Heavenly Ramblings

Well we have actually been home for a week, and if you have been reading my hubby’s blog you would know that. This is actually the first day I have had to sit and answer emails, and post on my blog about our trip. We could not have asked for more from God. We had beautiful weather, wonderful sites to see, and the kids were fantastic. Yes even our two year old rode the whole trip and was very good.

Over the next few days I am going to post some pictures from the trip so you can see the sites that we saw, however, I must say, pictures do not do them justice. The sites that God allowed us to see we just a small part of His magnificent beauty. Richard and I stood, looking out over the Grand Canyon and marveled at the idea of how small we actually are in this huge vast world that God created for not only because it pleased Him to do so, but also for our enjoyment. Even as long ago as the Grand Canyon was created, He knew we would one day be standing there looking at it. Here are a few of the pictures that we took of it.

Then we started our trip home via route 66. Talk about an adventure. We made our way back through the petrified forest and the painted desert.

We made our way through Oatman, AZ and fed the wild burrows. Oatman used to be a gold mining town and they used the burrows to pack stuff in and out of the mine. When the mine closed, they just took the halters off and turned them loose in the mountains. They made there way down the mountain to Oatman where tourist can buy bags of carrots and feed them. One store owner made the comment she thought they had bottemless stomachs because they get carrots in by the truck load and they always eat them.

I will share more pictures and stories tonight and tomorrow. Kiddos are calling for me and Hubby will be home for supper soon. Be back later to share more.

Bobby McFerrin was a one hit wonder back in 1988. It was the first accapella song to reach the number one spot on Billboard’s top 100 chart, and it held for 2 weeks. (And no honey, I didn’t pull that from the part of my brain that remembers stuff…..I had to look it up) Here is an excerpt of the lyrics:

Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don’t worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy……

Don’t worry, be happy
Don’t worry don’t do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don’t bring everybody down like this
Don’t worry, it will soon past
Whatever it is
Don’t worry, be happy

You can ask my husband; I worry about everything. I worry about money, whether I am a good mom, a good pastor’s wife, a good daughter. But most of all I worry that I will not make God happy. And I realize that God looks down on me for worrying and sends me trials and blessings to make me realize that all I have to do is trust COMPLETELY in Him and all my worries will go away. This is one thing my husband has trouble drilling into my head. Not to worry! As I was working on my discipleship lesson today I realized that we are not much different from God’s people back in Biblical times. We still try to do things in our own time and in our own way. This, my friends, is my greatest struggle with day-to-day life.

Richard’s philosophy is if we NEED money for something, God will provide it. If we NEED to take a vacation God will provide a way. If we NEED a new car God will see that we get one. And although I do agree with that ……sometimes I just WANT things in my time, not God’s time. Here are some truths that God has revealed to me this week.

Don’t worry about things that have already happened. Reader’s Digest (which I read in a doctor’s office this week) that “most worries are reruns.” Why worry about the past? Things can’t be changed, food can’t be uncooked, decisions can’t be undone, words can’t be taken back….etc. Paul learned to put the past behind him. In Philippians 3:13-14 he says, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. If sin is involved, we should cleanse it in Jesus’s blood and then go on.

Worrying about things that MUST happen. All the worry in the world cannot change some things for they will happen anyway. We are all going to die; we are all going to make mistakes; so why worry about it and why not just let it happen? Worrying about it isn’t gonna change the outcome. Things still have to happen.

Then comes my worst feeling. I can’t even enjoy things when they are good because I know things will get bad and it will not be long before I have to worry again. They say 85% of what we worry about might happen…never happen. So why waste time? Time should be invested in working for God’s Kingdom instead of worrying.

We must learn to concentrate on today instead of worrying about yesterday or tomorrow. In Philippians it tells us to forget things of the past (3:13) and in Matthew it tells us not to worry about tomorrow (6:34), so that only leaves today. Yesterday is like a canceled check; tomorrow is like a promissory note. Today is “same as cash”! Would you spend cash loosely? No, we take care as to how we spend our cash. So why not take care of how we spend today?

God wants us to walk in the light He gives us and not to worry about the darkness ahead. When we get there, He will be there waiting for us and providing a way for us to get through it. God’s light ALWAYS overpowers the darkness. We just have to be willing to let His light shine. It is kind of like headlights on a car. When we are driving at night and our destination is 100 miles ahead, the lights do not light the whole way…..they only shine a few feet in front of the vehicle so we can see the way. As we move forward the light moves forward and stays ahead of us. God’s light works the same way helping us live one day at a time.

A minute of prayer is better than an hour of worrying. Jesus spent an entire night praying but never spent one minute worrying. His example is worthy of imitation.

Worried? Let God handle it.

Yes I am still among the living! I am telling you I thought life was busy with all the kids in our house, but now I have yet another non-monetary paying job. I never knew what WORK it was going to be, being a pastor’s wife. I was so very nervous about this position God has so graciously placed me but let me tell you it is work. Just keeping Richard organized is enough. I laugh and say that every pastor I have met over the last 10 months has a good and efficient woman behind him whether that be his wife or a secretary. So now taking up my time are the non-paying but graciously satisfying jobs of wife, maid, mother,cook, maid, secretary, gopher, maid, writer, teacher, maid, painter, carpenter, maid, gardener, nurse, maid, accountant, plumber, and did I mention maid? LOL

I could go on and on and on about this subject but I wanted to tell you about a funeral I attended today. I sang there, in celebration of Ellen Delois Buswell’s life. I have never seen her before today, however I learned she was my mother’s 4-H leader when she was a child. Richard officiated the ceremony, and he kept a constant theme throughout the service as to what a wonderful teacher and woman she was.

I want to tell you about a man that I remember. My dad.
I can still picture my dad bouncing me on his knee, cheering me on at my dance recitals, teaching me how ride my bike, helping me reel in my first fish and telling me stories about his early days of working on the Burlington Northern Railroad. I can still hear him saying the words, “Sis, I love you.” I can imagine him russeling my hair as I sat on his lap, playing barbies with me on the living room floor and sharing a hot dog with me at on of his many ball games I watched.

I can still see him puffing up his chest when he talked about me to his friends. He was proud to be my dad. He would do anything for me. I was his daughter; he was my dad. I was his pride and joy.

I can still see all of this and much more, but I don’t see it in the reservoir of fond memories. Instead, I recall it from an imagination and yearning that wished then and wishes now that it were so. My dad left home when I was fourteen. I never really knew him. He was a very distant man from his family and rarely spent time at home with us kids and my mother.

I’m 43 years old. My dad died almost 3 years ago and I still miss him (even though that’s hard to admit). I even cry sometimes when I’m honest with myself about how I feel.

You see, I hadn’t talked to my father but once in about 8 years, and before that it was only at funerals or by happenstance. I don’t miss my father the way I did know him, I miss him in the way I wish I knew him. I wish I could tell you what a wonderful father he was and how much I knew he loved me but I really don’t know if he did or not. If he did he never told me. In 40 years of my life I do not recall one time my dad saying, “I Love You”.

Now that I am a foster parent, I see what an effect that has on small children’s lives and what an impact it will have on their lives forever. If you are a parent and you are reading this…please tell your children EVERYDAY how much they mean to you and how much you love them. And children tell you parents how much you love them. Even when they seem the most uncaring creatures in the world, they make decisions based on what they think is best for you and you will thank them for it when you are grown.  I wish I had the opportunity to have that conversation with my father.  I told him I loved him every time I saw him but because of his choice of not seeing me for several years I sometimes wonder if he knew I loved him.

Children deserve a father and a mother to help nurture them and teach them the ways of the Lord. It is our God given right and responsibility. In fact it is a commandment from God to teach them the way they should go and they will not depart from it.

Don’t ever let a day go buy without telling your children that you love them. The rest of their life may depend on it.

Red roses are the traditional symbol for love and romance, and a time-honored way to say “I love you.” The red rose has long symbolized beauty and perfection.

The bright, sunny color of yellow roses evokes a feeling of warmth and happiness. The warm feelings associated with the yellow rose are often akin to those shared with a true friend. As such, the yellow rose is an ideal symbol for joy and friendship.

You are and have always been my best friend. We have shared so much together and yet there is still more to come. I thank God everyday for allowing me to marry by Best Friend.

As a symbol of grace and elegance, the pink rose is often given as an expression of admiration. Pink roses can also convey appreciation as well as joyfulness.

I admire you love for Jesus and could sit and listen to you preach for hours upon hours. I am grateful to you for choosing to let me be a part of your ministry and allowing me to share the Gospel to others with you.

The unique beauty of the lavender rose has captured many hearts and imaginations. With their fantastical appearance, lavender roses are a perfect symbol of enchantment. The lavender rose is also traditionally used to express feelings of love at first sight.

I remember the first time I saw you….It was August 24th, 7:55 Am, 1979. You were more than my heart had ever hoped for when I saw you standing by my locker. From that moment I didn’t know when, where or how but I knew I wanted to marry you.

The white rose is also a symbol of honor and reverence, and white rose arrangements are often used as an expression of remembrance. White roses represent marriage and new beginnings.

We have definitely had our share of beginnings haven’t we? I cherish each and every memory I have of anything I have been through with you. You are my light at the end of the tunnel. You help keep me focused and alive. I thank you for that my darling. Without you I would still be a sheep gone astray and trying to find my way.

With their blazing energy, orange roses are the embodiment of desire and enthusiasm. Orange roses often symbolize passion and excitement and are an expression of fervent romance.

I admire you enthusiasm and desire to serve Christ. It is an energy that is contagious! Proven evident by your congregations. They see what I see in you, that you are on fire for the Lord and it bleed off to others around you. Thank you my darling for bringing that to our lives. You make God proud!

I love you Richard, you are my heart and soul. I long to have many many more years with you and our children teaching others about the gospel.

Happy Valentines day!!

Love,

Me

Just as I am certain that there will be storms in my life, I am also certain that God will provide for every storm I will ever face. You have heard the expression bad things happen to good people? Well as my husband preached from the pulpit last Sunday, either the glass is half empty or half full…how ever you want to look at it. If you are an optimist, you look at the glass as being 1/2 full. If you are a pessimist, you look at it being 1/2 empty. Which would you rather be? Which are you? If you look at the glass being 1/2 empty there is no room for you to grow spiritually or otherwise. If you are looking at the glass as being 1/2 full then you are telling the Lord FILL IT UP! I try to be a optimist, and am learning more and more how to do that. Diligently studying God’s Word teaches me more and more everyday. However I tend to be more of a pessimist, waiting for good things to come to me instead of trusting in God that they will come. Recently God has revealed to me that every storm is an opportunity to trust in Him. He delivers a heavenly perspective when challenging times arise. He wants us to see the challenge as He sees it..not how we choose to see it within our humanly flesh.

So how can we learn to trust in Him during the storms in our lives? Five simple steps that God has revealed to me have helped in my spiritual walk.

• Living a pure life.

In Titus 1:15 it says ” To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” (NIV) Some people see good all around them, while others see nothing but evil. (Some see the glass 1/2 full, other see it 1/2 empty) Our souls become filters through which we perceive goodness or evil. The pure, those who have surrendered their life to Jesus, learn to see goodness and purity even during the storms in their lives. But the corrupt (the nonbeliever) find evil in everything because their minds and hearts color even the good they see and hear. Whatever you choose to fill your mind with will affect the way you think and act. Turn your thoughts to God and His word, and you will figure out more and more goodness during the storms of life. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. The word pure is mentioned in the bible 108 times. The phrase Pure in Heart or Pure Heart is mentioned 11 times. I think God was serious when he said to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”.

• Seek God’s understanding

Understanding is only as good as where it comes from. Human understanding is limited. God’s understanding is infinite and unspoiled. Our greatest lessons are learned in the greatest storms. I know you have heard that statement many times — but are those words a living reality in your life.

I read a story recently about a teacher who was asked a question by one of his students who had come across Deuteronomy 6:6, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” The student asked, “Why does it say to put God’s commandments upon our hearts instead of in our hearts?” The wise teacher responded, “It is not within man’s power to deposit truth directly into his heart. All we can do is place truth on the surface of the heart so that when the heart breaks, it will fall in!” I found his answer very profound for a small child’s mind. As children our hearts get broke more often than not. Every circumstance that results in a broken heart, is designed to produce more truth, greater self-control and fresh understanding of God’s amazing grace and providence. We can face every storm with confidence, knowing that God will redeem it for understanding and truth!

• Learn to be patient

Whew! This is a big one for me. I must confess that I am not the epitome of patience! In fact, I hate to wait — on anyone or anything — which may very well explain the presence of certain storms and trials in my life. Richard says I don’t pray enough for patience. I don’t EVER pray for patience because when I do God’s sends me a storm to give me some. LOL

James 1:2-8 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

I tend to consider it pure joy when I can escape trials in my life, but James tells us that trials can and should be faced with patience and an attitude of joy. Not joy for the trials but joy in the trials! Don’t miss this vital truth. I often wonder when I have escaped a trial, what I missed learning from the storm that God intended for me to learn. What joy I missed out on. What fantastic story of faith and courage I missed to be able to tell a lost soul. Trials are a test, a measurement of growth. Patience gives God time to work in our lives. We, as humans, go to great lengths to avoid trials and try to protect ourselves from the storms of life. As a result, we are spiritually immature. God will not build our character without our cooperation. He will not work in us without our permission! We must surrender! We must invite Him to work and then by faith, patiently embrace that work in our lives.

• Practice Kindness to others

When bad things happen, we cry out in desperation for someone to care! More people come to Christ during a crisis than at any other time. When we are caught in the midst of life’s storms and we are hurting, we do so for selfish reasons…we want to feel better, so we gratify the flesh without thinking of how it hurts others. God doesn’t want us to do that; He does not want us to make others feel sorry for ourselves in our time of need…because this hurts God’s heart. I often wonder just how amazed we will be when we get to Heaven and find the unlikely, unknown but devoted servants of God exalted above all others — rewarded for their quiet and often unseen acts of kindness.

Others in need constantly parade before us day after day but we don’t see them! We are too busy to see the storms He sends our way. We view them as intrusions, annoying interruptions in our very important schedule. These uninvited and unscheduled guests may very well be divine appointments sent by God. The warning of Hebrews 13:2 is scary. “Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it.” How many angels have we missed because we were too busy!

• Experience and practice love

We not only need God in the midst of the storm, we need each other! Learning to build healthy relationships is crucial to a God filled life. When someone is disappointed, disgruntled, or displeased with us, we have a choice to make — to honor God by waging peace or entertain satan with conflict in relationships. God is committed to unity. If we don’t make “every effort” to fight discord, a storm may come to help us do so.

What storm is raging in your life today? What step do you need to take in order to experience His strength for that storm? Our Father stands ready to meet you in your darkest hour. He longs to wrap His arms around you until the winds die down and the waves are gone. Right now — surrender. Celebrate the storm that dashed your battered life on the shores of His unending love.

My mother gave birth to her 4th child.  After having 3 boys it must have been a welcomed sound for the Dr. to say “It’s a girl!”

With all the ups and downs of a mother/daughter relationship, ours has stood the test of times and we have remained close to each other not only in miles but in feelings.  Now that I am older I appreciate  my birth and my mothers raising of me alone more and more each day.  She sacrificed alot to bring me up to be the person I am today.

And just who am I you ask?

I am a person who…

• Is a child of God who for some reason loves me no matter what.  Every time I fail Him he just reaches down and picks me up and says “welcome home My child, I am here for you”.
• Loves the Lord with all her mind, soul, strength, and body, and strives everyday to grow closer to Him and learn to trust in Him without fail.
• Is finally happy in a marriage that I can share my desires of knowing and walking with the Lord daily.  I could not have asked for a better choice from God for the gift he gave me in my husband Richard.  He is a true man of God, who’s only desire is to preach the Gospel to lead other to Christ.
• A mother to 13+ children (all step and foster kids included) who I would lay down my life for any one of them.  They are all beautiful children and I praise God everyday that each and every one of them have come into my life and left footprints on my heart.
• A teacher to my daughter Kelsey.  We enjoy homeschooling so much.  We spend the day together hashing out math and other subjects that aren’t on OUR priority list.  LOL  But nonetheless we get them done.
• A Nanna to this beautiful child: