Getting the job done

Good Morning Friends!  Wondrously wrapped in HIS loving arms Wednesday!  Last Sunday in church I noticed one of our older (yes even older than me) ladies was sitting alone.  Her good friend that she always sat with recently passed away and her daughter-in-law had to work  so, sweet Rosemary was all alone….I too was all alone, so I decided I would march on up and join her!  We shared a hug and snuggled in ready to worship.  During announcements she whispered to me that someone had trimmed the flowers in front of the church.  She was really happy about it, explaining that she had noticed they were so badly in need of trimming, and really wanted to do it, but just hadn't gotten to it.  She went on to tell me, a beautiful smile on her face, that when she does yard work she has to choose if she wants to be on her knees or bend over.  You see, Rosemary suffers terribly from arthritis….mind you she is smiling as she relates this to me.  She chuckled and went on a bit more about her yard work…..but my mind focused on her smile, her attitude.  This woman, has reason to give up the yard work…..terrible pain in her knees and back, but she doesn't…..she picks, according to the degree of pain in each area, the position she will be in to get the job done……she doesn't give up or feel sorry for herself…..she does the very best that she can…she keeps on keeping on despite the discomfort!  Oh wow…..the more I think about her the more I must turn to our Father and ask for forgiveness….how often do we whine, complain, feel sorry for ourselves, even give up at times when life seems to be hitting us hard?  Difficult relationships, more bills than income, grief, critical illnesses….Oh yes Father…..these are the times when we must turn to You for strength you are there, with open arms, wisdom and guidance just waiting for us….help us to be strong and follow Your words from James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”  Father, we know that life is hard at times, but with YOU on our side we know we can do it and give YOU glory!

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Romans 5:3-4. For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:10.  Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.  Psalm 55:22.  Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  Romans 8:18. 

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

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!

 

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!

You Better Not Pout...

Good Morning Friends!  Thankfully loved by Him, Tuesday!  Cooper is out of school today, so Papa has his favorite helper!  I’m not sure who was more excited Papa or Cooper, but I do know who was quite mad about the whole deal!  Oh my, Miss Katy wanted to stay with Papa too and she did not hold back on her emotions one little bit.  I grabbed my robe and ran outside to say hi to her…..Well, let’s say it was definitely a one way conversation and Katy was not a part of it! From the confines of her car seat she did not even look up at me when I excitedly called her name, waving like only a crazy Nana can…..she sat perfectly still and glared at me…eyes squinted, mouth stern and stiff….a look, that to anyone but a Nana, could have actually seemed hostile!  Bless her heart she just does not understand why Cooper can stay with Papa, but she can’t….she loves going to Grammi’s (where she stays while mommy works), but it’s just the thought of missing out on Papa fun.  I keep seeing that look on Katy’s precious face……Katy, just a young child, doesn’t understand……but how about us…..How often do our faces display an attitude that is not becoming…..hostile….unwelcoming….When our Heavenly Father looks at us, what does HE see?  I know that we can’t be running around grinning from ear to ear all the time….but did you know that it is proven that smiling makes us feel better!  More importantly than sporting a smile on our face is what our heart looks like….When our Heavenly Father looks into our hearts, what does He see?  Does He see unselfishness or greed?  Does He see envy or encouragement?  Does He see anger or self-control?  Does He see trust or stress?  Every day we encounter situations that may be stressful, hurting, promote anger, cause worry…..how we handle these situations depends on what is in our hearts……Does He see love?  If our hearts reflect HIS love we have everything we need to get through the worst of situations (even if it means not staying with Cooper and Papa)!  His love is our strength, our guidance, our hope…..our everything!  Father, remove our pouting faces, fill our hearts with YOU, and help us to share Your love….Father when people look at us….let them see You.  Thanksgiving and Praise to You, our Loving Father!

 

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.  The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, He saved me….I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.  Psalm 116:5-6 & 17.  Co not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  Ephesians 4:29.  A happy heart makes the faith cheerful.  Proverbs 15:13.  A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.  Proverbs 15:30.  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13.

Love you all!

 

february 11, 2013

Good Morning Friends! Mighty and Awesome is our God, Monday!  Remember a week or so ago I mentioned the fodder factory?  Well, for those of you that don’t know what that is, let me give you a brief description.  Kim is growing wheat hydroponically (in water); every eight days he harvests 6 trays (20’ x 10”) of wheat, fresh green wheat about 8” tall with a thick mat of roots (kind of looks like sprouts).  The lush green, feeds each of our many animals…The whole system is automatic, set on timers that turn on water every few hours and also the lights for several hours each day.  All set up on automatic timers….easy right….Well, a couple weeks ago a couple of the cylinoids quit working…first one and then another on one side of the factory.  Kim had a couple extra for a part not set up for production yet so he put them on….then got on the phone to order a couple more, well actually think this happened twice….kind of weird we thought and so new they shouldn’t be breaking so fast.  Well, it was Thursday that he called to get a couple more ordered….well guess what!  FarmTek told him that there was a malfunction…duh….the wires on the cylinoid are not compatible with the timers…go figure, right!!!!!  They are working on the problem and hope to have new ones out in just a few days….in the meantime….well, just hope no more go out right!  Saturday morning as I finished in the kennels,  Kim went up to start in the fodder factory….the harvesting and planting process takes a little time, so he went to get started while I finished the kennels.  I had just gone into the house to get a bottle of water when he came in….fit to be tied.  Another cylinoid, on the other side had gone out!!!!!!  If we could not find one in town….well…no water….no wheat….Mind you we are talking 30 trays….20’ x 10” in various stages of growth…approximately 3000 pounds of feed that would go to waste without water!  Kim called all over town to no avail…..then he called FarmTek again….well they sure are sorry, but…..nothing yet.  We headed to the factory, knowing exactly what we would have to do…….Water by hand….all 30 trays…twice a day….Oh boy.   Well, I took the first shift as Kim finished planting on the other side…..back and forth, over and over watering with a fine mist so as not to mess up the freshly planted seeds….back and forth….tray after tray…..my arms were getting so tired to say the least and my back from all the bending over…….I was getting really bored and trying desperately to keep my attitude adjusted when and interesting thought came to me……What if our Heavenly Father got bored with watering us……listening to our gripes, healing our pains, supplying our needs, picking us up, wiping our tears, sharing our joys, taking care of our kids, listening….comforting…..loving……forgiving!  The good news!!!!  HE DOESN’T!!!!!!  Our Heavenly Father happily waters our every need…..each of us individually…..lovingly, happily, no attitude adjustment needed….Oh how loved we are!  Father, thank you for never getting bored with us and our constant need for watering!  We are sooooo blessed!  To You be all Glory!!!

Because You are my help, I sing in the  shadow of Your wings.  Psalm 63:7.  You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.  Psalm 16:11.  The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.  Psalm 28:7.  In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.  Psalm 33:21. Praise the Lord.  Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.  Psalm 106:1. 

Love you all!