Joy

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.

Ephesians 3:17, 18

Oh the deep love of God has not bottom and it is for eternity.  No matter how far we may roam from Him that love still abides for us.  When we have reached that point in our life where we having nothing and no one to turn to but God, He will be standing there with arms wide open to welcome you back as you surrender to His plan for your life.

Father God thank you for always being there for me.  There are times I know that I was the one that moved from you as I thought the plans I had were much better for my life.  Father God thank you for Your forgiveness when I ignore that still small inner voice telling met to stop, pray, and listen to what You have to say to me.  Father God help me to always walk in the Sonshine by setting an example wherever I am.  Amen

Joy Unspeakable

by Barney E. Warren, 1900

I have found His grace is all complete,

He supplieth every need;

While I sit and learn at Jesus' feet,

I am free, yes, free indeed.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Full of glory, full of glory,

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Oh, the half has never yet been told.

She's On Her Way...

I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream.

Isaiah 66:12

This morning our sweet granddaughter began a new chapter in her life as she headed out with her Mom and Dad on their way to Utah State University.  Where has the time gone as it seems like only yesterday that her Mom and Dad held her for the first time.  Over the years she has bloomed into a remarkable young lady.  She sets goals for herself, works hard and pushes herself to attain those goals.  Awbrey you have this and you are going to do accomplish so many marvelous things as you trust in your Heavenly Father.  Lean into His strength, His guidance as you walk the path He has set before you.  We will miss you but Papa and I are already talking about a road trip to Utah. 
Love you Toodlebug....

Father God I ask for a special blessing on our sweet granddaughter as she begins this chapter of her life.  Father God let Your sweet spirit surround her with a protective hedge and let everyone she meets see Your Son, Jesus Christ, living in her.  Father God I ask that you bless them with travel mercy today as they drive to Utah and this next week be an adventure for them.  Father God let Your peace fall on Marianne and Stephen as they prepare to leave their baby girl and return home.  Father God thank you for the blessing of finances that enables Awbrey to attend this college as she strives to attain the goals she has set.  Thank you Father God for Your grace and mercy that are new to us each morning.  Amen

Like A River Glorious

by Frances R. Havergal, 1876

Like a river glorious, is God's perfect peace,

Over all victorious, in its bright increase;

Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,

Perfect, yet it growth, deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest

Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Happy Birthday Z

Happy Birthday Z...

May your day be filled with love, joy, peace, laughter and sunshine as you celebrate you.

Love,
Gary & Shirley

Happy Birthday Awbrey

Happy, Happy Birthday to our amazing granddaughter.  Today you are 19 and preparing to start a new phase of your life at Utah State University.   You make us proud with all that you have done and all that you are going to do.  Your trust and faith in God will keep you strong as you strive toward the goals you have set with God leading you.

Love you sweet girl,

Mimi & Papa

Busy, Busy, Busy...

"With everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you," says the Lord your Redeemer.

Isaiah 54:8

August started off with a busy week.  My sweetie and I have been working very hard in our yards, planting flowers, watering to keep the grass green and trying to figure out how we want to do the flower beds.  Next spring we hope to install an irrigation system, which will make watering easier, and a split rail fence around the front yard.  We also need to have a tree removed and a stump removed where a tree was cut down by the previous owners.  It seems like there is always something to do outside and the heat does not help.

My sweetie is still doing physical therapy from the shoulder surgery and is getting more movement every day.  He still gets frustrated that he can't do some of the things that need to be done around here by himself so we do them together.  We keep each other laughing a lot, especially when I try to start the lawn mower.  I mowed the back yard last week and that was a job as we do have a lot of grass and some of it has to go.  So my sweetie kept my water bottle full for me and made sure I was taking breaks and not over doing it.  He takes such good care of me and our Heavenly Father takes care of us both.

Father God thank you for blessing my life with a wonderful helpmate.  I know that sometimes we get on each others nerves because we each want to do it our way.  Father God thank you for loving us so much, for putting up with our little disagreements for it is then we look to you for guidance and  you get us back on track.  Amen

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

by George Matheson, 1882

O Love that wilt not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee;

I give thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

Roses...

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

2 Corinthians 2:15

I'm reading a really good book Southern Fried Sushi by Jennifer Rogers Spinola.  This except jumped out at me and I thought I would share with you.

"But it's my roses that speak to me at home when I'm alone with my thoughts.  Why?  Because they carry thorns.  Reminders of this fallen world, our sin - my sin - and how it hurts.  How thorns pierced Jesus' forehead and nails pieced His flesh for me.  When I was still His enemy.  And yet when the blooms come, they carry scents of heaven.

A perfect picture of our sin and God's mercy.  Beauty and pain, all woven together - just like my life.  Oh, what an amazing work God has done in this cold little heart of mine!"

So the next time you prick yourself with a rose thorn or inhale the fragrance, stop for a moment and thank our Heavenly Father for sending us His Son to take away all our sins.

The Fragrance of Christ

By David Haas

Lord, may our prayer rise like incense in your sight.
May this place be filled with the fragrance of Christ.

I will thank you, Lord, with all of my heart.
You have heard the words of my mouth.
In the presence of the angels, I will bless you.
I will adore before your holy temple.

I will thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and love,
beyond all my hopes and dreams.
On the day that I called, you answered;
you gave life to the strength of my soul.

All who live on earth shall give you thanks
when they hear the words of your voice,
and all shall sing of your ways:
"How great is the glory of God!"

Blessings...

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

Today has been a full and busy day.  I went into work an hour early this morning as my sweetie had cataract surgery this afternoon at 12:30.  So I worked from 9;30 to 11:30, came home to pick up my sweetie and headed back to Salmon Creek for his surgery at Pacific Eye Institute.

When they took him back for surgery they asked if I would like to watch.  My answer was an immediate no as I might have it someday and I really did not want to know how they cut something off your eyeball.  So while he was in surgery I had a cup of coffee and sat there working on a scarf I'm knitting.

Surgery lasted just about a hour and we were then headed home.  On the way home my sweetie shared with me how the doctor had asked him if he minded if he prayed before they began.  Of course my sweetie said he thought that would be great.  So they prayed together asking for God's guidance and for the surgery to be successful.  I  don't know about you but I find it really comforting when a doctor asks if they can pray with me before they begin a procedure.  I believe that God has blessed them with a gift and they are using their knowledge for the betterment of others.

Father God thank you for men and women that are not afraid to pray.  Thank you that they are using the knowledge you have blessed them with to improve the quality of life to those they come in contact with.  Father God than you for blessing my life and my sweetie's life with caring physicians that lean on you for guidance in their lives.  Father God help me to be a blessing to those I come in contact with.  Amen

Make Me a Blessing

by Ira Bishop Wilson, 1924

Out in the highways and byways of life,

many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife

making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing,

Out of my life, May Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O savior I pray,

I pray Thee, my Savior,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

Solid Rock...

How we praise God...who has blessed us with every blessing in heaven because we belong to Christ.

Ephesians 1:3

Do you every get discouraged when things just don't go the way you hope and pray they will?  When you feel that help is just around the corner only to find out it isn't?  I know I do so be honest with yourself and admit that there are times when you feel the same way.  When I get to feeling this way I stop and count my blessings. 

God has blessed me with all that I need and His blessings keep coming.  He provides for my daily needs and all He ask is that I share with others.  Our God is so awesome that even when I am feeling at my lowest He shows me that I am blessed beyond measure.  He is the rock of my salvation, I lean on His strength daily.    Is it easy, no for life gets in the way but He is there walking beside me, to guide me along the path He has chosen for me.

Father God thank you for the blessings that keep coming my way.  My cup overflows with your love and I am so very grateful for all you do.  Amen

The Solid Rock

by Edward Mote, 1834

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh may I then in Him be found.

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

All other ground in sinking sand.

Here They Are....

Many of you have asked for pictures of our home, so here they are...  The one above is our home as it looks now.  We have trimmed the tree, put up the flag, added some stars and plants.  We hope in the near future to remove the tree stump, put in a flag pole, new landscaping and black window shutters.

This is the living room, small but cozy...

 Kitchen and dining area

Hall Bath

 

Looking down the hallway

Our room and bath 

Office

The Magnolia Room

(Spare Bed & Sewing Area)

There you have it, our humble home...

Under His Wings...

Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.  My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.

Psalms 63:7-8

Have you ever wondered where you would be in your life without God's supporting right hand?  When I am left in charge sometimes I can really mess things up and I know that my life would be a mess without God.  There are times I know that I would never have made it through with His hand supporting me.   He is my rock and my shield.  He will never forsake or leave me.

Father God thank you so much for your support.  You are always there when I can't take another step to support me and let me lean on your strength.  Amen

Under His Wings

by William O. Cushing, 1896

Under His wings I am safely abiding,

Though the night deepens and tempest are wild,

Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,

He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Under His wings, under His wings,

Who from His love can sever?

Under His wings my soul shall abide,

Safely abide forever.

Our Amazing Granddaughter...

Many, O Lord My God, are the wonders You have done.

Psalm 40:5

The young girl is our amazing granddaughter.  This past year she attended Clark College while visiting other colleges to see what they had to offer in the career field she has chosen, Environmental Science Engineering.  She has made her decision and it is Utah State University.  This past March Awbrey, Marianne and Stephen went up to check out the campus and she loved it.  In June Awbrey and Marianne went back for new student orientation weekend.  She has her class schedule, her dorm room reserved and has had several conversations with her roommate.  Now all we have to do is raise the funds and get her there.

While attending Clark she maintained her GPA, worked 2 jobs saving her money to make this happen.  Papa and I as have her Mom and Dad have also been saving to help her attain this goal.  She has applied for student loans hoping she could do it on her own merit but has found herself needing a co-signer.  Papa and I would do it in a heartbeat but can not qualify, since we just purchased a home, based on our retirement income. Her other Papa refused to cosign so now we are thinking of ways to help her earn money and looking for a co-signer.

Have I said how amazing our sweet granddaughter is?  When we get discouraged and block out the light at the end of the tunnel she encourages us.  She tells us that she knows God has this, that this is His plan for her life and the funds will be there for her as she steps into the next phase of her life with God guiding and directing her. 

Her trust and faith are amazing and remind me to count my blessings, to give thanks to God in all things for He only has the best in store for our sweet granddaughter.

A very dear friend, Denise Johnson, has set up a Go Fund Me account for our granddaughter's education and I am sharing the link here (https://www.gofundme.com/2e9jk84).  If you find that you have an extra $5 to spare would you mind giving it to support her.  I know she will be very thankful as will her Papa, Mom & Dad and myself.  God's blessings on all ya'll....

Count Your Blessings

by Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1897

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. 

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Our Home...

This is our home.  Escrow closed on June 17 but we did not take possession until June 24 as the previous owners needed to stay a week to get things ready for their move across the state.  So on June 24 we took possession of our home.  We arrived around 8:00 am and as we walked through our little home we said a prayer dedicating this home to God and His work here where He has planted us to bloom and grow.

It was then time to get busy.  The first thing on our agenda was to empty our storage unit so we headed out.  Since Gary is still recovering from shoulder surgery and had a weight limit of  2 pounds our pastor met us there to help me get everything out.  What I thought would take a couple of hours the pastor and I had done in 30 minutes.  We then headed to the house where Pastor Steve helped unload the van and everything stacked in the garage.  A great big THANK YOU to Pastor Steve for your help. 

YAY we are ahead of our schedule for the day!!!

It is now time to start cleaning our home.  Julia words cannot express the thankfulness I have in my heart for you girl.  You gave of your time, your energy and stepped in with both hands to help Gary and I get everything cleaned so we could start moving in. 

Gary and I spent the next couple of days moving things over from our kids place and getting organized.  We will be forever grateful for our kids, Marianne, Stephen and Awbrey, for sharing their home with us these past 10 months. 

The big move day, Tuesday, June 28, has finally arrived.  When we first scheduled the movers for 10:00 am, they called back to let us know they needed to reschedule for 1:00 pm as they had a small job that was not on the books when we made our reservation.  Since the job was small they said they would probably be there around 12:30 pm so we said okay.  The first kink for the day was they did not show up until 1:40 pm.  We are now almost an hour behind schedule and we hope they will be fast and load everything correctly.  Unfortunately fast was not in their vocabulary.  At 5:30 pm they looked at Gary and said we have to go as we both have part time jobs to get to.  So off they went leaving us with a loaded truck and no one to unload.  Definitely no happy campers here.

Stephen looks at Gary and says "I have this" and started making phone calls.  Have I ever told you what an awesome church family we have?

Since I have

Since I had been at the house organizing and putting things away I'm not really aware of everything that has been going on.  Gary gives me a call to fill me in.  I then get a text from our sweet daughter telling me the cavalry is on its way.  Several members of our church family have at the last minute stepped in to get the the truck unloaded.  I am in tears thanking God for these awesome people.

Gary drives the truck over, the kids arrive and we are instructed to take Ozzie Bear and go get dinner while they unload.  Marianne asks for quick instructions as to how we want everything arranged and we are scooted out the door.  We arrive home from dinner to find the truck empty and the rooms arranged.  God has so richly blessed our lives with an awesome "family of families."

These past couple of weeks have been exhausting as we sort through things and set up our home.  We are so thankful to God for blessing us with our little home here on earth. 

There is an old song I dearly love that reminds me of what God has in store for me when I leave this earth for my heavenly home.

Mansion Over The Hilltop

by Ira Stanphill

I'm satisfied with just a cottage below,

A little silver and a little gold;
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I want a gold one that's silver-lined.

Tho' often tempted, tormented and tested
And, like the prophet, my pillow a stone;
And tho' I find here no permanent dwelling
I know He'll give me a mansion my own.

Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely
I'm not discouraged, I'm heaven bound;
I'm just a pilgrim in search of a city
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown.

I've got a mansion just over the hilltop

In that bright land where we'll never grow old;

And someday yonder we will never more wander

But walk on streets that are purest gold.

Happy Birthday Debbie

Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.  Your faithfulness continues through all generations.  Psalm 119:89

Hey little sister today is your birthday and it is time to celebrate you.

O Happy Birthday to you, O Happy Birthday to you.  Everyday of the year may you find Jesus near.  O Happy Birthday to you and the best one you've ever had.

May your day be blessed and filled with love, joy, peace, laughter and sunshine as you celebrate you.

Love you,
Gary & Shirley

Some Gave All

We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  1 John 3:16

This is my Uncle Lindsay at the young age of 18, United States Army, 87th Infantry Division, KIA Battle of the Bulge, December 16, 1944.  I never met Lindsay as I was not born until 1945.  I heard stories about him and saw the flag my grandmother had that had covered his coffin. 

Do you know when and where the first Memorial Day was.  I didn't either so I looked it up.  The first Memorial Day was May 30, 1868, 3 years after the Civil War ended, and at that time it was called Decoration Day.  The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.  After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in 1868 “with the choicest flowers of springtime” urged: “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.

The National Moment of Remembrance, adopted December 2000, encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

As a young child I remember going to the cemetery and placing flowers on the graves but I never really knew why until years later.  Today small American flags are placed on each grave at cemeteries across our great nation as we remember the sacrifices made for us and the freedoms we enjoy.

So, today no matter where you are or what you are doing, at 3:00 pm pause for a minute and honor those that gave their last full measure.

Battle Hymn Of The Republic

by Julia Ward Howe, 1861

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:
His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal";
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,
Since God is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! Be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free
While God is marching on.

(Chorus)
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
While God is marching on.

Howe's original manuscript differed slightly from the published version. Most significantly, it included a final verse:

He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,

He is Wisdom to the mighty, He is Succour to the brave,

So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His slave,

Our God is marching on.

(Chorus)

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah.

Our God is marching on

Tis So Sweet...

But I will always trust in You and in Your mercy and shall rejoice in Your salvation.  I will sing to the Lord because He has blessed me so richly.  Psalm 13:5-6

Our God is so awesome!!!  Wednesday afternoon I decided it was time, as I had been putting it off since last October, to get my Prevnar 13 pneumonia shot.  I was feeling good and this little voice kept telling me since you are going to be there anyway have the pharmacist give you your shot.  Well I did and was still feeling great.  My arm was a little sore but nothing I couldn't handle until yesterday morning.  I had gotten very little sleep as I just couldn't get comfortable so I tossed and turned all night with body aches.  Yesterday morning it hit me like a ton of bricks and I had every side affect, I have never had a reaction to vaccine, they tell you to watch out for; headache, body aches, nausea, sleepy, no appetite, temperature and my left arm felt like a ton bricks had fallen on it.

My sweetie said, "okay it is time for me to be your nurse" and proceeded to take care of me.  He called the doctor and pharmacist to report my condition and they both said the same thing, stay in bed, lots of rest, alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen to break the fever and for the body aches.  I pretty much slept yesterday away and my sweetie was a very good nurse.  Oh yeah the pharmacist was reporting my reaction to FDA.  Maybe I'll be famous.

Today I am feeling much better.  Oh I still ache a little and my arm is really sore but I can move today without feeling like every bone in my body is breaking. 

Which brings me to the scripture above.  I trusted what my doctor and pharmacist were telling me and what they were telling me to do.  Shouldn't we do the same with our Lord Jesus.  Oh the doctor and the pharmacist know me and care for me but they will never love me like our Lord Jesus does.  He tells us to trust Him, to ask Him for anything and He will grant it.  Well I know there were a lot of prayers going up for me yesterday, He did touch my body and for that I give Him all  glory, honor and praise.

I could have ignored the advice my doctor and pharmacist gave me but I chose not to.  I could ignore what Jesus asks of me but I choose not to.  I was on His mind when He was hanging on the cross as He died for my sins to give me a better life.  Please don't ignore what Jesus asks of you for He cares deeply for you and you were on His mind to.

Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

by Louisa M. R. Stead, 1882

"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

And to take Him at His Word;

Just to rest upon His promise,

And to know, "Thus says the Lord!"

In The Morning...

The gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night.  Isaiah 60:11

My sweetie and I decided to take a drive one spring morning, saw this little river/creek, decided to snap a picture, that runs through Yokohl Valley near Exeter, CA.  During the winter/spring months you will find water running but in the summer months it starts to dry up as it source dries up.  This is exactly what happens to us when we do not stay in the Word.

Our souls need to be fed daily with God's Word. When we do not spend time with our Heavenly Father conversing in prayer , reading and studying His Word, listening to His still small voice, we become a dry bitter person.  We start to blame everything on God.  We wonder why He walked away from us when things started to fall apart.  Guess what?  He never moved and is still walking with us , reaching for us to bring us back into the fold.  We know deep down inside of us that our Heavenly Father is not to blame.  We are!!!  We are the one that moved!  We let Satan push our buttons with something someone said or something we wanted did not go our way and we end up blaming God.  Don't let Satan use you for you are a child of the King of Kings.  Stay in God's Word, studying and applying His message to your daily lives for one day we will be with our Heavenly Father.

There is an old song that I love, "I'll Meet You In The Morning."  I can almost hear my Momma singing the words to this song knowing, without a doubt, that yes she would one day meet all her loved ones as she made her journey to her heavenly home.   One morning I will meet you Momma and oh what a reunion that will be...

I'll Meet You In The Morning

by Albert E. Brumley, 1936

I will meet you in the morning by the bright riverside

When all sorrow has drifted away

I'll be standing at the portals when the gates open wide

At the close of life's long dreary day

I'' meet you in the morning, With a how do you do

And we';; sit down by the river

And with rapture our auld acquaintance renew

You'll know me in the morning, By the smiles that I wear

When I meet you in the morning

In the city that is build four square. 

Give Your Best...

Whatever your task, put yourselves into it... since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.  Colossians 3:23-24

Growing up my Momma always told us kids "it ain't no point in doing it at all unless you are doing it right."  When we don't do something right we might as well not do it at all because someone else has to come along behind us, clean up our mess  and then do the job/task we were assigned to do.

As I remember whenever we got together for family dinners I was always given the job of making the salad.  I hated making salads!!!  I don't know why I just did but I tackled the job and if I do say so myself I made a really good salad. 

Just because we don't like to do whatever job is given to us doesn't mean we slack off and do a poor job but we do the best we can.

What it boils down to is this, always do the best job you can with whatever job/task that is set before you for God will equip you with the knowledge and strength you need to get the job done.

Father God thank you for the strength you give me daily to accomplish the tasks set before me even when I don't like them.  Father God help me to always do the best I can and to not grow weary doing what I can to spread the good news of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen

Give Of Your Best To The Master

by Howard B. Grose, 1902

Give of your best to the Master;

Give of the strength of your youth.

Throw your soul's fresh, glowing ardor

Into the battle for truth.

Jesus has set the example,

Dauntless was He, young and brave.

Give Him your loyal devotion;

Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master;

Give of the strength of your youth.

Clad in salvation's full armor,

Join in the battle for truth.

All The Days...

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Psalm 23:6

As I wander down the paths that are set before me each day have I ever really stopped and thought about what may be waiting at the end of those paths.  Will I have done what God asks me to do or will I have thought only of myself each step of the way.  Will I have shown kindness and mercy to all I meet or will I just brush off what happens along that particular path as of no consequence.  I pray I don't and that I will do what my Momma taught me to do.  She always said a stranger is just a friend you haven't met so treat others as you want to be treated and don't say anything about any body unless it is good.  My Momma was a sweet southern lady who never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it more.  Momma I sure miss you but I thank you for the sacrifices you made as us kids were growing up.  You always put our needs ahead of your own and I pray I can be just like you.  Love you Momma...

Father God thank you for the goodness and love you have blessed my life with.  Thank you giving me a Godly Mother to instill in me your love and grace...  Amen

Surely Goodness and Mercy

by John W. Peterson and Alfred B. Smith

A pilgrim was I, and a wandering,

In the cold night of sin I did roam,

When Jesus the kind Shepherd found me,

And now I am on my way home.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days, all the days of my life.

What You Want Me To Be

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

So far May has been a very hectic month for the Richards household.  It started off with my sweetie having pneumonia, then surgery and us buying a house in the midst of all that. 

Praise God the pneumonia is gone, my sweetie is recovering from surgery, the paperwork, inspections, etc. have all been done and signed for on the house.  Now all we are waiting for is the VA Appraisal with an escrow closing date of June 9 or before.  We are not concerned as God has this and we placed it in His capable hands in the beginning so it will all come together in His time.

Father God thank you for your provisions.  Thank you for blessing us with a place we to live while we wait for everything to come together on the home you have blessed us with.  Thank you Father God for our children that opened their home last August for us to move in with them until we knew what we wanted to do.  Thank you Father God for your grace and mercy that are knew to us each day.  Father God we ask that the light of your Son, Jesus Christ, shine through us to all we come in contact with in with buying of this home and to all others as we wait on you.  Amen

I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go

by Mary Brown, 1892

It may not be on the mountain's height, or over the stormy sea;

It may not be at the battle's front my Lord will have need of me;

But if by a still, small voice He calls to path I do not know,

I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Yours,

I'll go where You want me to go.

I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,

O'er mountain, or plain, or sea;

I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,

I'll be what You want me to be.

Hiding Place

He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent: He will set me high on a rock.  Psalm 27:5

 

Isn't it wonderful to know that no matter what comes our way God will shelter us from all trouble.  He covers us with His mighty Spirit so that no harm will come to us.

 

Thank you Father God for the protection you offer not only me but all my love ones.  Amen

 

He Hideth My Soul

by Fanny Crosby, 1890

 

With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,

And filled with His fullness divine,

I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God

For such a Redeemer as mine!

 

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,

He taketh my burden away;

He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved,

He giveth me strength as my day.

My Sister

           

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  Matthew 5:12

 

Yesterday was my sister's birthday! I did call and wish her a Happy Birthday but wanted to post a birthday wish for her here but time got away from me.  Nellie I hope your day was filled with all the good stuff; love, joy, peace, laughter, and sunshine as you celebrated you.  I am so glad God chose to bless me with a loving, caring sister like you.  Love you Baby Sister and pray you celebrate many more birthdays here on this earth.

 

Love you,

Your Big Sister

Busy Long Week...

In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust.  Psalm 56:10-11

This has been a very long week but praise God for bringing us through it. 

It started with us signing the counteroffer papers for the home we are buying.  Then the bank messed up a transfer from our savings to our checking and posted it three days late which created its own mess since I was writing checks not only for bills but the earnest money for the house.  Then my sweetie had surgery Tuesday to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder.  The surgery went well and he should be back to his normal self in six to eight months.  Wednesday was the day I worked with the bank to get everything they had messed up straightened out.  Thursday was my day at the church office finishing up month, didn't get it all done so went in Friday to finish up.

Today I am resting and spending some down time with my sweetie.  He is doing really well, has already cut down on the pain medication they have him taking and doing his exercises, only three at this time.  Our sweet daughter fixed us a picnic lunch and we headed out for a drive with our Ozzie Bear for some time outside the four walls of our little apartment in our kids place.  Couldn't find just the right spot for a picnic, where Ozzie could run and play, so we ended back at the kids place and had our picnic lunch in the back yard. 

It has been a relaxing day with my sweetie...

Father God thank you for the many blessings you have sent my way.  Thank you for blessing us with our new home, for your guidance as we travel down the road of all the paper work.  Father God thank you for your healing touch on Gary as he continues to recover from surgery.  Father God be with all our family members, protect them, lead each of them as they travel the path you have set before them.  Amen

He's A Wonder Savior To Me

by Virgil P. Brock, 1918

He's a Friend so true, so patient and so kind,

He's a wonderful Savior to me;

Everything I need in Him I always find,

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

He is always near to comfort and to cheer,

He's a wonderful Savior to me;

He forgives my sins, He dries my every tear,

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

Buying A House...

 How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in You. Psalm 31:19

Buying a house can be stressful all by its self but add pneumonia and surgery and  it can become even more stressful if we let it.

This past week my sweetie has been recovering from pneumonia and is scheduled for shoulder surgery Tuesday.  We have also been looking our own little place where we can bloom and grow.  Well we found it,  our ranch style home, this past week, made an offer Thursday, received a counter offer Friday and finally got all the papers signed today.  So step one of buying a house is done now on to step 2, 3, 4, etc. as we move forward in the process.

My sweetie and I said at the get go that this was all in God's hands and His timing and we still feel that way.  If this is the little place that God has set aside for us we will breeze through each step.  If not He will close the door and we will continue to move forward with Him guiding our steps.

Father God thank you for you goodness to us.  Thank you for leading us to this little place for we feel that this is where you want us.  Father God I ask that you bless the seller as they begin a new phase of their lives, in a new location and guide them through this transition.  Father God thank you for the love you have bestowed upon us and for the many blessings.  Father God we will continue to walk down the path you have laid before us until you tell us different. Amen

It's Just Like His Great Love

by Edna R. Worrell, 1903

A friend I have called Jesus, whose love is strong and true,

And never fails howe'er 'tis tried, no matter what I do;

I've sinned against this love of His, but when I knelt to pray,

Confessing all my guilt to Him, the sin clouds rolled away.

It's just like Jesus to roll the clouds away,

it's just like Jesus to keep me day by day,

it's just like Jesus all along the way,

It's just like His great love.

Happy Anniversary L Z & Debbie

Happy Anniversary to you

Happy Anniversary to you

Happy Anniversary we love you

Happy Anniversary to you

Hey you two,

May your day be blessed with love, joy, peace, laughter and sunshine as you celebrate your love and lives together.

Love you,

Shirley & Gary

Perfect Peace

There is therefore now no condemnation
to those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

When we come to Christ laying our sins at His feet we will have His perfect peace.  When we give all our worries and burdens to Christ we will have His perfect peace.  We will have a song in our heart to lift up in praise to our Heavenly Father.  So sing your praises to God for His infinite mercy and grace that are new to us each morning as He gives us another day to share the good news of His Son...

Father God thank you for each and every blessing you bestow upon me and my family.  Thank you for your healing touch in our son-in-law.  Thank you for blessing Awbrey and guiding her the direction you have for her life.  Thank you Father God as you lead my sweetie and I down the path to the home that you have for us.  Amen

He Took My Sins Away

by Margaret J. Harris, 1903

I came to Jesus, wear, worn, and said,

And now His love has made my heart so glad.

He took my sins away, He took my sins away,

And keeps me singing every day!

I'm so glad He took my sins away,

He took my sins away.

No condemnation have I in my heart,

His perfect peace He did to me impart.