What a Promise

    He shall send from heaven and save me;

He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah

 God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.

Psalms 57:3

 

 

God "would sooner send every angel out of glory to the relief of faithful souls, to make a hedge around them, than have them deceived and led away by the lying wonders of Satan" (EW 88)  

(this quote was found in my SDA Commentary Volume 3 page 767)

 

It Looks Like Surgery

For those of you that have been following along with my health issues lately, I thought I would take a few minutes and up date you on what is going on. Yesterday I went to the Dr. And it was just what I thought- I will have to have a hysterectomy. I am not sure of when it will be yet. It is looking like it will be Nov 11th or 18th. There is a small chance that they might put it on the 25th, but truthfully I don't want it on the 25th. And my reason has nothing to do with the fact that it is the Monday before Thanksgiving. It has more to do with the fact that my birthday is the 24th and I would really rather not have to spend my birthday stressing about having surgery. So I am praying that they can fit me in on one of the other dates. If any of you ladies have had a hysterectomy - I would really appreciate any suggestions, tips or pointers for what would help me through this transition. Thanks so much. :o)

Value of the Refiner's Fire

Today I wanted to share my devotion in my devotional book - "Streams in the Desert"

And I just have to add - that just the trials that have passed through my life in the last 5 years -tell me that I must have had a majority of myself - dross.

But I continue to trust that God is in control and if He leads me to something

He will get me through.
I am claiming this today. Praying for courage and peace. And also wisdom for both the Dr and for myself - so the best decision for my health will be made. Thanks everyone for the prayers. I really appreciate them.
May this bless you like it did me.

 

*******************************

He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver Mal. 3:3

Our Father, who seeks to perfect His saints in holiness, knows the value of the refiner's fire. It is with the most precious metals that the assayer takes the most pains, and subjects them to the hot fire, because such fires melt the metal, and only the molten mass releases its alloy or takes perfectly its new form in the mould.
The old refiner never leaves his crucible, but sits down by it, lest there should be one excessive degree of heat to mar the metal. But as soon as he skims from the surface the last of the dross, and sees his own face reflected, he puts out the fire.
--Arthur T. Pierson

He sat by a fire of seven-fold heat,
As He watched by the precious ore,
And closer He bent with a searching gaze
As He heated it more and more.
He knew He had ore that could stand the test,
And He wanted the finest gold
To mould as a crown for the King to wear,
Set with gems with a price untold.
So He laid our gold in the burning fire,
Tho' we fain would have said Him 'Nay,'
And He watched the dross that we had not seen,
And it melted and passed away.
And the gold grew brighter and yet more bright,
But our eyes were so dim with tears,
We saw but the fire--not the Master's hand,
And questioned with anxious fears.
Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow,
As it mirrored a Form above,
That bent o'er the fire, tho' unseen by us,
With a look of ineffable love.
Can we think that it pleases His loving heart
To cause us a moment's pain?
Ah, no! but He saw through the present cross
The bliss of eternal gain.
So He waited there with a watchful eye,
With a love that is strong and sure,
And His gold did not suffer a bit more heat,
Than was needed to make it pure.

 

Keeping Doors Locked

Long gone are the days that we could leave our doors unlocked. About 13 years ago - we lived in a house that was about a block or so off of a main interstate. We learned the importance of keeping doors locked while we lived there.

One time there were some guys that had just robbed a bank that were running from the police and they took the exit - not too far from our house and actually got out of their vehicles and were hiding in a nearby garage. Another time we had a lady hyped up on drugs come to our door -banging for help and when my husband opened the door -she tried to push her way into our home. Obviously help was not what she wanted from us. Anyway ever since these experiences - I have learned to keep my doors locked. I like to have the nice glass screen doors at our front door and at our garage door -and when we have the house opened up - and I have the wooden doors open - most of the time I have the nice screen doors locked. We just have a wood framed screen door for our back door. It is what we could afford at the time - and it works great most of the time.

Well last week our home phone went down- all day long. My husband called it in and the came out the next day to fix it. We needed a new phone line ran. He put a temporary line down and told us that another crew would come out later to bury the new line.

So today about 1:45pm - they arrived. A man came to my front door and let me know that the phone line would be down for about 10 minutes. I let him know if there was anything that he needed to let me know.

Well about 15 minutes later or so I noticed one of the guys in the back yard still working. And the other guy was turning their truck around and was about to drive out of the drive way. I was thinking ok - he will probably wait for the other guy and then they will leave. But no - he pulled out of the yard. About 5 minutes later- I walked into the kitchen and just happen to notice the guy in the back yard step around to our back door(the screen door) this door was locked. I hear a little bit of the door being moved - and I am thinking ok - if he needs me he will knock. Well as I continue to hear the door movement - I start to walk around to that door and I make it to the end of our bar - and he steps into my dining room - from my sun room on the back of the house. I stop and look at him like what are you doing. In his broken English he asks about if we have a gate - I say Yes its around that corner and point. I am thinking - you are in the back yard - you should have found the gate and not climbed the fence. He motions that he wants to go through the kitchen out the garage. I went ahead and let him. I went and locked the door after he left. Then I went out into the sun room and looked at the back door- it was locked. I look around thinking ok how did he get in? I called my husband and told him about it. Well we had a number of a manager in charge of the job - and so I gave the number to my husband to let that guy know what had happened. We were told that there is a policy that no one of these contractors are allow inside of the homes unless an ATT worker is present. So the guy not only broke into my home - but he broke a policy that his company has. The longer we thought of what had happened the more we thought that it would be a good idea to call the police and file a police report. I mean - this man knows where we live and if he was brazen enough to use a tool to unlock my back door and just walk into my home - when he knew I was home and could have easily just knocked or hollered and I would have helped him, then there is NO telling what this man would do.

Anyway I wanted to share this - to remind you all that the day and age that we live in - it is dangerous and if possible - please keep your doors locked. And if you, like me, have a door that is easily broken into then you might want to keep your guard up when the door is opened. Anyway hope you all stay safe.
***********************************
I go to the Dr tomorrow morning. Don't know what all answers I will get but hoping to find out what will need to be done now. Please pray that God will give the Dr. and I both the wisdom needed to make the right decisions. Thanks :O)

Outside My Comfort Zone

This weekend I did something outside my comfort zone and I actually survived it!

My husband is the deputy director of the youth club at our church. And this week end was the Skills week end. So normally I stay home and take care of our animals and such. Well this time I decided to go. It was probably a good week end for me to go - to take my mind off of the medical problems I am having. Anyway I went along with him and I basically helped the cook- make the meals. I was pretty busy this week end. I was up at 6am- walking over to the camp kitchen. Later after we got the kitchen cleaned up after the meal - we had a break and it was during this time period that we were able to go get our showers and get cleaned up.

So I helped with all 6 meals. I also helped with setting up kitchen - 2 times. Why 2 times you might want to know? Well because Sabbath evening just after supper was done- there was a pretty good system that was going to come through - so we have to secure as much of the stuff as we could. Well most of the bad part of that storm system bypassed where we were- Praise the Lord. But later we got hit pretty hard. We have a large circus tent and one of the post was bent and so one section of the tent went down. But I have to say this - the director of the club - researched tents until he found some great tents - and so all of the club members who slept in tents - 90% of them - had a pretty decent night - none of there things got wet. I was amazed. My husband and I took our RV - so very thankful - I do much better when I have at least the basics. Anyway during the first few hours of the night we got pounded. A couple of different times it sounded like we might have gotten hail. As I was disturbed by the weather - I would pray for all those in the tents. Oh We had about 40 people total with our club - but there were also about 11 other clubs on this camping trip. Anyway like I said our club survived and only the one thing was damaged.

So this morning - we had to get up at 6am - and go to the campsite and we had to get the kitchen set up again - before we were able to get breakfast cooked up.

So this evening I am very tired- We were up late at night and then up early in the mornings. And busy during the days. I had about an hour or so break between each meal - so at least I had that but it was a lot of time on my feet. I am very tired this evening, but I am glad that I went. I was able to meet new people and get to know some people better. It was good to get out of my comfort zone. I am thinking I will probably start going with my husband on all of the week end campouts.

I hope you all had a good week end. Mine was pretty nice. I am tired so I will close for now. And hopefully I can get to bed at a decent time. :o)

Never Give Up

NEVER GIVE UPNever be sad or desponding,
Only have faith to believe;
Grace, for the duties before thee,
Ask of thy God and receive.

Never give up, Never give up,
Never give up to thy sorrows,
Jesus will bid them depart;
Trust in the Lord, Trust in the Lord,
Sing when your trials are greatest,
Trust in the Lord and take heart.

What if thy burdens oppress thee?
What tho' thy life may be drear?
Look on the side that is brightest,
Pray, and thy path will be clear.

Never be sad or desponding,
Lean on the arm of thy Lord;
Dwell in the depths of His mercy,
Thou shalt receive thy reward.

Never give up, Never give up,
Never give up to thy sorrows,
Jesus will bid them depart;
Trust in the Lord, Trust in the Lord,
Sing when your trials are greatest,
Trust in the Lord and take heart.

--Fanny J. Crosby

Bible Markind 2nd series...Faith and Trust

Bible Marking Guide

 by:

John Earnhardt

 

Faith and Trust = FT

"Our salvation totally rests on our trust and total dependence upon God."

 

1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

 

2. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.    Hebrews 11:6

 

3. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1

 

4.  But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.    James 2:18-26

 

5.  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

 

6.   For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. 1 John 5:4

 

7. casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.    1 Peter 5:7

 

8. looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.   Hebrews 12:2

 

9.     above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16

 

10.     knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.    1 Peter 1:18-19

 

11. The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25

 

12. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.    Psalms 91:9-11

 

13. Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Psalms 37:3

 

14. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."    Revelations 21:8

 

15.     So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.  Mark 11:22-24

 

16. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."    Mark 16:16-18

 

 

 

Sermon on the Mount...series...Blessed are they that Hunger and Thirst

The Sermon on the Mount by Carl Heinrich Bloch

 

The Beatitudes

 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.   
Matthew 5:6

Ok - so first of all I think we need to look at what righteousness means. We will again go to the 1828 Webster Dictionary to see what it says:

Righteousness:

1. Purity of heart and rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law. Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it is chiefly used, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law. It includes all we call justice, honesty and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion.

2. Applied to God, the perfection or holiness of his nature; exact rectitude; faithfulness.

3. The active and passive obedience of Christ, by which the law of God is fulfilled. Daniel 9.

4. Justice; equity between man and man. Luke 1.

5. The cause of our justification.

The Lord our righteousness. Jer. 23.

******
Just as our physical bodies hunger and thirst - so should our souls hunger and thirst for righteousness.

"No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul."
MOB pg. 18

But the good news, just like everything else God will supply this need as well!

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.   
Philippians 4:19

God not only supplies what is needed - he initiates the relationship.

    Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.   
Revelations 3:20

He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.   
John 6:56
 
This means relationship.
Jesus comes to our door and knocks - asking for relationship. When we let Him in we are showing our willingness for a relationship with Him. And as we continue to hunger and thirst for Him - we are led into a relationship with Him. 

    And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.   
John 6:35

"As we need food to sustain our physical strength, so do we need Christ, the Bread from heaven, to sustain spiritual life and impart strength to work the works of God. As the body is continually receiving the nourishment that sustains life and vigor, so the soul must be constantly communing with Christ, submitting to Him and depending wholly upon Him. "
MOB pg. 19

To study even further into this beatitude - just click on the link above- MOB- and it will take you to the chapter that will go more in depth.



What a Promise

"They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore;

the sun shall not strike them,

nor any heat;"

Revelations 7:16

I read this verse on a friends blog and thought how cool it was, that this promise mentions the same wording as our beatitude for this week  - hunger and thirst. But that is not all- I really liked the last part of the verse. As you all know - I am from Texas and it gets pretty hot here during the summers- and even past "summer" - it was up to 80 degrees today. I know that is not hot but it is much warmer than most states have during the last part of October.

Anyway I have though how I would love to live somewhere that does not have such HOT weather- and someday I will....in heaven!!

Ad speaking of hunger and thirsting - this is speaking of physically but I think it is also speaking of spiritually as well. God will be there with us- How cool will that be?!!

In Isaiah it also mentions the same promise-
"They shall neither hunger nor thirst, Neither heat nor sun shall strike them; For He who has mercy on them will lead them, Even by the springs of water He will guide them." Isaiah 49:10

Update...

Ok - I finally got a call from my Dr. I did not get news that had expected. I had thought that I would either get a clean bill of health or I would get told that my remaining ovary had another cyst/tumor - well  - that is not what happened at all. I was told that I have an enlarged uterus. We have no idea why it is enlarged and so - I am being referred to a gynecologist. I have picked out a lady dr - the one that delivered my granddaughter and I am hoping that my Dr office will set up an appointment for me with her and I am hoping to find out when tomorrow. So really I don't know very much more than I did earlier today- well I do - cause at least it is not a major problem with my ovary - or ovarian cancer - that stuff sounds so scary - since it is so hard to detect.

But now I will go to another Dr and hopefully she can look at my results and know where we need to go from there. Please continue to pray for me. I have more peace now - especially since I figured out a dr who I feel comfortable with- that made a big difference. I was going to go to the Dr who delivered my oldest son - but he really does not do many surgeries any more and I did not want to go to someone only to be sent onto someone else.

Being Real

18 years ago - I went for my well woman appointment. It had been about 2 1/2 -3 years since my last exam- which was done after my son was born. My Dr felt something that did not seem right. He sent me for a trans vaginal ultrasound and within a week of my well woman appointment - I was having surgery to remove the large, cantaloupe sized mass- tumor/cyst type thing that was located on my left ovary. The Dr told me that since it was partially solid - that if it had been left there it could very well turn into cancer.

Well last Thursday was my well woman exam - it has been a little over 2 years since I had been for an exam. Dr felt that because of a lot of problems that I have been having that it would be a good idea for me to go for another trans vaginal ultrasound - so I did that Monday. I have also had a whole lot of blood work done. Now I wait....

The technician doing the ultrasound said that my Dr should get the results on Tuesday - so I thought that I would know what was going on - by Tuesday afternoon at the latest. Didn't happen, my Dr is out of the office on Tuesday afternoons(I had forgotten). So then I thought that today I would hear something. 

So since I had not heard anything by 11am - I called the office to see what I could find out. Receptionist said that my file was on the Dr.'s desk and that someone would call me asap. Well I am still waiting.

The phone has rang a couple of times which set my heart racing, thinking that I would find out something soon. But nope- wrong number and then my Mom wanting to know if I had heard anything.

I just want to be able to take a deep breath and sign of relief that everything is OK, or I want to begin to brace myself of what could possible be ahead. I hope I am being a hypochondriac - I really do. But if I look at the beginning signs of ovarian cancer - and compare them to the symptoms I am having- I have at least 50% of them.

I am trying to keep my focus on God. And trying to keep in mind that nothing will come to me- unless He allows it. Which means if He allows some bad news today - He will supply what is needed to get through what ever is ahead.

And to be perfectly honest with you all- these past 5 years of my life have been full of all sorts of stress. And part of me is thinking if there is nothing wrong with me - it will be only by a miracle from God.

When, if during your journey, you come to a large desert place- if you allow God to work - He will draw you closer to Him and you will learn to trust in Him. And that is very valuable..in and of itself but there is so much more - when you lean on Him - even if it is out of necessity you are drawn into a much deeper, fuller relationship with Him. And that is worth more than gold or jewels.

It is almost 1pm - I still have not heard anything at all. I am going to try to keep my focus on my Heavenly Father. When I hear something I will let you all know. Thank you so much for the prayers over the last few days - they have given me more peace and comfort.

There Hath Not Failed One Word....

No word yet from my Dr. office. My Dr. was out of the office yesterday afternoon. I am hoping to hear something today.

 

I just had to share my devotional for today. It was such an encouragement. I hope it encourages you as well.

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There hath not failed one word of all his good promise (1 Kings 8:56).

Some day we shall understand that God has a reason in every NO which He speaks through the slow movement of life. "Somehow God makes up to us." How often, when His people are worrying and perplexing themselves about their, prayers not being answered, is God answering them in a far richer way! Glimpses of this we see occasionally, but the full revelation of it remains for the future.

 

If God says 'Yes' to our prayer, dear heart,

And the sunlight is golden, the sky is blue,

While the smooth road beckons to me and you,

And the song-birds warble as on we go,

Pausing to gather the buds at our feet,

Stopping to drink of the streamlets we meet,

Happy, more happy, our journey will grow,

If God says 'Yes' to our prayer, dear heart.

 

If God says 'No' to our prayer, dear heart,

And the clouds hang heavy and dull and gray;

If the rough rocks hinder and block the way,

While the sharp winds pierce us and sting with cold;

Ah, dear, there is home at the journey's end,

And these are the trials the Father doth send

To draw us as sheep to His Heavenly fold,

If God says 'No' to our prayer, dear heart.

 

Oh for the faith that does not make haste, but waits patiently for the Lord, waits for the explanation that shall come in the end, at the revelation of Jesus Christ! When did God take anything from a man, without giving him manifold more in return? Suppose that the return had not been made immediately manifest, what then? Is today the limit of God's working time? Has He no provinces beyond this little world? Does the door of the grave open upon nothing but infinite darkness and eternal silence?

 

Yet, even confining the judgment within the hour of this life, it is true that God never touches the heart with a trial without intending to bring upon it some grander gift, some tenderer benediction. He has attained to an eminent degree of Christian grace who knows how to wait.
--Selected

 

When the frosts are in the valley,

And the mountain tops are grey,

And the choicest buds are blighted,

And the blossoms die away,

A loving Father whispers,

"This cometh from my hand";

Blessed are ye if ye trust

Where ye cannot understand.

 

If, after years of toiling,

Your wealth should fly away

And leave your hands all empty,

And your locks are turning grey,

Remember then your Father

Owns all the sea and land;

Blessed are ye if ye trust

Where ye cannot understand.

--Selected

Hi

Just a quick check in.

My appointment for a test I am having done is at 2:30pm today. I probably won't have results for a few days. It would be great to find out something soon, but I am not counting on it. In my experience it is when I find out results quickly that means that something maybe wrong.

 

Anyway we had a good week-end. We carved a pumpkin with our granddaughter. Temps were nice enough on Sunday that I was able to take her to the park to play. When it was getting time to go home- she noticed a butterfly and then a dragonfly- which turned into another 30 minutes or so of walking around looking for bugs and insects. She loves them. Oh and looking at flowers too.

 

As usual at 5pm on Sunday when it was time to say good bye it was hard on all of us. Poor baby - if it is this hard on us adults just think how hard it must be on her- she has not understanding of time and when she will get to see her loved ones.

 

Ok - I hope you all had a good weekend and will have a good week. :O)

 



Sermon on the Mount ...series..Blessed are the Meek..

The Sermon on the Mount by Carl Heinrich Bloch

 

 

 

"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth."

 Matthew 5:5



My first thought when writing this post was to use the dictionary at my desk in order for us to get a better understanding of the word meek, but I am so glad that I remembered someone saying how much better the 1828 Webster's Dictionary was at  getting the meaning of the word. So I went to my computer and looked it up. Here is what I found:
 MEEK, a. [L. mucus; Eng. mucilage; Heb. to melt.]

1. Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries.

Now the man Moses was very meek, above all men. Num.12.

2. Appropriately,humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations. Christ says, "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls." Matt.11.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matt.5.

For the very best example of meekness we can look at the life of Jesus Christ. One of the best resources I have found in which to look into the life of Jesus, other than the Bible that is, is a great book, The Desire of Ages . For today's study, I think we will look specifically at chapter 77~ "In Pilate's Judgment Hall." If I remember correctly this is the chapter that stood out to me so much because of the way that Jesus acted while He was being so mistreated.


"Standing behind Pilate, in view of all in the court, Christ heard the abuse; but to all the false charges against Him He answered not a word. His whole bearing gave evidence of conscious innocence. He stood unmoved by the fury of the waves that beat about Him. It was as if the heavy surges of wrath, rising higher and higher, like the waves of the boisterous ocean, broke about Him, but did not touch Him. He stood silent, but His silence was eloquence. It was as a light shining from the inner to the outer man." Desire of Ages pg. 726

 "Herod with his men of war set Him at nought, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe." The Roman soldiers joined in this abuse. All that these wicked, corrupt soldiers, helped on by Herod and the Jewish dignitaries, could instigate was heaped upon the Saviour. Yet His divine patience failed not." pg. 731


"Satan led the cruel mob in its abuse of the Saviour. It was his purpose to provoke Him to retaliation if possible, or to drive Him to perform a miracle to release Himself, and thus break up the plan of salvation. One stain upon His human life, one failure of His humanity to endure the terrible test, and the Lamb of God would have been an imperfect offering, and the redemption of man a failure. But He who by a command could bring the heavenly host to His aid--He who could have driven that mob in terror from His sight by the flashing forth of His divine majesty--submitted with perfect calmness to the coarsest insult and outrage.
Christ's enemies had demanded a miracle as evidence of His divinity. They had evidence far greater than any they had sought. As their cruelty degraded His torturers below humanity into the likeness of Satan, so did His meekness and patience exalt Jesus above humanity, and prove His kinship to God."
pg. 734

What an awesome example we have in Jesus Christ!

"The meek "shall inherit the earth." It was through the desire for self-exaltation that sin entered into the world, and our first parents lost the dominion over this fair earth, their kingdom. It is through self-abnegation that Christ redeems what was lost. And He says we are to overcome as He did. Revelation 3:21. Through humility and self-surrender we may become heirs with Him when "the meek shall inherit the earth." Psalm 37:11." Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings pg. 17

This might be a tall order, but and order that He can and will fulfill through us if we all Him to do so.

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

 Philippians 4:13

A Little Blogging Break....after tomorrows post that is...

Just wanted to drop in here for a minute and let you know that I will be taking a few days off from blogging. I have a couple of tests that my Dr wants me to have done so get to the bottom of some problems that I have been having. I am hoping that everything comes back fine or easy fixes.

I already have my post for tomorrow set up so you will not miss out on our series.

My son also has his daughter this week end so we will be enjoying her as well. I'll be back soon. :O)

What a Promise

But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Psalms 37:11

"and shall delight themselves is the abundance of peace
;
of spiritual peace enjoyed in a way of believing, arising from a comfortable view of interest in the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ; and of all happiness and prosperity in the kingdom of Christ here on earth, at which time there will be abundance of peace, ( Psalms 72:7); or of eternal peace in the world to come, which will be a state of uninterrupted and unspeakable peace; see (Psalms 37:37); all which afford inconceivable delight and pleasure; and therefore such have no need to fret and be envious at the fading happiness of wicked men." From John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

    In His days the righteous shall flourish, And abundance of peace, Until the moon is no more.   

Psalms 72:7

 

 Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the future of that man is peace.   

Psalms 37:37

 

 

I love peace - so this is such a wonderful promise to me!

 

Five Money Saving Tips

As I 've shared before- this year has been a tough year for our family in more than one way. Today I'll only be touching on the financial aspect of the hardships.

At the beginning of the year my sons and I lost our jobs, quite unexpectedly. It took a long time for my oldest son to find a full time job- and when he got a job he started at only about 30 hours a week- he has only recently started getting more hours. Because of this - we have had to help him. And then my husband having to have surgery - and all the medical bills that went along with that. All of these things have made this year tight for us. Anyway with all of that being said -now to get to what the purpose of this post.

Since money has been tight, I have been doing more to save money. The following is a list of some things that I have learned over the past year:
#1. The store brand is not always the cheapest option. Case in point:
I have been buying my cats Whiskas cat food- but last week I thought that maybe I could save money by choosing the store brand instead. Boy was I wrong. 6# bag of store brand cat food- $7.22. Same size bag of Whiskas cat food- $6.98. A savings of 24 cents by going with the name brand.

#2. Buying bigger packages are not always the better deal. Sometimes it is a good idea to buy the bigger package because it ends up saving you some money in the long run by spending less per serving - but this is not always true. It is a good idea to have your calculator with you and figure up the price per unit- many times this info is given on the tag for the item on the shelf.

#3 Buying in Bulk is not always the best deal. Some people love to shop at stores like Sam's and Costco but when I have gone - I have many times realized that buying a regular sized item would be a better deal. Or even buying the store brand. Just don't get fooled into believing that your saving money just because you are buying in bulk. A lady I know would buy the bulk sized cans of beans and such for her family of 3. Many times half of that can would be wasted. That is not saving money.

#4. Using coupons is not always the way to get things the cheapest. Ever since I have checked out Aldi's I have been going there once a week, why? Because I save money every time I go. Many times I can get things for a better deal than if I bought a brand named item with a coupon.

And don't forget - most coupons are not free. I really loved to use coupons, especially back with our local Krogers would not only double but triple coupons up to $.39 cents. This would help me get really good deals- sometimes even free items, but they stopped that a couple of years ago.

For me to use coupons now- I would have to pay $3.00 or more for a double back Sunday paper to get double the coupons. Then the extra trip to a store that sells that double pack - more money spent on gas. Some would then say will you can get coupons free on the computer- yes you get them for free- but in order to use them you have to print the coupon, which would mean you would have to have ink for your printer. The ink costs money- and right now we don't have ink in our printer - and haven't for the past month or more because we just don't have the money to spend on ink. So my point - the coupons that save you money- cost you money- make sure that you are saving enough to make it worth using them .

#5. Sometimes it really does save you money to shop around. So what I do now is compare prices at different stores. I learn where the best deals for things are and buy them where I can get them cheapest. It really makes a different.

Salt in my Kitchen....series

 Salt in my Kitchen

By:

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

Healthy Fear

 

Bible Reading:

    To the Chief Musician. Set to 'The Silent Dove in Distant Lands.' A Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me. 2 My enemies would hound me all day, For there are many who fight against me, O Most High. 3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?   

Psalms 56:1-4

 

Your child snuggles close, whispering, "I'm afraid." It may be fear of the dark, fear of "something" lurking in the closet, or even an unnamed fear.

 

"There's nothing to be afraid of," you reassure the little one, trying to soothe his fears. But deep inside, you know there is. You have felt fear's chilling impact. Who has not?

 

Says the noted atomic scientist Harold Urey, a Nobel Prize winner, "I myself am a man who is afraid. All the wise men I know are afraid."

 

There is such a thing as healthy fear, a fear that does something about the problem. Fear of an epidemic, for instance, leads to immunization. Fear of an insecure future keeps insurance companies in business. The wise man of the Bible, Solomon, said: "The fear of the LORD prolongeth days"(Proverbs 10:27) Surely this is a healthy fear, this reverence that leads to a right relationship with God.

 

"The LORD will give you rest from your fear," is the prophet's comforting assurance in Isaiah 14:3. So, while the scientists' fears are understandable, you can confidently trust your today and all your tomorrows to God. His security-filled promise can allay the deepest fear.

 

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee (Isaiah 41:10)

 

Battle are Distractions

 

 

This was something floating around Facebook this week.

When I read it - I thought, "how very true.".

We are told in Ex. 14:14 That God will fight for us and we shall hold our peace. When we try to fight all our battles we are self-sufficient, not depending on our Heavenly Father to take care of us. And that can be a very dangerous place to be.
*************************

So wouldn't you know it- once I had written up this post and had it as a draft - waiting to when would post it- that is when this test hit me yet again.

Well the situation with the truck brought a lot of stress to me - because I was thinking that I needed to fight the battle on my own. And it was so neat that shortly after I decided to claim Ex 14:14 ( I had actually totally forgotten about this post that I had done earlier in the week) that God stepped in and took care of the situation. Now if only I could get to the point of trusting God that I do not get into the emotional stress that comes when I am not keeping in mind that God is in control.

 

Bible Marking 2nd series

 

Bible Marking Guide

 by:

John Earnhardt

 

Born Again - BA

"A person must be spiritually born again, thus changing from his or her old ways and living a clean life reflecting the principles and teachings of Christ. Such an experience comes only through the working of the Holy Spirit upon the heart."

 

1. "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9

 

2. "Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."      John 3:3

 

3. "Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."       John 3:5

 

4. "and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."    Matthew 18:3

 

5. "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,"    Acts 3:19

 

6. "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."    John 3:8

 

7. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6

 

8. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Psalms 51:10-12

 

9. "knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin."    Romans 6:6

 

10. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. " 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

11.       " If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God."    Colossians 3:1

 

 

Sermon on the Mount... series..Blessed are Those Who Mourn....

The Sermon on the Mount by Carl Heinrich Bloch

The Beatitudes

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

 

On the surface this beatitude looks as if Jesus is simply saying that those that are sad will be comforted, but there is so much more to this verse than that.

 

This verse takes us to a deeper spiritual level, that the cause of this mourning is sin.

 

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." 

John 12:32

 

(posted in red because these are the words of Jesus)

 

As we are drawn to Jesus and into a personal relationship with Him- we will more clearly see our sinful condition.

 

"Such mourning "shall be comforted." God reveals to us our guilt that we may flee to Christ, and through Him be set free from the bondage of sin, and rejoice in the liberty of the sons of God. In true contrition we may come to the foot of the cross, and there leave our burdens."

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessings pg. 10

 

 "The trials of life are God's workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process; it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material does the Master bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones are polished after the similitude of a palace."

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessings pg. 10  

 

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!"   

Lamentations 3:22-24

 

 To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."   

Isaiah 61:2b-3

 

 

What a Promise

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart,

 All you who hope in the Lord.

Psalms 31:24

 

Hope in the Lord~ Literally "wait for the Lord."

Hoping and waiting go hand and hand along the Christian way.

 Hope is a tonic to Christian experience.

SDA Commentary

 

 

Body Image Issues

(second post of the day - don't miss the other one)

I am a plus sized woman and being so means that some styles just do not look good on me. So in some cases I decided I did not like a certain think and would not wear it- stripes around and capris are two of those things.

But this line of thinking began long ago. Way back to when I was in about the 1st grade. I had some how gotten the idea that sweat shirts were just to hot for me to wear. So or a long time I would not wear them. Then my Mom found a really cute sweat shirt and since we lived in South Dakota at the time and it was cold - I wore it. And I like it. After that I had more of an open mind when it came to sweat shirts.

Then later when I was late teen- early 20's - I had decided that capris were just not flattering for me - so for the longest time I would not wear them. Then one day about 10 years ago, while shopping with my sister, I tried a pair one and liked them and decided to give them a chance. Now when the weather is warm - I will probably be in capris. I do not feel that shorts are modest and so unless shorts come to about my knees - I just don't wear them. So capris are my go to choice when it is warm. So glad I finally gave them a chance.

Well recently I have chanced my mind again. This summer I found a cute summer top that had stripes around- yep- I got it and I liked it. I have since found a short sleeved top and a 3/4 sleeved top- that have stripes around. So now what I do is try to go more by how much I like the top - and if I think it is cute and looks nice on me - I will get it.

So what is this whole post about- when it comes to what you wear - try it- you might like it. And if you don't then you know that you are making an informed decision. Don't let your size totally dictate what you wear or don't wear.

“Even the models we see in magazines wish they could look like their own images.”
~Cheri K. Erdman

 

“One day I had to sit down with myself and decide that I loved myself no matter what my body looked like and what other people thought about my body. I got tired of hating myself.”
~Gabourey Sidibe

 

“Everybody has a part of her body that she doesn’t like, but I’ve stopped complaining about mine because I don’t want to critique nature’s handiwork … My job is simply to allow the light to shine out of the masterpiece.”
~Alfre Woodard

 

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.”
―  Steve Maraboli

Prayer and Studying the Word of God

Yesterday I shared a devotion from last week that spoke of spending quiet time in prayer. Well I just wanted to spend a little more time on this because I feel it is very important.

In our technological savvy world - there seems to always be something going on. Something to distract us from spending time with God. It seems like we always have the radio, TV or computer going-  all these things have some good qualities about them(as well as some bad but we won't go there today.) But when they are going all the time and there is no quiet time for us to spend in developing a relationship with our Saviour, there is something seriously wrong.

We need more than just some time in prayer- we need some serious time in the Bible, our love letter from God. It is only through this quiet time of prayer and study do we truly open ourselves up to hearing God speak to us. Yes, He can speak to us when we just spend quiet time I prayer, but we are missing out on a true blessing when we do not spend time in the scriptures.

If you don't already, I would like to challenge you to devote some time every day to spend in prayer and Bible study. First thing in the morning when it is quiet and not very many interruptions seems to be the best time for me. God is always there waiting to meet with us.

Alone Time With God

Last week while reading in my devotion- "Streams in the Desert" - I read one that stood out to me and I really felt that this message was an important one. So I am sharing it today.

***********************************

 

"And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place" 

 Luke 9:10

In order to grow in grace, we must be much alone. It is not in society that the soul grows most vigorously. In one single quiet hour of prayer it will often make more progress than in days of company with others. It is in the desert that the dew falls freshest and the air is purest.
--Andrew Bonar

"Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile,
Weary, I know it, of the press and throng,
Wipe from your brow the sweat and dust of toil,
And in My quiet strength again be strong.

"Come ye aside from all the world holds dear,
For converse which the world has never known,
Alone with Me, and with My Father here,
With Me and with My Father not alone.

"Come, tell Me all that ye have said and done,
Your victories and failures, hopes and fears.
I know how hardly souls are wooed and won:
My choicest wreaths are always wet with tears.

"Come ye and rest; the journey is too great,
And ye will faint beside the way and sink;
The bread of life is here for you to eat,
And here for you the wine of love to drink.

"Then fresh from converse with your Lord return,
And work till, daylight softens into even:
The brief hours are not lost in which ye learn
More of your Master and His rest in Heaven."

Salt in My Kitchen ....series

 

 Salt in my Kitchen

By:

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

The Twenty-Four-Hour Virus

Bible Reading:

 

 do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:26b-32

 

A young professional couple in New York take the above verse literally. They admit:

"Although sometimes it's way past our bedtime before we settle a difference, we've made this rule. We never say 'Good-night' to each other until we have cleared up whatever has caused strained relations during the during the day. Better to get it out of our system. Who wants to start a day with a virus of misunderstanding left over from yesterday?"

 

Wouldn't you agree that this is sound reasoning? Why cloud the morning horizon? Each day brings its own quota of human problems. No need to aggravate these by aggregating them.

 

An experienced minister had through the years offered God's cure for the virus of misunderstanding, bitterness, and anger to every couple he has united in marriage.

 

"You think today that you will never need this advice," he tells the shiny-eyed bride and the proud groom as he quotes:

 

"And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." vs. 32

 

This is God's prescription and, taken before bedtime, it is guaranteed to work in less than twenty-four hours. Neglecting any virus is asking for trouble and complications. Would not this be a good night to try God's sure cure?

 

 

 

 

Poetry Corner

Perchance thou, too, hast camped by such sweet waters,
And quenched with joy thy weary, parched soul's thirst;
To find, as time goes on, thy streamlet alters
From what it was at first.

Hearts that have cheered, or soothed, or blest, or strengthened;
Loves that have lavished so unstintedly;
Joys, treasured joys--have passed, as time hath lengthened,
Into obscurity.

If thus, ah soul, the brook thy heart hath cherished
Doth fail thee now--no more thy thirst assuage--
If its once glad refreshing streams have perished,
Let HIM thy heart engage.

He will not fail, nor mock, nor disappoint thee;
His consolations change not with the years;
With oil of joy He surely will anoint thee,
And wipe away thy tears.
--J. D. Smith

Bible Marking 2nd series

Bible Marking Guide

 

by:

John Earnhardt

Spiritualism - Sp

"One of Satan's most effective ways to deceive humanity is through counterfeit supernatural manifestations."

1.     But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. 12 For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. 13 And Pharaoh's heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said.    Exodus 7:11-13

2.     'Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:31

3. 'And the person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people. Leviticus 20:6

4.     'A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them.' "    Leviticus 20:27

5.     There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. Deuteronomy 18:10-12

6. So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance.  
  1 Chronicles 10:13

7. And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:19-20

8.     And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." Revelation 16:13-15

9.     For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.    2 Corinthians 11:13-15

10.     Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,    1 Timothy 4:1
 

Sermon on the Mount...series...Foundation Work

The Sermon on the Mount by Carl Heinrich Bloch

 The Beatitudes

Foundation Work

Last week I began a series on The Beatitudes, which now I am feeling will actually be a series on the Sermon on the Mount... Notice the change in the title of this series.

 

I think that I missed an opportunity to build some ground work to begin this series, so today we will back up just a bit to do so.

 

One of the things that I think would be a good idea to get a better understanding of before we move forward with the Beatitudes is the meaning of the word blessed.

 

In my Andrews Study Bible, I found a great explanation that I would like to share with you:

 

"Blessed ~ Some have translated this as "happy." But it is doubtful that Jesus is speaking of the subjective state of happiness. The objective state of blessedness is independent of outward circumstances."  

 

The desire to be happy is a natural desire that we all have- it was placed in us when we were created. The easiest way to find true happiness in life is to be obedient to God's Word. When we try to achieve happiness by following the world's way- we are often left with emptiness instead. True happiness is my desire.

 

"Jesus shows his followers how man ought to live- not simply according to a set of rules but by an inner revolution of attitude and outlook. The glorious thing is that having set a seemingly impossible standard, he went on to give men the power to live up to it."

 Eerdmans' Concise Bible Handbook p. 264

 

I am so thankful that God has given us not only clear instructions to finding true happiness but He has also give us everything needed to achieve it.

And before I end this post - I would like to share a quote from a special book that basically condenses the 1st of the beatitudes in this one paragraph.

 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3
 

  "He who feels whole, who thinks that he is reasonably good, and is contented with his condition, does not seek to become a partaker of the grace and righteousness of Christ. Pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to give. There is no room for Jesus in the heart of such a person. Those who are rich and honorable in their own eyes do not ask in faith, and receive the blessing of God. They feel that they are full, therefore they go away empty. Those who know that they cannot possibly save themselves, or of themselves do any righteous action, are the ones who appreciate the help that Christ can bestow. They are the poor in spirit, whom He declares to be blessed."

quote from "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessings" page 7

Now we are ready for the next beatitude next time. :O)



What a Promise with a Bonus

He shall deliver you in six troubles, Yes, in seven no evil shall touch you.

Job 5:19

 

I have wondered what this verse meant by 6 troubles and then when I it says "in seven"? Well I looked it up in my Bible Commentary and I was very glad I did.

 

It says:

"An expression found also in Ugaritic poetry. These numbers should not be taken literally. Six means many- seven means more." Is that not the neatest things!

So -

 He shall deliver you in many troubles, Yes, in more no evil shall touch you.

 

That really encourages me, and I bet it is encouraging to you as well.

Have a blessed day :O)

 

The Old and the New Trails

 About two years ago I shared with you where I walked. You can click HERE to check it out.

A little over a month ago - I started walking. But this time I have not been going to the park to walk on the trail. There are a couple of reasons why I have not been going to the park. Even though it is only about 1 - 2 miles from my home - it would still use gas to get there and back. And with gas prices being the way they are and our finances being tight - I can not justify the usage of gas. Especially when I have a perfectly good place to walk from my home.

I live on a fairly busy road- Many people use our road to get to a nearby highway  - that is about 5-6 miles away - or to another busy road the other direction. So the very first part and the very last part of my walk each day is on a road that is a little busier than I'd like to be walking on- but once I get to a nearby road- this road takes me to a wonderful little neighborhood. When I first turn onto this road the first thing I see is a sign:

The way the road is - I can basically walk a figure 8 - although one end of the figure 8 is much smaller than the other side. There is basically a circle that is about 1/3-1/2 of a mile - depending on if you walk on the inside of the road or the outside of the road. I love this little neighborhood. There are a lot of big trees to provide a decent amount of shade- which has been a real blessing for me this past week - I have not been able to wear my contacts so I have been wearing my glasses - well I can't wear my sunglasses when I have my sunglasses on. And I have not been able to buy the sunglasses attachment thing for me glasses yet. So the shade has been nice. The neighborhood is quiet- mostly cause when I walk most of the kiddos are at school. When I walk in the evenings - which sometimes I do - there is a lot more activity on the road. When I walk in the mornings - I will see others walking as well. I have meant a few really nice people by walking there. I love watching the squirrels playing chase, hearing the birds chatter, seeing the squirrels playing keep away with the dogs. It is just a great place to walk.

Another great detail to where I walk is that part of the walk is up hill and part of the walk is down hill and part of it is flat ground. That up and down is great - for challenging me. A couple of years ago when I went to the health seminar - Dr. B shared with us how when you are walking it is great to mix up your walk by walking fast or running for a bit and then going back to normal speed for a while. Well by my walking up hill and down hill - and back and forth since I go around a circle which is the hill and down hill area - I challenge myself just fine.

So now my walking is much easier and easier to resist talking myself out of going. It is easy. I don't have to put any effort other than walking into it. And I love the place in which I walk. It is relaxing and great for my soul.

And if I get tired of where I am walking - I can always go back to the park and walk on the rail. I have options and that is great!

I hope you, too, have a place near your home that you are able to walk. It's really good for you. :o)

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Ok - for those of you that prayed for me about my dentist appointment, I just want to report that it went great - so much better than I thought it would. Thanks for the prayers :O)