An Attitude of Gradtitude

In a personal note below, I mentioned how God has been faithfully meeting our needs here on the campgrounds.  I have decided for the next seven days I will not ask God for anything, but simply give him praise for all he has done.  I will live my life with an attitude of gratitude this coming week, for I am truly grateful for how he continues to supply all our needs...not just physical ones, but mental and emotional as well.  He is greatly to be praised.  


Here are the words that stood out to me this past week in my daily devotional reading:


The Word for You Today
1.  "Do Not Be Afraid"

• I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Or Lord, make me dwell in safety.  (Ps 4:8)

2.  "Expect Good Things from God"

• your prayer may not be answered when or how you think it should be, but God will answer in the way that is best for you -- just trust him.

Personal Note

After many weeks of asking God each week for a specific amount needed to pay the bills and payroll and taxes...and seeing him do that...I still had fears and doubts He would.  This past weekend I was praying for $15,000 - the sum needed to cover payroll and bills this week.  Monday in the mail came a check for $14,300 and three small checks.  Combining them with 4-5 checks received on Saturday in the mail, my deposit was over $15,000.  Praise the Lord!  I felt him showing me he hears my prayers, he knows the camp needs, and he will supply!  I must always trust him!!

3.  "What God Expects from You - Faith"

• Without faith it is impossible to please him.  (Heb 11:6)
• narcissism is the worship of our own intellect; we believe in ourselves, not in God.
• only when life hands us a problem we can't solve do we realize our desperate need for God.
• it is the strength of our faith in God that will bring us through.

4.  "Grace"

• "When you operate in the freedom that comes with grace, you're okay letting other people chart their own course and make decisions you may not make."

5.  "Conformed or Transformed"

• you must crucify the flesh whenever it wants to take over and lead you away from your spiritual commitment
• God's holy Spirit will indwell you and give you strength to resist the world's pressure to conform
• when you give in to your temptations, sin results, but when you surrender to God, he will bless you
• surrender is an act of worship that should occur 24/7 - all the time
• repentance is a response to the love of God and obedience is a response to His promises
• decide to NOT conform to the world and be enslaved by its influences, but choose to be transformed by the indwelling guidance of the Holy Spirit
• make the commitment to renew your mind to have the attitude of Christ Jesus and transformation will occur day by day

Ezekiel

• For the good works of a righteous man will not save him if he turns to sin, and the sins of an evil man will not destroy him if he repents and turns from his sins.  (33:12)

Hebrews

• Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.  
• Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor.  He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.
• If you want to keep from being fainthearted and weary, think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him.  After all, you have never yet struggled against sin and temptation until you sweat great drops of blood.  (12:1-4)
• God's correction is always right and for our best good, that we may share his holiness.  Being punished isn't enjoyable while it is happening--it hurts!  But afterward we can see the results of a quiet growth in grace and character.  (12:10-11)
• Try to stay out of all quarrels and seek to live a clean and holy life; for one who is not holy will not see the Lord.  (12:14)
• Since we have a kingdom nothing can destroy, let us please God by serving him with thankful hearts, and with holy fear and awe.  For our God is a consuming fire.  (12:28-29)
• Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have.  For God has said, "I will never, never fail you nor forsake you."  That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, "The Lord is my Helper and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me." (13:4-6)

James

• A Christian who doesn't amount to much in this world should be glad, for he is great in the Lord's sight.  (1:9)
• Happy is the man who doesn't give in and do wrong when tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life God has promised those who love him.  (1:12)
• Dear brothers, don't ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry, for anger doesn't make us good, as God demands that we must be.  (1:19-20)
• Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith.  (2:20)
• If you are wise, live a life of steady goodness, so that only good deeds will pour forth.  (3:13)
• But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness.  Then it is peace loving and courteous..  It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds.  It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere.  And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.  (3:15-18)
• Don't you realize that making friends with God's enemies---the evil pleasures of this world---makes you an enemy of God?  I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy the evil pleasure of the unsaved world, you cannot also be a friend of God.  (4:4)
• But he gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings.  As the scripture says, God gives strength to the humble, but sets himself against the proud and haughty. So give yourselves humbly to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. (4:6-7)
• Don't criticize and speak evil about each other, dear brothers.  If you do, you will be fighting against God's law of loving one another, declaring it is wrong.  But your job is not to decide whether this law is right or wrong, but to obey it.  Only he who made the law can rightly judge among us.  He alone decides to save us or destroy.  So what right do you have to judge or criticize others?  (4:11-12)
• Remember, too, that knowing what is right to do and then not doing it is sin.  (4:17)

Psalm

• In my distress I prayed to the Lord and he answered me and rescued me.  He is for me!  How can I be afraid?  What can mere man do to me?  The Lord is on my side, he will help me.  (118:5-6)
• This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.  (118:24)

Proverbs

• When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily; but with honest, sensible leaders there is stability.  ((28:2)
• To obey the law is to fight evil.  (28:4)

Zonked Out!!

Here it is, Sunday evening, and I am just waking up from a long afternoon nap.  I don't generally sleep that long in the afternoon, but today was an exception!  I'm guessing it was to catch up from all our travels and change of pace lately.  I'd say I needed it, and I will be refreshed for the new work week...I just may not sleep tonight very well!


It's been a couple of weeks since I blogged, so I have a little catch up to do.  I don't know why I even blog...this is more or less a journal of my life's journey...the events of my life more than the emotional thoughts.  I'm wondering, who really cares?  And yet each week there are a few who check in.  I've thought about stopping this blog, but for now I am being persistent.  


I am so tickled over the number of page views I have on the Genesis blog, for I quit publishing that almost three years ago, yet the traffic keeps coming.  I've never published a book, but I have readers all over the world reading my reflections on Genesis.  That's cool!  I wish I could get motivated to get back to First Peter.  Maybe that will happen this winter, but for now I am still too "busy" to spend the time with it.  I think it's a great book of the Bible, and God has much to teach me in I Peter.  I just need to discipline myself to put my focus there.  It will come...I hope!


Well, a recap of the last couple of weeks...  We left after work on Thursday, November 3rd, for Cleveland, TN, to attend my college reunion/homecoming.  We drove to Louisville and spent the night.  I think that is such a cool city.  I want to go back sometime with the granddaughters and spend some time there.  They have a neat city skyline.  I'd love to go to Churchill Downs, and some of the horse farms in Kentucky.  I'd like to walk the streets of down town Louisville...many neat places.  Perhaps we will go to the Gospel Quartet Convention some year...it's always held in Louisville.  Definitely a destination spot for the future!  We spent a few days there last February at our denominational conference M-11, and that was when I was first enticed to make it a vacation spot some day.


Back to the TN trip.  When we arrived in Cleveland on Friday afternoon, we went to Lee University to register for Homecoming, picking up our tickets for weekend events.  The campus is absolutely beautiful.  The president has been there 25 years now, and it was stated that he has basically built a new building each year of his presidency.  When I attended there in the late 1980's (I was a late bloomer...graduated from college at the age of 41), there were 1500 students.  They are now approaching 5,000 students.  The campus has grown with the student body, and it's mostly done in colonial style...lots of brick, stones, and columns.  Very nice landscaping.  I noticed on this visit some of the staff now use golf carts to get around...just like our campground!!


We drove around the town and out through our former housing subdivision.  We drove past our golf course, which has discontinued to be a golf course.  How sad to see the fairways overgrown and ragged.  Some condos for senior living has been built where the former swimming pool area and roller rink was.  I could live there!  Whenever we move to the next stage in life, I'm all for getting a maintenance free condo!!  We met a friend for supper at our favorite restaurant...The Gondolier.  Paul and Bill had pizza, but I opted for my old standby...Italian Steak Sandwich... mozzarella cheese melted on the outside of the sub bun...sooo good!


We stayed at our friend Marilyn's house for the weekend.  She had her two grandchildren with her for the weekend also, and it was nice to get to know them, and get updated on Marilyn's life.  We weren't at her place very much due to the weekend activity, but it was so nice to go "home" to her place while in Cleveland.  


Saturday we attended the Homecoming Basketball Game, and Lee won, of course.  Very interesting...close...game.  We met a couple of friends for supper.  Dick and Paul started work at Olin Chemicals on the same day, fresh out of college back in 1976. Again, it was good to get caught up to date.  I love going out with friends from the past and just picking up from where we left off.  Dick mentioned that many others we knew from that company are planning to retire in Cleveland because that's where their friends are.  Maybe that's where we will have to retire, for we certainly have most of our friends there, even though we moved away in 1994...17 years ago!  Funny how on this visit (we had not been there for several years) we brought up the topic of retirement with most everyone we met with...tells me we are at a different stage of life, preparing for what's ahead.  We had planned to retire in Hendersonville, NC, on the other side of the Smokies, but Cleveland would not be a bad choice.   It's just more humid there compared to Hendersonville.  North Carolina still gets my first vote as far as a unique place to live.  Cleveland gets it if we base it on friends.


Saturday night we attended the Musical Festival put on by all of Lee's musical choirs, groups, ensembles, brass, and even a couple of performances by a group of fiddlers!  Now that was down south!!  Yee-ha!!  Fantastic two hour concert.  By the way, we grabbed some Chick-Fil-A for lunch that day (can't get that in Michigan), and had supper at our favorite Cleveland Mexican restaurant, The Monterrey.


Sunday morning we attended a former church of ours...Cleveland First Church of the Nazarene, and went out to eat with a group of friends from church...11 of us.  We chose to go back to The Monterrey...group choice.  Sunday afternoon we drove out to Polk County to our friend Bill's house.  He has a organic farm now (sheep and pigs) and we wanted to see it, plus meet his new wife.  They've been married three years now, and she is perfect for him, as he is for her!  Great couple.  Felt like we have known her as long as we have known Bill...34 years.  We spent the afternoon with them, and they drove us up into some of the foothills of the Smokies...the fall colors were beautiful.  They took us out to eat at the Gondolier...another branch of our favorite restaurant.  


We chatted with other friends, but did not have time to see them.  Sunday night we spent time with Marilyn (her grandkids were gone home).  She was a terrific hostess, putting up with us coming and going as we felt like.  She had to head to work the next morning, and we headed out to our next destination...West Harrison, Indiana, Higher Grounds Camp and Conference Center for our annual Nazarene Camping Assn. conference.  As we left Cleveland, we drove by the Olin plant where Paul worked almost 18 years.  Sometimes I wish he could go back there.  


The Cleveland years hold for us the best of times, and the worst of times.  But God has brought healing to my memories and my past, and I can recall the worst of times without any pain, and I cherish the best of times.  We were blessed to have lived in Cleveland most of the time we raised our boys.  I am glad to be a graduate of Lee University and The Pentecostal Theological Seminary.  Cleveland is a very nice city...has grown tremendously since the time we lived there.  It was there we fell in love with dogwood trees, Bradford pear trees, and azaleas.  There is no prettier place to be in the springtime than Cleveland, TN in its full bloom!


On our way to Cincinnati....West Harrison, we stopped in Florence, Kentucky at a mall and walked the mall just to stretch our legs, and to get Paul a pair of Clarks shoes.  Got to Higher Ground in time to check in and join several other couples/camp directors and family for supper at O'Charley's.  We had two staff members join us at the conference...our Facilities/Operations Director and Events/Hospitality Director.  We also met up with our two closest friends in camping...the directors from the Adrian, Georgia campground.  We met them in 2004 at our very first camping conference, and have been good buddies ever since.  


Tuesday - Thursday noon we enjoyed our time at the conference, getting to know many of the other directors.  There were about 70 of us from around the US.  Each year we meet at a different campground to get exposed to how other campgrounds are laid out and running their programs.  Next year we are headed to Camp Taconic in New York.  Look forward to that as I have never been to New York.  Wednesday night we were all treated to a riverboat dinner cruise on the Ohio River...after dark, to enjoy the city lights of Cincinnati.  Very nice time.


We drove home Thursday afternoon, and as we crossed the Michigan state line, it was snowing.  By the time we picked up our dogs from the boarding kennel, and picked up my suv from the repair shop, snow had accumulated enough for me to have to brush and scrape my windshield!  Welcome back to Michigan!!  Our first snow of the winter.  It melted the next day, but it was a bit nasty Thursday night.  


Friday was a long day of catching up on all the mail at the office, after being gone for a week.  I worked on Saturday for a bit also, plus getting all the laundry and things at home caught up.  Did my shopping in Portage, including some Christmas shopping.  I like to get it done early and avoid the crowds after Thanksgiving!  It gets so nutso with the traffic then, so I don't even enjoy going to Portage for that month.  Hubby spent Saturday mowing and mulching leaves on the campground.  They've been piling up for a while!!


Today we attended worship at Chapman Memorial and then took a friend out to lunch at Logan's Steakhouse.  Spent three hours chatting with her.  She's a widow, and very lonely.  She has health issues that give her some limitations, but her mind and her spirit is so very energetic.  We enjoy our time with her.  When we got back home I walked the dogs...found a mommy and five new kittens (oh, no!!  more cat trapping...I'm so weary of that!!).  Then came that long nap, and then this long blog.  Let me insert my devotional material...rather brief for two weeks...but I did keep up with it!!


The Word for You Today
1.  Don't Limit God

• with humility comes wisdom
• God values truth and honesty - be truthful to Him, other people, and yourself
• speak truly, deal truly, live truly

2.  Pray Every Day

• there is no recovery at the physical or emotional levels without paying attention first to the spiritual level within us --- that means spending time with God

3.  What Paul Prayed For

• understanding the will of God and obeying it
• living lives that please God
• bearing fruit for the kingdom
• being strengthened by power from God to be able to endure
• having grateful hearts and an attitude of praise

4.  Don't Be Afraid

• there are 365 "fear nots" in the Bible...one for every day
• God does not want us to worry -- it means we don't trust him

Hebrews

• For God is not unfair.   How can he forget your hard work done for him, or forget the way you used to show your love for him -- and still do -- by helping his children?  And we are anxious that you keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, so that you will get your full reward.  Then, knowing what lies ahead for you, you won't become bored with being a Christian, nor become spiritually dull or indifferent, but you will be anxious to follow the example of those who receive all that God has promised them because of their strong faith and patience.  (6:10-12)
• You need to keep on patiently doing God's will if you want him to do for you all that he has promised.  His coming will not be delayed much longer.  And those whose faith has made them good in God's sight must live by faith, trusting him in everything   Otherwise, if they shrink back, God will have no pleasure in them.  (10:36-38)
• If anyone sins deliberately by rejecting the Savior after knowing the truth of forgiveness, this sin is not covered by Christ's death:  there is no way to get rid of it.  (10:26)
• What is faith?  It is the confidant assurance that something we want is going to happen.  It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.  You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. (11:1)
• Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him.  (11:6)

Psalm

• How can men be wise?  The only way to begin is by reverence for God.  For growth in wisdom comes from obeying his laws.  Praise his name forever.  (111:10)

Girlfriend Getaway

Went on my second annual Girlfriend Getaway this past weekend.  Last year I went with three other gals to Colonial Williamsburg and Mount Vernon.  That was for a week, and a marvelous week it was!


This year I joined three of my friends from my high school years...we all attended church together as teenagers and young adults.  A fifth person joined us for part of the weekend, but four of us went for a four day weekend.  


We headed up to Big Rapids and spent the night in a Quality Inn near Ferris College.  We had supper at Applebees after walking the streets of downtown and picking up some fudge and apple cider.  We also went shopping at Peebles, one of my favorite stores.  I was the only one who did not buy clothes.  I opted for some jewelry for my granddaughter instead of something for me.  After supper we played Apples to Apples.


The next day after our breakfast buffet at the motel, we headed toward our true weekend destination...The Shack in Jugville.  It's between White Cloud and Fremont, and is a fairly large lodge with various kinds of accommodations.  Very unique place, built on several acres on a lake, log cabin style.  There's a museum and prayer chapel and various gazebos and a large pavilion, plus walking trails.  We did take a walk on a trail, but mostly we opted to stay inside and chat and play games.  


The room price included our supper meal and breakfast buffet.  We had lunch at a cafe in down town Fremont on Saturday, while we were browsing through the little town.  That town is the home of Gerber Baby Foods, so we drove around the plant, and by the Gerber House...now a bed and breakfast.  It was the original home of the Gerber Family.  


Sunday morning we had our own worship service, with each of us sharing some scripture, our thoughts on it, and a song.  Then we had a time of sharing our prayer concerns and praying for one another.  We had The Shack's Sunday Brunch.  And I can't forget to mention that every night they serve banana splits.  I think it's the key to longevity of life, as the owners served them each night, no matter how large the crowd was, and they must be close to 90 years old.  They've been serving them every night for 33 years.


While we were there this weekend, one of my friends' 100 year old grandmother passed away.  It was good for us to be with her and help her refocus for a while before she came back home to the funeral.  I think God ordained this time for her.  She had lost her mother earlier this year, so it's been a tough year for her.


Monday morning we stopped by an apple orchard on our way home, and we stopped in Lowell at a small town cafe for lunch.  One of my friends lives on the campground also, and we were back home by mid-afternoon that day.  Was glad to see hubby and the dogs and cats!!


Now hubby and I have a little get away together.  We are going to my 20th college graduation/homecoming down in Cleveland, TN.  We look forward to seeing friends, staying with a close friend, attending a concert and a basketball game, and our old church on Sunday.  Next week is the annual Nazarene Camping Association Conference in the Cincinnati area.  We'll be stopping at that on our way back home from Tennessee.  


This week I'm getting things caught up at work and preparing to be gone again for a few days.  I'm filling in for one of our office staff who is in Florida for the month of November.  It's a slower month, so things will be fine.  


We bought our second high top conversion van...a 2002 Ford, Tuscany Edition.  It replaces our 1997 GMC Savanna, which has come to its final rest for us.  Someone may want it for parts, but we didn't want to put any more money into it.  We enjoy traveling in a high top van, even though the gas mileage isn't the greatest.  It's a great way to travel with granddaughters also!!  We will get our use out of the Ford van, even though we will be using it just for travel.  It's our travel investment, which should take us right into the retirement years.


I'm looking forward to our trip back to Tennessee.  We basically raised our boys there, and it seems more like home to us than Michigan does, even though we were both raised here.  I could easily move back to Tennessee.  But we will be content wherever God has us...we just want to be in His service!


Time to look at what God has been saying to me the past week or so.


2 Timothy

• But you must keep on believing the things you were taught.  You know they are true for you know that you can trust those of us who have taught you.  You know how, when you were a small child, you were taught the Holy Scriptures; and it is these that make you wise to accept God's salvation by trusting in Christ Jesus.  The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.  It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.  (3:14-17)
• Stand steady and don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord.  Bring others to Christ.  Leave nothing undone that you ought to do.  (4:4)

Psalm

• Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.  (94:19)
• Worship the Lord with the beauty of holy lives.  (96:9)
• I will try to walk a blameless path, but how I need your help, especially in my own home, where I long to act as I should.  (101:2)  (Amen!!)

Lamentations

• Yet there is one ray of hope:  his compassion never ends.  It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction.  Great is his faithfulness; his loving kindness begins afresh each day.  My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him.  The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him, to those who seek for him.  It is good both to hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.  (3:21-26)  (This is the passage I used for my devotional at our weekend worship service.  I also brought in the verse God has given to me this year in I Thessalonians 4:11-12:  Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we told you so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders, and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.)

Hebrews

• ...we Christians are God's house---he lives in us!---if we keep up our courage firm to the end, and our joy and our trust in the Lord.  (3:6)
• For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as we did when we first became Christians, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.  (3:14)

Time To Get Ready

We had a gorgeous Saturday yesterday so we took advantage of it and started winterizing...it's time to get ready for winter.  I hear tell that the white stuff (a four letter word I'm not allowed to say) may be falling or flying by the end of this week.  So....time to get ready for another season of hunkering down.


To winterize...and we have a cabin without any form of heat...means that we wrapped the air conditioning units.  I cleaned out the cabin...washing the linens one last time for this year, bringing all of the liquids/cleaning agents over to our house so they don't freeze up over the winter, and covering the furniture on the porch.  All of our house porch furniture was carted to the cottage porch for the winter. I took the flag down, and Paul disassembled my golf cart shed.  We put the golf carts away until spring.


We blew leaves away from the house and cottage, and mulched them.  I trimmed the bushes back.  In place of our comfy porch furniture, I assembled the cat resort for the season ahead.  I take three pet kennels, put some rugs in them, set them up under some metal chairs we leave on the porch year round, and cover everything with old comforters.  The cats can rest on the covered chairs, or they can go into their "caves" and hide.  I like to think that it's warmer in the kennels with covers over them.  Last night I watched the cats checking it out, and by this morning most of them came out from hiding when the food came out.  


The World Series is underway, and at this point St. Louis Cardinals are leading.  The Texas Rangers have been making some good plays, and either team could win.  We lived in St. Louis for ten years, so we obviously root for them...but they are both good teams.


We had a staff member in the hospital, so we made a couple of hospital visits this week.  This weekend we have had two scrap-booking groups on the grounds.  Therefore we had the ILNC Breakfast Buffet Saturday morning, and an evening buffet meal last night.  That's the last time we will be using the Dining Hall until February (the groups coming in are smaller, and we can feed them in other settings).  We want to shut down the Dining Hall...winterize, if you will, to save on heating expense the next few months.  We are looking for as many ways as possible to cut back on our camp expenses through the winter months.  We want to be good stewards of what God has given us.


Today we are having a big luncheon to say goodbye to one of our volunteer couples who are headed back south for the winter, and also to say goodbye to one of our RV couples who are on staff seasonally with us.  I'm providing roast, Sea-foam Jello, rolls, and French Torte (dessert).  Should be a good meal, and a fun time.


For worship today we will head back to the corner church close by...Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene.  I'm ready early this morning, thus I am blogging to fill in time.


I talked about it being time to get ready...to winterize.  Have you given any thought to it being time to get ready for the rest of your life...your earthly life and your eternal life?  Where do you plan to live eternally?  Are you prepared for that destination?  Have you made up your mind to follow Jesus?  Are you walking in obedience to God's Holy Word?  Are your attitudes like that of Christ Jesus?  Are you working on it?  Are you in step with the Holy Spirit's guidance?  It's time to get ready, for we do not know what lies just ahead for each of us.  There is such peace of mind knowing whatever happens, I'm ready.  How about you?


Here's my devotional readings from this past week:


The Word for You Today
1.  Moving on to Maturity

• focus on what unites us, not the petty issues that divide us
• be more concerned about others than yourself
• love one another
• be compassionate
• be humble:  give, serve, learn
• when you are the child of the King, your words should reflect it

2.  Trials

• trials test our faith and bring us back to the basics, making us look at our priorities
• trials will make us stronger if we wait on God as He refines us through the process
• failure is not fatal, but the fear of failure can keep you from trying
• failure is a learning experience that gives you another opportunity
• you are only defeated when you allow the past to take your focus off the future
• failure makes you less likely to judge others
• success does not come without mistakes and messes

Jeremiah

• For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.  They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  In these days when you pray, I will listen.  You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest.  (29:11-13)

I & II Timothy

• ...let them follow the way you teach and live; be a pattern for them in you love, your faith, and your clean thoughts.  (I Tim 4:12)
• Keep a close watch on all you do and think.  Stay true to what is right and God will bless you and use you to help others.  (I Tim 4:16)
• Do you want to be truly rich?  You already are if you are happy and good.  After all, we didn't bring any money with us when we came into the world, and we can't carry away a single penny when we die.  So we should be well satisfied without money if we have enough food and clothing.  But people who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of wrong things to get money, things that hurt them and make them evil minded and finally send them to hell itself.  For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin.  Some people have even turned away from God because of their love for it, and as a result have pierced themselves with many sorrows.  (I Tim 6:6-10)
• The Holy Spirit, God's gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong and to love them and enjoy being with them.  (II Tim 1:7)
• It is he who saved us and chose us for his holy work, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began---to show his love and kindness to us through Christ.  (II Tim 1:9)
• Work hard so god can say to you, "Well done."  Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work.  (II Tim 2:15)

Proverbs

• A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken down walls.  (25:28)

Psalm

• Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.  ((90:11)
• We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods.  This I declare, that he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.  (91:2)
• For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go.  (91:11)
• For the Lords says, "Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts in my name.  When he calls on me, I will answer; I will be with him in trouble, and rescue him and honor him.  I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation.  (91:14-15)

Home Again!

After a week of relaxation in the prairies of Canada, we are back home in the saddle again.  Had an interesting train ride, and I can verify that if you plan to travel by train, plan to sit back and forget your schedule.  You are on the train's schedule!!  We were ready for that, and decided whatever happened, it was to be part of our trip experience.


Arriving in Shelby on October 7th, the train was two hours late.  Since we were being picked up by a designated driver to take us four hours north to our final destination, we had to keep in contact with her to confirm arrival.  She ended up waiting for us an hour, not too bad.  


On our trip back, our train didn't take off from Shelby until 1.5 hours late, and by the time we got to Chicago, where we were to switch trains, we were four hours late.  Our connection to Kalamazoo had left an hour before.  But it's part of the trip, right?  So...no anxiety, no worry, just go with the flow.  


Amtrak delivered us to a Holiday Inn for the night, gave us $100 for food, and picked us up the next morning so we could catch our noon train to Kalamazoo.  Hey...got to have a shower (after two days on the train), order a pizza, watch some baseball, have a terrific breakfast buffet, and arrived in Kalamazoo much more refreshed than we would have the night before.  A very good part of our trip!  Yes, I would take the train again, and remember that schedules are out the window on the train.


Most of the scenery between Chicago and Shelby, MT wasn't all that terrific.  No real color...just sort of bland.  Mostly prairies, some rivers, lots of junk yards (why do they place those along the train tracks?).  It was relaxing for hubby to be able to nap or work on his computer rather than drive all those miles!


I believe I already covered our stay in Rosebud in the last blog. Not too much to do there.  We did go into Drumheller one day to do some shopping, but the rest of the time we walked to church (on the other side of the hamlet from where we were staying...half a mile), walked to the restaurant...halfway between the house and the church.  We walked to the golf course one day, but it was closed for the season.  We had very nice weather, and lots of time for being with our friends and getting to know about how they were doing in this little country area without even a place to buy milk (or chocolate!!).  


When we got back into Kalamazoo yesterday, it was strange how all of a sudden I loved seeing all the stores and gas stations and restaurants and car lots!!  I just wanted to embrace it all!!  I am not a city girl...I consider myself a country girl, but not a wilderness girl.  I need a few people to see, a few places to go, a few things to do.  So I am home, and I am happy.


I'm missing the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game, so let me wrap this blog up with my devotional readings.


Jeremiah:

• The heart is the most deceitful thing there is, and desperately wicked.  No one can really know how bad it is!  Only the Lord knows!  He searches all hearts and examines deepest motives so he can give to each person his right reward, according to his deeds---how he has lived. (17:9-10)
• But if you obey me, says the Lord, and refuse to work on the Sabbath day and keep it separate, special and holy, then this nation shall continue forever.  (17:24-25)

I Thessalonians:

• For God wants you to be holy and pure, and to keep clear of all sexual sin so that each of you will marry in holiness and honor.  (4:3-4)
• For God has not called us to be dirty-minded and full of lust, but to be holy and clean.  (4:7)
• This should be your ambition:  to live a quiet life, minding your own business and doing your own work, just as we told you before.  As a result, people who are not Christians will trust and respect you, and you will not need to depend on others for enough money to pay your bills.  (4:11-12)  (cdc note:  this has been my verse this past year that God has given me to read over and over and implant it in my head and heart...pretty good verse!)
• Always be joyful.  Always keep on praying.  No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you to belong to Christ Jesus.  (5:16)
• May the God of peace himself make you entirely pure and devoted to God; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept strong and blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes back again.  God, who called you to become his child, will do all of this for you, just as he promised.  (5:23-24)

2 Thessalonians:

• God chose from the very first to give you salvation, cleansing you by the work of the Holy Spirit and by your trusting in the truth.  (2:13)
• With all these things in mind, dear brothers, stand firm, and keep a strong grip on the truth.  (2:15)
• But the Lord is faithful; he will make you strong and guard you from satanic attacks of every kind.  (3:3)
• May the Lord bring you in ever deeper understanding of the love of God and of the patience that comes from Christ.  (3:5)

Psalm:

• I am listening carefully to all the Lord is saying---for he speaks peace to his people.  (85:8)

Proverbs:

• It is a badge of honor to accept valid criticism.  (25:12)
• Be patient and you will finally win, for a soft tongue can break hard bones.  (25:15)

The Word for You Today:

1.  Three Rules for Living:

• decide what's important
• prioritize your time
• learn to motivate yourself (encourage yourself, pray and build yourself up)

2.  Learn to Delegate:

• let go of the burdens God did not intend to be yours, and pay attention on what He has called you to do

3.  How to Turn Your Life Around:

• select a mentor that is right for you
• select the right field for you
• allow God to guide you in these selections

Monday, Monday...

Here I sit with our friends...everyone watching Monday night football (Detroit and Chicago) and baseball playoffs (St. Louis and Milwaukee), and me blogging.  Works for me.  I can keep touch with the games, and also do my weekly blog (one day late).  


This past week was spent preparing for and packing for the trip to Canada by Amtrak.  We left last Thursday morning, and arrived at our destination (train station) at 7 pm Friday night...then we had a four hour car ride up into Canada to the home of our friends.  


The train trip was okay.  It was going just fine, really, until two people took the seats ahead of us, reclined them, and cut out about one foot of our leg room overnight.  It was hard to sleep with cramped leg space.  I would say taking the train coach class is okay as long as it doesn't last more than 12 hours or so.  Ours ended up being a 34 hour trip, so by the time we arrived at the home of our friends, we were ready to stretch out on a bed.  Not really looking forward to our return trip later this week.


The first leg of our journey was only three hours long, from Kalamazoo to Chicago Union Station.  We had a two hour layover, so we had lunch there.  Then we got on the train for the long haul...all the way to Shelby, Montana.  The prettiest part of the trip probably occurred during the night when it was dark and we couldn't see.  The train followed the Mississippi River for over 100 miles between Wisconsin and Minnesota, and we were not able to see it.  During the day on Friday we went through North Dakota and Montana, and there wasn't much too look at.


We ate in the Dining Car on Thursday night, and we had a hamburger  from the canteen in the observation car on Friday.  Otherwise we just snacked on the items we brought in our cooler.  That worked out fine.  I thought the dining car meal was overpriced and not that good.  It was nice dining with a new couple and sharing life stories with them.  


We are in Rosebud, Alberta, Canada now.  What a unique village.  It boasts of a population of 100, has one church, no gas stations, no grocery or convenience store.  It has a couple of restaurants, and several gifts shops.  It's claim to fame is the Rosebud School of the Arts where a four year degree can be earned.  There are about 30 students and they have mostly come to learn to perform and produce. The town has an Opera House, and between the students, staff, and towns people, they put on 4-5 shows a year (each show lasting a couple of months).  The tickets cost $15 and includes a buffet dinner prior to the performance.  Our guests treated us to "Queen Millie of Galt"...very well done, lots of humor.  The buffet was very good also!


Today is Canadian Thanksgiving.  We celebrated it last evening in the home of our friends with six other guests....turkey, potatoes, dressing, gravy, sweet potato casserole, rolls, relishes, cranberries, salad, pumpkin cake and apple crisp...the big traditional meal we are used to in USA.  We had been to church (our friend is the pastor) in the morning, and completed the day with the big celebration meal.


Today, the actual holiday, we took a drive to their nearest town where there is shopping...a typical town of 9,000.  It's about 20 miles away...Drumhellar.  We stopped by the Canadian Badlands Passion Play to see the setting... beautiful...hard to describe.  I guess you will have to look it up online...hopefully they have pictures.  


We are having a relaxing time, and the weather has been wonderful...in the 60's and sunny.    Now let me finish this blog with my devotional highlights from this past week.


The Word For You Today:


1.  Stop Hiding!

• when you hide, you become a phony and it will be hard to be honest with God, others, and yourself
• allow God to cleanse you, clothe you, and comfort you so you can be who he made you to be

2.  The Importance of Waiting.

• waiting is a time of training and learning
• waiting corrects you and helps you focus on God for your answers
• waiting reveals those around you...trust God, but test others
• waiting forces the truth to surface
• waiting gives God time to solve the problem

3.  When Nobody's Looking:

• God sees you all the time
• make yourself accountable to good counsel
• avoid situations giving you too much privacy
• the more open and honest you are, the less likely you'll be to stray

4.  Change Can Happen for You

• you don't need to change others to change yourself
• all changes must start by building your relationship with God
• you must change without conditions
• you must let go of the past in order to change
• there is risk in change you must accept
• change will happen if you don't allow failure to stop you

Jeremiah:

• The Lord said to me, 'I knew you before you were formed within your mother's womb;before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world...for you will go wherever I send you and speak whatever I tell you to.  And don't be afraid of the people, for I the Lord will be with you and see you through.  (2:4-8)
• Obey me and I will be your God and you shall be my people;  only do as I say and all shall be well!!  (7:23)

Philippians:

• Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right.  Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others.  Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.  (4:8)
• I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gave me the strength and power.  (4:12-13)

Colossians:

• ...for Christ's death on the cross has made peace with God for all by his blood (1:20)
• ...as a result, Christ has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are standing there before him with nothing left against you---nothing left that he could even chide you for, the only condition is that you fully believe the truth, standing in it steadfast and firm, strong in the Lord, convinced of the Good News that Jesus died for you, and never shifting from trusting Him to save you.  (1:22-23)
• ...Christ in your hearts is your only hope of glory (2:7)
• And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him, too, for each day's problems; live in vital union with him  Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him.  See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught.  Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done.  (2:6-7)
• Let heaven fill your thoughts; don't spend your time worrying about things down here.  You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does.  Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God.  And when Christ who is our real life comes back again you will shine with him and share in all his glories.  (3:2-4)
• Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others.  Don't worry about making a good impression on them but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently.  Be gentle and ready to forgive, never hold grudges.   Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.  Let the peace of heart which comes from Jesus Christ be always present in your hearts and lives for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body.  And always be thankful.  (3:12-15)
• And whatever you say or do let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus.  (3:17)
• Don't be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God's answers and remember to be thankful when they come.,  (4:2)
• Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News.  Be wise in all your contacts with them.  Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone.  (4:5-6)

Psalm:

• O God, your ways are holy, where is there any other as mighty as you?  You are the God of miracles and wonders!  You still demonstrate your awesome power.  (77:13-14)

Leavin' on a Fast Train...

Well, it's almost time for our fall get away.  We are looking forward to having some "alone" time to ourselves as we take the train west.  We have some Canadian friends who will be meeting us and taking us to their home for a few days, and then we will bring the train back to Michigan again.  First time to do the train.  Very excited about it!  I'm practicing how to pack for a train.  I bought a medium size cooler that has rollers and a handle...easy to transport about.  We are trying to save on food expense on the train.  And to save on the expense of boarding our dogs, we have friends who have offered to stay here and take care of our "kids".  That's a huge money saver!!  


This is one of those trips we are trying to do inexpensively, as much as possible...just a trip to relax on...not necessarily spending money on "things to do" or shopping.  We expect to have a good time with our dear friends, playing games, yakking...sharing our hearts and lives.  We anticipate seeing beautiful scenery as we ride along in the train, and as we pass through parts of Canada.  And we are counting on the Lord Jesus to revive our souls, refresh our spirits, and reveal Himself to us in His many creative ways.  This trip is more about renewal than rushing from place to place.  We feel it is a God ordained time for us.  Thank you, Jesus!!


This past week has been rainy and cold.  According to the weather forecast for the week ahead, we should see sunny days and warmer temperatures.  Sounds good to me!!


Hubby and the guys transformed the tabernacle into a winter boat storage this past week.  That's a lot of pews to stack (well over 100 he says).  Things are looking more and more like a place buttoned down for the winter.  


I trapped three more kittens this week...that's a total of 16 feral cats I have trapped since June.  We are trying to keep the cat population down by not having any more kittens!!


Went shopping with a co-worker/friend mid week, getting ready for the train trip.  Hubby took me to Olive Garden for supper one night (one of my favorite places, not his).  I filled in at the office for two days for one of my co-workers who went to "Come to the Fire".  She deserved a break...I'm glad she could go.  I'll be filling in again for her in November and January and February as she takes her winter breaks to spend with family in far off places.  It's good for our budget for me to work the extra hours, and good to keep me busy during the long, cold winter months.  I'm not complaining at all!!


Yesterday we took one of our volunteer couples to hear the Booth Brothers (Southern Gospel group) at the Gospel Barn, and then out to Bill's Steakhouse afterwards.  Then, of course, a stop at the Dairy Queen on the way home.  Nice day with them.


Today we headed back to Lansing First CON one more time for morning worship.  We had another supply minister today, and he was very good.  He reminded us that the purpose of the church is to make disciples.  Kellogg's makes cereal; GM makes cars, and churches are to make disciples.  It was a good reminder for me as to why we have church...I had sort of forgotten that!  I could sit under his preaching and grow!  Today was a glimpse into the future of the church...I truly believe that it is going to rise up and once again be a lighthouse to bring people to Jesus...and to make disciples.  Several testified this morning, and it was a great encouragement to all of us who were there.   


After morning worship we met Paul's sister and her husband for lunch at Cheddars (I really like that place!!).  Then we all went to visit Paul's parents for the afternoon...sort of an early anniversary celebration (58 years).  Nice day.  The dogs went along with us again.  Always a nice break for us to leave the camp grounds for several hours...a change of scenery!


I have spent this past week reading some very encouraging passages in God's Word.  I speak to God in prayer.  He speaks to me through His Word.  Sometimes He reminds me of what I should be doing, how I should be acting.  Sometimes He lifts my spirit up by letting me know He is with me and loves me.  Sometimes I just feel prompted to copy the scripture in my blog for whoever might be reading, and needs to read that particular passage from God's Word. So sit back, take a deep breath, empty your mind of "all that jazz", and bask in the presence of my Holy Savior...allowing Him to speak to you in the passages below:


Ephesians:

• Follow God's example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father.  Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins.  (5:1-2)
• So be careful how you act; these are difficult days.  Don't be fools; be wise:  make the most of every opportunity you have   for doing good.  Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to...be filled instead with the Holy Spirit, and controlled by him.  (5:15-18)
• So again I say, a man must love his wife as a part of himself; and the wife must see to it that she deeply respects her husband---obeying, praising and honoring him.  (5:33)

Psalm:

• All who seek for God shall live in joy.  For Jehovah hears the cries of his needy ones, and does not look the other way.  (69:32-33)
• I've trusted you from childhood.  Yes, you have been with me from birth and have helped me constantly---no wonder I am always praising you!  My success...is because you are my mighty protector.  All day long I'll praise and honor you, O God, for all that you have done for me.  (71:5-6)
• I will keep on expecting you to help me.  I praise you more and more.  I cannot count the times when you have faithfully rescued me from danger.  I will tell everyone how good you are, and of your constant daily care.  I walk in the strength of the Lord God.  I tell everyone that you alone are just and good.  O God, you have helped me from my earliest childhood---and I have constantly testified to others of the wonderful things you do.  And now that I am old and gray, don't forsake me.  Give me time to tell this new generation (and their children) about all your mighty miracles.  Your power and goodness, Lord, reach to the highest heavens.  You have done such wonderful things, where is there another God like you?  (71:14-19)
• I saw myself so stupid and so ignorant; I must seem like an animal to you, O God.  But even so, you love me!!  You are holding my right hand!  You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel; and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven!  Whom have I in heaven but you?  And I desire no one on earth as much as you!  My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains!  He is the strength of my heart; he is mine forever!  (73:22-26)
• But as for me, I get as close to him as I can!  I have chosen him and I will tell everyone about the wonderful ways he rescues me.  (73:28)

Proverbs:

• For God, who knows all hearts, knows yours...and he will reward everyone according to his deeds.   (24:11-12)

Isaiah:

• Seek the Lord while you can find him.  Call upon him now while he is near.  (55:6)
• This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours!  For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours.  (55:8-9)
• Be fair and just to all, the Lord says.  Do what's right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you.  Blessed is the man who refuses to work during my Sabbath days of rest, but honors them; and blessed is the man who checks himself from doing wrong.  (56:1-2)
• If you keep the Sabbath holy, not having your own fun and business on that day, but enjoying the Sabbath and speaking of it with delight as the Lord's holy day, and honoring the Lord in what you do, not following your own desires and pleasure, not talking idly---then the Lord will be your delight, and I will see to it that you ride high, and get your full share of the blessings I promised.  (58:13)
• "As for me, this is my promise to them," says the Lord:  "My Holy Spirit shall not leave them, and they shall want the good and hate the wrong---they and their children and their children's children forever". (59:21)  (cc note:  I want to claim that promise, Father!!)

Philippians:

• And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.  (1:6)
• My prayer for you is that you will overflow more and more with love for others, and at the same time keep on growing in spiritual knowledge and insight, for I want you always to see clearly the difference between right and wrong, and to be inwardly clean, no one being able to criticize you from now until our Lord returns.  May you always be doing those good, kind things which show that you are a child of God, for this will bring much praise and glory to the Lord.  (1:9-11)
• For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that will cause me to be ashamed of myself but that I will always be ready to speak out boldly for Christ...and that I will always be an honor to Christ.  (1:20)
• Then make me truly happy by loving each other and agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, working together with one heart and mind and purpose.  (2:2)
• Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.  Don't just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing.  Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ.  (2:3-5)
• ...at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  (2:10-11)
• ...be even more careful to do the good things that result from being saved, obeying God with deep reverence, shrinking back from all that might displease him.  For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.  In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you.  You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn.  Shine out among them like beacon lights, holding out to them the Word of Life.  (2:10-16)
• ...God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith---counting on Christ alone.  (3:9)
• I don't mean to say I'm perfect.  I haven't learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be.  ...Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.  (3:12-14)

"The Word for You Today":

• Meditate on God's Word (read it, study it, think on it, act on it!)
• I do not seek my own will but the will of the Father who sent me.  (John 5:30)  
• Intimacy stems from desire - how much do you desire God?
• You are as close to God as you desire to be.
• Decide to be close to God and discipline yourself to be in his house, read his Word, communicate with him.
• God does not give out assignments that do not require His wisdom and strength...we are dependent on Him, and He wants us to be so.
• When Jesus is Lord of your life, you give up your right to what it will cost, where it will lead, and how you will be changed.
• When you walk in obedience to God,  you receive His best for your life.
• The grace of God that brings salvation...teaches us to say 'no' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.  (Titus 2:11-12)
• If I truly love God, then I will also love:  my brother and sister; God's Word; spending time in prayer with God.