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?