Hardhearted People

Hardhearted people are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
(Eph. 4:17-19)

I was going to search for the perfect scripture on Crosswalk, through their Search the Bible search, and I opened the page, and this scripture was smack dab in the middle of the page. Well, I read it and said, "Thank you God!!!" because I was searching and He handed me the perfect scripture.

As I read this scripture, it saddens me, because I am sure that there are people in your life, as well as mine, that this scripture describes perfectly!! And maybe this may have been you, I definitely know this was me at one time, but you don't see it until you have become a follower of Christ, and God gives you new eyes to see. But we don't have to despair, because God is the God of second chances. (And that is the book that I am reading right now, by Greg Laurie, it is an awesome book, and I truly recommend it to anyone.)

As Christians, we will fall, but once we fall it depends on what we do after that that matters. Do we raise our eyes to God, and take His hand? Or do we lay down in the muck and stay there, because we don't think we deserve God's Grace? Well, honestly, none of us deserve His mercy and grace, but that is why it is called grace. Someone had given me something that I could use so that I could understand what Grace was, and it truly helped me, and I am going to pass it on to you. Here it is....

Grace is...

God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense

Now how awesome is that!!??!! Grace is a gift that He gives freely, all we have to do is reach out and take it, and you know what?? There is no limit on His grace giving!!

So, if you are in the muck, and you don't feel you deserve God's grace, look up, and take His hand, because He has a gift for you!!

Have a blessed day!!

A bit of wisdom from Proverbs

My family and I have started Family Hour and during that time, we will read one chapter of Proverbs. The chapter we will read will be the same as the day of the month. And after each verse is read, we discuss it and ask the boys if they understand what is being said. So last night we read Proverb 26, and this one scripture stuck with me...

Answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself ~ Proverbs 26:4 (NIV)

We go around and if we have different versions, we read from each. Well, me and hubby have the same version, and my two youngest boys have the same version, and my oldest son has the Contemporary English Version, and I love his version, and here it is...

Don't make a fool of yourself by answering a fool ~ Proverbs 26:4 (CEV)

I have always told my children that if you fight with a fool, what does that make you?? And they always answer, "A Fool"... And as I read that scripture, I never knew that what I was saying was biblical!! When you fight with a fool, you have to go to their level, and if they have been there long, they are pro's at being a fool, so you will lose their game!

Just something to think about!!!

The message for today is an awesome one, so please enjoy!!

Have a Blessed Day

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Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they
wondered what this statement meant about the character and
nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining
silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an
appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention
anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity
about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over
the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver,
one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot;
then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it
was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole
time.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding
the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire
time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see
my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God
has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His
image in you.

Sharing...

I was reading "The God of Second Chance" while I was treadmilling this morning and I read this one part, and I had to stop reading and just take it in...Has that ever happened to you?? It happens to me all the time, and I usually love that feeling of just letting God's Word engulf me.

And here it is...

The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out ~John 6:37

And as I was thinking about it, I understood when The Word would say, that I would never be alone...No matter how horrible I am, He will not cast me out!! And if He did, I would rightfully deserve it, but He promised He would never leave me!! How AWESOME is God!!

The message today is to show how much God loves us!! Please take a few minutes to read, and let the scripture speak to you.

Have a Blessed Day!!
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I ASKED GOD

I asked for a flower,
He gave me a garden.

I asked for a tree,
He gave me a forest.

I asked for a river,
He gave me an ocean.

I asked for a friend,
He gave me YOU!

I am starting again!!

I have been trying to lose weight for the longest time, and it is a struggle. Then I found SparkPeople and it did wonders for me!!! I tried it two years ago, and I truly did lose weight, but I stopped going, but now I am starting again!! I would suggest SparkPeople to anyone who is trying to lose weight. I need it because it shows how many calories that I need to burn a week, to get to my goal weight. And I tend to not "snack" if I have to write down everything that I eat, and I tend to think about what I am "snacking" on.

So, please keep me in your prayers that I can "keep on the wagon" this time!! I will be updating this blog as I go along!!

The message I am posting today is a bit different that what I usually do, but it is still very important, so please take minute and read it.

Have a Blessed Day!!

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One glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University study.

Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or

Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer

Are you drinking the amount of water you should every day?

WE GOT SNOW!!!

I love snow!! And with winter, snow will fall!! We didn't get a whole bunch, just enough to make everything look clean. We are supposed to get more tonight into tomorrow, so I will be clicking off more pics!!! Oh, did I mention that I LOVE SNOW!!..hehe

I just wanted to jot a note about what I have been doing, remember a few posts back, I won Beth Moore's Wising Up dvd's, well I have to tell you, I really love Beth Moore's Bible Studies, and I am getting so much out of these dvd's. I would highly recommend them to anyone!! I will be listening, and something that she says will suddenly click in my head, and I will think, "yeah, she's right". So if you get a chance to get her Wising Up Bible Study, please get it, it will be well worth it!!

The message today is an awesome message!! I love this one, and I really needed it, so I am now sharing it!!

Have a Blessed Day!!

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YOU ARE NOT ALONE


When you need a parent, He is your Father
When you need a sibling, He is your brother
When you need a spouse, He is your husband
When you need a friend, He calls you friend

When you need restoration, He is your Master Builder
When your heart is broken, He is Your comforter
When you have no place to run, He is Your refuge
When you need healing, He is your Great Physician

When you are thirsty, He is your living waters
When you are in lack, He is your provision
When you are lonely, He is your companion
When everything seems dark, He is THE LIGHT

When you feel unworthy, He is Your WORTHINESS
When you are afraid, He is Your strength and courage
When you wake up and when you lies down, He is there
When you have questions, He is Your Answer

When you need grace in your time of need,
He is the open door to the throne room
When you need new clothes,
He covers you with robes of righteousness

When you need a gift, He is your greatest gift
When you are hurting, He is the healer of broken hearts
When life is in pieces, He is Your Peace
When you are lost, He is the Director of your soul

God loves you my friend and no matter what your situation,
you are never alone. He is with you always!

oh, I had to add this...

I got this from Terri's Blog...and I had to slip this in!!!...hehe

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Honourable Lady Ronnie the Foamy of Chalmondley St Peasoup Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

Been away for awhile

I am a walking Murphy's Law!!! If anything could happen, it will happen to me!! Well, first, my mouse was going onto mouse heaven, and Saturday, it gave up the ghost!! Then, I am wobbling around the internet by stealing my son's mouse, which he was very nice about, but she still didn't appreciate it. So I had to give it back to him *groan*. Then, someone spilled something on my keyboard, and of course when I asked, no one did it!! mpffffffft!! And then my keyboard died. We had a small service for each of them, they took a beating from everyone, and they just had enough and gave up! Then on Saturday night, my throat started hurting, so I thought it was just the dry heat in the house. Well, I was dragged to the doctor's office, by my hubby yesterday...I really can't stand going to the doctors. But I was in and out within 20 minutes of my appointment, and I was happy about that!! But I have bronchitis, which didn't make me happy, because as you moms know, housework doesn't care if you are sick...*another loud groan*. But hubby has been so sweet, he is helping with the housework, and even laundry!! WOOOOHOOO!!! And I should be in bed sleeping, but that's not happeining, I can't stand to look at the full dirty laundry basket, so that's what I am doing, and I am probably going to hear about it when hubby gets home....hehe

Well, I am going to sort socks ( yeah, I know you are envying me!!!)...but I love this message today, and I hope you enjoy it too!!!

Have a blessed day!!!

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The Holy Alphabet

A-lthough things are not perfect
B-ecause of trial or pain
C-ontinue in thanksgiving
D-o not begin to blame

E-ven when the times are hard
F-ierce winds are bound to blow
G-od is forever able
H-old on to what you know

I-magine life without His love
J-oy would cease to be
K-eep thanking Him for all the things
L-ove imparts to thee

M-ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N-o weapon that is known
O-n earth can yield the power
P-raise can do alone

Q-uit looking at the future
R-edeem the time at hand
S-tart every day with worship
T-o "thank" is a command

U-ntil we see Him coming
V-ictorious in the sky
W-e'll run the race with gratitude
X-alting God most high

Y-es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z-ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

-author unknown to me

WooooHooo!!! It's Friday!!

This week has been a rough weather week. We has a storm this week that started out as snow, went to sleet, then freezing rain, so we had a batch of weather this week. Well, I was taking pictures of the trees that had ice on them. This icy limbs caused alot of problems this week, but they make great pics!! Here's a few!!



My favorite pic is the first one!! I know it doesn't show here, but that tree is HUGE and I love taking pictures of that when there is snow or ice, it is absolutely beautiful!!

Have a blessed Day!!

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The Storm

When the tide comes rolling in,
And the mighty oceans roar,
It can go on land so far
That is all, it goes no more.

When the storm clouds gather round us
And the great big raindrops fall,
Just so much will fall to earth
as it heeds the Master's call.

When the load becomes so heavy
That the body cries in pain,
Remember that this too will end
Like the ocean and the rain.

So adorn thyself with gladness,
Remember God is really there,
He takes time to feed the sparrow,
And He always answers prayer.

-Author unknown to me

Happy Valentine's Day

I don't really put too much stock in Valentine's day, I just really think that it is a very high pressured day. I think that the love you show your husband or your husband shows you, should not peak on one day. I don't love my husband more today than I did yesterday, and I won't love him less tomorrow, than I do today. For me, and I would assume for most women, hubby's show their love in the things that they do each day, not what they do on one day. I don't want to sound like a wet blanket, but like I said in the beginning, I don't put much stock in Valentine's day.

I think Valentine's day more for the young...My son is going to a dance today, and he is looking forward to it. But I don't think he is looking forward to it, because it is Valentine's Day, I think just because it is a dance. But I am sure Valentine's day has something to do with it..hehe I remember when my boys were little, they would hand out Valentine's Day cards, but I came to realize that the cards were more for me than them. Because I would be the one who would write them out and make sure that they are done and ready for them to hand out in school. So I stopped doing that, and they never asked about having them to send them out.

Now, I do remember my hubby's and my first Valentine's day...I bought him a pair of Valentine's Boxers, and he still has them, of course, they are a little worn being that they are now 21 years old...LOL...but he still has them. And now, if I am out and I see something that my husband would like, I just pick it up and get it for him, I don't want a holiday to have to give it to him. Please don't think that I am bashing Valentine's Day, but I do believe that too much money is spent on things for Valentine's day. The worst thing that hubby can get me, is fresh cut flowers. I know that sounds silly, but unless I can replant it, or I can keep it forever (silk flowers), I don't want it. I have a problem throwing away fresh cut flowers that have died, and they usually get pretty nasty before I throw them away, or should I say hubby throws them away.

Whatever you are doing today, please enjoy!! I chose today's message to bring a smile to your face, so I hope you have a smile when you are finished reading, yeah, they are corny, but they are cute!!

Have a blessed day!!

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What do farmers give their wives on Valentine's Day?
A hog and kisses!

Why did the pig give his girlfriend a box of candy?
It was Valenswine's Day!

What did the Valentines card say to the stamp?
Stick with me and we'll go places!

Do skunks celebrate Valentine's Day?
Sure, they're very scent-imental!

What did the chocolate syrup say to the ice cream?
"I'm sweet on you!"

What did the paper clip say to the magnet?
"I find you very attractive."

What did the French chef give his wife for Valentine's Day?
A hug and a quiche!

What did one pickle say to the other?
"You mean a great dill to me."

What did the elephant say to his girlfriend?
"I love you a ton!"

What did the bat say to his girlfriend?
"You're fun to hang around with."

Did you hear about the nearsighted porcupine?
He fell in love with a pincushion!

What did the pencil say to the paper?
"I dot my i's on you!"

Liz: "I can't be your valentine for medical reasons."
Jon: "Really?"
Liz: "Yeah, you make me sick!"

Why do valentines have hearts on them?
Because spleens would look pretty gross!

What did one light bulb say to the other?
"I love you a whole watt!"

What does a man who loves his car do on February 14?
He gives it a valenshine!

"Do you love me more than you love sleep?"
"I can't answer now. It's time for my nap!"

What did the man with the broken leg say to his nurse?
"I've got a crutch on you!"

Did you hear about the romance in the tropical fish tank?
It was a case of guppy love.

What did Frankenstein say to his girlfriend?
"Be my valenstein!"

The Lord's Blessings overflow!!

I have had such great news the past few days, and I have to share it!!

First, I am a Grandma!! My stepson has a little girl, and here is her information...

Hailey Jacqueline
Born:2/11/08
20 1/2"
8lbs 1oz

And the most beautiful little girl, I have ever seen in my life!!

Now for the second good news!!!

I entered a contest from In His Hands and I WON!!!! First, I want to thank Terri for being so AWESOME!!

Now here is what I won...


And since today is a yucky day, I am going to jump right into Wising Up!!

Have a blessed day!!

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Soul Food

I love the taste of T-bone steak,
Delicious every bite,
But there's nothing like the Word of God,
For my spiritual appetite.

The Word of God has milk and meat,
And even ice cream and cake.
Take a slice of the Bread of Life,
And coffee to keep us awake.

Open your Bible and turn to Psalms,
For David's famous buffet.
You can drink all the wine of the word you want,
And still feel fine the next day.

There's enough of the Word for everyone,
And no one has to cheat.
The Word of God is a smorgasboard,
So take all you are able to eat.

Let's have a little long suffering,
Job gives the recipe.
Patience is the main ingredient,
Self denial is the fee.

Wrap that up in temperance,
It may not make much sense,
Cover that with contentment,
Then add some joy for strength.

Let's have love for dessert,
Jesus made this dish,
Cream of joy and peace together,
Sift out all selfishness.

Add some deeds of righteousness,
Enough to make it sweet.
Humility is the frosting,
That makes the dish complete.

Or are you on a diet,
Cause the race seems hard to run.
For a weight losing menu,
Try Hebrews 12 and 1.

Are you suffering from malnutrition,
And don't know what to do?
Your spiritual growth! seems hindered,
Try I. Peter 2 and 2.

If when every time you battle,
the enemy always wins,
Try some Holy Ghost Protein,
And spiritual vitamins.

God's Word can feed millions,
And still have plenty left.
Because the Word of God is Soul Food,
Sent from the World's Greatest CHEF.
Amen.

I still miss you

On, February 9, 1973 God called Mary Eleanor Greenwell home, and I still miss her today, 35 years later. I can remember her holding my little hand in hers as we walked to the bakery. I can remember her showing me how to tie my shoes, by putting a shoestring on the back of a kitchen chair. I can remember the love and warmth of her smile. I can remember how she made me feel safe. I was always safe with her, in her arms, or just around her. I don't remember her as sick as she was, but I do remember the last time that I saw her. She was in the hospital, and my sister and I were too young to go see her in her room. So my mother drove around to the side of the hospital, where her room was, and I remember her waving to us down in the car, and even then, I still felt her love. Even though she was in enormous pain, dying of cancer, the Lord gave her enough strength to get out of bed and go to the hospital window and wave to us.

She was a wonderful woman, she was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and most of, the best grandma to me. And even now, when you mention her name to someone who knew her, people have nothing but good to say about her. I remember someone saying, "I have never heard anyone say a bad thing about Eleanor", and that's true. I was so blessed to have her, even though it was a very short time, but I do miss her dearly.

I pray that I am half the wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and grandma (one day), that she was! I would be a very blessed person.

The message that I have today, is dedicated to my grandma!! I love ya, Grandma!!



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Laundry

I would like to ask a question...why is it so hard to get kids to do their laundry?? I have three boys, and they would rather walk around in shorts in 25* weather, than wash their clothes. Yup, my boys (12-13-19) all do their own laundry, and they have since they were 10. We are trying to teach our boys to be self sufficient, but sometimes that is hard, because we constantly hear, "But so-and-so don't have to do their laundry, or chores", and our response is (you moms out there know what I am going to say, I know it)..."Well, I am not their parent, I am your parent". And boy do they not like that...hehe.

But hubby took care of the laundry thing last night, he told all the boys they will do all their laundry, and get their rooms cleaned up, BEFORE, they get on the computer. Sounds great, huh?? But I am the one here when they get home, and I don't feel I have to go behind 12 and 13 year olds to make sure they do what they are supposed to do. And I won't!! I refuse to!! These boys need to learn responsibility.

Now, I think I know what the problem is, between how I see things and how my hubby sees things. See, I was brought up in a home where my mother was the only parent and my sister and I. So we had to do all the chores, there was nothing that neither of us could do. Now, on the other hand, my hubby was brought up, also in a home with him mom being the only parent for awhile, but he has sisters. So the sisters did the "girl" things, for example, washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning, vacuuming and other things like that. Now the boys, they did the yard work, and the taking out of trash, and whatever other "boy" chores were to be done. So now, you see my trouble and why it is hard sometimes for us to see eye to eye on a lot of things, but I do have to say, my hubby is getting much better, and I am trying to bend and let him take care of things. Like the laundry deal today.

I'll let you know how that works out....

Now, I need this message today, so I am going to memorize it and keep it on my lips today, because I am going to need the Lord's help today!!! Hehe

Have a blessed Day!!

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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

Praying

I hear these awesome prayers when I go to Church, but when I pray, I can't find those same beautiful words for myself. I really try, but they just don't come to me. When I talk to the Father, I talk, I praise, I tell Him my sorrows, I tell Him my worries, and I thank Him for the blessings that He gives me daily. But to me that is not the same as the awesome prayers that I have heard, in church, in Bible study groups, or from other Christians. So I am quite shy about praying in front of others.

But I received the following email, and it was so awesome, that I had to pass it on to everyone. The email is Monday Moments, and I get them every Monday (yeah, I know I am late, but what else is new...LOL), and they are so awesome. If you read this and you are interested in receiving these every Monday, please feel free to send your request to Michael Halleen, mhalleen@att.net , and let him know that you would like to subscribe to his list, I know you won't be sorry!!

Have a Blessed Day!!

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Monday Moment

February 4, 2008

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. (Psalm 36:9)

I have found that that many people want to pray—or think they ought to pray—but feel they cannot. They hear passionate or formal prayers in the church and are convinced that if that is what it takes, they will never be able to pray. So I offer here a few simple prayers I use, all borrowed from others and changed to fit me. Use them if they help you. But it is also okay to pray in your own words, however uncertain they may be. God is not concerned about eloquence. A simple thought simply expressed to God is profound prayer.

Beginning the day.... God, thanks for bringing me to this new day. I accept it as a gift from you. Lead me in every problem I face and every decision I make. Help me to treat people kindly and truthfully. If I should forget you at some point today, may I at least remember that you don’t forget me.

Needing guidance.... Lord, I need direction. Make my mind alert. Deepen my understanding. Help me to be willing to do what you want for me rather than what’s easy or familiar. Keep me sensitive to your will and always ready to follow it.

Facing crisis.... Father in Heaven, what I do at this moment may affect the rest my life. Help me to think straight and creatively. Calm my mind so that ideas and insights might come to me as they are needed. I lay the whole matter before you. Show me what to do and how to do it.

Feeling hurt.... Dear God, I feel wounded and unhappy. Help me to rise above my feelings. Pour your love on this pain in my spirit and heal it so I won’t carry this hurt any more.

Worrying about tomorrow.... Lord, I admit that I’m worried. Sometimes my faith in you is weak. Touch me with your peace. Help me to know that you are God and that I don’t need to be afraid. I give myself into your grace and ask for your comfort.

Before eating.... God, thanks for all the good things of life—for food, for loved ones, for our home, for everything that makes life good. We owe it all to you.