God calls Husbands to be the Head of the House

"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him." Proverbs 30:5

I began reading, "The Fruit of Her Hands," by Nancy Wilson this morning. I never really thought too much about how much a wife can influence her husband's life by how she treats him. But then that makes perfect sense in another way. Most of us marry for companionship, a love life and to commit a life long journey relationship with a person we'd like to spend the rest of our life with. Of all the people in the world you need your spouses acceptance and love more than anyone Else's.

She brought up the fact that if we have a good opinion of our spouse they should feel good about them self. A positive outlook will make both partners more productive, happy and the relationship will continue to grow and blossom into a beautiful life together.

She mentioned another very important fact, every husband should be the head of the home. Sometimes this is a difficult thing for Mark and I. He simply does not like leading. I jump in all to quickly- to save the day. God designed women to follow their husbands not lead them. I do not want to be lead, but my patience will only wait a short time before I jump up to take the reigns. Sometimes those eager beaver moves cost us in more ways than one.

God made no mistakes in placing the husband as the head of the marriage. Please pray for me to learn to wait for Mark's direction. Everyone is happier and healthier obeying God's commands.

Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct accompanied by the fear of the Lord." 1 Peter 3:1-3

We all fall short of the glory of God. No wife has a reason to seek out a new leader just because you married one without leading skills. We need to ask God to prompt those leadership qualities. Praising him when he does take the lead will help too.

I'll ask for God's blessing on all of us in this area of our lives. I guess a good cheerleader is always needed in family life, friendships and in God's family! Encouragement inspires desire to do well!

God bless you!

We Need Each Other so Much!

As I ran and crashed through the front doors of the Ionia High School, which was then located on Union Street in Ionia, Michigan, I sprung straight up in the air taping the tops of my toes with my fingers. Dropping just beyond that fourth step I hit the ground running, racing to the end of the next three steps, I propelled my body straight up into the air, kicked my feet to my butt and with arms flung open wide I yelled, "Look out World, Here I come!"





Finally, that Junior year was over and I was a Senior in high school! As I ran past one of my high school friends I remember them giggling and screaming out, "Way to go, Kath!"

Does life get any better than this? At the time I didn't think so.

My life has been filled with happy occasions like that one, that I choose to keep front and center in my mind. On the bad days I remember the great times. Those flash points keep me where I'd rather be in life-happy. I choose not to recall bad memories unless it's necessary to protect of my mind, or soul. Does that make sense?

Last week was even better than that last day of my Junior year. Heidi flew in from KC Missouri. We laughed, talked, shopped, swam and hugged so much. Then on Friday night Mike and Neva came home from South Carolina. My house was full of laughter, funny stories and so much love. The smell of baking bread and brownies dripping with vanilla ice cream added even more comfort just before going to bed around one o'clock. We all went to bed with happy blessed hearts from being together again.

Still cutting up, with loving hearts, we had fun taking some family photos out in the back yard on Saturday around noon. Later that day Mike and Neva went back home and Heidi flew back to Andrew in KC, but we enjoyed such a sweet time together. Life does get better in every stage we enter if we only look for those wonderful snap shot memories! God is Always so Good!



"but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."


Ephesians 4:15 & 16 (NASB)

If you'll read Ephesians chapters 4 and 5 I know god will bless you with direction and potential growth if you will apply it to your life. :)

"The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.'

So they shall invoke my name on the sons of Israel, and I will bless them."

Numbers 6::24;27 (NASB)

We've Lost most of our Freedom because of Passive Behavior

Did you know you can take a frog and place it in a pan of luke warm water and slowly increase the temperature until it boils and that frog will sit right there until it is cooked. Americans like the frogs have become so passive, that we've literally let our God given rights and freedoms go. Sharia law, homosexuality, garbage on television, sex ting and songs with some of the foulest lyrics imagined create a stench in our country for the world to smell. Why have we sat idly by while our country swirls down the drain pipe?

Probably because like boiled frogs, we allow just a little garbage in at first. Sometimes a little sin even seems fun, but Satan has a tickling way of desensitization. First, he allows a tastes, then a bite, before you know it you've swallowed a whole poisonous meal. Satan sneers while we die lavished in sin.

Wake up America, look at what You've allowed to enter your minds, hearts and souls.

"And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, they are gossips, slanders, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinances of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them." Romans 1:28-32 (NASB)

Think about Roman burning while Nero played. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God heaving fire and brimstone down on both cities because of immorality. God has brought every nation and kingdom down to ruins when He is ignored, do you really believe America is infallible? Think Again-God has not changed we have.

Ps: If I've startled you with a new temperature, good! Pick up your Bible start reading and gleaning. You'll be surprised how it will improve your sight, life and standing with God.
Those who stand for Nothing will Fall for Anything.

Isaiah 40 is Awesome!

"All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the Lord blows on it; Surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever."
Isaiah 40:6-8 (NASB)

Forgive me for not writing sooner. I've been working outside, :) painting pictures, singing and dancing more! Dr. Dhere has adjusted my medicines and I'm feeling much better. I'm even sweating like a snow cone on the 4Th of July while I'm outside, which is great for me! You can't imagine how high your temperature can climb when you don't sweat.

I'm always amazed, and so thankful for my friends and family who pray, for the doctors and people who help me, but most of all for the closeness I feel to God by traveling all the roads that I have been down in my life time. I can truly say that through it all, God's constant presence is Always there.

"Like a shepherd He will tend is flock. In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom. He will gently lead the nursing ewes."
Isaiah 40:11(NASB)

All of us like sheep tend to go astray from time to time. But aren't you glad our heavenly shepherd gently guides us back? I love the closeness when I'm snuggled in His bosom! I could stay there forever. But then He puts us back on our feet and says, "go on now- just stay close enough to hear my voice, always trust and obey." After a gentle hug from above, we're off and running again. :) Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to know thus saith the Lord!

"Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand; And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance, And the hills in a pair of scales?"
Isaiah 40:12 (NASB)

"To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him?"
Isaiah 40:18 (NASB)

"It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He who reduces rulers to nothing. Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. Scarcely have they been planted. Scarcely have they been sown. Scarcely their stock take root in the earth, But he merely blows on them, and they wither, And the storm carries them away like stubble."
Isaiah 40:24 (NASB)

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God , The Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary. And to him who lacks might He increases power.

Though youths grow weary and tired And vigorous young men stumble badly,

Yet those who wait upon the Lord Will gain new strength, They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:28-31 (NASB)

Whatever this life may bring you to, God promises to see you through if you'll only wait on His providence. Trust and obey for there's No other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Would you ask God to help me finish a painting I'm working on concerning Revelation chapter 19? I'm thoroughly enjoying painting again, but I really want to do a great job on this one for many reasons. I want to help people see the fullness of God-He isn't just meek and mild He is also swift, just, righteous! Our God speaks and life and death come to pass.

Reality

"As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place acknowledges it no longer. Psalm 103:15 and 16 (NASB)

Every day I find myself stumbling over the thought, "there is so much more I should do before I leave this world." Daily, I feel our Heavenly Father smile and say,"Your time on earth will last until your simple tasks are done." With that thought, I relax and go back to my "minds assignments for that day." Just waiting on His provisions for each day.

Still, the frustration of lack of accomplishments in my life get me down. Do my family and friends really know how much I love them? Have I helped others see God the Father like I was suppose to? I've fallen so short so often. How many have I led astray on the bad days, fiery attitudes, or poor choice of words? These things make me sad. Once the words or actions have passed there's no way to take them back. Worse yet, were there days I could have spent fruitfully with family and friends,instead of doing useless repetitious tasks?

Then I look out at the grass in my back yard. I am simply one blade of grass in a vast zillion blades that make up His plan. A hundred years from now will anything I've written, said or done be remembered by even one person? God is my record keeper-no one else.

"He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has set eternity in their heart, yet-so that man will not find out the work which God has done from beginning even to the end.

I know there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in ones lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor- it is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will remain Forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take away from it, for God so worked that men should fear Him. Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (NASB)

"But the loving kindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, To those who keep His covenant And Remember His precepts to do them."

Psalm 103:17 and 18 (NASB)

Remember Who clothes, feeds, and sustains you all the days of your life. If you can, go to a tranquil place outside and read Psalm 104 today or sometime this weekend. Soak up God's awesome creation-another way He shows us how much He loves and cares for us. God bless you today and always.

"God never makes Junk!"

An old friend gave me a book called, "Born for Love," a long time ago. I think I've read that book from cover to cover at least five times now. It's one of those books you can glean many positive principles from every concept. Thinking about the different kinds of love I've experienced throughout life and how wonderful they have all been, I know love is the best part of my life!

Life is just to short not to give and accept as much love as we possibly can! Ironically, the more love you freely give the more love you will gain. Love is continuously mirrored back. God creates every single person with gifts and talents to share with others. As my Momma still says,"God never makes junk!" (She always says this with a glare in her eye when people begin degrading another human because of their skin color, economic status or "limited abilities." She is a retired special education bus driver.) She has always believed there is much to learn from everyone God would ever put into any of our lives. Momma, you were so right!

In my 50 years on this earth, there have been many different people of all kinds of ethnic, social, economic back grounds with various mental and social capabilities. Every single person has had God given worth and taught me at least one valuable lesson. Some gave me pain, but still it added to my gain. Most though, I can honestly say were a blessing to know and I am so thankful God put our paths together.

So many of you have helped me, multiplied my joy, love and even desire for life! You've prayed with and for me. Some of you have cried with and for me. God bless you my dearest friends. Together we've smiled, laughed and even fought. I just want you to know that I truly do love you and thank God for you.

Today, if you encounter a bitter person, please try to show them love and grace. So often those who need the most love get the least amount of love. Your desire maybe to slap them verbally or physically but try to help them see God's love through you. Maybe these words of wisdom from Proverbs will help.

"Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. But you, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction. Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days."

Psalm 55:22 and 23 (NASB)

"Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the righteous; Do not destroy his resting place; for a righteous man falls seven times and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Or the Lord will see it and be displeased, and turn His anger away from him." Proverbs 24:15-18 (NASB)

Please read Psalm 66. His word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Him. His word never returns void. Thank you for being my friend, I love you.

By His Stripes We are Healed

Isn't it amazing the extents we will go for the people and things we love in life?





Roses have always been one of my favorite flowers. As beautiful as they are their thorns are so painful. I was working outside in my yard yesterday. I was cutting and wrapping chicken wire around the bottom of some of the bushes. Hopefully, they will grow like pretty bouquets. Needless to say between the thorns and the wire my hands, arms and legs ended up looking like I'd been beaten with a cat of nine tails; blood dripped everywhere.





While I was out front, a group of teenagers walked by. I over heard one of them make a comment about how much it must hurt. I grinned and said, "Yes, you have to love flowers very much to do this. Imagine how much Jesus loved you as He died for you. This is nothing compared to His pain."





While He was on the cross was He thinking about how beautiful your life would be because of His love? I'm sure He was. Passion will always exceed suffering especially if it's long term worth out weighs temporary pain. Happy hearts, joyful souls and so many lives with a purpose for God exists today all because Jesus loved you beyond life and death. His sinless life, and sacrificial death for you is the only bridge to God the Father and eternal life.





"and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls." 1 Peter 2:24 &25 (NASB)





Don't fear the death of your mortal body, it simply is the vessel that your soul (the real you lives in.) Give your heart and soul to Jesus, accept Him as your Personal Savior and Lord, so that you can enjoy heaven with the only one who will grant you eternal life.