Only God knows the number of our days

Genetic blunders, complicated with atmosphere and ozone problems can make our bodies riddled with disease. Most of us try to take care of the body we were given. I have always loved vegetables of almost any kind, except butter and kidney beans. Spinach, carrots, broccoli and beets have always some of my favorites. Sometimes I get a little angry that I have Chron's disease. According to the studies, I shouldn't have it.

Disease and death have mercy on no one. I'm so glad we have a personal God who cares for us in every way. We don't always understand the trials of this life, but He does. As my soul grows closer to and more dependant on God, my body weakens and my soul prepares for eternity. I have no doubt that my Heavenly Father knows best. When I'm ready, as much as I love this life, I'll gladly step into eternity.

It is frustrating to hear people that I love ask if I'm eating right. If you knew how hard I try to eat and do the right things, you wouldn't ask. I'm walking almost every day, but my intestines and arteries are plugging back up. Wine seems to be the only thing keeping the pipes flowing enough to work these days. Honestly, I don't like wine well enough to drink a lot of that either. So, I drink it in a little Peach tea as a spritzer.

Only God knows the number of my days. But rest assured, when my soul exits this body, I'll be present with the Lord. :) I'll be one of the first ones to hug you and welcome you home- if I get there before you do.

Less than two weeks ago I had a friend from high school who went in for some test. Less than 24 hrs. latter she passed out, and passed away from complications from that test. Another older friend was sent home from the hospital last Friday. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Less than 24 hours after leaving the hospital, she stepped into eternity. Ironically, she had been longing to see her departed husband. Saturday night, they were reunited in heaven forever.

None of us know the amount of time we'll be given on this earth. It's very important to know where you'll spend eternity when you leave your body behind. Having peace with God is worth a lifetime here on earth, and in eternity.

"Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the Peace that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if it is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Philippians 4:8 & 9 (NIV)

Real Love

"You my brothers, were called to be free. But, do not use your freedom to indulge in sinful nature; rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep biting and devouring each other, watch out or you'll be destroyed by each other."

Galatians 5:13-15 (NIV)

Face book can be a fun thing to look at and catch up with and keep in contact with all kinds of people from your past, present, some use it to meet new people. But it can also be a way of damaging integrity, or slandering another person if it's used negatively. When these things happen, it would be very easy to retaliate. My sin nature is quick to respond, but what good is there in repaying a slur out of anger?

I'm still working on my temper. Sometimes I just have to walk away from situations. One day I'd like to respond to the negatives in life like Jesus, silent and still loving. To be able to love a slanderer enough to die for them-that's real love.

Guess it's best to look beyond the moments in a negative situation and remember there are good things about that person as well. The negative side is distasteful and ugly in our personalities, that's another reason not to express it. Sometimes that response will be enough to correct the other person anyway.

Read Matthew 27. It amazes me that even after all the cruel slurs, beating and tournament Jesus still died for our sins because He loved us that much. That is real Love.

Life isn't Always pretty, but it's Always Good!

The day Heidi was born was quite an eventful day. I cleaned and scrubbed everything I could. Fixed a big meal for Mark and Michael. Somewhere around seven o'clock at night I took a shower and felt like setting down for the night. By 7:30pm the contractions in my back were hard and various.

Mark took me to the hospital, which was only a few miles away. We arrived there just after 7:45 and the nurses confirmed I was in labor. Dr. Steury was called and he arrived just in time. As he bent down to see how far I was dilated, the water burst. I'll never forget his face. He raised his head and with his hands on my knees, he said, "That's the second time you broke water on me!"

I busted out laughing. He looked like a cartoon character with water dripping from his matted hair and thick glasses. I didn't laugh for long; the contractions really were strong. I looked up in the mirror there was a beautiful crowning (The crowning is a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors just before the baby's head comes out.) Her little head popped out right after that. By 8:03 Heidi Fisher entered the world. Seven pounds, thirteen ounces of a bubbly little girl!

We were talking about giving birth in class yesterday. One guy sat there and said, "That's so groce." The truth is, Yes life is often groce, painful and messy. But I'm so happy to have experienced it and everything in it. The pains of life can sometime seem never ending. But if you're alive you will feel physical, emotional and spiritual pain sometime. As you age, you realize that if it hurts it probably still works. :)

I am glad that no matter how much it hurts all this pain in life love and the pursuit of happiness will pass and I'll step out into eternity with Jesus. No more crying there, yeah hey! :)

"To the woman He said,"I will greatly increase your pain in child bearing; with pain you will give birth to children.

Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."

Genesis 3:16-17 (NIV)

Those words are so true to anyone giving birth naturally! As well as the following verse, you know what I'm talking about ladies who are married. You crave "the wild thing" but hate the way your spouse rules over you. Frankly, sometimes it's really hard to listen and do what Mark wants. Sometimes I even refuse what he asks.

God knows these things-He created us. He knows us from the inside out. He has so much compassion read Mark chapters 1 through 4

Finally, consider Philippians 3:20 (NIV). "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

God bless you and keep you in His will! :) The picture above is Heidi now. She'll be 26 on May 5th.

Friends I will remember you, think of you, & pray for you.

Old cars are like old friends. We have a 1999 Buick Century, that I call my green "Cherry Bomb." We've owned it for almost all the 220,000 miles it has on it. It's more dependable than our newer car. As I was cleaning the inside of it out yesterday I was remembering all the wonderful people that have rode in that car, and the conversations we've had. Isn't it amazing how God puts different people in our lives at just the time we need them most?

Some people we have for just a season. Others are like that old car, I know they're there for me, regardless of the storms, or sunny days in my life. I have a handful of friends from way back in my grade school days that I love like sisters. I hope they know they can always count on me to pray for them and love them through eternity. Miles and years have come between us, but our love, friendship and ties in God unite us forever.

I'm thankful God has blessed me with good friends. Love really does make life happier and sweeter! Whether your an old friend, or new friend, I appreciate the time God has given us together. I appreciate you.

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) Jesus does stick closer than a brother!

"Love each other as I have loved you. greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12 (NIV)

He Reigns from Heaven to Earth!

I've always said I'd like to die in the mountains doing something I love, like walking. The other day we were in a state park on a mountain, walking the trails. The wind began to blow, the air was filled with so much pollen dust it turned yellow. I have been feeling pretty good, so I didn't have my inhaler with me. Two miles away from the car I knew I was in deep trouble, And I found myself begging God for my next breath. Asthma really does make you feel like a fish out of water.

Have you ever considered how fast you could exit this life? Our next breath really does come from God. The Lord gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

"There is no God like the God of Jeshurun,who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:26and 27 (NIV)

Think about His Love. Think about His Goodness. Think about all the things He's brought us through. He's still the same yesterday, or in this case way back in the Old Testament and He'll be the same for all our tomorrows! Our God is an awesome God!

Just a Wanna Be, or Is it Real?

I know the family dog has been around us too long when my husband farted and the dog checks his hinnie to see if it was his. After he knew the smell wasn't coming from his body, he sniffed Mark. Then he pulled his ears back and flopped down by my side, in a huff, as if to say, "You leaky pot licker."

Roscoe is quite a character. He thinks he's one of us. Of course he isn't, but we sure have fun with him.

I think there probably are a lot of "Christians" in church that call themselves believers. They may even serve as deacons, preachers or Sunday school teachers. The fact is the only thing that makes anyone a believer is a true personal relationship with Christ Jesus. You have to have real faith that he came to die for your sins. You have to have asked Him to forgive your sins.You must have accepted Him as your Savior. If you really have done these things you will want to please Him and share Him with others.

"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Matthew 11:27 (NIV) These are Jesus' words.

Please take the time to read Matthew chapter 13.

It's so important that you know for sure who and what Jesus is to you. It's not the pomp and circumstance that counts when you die. It really comes down to your personal relationship with Christ, either you have one or you don't. Without being born again, you will die in your sins a spiritual death. Choose life in Christ, your physical body will die, but your soul will live forever in heaven.

May we all have a heart for God!

Knowing there's an ocean because you've seen a stream, is an example of faith.

"Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, Understand then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The scripture fore saw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announce the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."

Galatians 3:5-9 (NIV)

Have you ever thought about the faith of Abraham? He rarely strayed far from God's will. Usually he got into trouble trying to rush God's will. God loved Abraham so much because his heart belonged to God. He genuinely wanted to Please God.

"To the faithful you show yourself faithful,

to the blameless you show yourself blameless," Psalm 18:25 (NIV)

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.

His a shield for all who take refuge in Him." Psalm 18:30

"I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all the nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

Because Jesus came, lived , died and rose again the number of believers and followers are like the grains on a seashore. I couldn't count all the grains in a handful of sand. Imagine a whole seashore of believers, that's one big family of God! Aren't you glad God opened your eyes of faith, He knew you'd be His in your mother's womb. :) That's our God; a God worth living for!

Knowing you have an awesome God because you've seen Him work in your life and in the lives of the people you love, is an example of faith in God!

Train up A Child in the Way He or She should Go

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them upon your children.Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Deuteronomy 6:6 & 7 (NIV)

"Jesus said,"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

I was thinking about how wonderful, and enjoyable it was living with and watching my children as they grew up. I often wonder how the time slipped away so fast. They're both grown and gone and it's back to just Mark and I again. I miss the laughter, questions and love.

It's amazing how entertaining a big ole box can be to a child. Large empty boxes always provided more fun and imagination than any toy ever could at our house. Large empty boxes became anything from a space ship to major live in doll house. These boxes were used until every last ounce of life was gone from them, never thrown away unless the dog peed in them, or they were totally exhausted from imagination.

I always enjoyed reading to the kids so we usually read a chapter or two from a children's story like, "Willows in the Wind" and of course "Charlotte's Web," in the afternoon. (We read both books at least 5 times) Then at night we read one Bible story before bed. As interesting as the Children's Stories were, they never provoked the thoughts and pondering that the Bible Stories did. Both Michael and Heidi asked several questions before going to sleep, then often woke up with comments or questions from the same Bible story.

Don't you think if a child shows an interest in certain things like Science, Math, Geography, or any other field you should also try to help them grow in those areas? Mark & I were never rich, but we found ways to subscribe to National Geographic because Heidi loved Geography. She is my little traveler. We subscribed to Popular Mechanic and Science Magazines because Michael loved taking things apart and putting them back together. They both loved Science, but so do Mark and I. Michael is finishing up an Engineering degree on a full scholarship.

But of all the things I encouraged my children to do, I hope more than anything, I always encouraged a good relationship with God. Putting Him first in their lives and loving Jesus with all their mind, body and soul. A right relationship with God will give you the best foundation in life.

Now my friend I hope you have a good relationship with God. If your relationship with Him is lacking in any way, it's okay, He is very forgiving and loving . He wants you back, close to His side, talk to Him and make your relationship with God the best it can be. Being close to Jesus is the happiest place to be.

(The picture above is my niece Emy showing her niece how to be kind to a baby bunny.)

This is the Day

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24 (NIV)

Imagine being 48, on your way to a college class, but finding yourself day dreaming about jumping on a fast horse and riding on the Florida seashores. I haven't caught myself day dreaming in ions, but I did yesterday. As I drove past a horse farm with horses on both sides of the road I picked out my favorite sable colored horse and ventured off in my mind. Miles from Athens just the horse and I galloping through the waves, beating the next wave with a breeze in our faces and the smell of the surf. :) I was so into that day dream I actually felt refreshed by the time I reached the ATC parking lot. Unfortunately, I was late so my legs ran as quickly as they could to class.

On my way home, that same horse was out by the fence He gave me a look like you might get from a kindred spirit,as if to say, let's do it again. I smiled as I thought, in a New York minute my friend. Sometimes I think it's good to take a little vacation, even if it's just a brief walk in our favorite park, or a conversation with a sweet friend. Escape from all the adversities, if only briefly! What a refreshing relief. Yesterday was certainly one of those days. It ended with one of my favorite friends calling, which was such a nice way to end the day.

God's word is always a wonderful way to begin and or end the day with too. God's truths are wonderful things to ponder before going to sleep. I hope you take time to shut the world's kaois out and spend time reading God's Word, sharing laughs and sorrows with a good friend and just dreaming once in a while, if not every day for just a little bit.

"You are my God and I will give you thanks; you are my God and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever."

Psalm 118:28&29 (NIV)

"Give me understanding and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart."

Psalm 119:34 (NIV)

"Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word." Psalm 119:37 (NIV)

"My comfort and my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life."

Psalm 119:50 (NIV)

Why Did Jesus Die? To clean up Our Sin.

"So the Lord God said to serpent, "Because you have done this, Cursed are you above all the live stock and all the wild animals!

You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust, all the days of your life.

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers.

He will crush your head and you will strike his heel." Genesis 3:14-15 (NIV)

Have you ever wondered why God had to die for our sins? Before Jesus died, believers offered God sacrifices for their sins. The high priest would take the lambs, goats and calves without blemish and sacrifice them and ask God's forgiveness for the believer's sins. If the high priest was unclean, because of his sin the animals died in vain, the high priest died and the sinner's sin was still a problem.

Jesus life and death on that cross completed what God the Father wanted for a sin sacrifice. Jesus was the sinless lamb that would take away the sin of any sinner who simply acknowledged God, accepted His son as the ultimate sacrifice and truly allowed Jesus to be their savior. After his burial he went to hell to crush Satan's head. Yes, Jesus heel was bruised by Satan. But Christ beat death of all the believer's soul that day. Like Jesus your body will one day die. Because he rose from the grave and defeated Satan, you too shall live if you've accepted him as your savior.

I don't have the space to type all of the words in 1 Corinthians 15:35-50, but they are well worth your time to read these verses right now. Just as Jesus Christ was born with an earthly body, he also had a soul living inside that body. ( Jesus was God's son, but he was also God. The deity of God is sometimes hard to understand, but I'll explain it another day.) God made man in His own image; therefore, we also have a human body and a soul. One day in heaven we will also have a heavenly body that our soul will be housed in.

Death is Swallowed up in Victory!

"Listen I tell you the mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- in a flash,in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet . For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe it's self with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (NIV)

"Where, O death, is your Victory?

Where, O death, is your your Sting?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore my dear brothers stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give your self fully to the work of the Lord, because you know your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:55-58 (NIV)

On this Easter Sunday as always I feel like jumping up and singing a song we sang at the Baptist College in Grand Rapids Michigan. "Rise Up O Man of God! Have done with lesser things. Bring forth the Royal Diadem and Crown Him LORD OF ALL!

Christ the Lord is Risen today Hallelujah! This is the best of all the holidays we celebrate. Through the ultimate gift of God's only son we have a direct path to God the Father. I'm enjoying life in Christ with a whole bunch of my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus! Finally, I know that heaven a waits as soon as my soul departs from my dead shell! GOD IS SO GOOD.

God Always Delivers As He Promises

"My God my God why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?" Psalm 22:1 (NIV)

"Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mothers breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mothers womb you have been my God.

Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help."

Psalm 22:9-11(NIV)

"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.

My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.

My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.

Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men have encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.

I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.

They divide my garments among them and casts lots for my clothing." Psalm 22:14-18 (NIV)

"Come let us return to the Lord: He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.

After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us that we may live in his presence." Hosea 6:1-2 (NIV)

Anyone who doubts that God will complete what he promises please note the verses you just read. They are quoted from the Old Testament which was written many years before Jesus birth. (Proving the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that God is all knowing.) Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice as our high priest, to bridge the gap to cover our sins. Without Christ's death we would have no Holy Ghost to guide our life. Through Jesus death, burial and resurrection we can say no to our sin nature. Because He rose from the grave, our souls will also rise to live an everlasting life in heaven, if we've accepted Christ as our Savior.

Shouldn't Good Friday be honored more than any other holiday? No one else can save us from our sins, or bring us into everlasting life. Jesus Christ is the only sinless person who has ever lived. As a Christian we have so much to be thankful for regardless of our circumstances, don't you think?

Finish the Race with Grace

As I looked around while I was mowing the yard and trimming the bushes everything seems fuller and bigger this year. The winter was hard, we had so much snow and rain. Honestly, there were times I doubted Spring would ever come, but it did. Very few of my plants died. For the first time my lilac bush and crab apple tree actually have little flowers popping out.

Our lives as Christians are similar to the plants and trees in nature. Some Christians can't handle the pressures of life so they retreat, or even spiritually die during the adversities of life. Trials and hardships like this past winter can seem relentless. Ironically, trials often bring us closer to God and each other. Growth in Christ is sometimes painful, but necessary.

I remember being diagnosed with Chron's. I really never expected to live as long as I have. Twenty surgeries latter, I definitely feel physically weaker now. I'm closer to God, because of my circumstances. God always has my best interest at heart. In short I'm moving toward the mark of completeness for eternity. Only God takes all the negative and turns it into a beautiful ending. :) Like my lilacs, roses and gardenias at the end of my winter all the hardships will turn into a fragrant awesome product for God's glory.

"Be joyful always, pray continually; Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test every good thing. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.May your whole spirit, body and soul be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (NIV)

We all go through different trials according to His will. Hang on to Jesus when the winds of change howl. Let Him hold you when you're too weak to go on. Finally, smile as you look back at all His wonderful grace that's carried you through and know He will until you go home.