Saturday, October 27, 2007

Mosquitoes and the power of God*


I recently visited Oklahoma. Its beautiful, true-blue skies and pure white, puffy clouds remind me of refreshing air to breathe and that is NOT what we have in CA. In OK, there was no evidence of smog and the true, fresh rain it offers is “real” rain... It doesn’t sprinkle; it pours… Oklahomans are thankful that their three year drought is over.

If for some reason, you could not hear or see the rain, its aftermath was evident. My sweet body seems to be attracted to the flying, hopping, jumping, and ummm… skipping insects… (No, I don’t attract guys, I attract insects… Ha Ha… LOL…). I could have connected the dots of the swollen lumps of those, small and mighty insect bites.
After a refreshing shower, I decided to saturate my body with the aroma of mosquito and flying insect repellent. (I have to because I am one of those people who are allergic to one of God’s creatures and then there is that West Nile Virus thing). Guess what I learned? Never ‘SPRAY’ your legs with Insect repellent after you shave them…IT BURNS… (Sorry guys, but it was like that “Home Alone” movie. I wanted to hold my legs and scream like that kid held his cheeks. No Tamara, I didn’t do that.)
So I either spray on the stuff right after I shower, and my legs would burn, or I wait a while, but then the mosquitoes would attack. Which is worse?
For some reason, I kept thinking about the mosquitoes and their powerful bite and how it coincides with a Christian’s life (with the power of God.) If I could be like the tiny mosquito who may be small, yet it has a mighty powerful bite. It was so evident that the mosquito had visited me…(If it would be so evident that the power of God had visited me and was in me).
If I could be a Christian, (one Christian in the midst of millions in the world), doing the will of God and taking on HIS Power, How powerful would that be? WOW!!! Then if 5 people get together and do the will of God, how powerful would that be, and then if 25 people get together and do the will of God, how powerful would that be…and so on… WOW, that’s amazing and we can do it… God has a work for us to do...
(Take time to think about it)

Friday, October 26, 2007

Learning a few Lessons*, at the Airport*

Learning a few lessons, AGAIN…before leaving the airport
After I arrived at the Ontario airport, Liz was kind enough to help me bring my luggage to the “check- in” line before she left. We said goodbye and then I waited in line; you know the usual stuff that happens. When I checked in, the female employee asked for my I.D. and then she asked me to pick up one of the luggages to put it on the scale. I kindly told her that it was too heavy for me and asked if she would help me. She said, “no, but if you aren’t going to do it, then I am not either.” I said, “Okay.”
She then proceeded to tell me to bring my check-in luggages to another section to be screened. No problem, I thought. Then I tried to juggle 2 luggages, one carry-on, my purse, and a jacket. I had no luck; I kept dropping things including my ticket and I.D. I finally asked for help. The lady called for “assistance” and then an employee came with a wheel chair, I told him I didn’t need the wheel chair, I just needed a little bit of help to get to the security screening. The female employee said, “We don’t do that,” and the male employee kindly said he’d help me…I was so grateful…Everything checked-in and I was set for the carry-on luggage to be screened.
Everything was fine, until the security lady asked me if the small black carry-on was mine; after I said yes, she pulled me to the side to look through it… I wasn’t worried because I did everything the airlines said to do. I had all my medicines in their original bottles, no knives, guns (can you picture me with a gun? No way), or sharp objects, and I even had all the 3 oz. bottles in the Ziploc bag. So I thought nothing of it… She searched it over and over again until she pulled out a can of Cambells’ chicken noodle soup and asked if I needed this. I said, “yes, I planned on eating it…I was just thinking of my hunger and stomach problems, that’s why I brought it along. She asked me two more times, “do you need this soup?” I said yes, but then I was thinking: go ahead and take it…I don’t need it that bad… She came closer to me and quietly said, “I will let you bring it on this time, but don’t bring it on again. We are not supposed to let you bring on liquids.” I apologized for bringing it, but I told her that I was just honestly thinking of my stomach and nothing else and it never occurred to me, to not bring it.” ..So from now on, note to self and the rest of the world: do not bring Campbell’s soup on board the airplane.

When Leaving Oklahoma …
As I waited patiently in line, took off my shoes, my jacket, and put all objects in the bucket, I proceeded through the security section and of course, the alarm went off. So I showed them my metallic medical Medic Alert necklace which I thought was the problem. The security guy asked me a series of questions as he came closer to make sure I didn’t proceed to another area. Thankfully he asked if I was wearing a belt, I thought, -oh yeah, I just bought a belt in OK and it has a big buckle, so I had to put that through the security screening… I was so grateful it was my belt; I didn’t want to be physically searched.

NOTE TO SELF: NO big belt buckles and NO cans of soup. How will I eat or hold my pants up? LOL

Have a great God-loving day...

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Creepy critters*

okay, I am back from Oklahoma and I had a welcome visitor today. I kept hearing this weird sounding noise in the back yard, but thought nothing of it. Even that cat was a little fearful looking. 

I went outside, looked up at the patio and noticed a foot (or more) long tail hanging through the wood slots. SO I went a little ways out and low and behold, there was a fuzzy creature. I couldn't see his face. I decided to go get my cell phone to take a picture of it. 

It had moved: I looked at a different position and slowly climbed on a white chair to get a better view, and I used the flashlight because it was dark outside.

 I then saw this this long tailed, furry possum bigger than Liz's cat "PC". I was freaked out and wasn't sure if it was going to jump on me, thankfully it looked as much scared as I was. It had two fangs and some sharp looking smaller teeth. I looked to the side for a moment.

All of a sudden I heard it chomping on something that looked like a big Bettle bug. It was salivating and sucking out the inside of whatever it was eating and chomping loudly. It was pretty disqusting. Then I got a closer look of what it was eating. It was a small avocado. After it was done eating, it let the avocado pit fall to the ground.. It was huge.

{EEEWWW...Pam, Penny, and Debbie, this is no joke... forget the tree rat, the bugs, the dogs, the frogs, I think this was the worst and it was on the patio roof of my backyard}. How do Liz and I get rid of it? Any ideas? See ya all soon...I have lots of things to blog about regarding my trip, so I will be writing y'all soon..

Saturday, September 15, 2007

I am a Prisoner in my own Body*

Teensy's Pitty Party Poem- if I were a prisoner in my own body

Tonight I lay awake
in pain
The muscle spasms have 
overtaken 
my body.
I pray as 
an ice pak
is under the back of my neck 
and one is 
over my eyes.
A heating pack is 
wrapped around
my back.

I praise God, yet 
I am in so much pain.
The throbbing pain, 
the tortured inflammation 
of my body
is screaming 
and keeping me 
awake.
God, I trust 
in you.

Jesus, how did YOU feel
with nails in you?
Nothing to soothe you, 
but death.
Yet death is 
not in my present.
For God 
wants me here
at this very moment.

I know, 
it's worth it,
yet please God,
take the edge off.
My head feels 
like it weighs a ton.
It is somewhat soothed
by the frozen water 
clenched 
against my face.
Yet,
it melts.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Acupuncture Adventure*-One Needle At a Time*

Have you ever got to the point that you are in so much pain that you are reaching out for any medical treatment possible that you haven't tried? Well, I decided to try Acupuncture for the first time due to doctors' referrals and friends' advice.

With all my crazy medical treatments I have had in the last 12 years, You may think I would enjoy smaller pin needles. Well, I wish I was.

Past experiences: I have had needles put through my skull to inject some kind of medicine in my head. I'll never forget the time they did the injections in my head and I heard the crunching sound of the needle going through my skull. It gives me the creeps to this day, just thinking about it. I had that done many times. Also there was the time I had an anthrocentesis procedure where they inject the inside and outside of my jaw more than eight times with some steroid stuff - or - the time I had a procedure where they maneuvered the needle in my jaw joint to dislocate it and then shoot cortisone stuff in there.

Wow, I am feeling better now that I am telling you all about this...

Well today, I had the acupuncture appointment. First, the doctor said I was the youngest patient he ever has had. Then he looked over my medical history and realized why I was there. He put extreme pressure on all the painful areas he thought would need treatment for today.

Funny Stuff: He told me to lie down and put my head on this table and pillow with a hole in it. (I have only seen these in the movies). He asked if I was okay; I said I couldn't breathe. He then realized the table and pillow was the wrong size for my tiny head, then he realized the paper for the pillow and table was covering the breathing area. After that adjustment, I laughingly told him that everything was cool and I was able to breathe again, thank God.

Treatment:
No.1 He had to prepare each section of treatment.
No.2 He had to find the extreme painful tender spots of my back, neck, and shoulders by applying great amounts of pressure on the knots and tender points.
No.3 He stuck me with a tool in each place he wanted these needles to go in
No.4 He put these needles in each of the spots that he previously stuck me in.
I had tiny needles all over.
No.5 He put a heat lamp on my lower back with the pin needles already in me
No.6 He said "I'll be back in 20 minutes" and turned off the light.

Slight problems:
No.1 I realized my head wasn't accurately in the table pillow, but I couldn't move because of the pin needles poking me.
No.2 I tried to relax, and listen to the quiet music, but the crickets in the song were driving me crazy.
No.3 I tried to relax even more, so I closed my eyes and prayed. Well, I tried, I guess he had a pin needle in one of the nerves that reaches out to the eye lid. I could only close one eye at a time. When I tried to close both eyes, it made the pin needles in my neck poke me even more.
No.4 Through all of this, I realized I was all tense, so I took a deep breath and seeped deep into the cushioned table I was laying on, but then I realized the table pillow was too high for my head. My neck was in too high of an awkward place, so I tried to change positions, yet the pin needles stuck me even more.
No.5 He took out all the pins and then rubbed this herbal cream on that burned tremendously. Even though he took out all the needles, I kept grabbing my back because it felt like the needles were still there.
No.6 He then tells me I will be in more pain because it triggered muscle spasms.
No.7 He said that he'll see me this Monday because I am in lots of Chronic Pain. I want to say: umm, you caused more pain. Of course, I am in pain... well anyway... So I have scheduled 3 more appointments before I go visit my mom on September 25. Let's see if this works. I'll let you know.


After the treatment: My neck was okay, but boy, my back was in burning pain for 4 hours. I went home and put an ice pack on my back.  Right about now, I am unable to sit back on the chair because it is in excruciating, burning pain and there feels like 50 needles are stuck in me. The things we do for treatment. I just pray this works for me...
Well, now you know how it feels, sounds, and is with acupuncture.
Until next time,
signing off for now,

(By the way, after going to 2-3 treatments, I had to stop because it was just too much pain and didn't have a great result. I called the doctor and told him about the head to toe muscle spasms and pain I was feeling after each session and he said, "that doesn't usually happen.")

Monday, August 13, 2007

So, What's your Story? *

So WHAT'S YOUR STORY?
1. Everyone has a past
Ephesians 2:1-2 says "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sin, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at on time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath."

2. In Jesus, we have a present, a change from the past. (God gave us the present).
In Ephesians 2:4-5 it says that because of God's great love for us, he made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in sin...it's by grace you were saved.

In Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12

HAVE YOU MET JESUS? "Knowing Jesus is different from meeting Jesus." What is your story? How did you meet Jesus?
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, but it is a GIFT OF GOD, not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9

a. Everyone recognized that they needed Jesus, no one could do this whole life thing alone or on their own merit.
b. Jesus introduced himself to no one here personally. Someone introduced you to Christ...

3. Everyone has a future...introducing other people to Christ is part of our destiny.

Ephesians 2:6-10 " and God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Every trophy of God's grace in this room owes that introduction to someone else, someone who was not selfish with their faith.
So what's your story? What's your testimony?
(Pastor Jim had read different people's testimonies of how they met Jesus Christ. All of them had to do with someone inviting them either to church or to salvation.)

Here are reasons why we may not want to witness:
1. Fear of unworthiness (well, God says we are worthy to witness).
2. Fear of the worst thing could happen. (Everyone deserves God's presence).
Without people inviting us to church, none of us would be at Church.
If it wasn't for a parent, a teacher,Missionettes or Royal Ranger leader, youth leader, a prostitute's neighbor, a friend, a military worker, etc... none of us would be at church.
Someone took the time to be in an awkward situation of putting themselves on the line to invite you to church.

SO WHAT'S YOUR STORY...?
 sermon notes from aug 5 2007

Friday, August 3, 2007

Prayer Meetings*

If you didn't attend the Intercessors for Restoration prayer meeting also known as: Morning of Worship and Prayer, you totally missed out. God spoke to each one of us that went.
The prayer meeting was hosted by our North Hills church and held at the Mountain View Campus this last Tuesday, July 31. God was very evident there, and I am so grateful I attended. This was the first time our church attended in this "Intercessors for Restoration" prayer meeting.


hello*

hello. I just wanted to say God loves you...

Monday, July 16, 2007

Awesome Miracles*

I am reading on the Book of Acts in the Bible...I find it very interesting. Here are some things I learned in Acts chapters 6 - 9 (this is the time period when Jesus was all ready resurrected and in heaven)

At this time, there were many people becoming believers (Christians).

Well, STEPHEN was known for being a man full of faith and had the Holy Spirit. He did so many great wonders and miracles in Jesus name which made some people very angry, so they spread a lie about him. He then was taken to some Elders who were accusing him. While He spoke and told them great things about Abraham to Moses, his face was like the face of an angel. 
He had to counteract the lies that people were saying about him. People were accusing him of being against Jesus and Moses). 
Even though the Elders' anger was increasing, Stephen kept on speaking. All of a sudden, Stephen looks up to heaven and sees the glory of God; he also sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (I wish I could see that). He tells the people what he sees, and they drag him off to get stoned. Guess who is watching him get stoned? SAUL - the one who persecutes the Christians. STEPHEN prays to JESUS and falls asleep even in the midst of all the pain and rock throwing. Then he dies...

After STEPHEN is martyred, all persecution breaks loose against THE CHURCH. Christians end up being scattered to different cities and countries because of the persecution and they start teaching about God wherever they are. This is how the WORD OF GOD was spread. (Amazing!) 
Then SAUL (the one who saw Stephen being killed) starts destroying THE CHURCH and throws Christians in Jail. 
Then PHILIP starts preaching about Christ in Samaria. He starts healing many from diseases and sicknesses and casts out demons. Plus he is leading people to salvation. (That's awesome!)
Then another guy SIMON comes into the picture. He deals with sorcery; was considered to the people of having divine, great power. SIMON hears Philip's teaching and becomes a believer (that is so cool!) Then Simon starts following Philip around.
Then PETER and JOHN start praying for people to receive the Holy Spirit (and it takes place) and then these two start preaching in different places.

An ANGEL of the LORD speaks to PHILIP to go south to the desert road...He goes...and then meets an Ethiopian guy who is in a chariot reading the book of Isaiah. He didn't understand what he was reading, but then Philip explains it to him and leads him to Christ. (WOW!!! HERE' A COOL FIND:) After he baptizes the man, PHILIP receives the HOLY SPIRIT and disappears out of thin air. (WOW) The guy doesn't mind but keeps on going and praising God. Well Philip is found in another place called Azotus where he preaches.

Then SAUL becomes angry and wants to persecute Christians, but little does he know what's about to take place. GOD speaks to him when he's on his way to Damascus. After the encounter, God guides him of where to go. Now SAUL is blind and doesn't eat or drink for three days so his friends take him where God told him to go.
The LORD speaks to a man named ANANIAS through a vision and tells him to go to SAUL. Yet ANANIAS is somewhat afraid, because he heard stories of how SAUL persecutes Christians. (He must have been trembling in his boots, I mean, sandals.) Then GOD tells him to go because he is about to give power to SAUL to speak to the Gentiles to become believers. (So now Ananias knows he has to go to Saul)

ANANIAS prays for SAUL and SAUL receives the power of the Holy Spirit; He is able to see, he gets baptized, and then eats to gain his strength back. SAUL goes to the disciples and then immediately he starts preaching the gospel.(NOW that's a GOD thing -he is now the person he used to persecute.)
(I am going to skip some stuff...) Later on Saul escaped to Tarsus for fear of his life. 
Then PETER meets with some Christians in Lydda where he meets AENEAS who is a paralytic and bedridden for 8 yrs. Peter heals him in Jesus' name.

TABITHA (DORCAS)- a female disciple in Joppa is a good person, helps the poor, etc... but then she dies. Her friends or family calls for PETER. PETER prays for TABITHA. TABITHA comes to LIFE. She was raised from the dead. (WOW that is truly amazing and all that I have read and wrote here excited my soul. Can you imagine praying for someone and instantly they are healed of diseases, heart ache, demons, or even raised from the dead? You know, it can actually happen I think we all, including myself, need to be more obedient to God and to do his will. You might be just the person Jesus is looking for or calling to heal someone in His name- or maybe there is something else God wants you to do.)

I pray that God uses me in this way and that in our little San Bernardino church we will begin to see miracle after miracle. It can happen... It will happen..

Sunday, July 15, 2007

What Happens When You Pray*

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PRAY...IN YOU

A*).PRAYER IS NOT: A magic wand (pray only to get what you want.-PRAYER IS NOT A VENDING MACHINE- you don't pop in a prayer and out comes whatever you want.
B*).PRAYER IS NOT: A first aid Kit (praying only when you have an emergency)
C*).PRAYER IS NOT: A Tug of War (fighting to get what you want- God is not going to give it to you when you are pulling and pushing your way to get what you want)
D*).PRAYER IS NOT: A Religious Duty (praying out of obligation or just because you think you ought to. It is not a duty; it's a priveledge)

1. YOU dedicate YOURSELF

{{*Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned... John 15:4-6 }}

(We need God's help. You have to be honest with God. If you cut a branch off of the tree, it will wither. It's like a Christian who cuts himself off from prayer. Without prayer you wither. Prayer is our source to God...

2. YOU connect WITH GOD 
{{*I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you... John 15:15}}
- I am a Friend of God. He chose me to be His friend. The people you love, you love to talk to. How much more will you love to talk to God, to connect with Him. Prayer is not a chore; it's NOT we HAVE TO pray. It's We "GET TO" pray. 

3. YOU activate HEAVEN
{{*If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ASK WHATEVER YOU WISH AND IT WILL BE GIVEN YOU. this is my father's glory; that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples... John 15:7-8 }}

Prayer activates Heaven. God will fulfill the desires of those who REVERANCE Him.
Ask that your joy may be full.

4. YOU cooperate WITH GOD
{{ Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it... John 14:11-14 }}


Prayer is God's design. We are cooperating with God when we PRAY FOR OTHERS. Spend time DAILY with God in prayer. When we work, we work...when we pray, God works...

Have I been praying and doing what God wants me to do? I am doing what Jesus does? Lately, Have people been healed and raised from the dead or healed from an illness because I prayed for them and God healed them. 
We are not limited by physical boundaries, time or space WHEN WE PRAY...


(sermon notes "In You")

Thursday, July 12, 2007

the teensiest Noah's Ark*

Picture yourself over 2000 years ago. Wow, it's mighty hot today....there isn't any rain in sight (unless you are near Oklahoma). Actually the USA had not been discovered yet...
Okay, if I was Noah's daughter...hmmm...I don't think he had daughters...I remember he had sons and some daughter-in-laws and maybe a wife...ah, yes a wife. Okay, forget the daughter thing...pretend I am in Noah's ark and I am his crazy wife. I mean ya had to be crazy to build an ark in the middle of the desert with absolutely no rain in sight. His wife had to support him especially since he was the laughing stock of the desert... Besides what is rain?...

Okay back to this story. I forgot her name, so I will just call her Noah's Teensy wife. I felt bad because everyone in the "Neighbor-HOOD" was making fun of Noah because he was building this great big boat that he said God told him to build...EVERYDAY, people would make fun of him...but I was there to console him and make sure he was okay and that he continued to do what God told him to do. I made sure he was fed and clothed in the best designer outfit robe and sachets that we had...I did notice that his sandles were getting a little worn out when he was doing all that hammering...It was a bit noisy, but I didn't mind since we were doing what God said. I decided to make him new sandles while I made some earplugs for myself, of course...Okay all I had to do was find a sheep, take a clipping of it's fur and stuff it in my ears...WALLAH- ear plugs.

Well, I asked my husband "Noah" where are all these animals going to come from...he said, not to worry, they will come...Build it and they will come...okay, I said. I will trust in God. The closer the ark was about to be finished, I saw some animals coming by my house. At first, they were small, but then I began to worry when the elephants and lions were in my back yard. I yelled for Noah to help me, but I guess he didn't hear me...Oh well, God will help me...

It was time for us to go in the ark and we had a family meeting before we entered it. Noah put me in charge of the smaller animals, Thank GOD!  While in the ark, I just had to take care of the hamsters, smaller cats, raccoons, and other tiny animals. My favorite, of course, were the monkeys. I loved to hold them. They were cute, but boy they sure stunk...yuck...oh, no, I just realized I have to take care of the skunks and porcupines. Wow, I have to keep them separated. God sure has a sense of humor, I thought. God please Help me!!! How long will this journey last?


Can you imagine being on the ark for over a year, 35 days or a week, okay, how about a day in the ark with all those animals? I am sorry, but that would have been difficult for me with allergies and my somewhat fear of rodents. Can you imagine what they did, how they ate, and did anyone get sea sick? 

Okay, the dove came back with an olive leaf or such...we have just landed the ark...now we get to get out...Think of that fresh air they breathed when getting out of the ark. How excited they were to be out of the ark, to do God's will, and to see the beauty after the storm.  Every plant had to be so green and gorgeous, not to mention the sky so blue... fresh, clear air...wow, what a treasure.

I had to write this story because my creative juices started flowing due to being around a lot of animals lately. Just in the last 2 months, I have seen 2 rodents (a mouse trying to get away from little Mark H at the fireworks booth and also I saw a tree-rat jump into a dryer vent while I was house-sitting. He kept sounding like he was coming through the walls. It was creepy).  While house-sitting Pam's house, I took care of her dog, plus a neighbor cat kept visiting. When I arrived home at the place I rent a room, two cats were wanting my attention. One of the cats is a neighbor cat, but she thinks she lives at my place. I have seen Liz rescue a baby bird from the jaws of her cat.  I have watched Liz's cat eat a moving lizard in front of me,YUCK, while the other cat Dutches climbed a tree to catch some birds. I have been near a skunk who only showed himself by his smell. I have heard hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and other beautiful sounding birds. I have seen 3 lizards (well, I think one of them is no longer alive), 2 tiny frogs (yet heard a ton more), a worm, snails, flies, spiders, 2 beautiful butterflies and a partridge in a pair tree...and that's the end of the Noah's Ark.




Friday, July 6, 2007

A Needed Day of Rest*

I am so grateful to be in my new place. Even though I moved a month or so ago, I have finally started organizing all my stuff that I had unpacked a month ago. (I had enjoyed house sitting for two houses, but I totally was missing my bed). 
The funny thing was that I was actually getting attached to a sweet dog named lady... I believe that God sometimes shows his love even through animals.(but I don't know about that rat I saw a couple of days ago, thankfully it wasn't in the house). 
I enjoyed some of the day by resting, ate lunch on the patio by the beautiful landscaped yard. I listened to the beautiful running water in the pond and even enjoyed seeing a miniature frog (Yes Liz, It was actually cute)

Here's a nice scripture I enjoyed today: "Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor or His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power, Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.' Come and see the works of God..."

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Creepy Critters* in a "House-sitting" Adventure*

I guess you may say that I am a city girl. Yet even in the city, this nature stuff is not for me. I like the nature stuff like beautiful flowers, a sunset, various plants or even maybe a water fall. 
You all might think I am weak for what I am about to tell you, but that's your opinion...haha....The only kind of bugs I like are the lady bugs. THAT'S IT!!! 

I was house-sitting for a friend and they asked me to watch their lovable dog.  Yet little did I know what adventure I would have. On Sunday afternoon, the June bugs kept coming in the house. I guess they aren't too smart because one slammed into my head. I guess it didn't see me or something. Then I had fun catching those bugs in water bottles and letting them loose outside. Later, as I was looking outside, Out of the corner of my eye, I just happened to see an animal about as big as my hand walk pass the clear window. ((I think the animal came from the nearby trees.)) I thought and hoped it was my imagination, but the long tail gave me the creeps. When I looked out in the corner, I thought it would have been sitting there waiting to freak me out, but it had disappeared. 


Any way, I didn't see or hear it again. I was sleeping peacefully until 4:30 am when I heard this horrible sound. IF I didn't see the animal beforehand I would have thought someone was breaking in the house. It was very loud. It actually sounded like the animal was ripping apart the walls; if only I could have called someone to help but it was too late. It made a bunch of noise for a half hour and then it was silent. I tried to be brave as I investigated the situation, but anyone that knows me well, knows I don't like that many furry animals especially since it was an unexpected guest. Around 6:30 am, I looked outside and let the dog out. I saw that creature again. 

It looked like a fluffy brown and black genie pig, but it had a long tail... I watched it out of curiosity. It had jumped out of the outside dryer vent yet when it saw me, it hopped right back into the dryer vent quickly. I didn't know what to do. Yet, I was leery about going into the garage.

That early Monday morning, I didn't sleep well. I didn't know what to do so I stuck an empty water bottle in the dryer vent to either keep it in or out. I am hoping it left before I plugged up the hole. 

Tuesday, I woke up at 3 am to a horrible smell. I thought, wow, I must have killed the small animal or it's stuck in the dryer vent. The smell had seeped through the walls and was burning my nostrils and eyes. I opened an outside door to see where it was coming from. It turns out there was a skunk in the neighborhood that morning. ugh.
Tuesday p.m. - As I am watering the grass, I see that I had also watered a brown stick. I just about jumped out of my skin when the stick moved. The long lizard started to enter the house and I was not about to let that happen. I wet it to get it moving in another direction...I think lizards are creepy...I do not want to see any living animal except the dog I am watching for the next couple of days... and NO, I do not go camping, so don't even invite me. LOL... My way of camping or "roughing it", is either at Pinecrest or a motel 6. That's it. LOL
Well, I am done nature whining. I guess that's all I have to say.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Things NOT to do with Ver-ti-go*

Things Not to Do When You Have Vertigo

1. watch the dog run around in circles
2. stare at the moving water in a pool
3. sit by anyone who talks with their hands (LOL Penny)
4. drive 
5. look at a moving ceiling fan
6. watch running water
7. take a bike ride
8. go on a merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, or roller coaster
9. take a nap in a water bed
10. Swim or float
11. Run
12. Be in a car when Matt, Fran, Jon, Gabe, or Lizzie is driving
13. watch the toilet water flush (ha ha)
14. watch a special on TV about the ocean
15. Read
16. Watch carefully as your scroll down the page on the monitor screen
17. take an alcohol test. (the police won't believe that you are not drunk)

Don't worry. These are ideas of what not to do. They are not necessarily things I have done. Some I have done; Other things, I know not to do like DRIVE. Most of these are things I just thought up and not tried. I am not responsible for any damage done to you if you have tried any of these on the list.  lol

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE VERTIGO
rest, do nothing except pray, think, watch minor TV, listen to the radio, other than that, there's not much more you can do with vertigo...so have a good day. LOL ;D

Thursday, June 21, 2007

A Date With God*

I do have to give PRAISE TO GOD. HE IS MY ALL and ALL. He is my ROCK, STRENGTH, and FORTRESS. He is the ONE I try to turn to when I need help, a shoulder to cry on, etc... He is my TRUE LOVE. I have had people ask me how can he be my true love.

Well, I give my attention, love, and dedication to God. I try to spend time with him, communicate to Him, and even read up on Him so that I may learn more of him.
I enjoy reading on: how my relationship with him may draw me even closer to Him or what can I do to please Him, or how can I become a better Christian, friend, person on this earth, etc...

Because I am not married, I find it easier to spend time with God. I am not distracted by taking care of others or making sure a husband or children are fed, bathed, or clothed. Yes, there may come a time when I may have that kind of a life, but for now, I cherish these special moments with God.

There are times that I prepare a candle-light dinner for me and God. (no, I don't feed God... LOL, but I acknowledge his presence). I light a candle and turn out all the lights. While I eat, I think or tell God how much I love him and adore him. I tell him how much I appreciate him and I just ponder of him, of his love, of how he has always been there for me. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH... 
It's my special "date" with God. 

Friday, May 25, 2007

You've Got Mail *


James 1:19-27 ...Everyone should be QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK, AND SLOW TO BECOME ANGRY, for MAN'S ANGER DOES NOT BRING ABOUT THE RIGHTEOUS LIFE that GOD DESIRES. Therefore, GET RID of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly ACCEPT THE WORD PLANTED IN YOU, WHICH CAN SAVE YOU. Do NOT merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS. Anyone who listens to the word BUT does NOT do what it says is LIKE a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
BUT THE MAN WHO LOOKS INTENTLY into the PERFECT LAW (THE BIBLE) that gives freedom, and CONTINUES to DO this, NOT FORGETTING WHAT HE HAS HEARD, BUT DOING IT —HE WILL be BLESSED in what he does.

If anyone considers himself religious and yet DOES NOT KEEP A TIGHT REIN ON HIS TONGUE, HE DECEIVES HIMSELF and HIS religion is WORTHLESS.
***RELIGION that GOD our Father ACCEPTS AS PURE AND FAULTLESS is this: to LOOK after ORPHANS and WIDOWS in their DISTRESS and to KEEP ONESELF from BEING polluted by the WORLD.

1. Receive God's Word ("...accept the word Planted in you." Receive the right word with a great attitude.
A) Be Careful: Be quick to listen, slow to speak.)
B) Be Calm: Be slow to become angry.
C) Be Clean: Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent. (Filth is like the wax in your ear. You need to get rid of it to listen.)
D) Be Compliant: ...Humbly accept the Word planted in you. Be teachable.

2. Reflect on God's Word . (God's Word is like a mirror. A mirror is used as a self-evaluation tool. You look into the mirror and correct things: such as: if your hair is sticking up, you fix it. What good is looking in a mirror, if we don't do what we need to do to change? Reflect on God's Word-the Bible- read it, and change.)
A) Read God's Word: (A Glance doesn't give you what you need. Look for the details in the mirror of the Bible))
B) Review God's Word (Meditation as used in the Bible is to think seriously of something over and over)
C) Remember God's Word (Memorize Scripture)

3. Respond to God's Word: ("Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS." What good is looking in the mirror, if you don't do anything about it-if you don't let what you see-change YOU.

BONUS:
THE TEST OF MATURITY IS CHARACTER.
DO THE SCRIPTURE
DO WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS. LET IT BE YOUR LIFE. LET THE BIBLE BE YOUR LIFE.
LIVE THE WORD OF GOD, LET IT CHANGE YOU.
TAKE THE WORD OF GOD AND DO IT
THE greatest literature (THE BIBLE) has SUPERNATURAL POWERS.
The BIBLE is the acting and living - WORD of God
SEE YOUR LIFE through GOD'S WORD.
What is it that God wants me to HEAR?

Friday, May 18, 2007

Study God's Word*

Sometimes we read the Bible over and over again and don't know the meaning or we don't take the time to get to know the meaning. I have done that myself. I do my devotions and I am reading what someone else studied. Yet we really need to study his word and not just read it. If you aren't sure how to start, here are some tips:

Pick a verse, read the same verse two or three times, ponder it, and pray. What is God saying to the people during the Bible times, what is God saying to you in the present, and how should we apply it to our life? 

What do you think Jesus was saying in Psalms 23? The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk THROUGH the shadow of death, I will fear NO evil; for you are with me. Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

National Day of Prayer* 2007*

Please take time to pray for your city, state, government, country, president, etc... on Thursday, May 3. People are meeting at each city hall around the country *Preferrably from 12:20-12:40 p.m.- If you can't make it to your city hall, please pray at your home, desk, in your car, at the Jack-in-the-box or wherever you are. MAY GOD BLESS THE USA AND AROUND THE WORLD...

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

"Old Sayings" and Funny Quotes *


Teensy Tidbits said...

From Corrinne and Debbie
1. As homely as a mud fence.

2. He's all foam and no beer.

3. She's a few slices short of a whole loaf.

4. He's a few peas short of a casserole

5. He's so mad, he could chew nails and spit rust.

6. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed.

7. If that ain't enough to make a preacher swear.

8. He's not the brightest bulb in the bag.

9. I'm fair to middling (means I'm neither good nor bad)

10. The wind blows like the dickens

11. I have to get my ditties (I have to get my personal things)

12. He put too many pans in the fire (he's doing too much)

13. She wears too many hats (she's doing too much)

14. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

15. Old as the Hills

16. The early bird catches the worm

17. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

18. What does that have to do with a price of eggs?

19. It's par for the course (nothing different in this day)

From mom
20. She's slow as molasses
21. You can't have your cake and eat it too

From Terry
22. Bologna sausage

From Liz
23. Bologna sausage with sauerkraut and onions!

From Pat and Sam P
24. Putting on the Ritz
25. He's a french fry short of a happy meal.
26. Sometimes a few properly placed words are more effective than quietly moments of prayer.
27. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

From Vicky (TB's friend)
28. If a frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his butt.


From Rosemary B
29. When there's an elephant in the house, do you know how to get rid of an elephant? -One bite at a time.

From Dorothy L
30. She has a memory like an elephant.

From Sharon C
31. Ye Gads and little fishes (shocked, O' no)

Here are some I have heard in my life time.
32. He's all that and a bag of chips
33. In your face.
34. He's a few chips short of a full bag.
35. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
36. Cat's got your tongue?



DO YOU KNOW ANY MORE? PLEASE COMMENT.

Way to go Bahamas!!!*

Every now and then I watch "The View" because it helps me wake up and I don't have cable.

Rosie O'Donnell has been strongly speaking out against Christians and even against President Bush.

Yesterday I turned it on for a little bit. Rosie was angry and spoke out against the 80 churches in the Bahamas that were against her and did not support the special cruise that Rosie puts together. This once a year Cruise is geared toward the gay family lifestyle. The 80 churches didn't want her Cruise to stop at the Bahamas...and they won!!!
I thought that was awesome.

I believe that a homosexual lifestyle is sinful, not to mention gross. I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. (not a man with another man - or- a woman with another woman). This generation is getting worse. If a daughter has 2 mothers, than she grows up and decides she likes that lifestyle and has a woman partner also, does that mean her children will have 2 mothers, 4 grandmothers, and 8 great grandmas and so forth...

Where does the opposite sex come into the picture besides producing more children? What is happening to family values? We can't just say it's a part of life. Is our future going to be that they say that {the perfect family portrait is with 2 mothers and children -or-2 fathers with children...}?

We are living in sad times. It is starting to sound like the days of Sodom and Gomorrah...

Way to go Bahamas!!! Thanks for standing up for the church and for the true family.