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.

Good Words from GOD

It is a rainy Sunday, and since I already napped on our trip back from Lansing, I'm ready to just sit and blog.  This is the third Sunday we have attended Lansing First CON, and the second Sunday Paul has led the singing, as a fill in for the regular song leader who is recovering from surgery.  This past week the interim pastor had emergency surgery for gall bladder, so there was another fill in pastor this morning.  We had lunch with Pastor Erwin and Gladys after the morning service.  


I have enjoyed seeing Paul in an old role he used to be in...worship leader.  He is very good at just talking from his heart in between the songs, and he has a good strong voice for leading.  I know people enjoy him.  Wish the church was closer so we could continue to attend and help them as they try to revive.  It used to be one of the largest churches on the Michigan district, but it's down to about 50 people now.  So sad.  I hope and pray God has a future for that church.  


This past week our friends from Florida helped us put landscaping rock around the house and shed.  We probably need two more truck loads to complete our project, but for now we have the house and shed outlined in rocks instead of bark.  Next year we will do the same for the cottage and its' shed.  Our friends left yesterday to start on their journey back south.  They stay in our cottage for 2-3 months each summer, and do much to help us while here.  This year he painted the exterior of the house and all the window and garage trim and shutters.  Big job, well done.  They have been long time friends, catching up with us at most every place we have ever lived.  That's why we are now privileged to have them spend their summers at our cottage next door.  We still are the recipients of their kindness and skills.  They are also interior decorators as well, and gave the inside of our house a face lift again this year.


The dogs received their bi-monthly grooming this past week.  Last haircut before winter.  Those days of ice and snow are just ahead for us, I fear.  So many people have been busy cleaning up and putting away things, getting ready for the winter season.  Is it going to come early?  Seems like we have started earlier this year.  Cooler days make us think that way, I guess.  


I entertained a couple of times this week, despite fighting a head cold.  I had our Florida friends in mid-week for white chicken chili, and last night I had in two couples that work or volunteer with maintenance and housekeeping.  It was a pooled together kind of meal...one brought BBQ ribs, another two pies, and I fixed beans, potato salad, squash, macaroni salad, and rolls.  I think Fridays are going to be designated company nights as much as possible this winter.  I've already got plans for next Friday.  I can only do two couples at a time, due to my table size, and house size.  That works for me.  I usually serve Buffet style since my table is small.  That way everyone can help themselves and then go back for seconds if they wish.  


Thursday I was in a loner kind of mood.  I took off work in the afternoon and ran the banking and post office errands in Vicksburg, and then headed out to Schoolcraft.  Got a sweet tea and an ice cream cone at McD's and just sat in the car thinking and praying as I treated myself, alone.  That night hubby and I went to see the pastor who had the gall bladder surgery...still in the hospital at that time.  


Friday was a long day trip for hubby and me.  We took the dogs along since we planned to be gone all day.  Went to Grand Ledge to get signatures on some documents from Paul's boss.  Then went to the state water labs in Lansing to drop off some samples.  From there we drove to Leslie to meet some volunteers/friends for lunch in a converted railroad depot.  Tried to look up an RV couple in Jackson, but couldn't find them, so then we headed to Spring Arbor to attend a visitation for another RV person who had passed away this past week.  (That makes four funerals in the last two weeks).  From there we drove to the northwest corner of Kalamazoo County to Menard's to get some items needed for the camp.  Had supper at a Mexican restaurant before coming back home.  A long day, but a nice diversion from the campgrounds!! 


So that's been our week!  It's been a good one.  It seems that God had a lot of good things to say to me in His Word this past week.  So once again I share from my devotional reading for the week:


The Word for You Today:

• When your dream is from God He will also give you the necessary skills and gifts and resources to fulfill the dream
• There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure...(I Peter 1:6)....Don't Give Up!

Isaiah:

• For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, says:  only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved, in quietness and confidence is your strength.  (30:15)
• Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him, so he can show you his love; he will conquer you to bless you, just as he said.  For the Lord is faithful to his promises.  Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them.  (30:18)
• But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.  They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.   (40:31)
• I have called you back from the ends of the earth and said you must serve but me alone, for I have chosen you and will not throw you away.  Fear not, for I am with you.  Do not be dismayed.  I am your God.  I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.  (41:9-10)
• But now the Lord who created you...says, Don't be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up---the flames will not consume you.  For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel.  (42:1-3)
• I have created you and cared for you since you were born.  I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age.  I made you and I will care for you.  I will carry you along and be your Savior.  (46:3)

Galatians:

• For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom:  not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other.  For the whole Law can be summed up in this one command:  "Love others as you love yourself."  (5:13-14)
• But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us:   love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  (22-23)
• If we are living now by the Holy Spirit's power, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.  Then we won't need to look for honors and popularity, which lead to jealousy and hard feelings. (25-26)
• Don't be misled; remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it:  a man will always reap just the kind of crop he sows!  If he sows to please his own wrong desires he will be planting seeds of evil and he will surely reap a harvest of spiritual decay and death; but if he plants the good things of the Spirit, he will reap the everlasting life which the Holy Spirit gives him.  And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up.  That's why whenever we can we should always be kind to everyone, and especially to our Christian brothers.  (6:7-10)

Ephesians:

• So overflowing is his kindness toward us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved; and he has showered down upon us the richness of his grace---for how well he understands us and knows what is best for us at all times.  God has told us his secret reason for sending Christ, a plan he decided on in mercy long ago; and this was his purpose:  that when the time is ripe he will gather us all together from wherever we are--in heaven or on earth---to be with Him in Christ, forever.  (1:7-10)
• ...that out of his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you the mighty inner strengthening of his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soils of God's marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it.  And so at last you will be filled up with God himself.  Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare or ask or even dream of---infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.  May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the church through Jesus Christ.  (3:16-21)
• ...live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen...  Be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.  Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit, and so be at peace with one another.  (4:2-3)
• ...we will lovingly follow the truth at all times---speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly---and so become more and more in every way like Christ... (4:15-16)

Looking Good on the Home Front!

Here I am...it's Sunday night, and another week has gone swiftly by.  We again went to Lansing First CON for the morning service.  Hubby assisted this morning and led the congregational singing.  It was good to see him in that role again...it's been a while!  He is so gifted in that area...knows what to say, and relates well with the congregation.  He filled in for the regular song leader who had surgery on her jaw and has it wired shut currently.  


Our Florida friends went along with us this week, and after church we had an excellent lunch at Cheddars.  If you have a Cheddars near you, it's definitely worth your time to check it out.  Very reasonable in price, and lots of choices on the menu.  


On the way back home we stopped at a funeral home for a visitation for one of our RVers who passed away mid-week.  She had a long battle with cancer.  We also attended a funeral this week for one of my older ladies that I have kept tabs on the past few years.  At 91 and a long time victim of stroke effects, she is finally at home with Jesus and her husband and son.  We had another leaseholder death this weekend...a gentleman in his 90's.  


They say these things come in threes, so I hope that's it for a while.  I can only rejoice with those who have gone to their heavenly rest, no more suffering and pain and frustrations that this life brings across our paths.


This past week we hosted the fall workshop for our District CON pastors and staff, called "Changing the Climate".  It was three days of looking at how we do church, and how it needs to change to be more effective in ministering to the world we are in today.  Paul attended, and the sessions were quite thought provoking....much for the church leaders to chew on and digest and utilize in their own church settings.


Took another cat into the Human Society this week to have it fixed and returned.  This is our first yellow kitten, named "Peaches" by my husband.  So cute, so gentle, but now out there with the other 8 feral cats we have "transformed" this summer.  This is the only light colored one we have.  If we could have an inside cat, this is the one I would have kept.  We do have a pack of coyotes and will be working on that situation, hopefully before they find the cats.


Wednesday night I had a lasagna supper for a couple of couples.  Nice evening.  Doing more entertaining these days than I normally do.  But then again, we have had more volunteers this year than in previous years, and I want to show them how much we appreciate them.  We want them back!!


Yesterday hubby was in the "clean up" mood, I guess.  He washed the van and utility trailer and put them away for the winter (van needs transmission work).  He spray washed the house and driveway.  He fixed the mower (needs new starter).  Combine his work with all the painting and decorating that has been done on the house by our Florida friends and the place is looking pretty good!!  (Thus this week's title).  Feels like we are getting ready for a long winter...don't know what that means!  We are having some more landscaping rocks put around the house also.  


The sermon this morning gave us all something to think about.  So I will ask you, my blog audience, the same question we were asked:  If you knew that Jesus was coming back in one week, how would you spend this week?  What difference would it make in your life if you only had one more week here on this earth?  I think I'm most concerned about my family.  Will we all be together for eternity?  I'm a Mom.  I'm a Grandmother.  My attachments run deep.  I can't bear to think of being eternally separated from those I love.  What would I do if this were my last week?  How could I make an impact that makes a difference?  That's my prayer this week...Jesus show me what you would have me say and do before my life is ended.


And with that, let's move to my devotional reading for this past week.


Psalm

• But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you.  Yes, I will trust the promises of God.  And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?  (56:3-4)
• This one thing I know:  God is for me!  (56:9)

Isaiah

• He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!   Trust in the Lord God always for in the Lord Jehovah is your everlasting strength.  (26:3-4)
• Lord, grant us peace; for all we have and are has come from you.  (26:12)
• Yet we have this assurance:  Those who belong to God shall live again.  (26:19)

Proverbs

• Don't envy evil men but continue to reverence the Lord all the time, for surely you have a wonderful future ahead of you.  There is hope for you yet!  (23:17-18)

Galatians

• I am trying to please God.  If I were trying to please men I could not be Christ's servant.  (1:10)
• For even before I was born God had chosen me to be his, and called me---what kindness and grace...(1:15)
• I have been crucified with Christ, and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  (2:20)

Proverbs

• Don't refuse to accept criticism, get all the help you can.  (23:12)

Personal note:  I need all the help I can get!  I've been stubborn, protecting my rights, instead of being a submissive servant.  God has opened doors, and all I could look at were the negatives in the way, rather than the beauty of new territory, and the challenge of growing stronger and deeper.  Now I've reduced my effectiveness and my ability   Lord, I am so weary of my stubbornness and self defense mechanisms.  Help me to once again find a way back to being the servant you have called me to be...by love, serving one another...one by one.  Amen.

The Word for You Today

1.  God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.  (2 Tim 1:7)

• faith is given by God in order for us to conquer our fears and live to the fullest, as He intended
• fear is a spirit that can control us, but God has a better way:  power, love, and a sound mind

2.  Confront your fears:

• when you are controlled by fear, your destiny in life will not be fulfilled
• faith in God helps you to be pleasing to Him and to overcome your fears so you can do what He created you to do

3.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit.  (John 4:24)

4.  "In the stream of God's presence:

• our deepest thirst is quenched
• our wounds are healed
• our strength is renewed
• we are placed beyond the reach of the enemy"

5.  Keep your priorities in place

• know your purpose, align your priorities and live by them
• be fully committed to Christ, then to one another in Christ, and finally to the work of Christ
• make God's Word and communication with God through prayer your first priority