Everything

Well, I didn't get to make my apples this weekend. My hubby couldn't get the apples, because it was sooooooo muddy. My hubby loves me, but that was a bit much to ask, so maybe I will be able to make them sometime this week.

Well, so much for my "doing nothing" weekend....LOL On Saturday, we had to get both of our vehicles inspected, which took up the morning. Then we had to go shopping and grab a few things that we needed. Then Sunday, we went to church and it was an AWESOME service!! Then we had to go to the jewelers in the mall and get my engagement ring that was being fixed because my diamond fell out. Oh, it feels so good to have my ring back, my finger felt so naked without my ring. Then we came home and finished shutting down the pool and we just chilled the rest of the night.

And now, I have to tackle that laundry monster in the basement..hehe I truly have no idea where all this laundry comes from.

Oh, and one more thing, I wanted to share with you. I love going to this site every now and then to be it is so awesome and I just wanted to share it with you. Enjoy!!

This is an awesome message for today, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Have a blessed day!!!

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EVERYTHING

As I awoke to the beginning of a brand new day,
It seemed like waves of trials kept coming my way.
Problem after problem was all I could see,
I cried out, "Lord, what is it you want from me?"

The answer that came from the One Most High,
Was nothing but a very simple reply,
It was one unexpected, but yet rang so true,
It's something He desires from me and from you.

He said, "EVERYTHING"

I want you to know Me as your Savior and Guide,
The One who will always be right there at your side.
I want you to serve Me through the good times and bad,
To sing praises to My Name whether you're happy or sad.

I want your faith to grow stronger as each day goes by,
To trust Me when there's no answers to your questions of "Why?"
To learn of My love and to feel My embrace,
When you're called to endure the hardships you face.

I want no one or nothing to take My place in your heart,
In whatever you should do, I want to take part.
Stand on My promises, let nothing cause you doubt,
In the end you will see that all things will work out.

So you see, My dear child, I want to be your all in all,
To depend on My presence when you stand or when you fall,
When you question just what is it that I want from thee?
My answer is EVERYTHING, as you are EVERYTHING to Me.

PHEWWWWWWWW!! It's Friday!!

YEAHHHHHH!!!!!!!! It's Friday!!! I have been waiting for this day all week!!! And I plan on doing nothing this weekend except canning apples, thanks to my friend Terri , and her great recipe for canning apples. They look so yummy, and I am going to give it a shot, but I am not promising my apples will look as great as her's!!! But I surely am hoping!! I will check back with you and let you know!!!

Have an awesome and blessed weekend!!

I needed this message today and this whole week!!!

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Carry Me Through Today, Lord


Carry me through today, Lord
With gentle wings from above.
Carry me through today, Lord,
Let me feel your love.

I shall not worry about tomorrow,
Yesterday is gone.
Just carry me through today, Lord,
That's where I belong.

Through all my trials and troubles,
I know that you are there,
Sometimes it's hard to see you
Through each tear and care.

Carry me through today, Lord,
Don't let me slip away.
Tomorrow may be taken from me,
So carry me through today

Catching up

Sorry, I haven't been around lately...but it has been crazy around here!!! Ok, let's see if I can catch everyone up with my life (like you are interested, but I am telling you anyway... ;)

Saturday: Bubba had his last game for the season, and they won 20-0!! I was so happy!!! and so was he!!!

Sunday: As a celebration we went to Fuddruckers, because Bubba loves the hamburgers. And we watched the Raven's game, of course...

Monday: URGH!!! URGH!!! That's all I can say about this day!!! We (hubby and I) cleaned the boys rooms, I took one and he took the other. They weren't cleaning them so we cleaned them, and let me tell you, we took out 3 green trashbags of junk (broken toys,toys with missing pieces, and just plain old junk) out of EACH OF THEIR BEDROOMS!! Yup, you heard me right, 3 bags out of EACH room!!! The trash man will love us this week!! And it took us all day for each of us to do our rooms that we were assigned...and of course, I got Bubba's which was wonderful!!! But I just pitched everything that I could, and it was fun!!!

Tuesday: Started the laundry from cleaning the room (see Monday for explanation), and I dropped off an order that a friend of my ordered, and I saw her little one. HE WAS TOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!! He was a month premature and he is about 3 months now, and he is cute as a button!!! I tried to put him in my pocket, but I think she would have noticed him missing...LOL

Wednesday: Well, I was supposed to go to my women's group, but I didn't quite make it there...I was in the bathroom when I should have been in my van cruising up to church. So needless to say, Wednesday was an awesome day for me...urgh!!!

And that leads us to today...I am feeling a bit better, but it is rainy and cold here and that helps my arthritis in my spine, and WHOLE LOT!!! URGH!!! I have plans for cleaning today, but I am not saying what they are, because when I do that, something always happens, so it will be my secret!!

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I just went to Jaydee's blog and I had to do this test, and here is my results...

I am an Echinacea What Flower Are You?

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JESUS

Ruth went to her mail box and
there was only one letter.
She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but
then she looked at the envelope ag ain.
There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and
address.
She read the letter:
Dear Ruth:
I`m going to be in your neighborhood Saturday
afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.
Love Always,
Jesus

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on
the table.
"Why would the Lord want to visit me?
I'm nobody special.
I don't have anything to offer."
With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty
kitchen cabinets.
"Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to
offer.
I'll have to run down to the store and buy something
for dinner."
She reached for her purse and counted out its
contents. Five dollars and forty cents.
Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least."
She threw on her coat and hurried out the door.
A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced
turkey, and a carton of milk...leaving Ruth with grand
total twelve cents to last her until Monday.
Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her
meager offerings tucked under her arm.

"Hey lady, can you help us,lady?"
R uth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she
hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the
alleyway.
A man and a woman, both of them dressed in
little more than rags.
"Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife
and I have been living out here on the street, and,
well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda
hungry and, well, if you could help us. Lady, we'd
really appreciate it."

Ruth looked at them both.
They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she
was certain that they could get some kind of work if
they really wanted to.
"Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman
myself.
All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm
having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was
planning on serving that to Him."
"Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway."
The man put his arm aro und the woman's shoulders,
turned and headed back into the alley.
As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar
twinge in her heart.

"Sir, wait!"
The couple stopped and turned as she
ran down the alley after them.
"Look, why don't you take this food.
I'll figure out something else to serve my guest."
She handed the man her grocery bag.
"Thank you lady. Thank you very much!"
"Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and Ruth
could see now that she was shivering.
"You know, I've got another coat at home.
Here, why don't you take this one."
Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the
woman's shoulders.
Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the
street...without her coat and with nothing to serve
her guest.
"Thank you lad y!
Thank you very much!"
Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front
door, and worried too.
The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't
have anything to offer Him.
She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But
as she did, she noticed another envelope in her
mailbox.
"That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice
in one day."

Dear Ruth:
It was so good to see you again.
Thank you for the lovely meal.
And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.
Love Always,
Jesus

The air was still cold, but even without her coat,
Ruth no longer noticed.

If I had my life to live over...

My husband found out his friend, Marty died. He has been in the hospital for over a month and on Monday, he died. When people around me die, I start thinking about my mortality, and I found this message and I thought it was a good one to think about.


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IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER:

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the
earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it
melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was
stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried
much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the
fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about
his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer
day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and
more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical,
wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished
every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was
the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later.
Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love
you's" More "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every
minute...look at it and really see i t . Live it and never give it
back.

Praise You In This Storm - Casting Crowns

This is an awesome video, that I just wanted to share with everyone!!

The Room

Just went to Terri's blog and if you plan to view the awesome colors in New Hampshire, please read her instructions..they are very informative.

I had this message sent to me a few days ago, and I think it is too awesome not to pass along. I know it is a bit long, but please take a few minutes to read it. And you may need a Kleenex, and this is just a suggestion.

Have a blessed, wonderful day!!!

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THE ROOM

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a

class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told

his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I

ever wrote". It also was the last.

Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while

cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teary Valley High School. Brian had

been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of

his life near them - notes from classmates and teachers, his homework.

Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering

Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every

moment of the teen's life.

But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized

that their son had described his view of heaven "It makes such an impact

that people want to share it. You feel like you are there." Mr. Moore

said.

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving

home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in

Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck

unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family

portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I

think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore

said of the essay.

She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death.

"I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him."

Brian's Essay: The Room...

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room.

There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with

small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list

titles by author or subject in alphabetical order.

But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly

endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near

the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read

"Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I

quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on

each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my

life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in

a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity,

coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files

and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a

sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to

see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed."

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have

Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed

at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at

my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My

Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never

ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I

hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived Could

it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these

thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth.

Each was written in my own handwriting.

Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows

I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The

cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't

found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality

of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run

through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test

its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.

I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost

animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever

see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!"

In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had

to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began

pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became

desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I

tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to

its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long,

self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With."

The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused.

He pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long

fell into my hands.

I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt They

started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried.

I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of

file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know

of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed

away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here!. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly

as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch

His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face,

I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read

every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me

with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped

my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked

over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He

didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end

of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name

over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find

to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be

on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so

alive. The name of Jesus covered mine.

It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a

sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand

how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close

the last file and walk back to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up,

and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were

still cards to be written.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13 "For

God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that

whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

If you feel the same way forward it to as many people as you can so the

love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I shared the gospel

with" file just got bigger, how about yours?

IF THERE IS ONE EMAIL THAT I HAVE READ THAT NEEDS TO GO AROUND

THE WORLD, IT IS THIS ONE, PLEASE PASS THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW,

CHRISTIAN OR NOT!

"LET'S FILL OUR OWN FILE CARD" AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

I saw Jesus...

Well, I have to say, FALL HAS ARRIVED!!! I have been waiting for the cool weather to start, and it is finally here!! I am so happy!! I love this time of the year, I love all the beautiful colors that the leaves turn, the cool weather, and just everything!!!

My youngest one is still sick, and he was up last night coughing, so if you could please keep him in your prayers I would really appreciate it. I get very nervous when he get a cold, because it usually triggers his asthma, and that is not fun at all!!

I just found out that Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins have started a new series called "The Jesus Chronicles". I am a little late, since the first one "John's Story" came out last year, but I plan on getting them. The most recent one "Mark's Story" came out yesterday, so I have to get reading!! I read all of the Left Behind series books and I loved them, I couldn't get them quick enough. So, once I get them, I will let you know how they are!!



I received this message in an email this morning, and I had to pass it on, so please enjoy!!!

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I Saw Jesus...

I saw Jesus last week.
He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt.
He was up at the church building;
He was alone and working hard.
For just a minute he looked a little like one of our
members.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by his smile.

I saw Jesus last Sunday.
He was teaching a Bible class.
He didn't talk real loud or use long words,
But you could tell he believed what he said.
For just a minute, he looked like my
Sunday School teacher.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by his loving voice.

I saw Jesus yesterday.
He was at the hospital visiting a friend who was sick.
They prayed together quietly.
For just a minute he looked like my pastor.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by the tears in his eyes.

I saw Jesus the other
day,
He was bringing a covered dish over to me because I had
been sick.
Just for a minute, I thought it was Him, with His gentle
hands stroking my shoulder.
I thought it was Him, but it looked like my sweet
neighbor.
But it was Jesus, because I could feel Him in my soul.

I saw Jesus this morning.
He was in my kitchen making my breakfast and fixing me a
special lunch.
For just a minute he looked like my mom.
But it was Jesus, I could feel the love from his heart.

I see Jesus everywhere,
Taking food to the sick,
Welcoming others to his home,
Being friendly to a newcomer and for just a minute I
think he's someone I know.
But it's always Jesus, I can tell by the way He serves.

May someone see Jesus in me today.

15 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TODAY

I am making an awesome dinner right now, it's called Chicken Corn Soup...and it is yummy!!! I am making this today, because my youngest is sick, and there is nothing better than a hot, steamy bowl of soup to make ya feel better. And hubby loves this soup, alot!!!! I can give you the ingredients, but I cook the RR way and I don't measure...so I will try to get it as close as possible...I put this all in my 6 quart Crock Pot, so the recipe I give you will be for that...

2 bags of shoepeg corn-frozen

a pound of carrot, cleaned and chunked

about a half a stalk of celery

10 boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and chunked

fill the crock about 1/2 way with water

and my secret ingredient..2 cans of Cream of Chicken soup.

Salt, Pepper and Parsley

I know that sounds like alot of chicken breasts, but there is a store around me that I can get 5 pounds of skinless, boneless, IQF chicken breasts for $9.99...so I can use that many...but if you don't want to use that many, you don't have to...but just let you know, you can freeze the leftover and you can have a boatload more meals with this!!!

I will cook this all day in my crock..the first half of the day on high, the last part of the day on low. Now for noodles what I do is cook my extra wide egg noodles seperately, and once it's ready for dinner, I put some egg noodles in a bowl, and pour my soup over it...and it is YYYUMMMMMMMMMMMY!!!!

And whatever is left over, I freeze and all I have to do is just make some egg noodles and I have another meal of yummy Chicken Corn Soup!!!

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15 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TODAY

1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

2. Dear God, I have a problem, it's Me.

3. There is no key to happiness. The door is always
open.

4. Silence is often misinterpreted but never
misquoted.

7. Do the math .. count your blessings.

8. Faith is the ability to not panic.

9. If you worry, you didn't pray . If you pray,
don't worry.

10. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling
home everyday.

11. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be
bent out of shape.

12. The most important things in your house are the
people.

13 When we get tangled up in our problems, be still.
God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15 He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...

It has been a wild and crazy couple of weeks!!! (Boy, I sound like Steve Martin) Between football practice, football games, school, and making candles...I have been so busy!!! My middle boy, finally got off his brace and he is back in football. But he is very upset, because they took him off of everything that he was on first string with and booted him down. He is pretty upset, and getting discouraged, but he is sticking with it. And today, my youngest is home sick with a sore throat. So off to the doctors we go!! Oh, Joy, Joy, this will be a great day!!!!!

I was emailed this message below, even though I have read it before, I really enjoy it, and I am passing it along. This one is a great frig material!!!

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The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...

Noah was a drunk

Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused

Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer..AND
Lazarus was dead!

And Don't forget

Jesus Helped them all!!!!

Now! No more excuses!
God can use you to your full potential.
Besides you aren't the message, you are just the
messenger.
In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your
full potential.

Memo from God

I found this on http://livinglifegodsway.com/ and it was so AWESOME that I had to share it with you. I have this printed out and in my Bible Studies folder and before I start my study, I read this. This is a very awesome message that we have to be reminded of daily (or atleast I do!), and I am so glad that I was allowed to put it on my blog!!

Enjoy

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Memo From God

Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes you need to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy, and happiness in this life.
Quit Worrying....Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

Put It On The List....Something needs to be done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not on YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to me. And although my to-do list is long, I am, after all, God. I can take care of anything you put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things that you never even realize.

Trust Me....Once you've given your burdens to me, quit trying to take then back. Trust in me. Have faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with kids? Put them on my list. Problem with finances? Put it on my list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For my sake, put it on my list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

Leave it Alone....Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you're feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that If I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do my job.

Talk To Me....I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray your never forget. Please don't forget to talk to me OFTEN! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include me in on things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with me. I want to be your dearest friend.

Have Faith....I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in me that I know what I'm doing. Trust me, you wouldn't want the view from my eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you and meet your needs. You only have to trust me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

Share....You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a longtime. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

Be Patient...I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes me a little longer than you expect to handle something on my to-do list? Trust in my timing, for my timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

Be Kind....Be kind to others, for I love then just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for my sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please know I love each of your differences.

Love Yourself....As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only - to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of love. Love me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes my heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget that!

With all my heart I love you,

God

Jesus goes to work

Oh, it has been so nutso the past few weeks!! As you know, it is football season, and I am so busy with the boys, and my middle boy was just able to get back into practicing on Tuesday because, as we found out yesterday, he had a dislocated kneecap, and he had to wear a brace (immobilizer) for a week. Oh, he was miserable!!! There was nothing worse than for him to sit on the sidelines, when he wanted nothing more than to gear up and get out on the field with his team!! But he is fine how and so glad that he is able to practice and hopefully play in today's game!!

And I wanted to post this following message, because in so many ways it is so true of me. I may not go to work, but there are times when I feel that I leave Jesus out. Please enjoy and I pray that it touches you like it touched me!!

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Jesus Goes to Work
I drive to work listening to gospel music on the contemporary Christian radio station. After parking my car in the designated space, I head to our building's large glass entrance. Footsteps follow behind me, but I reach the door before Him and squeeze through, leaving Jesus standing on the outside.
I take a quick glance backward and see those scarred wrists pressed against the glass. He watches as I get on the elevator. Lianna Jackson is there so I turn to the side and begin a conversation. The elevator doors close on mechanical rollers - the same way they do every morning. I catch a glimpse of Jesus as He walks toward the gray stone bench positioned like a sentry next to the outlet I will take nine hours from now.

My first two hours are a whirlwind of crisis meetings. How did this day get so out of control, so early? I glance out the window. A figure on a stone bench looks up toward my window. A coworker carrying a phonebook-size stack of papers comes through the door and diverts my attention back to the morning calamity.

At ten o'clock, I grab a cup of coffee from the courtesy center. Lianna is taking dainty nibbles from a chocolate éclair. How can she consume rich calories like that and keep so slim? Another c omplaint to add to my grievance heap. She's probably bulimic anyway. A shadow passes over the sun and a light rain begins to fall.
On the way back to the meeting, I notice a solitary figure standing under the overhang of the roof. Jesus turns and looks straight at me. His look is one of tenderness and, yet, disappointment. This building has so many windows.
The next few hours involve some tough choices that may hurt the company's balance sheet. No one on the team seems particularly thrilled with the decisions made and, if the bottom line goes south, I know who will get the blame. Why me?
By lunch time I'm irritable and cross. The soda machine receives a piece of my wrath as it swindles me out of hard earned currency. As I chomp down on a too-dry turkey sandwich, I find myself traveling down a familiar thought highway. Is there any way to escape occupational servitude in white collar purgatory? Two members of my team become the victims of my discontent. A few veiled criticisms help me to feel better - temporarily, at least.
Jesus comes around to the lunch room window. He makes a gesture to obtain my attention but I don't have the time; my focus is elsewhere.

Time for serfs to return to their labor. My liege (otherwise known as Theodore Wood, supervisor with a highly inflated salary) is waiting for me. What pound of flesh does he want now? I quickly run through a list of sins of omission and commission. Why do I feel so defenseless?
Theodore gives me a smile. Do tigers smile before they eat their victims? "Just wanted to come by and tell you what a creative bit of crisis management that was this morning. That was a job well done." I mumble something about team effort and Ted threads his way through the cubicle maze back to his corner office in the upper management district of the floor.

Before I have a chance to lift my jaw from the floor, the UPS man comes by with a delivery. He's a fellow member of my church. Nice guy. Still absorbed in my encounter with Ted, I smile and sign for the package. He smiles back and says, "Oh, I saw Jesus out front. He said to say 'Hi!' Just wanted you to know He was thinking of you." Brown uniform departs and I'm freed to analyze Ted's affirmation.
I admit. I'm surprised - shocked might be a better term! Not that I haven't earned it, but praise isn't something you expect from the corner office. Management isn't known for its astute observation of talented people. But Ted's right; I did come through for them this morning. Perhaps a little appreciation will eventually make its way to my bi-weekly envelope. Lord knows, I certainly deserve it.
My chin held a little higher, I grab a folder and head for the west side of the building. The afternoon is sprinting forward and I better get that proposal copied for distribution to the section heads. I'm fourth in line, so I join a conversation in progress on the new receptionist at the front door. Someone repeats the old jest about blondes, computer screens, and white out.
My turn! To avoid being mesmerized by the steady rhythm of paper, light, gears and stapling, I glance out the window toward the park. A figure in white carrying something from one of the local sidewalk vendors walks toward a cardboard box. A scruffy hand and unshaven face appear from the side of the box. There's a brief conversation. A hand to the shoulder. Then a transfer of hot dog and soda. Thank God, it isn't me.
Returning to my desk, I find an avalanche of paperwork. Lord Theodore Wood has visited serfdom and left new chores to complete. Some people have an "IN" box. Mine is an "IN-credible" box. I grab a chocolate power bar to stave off the weariness. Boy, I could use some energy right now. I notice the drizzle has stopped. It looks sunny outside.
At 3:15 Monica's face appears from over the mound of folders. Leave of absence! Why does she need a leave of absence? Oh, 'with child' again! Her work load will have to be distributed among the team. I wonder how much will become my burden? Don't people think about how their choices affect others?
End of the day - I'm pooped, run down, tired, exhausted, fatigued, faint and running out of synonyms. Pulling my coat from the hook, I head through the exit. The brightness of the sun temporarily hurts my eyes. That's the problem with office buildings with smoked glass. I turn and find Jesus walking with me. He greets me with a smile, but I'm in no mood for Him now. I've just been to hell and back and the last thing I want to do is be bothered with anyone. God, I hope He isn't going to be chatty on the way home.

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Sometimes our jobs engulf us. We feel overwhelmed, alone, self-righteous, or bitter. We know it shouldn't be this way and we shouldn't be this way.

You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. People don't light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:13-15.

Our words and actions in the workplace say quite a bit about who and whose we are. Instead of light we often bring darkness. Instead of peacemakers we become the cause of hurt. Instead of serving others, we end up serving a paycheck, an organization, or our own advancement. We know we should be the ones to bring our gifts & talents to the table to help others, but we have nothing to offer.
Do you "take Jesus with you" to work? There is no area of life where we can safely leave Jesus on the outside. Our dear Lord is our life, our abundant life! How much we need that Life for the 40+ hours we spend in employment each week!

Whatever you do, work at it with ALL your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24.
Make a conscious effort to walk with Jesus into your place of work this week.