January 16, 2012

We have had hail and snow!  It has not disappeared today and more is coming down.  Good day to stay safe and cozy in the house ... but NO, my husband insisted on going for a ride!  Grrrrr ... at least he has his cell phone and is to call me every stop he makes!  Praying one of those is not from a ditch.  I told him to have the tow truck bring him home if that is where he lands.  After prodding, he at least took his cane to help him stay steady on the ice.  What a GUY he is.  He just left and it is snowing big flakes right now!  Lord what am I to do???

 

Our life this week:

We go to the Urologist on thursday, providing we can get there in this weather.  I see that it might just turn to rain and hoping that is the case.

This morning we read the last chapter of 1 Thessalonians.  If we put on the breastplate of faith, which we get from staying in the word; love, which we learn from studying the life of our Lord; the helmet of hope, hope that He comes soon and salvation, which we are so privileged to have, we will constantly live in the hope that the Lord is coming soon!  Lord come soon!  I am so anxious for that day.  We will have no more fear, pain, worries - gosh new bodies!  ... and the joy of praising the Lord all day long! 

 

Bible Study:
My new bible study with Cathie Laurie called *Pursuing God* is taking me through the Psalms! Lesson 3 was Psalms 23, one I have known by heart for probably 50 years.  It is also one of my favorites.
Here is my summary:
This Psalms just fills me with the joy in knowing that I am one of His sheep.  That He is my shepard.   I have no fears, no wants for he fills me totally (If I just let him).  Just as a Shepard He calls me by name - HE KNOWS ME!  He gave up His life for me, just like a shepard would do for his flock and in doing so He gives me eternal life. 

As the good Shepard - He will provide for me; guide me; comfort me, nurture me; protect and care for me!  Not just a little but with abundance, rest, protection, restoration, keeping on the right path if I try to stray.  My Shepard goes above and beyond to protect me as I face moments of great need and peril. 
I know that God is always at work for the good of me because I love Him.  I am sure that nothing can separate me from God's love!

The rod of the shepard is used to mark his sheep so he will know them, used to guide them and protect them.  The staff having a *hook* on the end is used to pull me back when I try to run off a cliff or stray off on the wrong path. 

The traits of a sheep fit me soooooo well!  They are weak of back so they can not carry burdens well.  They are stupid; clueless; go astray or wander off the path; defenseless; get rattled and skittish; they will stay in a meadow they have already eaten and one that has no nourishment when there is a green field right next door ... they need guidance.
OH I am such a sheep!

Verse of the day:

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5

My Pearl of the Day:
I am reminded that when I come to the Lord's Table, I am refreshed.  When Satan is condemning me, when I am aware of my own failures, shortcomings and sins - I come to the Table of the Lord and remember once again that the blood of Jesus cleanses me and my sin is washed away totally and completely.


Picture of the day

If you look closely you can see the little balls of hail falling.  Actually looks like they are falling up.  This was taken off our back deck yesterday afternoon.

January 15, 2012

The wind is blowing and it has rained most of the day.  Sounds and looks like the storm they talked about is on its way.  Praying that the coastal range will be dry or at least just rainy wet when we drive over it on Thursday!  I am such a white-knuckle driver in wintery weather!

Our life this week:

Since is a blustery winter day, I am glad to stay home cozy and warm.  Dick went to the park to watch the waves.  I am so thankful that he turned his drinking addiction over to the Lord and we are on our way into year two of no alcohol!!!   Thank you Jesus.

Last Sunday was our 7th year anniversary.  It has been an interesting and wonderful journey.  Last year of course almost losing Dick twice has kept me on my toes.  We are both so happy and content, even though we wish it were different and that health was not an issue. 

This morning we finished 1 Thessalonians chapter 3.  Reminds us not to get too *comfy* in our walk with the Lord.  We are to continue to seek, grow and learn!  That seems pretty easy for me, since I do not feel I can ever get enough of the Word.  Each time I read the same verse or chapter something new pierces my heart and I am once again overwhelmed and feel like my cup runneth over again and again.

Bible Study:
My new bible study with Cathie Laurie called *Pursuing God* is taking me through the Psalms!  Lesson 1 was Psalms 25, Lesson 2 was Psalms 96.  I finished that one last night.  It did not *sing* out to me as much as Lesson 1, but I know I am pursuing God and that is my intention.

Here is my summary:

This lesson shows me the importance of singing praises to the Lord and what an honor it is I have to be able to do that.

To sing to the Lord in thankfullness of the blessings he bestows upon me (including my salvation).

To sing is the opportunity to proclaim the Good News of Salvation.

To sing in declaration of His Glory.

God is so great!  Wow to think He made the Heavens.

What a privilege to sing to him praises for His honor, majesty, strength and beauty.

He alone is worth of my songs of praise.  He is coming soon to judge the eath with

righteousness and with His truth!

Verse of the day:

For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.  He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth.  Psalm 96:13

My Pearl of the Day:
Once again, I think it is just cotton candy sweet to know that God chose me.  That I remain eager to learn and be used.  I am just needing to declare my love for God!


Picture of the day

Today Lisa is taking Dani out for *sister day*.  It was Lisa's Christmas present to Dani.  Brunch, movie, snacks .... just a day together.  I love my family so much and am so proud of these two nieces!  Lord, I pray you just bring them joy today as they make memories!

January 13, 2012

The sun is shining and it is a beautiful wintery day.  Just got home from my weekly shopping trip and Dick has gone out for a ride and to the park to watch the ocean.
Our life this week:
Dick is having trouble sleeping.  I think it the stress of not knowing what the results will be from the CT Urogram he had yesterday.  We both pray and try to live the life of trusting and believing that our path is exactly what the Lord has planned for us.  I guess it is just that human trait to hang on and worry.  I don't sleep well either.   I sleep so lightly listening for any problems Dick might have.

Our reading this morning from 1 Thessalonians 3 actually was what we needed to hear - Praise God for His wisdom to have us at these verses this morning!  It talked about the fiery trials we must face and that we must face them with joy.  They don't make or break us, they show what is inside us.  I like that!  In the past, I have found myself reading the bible and thinking that so and so should read this, it is definitely for them.  This year I am reading it with ME in mind only.  I have not been the least bit afraid of the results we will hear on Thursday.  I guess for me it is a joy that I face these trials.  It was interesting that Jon C. pointed out that sometimes the trials are to show what inside of you ... like anger.  If you are angry with someone ... it is not that you are really angry with that person ... the anger is just there inside of you.  The Lord may give you a test to show you the anger in you.  If you are walking with Him you will learn this .... He has such amazing ways of showing you those things.


Bible Study:
My new bible study with Cathie Laurie called *Pursuing God* is heart warming!  I finished lesson 1 which is based on Psalm 25.  

Here is my summary:
The study is helping me to listen to the Lord, live the lessons I learn from His Word.  I will give attention with intention to obey what He is saying to me.

Show me your ways! Teach me your paths!  Lead me in Your truths!

My help only comes from God.  I can only trust God's character.  God will deliver me.

God is merciful, loving, kind, everlasting, trustworthy, forgiving, the refresher of my soul, my leader, my teacher, committed to me, good, upright, my savior, a promise keeper, my friend, the one who chose me, the planner of my path.


Verse of the day:
My eyes are ever toward the Lord for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Psalm 25:15

My Pearl of the Day:
God never tires.  He is there with me every second of every day for everything!  The reality of that takes me to my knees.  He is committed to me.  He chose me. 
I read somewhere and I think it might have come from DL Moody and went something like this:
I am glad God chose me before I was born, if I had lived for awhile I am sure I would not have been His choice.


Picture of the day
With my care for Dick, I have had to stay pretty close to him, thus inactive and have gained
all the weight I lost before ... so now I am taking just 15 minute walks and watching what I eat, so ...

Not really!   I just thought this was so cute!
Praying you all have a wonderful day safe in the arms of our Lord!

January 12, 2012

January 12, 2012

Where did the time go?  I was going to be so faithful to my blogging and it has been almost a month.  I am going to use a new format and hope you will enjoy.  To be honest it is more for me, my daily life with my precious husband and my walk with the Lord!

Our life this week:
Mornings are my favorite time with Dick.  We go through our regular routines, then set aside time to read the bible and pray together.  There are times when I think of those moments and my heart swells like a hot air balloon! 
We were so impressed with the book of Colossians and the lessons we learned we hated to leave that book, but felt the nudge to go on to 1 Thessalonians.  We are in chapter 2 now.  Dick sits with his eyes closed as I read until he wants to inject a comment!  I love our discussion times and how we can put into practice the lessons the Lord gives us from His word. 

Yesterday, we went to Corvallis for Dick's CT Urogram.  The weather held out and we had a sunny drive with just a bit of frost on the road.  Dick said that yesterday was one of the worse days of his life.  He had to lay flat on his back for almost an hour as they took frame after frame of xrays.  He was hurting so bad that he finally yelled out for help.  If you know Dick, that took some time.  They then placed a pillow under his hip/back and it helped somewhat.  However, by that time he was in so much pain.  We came home had dinner right away and Dick was off to bed.  Now we wait for the results until next week.  We pray that it is just infection related and not cancer.  The Lord's will is what we have prayed for and we know that no matter what the results show, we can handle our path as the Lord lays it out for us.

I have crocheted a baby blanket for Lia and Burt and just can't wait for my brand new great nephew.  This is going to be such an amazing year of events in our family, weddings, births, graduations and reunions!  Thanking God for my precious family.

Bible Study:
I am just starting my new bible study with Cathie Laurie called *Pursuing God*.  Her studies have been so amazing and I am looking forward to this one too.  Thanking God for Cathie!!!

Verse of the day:
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of man, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

My Pearl of the Day:
God's written Word and the Living Word, Jesus are my truth, my light and my bread!
I have been so thankful for those truths.  God does not have a rear view mirror, He does not look back at any of my sin.  He does not store them up on a shelf to bring them down when I mess up again!  He says that, I believe that He is my truth, my light and my bread!!!

Picture of the day

The man I love at the cabin on the lake in Florence.
I am so proud of Dick.  He has been sober for over
a year now with the help of the Lord it has not been
the struggle it was in the past for him.  Praising God!