I’ve been driving past Glad Tidings Church for years, but it wasn’t until yesterday that God spoke to me. Glad Tithings… Wouldn’t that be a grand name for a church with parishioners following suit!
We profess to be Christians, but often follow a worldly outlook. Whether the root is greed, materialism, or we’re convinced that “a fool and his money are soon parted”, when the collection plate is passed, we go into the “what’s mine is mine” mode.
So what are people doing with the 10% Micah identifies as being given to the Lord? It actually only took me a moment to figure that one out for at the bottom of the hill was Gifford’s Ice Cream. Rather than buying ice cream at a grocery store, we pile everyone into a van and spend about $3.00 per cone. We’re really saving money though, for after all we’re carpooling!
And then there’s fuel costs. They’ve sky rocketed and we shudder just thinking about winter. Of course, we don’t want to plunge the local economy into further debt, so to support our local businesses, we buy snowmobiles and passes to ski resorts. We have to be loyal, right?
And how can we blemish the reputation of McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants? After all, we need to do our part to help them serve billions of burgers. It spreads our paycheck a little thin, but being able to provide kids with happiness through greasy food is part of the American Dream!
Besides, if we gather our family for a BBQ and ice cream, and not race down the highway, what in the world will we talk about? With so many kids only seeing the back of their parents’ heads, perhaps it’s time to look at each other, play together, and let God’s love shine through. If you want to experience a blessing, look into the eyes of a child receiving quality attention.
Have you ever noticed that the word exercise sounds a lot like the word exorcise? I’ve recently discovered a correlation between the two. In the movie, “The Exorcist” the theme was a battle between good and evil (represented by a demon possessing the main character).
While I have no reason to believe in such a thing, each time I exercise there does seem to be a creature trying to break out. Perhaps some day, I’ll adapt to the torture of exercise and the “demon” will disappear.
This week I’ve started exercising. After spending hours watching the Olympics, it’s time to at least take a few steps away from the recliner. I don’t do sweat. so I went to the pool instead. I also shot a few hoops with one of my students a couple of days ago (usually missing, but I tried). As a result, l dropped into bed exhausted last night.
My dogs slept in the pen because I was just plain too tired to bring them in. In fact, I was too tired to even close the garage door. I just went to bed. This morning, I didn’t hear them barking, but was alerted via a phone call. Still in a deep sleep, I headed for the garage. Thinking the furry lads were excited to see me, I unlatched the pen… with the starting gate open, they were off and running.
Today we visited the house across the street. With noses in high gear they were hot on the trail. The tour included walkways, lawns, and nearly a cornfield. Had I been on a casual schedule, I may have enjoyed the flowers. There was an abundance of color and variety… there may have been roses, but I didn’t take time to stop and smell them.
Finally, catching Baxter, my athletic director/tour guide, we headed home. One may wonder if the punishment fit the crime. Now think of it… catch a dog and cuff its butt… like he’s really gonna stop running next time! They actually were already aware that I was truly annoyed with Mr Rogers.
Well, my chances of earning an Olympic gold medal are over. I’ve practiced a lot, but for some reason talent scouts haven’t found me. Most likely, the fact that I live out in the middle of nowhere is the reason, so I guess I need to pack up the pups and move to the big city. The name San Quentin has always fascinated me, so perhaps we’ll go there.
As you can see, one of my athletic talents is gymnastics. I played basketball, softball and tennis as a kid, and I love to swim, but now my life evolves around gymnastics.
They say “no pain, no gain”. Well, I must have gained a lot for I seem to have inherited a great deal of pain lately. During a recent competition, I thought I heard my fans sighing with disappointment, but soon discovered it was a small yelp from one of my pups. With a furry creature under foot, I did a double twist and landed in front of the refrigerator. They’re so willing to be spotters as I practice. What a team!
So how am I progressing? I’ve become an expert at floor routines! Let’s see, I’ve been able to hit the mark in my hallway, garage, living room, and from the steps. But this most recent event was in my kitchen. While making a salad, I was returning some vegetables to the refrigerator. The floor in front of it became the target and I hit the bullseye. They say that eating vegetables is good for you, but the next time I’m hungry, I’m heading for a restaurant; preferably one with curb service!
I don’t know how people get through times of sorrow, mourning, or pain without believing that Christ has gone to prepare a place for them in heaven. God’s grace is a gift; it can not be earned, and we need only to believe.
While some claim to have had a life changing experience, I can honestly say that I have not. Mountain top experiences, yes, and valleys as well, but no matter where I am in my walk, I have always known that He is with me. Hebrews 11:1 describes it best by saying, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.
I know that one day I will see my loved ones, that I will bow before the throne of God, and that only love will prevail. I created the following video as a way to express my love for God and to offer encouragement to all who may view it. God bless you.
If you are unable to view this video, here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwUz63CwrlQ
Watching Olympic athletes compete against other countries stimulates the competitiveness in each of us. To think of the years and years of discipline it takes to earn a place on the American team is simply mind boggling. Centering every day of one’s life on becoming the best possible… Wow! And as they go along with their mind focused on only one thing, they are coached to become even better, and encouraged every step of the way.
What a model for Christians to follow! God has built “a mansion with many rooms”. We only need to make the decision to believe. In Philippians 3:13, Paul says, “I am focusing all my energies on this one thing…” 3:14 “I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” So how is this to be accomplished? Like the Olympians, center every day of our life on becoming all that God wants us to be by keeping our mind focused on only one thing and encouraging each other every step of the way. In so doing, we may one day hear heaven burst with angelic applause.
I’ve always been a person who doesn’t like to write. I love creating music and penning the words, but writing in a journal has never appealed to me at all. God has certainly shaken me from that thought. I actually do like writing this blog as it serves as a means to express random thoughts. O.K. perhaps they’re scattered, but random sounds better, so I’ll describe it that way.
When I’m feeling weary or need a lift, I’ve actually discovered that checking out my blog stats helps. I wish that the ClustrMap had been included since the beginning, but it does show places of origin for the past month. But unlike yourself, I also have access to view the number of hits my site is getting. I’m thrilled to report that this is my 38th post since June 29th and I have had 703 hits.
I’d like to thank all my readers for encouraging me to write. (That sounds like I’m practicing for an Oscar, Emmy, or Golden Globe award doesn’t it!) But truthfully, from my heart, thank you.
LIG (Life Is Good) As God blesses your life, remember to thank Him.
This morning, I felt extremely tired, so didn’t really want to head to work. In fact, it would have taken very little to convince me to crawl back into bed. But being the dedicated employee that I am….. and not being able to understand “puppy language” (in case they were giving me permission to stay home), I started getting ready for school.
Suddenly, my house was very quiet, so I knew Teddy was up to something. Once again, he was investigating my bookshelf. He must really like to read as I find him there frequently. But this time was different; over he trotted, carrying a pink piece of note paper in his mouth. I don’t know how long the paper had been in one of my books, nor do I remember when it had been written. But I do know one thing, it had been penned by my mom.
For those of you who don’t know, next month will be the five year anniversary of my mom’s death. We were very close and I still miss her very much. This is the message that I read. “Happy Birthday to my daughter whom I love with all my heart. May all your dreams come true! You are always in my thoughts and prayers and have been since before you were born. Remember to reach out and make things happen, and if God closes a door, he always opens another. I will talk to you soon. Love from your Mother.”
On my way to school, I certainly needed windshield wipers for my eyes, but feeling loved, I headed up the road.
While we hurriedly send email to our friends and family, perhaps it’s time to sit down and write to those special people who have made such a difference in our life. God bless you.
Some people are just naturally photogenic while others are just, well, let’s say they’re just natural. The backdrop for this picture looks rather real, don’t you think; at one time the boots were in order. It may have been a few months ago, but they were in order once, I think. As for the subjects… it’s obvious that Teddy is shy when it comes to having his picture taken. As always, there’s Baxter, not wanting to miss the action! Here he’s trying to be a silhouette with a smile.
Whether we’re feeling happy, hopeful, or out of sorts, remember that God loves us always. He sees our heart, our hurts and our happiness, but how are we perceived by others? Perhaps lightning is really heaven taking a picture of our outer being. How do you want to be photographed?
Have you ever wondered what it will be like when Jesus returns? I just finished creating the following video and posted it on YouTube. It is sung by Robin Mark.
If you’re not able to view it from my blog, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG-8-qbPhGA
Posted by ruabliever2 
Posted by ruabliever2 
Posted by ruabliever2 
