Behold the Lamb of God

Good Morning Friends!  Thankful to be HIS, Tuesday!  One of my job duties is to go through the Ada and OKC papers and cut out all articles dealing with Native Americans.  What a privilege, right?  Reading the newspaper on the time clock?  Well, yesterday I had all the papers since last Wednesday to go through, quite a stack!  Lots of sad news as well as good news, but one page, full page in the Christmas day paper took my breath away.  Very simple, but detailed, muted colors, but a glow framing the young child on the floor.  The child, Jesus in his dad’s work shop, playing on the floor while Joseph worked at his carpenter’s bench.  Jesus, the child, had found some nails and was pretending to work like his dad….the glow on HIS head cast the shadow of cross on the floor behind HIM.  Jesus playing…..in HIS dad’s shop…took my breath away.  I had never thought of Jesus, our Savior, as a young boy playing on the shop floor….just like Shawn and Ira.  Oh how those boys loved to play in their dads’ shops….Just like Jesus…Our SAVIOR….We are used to seeing Jesus in the manager, healing the sick, and hanging on the cross, God’s word tells us that Jesus was true man as well as true God….the picture showed me, reminded me that the true man was also true boy….born of a virgin…true God….the cross shining on the floor….that boy became our Savior…..HIS death and suffering….true man….HIS glorious resurrection…TRUE GOD…..All for us….JESUS the REASON for the SEASON….JESUS….the REASON….our SAVIOR…our BEST FRIEND!   Father thank you  for the gift of YOUR SON, TRUE GOD…true man…our SAVIOR, thank you for loving us and forgiving us, Father we sure don’t deserve Your grace and mercy.  Keep us mindful so that we forgive others…..

 

Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.  John 1:29.

Love you all!

Jesus IS the LIGHT!

Good Morning Friends! Thankfully loved by HIM, Thursday.  Last Sunday at our Christmas program, Pastor and his wife, gave me a Christmas gift.  I didn’t open it until   I got home and settled in…..I was very pleased as I pulled a beautiful, hand painted, glass nativity very different from anything I have seen, out of the box.  It stands about 10” high and probably 4” wide, well it looks like an “L” facing forward….gosh hope you can picture that.  Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the manager sit on the base, the back looked a bit like a church window….anyway, I placed it on the coffee table, thinking I must thank them tomorrow and tell them it’s beautiful.  Well, I did do that, but the week has been really hectic so I hadn’t really paid a lot of attention to it or any other Christmas decorations either….that is, until this morning.  I got up at my usual time and headed to the living room for bible and prayer time.  This morning I took the time to plug in my decorations with lights….When I had finished reading, I got up and turned off the over- head light.  As I sat back down and was snuggling in for a good visit with our Father my eyes got a glimpse of a light I didn’t recognize….Wow, the light from the candles on the mantle were reflecting through the back of my new nativity….the light was shining on Jesus…..Jesus was shining…..Jesus IS the LIGHT….the LIGHT of the world, the LIGHT of our lives, shining HIS Perfect Love on us, guiding us, protecting, uplifting….forgiving us!  JESUS the REASON FOR THE SEASON!  I sat on the edge of my chair, my eyes focused on the beauty of the shining nativity…..my heart was aglow as HIS Peace filled me….the Wonder of HIS LOVE…..Thank you Father for the giving us the LIGHT OF THE WORLD….help us to catch the glow and reflect HIS love.  

 

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the LIGHT of the world.  He who flows ME shall not walk in darkness, but have the LIGHT of LIFE.”  John 8:12.  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying a manger.”…..So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  Luke 2: 8-12 & 16.

Love you all! 

God loves all our praises!

Good Morning Friends!  Wrapped in HIS loving arms Wednesday!!  I Keep thinking about a special little Christmas blessing….. music….Christmas carols in the stores, on the phone, the car radio, but my most favorite is singing Christmas carols in church.  I love to sing and Christmas carols are just so singable….makes it easy….”to make music to Him…”  Psalm 33:2.  We are told in God’s word so many times to “make music to HIM”  so the joy of singing Christmas carols just fills my heart with HIS love…the trouble is, just doesn’t seem to be enough time to get them all in…So, I like to do my part….Sunday was our children’s program at church and a perfect opportunity for me to include lots of Christmas songs in the program….I was so excited to know that we would sing one after another….and of course I wanted everyone else to be just as excited as me to sing.  The kids….well, I am always on them to sing more, open their mouths and let out those praises….the kids…..they think I am nuts….well Sunday night, as usual, the kids just weren’t singing like I thought they should….but as we were singing the refrain to “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,”  I looked over thinking, “well surely they are singing the refrain”  what I saw…Well, one young teen boy was….no, not singing, rather he was tapping his fingers on his pant leg….in perfect rhythm to the song…His lips were closed, but his heart was singing….."making music to the Lord.”  Oh, I thought, Kathie, Kathie….your ways are not the only ways….This child…a teenager at that….taught me a much needed lesson.  God hears the praise of our hearts….oh yes, if you like to sing, sing…..if your blessed to play an instrument, play…..if you can tap a perfect beat on your leg….God hears, God loves….all our praises.  Joy to the world…..our Savior is born….let earth receive their KING and make music.  Father, thank you for the gift of YOUR Son, our SAVIOR, fill our hearts and lips with praise.  And Father, thank you for the special blessings we receive from children.  LET EVERY HEART PREPARE ROOM!

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.  Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to Him on the ten-stringed  lyre.  Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy (or tap).  Psalm 33:1-3.  Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.  Psalm 95:2.  My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.  Awake, harp and lyre!  I will awaken the dawn.  I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.  For great is your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.  Psalm108:1-4. 

Silent Night Holy Night…..no crib for a bed…..the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay….HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING…GLORY TO OUR NEWBORN KING….Go Tell it on the mountain….JESUS CHRIST IS BORN!  Love you all.

What was it really like that night?

Good Morning Friends!  Miracles in His love, Monday!  The other day I read an Advent devotion about Joseph…..all about his perspective of the things going on in his life with Mary and Jesus on the way.  Really got me to thinking that for sure, wasn’t all just a piece of cake for him.  The last few days our sheep have moved to a pasture right by the house, so as I leave for work I see them all there grazing (today one was stretched way up on a cedar tree, munching away) on the outside of the fence along the road sits a Pyrenees dog…..watching…..protecting the sheep.  Still thinking about the devotion on Joseph, my mind turned to the Christmas shepherds….guarding their flocks by night.  I wonder if they had guard dogs to help them…..do you think they were scared when the angels appeared?  Do you think the sheep scattered and the dogs took off barking trying to gather them up again?.......Do you think the shepherds stood, just stood calmly or took off running…..maybe they clung to each other terrified…..Can you imagine……I mean really, think about it……What if you were out in a field, in the dark, maybe coon hunting and all of a sudden….BAM!!!!   The sky lights up, brighter than any light you have ever seen…. You shield your eyes and look up…..you see….what is it….visions…forms like you have never seen….in the sky….and then they begin talking to you…..Things in the sky, brighter than any star or moon….talking to you…..think you might have wanted to run away and hide????  I can just imagine that at least some really considered it until the angels began to speak….”Do not be afraid”   Oh don’t you just know their voices oozed with calm…They were on a most important mission and really didn’t want the shepherds to be scared…..No, they wanted to tell them the good news….Jesus our Savior is born……I am sure the shepherds wasted no time finding the stable in Bethlehem where Mary and Joseph were wrapping Jesus in swaddling clothes and lying Him in a manger…..Oh my, there was so much more to that first Christmas, starting with Gabriel’s visit to Zechariah telling him that Elizabeth would have a baby, then his visit to Mary to tell her she would be the mother of God’s Son…..then sweet Joseph, his world turned upside down…..right to the shepherds….in the field….guarding their flocks by night….Friends, let’s ponder on these things…like Mary did……this week before Christmas let’s really try to slow down from the fuss…..relax in the glow of the Christmas lights and ponder on the Light of the World….JESUS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON……Father, help us to truly feel the emotions of that First Christmas and grow in our love for YOU.

 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”….So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger… The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.  Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  From Luke 2.

Love you all!

 

It's not the wrapping, but what's inside that counts

Good Morning Friends!  Wondrously wrapped in HIS loving arms Wednesday!  Well, yesterday we took care of the shopping, now it’s time to start wrapping!  Last night as I sat in the middle of the living room floor surrounded by gifts waiting to be wrapped I thought….oh gosh….what a job!  I have never been real good at wrapping, I love to see beautiful packages, fancy bows and ribbon, tight crisp edges, but I just never have been able to conquer that art!  My husband says I don’t have enough patience…..I say it’s just not my forte!  So consequently, the gifts under my tree and especially the ones being sent in the mail just don’t look all that pretty…..Well anyway, as I was saying, as I sat in the middle of the floor wrapping the thought occurred to me…..well you know…..I wasn’t alone, HE was there twinkling in the lights of the tree….so HE was guiding my thoughts….And this is what HE came up with….”My child, don’t you know that it’s not how the package is wrapped that counts, it’s what inside!”   I felt a smile welling up inside of me, from deep in my heart…..Oh goodness, we spend so much time worrying about how we look, getting our hair cut, colored, new style, painting our nails, and clothes…crazy how we worry about what we wear, oh let’s not forget all the wrinkle creams, diets….so we look good….on the outside…..And so what if we do look awesome all “wrapped” up in our styles and creams….Our Father doesn’t even see all that, HE is looking to what is inside.  What’s in our hearts and minds, what shows through our words and actions….that’s what needs to be pretty!  Sure is a relief to know HE doesn’t care what we look like on the outside (cause my wrinkles are out of control)….I was still smiling as I finished my wrapping for the evening…..smiling to think that the receivers of my gifts will delight in what’s inside even if the “wrapping” isn’t so pretty!   Thank you Father for looking past our wrinkles and gray hair to what’s inside….help us to always be “pretty” on the inside….to Your glory.

 

This will be a sign unto you:  You will find a baby “wrapped” in cloths and lying in a manger.  Luke 2:12.  Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is great worth in God’s sight.  1 Peter 3:3-4.  The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7. 

Love you all!

 

The most perfect gift

Good Morning Friends!  Totally taken by His love, Tuesday!  Seems like so many conversations right now are all about Christmas shopping….what to get who….how much does it cost…..and then every other commercial is about some big old fancy Christmas gift and the stores and sale papers….gee whiz….easy to get stressed out.  We stress out over getting the perfect gift for our family and friends, the hottest new toy, or biggest tool, buying the perfect paper and matching bows…..people actually go in debt buying Christmas presents that they cannot afford……BAM!!!!  This morning it hit me……..each of us have already received the most perfect gift….many, many years ago……no it didn’t come from a high-dollar department store and wasn’t wrapped in shiny paper……didn’t cost us one cent….not one single penny……..This gift was born in a stable…..wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger…..a stable….for animals….donkeys, sheep, cows…..now I love all my little critters but a night with Chloe and Eyore….no thanks.  This gift God’s Son, born in a manager for us, lived, died and rose again for us…..died that we might live…..Our Heavenly Father gave us the PERFECT GIFT….His only Son…..our Savior…..This Perfect Gift was a gift of LOVE…….unselfish……total LOVE for each of us.  The gift of LOVE, wrapped in swaddling clothes….The perfect gift comes from love……not how much money was spent or the name brand…….So go ahead finish your shopping, but remember the Perfect gift comes from love.  Father, thank you for giving us, the Perfect gift, Your only Son who died to save us from eternal death…..Fill our hearts with Your Love so that everything we do brings glory to You.

 

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:11-12.  For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John3:16.  This is how we know what love is:  Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  1 John 3:16.  We love because God first loved us.  1 John 4:19.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.  1 John 4:12.

Love you all!

The beauty in a dead tree

Good Morning Friends!  Wise and Wonderful is our God, Wednesday!  Yesterday I told you about our wonderful Thanksgiving at the cabin, today I want to share a little story from that afternoon.  Last Christmas Eve Papa and I took Cooper and Katy to the cabin for the day to have an old-fashioned Christmas!  We cut down a cedar tree, took it in and decorated it with homemade ornaments, we decorated cookies, had hot chocolate and cooked lunch on the camp stove and even took our naps there!  A wonderful time was had by all for sure.  Well, as things go….Kim and I don’t always get things done in a timely fashion….I think I got the tree undecorated and outside about…..April…..Kim always intended to cut it up and burn it, but just never got to it.  The once pretty little cedar tree with a homemade base still on it was still lying outside the cabin…..Thursday while Mom, Dad, Nana and Papa were sitting by the fire Cooper and Katy were doing some serious exploring!  Guess what they found???!!!  Yep, last year’s once beautiful, now dead, brittle Christmas tree….Cooper was thrilled!!!  He hollered at us, “look what I found, look it’s our Christmas tree from the cabin!” He was so excited, it was precious….Papa and I asked them, “remember last year we spent the day in the cabin and made cookies and decorated the tree?”  Oh yes they both remembered and were so excited sharing things they remembered.  Cooper was holding onto the tree, trying to get it up.  Mom and dad told him to get away from it because it was on prickley….but as they spoke, right in front of our eyes…..Cooper made his move to the cabin door……he was on a mission…..the once beautiful Christmas tree, now to say the least unattractive was going back into the cabin for this year’s Christmas celebration!  Cooper only saw a Christmas tree……he saw only the beauty of a day with Nana, Papa, and Sissy….a day he treasured, more than we could have ever imagined, in his heart.  Of course we had to stop him from putting it in the cabin (with a promise of doing it again), but I couldn’t stop thinking about Cooper and that tree……Cooper saw beauty in that dead tree.  Oh Cooper, sweet boy, what a wonderful lesson you have given your Nana….We are so quick to see the unattractive, past actions, or life styles of people in our lives…..remembering hurts, mistrusts, poor choices while missing the beauty inside, the beauty and forgiveness that God offers everyone….Makes me sad to think of the opportunities I have missed to share happy, loving times with people that might have “unattractive” trees in their pasts…..judging what I think I see or know…missing out on what God sees, missing out on the blessing of sharing with another of HIS children.  Father, forgive us when we misjudge one of Your children, give us eyes and hearts that see as You do.

 

You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  1 Corinthians 6:11.  If you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.  Matthew 6:14-15.  God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.  Acts 10:28.  Do to others as you would have them do to you.  Luke 6:31.  How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!  Psalm 133:1  Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Hebrews 10:24.  Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  1 John 4:7. 

Love you all!

 

Relax in the Light of the World

Good Morning Friends!  Totally taken by HIS love, Tuesday!  Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving; we sure did, we spent the day at our little cabin in the woods and cooked everything but the stuffing and pie outside!  Kathyrn brought the oven stuff, but Kim and I did the rest!  No running water and no electricity, but an awesome campfire all day long!  Praise worthy for sure….now the big day is over and Sunday was the first day in Advent….gosh now we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birthday!  Crazy isn’t it, how time just seems to fly!  Good grief, I know that your lists are as long as mine and the whole month gets overwhelming at times….We had our Hanging of the Greens service at church Sunday, everyone taking part in the special service by hanging wreaths, lighting the Advent wreath, decorating the tree, placing each piece of the nativity, the banners displaying the names of Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Blessed Redeemer, Light of Light, Lamb of God, Living Word, hang perfectly straight along the walls…..kids reading, adults singing, everyone hanging special ornaments on the tree…..Wonderful, but…..yes hectic…..for the person planning it all gosh!  Thanks Nancy!  And for all of us hoping we are in the right place at the right time…..Well, festivities done, the service continued as usual, about three-quarters through Pastor’s sermon the sun, that had been shining so brightly all morning, went behind the clouds….Our church has big skylights and a huge stained-glass in the front of the church so the natural light is very obvious.  So when the church that had been bright was suddenly dim, I couldn’t help but notice….I took my eyes off of Pastor and looked around…..the lights….oh the lights, the tree, nativity, altar and wreath candles……the lights…..when the sun was shining in so brightly you could hardly notice all the lights, twinkling, sparkling…..shining in the darkness……shining…..Peace….Yes, Peace suddenly engulfed me…..I felt my body relaxing….I let go of the hectic morning and thought only of the LIGHT….The LIGHT of the world….given for me and you….God’s only SON….The Peace I saw in the twinkling lights…this PEACE that engulfed me, I know is what God wants each of us to have and to hold throughout this hectic season….This PEACE is all that matters….the LIGHT shining through the darkness to guide us…..loving us….Father, thank you for giving us the Perfect GIFT, the Light of the World, Your Son Jesus.  Push away the hectic from our lives and fill us with Your Perfect Peace as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Your Son, our Savior. 

 

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your heats be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27.  The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.  Psalm 29:11.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called peace.  Colossians 3:15.  The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7.  The God of PEACE be with you.  Philippians 4:9.

Love you all! 

 

Well, you aren't dead!

Good Morning Friends!  Take time to be thankful, Tuesday!!  Well, my goodness seems like it’s been forever….missed you all!  Last Sunday I wanted to have a lesson on being thankful in conjunction with Thanksgiving for the kids.  I found a neat idea on the internet and adapted it to our group.  Basically I had a basket of apples with a number taped on each one.  I had each child tell me a song they wanted to sing and I had bible verses on being thankful.  So, I read a bible verse, someone picked an apple and we sang the song that corresponded to the number on the apple!  The singing came directly from the first verse, Psalm 147:7, “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp (I said piano too, we have the most awesome pianist at church).”  And so we began, bible verse, apple, sing….what a good time we were having making music to our God!  Pretty soon, I read 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  This verse lead me to ask the kids, quite dramatically, “Well, I’ve been really sick….so does this verse mean I have to be thankful for being sick???!!!!!”  I was really trying to make a point, about not being whiners, when one Jr. Hi boy said in his getting deep Jr. Hi voice, head down….”Well…..you aren’t dead!”  Wow!  Did that ever hit home….I have been doing quite a bit of whining about being sick…..in fact I’m sure there are friends and co-workers that are sick of hearing me whine……the point is I am alive!  Alive, with medicine, lots of chicken soup, cough drops and a caring husband…..I am going to be just fine!  That young man’s comment may have been a bit on the extreme side, but I think it really made a good clear point for us…..we do have so very much for which to be thankful, grateful….praise worthy!  Yet, it seems we are so quick to see the negative…..get sick once in a while and we think the world has come to an end….How about all the days we are healthy, feel great….are we thankful on those days.  Do we think to thank our doctor, pharmacist, friends, caring husband on those days….My husband starts my car every morning and pulls it right up to the back door for me…..Hmmm, have I thanked him lately….Ever called your doctor when you felt really good and thanked her for always being there when you need her?  Ever thanked God for her and prayed for wisdom for her in so many difficult situations?  Thursday is “Thanksgiving Day”  why wait…..let’s start thanking and praising right now!  Our God takes good care of us….provides us with what we need….oh yea sometimes we think it’s not quick enough, but…..never forget, Our Father always knows what’s best!  Trust and believe!!!  Father, oh my goodness there’s not enough hours in the day to thank you for all you do for us!!!  Accept our humble gratitude and praise!  Help us to always keep attitudes of gratitude.  And thank you for my doctor!!!

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of gods.  His love endures forever.  Give thanks to the Lord of lords:  His love endures forever.  Psalm 136:1-3.

Love you all!

Where are the cows?

Good Morning Friends!!  Thankfully HIS Thursday!   Kim has been trying to buy about 10 more cows to finish out his herd for several months.  Gosh, prices are so high and they are really hard to find too.  So, last week when he heard about a special sale in McAllister on Saturday we couldn’t help but get a little excited.  We knew that it was mostly a bull sale, but there were supposed to be some cows/heifers also, so yep we were anxious.  We got up real early Saturday morning and got all our chores done so we could leave around 10.  I stoked the fire to last all day because we didn’t think we would be home till late and left the pumpkin/turkey lights on too…..I was packed and ready for a day at the sale barn (I just love those sale barn burgers) and excited that Kim might finally get his cows (he has been driving me a bit crazy)!  It was a beautiful morning, the drive was gorgeous,  trees flaunting their phenomenal fall colors, the warm sun dancing happily through the fluffy clouds and the company…..my favorite sweetie what a great day!  We arrived early, pulled on our jackets and headed to the lots to get a sneak preview of what we had hoped to bid on.  We could tell as soon as we stepped in that there wasn’t an abundance of animals.  We walked up and down every row….one after another……bull after bull….where are the cows!!!  We finally found two or three pens of heifers…registered at that…but that was it!  Wow!  What a let- down….dang, we had worked ourselves into a state of anxious anticipation and now nothing….With our bubbles burst and our heads hanging we headed to the car….no need to hang around there!  Now what??!!!  Poor Kim, once again he faced the disappointment of not completing his herd…..We were quiet as we hit the road  home….I did talk him into stopping at a couple antique stores so I could brose and we had lunch, but then headed home.  We were sleepy when we got home, so we sat in our recliners and looked for a movie to watch….we both dozed off….the silence was broken by the shrill sound of Kim’s pager…..he jumped up as the voice from Central Dispatch said Lula Fire….you need to respond…unattended death…..We looked at each other, oh how he hates those calls….he responded and headed out the door.  I said a prayer for the family  and went to the office to do something.  It hadn’t been too long when I got a call from him…..his voice was serious, “Kathie can you come sit with a wife who just lost her husband?”  Oh my gosh I thought, oh how sad….can I?  “Kathie, Vera needs you.”  At that point it hit me, a dear friend and neighbor had died…his sweet precious wife of 62 years was all alone.  “I will be right there!”  I headed out the door, crying….poor Vera….oh I will miss Waymon….precious man, poor Vera.  I drove as fast as I dared, Kim greeted me on the porch where he waited for the ambulance.  “She’s on the couch, on the phone, go on in.”  I embraced her, she cried…..At that moment I knew why there were no cows at the sale!  God had a bigger plan for our day…..His sweet child, Vera, needed hugs……God was in charge of our day…..how could we ever have doubted HIM!  Father, help us to trust and believe in Your plans for us and to joyfully obey.  Help us to always reflect Your love in our actions with Your children.

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,”  declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11.  The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.  Psalm 33:11.  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.  As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Colossians 3:12.

Love you all!

Mouse in the house

Good Morning Friends!  Totally washed with HIS love, Tuesday!!!  First things first!  Thank you Father for this awesome rain!!  Last week was a busy one for me, real busy.  Saturday was our annual BBQ fundraiser at the fire department and that means a lot of work!  So I was busy all week shopping, preparing food, etc. and then the big day!  We started a little after 7 am moving the fire trucks out, cleaning and then setting up tables and chairs, decorating, organizing, you know the whole shamolly!  About 10 I headed home to cook 24 pounds of pinto beans!  One of our pots is almost as big as me….lol…really I have to stand on a chair to stir them….and so the day went….busy, busy and the anticipation, hoping for a big turnout always gets to me!  Back to the department about 3:30 to finish up the kitchen things…thank heavens for a great group of women to help out!  Five pm finally comes and we start serving, the band is playing, kids are having a great time in the bouncer and getting their faces painted and let’s not forget the silent auction!  Great success this year!  Our crowd was a bit slim, but it was a great night.  Finally it’s time to clean up (thank heavens for women that wash dishes hour after hour), and head home.  I was pooped, but did manage to unload my car!  Kim and I sat up and watched TV for a while hashing everything over while trying to relax and unwind; finally we gave up and went to bed!  I didn’t sleep good at all, so finally got up about 6 to  make coffee.  I grabbed a cup and went back to bed, Kim had turned on the news, so I sat there and watched for a little while.  Pretty soon we both got up…..he headed to the bathroom, sleepy-eyed and groggy, I went to the sink to run some dishwater……OH MY GOODNESS!!!!  The sight in my sink made me scream!  SCREAM, at the top of my lungs and run to the other side of the room.  Poor Kim, didn’t know what happened.  “THERE’S A MOUSE IN THE SINK, A MOUSE IN MY SINK!!!!!”  “Is it dead?”  he asked.  “NO!!!!!!  IT’S ALIVE!”  I screamed.  At that point he came into the kitchen, summed up the situation, reached in, picked it up by its tail, and flushed it!  Flushed it right down the toilet….oh mind you, it took two flushes!  Oh my gosh, my heart was racing, that thing….that mouse in my sink….My sink!!!!  That mouse in my sink, grossed me out!!!  Thank heavens for Kim and a good flush!!!  Later that morning, sitting in church, I couldn’t help but think about that gross mouse, in my sink!!!!  As we kneeled to confess our sins….a warm peace consumed me, inside and out…..Oh Father, I am so sorry that I am such a gross sinner!  I know that my sins must really gross You out like that nasty mouse did me.  Oh Father, You flush our sins through the death and resurrection of Your Son….Thank you Father, we sure do not deserve Your precious mercy and grace…..Thank you for loving us anyway!

 

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16.  As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:12.  The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him.  Daniel 9:9.  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.  Ephesians 2:8.

Love you all!

 

 

Are you ready?

Good Morning Friends!  Totally trusting in HIS loving care, Tuesday!!!  Over the weekend, Kim and I (and we had a great helper) finished getting all of our wood in for winter.  Got it all stacked nice and neat and even took a load up to our little cabin, got propane delivered on Friday, and Kim has everything ready to begin winter feeding of the cows.  Saturday afternoon we were feeling pretty proud of ourselves….we are all ready for winter…..last couple of years we were hauling wood all winter long and propane…waiting until there was an odor to call them……yep might even say we were a little smug as we went in patting ourselves on the back….all READY for winter!  Back in the house, I got to the laundry and then hit the shower…..standing there under the warm water, thinking about our accomplishments….my mind took a turn…..a really big one you know like a 180…..oh wow!!!!!!  Oh yea, Kim and I are ready for winter, and that is important here on this earth, but are we ready for what really matters….Are our hearts and minds centered on HIM, is our faith strong in the one true God……Are we READY!  Father we know you are preparing a place for us, keep us ever faithful….READY…..to spend eternity with You.

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, trust also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4.  Jesus said, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.  It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.  I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.  It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he come in the second or third watch of the night.  But understand this:  If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be READY, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”  Luke 12:35-40.  Jesus said, “I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”  John 16:22.

Love you all!

A vaccination for our attitude!

Good Morning Friends!  Forever HIS, Friday!   Well, it’s no secret, it’s time for our flu vaccinations!  Couldn’t forget it if we tried because everywhere you turn, drug stores, newspaper, TV, doctor’s office we are reminded.  Clinics are popping up all over which is really nice, makes it easy for us to get the job done.  Two years ago when our great grandson, Tucker was born, Hailey asked Papa and I to get the whooping cough vaccination; I have been seeing lots of advertisement for the shingles vaccination and now they are working on a vaccination for Ebola.  I can remember when I was just a little kid standing in a long, long line at a big building to get the new vaccination for Polio.  Seems like it was on a sugar cube…..and then there was that yucky vaccination for Small Pox, some of you will remember how it left a scar on our arms.  I’m not sure how I got so intent on vaccinations the last few days, but I sure have…..and I had a thought….a great big thought that has been gnawing away at me like a dog with a juicy bone……wouldn’t it be great if we could get a vaccination for our attitudes!  My goodness, I must admit I have been sporting quite a toxic one lately…..and the thought of it being contagious really made me stop and think….seems like I can find fault in just about everyone and everything lately….little situations that are really insignificant really tick me off….and I’m not so  quiet about it…Hmm how does that make the person listening to me feel…ick!  And it seems like I have been a magnet to gossip….and definitely not holding back on my opinion.  Yep, my attitude is definitely not well….and what’s coming out of my mouth is reflecting that….Oh my, what does God’s word say about that…”With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be.  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?  My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?  Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”  James 3:9-11.  Wow…I wake up in the morning praising our Father, read HIS word, pray to HIM and then… "Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let Him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  Oh Father I want this wisdom, YOUR WISDOM, because…. "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” Bible verses from James 3:13-17.  Father, forgive my unbridled tongue and mind and help me to reflect You in all I say and do.

Love you all!

 

Kathie A. Johnson

Receptionist

Are you in a fog?

Good Morning Friends!  Wrapped in HIS loving arms Wednesday!  My ride to work this morning was interesting at best…leaving my house there was a high fog or haze, but as I continued the fog got thicker…at least in spots!  I was driving along pretty much at normal speed when BAM I hit a thick wall of fog.  You know the kind you can’t see through….I slowed way down and really concentrated on the road.  Gosh, I hate fog, so disorienting…then BAM….it was clear as a bell again.  High fog, but the road was clear again, aww, I took a deep breath, thankful.  I was just getting my speed up again when….BAM….POW…hit it again….so thick, I couldn’t see more than a couple feet in front of me.  Again,  slowed way down…the fog was so thick that I felt…well….it was kind of a scary, unknown feeling….I hadn’t gone too far when….BAM….clear again!  Traveling the same road, but encountering such different conditions…..As I got on the highway the fog was really high, but I couldn’t help but think about my travels on 1600….hmm….kind of like our lives….as we travel through life we never know when we our going to hit a thick patch of fog….fog of financial worries, sick or troubled kids, health issues for us or our family, turbulent relationships, over-worked, stressed out and anxious we hit the fog.  We become disoriented…..not knowing which way to go, what conditions may be awaiting us….frightened….And then the road becomes clear again, the fog lifts….As I got close to town the high fog actually broke to display beautiful clouds enhanced by rising sun….pinks, blues, and purples enhanced the gigantic, puffy clouds…..I knew then that God, our Father, was speaking to me….I felt HIS presence, HIS peace…..Thank you Father for the reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we encounter on the road of this life, we know that YOU are with us….Just waiting for us to call on YOU…..YOU guide us lovingly through the foggy patches as well the clear ones….OH FATHER, help us to never forget. 

 

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:11.  I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night (or in the fog) my heart instructs me.  I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand,  I will not be shaken.  Psalm 16:7-8.  You will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me (no matter how thick the fog) with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29:12-13.  Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires wit good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  Psalm 103:2-5.

Shine your light!

Good Morning Friends!  Forever in HIS LIGHT, Friday!  A couple days ago, Kim had a man scheduled to come from Bristow and buy a bunch of feeders that Kim and I had made.  They were so big that he was bringing a semi and Kim would have to load them with the back hoe; this was no biggie they were all in a nice easily accessible pasture and he was scheduled to be there at 2 pm.  Kim and I had planned to unload and stack firewood when I got home, however when I got home, the man was just on his way….Oh boy….another late night.  Well, he finally got there a little after 6, so Kim headed out on back hoe….me…..I pulled on my leather gloves and hit the firewood!  I had just been in the house for a little while when I got a call from Kim, they were about done, but he needed hydraulic oil for the hoe.  It was totally dark by then, but I found the oil and headed to where they were loading out.  Wow, it was so dark, how could they even see to get the job done.  I turned the car around and pointed the headlights where they were adding the oil.  I was so tired and still needed to cook, but my conscience wouldn’t let me leave them in the dark to finish.  Kim had to go into the pasture and load the feeders and it was dark!  So, I carefully pulled my little back car into the pasture, found the last of the feeders and positioned the car so the lights shined for Kim to see the feeders and safely load them.  Job done I headed back to the house to get to dinner!  As I pulled into the driveway, I felt the familiar tap on my shoulder, actually it was more like HIS arm around me pulling me close to HIM.  “Hi FATHER, what’s going on?”  “Well, Kathie sure glad you stayed and shined the headlights so the men didn’t have to flounder in the darkness……MY LIGHT….sweet child….is always there to guide you, to shine love on you, to keep you from being afraid….MY LIGHT protects you, there’s no need for you to ever flounder in darkness I am always there lighting the way, and MY LIGHT warms you, comforts you, shields you from the dangers of darkness….MY LIGHT shines endlessly, MY LOVE for you is eternal…Go, reflect MY LIGHT!”  I felt so warm and safe….Thank you Father for the gentle reminder of YOUR ETERNAL LIGHT of LOVE for us!

 

You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.  With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.  2 Samuel 22:29-30.  Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”  Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O Lord.  You have filled my heart with great joy than when their grain and new wine abound.  I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.  Psalm 4:6-8.  The Lord is my light and my salvation of whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1.  Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.  They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness.  Psalm 89:15-16.

Love you all!

HIS strength is never zapped!

Good Morning Friends!!!  Wrapped in His loving arms, Wednesday!  Yesterday after I got off work, Kim had a couple chores we needed to do….first, at long last we got to move Chloe and Eyore (my miniature donkeys) from wayyyyyyyyyy back behind the house back to their regular little home in the front yard where I can see them from my kitchen window.  At a certain point they run out of grass there so we have to put them out in another pasture and I miss seeing them and giving them treats every day.  So last night was the time, I was excited, but had not considered their temperaments after a lengthy stay in a big pasture….oh my goodness, did Kim and I ever have a run (literally) for our money!!!!  But finally, they walked right into to their pen…..darn stubborn donkeys.  OK, that done we headed to a neighbor’s house to get a hay ring made specifically for horses/donkeys!  I wasn’t sure exactly what “picking up” the feeder would entail, but was sure I was up for it.  Hmm, it was huge and quite heavy I might add and I was a bit apprehensive as I listened to Kim telling me how we would lift it up and slid on the back of the truck….alrighty then….here we go.  Not without some grunting and groaning we completed the job and headed home…..to unload it in the their pen.  Oh boy, I got out and got Kim backed up to fence, helped him unstrap it and took my position to help hoist it over the fence….Oh my gosh, this is so heavy and I am so tired….the thought ran through my mind, “good grief, this is no job to attempt at the end of a long day!  First thing in the morning ok, I’m all over it, but now, 7 pm, worked all day…..not sure I can do it.”  And Kim was not much better off than me, he had worked really hard all day and was ready to be done….take off his boots and relax!  Well, it wasn’t pretty, but we did finally manage to get it unloaded; Kim headed to the house while I went to feed rabbits and lock up the chickens….Gosh I thought, “sure am glad that our Heavenly Father never gets tired….morning, noon or the middle of the night!  No siree, HE is always up for the task, whatever it is that we might need….HIS strength is never zapped, HE’S never worn out from a long day, overwhelmed by too much to do….Our FATHER is on the job, all-knowing, all-powerful, all the time!  Oh Father, me oh my, thank you for never being too tired for us.  We are so blessed.  Increase our faith and gratitude to Your glory!

 

 

For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of a the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.  Isaiah 25:4.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the stronghold of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:26.  He who fears the Lord has a strong fortress.  Proverbs 14:26. “ I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:8. 

Love you all!

 

Kathie A. Johnson

His Word is all around us

Good Morning Friends!   “O earth, earth, earth hear the word of the Lord.”   I cannot get these words from Jeremiah 22:29 out of my mind; it was the verse on my daily calendar yesterday and ever since I pulled it off I cannot stop thinking about the words….so powerful…..so…..commanding, yet so simple……hear the word….of the LORD!!!!  Not once, not twice, but three times…..earth, earth, earth no misunderstanding here….this is for us…hear the word of the LORD…So guess I better start going to church a few more times a week and make sure I listen to sermons on the radio…..oh look at those turkeys in the pasture, wow must be a hundred of them, oh and is that a doe and her fawn on the hill?  Hey, did you see the lunar eclipse yesterday morning, awesome and the stars were so vibrant, took my breath away.  Oh you should see the pictures of Tucker and Tanleigh that a friend that has Facebook (I don’t) shared with me…oh such precious babies “Children’s children are a crown to the aged….Proverbs 17: 6 .Richard’s daughter’s surgery went well “Praise the Lord….who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases…Psalm 103:3.  And my niece and her husband are moving into their new house this weekend, they waited so long to find it “who satisfies your desires with good things” Ps 103:5……leaves are beginning to turn and rain is coming…” He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”  Job 8:21.  Oh but I have so much to do, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.  Proverbs 16:3  and so many bills to pay, Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22.  Oh my goodness Father…..I hear….Your word…..in every breath I take, in every piece of your creation, my family, friends, work, play……..YOU are THERE…..Let me always hear You and Praise YOU!  Grow in the grace and knowledge of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be glory both now and forever!  2 Peter 3:18.  Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.  HEAR HIM!  Psalm 100:1-2.

Love you all!  PS.  You still need to go to church…..Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy!!!!  But you can sure hear HIS word all week long, all around you!

 

Off with the old, on with the new

Good Morning Friends!  Mighty Marvelous is our God, Monday! If you could see my yard and chicken coop you would think that the poor chickens had been in a major war!  There are feathers everywhere, white ones, black ones, red ones….feathers….Good thing is all the feathers my girls have lost are being replaced by brand new, beautiful feathers.  This whole process is called molting and happens, in a normal year, during the early fall.  It had been a couple of years since my girls had really gone through a good molting, so I had forgotten how bad they look during the process.  Poor things, practically naked while they shed their old feathers and wait their new ones.  Finally, the new feathers are really coming in and most of my girls are looking much better….I am so glad, bless their hearts they just looked pathetic.  Off with the old and on with new………”Father, is that you?”  “Yes, Kathie, it’s Me….I was wondering if you realize the significance of what you just said?”  “What’s that Father?  Off with the old and on with the new?  Yea, so they lose their old feathers, looking quite shabby for a while and then get beautiful new feathers….so, what’s Your point?”  “Well, my child….that’s the way it is with you, all my children, as you grow in faith, you shed your old ways, your worldly ways and replace them with My ways, My love takes over your heart, mind and body as you become My precious child, dearly loved, cherished, forgiven.  Off with the old and on with the new…..through My love and forgiveness you are as beautiful as your hens with new feathers!”  Oh Father, thank you for loving us so much that You make us new through Your love….sin makes us as ugly as these poor hens, but You Father make us beautiful in Your sight.  All honor, glory, and praise to You!

 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.  2 Corinthians 5:17-18.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  Galatians 2:20.  Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off our old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of its Creator.  Colossians 3:9-10.  Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Colossians 3:12.

Love you all!

Philippians 4:6-7

Good Morning Friends!  Thankfully loved and forgiven by HIM, Tuesday!  Due to circumstances beyond my control I have some extra responsibilities to take care of and I am totally stressed out….overwhelmed…..walking in circles…..nearing wits end, I feel like screaming!!!  Consequently, my attitude is in the gutter…yes friends, I am not denying that at this moment I am truly a grumpy old woman!!!!!  Just a minute ago, I turned my daily calendar page and read the scripture verse for today….Luke 5:16, “And He (Jesus) withdrew Himself in the wilderness, and prayed.”  Oh my…..Jesus must have been stressed out too….too much swirling around in my mind to accomplish anything……Maybe I need to follow Jesus example and withdraw and pray…..Yea….I need to withdraw from the stress, the responsibilities and go to HIM….give to HIM…give every detail of the tasks at hand.  He cares, truly cares about the most insignificant details in our lives.….find peace….clarity….energy….and an attitude that gives HIM all glory!  Yes, I do have a lot to do, but I know that if I go to HIM first and keep HIM with me all the way, every day, I will succeed…..To HIS glory and that’s what it’s all about!  I come to You most Awesome God for an extreme attitude adjustment!  First and foremost forgive my gross attitude, uplift and energize me to get the job done, to YOUR GLORY! 

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds I Jesus Christ.  Philippians 4:6-7.  Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty.  I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me.  But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother.  Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.  Psalm 131:1-2.  May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  2 Thessalonians 3:16.

Love you all!

 

Angels watching over you

Good Morning Friends!!!  Wondrously wrapped in His loving arms, Wednesday!!   I just love it when fall finally rolls around again!  Oh I’m sure our hot days are not over, but Monday evening did officially mark the beginning of fall!  And I was ready!  As soon as I got home and got Kim fed, I headed to the front porch to clean up a bit and get ready to hang my pumpkin and turkey lights!  Gosh I just love my lights on the porch…it’s just one strand of white mini lights, loosely stung, but I change them with the seasons.  Beginning with fall, I alternate pumpkins (jack o lanterns actually) and turkeys.  Simple little plastic ornaments, but I just love the white lights shining through them, especially in the long winter evenings!  Well, it’s become a tradition the last couple of years to endorse the help of Cooper and Katy (my 5 and 4 year old grandkids) to help me with the fun task.  So after cleaning up the porch I headed to their house to beg Mom to let me take them for a little while….my trip was successful.  Katy and I got the ornaments out of the closet and the three of us got to work.   They were so good at taking turns handing me pumpkins and turkeys…..We hadn’t hung too many when I discovered an angel ornament that I had missed taking down after Christmas…..somehow it had gotten hidden….all summer long, never once had I noticed the beautiful angel hanging in the front window of the porch…..I showed the kids and they were so excited….we all did a little happy dance about the hiding angel and left her right there in the front window with the pumpkins and turkeys.  As soon as they were all hung, Cooper got the honor of turning the lights on; another happy dance and to celebrate….ice cream.  I took them home and headed back to the house, anxious to check out our lights and see if I could possibly find the angel…..I just couldn’t believe I had missed it and never once spotted it hanging there.  Well, try as I may, I could not see the angel from the road….. right then, I suddenly felt….so warm, a safe, comforting warm…..I knew that I was not alone, His arms were encompassing me……He was not alone either…..a company of angels were with HIM…..the angels that HE provides for us…..all the time, everyday, in every way and place…..even though we do not ever see them…..Thank you Father, I know we keep YOU and Your angels real busy…..whatever would we do without YOU to comfort our sad, heal our sick, guide our confusion, calm our anxious, and share our joys.  All Praise to You Father!

 

For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  Psalm 91:11-12.  Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?  Hebrews 1:14.  God said, “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.”  Exodus 23:20.  The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and He delivers them.  Psalm 34:7.  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace goodwill to men.”  Luke 2 13-14.

A little piece of home

Good Morning Friends!  Mighty Awesome is our God, Monday!  Yesterday began as a typical Sunday morning at church; I was finishing up my Sunday school superintendent duties, you know offering, attendance, leaving Pastor a copy of attendance on his desk…the usual; as I came out of his office I noticed we had visitors looking at our bulletin board.  I stopped, said good morning and introduced myself….the wife turned to me, took my outstretched hand and said “Tina”  then her husband shook my hand, “Keith, and this is our daughter Jessica.”  I started to ask them where they were from when Keith got the oddest look on his face, he raised his hand kind of pointing at me and slowly said, “this is a stretch, but are you from Terra Bella?”  Oh my gosh my heart leaped as I said “yes.”  He said, “you were my Sunday school teacher.”  We were both in a state of shock!  Indeed, Keith’s parents were friends of mine at my home church in Terra Bella, California….many years ago…..my mom’s family were founders of the church and Keith’s family long, long time members so our families had known each other and worshiped together for decades…..I get goose bumps right now just thinking about such a wonderful coincidence…..I was so excited as I drug them around introducing to my current church family….Keith was excited too!  I had to go finish up with the kids, Jessica was quite willing to go and meet them, so off we went.  As soon as Sunday school was over I found Keith and Tina, introduced them to more people and asked if I could sit with them.  I was so excited I wasn’t sure I could sit still and of course I had to introduce them formerly during announcements…Gosh, what a wonderful coincidence I thought all through the service, my mind raced with memories from all those years ago, smiling, remembering what a cute little boy Keith had been (nice looking man now, I must add).  After the service, as we were getting ready to say our goodbyes, Keith expressed how happy he was that we had meet again after so many years.  In a serious voice he said, “I feel like I got a little piece of home.”  Hugging him I had to agree, it was all I could do to hold back the tears as Tina expressed that even though she had not ever been to California, she felt a “piece of home too.”  As Tina and I hugged I was filled with a  special peace….a peace and joy beyond human understanding…..oh this reunion was no “coincidence”  no way…..This was our Mighty Awesome God at work with a gift of love for Keith, Tina, and me, that we didn’t even know we needed, but HE did…And the piece of home we felt was unity and love of a Christian family….shared faith in our ONE TRUE GOD and SAVIOR…..a piece of home on earth, a foretaste of the HOME we will share in heaven with our FATHER….oh my goodness….goose bumps for sure!  Father thank you for such precious, special blessings that we sure do not deserve….thank you FATHER for the awesome bond we share with YOUR children….You pour your love over us in ways that we cannot even fathom….Thank you Father, all honor, glory and praise to YOU!

 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Isaiah 55:8-9.  Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.  Psalm 36:5.  From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children.  Psalm 103:17.   So we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him.  1 John 4:16.  How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!  1 John 3:1. 

Love you all!

Every day is praiseworthy

Good Afternoon Friends!  Mighty marvelous is our God, Monday!  Gosh we had the best weekend!  For my birthday, Kim planned a little weekend away for us; we left Friday morning and spent the whole weekend in OKC!  We had a nice hotel, ate out at cool places and spent the whole day on Saturday at the fair!  I was so excited about a whole weekend of no cooking, dishes, chores that by the time we left on Friday, I was acting like a little kid at Christmas.  I enjoyed every minute of our time, we laughed so much and had so much fun I really hated to think about coming home, back to the real world.  So, I have to admit that as we loaded the car and hit the road  home, I was feeling a bit down….Oh poor me I thought, back home to the drudgery, work, chores, dirty house, cooking….dishes… oh how nice it was to not have any dishes to do!  I was fairly quiet, wallowing in my self-pity…poor me….I’m not sure how far we were from home when….it hit me….Well, you know who…..knocking a bit of sense into me.  “Kathie” HE said, “remember that nice birthday card you got that talked about the gift of a day?  You wrote about it, remember?”  That’s  when the light came on….SHAME ON ME!!!  How could I be so selfish….How could I think that one day is any less of a blessing than another!  How could I think that a day in OKC with no dishes is more praise worthy than a day in my home, or at my job, or cleaning kennels, or….And could I ever appreciate getting away if it was the usual…better yet….how could I really appreciate home….if I didn’t get away….Oh yes Father, first and foremost forgive me….forgive my ungrateful attitude….and thank you Father for the blessing of each day that You make for us….at home or away….You are there and that makes every day extra special! 

 

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.   (at home or away)  Philippians 4:11-12.  A happy heart makes the face cheerful.  Proverbs 15:13.  Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:18.  Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!!!  (at home or away)  1 Corinthians 15:57.  Rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, overflowing with thankfulness.  Colossians 2:7. 

Love you all

Each day is a gift

Good Morning Friends!   Totally, thankfully, HIS Tuesday!  Yesterday I got yet another birthday card in the mail!  Gosh I got so many cards this year, wonder if that’s because I am getting so much older!  This was a beautiful card from a special friend, silly girl had already sent me a funny card, this one is sweet.  It’s what it says on the front that got me to thinking!  A quote from Goethe, “Nothing is worth more than this day.”  Of course in light of this being a birthday card it is of course making reference to my birthday, but my thoughts went further….nothing is worth more than any day, right….because God makes each day especially for us…..”This is the day the Lord has made….”  Each day is a gift from HIM, some days are seemingly better than others, but each day was made with love by our FATHER.  So, what are we going to do with each day….each blessing from HIM…..Our daily blessings are abundant, oh I know we all gripe about being broke, too much to do, kids are brats, husband a pain…..but count the blessings in each of those subjects!!!  Are you hungry?  Naked?  Living on the street?  We are blessed each day….Let’s REJOICE, PRAISE HIM, HONOR AND BLESS HIM WITH OUR ACTIONS AND ATTITUDES!  Nothing is worth more than PRAISING our Father each day….each day…that HE lovingly makes for us….each of us….We are all HIS children!  Tenderly loved and forgiven TODAY, TOMORROW, and each day of our lives.  All Honor and Glory to You our AWESOME Father God!

 

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24.  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything (everyday) give thanks.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge I Him.  Psalm 34:8.  That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.  Ecclesiastes 3:13.  The Almighty says:  “See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”  Malachi 3:10.  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.  2 Thessalonians 2:16. 

 

Love you all!

Members of His crew

Good Morning Friends!  Thankfully His, Tuesday!   Things are buzzing around here this morning, the Chickasaw multi-media is here filming a segment for the loan department.  My gosh there’s a bunch of them and I couldn’t tell you how many trips they have made hauling in equipment.  Big carts with big bags on them, one after the other, stands for lights, sound equipment, load after load….for one little segment.  I’m sure it takes them longer to set up than it does to film.  Watching them come in and out I said to one of the crew, “gosh sure takes a lot of equipment doesn’t it?”  He agreed with a chuckle stating, “ takes longer to set up the lights than do the filming.”  Hmmm, a young man just came in with a roll of blue cellophane. Wonder what kind of special effect they get with that.  Yes so much goes into the short segment, but you can be sure that the finished product will be awesome.  They always do a fantastic job.  The finished product depends a lot on what we do to get there…..I can feel our Father close to me…..HE is reminding me of the perfect finished product….life everlasting with HIM in heaven….Perfect….the thing is….being God’s child is not always easy, life’s temptations are hard resist, stress, anxiety, pain are all around us,  but if we put our time in with HIM, using all the equipment HE gives us, HIS word, time with HIM in prayer, worship and fellowship with other Christians we will succeed….We are freely forgiven through the blood of HIS Son….now let’s put the equipment to good use…takes lots of people on the filming crew to get the job….we have lots of people on our crew too….family, friends, professionals, pastors, teachers, friends and family…..we are not alone!  God provides us with everything we need and will loving welcome us to HIM!  Thank you Father for making us member of Your crew~

 

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:14.  The Lord is with you when you are with Him.  If you seek Him, He will be found by you.  2 Chronicles 15:2.  My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.  Ecclesiastes 2:10. It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.  Ephesians 2:8.Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2.

Love you all!

Fearfully and wonderfully made

Hello Friends!  Blessings to you all on this magnificent Monday, loved my HIM!  I was looking for something this morning and ran across this awesome prayer.  Because you are all awesome in God’s sight I thought I should share this with each of you!!!!  Remember dear friends, we are never alone in this world, God has a plan for us and is with us to guide us each step of the our journey.  We simply must rest in the assurance of HIS love, trusting and believing in HIS will for us.  God bless you!  Love you all.

The eyes have it

Good Morning Friends!  Forever His, Friday!  Yesterday I went to the eye doctor for a thorough exam; it had been several years since I had been (shame on me) and I knew that my eyes had changed.  In fact, to me, my vision had gotten so much worse that I was afraid something was going on with my eyes.  So, I was really anxious to have a good exam.  I went to a doctor I had not been to before, but was highly recommended and I was not disappointed!  After carefully testing my vision, he began the exam to determine the health of my eyes (remember I am not a spring chicken), first one test and then another….with his hi tech equipment he looked right into my eyes, in front, behind, on the sides he could clearly see every part of my eyes and the result was good!  He said my eyes are very healthy!  I was really happy with his diagnosis and sent up a quick thank you prayer as I went to pick out new frames….I left quite happy that my eyes are healthy and excited about my new glasses and better vision.  This morning as I was driving to work, I was thinking about my eye exam….it’s so cool that the doctor can use his equipment and look right into my eyes to see just what’s going on….Oh gosh, I thought…..what if you could look into our hearts and minds like that……look in at our thoughts and attitudes…..Wow, that’s a scary thought isn’t it….so often what we are thinking doesn’t match up with what we say or do…..We are all dressed up on the outside, but on the inside things may paint such a pretty picture…..On the inside we are not always “healthy.”  I felt sad as the realization hit me…..Our Father does look into our hearts and minds…..HE knows…..Father, my goodness, shame on us for working so hard to be pretty on the outside when it’s our “INSIDE” that needs working over.  We are so weak Father, in Your mercy, forgive us.  Father, draw us closer to You, guide us to be more like YOU, to reflect YOUR love, inside and out!

 

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.  1 Peter 3:3-4.  The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.  1 Samuel 16:7.  We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10.  Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be glory both now and forever!.  2 Peter 3:18.  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30.  Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.  Matthew 12:34. Love one another deeply, from the heart.  1 Peter 1:22.  The world and its desires pass away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.  1 John 2:17. 

Love you all!

 

Kathie A. Johnson

Receptionist

Administrative Services

Flat pancakes

Good Morning Friends!  Wise and Wonderful Wednesday!  So what kind of pancakes do you like?  Kim and I like whole wheat pancakes, but lately I have not been able to find our favorite mix anywhere!  At first I could get it at Walmart, then they stopped carrying it, but I found it at Nichol’s and Apple Market had it for a while too.  Now I can’t find it anywhere!!!  I have tried a couple of different “blends” but they were pretty blah.  In an attempt to take the bore out of our weekly pancakes I decided to google “whole wheat pancake mix” and see what happened.  After perusing the internet for a few minutes I came across a recipe that sounded interesting-Whole Wheat/Oatmeal Pancakes.  Healthy and tasty I thought, a bulk recipe that you keep in the freezer for multiple times!  I finally got around to mixing it together Monday evening, so I was really excited to try it yesterday.  It calls for buttermilk, so I put vinegar in milk in advance so it could curdle up real good!  Kim and I were both excited as he prepared to cook us a pancake….the batter looked quite interesting….I always say if everything in it is good how can it not be….Well, guess what….our special, healthy, tasty pancakes were flat…flatter than a pancake should be!  Yep, they did not rise one bit….what the heck I thought….All day I kept thinking about our flat pancakes wondering what had gone wrong…then I remembered the cobbler I had made last week.  I remembered thinking it sure didn’t rise very much…BAM, the light came on….the baking powder…..my baking powder must not be any good…..flat pancakes and flat cobbler….time to replace the baking powder for sure!  How sad all that mix with all those good, healthy ingredients wasted because of one simple ingredient….old baking powder ruined the whole batch….Flat pancakes…..Hmm…..gee…..could my life be the same as those flat pancakes….am I missing the one ingredient that makes me complete…..We can spend our time gathering earthly ingredients in hopes of having a “tasty” life,, but no “things” can do that alone…..there is one ingredient that makes our lives “tasty”  not flat….Jesus….without HIM in our lives all that we do and have is in vain…flat…..JESUS is the ONE ingredient we need!  He is our hope and our salvation!!!  Come Lord Jesus, be our guest in our hearts…in our minds….fill our spirits with love for YOU!

 

Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21.  Jesus said, “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….apart from me you can do nothing.”  Ohn 15:4-5.  God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16.  Jesus said:  “I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”  John 16;22.  Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be glory both now and forever!  2 Peter 3:18.    

Jesus Loves You!!!!!! 

 

No quick fixes

Good Morning Friends!  Thankfully HIS, Tuesday!  I had to pull over and stop for a road grader on my road this morning…..nothing new lately.  Our road is full of potholes….think I have told you about them before, but trust me when I say it’s bad!  Well, lately the county sends out a road grader to fill them in.  They pull dirt from the side of the road and smooth it over the holes.  Oh, it’s better for a few days, but it just doesn’t last….filling the holes with dirt is a quick fix, but they really need to be filled with pavement, you know the stuff they use on roads….oil and gravel….materials that will adhere with staying power.  I was thankful that at least today my ride home would be a little smoother, rolled down my window, waved and thanked the man on the grader, all the time thinking sure wish they would fix these things right….so they would last.  As I pulled up to the stop sign, I had to smile….not sure if you looked at me you would see it, but our Father saw my heart smiling….I stopped and heard HIM….heard HIM reminding me that my life so often looks like a road full of potholes (I had to agree) and that I am so good at looking for quick fixes….chips and chocolate to calm my anxious mood, a new dress  to lift a gloomy spirt, slamming doors, hollering…..oh yea I feel better for a minute or two after a big bag of BBQ chips, and slamming the door when you are upset helps for the moment….but what I need ……is a permanent fix….something to adhere to me…to my heart and spirit….Oh Father, I am so sorry that I look for quick fixes when all the time You are there, arms wide open, waiting to hold me, comfort me, uplift and guide me through the rough spots in the road.   Enable me to come to YOU first…You offer the permanent fix for me….YOUR love is unending…it’s everywhere just waiting to swoop me up….fill my holes of sadness, anxiety, depression, sadness, anger with peace, joy, contentment, calm….Praise and thanksgiving….To You, our Father be all glory and praise.

 

Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough troubles of its own.  Matthew 6:33-34.  Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  Matthew 7:7-8.  Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32.  We say with confidence.  “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?”  Hebrews 13:6.   May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  2 Thessalonians 3:16.  Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.  Jude 2.  The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.  Psalm 145:18. 

Love you all!

He always answers!

Good Morning Friends!!  Totally, thankfully HIS, Tuesday!!!  Got in the car as usual this morning (on time, thank you Father) and headed to work…as usual I called Kathyrn….well not quite as usual.  I called her but it didn’t ring….I looked at the phone to see if I had messed up, but it said Kathyrn just wasn’t ringing.  So, I hung up and tried again, nothing…then I noticed I had a voice mail.  What the heck…So, I listened to the voice mail….Initially, what I heard made me smile, but soon I was sad.  The voice on the message was sweet Katy J she was happy, anxious to talk to her Nana, “Nana, Nana, Nana, Naannaa….” At first she was so happy, but soon, when I didn’t answer her, her voice got louder, worried, and sad….Poor Katy, did not understand why her Nana didn’t answer her…she wanted….needed to talk her Nana, but I was not there….OK any grandmas or grandpas will understand how utterly terrible that made me feel…my heart felt broken as I thought, “oh she must think I don’t love her anymore.”  As I hung up the phone a warm peace came over me…..a smile from the inside out….although I was sad for Katy because she called and I didn’t answer….I was happy, thankful for us...we never have to leave a message on an answering machine for our Heavenly Father….Never!  He is always there….always answers…..oh sometimes we might not hear HIM…but that’s because of us not HIM…He is there, HE hears, and HE answers…..HE LOVES US….is ALWAYS there for us…..Call upon Me, HE tells us, I will hear you and take care of you….whatever it is that’s on your mind….bring it to ME….I LOVE YOU!  Thank you Father for always being there for us…..Help us to come to YOU with PRAISE and thanksgiving.

 

  This is the confidence we have in approaching God:  that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of HIM.  1 John 5:14-15.  The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and HIS ears are attentive to their prayer.  1 Peter 3:12.   “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know,”  says the Lord.  Jeremiah 33:3.  “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear,”  says the Lord.  Isaiah 65:24.  Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and CALL upon ME in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor ME.”  Psalm 50:14-15. 

Love you all!

Water anyone?

Good Morning Friends!  Thankfully loved by Him, Thursday!  I am a big water drinker; all day every day you can find me with a glass of water at my desk.  I like water….I know a lot of people think that’s crazy, but I really do.  I don’t drink it just because I am thirsty, I drink it because I like it, much better than soda or tea….Yes, I am a water drinker.  I have just begun working out at the gym with a trainer….oh my…..I have always been an advocate of exercise and eating right, but never had a trainer.  Well, in the past year, I’m ashamed to say, I have really been lax in the exercising and eating right departments and it is showing!  Oh yes both my physical body and my attitude are in need of some “working out.”  Hence, with a little encouragement from a friend and lots of prayer I am working out with a trainer!  So far I feel great!  Of course I am sore, but no pain no gain right!!!!!  Yesterday when I finished my workout, I was quite sure I was going to collapse in shear exhaustion and I was so thirsty, my throat was parched and I just knew if I didn’t get to water fast I was in trouble.  Yep, I was thirsty, really thirsty, more thirsty than I can remember being for a long time….I headed to the water fountain and had a good drink, then walked a couple of laps to cool down a bit….Back at my desk I continued to drink water all afternoon…This morning reading God’s word I ran across a verse in John 7 that I had read many times in my life, but in light of my “thirst” yesterday it took on a whole new meaning.  On the last day of a 7 day feast, Jesus addressed the crowd in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”  My thoughts immediately went to my thirst yesterday……I read on, “Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (verses 37-38).  Wow….living water….The water I drank yesterday quenched my thirst from exercise, but the water we get through the death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus quenches the fires of sin and death….washes us clean, fill us with the Holy Spirit…..Going to Jesus and drinking of HIS water of the Spirit we have life eternal with him to look forward to and that’s all we need!!  I am looking forward to getting into better shape through my workouts, but looking forward to life everlasting with HIM is what it’s all about!  Father, thank you for quenching us with the blood of Your Son.

 

Jesus answered, (speaking to the woman at the well)  “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  John 4:13-14.  Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”  John 3:5-6. Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, as He who promised is faithful.  Hebrews:10 22-23. 

Water anyone????  Love you all!