Monday, October 31, 2011
Praise His Name
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thank You Jason
Friday I was reading the paper and came across an article about a young Marine, Lance Cpl. Jason Nicholas Barfield, who was killed Monday in Afghanistan. He was only 22. Jason left behind two parents, six siblings and numerous friend and family members who will forever remember his enduring smile, the article said.
His father said Jason never met a stranger. He was always smiling and outgoing. His mother said he was one of those people who, when you met him, you never forgot him. He had an impact on everyone. She also said she thought he slept with a smile on his face, and he never gave in to idle gossip.
Ray Barfield said his son loved family. He loved the Lord. He loved going to church. Ray Barfield also said his son sang, 'Amazing Grace' at his (mother's) funeral about three years ago. Both parents had just spoken with their son early Sunday morning. He had called them about 1:30 in the morning and woke them up just to talk with them. Jason told them he was looking forward to coming home and getting some of his mother's cooking.
Friends said he had grown up to be the best, sweetest, kindest, most loving young man that you have ever wanted to meet.
As I read the article my heart was touched. It sounds like these parents did a wonderful job of raising a son who was respectful of God, family, and country. According to the article Jason's mom, Kelli said, "I was very blessed to have him as a son."
We too can be proud because Jason was an exemplary young man who was defending his country. I am thankful that these parents did such a fine job raising their son.
His father said Jason never met a stranger. He was always smiling and outgoing. His mother said he was one of those people who, when you met him, you never forgot him. He had an impact on everyone. She also said she thought he slept with a smile on his face, and he never gave in to idle gossip.
Ray Barfield said his son loved family. He loved the Lord. He loved going to church. Ray Barfield also said his son sang, 'Amazing Grace' at his (mother's) funeral about three years ago. Both parents had just spoken with their son early Sunday morning. He had called them about 1:30 in the morning and woke them up just to talk with them. Jason told them he was looking forward to coming home and getting some of his mother's cooking.
Friends said he had grown up to be the best, sweetest, kindest, most loving young man that you have ever wanted to meet.
As I read the article my heart was touched. It sounds like these parents did a wonderful job of raising a son who was respectful of God, family, and country. According to the article Jason's mom, Kelli said, "I was very blessed to have him as a son."
We too can be proud because Jason was an exemplary young man who was defending his country. I am thankful that these parents did such a fine job raising their son.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Remind The Devil
When the devil reminds you of your past, just remind him of his future!
We have authority over the devil. Keep him where he belongs, which is under our feet!
Blessings!
We have authority over the devil. Keep him where he belongs, which is under our feet!
Blessings!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
He Reigns
Amen, He reigns! Because He reigns, we reign also! I like this song and just wanted to share it with you. Give God the glory He deserves.
Courageous Movie Review
A few days ago my husband and I celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary. To celebrate I took the day off from work and we went to see a movie and eat dinner. We got to the movie theatre a little early so I bought us a bag of popcorn to munch on while waiting for the movie to start. We were talking and I told my husband I hadn't seen a good movie in such a long time. In fact, I said, I don't remember the last time I saw a good movie that made me cry. I guess I associate crying with meaning it was a good movie because it touched my sensitive side.
We decided to see the movie Courageous. I heard it was a good movie, but I really didn't think it would be good. I've heard that before, then when I go to see it I'm usually disappointed.
This time I was not disappointed. The movie was good. It touched my heart and I cried. (There's all the proof I needed). I laughed. I was in suspense. It had all the ingredients for a good movie in my opinion.
My husband was laughing at all the funny parts and yes, he cried too at one scene in particular. If you don't cry during that scene then I wonder about you. The people were not what you would call professional actors, but they were "real" people facing "real" problems. It was "real", although it was not "real", if you know what I mean. The movie also addressed a "real" problem in families today that the church needs to stand up and address.
I would encourage every parent to go see this movie, especially fathers. It is probably the best movie I've seen in a long, long time. I'm glad Sherwood Baptist Church in Georgia is ministering in this way. We need more movies like this being made. Keep up the good work Sherwood Baptist!
Be sure to watch the above movie trailer from the film and if you have the opportunity go see the movie. I highly recommend it!
We decided to see the movie Courageous. I heard it was a good movie, but I really didn't think it would be good. I've heard that before, then when I go to see it I'm usually disappointed.
This time I was not disappointed. The movie was good. It touched my heart and I cried. (There's all the proof I needed). I laughed. I was in suspense. It had all the ingredients for a good movie in my opinion.
My husband was laughing at all the funny parts and yes, he cried too at one scene in particular. If you don't cry during that scene then I wonder about you. The people were not what you would call professional actors, but they were "real" people facing "real" problems. It was "real", although it was not "real", if you know what I mean. The movie also addressed a "real" problem in families today that the church needs to stand up and address.
I would encourage every parent to go see this movie, especially fathers. It is probably the best movie I've seen in a long, long time. I'm glad Sherwood Baptist Church in Georgia is ministering in this way. We need more movies like this being made. Keep up the good work Sherwood Baptist!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
It's Coming!
I'm the oldest of seven children and when I was growing up we didn't have a lot of money. It was a treat just to go to the store and buy a candy bar every once in a while. We didn't eat out either. Mom cooked all of our meals, which was usually a big pot of soup or vegetables. If we did eat out, which was once in a blue moon, it was just a grilled cheese sandwich at a little drive inn. I didn't eat at a McDonald's until I was married. My husband thought it was funny because I told him my dream was to one day to be able to buy a box of ice cream sandwiches and eat the whole box! I had three brothers and if you didn't get to the table right when mom called us it was ready, you might not get anything to eat. I've had that happen a few times.
I wore hand me down clothes and shoes that were given to me by some of my cousins. I didn't know what it was like to have a new dress. I do remember being all excited one afternoon. My older cousin, Wanda, worked at a 5 and 10 store, as we used to call them. She called my mother to find out what size dress I wore. She bought me 5 new dresses. I was so thrilled. I still remember what one of them looked like. It was a yellow dress with pretty little flowers around the border. I felt like a Princess with all those new dresses! I didn't know which one to wear first. She also bought me other dresses. She was so good to me and I've never forgot it.
One year just a few weeks before Christmas we didn't have a tree up. We kept asking mom when we were going to put up our tree. She answered we would tell daddy to go get us one that afternoon. Winters in Indiana get very cold and it was beginning to get dark. Daddy still wasn't home. I was so anxious to get a tree. I loved putting up the tree and decorating it with all the lights and ornaments. After it was decorated we always turned out all the lights and sat and looked at the tree while Christmas music played. I loved Christmas and still do.
This afternoon it seemed he would never come home. It was beginning to snow. Great big snowflakes were falling from the sky and the ground was quickly becoming white. It was also growing darker. I remember thinking we're not going to get a tree put up today. I was tired, bored, and sad, so I laid down on the sofa and was soon fast asleep.
I don't know how long I napped, but I was awakened by voices. When I opened my eyes, my dad and grandfather were coming through the door with a great big beautiful green live tree. My heart was thrilled. We had a Christmas tree! We all gathered around and began decorating the most beautiful tree I had ever seen.
This reminds me of God's promises. He says in His Word what He'll do and we begin to wait in earnest expectation for it to happen. However, most of the time it doesn't come right away. It's usually a process of time and if we're not careful we can get despondent, and begin to lose hope. But just when we're about to give up, here it comes! The promise we've been waiting for is there, coming through the door and our spirits are lifted to new heights. The thing is, it happened just like He promised. God always comes through. If He said He'd do it, then you can count on it. He is true to His Word.
So don't give up. Keep waiting. Keep hoping. Keep looking for the promise. Soon you'll look up and there it will be! The promise, the thing you've been praying about and longing for will be right there. God always keeps His promises.
I wore hand me down clothes and shoes that were given to me by some of my cousins. I didn't know what it was like to have a new dress. I do remember being all excited one afternoon. My older cousin, Wanda, worked at a 5 and 10 store, as we used to call them. She called my mother to find out what size dress I wore. She bought me 5 new dresses. I was so thrilled. I still remember what one of them looked like. It was a yellow dress with pretty little flowers around the border. I felt like a Princess with all those new dresses! I didn't know which one to wear first. She also bought me other dresses. She was so good to me and I've never forgot it.
One year just a few weeks before Christmas we didn't have a tree up. We kept asking mom when we were going to put up our tree. She answered we would tell daddy to go get us one that afternoon. Winters in Indiana get very cold and it was beginning to get dark. Daddy still wasn't home. I was so anxious to get a tree. I loved putting up the tree and decorating it with all the lights and ornaments. After it was decorated we always turned out all the lights and sat and looked at the tree while Christmas music played. I loved Christmas and still do.
This afternoon it seemed he would never come home. It was beginning to snow. Great big snowflakes were falling from the sky and the ground was quickly becoming white. It was also growing darker. I remember thinking we're not going to get a tree put up today. I was tired, bored, and sad, so I laid down on the sofa and was soon fast asleep.
I don't know how long I napped, but I was awakened by voices. When I opened my eyes, my dad and grandfather were coming through the door with a great big beautiful green live tree. My heart was thrilled. We had a Christmas tree! We all gathered around and began decorating the most beautiful tree I had ever seen.
This reminds me of God's promises. He says in His Word what He'll do and we begin to wait in earnest expectation for it to happen. However, most of the time it doesn't come right away. It's usually a process of time and if we're not careful we can get despondent, and begin to lose hope. But just when we're about to give up, here it comes! The promise we've been waiting for is there, coming through the door and our spirits are lifted to new heights. The thing is, it happened just like He promised. God always comes through. If He said He'd do it, then you can count on it. He is true to His Word.
Friday, October 21, 2011
God Is Among Us
I teach. It's what I do. I like it. I've always wanted to be a teacher. When I was young, my sisters and I played school and I was the teacher. I gave them test. I graded their test and loved marking the answers wrong. Why? So I could reteach the material. Obviously they didn't get it the first go around, so I needed to teach it again. It was fun for me, but boring for them.
Even today in my real classroom, I love to get the red ink pen out to correct papers. It's almost exhilarating. Well, I am exaggerating a little, but not much.
In one of my reading classes this week, our vocabulary word was among. After giving the definition and using it in a sentence myself, I asked young Brandon to use it in a sentence. (He already had his hand up waving it in the air). I couldn't wait to hear what grammatically incorrect sentence he would use, but surprisingly this was his sentence. God is among us.
Well, I was surprised and knew that indeed God was among us. Not only was it a grammatically correct sentence, it was quite accurate in truth also. I do believe God helped Brandon to make this sentence and helped me to realize God is indeed among us.
Even today in my real classroom, I love to get the red ink pen out to correct papers. It's almost exhilarating. Well, I am exaggerating a little, but not much.
In one of my reading classes this week, our vocabulary word was among. After giving the definition and using it in a sentence myself, I asked young Brandon to use it in a sentence. (He already had his hand up waving it in the air). I couldn't wait to hear what grammatically incorrect sentence he would use, but surprisingly this was his sentence. God is among us.
Well, I was surprised and knew that indeed God was among us. Not only was it a grammatically correct sentence, it was quite accurate in truth also. I do believe God helped Brandon to make this sentence and helped me to realize God is indeed among us.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Life Is Fragile
Life is precious. Life is short. Life is given to us by God. He breathed His breath into man. Man then became a living soul. God created man in His very image. We're like God in that we have a spirit man, an eternal soul that will live on forever, just like God. The soul never dies. It will live throughout eternity. Life is precious. Life is short.
I was reminded of this fact today. I went to work. I checked my email. There it was. A message saying the funeral was Sunday at 2:00 PM. I missed the funeral, because I was out of town. In another state, in fact. My friend's son, only 33 years old had died and was already buried. I didn't know it until this morning. Too late to attend visitation. Too late to attend the funeral. My heart aches for this mother. Her son has left this earth. His physical body that is, but the spirit man lives on. More news, which I hope is not true, that this young man was not prepared for eternity. I pray he had a chance to make things right with His maker.
There are two ways. The Bible says to choose life. What is life? It's Jesus Christ! He is the way, the truth, and the life. He came to give us life. Abundant life! He's the only way. Life is fragile. Handle it with care. Accept Him today. If you haven't accepted Him, DO IT TODAY! Don't wait another minute. Today is the day of salvation. Life is precious. Life is short.
I was reminded of this fact today. I went to work. I checked my email. There it was. A message saying the funeral was Sunday at 2:00 PM. I missed the funeral, because I was out of town. In another state, in fact. My friend's son, only 33 years old had died and was already buried. I didn't know it until this morning. Too late to attend visitation. Too late to attend the funeral. My heart aches for this mother. Her son has left this earth. His physical body that is, but the spirit man lives on. More news, which I hope is not true, that this young man was not prepared for eternity. I pray he had a chance to make things right with His maker.
There are two ways. The Bible says to choose life. What is life? It's Jesus Christ! He is the way, the truth, and the life. He came to give us life. Abundant life! He's the only way. Life is fragile. Handle it with care. Accept Him today. If you haven't accepted Him, DO IT TODAY! Don't wait another minute. Today is the day of salvation. Life is precious. Life is short.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Try A Little Kindness
One Saturday night about a year ago, me and my husband of 39 years this month, were just relaxing at home. He in his recliner watching a little TV, and me on the sofa reading a magazine. It was so wonderful to just be home together doing nothing really. You that are busy like we are, know exactly what I mean.
The telephone rang and it was an elderly black woman asking if I had sold a chair I had for sell on our local radion station on a program called "Switch and Swap". I told her I had not. She then proceeded to ask me all kinds of questions about the chair and then said she did not have a way to come look at it, because she did not have a car or drive and she depended on her son to take her everywhere. She told me he lived in another city and the next time he came down she wanted to come look at it, if I hadn't sold it.
She continued to make small talk and to be honest I was anxious to get off the phone and back to my magazine and quiet time, when I felt a nudge by the Holy Spirit saying, talk to this lady. She's lonely and needs someone to talk to right now. Immediately I began to perk up and talk with this little sweet lady. I forgot all about myself and began to focus on this lady and her needs. I began to let love operate through me and that is exactly what we as Christians are supposed to do. We are to let our light shine and be Jesus to others.
We had a pleasant conversation and I actually stayed on the phone with her for probably another 20-30 minutes or so. But I must tell you when I got off the phone with this lady I felt soooo good that I had obeyed the Lord. Now, you might be thinking that it was not a big thing that I did and you would be right, but I am glad I placed another's needs above my own.
You know, there have been times in my life when I would have loved just to have someone to talk with. I have been lonely and I know you have been too and it's wonderful just to have that kind, listening ear and someone to make conversation with.
My husband asked me who I was talking to and I told him the ladies name, he said "Oh, I know her. She used to be one of my customers. She's a sweet little lady and in her 90's."
A few months after our Saturday night conversation, Ms. Daisy died and I smile to think that maybe I made that one Saturday night a little less lonely for her. Although, I suspect she had someone with her all the time. I think He's the one that said He would stick closer than a brother.
I'm thinking of the old Glen Campbell song, "Try A Little Kindness". Wouldn't this old world be a whole lot better if we would all show a little kindness? It doesn't cost anymore to be kind. Give someone a smile. Open the door for someone. Take time to really listen when others are talking to you. It's called preferring our brother.
Maybe I'll do that with my husband when he comes home in a little while. He'll probably think, what's going on? I hope not!
The telephone rang and it was an elderly black woman asking if I had sold a chair I had for sell on our local radion station on a program called "Switch and Swap". I told her I had not. She then proceeded to ask me all kinds of questions about the chair and then said she did not have a way to come look at it, because she did not have a car or drive and she depended on her son to take her everywhere. She told me he lived in another city and the next time he came down she wanted to come look at it, if I hadn't sold it.
She continued to make small talk and to be honest I was anxious to get off the phone and back to my magazine and quiet time, when I felt a nudge by the Holy Spirit saying, talk to this lady. She's lonely and needs someone to talk to right now. Immediately I began to perk up and talk with this little sweet lady. I forgot all about myself and began to focus on this lady and her needs. I began to let love operate through me and that is exactly what we as Christians are supposed to do. We are to let our light shine and be Jesus to others.
We had a pleasant conversation and I actually stayed on the phone with her for probably another 20-30 minutes or so. But I must tell you when I got off the phone with this lady I felt soooo good that I had obeyed the Lord. Now, you might be thinking that it was not a big thing that I did and you would be right, but I am glad I placed another's needs above my own.
You know, there have been times in my life when I would have loved just to have someone to talk with. I have been lonely and I know you have been too and it's wonderful just to have that kind, listening ear and someone to make conversation with.
My husband asked me who I was talking to and I told him the ladies name, he said "Oh, I know her. She used to be one of my customers. She's a sweet little lady and in her 90's."
A few months after our Saturday night conversation, Ms. Daisy died and I smile to think that maybe I made that one Saturday night a little less lonely for her. Although, I suspect she had someone with her all the time. I think He's the one that said He would stick closer than a brother.
Maybe I'll do that with my husband when he comes home in a little while. He'll probably think, what's going on? I hope not!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Believer's Blessing Blog: It's Still Amazing
The Believer's Blessing Blog: It's Still Amazing: The tombstone of John Newton, the author of this hymn, tells his story: "John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of sl...
Monday, October 10, 2011
It's Still Amazing
The tombstone of John Newton, the author of this hymn, tells his story:
"John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had so long labored to destroy." Those words were written by Joh Newton himself, and they are a testimony to God's transforming power.
After years as a hardened slave trader, Newton met Jesus Christ, and his life was dramatically turned around. Throughout his years of ministry, God's amazing grace remained central to his thinking. When it was suggested he retire at the age of eighty-two due to poor health and a failing memory, he responded, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior."
Article taken from, The Complete Book of Hymns, by William J. Peterson & Ardythe Peterson
"John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had so long labored to destroy." Those words were written by Joh Newton himself, and they are a testimony to God's transforming power.
After years as a hardened slave trader, Newton met Jesus Christ, and his life was dramatically turned around. Throughout his years of ministry, God's amazing grace remained central to his thinking. When it was suggested he retire at the age of eighty-two due to poor health and a failing memory, he responded, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior."
Article taken from, The Complete Book of Hymns, by William J. Peterson & Ardythe Peterson
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Ain't Nothing Like It
What am I talking about? The presence of Almighty God! There ain't (pardon my English) nothing that can compare with His presence. Have you ever experienced His presence? If so, you'll long for His touch again. When your soul is hungry, He can satisfy your mouth with good things. He's your bread. When your dry and thirsty, He will be that spring of Living Water bubbling up from within. When your worried and restless, He can give you peace.
David said, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."
Psalm 42:1,2 NIV
And then in verses 5 &6 he goes on to say, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. "
Put your hope in God today. His presence is always there. He said He would never leave us nor forsake us.
David said, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."
Psalm 42:1,2 NIV
And then in verses 5 &6 he goes on to say, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. "
Put your hope in God today. His presence is always there. He said He would never leave us nor forsake us.
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