have a hard time believing that. I remember that her cousin who is 3 years older than her, was scared of Noelle at times, just because Noelle was used to wrestling with us, etc. Noelle would run and jump and tackle Chrissy. (not in a hurtful way) But, Chrissy would end up on the back of the couch to get away from her! ha. Noelle's imagination was broad as the world! She loved to play and I very seldom heard the words "I'm bored" come out of her mouth. I remember one day she got into a bit of trouble. I told her to go sit in the rocking chair for a while and think about what she had done. She obeyed, and I went on with whatever I was doing. I came back through a few minutes later and looked in on her, and she had picked up a dusting cloth I had left on the entertainment center, which was beside the rocking chair. She was singing and talking, using it for a puppet! She was a Girlie Girl too, always in pretty dresses, matching hair bows, and her jewelry.(for church) After I'd dress her, she would come to me with her little hands out (palms down) waiting on her ring and bracelet. Noelle was a good student in school. She was very self-disiplined and motivated. Her heart has always been so tender, still is, sometimes to a fault, but yet, she is so steadfast and firm in her beliefs. She serves God and others willingly and joyfully. She made the decision to "NOT" date around just to date, which I wish I had made that decision as a teen-ager. I admire her so much. She shares my passion for books, movies, shopping, shoes, and purses! Noelle is a wonderful pianist and singer, and has such a way with the children at church. She has a great heart for others. Last Christmas, she baked several dozen cookies, made a list of widows, widowers, and shut in's in the community, and delivered the cookies to their door. She had not even met some of these people before, but desired to be a blessing to them. The greatest thing I can say about Noelle is she accepted Jesus as her Savior Feb. 19, 2002. That does a momma's heart good. When I was just a teen-ager, I heard a man say that he had rather God take his baby boy away from him and his wife than for that child to grow up and never be saved. I didn't understand that at the time, but in later years, I come to understand exactly what that man meant. Salvation is such a serious thing. My hearts desire since even becoming pregnant with my children was that they would be saved and serve the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind. God has given me the desire of my heart, and I thank Him each day for that. Well, I guess this has sounded like a "Brag on Noelle" post, but it's truly just been a walk down memory lane, and a "Thank You Lord" post. Time has passed quickly, but the journey has been very blessed and happy. This momma has no complaints!
I think I'll go hug my daughter now. L

We have a wonderful deacon at our church who is a royal nut! Sorry, but it's true. He loves to aggrivate "the preachers wife", which is me, and he calls me "Linda". It's not because he has a bad memory and can't remember Liesa; that just be's the way it is! ha. Anyway, his name is Harold Wilson, and he really is a very dear man. He and his family are so good to us. August, 2007, I had surgery. He and his daughter Claire came to visit me in the hospital, and he brings in a bag of what I thought was goodies! I was so proud of him for being so thoughtful. I should have guessed otherwise by the smurk on his face. I opened the bag and I took each item out one at a time. I had a can of beenie wienies, sardines, vienna sausage, pork and beans, etc. What a guy!!!! He said, "Linda, I heard you were hungry, so I wanted to bring you some food." Thats just one of the hard times he's given me over the past 4 years. After I got home from the hospital, a week later was Labor Day. He came over that afternoon and brought us some bbq. Now, I have to say one nice thing about Harold, the man can cook!!!! He told me to let him know how we liked the bbq sauce, he said he had made it himself. We had already eaten when he brought the food, so the next day, we indulged in Harolds BBQ. Noelle and I rubbed some of the sauce on our faces, and got Cale to take our pic. That night, I woke up and had a hard time going back to sleep (not because of his food) and my brain started turning, and this is what I wrote! (I gave Harold a copy of the pic. and the poem: I told him my down-time since surgery had not been wasted!)

HAROLD'S HOMEMADE HOG-WILD BBQ SAUCE

YOU'LL GO HOG-WILD OVER HAROLDS HOMEMADE SAUCE,

AMONG THE REST, IT'S THE BOSS!

EAR TO EAR, CHEEK TO CHEEK,

IT'S THE SAUCE WE ALWAYS SEEK.

TIME AFTER TIME, DAY AFTER DAY.

THIS HOG-WILD STUFF IS HERE TO STAY.

FOLKS, GO OUT AND BUY SOME,

LIGHT A FIRE, INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO COME.

SHARE THIS TREASURE,

IT'S THE BEST YOU'LL FIND.

SLATHER ON DEER, CHICKEN, & HOGS BEHIND!

SHOOT, IT'S SO GOOD, JUST GRAB A STRAW!

YOU WON'T BE WEIRD, NO, NOT AT ALL.

WE'RE THE POSTER GIRLS FOR THIS DELICIOUS STUFF,

AND WE'RE PROUD TO ENDORSE IT, JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH.

GIVE IT FOR CHRISTMAS, BIRTHDAYS, OH MY!

JUST LOOK AT THESE FACES, NOW TELL ME, WOULD WE LIE?

SO GO HOG WILD,

TRY IT, DON'T TAKE MY WORD.

ITS' SO GOOD, IT'S PLUM ABSURB!!!

SIGN OF OLD AGE?

Ok, this is my daily morning routine: While drinking my "black" coffee, I sit at my computer and read The Belmont Times. (the website address is on this page) My longtime friend Joel Wells keeps us updated on all the happenings in my hometown of Belmont. After I scan the page, I always go to the Daily Journal Obituaries. And no, I'm not looking for my name!!! I have done this for years. I know people from Ripley, Corinth, Booneville, Belmonts surrounding area, Tupelo, Pontotoc, etc. so sometimes I wouldn't know about a death if I didn't read it in the paper.
I enjoy my morning routine very much even if it does include deaths. I thank Joel for the Belmont website. I love my hometown and the people there and love keeping up with all the news and happenings. If I had a pic. of Joel with his tongue out, I would post it on this page.
Lucky Joel! ha. (He posted one of me and my kids being silly on the Belmonttimes to introduce my blog)
So, for the record, me looking at obit's every morning is not a sign of my age since I've been doing this for years via paper or internet. It's probably just a sign of my nosiness, and of course my love for people too.


Here are a couple of things I read in "Mama, Get The Hammer!" by Barbara Johnson

A PESSIMIST IS SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES THAT WHEN HER CUP RUNNETH OVER...
SHE'LL NEED A MOP.

SOME COMPLAIN BECAUSE THE ROSE HAS THORNS; SOME GIVE THANKS BECAUSE THE THORNS HAVE ROSES.

EACH DAY COMES BEARING GIFTS. UNTIE THE RIBBONS!

FOR EVERY ONE THING THAT GOES WRONG
THERE ARE FIFTY TO ONE HUNDRED BLESSINGS.
COUNT THEM!

And this is from me:
Have a knock you socks off good day dear bloggin' friend!

MY PRAYER TODAY

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. ~Psalm 143:10

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. ~Psalm 143:8

Teach me good judgement and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
~ Psalm 119:66

Good morning to all.
Just a few thoughts this morning. First of all, I feel so happy inside that I can hardly contain myself. God is so good. Beautiful day-Beautiful family-Wonderful peace-Awesome God!
Secondly, I am new at this blogging business, so as you can plainly see, some of my posts have way too much space in between them, etc. and I have no clue as how to fix that, so just look at the pretty red color as you scroll, I guess! I love blogging, I'm so glad I was introduced to it.
I have always wanted to journal, and I've started gazillions of them, but never keep it up.
Don't know why this is any different, but I look forward to getting on my blog each day. As you can tell, I'm WILD about my family. I know the pictures are probably a bit much, but they make me happy when I get on here, so... that within itself is a good thing.
I also love looking at other peoples blogs. I have looked at a couple of blogs that I don't even know the ladies who are bloggin', but I have enjoyed reading their ideas, writings about their families and days, etc.
Do ya'll ever just feel like stepping out on your front porch and yelling real loud? Nothing bad or anything; just something like "I LOVE LIFE!" or "GOD IS SOOOO GOOD TO ME!"
Why don't I do that, I wonder? It's how I feel, but I will try to contain myself, and just sing and be hyper within my walls. Don't want to scare the neighbors I guess! Ok, that was silly I guess, but that was in my brain. It gets pretty exciting in there sometimes! ha.

If you read this, Have a lovely, happy day!!! Happy Bloggin' to ya.

Verses That Are On My Mind

Romans 12:1-2
I Beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect, will of God.

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord,
my strength, and my redeemer.

These words stand out to me: Present, Living Sacrifice, Holy, Acceptable unto God, Reasonable,
Transformed, Renewing, Prove, Good, Acceptable, Perfect, Will of God.

God will not force me to present myself a living sacrifice. I am to be willing to do that.
I am to be different, unlike the world. I am to be Holy; live by Gods standards, not mans.
This is a reasonable service, God doesn't ask too much of us. If I live a Holy life according to Gods Word, then, I will prove that which is good, acceptable, perfect, will of God. And I will be in the perfect will of God, which is always the best place to be.
The verse from Psalm is my daily prayer. I desire for the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be acceptable in Gods sight.

Oh how I mess up, but I want to strive to do the above, not FOR salvation, but BECAUSE of my salvation.

Our Sunday

We had wonderful services yesterday morning and last night at church. We had eight visitors yesterday morning which was a blessing. Scot preached a great message from Isaiah 25.
He encouraged us from verse 4 that 1. God has been a strength to the poor. 2. He's been a strength to the needy. 3. He's been a refuge from the storm. 4. He's a shadow from the heat.
He compared it to us today with our needs, storms of life, and even death. God has provided power over death and given us joy and peace. In verse 8, it says that God will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces;
I didn't know what the word "lees" was referring to, but Scot said it was preserving something.
And if we are saved, we are preserved by God, and of course His Word is preserved.

Once a month, we have singing instead of class from 5 to 6. The congregation sings quite a bit and if anyone that sings specials wants to sing, they can. Then, at 6, Scot usually brings the message. But last night, Scot got up and said that God had not given him anything, so he felt led to give us the opportunity to read a verse that was on our heart or to give a testimony about our salvation or tell what we are thankful for. Alot of people were telling how good God has been to them and some read scriptures they had on their heart. It was a very touching service. I sang my new song, "Tried and True". Noelle did a good job on her special. She sang "I'm Free".
At the closing of the service, I played and sang "He Touched Me" (by request) and the congregation stood and sang it with me. There was such a sweet spirit.
God is truly good.

Before church yesterday morning, I called my dear friend Angie Hutcheson and wished her a happy 40th birthday. I think I was more excited about her birthday than she was! ha.
She is very dear to my heart and has been such a blessing in my life. She deserved a great big happy day!