Alan was born blind. He has never seen anything through his eyes, not even a glimmer of light. The doctors said the only thing that would ever be possible would be a miracle from God. He is a 10 year old kid in a 42 yr old mans body!
He has brought us the true heart and soul of Jesus for the last 14 years!(for Joel 20 yrs)His heart is for the 10 to 14 yr old boys. Not because he is weird or strange. But because God has allowed him the ability to connect with that strange, awkward age.
They tend to be over looked, annoying, in the way, and sometimes just plain forgotten. Alan was blessed with the gift of remembering! Some people are alarmed by his unrelenting love and friendship for these boys.(usually their sons)But there is nothing to fear, except for the devil to take control of your heart and make you see or think something ugly.
Alan has taken care of all three of our children at different times over the course of the last 14 yrs. Sometimes together, but most of the time individually. They have walked to many places together often in very busy areas. We are not irresponsible in our care for our kiddos. In fact those have probably been some of the most effective parenting times we have blessed our children with!
Yes taking Alan places can be challenging sometimes, because of his physical blindness. But you know something, it never ends up mattering, because he sees more spiritually than anyone else I know! With that gift life is always a treasure with Alan!
Alan got to spend Christmas this year with us. He said it was the BEST Christmas he has ever had! Some might have heard him talking about how cool he thought it was to have an evening service on Christmas, with one of his best friends delivering God's message. Or maybe you heard him talking about a ton of gifts made to order just for him, hanging out with 3 of his favorite head characters(John,Laura,Emily) or even his first ever stocking filled to the brim with special items, or even all the delicious food we got to eat.(quality! in his words)
But guess what made it the ulimate BEST Christmas ever....
Connor getting baptized. Connor is 10 years old. If you were to ask our Emily, she would describe him as a really cool friend. Now if you were to ask our precious friend Alan, he would describe him as...Jesus!
As soon as Alan heard Connor go under the water he jumped up and yelled VICTORY! Then the words that followed were words that will forever ring in mine, Laura, and Emily's ears... Alan said, Wow, I know I've never seen light before but it was really cool I thought that everytime Connor said yes to the questions Joel asked him, it was as if I saw a flickering of light...
How amazing! We love Alan! I hope that if you ever get the chance to sit down and talk to him one on one you will. I promise you will be blessed. He truly is a treasure to the Quile family.
May you be blessed with the gift of joyfilled grace.
December 31, 2005
December 12, 2005
WOW! Life is absolutely fascinating! From the good all the way to the bad! So remarkable how even in the midst of a horrific time, we are blessed with gifts.
As hard as it is for even me to swallow most of the time,the ability to feel PAIN is a gift.
Whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual! God shows us that in so many absolutely amazing ways,it's really kind of eerie!
I have no idea why God has put this on my heart to share. ButI feel overwhelmingly compelled to remind us of this sometimes forgotten, alot of times despised, most of the time mistaken gift.....pain.
Especially at this time of year when life seems to be, for most of us, very bittersweet! Seriously! I'm not meaning to make light of people being Bipolar( I have family members who have it) but I'm telling you if the majority of us ran ourselves through testing at this particular time of year I would imagine we would all be diagnosed with it!!!!
Anyways all I'm trying to say is, let's not so flippantly in anger, brokenness,or by mistake, overlook the gift of pain. When we allow God to fully disciple us we will without a shadow of doubt see the gift we indeed have with pain.
Starting with the most obvious...Physical pain. What if you or someone you loved dearly, had the rare disorder called "congenital insensitivity to pain" People who are born without the ability to feel pain. For example: children who have this disorder can touch a hot iron causing severe damage without feeling one ounce of pain! Man! what a horrific saddness!
You would see in this circumstance that pain would be a gift right?
It just puts my stomach in knots thinking about the constant struggles of raising a child with this disorder.
Lets talk about emotional pain. Rejection in any form can bring emotional pain. While I have been through some turbulent times, I am no where near being an expert in this area! However, I do know enough to see that in every experience of emotional pain I have been through, I valued the gift of the pain I was allowed to feel!
Sure there were times while in the midst of it all, it did not feel like a gift! Then there were other times, that (I truly believe) because I allowed God to totally be in complete control, that I was undeniably able to only focus on the deep,severe pain...and have an absolute peace.
Spiritual pain has both emotional and physical pain...The birth and death of Jesus.
What about hunger pains. Would you catagorize it into physical? I see it as all three. I believe there are some words we misuse alot! I have really been trying to work on the use of the word love.
Think about it. Sometimes we say oooh I LOVE hot dogs. Do you really want to put hotdogs on the same level as a child, a spouse, a parent?
Can hot dogs love us back(NO! they aren't even good for us in many ways!)
(but I do still eat them)
Well, I believe we also misuse the word starving! Think about that one! We have all been there. You skip breakfast for whatever reason..you've been extremely busy...now it's one o'clock and your stomach is growling...usually the first words are..Man I need something to eat, I'm starving!
We are not allowed to say starving or bored in our home! I hate those words!( I wish I was as adement on other things as well, then we would have perfect home!)
Anyways, just a few rambling thoughts from a simple lady with such a complex heart!
Today I challenge us to touch a hot iron(not in a damaging way) and pray for families who bear the burden of the disorder of "congenital insenitivity to pain" or for those who have been paralyzed.Praise God we can feel.
When praying for your self or others don't ask God to take away the pain and hurt they are going through, but to give them a peace or strength to endure, and allow the pain to give them the ability to identify with someone else, or to help us remember to be humble. Only God is Almighty, we are not!
When we find ourselves in the middle of spiritual pain, use this time to allow the gift of community to show us God's goodness! Make sure your in a small group that gives you a Godly avenue to grow in your faith in the middle of your struggle of pain or unbelief!
Next time you feel really hungry, allow your self to go just a little longer without eating, and then pray for those who are truly starving for food and water, or for love and acceptance, or even worse....for a savior!
Allow the gift of pain to empower you not to immobilize you!
As hard as it is for even me to swallow most of the time,the ability to feel PAIN is a gift.
Whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual! God shows us that in so many absolutely amazing ways,it's really kind of eerie!
I have no idea why God has put this on my heart to share. ButI feel overwhelmingly compelled to remind us of this sometimes forgotten, alot of times despised, most of the time mistaken gift.....pain.
Especially at this time of year when life seems to be, for most of us, very bittersweet! Seriously! I'm not meaning to make light of people being Bipolar( I have family members who have it) but I'm telling you if the majority of us ran ourselves through testing at this particular time of year I would imagine we would all be diagnosed with it!!!!
Anyways all I'm trying to say is, let's not so flippantly in anger, brokenness,or by mistake, overlook the gift of pain. When we allow God to fully disciple us we will without a shadow of doubt see the gift we indeed have with pain.
Starting with the most obvious...Physical pain. What if you or someone you loved dearly, had the rare disorder called "congenital insensitivity to pain" People who are born without the ability to feel pain. For example: children who have this disorder can touch a hot iron causing severe damage without feeling one ounce of pain! Man! what a horrific saddness!
You would see in this circumstance that pain would be a gift right?
It just puts my stomach in knots thinking about the constant struggles of raising a child with this disorder.
Lets talk about emotional pain. Rejection in any form can bring emotional pain. While I have been through some turbulent times, I am no where near being an expert in this area! However, I do know enough to see that in every experience of emotional pain I have been through, I valued the gift of the pain I was allowed to feel!
Sure there were times while in the midst of it all, it did not feel like a gift! Then there were other times, that (I truly believe) because I allowed God to totally be in complete control, that I was undeniably able to only focus on the deep,severe pain...and have an absolute peace.
Spiritual pain has both emotional and physical pain...The birth and death of Jesus.
What about hunger pains. Would you catagorize it into physical? I see it as all three. I believe there are some words we misuse alot! I have really been trying to work on the use of the word love.
Think about it. Sometimes we say oooh I LOVE hot dogs. Do you really want to put hotdogs on the same level as a child, a spouse, a parent?
Can hot dogs love us back(NO! they aren't even good for us in many ways!)
(but I do still eat them)
Well, I believe we also misuse the word starving! Think about that one! We have all been there. You skip breakfast for whatever reason..you've been extremely busy...now it's one o'clock and your stomach is growling...usually the first words are..Man I need something to eat, I'm starving!
We are not allowed to say starving or bored in our home! I hate those words!( I wish I was as adement on other things as well, then we would have perfect home!)
Anyways, just a few rambling thoughts from a simple lady with such a complex heart!
Today I challenge us to touch a hot iron(not in a damaging way) and pray for families who bear the burden of the disorder of "congenital insenitivity to pain" or for those who have been paralyzed.Praise God we can feel.
When praying for your self or others don't ask God to take away the pain and hurt they are going through, but to give them a peace or strength to endure, and allow the pain to give them the ability to identify with someone else, or to help us remember to be humble. Only God is Almighty, we are not!
When we find ourselves in the middle of spiritual pain, use this time to allow the gift of community to show us God's goodness! Make sure your in a small group that gives you a Godly avenue to grow in your faith in the middle of your struggle of pain or unbelief!
Next time you feel really hungry, allow your self to go just a little longer without eating, and then pray for those who are truly starving for food and water, or for love and acceptance, or even worse....for a savior!
Allow the gift of pain to empower you not to immobilize you!
November 15, 2005
"This doesn't change who God is, He is still God and He is good"
That was a quote from my sweet and dear friend in California,Carolyn Shook. Last night she called me with the news she received earlier in the day.The doctors told her she has cancer in both lungs and that there is no cure.
I love her and miss her so much! I am so blessed to have heard her say those profound words. I pray that everyone would be able to say those words. I deeply desire that the world would know without a shadow of doubt that God never changes, He is good and that it is only through His Son that we will know that kind of peace!
I woke up all through the night wondering if she was sleeping soundly or having an unrestful nights sleep. I mean I have trouble sleeping when I have so much to do and feel like theres no time to get it done...and yet..I have not been diagnosed like her.
Her time and my time mean two different things now. God has blessed me with the gift of getting to see her Thanksgiving weekend!!! I am soooo excited to get to see her physically!!!
Please be in prayer for my precious friend and her sweet family.
I ask that you make it a point to share Jesus with all you meet so that they will truly be blessed with the ability to say the same words of Carolyn Shook...
"This doesn't change who God is, He is still God and He is good"
That was a quote from my sweet and dear friend in California,Carolyn Shook. Last night she called me with the news she received earlier in the day.The doctors told her she has cancer in both lungs and that there is no cure.
I love her and miss her so much! I am so blessed to have heard her say those profound words. I pray that everyone would be able to say those words. I deeply desire that the world would know without a shadow of doubt that God never changes, He is good and that it is only through His Son that we will know that kind of peace!
I woke up all through the night wondering if she was sleeping soundly or having an unrestful nights sleep. I mean I have trouble sleeping when I have so much to do and feel like theres no time to get it done...and yet..I have not been diagnosed like her.
Her time and my time mean two different things now. God has blessed me with the gift of getting to see her Thanksgiving weekend!!! I am soooo excited to get to see her physically!!!
Please be in prayer for my precious friend and her sweet family.
I ask that you make it a point to share Jesus with all you meet so that they will truly be blessed with the ability to say the same words of Carolyn Shook...
"This doesn't change who God is, He is still God and He is good"
October 13, 2005
New release!!!! Our dear dear dear sweet spirit led friends Rachel and Steven Patterson's band (Branch) and Jeff Berry just released their new C.D.s. The title is "desperate for real". It is absolutely AMAZING!!! I urge you to run out and get one right away!!!!!! Click here or call 325.672.7961. Emily asks every night if Rachel can sing her to sleep, and so she does. We push repeat for number 12!!!! Every song will be your favorite! Plus they put us in their "Thank You" list, and Joel co-wrote song number 6 with Stephen! Jeff's new c.d., "All That's Left of Us" is a cool new sound for Jeff. We went to the release party and it was awesome. We saw so many friends and the music rocked! You can purchase Jeff's c.d. from his site here.
Well, I got timed on my mile...I ran a 10.2 Here's a funny story... a while back I started training for a marathon(coach Murray got me started) and so I was telling some of the students in my work department, and one of the students asked me (when he heard my time which was like a 15 min.mile) Really? Did you walk it? That was pretty devastating... Any who... My fellow boot campers were very encouraging to me!
I did 35 (girl) push ups. Yeah I know thats weak...not as weak as my arms were the next day!! Did you ever see HouseGuest with SinBad? Where he gets the numbing gel all over his hands and he has no control? That is exactly how I felt after my push ups plus all the other arm drills!
I have to say...It is kicking my little be-hiney! Today we had to alternate weights(10 lbs) and jumping rope. Dear God was all I could breathlessly say. Have you tried to jump rope for a solid minute? It's hard!!! But does feel good to have exercise discipline!
Laura taught class tonight for the youth group. I am proud of her! She was not so confident that it went well...I heard it was amazing. She taught on peer pressure.
OH!!! Every Wednesday I eat lunch with Emily. She has been a little distraught about the whole silent lunch issue. Well, I found out the whole scoop on that business! First I just want to say that I really love the lunch ladies(and men) and the lunch monitors! That is a hero's job!!!! Have you been to a school lunch room lately?
CHAOTICNESS!!!
Anyways the whole point is that the reason why they do (10 min only) at the beginning of lunch is so those crazy little angels will eat!!! They just start jabbering away and before you know it when it's time to clear your tray and line up...The little nut balls were throwing a whole tray of food away ans having not taken one bite!!!!
I wonder what that was like after school when little Joey got home starving! His parents probably think something wrong...Eating like he hasn't been fed all day..(cause he wasn't!!!) and not growing at a rate that matches his (supposed) eating habits.
I love going to lunch there! Those kiddies are absolutely precious! I wish I could take them ALL home! They all need patting on the backs...Some a little lower and harder then others!!!! Emily and I just point out all the snuggly things they do and smile.
Joel taught our class solo tonight.(the 2 yr olds-kindergarten) I got to go to a Trophy Club Ladies Dinner. It was a lot of fun, and I was excited to get to meet a lot of women from our sweet little community. A sweet friend named Anna McKinnon invited me.
I missed our little class. I wish you could see a picture of them! I wish I could shrink them and carry them in my purse, where I could just take them out any time I wanted to. Some of them are so darn teeny tiny already they don't need shrinking.
I love hearing their answers and their version of the Bible story. Well, you will just have to come visit our class. I promise you will be blessed!
Guess what!!!! Tomorrow is Birthday Club!!! We get to go to Pei Wei(?) We only have one birthday girl this month. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMI!!!! I am posting a picture from last months party.
Well, we wrote an offer on a house...and didn't get it. Thats alright. I know without a shadow of doubt that God will lead us to the right one! In the mean time please pray for my sanity as we continue to live out of boxes scattered among the apartment.
Praise God for my mom getting wonderful reports of still being cancer free. She only has to go every 4 months now!!! The kiddos and I are going to visit her and my siblings this weekend as Joel will be speaking in Arkansas this weekend. But we will all be back for church on Sunday Mornig!!!! Yipppeeee!!
Well, It's getting late, so I need to close. I pray you are actively pursuing time with God! May you have a blessed day feeling His adoration for you!!
Thank you for your sweet friendship! You truly are a timeless treasure to me!
Well, I got timed on my mile...I ran a 10.2 Here's a funny story... a while back I started training for a marathon(coach Murray got me started) and so I was telling some of the students in my work department, and one of the students asked me (when he heard my time which was like a 15 min.mile) Really? Did you walk it? That was pretty devastating... Any who... My fellow boot campers were very encouraging to me!
I did 35 (girl) push ups. Yeah I know thats weak...not as weak as my arms were the next day!! Did you ever see HouseGuest with SinBad? Where he gets the numbing gel all over his hands and he has no control? That is exactly how I felt after my push ups plus all the other arm drills!
I have to say...It is kicking my little be-hiney! Today we had to alternate weights(10 lbs) and jumping rope. Dear God was all I could breathlessly say. Have you tried to jump rope for a solid minute? It's hard!!! But does feel good to have exercise discipline!
Laura taught class tonight for the youth group. I am proud of her! She was not so confident that it went well...I heard it was amazing. She taught on peer pressure.
OH!!! Every Wednesday I eat lunch with Emily. She has been a little distraught about the whole silent lunch issue. Well, I found out the whole scoop on that business! First I just want to say that I really love the lunch ladies(and men) and the lunch monitors! That is a hero's job!!!! Have you been to a school lunch room lately?
CHAOTICNESS!!!
Anyways the whole point is that the reason why they do (10 min only) at the beginning of lunch is so those crazy little angels will eat!!! They just start jabbering away and before you know it when it's time to clear your tray and line up...The little nut balls were throwing a whole tray of food away ans having not taken one bite!!!!
I wonder what that was like after school when little Joey got home starving! His parents probably think something wrong...Eating like he hasn't been fed all day..(cause he wasn't!!!) and not growing at a rate that matches his (supposed) eating habits.
I love going to lunch there! Those kiddies are absolutely precious! I wish I could take them ALL home! They all need patting on the backs...Some a little lower and harder then others!!!! Emily and I just point out all the snuggly things they do and smile.
Joel taught our class solo tonight.(the 2 yr olds-kindergarten) I got to go to a Trophy Club Ladies Dinner. It was a lot of fun, and I was excited to get to meet a lot of women from our sweet little community. A sweet friend named Anna McKinnon invited me.
I missed our little class. I wish you could see a picture of them! I wish I could shrink them and carry them in my purse, where I could just take them out any time I wanted to. Some of them are so darn teeny tiny already they don't need shrinking.
I love hearing their answers and their version of the Bible story. Well, you will just have to come visit our class. I promise you will be blessed!
Guess what!!!! Tomorrow is Birthday Club!!! We get to go to Pei Wei(?) We only have one birthday girl this month. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMI!!!! I am posting a picture from last months party.
Well, we wrote an offer on a house...and didn't get it. Thats alright. I know without a shadow of doubt that God will lead us to the right one! In the mean time please pray for my sanity as we continue to live out of boxes scattered among the apartment.
Praise God for my mom getting wonderful reports of still being cancer free. She only has to go every 4 months now!!! The kiddos and I are going to visit her and my siblings this weekend as Joel will be speaking in Arkansas this weekend. But we will all be back for church on Sunday Mornig!!!! Yipppeeee!!
Well, It's getting late, so I need to close. I pray you are actively pursuing time with God! May you have a blessed day feeling His adoration for you!!
Thank you for your sweet friendship! You truly are a timeless treasure to me!
October 06, 2005
HI FRIENDS!!!!!
WOW! It has been a long time! I have so much to update you guys on. Well, first things first...
A special HEYYYYYY to Jami and Paige and I know you are saying...ABOUT TIME!!!
Well, lets start with the butterflies, We were gone both times when they emerged and flew off, so we didn't get to see them after they transformed. It was a blast and so intriguing to raise them. Thank you again Barbara for allowing us that special privilege.
Well, God answered our prayers so so so powerfully!! He lead us to Lake Cities Church of Christ here in Trophy Club Texas. The church is absolutely wonderful! God has truly anointed the body of people here!
We asked God to bless us with the desires of our hearts...that being, would He please make it crystal clear without us having to choose, and He did just that!!!
We are in awe!
Joel is just loving his job! John got a great job. Laura and Emily are doing great in school. I help in Wee School on Monday and Thursday, and go to a Beth Moore Bible Study on Tues. mornings in Colleyville.
We are all settling in at church and in our community. We will put an offer on a house here in Trophy Club tomorrow or the next day. Please be in prayer it is God's will we get the house. It's the only house we all unanimously felt it was the right house for us.
We sure miss our friends in Abilene and in California. We praise God that He is walking us through this time of transition and leading us into some new friendships.
One of things I get to be apart of is The Birthday club. It is a group of ladies who meet once a month at a chosen restraunt, and celebrate everyones birthday for that month. We just exchange cards and we have a sign up sheet for who will bring the cake. It is soooo much fun, and I look forward to it each month.
Well, tomorrow I will have completed my first week of Boot Camp! It is an excerise program for women that meets on Mon. Wed. Fri. 5:30am to 6:30am and goes for 4 weeks. Let me just say it has NOT been easy!!!!I knew I was in for something tough when a lady on Mon. about 20 minutes into it, told our instructor(a retired Marine)that he beat his record...nobody had thrown up yet... then about 20 min left of the hour, a lady DID throw up!!!
It is just like in the movies...minus the screaming and cussing in your face! Thank God for that! I don't know if I would be able to handle it! While it is super tough and I am extremely sore,(it hurts to laugh) I am so grateful for it! I seriously urge all of you to try it. Tomorrow we get timed for our mile and count how many push ups we can do. YIKES!!!
John turned 20 in July and we just celebrated Emily's 9th birthday.Laura's 16th is just around the corner. It is so amazing watching our kiddos grow. In fact on Monday morning driving home from taking Laura to school, I had one of those moments where I had an uncontrollable urge to cry, not because I was sad...but because I was sooo overwhelmed with joy that we have been so blessed! God has blessed us with 3 wonderful kids who love and fear the Lord, strive to do their best, and have open communication with us.
Well, even though I have so much more to share, I need to stop for now.
I love you guys and hope thatwe will encourage one another to remember to celebrate the life that God has given us..
WOW! It has been a long time! I have so much to update you guys on. Well, first things first...
A special HEYYYYYY to Jami and Paige and I know you are saying...ABOUT TIME!!!
Well, lets start with the butterflies, We were gone both times when they emerged and flew off, so we didn't get to see them after they transformed. It was a blast and so intriguing to raise them. Thank you again Barbara for allowing us that special privilege.
Well, God answered our prayers so so so powerfully!! He lead us to Lake Cities Church of Christ here in Trophy Club Texas. The church is absolutely wonderful! God has truly anointed the body of people here!
We asked God to bless us with the desires of our hearts...that being, would He please make it crystal clear without us having to choose, and He did just that!!!
We are in awe!
Joel is just loving his job! John got a great job. Laura and Emily are doing great in school. I help in Wee School on Monday and Thursday, and go to a Beth Moore Bible Study on Tues. mornings in Colleyville.
We are all settling in at church and in our community. We will put an offer on a house here in Trophy Club tomorrow or the next day. Please be in prayer it is God's will we get the house. It's the only house we all unanimously felt it was the right house for us.
We sure miss our friends in Abilene and in California. We praise God that He is walking us through this time of transition and leading us into some new friendships.
One of things I get to be apart of is The Birthday club. It is a group of ladies who meet once a month at a chosen restraunt, and celebrate everyones birthday for that month. We just exchange cards and we have a sign up sheet for who will bring the cake. It is soooo much fun, and I look forward to it each month.
Well, tomorrow I will have completed my first week of Boot Camp! It is an excerise program for women that meets on Mon. Wed. Fri. 5:30am to 6:30am and goes for 4 weeks. Let me just say it has NOT been easy!!!!I knew I was in for something tough when a lady on Mon. about 20 minutes into it, told our instructor(a retired Marine)that he beat his record...nobody had thrown up yet... then about 20 min left of the hour, a lady DID throw up!!!
It is just like in the movies...minus the screaming and cussing in your face! Thank God for that! I don't know if I would be able to handle it! While it is super tough and I am extremely sore,(it hurts to laugh) I am so grateful for it! I seriously urge all of you to try it. Tomorrow we get timed for our mile and count how many push ups we can do. YIKES!!!
John turned 20 in July and we just celebrated Emily's 9th birthday.Laura's 16th is just around the corner. It is so amazing watching our kiddos grow. In fact on Monday morning driving home from taking Laura to school, I had one of those moments where I had an uncontrollable urge to cry, not because I was sad...but because I was sooo overwhelmed with joy that we have been so blessed! God has blessed us with 3 wonderful kids who love and fear the Lord, strive to do their best, and have open communication with us.
Well, even though I have so much more to share, I need to stop for now.
I love you guys and hope thatwe will encourage one another to remember to celebrate the life that God has given us..
July 22, 2005
Struggles (The Parable of the Butterfly)
One day a small opening appeared on a cocoon, a man sat and watched for the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further.
So the man decided to help the butterfly, he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.
What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly.
-Author unknown
My prayer for you comes from England, 1573;adapted
Grant,O Lord, that we may
live in your fear,
die in your favor,
rest in your peace,
rise in your power, and
reign in your glory,
for the sake of your son,
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up. ~Luke 18:1
One day a small opening appeared on a cocoon, a man sat and watched for the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further.
So the man decided to help the butterfly, he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.
What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly.
-Author unknown
My prayer for you comes from England, 1573;adapted
Grant,O Lord, that we may
live in your fear,
die in your favor,
rest in your peace,
rise in your power, and
reign in your glory,
for the sake of your son,
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up. ~Luke 18:1
July 21, 2005
JUST A BRIEF UPDATE:
We have 4 baby caterpillars!!! Yipppeeee! Of course, after I got the plant the other two pretty much went into cocoon stage, so I was thinking...ooooh now I have all this plant..(when I was worried before about not having enough) but now we have 4 new ones to just eat away on that 3 gallon milk weed!
We are now in the Monarch Farming Business!!!I hope we get to see them emerge!
Thank you sweet Barbara for allowing us the opportunity to experience this amazing gift. We are truly blessed! I am reminded of the parable with the butterfly. I will post it next. Very profound!
We have 4 baby caterpillars!!! Yipppeeee! Of course, after I got the plant the other two pretty much went into cocoon stage, so I was thinking...ooooh now I have all this plant..(when I was worried before about not having enough) but now we have 4 new ones to just eat away on that 3 gallon milk weed!
We are now in the Monarch Farming Business!!!I hope we get to see them emerge!
Thank you sweet Barbara for allowing us the opportunity to experience this amazing gift. We are truly blessed! I am reminded of the parable with the butterfly. I will post it next. Very profound!
July 19, 2005
Listen, I have NO idea how it happened!! But it did!
It all started when our family went to Katy Texas for a job interview.
I know sounds crazy...a job interview for the whole family? Well, when it's ministry...it involves the whole family.
We were blessed with Cinco Ranch Church of Christ calling us to come out. It is an outstanding church made up of Amazing people! We had such a beautiful time there!
Well, there are several members there that raise Monarch butterflies! You know the really gorgeous ones? Well, of course Emily our youngest was drawn in right away!!It wasn't long before she was begging us "Please let me have one”?
Okay, John is our oldest and he is our computer/comedian guy, Laura is our singer/dancer and Emily is our artist/animal lover.
So really with Emily’s passion, they can be shall we say... somewhat messy? Seriously she can destroy the entire house in less than thirty minutes!
Needles to say, we have gone through several pets. All who have been messy! So, I naturally wanted to say no! when she was desperately pleading with us to have a caterpillar.
Well, as we entered into church that Sunday, we were greeted by Barbara Estes, a lovely elder’s wife, and children's minister. I know I heard a trumpet sounding off as I watched in slow motion Barbara handing Emily a container holding TWO Monarch caterpillars and a couple of sprigs of Milk Weed! (Their only source of food)
Emily was soooo fired up! Of course when your child is extremely exhilarated as Emily was, can you really say..”Uh, we really can’t take that with us”?? Of course not! So when it was time to leave, and Emily was reminding us that we just couldn’t forget her new pets! I was less than thrilled.
We have a 6 hour trip to get home. The thought of creepy crawly things in the car with no lid on the container just wasn’t a pleasant thought for me. Being a mom…and all that comes with it. I just smiled and help situate them.(as far back to the back of the car as possible!
It was a bit stressful at times, like when the girls wanted a blanket, or a pillow, or the bag with all the art supplies! I stressfully reminded them not to knock over the caterpillars!!!!
Well, we made it home…us and the caterpillars, both unharmed! Then it began…the next level of stress! Remember they can only eat a certain kind of plant…Milk Weed.Barbara told us, “Oh, you can just get some at The Home Depot”. No big deal.
Well, it’s only a big deal when you live in Abilene, Texas! Of course this Home Depot did not carry it. Nor did many other stores! So when I desperately called around trying to locate this special plant for our new found pets, Emily was beginning to freak out!
Now they are completely out of their milk weed, and what are we going to do? Joel is out of town of course to leave me to “handle it” I know some of you are thinking…”What’s the big deal”? “Just let em go out in the back yard”
Yeah well, I may not be an animal lover…but I am certainly not a murderer! Because the special plant that they live off of has highly toxic poison in it to help protect them against birds, and spiders.
So, I just shudder to think of those poor caterpillars out there unprotected! Anyways…so I finally found someone who has Milk Weed!!!! Wonderful Garden World of Abilene.
They had it in a 3 gallon container for $16.99 WoW! I told Joel that’s kind of expensive for pet caterpillars! I said we are going to have to decide what we are going to do after they power through this like they did the other stuff. I’m sure he thought I was crazy because I was overly excited on the phone, or actually maybe he’s a parent as well!!
Joel called to see how the progress was coming. I told him I actually found the stuff. He reminded me that we also needed a butterfly house. So I called those people back and asked if they had butterfly houses? No. Okay…so I call several other places. No No No No! Oh, well…we’ll just figure it out!
So I hopped in the car and drove straight there. When I arrived at the garden place, I asked for Kevin like I was directed. We went to the area where these plants were. They only had about 6 of them. So we chose together the one with the most leaves on it. Then I asked him about the butterfly house, and what was I going to do about not havng one?
He said oh, you can just make one out of mesh and a container. Well, that was simple enough! Well, then I asked him why they needed one. He said to protect them if they were going to be outside. So they didn’t need it like Emily had thought to make their cocoon.
I asked him, well, can they just live on this plant? He said sure if you are going to keep them inside. That’s all they need anyway. Oh, how cool. Their food and house all in one! Yippee!!
I kinda know why they need a container. They are messy! Poop everywhere. I even put a plastic garbage bag underneath the plate holding the plant. Can they just poop on the plastic? No! So once again, messiness.
I say all that to say again…I have no idea how it happened…but it did! I have fallen in love with those little guys! I’ve gone military on the kids and visitors. I’m so worried about them! I have signs please don’t disturb!
It is so intriguiging! I have photos of all their stages. They grow bigger then they assume the J position then develop the cocoon. Once they enter into the cocoon state it takes 9-14 days to emerge as a butterfly. Friday morning the first caterpillar entered into the cocoon. Yesterday the second one assumed the J position. I was trying to watch it through out the night to see it transform into the cocoon. I woke up at 1am still in the J. Then at 6 am and it had already transformed. Man! I need a video camera.
I will post my photos and also the link to where you can read about them. God is so amazing! What a gift! I just want to thank the whole chain of ladies who started this butterfly raising process! Beginning with Mrs. Luree Key!
http://www.butterflybushes.com/monarch_metamorphosis.htm
It all started when our family went to Katy Texas for a job interview.
I know sounds crazy...a job interview for the whole family? Well, when it's ministry...it involves the whole family.
We were blessed with Cinco Ranch Church of Christ calling us to come out. It is an outstanding church made up of Amazing people! We had such a beautiful time there!
Well, there are several members there that raise Monarch butterflies! You know the really gorgeous ones? Well, of course Emily our youngest was drawn in right away!!It wasn't long before she was begging us "Please let me have one”?
Okay, John is our oldest and he is our computer/comedian guy, Laura is our singer/dancer and Emily is our artist/animal lover.
So really with Emily’s passion, they can be shall we say... somewhat messy? Seriously she can destroy the entire house in less than thirty minutes!
Needles to say, we have gone through several pets. All who have been messy! So, I naturally wanted to say no! when she was desperately pleading with us to have a caterpillar.
Well, as we entered into church that Sunday, we were greeted by Barbara Estes, a lovely elder’s wife, and children's minister. I know I heard a trumpet sounding off as I watched in slow motion Barbara handing Emily a container holding TWO Monarch caterpillars and a couple of sprigs of Milk Weed! (Their only source of food)
Emily was soooo fired up! Of course when your child is extremely exhilarated as Emily was, can you really say..”Uh, we really can’t take that with us”?? Of course not! So when it was time to leave, and Emily was reminding us that we just couldn’t forget her new pets! I was less than thrilled.
We have a 6 hour trip to get home. The thought of creepy crawly things in the car with no lid on the container just wasn’t a pleasant thought for me. Being a mom…and all that comes with it. I just smiled and help situate them.(as far back to the back of the car as possible!
It was a bit stressful at times, like when the girls wanted a blanket, or a pillow, or the bag with all the art supplies! I stressfully reminded them not to knock over the caterpillars!!!!
Well, we made it home…us and the caterpillars, both unharmed! Then it began…the next level of stress! Remember they can only eat a certain kind of plant…Milk Weed.Barbara told us, “Oh, you can just get some at The Home Depot”. No big deal.
Well, it’s only a big deal when you live in Abilene, Texas! Of course this Home Depot did not carry it. Nor did many other stores! So when I desperately called around trying to locate this special plant for our new found pets, Emily was beginning to freak out!
Now they are completely out of their milk weed, and what are we going to do? Joel is out of town of course to leave me to “handle it” I know some of you are thinking…”What’s the big deal”? “Just let em go out in the back yard”
Yeah well, I may not be an animal lover…but I am certainly not a murderer! Because the special plant that they live off of has highly toxic poison in it to help protect them against birds, and spiders.
So, I just shudder to think of those poor caterpillars out there unprotected! Anyways…so I finally found someone who has Milk Weed!!!! Wonderful Garden World of Abilene.
They had it in a 3 gallon container for $16.99 WoW! I told Joel that’s kind of expensive for pet caterpillars! I said we are going to have to decide what we are going to do after they power through this like they did the other stuff. I’m sure he thought I was crazy because I was overly excited on the phone, or actually maybe he’s a parent as well!!
Joel called to see how the progress was coming. I told him I actually found the stuff. He reminded me that we also needed a butterfly house. So I called those people back and asked if they had butterfly houses? No. Okay…so I call several other places. No No No No! Oh, well…we’ll just figure it out!
So I hopped in the car and drove straight there. When I arrived at the garden place, I asked for Kevin like I was directed. We went to the area where these plants were. They only had about 6 of them. So we chose together the one with the most leaves on it. Then I asked him about the butterfly house, and what was I going to do about not havng one?
He said oh, you can just make one out of mesh and a container. Well, that was simple enough! Well, then I asked him why they needed one. He said to protect them if they were going to be outside. So they didn’t need it like Emily had thought to make their cocoon.
I asked him, well, can they just live on this plant? He said sure if you are going to keep them inside. That’s all they need anyway. Oh, how cool. Their food and house all in one! Yippee!!
I kinda know why they need a container. They are messy! Poop everywhere. I even put a plastic garbage bag underneath the plate holding the plant. Can they just poop on the plastic? No! So once again, messiness.
I say all that to say again…I have no idea how it happened…but it did! I have fallen in love with those little guys! I’ve gone military on the kids and visitors. I’m so worried about them! I have signs please don’t disturb!
It is so intriguiging! I have photos of all their stages. They grow bigger then they assume the J position then develop the cocoon. Once they enter into the cocoon state it takes 9-14 days to emerge as a butterfly. Friday morning the first caterpillar entered into the cocoon. Yesterday the second one assumed the J position. I was trying to watch it through out the night to see it transform into the cocoon. I woke up at 1am still in the J. Then at 6 am and it had already transformed. Man! I need a video camera.
I will post my photos and also the link to where you can read about them. God is so amazing! What a gift! I just want to thank the whole chain of ladies who started this butterfly raising process! Beginning with Mrs. Luree Key!
http://www.butterflybushes.com/monarch_metamorphosis.htm
July 07, 2005
Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is real and that He rewards those who truly want to find Him. Hebrews 11:6
I really really believe this!!!! We were rewarded last night! Okay you probably already know this by now...that we are in a waiting room not knowing where in the world we are going to end up....just trusting in the Lord!
Well, sweet Gina Lewis asked Joel and me to pray with people at Oasis last night. The purpose of it is for us to pray for people with prayer request.
Joel and I were down in front ready to receive people and their needs to pray over them a blessing from God.
Well, surprise for us! Last night we had 3 people come up to us at different times compelled to pray blessings over us!!!!
What a treasured reward! Thank you sooo much to Stephen Bailey, Gary West, and Bob Allen for blessing us with God's sweet words of encouragement filled with grace, peace, and power!
God truly anointed your hearts for His service. Thank you for allowing God to use you, to profoundly impact His Kingdom by blessing two simple lives.
I really really believe this!!!! We were rewarded last night! Okay you probably already know this by now...that we are in a waiting room not knowing where in the world we are going to end up....just trusting in the Lord!
Well, sweet Gina Lewis asked Joel and me to pray with people at Oasis last night. The purpose of it is for us to pray for people with prayer request.
Joel and I were down in front ready to receive people and their needs to pray over them a blessing from God.
Well, surprise for us! Last night we had 3 people come up to us at different times compelled to pray blessings over us!!!!
What a treasured reward! Thank you sooo much to Stephen Bailey, Gary West, and Bob Allen for blessing us with God's sweet words of encouragement filled with grace, peace, and power!
God truly anointed your hearts for His service. Thank you for allowing God to use you, to profoundly impact His Kingdom by blessing two simple lives.
July 06, 2005
I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. --Ezekiel 34:16
Do you think it's possible for a bird to forget how to fly? You know kinda how we might forget what we were going to say, or what we were walking into a room for?
Yesterday, while I was walking home from work,I watched a nice size bird fly from a building to a tree. It almost seemed like there for a moment he forgot what he was doing. Like there was a glitch in his flying.
I don't really know how to explain it... I was just intrigued by the thought of a bird for a split second..forgetting how to fly.
Really strange I know. It made me a little sad.
It triggered a thought of my Grandmother Lena. The day before Mother's Day my mom,Allen, and my uncle Terry took her out to lunch. Before they left for the restaurant my mom fixed my grandmothers hair and helped her get dressed(she has a broken arm).
Because my grandmother has hardining of the arteries her legs are not as active, so she has been using a wheel chair.(that's how she broke her arm) Well, they arrived at the restaurant. My grandmother was upset because the wind had messed up her hair. My mom smoothed it back down for her.
Allen, and my uncle Terry were putting her in the wheel chair, and Allen suggested my mom go ahead of them to hold open the doors. So, my mom went ahead and opened the first door,as they went through my grandmother politely said thank you, then the same thing for the second door.
They all got seated and my uncle Terry was at the salad bar, when my grandmother turned to my mom and said " Kathy did you see that nice lady smooth my hair for me, and then open those doors for us?"
Of course, my mom was stunned! My mom said well, mother that was me! My grandmother was just flabbergasted! Well, it was not! My mom said back, mother yes it was! So my grandmother called my uncle Terry over and asked him if it was indeed my mother who had smoothed her hair, and opened the doors????
My uncle Terry said yes mother it sure was! I thought you were being awful polite when you told Kathy thank you!
Then they all just laughed and went on about eating, and celebrating Mothers Day.
For a split second she forgot...My grandmother is in the first stages of Dimentia.
When my mom told me that story it made me alot sad.
I pray that no matter how old I get, that I never forget people...more importantly who they are to me!
Of course that triggered the thought of how easily we can forget Jesus...His power, grace, mercy, forgivness, His sacrifice..His will...the amazing love He desperatley wants us to experience!
And what about the people who haven't even accepted Him yet????
Ohh, the people who walk around aimlessly without Him! when I thought of that...
It made me more than alot sad...devestatingly heartbroken
Yesterday, while I was walking home from work,I watched a nice size bird fly from a building to a tree. It almost seemed like there for a moment he forgot what he was doing. Like there was a glitch in his flying.
I don't really know how to explain it... I was just intrigued by the thought of a bird for a split second..forgetting how to fly.
Really strange I know. It made me a little sad.
It triggered a thought of my Grandmother Lena. The day before Mother's Day my mom,Allen, and my uncle Terry took her out to lunch. Before they left for the restaurant my mom fixed my grandmothers hair and helped her get dressed(she has a broken arm).
Because my grandmother has hardining of the arteries her legs are not as active, so she has been using a wheel chair.(that's how she broke her arm) Well, they arrived at the restaurant. My grandmother was upset because the wind had messed up her hair. My mom smoothed it back down for her.
Allen, and my uncle Terry were putting her in the wheel chair, and Allen suggested my mom go ahead of them to hold open the doors. So, my mom went ahead and opened the first door,as they went through my grandmother politely said thank you, then the same thing for the second door.
They all got seated and my uncle Terry was at the salad bar, when my grandmother turned to my mom and said " Kathy did you see that nice lady smooth my hair for me, and then open those doors for us?"
Of course, my mom was stunned! My mom said well, mother that was me! My grandmother was just flabbergasted! Well, it was not! My mom said back, mother yes it was! So my grandmother called my uncle Terry over and asked him if it was indeed my mother who had smoothed her hair, and opened the doors????
My uncle Terry said yes mother it sure was! I thought you were being awful polite when you told Kathy thank you!
Then they all just laughed and went on about eating, and celebrating Mothers Day.
For a split second she forgot...My grandmother is in the first stages of Dimentia.
When my mom told me that story it made me alot sad.
I pray that no matter how old I get, that I never forget people...more importantly who they are to me!
Of course that triggered the thought of how easily we can forget Jesus...His power, grace, mercy, forgivness, His sacrifice..His will...the amazing love He desperatley wants us to experience!
And what about the people who haven't even accepted Him yet????
Ohh, the people who walk around aimlessly without Him! when I thought of that...
It made me more than alot sad...devestatingly heartbroken
June 24, 2005
Have you ever had convicting thoughts, then opened a book to find they have written exactly what was heavily on your heart? Sometimes I get through the first chapter (sometimes just the first paragraph) then I can't even read anymore. Sometimes because it seems sooo overwhemling and sometimes because just the little tid bit I read seems so fulfilling, that I feel like there could possibly be nothing more said that could be more powerful then what I just read.
Well, of course I finish the book...eventually, and it always proves to be even better completed!
Well, of course I finish the book...eventually, and it always proves to be even better completed!
May 26, 2005
We ask for miracles not because we need it for our faith, but because through them we can share with others the glory of God. -Anonymous
I got a call this morning at 6 am. It was my mom, and I knew something bad had to of happened. She doesn't call me that early to chit chat. She and my dad(Allen) were in an emergency waiting room. My little brother Trey (20 yrs old) was life flighted to Herman hospital where they were preparing to do emergency surgery. Trey was in a bad car accident. He was the only one, Thank God...because he had been drinking. The doctors say he will be alright physically and mentally. I am worried about emotionally and spiritually.
Listen at how they found out. At 2 am the phone rings and my mom answers it. It was a dispatch lady on the other end. She asks if this is the residence of Mr. and Mrs Seale. After my mom replies yes she states that there are 2 officers standing at the front door will she let them in? Yes, says my mom, then wakes up Allen and tells him what is going on.
When they get to the front door there are actually 3 men standing there. It turns out that the third one was the first one on the scene of the accident. He told my mom his name and said that he is a youth minister and that he would be willing to serve them in any way! How amazing that God provided His servant to be a comfort for Trey and my mom and Allen.
That just made me think of waiting rooms. There are all kinds.
There are waiting rooms on the Labor & Delivery floor
There are waiting rooms for the emergency room
There are waiting rooms for surgery
Then we have waiting rooms to wait in for recovery from all these different situations etc...
These waiting rooms are not limited to a hospital facility. I'm sure all of you who are reading this right now are experiencing some sort of "waiting room"
Our family is in God's waiting room right now! We are waiting (some what patiently) for God to reveal where He will be leading us. Financialy it is not always easy to be trusting and patient. Joel's jobs at Highland and Crosswind are over, so we are counting on his speaking (http://www.firstverb.com/) as he pours into his Masters work in Grad School and with my small but blessed income from ACU.
It is always a joy (AFTER we are through it) to see how we could only have gotten through it by God's grace and power. While we hang on and battle it out we are confident that although it is often in the eleventh hour that He reveals His will we strongly believe He will. We do not have to go back to the begining of our lives to see the evidence of a faithful God, no we merely have to think back only moments even seconds when you allow God to truly be the center of our hearts.
What a gift to know that everything can be tested against God's word to see if it is His will. It is true! We can find the answers in His word! There are many examples in the Bible to confirm this.
There is one thing that is confusing to me. Now every waiting room I have ever been in is pretty quiet, and everyone I have heard talk about their experience or just in general God's waiting room, has been pretty quiet. Just how come mine is not a quiet experience? I feel like someone has turned on acid rock and hooked my ears straight to the amps!
MAN! What in the world is going on? I know it sounds crazy. I used to want someone else's hair, figure, house...now I covet their quiet waiting room? Well, even though it is loud in my waiting room I am confident that we are not waiting in vain! I say again, even though it is often in the eleventh hour that my King reveals His will in our life, there has never been a doubt that He will!
Well, I would appreciate your prayers as our family sits here in God's waiting room.
I pray that whatever it is you are waiting on, that you will allow God to fill you with a confidence that He is working powerfully to give you the best answer, May we accept with honor His will!
May you feel him profoundly even through things seem cloudy and uncertain!
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2Thessalonians 2:16,17
Listen at how they found out. At 2 am the phone rings and my mom answers it. It was a dispatch lady on the other end. She asks if this is the residence of Mr. and Mrs Seale. After my mom replies yes she states that there are 2 officers standing at the front door will she let them in? Yes, says my mom, then wakes up Allen and tells him what is going on.
When they get to the front door there are actually 3 men standing there. It turns out that the third one was the first one on the scene of the accident. He told my mom his name and said that he is a youth minister and that he would be willing to serve them in any way! How amazing that God provided His servant to be a comfort for Trey and my mom and Allen.
That just made me think of waiting rooms. There are all kinds.
There are waiting rooms on the Labor & Delivery floor
There are waiting rooms for the emergency room
There are waiting rooms for surgery
Then we have waiting rooms to wait in for recovery from all these different situations etc...
These waiting rooms are not limited to a hospital facility. I'm sure all of you who are reading this right now are experiencing some sort of "waiting room"
Our family is in God's waiting room right now! We are waiting (some what patiently) for God to reveal where He will be leading us. Financialy it is not always easy to be trusting and patient. Joel's jobs at Highland and Crosswind are over, so we are counting on his speaking (http://www.firstverb.com/) as he pours into his Masters work in Grad School and with my small but blessed income from ACU.
It is always a joy (AFTER we are through it) to see how we could only have gotten through it by God's grace and power. While we hang on and battle it out we are confident that although it is often in the eleventh hour that He reveals His will we strongly believe He will. We do not have to go back to the begining of our lives to see the evidence of a faithful God, no we merely have to think back only moments even seconds when you allow God to truly be the center of our hearts.
What a gift to know that everything can be tested against God's word to see if it is His will. It is true! We can find the answers in His word! There are many examples in the Bible to confirm this.
There is one thing that is confusing to me. Now every waiting room I have ever been in is pretty quiet, and everyone I have heard talk about their experience or just in general God's waiting room, has been pretty quiet. Just how come mine is not a quiet experience? I feel like someone has turned on acid rock and hooked my ears straight to the amps!
MAN! What in the world is going on? I know it sounds crazy. I used to want someone else's hair, figure, house...now I covet their quiet waiting room? Well, even though it is loud in my waiting room I am confident that we are not waiting in vain! I say again, even though it is often in the eleventh hour that my King reveals His will in our life, there has never been a doubt that He will!
Well, I would appreciate your prayers as our family sits here in God's waiting room.
I pray that whatever it is you are waiting on, that you will allow God to fill you with a confidence that He is working powerfully to give you the best answer, May we accept with honor His will!
May you feel him profoundly even through things seem cloudy and uncertain!
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2Thessalonians 2:16,17
May 12, 2005
Some thoughts to make you smile!
I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.
Gardening Rule: When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily,it is a valuable plant.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy it's replacement.
Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and the dead.
Life is sexually transmitted.
An unbreakable toy is useful for breaking other toys.
If quitters never win, and winners never quit, then who is the fool who said, "Quit while you're ahead?"
Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the internet and they won't bother you for weeks.
Some people are like Slinkies . . .. not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to?
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut saves you thirty cents?
In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Gardening Rule: When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily,it is a valuable plant.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy it's replacement.
Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and the dead.
Life is sexually transmitted.
An unbreakable toy is useful for breaking other toys.
If quitters never win, and winners never quit, then who is the fool who said, "Quit while you're ahead?"
Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the internet and they won't bother you for weeks.
Some people are like Slinkies . . .. not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to?
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut saves you thirty cents?
In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
May 06, 2005
To All Parents
I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine, He said, For you to love the while she lives and mourn for when she's dead. It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three, But will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and shall her stay be brief, You'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief, I cannot promise she will stay, since all from Earth return, But there are lessons, taught down here, I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give her all your love nor think the labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again?
I fancied that I heard them say, Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may, And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay; But shall the angels call for her much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
Edgar Guest
She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and shall her stay be brief, You'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief, I cannot promise she will stay, since all from Earth return, But there are lessons, taught down here, I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give her all your love nor think the labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again?
I fancied that I heard them say, Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may, And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay; But shall the angels call for her much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
Edgar Guest
May 04, 2005
Today my heart is very sad. I have alot of friends that desire a career outside of being a mom and wife. NOT ME!! Don't get me wrong....I like my job and all. If I had a choice, I would much rather not have to work...but I don't have a choice.
Of course many people I know are shocked when they learn that information. They are shocked they say because I do such an amazing job ( so They say...)and that they would never have guessed I didn't want to work.
Well, see anything I put myself into I put ALL of my self into it! The trouble is I just wished I could put it all into my family, some amazing volunteer services,and to be in an enviroment where I can evangelize more. I AM blessed to have a job! We need the money. So I AM thankful.
I'm praying for relief for my aching heart.
Of course many people I know are shocked when they learn that information. They are shocked they say because I do such an amazing job ( so They say...)and that they would never have guessed I didn't want to work.
Well, see anything I put myself into I put ALL of my self into it! The trouble is I just wished I could put it all into my family, some amazing volunteer services,and to be in an enviroment where I can evangelize more. I AM blessed to have a job! We need the money. So I AM thankful.
I'm praying for relief for my aching heart.
May 03, 2005
April 28, 2005
An excerpt from Today Matters by John C. Maxwell
John C. Maxwell describes his dieting attempt:
Breakfast:
1/2 grapefruit
1 slice plain whole wheat toast
8 oz. skim milk
Lunch:
4 oz. broiled skinless chicken breast
1 cup steamed broccoli
1 Oreo cookie
Unsweetened tea
Midafternoon Snack:
The rest of the package of Oreos
1 qt. Rocky Road ice cream
1 jar of fudge
Dinner
2 loaves garlic bread
Large pepperoni pizza
Pitcher of Coke
3 Milky Way candy bars
Entire frozen cheesecake eaten at the freezer
SOUND FAMILIAR?????? I really really really believe I need to go to a detox place!
I am not trying to be funny! I am serious. I have a problem with sweets. I feel like I am addicted to it. John's lack of discipline for a healthy diet is very real to me.
I have (for years) abused my body with unnatural sugars and unhealthy fats. Well, today is a new day. If I can abstain from sweets (sugar) of any kind for two weeks, then I can reintroduce it back into my system in a healthy way.
Fruits and vegetables have the natural sugars and fats our bodies need! Now eating all those other items (cake, cookies, white chocolate trash,candy bars,brownies, homemade vanilla ice cream, etc...) on special occasions will not harm you. AS LONG AS YOU DON"T MAKE EVERYTHING INTO A SPECIAL OCCASION!!! ( I have been known to do that!)
I am not going to become a vegetarian; I am just going to become a healthy eater!!!
Please pray that I will be able to go two weeks without sugar of ANY kind, so I can start fresh with eating sugar in a healthy way.
Well, I pray all of you have a blessed day enjoying all of God's blessings!
Breakfast:
1/2 grapefruit
1 slice plain whole wheat toast
8 oz. skim milk
Lunch:
4 oz. broiled skinless chicken breast
1 cup steamed broccoli
1 Oreo cookie
Unsweetened tea
Midafternoon Snack:
The rest of the package of Oreos
1 qt. Rocky Road ice cream
1 jar of fudge
Dinner
2 loaves garlic bread
Large pepperoni pizza
Pitcher of Coke
3 Milky Way candy bars
Entire frozen cheesecake eaten at the freezer
SOUND FAMILIAR?????? I really really really believe I need to go to a detox place!
I am not trying to be funny! I am serious. I have a problem with sweets. I feel like I am addicted to it. John's lack of discipline for a healthy diet is very real to me.
I have (for years) abused my body with unnatural sugars and unhealthy fats. Well, today is a new day. If I can abstain from sweets (sugar) of any kind for two weeks, then I can reintroduce it back into my system in a healthy way.
Fruits and vegetables have the natural sugars and fats our bodies need! Now eating all those other items (cake, cookies, white chocolate trash,candy bars,brownies, homemade vanilla ice cream, etc...) on special occasions will not harm you. AS LONG AS YOU DON"T MAKE EVERYTHING INTO A SPECIAL OCCASION!!! ( I have been known to do that!)
I am not going to become a vegetarian; I am just going to become a healthy eater!!!
Please pray that I will be able to go two weeks without sugar of ANY kind, so I can start fresh with eating sugar in a healthy way.
Well, I pray all of you have a blessed day enjoying all of God's blessings!
April 27, 2005
There are times when you just have to stand up and applaud Paul Harvey.
A friend of mine sent this to me....what do you think?
Paul Harvey says: "I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going
to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December.
I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when
my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered
because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game So
what's the big deal?
It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts.
They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant
safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the
game.
"But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the
United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles.
According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all
others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect-somebody
chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a
Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect
to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a
ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to
Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome... "But what about the atheists?" is another argument.
What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized.. We're not
going to pass the collection plate.
Just humor us for 30 seconds.. If that's asking too much, bring a
Walkman or a pair of ear plugs.
Go to the bathroom.
Visit the concession stand.
Call your lawyer.
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call.
One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't
think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's
foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while
our courts strip us of all our rights.
Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray
before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now
a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us.
And if that last sentence offends you, well..........just sue me. The
silent majority has been silent too long.. it's time we let that one
or two who scream loud enough to be heard, that the vast majority
don't care what they want.. it is time the majority rules! It's
time we tell them, you don't have to pray.. you don't have to say the
pledge of allegiance, you don't have to believe in God or attend
services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your
right....but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights
away. We are fighting back....and we WILL WIN!
God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him...
God bless America, despite all her faults, she is still the greatest
nation of all.....
God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to
pray and worship God...
May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back
as the foundation of our families and institutions. Keep looking up...
In God WE Trust.
Paul Harvey says: "I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going
to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December.
I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when
my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered
because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game So
what's the big deal?
It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts.
They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant
safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the
game.
"But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the
United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles.
According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all
others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect-somebody
chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a
Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect
to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a
ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to
Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome... "But what about the atheists?" is another argument.
What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized.. We're not
going to pass the collection plate.
Just humor us for 30 seconds.. If that's asking too much, bring a
Walkman or a pair of ear plugs.
Go to the bathroom.
Visit the concession stand.
Call your lawyer.
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call.
One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't
think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's
foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while
our courts strip us of all our rights.
Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray
before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now
a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us.
And if that last sentence offends you, well..........just sue me. The
silent majority has been silent too long.. it's time we let that one
or two who scream loud enough to be heard, that the vast majority
don't care what they want.. it is time the majority rules! It's
time we tell them, you don't have to pray.. you don't have to say the
pledge of allegiance, you don't have to believe in God or attend
services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your
right....but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights
away. We are fighting back....and we WILL WIN!
God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him...
God bless America, despite all her faults, she is still the greatest
nation of all.....
God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to
pray and worship God...
May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back
as the foundation of our families and institutions. Keep looking up...
In God WE Trust.
April 19, 2005
"Give your troubles to God; He will be up all night anyway."
A story from "God's Little Devotional Book for Moms"
When Penny saw her daughter's scarlet cheeks, she became alarmed instantly. Candi had undergone a liver transplant as an infant and when Penny had rushed Candi to the hospital, her fears were confirmed: the fever signaled a serious infection. Six-year-old Candi would need another liver transplant!
The same day, Candi's best friend Jason also became ill. He, too, had undergone a liver transplant. Penny and Jason's mom, Nancy, spotted each other in a hospital corridor, in the heat of crisis, each unaware of the other's latest problem.
Then, the children's surgeon presented Penny with the toughest choice of her life. A liver had been found, and it was suitable for either child. The medical team had assigned the liver to Candi, but now the team felt Jason's need was more urgent. Was Penny willing to give up the liver intended for Candi so Jason might have it? She said yes.
Jason's transplant went smoothly, but after two weeks, no liver had been found for Candi, whose condition was becoming desperate. At what seemed the last moment, a liver was found. Three weeks after the operation, Candi went home. Penny recalls, "I gave Candi's liver to Jason knowing that somehow God would provide for Candi. I thank Him every day!
When Penny saw her daughter's scarlet cheeks, she became alarmed instantly. Candi had undergone a liver transplant as an infant and when Penny had rushed Candi to the hospital, her fears were confirmed: the fever signaled a serious infection. Six-year-old Candi would need another liver transplant!
The same day, Candi's best friend Jason also became ill. He, too, had undergone a liver transplant. Penny and Jason's mom, Nancy, spotted each other in a hospital corridor, in the heat of crisis, each unaware of the other's latest problem.
Then, the children's surgeon presented Penny with the toughest choice of her life. A liver had been found, and it was suitable for either child. The medical team had assigned the liver to Candi, but now the team felt Jason's need was more urgent. Was Penny willing to give up the liver intended for Candi so Jason might have it? She said yes.
Jason's transplant went smoothly, but after two weeks, no liver had been found for Candi, whose condition was becoming desperate. At what seemed the last moment, a liver was found. Three weeks after the operation, Candi went home. Penny recalls, "I gave Candi's liver to Jason knowing that somehow God would provide for Candi. I thank Him every day!
April 14, 2005
Have you ever looked at or said a word, then realized,it actually sounds weird? Go ahead, try some. Bottle? Bed? Fork? Inbox? Outside? Tell? Surround? Has? Letter? Those might not do it for you. So try some of your own.
Sometimes I just get so puzzled by this. I know these words have been around for a long time, it's still weird to me.
Have you ever known someone for a really long time...like your parents, siblings, spouse, children, friends, yourself and one day find yourself thinking...."Who is this person?"
You know where to tickle them, what they like to eat, their favorite color, what makes them mad, or happy... But something seems bazaar....Do I really know them..or do I really know myself?
Sometimes I feel that way living in middle of my precious family! Oh, I play, cook, yell, clean, laugh, do projects together, tickle, study together, read, pray,watch something dear to them...but weird to me,am intimate with my husband, but still sometimes I feel empty and angry.
I feel like sometimes that I am in the wrong place. Like I don't belong here.
Not because I desire more or deserve better. It's because they deserve better!
We talk about, and teach about the hole in your heart and how it should be filled with Jesus. What if you have already filled it with Jesus, yet you still feel angry and empty?
What if you have consistent prayer time, are in the Word, listen to spiritual music, surround yourself with Godly people..and still feel empty and angry?
I mean do you ever feel this way?? or am I a freak?
Why do I feel so out of place? Where do I belong?
Sometimes I just get so puzzled by this. I know these words have been around for a long time, it's still weird to me.
Have you ever known someone for a really long time...like your parents, siblings, spouse, children, friends, yourself and one day find yourself thinking...."Who is this person?"
You know where to tickle them, what they like to eat, their favorite color, what makes them mad, or happy... But something seems bazaar....Do I really know them..or do I really know myself?
Sometimes I feel that way living in middle of my precious family! Oh, I play, cook, yell, clean, laugh, do projects together, tickle, study together, read, pray,watch something dear to them...but weird to me,am intimate with my husband, but still sometimes I feel empty and angry.
I feel like sometimes that I am in the wrong place. Like I don't belong here.
Not because I desire more or deserve better. It's because they deserve better!
We talk about, and teach about the hole in your heart and how it should be filled with Jesus. What if you have already filled it with Jesus, yet you still feel angry and empty?
What if you have consistent prayer time, are in the Word, listen to spiritual music, surround yourself with Godly people..and still feel empty and angry?
I mean do you ever feel this way?? or am I a freak?
Why do I feel so out of place? Where do I belong?
April 01, 2005
So Much Can Be Done in So Little Time.
The following is a excerpt from the book "The smallest things make the biggest difference"
By Ray Haring, Ph.D.
Click Here
There are 1,440 dots, each dot representing one minute of a single day. Pick one minute and imagine what you may be able to accomplish in just 60 seconds.
Try stretching for an entire minute. Go ahead. Stretch your arms, legs, or back for 60 seconds. You'll still have 1,439 minutes left over to do other things today. Try offering a compliment to someone or call a friend just to say hey, I appreciate you! Either way, you'll still have time left over for yourself.
Or perhaps you could find several minutes in a day and really make big things happen. Exercising just one hour a week, leaving 99.4 percent of the week for less active moments, is one of the best ways to enhance your energy, vitality, and sense of well being.
Benjamin Franklin once said, "If we take care of the minutes, the years will take car of themselves."
Just one short minute may be enough time to accomplish so much. Whether you choose to spend it complimenting someone, giving a tiny word of encouragement to a friend, or simply stretching and practicing relaxation techniques, you'll begin to understand the power each moment holds in your life.
Go ahead. Savor a moment you won't forget!
By Ray Haring, Ph.D.
Click Here
There are 1,440 dots, each dot representing one minute of a single day. Pick one minute and imagine what you may be able to accomplish in just 60 seconds.
Try stretching for an entire minute. Go ahead. Stretch your arms, legs, or back for 60 seconds. You'll still have 1,439 minutes left over to do other things today. Try offering a compliment to someone or call a friend just to say hey, I appreciate you! Either way, you'll still have time left over for yourself.
Or perhaps you could find several minutes in a day and really make big things happen. Exercising just one hour a week, leaving 99.4 percent of the week for less active moments, is one of the best ways to enhance your energy, vitality, and sense of well being.
Benjamin Franklin once said, "If we take care of the minutes, the years will take car of themselves."
Just one short minute may be enough time to accomplish so much. Whether you choose to spend it complimenting someone, giving a tiny word of encouragement to a friend, or simply stretching and practicing relaxation techniques, you'll begin to understand the power each moment holds in your life.
Go ahead. Savor a moment you won't forget!
March 31, 2005
March 30, 2005
INTENSE
Surely you have seen this in baseball, (or actually been in this very play) where the guy is running from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd and the basemen are throwing the ball back and forth to each other trying to tag the runner out...while the runner is frantically running from one way then back the other way trying to get by one or the other guy and not get tagged .
Ever feel like that runner in your day to day living in life?
That is how I feel right now!
Ever feel like that runner in your day to day living in life?
That is how I feel right now!
March 15, 2005
Abundant life is doing God's will, God's way, in God's time with God's power.
by Renee McClellan
"It's working, and it scares me to death!" I confided to my spiritual
advisor last week.
"What's working?" she inquired.
"Everything," I replied. "Maybe what I'm experiencing is joy!"
"What is working?" I mused later that afternoon. I've been on a spiritual adventure the last eleven years. It started with a silent prayer for more energy.
By trial and error I've developed a routine that works for me. I start my day by reading a daily devotional. Then I say a prayer where I turn my day and my way over to God. I give Him my marriage, my children, my pther re;ationships, my things, my attitude, and my schedule for the day. I ask Him to empower me to do His will, His way in His time.
My prayer while I shower is: "My creator, I trust you completely. I am entirely ready to have You remove any false beliefs, adjust any attitudes and remove any ineffective behavior that stands in the way of my usefulness to You and others. Empower me to know, love and serve You with my whole heart, mind, soul and strength. Empower me to cherish, protect and share my creativity and sensitivity. Empower me to be Your voice to the world directly, honestly and appropriately. Amen."
My half-hour prayer walk is my favorite part of my morning ritual.
As I walk down an asphalt road to a nearby creek, I repeat, "Speak , Lord, your servant is listening." I listen with my eyes, skin and nose as well as my ears. On the way back, half the time I repeat an affirmation, "Jesus empowers me, His Holy Spirit inspires me." The other half I spend praising God and praying for others.
As I get to my front door, I pray, "Do life through me, Lord-do woman, wife, mother, bookkeeper, and writer. I can't, You can, help me let You." With that, I make breakfast and get my two daughters off to school.
Since I work out of my home, I schedule rest time after lunch. I lay down for twenty to thiry minutes, focus on the cross on my bedroom wall and be with God.
When I go to bed at night, I read a short devotional and write a letter to Jesus. "Thank You," "Please advise," "I'm sorry," and HELP!" are my most frequent statements.
I realized recently that I spend approximately ten percent of my waking hours in prayer and meditation-I tithe my time. As a result, I seem to have the energy, desire and time to share my creativity and heart knowledge of God with others. I'm so very grateful for this tremendous joy God is giving me. The abundant life is possible. The plaque by Serenity Inc. I received as a gift years ago seems to say it all: "God saves the very best.....For those of us....Who leave the choice to Him."
Are you leaving the choice up to Him? If you do, you will experience His great joy...in abundanc
. . . Seek Me and live.
Amos 5:4
Action item: Write out a "Joy List" of those things that you appreciate about God's work in your life. Refer to it several times a day.
In His name and with His love, Kim Quile
by Renee McClellan
"It's working, and it scares me to death!" I confided to my spiritual
advisor last week.
"What's working?" she inquired.
"Everything," I replied. "Maybe what I'm experiencing is joy!"
"What is working?" I mused later that afternoon. I've been on a spiritual adventure the last eleven years. It started with a silent prayer for more energy.
By trial and error I've developed a routine that works for me. I start my day by reading a daily devotional. Then I say a prayer where I turn my day and my way over to God. I give Him my marriage, my children, my pther re;ationships, my things, my attitude, and my schedule for the day. I ask Him to empower me to do His will, His way in His time.
My prayer while I shower is: "My creator, I trust you completely. I am entirely ready to have You remove any false beliefs, adjust any attitudes and remove any ineffective behavior that stands in the way of my usefulness to You and others. Empower me to know, love and serve You with my whole heart, mind, soul and strength. Empower me to cherish, protect and share my creativity and sensitivity. Empower me to be Your voice to the world directly, honestly and appropriately. Amen."
My half-hour prayer walk is my favorite part of my morning ritual.
As I walk down an asphalt road to a nearby creek, I repeat, "Speak , Lord, your servant is listening." I listen with my eyes, skin and nose as well as my ears. On the way back, half the time I repeat an affirmation, "Jesus empowers me, His Holy Spirit inspires me." The other half I spend praising God and praying for others.
As I get to my front door, I pray, "Do life through me, Lord-do woman, wife, mother, bookkeeper, and writer. I can't, You can, help me let You." With that, I make breakfast and get my two daughters off to school.
Since I work out of my home, I schedule rest time after lunch. I lay down for twenty to thiry minutes, focus on the cross on my bedroom wall and be with God.
When I go to bed at night, I read a short devotional and write a letter to Jesus. "Thank You," "Please advise," "I'm sorry," and HELP!" are my most frequent statements.
I realized recently that I spend approximately ten percent of my waking hours in prayer and meditation-I tithe my time. As a result, I seem to have the energy, desire and time to share my creativity and heart knowledge of God with others. I'm so very grateful for this tremendous joy God is giving me. The abundant life is possible. The plaque by Serenity Inc. I received as a gift years ago seems to say it all: "God saves the very best.....For those of us....Who leave the choice to Him."
Are you leaving the choice up to Him? If you do, you will experience His great joy...in abundanc
. . . Seek Me and live.
Amos 5:4
Action item: Write out a "Joy List" of those things that you appreciate about God's work in your life. Refer to it several times a day.
In His name and with His love, Kim Quile
February 23, 2005
How are you today?
We have all asked and been asked that question many many times! What have been some of the responses you have gotten or some you have given?
Being a switchboard operator, I've heard ALL kinds of anwsers!! Some I will never be able to repeat.
Today I would like to share with you one that I have never heard before, that really blessed my soul and reminded me of the presence of God.
I asked my friend Anthony Williams today and his response was...."I am Blessed and highly favored!"
HOW REFRESHING! I love those words!!! I pray we apply them to our lives today!
I hope you seek the Lord's presence today above ALL else.
In His name and with His love, Kim Q.
"He calls his own....by name...." (John 10:3).
Being a switchboard operator, I've heard ALL kinds of anwsers!! Some I will never be able to repeat.
Today I would like to share with you one that I have never heard before, that really blessed my soul and reminded me of the presence of God.
I asked my friend Anthony Williams today and his response was...."I am Blessed and highly favored!"
HOW REFRESHING! I love those words!!! I pray we apply them to our lives today!
I hope you seek the Lord's presence today above ALL else.
In His name and with His love, Kim Q.
"He calls his own....by name...." (John 10:3).
February 15, 2005
Children spell "love"....T-I-M-E.
Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.
-Ephesians 5:16 (TLB)
A father called his young son while out of town on business and asked, "What would you like for me to bring to you?" The two-year-old whispered, "Come out clock." The father wasn't sure he had understood him, so he asked his son to repeat his request. Again the boy said, "Come out clock."
The man thought this fairly odd, but the next day on his way to the airport, he bought a large toy clock for his son. His son happily opened the present, played with it a few minutes, and then returned to doing what he had done virtually nonstop since his father had walked in the door:tug at his pants leg. The man looked at his wife as if to say, What's going on? I don't get it.
At that moment their cuckoo clock began to strike the hour and on cue, figurines of a woodcutter and his wife popped out, chasing a little boy and girl, with all four then retreating into their cottage. The little boy looked up at the clock, then beamed at his father. The mother suddenly understood. " Each time the clock has stuck the hour," she explained, "I've been telling our son, 'It's about time for Daddy to come home.' I think he must have been waiting for you to come out of the clock and chase him around the house!" The father promptly did, to glees of laughter!
Children soon learn how precious time is - that's why when a parent gives it to them they feel so loved!
You don't have to be a parent to bless a child with T-I-M-E. I pray you find it in your heart to give T-I-M-E this week to make a difference in a child's life!
-Ephesians 5:16 (TLB)
A father called his young son while out of town on business and asked, "What would you like for me to bring to you?" The two-year-old whispered, "Come out clock." The father wasn't sure he had understood him, so he asked his son to repeat his request. Again the boy said, "Come out clock."
The man thought this fairly odd, but the next day on his way to the airport, he bought a large toy clock for his son. His son happily opened the present, played with it a few minutes, and then returned to doing what he had done virtually nonstop since his father had walked in the door:tug at his pants leg. The man looked at his wife as if to say, What's going on? I don't get it.
At that moment their cuckoo clock began to strike the hour and on cue, figurines of a woodcutter and his wife popped out, chasing a little boy and girl, with all four then retreating into their cottage. The little boy looked up at the clock, then beamed at his father. The mother suddenly understood. " Each time the clock has stuck the hour," she explained, "I've been telling our son, 'It's about time for Daddy to come home.' I think he must have been waiting for you to come out of the clock and chase him around the house!" The father promptly did, to glees of laughter!
Children soon learn how precious time is - that's why when a parent gives it to them they feel so loved!
You don't have to be a parent to bless a child with T-I-M-E. I pray you find it in your heart to give T-I-M-E this week to make a difference in a child's life!
January 18, 2005
Do you long to have a DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP and a SPECTACULAR SEX LIFE with Your Husband or Wife?
I have a book that is AMAZING and BIBLICALLY based that willdramatically change your lives! Are you ready for a radical change or some sweet improvements?
"Sheet Music" by Kevin Leman
I gave my free copy away, but ACU's Bookstore has them available.($12.00) 325.674.2220
or maybe Amazon will have them cheaper. Please know that it is worth the price!
January 03, 2005
Any child will learn to worship God who lives his daily life with adults who worship Him
Little Danny, only six months old, was bitten on the hand by a rat as he lay in his crib. His screams awakened everyone in ths house. His parents rushed him to the hospital and the doctors did all they could do with the limited medical techniques available at the time, but the poor baby was just about given up for dead. His mother fell to her knees and screamed aloud, "Please, God, spare him and I will vow to you that I will beg pennies from door to door for a whole year to give to the poor. Spare my baby. Please, God, spare my baby." His father, too, dropped to his knees, prayed, and vowed that he would never gamble again.
Miraculously, Danny lived, perhaps even with rabies from the rat. And for an entire year, his mother took the streetcar to the end of the line, and walked from door to door. Sometimes, doors were slammed in her face, but she persevered for a full year, pleading in her Middle eastern accent, "Blease give bennies to the boor. I bromise God." His father never again gambled.
The memory is the cheif reason Danny Thomas cites for keeping his vow to St.Jude and for his generous fundraising on behalf of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis Tennesse.
He who walks with the wise grows wise....Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
Miraculously, Danny lived, perhaps even with rabies from the rat. And for an entire year, his mother took the streetcar to the end of the line, and walked from door to door. Sometimes, doors were slammed in her face, but she persevered for a full year, pleading in her Middle eastern accent, "Blease give bennies to the boor. I bromise God." His father never again gambled.
The memory is the cheif reason Danny Thomas cites for keeping his vow to St.Jude and for his generous fundraising on behalf of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis Tennesse.
He who walks with the wise grows wise....Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
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