The Twenty-Third Psalm For Today...serie.. finale

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To that only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."

 Jude 24, 34

 



Several Prayer Requests

Oh my goodness- things have been very busy around here. So much going on. Things should calm down after this week end and I will have a chance to get some more posts typed up. I have a new little series that I want to do. And I will also be sharing a little up date on my 50 by 50.
I have several prayer requests:

We need to find a home for a couple of our cats- one of our cats and at least one of the kittens. We already had 2 cats when the kittens came along- the two did not get along and now that we have the kittens the two cats fight- so we are going to be trying to get rid of the cat that does not like the kittens either. It will make a much more peaceful home. We are also planning to get rid of at least one of the kittens. Please pray that we can find a home for these two kitties.

Also we have a kitten that is having some health issues - which is causing him to poop where he is not suppose to - which is causing me a whole lot of extra work. Please pray that we can figure out something to help him to stop having accidents.

My husband has a choice to make with his job situation and I am praying that God will lead him in the right direction. Please join me.

Well that is all I can think of right now. Thanks so much for the prayers. :O)

Checking In

Well I have just a few minutes and thought would jump on here and say Hello! I have been super busy. A whole lot going on around here. Changes going on. Spending time with my granddaughter. My hands full with all the kittens and such. And trying to keep all my stuff done - along with all the extras. Sometimes it is a little overwhelming - but I am keeping up. I have a couple of posts in the works right now. And I can't wait to finish them up and get them typed up. I miss my time to blog and hopefully I can get back to it soon. If nothing else by Aug 1 I should be able to do so.

The Twenty-Third Psalm For Today....Eternal LIfe

 

...and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

 

Eternal Life

 

"I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."
John 11:25-26

 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed form death unto life."

John 5:24

 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should no perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

 

"In my Father's house are any mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

John 14:2,3



Beloved Names of God.... Good Shepherd

From the book ~ Beloved Names of God.......

 

Good Shepherd

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

John 10:11 NIV

 

 

Name of God the Son

 

Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd" twice in the NIV

 

In calling Himself the "good shepherd," Jesus was fulfilling a prophecy of Isaiah (40:11)

 

In John 10 Jesus told the Pharisees that He knows His people and they know Him, and that He would live and die for His flock

 

As a boy, the future Olympic athlete and missionary Eric Liddell loved hearing his mother sing about "The Ninety-nine and the One." Eventually she refused to sing it anymore. Eventually she refused to sing it anymore. Why? Because he cried every time she sang it, and she couldn't bear to see him so upset. But Eric pleased. So she sang about the Shepherd (Jesus Christ), who had brought ninety-nine of His sheep in from the storm- only to go out again, risking His life and searching the dangerous cliffs, all to rescue one little lamb. An ordinary shepherd would have been thankful for the remaining ninety-nine and his own safety. But the Good Shepherd gave His life so that every lost lamb might be saved.

The story goes that Eric Liddell would stand with his face to the wall, just so his mom would not see him cry over such a wonderful love.

 

Working as a missionary in China at the start of WWI, he sent his own family to safety then walked, alone, into a land being fought over by five armies. The Lord called him home before the war ended, but along the way Eric Liddell showed God's love to many lost lambs.



Upside Down

While my husband was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago, he got a diagnosis that kind of turned his life upside down. That is how he felt about it anyway. And I understand, because of this diagnosis - things needed to be changed. And thankfully he has been working towards the changes.

He is Dr. had been watching his blood levels, except that over 2015 he did not end up going to the Dr for anything at all. 2014 was a very busy medical year for both my husband and I. In fact, it took until about a month or so ago for us to get my husbands last big hospital bill paid off. So when J went into the hospital with chest pains. They took ran blood tests and come to find out that he is diabetic. Not what he wanted to hear.

My husband loves his sweet tea. I think that has been the hardest thing for him to give us. I am been so very proud of him - he gave it up. I got some Splenda and he has been drinking it. And he has been drinking more water. Also it was nice to find G2 - which is Gaterade that is lower in sugar. So although my husband still misses his sweet tea - he has been making much better choices.

When my husband got his diagnosis, I decided that I, too, needed to make some changes. I had some risk factors that make it more likely for me to get diabetes as well. So I, too, have made changes. I have been more mindful of what I am eating and drinking. And I think that these changes are going to make it so much easier for me to meet my goal of 50 by 50.

Last Sunday morning, my husband woke up before I ate my breakfast - so he checked my fasting glucose levels. I was happy with the number- less than 100. I had remembered that I had been running right at 100 lately. Once I got the new number - I decided to go to my most recent blood work levels and once I looked - I was shocked! It had been 103. I had not realized that I had that high of a number! I guess during the same visit my LDL was high and that was more the focus so it had not really registered in my mind that my number was that high. So believe me when I say I was very happy to get a number of 98 when I tested last Sunday.

I plan on testing every so often to keep an eye on my numbers. But I believe that as I continue to make better choices, that number will come down and I can keep from being diagnosed!

So the beginning of July has seen many changes around here. We are both seeing good results and look forward to seeing more good results.

It's Not One Giant Step...

This is a good reminder for those of us that want to get healthier. It's a lot of small steps that will lead us to better health.

But this is also true in many other aspects of live. Let's make sure we are taking all of those little steps - that way we can end up where we need to be.

Stop by tomorrow and you will see what caused our world to turn upside down.

The Twenty-Third Psalm For Today...series

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life....

The Good Life

 "The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup; thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage."

Psalm 16:5,6

 

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

James 1:17

 

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him."
1 John 4:9

 

"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."

Psalm 34:8

 

"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:..."

Philippians 1:6

 

"For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 4:6

In Search of Peace

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"The Sermon on the Mount is a guide to peace and contentment. Its truths are directed toward the deeper aspects of life. It presents fundamental emotional attitudes rather than intellectual ideas or mere theory. Spiritual reality goes deeper than rational levels. It is difficult for a Christian to put his experience into words because spiritual experience is always richer than words can relate.

The greatest urge of the human heart is for peace. The achievement of peace and serenity often outweighs all other values which men may gain. Men's activity may be understood only in the light of the search after that which he hopes will bring him peace.

Men search for peace in three distinct ways. The first group seeks peace in the proper arrangement of externals. They hope that a good environment will give them the desired gift of serenity. A large section of modern Christian thought has emphasized the need of social transformation. Society is to be transformed politically, economically, and socially in the hope of providing self- realization for man. The quest for peace by the way of externals has always brought disillusionment. An ideal environment is of little value when the deeper problems of life arise. Externals have their importance, but they do not minister to the core of life. Adequate environmental relationships may be necessary, but they are not the basic requisites for a full life.

A second group searches for peace within themselves. They are not particularly interested in social reform. This group would rather overcome handicaps than completely remove them. Mental discipline, self-analysis, and other like procedures are followed religiously. This second method often yields some results. It, however, is still not the true way to peace. Here a person stays too much with himself.

The third and true method toward peace is the way of union with God. Peace is neither without nor within. Contentment comes from a union with the Creator. Man was made for God and can find peace only in Him. It is as Pascal once said: "Happiness is neither within only or without us; it is the union of ourselves with God."

Men of today have prided themselves with the all- sufficiency of reason. World conditions demonstrate the fact, however, that mere intellect is not enough. Attitude have to do with the heart whereas concepts may be only the superficial product of the head. When man tries to  live by reason alone, he at once shows his lack of understanding of the deeper functions of life. Man is a feeling creature as well as a reasoning creature. It is within man's feelings that all prompts of actions arise. Socrates or Plato may speak to the mind, but Jesus speaks to men's minds and hearts. Philosophers are primarily interested in how men think about the universe. Jesus is interested in man's way of feeling as well as his way of thinking.

One deeply spiritual writer speaks thus of the words of Jesus as uttered in the Sermon on the Mount: "As something strange and new, those words fall upon the ears of the wondering multitude. Such teaching is contrary to all they have every heard from priest or rabbi. They see in it nothing to flatter their pride or to feed their ambitious hopes. But there is about this new Teacher a power that holds them spellbound. The sweetness of divine love flows from His very presence, as the fragrance from a flower. His words fall like 'rain upon the mown grass; as showers that water the earth.' All feel instinctively that here is One who reads the secrets of the soul, yet who comes near to them with tender compassion. Their hearts open to Him, and, as they listen, the Holy Spirit unfolds to them something of the meaning of that lesson which humanity in all ages so needs to learn."
quote from Mount of Blessings pg. 17-18
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10 Things God Can't Do

Testing Today

Today my husband will have a scope in or for the Dr to check out what is going on and maybe figure out why my husband has been having issues with his chest. We have to be at the hospital by 8am and the test will be at 9:30am.

Two weeks ago he had several different tests to rule out heart issues. So now we are pursuing what else could be causing the problems. Anyway - please be praying that the Dr will be able to figure out what is going on and be able to help my husband to feel better. Thank you so much! :O)

Some Help in the Kitchen

These are from an old cookbook I got several years ago. Recently I decided that I needed to go through my cookbook shelf and purge a bit. This was one of the cookbooks that did not make the cut. But I thought I would at least take photos of these helpful charts and share them with you all. :O)

 

50 by 50

What a catchy title, isn't it? I thought so! In light of the news that my husband got while in the hospital - I have made a decision. I want to lose 50 pounds - by... you guessed it... the time that I turn 50 years old. I have right at 3 1/2 years to make that goal. Yes- it shouldn't take me that long -but as difficult as it has been for me to lose any weight at all- especially since my hysterectomy- I wanted to make it a doable goal. Not only a doable goal  - but this way - I may lose the 50 pounds before I turn 50 but this way I will be encouraged to keep that weight off so that when I turn 50 - I can be at my goal weight! .

I know that there are changes that I need to make and I have known for a while - but I think that the fear of medical issues rising their ugly heads should help keep me in the straight and narrow of healthy choices for the most part. I sure hope so. I have faith that the changes that I make will lead to weight loss. It might be slow go - but anything in that direction will be wonderful!

Something great that I figured into this number is the fact that many times a person has a hard time losing that last 10 pounds. Well the way I figured out my goal is to work that 10 pounds in - so if I just lose 40 pounds - I will perfectly content because that is a good weight for me. If I am able to continue on to the total 50 pounds - then it is a good bonus for me. Either way I win! Either way I am happy! This is a process. This will be gradual and I realize and accept that.

Anyway - So I will be up dating from time to time about the "50 by 50" so be watching for that.

Which Team Are You With?

A friend posted this poem and this great thought and I just had to share- especially with some of the things going on in our world today.


Building is a long and deliberate work. But destruction is the work of a thoughtless moment. You don't have to think before you tear someone down. However you ...do have to think carefully to build someone up. It's time to be concerned about others and build each other up!

 

THE BUILDER
I saw them tearing a building down
A team of men in my hometown.
With a heave and a ho and a yes yes yell,
they swung a beam and a sidewall fell.
And I said to the foreman, "Are these men skilled?"
"Like the ones you'd use if you had to build?"
And he laughed and said, "Oh no, indeed...
the most common labor is all I need...
for I can destroy in a day or two
what takes a builder ten years to do."
So I thought to myself as I went on my way...
Which one of these roles am I willing to play?
Am I one who is tearing down as I carelessly make my way around?
Or am I one who builds with care, in order to make the world a
little better... because I was there?
Anonymous

 

 

The Twenty-Third Psalm For Today.....The Joyful Life

 

....my cup runneth over.

The Joyful Life

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Philippians 4:4

 

Those wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy;

at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 16:11

 

The blessing of he Lord, it maketh rich, and je addeth no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 10:22

 

...ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16:24

 

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;

but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Hoy Ghost.
Romans 14:17

 

....the fruit of the Spirit is.... joy.
Galatians 5:22

 

General Fund of Common Sense

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable;
 but the mouth of the wicked speaketh forwardness.
Proverbs 10:32 KJV

The verse that we are going to be looking at today is from the KJV - I have listed it in another version just for you to be able to better understand it.

 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable:

but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
Proverbs 10:32

As I was studying this verse one day, I pulled out my Bible Commentary and I really liked what it said. In fact, I liked it so much I decided to share it here with you all:

What is acceptable: The good man consciously avoids words that might hurt or offend, because he realizes something of the suffering that is caused by words spoken carelessly or thoughtlessly as well as by malicious or mischievous words. Through the centuries the consideration has been part of the general fund of common sense. Recent studies in psychiatry reveal that the havoc wrought by the lips may, in many cases, be far greater, and the damage done much deeper, than had been suspected. Those who place themselves under the guardianship of Heaven's angels will receive strength to avoid offending in word or deed(see COL 341,342). 

Speaketh forwardness:  "Speaketh" is a supplied word. We may supply "know" as in the previous clause, or simply "is." The bad man speaks evil as unconsciously as te good man speaks good words; for in both cases the utterances of the lips spring from the heart. ( see Matt. 12:34-37),. But both also deliberately plan to speak in ways suited to their regenerate or unregenerate natures. The wicked man takes delight in tantalizing, and is careless of the harm he does. He uses perverse words in carrying out evil plans. How important it is, in view of these considerations, that every man who is striving for the mastery (1 Cor. 9:25) keep a close watch on his lips(1 Peter 3:10)!

And every man that strives for self control is temperate in all things.

 Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

1 Corinthians 9:25

 

For he that will love life, and see good days,

 let him refrain his tongue from evil,

 and his lips that they speak no guile:
1 Peter 3:10

Yoke of Anxiety

"Do we well to be thus unbelieving? Why should we be ungrateful and distrustful? Jesus is our friend; all heaven is interested in our welfare; and our anxiety and fear grieve the Holy Spirit of God. We should not indulge in a solicitude that only frets and wears us, but does not help us to bear trials. No place should be given to that distrust of God which leads us to make a preparation against future want the chief pursuit of life, as though our happiness consisted in these earthly things. It is not the will of God that His people should be weighed down with care. But our Lord does not tell us that there are no dangers in our path. He does not propose to take His people out of the world of sin and evil, but He points us to a never-failing refuge. He invites the weary and care-laden, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Lay off the yoke of anxiety and worldly care that you have placed on your own neck, and "take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:28, 29. We may find rest and peace in God, casting all our care upon Him; for He careth for us. See 1 Peter 5:7.
Says the apostle Paul, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Hebrews 3:12. In view of all that God has wrought for us, our faith should be strong, active, and enduring. Instead of murmuring and complaining, the language of our hearts should be, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Psalm 103:1, 2." PP 294.2

Beloved Names of God

Holy Ghost

Take heed therefore with yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overcomers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.

Acts 20:28 KJV

 

 

• Name of God the Holy Spirit
•  
• The name "Holy Ghost" appears ninety times in the KJV.
•  
• The term Holy Ghost derives from the Old English term gast meaning "spirit" or "soul."
•  
• The Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit appears throughout the New Testament, giving the gift of a son to Mary, watching over Jesus' baptism, and empowering the apostles.
•  

In the 1940's Jimmy Wilson was a shepherd looking for his flock in a snowstorm with his dog, Peat. Completely lost and freezing, he stumbled across fresh footprints. Thinking they might lead him to safety,  he followed them for a while before realizing they were his own. Feeling cold, tired, and defeated, he turned to his companion, realizing Peat may know the way home better than himself. "Go home, boy!" he commanded, trusting the dog would lead the way. And Peat did head for home, just close enough for Jimmy to follow. They both made it safely back and found the sheep along the way!

 

Jesus described the Holy Ghost as a "Comforter," a companion who would always be with us, ready to offer guidance. It's often seen as the active force that pints us towards the Father and heaven. Just as Jimmy put all his trust in his dog's instincts, we can have faith that relying on the Holy Ghost will lead us down the right path.

 



Update

So sorry it has taken me so long to up date on my husband. He came through his heart cath smoothly. Thankfully everything was good. So no problems with the heart. We are thinking that it may be his Barretts Esophagus acting up. We are trying to get him in to see the dr to get the scope as soon as we can. Some of his blood work was off- like high or low and it is worrisome to us. Plus there was some other news that he got while he was in the hospital, but he is wanting to process it all before we tell people about it. So as soon as I get the all clear from him - I will share. I will say it has inspired me to make some changes as well. And there is a post that I am working on that will tell about it.

I am so happy that I got out and got our yard mowed and half of my weed eating done because the last two nights we have gotten thunderstorms and some rain. I still have more yard work to do but waiting till it dries up some.

This is the month that our son has his daughter - so this will be a very busy month for me. I will continue to post as I can. I already have a couple written up and a couple more ideas of what I want to share.

I hope you all are doing well.

"If I am lifted up"

For God so loved the world,

 that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believes in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

This is a very well known verse, in fact, many people are familiar with this verse even if they are not really into reading and studying the Bible. And that is a good things, except when the knowledge is left there. Sometimes when a verse is very well known we skim over it without truly understanding its meaning. My intent today is to share with you some more information that will help you with a better understanding of this verse and several others.

 

An important way to study your Bible is to look at context and in order to do that we need to read more than just once verse- its good to read the whole chapter - sometimes even more is needed to e read in order to have a full look at the context and meaning of the verse. In the case of what I am presenting today we are going to look at John 3:14-17. 

 

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

 

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

John 12:32

 

(If you want to read more about Moses lifting the snake up in the wilderness read - Numbers 21:4-9)

I have to be honest. What I am sharing with you today is from a little booklet called ~ "John~ God Became Flesh" by Elizabeth Viera Talbot

 

"Jesus spoke of His death as being "lifted up" John 12:32. Everyone who looks at the cross and believes in HIm has eternal life. Whoever, everyone, each person who understands that they have been bitten and then chooses to look up, will live." pg. 18

 

We have been bitten by sin.

 

So the question is asked: "Why would Jesus identify Himself with a snake? Doesn't the serpant represent the devil, evil, and sin? Oh Yes! That's the beauty of the typology:

 

"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21

 

I had never truly understood that verse as I do after reading this book and putting these verses together.

 

"People use the word gospel ("good news") for many things and it becomes confusing. The gospel is outside of use, and it happened two thousand years ago. Jesus saved the world; He is the Antidote!

What the Holy Spirit does in us, transforming us, changing us to  desire the law of God is not the gospel; it is the outcome of understanding and accepting the antidote. We have assurance of salvation because of what Christ has done for us. What he does in us is not what saves us; that's what He does after we accept His Salvation. He will help us to live ourlives for His glory, to attract others to His kingdom, to live healthily for our own happiness." pg 18-19

 

Now let's review our original verse- this time read it very slowly and insert your name for "the world" and "whoever"

 

 

 

For God so loved ________,

 that He gave His only begotten Son,

that _______ (who) believes in Him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

 

 

 

Isn't that beautiful? Once I read about that and understood it better - I just had to share, I hope that you were blessed as much as I have been!!

 

 

 

Happy 4th of July!

 

 

The Twenty-Third Psalm For Today....Gladness

...though anointest my head with oil...

Gladness

Serve the Lord with gladness;

come before his presence with singing.

Psalm 100:2

 

Though hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: though hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Psalm 30:11,12

 

Light is own for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

Psalm 97:11

 

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

Psalm 122:1

 

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

 

Thou hast put gladness in my heart... Psalm 4:7

 

Heart Gifts....series.... God Bless America

God Bless America

 

 

"America the beautiful"_

May it always stay that way_

But to keep "Old Glory" flying

There's a price that we must pay...

For everything worth having

Demands work and sacrifice,

And freedom is a Gift from God

That commands the highest price...

For all our wealth and progress

Are as worthless as can be

Without the Faith that made us great

And kept our country free...

Nor can our nation hope to live

Unto itself along,

For the problems of our neighbors

Must today become our own

And while it's hard to understand

The complexities of war,

Each one of us must realize

That we are fighting for

The principles of freedom

And the decency of man,

and as a Christian Nation

We must protect our honor

And fulfill our obligation...

So in these times of crisis

Let us offer no resistance

In giving help to those who need

Our strength and our assistance_

And "The Stars and Stripes Forever"

Will remain a symbol of

A rich and mighty nation...

Built on Faith and Truth and Love.

 

By Helen Steiner Rice  



Prayers requested

just checking in quickly to ask for prayers. My husband has been in the hospital
 Since Wednesday. He went in with chest pain. They have done ekg, stress test and echocardiogram. The results from the stress test were abnormal- which means- he has to have a heart catch this morning. I'd sure appreciate prayers.