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.

Are You spiritually Healthy?

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." The Third letter of John verses 2-4 (NIV)

John 3 has so few words, and yet it has such a powerful message. As John tells about the believer, Gaius he is so pleased that he shows others his faith through deeds. Gaius is out among the nonbelievers showing the difference that Christ makes in our lives, by loving them as Christ did.

Love and hospitality goes such a long way in life. When you show people you care about their life, they pay attention to you. Soon they will want what you have, which opens the witnessing door wide open. It's always good to know the verses to lead others to Christ. If you don't have them memorized, use the concordance in the back of your bible to find them.

"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. " 3John 1:11

Did you notice how much John values what's going on in this believers soul?

Why do we value these temporary bodies so much? The body dies, but our soul lives forever in heaven or hell. Shouldn't we first focus on whether our family and friends are going to live eternally in heaven or hell?

How we live and even die may affect whether nonbelievers accept, or reject Christ. Make your physical life count from the beginning to the end, live for Christ. Worry more about spiritual growth more than physical health.

Be more concerned about your family and friends spiritual relationship and growth in Jesus Christ. Eternity isn't as far away as you think. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! Just remember: The only way to heaven is through Jesus the son of God.

I write these things to you so that you will know you have eternal life.

"He who has the Son of God has life;he who has not the Son of God does not have life. " 1John 5:12

"This is the one who came by water and blood-Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it's the spirit that testifies, because the spirit is truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 1John 5:6-8 (NIV)

"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)

The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are the three parts of one our one God. When Christ (who had no sin) died for our sins he was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. His burial should remind us of a death to sin.

Rising from the grave He gave us freedom over a spiritual death, providing we accept it. Physical death may take these earthly bodies, but our soul will live forever. :) If we accept Christ as our Savior we will go to heaven when we die. (Your free Will allows you to decide.)

I pray you'll allow the holy ghost to work in and through you until we all get to heaven! Life is good, but God is Better! May God grant us all: Life, Love and the pursuit of holy happiness.

Sail on, as the sea of life roars on!

"...Fear not for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name; you are mine. when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you a blaze.

For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead."

Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)

"I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'

Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth- everyone who is called by my name whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:5-7 (NIV)

There maybe times in your life when you ask, "Does God really care or even know what I'm going through?" I would like to assure you, God does care and has provided a way to see you, or your loved ones through everything you will go through in life.

God is here let Him help you.

"Be strong and courageous, Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Whether you're fretting over your self, or a loved one today, remember God has given you everything you need to overcome the problem through the Holy spirit that dwells within you, if you've asked Jesus Christ in your life as your Savior.

"You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

1 John 4:4 (NIV)

Life can be an angry sea, that can toss us all to and fro. It is so important to remember, that the same God who formed us is in control. There is nothing you can not get through with Jesus Christ. Let go of the fear, and cling to God, your sustainer.

If you're concerned over a loved ones seemingly wayward lifestyle remember this dear friend: The same God who provided your salvation through Jesus His son, has placed that person in your life. As you read over Isaiah chapter 43, take verses five through seven into your heart. God entrusted the children, spouses or friends we have into our lives for a reason. Live your life as a godly example. The best sermons are preached by example, not by words. In His time God will bring them back. Until then, keep loving, and living Christ in you the hope of glory.