He's got us covered!

Well my scenario might be a bit confusing, but think you will get the idea!  Blessings on your day.

 

Good Morning Friends!  Wonderfully wrapped in HIS loving arms Wednesday!  I was heading down the highway this morning, like I do every  day going to work, but this morning I left the house a little later than usual.  I know now, why I like to leave early….there was so much more traffic than when I leave a little earlier; I really had to pay more attention to everything around me.  All of a sudden it was coming at me from all sides….a big truck was merging onto the highway on the right of me, but a another big truck was coming up behind me and there was a van in front of me too close to get around it, but yikes got to get out of the way of these trucks…gosh, they were coming at me from all directions….for just a few seconds I really panicked…..was I about to be in the middle of a bad accident???!!!!  I’m sure I sent a prayer up, but was concentrating so hard on getting out of danger's path….well, the van managed to stay out of the merging trucks way and I was able to get around the van without getting rear-ended by truck behind me….I took a deep breath, relaxed and said a big “THANK YOU FATHER.”   As I drove on into work, my mind was whirling about what just happened…danger coming at me from all directions.  I chuckled out loud and began a conversation with our Father….Father, my goodness wasn’t I just in a dither this morning about the world crashing in on us from all directions….Golly molly…Father, You got me out of the mess on the highway…..and YOU are with me now….all these stresses, worries, overwhelmed by life….my goodness….FATHER, here I am….here come my burdens…..spread Your arms wide…there’s a bunch of them, but I know that YOU got me covered!  Wow, Father, thank you!  I feel so much better already!   Come on world!

 

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:  “I have love you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”  Jeremiah 31:3.  The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.  Nahum 1:7.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:26.  Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.  Psalm 55:22.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving (don’t forget this part), present your requests to God.  And the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your heats and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7. 

Love  you all!

The Lord opens the eyes of the blind

Good Morning Friends!  Wonderfully Wrapped in His loving arms Wednesday!  Kind of a yucky drive in this morning, the fog was so bad in spots could hardly see more than a few feet in front of me.  Driving in dense fog is such a helpless feeling…..disorientating, down right frightening at times…..I was so thankful when I got to work  safely and didn’t see any accidents; as I was turning my daily calendar I had to stop a minute, breath and ponder on the love of our Father as I read today’s bible verse, Psalm 146:8, “The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind:  the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous.”  I thought about the dense fog this morning……feeling helpless, like I was blind…..”the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.”  Our Father is there when we can’t see….when life seems so futile, overwhelming….He is there, He opens our eyes so we can see His love….the Light of His love to guide us through the foggy times.  He raises us up from the pits of fog that life sometimes brings us….the frightening, unknown times, the sad and grief-filled times….dense fog….”the Lord LOVETH the righteous.”   LOVES you and me!!!  The Lord, our Heavenly Father who gave His only Son for us……LOVES us!  Thank you Father for always being there for us, no matter how dense the fog…..keep us ever faithful.

My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:26.  The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.  Nahum 1:7.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this:  He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.  Psalm 37:5-6.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Eo not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9.

Love you all!

A frog in my throat...

 

Good Morning Friends!  Wise and Wonderful is our God, Wednesday!  I love my job, but there is something that makes it most special for me….kids!  All day long I get to see precious kids, from newborn infants to snotty teens….I love them.  I feel so blessed to share my day with God’s most precious commodity.  Well, the other morning a young dad came in with his little boy, I’d say barely 3.  He didn’t have much to say, but he sure was a cutie!  I asked his dad who he needed to see and gave him a call, Danny was out of the office, but told me that he did need to see the young man in person and that he would be back in the office about 4 pm.  While on the phone, I got a bit of a coughing spell (leftovers from the flu) I apologized saying I had a frog in my throat and couldn’t get it out….I said it a couple of times as I tried to stop so that I could explain to the young man when Danny would be back and that he needed to see him.  His son stood and watched, never saying a word and so well behaved.  The young man said he could come back in the afternoon, took his little boy’s hand and left.  I said good bye and got back to work.  Right at 4, the young man returned to the office, this time by himself.  As he approached my desk he had a big grin on his face.  I said hello and went to call Danny, but stopped as he was speaking to me.  He explained that as soon as he and his son got out the door, he began frantically asking his dad about the frog in my throat!  Oh my gosh, we both started laughing as he continued on about how worried his son was wondering how I got a frog in my throat and how would I get it out!  We laughed and laughed imagining that little boy, thinking I had a big green, slimy frog in my throat desperately trying to find its way out!  After the young man left I was still chuckling about his son when I felt that familiar tap on my shoulder….”Hi Father, what’s up?”  “Well, Kathie that little boy really was adorable wasn’t he?  And to think he thought you had a frog in your throat….funny.  But, Kathie….you had said that he was quiet, bet you didn’t think he was even paying any attention to you, did you?  My child, oh My child, you are MY child….your every thought, action, word…..need to be a reflection of Me!  I know it isn’t easy, but it’s so important to be a shining light….the LIGHT of My son shining through you…spreads My love.  Now the “frog in your throat” was not a bad thing, but let’s use it as a reminder to be aware of everything you say and do, so that the beauty of My Love, not the ugly of this world shines through you.  Deal?!”  Oh Father, that’s a tall order, but oh how I what to shine for You…forgive me when I fail, and guide me “walk Your walk” and “talk Your talk”  all the time!

 

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sigh, o Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14.  There should not be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.  Ephesians 5:4.  Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lives.  Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.  Psalm 34:13-14.  May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.  Mya my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.  Psalm 119:171-172.   Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Romans 12:10.  Jesus said, “My command is this :  Love each other as I have loved you.”  John 15:12.

Love you all!

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.

It's the little things

Good Morning Friends! Thankfully His, Tuesday!  Recently Cooper, soon to be five, learned how to open the chicken coop.  The latch on the coop’s door is a bit tricky so until just recently, Cooper was unable to work it.  Yesterday he had no school, so mom dropped him off to spend the day with Papa while she and dad were at work.  Each morning as I leave for work, I stop and open the door to the chicken coop, fastening it with a bungee cord so they can come and go as they please during the day.  Yesterday, as I was getting ready to go to work I asked Cooper to go out and open the coop door and hook the bungee to keep it open.  No biggie right….but it would really help me and for him what a major accomplishment!  He was proud to go out and take care of the task, no matter how small, because he knew it would make his Nana happy that he was helping.  And indeed it did make me happy for several reasons…..It’s a joy to watch our grandchildren growing stronger improving their skills as they grow, I was proud that he had learned to manipulate the tricky latch.  I was of course happy to have one less little chore to do as I headed to work, but most of all I was smiling inside and out,  pleased that Cooper wanted to do something for me….to help….a small thing, yes, but huge in the scheme of things in this busy, hectic world.  As I headed to work, still beaming thinking about Cooper’s task, I felt the familiar tap on my shoulder.  “Good morning Father, wasn’t Cooper cute this morning?”  “Yes, Kathie, he certainly was.  I was so happy to see him go out by himself and take care of the door in order to help his Nana.  Kathie, I know that you think the little things you can do don’t really make a difference….but, My child, you are so wrong.  There is so much pain and suffering, worry and stress in this world, it is the little things that can make a big difference in someone’s day….maybe more than a day….the little things can truly lead to hope in a sad, worn out heart or mind…refresh, renew dampened spirits….boost confidence….dry tears….the little things, can heal in big ways.  The little things you do make ME smile…..I am pleased to see your faith in action, no matter how small the task may seem to you….do it….I will do the rest……Renew your spiritual energy, strengthen your faith….through the little things…..Smile as you do My work…..it matters.”  Thank you Father, for the little things that lift our lives….enable us to never tire of serving YOU, no matter how little it seems to us!  To YOU be all glory and honor.

 

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people….  Galatians 6:9-10.  A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.  Proverbs 17:22.  There are different kinds of service, (some big some little) but the same Lord.  1 Corinthians 12:5.  Be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.  1 Samuel 12:24.  Be kind and compassionate to one another.  Ephesians 4:32.  Jesus said, “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”  Matthew 10:42.  I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service (not matter how small).  1 Timothy 1:12.

Love you all!

 

God's biggest fans

Good Morning Friends!  To know HIM, is to love HIM Tuesday!  Most mornings on my way into work, I call Kathyrn for a morning update and catch up on things…she is on her way to work, but first takes 3 year old Katy to sitters.  Katy is my biggest fan!!!!  And I must admit I like it!!  She has to talk to me every morning, bugging her mom incessantly until she relinquishes the phone….”Hi Nana” she says in the sweetest 3 year old voice, melts my heart.  Well, Mom says the last few mornings Katy starts bugging her to call me almost as soon as they get in the car.  They leave earlier than me, so Mom has to put her off, explaining that Nana is not in her car yet…..hard concept for a 3 year old that loves her Nana (aren’t I blessed) to understand.   Yesterday when I called, Katy actually answered the phone.  “Hi Nana, are you in your car?”  Not realizing what Mom had been through for the last 15 minutes, I just happily chatted away with her; several times I could hear Mom say, “give me the phone” to which Katy responded, “two more times, I talk two more times” and our conversation continued!  When she finally had to give up the phone to Mom, Mom was exasperated, “that girl, she started bugging me at 7:10…’I want to talk to my Nana!!!’  I told her she had to wait until you got in your car.”  My heart went pitter patter….how flattering and heart- warming it is to know that someone is so excited to talk with you….to share time with you….be with you.  Yes, just tickles me…..as I hung up the phone and got into work I could feel myself smiling from the inside out….then it hit me…a kid lesson, been a while since we had one.  The wonder of children…..a 3 year old so in love with her Nana desires to talk to her and be with her all the time…..Oh my…..Yes Father…..I can only imagine how thrilled you would be if we were so excited to talk to you…everyday…..many times a day….to spend time with You….be with You….Father, You are an AWESOME God!!!!  Waiting for us every moment of everyday!  Forgive us Father when we think more of ourselves than we do of YOU…..without YOU….there’s nothing worth our time!  And Father, thank you for loving us so much and finding joy in spending time with us. 

 

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.  I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.  Psalm 84:10.  The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:  “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”  Jeremiah 31:13.  Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.  Psalm 118:1.  Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  Colossians 4:2.  “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.  Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4. 

Love you all!

 

 

Detours and road construction

Good Morning Friends!  Forever HIS, Friday!  I left a couple minutes later than I like to this morning, not bad though, so I wasn’t really worried about being on time to work….until I hit all the road construction on 3W!  Mind you, they have been doing road construction since last week, so I should have been quite aware what I would encounter on my commute in….I should have planned ahead, planned to leave a few minutes early, rather than a few late.....I was beginning to get quite perturbed, stuck behind a slow moving diesel with only one lane open….concerned that I might very well be a couple minutes late to work.  Oh well I thought….I will just tell them about the road construction, they will understand.  Whoa!!!!  Wait a minute!!!!!!  What did I just say….I should have planned ahead….I knew about the construction, I should have been prepared to leave the house early….not the construction guys fault or the diesel in front of me….I was not prepared to deal with the road construction in a positive way!!  Realizing my misconception, I felt my attitude begin to change and I took a couple of deep breaths to relax, willing to deal with the possibility of being a little late to work.  As my attitude was changing another thought came to me…….we face “road construction” everyday all through our lives, not just what’s on the highways…..detours caused by anger, miscommunications with friends, family, co-workers…..off ramps closed due to envy, greed, fear or anxiety for the unknown, flashing lights of temptations…..unplanned, but always lurking waiting for us to 'leave a few minutes late,’ unprepared tempers flare, stress mounts, worry clouds are thinking, hurt takes over where love should be, tears flow while joy is waiting on the edge……We can be prepared for these detours…..time with our Heavenly Father will give us the strength and wisdom to meet difficult situations in ways that give glory to Him.  Ways, that keep feelings, ours or others, from being hurt…..Time with Him in word and prayer our faith grows stronger, we can persevere through the construction stronger, wiser, closer to HIM!  Father, increase our desire to be closer to YOU, stronger in You, faithful to YOU, trusting and believing in Your will for our lives.

 

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.  Ephesians 2:o8..  Everyone born of God overcomes the world (detours and road construction).  This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4.  Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.  Romans 10:17.  God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.  1 Corinthians 10:13.  Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.  Matthew 26:41.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock eternal.  Isaiah 26:4. 

Love you all!

The warmth of His love

Today at 10:38 AM

Good Morning Friends!  Wonderfully, warmly wrapped in His loving arms, Wednesday!!!  Last Friday I gave a friend a ride to work; it was really cold that morning so when she got in I asked her if she would like the seat warmer on.  She has ridden with me lots of times, but I had never asked her about the seat warmer until Friday….don’t ask me why.  Anyway, she said “yea, why not?  I should experience that once in my life.”  We both chuckled as I turned her side all the way up!  We weren’t but a couple miles into our commute when she snuggled into her seat and said, “Oh yes, this feels really good.”  She’s a good friend and I was happy that she was enjoying her warm ride, but never thought much about it till a couple of days later.  Kim was driving, I was the passenger and it was cold…..I turned my seat warmer all the way up and within just a few minutes….oh my how good the warmth felt on my achy, tired body….I snuggled in….relaxed…..I thought about my friend’s comment on Friday….and thought, you know I use the seat warmer when I drive all the time, why have I not experienced this wonderful relaxed feeling?  Now I was chuckling to myself as I felt HIS gently touch.  “Kathie, my child you are much too often too busy, too stressed, worried, anxious, preoccupied to feel My WARMTH, to RELAX in the COMFORT and PEACE found when you come to ME.  I offer REST for your tired mind, PEACE for your hurting heart, REFUGE from the worries of this world.  Come to ME, snuggle in MY arms, feel the WARMTH of MY LOVE……You are MY child, come to ME I will give you PEACE.  I Love you!”  Oh Father, how come we are so quick to forget how much YOU love us….forgive us, bring us to YOU to snuggle in the warmth of YOUR LOVE.   Thank you Father.

 

And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.  Mark 10 :16.  He tends His flock like a shepherd:  He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.  Isaiah 40:11.  The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ fee, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places.  Habakkuk 3:19.  The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.  Nahum 1:7.  The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.  Psalm 29:11.  The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.  Psalm 29:11.  The peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7.

Love you all!

 

The "Squints" in our lives

Good Morning Friends!  Wonderfully wrapped in His loving arms Wednesday!!!   My goodness the day is about to get away from me, but  just wanted to spend a little time with you all!  Time for us to share how blessed we are….the tiniest little blessings that surround us, that we so often miss, but oh when are hearts and minds are blessed enough to catch one…..Ummmm, the flood of blessings just immerses us in HIS magnificent LOVE!!!  This morning, my drive in, was the source of my tiny blessing….special little miracle.  At first, the ride seemed the same as it had for the last couple of weeks…..cloudy and cold, but as I got closer to town….the clouds made room for rays of sunshine to peek through….just a little at first, but soon the sky was bright with sunlight….so bright, I had to squint to see.  I was still squinting as I got out of the car and headed in to the office…..squinting….Wow, it’s been a while since I had to squint….I was so excited as I headed in, I had to tell everyone!!!!   As I passed by my coworkers offices I happily asked, “Wasn’t it wonderful to squint this morning?”  As I got to my desk and settled in, I was still excited about squinting…..silly I thought….Well now, hang on a minute…..let’s take a closer look!  OK, I had to squint so that meant the sun was shining… ponds will thaw, mud dry up…nice after a long cloudy spell…..the sun was in my eyes, so my eyes are good….I can see….I was driving….I have a car… headed  into work, so that means I have a job….I had to unlock the door to get in…..I have able hands and I work inside…..I was greeted by coworkers, I am not lonely……Thank you Father for all the “squints” in our lives…..one good thing from YOU, leads to another and another and another….Wonderfully Wrapped in Your Loving arms.

 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  Colossians 1:6-7.  Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.  Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.  Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 1 Chronicles 16:8-10. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in EVERYTHING give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Love you all!

 

Ice, Ice, Baby!

Good Morning Friends!  Mighty Awesome is our God, Monday!  Most of you know that my husband and I moved here from California fifteen years ago.  I think that for the most part, I have acclimated quite well to my rural Oklahoma life……yep, I can worm and vaccinate sheep with the best, feed the cows, haul hay, clear pastures, load firewood (and I keep a mean fire in the woodstove), a master of tick patrol, stay by myself during a tornado watch, why I can even fry a pretty darn good pan of okra….but there’s one aspect of Oklahoma living that this California native just can’t get mastered…..driving in inclement…..icy……weather!  Usually at the first hint of sleet, ice, or snow I hitch a ride to work with my good friend Linda.  She lives in Clarita so we hook up in Tupelo; Linda is an expert driver in the worst of conditions!  When I realized last Friday, that Linda was off today……I immediately began to panic…..bad weather predicted through the weekend and into Monday…..oh my…..however will I get to work!!!  We didn’t have ice in California….I hate it….I’m not good at it…..Oh my what will I do (are you feeling real bad Linda,  lol).  Well sure enough we had weather…..I checked the weather channel throughout the day yesterday, stewing and fretting about driving in today…..I got up at 5 as usual and looked out the back door….yep….it had snowed or something during the night, didn’t look like much but there was a layer of white.  Too early to call inclement weather, but on the dot of 6 am I called our Inclement Weather number for work…..”all offices open on schedule” was the report!   At 6:03 am I texted a neighbor that has to be to work in Ada at 6 am.  He said the roads were just wet, but be careful of ice on bridges and over passes.  Ok, I can do this… I fearfully told myself over and over….as I headed into town I called Cooper’s daddy, he had worked all night and would just be getting home, so I could get an update.  Charley said, roads are good, just watch bridge by Owl Creek, little icy!  Clenching the steering wheel I proceeded with caution…..saying a little prayer for God’s protection….after just a few minutes….the light in my fearful mind came on……I remembered our talks from last week on being thankful….Then, bravely, feeling less stressed and more confident I said a thank you prayer….Father, thank you for my safe trip to work!  And here I am….fear….is the devil’s advocate that’s for sure….and the sure way to fight the devil is by staying hooked up to our Father…..keeping HIM foremost in our hearts and minds all the time…..ceaseless conversation with HIM…..letting go and letting HIM do the driving!  Father, forgive me when I fear first…..increase my faith so that I come to YOU first when the roads are icy!  Thank you!!!!

 

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel:  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the fame scorch you.  Isaiah 43:1-2.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.  1 John 4:18.  Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.  Proverbs 29-25.  The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7. 

Emotional Intelligence

Good Morning Friends!  Forever His, Friday!  Yesterday I attended a customer service class entitled “Emotional Intelligence.”  The main gist was how we use our emotions to best serve our customers and co-workers, including tips to recognize and deal most effectively with their emotions.  I really enjoyed the class, learned some new things about myself and others that I will apply in my job, but it wasn’t until this morning, while reading a meditation with a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. that I realized the lesson I learned in class yesterday, certainly doesn’t just apply to my job!  King said, “The time is always right to do what is right.”  Wow! …..One more time, “The time is always right to do what is right.”  That was the very essence “Emotional Intelligence”  it’s always right to give the very best service that we can….always.  Sitting in my chair this morning, pondering King’s quote…..I realized that God’s lesson for us is “emotional intelligence”…… Treat others as you want to be treated, love our neighbor as ourselves, do what is right in God’s eyes…..be kind and compassionate to one another. Eph. 4:32…. be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Rom. 12:10……Father, clear our hearts, minds and desires of the “me, me, me” attitude and replace it with “Emotional Intelligence” of YOU…..Love each other as YOU loved us!

 

As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Colossians 3:12.  Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  Ephesians 5:2.  The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.  Galatians 5:22.  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!

He makes all things brand new: 2 Corinthians 5:17-8, 21

Good Morning Friends!  Wonderfully wrapped in His loving arms Wednesday!  I was so excited yesterday at the prospect of finally getting to come to work on CR 1600….if you reach back, you might remember I shared when it closed quite some time ago.  More miles and time for me, so I was so glad when I found out Monday night that it was open (well sort of).  I headed out early yesterday because of the rain, but I was excited about being back on 1600!  My goodness, what a difference, the old road was so rough, bumpy, and full of potholes….the new road smooth, wider and no potholes!  Just amazing to me what they can do with good equipment and man power…..an old road, “brand new.”  As I drove along a thought came to me…..we too can be brand new…..no matter how rough and bumpy we become, no matter how many potholes or how deep they are….we can be “band new” again too!  Oh  friends, my heart warmed as I felt HIS arms around me…reassuring me that through the blood, the death, and resurrection of His ONLY SON, JESUS we can be ‘brand new,” washed clean, free from our sin and guilt….from the bumpy, narrow road that we sometimes travel…….There’s always, always HOPE for us and those we love through JESUS……smile with me, thank our Father for HIS unending grace and mercy, and never give up on yourself or a loved one no matter how deep the potholes….Go to HIM, Be Still, lean into HIS embrace, Listen….Trust……Believe……HE Makes all things NEW….BRAND NEW.   Thank you Father!  All honor and praise to YOU!

 

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?  We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life…..for sin shall not be your master because you are not under the law, but under grace…..For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  From Romans 6.  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.  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.  2 Corinthians 5: 17-18 & 21.  As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:12.  It is by grace you have been save, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the girl of God.  Ephesians 2:8.  Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matthew 17:20.

Love you all!

Watered by the Holy Spirit: September 11, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Wonderfully wrapped in His loving arms Wednesday!  I had to chuckle this morning when I got the paper at work and it was in a plastic bag….Ha, ha I thought….sure looks like rain doesn’t it!  I know we had so much wonderful rain earlier in the summer and spring, but now it is getting so dry again.  Our grass is crunchy, and leaves are falling way to soon…driving to work the poor pastures look so dry and thirsty and the fire danger signs have been upgraded….conditions are looking bleak.  As I opened the paper I said a little prayer for rain…..it was then I felt the tap….”Hi Father.  What’s up?”  “You know Kathie, the yard and pastures are not the only things that dry up when there’s not enough moisture.”  “Ok Father, go on, tell me more.”  My child you too dry up spiritually when you are not ‘watered’ by the Holy Spirit, ‘immersed’ in My word, prayer, and worship……your spiritual yard goes dry and look out, that’s when things get bleak……stress and worry consume you because you turn to yourself rather than come to me….small situations turn into misunderstood messes because you try to figure things out for yourself rather than follow My words of guidance…..sadness can consume you because you don’t see My arms wide open…waiting to hold you, lift you, comfort you, guide you My child through every dry spell.  Come to Me, follow Me through My word, pray to Me, trust Me….you are My child, I love you.  Thank you Father…..forgive my stubbornness…”rain” on me!

 

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.  Jeremiah 17:7-8The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion.  For the Lord is a God of justice.  Blessed are all who wait for Him!  Isaiah 30:18.  Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.  Proverbs 16:20.  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  James 1:5.  Dear friends, build yourselves up  in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  Jude 20.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.  Isaiah 26:4. 

Love you all!

 

Philippians 2:13 - Do Everything Without Complaining!

Good Morning Friends! Thankfully His Tuesday!  I got up as usual this morning a little after 5; Kim was still asleep.  I had only been up for a few minutes when I thought I heard his phone ringing….oh dear I thought, ringing so early usually means a problem, of course my thoughts turned to his brother.  However, in just a few minutes he emerged from the bedroom fumbling, still half asleep trying to get his clothes on.  “Sheep are in Jason’s yard” was all he said.  I blurted out a big, “Oh no!  Good grief, for crying out loud, my gosh!”  Something to that effect expressing my disgust with the sheep that were causing him to have to get out of bed and go, in the dark to put them back into their pasture….hopefully before they got into the road.  I was surprised when he calmly, positively responded, “Well, it’s sure better than having them in the road.”  No cussing, grumbling, stomping or door slamming…simply got dressed, got on the four wheeler and headed up the hill to get the job done.  I was quite proud of his behavior, thinking to myself, don’t think I could have been quite so congenial in the same situation.  I couldn’t help but think about things at work, church, at the fire department that irritate me and I don’t always contain my not so pleasant thoughts……I thought of how my day was blessed by Kim’s pleasant reaction to an unpleasant deed…….Oh Father I am so sorry that I often react to situations with words and actions that are not pleasing to those around me, which I know Father means that You are not pleased.  Forgive me…..fill me with Your peace and love and guide me in every situation to respond to Your glory, to be a blessing to others for You.

 

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pour, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.  Philippians 2:13.  At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.  We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He save us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.  He save us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, sot having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  This is a trustworthy saying.  And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.  These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.  Titus 3:3-8.  Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.  Titus 3:1-2.  Now may the God of peace….our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.  Amen.  Hebrews 13:20-21.

Love you all!

July 18, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Thankfully His, Thursday!  Gosh the weather was crazy here yesterday!  Sitting at my desk I have a great view outside through the front doors.  It was bright and sunny as I started my day and then about mid- morning I noticed it was getting really cloudy…I could see the clouds getting heavy and then just before 12 it just started pouring…..now I mean pouring!  The parking lot was flooded in just a matter of minutes and then, as quickly as it came…..it was gone!  Within a few minutes, the sun was shining again.  The clouds were gone, parking lot drained off….clear skies…..for a little while!  Just when you think it’s clear sailing…Bam…..the clouds moved in dark, heavy and burst into heavy downpours……this was the scenario all through the afternoon.  Clear skies turning to heavy clouds and pounding downpours!  A friend and I were discussing the crazy weather and I said….kind of like our lives isn’t it?  One minute we are cruising along happy as can be….not a care in the world, thinking Woo Hoo, life is grand….And then the next minute dark clouds move in…..hanging heaving over us…..clouds of indecision, financial burdens, family problems, health issues, broken relationships, stress at work…..the clouds get heavier until they are finally pouring on us…..We think we can’t go on……and then, the rain stops, clouds clear, and the sun shines on us again….The sun shines because we are never alone in the downpours!  This morning as I reading God’s word, I came across a verse in James 1 that really hit me as I thought about life…..the sunny times and the downpours…..”Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”  The next time I feel the clouds moving in…..and the downpours hit, I am going to remember these words….this promise…..If I love Him, I will receive His crown of life……definitely better than any umbrella….the SON is shining on and for us!  Thank you Father for the promise of a crown of everlasting life with You…keep us ever faithful.  Draw us to You in cloudy times and hear our Praise….sunny or cloudy!  And Father we do thank you for the precious rains You have sent to water our land…All praise to You!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4.  Just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.  2 Corinthians 1:5.  Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.  Psalm 55:22.  Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.  He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.  Psalm 126:5-6.  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.  Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Philippians 4:4. 

Love you all!

Kathie A. Johnson

June 12, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Good grief what next!?  One darn doctor bill after another, flats on the backhoe, a window air-conditioner went out, electric bill is sky high already and it’s only mid-June, and now….the air conditioner in my car quit!!!!   Just plain quit…..what’s up with that and we are in our first official heat spell…..Darn it…..that’s it….I am plum worn out with all the bumps in my life.  Coming into work, I felt quite worn out and defeated…..a bit whiny I must admit.  After clocking in, I reached for my daily calendar to tear off yesterday and have a look at today……Here’s what I found….”The Lord shall preserve thy going out and they coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”  Psalm 122:8.  “Well, my goodness whiney girl,” I had to say to myself……”what the heck are you thinking!?”….I am not alone….that pile of doctor bills is right on His list of “WE WILL TAKE CARE OF THAT”  and the car, well it can be fixed…might have to wait a bit, but I can handle the heat for a while…..the bills won’t magically go away and we will have to pay to have the car fixed, but I am not alone……Our Heavenly Father is with me all the way to guide me…..and after all, He wants us to store up treasures in heaven not here, right!  I can do that….I can stop worrying by spending extra time in His word and prayer……focusing on His love and compassion rather than whining about the bumps…..a little spiritual exercise and it goes a long way to boost our attitudes…….Attitudes of Gratitude make us feel good from the inside out…..So, gonna follow 1Thessalonians 5:16-18….”Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in EVERYTHING give thanks.”  OK, here it goes….All glory, honor and praise to You, most gracious and merciful Heavenly Father……thank you for doctor bills because without doctors I might not have my sweet husband and thank you for mechanics that will fix my car!  Thank you Father…..for picking me up…..and carrying me!

 

“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.  He restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Psalm 23:3.  Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds. Psalm 107:21.  Rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  Colossians 2:7.  You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.  Psalm 30:11-12. 

Love you all!

April 18, 2013

Good Morning Friends! Thankfully His, Thursday! Now that Hailey and Clark have moved to Alaska, Cooper will be spending his days between daddy and Papa. Today is a Papa day; Cooper bounced in about 6:30 this morning…ready to go to “wok” with Papa! Bless his heart…..he came in talking and was still talking when I left for work. “What’s that Nana, what are you doin, Nana, Papa, what is that, why are you cooking that, what’s in the pot, Nana why are you wearing that, why do you go to work, me and Papa go to wok, Papa, why we go to dogs, we gonna shave them, I want to hold a baby puppy, where’s Holina, what’s that, Nana can I help you, I want to do it, Nana, why you go to wok? You get the picture I am sure, and of course he is right beside us the whole time…..as I kissed them both goodbye and headed out the door, I was smiling to myself….thinking oh that boy has a lot of questions…why this, why that, bet Papa will be worn out by the end of the day…hope he has all the answers!….And then the thought hit me and I had to laugh out loud….Our Heavenly Father is badgered with questions and pleas from all of us day in and day out……and just think, He never gets worn out, or losses patience with us (I wonder if He laughs at us once in a while…). And…HE DOES have all the answers!! And HE LOVES us to come to HIM with everything…..So blessed we are to have 24 hour access to our Heavenly Father…..no worry that He will be cranky, or impatient, or too busy! Father, thank you for attending to our needs all day long. Help us to be more like You in every way! And Father, thank you for grandsons full of questions, eager to learn and help. What a joy-filled blessing! Guide our time with them, enable us to be patient and loving like YOU.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs,. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:1-3. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He bestows rain on the earth; He sends water upon the countryside. The lowly He sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. Job 5:9-11. My God will meet all your needs (answer all your questions) according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10. Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22. The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him Nahum 1:7. Praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. Daniel 4:37.

Love you all!

March 12, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Trusting and believing Tuesday!  Good grief, I have known for a long time that CR 1600 is going to be totally redone, but haven’t given the whole process too much thought until last week….well little over a week ago I guess, “Road Closed” signs were placed strategically along the road…hummm, keep in mind this is MY route to and from work and church, so that’s 6 days a week…..OK, so I went home and told Kim, “Road Closed” signs are up….guess they are getting close.  Still I didn’t lose any sleep over it, did talk with Kathyrn about alternate routes for us…..cross that bridge when the time comes, right??????   Came to work yesterday no sign of any construction going on, never gave it a thought as I toddled home……until….I got close to intersection at Owl Creek….OH NO!  Even from a distance I could see that the road to my house was indeed….CLOSED!  All kinds of men and equipment were still working and there was no way I could continue any farther on 1600.  Of course I had a meeting at 7 and needed to cook dinner and eat first, so this delay was most inconvenient.  My first thought, I will turn right and go through Stonewall…..oh yes…..way out of my way!  However as I got to the intersection it appeared I would not be able to turn right either….oh no, now what!  I turned left and called Kim…..how do I get home….Can you imagine after all these years of living out in Lula…..I did not know how to get home if I turned left at Owl Creek……After a brief conversation with Kim, I decided to turn around and see if I could get through to the right and go through Stonewall…..at least I knew my way and that would have to be quicker right!  Well, luckily, I could ease through, I took a deep breath and figured I just as well calm down and make the best of it.  I arrived home safely about 15 minutes later than usual cooked dinner, and headed to the meeting, but I couldn’t stop thinking, about my alternate route!  Things don’t always go just as we planned do they…..just as we think they should…..Just because I won’t be able to take 1600 for a while doesn’t mean that I am not going to be able to get to work….just because the alternate route will not be my first choice…..As we travel through life, we so often make our own “route” then one day we get a big sign from our Heavenly Father…..”Road Closed”…….My precious child, He says, I have another plan for you…..Trust Me……Let Me guide you.  My ways are wiser than yours….But Father……I start to whine and list my route choices…..you know family, kids, job, finances……But, My child, your ways (routes) and not My ways….Trust and Believe in My ways for you, precious child…..I want only what’s best for you.  Father, forgive us when we want to ignore Your “Road Closed” signs…..help us to open our hearts and minds to trust, believe, and follow YOU!

“I now 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.  I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.  When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.  Proverbs 4:11-12.  God will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.  Isaiah 2:3.  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.  Remember, O Lord, Your great mercy and love for they are of old.  Psalm 25:5-6. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.  Proverbs 16:20.

Love you all!

Kathie A. Johnson