Living Our Litanies

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Paula
The Realtor’s Hymn: I’ve Got a Mansion, Just Over the Hilltop”  
The Massage Therapist’s Hymn     He Touched Me  
The Doctor’s Hymn The Great Physician  
The Weathermans Hymn “There shall be Showers of Blessing
The Tailor’s Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy”
   
The Politician’s Hymn “Standing on the Promises”
The IRS agent’s Hymn “I Surrender All
The Electrician’s Hymn “Send the Light”
The Shopper’s Hymn “Sweet Buy and Buy”
Teacher’s Hymn “Be still and know”
Golfer’s Hymn ..”There is a Green Hill Far Away”
Dentist’s Hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
Ob/Gyn’s Hymn “Come, Labor On”
Bar Patron’s Hymn “Fill My Cup”
Optometrist’s Hymn “O How I Long to See” or “Open my eyes That I may See”
Gossip Columnist’s Hymn “I Love to Tell the Story”
Contractor’s Hymn “How Firm a Foundation” or “The Church’s One Foundation
Firefighter’s Hymn “It Only Takes a Spark”
Undertaker’s Hymn “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
Carpenter’s Hymn “Behold the Wood”
Surfer’s Hymn “Come to the Water”
Lawn Service Hymn “Just Like a Deer(e)”
Decorator’s Hymn “How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place”
Baker’s Hymn “Taste and See”

 

“God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘Thank you’”? (William Ward )  Lord, every single gift comes from You…“Lift my gaze to see life from Your perspective. Help me to understand-and treasure-every good thing You send…”(From James 1:7)   One Thousand Gifts   http://www.aholyexperience.com/

 
 
(A blessing shared by Verona) 

Living Our Litanies

by Charity Singleton

“The very night I finished radiation, I joined a gym. It was on my list, right before, “Get Pizza for Dinner.” When I mentioned the pizza to the manager who was registering my gym membership, he said lots of people do that. Go hog wild the night they join a gym.

But it wasn’t like that for me. Eating pizza wasn’t hog wild. It was just a way to keep living.

Although cancer treatment is no picnic, the days and months following the treatment have been hardest for me in the past. While I am seeing doctors and having blood tests and being radiated every day, I feel like I’m fighting the disease. When it stops, I feel like a sitting duck for cancer to return.

After my first and toughest cancer treatment, I stopped planning, lived one day at a time for months on end, telling every person who invited me to dinner or asked me to a movie for the upcoming weekend that I wasn’t sure if I could make it. I might not be alive then was what I was thinking, as if never planning anything was much of a life.

This time around, I am trusting the Lord for something different. Not only am I planning, I’m planning big and long, not because there are any guarantees but because the abundant life Jesus promised me starts here and now and has nothing to do with fear and doubt.

A few weeks before my surgery last August, my friend Kelly was watching the Cars 2 movie with her sons and decided she and I should plan a trip to Italy. So, a few weeks ago, Kelly texted me and said she had started her Italy savings fund. Italy is officially on the list.

So is attending the Festival of Faith and Writing at Calvin College this Spring and taking another crack at writing a book and training this silly puppy of mine to quit jumping.

This is not a bucket list. These aren’t things I have to do before I die. These are things I have to do if I want to keep on living. This litany is really just a prayer in disguise: Lord, keep me hoping.

If this list of mine really is about living, though, it can’t just have the big things on it. Trips to Italy and writing books can motivate for a while, but those goals are so far away, and I have a lot of living to do in the meantime.

My litany needs to include things like writing letters to my nieces and nephews, reading good books, memorizing Scripture, walking Tilly every day. I need to write down every single one of those things on the list, and then I need to hand it to Jesus. Is this what you want my life to look like?

Past experience tells me it would be easier to make a different kind of list, to number one by one all the things cancer has taken from me. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve made those lists in the past.

In her post, “How Our Litanies Shape Us,” Stephanie Smith talks about this kind of catalog of complaints and what that can do to a soul.

If a litany of naming all things good and beautiful directs us into grace, then a litany of complaints deforms us. I have been cataloging my complaints and I am afraid they are becoming ingrained in my living. But counting faults and keeping score is tiring. And I don’t like the fact that I so willingly spend myself on counting and collecting injuries, when I could find freedom in simply letting them go.

As I was finishing up a recent appointment with my oncologist, he mentioned the new doctors he was hiring for his practice, and I asked him if there was a retirement in his near future.

“Oh, I don’t know. I still want to work, I just want lots of time off in the summer,” he said, kind of chuckling.

“Well, then, I just need to plan my cancer recurrences for the Spring or Fall then, huh?” I teased.

“No, you just need to retire from cancer recurrences altogether,” he said. “It’s very possible that’s what you’ve done.”

We shook hands, and I left.

Breathing hope into others, I thought. That’s going on the list, too.”

834. Eph 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

835. .Wonderful time of fellowship with Dave who came over for dinner last night

 

Posted in Quotes and Excerpts | 5 Comments

31 Days of Praying for Your Husband

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Paula
 

“God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘Thank you’”? (William Ward )

Lord, every single gift comes from You…“Lift my gaze to see life from Your perspective. Help me to understand-and treasure-every good thing You send…”(From James 1:7)   One Thousand Gifts   http://www.aholyexperience.com/

 
“While I’m Waiting” song
 
832. 

31 Days of Praying for Your Husband

  • by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

“She does him good . . .” (Proverbs 31:12a)

Bless your husband by praying for him! The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home (Proverbs 31:11-12).

Satan desires to destroy your husband, especially his character and his leadership in your relationship. Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your husband and marriage to the Lord’s wise, loving care.

Day 1
Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Day 2
Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

Day 3
Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

Day 4
Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)

Day 5
Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Day 6
Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

Day 7
Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

Day 8
Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)

Day 9
Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:5)

Day 10
Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:10-12)

Day 11
Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)

Day 12
Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)

Day 13
Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)

Day 14
Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)

Day 15
Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20; Prov. 27:17)

Day 16
Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)

Day 17
Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)

Day 18
Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

Day 19
Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

Day 20
Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)

Day 21
Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

Day 22
Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Day 23
Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

Day 24
Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

Day 25
Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

Day 26
Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Day 27
Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Day 28
Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Day 29
Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

Day 30
Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

Day 31
Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)
Posted in Quotes and Excerpts | 2 Comments

God WANTS us to Hear Him

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Paula
 
 
Photo: “Life in the Fast Lane”  posted with permission http://photoinspiration.weebly.com/index.html
 
 
 

A mathematician and an engineer are sitting next to each other on a long flight. The mathematician leans over to the engineer and asks if he would like to play a fun game. The engineer just wants to take a nap, so he politely declines and rolls over to the window to catch a few winks. The mathematician persists and explains that the game is real easy and lots of fun. He explains, “I ask you a question, and if you don’t know the answer, you pay me $5. Then you ask me a question, and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll pay you $5.”Again, the engineer politely declines and tries to get to sleep. The mathematician, now somewhat agitated, says, “Okay, if you don’t know the answer, you pay me $5, and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll pay you $50!”This catches the engineer’s attention, and he sees no end to this torment unless he plays, so he agrees to the game. The mathematician asks the first question. “What’s the distance from the earth to the moon?”The engineer doesn’t say a word, but reaches into his wallet, pulls out a five-dollar bill and hands it to the mathematician Now, it’s the engineer’s turn. He asks the mathematician “What goes up a hill with three legs and comes down on four?”The mathematician looks up at him with a puzzled look. He takes out his laptop computer and searches all of his references. He taps into the air phone with his modem and searches the net and the Library of Congress. Frustrated, he sends e-mail to his co-workers all to no avail.After about an hour, he wakes the engineer and hands him $50. The engineer politely takes the $50 and turns away to try to get back to sleep.The mathematician then hits the engineer, saying, “What goes up a hill with three legs, and comes down on four?” The engineer calmly pulls out his wallet, hands the mathematician five bucks, and goes back to sleep.

 “God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘Thank you’”? (William Ward )

Lord, every single gift comes from You…“Lift my gaze to see life from Your perspective. Help me to understand-and treasure-every good thing You send…”(From James 1:7)   One Thousand Gifts   http://www.aholyexperience.com/

 
868. Enjoyable ladies meeting last night.  What a blessing to be able to walk there and back effortlessly with friends.  Thank you Lord for all the exercise I am getting now (am loving my brisk walks, biking, and rebounding) and my returning stamina!  Please help me to never take any of this for granted again, Father–all gifts from you to treasure.
 

Esther M sharing notes from ladies Bible study:

869. Chapter 7 – Hearing from God (Jennifer Dean)

God speaks to us by revealing the truth in His Word at progressively deeper levels. Only He can do that. No matter how wonderful you may think a speaker or write is, he or she cannot reveal truth to your understanding. If someone’s words have produced new insight in you, it is because God Himself has revealed it. Information comes from outside sources. Revelation comes from God within you.  I Cor 2:19-16

God wants you to hear Him. He has put everything in place so that you and I will be able to hear Him speaking in the present tense. He speaks from within directly into our understanding.  (This is NOT a ‘new age’ spiritualism that is permeated all through current books, movies, and the culture. This is hearing the Lord God Himself who in O.T. times dwelt with the people in a Tabernacle, but who in these days dwells within each believer and we hear His voice the more we listen and obey His voice… Are you spending more time with Him in His word than in the things of the World?) 

 Thou hast given me an open ear. Psalm 40:6

He wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears. Isaiah 50:4-5

 

870. The Institute for Creation Research –   Henry Morris the 3rd 

A “spirit of revelation” is made available to us. This revelation (literally, “to take off the cover“) is not new doctrine or truth. Revelation is implemented by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10), having the source of His revelatory work from Jesus Christ on behalf of Christ (John 16:13-15).The Greek language of the phrase “the eyes of |our| understanding being enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18) could be translated “the vision of your deep thought will be made to shine,” or paraphrased in a more colloquial expression, “the light comes on!”

830. “My Everything” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAqTXxqIqrk 

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,

Paula

 

Posted in Quotes and Excerpts | 5 Comments

2012: A Year of Rebuilding,Restorating, and Renewing Like Only God Can Do

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Paula

 

 

Cartoon: “IF YOU are a Loving and Merciful GOD, then Why didn’t YOU send someone to cure cancer or send true leaders to lead us? What is YOUR problem, GOD!”      ” I did!!! You aborted them.”

Just saying: Paul Stone’s Photos

 

“God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘Thank you’”? (William Ward )

Lord, every single gift comes from You…“Lift my gaze to see life from Your perspective. Help me to understand-and treasure-every good thing You send…”(From James 1:7)   One Thousand Gifts   http://www.aholyexperience.com/

856.  Beth shared a link to chapter 1 of Laura Story’s new devotional on Blessings and I enjoyed it: http://laurastorymusic.com/free/blessings-chapter-1/  Her song “Blessings” has really ministered to me this past year..

Esther M sharing these quotes/notes from ladies Bible Study which were an encouragement to me:

857. S.D.Gordon, Quiet Talks on Prayer

“In its simplest analysis prayer – all prayer – has, must have, two parts.

First, a God to give…

Second, a man to receive.

Let it be said that God can do nothing for the man with shut hand and shut life.

There must be an open hand and heart and life, through which God can give what He longs to.

An open life, and open hand, open upward, is the pipeline of communication between the heart of God and this old befooled world.

Our prayer is God’s opportunity to get into the world that would shut Him out.” 

 

858.Jennifer Dean Quotes from chapter 9

“In His Word, God makes extravagant promises about prayer.

He stands behind His Word. He does not distance Himself from those lavish promises in His Word as some Christians try to do.

Mark 11:24, John 14:14, John 15:7 , John 16:23,  Matthew 21:22,  Mark 9:23

You won’t find Him saying, “I didn’t really mean that – the way it sounds.  I exaggerated to make a point.” 

Does your experience in prayer match God’s descriptions of prayer’s power given in His Word?

James 5:16

Is that how you would describe your prayer life – powerful and effective?

Prayer impacts lives and situations on the earth.

True prayer works.

Perhaps we think prayer doesn’t work like the Bible says it will work.

Why not?  Could it be because we have tried to make prayer work on our terms and that the failure is not with prayer, but with our way of praying?

Every promise to answered prayer in verses is linked to a relationship.

The person who is abiding in Christ has desires that are God-shaped.”

 

859,Quote from Andrew Murray, Abide In Christ

“Believer, abide in Christ, for there is the school of prayer – mighty, effectual, answer-bringing prayer.

Abide in Him and you shall learn what to so many is a mystery; That the secret of the prayer of faith is the life of faith – the life that abides in Christ alone.”

 

860. Jennifer Dean Quote:

“Dear Friend, put away childish things – little, flesh-shaped desires; short-sighted, earth-bound understanding.

Yield yourself to His bigger agenda.

Let Him do more than you can ask or even think.

Let Him do His full and mighty work in you.

Then every prayer promise is yours.”

 

861. Since I put in my prayer requests in my blog last week I have been feeling significantly better, cough amazingly greatly reduced (it’s been going on since the end of Nov), less congestion,  and I’ve  had multiple nights of excellent sleep.  I was so exhausted–it’s made a huge difference to sleep well and  I am greatly encouraged.  :) I feel like I’ve had a major turn-around of progress in the respiratory issue and sleep improvement.  THANK YOU all from the bottom of my heart for praying!  How I hope this will continue!  :)
 
862. I am so grateful that I am tolerating the Herceptin well and it is not messing up my heart or other parts which it can do—I just want it to royally mess with any rogue her2 cells that dare to linger. My one year of IV Herceptin will be done in June–right around the corner.  I am praising God that as far as I know, all this cancer  treatment has been and will continue to be highly effective for me.  To the best of my knowledge, I’m doing downright terrific and I am going to operate on the assumption that all is well in the cancer department.  :)    Hooray that, by God’s grace, I am a thriving survivor!  I praise God that HE is in charge of my life, not cancer.  The thought that I will not die one single second before it’s God’s perfect time to take me Home Sweet Home to Heaven brings me peace.  Thank You Lord for my health exactly as it is and that I can trust You completely!
 
863. Sister-in-law Kelley healing well from mastectomy and reconstructive surgery done 2 weeks ago.  Prayer request: unexpected news of path report this week: invasive cancer in very early stages on second mastectomy in the breast not expected to have cancer
 
864. Kids all doing very well with school work, extra curricular activities, sports, and volunteer work, including some challenging Fl Virtual School on-line classes and Nicholas’ dual enrollment classes at college. I  PTL for graduation from High School in the horizon for him this year.  I praise God we have been able to continue home schooling through even this difficult past year.  Thank You Lord for John and the kids taking over so much for me when I was ill and being so wonderful! 
 
865. I am very grateful for the progress in the tourniquet sensation in my arm  gained through prayer and therapy. There are still issues but I see definite improvement and I expect that to continue.  Thank You Lord for my left arm.  Thank You Lord for the therapy that Lisa is doing. I had an appointment with her yesterday, we are working at home on things we learn there,  and it is making a difference.   What a relief!  I am so thankful that the skin that was a mess from radiation healed up beautifully.
 
866. Thank You Lord that You are really, really helping me in walking in the victory that is mine in Christ in my eating and exercise plan.  Again, thanks for praying!  I have a ways to go to get back to my ideal weight and the  level of physical fitness I desire but every day I am making good progress with God’s help.  I resumed my 100%  raw vegan diet (exclusively  raw fruit and veggies with a few raw nuts)  about a week ago, increased my exercise markedly  and dropped 10 pounds in my first week back on the plan I was on for years—Yippeeeeee!!!!!! I feel so good eating this way.  I’ve been waking up the last few days thinking , “Wow, I sure am feeling marvelous, Thank You Lord!”   My joints took a big hit from the chemo and they are doing great this week.  Supplements have really helped with chemo induced neuropathy symptoms too.  Thank You, Lord.  2012 is my year of rebuilding and restoring my health, God willing.  A physical goal I am working toward is to be in my ideal weight range,  trim and physically fit, totally cancer-free and full of vitality and vibrant health.  Accountability is a wonderful tool with weight loss and exercise and the Lord is providing that through my precious family and some dear friends.   I plan to let you know here  periodically of my progress and sure appreciate continued prayer!  I am weak but He is strong.
 
867. I am grateful for the fact that NOTHING is too hard for God…absolutely nothing.
 
Praising Him,
 
Paula
Posted in Quotes and Excerpts | 9 Comments

Ever Been in Cahoots?

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Paula

 

Ever Been in Cahoots?

(Unknown Authors)

 

“I have been in many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots.
Apparently, you can’t go alone ~ you have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

Sometimes I’m in Capable… I go there more often as I’m getting older.
I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump. While I like to exercise,        

I’m not too much on jumping…it’s tough on the knees.

I have avoided going to in Sane. Can’t get there by plane…you have to be driven.  

I have made several trips near that area, when I was lost for a short time.                   

No thanks to my friends, family and work. 

I actually was pulled out well short of that destination by a guy, God in the flesh, Jesus Christ.  Close call.

 

I have also been in Doubt.
That is a sad place to go and you can’t leave there by getting stuck somewhere in Decision, a suburb of that doubt.                                         
I try not to visit there too often.  My faith in Jesus Christ left me less in doubt.

I’ve been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. 
We need a lot of that when it comes to the spreading desire to be in Decisive.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense!                                                             
It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart!
At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

I may have been in Continent, but I don’t remember what country that was.
It’s an age thing. 

 We lived in Sufferable until we couldn’t stand it any more.

The politicians spout Innuendo which drives me deeper In Debt.

————————

Hey guys, I thought up some too:

Sometimes I’ve been in Decisive but I haven’t yet made my mind what I think about that place.  It was very much like time spent in Conclusive.  I never completely figured that one out either until I got to in Conclusion.  Amazing what I learned in Comprehensible: it was such an in Teresting place, pondering the immeasurable love of God. Without the Lord, I’d sure be in Deep Trouble: we’re in Separable, He and me (or is it “He and I”?).  :)   Whenever I get in Hot Water, in A Pickle, in Jeopardy, in A Pinch,  or  in A Jam,  I know my hope is In Christ which is in Valuable to me!

It’s rather fun to do.  How about you, can you add your two cents to  “Ever Been in Cahoots?” Paula

 “God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘Thank you’”? (William Ward )

Lord, every single gift comes from You…“Lift my gaze to see life from Your perspective. Help me to understand-and treasure-every good thing You send…”(From James 1:7)   One Thousand Gifts   http://www.aholyexperience.com/

847. Lots of fun yesterday cheering on our girls and their Upward Basketball team mates (“The Fevers”).  Joy and Hannah  are brand-new novices in the sport but we see improvement and are happy they are learning some valuable lessons (I am too) while they are having a good time in this great atmosphere of Christ-like sportsmanship.  Thanks Lord, for Coach Gene and Coach Bill! 

848. Refreshing cold snap this weekend going from shorts weather still in February to needing to cover my tomatoes and bringnig one potted plant inside due to freeze warnings

849. “A hero does not have to win. A hero does not have to be larger than life. A hero can be an ordinary person who overcomes extraordinary events with dignity and grace.”

 
850. “Today’s Mighty Oak Is Yesterday’s Nut That Held Its Ground”
 
851. “Sometimes “courage” means that little voice on the end of the day saying “I will try again tomorrow” .
 
852. “Success Is Getting What You Want. Happiness Is Wanting What You Get” By Dale Carnegie
 

 

853. “WE ARE NOT AT OUR BEST WHEN WE ARE PERCHED AT THE SUMMIT;
WE ARE AT OUR BEST CLIMBING – EVEN WHEN THE WAY IS STEEP.”
 
854. “Sometimes we stare so long at our balloon in the sky we forget our ice cream is melting on our plate.Enjoy your ice cream…………….. :) “

855. 

1 John 4:16-18

New King James Version (NKJV)

16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 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.

856.

Romans 12:9-13

New King James Version (NKJV)

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Praising the One Who is my salvation, my strength, my strong tower of defense, my hiding place, my refuge and ever present help in time of trouble, and my song,

Paula

Posted in Humor | 5 Comments

“Heal The Wound But Keep The Scar”

Posted on February 11, 2012 by Paula

“What day is it,?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.”
 
 

 
 

And remember, it’s important not to get any exercise before you actually get to the exercise place.

 
 

“God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘Thank you’”? (William Ward )

Lord, every single gift comes from You…“Lift my gaze to see life from Your perspective. Help me to understand-and treasure-every good thing You send…”(From James 1:7)   One Thousand Gifts   http://www.aholyexperience.com/

(Oh, Beth, THANK YOU for sharing this with me! )
 
Heal The Wound But Keep The Scar
 
I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend
I never knew me back then I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I’ve been
But it’s the memory of
The place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees
And even though I’m free Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scarI have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don’t take pride in what I bring
But I’ll build an altar with
The rubble that You’ve found me in
And every stone will sing
Of what You can redeem Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scarDon’t let me forget
Everything You’ve done for me
Don’t let me forget
The beauty in the sufferingHeal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar
 
839. Sage advice from a bumper sticker…
“Wag more. Bark less.”

840. “”When a thought of anxiety comes knocking on the door of your mind you must refuse it entrance. If you invite it in, it will have dinner with you, and if it has dinner with you it will quickly move in and want to spend the night.”
 
841. “Be Discerning: Don’t believe everything you think.”  ;)   Ha.  Good one. 
 
 

 

842. “Beware what you read in medical books, you might die of a misprint…”
Dr. Denis Burkit

 

 
843.
 
“HOPE is the thing with feathers,That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune

Without the words,

And never stops at all.”

~ Emily Dickenson ~

 
844. God’s answer to prayer yesterday: I felt better overall, had a great time in the Word,  coughed less, ate only healthy foods that build my body up, got good exercise in, and slept better.  WOW!!!  Thank You Lord and thank you to all who are praying. :)
 
845. God’s bountiful provision with berries on sale at Aldi’s: yummy , blueberries $1.29/pt and strawberries $1.29/pound yesterday.  Thank 
You, Father  for this special treat at such a great deal.
 
846.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

King James Version (KJV)

 4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

 5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

 

“Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 AMP

 
Sooooooooooo glad to be His!
Paula
 
Posted in Scripture/Songs, Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Prayer Requests

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Paula

 

(I’m not into football but I thought this picture after the Super Bowl was funny.)
 
Prayer Requests:
 
–I haven’t been feeling very well lately.  I would appreciate prayer for complete healing of the cancer and resolution of whatever is causing a persistent cough and respiratory symptoms.
 
–I would be grateful for prayer for deep, restorative sleep.  I’ve had trouble with my sleep for years.  I fall asleep each night in under 5 minutes typically and usually take a day time nap out of neccessity, but I wake up many times most every night, finding it difficult to go back to sleep. Can you specifically pray that God will allow me to sleep well each night?
 
–Please pray that I will walk closely with the Lord in every area of my life.
 
–Please pray that the Lord will help me to walk in the victory that is mine in Christ and help me make wise, Spirit-controlled choices in my eating as I work to take off excessive weight and build back up my physical fitness with exercise.  Lately He has been encouraging me a lot in His precious Word and with a wonderful book called “Made to Crave”.
 
Thanks for praying for me and my dear family!  We really appreciate it! :)
–Paula
 

“God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘Thank you’”? (William Ward )

Lord, every single gift comes from You…“Lift my gaze to see life from Your perspective. Help me to understand-and treasure-every good thing You send…”(From James 1:7)   One Thousand Gifts   http://www.aholyexperience.com/

828. “He Wants it all Today”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUMRqJCV9Q4

829. “God gives the very best to those who leave the choice up to Him.”–a nugget from Cherrie along with jugs of alkaline water
 
830. Letting and Learning Devotion: http://psalm119greaterthangold.net/letting-and-leaning
 
831. “Oh, my friend, it’s not what they take away from you that counts – it’s what you do with what you have left. ” ~Hubert Humphrey
 
832. A stumbling block to the pessimist is a stepping stone to the optimist.
Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady

 
 
833.  David Beckham via Kris Carr’s Crazy, Sexy Cancer Tips (book was a gift from Jacki):“Impossible is a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is an opinion, not a fact. Impossible isn’t a declaration, it’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
 
834. “SET BACKS ARE ONLY OPPORTUNITIES TO REVIEW THE LESSON”
 
835. “I WILL NOT BE ASHAMED OF MY SCARS. MY SCARS ARE THE BRUSH STROKES IN THE MASTERPIECE THAT IS MY LIFE.”
  
 
837.  Sweet times with the Lord walking on the Riverwalk as I work on Scripture memorization and meditation
 
 
 
Posted in Quotes and Excerpts | 9 Comments

Cancer Poetry

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Paula

 

Reflections About Cancer
by George Cuff

When cancer strikes and our days are torn; when it seems our life is through,
It helps to remember through the storm what cancer cannot do.When we’ve placed our faith in Jesus our Lord, when we’ve surrendered to God above;
We live by faith in blessed accord, for it cannot cripple love.When strength is fading and weariness climbs; when we’re temped to cry and mope,
The light of God’s Word upon us shines; cancer cannot shatter hope.When the battle is hot; our spirit weak, we walk God’s path so straight.
We thank the Lord, we seek his grace; it cannot obliterate faith.When fear comes tearing through our soul with harassment that will not cease,
We sing God’s praise; His Word extol, for it cannot destroy our peace.When despondency seeks to distort the truth shouting “Nobody cares, let it end.”
We are comforted with love by those who are true, for it cannot separate friends.When we think of all that we could lose; when there’s no medical hope to encourage,
We lift our hearts and cling to God, for it cannot cancel our courage.

When cancer continues its vicious attack, it seeks to destroy the whole,
But we are sustained by this strong fact: it cannot invade our soul.

Cancer may steal our health and our plans; it may ravage our organs internal.
It may even reduce this life’s span, but it cannot steal the eternal.

In this life cancer may seem to win, but there is no reason to fear it.
God’s glory awaits—no disease or sin, so don’t let it conquer your spirit.

Sin has dominion in this life. Disease and disaster abound.
But heaven is coming soon, my friend, we’ll hear the trumpet sound!

What a glorious day that will be when we join our loved ones respected.
With Jesus in charge, this earth renewed; we’re happy, whole, and perfected.

Cancer is here with sin and strife. It brings both death and disease.
But by the blows upon the cross, Christ won victory for me.

Yes, cancer has a temporary win, the symbol of Satan’s leaven,
But through the cross God cancelled our sin and opened the doors of heaven.

 

Per: http://www.christart.com/poetry/poem3839.htm : “This Christian poem may be used within Christian ministries for any non-profit purpose without requesting permission.
Please remember to mention the author of this poem when using.”

 
—————————————————-
I Wear A Pink Ribbon
By Kimberly R. Harris
 
A silent killer with no face.
A thief within the night.
A constant battle for my life
A bitter evil fight.The scars remind me of the day
It knocked at my souls door.
It tried to rob me of my strength
It left me on the floor.To survive, I had to sacrifice
My Breast and even my hair
It showed no pity as it snatched
These things without a care.I started to give up my fight
I felt I could take no more
Then God reached down and
Gently picked me up off the floor.

He wiped my face and blew my nose
Just like my mama use to do.
He said don’t cry my child
For I have things in store for you.

I did not bring you all this way
To leave you high and dry.
I love you and you are my child
So hold your head up high.

There is nothing that I cannot fix,
No pain I can’t erase.
Have faith and know that I am here
There is nothing you can’t face!

So then I threw my hands up high
And gave God all his praise!
For my soul has been uplifted
And my SPIRIT has been raised!

I’ll fight this fight with cancer
And I know I will be fine.
For God said it and I know its true,
That VICTORY is mine

 
 
———————-
 

Perseverance

Written by Joy Gerard

http://www.americaninspirational.com/christian_poems.htm

  
Perseverance can be tough
Sometimes I think “OK enough”
Then You say run the race
Look to Me, see my face
Don’t give up, do not quit
Cry a little, have a fit
Keep on doing the next right thing
Great gifts to you I will bring
Trust that I know all you need
Persevere and you will succeed
Success beyond what you could dream
Things are not always as they seem
Nothing in My world happens by chance
Look beyond the circumstance
You are right where you belong
Trust in Me, you can’t go wrong
Fix your eyes, and you will see
It is the way it’s supposed to be
All things happen as they should
All things work together for Good.

————————

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/4370/16164/poem-year/

My name is Doug Haberstroh, and this is the story of my wife Keri, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 at the age of 25.

 

In this message to friends and family, Keri reflects on the past year since her breast cancer diagnosis in a poem. The funny thing about the poem, or at least the funny thing to me, is that I never saw this poem until a friend put all her e-mails together for me in a scrapbook.

 

 

When I went through the scrapbook and finally came upon the poem I lost it and had to put the scrapbook away for a while. I now have the poem memorized by heart.

 

 

It’s not every day you get to look into the heart and emotions of a loved one, but Keri has now given me that chance every time I read her poem.

 

 

Thank you, Babe. I loved you then, now, and forever.

 

 

Doug

 

Subject: Year One

Sent: Friday, April 7, 2006 10:57 AM

 

Hi Everyone,

 

Just a little something I wrote to express myself about this occasion. It’s a little long, but gets my thoughts out.

 

It’s been exactly one year

Since I was first to hear

The scariest words

That began my fear.

 

Breast Cancer was said

And I dropped my head

As my tears fell down

My heart filled with dread.

 

Why me? I thought

It was answers I sought

Was it something I did

Or maybe something I did not.

 

Chemo treatments came first

Side effects were the worst

A bad reaction I had

Then back to health I was nursed.

 

Surgery then came

I would never be the same

I was missing a part

From my small body frame.

 

The healing was slow

But I worked hard to show

The amount of strength

That in my body did flow.

 

Then the doctor’s advice

Extra chemo would be nice

To make sure it’s gone

A few treatments should suffice.

 

Reconstruction was to follow

I would finally not feel hollow

Expanding was a pain

But not too hard to swallow.

 

In the end it looked so good

As close to perfect as it could

I felt a little more normal

Coming to the end of this journey felt good.

 

Through it all I never doubted

The love and support that had surrounded

Many prayers were said for me

And my faith they kept founded.

 

I’ll never forget the experience I had

Even though a lot was sad

But the lessons that I learned

Have made me glad

That I got a second chance

At the life I had.

 

The cancer moved I regret

It’s not quite over yet

But God has a plan for me

And it’s a good one I bet.

 

One day we’ll see the end

The memories will all blend

And in my life

A new door will be opened.

 

————————

A Note from Doug Haberstroh: This will be the last entry. Keri’s struggle ceased. Her love, her memory, her being will live on forever in me, our families, and our friends. Her life was too short, and if I could have changed places with her I would have. If meaning I had to do it all over again just for one more minute with my Baby, I would. I regret nothing. I loved her then and I will love her now forever. Her pain is gone, her hair is beautiful, and she dances with angels.
—————————-
 
 
I Miss my Eyelashes
By Fireworks 
(posted here with permission )

 

“I miss my eyelashes the most
The way they held my tears
let them fall, intermittently,
on the same path of pain. They followed one another til I wiped them away.
Without eyelashes it’s just over active tear glands……there’s no timing, no meaning and no reason, just tears smeared.
My eyelashes could tell me when there was a symphony on the way….I would know when they would begin……and end.
I felt I’d had a good cry.
I want to get through this…….
Where are my conductors?
I miss my eyelashes the most
Release the tears with the feeling of having had a good cry….. “
 
—————————————————-
 
“…’Mastectomy’
What a horrible word.
An ending–the removal of something
So essential to womanhood.
But is it?
No, I think not.
Womanhood stems from our hearts and minds.
If necessary, I would sacrifice my breast to preserve my life.”
(By Mary Platt in the book “Uplift”)
 
——————————————————
 
The following was written by Richard E Morris – as he was dying of cancer. 
 1928-1985
 
 Is It Death, My Lord? “Is it death,” I cried;“No, it’s life,” He replied.“It’s the end,” I sighed;“No, the beginning,” He said.“It’s so dark!” I cried;“Come to the light,” He sang.“Earth’s doors are closing, Lord”,“Heaven’s doors are open, child.”“Earth’s sounds grow silent, Lord”;“Heaven’s bells are ringing, my child!”
Posted in Cancer Poetry | 3 Comments

Scott Hamilton’s Story

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Paula

 

 Photo posted with permission http://photoinspiration.weebly.com/index.html

 

EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 50 (or who feel like it) 
 
Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side. 
 
With a 5-lb potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. 
 
Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. Each day you’ll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. 
 
After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato sacks. Then try 50-lb potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (My husband  is at this level.) 
 
After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each sack. ;)

 

“God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘Thank you’”? (William Ward )

Lord, every single gift comes from You…“Lift my gaze to see life from Your perspective. Help me to understand-and treasure-every good thing You send…”(From James 1:7)   One Thousand Gifts   http://www.aholyexperience.com/

820.  Beautiful account below Julie sent me that touched my heart (Can’t wait to see ya soon, Julie!):

“I don’t think anyone’s truly equipped to go out in front of 1 billion, 2 billion, 3 billion people on an Olympic stage, and you’re scared of your mind, on a 200 by 100 surface of ice. You wonder why you do this because you’re so nervous. On two 10-inch lengths of quarter inch wide steel. “Get me through this, just get me through this.” And you’re to manipulate those edges for 4 and 1/2 minutes, and do triple jumps, and athleticism, and not make a mistake. It’s impossible.

 

But I found a way to be just good enough to win the gold medal. The more I look back on it, I think that’s been unbelievably awesome. Like “that was me?” I always thought if I could be really good on the ice I could become famous. But I think I’m probably more known now for my health problems than I am for anything I ever did on skates.

 

When I was very little, I suffered from a disease that stopped me from growing. I was in and out of hospitals for years and I was never really home.

And so what ended up happening was I came back from being in and out hospitals and I ended up doing the skating club thing just by accident. And I found skating, which kind of took on a life of its own.

 

And it progressed and pretty soon I’m competing, pretty soon I’m living away from home. All my role models and the people that were teaching me how to live day-to-day were older skaters. So there was a lot of it that was terrific, but a lot of it that really wasn’t guiding me in any real direction.

 

It wasn’t until I suffered the devastation of my mother losing her battle to cancer that something was awakened in me. I knew I needed something more, something better. I think I needed to have some strength and my mother was my source of strength. When she was living I would disappoint her. But when she when she was gone, I just didn’t ever want to be less than she thought I could be.

 

I was happy to just work, I was happy to just entertain. I’d do well and that was good enough. Skating had given me life as a child and it gave me kind of a strength is an adult. But what was about to happen really changed my life forever.

 

Cancer, it put me into a phase of my life where I just needed to kind of sort it all out. “I just survived something, why?” I survived something that took the most important person in my life off the planet, that was my mother. She died of cancer and I survived. What’s my purpose now? What do I need to do?

 

And a big part of that dust settling was getting with Tracie, and she brought me to the church. She took me to a minister, a man named Ken Durham. And the first thing he said to me, which was extraordinary was, he goes, “you have to understand that Christianity is a faith of history. These things actually happened.”  And I go, “OK, that’s a good starting-off point.” And just study what has happened and see how that resonates in your own life. And it grew, it was like “OK, I get it. “

 

When you survive testicular cancer and you want to start a family, you don’t know what the issues are going to be. And I prayed that I would someday become a father. Tracie and I, we got engaged, and married, and then my son was born nine months and two days after we got married. So I guess there was a plan there.

 

I thought I’d paid my health dues when I had cancer, but this was another whole issue. I have a brain tumor. How do I tell my wife? And we have a 14-month-old son. How do I tell my wife that I have a brain tumor.

 

I had just gotten the news an hour before. I met them at the hotel and she goes, what’s going on? And I said, I have a brain tumor. And she took my hands and without hesitation, she just started to pray. And it was in that moment I knew where I was going to put everything.

 

My trust, my faith, everything. So the most powerful moment in my life. From that moment forward, we just said, “whatever it is, whatever it takes, we’ll face this. “When they’re going to do a biopsy, they tell you we’re going to drill a hole in your head, and then we’re going to take a needle down through your brain, and take a piece of the tumor. They said, “we seem to have found a safe corridor to do this.” And I go, “well I’m not using most of it.” But they tell you all the things that can go wrong in that surgery.

 

And I remember waking up and looked at the clock and it was 10:20. I knew where I was and then the next thing I saw was my wife come in with a smile on the face. She said, “they know what it is.”

 

And they found out that that brain tumor was one that I was born with you, one that I’ve had since birth, which inhibited my growth as a young child. That was the mysterious illness I had that they never diagnosed, that got me into skating.

 

Who would I be without a brain tumor? I’m 5 foot 4, if I were 5′ 8″-if I would have grown those years-5′ 10″, where would I be, who would I do? I could choose to look it as debilitating. I could choose to focus on the suffering. I choose to look at that brain tumor as the greatest gift I could’ve gotten because it made everything else possible.

 

I didn’t see past it this time. I didn’t think I would survive. At one point I was starting to really feel weak. And one nurse in particular, I was up at 3 o’clock in the morning, and I was uncomfortable, and she goes, can I get you anything? And I just said, “no, I’m just a little scared.”

 

And she said, “do you pray?” I said, “yes.” And she said, “what do you say when you pray?” I go,” I just thank God for all the blessings in my life.”

“ Do you ask him for anything?” “No, I just want him to know I’m grateful. I’m grateful. “

 

“Well, who is God to you?”  I said, “well I guess he’s my father.”  “Oh, you’re a father, right?”  “Yes.”  “If one of your children were hurting, wouldn’t you want him to come to you for comfort and strength?” “Yes.”

 

So I changed the way I pray now. I ask, uninhibitedly I ask. I ask to heal. I ask for strength. I ask for courage.

 

I ask for another child. Want to talk about miracles? After surviving a pituitary brain tumor, it’s impossible, practically impossible. I did six injections a week for two years. No luck, we’re not meant to have another child. We gave it to God. A month later we found out that Max was on his way, Miracle Max.

 

When I look back and I see all those little moments in my life where I needed a great deal of strength, I understand that through a strong relationship with Jesus you can endure anything. I just learned that the only true disability in life is a bad attitude. God is there to guide you through the tough spots. God was there every single time, every single time.

 

My name is Scott Hamilton and I am Second.”

http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/scott-hamilton/#.TyLOInoTpgY.facebook

821. Working on my memorization and meditation:

Psalm 34:4-5

New King James Version (NKJV)

4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.

Comparing some translations and combining them to think about:

I looked for the Lord, I sought Him, I prayed to Him, and He answered me. And He took away all my fears, He delivered me, He freed me.  They looked to Him for help (and I can too) and their faces shined and were radiant with joy. Their faces will never be darkened with the shadow of shame.
 
822. Met a very nice group of people at a cancer support meeting that I attended for the first time last night.  I even won a fun prize that I am saving for a great birthday gift for Joy in June  in a BINGO game that gave ideas about stress relief with each number called)
 
823. Sharon sharing today’s joke that made me laugh  and being so kind to consult her daughter-in-law who is an ENT Dr  on my behalf for some input and ideas on some issues I am having (I saw an ENT locally as well and would appreciate prayer for wisdom and healing of a persistent cough and weird noises that come out of my throat at night–might possibly be laryngopharyngeal reflux caused by the cancer treatments or something else)
 
824. Kathy done with radiation treatments too—yipeeeeee.  Thank you, Lord, You got ub both through!!!!
 
825. My sister-in-law Kelley  having second mastectomy yesterday (prophylactic) with bilateral reconstruction: surgery went well, thank you Lord.
 
826. Gonga deal on yogurt and almond milk yesterday–God’s special provision for some fun variety with the kid’s breakfasts
 
827. Nicholas’ excitement re: voting for the first time yesterday as an 18 year old.  Praise that we can trust the Lord with however the election turns out in November
 
Posted in Quotes and Excerpts | 6 Comments

Psalm 34:1-3

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Paula

Photo posted with permission http://photoinspiration.weebly.com/index.html

The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly.

He was 71.

Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.

The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

 

“God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘Thank you’”? (William Ward )

Lord, every single gift comes from You…“Lift my gaze to see life from Your perspective. Help me to understand-and treasure-every good thing You send…”(From James 1:7)   One Thousand Gifts   http://www.aholyexperience.com/

815.

I have just started to memorize and meditate on Psalm 34 in NKJV.  This is what I have down so far:

Psalm 34:1-3

New King James Version (NKJV)

 I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

 

I looked at Psalm 34:1-3 in the KJV, The Message, the Amplified Bible, The New Living Translation, NIV and combined them for me to think about it some more and personalize it for myself:

 1 I will bless and extol God, my precious Lord  every chance I get, all the time ; my lungs expand with his praise continually overflowing from my lips.
Paula, do you and will you really choose to bless God at ALL times? Even and most especially when things are not going well?   Will you allow Him to do His work in you so there is a continual overflow of praise, The Life of Christ filling up your life and flowing out to those around you?  Nothing fake–just the genuine real McCoy?  You can not do this work in yourself but He surely can.
 2 I live and breathe God; I will boast only in the Lord, I will glory in the Lord
  Be humble and  confess your pride.  Even if things aren’t going well, and you are  afflicted, or feeling helpless hear this, take heart, be happy, be glad, rejoice:
 
..,letting go of all pride and self life, not seeking to impress others, boasting only in the Lord, immersing myself in God to listen to Him, HEAR Him, be glad in Him. 3 Join me in spreading the news;  magnify and glorify Him with me, come, let us tell of His greatness
   together let’s get the word out and exalt His name.
 
–Let’s MAGNIFY Him, GLORIFY Him, lift Him up and tell of His greatness!
 

 

816. “Beautiful” By Mercy Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WnAq0o2Xl8

“You’re beautiful.

You are treasured.

You are loved.

You are His. “

817. “Above All” : http://www.godvine.com/Cute-5-Year-Old-Kaitlyn-Maher-Sings-Above-All-219.html

818. Somebody’s birthday card that touched my heart: http://www.godvine.com/Man-Gives-his-Wife-a-Touching-Birthday-Gift-Before-Dying-of-Cancer-1033.html

819. On Bets’ frig: “God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘Thank you’”? (William Ward )

 

Paula

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