bits and pieces....

Faith heroes...

2012-01-30T06:35:00.000-08:00

I miss my heroes of faith.

I look around sometimes and wonder where they have all gone? The heroes of the faith that I grew up with were my dad and mom, and their friends. Almost all of them are in heaven now, Billy Graham is one of the few of that group left, and I know his eyes are looking upward these days.

There was so much strong faith among them, refusal of satan's darts, and genuine digging in to go deeper with God, in their lives. A determined desire to obey God no matter what the cost. The example of their lives were a lamp on my path, that illumined and pointed me in the right direction. The way they STOOD, all through the trials and joys of life, were an example that I now know is not typical. I assumed, during those younger years, that it would always be like that.

It isn't.

I am not God's grandchild... for many years I thought THEIR faith somehow covered me too.

We come, each of us, in our own way, to understand just what kind of a God we serve. We find Him and we understand, He deals with each of us, one by one, His created, and He KNOWS our hearts. No one rides into the kingdom on anyone elses coat tails.

I confess to being disappointed in so many who talk their faith, even in the pulpit, and who live differently than what they say. I know there are steady honest and faithful followers, but the heroes who showed me by their lives that nothing else but God mattered... they seem to be fewer in number.

I am struck anew as I continue this journey, with just how unusual was the 'faith of my fathers, and mothers'...

Having said that, I want to add this..

I have seen through many of YOU, the desire and the longing to be more... many of you through deep trials, some through their own study of His word, but I have been ministered to over and over by your words and your honesty, and I SEE Jesus in you. He has always had HIS people, and our hearts are joined on these pages. There is a fellowship of both the mundane and the deep heart in your words, all around this world.

Too often though, when I look around, and inside of myself... I see that dreaded 'lukewarm' word...

So what is the answer?

The answer is the same as it has always been.

JESUS

I read an excerpt from Tullian Tchividjian's book, and am so taken with the simple title, JESUS + NOTHING = EVERYTHING.

The baton has been passed from my parents generation, to me... to us, and JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER.

That is the answer. HE is the answer. He has promised that when we seek Him with our whole heart, we will find Him, and MORE of Him...

JESUS + NOTHING = EVERYTHING.

P.S... If my parents happened to be peeking through the clouds today, they would be chuckling at their middle child's sermon. :)

I'm still here...

2012-01-26T07:29:00.000-08:00

I AM still here, and a lot of my favorite blogs are still there, but there is no way to leave a comment on some of your blogs anymore.

It's not you... it's me.

I would have emailed some of you, but I also don't have your email address. I know Blogger is doing some changes, and I know they are telling me to use Google Chrome, but so far I haven't added it or switched to it.

I use this computer for business, so I am always leary of adding and subtracting anything, as it seems to mess things up. I can still read all blogs, just can't leave a comment on some of them.

So if you haven't heard from me lately... please know that it is only because I am a scaredy cat and also very UN techie. I may get braver, but in the meantime, I hope I don't end up after their March first deadline, losing all of you and me both!!

If you haven't heard from me, and would like to email anytime, please do! My email is pangold101@aol.com

In the meantime, I'll be here, and I'm still reading your pages, even if my lips seem to be sealed. :)

Special day, special guy...

2012-01-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

This is MY guy!

This is him then... when we first met and married.

He's always had my heart... never more than now!

The years have taught us both so many things. His birthday is coming right up, and I love him more than ever.

The years have done that... increased, changed, strengthened and renewed the love in my heart for this man.

GOD has done that for both of us, and we know it!

We have shared a lot of days, and years together. I know my husband, and he knows me. There is something that happens along the way that makes these days together sweeter than ever before.

Happy Birthday to God's precious gift for my life... Joe

Happy, humble & poor!...

2012-01-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

My mother used to say this often when she spoke to women at christian conferences.

'We have 3 children, and they keep us happy, humble and poor!'...

I know for a fact that all 3 of those things were true. We had a lot of laughter in our home growing up. We also never had a lot of money, but always a lot of fun! And finally... the humble part probably came many times from the raising of 'me'.

She also said many times that what happened to me, or my sister or brother, was for THEM as well. Our experiences and pitfalls brought my mom and dad to new places of faith, and caused them to 'dig deeper' in their own lives, and to pray with greater depth and need.

It was the same for Joe and I as we raised our own 3... God uses our families to teach us His ways!

Amen??? If you can't say amen to that, you don't have kids, or relatives... :)

Lessons in patience, trust, forgiveness, kindness and on and on.

He also uses them to teach us about love.

There is no more unconditional love than that of a parent for their children. It was all designed by God, He set the standard and it was His plan.

God's only son, Jesus... sent by his Father, the ultimate sacrifice of a parent. For us. Unconditional love.

It was impossible for the bar to be set any higher.

So, as we raise our kids, and many of us now watching and praying for our grandkids, remember that each circumstance and trial is teaching US as it teaches them. We are digging deeper.

The snapshot above was my sister and brother and I, during the very days that we were busy keeping my parents...

...happy
...humble
...and poor!

A letter from a special mom about her daughter!...

2012-01-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

This email came a few days ago from OUR daughter, about HER daughter, (our 16 year old granddaughter)...

"Courtney is officially a new, licensed driver in the state of Texas as of early yesterday morning. I am asking for you to remember Courtney and pray for her safety and protection behind the wheel when you pray for our family. Thank you so very much.

ok, that was the short version. being me, i have more to say. please consider this talk therapy and help a girl out here!

we have tried to make sure to teach the girls important things. we certainly don't have all the answers but we do know The One who does. thankfully, the girls know Him too.

things like cleaning a bathroom and knowing how to do laundry are basic life skills that i'm making sure they know how to do. cooking ... well, Courtney does know how to scramble eggs and she does that often but that's the extent of her interest in the kitchen. the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Cassidy and Avery are more interested so I will teach them what I know and let Rachael Ray handle the rest.

driving ... this is more than just a basic life skill. this is now a matter of her safety. we have required many, many more hours of her driving with us behind the wheel than the state of Texas requires. Courtney is very mature and responsible for her age but, still, she is 16! i almost quoted some stats here that scare the socks of you but suffice it to say that car crashes are the leading cause of death in teenagers.

courtney has read one book that was pretty light reading but had some good information about driving and i'm requiring her to read another book that is really written to parents about teaching your kids to drive. it is an excellent book with excellent information. philip and i are reading it with her. she will also be signing a contract with us about her driving. so, i'm doing all i know how to do to prepare her, keep her safe and give her confidence behind the wheel.

bottom line ~ i'm trying to keep her ALIVE!

yesterday she picked avery up from a friend's house (lives about 8 minutes away) and brought her home. she had to call me when she got back in the car with avery. then, i allowed her to go get us pizza for dinner from the place a minute and a half away from here. this morning, she took cassidy to school (also about 8 minutes away). she is protected, for now, under our insurance. but today i began making the calls to get the rate quotes to add her, as a licensed driver, to our insurance. she will receive both the discounts they offer new teen drivers: the driving school completed certificate as well as the good student discount. these things are all good.

i know that unless she is given the opportunity to drive, she will not grow and become more independent as a driver. if i can get her insured, she will drive herself to her voice lesson on saturday with my car. it's about 10 minutes from home.

i consider myself a praying girl, but nothing will drop you to your knees faster and make you stay there longer than the safety of your child! i ask you to please join us as we pray for Courtney's safety."

thank you,
aging quickly in allen

--------------------------------------
P.S... Courtney, if you are reading this, may it bless your heart to be reminded of how much your parents love you! :) You are definitely on our prayer list too. Poppa smiled as he read your mom's email, remembering an incident with his new car when your mom was in high school!! :)

xoxo

mimi

Lessons from spies...

2012-01-03T14:28:00.000-08:00

I learn so much from the lives of the people whose stories are told in the Bible.

They are so much like us.

I am convinced as I talk with women of all ages that one thing is a common pitfall in our lives, it may be called many things, but the root stem is... fear.

Once again, a few thoughts from the sermon of David Jeremiah on Sunday morning. I qoute him again since FEAR and SLAYING THE GIANTS, was the title of his sermon and it fit my thoughts perfectly.

He reminded us of the 12 spies sent ahead to scope out the promised land as the Israelites were finally about to enter the land, to be sure all was well and to figure out the best way to enter.

It stuck with me!

Remember, this was the land that God had promised, He had lead the Israelites through every kind of trial and hardship on this journey, away from slavery, and to the land He was giving to them. He had proved faithful in every need along the way. This was to be a land filled with milk and honey and beauty and good things...

All 12 spies came back having viewed the same sights within the promised land.

10 came back and said 'no way! it can't be done! there are big walls and huge giants everywhere!

BUT...

Joshua and Caleb, the other 2, came back with a totally different perspective. They said yes, there are walls and giants, but... we can DO this thing!

10 of them viewed the promised land and all the problems to be faced... in their own strength, and knew that the giants were too big...

2 of them had the same view, but saw the obstacles as possibilities because of God's strength...

And we know what happened...
they took the word of fear of the 10 witnesses, and spent 40 years wandering in the desert!

What a lesson for us!

Fear is disobedience.

Slice it or dice it anyway we want to, it speaks to the heart of how we trust God.

I was so challenged by this word today and I hope you are too.

There is no circumstance that comes our way that God does not know about. None! And when I really 'get a hold' of that, my own faith soars.

Satan would have us think that the obstacles are valid reasons not to trust God for the hard things... they are too big, this one can't be done, etc.

Don't buy it!

I am wondering just what kind of freedom and break through would come to us if we completely took God at His word, and simply trusted Him.... no fuzzy feelings, just faith. Faith that stands up and says NO... God has said!

Days of our lives...

2011-12-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

Dr.David Jeremiah shared this poem on TV recently...

Methuselah’s Diet

Methuselah ate what he found on his plate,
And never, as people do now,
Did he note the amount of the calorie count.
He ate it because it was chow.

He wasn’t disturbed as at dinner he sat,
Devouring a roast or a pie,
To think it was lacking in granular fat
Or a couple of vitamins shy.

He cheerfully chewed each species of food,
Unmindful of troubles or fears
Lest his health might be hurt by some fancy dessert,
And he lived over 900 years.

I know that I won't live 900 years, but the amount of years that I DO live are full of decisions and choices every day, most of them are choices that only I can make!

One of my dad's favorite one-liners was... 'do you know the secret to living a long life?' And with a big smile he quietly said... 'don't die'. Then he would grin again at the thought... one of those sayings that we as his children would groan over, and he thoroughly enjoyed!

Of course we all know the truth about how long we will live...

We don't know.

But right on the heels of that thought, is the sure knowledge that God knows, and has ALWAYS known exactly how many days we will live on this earth. He knew when He planned our lives and created us into being.

It's one of those things that makes me wonder sometimes, and after a little reflection, I am sure it is best that I do NOT know. If I knew the day and hour that Jesus had in mind for the end of my life, I wonder how I would cross the finish line. I pray that it would be like my friend Judith, who crossed that line a few weeks ago, with such grace , purpose and faith, that all who knew her were impacted and challenged. (This memorial was written by Amy, Judith's daughter in law.)

No matter what the day or hour, the amount of days that I live is not going to catch God off guard.

My greater concern is that I spend the days He has given me, doing it HIS way, every day.

I am excited about a New Year... 2012, and I am intentional about many things that have been on the 'fringes' of my life. I have heard God reminding me to address these things, and I have grabbed the bull by the horns in some areas that have needed change. There is NOTHING He has asked from me that WITH HIS STRENGTH living in me, cannot be done!

How about you??

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas then and now... part three...

2011-12-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

Fast forward from Norway, to California, and now to Texas...

The Christmas traditions that began with my mother in Norway are the same in our home each Christmas.

The preparation begins right after Thanksgiving, and plans always include what we can do for someone else, just like you do in your homes. It's such a special time to share, and God always puts the right people in our path or on our hearts.

On Christmas Eve, the whole gang comes to our house. We have a Christmas Eve buffet, with appetizers and tempting dishes of every kind, and lots of yummy desserts! We have 6-1/2 grandkids, and each of the 6 decide which song or scripture to share at our Christmas Eve service in the den of our home. I print a program, and they each take part. Last year our son and his kids built a manger, filled it with hay and the kids all dressed up and acted out the nativity as The Revelation Song played in the background. (Note the staff of the youngest, a last minute empty wrapping paper roll). I love how each of the kids do their best, and participate so sweetly.

One of our sons plays the guitar, so we all join in singing several carols with the candles and tree lights twinkling, and the sound of Christmas filling our hearts. It's one of the best times of my whole year!

We read the Christmas story from Luke, and we thank God together for the miracle and the hope of Jesus, because He was born and came to live and die for us. Miracles of all miracles!

From our home to yours this Christmas... MERRY CHRISTMAS to each one of you. You bless my life every day of the year. We are a whole bunch of kindred spirits and our sweet friendships will continue as another year begins....

May your hearts and homes be filled with HIS peace and joy, during Christmas and every day!

Christmas then and now... part two...

2011-12-11T18:04:00.000-08:00

Tromso, Norway...

Way up in the cold frozen northern part of Norway, beyond the arctic circle, is where my Christmas traditions began, in the childhood home of my mother.

In her words, as she shared this story with women's conferences and church groups all through her life, and as I read them tonight on these now fragile sheets from her journal...

"Let me invite you to take a trip with me to the land of the midnight sun, to my country, Norway. We will fly over the top of the north pole, but you won't see much there, only snow and frozen land, and finally, after landing in the capitol city of Oslo, we board a small plane and fly much farther north to Tromso. Now I invite you into our large old home to share Christmas with us...

My father was the mayor of the town, and there were 7 of us children, and a constant flow of guests coming and going. Christmas came like a bright light every December, and we children were filled with expectation and excitement and we all pitched in to help shine the copper pieces that hung on the walls, and bake the never ending sheets of cookies that went in and out of the oven. All month the cookie baking continued and they began to fill the jars and tins, which were stored up in the attic.

"For days, leading up to Christmas Eve, friends and neighbors would drop in and visit each other in their homes, bringing their cookies and baked goodies, and their children. They would sing Christmas carols together and no one seemed to be in a hurry.

"We celebrated each day as 'tiny Christmas', until Christmas Eve finally arrived and all the planning and baking and cooking was almost finished. All the children were scrubbed in a hot steam bath in town, and our braids froze on the way home. The shoes were lined up to be polished, the goose was filled with apples and prunes and ready to bake, and the last excited secrets were whispered between us as we wondered with expectation what would be in the boxes. The gifts and the Christmas tree were decorated and kept in the large parlour where NO ONE was allowed to go until Christmas!

"I remember as a child hiding up in the attic about 3 or 4 in the afternoon and listenting to the church bells ringing in Christmas. I hadn't yet come to know Him, whose birth I was about to celebrate, but I stood by the window, looking out at the blinking lights and boats in the harbor, and I knew that God had sent Jesus to be born at Christmas, and I worshipped in a child's way, Him who I didn't yet know.

"And then suddenly, the bells started from one church, then from another, and soon together they joyously chimed all over the city as they rang in the news 'Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord"...

Now me...

When I visited Norway more than a year ago, we had to fly that same route from Oslo far to the north, into Tromso... There, on the main street of this most picturesque and beautiful city, was my mother's family dry goods store. When we were there, we saw the building, it has been modernized, and like many things that have changed, the new isn't nearly as wonderful as the original!

In northern Norway, during the winter months, it was not only cold and piled high with snow everywhere, it was also dark. One of the most cherished memories she shared were the lights, all around Tromso, in homes, in the windows, in the stores and on street lanterns, tiny dots of light made the whole scene like a dream. Candles and lights were always part of our growing up Christmases in California, and I still love them.

Side note on the attic in her home... During the winter, they hung their washed sheets in the attic to dry and they were as stiff as boards from the cold frozen temperatures. My mother did confess to playing among those sheets and if I know her... there was probably some peeking and snooping along the way as Christmas came closer!

At her dad's store in town, each window was decorated with a different Christmas scene. She said they covered all the windows with paper while they went to work and created a picture for the people of the town. When the windows were unveiled, people came from all around excited to see what this year would bring. One window depicted a cozy warm home with a fireplace and Christmas tree and candles glowing everywhere, one might be a candy store scene or a church choir... it was magical to the children to be part of such a tradition.

Then Christmas Eve finally arrived...

The whole family bundled up and headed out into the snow to their large 'state church', for the Christmas Eve service where by candlelight they joined together singing Silent Night and heard the familiar scriptures read. Finally they all headed back home for the feast ahead and 'the gifts'...

As the final preparations were put together and the goose was browning for the last few minutes, my mother would take a quick walk through the empty snow piled streets with her father, and pass by the lovely homes where they could often watch through the windows at the people singing and walking around their Christmas trees, hands joined, in a circle, babies to grandparents.

After the feast had been devoured, her father read the Christmas story one more time from Luke, and prayed. Then they all shook hands, wishing each other a Merry Christmas, she said their was a lot of handshaking with 7 kids and all the relatives. Then they each sat in one place until every gift tag was read by her father and distributed, before anyone could open a gift. And then, the papers and ribbons flew!

I can't sing or hear Silent Night, without thinking of Norway. It's a funny thing, but I have tears in my eyes, good tears, as I write this and remember Christmas in Norway, even though I was never there. The memories and stories and the twinkle in my mother's eyes as she shared her December dreams of long ago, are as real to me as if I had been there myself. When she met and married my dad, and followed him to America to begin life as a preacher's wife, all that was familiar and dear to her was left behind in her beloved country, but she instilled it in each of her 3 children with great joy. She kept her traditions going in our home as I grew up.

I am keeping that love for Norway alive in my heart and in our home...

Christmas then and now... part one...

2011-12-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

I find myself thinking of Christmas when I was growing up... a lot..

(everyone tells me it's cuz I'm getting older and that's what older people do... look back!!)

I'm not buying it!!

Instead, as I look back, I can see how the Christmas traditions we celebrate in our home now, were formed in the home I grew up in, probably most of yours were too.

The whole month of December was just different than all the other months, and it still is. There is a special glow to December. Everything is intensified, joy and fun and laughter are brighter in December. Sorrow is also deeper for many in December.

I have not found a single picture of our family at Christmas as I was growing up. Our kids today not only have gazillions of photos of their kids, but full movies as well, and lots of them are contained in the mystery of that little cell phone...

With or without photos, my memories of Christmas at 270 South Parkwood are as clear as a bell.

My mother baked all month long, and she gave away her Norwegian cookies by the hundreds, probably 1000's... but she also saved enough to satisfy the 3 of us all through Christmas.

She was born in Norway, and they celebrated on Christmas Eve with their gifts and dinner, and later the midnight church service in the frozen snow of Tromso, Norway. Her traditions were also ours as I grew up.

All of my dad's family came on Christmas Eve. The 3 of us kids could hardly stand it until that night came. Our tree was piled high with gifts for everyone. We didn't have a lot of money, but we sure knew how to use Woolworth's 5 & 10 cent store and wrap it up like gold! We used to ask my mother WHERE did you buy that? Her answer was always the same... 'at a nice department store', and we knew it was W.T. Grant or Woolworth's!

After a scrumptious dinner, the grown ups always insisted on doing the dishes before we finally got to the tree. We were practically jumping up and down by the time they were finished.

Dad always read the Christmas story from Luke, and we sang carols and Dad prayed. The candles were gleaming and the love was all around...

But part 2 is really part 1... it began as Christmas in Norway, when my mother was a child...

Amidst the chaos...

2011-11-29T12:34:00.001-08:00

November is almost over, December is close behind!

I am in and out of town over the next week and a half, so I was thinking quickly of a blog to post before the chaos hit, and as I looked around my home, I see that it's too late!

There are boxes and bins all around, and somehow it takes me at least 2 or 3 days to get 'Christmas up' and the bins back into the garage until Dec.31st.

This is the view of my den today, and it's always like this when I decorate for Christmas... always!

BUT, I am more mindful with every passing year, that what really matters is not the way the house looks, or even how the food tastes, but the reminder that there is PEACE within, even when there is chaos all around!! Now that's a good thought to ponder on.

As I enter into December right alongside each one of you... the hope and peace in my heart is glowing stronger than ever. I want to be sure that JESUS is honored, in my heart and in our home... every day of December 2011, and beyond.

So... Happy end of November and start of December to each one of you!!

THANKS!...

2011-11-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

To each one of you, my blogging buddies, who have become heart friends...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Day after day you affirm to me that we are all in this together... we share struggles, joys, thoughts, prayers, and most of all... a love for Jesus that changes everything.

So THANK YOU... and may your hearts and homes be filled with thanksgiving, as we take this special time to celebrate the blessings we have been given.

At a time when so much in this world is uncertain, aren't you glad that the God we serve never changes! I sure am.

Christmas...

2011-11-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

I check the 75-90% sale racks all year long, just a quick look, whenever I go to my favorite stores, and if there is something special, I quickly pick it up and add it to the bins in the garage that hold next year's Christmas stockings for our 6 grandkids.

This morning I found some more treasures, and as I am adding them to the stash, and thinking about what will go where, and maybe even personalizing some of it... it occurred to me how carefully and joyfully I prepare for Christmas all year long, and how it intensifies when December comes.

The next thought was...

Do I prepare for eternity with the same diligence, preparation and joy?

Some days... yes.

Other days... what on earth am I doing?? I can go running around and hours go by without one thought of anything eternal.

Oh how I pray that my heart and life would treat God's work and His kingdom in the same way I treat the celebration of Christmas.

So that... every day my life will say Merry Christmas Jesus!

A soft answer...

2011-11-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

"A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger. " (Prov.15:1)

Of all the verses I remember being used in my home as I grew up... this one may have been quoted the most often.

I KNOW, not think... but I KNOW the truth of these words. I have lived them out both ways so many times, and never have I found a harsh word to be healing, to me or to the person receiving it.

I've told my husband, and he has told me... 'it's the WAY you said it'... it either brings a good and productive response, or makes me want to stand straight up and explain how wrong he is!

This quote caught my eye on Pinterest one day, as I thought... this is not anything new, God spoke about it right from the beginning, and He knew it was something we needed to learn.

It's not 'my way' or 'your way', but the RIGHT way... God's way!

I've never been disappointed when I obey God on this. Instead, I am blessed, the 'fire' is quickly extinguished, and peace returns.

GUILT FREE pizza & 50 calorie muffins!...

2011-11-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

I am so happy with these little pizzas that I have to share what I did.

I am one of those eaters who wants to LIKE what I eat, and that is half the battle when weight loss or maintenance is a factor. I LOVE good food, and if it's healthy and low calorie, bring it on!

The other goal is to have the sense of feeling full, not hungry. These pizza's make you feel full and satisfied!

These pizzas were probably someone else's idea, but I have added my own twist, and here's what I did. There is very little fat, and it's full of veggies, which I tend to ignore sometimes, as well as very low calorie...

one pkg. of whole wheat pita breads
bottled spagetti sauce

add as much or little of whatever you like the best of these ingredients:

fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped
can of artichoke hearts, chopped
purple onion sliced very thin
mushrooms, also sliced thin
zuccini sliced thin
red & green bell peppers, thin
or any other veggie you like, asparagus, broccoli, etc.
(if you like it better stir fried, toss all the slices into a pan with pam and saute them a couple of minutes first)

add sprinkles of bottled red pepper flakes

(My hubby likes sliced black olives so I added some of those too)

fresh grated parmesan cheese sprinkled lightly over the top of the whole thing. (bottled is fine too)

If you want the extra protein, I add browned Laura's Lean Ground beef sprinkles over the top, or pre-cooked chicken cut into pieces, Both are delicious additions. (add the calories accordingly, but it's protein, so it's good!)

Bake on cookie sheet at 375 for 12-15 minutes.

Slice each pizza into 4, and you can have 2 whole pizzas for about 400 calories!! Or just one with some soup or fruit. Now THIS is the way to eat when you want to be both leaner and healthier!

It's crispy and just perfect! Each pita is 150 calories, (check the cal. on the pkg., they can varie) the only additional is the small amount of sauce and the parm. sprinkles... I never even count the veggies. I am always on the hunt for healthy, filling, very low fat and calories but also delicous things to eat. This one is perfect!

This is a recipe that my mother made all through the years.

It is LOADED with health, and it tastes declicious. I make the little muffins, 24 makes one recipe, or 12 regular. Regular works out to about 50 calories each, or 2 little ones for 50 calories. I have 2 little ones for breakfast.

God is interested in the 'whole man', and that includes what I eat, not to mention how MUCH of it I eat. I know that eating right makes me happier, healthier and more confident. Good grief! I sound like one of those rah rah people who 'preach' fitness. If you knew my track record with 'this issue', you would be laughing out loud with me right now!

SIDE NOTE: My husband does NOT like bran ("shredded hay"... OR raisins, but he asks for these muffins all the time! :)

Try these, and let me know if you like them.

Amazing!...

2011-11-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Amazing grace.

This morning I was thinking of how God extends His grace to me, over and over. Yes, His discipline comes my way too sometimes, but even that is part of His grace.

All through each day, God does things that I barely take time to stop and ponder. A close call with another car who turned too soon, a bargain we need at the store, or the right little thing to do for another person who may need to hear from us, or someone sent our way to say just the right word, and on and on...

When we truly trust our whole lives to His care... ALL that happens to us is known by God.

When we were kids, I used to ask my mom & dad... 'how do you KNOW that God had something to do with that??'.. their answer was always the same.

"When you trust your whole life to God... He is in ALL of it."

I'm not sure I really 'got that' as a child... I sure do now!

It never gets old, does it... the knowledge that our lives are held secure because of God's Amazing Grace!

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

Freely bestowed on all who believe!

You that are longing to see His face,

Will you this moment His grace receive?

From the sublime to the ridiculous...

2011-10-31T05:54:00.001-07:00

When I look over the titles of past blogs I've written, they are all over the ballpark!

This one is no exception.

Isn't life like that? I can be caught up in a deep new spiritual truth in the morning, and know that God is specifically speaking to my heart... and by the afternoon I am caught up in the traffic on the main street close to where I live, and wondering how the guy who just cut in front of me could be so rude as to force his way into our line of cars who have been patiently waiting for a long time. I don't do it, but I FEEL like honking my horn and telling him how rude he was!

I am thankful every day for the grace of God!

I need His grace, about 100 times every day. I'm so glad that since I am created by God, He cared enough to include many facets into each one of us. I am serious, hilarious, spiritual, ridiculous, emotional, sensitive, creative, hopeful, etc. I am, most of the time, content with a life that holds lots of laughter, as well as tears, joy and happiness as well as sadness.

One of the special things He designed into us is humor...

Today is just plain for fun, and maybe you can relate to this time in your own life, even though it's been awhile...

Questions on pregnancy and child birth...

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q : I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q : What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q?: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

(photo is courtesy of Google)

Revival??...

2011-10-27T11:23:00.001-07:00

Revival and prayer.... prayer and revival...

Those were the 2 things that filled my dad's heart and ministry all through his life. These are some of his books on the subjects.

Prayer is something I live every day, and so do you. We think prayer, we speak prayer, we pray as we think, our hearts constantly voice our needs, thanks and requests. We keep a running conversation with God through our days.

Revival is a word we don't use as much.

What does it mean, and do we need it?

I'm not the one to write on this subject, but my dad sure was, and through the years I saw his heart and I also can't ignore his vision.

I'm talking about the kind of revival that isn't necessarily scheduled for a week in our local church. I'm talking about the kind of revival that draws the hearts of believers back to their first love, to go deeper with God. I wrote about it here, when my mother became a christian in one of the great Norway revivals, where she was born.

As I look back on dad's life... I see so many things now that I probably missed along the way. He LIVED prayer, and he prayed his whole life for churches to be revived, for christians to experience revival in their own lives. Revival as in renewal, renewal of all that we first were so smitten with when we trusted Jesus way back when, and knew that our lives were never going to be the same.

Dad saw that need, all through his life... the need to stay open, obedient and pure before God. .. I see it now.

So many churches today are good, many even great... good sermons, wonderful worship and music, even lots of mega churches, and then what??

I may be stepping on some toes here, but I seldom see the kind of soul stirring 'fire in the heart' desire for more of God, and I sadly confess, it's been true of me too. I WANT that, but my pursuit of God has been too soft and often irregular.

Revival means a deepening and new insight and nearness of the Lord. A desire for more of Him. A new commitment to obedience no matter what. It's costly.

A couple of quotes from one of dad's books:

Conviction of sin is the hallmark of genuine revival, and the lack of both shows how needy we are...

When christians repent, sinners will repent...

Non- christians will deal with their sins according to the way christians first deal with theirs...

The church must be concerned for the world if the world is to be concerned for the church...

When christians walk in the light they have, sinners will see the light in and through them...

I wish my dad could hear my heart today, and maybe he can... I get it dad.

God has told us ...

"You will search for me and you will find me, when you search with your whole heart"... and

"If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven and will forigive their sins, and will heal their land."

I pray for revival, and I pray that it begins in my own heart.

What does your hair say about you??...

2011-10-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

If my daughter is reading this, she is already laughing.

I don't change hairstyles.

Years ago it was a shorter 'bubble', now it's a longer style, not a bubble, but not what a modern hair stylist would endorse either. What it really is NOT, is this picture I've posted from Pinterest. That hair exists only in my dreams.

I don't have that swingy casual beautiful blonde hair that I always dreamed about. I still stop in my tracks when I see it on someone else. I love shiny, thick, swingy blonde hair (or any color that does all that, blonde just happens to be what I was born with).

No, my hair has NO style, UNLESS I get it right when I comb or brush it out, and then cover the whole thing with a strong protective 'helmet' of hairspray to make sure it doesn't move.

I'm sure those ladies with the swingy hair do NOT use hair spray! If they did, their hair just would not swing like it does when they shake their heads!

The truth is, without hair spray... I don't have a hairdo! It falls and it goes flat and just lays there. I am not a good straight haired person. I wish I were. I use those huge Wal Mart rollers, pink and green ones, and my hubby has faithfully endured that all these years.

In California where I grew up, it was better... the climate was dry. In Texas, no way on earth can I leave the house without my shield of spray. Now, here is an interesting thing. I have gotten comments in the store about how pretty my hair is... WHEN I have sprayed it thoroughly INTO that style. When I HAVEN'T... I get looks of sympathy and maybe even horror!

Moral of this story... the picture you see on my sidebar is not likely to ever look very different. Hairspray saves the day! As to the blond color... another blog entirely!

One more thing... my daughter has stick straight long hair, and it swings! Go figure.

Godly heroes...

2011-10-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to go to a christian boarding school in Zellwood, Florida. My dad was a minister, and this school was loaded with PK's and MK's. One of the MK's (missionary kids) was the younger brother of Elisabeth Elliot.

Jim & Elisabeth Elliott and 4 other missionary families had flown into the remote area of Ecuador where the Auca Indians lived, and there they began to live among the indians and share their faith in Jesus with these natives.

During that school year, Elisabeth's husband, Jim Elliott, and the other 4 other missionaries were murdered by some of the Auca's. I remember clearly the day we all got that news during a chapel service.

This is a round about memory, so bear with me...

Fast forward from those days, to a Billy Graham World Congress on Evangelism, Amsterdam 2000, which my dad was a part of.

The story that still gives me goose bumps, is dad coming home and sharing with us the most memorable thing of that conference... the riveting testimonies from 2 of those Auca Indians whose spears had murdered the 5 missionaries years earlier. They stood and told their stories, their hearts and voices full of emotion, as they shared how their lives were completely changed, because of Jesus. Dad said it was utterly amazing...there was not a dry eye among those 1000's of ministers and leaders in the audience that day.

Some of the wives & families of the men who were killed, Elisabeth Elliott, Rachel Saint, and others, had returned to that land after their deaths, to continue to minister to the Auca's. They saw God's life changing power transform many of them, including these 2 who stood and emotionally told their stories, and gave praise to God with the story that never gets old... the story of redemption!

Doesn't it build your faith when you read about the testimonies of how God has intervened and changed lives and made the old new... just like He's done for us.

You've probably read their story, and seen some of the movies on their lives. Still... in this day and age when we elevate people to hero status over so little, I love to read and re-read the stories of those who really lived what they claimed, and were willing to die for their faith, as Jim Elliott said...

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

I accidentally murdered some fish...

2011-10-17T05:57:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for something deep, today's blog is NOT for you.

When we were moving, many years ago... I emptied the kids aquarium, fish and all, into a dark green glass pitcher sitting with about 100 other kitchen items, next to the sink.

As the move drew closer, and all the rest of the kitchen stuff needed to be boxed... Into the garbage disposal went the 'water' in the dark green pitcher... and the fish.

As I turned on the disposal, it dawned on me!!!! I shrieked and called my hubby to come quick...

It was too late!

That was more than 30 years ago, and not once, when the subject comes up, has he failed to grin and remind me that he thought he heard the fish 'screaming as they went into the sink'... I'm not sure what it is, but his 'funny gene' seems to get a kick out of that story. Is it just men??

Before you shake your head and wag your finger at me... it's with a certain amount of relief that I also remember this verse....

"You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. Matt. 5:21(Msg)

Now I'm smiling... as I am reminded that none of us are exempt, from either calculated or accidental deeds.

Just a fleeting memory... about as fleeting as the lives of those poor little fish.

Why do I pray?...

2011-10-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

"I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time- waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God - it changes me. " C.S.Lewis.

We pray because we HAVE to pray, we pray about everything... our needs are immediate, ongoing and constant. As he said, waking and sleeping. (It's for sure, mine seem to be that way!)

The part of that quote I love the most is the last sentence..."It doesn't change God - it changes me."

And that is the whole point!

Prayer CHANGES things. GOD changes things.

There is always hope, because He hears every prayer and because He changes things, lives, circumstances, outcomes, past pain, attitudes... all of it!

When I really understand that, clear down to my toes, it makes my prayers so much more alive, and with such hope that all of it is beyond me ... but NONE of it is beyond God!

What a strong way to begin another week. knowing that God hears every prayer, and that He is at work on the prayers of our hearts!...

From my treasure box...

2011-10-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile I get out one of my 'past treasures' boxes or bins, and I get a brand new blessing out of the original blessing that came my way.

This was today's... sent to me from my daughter a while back.

When our 3 kids were little, it was the hope and prayer of my heart that as they grew up and became adults, that our relationship would be the kind that would bless and encourage them as they married and became parents themselves.

This card reminds me that so many of those prayers have been answered. We are so blessed by our 3 children, and we share a friendship with them that enriches us every day. They are definitely the 3 jewels in our earthly crowns (if there is such a thing!)... Not to mention the 6 tiny jewels that have also been added with our grandkids. :)

Do you think women are hard to understand??...

2011-10-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

The title of this picture is:

"Now Out in Paperback, a Book on How To Understand Women"...

Really though, are we that hard to understand??

Maybe so, since my husband's first response was a good chuckle. Was he agreeing??

I don't think we are that hard to understand...

Even when I don't know what I'm talking about, I understand what I'm trying to say!

I especially understand other women... we tend to think alike. It's one of the best reasons to spend time with our friends, there is a fellowship we share with each other that blesses, challenges, and sharpens us!

I share with so many of you a true heart connection. I've said it before... even if we never meet face to face in this life, I am so sure that we will recognize each other in heaven!

'Oh look... there's Debbie from Heart Choices, or Kathleen from Sassy Granny, or Janette from Janette's Sage, and I see Lea from My Letters to Emily, and Lisa Shaw with that big smile on her face from way across the room, Sharon my old pal from Westmont, Elaine from Peace for the Journey, Debbie from Words on Wheels, Kim from My Field of Dreams, Andrea, Lidia, and my good sister from Norway, Felisol, my first blog friend, Andrea, Shirley, Beth, Mary, Melanie, Cindy, Debby, Debra, JBR, Marsha, Anita ... and I could go on and on. If I left your name out, forgive me...

All of you and more, I think you know who you are, since I comment on your pages every week, and you encourage and challenge me over and over. You have made me laugh out loud, and brought me to tears with your sharing...

Each one of you whose blogs I faithfully read have become my friends! I feel that way, don't you??

Even though we know there won't be marriages in heaven... my mom used to say that 'maybe God would reserve a tiny section in heaven for she and dad', since he had traveled and preached away from home so much during their lifetime...

Maybe there will also be a section for blogging buddies whose hearts have been so connected through our words and expressions on the pages of these blogs!

Again, I have no theological backing for this, but on the other hand...

Shake it out!...

2011-09-26T05:05:00.000-07:00

This week we celebrate the birthday of one of our 3 kids...

Today I was in the store looking at cards, and they were pathetic! (No wonder we love your beautiful cards, Cindy!)

Things like...'may your day be bright and full of light'... or 'have a rich year with whatever you want the most'... or 'your birthday makes us think of you and we are glad you came our way'... like I said, pathetic!!

Then I started thinking about the way each of our kids (and now their kids!) open their cards... they snap off the envelope and shake out the money! It never is about the card. (I think I can write better card expressions than whoever 'they' are.) So we just send our usual love & hugs... and they proceed to shake the contents out.

You know how it is when your mind gets a picture of something, so I started thinking about 'shaking things out'...

I thought about shaking out the truths that are contained in my own Bible, which reminded me there cannot be any shaking of my Bible... the end pages are too full of notes, quotes and special things! If it is REALLY special to me... it finds it's way to either the front flap or the back flap of my Bible... to be enjoyed more fully, over and over again.

When we shake open something that was lovingly written especially for us, good things will fall out! Good things 'fall out' of God's word every day, every morning when I open it, out pops something I've never seen before, or an old truth reaffirmed, strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

My dad used to end every phone conversation by saying 'shake the love around'. There is nothing more profoundly life changing than shaking the truth right out of God's Word and into the pages of our hearts.

We have been given a book full of love, love from our Father straight to our heart. It is bursting with His promises, His love for me has been written on every page. It's FULL of all I want and all I need.

I am shaking harder, and the contents are falling into my life.

The big red check...

2011-09-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

No... not money!

I'm talking about that 'check in your spirit'...

Do you know what I mean?

It's that caution in your heart that immediately raises a big red check mark or flag, that says...

Something isn't right about this person, this situation, or whatever it might be. So slow down, take a close look and see what is causing this check...

Do you pay attention when you sense a check mark in your own spirit?

I think that God gave us as women a sense when something isn't quite right. I don't mean that we go around looking for bears behind every bush, but...

I have learned that usually there is something to it when I feel that 'check in my spirit'. I think my mom shared about this when she spoke at christian women's conferences, it's for sure that she spoke about it to us.

Perhaps it's as simple as the spirit of God speaking and cautioning us... maybe it's something He designed into our makeup.

I haven't felt that big red check for awhile, but I know I will again, and even though it may not be as serious as a lurking bear... it signals caution, and there may be a good reason for it.

Beware of leaning...

2011-09-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

I like order.

I function better when loose ends are tied down, relationships are smooth, and circumstances don't get me riled up. Don't we all!

When things are unsettled or uncertain... I begin to meander in my mind and run the whole series of what to do, how to do it, should I do this, or that, or what??

God says:

'Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart... and LEAN NOT to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.'

This verse not only says clearly what I should do, it says very clearly what I should NOT do!

I'm afraid my tendency many times is to begin to 'lean' as I seek solutions to what may be going on.

I know I've told you before that I love a good visual picture. I like a message that is clear and to the point. Even if the message is long, it's the bottom line that I carry away with me. (maybe it's as simple as the fact that I can only remember that much!)

Not only does He tell us to trust Him with all of our heart... what follows is something that I need to remind myself of just about every day...

Lean not to your own understanding.

Like this little guy in the cartoon, he leaned and then lost his balance, probably not even aware that his feet were about to slide out from under him because as he leaned, he stepped onto a banana peel...

Not only should he not have leaned in the first place, the perils it brought were more than he bargained for.

If we begin to lean, we can loose our footing, and the consequences will appear before long. The thing that I love is that there is no gray area here. God is clear. Trust Me with ALL your heart... DON'T lean! When I begin to lean, I always have to go back to the place of obeying the second half of that verse.

My own understanding is limited. My own understanding includes my past experiences and some common sense, and what God has taught me to this point. It also includes what His Word says... but it doesn't include what God already knows about the whole situation or about the future... until I trust Him with it. ALL of it! Then He begins to 'unfold' the right answers.

Trusting God with every circumstance and relationship doesn't leave room for the 'leaning' part. Those are His words, His instructions.

I love it when His Word says it so clearly that even my 'leaning tendencies' are left with no wiggle room!

THAT is safe ground!

Lessons...

2011-09-12T05:42:00.000-07:00

When my mother and dad went to heaven 10+ years ago, (one year and a day apart)... I went through a dark period in my own faith.

Two very important things I have learned in the past 10 years:

Much of my walk with Jesus through the years was based on the strong faith of my parents, it was as if THEIR faith was MY faith.

I know in looking back, that I rode on their coat tails for a lot of my christian walk. If I was worried, or fearful, I was okay with it because THEY were okay with it. They had lived through their lives and learned who their safety net was. I sensed that and thought that it was the same for me. They 'did the work' of learning God's ways.... I put that on like a warm coat, and felt safe.

When they died, I felt the normal feelings of grief and sadness, we were very close. But I also had an additional grief... where did my faith go, it seemed to have disappeared, and God seemed so distant.

This first great lesson God taught me was... the same God that was THEIR God is also MY God!

It was later that I re-learned... 'He was there all the time'... I was already His, from the time I invited Him into my heart at 5 years old.

Second...

The things they learned and lived in their lives were not mine simply because I was their child.

That may seem so obvious, but it wasn't as clear to me. Just as my parents learned to know God through their daily walk and obedience... so do I.

My life is my own responsibility, and what I learn of God is coming because of my choices, not theirs.

Yes, they taught, they lived and they showed me by example, but it is not MY experience until and unless I have obeyed God in the ways He is teaching me. His plan for my life is for me. He has a special blueprint with my name on it. The title is "Sonja".

We begin this life with a clean slate, even though the sin nature is there, and what we do, what we choose, how we live, how we obey God... is what we are filling the slates of our lives with.

Sometimes I feel like my slate is coming along pretty well...

Other times I know that it looks like a confusing mess.

But...

Above all, I know that HE is the one who enables me to add, eliminate and clarify what it written on the slate of my life, and it is never too late for the confusion and the mess to be cleared, organized and made right!

A couple of lessons I'm learning as I journey onward...

PRAY BIG...

2011-09-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

PRAY BIG...

This is a wall in our son and daughter in law's home, and the minute I saw it I loved it. They have the sign right next to a huge clock and the whole thing struck a chord.

What does it mean to pray big??

I'm pretty sure it doesn't mean praying for huge ideas of 'pie in the sky' stuff, although I do pray for the things that are the desires of my own heart, and once in awhile I know that I veer off into praying for things that are sort of like cotton candy... even then... I know He understands.

No, I think PRAY BIG means to pray KNOWING that our God is able to answer BIG requests, BIG needs, BIG concerns, BIG problems. The BIG things that are part of our lives, the things that are way beyond what we know how to solve... the BIG things.

Sometimes I pray big, and then after time passes, and the answer didn't come the way I had hoped, it fades out, and I sort of stick a 'please Lord' onto the conversation I am having with Him, after I've wrung my hands and pleaded for His help. I am sure I have stopped short of His answer when I didn't see it come the way I thought it would, or when I thought it would.

But maybe it's even more than this.

Maybe PRAY BIG means 'go ahead, stand straight up and trust that He is going to answer this!'

I think it means that my PRAY BIG is backed by all of the promises of a God who IS big! He has said 'go for it'... trust me with it... trust me for the answer! You can PRAY BIG because I am a BIG GOD!

The box...

2011-08-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

I've got big news for Larry!

If he opens that box at mid life, he's still going to have to box those childish things up again... and it won't be easier the next time!

Doesn't it seem to take a long time to move past those things that we should have put away long ago?

Just like Larry...

It's easy for me to hold on to a thought, an action or a habit that is complacently comfy, but not productive!

... instead of tossing the thing out, I am afraid that many times I've stuck it in that 'do not open until midlife' box.

Which brings me to a question, and I divert here, but what exactly is midlife?? Some say 40, some say the new midlife is now 60... Is it 50?

If so... it's for sure that my box of that 'stuff' is way past due for the dump!

Larry had a good idea, but his desire to put it off and do it later will only get in his way and keep him from the very best... God's best.

I've been boxing stuff up, and dumping it out all through the years, and yet it accumulates from time to time.

It was never God's plan for us to remain 'childish' until midlife, or beyond. "Put away" sounds like one of the things He expects us to do, which always brings me back to the word... 'obedience'.

He wears many hats...

2011-08-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

My husband is a collector of old things that relate to the early west, cowboys & indians stuff...

This is Crew, one of our grandkids. He was here one night recently and spent some time up in the room that has 'poppa's toys'... He was trying on some of the old hats...

I stood in the hall and watched the 2 of them. Crew asked about 100 questions, and got answers to all of them. His questions and the way he processed the answers was so much fun to hear. I know Joe was enjoying it all, and he treated this 6 year old as though he is 'one of the guys'... 'cuz he is!

Later, as he went home with some old railroad keys he told me...'this one is special because they never finished it', which is exactly right. The railroads made blank keys and later put the imprint of specific railroads on them. They had just had that discussion as he tried on hats. Talk about little sponges! I can only dream of retaining all that these young minds do...

The bridge to nowhere...

2011-08-22T10:28:00.001-07:00

The bridge to nowhere...

worry...

I'm being honest here... worry is something that trips me up.

Worry is 'fear based'... so I know better...

and yet...

"I have crossed many bridges that I never came to"...

There is a thin line between honest concern and letting that concern slip into worry...

God has plenty to say on the subject...

'don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything'...

'will worry add a single day to your life'?...

'don't worry about the morrow, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof'...

I think God knows how prone his children are to worrying about things, so He is very specific... DON'T DO IT!

I've spent a lot of useless time worrying about things, thrashing around in murky waters that are unproductive. I wrestle with things in my mind, and then...

I end up with the simple truth that I should have come to before I started to worry...

God already has every single worry under His control...

Corrie Ten Boom said...

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength."

"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest."

I'm not going to worry about what I've already worried about, I'm moving forward on what I DON'T have to worry about...anything!

It sounds 'easier said than done' on some days, but not according to God...

Look around, God is smiling!...

2011-08-19T06:55:00.001-07:00

Just look around... God's humor and His smiles are all around us!...

Happy weekend!

Are your prayers being answered?...

2011-08-14T12:37:00.001-07:00

I am learning.

I am sure that God has been very patient with my learning curve.

All my life, prayer has been part of my life. It was the main theme in my dad's ministry, and it was taught and lived from birth up in our home.

Many times through the years I have prayed with complete and earnest passion and almost pleading, for God to answer specific needs and desires of my heart.

There have been many times when my assumption, as I prayed, was that God's answer would then remove the problem I was praying about, and the situation would be resolved and my prayers would be answered!

and yet...That didn't always happen.

It still doesn't always happen, not that way.

I am a slow learner.

I AM supposed to ask God, about everything, and I do...

but...

I am also supposed to obey Him in what He has already revealed to me in the situation, and often He has already shown me much more than what I am living up to.

Whether it's a relationship and I KNOW I am in the right and the other guy is SO wrong... and He quietly tells me to love that person as He loves me...

or... if I am seeking His 'next' in my own life and I need Him to make the path clearer, or even to supply an immediate need... and He says 'trust me, trust me, trust me'...

or... if I feel alone in a situation and I sincerely seek His filling of a void... and He tells me 'abide in me... I will never leave you or forsake you'.

I am learning some of His principles for living, living in the world He has placed me in. The answers are all there, or they are on the way, God hears every prayer, every plea.

Many times the answer itself is 'folded' into what He has already told me to do... trust, love, abide, obey, etc. As I do these things... the answer often 'unfolds' THROUGH that very obedience, and in the process, I have grown closer to Him and learned more about His faithfulness to me.

I love it just as much as the next guy, when God slaps a lightening bolt clear cut answer right in front of my eyes, but I am learning that His process in me is usually part of the answer, He is teaching me things as I wait for that answer, and then as I look back...

I see the way He has guided me to the answer, and I almost smile as I think... 'now isn't that just like God? He answered in a way I never would have thought of, and it's perfect!...

Hi Lord, it's me...

2011-08-10T15:44:00.001-07:00

Hi Lord, its me.

We are getting older and things are getting bad here.

Gas prices are too high, no jobs, food and heating costs too high.

I know some have taken you out of our schools, government and even
Christmas, but Lord I'm asking you to come back
And re-bless America .

We really need you!

There are more of us who want you than those who don't!

Thank You Lord... I Love you.

A friend emailed this to us today. It kind of fits how we feel sometimes... We so need God!

This is simplistic, but it is that child-like faith that we need in our lives and in our world, the kind that invites Him to do and to be what He has always promised. I know that HE is our answer... to ALL of life!

Summer fun, even in August!...

2011-08-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

These are loooong days, July and August in Texas! We have had record setting days of over 100 degrees for weeks.

We have also had some really good times, with the kids and the grandkids. This was last week when they were all here and we went down to the marina. I haven't been there for awhile and it was so beautiful with the sun about to go down over the water. That water is what drew us out here 20 years ago, and we still love it.

We are so thankful for our family! They bless our lives in 1000 ways, all the time. The heat continues, but there are wonderful days in the midst of it.

Hope your summer isn't as hot as ours, and even if it is, that we all remember how much we have to be thankful for, summer, winter or anytime!

I love the old song... 'Count your blessings name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done."...

I'm also looking forward to counting the blessing of days that are back into the 80' and 90's!...

Maybe it's the heat...

2011-07-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

It could be that these thoughts are springing from a run of over 100 degrees for the last 30 days, and no end in sight...

or it could be that I've seen so many blogs this summer that are reminiscing about days gone by...

whatever, it has triggered some in me as well...

This post is Janette's fault! She did a recent post on old movies and music, and got me going... I commented that we had heard a small group one night when we were high school kids, and we ventured over to 'cruise' on Hollywood Blvd. The group was singing in a tiny little pub or burger club and they were called The Beach Boys... we loved them, and the rest is history...

I was thinking about those years...

Growing up in southern California was wonderful! We lived in Pasadena, so every year we had the Rose Parade which went straight down the main street, still does... Colorado Blvd. In the younger years, we lived 3 blocks from the parade route. When I was in high school, we moved up close to the foothills, about 3 blocks from where the parade ended.

It was the thing to do for a Pasadena high school student ... 'working the floats'... from after Christmas until New Years Day. There were huge warehouses where the basic floats from all the entries were driven or constructed. We signed up through our schools to work during that intense week before the parade. It was our job to glue every single flower, stalk and leaf into the perfect place and make it a showpiece. You can't imagine the HUGE amounts of flowers that were shipped in from all over the world, orchids from Hawaii almost looked common, there were so many. Seeds, grass, florals of every description, they were all there for us to create from. The warehouses were refrigerated, so it was COLD as we worked. We worked around the clock during that week before the big day, and it was so much fun.

Our church youth group would go to Colorado Blvd. the night before the parade and the street was lined with groups of people, sleeping bags, ladders, food, etc. We claimed our space, and then walked the whole street, for miles, meeting and greeting the thousands who had invaded our city. All the restaurants were open, and they were filled all through the night.

Finally the next morning, the whole crowd began to buzz as the sound of the parade could be heard back at the starting point.

I went to Pasadena High School, and the Tournament of Roses queen and her court were chosen from our high school back in those days. Yes, I did try out, and no, I was not in the court. I did manage to get through some of the eliminations, but the process was scary to me. You had to walk the length of the pool at the Huntington Hotel, while a huge group of judges silently watched every move! I had never done anything like that, and I was NOT a natural... but my friend Margarethe Bertelson was, and she was chosen as Rose Queen that year. I recently saw a program on ebay from that year with her picture on the cover. I've often wondered what happened to her...

Times sure seemed so much more simple in those days, and somehow not as fast paced and 'out there' as it is today.

...or maybe summer is just a good time to reminisce...

A few final thoughts about weeds...

2011-07-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

Just a few more thoughts on weeds...

I have just come inside and I finished weeding the whole front garden. I noted an interesting thing... the weeds from this year were easy to pull out, but the weeds that remained from last year or before... stuck like super glue!

1. the soil...

We had our front flower bed re-done last spring, and they added a lot of mulch and turned that hard black clay until it was mixed into a rich but workable soil. Weeds do NOT grow as tight and ugly in good fertile soil. Their grip is not as strong. They are easier to get up by the roots and remove. When you try to remove a weed in hard black clay... it's nearly impossible without a whole lot of digging and sweating!

The soil of our lives should already be full of enough of God's grace, that even when the weeds come, and they will come... the removal process should be a lot quicker than it sometimes is.

2. the tools...

When I pull them up with my hands, it so often doesn't get the whole weed, especially not the root. If I use a spade or shovel, it's a quick dig under the roots and most of them come up pretty well.

Our spiritual tools for removing those weeds of our minds and hearts are readily available... His Word is loaded with promises for every one of them. But sitting and looking at our Bibles is not going to feed our own souls with His truth and promises. It's the tool we most need to pick up every day, and the directions are all there.

3. the disposal...

When we have done some good thorough weeding, inside and outside... put the weeds in the trash and get rid of them! If we let them lie around, they will take root again and the process the next time will be even more tedious. God is the only real remover of both the weeds and the roots, and He removes them 'as far as the east is from the west'...

My neighbor behind us has a beautiful iron fence with Carolina Jasmine covering the whole thing. But this summer, one of those green jack in the beanstalk vines has gotten intertwined in the jasmine, and now it kind of looks like a jack in the beanstalk on steroids! Not only that, but that vine has 'jumped' up the hill into my garden, and I pull out new vines every week. It has definitely spread...

Her vine will eventually be pulled off and cleared away... just the way I want my weeds and vines to be. Weeds are okay out in the pasture on a barren field that no one is using...

but I want them OUT of my garden!

P.S... It was your comments and emails from the last post that got me 'digging' a little deeper on the weed thing. There are many other lessons to be taught and learned about weeds... they are the lessons of life. I learn from you every day. You are such a wise and funny group of blogging friends, and I love each one of you.

weeds...

2011-07-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

My mom was a speaker for christian women's conferences. One of the things she talked about was marriage.

Her story of meeting my dad is almost like a fairy tale. I've written about it here.

When my mother met and married dad, she was head over heels in love. She shared that it was so perfect it was almost like the Garden of Eden, until...

there began to appear 'some weeds in the Garden of Eden'...

The human part of her knight in shining armour began to show in little ways, and her own little less-than-perfect traits would also appear from time to time.

There isn't a single one of us who have not had the experience of discovering 'weeds in Eden'... for some of us there have been times when the weeds may have threatened to overtake the whole garden!

It's a picture of life.

We deal with weeds on every level.

Our personal struggles, our families, friends, even our spiritual walk... there is always the threat of a weed or a lot of weeds.

What do we do with them?

I get impatient with the weeds in my outdoor garden, and just start yanking them up when the mood strikes. Lots of what comes up in my hand doesn't have the root, only the annoying part above the ground. In my impatience, the root still remains, just under the surface, and boy does it grow back in a hurry!

Best to deal with those pesky weeds and be sure they are removed with the whole root. For us in real life, that means choosing to cultivate the qualities that our lives must display because we are His children... love, patience, truthfulness, forgiveness, overlooking small annoyances, holding back a quick retort, praying instead of reacting, and on and on... pretty soon our gardens begin to look more like a real garden, not just a weed infested mess.

We all recognize the weeds... we also have the power to pull them out by the roots!

Helm's Bakery truck...

2011-07-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

I grew up in southern California, and one of the best memories I have is the Helm's Bakery truck, this beautiful shiny yellow truck that came down our street a couple of times a week.

The driver would blow his whistle, and we would all holler and run outside to the truck.

When he opened the back end, it was fitted with steel shelves that rolled out fresh pastries, cinammon rolls, bread and donuts. Some were still hot and steamy.

It was sensory overload!

We never bought much, but the opportunities abounded.

Before we selected our treat, we studied each shelf, we pointed and discussed the fillings, the toppings, etc. I remember that driver being patient and putting up with us, he was probably used to it. No doubt the same scene repeated itself on each street.

The memory is still strong, but the trucks are long gone.

I think the reason for this blog is because I am midway in my weight loss and fitness program... back to where I used to be... :)

So for today, the Helm's truck provided a snapshot back in time, as I eat my Vita Muffin with 100 calories, 10 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein... I'm good with that, but it didn't come in a shiny yellow truck, and no one blew a whistle. I miss that.

Are you 'called'??...

2011-07-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Ministry... are you called??... am I?

...and having asked that, I have never thought there was a question about it... if we are His... we ARE the called.

The answer is YES... each of us who belong to Him and want Him to be the Lord of our lives... is called.

My dad, and our son, were called to full time christian ministry and service, as ministers. I am no less 'called' as His child.

I remember my own mom and dad... the call of God upon their lives was clear...they both knew that and they answered and obeyed. But the harvest was often small, and looked like so little. Some of us have been there, maybe are there now.

No accolades, no applause, no real interest or even encouragement many times from a human perspective. And even worse, the desire and capacity for more of God among those even within the church, was many times so weak. By the world's standards, their ministry was not front and center.

I have such a different view now, now that they are both in heaven...

Maybe it's just that I am getting older, and my thinking is changing... but I am so sure that the jewels in their crowns is the fact that they were faithful to what God gave them to do... all through the years. Their vision and their passion for His purposes did not dim.

There are so many who are held up as christian heroes in our world today. Some of it is deserved, lots of it is not.

Here's what else I know...

My dad was the mentor and minister to many other ministers, some of whom are carrying out that vision God gave to my dad, and the work is thriving and flourishing in ways that didn't happen when dad was living. But it was always GOD'S work, my dad was just being obedient. My dad ministered... he didn't minister because of the feedback, but because His desire was to obey God..

My mom was the example and teacher to her 3 children and so many others that she ministered to, who now continue what she taught them.

I hope that this encourages some of you who may feel they are discouraged in what God has called them to. There are times when I... one of those not in full time ministry, but one who wants to do His will right where I am... feel so small, and maybe without much value in terms of His kingdom.

That is another one of satan's lies!!!

Before you and I were born, God chose us, created us, and His call has always been on my life, and yours.

One of the verses that was a life line in our home growing up was...

"Be not weary in well doing, for in due season, ye SHALL reap, IF ye faint not!"...
It's a promise I claim constantly, and for any of you who feels any of the above... it's your promise too!

There are so many faithful children of God, all over the world, who are living out their lives, both the 'called' and the untitled 'called' (me)... without always seeing the results their hearts have hoped and longed for... yet!

Don't be discouraged by what you may not see... STAND on what you know God wants you to do... the rest is His to perform, and that is His promise.

"Knowing this, that He who hath begun a good work in you, WILL perform it until the day of Jesus Christ".

Wow! I just read this over and it sounds like a sermon, if so... I'm preaching to the choir!

The Pickers...

2011-07-13T08:12:00.001-07:00

Do you ever watch the American Pickers?

We get such a kick out of watching Mike & Frank as they head down the road in their van to find 'whatever is next'... They get into old barns, houses or warehouses with their flashlights, they don't know what they are going to find till they start digging.

What a great adventure!

It's a little like when we head to Canton every month. Canton is a gigantic antique and decorators market about an hour from where we live. The first time I ever went there, I was about 7 or 8 months pregnant with our first child. We've been going there ever since. We have found so many neat things through the years. My husband always thinks of it as a giant Easter egg hunt for adults!

Isn't life like that sometimes? There are treasures to be found, often in unlikely places.

Sometimes it's as simple as meeting someone in the grocery store, and the unplanned conversation becomes a quick blessing to both of us...

Maybe it's lending a hand or baking a casserole to give a neighbor or friend who is having a hard time...

or... like Mike and Frank... sometimes a treasure is only found after you dig a little deeper, and then make a discovery that comes as a real surprise. Often with me, it's the reaching out to someone that I might have hurried past at another time, and this time the words exchanged had a sweetness and blessing that was like a gift, and often it's right in those conversations that God opens the door for some real heart sharing.

I know that when 'the pickers' find a rusty piece that is hidden in an unlikely spot... sometimes it turns out to be even more than the treasure they were hoping for.

How many times have you opened your Bible and found not only a good word for the day, but more than you even hoped for, it spoke to a specific situation, and something that confirmed an answer, or just made your heart sing?

I want to think of this journey of life in the same way... heading out into each new day with hope and anticipation. Some days will yield very little, others will be disappointing, but some will hold treasures that we didn't even dream of...

Proverbs 2:1-5

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God."

Yesterday's manna....

2011-07-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

I have quoted Dr.John Stumbo many times. He is a minister who recently received his doctoral degree, and who also in the past 2 years has gone through tremendous physical pain and heartache with a rare blood disease. He is close to putting his journey into book form.

Here is what his blog today said, in part...

"In the uncertainty of our current journey, I’m going back to the most basic of principles: I have all the grace I need for today. I don’t need tomorrow’s grace until tomorrow. Yesterday’s “manna” doesn’t save very well. But, I definitely have what I need for today—actually more than I need."

He has a way of challenging me to think in new directions...

'Yesterday's manna'... the grace God gave us to live out our lives yesterday... that was 24 hours ago. I have moved into today, and I need a new dose of grace and manna for this day.

It has already been provided!

Today's grace is mine, and yours. Tomorrow's manna will also come... tomorrow.

...Our source for manna and grace has no limits.

...Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

I do have to add a personal note about manna, since I often find myself in the same sandals as the Israelites who were not always thrilled at God's provision...

Manna does not always look like I wish it looked...

If I were picking the manna, I would probably select lavish food falling down on a silver tray. Oh how ridiculous and selfish our thoughts can be. The silver tray contained the life of Jesus, offered up for me. The daily grace and manna is still another gift... all of it undeserved.

I am living right now, in this new 'today', with every need of my heart, mind and life, provided for.

Today's grace and manna is enough... as long as I trust in the God who provides all of it.

I choose to trust Him.

Dad preached, we went along for the ride, final chapter...

2011-07-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have such a love for farms!

I know that it goes back to our summer travels. We were city kids, and when we traveled to small towns in the midwest, many of the members of the little churches where dad preached lived on farms and raised crops, animals, etc. For them, it was a living and a way of life. For us, it was a whole new world and we just loved it!

One summer in Michigan, we were invited for lunch to a local farm, close to the church. The wife had baked big loaves of homemade bread that smelled so good we couldn't stand it... we all followed the scent into the kitchen. My brother, at the time a young teenager, took her invitation, sat down and ate one whole loaf of that bread, with real butter and homemade strawberry jam!

They let us go out to the garden and pick carrots and potatoes. It was a miracle!! You pull the green tops up and out pops a real carrot! We were so thrilled with the whole idea that we kept pulling them up, even the ones that were so small there was no carrot at the other end yet.

Another time, we visited some church people for dinner, and behind their home was an apple orchard! The smell of those apple trees was more like an apple than an apple pie baking in the oven! There were swings hanging from the bigger trees and we jumped on and went as high as our legs could pump.

Right down the country road was a creek that flowed under the road. We sat there and dangled our feet into the little stream. It was clear and cold. Then we walked across a field to the swimming hole. It was a huge deep round body of water surrounded by enormous trees. It was very still and even a little dark in the shade of those trees. There was a heavy rope hanging from one of them and we grabbed the rope, sailed out over the water, screaming the whole way, and dropped in.

That whole summer was kind of a 'sonjaberry finn' adventure!

Everywhere we traveled, our hosts were the kids whose parents and families belonged to whatever church dad was preaching in. They showed us the local sights like no one else could. We saw how they lived, a different world from what we knew, and the memories have stayed with me for a lifeime.

I'll always be thankful for the experiences of visiting small town America and getting a taste of farm and country life. I'm still 'city', but with a definite 'country' leaning!

And one more thing... small town America has some of the most special people I've ever met anywhere. They opened their hearts and homes to us and we could write a book about their kindness and hospitality... I think I just have, since I've written 10 blogs of those summer adventures!

today...

2011-06-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

"Today is unique! It has never occured before, and it will never be repeated. At midnight it will end, quietly, suddenly, totally. Forever. But the hours between now and then are opportunities with eternal possibilities." (Charles Swindoll)

I had to use this picture once more before I retire it, and it fits these words so well.

Don't you love this quote?

Midnight tonight ends today's potential forever... but between now and then... a day full of possibilities!

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matt. 6:34 NLT)

Go ahead... open it!

2011-06-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

I love gifts!

Let's just imagine that these beautiful gifts held the very answers to some things we are asking God for in our own life.

Maybe it's peace, or direction, or joy, or an answer to a long time prayer... or to really KNOW that He is there, all the time...

Now, let's assume the tag on the gifts reads... IF...

Have you ever thought of the word IF and looked at the way God uses it in His word?

Definition of IF: (Merriam-Webster)

a : in the event that
b : allowing that
c : on the assumption that
d : on condition that

The very things we desire the most, the things that are the prayers of our hearts, are promised to us over and over....

IF...

... You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you.

... For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

... If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

... If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Many times we begin and end with that little word.

I have jumped in and claimed the benefits of many promises, and often have not seen them fulfilled because I didn't pay close enough attention to the IF...

It isn't that God is not clear, rather that sometimes I want the benefits of the promises apart from the way He says they will come.

In other words, the easy way out... and like Dr.Phil says: 'How's that workin' for you?'...

Think for a minute about those 'pesky' little powerful words that the scriptures are so full of...

if...when...

God says things with few words, and they pack a punch.

It's ME who fails to obey exactly what it says, and so the power of the promise is missing.

I think the tag might just as well say IF Sonja... (or your name)... does what I ask her to...she can open the gift!

The slumber party that wasn't!...

2011-06-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

When I was about 10 years old, I decided it would be a good thing to have a slumber party one Friday night.

I invited about 10 of my school pals, and their moms dropped them off at our house, sleeping bags in tow, ready for a great time...

But I forgot to ask or even mention it to my parents...

My dad was out of town, and my mom was scheduled to leave for a women's conference where she would be the speaker.

I don't remember what my punishment was, but I do remember that my mom drove every single girl back to their homes, explained to their mother's, and then came home to deal with me!

Have you ever gotten ahead of yourself? or worse... ahead of God?

We can't just decide to 'call a party', and expect Him to bless the whole thing, and to provide for all the details that make a party special... without asking Him first.

He may have some very good reasons for such a party not to happen, one of which might be that He won't be present to host it. (Even though He is with us always, there are times when He is quiet.)

Our bright ideas don't always mean that He will go along with us. He might even like the idea, but wants it to be at another time. Or... He might know that the whole idea is just wrong for us.

When HE calls the party, it is always right.

"Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word." (Prov.16:1)

Yesterday's princess...

2011-06-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

This pictures still makes me smile!

When I say 'yesterday's princess'... I mean a lot of yesterdays ago...

One of the blessings of blogging is reflecting back on personal memories, and putting them down in black and white.I was a junior in high school in southern California.

My best friend Margie was the queen and I was one of the princesses of the annual Wisteria Festival in Sierra Madre, California. This was a 7 acre garden of wisteria, which bloomed every year at Easter time.
Youth for Christ was sponsoring the whole festival that year, so it was lots of fun for all of us.

It made me curious to see if it is still going on... sure enough!
Here is the link for this year.

I had to dig DEEP into one of the old, old bins in the garage to find these pictures!

We walked around with all the people who came to visit, and a photographer took pictures of 'the court' with our visitors. Oh boy... my most vivid memory of the whole thing were the clear plastic high heeled sandals... sadly, I felt like royalty in them!

Can you guess which one is me?

A fun memory from a long time ago...

(I'm the far left in the top photo, center front on lower photo)

A health nut before his time...

2011-06-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

My dad...

He was ALWAYS into fitness... long before it was "in" to be fit!

Before he went into the ministry, he tried out for the St.Louis Cardinals Baseball team, but ended up going to seminary instead of playing baseball...

All through his years of ministry and travels, he ate right. He flew into new countries with different weather patterns, and temperatures, and he knew it would be wise to be 'built up' and fueled in his own system, by eating wisely.

He studied food and nutrition, even carried Adele Hunt's book 'Let's Eat Right To Keep Fit" in his heavy book briefcase, on his flights, right alongside his Bible and other Godly books.

Along with those books, he nearly always carried a few ripe bananas and other fruit, and maybe some nuts, to snack on during his flight. To this day, even though we laughed about it then in our youthful ignorance, I never pass a bin of bananas in the store without thinking of dad and his bananas!

He tried... he REALLY tried... to teach the 3 of us kids about healthy eating...

One time at the L.A.County Fair, he bought one of the first electric blenders we had ever seen, they were doing a demonstration as we walked by. He was so thrilled. That night we all wanted a 7-up when we got home, he said we could have the 7-up AFTER we drank the first concoction out of that blender. We all groaned. He filled that thing with fresh vegetables of every kind, and added ice and water. It was a disgusting color and we held our noses as we drank it!...Then we had our 7-up.

Once my brother dreamed that my dad was in the pulpit preaching, with vigor... but his words were all about fruits and vegetables and vitamins! We all laughed at the dream, as it was a possibility if you knew my dad. Fortunately, prayer and revival always trumped healthy eating for him, so we never saw that happen.

I wish he could know now how many times I have thought of the way he carefully made sure he ate the right foods... 'live foods', he called them. While we all 3 teased him during those years, we have all found out that he was right on the money!

Health and fitness, a man before his time! I'm sure working at it now dad...

"An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth; fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies." (Prov.15:14 MSG)

from Is: 55... "Why do you spend your money on junk food, your hard-earned cash on cotton candy? Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest."

P.S.... If you want a good hearty laugh, head over to Marsha's blog "Health Nut or Just a Nut??" ...

Blessing the hands that made these...

2011-06-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, my dad traveled and preached all around the world. He always brought a gift home for my mom, and usually some for the 3 of us kids as well.

Today I was thinking of the intricate linen tablecloths and napkins that he brought my mother from Japan.The detail of the needlework was amazing.

My mother used everything he brought, they loved to entertain. But this tablecloth was ' a beast' to iron! They didn't just send everything to the cleaners back then. So, one day when my mom was ironing that tablecloth for the next use...

She was probably grumbling a bit about how hard it was to make it look right, there were so many stitches and little places to make smooth... first she sprinkled the whole thing and rolled it into a ball and put plastic around it and stuck it in the fridge... later she took it out to steam press... as she labored over that tablecloth, the very one pictured above...

She began to think of the little women in the orient who sat and made these beautiful pieces by hand, and how difficult it must have been to even see the needle as they worked. She began to pray for each Japanese lady who did that hard labor, day after day, and for their eyesight as they labored, and for their families, and for their knowledge of Jesus.

Her ironing was changed that quickly... from drudgery to praise.

I have thought of that many times as I have ironed clothes through the years for my husband and our children. Not so much now, as we are blessed to wash & dry most of it and send the 'hard stuff' to the cleaners.

I wonder though, if I took the time, especially when I am irritated and impatient...

...when someone is slow in traffic

...or sneaks ahead of me in the grocery line

...or yells at their kids in the mall

...to say a quick prayer for whatever their needs might be, and to ask God to speak to their hearts in whatever place they are... if that wouldn't also be the very thing that turns my irritation into something much better.

I know this works... so do you. I think I can do better... there are lots of 'wasted' blessings all around me!

Every situation is a potential for praise. (and now that I've said that in black & white... I'm convicted by my own words!)

2011-05-30T05:33:00.000-07:00

God thought enough of me to think me up!

I was mulling on the very fact that I was created at all...

I wonder if God said... I'm going to make a 'Sonja', and here is what her life will look like...

And then I wondered... Do I look like that?...

I know that He had specific and clear plans for what I should be. I know that He planted gifts in my life that He meant to use for His glory.

Am I using them?

Do you ever have those random thoughts, and suddenly you know they aren't so random?

I wonder how close to His blueprint for my life I am living.

I'm telling you... these thoughts came to me out of the blue, and made me head straight to my computer before I forgot them...

I know one thing for sure!

God did NOT accidentally flick His fingers and throw us into this world, and since then has waited around to see how we would turn out...

He isn't that kind of God.

He knew from the very beginning who we would be and what the design of our lives looked like... to the last detail.

What He does wait for is our response to all that He has invested and promised to us.

Our lives were formed with purpose and meaning, and to bring glory to His name.
Now you know why those 'random thoughts' have bolted me upright, and have my full attention...

I know deep down in my heart that God created me and gave me life. Today... that thought from His heart to mine has both riveted my attention and reminded me again that all of my life is His gift.

I want it to be used the way He intended, every day, so that one day when I come face to face with Him, He will smile in recognition and be happy to see me.

Like my dad used to say... "May I be known at His throne".

Buried??...

2011-05-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

I'm remembering an incident when our 3 kids were young and we lived in Austin, Texas.

One night when I went to tuck the boys in and was ready to say prayers with them, I found them both on their knees by their beds with their hands clasped, praying. I asked them about it. With sober faces, they told me...

The neighbor boy across the street had found some Playboy magazines in his dad's closet, up on a high shelf. He took them down, and collected our 2 boys to come and take a furtive look at these magazines.

Our boys were full of guilt... they knew better!

After they looked at the magazines, our 2 boys took them out into the woods and dug a hole and buried them... That was what they were confessing on their knees that night.

Several nights later...

There they were on their knees again. I asked about it, and with big sad eyes they said..."we dug them back up!"...

...and before you react with either a smile or maybe even shock...Isn't that just like us with sin?

We do it with our own sins, and we do it with the sins of others!

We confess it, we get forgiven, or we forgive someone who has wronged us, and it's buried, 'as far as the east is from the west', and then our minds begin to think about it again, and we go back and dig it up...

'maybe it wasn't so bad'...

'it really didn't hurt anyone'...

'she should never have done that, she deserves what she gets'...

you know what I mean...

I can't tell you how many times I've thought of this story through the years, it's a snapshot not only of 2 little boys, but of God's very own children... us.

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Gal.5:1)

The end of the world...

2011-05-21T08:02:00.001-07:00

I am helping myself to our friend Dr. John Stumbo's blog, written yesterday, since 'the world is going to end today'...

"THE END OF THE WORLD + HAROLD CAMPING + MATH = ONE BIG PROBLEM

I have a book in my library titled 88 Reasons Why The Rapture Will Be in 1988. I never read it. But, I like to have it on my shelf. It reminds me of what idiots Christians can be.

Not that I should need any reminders.

Before I proceed, I should identify myself. In case a new reader stumbles onto this blog today, may I clearly state that I am a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ and (sometimes with embarrassment, sometimes with great joy) include myself in the Christian community. I’m writing as an insider.

By now you’ve no doubt heard the news that we’re down to our last 24 hours…at least according to radio host, Harold Camping. At age 88, Harold continues a worldwide broadcast and has studied the Bible longer than most of us have been alive.

If history reveals anything to us, it tells us that just because one has studied a subject at length does not automatically make one accurate.

I believe Camping is wrong.

I believe he’s worse than wrong.

I believe Camping is in the same “camp” as the pastor who burned the Quran, the crazed individuals who bomb abortion clinics or kill doctors, and the venom-mouthed haters of homosexuals.

Let me introduce myself a second time. I believe the Quran misleads millions, abortions are the taking of a human life, and the act of homosexuality is a degrading sin. Yet, I’m convinced that Christians are to love Muslims, abortionists, gays and a thousand other people groups that have different perspectives than ours. I’m convinced that this love should be genuine and tangible … you know, like the love Jesus expressed.

The reason I lump Camping in with these others is because from burning Quran’s to predicting dates, Christians once again come off looking like idiots.

The news media loves these stories. The skeptical community has more reason to scoff. Stand up comedians have an easy night on the job.

And don’t think that people haven’t heard about Camping’s prediction. One of the best ways to know what has the world’s attention is to follow Google Trends. The brains at Google make available to us what are the hottest searches each day. For most of this week, searches like “end of the world may 21”, “judgment day may 21” and “harold camping may 21” have been high on the list.

I’m no expert in Harold Camping’s theology, nor do I care to be. But, from what I understand he came upon his date-setting by using mathematical calculations. These calculations arose from the theory that words in the Bible have numeric value. By putting together three words atonement, completeness and heaven, multiplying them and then doing so again (squaring them) – Waa Laa – the Judgment Day is tomorrow!

Make sense to you?

Not to me either.

But that’s what billboards across the world—from Minnesota to India—are proclaiming: Judgment Day May 21 The Bible Guarantees It.

At least Harold’s Bible does.

Mine says something simpler, “No one knows about that day or hour … therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Jesus in Matthew 24)

None of this would matter much to me if I didn’t fear one thing. I’m concerned that because of people like Harold Camping, many serious minded people will not bother exploring who the real Jesus is.

When they wake up on May 22, I don’t think they’ll head off to find a Christian church. I think they’ll have all the more reason to write off the Christian faith as a myth or conspiracy theory.

The real Jesus—the heaven-sent Messiah come into this world to atone for our sin, conquer death and lead us to the Father—will be missed.

And that makes me sad.

Thanks, Harold.

Next time save your math skills for a Sudoku puzzle, not the Scriptures."

Written by Dr.John Stumbo, May 20, 2011

POSTSCRIPT: It's 6:05 p.m., and here we are, still waiting, but... He IS coming again! May each of us live daily with that expectation motivating us.

Bob's...

2011-05-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

I'm having a moment!

A little background...

When you are working at weight loss, and doing what it takes to return to your former size and break the habits of years of wrong eating...

...the mind digresses...

Today... I am back in Pasadena, California at Bob's, Home of the Big Boy Burgers!

During my growing up years in Pasadena, there was NO place I would rather eat. Their burgers, fries and malts, or even a plain Coke... unless you grew up there and loved them like we did... there's no way to explain today's memory.

When we moved to Texas, it was called Kip's here, same thing, just a different name. But now there are none in Texas, and I think 2 are left in California.

Recently, an In and Out Burger place opened north of us. (Also from California) I happened to be out there with my daughter shopping nearby. There were 100's, maybe close to 1000 people waiting in long lines, and cars snaked for blocks for the drive through. One former California lady was in tears. It was unbeleivable! I couldn't imagine being one of those people...

...until I thought of Bob's!

If they open a Bob's in Texas... I WILL be in the line!

Meanwhile, back to my oatmeal for breakfast...

Final 'food' for thought...

"Oh listen, dear child—become wise; point your life in the right direction. Don't drink too much wine and get drunk; don't eat too much food and get fat." (Prov.23:19)

Different by design...

2011-05-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile when I read some of Paul's writings, I wonder about his life. I wonder what made him so zealous, passionate and even sometimes blunt...

God created Paul, He KNEW who Paul was, and He knew that the very passion and zeal Paul had as a 'religious Jew', would be the same passion he would bring to the spreading of the gospel, when he discovered the truth and his life was changed forever on the road to Damascus...

Then I thought of John, the disciple that Jesus called 'the beloved disciple', and how different his temperament was, and how Jesus loved him and trusted him, even enough to care for his own mother as he went to the cross.

Then there was Peter... boldly and quickly popping off, reaching for his sword to cut off the soldier's ear as he staunchly defended Jesus... only to cower a short time later as he denied the same Saviour.

And the list goes on and on...

David, a man after God's own heart, and yet a fallen sinner who totally repented and went on to great things for the kingdom...

I relate to these men and women in the Bible... they are you and they are me...

God uses all of us, fallen and sinful though He knows we are... He changes us, He uses everything in our lives to 'work together for good, His good... so we will be used for His purposes.

Each of us different, in personality and temperament...yet all created by the same Saviour, who made those unique traits.

Do you relate to these Biblical men and women of faith? Do you recognize yourself in any of them?

Much alike in so many ways, yet different... but all by His design, for His purposes. It takes life from 'no hope because of who we are NOT, to everything is possible BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS'...

Birth order musings...

2011-05-05T11:54:00.001-07:00

Did you ever read the birth order book?

I read it a few years ago. Honestly... I laughed out loud at some of the descriptions. I don't know why I had never thought much about it, but even though it may not all apply, I see the reality and reasoning as I reflect on my own family.

I was a middle child... look out!

It isn't that I got 'lost in the shuffle' exactly, but the oldest was the one who kind of took charge of the other 2, and the youngest was the one who EXPECTED things to kind of go her way.

Then, with my own kids... more of the same. Our oldest is extremely responsible and can take charge with no problems. The middle one is the MIDDLE one, and the baby EXPECTS things, and those things HAPPEN for him! And now, my kids are seeing the same thing with their own kids.

The whole concept makes me smile.

And then there is the ONLY child, like my husband.... that's another story altogether!

Can you see the birth order traits in your own family??

The top picture is my brother and sister and I.... now I've come full circle to our own 6 grandkids, and I can see the birth order traits in all of them, not to mention how beautiful and perfect and wonderful they are!!

They have blessed and enriched my life... family, hubby, kids, grandkids and the whole lot... on this Mother's Day, and every day!

Does Jane have a garden in heaven?...

2011-05-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'm remembering my friend, Jane.

Although she lived clear across the country from me, our hearts bonded many years ago when she and her husband visited us in Dallas. She had recently lost her son to suicide.

I said 'Jane... God understands. He lost His son too, for you and me.'...

She repeated the words as the tears ran down her face...

All through the following years, our relationship was by phone, many times, and at sometimes at great length...

My friend Jane lived with pain, surgeries, and a dying body, for about 10 years. She was released from her body in mid April, and she is at home with the Lord.

Jane had more physical problems than almost anyone I have ever met. They began late in her life, and they robbed her of much of the day to day living that I take for granted.

One of the things she lost and grieved over the most, was the joy of being out in her garden and planting flowers and enjoying the beauty around her.

When she died, I went and got new pots for our front porch, and the prettiest flowers and greenery I could find, and I planted them in honor of Jane. I know she would have understood and loved that. I made these pictures into a card we sent to her hubby, who cared for her so beautifully... along with a pair of lavender garden gloves with orange flowers.

Does Jane have a garden in heaven? I don't know that for sure, but in my heart I believe she does! ..."Eye has not seen nor ear heard the things that God has prepared for those who love Him".

The God who created the beauty of our world, most surely has saved the best for last, and I can just picture Jane happily planting flowers the likes of which I can only imagine!

Blogging?...fitness?...or both!

2011-04-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

No, this is not my office. But notice the treadmill, the computer, and the open Bible...

This may never be a problem for you.

It became a problem for me.

I found myself spending way too much time looking at your wonderful blogs, commenting, and just scooting around and loving the reading. Some of you are just plain GIFTED! When I got started, it was hard to stop!

As I sat in my office, I let the time go by enjoying myself fully, when what I NEEDED to be doing was to use some of that time to whittle my shape into shape!

I needed to get back on track...

I have spent some time working on that. I also have had more time to seriously have my quiet time in the morning, rather than put it off while I did 'blogging'...

Haven't you found that when you are spiritually in tune, the lifestyle of better eating and fitness is also more in tune?... And having said that, please know that I stumble on both paths WAY more often than I should.

So here is what I have come to... no big spotlight of wisdom, just a little more common sense in the spending of my time. There is NO WAY I am going to lose this amazing group of blogging friends... NO WAY! You all have become such a part of my life, as you share your hearts and thoughts. I learn from you every day.

But... I am also committed to a better and clearer focus on what my days hold. I sense so strongly that time is flying by... I can't ONLY sit and read your blogs!

So maybe the real title of this post should have been THAT word... balance.

Does it tilt you the wrong way sometimes, or are your scales always plumb?

It's a word God has used in my life a lot, and this is one more of those times.

I think, hope, pray... that the distance between His reminders is growing.

time out!...

2011-04-11T14:47:00.001-07:00

I'm in 'time out!...

Not THAT kind of time out, although I've certainly been there in the past too...

Just a blogging break.

When I began blogging nearly 2 years ago, I never imagined that I would be doing it for as long as I have...

It's a new season, so I'm taking some time to see what directions are ahead.

You know that feeling that 'change is in the air?'...

Meanwhile, I'll be following and keeping up with you as often as possible...

I'll be back, and I'll 'see you' then...

Dad preached...we went along for the ride!...#9

2011-04-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

As we began our trips each summer, we had a long drive ahead. We left California and headed to many other states around the U.S... It was usually at least a 3 day drive to wherever dad would be preaching...

Along the journey, we had many nights in motels. Sometimes it was a real 'motel'... sometimes it was one of those little cabins that were clustered on all the major highways.

In the back seat, as the day got long...the 3 of us would be road weary and we began to chant together... 'if you want a ca-bin... you better hurry up!' Our voices chimed in and said it over and over, reminding our parents that we might miss out if we didn't find a place to spend the night soon.

Now we were all on the lookout for the next small town, to see what our overnight quarters would look like. From my perspective today, I wonder if my parents were as thrilled with some of those motels as we were...

Isn't it wonderful what a sense of adventure kids have, about most new things? In looking back, I have no memories of either of them ever grumbling that it wasn't a 5 star hotel!

That reminds me that one time my parents flew FIRST CLASS to the Orient as part of Bily Graham's team for an upcoming crusade. My mom had never flown FIRST CLASS... she told my dad..."NEVER will I fly anything but FIRST CLASS again, it's so wonderful"...

We laughed about that for years, as it turned out that was the ONLY time she ever flew FIRST CLASS!

So the motels along the way, while they may not have been FIRST CLASS, provided rest for the journey, and we were all together as we traveled along... I think a lot of those places are gone now, and if they are still around, the years have taken their toll.

I still see an old motel once in awhile and I'm immediately back there in that Ford Fairlane, feet hanging out the window, going down the road...

Welcome to Heaven!...

2011-04-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my Aunt (Tante) Maren, arrived peacefully in heaven, from her home in Tromso, Norway.

I just know that there was a crowd there to welcome her, right along side of jesus.

My mother would have been one of the first in line! (Maren was her younger sister.)

To me, Tante Maren was almost like a living hero, having survived concentration camp as a young woman. Her joy of life and those rosy pink cheeks just drew us all to her immediately.

I am so glad that we were able to be with her in Norway last summer when my neice was married. It was a treasure for each one of us. Here is that story, and here.

The other story I wrote about her was from her time spent in concentration camp, here.

I told my cousin in Norway that I can just picture my mother and Tante Maren today, and in my mind, they are both young Norwegian girls again... laughing and talking together... in a part of heaven that looks just like Tromso...

avocados...

2011-04-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up in Southern California, we lived close to the foothills in Pasadena. Straight up the street at the end, lived some of our close friends. On their beautiful land was an avocado orchard.

For at least half of the year, we would have a brown sack full of fresh avocados delivered to our front porch several times a week. Every day after school I made a sandwich from those firm, fresh avocados.

To this day... I LOVE avocados! My favorite way to eat one is on fresh bread with mayonaise and a little salt, just sliced and enjoyed. I still have those sandwiches nearly every day during the spring and summer when they are so fresh and yummy! Add a handful of fresh berries and lunch is healthy and fun!

Just a side bar...

Avocados are not only delicious, they are so good for us. I love it that something I love to eat is also good for me, unlike a million things that aren't!

Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid. They also act as a "nutrient booster" by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit.

I just finished my first avocado sandwich of the spring season, and it was yummy! Many more to follow....

Mighty music!...

2011-04-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

As I listened to the steady beat of the drums during the worship music at our church last Sunday, it reminded me of another Sunday about a year earlier...

The sermon had to do with Martin Luther and lessons from The Reformation. It was excellent, but here's what really grabbed my attention...

At the end of Steve's sermon, about 30 young men lined up on the platform and began to sing "A Mighty Fortress is our God"...

No instruments, just their strong voices blending together and when their volume increased as they reached the finale, it was all you could do not to stand up and shout!

And here's what happened...

As the men gathered to sing, the back doors all along the lobby began to open and people just streamed in from everywhere. I thought some big tour buses had arrived!

Most of them were young people. They had left their sunday school classes early, having already heard these men sing in the early service... they all wanted to hear it again!

Many of the younger crowd in our churches weren't raised on the great hymns of the faith that I was. It really caught my heart... it was as though they couldn't get enough! I know there will be all kinds of music in heaven...

I KNOW that, and I love the worship songs too, but I also am sure there will be many of these old hymns of the faith that I grew up loving... and I'm sure there will be drums too...

Fickle feelings!....

2011-03-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Feelings are fickle!

Do you agree?

I have found myself on both sides of the 'feelings' thing, and I am learning not to trust either extreme.

If I am 'up' and have a burst of feeling God's presence, it's wonderful, but before the 'rooster crows 3 times'... I can be 'down' and everything looks discouraging.

I am struck by what His Word does NOT say about feelings!

It is all about faith, and not once do I find that our faith guarantees that we will always FEEL on top of things.

So what do we do when our feelings are the opposite of our faith?

WE STAND...

We stand, based on His Word, which tells us that we are to trust Him. Not trust Him and then we will FEEL good. We do have those times too, but I know that very often in my life, those feelings are not there.

Is God any less alive in me during those times? NO!

That is one of satan's lies, designed to pull us down because we aren't feeling victorious!

Would I rather FEEL His presence all the time? Yes, I would!

But He is no less God because of the way I feel...

What He says to me is...

"Be still and KNOW that I am God!"...

I am learning to boot satan right out the door, and sometimes I say it out loud... get OUT of here! (or worse...)

My standing as God's child is certain!

NOTHING else in this world is certain, we are seeing evidence of so much chaos all over the world, not to mention personal chaos in so many lives.

GOD IS ALIVE AND WELL... He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

My feelings come and go.... He never changes!

She's looking good...

2011-03-24T07:54:00.001-07:00

My mom and dad used to chuckle as they grew older, at the comments they USED to hear, when they were young ...

"she is good looking!"

... and later those same people would say...

"She's looking good." Somewhere along the way, it became less about good looks and more about still being there!

I coud see the 'young me' in this picture, but it took awhile to see the 'old me'. Have you spotted her?

When I see someone I knew many years ago, I am still shocked at how old they look! At my dad's memorial service, our family saw an old friend my hubby and I knew when we were dating... my hubby said "I used to know your son!" We all had a good laugh, but isn't it true... when you are young, you think you will be young forever!

I find myself smiling at the same comments now... I still love to hear 'she's good looking', but I'm pretty sure I'm beginning to listen for the quiet comment in the background that says ... 'she's looking good'.

These are the years we are given, and making them count is more important than ever.

This verse comes to my mind a lot these days...

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Ps.90:12 NIV)

(optical illusion courtesy of Google)

Blue, but not down!...

2011-03-22T13:01:00.001-07:00

When you live in Texas... Spring is filled with wildflowers that grow like weeds along the side of our highways...

This passage in Luke seems especially fitting in the words of The Message...

"Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?" (Luke 12:28 MSG)

This verse, along with the one that says He knows the numbers of the hairs on our heads... all remind me of how He KNOWS us, how valued we are, and how important we are to Him! Today is one of those days that I NEED that reminder... do you ever feel like that?...

Just look at those Texas Bluebonnets!

Patience and wisdom...

2011-03-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

Patience

and

wisdom...

The dog in this picture definitely has both!

So often patience and wisdom seem to go hand in hand, don't they?

My initial reaction to things is not always the wisest...

I love to look at how Jesus walked the 33 years He lived on this earth. It was ALWAYS with wisdom, and I never get the sense that He was rushing and hurrying to get it all said and done...

His life and how He lived it IS our example!

I'm sure that this dog would much rather be eating what's in that bowl than standing and watching...

This is a good reminder that often it's best to procede with caution, especially when the outcome is still unclear!

"So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom." Ps.90:12 NKJV)

2 eyes, 2 ears, a nose and a mouth...

2011-03-13T18:19:00.001-07:00

My dad used to say to our kids when they were little...

"Just think... every single person in the world has 2 eyes, 2 ears, 1 nose and a mouth, and yet every one of us looks different. How do you think God did that??'...

It always got the kids thinking...

Who but our God could take 2 eyes, 2 ears, a nose and a mouth...

...and end up with millions of people, each one unique and hand created!

And that's just on the OUTSIDE! Think of how different we all are on the inside... our thinking, perception, gifts, personalities... what a HUGE God to have put us together, each different, unique and perfect, and in His image! I was created just according to His plan, so were you.

When I try my hand at an art project, and I draw people, which is not my gift... every single person looks the same! I always draw 2 eyes, 2 ears a nose and a mouth... and they always end up looking like clones of each other!

I am in awe of His individual stamp on each life, none of us share the same DNA...

... and yet many still don't believe. It would take more faith NOT to believe than to look at the miracle and order of creation and imagine it could be random.

God's creation reveals His loving heart in a million ways, and I am so thankful that He chose me to be one of them...

Dad preached...we went along for the ride!...#8...

2011-03-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

I bet you think I'm running out of stories!

Not yet...

One summer we met up with our friend and song leader, Jesse Liese and his family in the midwest. Several small churches had joined together as dad came to preach...

One of the families in the church had gone to Europe for a trip, and invited all of us to stay in their victorian farmhouse, on the family farm. Oh was this exciting for all of us kids (now 5 of us as we have joined with our friends)...

First thing we discovered was a chamber pot under each beautifully furnished antique 4 poster bed. You had to climb onto a stool to get into the bed, but... there was NO toilet in the home! ... there was a large outhouse as you made your way onto the farm land... that was a brand new adventure for city kids!

There was a water pump out in the back, and while we were staying there, a 'band of gypsies' came through, about 25 of them, kids and all, and primed the pump and took a rest on the farm. To this day I have never seen any more gypsies, but that's what they were, men women and lots of children playing. After they had spent an hour resting, they picked everything up and moved on down the road as we peeked around the curtains from inside the house...

One morning a bat got into the house. It flew around and swooped down close to where we were, so all of the kids and the 2 wives climbed into a huge 4 poster bed and pullled the covers up over our heads. Each time that bat flew into the room, we all screamed and hid under the blankets. The bat was probably scared to death! I think the screaming stunned him... My dad and Jesse tried to capture it every time it flew into the bedroom. Finally, they got it contained in a big jar and put the lid on and later released it way down the road.

It's no wonder that I still love farms... some of my favorite memories of childhood happened as we visited those farms. No traffic, very little noise, lots of land as far as you could see, huge stars lip up the night sky, and we NEVER ran out of new places to explore!

Even though I've never owned a farm, I am sure that since "He owns the cattle on 1000 hills"... in some way they are mine as well, after all, He IS my Father!

(photo courtesy of Google)

What's 'normal'??...

2011-03-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

I'd say most of the time, this is a pretty true statement! We are all different. 'Normal' also looks different for each of us, not only Maxine!

I have never felt like my life was anything out of the ordinary, and yet... what I am seeing is how many ways I have been blessed, and many of them have been out of the ordinary, different from someone elses 'normal'.

When I was growing up, I didn't think our life was anything unusual, but looking back, I see it so differently. My mom and dad were... 'my mom and dad'. And now I see how special that really was! Maybe it's that way with most of us, we see so much more as we go down the road.

Our everyday life was full of the spiritual 'heroes' of the day, it was our normal. To us... they were just our family friends. Now... I am reading their books and studying the treasures that God taught them, and seeing with fresh eyes that our 'friends' were extraordinary!

And... I am seeing in a clearer way that there is a responsibility that is mine because of all that I was taught and lived through during those growing up years.
"To whom much is given, much will be required"...

So...what does God's normal look like?

Because as different as we may all be, how we were raised, the choices we have made, our temperaments, and our journeys in life...even though our normal's may differ, and even though He created each one of us to be a unique person...

God's standards remain the same for every one of us!

He has made it clear what our lives should look like...His Word spells it all out... and that normal is not always how my life looks, but I want it to, just like you do.

... one day at a time
... one choice at a time
... one 'heaven turned' heart prayer at a time
... one step of faith at a time
... one obedient decision to 'stand on truth I already know' at a time

And the list goes on...

The bottom line is that I want my normal to line up with His standards! He's already given me all that I will ever need to do that....

One of my favorite verses, and I've quoted it before..."If ye KNOW these things, happy are ye if ye DO them!" (KJV) John 13:17

Preachers' lunch hits the road!...

2011-02-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

One of my dad's ministries through the years, was the formation of a group of pastors and people in full time ministry in various cities, to meet for prayer and fellowship among themselves...

It was a rich time of fellowship and prayer that they all needed...

One of these groups met during the summer months in Oregon, and my sister hosted several such times in their home, where she and my mother prepared lunch, which they served to the ministers.

One time as the ministers were on their knees in the living room praying, one of the pastors from another country began to pray in his own language, and in a louder than average volume, with real emotion and ferver, as he was blessed and earnestly in prayer...My then 4 year old nephew was listening around the corner, and with huge eyes and hushed voice he came into the kitchen and said... did you HEAR that guy??... When those preachers got together to pray, God was in their midst and they were free...

Another day, as they were gathered and getting ready to meet... dad and a good friend were carrying casseroles from the car to the house, one of the large platters slipped out of dad's hands, hit the ground and spread onto the driveway.

My dad and the other pastor immediately hit their knees in the driveway to try to collect it back together, and then they looked at each other and the situation became so humorous they both burst out laughing and couldn't stop!

Meanwhile, from the kitchen window, my mother and sister were watching this whole thing unfold, and were horrified... until they also got the giggles and laughed till they cried, watching the ministers on their knees in the driveway collecting casseroles!

The end result? My mom and sister went outside and between them all, they salvaged the least damaged... re-casseroled it all and no doubt covered it with cheese and served it with a big smile!

Antiques & garters!...

2011-02-26T13:17:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pictures of my favorite antique show held twice a year in Richardson, Texas. This is the MOST fun and beautiful show!

Take a look at my friend Candace's shoes... vintage plastic DIOR. She is one of those who can wear ANYTHING and it looks fantastic. She had on Gucci style flowing pants and some layered tops. She couldn't decide which nail polish to use, so she did each toe in a different color!

This is my friend Jan...
Jan makes garters for brides... incredible garters.

She did the garter for Jenna Bush, and is doing one for Rebecca St.James, a Christian singer that we all love. She makes each one by hand, from very special vintage lace and trims. They are works of art, and a keepsake that each bride treasures.

She made the garter for my niece's wedding in Norway last summer and it is a work of art.

The other thing about Jan... the main thing... is her love for the Lord! I call her Miss Joy Bells ... her smile is huge, her joy is from the heart, and her life is a living testimony to her Saviour. Jan is one of those rare gems that God places in your life, to remind us of His goodness.

Our good friend Steven produces the show and he does such an incredible job!

If you are ever in the Dallas area in February or September, The Antique Elegance Show is where you need to be!

Abiding...

2011-02-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

I love to read!

There are some great new books out there right now and I have read quite a few of them. But... I am often drawn back to the early writers... whose lives and legacies have already stood the test of time.

I am reading a short paperback book called ABIDING IN CHRIST by Andrew Murray. Sometimes the words and heart of those old heroes of the faith have a way of expression that gets my attention and makes a deep impression, even when the wording is from another time... the heart of the words does not change...

Here's what I just read...

"Of God are ye in Christ Jesus"... (from I Cor.1:30)

"He would have us not only remember our union to Christ, but especially that it is not our own doing, but the work of God Himself"...

"If it is of God alone that I am in Christ, then God Himself, the infinite One, becomes my security for all I can need or wish in seeking to abide in Christ"...

That grabbed my attention... WOW! Not only am I 'in Christ' as I abide... but it reminds me that God Himself is part of that heavenly 'team'. not to mention that the Holy Spirit is also doing His work!! ...

It does my heart good to think of this heavenly eternal 'team' of the Almighty, holding me, guarding my heart and faith, and working on my behalf, as I abide.

How's that for a powerful Wednesday morning thought!

Dad preached, we went along for the ride...#7...

2011-02-20T17:59:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite memories as we traveled around the USA during the summer months, and dad preached in lots of churches...

(a side note here... even though I look back on those days with great fun, joy and memories... I think the spiritual blessings that I gained didn't come until much later in life. During those days, it was all about the adventures we were having...)

In one small town in northern Michigan, some members of the church owned both a funeral home and the local Dairy Queen!

I think I was about 10 years old during that summer.
They had some kids our age, and they invited us to do 2 things... take a tour of the funeral home, and spend a day working at their Dairy Queen!!

Both adventures were memorable! The funeral home was large and beautiful, with the long cars out in front, and the quiet eerie feeling inside. We went into the room where all the caskets were and my eyes were huge as I looked at the open caskets on display... we even went into the embalming room! Yikes!...

But the best part of the day was getting to stand behind the counter of the drive through at thier local DQ, wait on a customer and make the order, all by myself!

I'm telling you... times were simpler back then, but I don't think any of our own grandkids would enjoy it any less than we did back then if they were behind the DQ counter today!

I don't remember what we served up but I'm pretty sure it was pre-Blizzards!

She brought this over on the boat...

2011-02-15T13:48:00.000-08:00

My mother was born in Norway. When she met and married my father, an American minister, they left very soon after the wedding for New York.

The one thing she brought over on the boat from her family home was this painting by Olaf Nordlien.

It had been in their home as she grew up and she always loved it. It hung in our home in New York, and then moved with us to California.It was such a part of her life. I am sure when she was homesick and missed her land and her family, that this painting was a comfort to her many many times.
When my parents went to heaven, the 3 of us 'kids' went to their home and went through all of their belongings. We each selected some things that we especially treasured, and this painting was my choice.

It was shipped back to Dallas, and now it hangs on our dining room wall. At first, even though I loved it, I cried every time I looked at it. It was so HER...

Now it has settled into our home and even though it is not like anything else in our home... it fits! Right there on that wall.

When I think of my mother as a young bride, leaving her homeland and not knowing if and when she would see her country or her loved ones again, and making her way to America... this painting makes me love her and miss her every time I look at it. It always makes me think of her. She would love that I love it so much...

Valentines and sweethearts...

2011-02-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

My dad married us, and inside the cover of my Bible is a worn thin sheet of his hand typed and spoken words. Valentine's Day and our anniversary both come in February, so it's a good time to share this memory, and to give thanks for my valentine!......

Some of dad's thoughts spoken at our wedding...

"Sometimes it has been said that love is 50/50, 'he is my better half... she is my better half'. But Christ shows us a better way. The trouble in our society today is that too much is only on a 50/50 basis, half hearted & divided. Life is not half and love is not 50/50. It is 100%. 100% both ways!. Forgiveness is not 50%, it is 100%. And many times you will both give in 100%. This is the life of love. Keep everything on a 100% basis, with nothing between. Share your secrets together, your joys, your sorrow, your trials & triumphs.

I would like to give you a very wonderful verse for this your wedding day and for your life together. It is the promise of Christ..."If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything they ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."

And later... His closing prayer...

"Oh God of love, Thou hast ordained marriage for the welfare and happiness of man. It is entirely Thy plan and only with Thee can it work that way. Thou hast said, 'it is not good for man to be alone. I will make a help meet for him.'
Today we are here to recognize and solemnize this holy union & to give Thee praise and thanks for such a high wonder on earth. We are here to pray... that Thou will EVER KEEP THEM IN THIS ONENESS:

... one in heart
... one in love
... one in life
... one in everything!

We are here to ask Thee to seal this union which Thou thyself has made, and as they walk together as lovers through life may their path be as a shining light that shineth more & more unto the perfect day. This we ask through Jesus Christ, the great lover of our souls. Amen. "...

My dad loved to pray, and could he ever pray! He talked to the Lord like we talk to each other, and this prayer was just a small part of what he prayed at our wedding...

For years we all laughed together with him when my husband claimed that was the longest time he's ever spent on his knees... he wasn't sure if he could get up! Dad was going to be sure he got us good and blessed!

and... it worked!

(above photo is left to right, dad, Joe and his dad)

our weather... our life!...

2011-02-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

This was the view from an upstairs room in our home this past week...

I read this in Psalm 147 the other morning...

"He sends the snow in all its lovely whiteness, and scatters the frost upon the ground. and hurls the hail upon the earth. Who can stand before his feezing cold?...

But then he calls for warmer weather, and the spring winds blow and all the river ice is broken"...

What a picture of life... in February in Texas, and ... in our own life as we journey with Him!

When we are in the middle of winter, we must always remember that spring is coming!

Serenade at midnight!...

2011-02-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

Years ago I was a college student at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. Our dorm was about 5 miles from the campus and it had been a boarding school for young girls in the 1920's.

The building was like a beautiful old hotel with winding staircases and an old elevator. The whole place was filled with antique furniture.

The dorm had several floors, but it also had a tower room at the very top of the building. One of the traditions was for the some of the guys to serenade us at about midnight, several times during the school year. Once in awhile one of the girls was dating one of the serenaders, so word would leak out that 'tonight was the night'.

We would rush up that very top winding staircase to the tower room with our hair in big rollers, in our pj's, bathrobes and slippers, and we were always so excited!! Soon we heard the cars driving down the small road, they dimmed their lights so we would be surprised, and we waited expectantly, crowding around the windows and looking down at the little muffled lights of their flashlights as they gathered, while we waited for the first song to begin...

I would just LOVE to have had a recording of some of those beautiful songs. Those guys could really sing, no piano, no music, just their group, most of them were in the school quartet or choral groups.

I have no idea why I'm sharing this. There is no hidden point or deep message, just some wonderful memories...

'For all we know we may never meet again'... or

'Blue shadows on the trail'... or

'Red sails in the sunset'...

I can just hear them right now...

(Westmont photo by Megan T.Guffey)

ain't...

2011-01-30T14:33:00.000-08:00

He was just a little boy, on a week's first day, wandering home from Bible school, and dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass, and he found a caterpillar. He found a fluffy milkweed pod, and blew out all the filler.

A bird's nest in a tree overhead, so wisely placed up so high.. was just another wonder, that caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zigzag course, and hailed him from the lawn, asked him where he'd been that day, and what was going on.

'I've been to Bible School,' he said, and turned a piece of sod. He picked up a wiggly worm replying, 'I've learned a lot about God.'

''M'm, very fine way,' the neighbor said, 'for a boy to spend his time. If you'll tell me where God is, I'll give you a brand new dime.'

Quick as a flash the answer came!... nor were his accents faint. 'I'll give you a dollar, Mister, if you can tell me where God ain't.'

(author unknown)

the talent case...

2011-01-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up in southern California, our church had a separate building for sunday school, and in that building was... the talent case!

A glass enclosed case with many shelves, and each shelf displayed what we could 'buy' with the talents we were given in class, for good behaviour, for memorizing verses, for doing our lesson, etc...

I must like glass display cases, as I wrote about the other one here... the talent case was full of little prizes, probably most of them were worth very little, but you know how it is with kids! Each prize in that case was a treat that I wanted to earn with the talents rewarded to me. I'm pretty sure I took them home and soon lost interest.

My point is... the talent case reminded me of the talents in the bible. I remember first reading that passage and feeling a little smug that I KNEW I would protect the talents given to me. I would take them home and guard them so they would be safe! I was a little shocked to keep reading and find that God did not value my choice very highly. He meant for the talents to be used, to go and multiply, to increase them!

Both the talent case and the talents He has already given to me are on my mind this morning... the ones in the case have come and gone. The ones He has given me?... Some I know I haven't used wisely, but some I am using right now. As I invest in the lives of others, reach out to a hurting heart, help where there is a need, share His love, and on and on...

Our talents come from our Father, and He expects us to use them so they multiply His work. I have a lot to do!...

(image from Google)

Dad preached, we went along for the ride...#6...

2011-01-24T10:16:00.000-08:00

One of the very best things that happened during our summer trips while our dad was preaching in towns all around the country, was the time we spent memorizing verses from THE NAVIGATORS packs!

I still have one of the little plastic packs that we faithfully got in the mail.

Dawson Trotman was the founder of NAVIGATORS, he and his wife were close friends of my parents, I remember as a child, the day he died of drowning in New York, as he tried to save a young girl. I remember how sad and shocked my parents were.

As we traveled across the land, each morning my mom brought out the little pack, and we had our verse for the day. We sat in the back seat going over and over it, until we could recite it by heart for the rest of the family.

I seem to remember a less than excited 3 kids having to memorize yet another verse, and our parents NEVER forgot to spend this time, every single morning, as we traveled down the road...

Our parents had already learned the value of memorizing God's Word. They were living out the truth of it, and they wanted to be sure we had that same truth, verse by verse...

Little did I know it then, as we rolled our eyes about memorizing one more verse... but those scriptures, memorized in the King James Version, would NEVER leave my mind or heart. To this day, I can recite every one of them.

So if you are still in the parenting years, don't be discouraged or put off by the moaning of your children when you want them to memorize God's Word... they just don't yet understand what it will mean to them in the years ahead...

What a gift we were given, to be taught the words that would stay in our hearts for a lifetime, and 100's, probably 1000's of times, He sends one of those verses right into my mind, just when I need it!

"Obey me and live! Guard my words as your most precious possession.Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart." (Prov. 7:2-3)

30 boys...

2011-01-21T09:29:00.001-08:00

One of our 3 kids has started a group for his sixth grader and their friends each Friday morning, in front of their school. It's called Promise Makers...

Here is the email sent to the parents of the boys today...

"Dear Promise Maker Parents,

Thank you to the Munoz' for bringing donuts today! We had 30 boys....almost half of the 6th grade boys at Amy Parks were with us this morning!

This week we continued our talk on purity. As you can see, we focus on several issues with repetition, and this is one of them.

We began this morning with a contest. Each boy was given their own tube of toothpaste, and the first to completely empty the toothpaste out of the tube onto a plate...won! Zac won the contest......then I asked each boy to see how fast they could get ALL of the toothpaste back into the tube. Immediately, everyone began to explain to me that it was impossible! This was a perfect segway into my discussion.....that what comes out of our mouths, cannot be taken back, "or put back in." What we say has a lasting impact on those around us.

James 3:5-8 speaks about the power of what we say, comparing it to a small spark that can start a large fire. Proverbs 12:18 adds that "reckless words pierce like a sword."

We talked about how our words can be a great blessing to others. We talked about honoring those around us with encouraging words, compliments and honesty!

Thanks again for allowing us to hang out with your boys on Friday morning! It is an honor for us to spend a few minutes with your son, talking about what REALLY matters in this life!"

I am thrilled that these young boys are getting this kind of message, and doubly thrilled that my son and grandson are involved. What a great alternative to so much of what they are hearing these days.

I can just picture those 30 boys trying to empty the toothpaste tubes, and then trying to get the stuff back in! :)

forward...

2011-01-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

“Unless you move, the place where you are is the place where you will always be”...
(Ashleigh Brilliant)

I love this quote!

Sometimes i just get stuck!

I think about moving forward, and I even know what I SHOULD do to move forward, but I often just stay where I am...

There are times when moving forward is not the best choice, and usually I know that too. But when I KNOW WHAT TO DO AND DON"T DO IT... that's the kind of forward progress that I'm talking about...

I am so taken lately by how fast life is going... the kids are getting older, so are the grandkids... and SO AM I! This one life is IT for each one of us! I don't want to waste ANY of my days... my tomorrow is uncertain... but I DO have today!

I'm intentionally taking the steps to NOT stay where I am in the places of my life where I've been stuck!

There is a lightening of the load, mentally, emotionally & spiritually... when I am DOING WHAT I KNOW TO DO...

I've quoted this verse before, and it applies every day...

"My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving." (Col.2:6,7 MSG)

Forward... here I go!

A strange memory...

2011-01-17T17:32:00.001-08:00

Years ago, when we lived in Austin, Texas, we had a small publishing business upstairs, and I had an antique shop downstairs. We had the cutest red and white building, with a flag flying...

One of the fairly steady visitors that came by, was a man named Charles Harrelson, we later learned he was Woody Harrelson's father. He was a very intelligent, articulate, likable, charming guy, and he and my hubby began to visit during his stops, and even went across the highway to Dairy Queen for coffee quite a few times. We knew he was interesting, but we didn't know much more... he told us he knew how to do card tricks and showed us some of his skills. I've never seen anything like it! He could make those cards hop and skip and knew just where they all were. It was fascinating.

He told us he had a sister who lived a little further down the highway, so each time he visited her, he stopped by. He and my hubby began to have long conversations... and they talked about faith and God, and Charles said he envied us that we believed in God and had faith...

At about that time, on the news one night, they announced that Federal Judge John Wood had been murdered in San Antonio, and they had arrested Charles Harrelson for the murder. As his face flashed on the tv screen, we were stunned!

Bottom line... he was tried and convicted for that murder. He had been in drugs for years and had already spent time in prison for other crimes.We wrote to him and heard back from him, and then he was transferred and we lost touch completely.

A few years ago, he died in prison.I have thought of him so many times, and wondered and hoped that maybe he had changed his thinking and opened his heart, but it's one of those sad memories that stays with you.

Eternity is real, and people are rushing right though life as though it will go on forever. It reminds me every time I think of it, that people who live and die without Jesus, face eternity without Him. It makes me quicker to speak, and bolder to share when I remember that there is NO hope apart from knowing Him, and EVERY hope because we DO know Him.

Which way do I go?...

2011-01-13T07:18:00.001-08:00

There are certain times in life when the direction for the journey seems to be confusing. What do I do then??

I have had many times when....
. either direction seemed a reasonable choice, but each choice held different end results....
. one way seemed the sure choice, but as time passed, it got a little fuzzier....
. other times when I wasn't sure, and as time went by, the path got clearer....
. and my least favorite, when I aimed one way just sure I was right, and it was exactly NOT the right way...

From the signs pictured here, and the thoughts that come our way as we journey along, what IS clear is ... not everything is black and white.

I believe God knows that, and what He means for me to do is to proceed with caution, and ask His direction. I've become a firm believer that leaping into something with both feet in a moment of feeling or emotion is probably what I DON'T need to be doing...

I quote my mom & dad a lot, and that's because what they taught me has proven to be true, time after time! Dad always used to tell us that God "UNFOLDS" His plans and purposes in our lives. That 'unfold' word indicates a step at a time. As I walk, pray & trust... situations and circumstances lead by God, become the right path for me to walk. Sometimes He makes it clear quickly, more often I've found it's a process, and in the process, we learn to KNOW Him better!

I've done it my way... not listened, not paid attention to the still small voice, sure of my own map reading, and down the line, had to regroup, enlist His help again, and do it His way!

His promise is sure... He will never leave us or forsake us...

"But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going.I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country.I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch.These are the things I'll be doing for them— sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute." (Is.42:16 MSG)

Whose nickel is it?...

2011-01-09T17:03:00.001-08:00

One of our kids was recently reminding me of a story my dad used to tell...

A little girl was on her way to Sunday School one Sunday. Her mother had just given her 2 nickels... one for the offering plate, and one for an ice cream cone after church...

(You can already tell this little story was told a LONG time ago!)

As she skipped and hopped her way down the street, one of the nickels popped out of her hand and rolled straight down into the street drain and disappeared...

With a stricken look on her face the little girl sadly said..." Ohhh Lord... there goes your nickel"...

Dad preached, we went along for the ride...#5...

2011-01-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

The Sunshine Trio...

During some of our summer trips where dad preached in many churches, mostly small ones... our great friends, Jesse & Virginia Leise met up with us. Jesse was an outgoing, full of joy soloist and song leader. (Now they call them worship leaders)...

Oh... did we ever have some adventures when our families hooked up!

Jessie & Virginia had 2 kids, so now there were 5 of us, all eager for the fun and adventure that kids can find when they've been cooped up in the car traveling for days.

One summer my sister and Marion Leise and I decided we needed to be a 'trio' during one of the evening services in these small towns. We came up with "the sunshine trio" and we went to work...

We were blessed to have the preacher and the soloist as our parents... someone less biased may have heard us sing and decided it wasn't necessary. But no... they encouraged us and announced our song and we sang. I don't have a lot of memories about the performance, but feel quite sure that of the 3, I would have been the one trying not to giggle.

We just celebrated Christmas Eve in our home with our 3 kids and their 6 kids. It is always a highlight of our year. Before we open gifts, we have a Christmas Eve service, complete with a printed program. Each of the kids sing or recite scripture, one even whistles (and this time he turned his back as he whistled 'Joy to the World', claiming that when he looks at mimi, he wants to laugh. This time with his back turned he said 'somehow I can still see mimi!)... :)

They had built a manger with their dad from scrap lumber at Lowe's, filled it with hay, and were dressed as Joseph, Mary and a shepherd, which they acted out to Carrie Jobe's "Revelation Song."

By the time the program was over and my hubby had read the Christmas story from Luke, and we had all joined in singing carols, the youngest one was DONE being a shepherd and was ready to move on to the gifts that were under the tree!

So here we are, a generation later, each one of our 6 can already outsing 'the sunshine trio'...

(The drawing is by Lainey, one of our grandkids who drew this version of 'the sunshine trio'...)

We SAW God's power!...

2011-01-03T15:33:00.000-08:00

I am remembering tonight an experience that happened at least 20 years ago...

My husband was in sales management and we were attending the national sales conference for his company. We sat in the coffee shop as they were about to close after a long day of fun, meetings, etc. On the stool next to us, one of the sales reps came and sat down. He was one of the 'wild ones'... partied heavily, swore, etc...

We both kind of inwardly groaned when he started talking. As they were getting ready to close, he pulled a tiny tin cross from his wallet and out of the blue, 2 or 3 times, he said... "I'm not sure what the cross means, but ...

When he repeated it again, my hubby said, "I know what the cross means. It means Jesus loves us and died to save us". Since they were closing the doors, my hubby said 'come on up to our room and let's talk about this"...

Long story short... we shared Jesus with this man that night. Tears began to fall down his face onto the carpet as the 3 of us joined hands and he prayed with us and invited Jesus into his heart.

Our lives were changed that night. We know that it was God's perfect time and place, for him... but for us too! We saw the power of God in our room that night, as the 'old man' gave way to a desire to be a 'new creature'. The expression on his face was like witnessing a miracle. Of course... it IS a miracle! When you and I accepted Jesus, HIS life began to live through us, just as he did in our friend on that night in the hotel room.

My hubby and I sat up all night in amazed wonder. We literally had seen first hand a dose of God's power at work, and we could not sleep! We were changed...
God knew this man needed Him, but He also knew that this miracle was for us as well! As we looked back later, we knew that the path of the coming days was paved that night in our hotel room. God allowed Joe and I to see with our own eyes what His power can do. He knew we needed a fresh touch in our own lives, and we are classic examples of how God can use anyone...'any old bush will do!'...

It changed our view of the power of our God, so it also changed us.

To this day... That night is one of those reference points that you go back to always... and His power is every bit as real right now... today!

Trusting HIM for MORE in 2011!...

2011... now what??...

2010-12-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

What does the ending of 2010 mean, and even more, where are we headed in 2011??

Christmas is a 'refresher course' in what we believe with our whole hearts, how it all began, and a celebration of just how big THE GIFT really is. And when it ends, and we face the new year, what thoughts, prayers and experiences do we bring to it?

On the eve of a brand new year, I am renewed in my desire to live more fully in the ways that bring joy to my Heavenly Father. It is fresh in my mind and heart that He came as a baby, to live and walk on this earth, to minister, and finally to die... for me.I want this Januay 1, as we begin 2011, to be different, deeper... I don't want meaningless resolutions, I want more...

more of obedience...
more of prayer...
more of His word...
more of listening to His voice...
more discipline in areas that need fine tuning...
more of knowing Him better...
more of following Him more closely...

I know that if I seek Him for the "more"... I will BE more of what He wants me to be...

Let's begin this NEW YEAR, 2011 with a renewed commitment to pray, and ask God for 'more'... more of what He wants for us... for ourselves, our marriages, our families, our friends, and for those who don't yet know HIM, and for each other.

Do you feel that way too?...

From our house to yours!...

2010-12-18T19:57:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE... FROM US, OUR KIDS, & THEIR KIDS!!

MAY THIS CHRISTMAS BE JOYFUL FOR EACH ONE OF YOU, AS WE CELEBRATE THE GIFT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING......

"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (MATT.1:21 NKJV)

the REAL reason...

2010-12-13T15:53:00.000-08:00

Light of the World, born that day

The love of the Father, provided the way...

Human baby, brand new and crying

Heaven and all mankind were sighing...

Star of Christmas aglow with light

Mankind forever changed that night...

His birth, life and death, God's sovereign plan

Created from His love... to redeem man...

May we as His children, born again by HIS love

Be filled with HIS light, as our eyes look above...

Christmas... the reason that joy lives within

The babe in the manger...now reigns as our King!

The whole world sings about Jesus at Christmas!...

2010-12-11T16:46:00.000-08:00

I've never posted anything by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or Andrea Boccelli. But from my earliest childhood days, I also have never heard a choir sing like they do, and with Bocelli singing in the foreground, my hubby and I just sat quietly for a few minutes last night and listened to this most beautiful piece of music a friend sent to us. We were silent and blessed. The music is about our Saviour, and it made Christmas so real as we listened to the words so beautifully sung... I wish our church had a huge choir and organ...

I am reminded of how my dad used to say that' the whole world sings about Jesus during Christmas!'...

Who has the almond?...

2010-12-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

Since my mom was born in Norway, the traditions that she grew up with also became ours.

Her baking and cooking, especially during Christmas, have always been some of our favorite traditions...

The top 3 on our list every Christmas season were... potatiskorv, heart shaped waffles, (in her old Norwegian cast iron waffle maker), and riisengrut... (and #4 would be about 25 varieties of her homemade Norwegian cookies)...

Potatiskorv was a sausage my mom made with pork, veal, potatoes and onions, all hand ground in her meat grinder, and stuffed into sausage casings and cooked. Oh how I would love some right now!!

Riisengrut was what we always had on New Years Eve. It is white rice cooked in milk, like a thick and creamy rice pudding. We each had a big bowl with a big lump of butter melting on top and cinammon and sugar. It's delicious!

In one of the bowls, my mom put an almond and buried it in the rice. Then she switched the bowls all around, with her eyes closed, so she had no idea which bowl held the almond. Traditionally, the almond was to bring special things in the coming year to the person whose bowl it was in...

As we began to eat, each one of us held our breath till the winner declared they had the almond in their bowl. The winner got a big gift wrapped box of something special. To this day, I can't remember what the gift was... it was all about trying to be sure we had the almond in our bowl!

We carried that tradition on with our 3 kids all through the years. Our gift was a coffee can filled with pennies that had been saved through the year. Our youngest son won that almond so many times, that we finally all said... just give the can of pennies to Tommy, before we even ate... (all 3 of them will be laughing and nodding in agreement if they read this!)

A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

(Prov.17:8 NKJ)

Christmas Open House..please come in!...

2010-12-04T11:21:00.001-08:00

I love to picture people in their homes, and especially at Christmas, to see what your ideas are and how Christmas inspires you to decorate...

So I am opening my home today and inviting you in for a quick tour, just the downstairs... all the stuff that was laying around has been temporarily moved out of camera view!...

As I looked at these pictures I thought... 'what a nice neat home this person has, no clutter... and then I laughed with some guilt, as I pictured what the upstairs looks like right this minute!!...

I would love to see what you have done in your home...

Merry Christmas!