"Grace will always be greater than sin...
Calvary has proven it time and again.
Whatever you've done, wherever you've been,
God's grace will always be greater than sin."
(as sung on a gospel radio station as I write...I do not know the group nor the author)
I just sat down at the computer, and the song above was being played over Christian radio. It has such a true message, I couldn't help but post it. Perhaps someone who flits by this blog needs to know that God's grace is greater than anything you have done. Nothing is outside the realm of God's forgiveness. He loves you supremely, divinely. All He wants to do is beckon you to Him, to allow Him to wrap you in His arms of grace and love and assure you He will always be with you.
No matter what you are going through, no matter where you have been...God can handle it. He can give you peace and assurance and hope. He can turn your life around. Seek Him while He may be found. (Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55:5-7 )
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Holiness Summit
Tomorrow we will head to Saginaw, Michigan, for our second Holiness Summit. We attended one last year on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University. For three days we drank pure water anointed by the Holy Spirit...refreshing and uplifting and energizing. We didn't want to leave, for we had been in the very presence of the Holy One. Therefore I have great expectations for this year's Holiness Summit. I have been prepping my heart to receive whatever God has for me. I desire to grow more and more in the likeness of Jesus Christ. I desire to be a person of integrity and honesty and purity.
I choose to live simply. My word to live by for 2010 is "simplicity". I am making choices that frees me from materialism and the need for more stuff and the newest styles. I am working toward being debt free, owing no one anything except respect.
We are in our second month without television...cable...satellite. Our entertainment in the evening is a background of easy listening Christian music while we read, work on computers, play games, and just relax and unwind...clearing our minds for the day ahead. It's been good. Hubby is getting many projects done for the camp, and cleaning up his workshop.
Our meals are simple...sometimes just strawberries and biscuits, sometimes just popcorn and diet coke. I'm walking more now that the snow and ice are melted and it's been warmer out. Sunshine is a great motivator for being outside!!!
We are looking forward to an upcoming Tennessee vacation...taking our granddaughters to Gatlinburg for a week. It will be a nostalgic trip for me, going back to our neck of the woods where we raised our boys. It will be fun to take the girls to the Smoky Mountains. It's just Grandma and Grandpa time for us, and we will keep our activities very simple and inexpensive. There is a lot to offer right at the resort, plus I am taking a bag full of games and other activities, and cookies to bake.
Well...tonight is pizza night. I have a home recipe I am using, and hubby is getting hungry. Better be moving along!
I choose to live simply. My word to live by for 2010 is "simplicity". I am making choices that frees me from materialism and the need for more stuff and the newest styles. I am working toward being debt free, owing no one anything except respect.
We are in our second month without television...cable...satellite. Our entertainment in the evening is a background of easy listening Christian music while we read, work on computers, play games, and just relax and unwind...clearing our minds for the day ahead. It's been good. Hubby is getting many projects done for the camp, and cleaning up his workshop.
Our meals are simple...sometimes just strawberries and biscuits, sometimes just popcorn and diet coke. I'm walking more now that the snow and ice are melted and it's been warmer out. Sunshine is a great motivator for being outside!!!
We are looking forward to an upcoming Tennessee vacation...taking our granddaughters to Gatlinburg for a week. It will be a nostalgic trip for me, going back to our neck of the woods where we raised our boys. It will be fun to take the girls to the Smoky Mountains. It's just Grandma and Grandpa time for us, and we will keep our activities very simple and inexpensive. There is a lot to offer right at the resort, plus I am taking a bag full of games and other activities, and cookies to bake.
Well...tonight is pizza night. I have a home recipe I am using, and hubby is getting hungry. Better be moving along!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Mickey and the Pearl
I read a devotional last week about life's irritations. They seem to aggravate us, but we should get used to them and accept them as part of living...for everyone has them, and they occur frequently.
The devotional talked about a piece of sand piercing through an oyster shell, causing irritation to the oyster. The oyster calls upon all of its resources to come and surround that sand with healing balm, and soon a pearl is formed. That's how we should look upon our irritations...make pearls out of them.
The other night hubby was irritated because he had forgotten something at the office. He remembered it at supper time, and just didn't want to make a trip back out in the cold snow and ice. However, about an hour later he knew he needed to go get the equipment.
When he pulled up to the office in his vehicle, there was a little three pound miniature poodle huddled up by the door, literally freezing to death. When Mickey, the poodle, saw someone coming, he hobbled down the steps on three legs (one was rendered useless in the cold). He could hardly walk because he was shivering so badly. Hubby picked him up and put him inside his coat to warm him up.
After retrieving his equipment, he took Mickey back home to his owners, several blocks away. When they answered their door bell they were shocked to see Mickey peeking out from hubby's coat. They had put him out and had forgotten about him, and the dog can't bark. They were very relieved to see Mickey, but not as relieved as Mickey was to be rescued from the cold and sure death.
Hubby said that it was the hand of God that made it necessary for him to make that trip back out to the office. If he had not gone, we would have found a dead dog on the office porch the next morning. The irritation became a pearl that saved Mickey.
We just never know how our irritations in life might be benefiting somebody else. With that in mind, perhaps we should take a different view on how we look at and handle those things that tend to aggravate us. God may very well have a purpose in them!
The devotional talked about a piece of sand piercing through an oyster shell, causing irritation to the oyster. The oyster calls upon all of its resources to come and surround that sand with healing balm, and soon a pearl is formed. That's how we should look upon our irritations...make pearls out of them.
The other night hubby was irritated because he had forgotten something at the office. He remembered it at supper time, and just didn't want to make a trip back out in the cold snow and ice. However, about an hour later he knew he needed to go get the equipment.
When he pulled up to the office in his vehicle, there was a little three pound miniature poodle huddled up by the door, literally freezing to death. When Mickey, the poodle, saw someone coming, he hobbled down the steps on three legs (one was rendered useless in the cold). He could hardly walk because he was shivering so badly. Hubby picked him up and put him inside his coat to warm him up.
After retrieving his equipment, he took Mickey back home to his owners, several blocks away. When they answered their door bell they were shocked to see Mickey peeking out from hubby's coat. They had put him out and had forgotten about him, and the dog can't bark. They were very relieved to see Mickey, but not as relieved as Mickey was to be rescued from the cold and sure death.
Hubby said that it was the hand of God that made it necessary for him to make that trip back out to the office. If he had not gone, we would have found a dead dog on the office porch the next morning. The irritation became a pearl that saved Mickey.
We just never know how our irritations in life might be benefiting somebody else. With that in mind, perhaps we should take a different view on how we look at and handle those things that tend to aggravate us. God may very well have a purpose in them!
Root Beer Floats
It's the second day of March, and we have had sunshine for two days in a row!! Maybe spring is on its way? Maybe our office accounts receivable clerk came back yesterday after being in Florida for two months...and brought sunshine with her? (She says no...it's been rainy and cold in Florida this winter). Maybe God knew I just needed some sunshine in my life...it's been so dreary lately.
Been going through the nostalgias of life. Missing my deceased parents...especially my Mom, who was my best friend. Missing my spiritual mentor, Lorna. Missing my children and grandchildren, since they live in other states. One son came to visit this past weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed cooking for him, and taking a tour of South Haven...a town on Lake Michigan. We wanted to see how much ice was piled up along the shoreline.
We spent Sunday night with my in-laws to be there on Monday morning when they had a chimney sweep come for the first time. Just wanted to be sure all went well...and it did. Hubby slept on the couch that night, and I slept in a Lazy Boy recliner. I slept the night through in comfort, but hubby did not. Couch was too short. Dogs had to go out twice in the night (he has night duty).
So, what else are we doing to get us down to spring time, blooming flowers and budding trees, golf cart weather.... With no television, we have been playing more games (mostly Sequence or computer games), and I've been reading more. I visit the elderly a little more often...though not as often as they wish I would, I'm sure. It is so lonely for them, especially when they are shut in because of the weather. I'm also studying my Greek more regularly. It's an exercise I do for the brain.
Since I am on a tight budget for this year, trying to pay off a couple of debts, I have to abide closely to my shopping list. I only go once a week, usually to Wal-mart. It has become a highlight of my week...an outing away from camp, and a challenge to purchase the highest priority items, since I cannot buy everything on my list.
I'm elated to have come through two months this year thus far on my 2010 budget plan. We still have an occasional meal out. It's now a treat for us...not just something to do because we are away from the house. We carefully plan our weekly outings to cover the errands and do our shopping, stretching the gas dollars. It's working for us, and I feel very good about where we are at at this stage in life. Life is becoming more simplified.
And our treat for tonight has been root beer floats. Sounds like a summer kind of thing to have, but it sure was tasty this evening! I'm trying to avoid candy, cookies, chocolate for this month. Fruit, nuts, veggies, and an occasional root beer float. Sounds good to me!! Eating less, walking more...my goal for this spring. Actually walked the dogs to work and back today...we all loved it!!
Looking forward to a break with our granddaughters later this month. That has been on the agenda for a few months, giving us something to focus on to get us through the winter. And in another month our snowbirds will start trickling back home to the campgrounds, giving this place more life than it has had this past winter.
Well, that's enough rambling for tonight. Wish I could get inspired to write something worth while! I really would like to blog more, but I seem to lack interesting material at this time.
Been going through the nostalgias of life. Missing my deceased parents...especially my Mom, who was my best friend. Missing my spiritual mentor, Lorna. Missing my children and grandchildren, since they live in other states. One son came to visit this past weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed cooking for him, and taking a tour of South Haven...a town on Lake Michigan. We wanted to see how much ice was piled up along the shoreline.
We spent Sunday night with my in-laws to be there on Monday morning when they had a chimney sweep come for the first time. Just wanted to be sure all went well...and it did. Hubby slept on the couch that night, and I slept in a Lazy Boy recliner. I slept the night through in comfort, but hubby did not. Couch was too short. Dogs had to go out twice in the night (he has night duty).
So, what else are we doing to get us down to spring time, blooming flowers and budding trees, golf cart weather.... With no television, we have been playing more games (mostly Sequence or computer games), and I've been reading more. I visit the elderly a little more often...though not as often as they wish I would, I'm sure. It is so lonely for them, especially when they are shut in because of the weather. I'm also studying my Greek more regularly. It's an exercise I do for the brain.
Since I am on a tight budget for this year, trying to pay off a couple of debts, I have to abide closely to my shopping list. I only go once a week, usually to Wal-mart. It has become a highlight of my week...an outing away from camp, and a challenge to purchase the highest priority items, since I cannot buy everything on my list.
I'm elated to have come through two months this year thus far on my 2010 budget plan. We still have an occasional meal out. It's now a treat for us...not just something to do because we are away from the house. We carefully plan our weekly outings to cover the errands and do our shopping, stretching the gas dollars. It's working for us, and I feel very good about where we are at at this stage in life. Life is becoming more simplified.
And our treat for tonight has been root beer floats. Sounds like a summer kind of thing to have, but it sure was tasty this evening! I'm trying to avoid candy, cookies, chocolate for this month. Fruit, nuts, veggies, and an occasional root beer float. Sounds good to me!! Eating less, walking more...my goal for this spring. Actually walked the dogs to work and back today...we all loved it!!
Looking forward to a break with our granddaughters later this month. That has been on the agenda for a few months, giving us something to focus on to get us through the winter. And in another month our snowbirds will start trickling back home to the campgrounds, giving this place more life than it has had this past winter.
Well, that's enough rambling for tonight. Wish I could get inspired to write something worth while! I really would like to blog more, but I seem to lack interesting material at this time.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Mid-February in Michigan
Weary of winter white...that's where I am at again! Seems like I was here last year. Oh well, we know that in a month perhaps the snow will melt again. I am so ready for some color in my life!
I'm amazed at the hits this blog is getting when I'm not even blogging. I have chosen to stay away from Facebook. I can't even keep up with blogging! I used to be such a writer, and now I can't seem to think of anything to write about.
I went out to add a snow picture to this blog, and find out I've forgotten how to do that. I'll keep playing with that one and see if it comes back to me. (I was able to add a picture from my folder).
I've been working this winter while my co-worker has been in Florida. I'm so glad I've had something to keep me busy during the cold and snow. I truly enjoy living on the same grounds where I work. I even walk the dogs to work with me now and then. They are very antsy to get out. They miss our two mile walks. I tend to not walk much when it's icy out. I know how quickly the feet can slip out from under me.
I just heard that Alabama and Tennessee are getting 3" of snow. I know it has been tough this winter for the southern states, and the eastern states. For Michigan it's been more or less a typical winter. In fact, I don't think we have had as much snow as last year. However, it has been a very cold winter. How grateful I am to have a warm house.
Simple things...and yet such extravagance compared to some parts of our world and some walk of life. How do the homeless survive the wicked elements of winter? How do thousands of people survive living in cardboard boxes or under plastic sheets down in Haiti? These things I don't understand, and these are the things I give to the Father in prayer. Life is unfair. I am so looking forward to a better world, a heavenly world, where the last will be first.
Supper tonight is strawberry shortcake. We have a meal of strawberries and biscuits about once a week, just to bring "spring" to the table. What will the homeless and the misplaced people eat tonight?
We have given up TV basically. We haven't cut the satellite service off yet, but we are choosing to not spend our evenings in front of the screen. Exception was the Super Bowl, and now the Olympics. I want to see the scenery around Vancouver. But once that's over, I don't know what we will do about satellite service. What do the homeless and earthquake victims do for entertainment?
Hubby has been keeping busy with projects in his workshop. I've been doing much more reading, and playing Internet Backgammon and Free Cell. I've also been out visiting our widow ladies a little more. I know they are so very ready for spring when they can get out of their cottages and walk or ride bikes or golf carts.
Time to find another diversion. Like fixing supper!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
First Week of 2010
(These are our two "kids"...they are just too cute!!)It's Sunday night, I'm home from church, it's -5 degrees (wind chill) outside, and I'm just hunkering down. Thought I would read back through my journal from the first ten days of 2010 and write my highlights. I've got Gaither Homecoming Radio on in the background, good music to blog to. I've got my recipe file and grocery list spread out on the kitchen table to plan my weekly menu when I get this blog entry completed.
My favorite satellite channels are HGTV/House Hunters & Property Virgins, and the Hallmark Movie Channel. Tonight I just feel a little more like blogging than watching TV. This is January...the month when I can register for the HGTV Dream Home every day until mid-February. Still trying to find a way to pay off the ILNC sewer debt. I know God has a plan, and I'm just trying the different doors to see which door might open. In His time, and in His way, He will reveal the answer to my four year long prayer.
Seems like the whole country has been in a cold snap lately. Friday it was 26 degrees and sleeting in Orlando. I am so thankful for a warm house and my two doggies and husband to snuggle up with when it's so extreme outside. I like coming home from work each day (on the days I work), fixing supper and just staying in for the evening. It's quiet, but it's comfy.
I was delighted to complete the ILNC end of the year tax papers by the 5th of January!! I tend to dread doing taxes (W-2's, 1099's, MI Sales tax, 941) the first of the new year because it is only a once a year chore. Thank goodness I have written meticulous procedures to guide me through. About the time I get comfortable with the paperwork, the government will change something! I also completed my 2009 archiving and setting up files for 2010. I'm ready!
Hubby and I had a date night last Friday night. We went out to get office supplies for the office, and then stopped at our favorite pizza joint on the way home (right in the middle of the little village of Vicksburg). Came home and played a couple of games of Sequence, and then watched a funny movie together (Pacifier). Fun evening.
Here's some journal tidbits from my devotional material:
1. To keep the tongue under control: think first (pause and preview your words to make sure they are accurate, kind, necessary, wholesome, and grateful), and talk less (choose your words and when to speak).
2. To improve your marriage: renew your commitment (an act of the will, not the emotions); start dating again; give up something for your mate; pay attention to the little things; accentuate the positive.
3. To be more clearly focused: seek God's perspective (wisdom)...as we draw closer to Him we have more balance, stability, and insight.
4. To live in harmony with other Christians: learn to accept each other and allow the Holy Spirit to do the correcting, convicting, and convincing that they/we need to change. Laugh more, and quit being so serious.
5. To live wisely: leave the past behind, humble yourself and ask for help, and be a servant...not a celebrity.
Favorite scripture of the past week: Behold, a woman...with an issue... (Matthew 9:20) I just found it sort of humorous. What woman doesn't have an "issue"...a problem to be solved. Reminds me of Mark Lowry's favorite verse: And it came to pass... (no reference). Whatever our issue is, it will pass!! Praise the Lord!
And guess what...this cold weather will some day heat up again. It's only seasonal!
And that's my thoughts from early in the year 2010!
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010 Has Arrived!
Well, here I am...first day of the new year. Wonder what God has in store for me this year? All I know is that I need to be ready...ready to move forward as He urges, and ready to wait when He puts me on hold.
I've just started reading Chuck Swindoll's Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life as my 2010 daily devotional book. I read it many years ago when it was first published, but as with all my other books, I am also going back through my devotional books one more time before I give them away (see side bar).
This book starts out in the winter season. Chuck says that winter is a season of quiet reverence, a time when the strong winds cause our roots to go deeper. That's the season of life I am in. I want to go deeper in the Lord.
Every day is started on my knees and in His Word. I ask what He wants me to know and learn in the day ahead. Then I read the Bible and the devotional book as though God Himself were talking to me. I am excited to see what He says to me this year through the writings of Chuck Swindoll.
The word for me to day (from my devotional) is "Consistent". It's defined as dependability...something (someone) you can count on, reliability. It calls for diligence and discipline. It is displayed in patience, determination, and strength.
Paul instructs Timothy to:
"Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you." (I Timothy 4:16)
That's a huge responsibility! Not only does my destiny depend on staying consistently true to what is right, but also those who listen to me. In addition, I received encouragement from God's Word today. In Hebrews I was reminded:
"For God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and patience." (Hebrews 6:10-12)
A final thought from this morning's devotional reading is that discouragement and negative thinking blinds us to opportunities. We must keep ready, use our gifts, and watch for God at work through us.
May I be ready to move forward as He urges, and to wait when He puts me on hold. I know this for sure: I am totally committed to my Lord Jesus Christ, and whatever 2010 brings my way belongs to Him. He will see me through. I can depend on Him.
I've just started reading Chuck Swindoll's Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life as my 2010 daily devotional book. I read it many years ago when it was first published, but as with all my other books, I am also going back through my devotional books one more time before I give them away (see side bar).
This book starts out in the winter season. Chuck says that winter is a season of quiet reverence, a time when the strong winds cause our roots to go deeper. That's the season of life I am in. I want to go deeper in the Lord.
Every day is started on my knees and in His Word. I ask what He wants me to know and learn in the day ahead. Then I read the Bible and the devotional book as though God Himself were talking to me. I am excited to see what He says to me this year through the writings of Chuck Swindoll.
The word for me to day (from my devotional) is "Consistent". It's defined as dependability...something (someone) you can count on, reliability. It calls for diligence and discipline. It is displayed in patience, determination, and strength.
Paul instructs Timothy to:
"Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you." (I Timothy 4:16)
That's a huge responsibility! Not only does my destiny depend on staying consistently true to what is right, but also those who listen to me. In addition, I received encouragement from God's Word today. In Hebrews I was reminded:
"For God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and patience." (Hebrews 6:10-12)
A final thought from this morning's devotional reading is that discouragement and negative thinking blinds us to opportunities. We must keep ready, use our gifts, and watch for God at work through us.
May I be ready to move forward as He urges, and to wait when He puts me on hold. I know this for sure: I am totally committed to my Lord Jesus Christ, and whatever 2010 brings my way belongs to Him. He will see me through. I can depend on Him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)