The Tablet of My Heart

December 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-12-24T11:29:00.001-08:00

Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men

on whom His favor rests."

Luke 2:13-14NIV

I chose this passage on the 15th, but just now getting to post it here. The most special part of our family Christmas traditions is my Mom reciting all of Luke 2. I'm just trying to remember short passages. After reciting all of Luke 2 today, my Mom said,

"It is amazing that I am having difficulty remembering some things, but some things are still with me."

She is amazing.

My hope is that you had a special time with your loved ones, that you have a "Happy Day after Christmas and a Merry rest of the year!" (Matthew West-song)

Sandy

December 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-12-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Through Jesus,

therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-

the fruit of lips that confess His name.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others,

for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:15-16NIV

I would really like to hear from you.

Sandy

November 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-11-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

I pray that God who gives hope,

will bless you with complete happiness and peace

because of your faith.

And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.

Romans 15:13CEV

I really want to blog more than just my scripture memory, but that just continues to be all I am able to do right now. I hope, sometime in the near future, to be able to blog more. I would really love to read the part of the Bible that God is using to speak to you.

Sandy

November 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-11-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

Give thanks to the Lord,

for He is good.

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1

So much to be thankful for every day!

What scripture are you meditating on and what are you thankful for?

Here's the start of my list:

Day 1-God's grace and mercy=my salvation

Day 2-My Mom and Dad. . .the love, guidance, grace and mercy they have given me all my life. . .memories of my Dad. . .friendship with my Mom

Day 3-My Husband, for so many reasons. . .never taking his love for granted

Day 4-each of my 3 children + my 1 daughter-in-love

and the list goes on and on!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sandy

October 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-10-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 6:18NIV

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Woud really like some comments and scriptures that are speaking to you!

Hope you are enjoying some change of the seasons!

Sandy

October 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-10-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Speak to one another in

psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Sing and make music

in your heart to the Lord,

always giving thanks

to God, the Father

for everything

in the name of our Lord,

Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:19-20NIV

I would really love to read the scripture that God is using in your life at this time!

Sandy

September 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-09-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

An anxious heart weighs a man down,

but a kind word cheers him up.

Proverbs 12:25

I would really like to read the scripture that He is using to speak to you!

Sandy

September 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-09-02T08:14:00.001-07:00

Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3NIV

I would love to read the scripture you are memorizing!

Sandy

August 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY/Beginning of a New School Year!

2011-08-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

Let us discern for ourselves what is right;

let us learn together what is good.

Job 34:4NIV

I have chosen this verse, because it, along with my previous listed verse, are the ones that we are beginning our year with for the First Friends 3 year old weekday Christian education class. It's also a good verse for beginning a new year in Girl's Discipleship and other areas.

I'd love to hear the scripture that is speaking to you at this time.

Sandy

August 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-08-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 4:32NIV
Be kind and compassionate

to one another;

forgiving each other,

just as in Christ,

God forgave you.

I would really like to read the scripture that you are focusing on at this time!

Sandy

July 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-07-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Love must be sincere.

Hate what is evil, cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Never be lacking in zeal;

but keep your spiritual fervor

serving the Lord.

Romans 12:9-11NIV

I would love to read the scripture that God is using in your life at this time. I hope you are enjoying your Summer.

Sandy

July 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-07-03T11:05:00.002-07:00

"Be alert, stand firm in the faith,

be brave and strong.

Your every action

must be done with love."

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 HCSB

I would love to read the scripture you are studying at this time, and I pray you are having a Happy and Safe Independence Day Weekend!

Sandy

SIMPLE SUMMER PLEASURE. . .V.B.S.!

2011-06-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure. It's been a while since I've been able to join the Thursday blog party, or even blog at all. I have less than 2 hours before returning to the church for V.B.S. Family Night, but I wanted to get this post in today. Today, and for the next few Thursdays, Dayle is asking us to share our "Summer" Simple Pleasures. Well, that certainly fit what I was thinking about today!

I don't have any pictures to share of precious children or the awesome decorations. I just want to share that it was a simple Summertime pleasure in my life to go to different Vacation Bible Schools in our town, and. . .it is a simple pleasure to be a part of teaching children about Jesus' love for them.

I wasn't crazy about the theme for this year, The Big Apple Adventure. . .at first.

I have very much enjoyed the "Connecting with Faith, Love, Trust, Others, and Life" part of the theme, and also the New York City part, too. It was just now, when I was looking for the picture to go with this post, that I read that the theme was chosen in honor of the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.

I hope that you will click on the words above, Simple Pleasures Thursdays, to join Dayle's party and also leave me a comment. I also pray that you are enjoying your Summer!

Sandy

June 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-06-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

For we are God’s workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus,

to do good works,

which God prepared

in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10NIV

Memorizing scripture this year

has gotten me through a rough time of

grieving over the loss of my Dad

and struggling with my brother.

Things are getting a lot better, now.

I would love for you to share the scripture that God is using in your life.

Sandy

June 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-06-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift

at the altar and there remember

that your brother has something against you,

leave your gift there in front of the altar.

First, go and be reconciled to your brother;

then come and offer your gift."

Matthew 5:23-24

I hope you will share your scripture with me, and I pray you are having a blessed Summer day!

Sandy

May 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-05-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Psalm 143:10NIV

Teach me to do your will,

for You are my God;

may your good Spirit

lead me on level ground.

I would really love for you to share with me a scripture that God is using in your life.

Have a blessed week!

Sandy

May 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-05-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24NIV

I would really love to read the scripture that God is prompting you to memorizing and/or using in your life at this time. Hope to hear from you! I pray you have a blessed week!

Sandy

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS. . .April 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY. . .Happy Easter!

2011-04-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

I had a difficult time choosing my scripture passage to focus on memorizing this time, because I am doing two studies right now with weekly scripture memory. Finally decided on the scripture below. I think both of these passages relate well this week before Easter. I think it's a cool "God timing thing" that in my Girls' discipleship study we have worked our way to the lesson "The Eternity of God-God gives eternal life."

Colossians 1:21-23NIV

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds

because of your evil behavior.

But, now He has reconciled you

by Christ’s physical body

through death to present you holy in His sight,

without blemish and free from accusation–

if you continue in your faith,

established and firm,

not moved from the hope

held out in the gospel.

Chose to focus on the one above, but thinking on the following this week, too:

John 11:25-26NIV

Jesus said to her,

“I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Do you believe this?”

Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog

to share and be blessed.

Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!

I pray you all have a blessed week

and Happy Easter!

Sandy

April 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-04-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Be sure to fear the Lord

and serve Him faithfully with all your heart;

consider what great things He has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:24NIV

I would really love to read the scripture that God is using your life, or just a comment from you.

Sandy

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .sunsets

2011-03-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

Sunsets. . .every sunset is special. . .every sunset is different from the one before. . .

sunsets. . .a part of God's creation to be so thankful for. . . every sunset is beautiful. The same statements can be said of people, too!

A sunset means the end of one day, the hope of another sunrise!

My parents enjoyed many sunsets (and sunrises) together.

My simple pleasure for this week. . .getting to see

a beautiful sunset with my husband,

on the drive home from my son's baseball game tonight.

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure.

Since I have been joining Dayle's party at A Collection of This and That on Thursdays, it has made me think every day about my "simple pleasures".

What is your simple pleasure this week? I'd love to read about it!

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS. . .the complete Serenity Prayer

2011-03-25T15:20:00.001-07:00

I know that you are probably very familiar with the short version of the SERENITY PRAYER, and may even know this complete version. Just wanted to share it with all of you this weekend.

Prayer for Serenity

God, grant me the serenity

to aceept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;

taking, as Jesus did,

this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

trusting that You will make all things right

if I surrender to Your will;

so that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

and supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

by Reinhold Niebuhr

Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog to share and be blessed.
Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!
I pray you all have a blessed weekend!
Sandy

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .the simple pleasure of blogging!

2011-03-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure. Since I have been joining Dayle's party at A Collection of This and That on Thursdays, it has made me think every day about my "simple pleasures". So, I usually have a long list of simple pleasures, and can't get it to just one to share. I have had simple pleasures every day, and did take some pictures that I might share next week.
Today, is my "2 year Blogiversary", so today my simple pleasure is. . .You!. . .
I have always wanted to write and been encouraged to, but my blog is not really creative writing. It is SIMPLE. It started out as prayers and memory verses. Now, in addition to that, it is "Counting it All JOY", "Simple Pleasures", "A Little Happy Blog Hop", "Spiritual Sundays" and a little more. I would like to be able to benefit/bless others more with my blog. I will work on that. I don't have any give aways right now, but THANK YOU very much for taking the time to read my blog. I am blessed by so many wonderful blogs!
What is your simple pleasure this week?

FRIDAY "A LITTLE HAPPY BLOG HOP". . .handprint cross. . .

2011-03-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed the past few weeks by Kristin's Living Graciously blog. Today, she is hosting A Little Happy Blog Hop, for us to share ONE picture that we took that makes us smile.

Here's one I found. . .

It was taken in the youth room of my brother's church at which he is the youth minister. It makes me smile to remember that Jesus paid the debt for my sins. It makes me smile to remember that He is alive. It makes me smile to think of the teenagers represented by these handprints and the people who are investing in their lives. It makes me smile to think about the youth in my life.
Share with us a picture that makes you smile! :-)

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .just a few of my simple pleasures from the past couple weeks. . .

2011-03-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

I missed blogging about my Simple Pleasures last week, because I was waiting for what I knew would be a simple pleasure on Thursday, but then I didn't have time to get it posted. Last Thursday, I got to watch our students perform for the Area Special Olympics Art and Music Festival. We had been practicing with them for a couple months, singing "Gee Ma, I wanna go home!" It all came together so good, and they really did great! I wish you could see those precious children, but. . .can't do that.

On Friday, roses were delivered to school, from the teacher who hasn't been able to be with us, because of her fall. It wasn't necessary for her to send us roses, but it was a simple pleasure to get that show of gratitude. This picture was taken today, when the rose is 6 days old!

Last Thursday, my husband went to a Literacy Coucil fundraiser lunch. There was a silent auction, so he bought me a cheery orange, square plastic bowl filled with a bottle of olive oil, a few great spices, a healthy cookbook and 3 bright kitchen towels. I am enjoying all of those things very much. I love the addition of the bright towels to our kitchen. I should have taken a picture of it all together, but I didn't.

This is Spring Break, so of course, there are many simple pleasures every day.

Today, was a day to just stay home and rest. I got lots of hugs from my son, and

I enjoyed listening to him read to me! It is a simple pleasure to just be with family.

Enjoy your Thursday! I will be getting up early to spend the morning getting my hair done, and then spending the afternoon sitting outside, watching our son play baseball, letting the wind blow my hair! simple pleasure!

Again, enjoy your day, taking time for simple pleasures!

Sandy

COUNTING IT ALL JOY WEDNESDAY. . .The JOYS of Blogging and Happy Birthday, Angel!. . .and Rejoicing in Hope!

2011-03-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Blogging. . .I created my Blog almost 2 years ago, because I was blessed by the LPM blog and I wanted to record my scripture memory. I do truly strive not to let blogging or Facebook take time away from time with God, time with my family or time that I need to spend doing "homehold"chores.

I have been blessed by hundreds of blogs.

I can't remember how I found Loren's blog, The Magoos News, but I remember that I found Angel's blog through Loren's.

Angel's blog is home to Count it All JOY Wednesday. I know that Angel is having a difficult time expressing her joy these days, while her son is preparing to go to Afghanistan, but I know she still has a grateful heart.

Today is Angel's birthday, so go here to share in the JOY of wishing her a Happy Birthday!

Thank you, Angel. for creating Counting it All JOY Wednesday!

Happy Birthday, Angel!!!!

It fills me with JOY to pray for Angel's son Shane as he is deployed to serve our country, and also my friend/neighbor Jama's husband, John. I am praying for them and their families!

Jama. . .while she was at the hospital with one of her daughter's having ear surgery, her mother and other 3 children were in a wreck. Another daughter was thrown out of the car, but is fine, "Praise the Lord!". Her mom had to be air lifted to a far away hospital to have surgery on her broken leg.

This is my scripture that I am claiming today, as I count it all JOY.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perserverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5NIV

What is giving you JOY this week? Don't forget to go wish Angel a Happy Birthday!

Have a JOYFUL Wednesday!

Sandy :-)

March 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

2011-03-15T06:15:00.001-07:00

And without faith,

it is impossible to please God,

because anyone who comes to Him

must believe that He exists

and that He rewards

those who earnestly seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6NIV

I would love to read your scripture choice or just a comment from you.

Enjoy your day!

Sandy

COUNTING IT ALL JOY WEDNESDAY. . .Being alert for God's Plan!

2011-03-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

I count my JOYS every day, and look forward to Count it ALL JOY Wednesday to share with you.

This week,

I am sad that the teacher that I work with had a bad fall a month ago, and hasn't been able to come back to work, yet.

I count it all JOY that maybe the fall has caused a medical problem that she already had to come to light, and given her time to get rested and healed.

I count it all JOY that I am now the "sub" for that class and able to help.

I am sad that I made mistakes as a teenager, but counting it all JOY that I am able to help with The Landing, the youth branch of Celebrate Recovery.

What's giving you JOY this week?

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!
Thank you, Angel!
Also go to http://stephtmomof3.blogspot.com to read Steph's great Joy list!
It fills me with JOY to pray for Angel's son Shane as he is deployed to serve our country, and also my friend/neighbor Jama's husband, John. I am praying for them and their families!

TO THINK ABOUT TUESDAY. . .I Timothy 5:4-8NIV. . .loving family. . .obeyng the Lord

2011-03-08T05:04:00.000-08:00

I Timothy 5: 4, 8NIV

But if a widow has children or grandchildren,

these should learn first of all to put their religion

into practice by caring for their own family

and so repaying their parents and grandparents,

for this is pleasing to God.

If anyone does not provide for his relatives,

and especially for his immediate family,

he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

What are you thinking about today?

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Sandy

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. ..all kinds of teamwork!

2011-03-03T05:00:00.001-08:00

This week, that simple pleasure is participating and watching all kinds of teamwork!

At home, I am a part of teamwork.

At work, I am a part of teamwork.

At church, I am a part of teamwork.

And this week, I will have 4 days of slowing down to sit still and watch my son be a part of his baseball team.

(a much older son than the one in this picture above)

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work;

If one falls down, his friend can help him up,

but pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm,

But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Join Dayle @ A Collection of This and That
to enjoy SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY.

why i COUNT IT ALL JOY WEDNESDAY. . .Oh, the Places You'll Go!. . .Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!. . .missing someone. . .

2011-03-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

I could never forget Why I Count It All JOY Wednesday, but last night and today were so busy, that I almost did forget.

Today was Dr. Seuss' birthday, so that's a special day at elementary schools. It was also the last day for a special kindergarten girl that I have worked with this year, to attend our school. So, we made Cat in the Hat hats, practiced for our Special Olympics Music Festival, read Dr. Seuss books, ate lunch together in the classroom, had a going away party for our friend and watched a Dr. Seuss video.

(and the students had reading, math and computer lessons, recess, p.e., etc.)

This week, I'm going to use a few good Dr. Seuss quotes to tell you why I'm counting it all JOY!

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."

What is filling you with JOY today?
It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!
Thank you, Angel!
It fills me with JOY to pray for Angel's son Shane as he is deployed to serve our country, and also my friend/neighbor Jama's husband, John. I am praying for them and their families!

SCRIPTURE MEMORY 2011 March 1

2011-02-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18NIV

I would really love to read the scripture God is using in your life today!
Sandy : )

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .Positive Words

2011-02-23T19:36:00.001-08:00

My job is working with special needs students who are young, but are very physically defiant. The beautiful little girl, with whom I mainly work with, bites, pinches, kicks and hits me multiple times daily, but she also hugs, kisses and says "thank you" a lot. This week, my simple pleasure is positive words, especially the words, "thank you!" and "good job!"

Join Dayle @ A Collection of This and That

to enjoy SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY.

P.S. I did not write this post or any of my posts for praise to me. Just sharing my simple pleasure. I do thank you all for reading and commenting on my blog.

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS. . .A Covenant of Peace from the Lord

2011-02-19T11:06:00.001-08:00

My son and I enjoyed watching my brother's 8 year old son's Upward basketball game this morning. We also enjoyed the testimony that was given by a coach at half time.

She shared that she had thought that she was a Christian, but that about 10 years ago, when her husband had a heart problem, and she couldn't find the "peace" that others kept talking about, she realized that she didn't have that peace, because God was not god of her life. She did become a Christian, and then her husband had a heart problem again, and that time, she did have peace. She still has her husband today, but God gave her the peace at that time when she needed it, that if He did take her husband to heaven, He would take care of her and her three small children.

I am touched every day, by journal entries of three Christian friend's of mine who have husband's with different forms of Cancer, and they share from their hearts, on the Caringbridge website.

I have not yet had to go through what they are going through. I do know, though, that I can always trust in God's unfailing love and his covenant of peace.

. . .Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,"
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

I pray that you are having a blessed weekend, and enjoying the beauty of God's creation and His unfailing love for you.

Sandy
Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog to share and be blessed.
Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!

COMPASSION BLOGGERS POST #1-Helping Emilda get to the World Special Olympics

2011-02-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

Being a Special Education teacher and going to the local Special Olympics with students, this assignment touched my heart.

Emilda is an 18 year-old sponsored child with the mental capacity of a three year-old. She lives in a squatter community in the Philippines. And she's fast! In 2009 Emilda competed in the Philippine Special Olympics and she performed well enough to qualify for the World Special Olympics in Athens, Greece this Summer. But she needs our help to get there.

Pictures and more information about Emilda are available at:http://blog.compassion.com/the-making-of-a-special-olympics-champion/

To give to help Emilda, please use the following link:

http://donate.compassion.com/special-olympics-athens/?referer=96738

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .recess! (swings and slides)

2011-02-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure, sort of like a recess! Since I have been joining Dayle's party at A Collection of This and That on Thursdays, it has made me think everyday about my "simple pleasures".

I have been thinking about my "simple pleasures" this week, as I have been

Going high on a swing,

on breezy days,

looking forward to Spring,

pointing my feet high to the sky,

watching a bird fly by.

One of the definitions of

recess-a temporary withdrawal from or halting as of work, business, or study
in elementary school, a scheduled period of relaxation or play, esp. outdoors

The British word for recess is break.

I'm hoping you'll have time to slow down today, take a "recess" and think about YOUR Simple Pleasures. . .and give someone a hug!

Join Dayle @ A Collection of This and That
to enjoy SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY

counting it ALL JOY Wednesday. . .Continuing Life!

2011-02-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, once again, our youth minister coordinated a United '11 DNow for the youth of our community. United meaning that 12 different churches joined together in this event. In the past few years, the service projects were doing physical labor to help people in our community in need. This year, it was a food drive, like the Boy Scouts do, picking up sacks of can goods that people had left on their porch for us to get to take to be used in our community Families Feeding Families ministry and other food banks in our town. My husband and I helped with this part of the weekend, driving 12 youth from different churches all together around in a van. The students were given $1.50 to spend to get themselves something for lunch, put it all together to buy lunch or use it to buy more nonperishable food for others. They all wanted to do the 3rd choice. It was a true joy to see them and all of the other students putting others before themselves. It is a true joy to see them want to continue to do that and to want to help the homeless right here in our town.

It gave me true joy to read my husband's text on Valentine's Day. . .
" To my 'daily Valentine', I love you! There is a surprise on the table."

It filled me with JOY to go to our niece, Gabby's 3rd birthday party at Chuckee Cheeses, before going out to eat with my husband, son and his girlfriend for Valentine's Day! It makes me sad that my kids have grown up, but life continues on. I count it all JOY that they are at the stages they are now, and that I get the Joy of participating in their lives, the lives of my grandchildren and my nieces and nephews!

It fills me with JOY that baseball season is starting! Tonight is the beginning of planning supper around church, baseball scrimmages/games and other activities.

Brisket is keeping warm in the crock pot! Gotta get to the field!

Then, to church. . .I am filled with JOY that I get to help my friend, Laura with the preschoolers tonight.

What is filling you with JOY today?

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!

Thank you, Angel!

It fills me with JOY to pray for Angel's son Shane as he is deployed to serve our country, and also my friend/neighbor Jama's husband, John. I am praying for them and their families!

February 15 Scripture Memory 2011

2011-02-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:1-4NIV

I would really love to read your scripture choice and/or what God is teaching you.

Have a blessed day!

Sandy

Spiritual Sundays. . .HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to You!

2011-02-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking all week about what I would write about LOVE and Blogger Buddies for Spiritual Sundays this week. Charlotte pretty much said what I was thinking on her intro to Spiritual Sundays and on her At Home in Arizona blog.

I am linking this up on Monday with Jen at Following the Footsteps for the 2011 Valentine Exchange. http://shaemata.blogspot.com/2011/02/happy-valentines-day.html

I am following blogs from A to Y, only missing the letters Q, X and Z! If you read my blog, and I am not following you, it's because I have "reached my limit" with Blogger. If I suddenly "quit following" you, it's because I checked and it seems that you might have stopped posting on that blog, and I have to eliminate some. I am so thankful for Charlotte and Ginger who created Spiritual Sundays for us to all join together to share inspirational posts, and I am so thankful that there are so many Christian bloggers!

Why do I spend some of my time blogging? I blog because. . .

I want to write.

I like to have it all in one place on the computer.

I have been blessed by so many other bloggers!

Thank you all and Happy Valentine's Day!

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5: 1-2

My goal for this blog:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, (blog), but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (read) Ephesians 4: 29

Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog to share and be blessed.

Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .Simple Breakfast. . .Simply Blessed!

2011-02-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

Today, I was blessed again to share a late, unrushed breakfast with my son.

Today, it was simple, but pretty, I think! I used all of the eggs yesterday for breakfast and baking.

Today, we also enjoyed making homemade hot cocoa! Simply delicious!

Join Dayle @ A Collection of This and That

to enjoy SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY

Snowed in again on Why I Count it All JOY Wednesday!

2011-02-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

Today, I am continuing to try to live out (continuing to have to start over) the challenge that Beth Moore issued on Monday, to go all day without complaining or criticizing anyone.
I am continuing to try to personalize that challenge and to work on my countenance and tone of voice.
I am continuing to work on my memory verses and meditate on other scripture and spend time praying about my attitude and about what God would have me do.

(from Jesus)

As the Father has loved me,

so have I loved you.

Now, remain in my love.

If you obey my commands,

you will remain in my love,

just as I have obeyed my Father's commands

and remain in his love.

I have told you this so that my joy

may be in you and that your joy

may be complete.

My command is this:

Love each other

as I have loved you.

John 15:9-12NIV

Today, I am counting it all JOY that on this, yet another snow day at home, I got to eat Taco Soup and Green Chille and Cheese Omelet with my son at 10:00 a.m.

Today, I am counting it all JOY that I found a recipe from Jennifer at www.thehomematters.blogspot.com

and made the delicious Polkadots.(fudge cookies with white chocolate chips)

What is filling you with JOY today?

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!

Thank you, Angel!

YOUTH and COLLEGE CHURCH SUPER BOWL PARTY MENUS

2011-02-04T15:35:00.000-08:00

Just a list of some of the food that will be at the two parties that we are helping with tonight. I had a few other things on the list that got crossed off, because my husband doesn't like for me to "over do it" and lose the focus of the fellowships. There will be some other things at the college party to round it out, probably. I am coordinating the food at the youth party and attending and helping with the college party. There will probably be plenty of food at the youth party, but the "Martha" always wants to make sure.

YOUTH
variety of chicken wings with homemade ranch dip

barbeque little smokies

bacon cream cheese crescent wraps

ham and cheese sun dried tomato torilla rollups

vegetable tray and dip

variety of chips and crackers

cheese dip

guacamole dip

Chex mix

Oreo football truffles

brownies

cookies

COLLEGE
brisket and bratwurst

fall off the bone spicy chicken wings

potato skins
Bush's baked beans

February Chex mix
Valentine iced sugar cookies
monster cookies

Hot n Spicy Cheez Its

Seasoned Oyster Crackers
Almond Bark coated puff popcorn

What are you doing and serving tonight?

sNo Complaining! Psalm 147 of Praise

2011-02-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

Psalm 147NIV

1Praise the lord.

How good it is to sing praises to our God,

how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

4He determines the number of the stars

and calls them each by name.

5Great is our Lord and mighty in power;

his understanding has not limit.

6The Lord sustains the humble

but casts the wicked to the ground.

7Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;

make music to our God on the harp.

8He covers the sky with clouds;

he supplies the earth with rain

and makes grass grow on the hills.

9He provides food for the cattle

and for the young ravens when they call.

10His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,

not his delight in the legs of a man;

11the Lord delights in those who fear him,

who put their hope in his unfailing love.

15He sends his command to the earth;

his word runs swiftly.

16He spreads the snow like wool

and scatters the frost like ashes.

17He hurls down his hail like pebbles.

who can withstand his icy blast?

18He sends his word and melts them;

he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

I know some are getting tired of being snowed in, and that's understandable. We thrive on routine, on being busy, on our daily schedule, which most of the time, in some ways, can be very good.

We all have heard the verse, "Be still and know that I am God.", and we have all heard that prompting of the Holy Spirit on our lives to be still at times.

I know that there are a lot of negatives to a terrible snow and ice storm, such as wrecks, roofs caving in, power outages. . .I am praying for all who are suffering during this time.

I know that God is in control. I am taking this time to "gaze upon the Lord" and study His word.

Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog to share and be blessed.
Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!

Simple Pleasures. . .Happy 21st Birthday, Beautiful Daughter!

2011-02-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

Today, on Kalyn's 21st birthday, with her away at college, my simple pleasure is. . .
pictures to look at and remember all the joy she has given to our family.
The moment she was born, I actually clapped my hands! She has been a true pleasure to us all of her life!
It is also a simple pleasure to talk to her on the phone.
It's a simple pleasure to count the days til she'll come home next weekend.

It's a simple pleasure to thank God for how beautiful she is inside and out, and for the way He uses her everyday. I BELIEVE He has an awesome plan for her future!

It brings me pleasure each day just to think, "What are my simple pleasures this week?", and I've been thinking. . ."hugs". . ."Hugs from our granddaughter, Madasyn. . .hugs from my husband. . .hugs from each of our kids. . .hugs from students. . .hugs from friends. . ." I should have saved this one for Valentine's Day week, but I didn't. I may have to use it again!

Give someone a hug today! It's an easy way to give them a simple pleasure!

Join Dayle @ A Collection of This and That
to share your SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY

Why I Count it All JOY Wednesday. . .Joy in my Heart, Praying for Joy in my voice!

2011-02-02T06:41:00.000-08:00

Yea! Once again, it is Why I Count it All JOY Wednesday! I just love it when I think on all the ways God gives me to count it all JOY to live this life for Him.
The thing is, I've been "resolving" for years to have a better tone of voice and smile more, and I continue to fall short. I truly want to be nicer to those I love and to all!

"Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. . . .Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for EVERYTHING, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5: 15-16, 19-20

I have so much to be thankful for and joyful about. God has blessed me so much, when I did not deserve it.

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever." Psalm 30:11-12

Today, on this second bitterly cold day in a row, unable to leave the house, I am so thankful for the beautiful, clean white snow that covers the ground. I am so thankful for the warm home we have to live in. I am so thankful for my son who is here with me. I am so thankful for my husband's job. I am so thankful for my job, that allows me to be at home on days like this.

Although, "Ruby", the red PTCruiser in this picture, will not be bringing Kalyn home this weekend, and we will be missing her a lot tomorrow, on her 21st birthday, I will just count it ALL JOY that she will be coming home next weekend. (Although, she'll be at someone's else's home most of the time leading in our United '11 DNow weekend. I count it all joy that she is helping with that!)

I am also filled with JOY that I can get some cleaning out of drawers and clutter in our home done today.
I am also filled with JOY that I was able to get one batch of Oreo football truffles made yesterday.
I am also very much filled with JOY that our son asked us to go babysit Jocyah on Saturday night. I am filled with JOY that it is suppose to get above freezing Friday and Saturday, so that HOPEfully, we will be able to go do that!
More things giving me JOY today:
my son in the kitchen, baking.
2 days in a row in pj's,
2 days in a row, oatmeal for breakfast with my husband, and today with our son
many days in a row, "eating early supper together, good home made meals", as my son said. And he also said, "I like that!"

What is filling you with JOY today?
It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!
Thank you, Angel!

Scripture Memory 2011, February 1/Our God and His Love for us never change!

2011-02-01T05:46:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 54:10NIV

. . .Though the mountains be shaken

and the hills be removed,

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken

nor my covenant of peace be removed,"

says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Other verses from

Bible Study Lesson

"God is Immutable"

Hebrews 13:8NIV

Jesus Christ is the same

yesterday and taday and forever.

James 1:17NIV

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unlike our weather, God and His love for us do not change.

Unlike the list of who we exchange notes with for Valentine's Day,

our love letter from God is always available to us and is always true.

I'd love to get a comment from you sharing the scripture you are working on this time and/or what God is teaching you or saying to you right now.

Enjoy your day! : )

How Precious Life is!. . . Handle with Care! 2011 Edition/Spiritual Sundays

2011-01-29T18:29:00.000-08:00

This was my post a year and 10 days ago:

I am just so overwhelmed at this moment, with the fragileness of life.

I am wholeheartedly against abortion.

I know that it not only ends one life, but affects all others involved, for the rest of their lives.

This week, Sanctity of Life week, I am not only thinking about the millions of babies who never got a chance at life, and all the others that are affected by an abortion,

I am also heartbroken for friends who are burying their 10 year old son, (grandson, brother) today, who was killed in a car accident.

I am also heartbroken for my sister-in-law who lost a baby, Eli.

I am also heartbroken for the many who have lost or are losing a child to illness.

I am also heartbroken for family and friends who are coming near to the end of a long life, and are losing the quality of their life.

Life is too precious to spend being hurtful or careless. My prayer is that I will show love to my family, friends, students, and co-workers every second that I am with them.

Once again, tonight, I am overwhelmed at the fragileness of life.

A week ago today, my sister-in-law called me to tell me that her 18 year old nephew had taken his own life. It was later ruled accidental shooting. (Russian Roullette)

Again. . .Life is too precious to spend being hurtful or careless.

My prayer is that I will show love to my family, friends, students, and co-workers every second that I am with them.

Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog to share and be blessed.

Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!

Be JOYFUL ALWAYS-Count it All JOY Wednesday

2011-01-26T05:34:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that it is Why I Count It All JOY Wednesday! I have been trying to write ever since my last post 10 days ago, but just haven't been able to. . .some days because of daily life that would not let me get to the computer. On the days that I was free to get to the computer, there was plenty to write about, but I just couldn't come up with the words.

Today, I am full of JOY because of God's promises to us and the beautiful reminders of His promises.

This past week, my heart has been heavy for others going through unthinkable tragedies. I have felt helpless to do anything to help any of my loved ones going through difficult times. I count it all JOY, that I have heard some of them say, "God is so amazing! I have this wonderful sense of Peace."

I am "weary and burdened", and know others who are so much more weary and burdened than I am, and I count it all JOY, that we have a God who says,

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you wil find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11: 28-30

I am filled with JOY because, like Angel and many of you, I have been praying for Joanne for about two weeks and we are now getting great reports from her husband!! If you don’t know about Joanne, she is a mom and wife who suffered a major stroke and has been in critical condition since. You can follow her blog, which her husband is doing now, here.

I count it all JOY that even when we aren't happy about our circumstances, we can still

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circimstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16

What is filling you with JOY today?

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!

Thank you, Angel!

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS-Taking Time to PRAY

2011-01-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16NIV

The scripture above is the one I am working on memorizing at this time. I tried to find a different one, but the Lord kept giving me this one. . .the one I need at this time! He is like that!

The lesson that I am working on in my Discipleship Bible Study right now (Understanding and Knowing God by Andy and Kim Harrison) is on Prayer, and then I picked up another short study guide, that was on my shelf, Adventurous PRAYER from Women of Faith, and am really enjoying all of the lessons, and the daily devotions from JOURNEY that have been on trusting God, lately. I already had Proverbs 3:1-8 as my life scripture and have always trusted in Him, but I am getting the message loud and clear, not to ever forget to trust in Him always, no matter what!

I do take time each morning to read the devotion and scripture, but do not always make time daily to do a Bible Study lesson and to really spend a lot of time in prayer. I want to do that.

I love the weekends for all the reasons everyone else does, but I also love Saturday and Sunday, because I do take more time to do my Bible Study lessons, and to spend a lot of time in prayer. I started prayer journaling years ago, and filled lots of journals, and then stopped doing that on a consistent basis. My youngest son has filled lots of journals in the last 2 years, and is an inspiration to me. He carries his journal with him always.

God, our Heavenly Father, has asked us to come to him daily with all of our thanks and our needs.

Spending time in prayer can give us the peace of God.

I pray you have a blessed weekend!

Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog to share and be blessed.Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!

1st and 15th Scripture Memory 2011

2011-01-15T10:24:00.001-08:00

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16NIV

I would love to read the scripture you are focusing on at this time!

JOY in serving the Lord

2011-01-12T10:25:00.000-08:00

Today, just like Angel, and just like I do every Wednesday, I am counting it ALL JOY, and I am filled with JOY, just because it's Wednesday, the day to realize all the blessings we have every day.

I did not find out about the job that I'm waiting to find out if I got or not, because the board meeting was postponed til next Monday, because of the snow. I thought that I'm going to have to wait til after then, but I did get a call from the principal today. I haven't gotten to talk to her yet.

I am filled with JOY because God gave us beautiful snow!

I am filled with JOY, because I do have a job, that although it is very challenging, I do enjoy working very much.

I am filled with JOY, because I am enjoying the time that our daughter is home from college.

Romans 12: 6-8NIV

We have different gifts,

according to the grace given us.

If a man's gift is prophesying,

let him use it in proportion to his faith.

If it is serving,

let him serve;

if it is teaching,

let him teach;

if it is encouraging,

let him encourage;

if it is contributing to the needs of others,

let him give generously;

if it is leadership,

let him govern diligently;

if it is showing mercy,

let him do it CHEERFULLY.

What is filling you with JOY today?
It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!
Thank you, Angel!

2nd edition of Lessons Learned/Reminded of in 2011

2011-01-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

This week, the "lesson learned" is really just a collection of truths that we all know, but have all been reminded of. . .

"Life isn't picture perfect. Just enjoy it!"

"We never know when our life or the life of someone we know will end abruptly."

"Live today as though it is your last."

"Enjoy every moment."

"Take nothing or no one for granted."

"Love others deeply."

"Live your life to glorify God."

Psalm 103:15-18NIV

As for man, his days are like grass,

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting,

the Lord's love is with those who fear Him

and His righteousness with their children's children

with those who keep His covenant and

remember to obey His precepts.

Praying for our children and grandchildren

2011-01-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog to share and be blessed.Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2NIV

I have been praying for our children for 25 years now, since we were expecting Josh, the Daddy in the picture above. Now, I am still praying for each of our 3 children each day, along with our "daughter-in-love", Adrianne and our 2 grandchildren,
Madasyn Shae and Jocyah Thomas David.

Kalyn and Jase have both grown into compassionate, responsible young people, also.

Last January, I joined Brooke in a commitment to pray all year for our children. We are making that commitment once again to continue praying daily for them.

Last year, Brooke wrote a prayer to pray over her boys.
You can join us by praying this prayer or writing one of your own. If you want to join, you can link up on her post here.

I thank God daily for each of my children and grandchildren.

My prayer for Josh is that he will continue to grow in his walk with the Lord, continue to be the devoted husband and Dad that he is, continue to mentor teenage boys at church and in his job as teacher and coach and will continue to raise his family in the way that the Lord would have him to and stay involved in church. My prayer is that God would give Josh the strength and wisdom daily to do the things that he needs to do to fulfill his God given responsibilities.

My prayer for Kalyn is that God will help her to be secure in Him and to always remember how beautiful she is to Him. I pray that He will help her to continue to grow in her walk with Him. I pray that He will be with her daily in her studies and on her job and in her relationships and as she disciples young girls. I pray that God will give Kalyn the strength and wisdom daily to do the things she needs to do to fulfill her God given responsibilities. I pray that He will show her the church He wants her choose as her church home.

My prayer for Jase is God will continue to help Jase love the Lord and love people as Jesus does and continue to live his life daily on fire for God, sharing that with others daily. I pray as Jase asked me to, that God would help him be bold in sharing his faith with others. I pray that God will be with Jase daily in everything he does, as he continues to learn academically and in His word. I pray that God will give Jase the strength and wisdom daily to do the things he needs to do to fulfill his God given tasks.

I thank God for Josh and Adrianne's marriage and for how He has helped them to grow in their marriage, in their walk with Him, and as parents. I pray daily that God will give Adrianne the strength and wisdom that she needs to be a wife, Mommy and in everything she does. I pray that He will be with her daily as she works in a Dr.'s office, helping others. I pray that He will help her to know how much our family loves her and help us to continue to develop our relationships.

I thank God for Madasyn Shae, for her health, and for how she is always learning. I pray that God will be with her as she begins a new preschool. I pray that He will be with her every time she goes to church and help her to soak up what she learns at church and from her parents. I pray that you will help her to obey her parents and help her to continue to be well mannered.

I thank God for Jocyah Thomas David, for his health, and for how he is already growing and alert and will soon be learning new things. I pray that God will be with Adrianne's Granny as she cares for Jocyah, while Adrianne and Josh work. I pray Jocyah will continue to grow physically and mentally.

SIMPLE PLEASURES-children at play/laughter

2011-01-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Madasyn, our 4 year old granddaughter,

drawing a picture of her "baby brother"

on a balloon to play

"Keep the balloon in the air"

with her 24 year old Daddy!

Recess today:

1st grade-uncontrollable laughter, swinging, creative play

2nd grade-jump rope

3rd grade-hand slapping jingle

"Year by year the complexities of this spinning world grow more bewildering, and so each year we need all the more to seek peace and comfort in the joyful simplicities."

Those words of wisdom are from a woman's publication in 1935. And here we are, 76 years later, still feeling a need to seek out the "joyful simplicities" of life.

Join Dayle @ ACollection of This and That

to share your SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY

the JOY of Experiencing 2011 and being Thankful!

2011-01-05T05:06:00.001-08:00

Yea, it is Why I Count It All JOY Wednesday, and Angel has already posted this morning! I am so full of JOY because

Jase came back home to us last night from his mission trip to Nicarauga!

he was filled with JOY as I knew he would be to share with us what he experienced.

he had so many great stories to share with us about people coming to the Lord.

the 7 year old girl who went with them led 6 people to the Lord herself!

I haven't ever been to another country myself, but I knew that he would see people living in poverty, and I had heard before that the people that live like that are so much more content than we are sometimes. That is exactly what he shared, as he described the plastic and cardboard houses they live in. I often complain about the small kitchen we have now. He told of a family of 3 that live in something as small as our very small kitchen!

You can see in the background of the picture of Jase and Kalyn, that we haven't quiet got our Christmas decorations put away, yet. We will do that in the next day or so! We are busy experiencing every minute of every day.

Now, it's almost time to go to work, to keep up with a very strong, special girl. This time next week, I may or may not have a new job teaching English to at risk high school students. I have to wait until after the board meeting next Monday night to find out. Until then, I'm just living each day, counting it all JOY!

What is filling you with JOY today?
It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!
Thank you, Angel!

"Think on These Things Tuesday"

2011-01-04T05:25:00.000-08:00

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4: 8-9

Today, to help continue my goal of always having God's Peace with me, I am going to choose to think and dwell on only things that are: (NIV)
true, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy.
I am going to stay away from gossip and bad attitudes.
I am going to smile more and be kind to everyone.
I am thankful that I have had my quiet time this morning and am ready to go back to work.
I praise God for the peace that He gives me.
What are you "thinking on" today?
Happy Tuesday!

The Beginning of Lessons Learned in 2011!

2011-01-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

I've got this post in my mind that I'm going to try to get to come out right.

The first lesson I've learned in 2011 is

Not to put shrimp tails down the disposal!

You may have already known not to do that, but I did it, and it has been a real headache to my husband, but he is being calm about it, and is taking care of it, hopefully. So today, no cooking the soup in the crockpot and making more messy dishes.

When trying to make an analogy out of this, this is what it means to me:

There are some things that can be "put down the disposal" and go away, but there are some things that just need to be put in the trash and taken away completely, so that there is no chance it comes back up. Some things can be processed and thought about and then they're gone, but some things just need to be forgotten.

The second thing I've learned is that there seems to be a new trend of NOT setting New Year's Resolutions or even goals, but to find our God Given Purpose.

I know that my God Given Purposes are to glorify God as I strive to be the best

wife, mom, daughter, sister, in-law, friend, teacher (or teacher's assistant), employee, neighbor, mentor, blogger that I can possibly be.

I know that to do that I need to

renew my mind daily;

take care of my physical body;

live with others in peace;

reach out to others;

speak kind words always;

and throw out the "shrimp tails"!

Psalm 25:1a,4-7NIV

To You, O Lord,

I lift up my soul,

in You, I trust, O my God,

Show me your ways, O Lord,

teach me your paths,

guide me in Your truth and teach me,

for You are God, my Saviour,

and my hope is You all day long.

Remember, O Lord,

your great mercy and love,

for they are from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth,

and my rebellious way,

according to Your love,

remember me,

for You are good, O Lord.

Can you relate to anything I've written today? What's on your mind as you begin 2011? I'd love to hear from you!

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS-2011 SCRIPTURE

2011-01-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that it is January 1, 2011, and Beth Moore is back to hosting the 1st & 15th Scripture Memory Team! I memorized scripture in 2009 with this "team" and went to the celebration in Houston last January. I continued to memorize/meditate on scripture in 2010 and post on this blog.

Beth Moore had said that since we each choose our own scripture to memorize each time, if you were to look at our spirals where we write down our verses, it would tell a lot about our life during the past year. That is so true. I always choose a scripture that is very personal to me, but I almost always have a difficult time choosing just 1 verse. Although, I probably should try to, so that I could actually memorize the verses!

This year, I have heard God giving the word "PEACE" for my theme for 2011, with a "sub theme" of "Kindness". I am going to strive to be kind to everyone and to help promote peace in relationships.
There are many scripture verses about the peace that God gives us. For my theme scripture for the year, I have chosen:

James 3:17-18NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all
Pure, then
Peace loving
Considerate,
Submissive,
Full of Mercy and Good Fruit,
Impartial and Sincere;
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

For my scripture for January 1, I have chosen 2 short verses. I chose the first one as an overall prayer for the year, and I chose the second one, because it is one that I am to memorize in the next couple weeks for the Bible Study I am doing.

Proverbs 16:3NIV

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.

Colossians 4:2NIV

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

I would really love to hear if the Lord has given you a focus theme for the year, and if you are working on memorizing scripture, and just whatever you are working on as we begin this new year!

Happy 2011 to you!

Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog to share and be blessed.
Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!

Simple Pleasures Thursday

2010-12-30T17:15:00.000-08:00

I am late with this post and am going to have to do it really quickly, because this has been a day full of Simple Pleasures! (I didn't get it done quickly enough. It was date night with my husband, a simple pleasure, so I had to get off the computer!)

First, after hubby went to work, and I had my quiet time, I drove to my brother's house in the country, to spend some time with him, my sis in love, my son, and these precious little ones!

Their smiling faces and hugs are some of the best Simple Pleasures in the world!

I have been to my brothers' house many times, but haven't driven it myself many times. I always miss a couple turns, and today was no different. I was simply pleased when I saw a road sign that told me I was going the right direction. When I got there, Gabby ran to me and looked up at me with a big smile. I grabbed her up and gave her the big hug she was wanting. That was definitely a SIMPLE PLEASURE! I was only able to stay long enough to hold and feed my baby grandson (a simple pleasure!) and eat a bowl of Taco Soup very quickly. (simple pleasure!) I drove almost an hour to spend just an hour and then drive more than an hour again to make it to my hair appointment. (which I didn't make it to on time, but communicated with my friend/hairstylist on the way, and she made it work. That was a simple pleasure.)
Then, I went by to visit Mom, just her and me sitting on her couch visiting. That was a simple pleasure. The picture of her was taken the day before, when my son met me at her home for a visit.

I pray that you'll take time in 2011 to enjoy the Simple Pleasures of life!

Join Dayle to share your SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY

the JOY of a new year!

2010-12-29T08:45:00.000-08:00

Don't you just think "JOY" when you see those 2 smiling faces, or

the smiling faces of the precious little ones in your life?

I do, but then why I am crying?

I am crying because my own little ones have grown up.

I am crying because I miss my Dad.

. . .but I really am filled with JOY that my children have grown up,

that they are "walking in the way of the Lord",

that Jase is spending this week on a mission trip

in Nicaragua,

that Kalyn is spending the next five days

with her boyfriend's family,

who are special friends of ours,

that she gets to enjoy 2 bowl games!-

the Alamo Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl,

and will get to enjoy San Antonio and Arizonia,

that Josh and Adrianne are such wonderful parents,

that we have these precious grandchildren,

that we live close to my Mom,

that my husband loves me and I love him,

that I know God has special plans for 2011.

I am filled with JOY to

begin a new year of

scripture memory,

and to strive to

be kind,

and be a peacemaker.

Rejoice in the Lord always,

I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds

in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

What is filling you with JOY today?

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!

Thank you, Angel!

the JOY of CHRISTmas. . .

2010-12-22T09:24:00.000-08:00

I am sad and a little stressed and full of JOY all at the same time.

Today, right at this moment, the sounds of my 17 year old and 20 year old playing Mousetrap with our 8 year old nephew and with the sound of my husband mowing the yard, and the smell of banana bread baking in the oven, and the taste of cranberry bread all bring me JOY.

Taking time to slow down and really be with Jesus brings me the greatest JOY.

(Luke 2:10) But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

(John 16:20-22) I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. {21} A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. {22} So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

(Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2010-12-16T05:36:00.000-08:00

Today, I can think of lots of "simple pleasures" that I am thankful for, but the one I am going to share is that my son has baked lots of banana bread to earn money for his mission trip.
It is a simple pleasure that he had the initiative to do that.
It is a simple pleasure to have him and others in the kitchen, even our small one now, where we are constantly bumping in to each other. I am glad I have family.
It is a simple pleasure just to smell and enjoy home baked bread and other Christmas goodies!
It is a simple pleasure to make special things in the kitchen to give to others for Christmas gifts.
Today, I am so thankful for all of my family.

Join Dayle to share your SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY
Join http://www.eph2810.com/thankful-thursday/thankful-thursday-vanpool/ for Thankful Thursday!

JOY to the world!

2010-12-15T10:46:00.000-08:00

Josh, Adrianne, Jocyah and Madasyn

after the first 3 were in a church

performance of

"Christmas is Forever.", and

Madasyn had given them

the "thumbs up" for

their great job!

Jase as Joseph

in our church

"Living Christmas Tree" performance.

"Gran Sandy" with Jocyah a.k.a. "baby Jesus"

Yea! It's Why I Count it All JOY Wednesday! I just have 1 minute to finish this up on my lunch time.

I am filled with JOY because I enjoyed watching my sons portray Joseph in church Christmas programs.

I am filled with JOY because Kalyn will be home for Christmas break tomorrow!

I am filled with JOY because I am often hearing the words. . .

"Joy to the World. Let every heart prepare Him room!"

My heart is preparing Him room this Christmas!

Peace, Love, JOY

2010-12-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to your family

from our family!

Today, I am counting it all JOY that

I know the true meaning of Christmas.

I know the acronym for Jesus

Others

Yourself.

I know that God has a plan for my life and that He is opening doors (or shutting them) for me.

my God of Hope is filling me with all JOY and peace as I trust in Him and I am overflowing with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

He will be with me tomorrow as I interview for a teaching job.

He will be with my family this Christmas as we miss my dad and celebrate together.

Angel is faithful to do this post every Wednesday to help us all remember to count it all JOY!
What is filling you with JOY today? It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

2010-12-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

From Beth Moore-last Tuesday, 11/30/10
Do you know today how blessed you are?? We have the King of the universe to look to and to be loved by. He planned for each of us before the foundation of the world and even chose the works we would do in His great name. (Eph. 2:10) He intentionally set us in our generations and planted us with divine purpose in our parts of the earth. (Acts 17:24-27) I am amazed by Him this morning.I don’t want to take divine intervention for granted. We – you and me – are the stuff of miracles. Even to discern the living, breathing voice of God through His written Word is a wonder.
I am anxious to hear from you through today’s Talk To Me Tuesday topic! I’d like to know about a time when you were desperate for divine wisdom in a particular area (whether relational, work, ministry, or otherwise) and you had no idea what to do. You sought God and you received wisdom that you are certain only He could have given you.

I have pondered Beth's question all week. I did post an answer that I have felt God directing my paths all of my life (Proverbs 3:5-7) and also that at this particular time in my life, He is speaking to me through James 3:17-18.
That is in regards to relating to my grown up brothers.

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is
first of all pure,
then peace-loving,
considerate,
submissive,
full of mercy and good fruit,
impartial and sincere;
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Now, this week, God is directing my paths in a possible job change from working with individual special needs elementary students as an aide, to an interview on Thursday for a high school special ed. teaching job.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things,
God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to His purpose.

I would appreciate your prayers this week.
And, I would love to pray for you, and to hear how God is speaking to you!

Counting it ALL JOY Wednesday

2010-12-01T15:59:00.000-08:00

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

Tonight, I am counting it ALL JOY that. . .

the 24 hours of this 24 hour bug have passed and I am getting my strength back.

although one of the drawbacks of working at an elementary school is catching these viruses every month or so, I am filled with JOY that I have a job!

my son is busy every night baking banana bread to sell to his teachers to raise money for his next mission trip.

God is working on MY heart to try to find my gentleness again and let it be evident to all and to let the peace of God guard my heart!

Angel is faithful to do this post every Wednesday to help us all remember to count it all JOY!

What is filling you with JOY today? It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Look what I won. . .and if you hurry, you can enter to win one, too!

2010-11-29T19:53:00.000-08:00

I read about this adorable new children's book on Amanda (Moore) Jones' blog, Baby Bangs. I was one of the over 130 people who left a comment to win a signed copy, and I won!!! I was going to wait til I receive my book in the mail to post about it, but Erica Stidham, the author, is doing a give away for one of her books, and the drawing is tomorrow night in honor of her 6 year old, Brea's birthday and I thought some of you will be interested in entering! I totally think you should check out this book. I don't have a sister, only had 1 daughter and 1 granddaughter so far (2 brothers, 2 sons and 1 grandson so far), but just reading about this book makes me smile thinking about my daughter and granddaughter, and all of my nieces, but especially Mercy and Gabby who are sisters, just 15 months apart.
Erica has an incredible heart for the Lord and her blog has been an encouragement and inspiration to me. If you would like to learn more about her and enter her giveaway, take a look HERE.
And HERE is a link to a post she wrote regarding her calling as a children’s author.

Happy Birthday Brea and Thank you Erica and Amanda!

Praying for Peace (on Tuesday, before Count it all JOY Wednesday and Thankful Thursday)

2010-11-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for JOY and I will give THANKS to Him in song. ~Psalm 28:7

Last Wednesday night, I started a post, but didn't get to finish it. So this week, I am posting this on this quite Tuesday morning, before I get busy with my family for Thanksgiving.

The week before last, I shared my first 10 days of Thankfulness. Here are the remaining 15.

I am thankful for. . .
day 11: America, all service men and women and their families.
day 12: knowledge that I will see my dad and other loved ones in Heaven
day 13: weekends, quality time with family
day 14: personal relation with Jesus and all kinds of mission fields that He gives each of us.
day 15: friends. . .
day 16: communication
day 17: younger generations to love, guide, teach, mentor, disciple and learn from!
day 18: the Holy Spirit and fruit of the Spirit and Wisdom from God
day 19: again for God's guidance and direction in my life and His perfect plan for me.
day 20: our marriage
day 21: Christian brothers and sisters to worship, pray, grow and fellowship with and preachers and teachers of God's word.
day 22: work and rest; laughter and serious conversation; today's weather; beautiful leaves on the trees; being loved by others and deep love that I have for my family, friends, co-worker, students. . .
day 23: LOVE
day 24: safe travel--family coming together.
day 25: the overwhelming feeling of Gratitude to God!

What is filling you with JOY today? It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU and your family!

JOY

2010-11-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

Today, it is filling me with JOY that we are in the month of Thanksgiving.

I am joyful and thankful for. . .

day 1: Christian Mom and Dad
day 2: that my Dad took the time to sit me in his lap and explain why I needed to pay attention in church and lead me to ask Jesus into my heart.
day 3: the BEST husband that God chose for me.
day 4: that God blessed us with 3 amazing, healthy children who have all grown to be caring, responsible adults.
day 5: God's Amazing Grace
day 6: my great "daugher in-love" to Josh and Mommy to my grandchildren.
day 7: my wonderful mother in-law and my precious grandchildren.
day 8: God's obvious direction in my life, opportunities from Him
day 9: my brothers, their wives, my husband's brother and sister, her husband, all of my nieces and nephews-FaMiLy. . ."Love each other deeply. . ."
day 10: sunrises, sunsets and the time inbetween, beginnings and finish lines and the journey inbetween My parents taught me to appreciate all of that!

What is filling you with JOY today? It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Counting it all JOY Wednesday-"through all generations"

2010-11-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever.
His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5 Yea! It is Wednesday, my favorite blogging day! Like Loren said, just that we are in the month of November makes me focus so much more on thanksgiving, even though I do always try to have an attitude of gratitude and always love our Counting It All Joy Wednesdays.
I am counting it all Joy that even though last night I was so sick that I had to take off work today, I still don't feel great, but I am able to do some things here at home.
I am counting it all Joy that my husband does his and my son's laundry. I have been complaining that I can't get my done, because he's always doing a load.
Today, I'm getting my laundry done!
I am counting it all Joy that His love is continuing through all generations in my family.
I am counting it all Joy that we have these 2 precious grandchildren to love on.
What is filling you with JOY today?
It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

2010-10-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

I am late writing my Count it All JOY post, but that's about all the blogging I do lately and it has been 3 weeks ago today since I did that and things have changed for me so much since then. Actually things changed the day after that post and it has helped me so much tonight to read my blogging friends Joyful posts, so. . .

here goes!

I went back and read Angel's post from that day 3 weeks ago about her sweet Aunt's passing and took the above scripture from her post. Several friends have given me that scripture in the last 2 weeks.

I am missing my Dad even more than I knew I would, but I am counting it all JOY

that he is in Heaven now.

that we are not watching him suffer any more.

that we have so many precious memories with my Dad.

that my children each learned so much from him.

that he was the one who led me to the Lord.

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

The Simple Pleasure of Gratitude (Simple Pleasures; Thankful Thursday; What My Dad Taught Our Family)

2010-10-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

This past week didn't turn out quite like I had hoped when I wrote my Counting It All Joy post last week. I am still "counting it all joy".

This is how it went. . .

After 1 night at the nursing home, my dad was taken back to the hospital because his oxygen level was too low for physical therapy.

After a day of being induced, my daughter in-law was sent home and told to return the next night to be admitted and induced the next day after that.

Jocyah Thomas David Hammock was born on Sunday, 10-10-10.

My dad's soul went to heaven Tuesday morning, 10-12-10.

This week, for Simple Pleasures and Thankful Thursday, my daughter says it best. . .

"One thing that really stands out about my Grandpa may sound simple, but has so much truth in it and has taught me so much. Almost every single time I have ever asked my grandpa how he was doing, he would smile and say, "I can't complain." And it's so true. He couldn't. He hardly ever complained, because he was so incredibly thankful with everything God had blessed him with, and it showed in his every day actions, in something as simple as saying, I can't complain". Life is not always going to be easy. Peter writes in his first letter in 4:12-13 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it come upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." Jesue tells us that we will endure hardships, but he gives a\us the strength to endure them and they result with him being glorified. My grandpa knew this. He was a man of such strong faith and a huge heart, and I will never forget the love he showed to me and others. By hearing my grandpa constantly say those three words, I realized that life is short. He was right. . .why complain? We really should never have anything to complaing about. And if we do, we should think about the many blessing we have that, by far, overpower those complaints. My grandpa lived a long, full life, but to me, it was till so short. I still wish I had just one more day to go on a walk with him and pick up his neighbors to put on their porches. I would like to have another opportunity to go on a boat ride with him. It would be awesome to watch anothe Arkansas game with him. But life is short, and son't always have the opportunities that we w ould like to have. Therefore, we really need to take advantage of the time we do have, be thankful for it, and not complain. That's what I learned from my grandpa."

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thankfulness this week by visiting and linking up with our hostess for the month of October-Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage" and our host, Greg at Greg's General Store and Dayle @ A Collection of This and That for Simple Pleasures ~ Morning's Sun .

Why I Count it all JOY Wednesday-This Season/Sandwich Generation

2010-10-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me JOY. (Psalm 94:19)

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.(Proverbs 16:9)

Today, I am counting it all JOY that my Dad is being moved from the hospital to a nursing home for 21 days of Physical Therapy. I pray this will help him.

I am counting it all JOY that on Friday, our first grandson (second grandchild) will be born. His name will be Jocyah. We are so excited!

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Why I Count it all JOY Wednesday-My Dad

2010-09-28T13:51:00.001-07:00

Today, my Dad is still with us, but he is suffering so much, and crying out "Help!".

It hurts to see him hurt and not be able to help him much.

I count it all JOY that my Dad has a relationship with Jesus Christ!

I count it all JOY that even though a lot of what my Dad says these days does not make sense, he still talks about the importance of relationships with family and friends.

I count it all JOY that my Dad has been surrounded by people who love him.

I count it all JOY that I am blessed by such great co-workers who encourage me to be with my Dad during this time.

ReJOYce in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6-7

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Why I Count It All JOY Wednesday

2010-08-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

I am feeling my age, but I am counting it all JOY that I have been married to the same wonderful man for 28 years!

My husband knows my sins, but I am counting it all JOY that he loves me anyway!

God knows my sins, but I am counting it all JOY that He loves me anyway!

No more sleeping in, but I count it all JOY that I have a new job!

I am a certified, experienced teacher, not close to retirement yet, and I am working as a teacher's assistant, "T.A.", but I am counting it all JOY!

This job came to me, like the job I had last year did, so I am believing that it is all in His perfect plan!

I don't live near my childhood/highschool best friend,

but I count it all JOY that she still texts me

when she has an important prayer request.

She texted me the other day to let me know

that they thought her Mom had a "small stroke".

I am full of JOY that it was a reaction to

being on sinus medication for a long time,

and not a stroke!

ReJOYce in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious abut anything, but in everything,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 6-7

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

TUESDAY SUMMER BIBLE STUDY-RUTH-wrap up

2010-08-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

My Bible study friends, minus a few

Summer Bible Study is coming to a close, and so is the Summer! I am so glad that I did this study, and I am so glad that God gave me friends to do it with me, in person, and on line.
This study has truly been a parallel to my life, not in the way that Ruth experienced, but it has just really been great for me.
I've got to publish this and get to my brand new job. I will tell you a little about it in my answers for today.
Because of my new job, I am going to miss the Bible study gathering with my friends on Friday, so all of you, if you come on here and read this, you can post your answers here for me, if you want.
Shelli and Amanda, who are sharing with me on here, I hope to hear from you soon!

Siesta Summer Bible Study Wrap Up

(from Beth Moore)
Hey, Siestas!
Our six-week study has flown by, hasn’t it? And so has the summer and just maybe we lived it a bit more victoriously because we were in Bible study together! I have enjoyed every second of it and I trust you have, too. Kelly’s way on paper really speaks to me. I’ve heard many of you say the same thing. Like we’ve done in our previous summer studies, I will devote a post entirely to our teacher at the end of the week and let you tell Kelly how much you received from her tutelage through God’s Word. Try to save your direct feedback to her for that time so she’ll be able to read every single comment. Look for that post around Friday.

Summer Siesta Bible Study – Ruth Final Week from LPV on Vimeo.
I hope you’ll be able to watch the video greeting but, as usual, I want to make sure you have your instructions for our final gathering also in print. So, here goes!
As you meet in your final gathering, you’ll discuss Weeks (or Sessions) Five and Six:
The first two interactives are in response to Week (or Session) Five:
1. Turn to p.122 and review the paragraph in the middle of the page beginning with the words, “I wonder if your life can be easily explained.” Follow your review by sharing what you wrote in reference to the “Personal Response” portion just below it, if you feel led.
2. Turn to p.136. Kelly wraps up Week Five by asking us to have a closing prayer time over the one thing that touched us most in that five-day unit. If you feel comfortable doing so, please share that one thing with your small group or, if you’re going solo, share it with me and the rest of your participating sisters.
The last two interactives are in response to Week (or Session) Six:
3. Turn to p.144 and look at the wonderful bold print at the bottom of the page. Review the answer to the question, “Who suddenly takes center stage and does this surprise you?” Then, glance up to the top of the next page (p.145) and share your answers to the “Personal Take.” Have fun looking over those next couple of paragraphs Kelly wrote about “you know, the women!”
(By the way, don’t you love the way Kelly had us go back to all those references that contained descriptions of Naomi? I thought it was so insightful.)
4. Day’s Four and Five are so powerful that I cannot choose just one portion for you to review. Please glance over the entire ending to the Bible study, stretching over both lessons, and share what you have gleaned from God concerning LEGACY. God is just better than He has to be, isn’t He?
Thank you, Siestas, for a great summer in God’s Word! I respect your relationships with Christ so much. I pray that He enjoys lurking here. He is everything to us.
Be thinking about how you’re going to stay in the Word this Fall! We’ll provide some accountability by asking you around the first of September about your plan for victory!
You are so loved and highly esteemed around here. Press on, Darling Things!

If you have time, it would also be great to go to Kelly Minter's site,

http://www.kellyminter.com/

and at least watch the short video for session 6.

To my Bible study buddies and to my blogging buddies:

I love you all. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words!

On Friday, at 11:00, my Bible study group is going to meet, without Shelley and I because we can't go out to Shannah's because of our jobs at the schools. We are going to meet for lunch at a local restaurant located between our 2 schools, and we will still get to have our Bible study time with each other! I am looking forward to it! I am missing the rest of you all a lot, but so glad that we did all get connected with each other and to God and daily Bible study.

Thank you all so much!!!

Love,

Sandy

MONDAY'S MOMMA MOMENTS-SCRIPTURE MEMORY MONDAY

2010-08-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

Monday's Momma Moments

Yesterday, I had the privelege of attending the Esther Sunday School class with my son, as he shared his experiences on his recent mission trip with the 16 women in their 80's. It was a true blessing just to be in their presence, and then to listen to Jase share, and then to have them keep leaning over to me, and say

"Aren't you proud of him?"

Yes, I am extremely proud of him and his sister and brother, and his niece. . .

They each teach me so much!

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as in Christ, God loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1NIV

And my God will meet all your needs according to His glory. Philippians 4:19NIV

Please share your Momma Moments and the scripture that is speaking to you or that you are choosing to memorize or meditate on.
Have an aMazing Monday!
Sandy

PSALM SATURDAY-SPIRITUAL SUNDAY

2010-07-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

"My sin was a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."

Psalm 103

Praise the Lord, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits--

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord works righteousness

and justice for all the oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses,

his deeds to the people of Israel;

The Lord is compassionate and gracous,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

He will not always accuse,

nor wil he harbor his anger forever;

he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressins from us.

As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass,

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord's love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children's children--

with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven,

and his kingdom rules over all.

Praise the Lord, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.

Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.

Praise the Lord, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, O my soul.

If you didn't come here from Spiritual Sundays, go here!

Thank you Charlotte and Ginger for this wonderful way to connect with others for encouraging, inspirational posts!

Have a blessed weekend!

Sandy

Family Fridays-FOREVER FAMILY-Part 12-Watching, Praying and Waiting

2010-07-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

I posted a Family Fridays entry two weeks ago, but was too late to get it linked up with Amy and Lori, because I had spent the whole day with my family. Last week, I wasn't able to link up an entry, because I was at camp, with most of my immediate family, and with part of my church family.

This morning, I have been alone with my Bible and my thoughts and prayers, while Jase helped Jeff do some manual labor.

I am looking forward to going to our beloved church camp tonight for the last regular youth week service, and looking forward to Kalyn coming home tomorrow night, just for a short time, before she goes to college week at Glorietta, and then back to college.

My Journey devotion was perfect for me this morning, about not working too much for money.

If you read this in time, and would like, I would appreciate your prayers at 10:00 a.m.CDT. I am going to be interviewing for a job as Assistant to a first year pre-k teacher. She has been a pre-k aide for the past 3 years, even though she was already a certified teacher, herself. I began teaching in 1985 and have my Masters, but am sincerely praying to get this job.

I feel a little like Jase might have felt as he was on that tower of a ropes course, blind folded. I am trusting that God has a plan for me. I am blindfolded right now to my future, but will soon take off the blindfold and see what He has for me!

Whatever you do, work at with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3: 23-24

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her;. . .
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31: 25-31

Join Amy at Keeping up with the Schultz Family and Lori@Peterson~St. Louis to enjoy more family posts!
I hope you are having a fun-filled, family Friday and have a
great weekend connecting with others in the flesh, and maybe a little time to read some encouraging blogs, too!
Sandy

THANKFUL Thursday for SIMPLE PLEASURES

2010-07-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

I had already planned to combine my Thankful Thursday post with a new meme hosted by Dayle @ A Collection of This and That. (her link is at the bottom of this post) Then, Lynn, who has hosted Thankful Thursdays for July, asked us to share a picture of something that inspires awe in our heart. How cool! I think this picture works well for both. It might not look simple, but I think it still fits the subject. Like Lynn, my family and I also appreciate all of God's creation so much! How awesome that God can make a beautiful waterfall in the middle of a small "mountain"! This picture is at a very special place for all of my family and me. I am thankful for the simple pleasure of God's beauty all around us. I am thankful for the simple pleasure of being a sponsor at a youth camp. I am thankful for the little ways God works in our lives daily, for the blessing overflowing, just as He promised!

Yesterday, I was looking for something very important that I needed to find to pass on to another teacher. I looked and looked, and couldn't find it. I sincerely prayed to God to help me find it, and I found it immediately!

I am thankful for friends and acquaintances and blogging buddies.

Of course, I am thankful for my family.

There is so much to be thankful for!

Psalm 106: 1
Hallelujah! Thank you , Lord! How good you are! Your love for us continues on forever. Who can ever list the glorious miracles of God? Who can ever praise him half enough?

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thankfulness this week by visiting and linking up with our hostess for the month of July-Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage" and our host, Greg at Greg's General Store and Dayle @ A Collection of This and That. Go here http://alittleofthisandthat2.blogspot.com/2010/07/simple-pleasures-reading.html to link up with her.

You'll be glad you did!

It will bless your day to stop and be thankful for all of those simple pleasures in your life!

What does LOVE look like in your home?

2010-07-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Love at my home this week is Jeff sporting trimmed up facial hair from not using a razor last week, when he spent his vacation at church youth camp, loving on the youth that were there. He took them to the Ropes Courses and on a tour of spots at the camp that they had not seen. He was there to counsel them and encourage.
This week, he is going to work to support our family, and still loves me, even when I don't have a job.

Love at our home this week, also means looking at the precious pictures on our frig. a lot, since it's been a week and half since we have seen our granddaughter, and her Daddy and Mommy, and longer since we've seen our nieces and nephews.

At our home, like Denise's, Angel's and Loren's and others, it also means friendships with others. This week, I had lunch with 2 friends yesterday, and another one today!

At our home, it also means bringing home leftovers to share with others.

It also means seeing us praying and reading God's Love letter to each of us!

I am joining Joanne and showing what Love looks like here in our home!

Why I Count It All JOY Wednesday

2010-07-27T22:04:00.001-07:00

I am filled with JOY because I am home to do my JOY post this week.

I missed out on Count It All JOY Wednesday blogging last week, because I was at church youth camp, but I was Counting It All JOY there! Actually, I just got home from that same camp late tonight from just going for the evening service. My body is aching, but I am Counting It All JOY that we were able to attend tonight.

I am full of JOY because

Jesus loves me!

He forgave my sins.

He died for my sins.

He arose and is alive in my heart.

He has a purpose for me.

I'm going to have to keep reminding myself of that last one! I came home to read an email from a principal, apologizing for writing me to inform me that they have filled all of their interview slots for a 3rd grade position that I was praying God had for me. I am counting it all JOY, God has something else for me.

I am filled with JOY that I will be serving as a discipleship leader for teenage girls. I will have to give up working with the children on Wednesday nights. Even though the two ministries are on different nights, we have to learn to not spread ourselves too thin, so that we can give our best to what we do. I am counting it all JOY that God gives us places to serve Him.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do NOT be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 4-7

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,
so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY-Sent into the World-Our Scent in the World

2010-07-25T06:38:00.000-07:00

The theme for youth camp that I attended last week was SENT, with the scripture verse John 17:18"As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."

Our church's theme was SCENT-"When the world gets a whiff of us, that's what they think of our Jesus.", with lots of scripture, focusing on these Character Traits:

Love, Integrity, Self-Control and Perseverance

I will be striving to have those character traits.

If you didn't come here from Spiritual Sundays, go here! Thank you Charlotte and Ginger for this wonderful way to connect with others for encouraging, inspirational posts!

This Week

2010-07-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

This week, . . .
(Monday's Mama Moments)
I am going to be a sponsor at youth camp.
One of my own son's and my daughter will be there.
I will be the best "Mama" I can be to my family group of girls.
I have to leave camp Tuesday to go to a funeral of a 21 year old young man, who was just diagnosed with cancer 7 months ago. I can not imagine that feeling of parents!
(Proverbs 3:5-6--I can not lean on my own understanding. Also, see Kelly Minter's song, I Lay Down, http://www.livingroomseries.com/)

(Tuesday Bible Study)
Amanda, Shelli and anyone else who would like to, please leave your answers to Beth's questions as comments here. Thank you!!!

(Why I Count It All Joy Wednesday)
It fills me full of JOY to be a sponsor at youth camp.
It fills me full of JOY to see people come to Christ.

(Thankful Thursday)
I am very thankful for youth camps.
I am very thankful for my church family.

(Family Friday)
I love being with my family and my church family at camp!

Have a blessed week!
Sandy

Family Fridays--FOREVER FAMILY-Part 11-Fellowshiping Together-Spiritual Sundays

2010-07-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

I am late getting my Family Friday post published because it was actually a busy Family Friday from beginning to end.
As I handed Jase the 3 plates to put on the table for his Dad, himself and me, for a late dinner,
he said, "Oh I love eating together! And, I love cooking together!"
That was really "music to my ears" ! It is so good to have him home. He does enjoy cooking a lot. We had Fresh Tomato Pasta. The recipe is in Kelly Minter's Ruth Bible Study Book. It is delicious. I knew when we had it at Bible Study that Jase and Jeff would both like it a lot! After dinner, we listened and talked a lot. Kelly includes recipes in her Bible study books because. . .here is how she says it:

"We also wanted to eat with one another because we think it’s Biblical and perhaps more honestly, because we love food. We discovered that cooking together, sharing recipes, and lingering around one another’s table set the tone for the deeper things God wanted to do in our lives. Dinner and discussion relaxingly primed us to share what we had learned from the study of God’s Word. After all, there’s something wonderfully disarming about the conversation that takes place around a dinner table." www.kellyminter.com

Our day began with a call from our oldest son, asking if I could meet him in a town between our homes, to take care of Madasyn, while he went to the eye doctor.

Well. . .let me think about it. . .of course! Jase, Madasyn and I spent most of our time together in the LifeWay store. "Grrama" and Madasyn found books and a God's Princess cd that we just had to get and Jase chose a smaller Bible. We were so busy having fun, that I didn't get pictures!When I saw this Every Day Bible Story Collection-RUTH & friends, I just couldn't resist getting it. I also got her the NOAH book in this series. These books include a dvd with each book. Each book has many Bible stories. Each dvd has each of the stories that are in the book, plus songs, too. Jase and I also spent part of our Friday with my brother, sister-in-law, nephew, Mom and Dad, spending a lot of time listening and talking.

I want to share these words from the song Dependent by Dutton Band, http://www.duttonband.com/

"We are made to stay Connected to each others' lives."

The song says "God gave us dependent souls."

If you didn't come here from Spiritual Sundays, go here! Thank you Charlotte and Ginger for this wonderful way to connect with others for encouraging, inspirational posts!

Join Amy at Keeping up with the Schultz Family and Lori@Peterson~St. Louis to enjoy more family posts!
Hope you had a fun-filled, family Friday and have a

great weekend connecting with others in the flesh, and maybe a little time to read some encouraging blogs, too!
Sandy

THANKFUL Thursday

2010-07-15T06:20:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful for Jase's safe return and for this hug and the love between us.
I am so thankful for the interactions
Jase is able to have with people.

I am so thankful for

the promise of

our future in God's kingdom,

if we have prayed

and invited Jesus Christ

into our hearts.

I am so thankful

that God

has forgiven

my sins.

I am so thankful for all Jase learned about diverse cultures and intentional living, and what he is teaching us.

Today, I am so thankful that I can

"trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding;

in all my ways, I am acknowledging Him,

and He is making my paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

I am trusting God to fulfill His promises for my life for Him.

What does LOVE look like in your home? (recipe for healthier banana muffins included)

2010-07-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

In our home, Love includes praying together, listening, talking, reading and discussing the Bible together. . . It also includes cooking together, and for each other. In our home, it also means modifying recipes to adapt to Jase's (and our) healthy eating habits.

Banana bread/cake is one of my Mom's specialties, and I like to make banana muffins. Jase first had us change to whole wheat flour, and then he began substituting sugar with honey. So here is our new family recipe:

Banana Muffins

1/2 cup shortening (maybe change to ?)

1 cup honey (original recipe-1 1/2 c. sugar)

2 eggs

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup mashed banana

1/4 cup buttermilk (milk with a little lemon juice)

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. soda

1/2 c. chopped pecans (optinal-I don't usually use.)

Mix as listed. Put into greased muffin tins. Bake at 350 degrees 20-25 min.
(cake-30-35 min., bread-45 minutes.)

Love also means. . .

lots and lots of HUGS!

Love means playing like a child.

Love means more grandbabies to come!

I am joining Joanne and showing what Love looks like here in our home! (a little late in getting it published this time. . .will be looking forward to future Wednesdays!)

Angel's WHY I COUNT IT ALL JOY Wednesday

2010-07-14T08:44:00.001-07:00

Today, I am full of JOY because my son is home safely and happy from his mission trip. Pictures will have to come tomorrow in my Thankful Thursday post.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1: 3-6

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,

so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

SCRIPTURE MEMORY MONDAY

2010-07-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Therefore, since through God's mercy, we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 4:1

What scripture is God using to speak to you today?

Kelly's Show Us Your Life---FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE

2010-07-09T12:34:00.001-07:00

For Kelly's Show Us Your Life, the topic is your favorite Bible verse.

hmmmm, Just like all of the other posts I have read linked up to this (some of the 104), it's very hard for me to limit to just one. I started trying to pick the few that I would write about for this post, and then I thought, "You can just look at my blog, the verses I have posted on the side, and then my Memory Verses for the past year and half. If I had to choose one scripture it would be my Life Scripture. . .
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Then, since blogging has become a passion for me,
this one has been close to my heart.
Proverbs 3:3
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

And here is the one the Lord gave me for TODAY!
Psalm 4:8
I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for You alone, O Lord,
make me (and my husband and children)
dwell in safety.

Like I said, if you want to take the time, you can look back at my Memory Verses,
(really Meditation Verses for me) and see which verses have been speaking to me the most.
All scripture is inspired by God and good for instruction, reproof. . .
Now, I'm going to have to find the reference for that one, and the rest of it, and commit it to memory!

What scripture is your favorite right now?
Link up with Kelly. I'm going to be #107 or higher, so you can go read the posts, and get a lot of scripture and inspiration in your mind!

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY-to KNOW HIM

2010-07-09T07:53:00.001-07:00

While my son is gone on a mission trip, I am finding myself going to his closet to borrow a t-shirt to wear to feel closer to him.

The one I chose today was a pretty green color with yellow print. It said

Yada: "Hebrew for To Know Him".

As I was taking the t-shirt off to change into something else, I realized it didn't really make me close to Jase. It did make feel a little closer to him, but didn't get me there.

My husband and I are going to go out on a date, but can't until Jase's blog post is up. It actually did come up, just a minute ago, and reading Jase's words do make us feel closer to him. His post disappeared for some reason, before I got a chance to copy and paste it, so it reminded me how important it is to quickly memorize what he wrote. I hope his words reappear on the blog site very soon.

Day 1: "Wow! Very diverse culture. Opportunity to have a conversation with a Missionary. I am expecting Father to do extraordinary work. "

Day 2: "Don’t really know how to explain the day. A lot of teaching from a Missionary this morning. Experienced some of the culture today through prayer walking. Also, had an awesome, door-opening experience at a mosque."

Day 3: "Long day of great prayer walking. Had the opportunity to see the inside of a Catholic church. I believe Father opened a door at a fruit market. We ate curry made by a local. Thank you for the generous blessings!"

I am so excited about what God is doing in His life, and can't wait to sit with him and listen to him tell us all about it!

This reminds me. . .

Sometimes wearing a cross or a Christian t-shirt makes us feel closer to God.

Reading His word definitely helps us to know Him.

Memorizing His word helps us to know Him.

Sitting awhile with Him, spending time listening to Him, letting His Word speak to us, and having a conversation with Him is how we really get to Know Him.

Do you Know Him?

A Conversation with God...
Yada’ is the Hebrew word for: "to know in a relational sense, to recognize and to be acquainted with." Yahweh, or more correctly, Yahuweh, is God’s name. His personal and proper name means "I Am," and "I Exist." Therefore, Yada Yahweh is an invitation "to know Yahweh" and "to understand our existence." For these things, there is but one place to turn. (His Word to us)

If you didn't come here from Spiritual Sundays, go here!

You will be so blessed, and you can link up your own post, too.

Thank you so much, Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays and to all the others who link up such great heartfelt, encouraging posts!

Happy 52nd Anniversary to Clif and Charlotte!

I pray God's blessings on all of you!

Sandy