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)