BACK TO SCHOOL HODGEPODGE!

Thank you Joyce for these questions.  I have my answers, do you have yours?

1. On Thursday we pause to remember a dark day in history-9/11. Will you mark it in some special way?

I will say a prayer for those who were left behind to live forward without the love of their family member.  I know for many, this is hard.

2. Do you ever/still...listen to an actual radio? Watch a videotape (VCR)? Look up a number in a phonebook? Refer to a paper map while traveling? Set an alarm on an alarm clock as opposed to your phone?

No, everything I do, I do on my phone.  How strange this new life style has become.

3.  Is it ever a good idea to discuss religion or politics with people you don't know?

Not for me.

4. What's a dish you haven't eaten all summer, but come September find yourself craving? Have you made it yet this month?

Lazy Man's Lobster and no, I've not made it yet this month but the month is still young.

5. What's something you know nothing about?

WOW there are lots of things I know nothing about.  Like how people in Africa live, Why did we have 3 super moons this year, how to cook a snake, what does the sound of a skunk sound like, and how long does it take to walk to Boston. There are lots to still learn about this world I live in.

6. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like classical music? If so, what's your favorite piece?

I do like to listen to the Children's Classical Hour on the radio (on my phone of course) where they explain why the songs were written and how the instruments mirror the sound of water, wind, and horses walking on the cobblestone.  I don't have a favorite, I like the learning about it.

7. What's the oldest thing you own?

I have a side board that belonged to my grandmother. She got it second hand so it's something like 100+ years old by now.  I really love it and it goes with our dinning room set perfectly.  At the moment, it's in the kitchen holding dishes and lots of things.  There is a story in there someplace.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

NH had a primary election today.  The turn out was light this morning but the total counts are not in yet.  Here in NH at our polling place we have to show a photo ID to vote.  I'm proud to do so!  I think showing my ID is a privilege that so few in other country's have the right to do. So what is the big brouhaha about everyone having to show an ID?  I show it to get money from my bank, to fill out a car loan application, to vote, and to pick up some medications. If we are here legally then we should be proud to show off our ID; if we are not here legally, then go home and stop using up our resources and get in line to come here legally.  That's my soap box moment.  

SWMBO'S WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE!

Thank you Joyce, once again you give us questions that make me think, make me smile and make me glad to be part of this Hodgepodge every week.

1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?
Not sure that I've "mastered" it, but time management is something that I'm really good at.  When you work full time and have Chemo every week, and add all the other stuff that gets done, I'm really good at time management.

2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?

The theme of the soap opera "Dark Shadows" I would run home from school in order to catch that show. I loved it so much and the movie with Johnnie Depp just didn't do it justice. 

3. What do you think about single gender groups and/or events? Should everygroup/event be open to both genders?  If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate? 
I don't think that EVERY group/event should be single gender groups but I do like  a ladies bible class taught by ladies.  I see the benefit to it.  I don't go to it often right now because the other Bible class choice is really good but having that option is a good thing.  

4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?
The spice I use the most is Italian spice. I will use it on eggs,  burgers and salads.

5.  I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and asked if I could steal borrow it for the Hodgepodge...thanks Marla!  

Chevron patterns are everywhere!  Do you like it or think its just a little too much? Do you own anything 'chevron'? 
I don't have any thing "chevron" and think it's a bit of over kill right now. Guess because I don't like all that much.  It's fine for a purse and wallet combo, or even a blouse but I see it everywhere!! Too busy for me to see on walls.

6.  What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?

NAPS! I LOVE naps now, not so much as a kid.

7. What can irritate you very quickly?
People who yell at their children or pets in public! And those who talk to me about others with harsh words, I'm sure they will talk to others about me in the same tone. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Had chemo yesterday - just 2 more to go and I have a full week off with nothing to do before we start again on the next stage of this walk.  YEAH! 

Believing the Lie

Our Sunday Night Small Group has been studying the book of coffee makers - He-brews.  That is just a joke among the small group since as soon as we get together, the coffee is flowing.
Anyhow, we were in Hebrews Chapter 11 this past Sunday night we only got the first 4 verses done!

Something hit us all!
Like it was NEVER in the bible before.

It must have just been put in there we thought.

By faith Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice to God than Cain did, for which he was commended as righteous. God commended him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. (Hebrews 11: 4.)

Adam and Eve had a face to face relationship with God. They only had to obey one rule "Leave the Tree Alone".

Genesis 2:16 "And the LORD God commanded them saying,You may surely eat from every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die." (ESV) They didn't have the faith to carry that through. They didn't believe God had their best interest in mind.

Cain and Able had a relationship with God because they knew what sacrifices were acceptable. Able  offered the acceptable sacrifice and Cain did not.

Photo by Google

How often do I think "If only I could have a face to face discussion with God, then I would have more faith." It will not happen!! It didn't work for Adam and Eve, and it didn't work for Cain and Abel. It is just not true!! I can have a strong relationship with God without the benefit of ever touching him or seeing him face to face. I can, because I choose to!

Lucifer, a premier angel, had a face to face relationship with God but he didn't have the faith to know that God was in control. He became proud, tried to usurp God and was tossed out of heaven and thrown down to the earth, and many like minded angels were thrown down with him. Rev 12: 9 (ESV)

I used to believe this lie. Why did I believe this lie?  Because Satan is the father of lies.  John 8:44 records Jesus speaking about the devil "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth. because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and THE FATHER OF LIES.  (ESV).

What I must remember is Ephesians 6:12 which tells us "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (ESV)

What lies are you believing?

Reaching Towards Heaven in 2011: Lessons Learned from a Puppy

As you all know by now, back on November 6 we picked up our little: Naturals All in the Music, August Rush (That's his full name) a Powder Puff Chinese Crested now 5 pounds. He is now 3 months old and we have been reminded of a few things here in puppy land. A few things I think we can all learn from a puppy.

August cannot get up on the couch yet and so he uses the stairs that were so sweetly given to him by Angela and Diane. He tries to jump on the couch like his big sister does but at some point he gives up and walks over to the stairs and walks up them.

Like him, sometimes we need a little help to accomplish things. It's OK to take the help. The form of help may be different forms such as getting yard work done that we cannot do ourselves, or using a cane to get around because we hurt, or even accepting help to watch the kids or get your house clean. It's OK to receive help.

August plays with everything! Toys, bedspreads, left shoes (don't understand why only left shoes but whatever), coasters, throw rugs, and remotes. It's our job to let him know what is OK and safe for him to play with. We cover up the cords to the tv, and computers, not because we are mean but because we love him. We do not want him to get hurt (or worse). At times we block off rooms to keep him within eye sight. In return August trusts us and doesn't ask us "Why?". He just picks up another toy and moves on.

Like August, we try lots of things, some good; better choices of foods we eat or exercises. Some not so good; over use of medications or alcohol. God doesn't give us rules to make our lives harder, but to make them easier. Yet how often do we ask "Why?". Maybe we should take a cue from August and just move on, knowing that God has our best interests in mind.

August has two speeds right now, on and off! When he's on he's running after said toys, left shoes and so on and when he is off he is sleeping. I've not seen a puppy go from running down the hall like a bunny to getting on the couch next to me and falling asleep so fast. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen.  He understands that his body needs rest and he takes it.  He feels safe, warm, and cared for, without a worry in the world and so he sleeps. 

Can we sleep? Some stay up nights worrying about bills, Christmas, car problems, health issues, whatever. We have a God who loves us and takes care of us, but do we believe it, or better yet, do we trust it? Or do we stay up asking "Why?"

And from Becke, the wonder dog there are lessons to learn as well. She looks out for her little brother and watches over him a lot. She has kept him from going down the stairs because he was "face planting" a lot and she didn't want him to get hurt. She also sits with him in the hall while I'm cooking, showing him to stay away from the stove and stay safe.  

Do we look out for others who may need us, even if they don't ask for it?  Do we intervene on behalf of others? Do we help the helpless and watch over those who cannot watch over themselves?  

Becke always stays close to us. In fact I have turned around more than once and tripped over her. She feels safe when with us so she stays close. We rarely ask "Where is Becke?" We can see her. She wants to be with us and is not all that comfortable away from us.  She knows that all good things comes from us and that we care for her.

I wonder if God turns around, will he trip over me? Am I that close to Him? I know that He cares for me, I know all good things come from Him, so why am I not standing so close that He trips over me or does He have to ask "Where is LynnMarie?"

All good lessons, All learned from dogs. They are great teachers, aren't they?

Seeing God Face to Face

Today is the funeral of our friends Duane Coss. The sky will be bright and warm as the family has this final tribute to their husband and father.  I pray that each of my readers, go and hug a loved one today. Today, while it's still today, tell them how much you love them. Kiss your child, call your parents, and tell your spouse you would marry them all over again and why!

Duane is on the other side, seeing God face to face and rejoicing in His glory. He has fought the fight, run the race and received the crown. We will miss him greatly and look forwarded to the day when "We all get together". Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Prayer, Appeal, Petition, Supplication: Whatever you call it -It's Important.

There are many times in my life that circumstances around me have caused me to fall to my knees in prayer. I have mentioned many times that our children were ill a lot when they were younger. Not the usual colic or cold, they were both born with heart conditions and back then, that was not as easy to deal with as it is now. Hubby and I spent many hours in prayer on behalf of our children. We also had some wonderful friends (prayer warriors) who prayed for us and with us.

When life gets to us, when we feel heavy with worry, pain, anxiety, fear or guilt, we can often find ourselves praying more than when we feel happy, encouraged, joyful and excited. If only I could bring my joys before God as often as I bring my woes. Perhaps that is one more reason we have problems, to remind us we need God.

Matthew 21:22:" If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." So does that mean if we believe we will win the lottery, and we pray about it, it will happen?  No, it means that we have faith in God, so we believe that He has only the best in store for us and will care for us, so our prayers reflect that belief. Because we have that faith, we will not be asking for the winning lottery ticket, but will ask for daily bread. That prayer will be answered.

Hubby and I have a wonderful and dear man who is very ill and on our hearts. He is our friend, our brother, and one of our church Elders. He has been battling an illness for some 2 1/2 years and many of us have been praying for him and his family from the beginning. It is starting to look like, from the worlds view, that his fight will be over. We are saddened by this of course and yet we know that God is good and we continue to follow God's word. Romans 12:12: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." We all continue to bring our friend before our Father, knowing that He knows best if our friend will stay here with his family, or if he graduates to the glory of Heaven and sees the face of our Father, and hears "Well done, good and faithful servant."

If you are a praying person, I solicit your prayers on the behalf of our friend and for his family. Thank you. His name is Duane!

Reaching Towards Heaven in 2011: Gardening

I love to garden and finally the other day we got a day with sun so once I got home from work and fed Becke, we headed outside to weed.  While I was enjoying being outside it  occurred to me that God is the true Gardener and we are the plants.

As the Gardener looks over his garden, some plants only need to a little cleaning up-a few twigs that are around need to be removed. These twigs could be temptations that have not attached themselves to us just yet so they are easy to push away.

At other times, the weeds are close to the plant and will need time and patience to pull these out and not damage the plant. Perhaps this is the person who is just starting to live in way that does not please God. 

Still, other plants are engulfed by weeds and overgrowth. There is no easy way to pull all that out without hurting some of the plant.  So this is the person who's life choices are not in line with God's plan for us and when He gets out attention, and starts to work on us, it hurts. It will be hard, and it will take time to get it all done. 

Some of the plants have not bloomed yet and are waiting for the right time to show off there beauty. My job is to water them, care for them and wait for the right time for them to blossom.  God does that for us. He sends us the care and the friends for us and at the right time we too will bloom (with God's help)

Sometimes the weeds come easy, other times, not so much. Some of the weeds came out with using just one had. Others took not only two hands, but my back and a lot of pulling as well. How much like our sins that is. Sometimes we confess them and really work on not repeating those sins. Other times we don't even acknowledge that we have those sins.

I have my trusty Becke Boo Boo watching over me and I love having her around.   She gets me up and moving every morning. She goes with me to work, she is with me all day. God has given his children the Holy Spirit to watch over us, to go with us to work, to be with us all day, and to talk to the Father when we can not find the words.  What a gift! What a Gardener!  Do you know Him?

Home!! What a wonderful word it is!

                                   

Whenever I drive Home from someplace, the time seems to go by faster than when I drove to that place. Something is comforting there, something is special about going "Home". I love being home, going home and staying home.  How about you?  Does the the word "Home" just do something for you?  Now combine that feeling with a song about Home and you have todays post.

Do you ever hear a song that makes you cry because it touches your heart? I bet you do. I love Celtic Thunder and on their Heritage Album they have a song "Home from the Sea". It's one of those songs that tells a story about volunteers that go out on a stormy night to rescue a boat of people trapped in a storm.  It's a story about grace, fear and love for both the ones on the shore and for the ones trapped out at sea. I can't help but see a spiritual example here.

The sea blows us up and down and to and fro. Sometimes we are at it's mercy and can only hope to ride the storm until it settles down. I know there have been times when I felt tossed about and water logged. Haven't you?

Many in our church are under Satan's attack. We have several members with cancer, strong marriages in trouble, children lost, husbands out of work, moms worn out, money problems, health problems and heart problems. Yet we also have "volunteers" out to rescue them. We have people who take others to doctor's appointments, or visit them in the hospital. We have people who collect food and give it to those who really need it and in May we will have a "Give Away Day" which is like a yard sale but without the sale. We have people who cook and clean for others and we even have some who get together to be prayer partners. And let's not forget those who have Bible studies with others in order to save there souls or to strengthen new Christians. We have Volunteers who agree to house teens who are up for a teen retreat while others who cannot house them, cook and feed them at the retreat instead.

I have prayed a lot and asked God to keep Satan away but after hearing this song I think I need to pray for the rescuers, the "Volunteers" who have their own concerns as well. Volunteers often have fears to deal with, such as - "Will I be laughed at? Will I be able to really help? This is hard, I really don't know that much, and I don't know how to help!" These are just a few of the fears that volunteers face but still, they go out to help because, as one line in the song says:  "There are souls to save".

So when you pray for people you know, please say a prayer for the "volunteer" who is helping. They need it too.  

Reaching Towards Heaven in 2011: Thinking Back to the Beginning

Photo from Clip Art

A few Sunday's ago our Preacher did a great job as usual on a topic about being rich. Not in money but in Godly Blessings.  At one point he asked us to think about the person who taught us about God.  For me there was more than just one (guess I was a hard nut to crack) it took a few people to plant the seeds, water and get me ready to be harvested into the work of God. I decided to tell you about them.

Cedric Parsons was the Preacher at  Fakenham Baptist Church in Fakenham, England. Hubby was in the Air Force and we were stationed over seas at RAF Sculthorpe, Norfolk, England.   One time we had Cedric and his wife (who's name I cannot remember) over for dinner. She was VERY pregnant and our son had just learned about babies. He took one look at her, pointed at him and yelled "I know WHAT you did!"  Cedric continued to teach us about God anyway. He was truly a good godly man who loved us.

After England we were shipped to Alexandria, LA. We lived off base as did several other military families. We had a couple who lived behind us, Bob & Cindy Woodward. They invited us to their church several times.  It was at this church, the Jackson Street Church of Christ, where we met our next preacher, John Brasseaux. He brought us closer to God by his love, patience and example. John Brasseaux at one time was studying to become a priest but he was concerned that for all the schooling he was getting he had yet to read the Bible.  When he did read the Bible he became disenchanted with the Catholic church and became a preacher for the Church of Christ in Alexandria. John completed the job that Cedric had started. John's wife's name was Laura.

All new Christians need help to grow and this is where the most Godly woman who has ever walked the earth, Edna Johnson, came into our lives.  Edna J. embodied Titus 2:3,4 "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children..." She has about 6 children of her own but she was very willing to take me and Hubby under wing to show us what a Christian family did on a daily basis.  She was truly a blessing.

These people where brought into our lives for a time. Each one to teach us, to be an example to us, to help us grow, and to allow us to make mistakes and to laugh at them with us.  They have all been a blessing to us and I do not know now where we would have been without all them in our lives.  When I think of how I became a Christian, these people come to mind and I have a grateful heart because of them.   I thank them all.  How did your journey play out so that you could become a Christian? How many people do you need to thank and be grateful to God for?  Are you on anyone else's list of people they would thank?