Trish, couldn't resist adding to your comments relative to sheep. God used them as an example of his followers for lots of reasons. Read this Bible Study I recently gave to a group of men here. Sheep are Dumb Animals Sheep aren’t smart. They tend to wander into running creeks for water, then their wool grows heavy and they drown. They are basically defenseless creatures – no claws, no horns, no fangs. They are helpless. So they always need someone or something to protect them. Some sheep farmers will put a mule into the same pasture with the sheep and that mule will attack anything, a dog, a wolf, a coyote, even a bear or mountain lion and often come out the winner. Sheep need a shepherd with a “rod and . . . walking stick” (Psa. 23:4) to protect them. All sheep can do is use their legs to flee when danger threatens, and that not very well. Sheep also have no sense of direction. They always need someone to lead them “on paths that are right” (Psa. 23:3). Their natural inclination to follow a leader to new pastures was the pivotal factor in sheep being one of the first domesticated species of livestock. Sheep have always been of interest to me…their habits, weaknesses, etc… This interest on my part came about because of the many references in God’s Word to sheep, Shepherds, etc. There is a wonderful little book entitled: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, that you might want to read. It’s author Phillip Keller, both a Christian and Sheep Rancher, was given, I believe by God, an ‘inside look’ at both sheep and the work involved in being a loving, caring true Shepherd. It’s a wonderful little book. We have a misconception in many cases, about sheep…at least I did before reading up on them and their ‘habits’. I always saw them as innocent little creatures who just ‘trotted along’ behind their Shepherd pretty as you please, always obeying, NEVER rebellious. That is farthest from the truth! They can be some pretty head-strong creatures. It’s one reason we sometimes see photos of Shepherds with both a rod and staff–both are needed to care for the sheep: Each shepherd boy, from the time he first starts to tend his father’s flock, takes special pride in the selection of a rod and staff exactly suited to his own size and strength. He goes into the bush and selects a young sapling which is dug from the ground. This is carved and whittled down with great care and patience. The enlarged base of the sapling where its trunk joins the roots is shaped into a smooth, rounded head of hard wood. The sapling itself is shaped to exactly fit the owner’s hand. After he completes it, the shepherd boy spends hours practicing with this club, learning how to throw it with speed and accuracy. It becomes his main weapon of defense for both himself and his sheep. The shepherd asserts that the rod, his weapon of power, authority and defense, is a continuous comfort to him. For with it the manager is able to carry out effective control of his flock in every situation. If the shepherd saw a sheep wandering away on its own, or approaching poisonous weeds, or getting too close to danger of one sort or another, the club would go whistling through the air to send the wayward animal scurrying back to the bunch. Being stubborn creatures sheep often get into the most ridiculous and preposterous dilemmas. Philip Keller said “I have seen my own sheep, greedy for one more mouthful of green grass, climb down steep cliffs where they slipped and fell into the sea. Only my long shepherd’s staff could lift them out of the water back onto solid ground again…” Another interesting use of the rod in the Shepherd’s hand was to examine and count the sheep. In the terminology of the Old Testament this was referred to as passing “under the rod” (Ezekiel 20:37). This meant not only coming under the owner’s control and authority, but also to be subject to his most careful, intimate and firsthand examination. A sheep that passed “under the rod” was one which had been counted and looked over with great care to make sure all was well with it. Because of their long wool it was not always easy to detect disease, wounds, or defects in sheep. In caring for his sheep, the good shepherd, the careful manager, will from time to time make a careful examination of each individual sheep. The picture is a very poignant one. He can draw sheep together into an intimate relationship. The shepherd will use his staff to gently lift a newborn lamb and bring it to its mother if they become separated. He does this because he does not wish to have the ewe reject her offspring if it bears the odor of his hands upon it. As each animal comes out of the corral and through the gate, it is stopped by the shepherd’s outstretched rod. He opens the fleece with the rod; he runs his skillful hands over the body; he feels for any sign of trouble; he examines the sheep with care to see that all is well. Finally the shepherd’s rod is an instrument of protection both for himself and his sheep when they are in danger. It is used both as a defense and a deterrent against anything that would attack. The skilled shepherd uses his rod to drive off predators like coyotes, wolves, cougars or stray dogs. Often it is used to beat the brush discouraging snakes and other creatures from disturbing the flock. In some cases, such as David recounted to Saul, the psalmist no doubt used his rod to attack the lion and the bear that came to raid his flock. In a sense the staff, more than any other item of his personal equipment, identifies the shepherd as a shepherd. No one in any other profession carries a shepherd’s staff. It is uniquely an instrument used for the care and management of sheep – and only sheep. It will not do for cattle, horses or hogs. It is designed, shaped and adapted especially to the needs of sheep. And it is used only for their benefit. The shepherd’s staff is normally a long slender stick, often with a crook or hook on one end. It is selected with care by the owner; it is shaped, smoothed, and cut to best suit his own personal use. ********************** Is it any wonder God uses the example of Sheep when speaking of His own?! The behavior of sheep and human beings is similar in many ways. Our mass mind (or mob instincts), our fears and timidity, our stubbornness and stupidity, our perverse habits are all parallels of profound importance. Yet despite these adverse characteristics Christ chooses us, buys us, calls us by name, makes us His own and delights in caring for us. We are just like sheep. We, too, tend to be swept away by waters we should have avoided . . . the river of drugs, or alcohol, or fame, or wealth, or pornography. Those waters are swift and will quickly drag us down and drown us. The Bible says Satan “goes about as a roaring lion, (A lion has sharp teeth and claws) seeking whom he may devour” . . . and he can easily devour us when we succumb to his temptations. Without the Good Shepherd along to pull us away with his crooked staff and keep us pointed in the right direction, we will quickly fall prey to the Devil. What weapons do we have that will defend us against Satan’s attacks . . . can you name one? Muscles? Claws? Speed afoot? Without the Holy Ghost power to call on the name of Jesus, we are as defenseless as those in the Bible who tried to do things in the Name of Jesus when Satan responded, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” Act. 19:15. What happened then in verse 16? We also, like sheep, can flee when danger threatens, in fact we are told to do so. We are told to shun the very appearance of evil. How do we do that, run away from it. Put distance between us and evil. 2 Tim 2:22 tells us to do what? How about I Cor. 6:18? Just like sheep, we have no direction when it comes to finding the right path . . . otherwise why would David have written, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me”? Remember, the staff is never used to hurt the sheep, only to guide, lift, and help the animals. A good study on Sheep and their habits is a very good study on followers of Christ … I would highly recommend any Christian to look into these creatures–their habits etc. If you are like me, you’ll see yourself depicted in most [if not all] cases. 2 Timothy 2:22 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 1 Corinthians 6:18 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Good food for thought!  I mean GOING AND DOING!

God Speaks...Even on Facebook

John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
I have never really thought of myself as sheep.  First off I always thought they were pretty stupid-as animals go. But you have to give them credit, they know their shepherd.  They follow blindly because the shepherd says to.  I wish sometimes I could hear my shepherd just as easily as these sheep.  God speaks and I listen but I don't always hear.  I am getting better at it or else He is getting louder.  I try and ask him things during the day- regular mundane things that actually have an effect on my life but its not the important stuff.  So when the important stuff comes along I don't feel so bad about going straight to Him and asking what I want and what I think I need.
Matthew 7: 7&8
Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Praise Him in all things.  Thank him no matter what.  What we think we need is not necessarily the case.  He gives us what we need.  As I am learning to listen to His voice, He is telling me all these things, but I don't understand them.  So I have to remind Him, "God I am a slow learner, not too bright at times!"  He simplifies them for me!  Sometimes His voice comes in a breeze, sometimes through another person, often and mostly- scripture.  And YES even Facebook!  He knows how you navigate your day and if you do so via Smartphone and FAcebook-by cracky He will speak to you there!  After all He is God-Omnipotent-The Great I Am- I think He can get around Facebook and take all that negative and turn it into good!  Isn't that what Romans 8:28 says?  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose!
I have received much inspiration and support from my facebook friends.  God speaks to us all!  All of his children-not just pastors, deacons, teachers-He talks to all of us!  And what we do with that is up to us.  sometimes He tells me to post it on Facebook-He knows who it is for and He knows it is going to be just right for someone at an appointed time!  I hope I always obey Him and do what He tells me.  If I can just be like that stupid sheep and follow my shepherd.  Surely if they can do it I can.  Right!?  I don't want to miss out on receiving a blessing because I didn't hear Him, then didn't obey Him!  My prayer today is for you, my friends, to listen and hear the voice of God.  But after you listen and hear...DO!  Do whatever he tells you, even if it seems silly or it doesn't make sense to you.  It makes sense to God and He has a plan- You are a part of His plan.  Let Him use you!  Just like the parable of the Four Soils in Luke 8.  As the farmer sows the seeds on various soils-the seed is the word of God and the soil represents the four different kinds of responses you can have when God is trying to talk to you.  If you want to hear God speak you have to be eager, open and willing to hear what he has to say.  The hard soil- you already have your mind made up-not listening-hard hearted-unwilling to listen.  Thorny soil-choked out!  Wayside-down trodden-devoured!  The seed that fell on good ground sprang up and bare fruit.  So when God speaks to you I hope you are "good soil" so that what He tells you can go on! Its ripe and you are ready to bare fruit!
Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience

Prayer for a friend

My God where do I find you? I find you in the morning darkness as I begin to wake up. You hear my prayers as the chill of the night air invades my space. I find you throughout my workday. I see you in the eyes of children- through their smiles!  I find you at the grocery store as the greeter meets me at the door. The creations sing of your wondrous praise; our almighty creator!  The master of the universe. Our conductor in life. You have fine tuned us all to live in perfect harmony. We can never praise you enough. When we feel despair we just remember where we find you!  For me, I find you on my knees!  I feel the most comfort when I'm on my knees. I can unburden myself and seek you in so many ways but none so close as when I  am on my knees!  So Father God while I am here, I have a friend, you know her well!  For you created her, you love her and you can heal her. Whatever she is going through I know you are going with her just like you said you would. You will never leave or forsake her. Give her a peace that passes all understanding. May your spirit wash over her and comfort her. Take this opportunity to shine in her life. Help her to lean on you when she can't lean on any other. You will be her best friend. Her confidant. Remove the worries from her mind and replace them with your promises of everlasting joy and eternal life!

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

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28:7 NIV)

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10 NIV)

We don't question why, but we do ask for strength and courage to see her through and your mercy and grace to cover her! In Jesus name,

Amen!

Fog

 This morning I am walking from the clinic to the Middle school and the fog is so thick, I literally can feel the spray of the mist on my face as I cut my way through it.  I made the comment to one of my students that it reminded me of a scary movie-where you see people walk into the mist-but they never come back!  I know the sun is there and will shine-eventually-because the weatherman tells me it will.  I know as we walk through the mist and we can't see whats on the other side-I know the school is there.  Just as we know these things to be true so do I know God is there for me.  I can't see Him but the Bible tells me He is always there.

Deuteronomy 31:5,6
Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. 

He's always there to brighten my day-even when the fog of life is so heavy I can't see.  When I have to wade through and not know whats on the other side, I have to trust in his promises that He is with me-holding my hand-while I put one foot in front of the other.  He is like that sunshine that the weatherman has forecast!  I know He is going to shine.  He will take whatever fog is getting you down and shine through it until it is all lifted.

Psalm 117:2
Great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever!

David, I told Trish that you might be able to hook her up with a publisher.  There is some good meat in that writing!

Seasons

 Autumn...the season of Fall when the leaves change color, the temperatures cool off, the sweaters go on, football is in full swing and the wooly worms begin to give the winter weather forecast.  This time of the year has always been my favorite... until this year.  Just the thought of it has been depressing to me.  Just thinking about sweaters turning into coats and cool temps turning into cold brings a sad feeling to my soul.  Early dark evenings makes for short days and long nights and that thought alone is scary.  Being cooped up in the house gives my brain a cramp.  For the past two weeks I can feel, literally feel, the joy being sucked out of me! I see it-or the lack of it- when I look in the mirror.  Its gone from my eyes.  Football used to bring me lots of joy- now its just sad because I shared that with Danny.  And we all know how he loved football.  And of course football and Fall go hand in hand-together.  So I guess the root of my sadness and depression is the fact that we loved Fall and football and I can't love that anymore, or at least not the way I used to.  Yesterday as I walked I told God, "I am depressed and I don't like that feeling- Please deliver me from that!"  I also shared with Him my many other woes and worries.  So you know God!  He always has a comeback.  I always stop and "breathe"  so I check facebook and right there the first post was "Jesus Heals:  Cancer Addiction Mental Illness Drpression- Then he touched their eyes and said "Because of your faith, it will happen."  Matthew 9:29 and then "Faith is not believing that God can it is knowing that HE WILL!"  Jesus is always there talking to me reassuring me.  But sometimes its so easy to let those little seeds of doubt start to take root.  Doubt turns to worry then fear then the next thing you know the devil has weaseled his way in and has stolen all your joy, which is what he did to me.  And I let him!  Before I went to bed last night Our Daily Bread devotion had this for me "You need not be afraid of where you're going when you know Gods going with you"  How true that is.  I have no idea what is in store for me!  As I was getting ready for church this morning, Joel Osteen had these words of wisdom..."Some of you have had unfair things happen, life has not turned out like you'd hoped.  God is saying "If you'll rise up out of those ashes, put on a new attitude, I'll not only bring you out but I'll bring you out with twice what you had before!"  God was answering my prayers from yesterday.  I do believe he is telling me to move forward even though I don't know where I'm going, He is going with me!  This morning one of my scriptures was:

 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

16Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

We are only here for a season so we must make the most out of the time God gives us here.  If we let Satan steal our joy he also takes some of that precious time that we could be using for good.  Depression has no room in my life!  And satan sucking away all my joy stops today!  This morning at church I could just feel His goodness washing all over me!  Through songs, prayers, hand shakes, hugs around the neck, even little Elijah!  He just huggged me with such passion it was like he was trying to squeeze the devil out of me!  I think it worked because even getting groceries after church, I felt happy and even shared Jesus with several people- even my WalMart cashier!  So live life to its fullest no matter the season- whether it be a season of the year or a season of your life.  Don't let the devil suck your joy!  If you have to go search out your own Elijah and let them squeeze the devil out for you!  In Psalms 103:5 it says "He fills my life with good things"  don't let those good things go to waste.  Squeeze out that devil to make room for all his goodness!

Emily and Zacs blog

Family

                                           

 Emily Fridenmaker is a regular contributor at 'for we have rebelled.'
 You can find her at A Relentless Embracing of Good.


                               

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I'm from Greenbrier county.

It's located in southern West Virginia. If you aren't also from southern WV, you probably have a few unsavory and [mostly] false things that come to your mind when you hear about my dear, sweet home, such as:

• toothless hillbillies
• ignorant rednecks
• racism
• terrible education
• meth labs (I'm only on Breaking Bad season 4...don't you dare spoil it for me)

Now we have our problems, just like any other place. While we may indeed have our fair share of meth labs, let me tell you about one thing that southern West Virginia does exceptionally well:community.

It's difficult to describe home to you if you aren't from a similar place, but I'm going to try, using my own life as an example. 

Both sets of my grandparents, and their parents, and their parents, and so on have lived in roughly the same place forever. I lived less than 10 minutes away from both sets of grandparents all of my life (until moving for college). My nearest neighbor was my great grandma, and the next nearest after that was my great aunt. My church had around 50 people in it, and almost all of them were related to at least 1 of about 3 families. So many families have known each other for generations. My elementary school teachers remembered teaching my parents when they were in elementary school. People I don't know have seen me out and asked, 'Are you a Treadway?' or said, 'Boy, you sure look like your mom.' I'm not unique in this either...most of the people I know from home have similar stories.

The unique thing about home is that there is a history among us...there are so many things that we all share that are ingrained in us from the time we're born, and other people just don't understand. 

I tell you all this to make one point: we are all for one another.

When Homer had surgery, Mommy went around the road every day to change his bandages.

When my grandparents passed away, there was the biggest collection of rolls, casseroles, brownies, beans, chicken, sandwiches, and salads you'd ever seen.

When a new baby is coming, that mom-to-be likely won't have to buy much because church ladies love to buy blankies and onesies. 

When someone's house burns down, everybody knows which bank has the donation account set up, and they give. Or they know about what size those little girls wear, and they know just where they can pick something up for them.

When Daddy was sick, and when he passed away, there was the greatest outpouring of love and prayers I had experienced in my entire life. People weren't only messaging and texting us, they were bringing food, detergent, paper plates, offering to mow the grass, telling funny stories about him at the wake, stopping by to see how we were, and just generally loving on us.

The people in my community consistently and lovingly rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Ultimately though, this type of community doesn't have to be preceded by generations of knowing one another.

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As Christians (wherever in the world we may be), we have something in common that is much greater than family history, geographical location, or our accents.

We have all been saved, snatched from the brink of death and the depths of sin bythe very same Savior. Though we may not realize it, we all share the same story: a history of sin, trumped by an Epic Intervention.

But wait! Not only do we have history in common, we also share a present and a future.

We labor alongside one another in the present, brothers and sisters longing to see the works of our Father widely proclaimed, and hoping to see the lost reconciled.

We look ahead to our future, trusting in His promises and anticipating the city that He builds.

Believers, we have all been adopted into the family of Christ, and are therefore related by blood. God has given us one another to lean on, to help up, to call out, and to work alongside.

There is no greater community than the community that God has called together. May we absolutely wring ourselves out for the good of it.

Romans 12: 9-18

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.

Never be wise in your own sight.

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Trish, I believe the picture you found was from Easter :)

 

This was at the Harvest Festival yesterday :)

 

 

Look what I found on facebook!

Please, keep Lorie in prayer this morning , she goes in for gall bladder surgery at 8;30 and the surgery is at 9:30 thank you all.

Trish, that was beautiful :)  I'm sure that all of you do have a little bit of all of Grandma's traits and being in you.  For someone who never met Grandma, would be able to meet all of you, they would SURELY know what Grandma was all about!!  And I think the boys can contribute to that too lol.  I would like to read how you see the boys :)

Sisters

It is often said we should strive to live so that others can see Jesus in us.  And that is what I try to live for but I also try to live the life Mommy lived.  She reflected Christ in everything she did whether it was pulling weeds in the garden, canning in the kitchen or mopping in the basement; she did it all to honor God.  That's how I want others to see me.  When I am doing my chores, I want to be in conversation with Christ the whole time!
So, my sisters, I want to tell you how I see Mommy manifested in you!

Vonda, when I look at you, if you had gray hair and a bun it would be just like looking at Mommy.  You have her face, her chin, her eyes.  And I don't mean the eyes of the same color and shape.  I mean the eyes that you can see into the soul.  You have her soul!  I know you and she have shared tears that we will never know or understand and when I look in your eyes I see her soul; her warmth, her understanding!

Ruth, I see Mommys leadership and strength in you.  She was always foraging the way- a new way- with crafty ways to do things.  Smart ways to utilize what she had-which wasn't much.  I have seen you do that in everything you do!  And then you make these things available for everyone else.  Finding their needs, and helping them to find it also.  You have helped me many days by just leading the way.  Being the first to tell me God still loves me or encouraging me when I was discouraged.  Being that strength we all take advantage of and lean upon.  So like Mommy!

Bobbie I think you have Mommys spirit.  Kind, gentle, fair but firm.  You have her ways.  Always trying to reason, see the good in people.  Very smart about your family and striving to make sure their needs always met.  Spiritual and physical.  Slow to anger, quick to forgive.  Steady in your faith- or you always appear that way to me.  And if Mommys faith ever wavered...I didn't know it.  She was the Rock and so are you!

Rita!  You just make me tired!  You work just like Mommy did.  Even down to using the Ringer Washer!  You literally work your fingers to the bone.  Mommy was always working and busy with the garden, the home, the kids, taking care of Daddy.  And so do you.  You understand the hard work that Blain does and you CARE about that and take CARE of him.  You CARE that his meals are ready when he comes home, you CARE that he has a good lunch to take, you CARE that his clothes are clean and the coal dirt comes out.  You CARE...Just like Mommy did!  You have her HEART!  And her wit!  Mommy was a seriously funny person!  Just like you!

I am sure you each possess some of the other qualities but this is what stands out to me, how I see Mommy in you!  So I guess in order to have ALL of Mommy ALL of the time, I have to put up with ALL of YOU!

Rain

 It's me again Lord, I am broken and bruised, torn and tattered

My heart overflows with sadness-everywhere I look-the sadness spills out of my eyes as tears!

My spirit is weak and worn, tired and troubled.  I hear you Oh God as I talk to you 

When I seek your face I feel your presence

As the rain comes down I am gently reminded of this scripture:

 Joel 2:23   Be glad, people of Zion, Rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful.  He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains as before."   

To know He is faithful is a comfort beyond any other.  But to actually feel the faithfulness...Its like sitting on the Big Comfy Couch with your favorite fuzzy blanket.  It doesn't matter when you go sit on that couch or climb upon His lap...He is going to have time for you.  He is going to be there listening to you and waiting on you to pour out your heart to him.  He wants to give you answers.  As the rain pours down outside my window, God, I am reminded again that you have not left me alone!  You have said that "where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in their midst" Matt 18:20.  Raining down your grace, peace, comfort, answers to our problems....raining down renewed strength, renewed hope, renewed courage, and most of all raining down your love upon us! 

So my friends, my prayer for you today as you are out and about getting wet, let Gods "Rain" get you soaked to the bone!  Both physically and spiritually!  Sometimes it's best to just leave that umbrella in the car :)                          

Way to go Miss Marleigh! 
Love the picture as well Trish.  Did you enhance that picture with a bit of spit and polish?  And we wonder where we get our flare for fashion girls. Momma may have had on a simple A-line with a 1/4 length sleeve sweater.  High heels?  No doubt about it! Her simple taste in jewelry has been the crave of ages and still a favorite.  Her hair has had the scissors and curling brown paper bag strips to give it a little lift I'm sure!  She may have a little lip vaseline if I look real close.  We have to admit though that she was all about the inner woman being her adorning beauty!  All in all she is soo pretty here.  And Daddy is pretty handsome you have to admit.   Is this picture taken before God gave them any of us?

Trish, you are too funny :)

I was wondering if we had a list of what everyone was bringing on Sunday for the get-together?  I was thinking about getting some hotdogs and buns.  Do we know how many people are going to be there?

Monica you need to put that video on youtube!  I am sure it would go viral!!!

Congratulations Andy, Kim and Mason!!  Baby Colton is adorable :)  Trish, I love the new picture.

This is Marleigh singing "I Am a Promise" at church :)

Congratulations Kim and Andy, Grandma and Grandpa!  He is adorable! 

He is such a big boy!

Colton Treadway 9# 22 1/2 inches

Promises

Promises
He didn't promise that I would never stumble, But He did say He'd be there if I fall He didn't tell me He'd hear complaints I whispered, But He did say He'd hear me if I call. Cho: Promises, promises, and all of them true. He's done exactly what He said He would do. He didn't promise my heart would not be broken, But He did say He'd mend it again. He didn't promise my cross would not be heavy, But He did say that He my load would bear, He didn't tell me He'd grant my hopes and wishes, But He did say He'd hear my earnest prayer
When I was growing up, I sang this song with my brother and sisters. Up until recently I never really thought about the lyrics or His promises. I just took them for granted. This morning I thought "God, it only hurts when I breathe and my heart only breaks when it beats!" I saw the sun begin to rise above the mountain and thought God, you have promised us another day and so beautiful it is going to be, with the fog and the sun trying to beat each other up! Then as I thought of the promised day laying before me this song popped in my head. And I thought if God has promised to mend my broken heart- Why not let him? If he has promised to catch me when I stumble- Let Him! He wants to help carry my burden- and I want to let Him! And I know he hears my prayer for He has answered many- too many to count!
As we go through our daily routine- we stumble, he picks us up- we get so used to him being there that we start to take him for granted. We don't say thank you enough....never enough! At the end of the month when those bills are paid one more time, do we thank Him? When we go to the doctor and those tests are negative- one more time- Do we thank Him? When our children are tucked safe in bed at night- Do we thank Him? We are an ungrateful people but Thank God he loves us anyway- Forgives us anyway- and is there for us anyway! Picking us up when we stumble, mending our broken hearts, helping us carry those burdens and fulfilling all those promises!

4 great grandbabies Bobbie.

Roadside angel

Roadside angel!  

I have a roadside angel 

God gave her to me

She doesn't come when I have a flat tire or run out of gas 

She isn't that kind of roadside service you see

My God has placed a desire on my heart to walk

I tell folks it's for my health! 

 It's for my heart!  It's for my soul!

No one but me, my dog, and my Heavenly Father. 

But occasionally, when I am having a bad day-

one that even He can't get through to me- he sends me roadside assistance!  

She takes the form of my roadside angel!

  Today her name is Tina❤

Just a few words laid upon her heart by the almighty is all it takes to turn my day around. 

So if you see me with traffic halted 

Along the road, know God is working a miracle!  

Just beep your horn and drive on around!  

You never know when you might need that roadside angel yourself❤

How many grandbabies does this make you Vonda?

Congratulations Vonda and family!!

Her name is Aubreana Joanna

Vonda's new great grand baby

Surrounded

 When you hear "you're surrounded" one usually thinks of the bad things.  First thing that pops in my head is of course by police officers- I watch way too many cop shows!  But this morning when I woke up as I looked out the window- even in the darkness- I thanked God for the beautiful day he was about to surround me with.  The early morning chill was even beautiful.  As I hit my snooze alarm and pulled those covers under my chin, I asked my Heavenly Father, "What are we going to do today?  What can I do for you?"  When I walked the trash out I couldn't help but notice the beauty God surrounds us with.  When I look to the heavens the clouds just take my breath away with their 3D beauty.  Their shapes, size and even the way they move across the sky shows us how God loves us in that He gives us something to gaze upon as we turn to him in conversation.  As I feel the sunsine upon my face and the wind against my cheek as my hair blows I feel his presence ever near me.  If you just stand still and shut your eyes- Oh MY! I can feel him there!  Deep in my soul caressing away the hurt and the pain.  Leaving me with an ache and yearning for more!  More of his love, more of his goodness, more of his grace!  I find all of that when I read of his promises and know what awaits for me!  Just beyond those clouds!  I just can't wait to stand in his presence and to "touch the hem of his garment"! To feel the warmth under his gaze as he smiles at me with all the tenderness and love I know will be waiting on me!  Even though undeserving, I know he has promised that to me.  Because I am a child of the King!  I am forgiven!  I am loved!  But until I reach that destination I have to be conrent with my surroundings here on earth.  And He has surrounded me with incredible people in my life to fill in the gaps.  I am surrounded by love and laughter and I thank God every day for that!  For that is what makes our llife here tolerable until we reach that mansion where He will be waiting with open arms for me.  And when we lose hope- just remember, my Redeemer is faithful and true- yes Jesus is faithful and true!     

 

   Job 19:25  I know  that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

Discontent

Discontent has struck a chord in the song of my soul. I am thankful for my job, yet I am discontent. I have no insurance there and I say Lord, you know I need that! That's one of the things I pray for. Yet I wait and I know he loves me and just as he watches out for that sparrow that soars I know He watches over me as I soar. I don't like feeling discontent. I feel like I betray the only one who loves me! He supplies ALL my needs. Why can't I be happy with what I have. I always want more. Doesn't He say that He will supply my hearts desires. He knows my heart, He knows my desires. They aren't frivolous requests! I want a happy laughter filled life. I want someone to share that life with. I want a job with benefits that pays my bills. I want a healthy body, I want healthy children. A car that gets me from point A to B. Friends that I can tell my troubles to and that I can listen to when they need an ear. I want to help people. I want to worship. I want a closer walk with my Savior. I want a powerful prayer life. I want to love and to be loved! I want to feel like a child of the King, one of His children. One of His little chicks he takes under his wing. My verse this morning was
Phillipians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything instead Pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done"
As I was taking out the trash today at work I put in my headphones. The first song was "Pray about Everything", song #2 "Walk On" and lastly "It Is Well With My Soul" Do you think Jesus is trying to get a message across to me? I THINK SO!

He is With You:)

 This morning my day started with the song "He Is With You" !  I have been struggling with the feelings of abandonment.  My mind can't help but go there.  I feel like an orphan and a widow and its like what now?!  Where do I go?  As I read my "minute devotion" it is Isaiah 43:2

 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze"

  I AM WITH YOU! 

 I am sure you all have your own set of trials and problems that you turn to Jesus for.  Do you ever feel like you are in it all alone?  I know HE is with me!  He has been telling me all day!  My mom used to sing a song "Wading through Deep Waters trying to get home"  Thats the way I feel.  Like I need to put on my Muck Boots, suck it up and get to wading.  All I can say is:

"I love the Lord, For He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy"  Psalm 116:1

and whatever else you need me to bring Teresa, let me know.

I will bring pop and water.

I will bring something...what do you need Teresa?

Morning All
Vonda will be coming to WV Sept 20 - 23 for the purpose of burying David's ashes by Mommy and Daddy.  She plans to do that on Sunday the 22nd at 2:30 for anyone who would like to come.  After the short service, we will meet at Steve and Teresa's for food...probably hot dogs and such.  Hope to see you then.

Trish, I love that song!!  I just bought the soundtrack a few weeks ago :)

Your Love is Extravagant - Casting Crowns {lyrics}

Group Hug...cloud NINE!

Group Hug...cloud nine :)

 This week what have you asked God for?  When you prayed did you go over the list you have prepared in your mind?  Those who are sick, those who are grieving, lost souls, the needy, our country and its leaders?  We all have a "list".  Then we always manage to squeeze a few things in that aren't on the list.  Lord, you know I could use a raise!  Insurance!  Help with paying the bills!  A plumber!  Back to school problems! Traffic!  Lord, don't let that gas light come on yet!  Every thing from the big stuff to the small stuff.  And the great thing about God is that nothing is too small to pray about and nothing is too big for him to answer.  So as my week has progressed I have been "out of sorts"  I can't pinpoint any one thing but its like I am going one way and the universe is going another way.  I have been saying my prayers and asking-asking-asking!  Wednesday night Bible Study was Revelation Chapter 4.  I was reminded that I need to be Praising God and thanking God as well as asking!

Revelations 4:8
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come

Revelations 4:11
You are worthy, our Lord and God
to receive glory and honor and power

The song 10,000 reasons played over and over in my head this evening.  And I am thinking how many things can I think of to thank God for and to praise Him?  Psalm 103 says Bless the Lord O My Soul, O my soul Worship his Holy Name.   My soul sings, but sometimes my flesh takes over and I forget.  I forget that Jesus is ever near me, closer than a brother.  Holding my hand when I am struggling.  Embracing me when I am lonely.  Wiping my tears when I cry.  I was reminded this week that when we are nearing Heavens shore, even with our last breath, we need to praise Him.  Because He said He would never leave or forsake us- Hebrews 13:5
and in Genesis 28:15 He says I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.  Praise him in the good times, praise him in the bad.  And when our time comes its just hard for me to imagine what it will be like to enter the presence of my Savior, where there will be so much love!  I just want to run into his arms and get all loved up!  I can just hear it now!  Over the intercom in Heaven, "Group Hug Cloud Nine" :)

There is a song by Casting Crowns that sums it all up:

Your love is extravagant
your friendship, it is intimate
I feel like moving to the rhythm of your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place
Your love is extravagant
Spread wide in the arms of Christ is the love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known
You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again

I am going to modify my prayers.  I am still asking for my hearts desires but I am making sure I count down those 10,000 reasons to praise HIM!

Amen to that!  God must believe these doctors need to "see" the miracle!  

Friends

http://youtu.be/oOCJAVlESEo

Friends

Friends are friends forever if the Lords The Lord of them...as sung by Michael W. Smith.  A friend will not say never cause the welcome will not end.  I have been friended by many.  Some friends I have had through many seasons, many storms of my life.  Some friends are recent, they know of my storms and are willing to listen and help me to continue to pick up the fragments of my life.  God has given us many pleasures here on earth.  But I wonder how we would survive without this pleasure we call friend?  It makes me wonder, is it a necessity?  A pleasure is something we could live without.  I don't think I could live without my friends. They have shared my laughter, dried my tears, listened to my problems.  I hope in some similar way I have been that friend to someone.  I just can't imagine a lifetime without friends. Maybe what I think is Gods pleasure for us is more like Gods treasure to us!  Because as he treasures us and wants us to be his friend- one that we can tell our troubles to, cry on his shoulder and yes! Share our laughter with Him- he wants us to friend our fellow man.  So when that time comes he calls his children home-in the fathers hands- our friends are there- loving, listening, helping us pick up the pieces!  And as the song says- a lifetime is not too long to live as friends❤ 

Just Breathe...

Memories are Gods little windows into our past. And because they are OUR memories, we can be choosy as to what we remember.  There are good, bad, funny, sad- you name it- we can pull it out!  As time goes by the memories fade. Sometimes becoming blurry or maybe even different to different people. I have been blessed in my life and I don't have many bad memories. The bad memories are associated with losing the ones I love!  My blurry memories are trying to take the bad memories and replace it with the good. I see my mom and dad in healthy bodies and good minds in their little window of my past. I see Danny laughing and happy with no pain and a body made whole by Christ!  Take your memories and make them happy!  Capture that smile, laughter, even a smell!  I remember sawdust!  The smell of it after he would use the scroll saw!  I remember the smell of biscuits and gravy cooking as I walked onto the porch at my moms!  I can smell linament when I think of my dad-he rubbed it on everything!  Sometimes the smells actually make me cry, but it feels so good❤ I think of it as an automatic window washer for my soul!  As Fall creeps into our life-breathe deep and take that smell all the way to your soul!  Even if it brings a few tears- It's just cleaning stuff up in there❤

We will be praying for all the family, love you all.

Joe and Michelle, we are praying for the whole family!!  Love you guys xoxo

Praise the Lord ! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord ! Blessed be the name of the Lord From this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its going down The Lord ’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust, And lifts the needy out of the ash heap, That He may seat him with princes— With the princes of His people. (Psalms 113:1-8 NKJV)

Yes, Trish, Aleya was born with only one kidney and it was situated in such a way that the doctors felt like they would have to operate and correct it's orientation before she was 5. Well, when Joe and Michelle moved to Texas they went to the doctor there for eval and set up the surgery. However, when they prepped Aleya for surgery and took images, they asked Michelle if the former images and the current images were of the same person because they were so different. Bottom line is Aleya was healed of the condition and did not need the surgery, in fact her kidney was enlarged enough so that it was doing the work of 2 kidneys and doctors were amazed, said it must have "healed itself". Right? God healed her of that and the doctors did not want to believe it. So now all this comes to light when they explored what they thought was appendicitise. We know God can heal her of this as well, without needing all the surgery and down-time.

Wow!  I have heard of a twin uterus!  But that sounds crazy!  Now is Aleya the one that had kidney problems?  I get confused.  Anyhow!  We will get right on that with the prayer:)

Here's a little something I thought of this morning:)

The Porch

 As Summer winds down I dread the evening of early darkness.  Although I do enjoy every other aspect of Fall.  I love the fact that I can grab a sweater and wrap up and feel warm against the cool chilly evenings.  I love the color of the leaves as they begin to change.  The occasional smell of wood burning stoves in the early morning reminds me of home when I was a child and my Mom would fix a fire first thing to take the chill off.  One of the pleasures I enjoyed most this Summer was sitting on my friends porch.  I have enjoyed walking and talking with God.  I resolved many things while in prayer this Summer.  With my walking shoes on, my head phones in, I would set out on the pavement- destination unknown.  God usually had my walks planned out.  Sometimes I would only see dogs, birds and cows.  Other times I visited with kids, passersby, neighbors that would beep the horn, strangers working on a fence and many times I would end up at a neighbors house.  We sat on the porch and shared a bottle of water or a cup of coffee and our problems.  We shared secrets, hopes, dreams, our hearts burdens and blessings!  God- always at the center of our talks- felt like he was right there on that porch with us.  When life gets busy and we have to balance our work life, home life, and our spiritual life, we have to make sure we get it all!  We can't be unbalanced!  So with "busy"ness in our lives make sure you have some "porch" time.  Even if the only ones on the porch are you and God.  When the darkness begins to fade into light and we know Spring is around the corner then we can renew our porch time with neighbors and friends.  In the meantime, I look forward to some quality "porch" time with just me and my Heavenly Father!  I hope you will too :)

Don't know if you all were aware that our youngest granddaughter, Aleya, was admitted to the hospital in Germany this week with what was believed to be appendicitis. However, we finally got the following report from Michelle. Have any of you ever heard of such? By the way, please keep all of them in your prayers. Hey, Dad and mom. Aleya is recovering well. The hospital is doing mostly well with taking care of her, I have only fired one nurse, ha ha. But the doctors mostly speak decent English. We should not even be here. The pediatric wing at Landstuhl is closed until Sept. 9 for renovations or something and the nurse commander made the decision that all admitted patients could be redirected to the German hospital during the two weeks. The surgeons nor the ER were aware until I was signing the paperwork with the surgeon and the ER commander ran in and told him the nursing staff denied admittance. We had been there for 7 hours at that point. They had done bloodwork and a CT and thought it was the appendix and because of fluid amounts, thought it had ruptured. The surgeon worked on trying to find a way around the problem, but all the pediatric nursing staff were on leave so Aleya would have no post-surgery care. We arrived at the German hospital about 1 am and they took her into surgery when I called you. They did it laparoscopically. However, when they went in, it was not the appendix, nor could they find it at first. Her intestines are rotated 90 degrees clockwise, so the appendix was by the liver. The fluid was blood and abcess/infection. What they thought was the appendix was in fact a twin uterus, not attached to her cervix at all, but to her abdominal wall. She is menstruating and the blood went into her abdomen, sort of like endometriosis, but it isn't that. The infection is from her Fallopian tubes, from blood that drifted into them. The ovaries are not in the correct place, either. Her attached uterus is left-leaning and the ovaries are above it. The gynecologist did an ultrasound and said as of now, he is recommending a partial hysterectomy of the twin uterus that is attached to the right abdominal wall, where the appendix should be. They have had her on antibiotics since Landstuhl ER around midnight on Tuesday. Joe's commander filed a complaint with Joe's 2-star, who then contacted the general over the base hospital to get answers as to why the nursing commander made this call. Long story. Crazy. I haven't left Aleya since we arrived. Exhausting. Toria and Tarin came to see her yesterday afternoon. So we are waiting to see if the antibiotics have worked well enough to send her home maybe tomorrow. Or I guess Monday. Communication is not easy nor is their structure system. The surgeon from Landstuhl base has called three or four times to follow treatment and to get updates. He has said he will see Aleya on a follow-up if we choose, so we don't have to start over on the case with her pediatrician. I will be talking to him about doing the hysterectomy on base instead of here. Love you both and I will keep you updated. Love, Michelle

Hello to all,

  We have started a Relay for Life fundraiser team at work.  On September 1st we will begin our fundraising campaign and go through spring.  A lot of areas hold their Relay for Life rallies in March and April, not sure yet when ours will be.  In our first fundraiser we will be collecting dimes in bottles.  A regular 20 oz. water/drink bottle will hold $100.00 worth of dimes.  If you would like, wash a used bottle and get started!!  I will let you know closer to rally time when we will be collecting the money from the bottles.  I will also let you know as we start new projects for fundraising.

 

 

Thanks,

Monica

Addy, I don't care WHAT that boy said.  You are filled with God's love and you are one smart cookie!!  :)  I wonder where you got your rest for those 11 days of the fair?

The blog sure has been quiet for a while. I just wanted to check in with everybody. School started this week and I was already feeling overwhelmed before the students came on Thursday. Then, halfway through the day I had to kick a 7th grader out of class because he yelled at me, called me demonic and stupid. I don't care what anybody says, I don't get paid enough! I hate that I missed everybody at Ariel's wedding. Congratulations Ariel, welcome to the family Chad! Ariel, you looked beatiful!  Paul and I were working the state fair and we made that commitment last year. We worked 9 days straight 11 am to around midnight or later every night, and I had cheerleading practice in the morning so by the end of it, we were absolutely exhausted. But wow do you see some interesting things at the state fair. I got my picture with Elvis. Monica, I have to say again that I LOVE your hair! Emily, how is school going so far? Kim and Andy, excited to meet the little one! Trish, just hearing about your walks wears me out. Daniel and Alice, David and Julie, Vonda, really miss you guys. Paul says hi everybody! 

Love you guys!

How true that is Trish!

Forgiveness

When do you know you need forgiveness? I know we sin everyday, every minute, every second! We could constantly be asking Gods forgiveness in our lives. We unknowingly and knowingly sin against God, we automatically ask for forgiveness. Those two things just go hand in hand. How many times do we sin against our fellow man? knowingly? Unknowingly? Do we ask for forgiveness? Yes, No, Maybe, sometimes?

Colossians 3:13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
Needing forgiveness is a terrible feeling but giving forgiveness is amazing! No matter what I do I know I have a heavenly father who understands me and my many faults. It doesn't matter to him. He forgives me! He doesn't hold a grudge, he doesn't throw it up in my face!
Romans 3:23
(NIV)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
I do not knowingly hurt others but I am sure I have stepped on toes, Lord knows I do have a big mouth. All I know is I try to live the life God wants me too. I ask him to fill my heart with love so that I can show it to others. So I ask your forgiveness if I have wronged you! Jesus has already paid the price and forgiven me! Praise God for that! Danny was often my conscience and would tell me when I stepped out of line. He is still telling me these things, its just now he is a quiet spirit instead of a loud smack on the back of the head! Sometimes I need smacked on the back of the head! God is Good and Forgiveness is great! As I type this note, I keep doing a typo of "forgivemess" ! How true that is! Forgiveness IS forgivemess!

2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land