Happy New Year

May God Grant you the peace that surpasses all understanding this year! May others look at your life and want Jesus, because you show His peace and love.

May we all enjoy enough sunbeams to warm our faces, and enough moon beams to charm and enchant us.

Let God keep His angels guarding and protecting our minds, bodies and especially our souls. May we all grow in His goodness and grace. God grant us wisdom and knowledge through good and bad times. May we all grow more like Jesus as 2010 comes to a close.

God Keep you and make His Face to shine upon you, my friends and family in Christ Jesus.

My prayer for you will be, Numbers 6: 24-26. Please keep me in your prayers as well. We all need God's goodness, grace and love this year and always! But isn't it great to have such an awesome God and Heavenly Father?

Sorry it's been so long ...

Please accept my apologies for being away for such a long time. I truly didn't realize how long it had been, until I signed in. Honestly, I've been through so much physically and mentally, there was very little time or energy to write.

Once again my eyes seem bright white instead of blood shot. (The eyes reveal so much about the body and soul.) My stomach is working some what better-not great, but functioning better than it was. Please pray for me as I will have 3 drainage tubes until at least Jan. 20Th, 2010. And over a hundred staples that will have to be removed sometime in February. My body is so weak and sore. I'm changing wafers 8 or 9 times a day-which has created a bloody very painful skin situation on top of messes to clean up. This life is difficult to say the least, but yeah hey, My God Reigns, and has saw fit to see me through once again. Give God the glory for it is He who has done great things!

I'd like to address a topic that seems to keep popping up everywhere I go, in all walks of life, we are all dealing with it. "The Dysfunctional Family, " can we get a break from it? We all long for peace, or so we say. I don't email, call or write when I am feeling bad, generally. Frankly, there's simply not much that will change from complaining. Yet, every since I was a little girl maybe 6 or 7 my heart yearned for a peaceful family unit that simply never existed and probably never will, regardless how hard I try.

I use to think it was my fault, this dysfunctional family I came from, after all I am the reason my parents married. "The illegitimate child," the culprit of the clan. But as time has went on I know that dysfunctional is probably more common than, "normal." Are there any "normal families" out there? Although I can honestly say Mark and I have enjoyed a more normal family unit than I came from, but honestly, we didn't acheive, God did.

My father called this morning to tell me what an awful person I was for not calling him or my sister in Michigan who suffered a car accident over 20 some years ago, but still feels the need to be coddled. (Please-the only long term problems she really has is not from the car accident, but from crawling up into her own rectum so far-there's no remote light of reality. Which my parents seem all to pleased to cater too. Frankly, I'm sick and tired of hearing what a great mother she's been and a about her ultimate family. Her world is so small she still calls mommy and daddy to tell them-"Kathy is shunning me again. She didn't return my phone call yesterday. So sorry-It's been a little hard to return phone calls when I've had a butt load of financial calls to return while I was in the hospital, changing wafers and once in a while going to sleep to avoid the pain.)

In short, I'd like to remind the rest of my Christian family, there are no perfect families til we get to heaven. God the Father is the only perfect Father. He alone can take away our pain-physically, mentally and spiritually.

"And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." Luke 5:31 KJV

We all need Jesus.

Compromised?

I received an interesting email from an unknown person this week. This seemed to be a very kind hearted person, who probably knew Christ as their Savior. This person went on to tell me they were kicked out of school because they had cheated on a chemistry test. (I think this person was wondering if I would condemn or accept them, based on this act.)



Ironically, I can say I've never been tempted to cheat on a test, but I have been tempted and succumbed to sin in so many other areas of life. The truth is we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. None of us are any better than the worst in mankind. Jesus redemption through His blood is the only difference between a sinner and a heaven bound saint.



Here's the ironic part, Thursday while I was taking a computer test, a guy I set next to started tapping me on the arm, during the test. :( Without even thinking I looked over and said, "Huh?" He shoves the instructions in front of my face and said, "You have to center that!"



Why was he even looking at my screen?" Maybe his intent was good, but that action threw my whole thought pattern off. I have a habit of going back and checking things, if there's time before I submit it. Now I felt like there was no way I could go back and fix that without "cheating." To make matters worse a few minutes latter, he taps me again. This time I felt like cussing, but didn't. I glared at him, and told him "That's why they call it a test."



To top it all off, there was the teacher glaring at me. I tried to explain what happened when I turned my work in. She is a very good teacher, but I couldn't help but wonder if she now questions my integrity. My point is this never say never, because Satan will find a way to tempt any of us. If he doesn't secede he will at least make us look bad.



By the end of the test I felt horrible; no I didn't go back and try to repair things. I probably failed the test. I asked that guy to never do that again. He said he was, "only trying to help." Bless his heart maybe in his mind, that was trying to help. God will have to sort that one out.

Sin is sin. We all are guilty of it and none of us are better than anyone else. It's important to let Jesus make the difference and as He said in the following passage, "Go and sin no more."

5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
The Validity of Jesus' Testimony 12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
13The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
14Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. 18I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."
John 8:5-18 (NIV)

Get Real-Open Yourself Up

Yesterday, I met a very nice lady, ironically I never asked her name. We just talked about a lot of personal things while waiting on some test results. Were we the ladies to discover we are facing some difficult health challenges? Time and test will tell. Please pray for Mrs. Waters although we're both secure in Christ, unlike me, she has 3 children at home. No mother ever wants to leave her children, but that fear multiplies ten times before they're grown.



Read your Bibles, pray and talk to other people that you meet along Life's way. God put you together for a reason. I think about how short life really is, and how the fear of talking to others about intimate serious issues is so often left unsaid. What a waste of time and energy. Shouldn't we be more concerned about peoples souls,hearts and lives, verses the possibility of hurting feelings, embarrassment, or just not having the right words to say? Step out on Faith, when God asks you to. He will provide the words-He always does.


What about your loved ones? Give them the free gift of knowing the real you. Open your heart and soul to those you love. All too soon this life will slip away, don't let love,life and secure thoughts go unsaid.


"I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
2 Timothy 1:3-12 (NIV)




You have what you need for this Life Use it! You are more than conquers in Christ Jesus. I love you my brothers and sisters in Christ-Live and Love Boldly. Kathy

How Eve and I are Similar and Different

I feel like this excited little kid who is finally getting what she always wanted. When I was about 10 years old I was so interested in the human body. I signed out every diagrammed human body book they'd allow me to check out from our school library. Every Christmas and birthday I begged for one of those human body models in the Sears catalog. Every year, twice a year, until I was fifteen I was given the same darn answer, "Kathy, those are just too expensive. We can't afford it."

I'm about to dive into Human Anatomy and Physiology at Athens Tech. (I would still like one of those cool models, but I know they're even more expensive now, so I will not even ask.) The anatomy book I ordered is so cool! It has transparent pages with all the parts-it's so cool!( I get to keep this book, woo-hoo!) I'm already studying the chapters, it is so amazing how God put so many details, and major functions into every little part; He really thought of everything. I know this is gonna be a hard class, but I'm so excited.Is it the 28TH of September yet? I'll be the weirdo on the front row asking so many questions, because the more I read the more I want to know.

5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." Genesis 3:5-7 (NIV)

For the first time, I understand why Eve had to know. But unlike her, I probably would have said, "Cool beans, let's not cover up until we get cold." (Sorry if that's an offensive thought, but it's very honest.)

We have an Awesome Inheritance from God

God's goodness and kindness never seems to end. What a wonderful friend we have in Jesus. Yesterday I had the privilege of sharing part of the afternoon with a friend from school and her daughter. You can't imagine how wonderful it was to have a child in the house again! Children absolutely usher in a whole new warm light into a home. They remove the sterile atmosphere with silly giggles, warm smiles and honest thoughts-that are absolutely refreshing and so close to heaven!

What a blessing to share time with my teacher and friend and her daughter. Why does the time have to go so fast when we're having fun? Still, I can't imagine the sadness of life, if we didn't have the assurance that one day so much sooner than we can imagine, that we'll gather at the river on heavens blissful shore, with our ultimate friend-Jesus. As wonderful as youth is, it quickly passes and only what's done for Jesus in love will last.

Remember the butterfly I encountered on an early, cold Spring day? The one that stayed on my open hand, until I brought it in out of the cold. The one that lived in my office, for over a week, until it warmed up outside. This afternoon, one that looked just like that same butterfly was on my back porch. Somehow she was caught on her back lying on her wings, in the rain.

Fall is in the cooling rain and air in GA. This butterfly was at the end of its life span today. I gently put my index finger above its legs, and it grabbed on. Slowly it crawled across my finger and into my open hand. Each step felt as if it was gently kissing me good bye. It's once beautiful body looked so tattered and torn, the back lower right wing had a big piece missing. But she stoped just before climbing up my wrist, fluttering just a little, then she flew off. Life is awesome we never know how long it will last, but our Creator Sustainer spurs us on with wonderful lessons in life and love.

If you have a minute jot your blessings down. Share them with others. In fact, I would love to hear about your adventures, blessings and even your trials. Let people into your life; we're not meant to live solitude lives without God or others.Love is a wonderful thing, share it, give it and accept it from others.

" 11With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. " 2 Thessalonians1:11&12 (NIV)

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

What a wonderful Day!

This has just been a really nice day today! God has been so good. I woke up to the pleasant surprise of good grades at school,(3.5 GPA) the Hope grant will continue into the fall term, and I paid my fall fees. I studied the 3rd chapter in my Anatomy & Physiology book. Fearfully and wonderfully made are understatements. The human body is awesomely designed. It's so interesting how every little cell inside us has so many things it does before it dies. Everything inside works together as a whole for the bodies good. Wow.

" 1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, [a] God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139 NIV

We have so much to be thankful for. even in the worst of times God intervenes on our behalf. How can we not be grateful to an Awesome Almighty Heavenly Father?

Happy Labor Day

Hope you all are having a relaxing Labor Day. We're cleaning house, watching tennis matches and enjoying the day together.

The Fall term begins in three weeks. It will be fun to get back to learning again. Until then if you have any good suggestions for loosing weight I'd appreciate them. I'm not a good dieter. I'd rather work it off outside and keep eating :). I never stick to diets, I just need to shovel less and exercise more.

"2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:2&3 (NIV)

Life isn't always "peachy" is it?

Unfortunately...life, love and family are disappointing. I'm sure we've all experienced that fact at sometime, and no one likes it when it happens. It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth,mind and heart, doesn't it?

There have been times that I said never again; only to realize, I too have fallen short of others expectations, love and friendship. The truth is no one is perfect and this life often disappoints all of us.

I guess that's why I'm so thankful for Jesus love, friendship and the gifts He gives. Without Him life would really be one big peach pit wouldn't it? It would for me.

Have a great day and be thankful for what you do have. Complaining about the short comings in life probably will not help unless it's practical advice for your disappointer. If life is the pits right now collect your peach pit memories on paper and then shred the paper with your own hands. If you're still not happy use it as confetti, preferable outside!

This entry is a picture of my sister Steph & I trying to tube down some falls.

(She's the dark headed one, looking like, "What have I agreed to do with this crazy sister of mine?" When we were kids I drug her out in all kinds of weather to do all sorts of "great things," for example: sliding down huge hills, swinging across a creek with only tennis shoes on, or riding 20 miles on our bikes just to get an ice cream cone. Her famous words still are,"Why do I let you talk me into these things?" )

Unfortunately, there wasn't much water and obviously we are no longer feather weights. She and my mother were afraid of snakes, which I rarely see at Hurricane Shoals. They both felt they were, "too old to do this kind of thing." I will never get too old to do the things I love.Where there is a will, there is always a way!

" 22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Romans 8:22-28 (NIV)

How Much Can You Forgive?

17 " 'Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.
18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:17 & 18 (NIV)

"O Lord, if I have found favor in your eyes," he said, "then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance." Exodus 34:9 (NIV)

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a] Matthew 18:21 &22 (NIV)

This afternoon, I watched a brief video concerning the Muslims population. Then, I thought about a message from a pastor who had worked in a Muslim country. He said, "Once a nation arrives at a 70% Muslim population they publicly execute Christians who refuse to bow to "Allah." After that, I thought about a friend of mine at school who told me she was afraid to renounce "Allah" as her god. She was afraid of being beaten, or even killed.

What kind of religion kills people for non belief or abandonment? Certainly not a loving or free willed one. Why does anyone even consider that kind of faith? My God is loving and merciful. Yet He created the heavens and the earth. He seeks love from His people on a free will basis.

I am really struggling with the fact that we may see public executions and this country and that America may be a Muslim nation before I die. Do you know what and why you believe? Is your faith worth dying for? Jesus Christ gave His life freely for me. I'll gladly live and die for him, but I am not without sin. Jesus knew no sin. He became the ultimate sacrifice for any sinner who would invite Him to be their Savior and Lord.

Will I be able to forgive others if they kill my friends and family in Christ? That's one I'll have to pray about, because it's hard to forgive others who harm my loved ones. How do you feel about this question?

Are You Ready for Life's Finals?

" Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,"

1Peter 3:13-18 (NIV)

"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." Romans 6:8-14 (NIV)

A few weeks ago our pastor told a joke about an elderly lady who was in a nursing home about to die. Her grand daughter came in while she was reading her bible. After the grand daughter sat patiently waiting for her dear grandmother to finish, she noticed that she was reading from chapter to chapter. The granddaughter's a lotted time she could spend talking to her grandmother was quickly slipping away. So gently the lady asked, "Grandmother, what are you doing?"

To which the Grandmother replied, "I'm cramming for finals dear!"

Many of us are in our last two weeks before Summer finals at school. Everything is quickly coming to an end in our present classes. It's so ironic that when they started I was so up tight I failed all my first tests. A math teacher looked at me and said, "What happened? I know you know this stuff." I was so tense I figured out the the problems, but coordinated the wrong answer to most of the problems.

Life can be like that, can't it? We know the right thing to do, but left on our own guidance, we choose the wrong solution. Then it seems we'll never find our way back, but somehow God always takes us back.

As my math teacher pointed out, we need to relax and just take it one step at a time, slowly and methodically, knowing God is in control. "It's a test-not a matter of life and death!" If we fail God will probably make us go back through the same thing until we get it right with Him. Things really do go better with Jesus-not Coke a Cola.

So Many Things to be Thankful for!

(This is Hurricane Shoals in February. Friday I rode a tube from the falls down stream! What a blast, thankfully God gave me the strength and wisdom to dodge, and bounce off the rocks! You can't imagine the Zeal and Joy it is, unless you do it yourself! At 48 it's quite a thrill. No, there's not this much water there now, it's actually more of an adventure with less water!)


Be ye Glad, be ye glad Jesus is the best friend we've ever had!





I have so many things to be thankful for, many more than ever take the time to count each day. Most of you know I was suppose to be dead many years ago, yet I'm not only alive, but doing well! If fate calls my number today and I enter eternity in less than a Nano second, again I come up on the winning end. Because Christ is my Savior and friend, I simply reside at the best address given-heaven.





Friday, I had the joyous privilege of tubing down a small water fall not far from my house. Honestly, I felt like squealing like a happy little kid as the tube roared over the falls, down stream. It's so hard to imagine less than 3 summers ago I was facing the possibility of not walking any more, before an extensive surgery with lots of pain and lots of mesh. Dr. Linn at Emory hospital cut and sewed for over six long intensive hours putting this body back together again. Had he not took the time and skill I would be setting in a wheel chair today. (My stomach muscles had ripped apart almost all the way around to my spinal cord. Had they reached the spinal cord, I would have been paralyzed from my waist down for the rest of my life.)





Not only am I connected but I'm actually sore from tubing on Friday-but what a great pain to know it comes from using muscles that could have easily been disconnected and non functioning had they not been repaired. God is so good, we never know exactly how or what He will do in this life time. Sometimes we run, sometimes we're forced to slow down and walk. Sometimes we are so weak we have to crawl, but one thing we must never do is give up. Why should we the author and perfecter of our faith is still in control! Do what you must, just never give up!





Thank God for all the Good , Bad and Ugly. It's at all those times He shows us who and what we are, His children in the struggle of living, loving and hopefully growing in Him! Hail Him who saves you by His grace.





Thanksgiving and Prayer





"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.



For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."


Colossians 1:3-14 (NIV)


No matter what happens today or any day, I hope you can say with me, "Life has been good and God has been an an awesome God who has Always loved and took such good care of me!"

Stear into the wake, but set your eye on the prize

"6.But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1st Timothy 6:6-19 (NIV)

That says so much at one time, but really sums up what we should seek in this lifetime. We come into this life naked and we shall go out the same way-with no material value. It is so easy to get caught up in all the other distractions isn't it? Satan loves to throw us off track from God with all the temptations where we're the weakest.

Set your eyes on the prize and cling to the spirit of God as you sail through the waters of life and love.

We may need to follow the wake of those who have gone on before us, but how we sail and our life journey ultimately is left between God and the individual sailor!

Choices

"A person should be like a watch-open-faced, busy hands, well regulated and full of good works. " Roy Zuck

That is a pretty good illustration, wouldn't you agree? it is so important to keep growing and going, as long as we are alive. Everyday is an opportunity to grow in our relationships with others and God. We will never know how many days we have left before our time on earth stops.

My father called last night and told me that one of my first fishing buddies in Michigan has advanced lung cancer. You or I may never take another breath, because every breath is given from our creator and sustainer. Tell me what would you do today if today was your last day on earth?

Now go tell those people you love how much you love them. Share the important stuff, do the necessary things you'll want to be remembered for and live like it was your last chance. Dance like nobody is watching! Live,Laugh, Love and Give everything you give from your heart!

Will the choices you make today bring health and happiness to God and others, as well as yourself? Make the most of what you have, give it to your heavenly Dad!

"If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching" 1 Timothy 4:6-13 (NIV)

You and I will be changed in the twinkling of an eye. That is why it is so important to know where you will go when you die.

Seven ways to build a Better You

1. Show Appreciation

2. Reach out and connect with other people

3. Work on the Relationships you have.

4. Follow Jesus-The best Role model you'll ever have.

5. Smile often

6. Focus on Positive People

7. Build your inner circle with the people who inspire, truly love and care about you and others with a sincere heart. Never forget, you must love others in order to be loved.

What kind of people do you want to attract? I guess that depends on where your heart really is. Just remember that life is short and it goes by so much faster than you imagined, so make the most of what you have and be glad while you're here doing it!

Proverbs 21:1-8 (NIV)
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
2 All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!
5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6 A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

Everyone needs a place to meet God Alone

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike." John Muir

I totally agree with that statement, so often I find I need sheer solitude with God instead of haughty, noisy crowds. Sometimes I simply need to be alone and ask God, "What should I do now?" Sometimes He doesn't respond quickly, and I become frustrated, but often as I'm walking and waiting He simply responds through simple examples in nature. Pray for me as I seek God's guidance in so many things.

"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah chapter 40:28-31 KJV

Back Off I've got Gas!

I guess we've all had the misfortune of having someone in front of us who lets out a gut wrenching smell, that is so potent you swear you're gonna die. Someone almost always says, "Lord have mercy what did you eat to smell like that?"

The one with so much "Flower Power,"notoriously, turns around with a ghastly grin or at our house a hearty ha-ha-ha. If Michael my son is around he almost always adds, "Was it as good for you as it was for me?"

I love to hear him laugh, I always have. Every since he was a baby he could light up a room with his hearty laugh and smile. His smile and laugh have grown with him over the years. Honestly, I treasure Michael, Heidi and Neva more each passing year. When the three of them get together, there is so much laughter, joking and farting going on we all have a ball. I'm really looking forward to the next time we can all be together again.

Love beyond the surface

"Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another." Romans 12:10 (Amplified Bible)

I have been amazed at how easy it is to get to know people at Athens Tech. The people in the Athens area seem so friendly and kind. This is a great area to live!

More than ever, people want and need to know we really care about them. Love is like an awesome boomerang, the more you genuinely give to people so much more returns. Deep fellowship requires more than, "Hi how are you?" Find people you can really listen to and help. Cautiously, expose yourself to others, look for the real friendships in life. Remember you are the "salt" of the earth; we need to share with, and love both believers and nonbelievers. No one was created to live alone.

One of the greatest problems in the church, (The whole body of believers, not just a certain building or group.) is the fact that there is very little real fellowship. No, we shouldn't air all our problems to the four winds for everyone to know and see. However, we all need at least someone, or a small group of friends we can share deep thoughts, problems and joys with. As we share our hearts and lives we can build each other up, encourage one another to grow and press on. Love the way God created you to love, genuinely. Does that make sense?

Please ask God to give me wisdom

29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

1 Kings 4:29-34 (NIV)

I wish God would bless me with this much knowledge. Wouldn't it be great to be as wise as King Solomon? If by chance you didn't have the right answer, there were scholars in his court who could solve the problem.

Going back to school isn't as easy as it sounds. Frankly, all the new ways to do old math problems, at what seems faster than the speed of light, is very overwhelming. English class is very enlightening. However, yesterday I doubted my grammatical skills more than I trusted them.

I learned that I probably was too aggressive in the way I wrote my last book. If I offended any of you, I didn't mean to, please accept my apology. I've always been a direct person; but I'm also a very affectionate person. I never want to be too aggressive, or over powering, but I'm afraid I may have been.

As my readers, will you please help me? When I'm too much of anything, please let me know. I'd rather know and change than go on hurting anyone. I really appreciate the English teacher pointing that writing technique out.

Thank you so much, for your patience and love for me despite all my rough edges and flaws. God still has so much to do with me; maybe that's why I'm still on this earth learning. God Bless you with lots of Christ's perfect love now and always. May He grant us all the wisdom we need to grow in Him and help others do the same.

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

Yeah Hey, there's still hope!

:) Kathy :)

It is so GOOD to Laugh Again!

Psalm 126
1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Psalm 126 (NIV)

I understand what it is like to have long dry spells of sadness and depression in your life. After a while you just are so tired of crying and feeling sad. It's so good when people make you laugh! Last Thursday was one of those happy days for me. School went so well. I really am enjoying being back in school. I dreaded going back in some ways, but it has truly been a welcomed blessing!

It was so good to see I can still lighten other peoples loads, with my humor as well. I heard one guy in the back of the math class say "She's so darn funny, how does she come up with all of that so fast?"

The math teacher made the comment, "Two negatives always make a positive."

To which I quickly looked up and replied, "Someone needs to tell the banks that; because, every time I do that in my check book they just say, "you bounced and then you bounced again."

"So I guess, two negatives don't always make a positive, or at least where I come from." Mr. pony tail, looked back and rolled his eyes. "Yes, well in math it does, Kathy."

For all of you who have been praying for me, thank you so much. I earnestly need for your prayers. As in this case, it's gonna be hard to teach an old dog new tricks especially when the old dog has lived more than the math principles apply. I'm praying and loving you too, God bless and keep you all.

I can't but God can do it through me!

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12 & 13 (NIV)

Yesterday I was reminded again how important this verse is in my life. At the ripe old age of 48, I am back in school. Satan tried to defeat me as early as the night before. After tossing and turning, I finally fell asleep four hours before the alarm went off.

Most of my things were packed and ready to roll the night before. As I drank my coffee and shoveled my Cheerios I asked God for wisdom, clarity and grace to get through my first day. In the shower I asked for peace and a helpful attitude toward others who may encounter a stressful day, little did I know how stressful my day was about to become.

By the time I reached Athens my head felt like it was splitting from a horrible headache, so I stopped in a gas station to buy something for that. I quickly grabbed a small package; I'm so glad I took that second glace at the box. It was Tylenol PM. :) (Can you imagine sleeping and probably snoring to the high heavens on your first day of class? Imagine the professors first impression of a snoring older student.) The gas station attendant sold me a $8.47 small bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol. Shortly after that I pulled into Athens Tech, just in time to say, "adios" to the headache. Yeah Hey :)

As I lowered my rolling bag to the ground, I noticed I was pretty wet around my stomach. I really didn't think much of it, because I had put on a fresh dry pouch on just after my shower. It was probably just water from the water bottle. I strolled into the building and found my class. I had plenty of time so I ran to the bathroom. Lovely, as I pulled my pants down, everything was soaked in wet poo. The "fresh pouch" had a pin hole in it somewhere. Fortunately, there was enough time to clean up and put myself back together before the class ever started.

While I was cleaning up, Satan was throwing his jeers, " What do you think you're doing? Going to school at this age and in this condition; ha I doubt you'll last the day?

By this point I blew a cork, "You are absolutely right! I am too old, probably too stupid and weak to do this myself, but with Christ in me I can do all things, and Damn it I will!"

Actually, the rest of my day was a blast! Once I remembered I can and will do whatever God asks me to do. In myself I am NOTHING, but in Him I have everything I need to get through whatever this life throws at me.

Please pray for me; I continue to pray for and love you.

Is your life void?

"My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:12 and 13 (NIV)

Life without Jesus Christ is unsatisfiable and void. So many people try to fill their lives up with all kinds of substitutes of their choice. Nothing will fill the void in your life for God, except God. He wants a personal relationship with you, because He loves You.

"Then God said, "Let us make man in our own image," in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Genesis 1:26 (NIV)

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the most high place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with a pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV)

This life will be unfulfilled without Christ's influence in your daily life. God created you with a need to seek Him for guidance, fellowship and love. From the beginning to the end God is the only one who can fulfill, satisfy and meet your every need.

Ask God to forgive your sins through Christ Jesus. Ask the Holy Ghost into your heart. Let God guide and direct you. You will find happiness and satisfaction in Him.

"Everyone who believes that, Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves his child as well. This is how we know we love the children of God; by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome," 1 John 5: 1-3 (NIV)

"Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:5 (NIV)

"For there are three that testify:the Spirit, the water and the blood; the three are in agreement. " 1 John: 7&8 (NIV)

I pray for joy, peace and love in your life; but you will not really have any of them without knowing Christ as your Savior. If you need more help please email me, I would love to explain more, and even pray with you if you would like. You can email me at: kathlenefisher@yahoo.com.

Oh No, it's a Puffed up Puffer!

"Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21 (NIV)

We've all met them and some have been them, the puffed up rascal of "Whoa Look at Me! See how I shine, finer than a brand new dime."

As you are discretely rolling your eyes and thinking, "Oh brother, here we go," they rattle on blowing their own trumpeting hindy horn. As I read Matthew chapters six and seven, it's obvious God finds this behavior very distasteful.

"So when you give to the needy do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full." Mathew 6:2 (NIV)

Jesus goes on to talk about prayer. He reminds us that He already knows what we need. Prayer is simply talking to God. Just as you'd talk to a partner, or close friend about your needs, desires or problems, go To your Heavenly Father in private as well.

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. but if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14 &15 (NIV)

As He goes on Jesus talks about fasting (That's something we all could probably do more of.) In all these things God wants us to do them discretely , not with a pitiful or haughty attitude.

God knows our motives. People look at the works, but God exams why we are doing the acts. Are you glorifying God, or are you working on inflating your self? Ironically, the "Puffer Believers" may never ask themselves that question. If they did, would they really want to?

"But Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:20 &21 (NIV)

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others , you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1 & 2 (NIV)

" So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

Read Matthew chapters six and seven. Both chapters are great mirrors to look into. Remember you can change your image with Jesus!

Roscoe's Revenge

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry feed him; If he is thirsty, give him drink, In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12: 17-21 (NIV)

A few days ago I told you about a bicycle wreck Mark and I had, which also included our dog, Roscoe. It seems Roscoe has been holding a grudge because of that accident and a few other things he has not been able to have his way with the past days. Frankly, Mark and I have about had it with our huffy, puffy little Pug.

Yesterday, he was upset with Mark. I had left for a while, so the two of them were home alone. (That in it's self can be dangerous.) Roscoe was outside with Mark.

Mark has been restoring this old 1975 lawn mower that he brought back from Michigan. Yesterday, he worked on it until the grass was dry enough to cut. Roscoe kept teasing to go back inside, because he was too hot. Mark, wouldn't let him in because he thought it was to nice for either of them to be inside.

Mark jumped on the other rider and began mowing; leaving Mr. Roscoe in the garage pouting and howling at the door. After Mark finished mowing, he noticed Roscoe out by the back porch, seemingly happy. Mark put the mower up and walked into the garage where the older mower was. There by the back tire, Roscoe had made a stinky deposit of three little turds.

Mark turned around, there sat Roscoe, as if to say, "How do you like that?" Latter Roscoe, stole a disconnected part off that same back wheel and took it out in the yard. Mark looked for over an hour for that one little part.

When we sat down on the back porch swing to drink a coke; Roscoe came walking up with the "missing in action part" Mark had been looking for. Mark jumped up and hollered, "Roscoe, did you take that part?"

Roscoe looked up with another goofy grin, as if to say, "So, what if I did?"

I couldn't help but laugh. Unfortunately, Roscoe wasn't finished. Today while I was moving things off the front porch to clean it, Roscoe lifted his leg to pee on my flower pot. "Roscoe, don't you pee on my pot!"

Quickly, that little leg came down. Just as I was about to say, "good boy," he ran up and peed on a column on the front porch. I had the broom, so I whacked him a good one right in his hindy. He turned around and he growled at me. Oh, that really burnt my biscuits. So I whacked him a few more times. Snarling he pouted off.

Maybe that's why it's not a good idea to repay evil for evil. You just might end up with a few more whacks, or a shoe up your bottom. Does that make sense?

P.S. That's Roscoe, on Grandpa Fisher's Farm a few weeks ago in MI. What secrets do you think they were sharing?

We were meant to be Together

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.. And let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing; but let us encourage one another -and all the more as you see the day approaching."
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)


"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering? Sometimes you were exposed to public insult and persecution, at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that yourselves had better lasting possessions.

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to preserve so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:32-36 (NIV)


There are no better words than those above to explain how much we need Christ to be the center of our lives, and then to have at least a few close heart to heart friends in Christ we can share, love and build our lives with. Good friends promote growth and love. God did not make you an island to stand alone as the four winds blow your world apart. Cling to Jesus first, and let others help you. You have brothers and sisters in Christ that love you and want to help you cling to Jesus.

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)

There is a special joy in my heart for the "true friends in Christ" I have. It is so wonderful to shoulder burdens together. Frankly, the load is lighter with a friend. Love, understanding, forgiveness and sharing in Christ are some awesome life changing gifts that are so fulfilling to share. Because of the bond in Christ friendships and love for each other are bound forever together.



Not everyone inside the church doors is a real believer. Be careful and slow when you call someone a friend, poor choices can lead down dark paths away from Christ. If they're really seeking God's will and you share the bonds of friendship and brotherly love, God has probably drawn you together to weather the sunshine and storms of life together.



True believers in Christ will help build you up in Christ. As you draw closer to God and his word, you will share joy and sorrow, grow in love and grace and become more like Christ. Isn't that what our goal in this life is?

It will be so good to hear: Welcome Home!

"...Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is and is to come." Revelation 4:8 (NIV)

"You are worthy our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11 (NIV)

Are you looking forward to the time we spend eternity worshiping God?

I am, frankly I can't wait. I often think about it as we sing when the roll is called up yonder in church. Selfishly, I can't wait until all my saved loved ones and friends are united in heaven with no more tears, pain or sin.

Heaven will be more than words can describe. Just to see and touch Jesus is going to be so awesome! Do you ever get homesick for heaven?

"Therefore, "they are before the throne of God.'

and serve Him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.

never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.

The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:15-17 (NIV)

There are Tunes and Rules to Follow

"Shout to the Lord, all the earth. worship the Lord with gladness: come before Him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God, It is he who made us, and we are his: we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100 (NIV)

Mark and I were in a little church we use to go to a few weeks ago in Michigan. It was wonderful to see and be with those believers. But I have to be honest, their music has a lot to be desired. They've abandoned their hymn books, for songs they don't know, and try to sing to words written on a screen. I don't say these things to be mean or make fun of them, but to point out a fact. It's awfully hard to follow a tune if you don't know what the tune is. Not just for some, but for everyone.

Likewise, God gave us a written word and love letter to follow called the Bible. Just as God expects us to follow his word by reading it ourselves, rather than getting a watered down or sometimes poorly interpreted version from someone else once a week. It's not up to preachers, teachers or fill in leaders to spoon feed you the Bible. Just as music can be horribly distorted from not following the given notes, christian lives can be driven way off track from the lack of reading the Bible.

I would encourage you to go back to reading the Bible daily, praying and listening for God's prompting in your life. How you choose to grow, and go in this life influences what will happen in your next life which lasts for eternity. Lack of self discipline is no ones fault, but your own.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God!

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."

Surely He will save you from the Fowler's snare and from deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys in midday." Psalm 91:1-6 (NIV)

Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91:14-16 (NIV)

Those words are so very true for me. Probably half of the gray hair in my mothers head are there because of the dumb things I've managed to do, or the stunts over the years I've pulled. Last night was no exception.

My husband and I own a bicycle built for two, that I love to ride. We live in a little subdivision that has some pretty big hills. Getting up those hills is a bear, especially when we put Roscoe's booger cart on the back. (Roscoe, our dog is a chunky little pug, who weighs at least 25 pounds.) Sailing swiftly down the hills is sheer delight! I love to cut through the air going at least 45 mph, and often we're going even faster than that.

Last night Roscoe was really getting into it as well. He was hanging out the front of the cart, almost laughing, as his jowls and ears were being blown back. Mark was in the front driving and really controlling the speed, and steering and braking. To put it mildly, he was having a blast putting on a show. Several of the neighbors were getting a kick out of the three of us. But on our second lap around, Mark turned a sharp corner going about 45 mph.

We had done this before going this fast, but I often whacked him and told him, "I'll never ride again if you don't slow down." But deep down there's also this thrill of defying death, just one more time, (kind of sick isn't it?)

You probably know what happened next. The tires were squawking as Mark stood up to try to stop. Roscoe's cart jack knifed, and so did the bike. The back tire, with me in the rear, slammed into the curb. Roscoe was silent. I whacked Mark and told him what a stupid J.A. he was. The booger cart laid on it's side all tore up. Quickly I unzipped the door, to check on what I thought was our dead dog.

Poor Roscoe, there he laid, his eyes were as big as a womb-bat. His tail stretched straight out, not curled like it always is when he's happy. If he could have spoke I have no doubt he would have said, "What in the hey happened?" He amazingly jumped out the door, as if to say, "We'll don't ask me to do that again!" In the cart laid this little poop. But I guess anyone, or anything would have left something, after being almost scared to death. Immediately he headed for home. I was right behind Roscoe at first, stomping and cussing as we went.

After a few steps, I went back to check on dumb you know who. The wind had certainly left his sails as well. The back wheel was almost pretzeled in half. We were about half a mile from the house; so it was a long walk back to carry a heavy bike and cart.

I was so mad, I didn't dare speak to Mark until he came in the kitchen and started to argue with me. Then everything came out at once. Beginning with I knew that was going to happen; and that God had given us so much more than mercy. Frankly, I'm surprised my head wasn't split open like a ripe mush melon splattering on the pavement.

Needless to say, I will not do that again, unless he promises to drive sanely especially around the corners! God has saved my bacon many more times than I ever deserved. I'm very thankful for a Most High God who really is our refuge in all times.

I seen a bill board a few weeks ago that is so true. It read: "They may take our home away, but they'll never be able to take my God or faith away!" How True, God bless You.