I was tagged from Cathy Bryant over at http://wordvessel.blogspot.com
The ABC's of me.
A Age is 45.
B Birthday is February 12.
C Cat-I have 1 named Noelle.
D Dad was in WWII and is a D-day Veteran.
E Exercise-I fitness walk, 60-70 minutes a day, 4-5 days per week.
F Family is important to me.
G Grandfather (my dad's dad) was in WWI.
H Happiness to me is being with my grandchildren.
I Ice cream is my favorite treat, Bluebell is preferred.
J Joyful in the Lord.
K Kitchen, I am at home in my kitchen and I'm territorial.
L Lily is my favorite flower.
M Meal-my favorite meal is grilled salmon, steamed vegetables, and a baked potato.
N Native American-my great grandmother was Cherokee.
O Optic-I wear bi-focals.
P Piano- I took 11 years of piano lessons when I was a child.
Q Quilts-I have several quilts my grandmother's made, to me they bring comfort.
R Rain-I love rainy days.
S Sacred-to me words are sacred.
T Teach-I love to teach Bible studies.
U Undecided-rarely am I an undecided person.
V Vocal-I sing 2nd Soprano.
W Welsh is in my ancestry.
X X marks the spot where you are at, hope you feel welcome and come back again.
Y Yell-I dislike yelling, loud talking, cursing.
Z Zero patience for abuse of children, elderly, and animals.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
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Question Of The Week#20
http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com"Do songs ever make you cry? Do you have a song (or two) that makes you teary-eyed every time?"
Songs do not usually make me cry-at lease not very often. I am not an emotional kind of gal.
There is one song though, "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. This song makes me teary eyed every time I hear it.
The writer of the song wrote about what will he do when he is in the presence of Jesus in heaven.
"Will he dance for Jesus? Will he fall to his knees? Can he even speak at all?"
As for me... I will fall on my face before Him, I will be unable to speak.
Recently I read a book entitled, "Deeper, Living in The Reality of God's Love" by Debbie Alsdorf.
Debbie wrote about her experience with her mother, when her mother was dieing. Her mother told Debbie and her children, "live likes it's real, because it is." She was speaking about heaven.
I think about that statement often, "live likes it real, because it is."
You know this life is not all there is, if it were, there really would be absolutely no hope. We would live our lives as a senseless vacuum in the frailty of our relatively short life. But, this life is not all there is, believers have eternal life through Jesus Christ, and when our bodies die, our spirit will continue to live with Jesus in heaven. That should be our focus, not the economy, nor bills to pay, nor children to feed or parents to care for, nor health problems; but that this life is not all there is, we have eternity with Jesus in heaven. I do not say that statement lightly as if I have never suffered. I've had cancer, I've watched my mother die a horrible death, had serious marriage problems, had financial problems, watched my elderly father suffer in pain with serious health problems, and seen the countenance on his face because he misses mother so very much. I've faced the fear of my own oldest sons deployment to a far away country to fight in combat. I've had scabs on my knees from praying for that son, and now most recently he is expected to go blind in his left eye because of a blast from a bomb that he experienced.
But, this life is not all there is, there is an eternity in heaven with Jesus, and all of my focus is on that. I look beyond the fears, and aches, and pains of this life, and I just see Jesus. Just give me Jesus.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Bible Reading Challenge
I have finished reading Romans and 1 Corinthians. I am now reading in chapter 5 of 2ND Corinthians.
Romans was written by the apostle Paul in 57 A.D, to the church at Rome. Paul wrote this epistle (a written message or letter) while he was on his 3rd missionary journey and while he was in Corinth. It is the longest of Paul's letters, and according to "Halley's Bible Handbook" it is "the most important book in the Bible next to the 4 Gospels."
"Man's justification before God rests, fundamentally, not on the Law of Moses, but on the Mercy of Christ. It is not a matter of Law at all, because man, on account of his sinful nature, cannot entirely live up to God's law, which is an expression of God's holiness. But it is wholly because Christ, out of the goodness of His heart, forgives men's sins. In the last analysis, man's standing before God depends, not so much on what man has done or can do for himself, as on what Christ has done for him. And therefore Christ is entitled to the absolute and whole-hearted allegiance and loyalty and devotion of every human being." "Halley's Bible Handbook."
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3: 22-26 NIV
The theme of the book of Romans explains that we are made righteous not because of the law, but because of our acceptance and belief by faith in Jesus Christ, who shed His blood on the cross in redemption for our sins.
1 Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, 55 A.D. Corinth was a wealthy, bustling, commercial trade city, located on the Mediterranean. There are many key themes in 1 Corinthians, most of all Paul wants the church at Corinth to stop bickering and work together to further the Gospel.
Most people are very familiar with 1 Corinthians 13, "love is patient, love is kind." The verses from chapter 13 verses 1-13 are spoken often in weddings. It is known as the "love chapter."
At the end of verse 5 Paul writes, "it keeps no record of wrongs." Ouch! We humans and especially women seem to remember others faults.
Once upon a time when I was a young wife, I was guilty of this, keeping a record in my young brain, of all the wrongs my husband did, or things he even failed to do. I failed to think that maybe I too, had been guilty of things I should not have done or failed to do. I believe the term full of one self would suffice. I was 18 when I married, and even though I was very much in love with my husband, I was immature in many ways. I am glad to report that I have matured.
About the time we celebrated our 25Th wedding anniversary, I thought about how my thinking has changed now as opposed to how I thought then. No longer do I think about what can he do to make me happy, happiness is not something that I even focus on anymore. My thoughts now are on how much I appreciate Jeff, how very grateful I am for him. When you appreciate and are thankful for someone, your attitude changes, you treat them with esteem and affection, with love and kindness.
"Love is patient, love is kind." Those words are no longer just words that I have read in the pages of my Bible, they are words that are in my heart, and they are transmitted in my attitudes and in my speech.
Romans was written by the apostle Paul in 57 A.D, to the church at Rome. Paul wrote this epistle (a written message or letter) while he was on his 3rd missionary journey and while he was in Corinth. It is the longest of Paul's letters, and according to "Halley's Bible Handbook" it is "the most important book in the Bible next to the 4 Gospels."
"Man's justification before God rests, fundamentally, not on the Law of Moses, but on the Mercy of Christ. It is not a matter of Law at all, because man, on account of his sinful nature, cannot entirely live up to God's law, which is an expression of God's holiness. But it is wholly because Christ, out of the goodness of His heart, forgives men's sins. In the last analysis, man's standing before God depends, not so much on what man has done or can do for himself, as on what Christ has done for him. And therefore Christ is entitled to the absolute and whole-hearted allegiance and loyalty and devotion of every human being." "Halley's Bible Handbook."
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3: 22-26 NIV
The theme of the book of Romans explains that we are made righteous not because of the law, but because of our acceptance and belief by faith in Jesus Christ, who shed His blood on the cross in redemption for our sins.
1 Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, 55 A.D. Corinth was a wealthy, bustling, commercial trade city, located on the Mediterranean. There are many key themes in 1 Corinthians, most of all Paul wants the church at Corinth to stop bickering and work together to further the Gospel.
Most people are very familiar with 1 Corinthians 13, "love is patient, love is kind." The verses from chapter 13 verses 1-13 are spoken often in weddings. It is known as the "love chapter."
At the end of verse 5 Paul writes, "it keeps no record of wrongs." Ouch! We humans and especially women seem to remember others faults.
Once upon a time when I was a young wife, I was guilty of this, keeping a record in my young brain, of all the wrongs my husband did, or things he even failed to do. I failed to think that maybe I too, had been guilty of things I should not have done or failed to do. I believe the term full of one self would suffice. I was 18 when I married, and even though I was very much in love with my husband, I was immature in many ways. I am glad to report that I have matured.
About the time we celebrated our 25Th wedding anniversary, I thought about how my thinking has changed now as opposed to how I thought then. No longer do I think about what can he do to make me happy, happiness is not something that I even focus on anymore. My thoughts now are on how much I appreciate Jeff, how very grateful I am for him. When you appreciate and are thankful for someone, your attitude changes, you treat them with esteem and affection, with love and kindness.
"Love is patient, love is kind." Those words are no longer just words that I have read in the pages of my Bible, they are words that are in my heart, and they are transmitted in my attitudes and in my speech.
Review---"Until We Reach Home"
"Until We Reach Home" by Lynn AustinI have read several Christian fiction books on immigration. The main character is usually from Ireland, or England, and they immigrate to America, or Australia. It was a welcome break to meet these 3 sisters from Sweden: Elin, Kirsten and Sofia.
The time period is the late 1800's. The 3 sisters are living in the home and farm they had lived at with their parents and older brother in rural Sweden. Their parents die and their brother leaves home and is not heard from again. An aunt and uncle and their children move into the beloved home with the sisters.
From the beginning of the book Elin the eldest of the sisters is intent in moving away and finding a better life for her and her sisters. She sets her sights on Chicago, where another uncle and his family live.
I loved this book for several reasons such as, the descriptive writing of the travel that the girls endured. From their train rides, to their traveling by ship, the reader is swept up with them. The reader is carried away by the smells, sounds, storms at sea, the food they ate, and the meager sleeping quarters. The writer shares with the reader what it must have been like to travel as an immigrant before modern conveniences.
I also loved this book because of the personalities of each of the sisters. Each had their own unique individual personality traits. Elin felt responsible for her younger sisters, she fussed over them, worried about them; but yet she took her responsibilities seriously because of her depth of love for them. Kirsten the middle sister is head strong, independent, adventurous, argumentative, and outgoing. Sophia being the youngest is sheltered, sweet and good natured.
I also loved this book in that each of the sisters have their own stories in the book. The author writes about the 3 sisters being together in this adventure, yet each of them also have individual life situations that are explored.
I did feel that towards the end of the book the author wrapped up the book to quickly. I believe that the book could have been followed by a great sequel, following further into each of the sisters choices in what they decided to do further in their lives.
"Until We Reach Home" is a Christy Book Award winner for 2009.
Question Of The Week #19
Question Of The Week #19, http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/"Do you like to read different translations of the Bible? Why or why not? Do you have one dependable and or believed translation that you use all of the time? Or do you like to keep things fresh by adding different translations to your rotation?"
I have many different translations of Bibles, but my favorites are the NIV, ESV, NASB, and the HCSB.
The Holman Christian Standard Bible, or HCSB, is my most recent Bible. I bought my copy for $5 at Lifeway Christian Bookstore when they were having a big sale a few months ago. The Bible is small and has a magnetic closure. I would never have bought this Bible, except I loved how it looked: small, handy, magnetic closure, red. It is named Ancient Faith Bible. The Bible is small enough to fit in my purse if need be. I dislike the small print, but it is readable to me.
My New International Version, or NIV is also red, maybe a trend is going here. I bought 2 red duo tone, leather, NIV Zondervan Bible's; 1 for me and 1 for my sister Frances. Our birthdays are near Valentines Day, our maiden name is Hart. I thought it quit fitting that we both have identical Bible's for our Birthday's. There are 2 things that I love about this Bible, it is large print and it lays open very well. The NIV reads smoothly and understandably.
I bought a hardback English Standard Version, or ESV when they came out last October. I love this Bible's extra reading material, such as the history of the Bible, history of salvation, the canon of the Scripture's, other reference materials, and maps. What I dislike about this Bible is it is heavy, it is similar to carrying around a large unabridged hardback dictionary. I usually keep this Bible at home, but I use it daily.
These 3 are the Bible's that I use the most.
My New American Standard Bible, or NASB-my dad took it, and I am not sure where he has put it, it is probably under his special reading chair.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
"Question Of The Week #18"
"Question Of The Week #18," http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/"Spiritual insights, realizations. These little insights 'aha' moments can pop up anywhere and everywhere as you are living life. And they can often be found in unexpected places: life, music, books, movies, tv shows, family, friends. What have you learned (realized) lately?"
The word realize means to be fully aware of, to conceive as real, understand clearly, present as real. Similar words are apprehend, be cognizant of, become conscious of, catch on, comprehend, conceive, discern, envisage, envision, grasp, understand, and vision.
My sister JoAnn calls these "aha" moments an epiphany. Epiphany is usually a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature of the meaning of something. An intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking. An illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure. Definitions from Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
I have had many epiphany moments in my life, in actuality these are teaching moments designed for me from God.
I am always amazed that God creates an invaluable moment that I am to learn something, and it is done at the precise timing that He ordains. These teaching moments are never early and never tardy.
The first step is in realizing that there is a lesson to be learned, the second is in agreeing with God that this is something that we needed to learn, the 3rd step is in applying this new teaching to our life. I have found that the first step is always the hardest.
The first step for me "is" the epiphany moment. During these aha moments, it is as if a spotlight shines in to the dark cob webbed corners of my brain. In those dark corners are hidden areas of my thought life, or attitudes, or unused talents, or fears, or misconceptions, or prejudices.
My most recent aha moment was yesterday. I take care of my elderly 86 year old dad full time. I care for him in his home and I live in his home as well. My dad has several health risk factors: diabetes, diabetes neuropathy, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, congestive heart failure, vascular disease, both of his rotator cuffs are torn, spinal stenosis, arthritis, and history of bowel obstructions. My dad's blood pressure has been running high, and his ankles and feet have been more swollen. I made telephone calls yesterday to ask the doctors about increasing his blood pressure medicine and Lasix (medication to get rid of built of fluid retention.) Yesterday and even in to today, has been waiting for the telephone to ring for new instructions from the doctor.
In my job as caregiver I must make instant life decisions. A doctor or nurse is not always available at that exact moment for my questions. The job falls on me to make most of dad's health care decisions. Dad is a DNR, which means he is a Do Not Resuscitate, if dad's heart stops, or he stops breathing, we will let him die. The DNR is my dad's wishes, and I am in agreement with him.
I live in fear of finding him dead. I live in fear of all of the what ifs that could happen. What if I make a mistake, what if I fail. I could panic very easily, I could cry, I could stay in the bed with my head covered, or I could give up and put dad in the nursing home.
I love Jesus and have surrendered my will for His, because of this I choose to surrender every day to Him. Every morning when I wake up I give Jesus the day, whatever happens, Jesus is still on His throne, and He is the true orchestrator of mine and daddy's life.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
National Day of Prayer
May 7 is The National Day of Prayer and Beth Moore is the honorary chairman this year.
the link for the website http://ndptf.org
A you tube video of Beth Moore can be found at
http://www.womensministry.net/blog/?p=133
the link for the website http://ndptf.org
A you tube video of Beth Moore can be found at
http://www.womensministry.net/blog/?p=133
Interview of Tosca Lee
There is a great interview on Tosca Lee over at Relz Reviewz.
http://relzreviewz.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-club-interview-with-tosca-lee-on.html
http://relzreviewz.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-club-interview-with-tosca-lee-on.html
Review---"To Love Anew"
"To Love Anew"
Sydney Cove Series Book 1 by Bonnie Leon
This is an excellent story that left me greatly anticipating book 2 in the series.
Hannah Talbot is a young woman in England during the early 1800's. Her mother is an experienced seamstress and Hannah helps her mother in their family business. Hannah's mother dies unexpectedly and Hannah's life dramatically changes. A series of despairing events leads her to a venture to a far away continent.
John Bradshaw seems to have it all; a beautiful wife, a business, a nice home. John makes a decision to help a family member and then his life is altered forever.
The conditions of poverty, prison life, ship life, immigration, and other issues are covered in this book.
The reader is left wondering why people in previous centuries were unconcerned about the poor and the weak. It is illogical to me the penalty for a person that steals a bite of food because they are starving. Jesus had taught us in scripture that we were to feed the hungry, that when we fed the hungry we are feeding him as well. See Matthew 25: 31-46.
Maybe I am naive and not being realistic, there are still people who are unconcerned with the poor, the homeless, prisoners, the sick, and immigrants. These people are the outcasts, the unsuccessful, the low status of society; they are not attractive to look at, they are even disturbing and uncomfortable to look at. Many people are more concerned with the beautiful people, those people that make their living wearing designer clothing, throwing extravagant parties, spending money on the latest techno gadgets, and trading their current spouse for a newer more polished one. Or maybe the everyday average people are so consumed with making their own house payments, feeding their children, making it to work and then keeping their job, that they just don't have time to think about those "other people."
What can you do today for those "other people?"
Do you have a story to tell of when you helped someone in need?
Maybe you at some point in your life were a person in need?
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