Persecuted Church

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We have no idea what the Christians around the world go through in order to worship God. Did you know there are 18 Christians who die every hour because of their belief in Jesus? I can't imagine it. We had a very unique worship service today to help us understand, in a small way, what Christians in some countries go through to worship God. The doors going into the sanctuary were closed and paper was over the windows so we couldn't see in. There were black curtains going into the back hallway that we had to go through after we left our Bibles in the lobby. We were quietly led into the sanctuary through the side door. The chairs had all been turned around to face the back of the building. Reason? We have a cross up in front and in other countries a cross would not be allowed. There was no sound system used today. Hymns were printed onto sheets of paper and laying on the seats. A Cello, guitar, and drums played softly and we sang softly. We even sang silently! For scripture today folks were invited to stand and quote a verse from memory. I felt the Lord's presence as I listened to the verses being quoted. We really have no idea what other Christian folks go through to worship God. We take it for granted. Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are Omnipresent. Forgive me for taking You for granted. Life is too easy here. Thank you for loving me anyway. Help me to be a better witness for You. "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the Power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the gentile." Romans 1:16

Veterans Day

Today is the day to remember all our war veterans. We've had many in just our own family. Jerry's brothers, Bob-WWII; Jim-Korean Conflict; brother-in-law, Roger-WWII; uncle, Harry-WWI; and others that I can't think of or don't know of. In my own family my brother, Richard-Korean Conflict; uncle, Richard-WWII; nephew, Woody-Desert Storm; cousin, LJ-WWII; cousin once removed, Louis-WWI; and others I can't think of. I'm sure we had some who fought in the Civil War and the War of 1812. We also had some who were in the military but didn't have to fight in a war; Jerry; Sean; Roger; and more. We honor all of them today and every day. Heavenly Father, I don't like war and I know You don't either. It's because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve that sin entered into the world and therefore, war. It's because of leaders who are greedy and who know nothing of the Love of Jesus. I praise You, Father, because You are Love. You are Ultimately In Control, even when it doesn't look like it. You have promised to never leave us or forsake us.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Ted! You were our second child of five and our first son of three! You were the smallest of all five babies, weighing just over 6 pounds and you grew up to be the tallest of all five siblings, just over 6 feet! We're looking forward to you coming here for the weekend. I'm fixing your favorite dinner from your childhood years - Chicken & Pork Adobo. Mmmm! Thank you, Lord, for Ted. He's a very good person, a terrific son, and a great dad. Keep him close to you. Help him to remember: The joy of the Lord is our strength. Nehemiah 8:10

A Little Boy

We have a great-grand nephew, Cameron, who is in intensive care! He started out with a bad cold that wouldn't get better, just worse. Finally his mom, our grandniece, took him to emergency. He was admitted to the hospital that day, Mon or Tues. Then because our hospital doesn't have equipment small enough for a little child not quite two years he was transported to a bigger hospital in a larger city near by. We were called today and asked to pray for him, which we did. This was the first we even knew he was sick! Well then, I felt like I needed to go to the hospital and at least see his family to let them know we care. I didn't expect to see him. So his great-grandmother, Betty; Aunt Sandy, and I all went together. After a while we got to go in to see him. Well, he's doing a little better today. They're keeping him asleep so he can't pull the cords and tubes off. He's on a ventilator for breathing. He's a very sick little boy. On Monday the doctors hope to take the ventilator off. I don't know why I felt so impressed to go over but I did, and now, I'm glad I did. I just feel glad. Dear Lord, thank you for Cameron. Today was the first time I've ever seen him! He's a sweet little guy. I praise You, because You are our Healer. Please continue to touch his little body. Please reveal Yourself to his family. Help them to know that You are the Almighty Healer, You are Love.

Snow!

We're getting our first snow of the season! I love it! It's so beautiful. I love sitting in our sun room and watching it snow all around, with me sitting in the warmth. Thank you, Lord, for the seasons and for snow. You are the Creator. I praise You.

A New Day!

Well, a new day! I've already met with the Lord this morning...He was waiting for me! He always is. I read about Philip running along side of a chariot. That's a great story of obedience. Acts 8:26-40 I'm reminded of a time, years ago, when I felt so impressed to go to a friend who was moving away. I'm not writing it to boast but because I'm humbled to think the Lord gave me this experience. I had been taking care of a little girl while her mother taught school. One day she told me when school was over they'd be moving. Oh...all day I felt bad because they'd be leaving and because in all our talking we'd never talked about God. They didn't attend any church, she was a single mom. A few evenings later I was driving to the grocery store by myself and I felt the Lord talking to me about my friend. He seemed to be telling me I should stop by her apartment and talk to her about Him! Oh, I couldn't do that! No way! I shook my head and tried to think of other things but the Lord was very persistant and wouldn't leave me alone. So I began to argue with Him. Her younger brother also lived with her and her little girl and I said he would be there and so I couldn't talk to her alone. The Lord said, "No, he'll be in his bedroom doing his homework." So I reasoned Laura would be playing and interrupting us. "No, she'll be in bed asleep." Well, I was sure the TV would be on so we'd have a hard time talking. "No, the TV is off." I was sure my friend wouldn't be interested in anything I had to say about my relationship with God! "Yes, she will and I want you to stop by her place and talk with her." Well, I had to drive past her apartment building on my way home and when I got to her driveway, my car turned in! I knew I had to obey! I was scared to death but somehow I knew this was God telling me to talk to her. I knocked on her door, she was surprised to see me and invited me in. It was quiet in the living room. "Where's your brother?" I asked. He was in his bedroom studying! "Where's Laura?" She was in bed asleep! The TV was turned off! I said to her that I felt bad because they're moving away and because I've never taken time to tell her what I believe about God and about my personal relationship with Jesus. She actually told me she'd often wondered what I believed. She knew our home was a Christian home and she'd love to have me tell her! We had a good visit and then I left. When school ended they moved to another state and I've never heard from them. But I'm in awe that God asked me and trusted me to talk to her and how He went with me. Maybe, possibly, a seed was planted. Thank you, Lord, for your abiding presence. Thank you for experiences like this that I can look back on and remember how You were with me. Thank you for helping me and giving me the courage to be obedient.

Journaling

We went to a class this evening that was all about journals. It was interesting. I've been a journal er for years so I have my own ideas of what it should be. But it was interesting to hear of other folks ideas. I think my blogging is a kind of journaling. I don't write anything down that I don't or wouldn't want others to read or to know. But actually, my life is now an open book. I'm free to be me. I still have frustrations and I still get mad some times but in the end I turn everything over to the Lord and He sees me through. Sometimes I have to ask His forgiveness. My prayer is this: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23, 24. NIV

Daylight Savings Time

Well, here I am up at 6:30...I thought it was 7:30! I knew about the change when I went to bed but I didn't change any clocks so when I woke up I even thought I'd overslept! We seldom get up after 7:00. Jerry is still sleeping so I guess he remembers. Oh well, I've got coffee made and I'm ready for the day! I worked really hard yesterday on our Christmas card. I've got it about half done. I usually wait til after Thanksgiving but not this year. (I have a reason) Heavenly Father, this is the day You have made! Let me rejoice and be glad in it!

Jerry's New Toy!

Jerry has a new toy but he really needed it!

Mowing our grass and taking care of the leaves now that fall is here was just getting to be too much for him. We have our lawn tractor, which he used to use to mow, but it's so much work to take the blade off in the spring and put the mower on to mow the grass that he hasn't done that in several years. He's been using a push mower. He needs the tractor with the blade to plow the snow in winter. Sooo... now we have two tractors! This is quite loud, I think he'll need ear plugs with it. I'll look into that tomorrow. By the way, it's a used tractor not new. Thank you, Lord, for helping us find what Jerry needs to help keep the work done up. Thank you for Your many blessings to us.

Birthday Breakfast

We were invited to a birthday breakfast this morning at Cracker Barrel. It was very nice and was in honor of Joan. 14 of us met, we've all been friends for 40+ years! Picture # 1 is Al (Irene was working); #2 Penn & Joan; #3 Harold, Mary, & Frances; #4 Judy & Bob; #5 Richard & Marilyn; #6 Dave & Naomi. Happy Birthday, Joan! Thank you, Lord, for good friends. "Let us not give up meeting together...but let us encourage one another..." Heb 10:25

Still Celebrating!

Well, I'm still celebrating! We had lunch today at noon at Applebee's compliments of Pam & Gene. Oh, was it good! We both had cream of broccoli soup and a chedder BLT sandwich. Mmmmm! Then when we got home and picked up the mail there was a musical card from Lorraine! It's so neat and set us both laughing! And now I get to go shopping at Kohl's compliments of Christy & Sean. So this has been quite the birthday. Thank you, so much, everyone!

The Morning After

Well, here we are, the morning after and Jerry made this comment: "Yesterday you turned 69, now today you're turning 70!" Ohhh, not a good thought! I can't even believe he said that! Richard called and told me middle age doesn't end at 69! He said old age starts at 80! Well, that's a good thought but I'm not sure I agree with him on that. I had a good day though. By the way, we had 1 (one) trick or treater last night! I don't know who he was. He had a ghost mask on and he came in a car but I didn't recognize it. Living in the country and in the woods doesn't make it too attractive to kids or kids parents! We gave the one boy lots of candy! He deserved it! Or maybe it was his mom who deserved it!
Back to my birthday. We went to Dammon's for supper. We're both registered there for our birthdays so mine was free. That was nice and the food was very good. I got lots of cards; e-mails; gifts, a new novel to read; and phone calls so all the attention was very nice. I even got a call last night from Malaysia! I've been told to expect a couple more cards today, so I'm watching for the mailperson! Thank you, Lord, for family and friends that make me feel special on this one day of the year that I claim as my day. I love You, Father.

A Visit to My Friend

Yesterday I drove down to visit my friend who is in the hospital very critically ill. Now I know that's not worded right since he's still asleep. I visited with his family. There is so much to write I hardly know where to begin. I know some of you may say, well then don't write it, but this is my journal written for me...so I want to write it up. I left here about 9:00, picked up a friend (sister-in-law of Lou) and got there about 11:30. We were immediately taken in to see Lou, even I was allowed in to see him, because they explained at the nurses station: I was very, very close to the family and to Lou. He looked so bad, he was all hooked up to every kind of tube and wire and just sleeping. All I could do was lift him up to God in prayer. There was a nice looking young man there that I didn't know. He was also allowed in the room to see Lou. After we'd been there for a few minutes, Thong (Lou's son) said the pastor was going to pray. Oh, so that's who that is and why he was also allowed in. So we all held hands and formed a semi-circle around Lou and Pastor Ger prayed. When we left his room Pastor Ger and I had a long talk, just the two of us. What a wonderful Christian man he is. I'll write more about this later. Different ones of the family were in and out of the lounge so I got to see so many of them and got hugs from them all! Kha and her husband took me down to the lounge for lunch. Kha and I are very close and that gave us a chance to visit by ourselves. Before Xeng and I left to come back home we went to see Lou again...I was so surprised at how much better he looked! He was still sleeping but his color was better and he just looked more rested! Thank you, Heavenly Father, because You are our Healer. I praise You, Father, because You are In Control. Thank you for letting me go down to visit Lou and his family and for keeping me safe as I drove. Help me to be a true witness for You. Help them to see Christ in me. Please give them a clear understanding of Who You Are. And, please, speak to Lou while he's sleeping, reveal Yourself to him.

Happy ...

Well, now what do I do? I've been writing a happy birthday/anniversary greeting to each one in our immediate family and now today it's MY birthday! So what to do???!!! Well, happy birthday to me! This is actually my last year of middle age! But so far my birthday's been really good! Started out on Sunday at the senior pot luck luncheon. All October birthdays were recognized. We were each given a center piece to take home. Here's something really interesting: There are five of us women who have birthdays just two days apart! Wilma 10/27; Lois 10/29; Anita 10/31; Joan 11/2; Irene 11/4! Monday evening Penn and Jerry took Joan and me out for dinner to our favorite restaurant, Logans, in celebration of our birthdays! I've gotten some e-mail b-day greetings. I have four cards on top of the tv now from Richard, Cookie, Jerry, and Judy & Bob! And maybe after the mailman comes in a couple of hours I'll add to them! Jerry is getting me a very special gift...I don't want to say here what it is until I get it...sorry! Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gift of life and for the best gift of all: Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Happy Anniversary

Happy Silver Anniversary, Pam and Gene! This is a great day! I can't believe 25 years have gone by already. Time flies when you're having fun! Oh, I know, life isn't all fun and games but you've had a good marriage and raised two terrific sons. Happy celebration! So now, on to the next 25! Thank you, Lord, for Pam and Gene. For giving them a good marriage and two healthy sons. Please keep Your Hand upon them and their marriage for the next 25 years. May they praise You and trust You and serve You. Thank you, Father.

Tree Down

We had a maple tree right beside the driveway that just had to come down. We don't like cutting maple trees but it was necessary. It was so close someone was bound to knock their side mirror off their car if they weren't watching. So today was the day. Rob came over to help Jerry. The tree was in two parts. They had chained the larger tree but not the smaller one. Well, it turned out that the tree was rotten inside right where it split apart! The smaller part surprised them both by suddenly falling against the house, mainly the porch roof! Thank goodness there was no damage done. I took the picture from the porch and the bell was really in the way. It's hard to read my captions so I'll write them out here. #1 says: tree going down! #2 says: tree against porch roof! #3 says: Jerry on the run!

Thank you, Lord, for helping Jerry and Rob. This was a big job. Thank you, for keeping them safe. I praise you, Father, because You are In Control.

Senior Potluck Luncheon

These are a few photos from our Oct. senior luncheon. There were about 40 folks there and we had a really nice relaxing time with good food! Our friends Penn and Joan had been gone for several weeks and arrived back in town in time to join us for dinner. Were we surprised to see them come walking in! It was great. Thank you, Lord, for good fellowship, good food, and good friends.

A Friend

Those of my readers who know me well know that I have many Hmong friends. These are people from Southeast Asia. One of my very dear friends is very critically ill, with an enlarged heart. I plan to go to see him/his family tomorrow. I taught his children to speak English when they first arrived here and became very close to the whole family, and in fact, to the whole Hmong community. They have moved now to another city so I don't have close contact with them like I used to but we still consider each other very close friends. Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are our Healer and You are Love. You love these Hmong people. Forgive me for not bringing them to You consistently. Help them to know You personally. I don't know where they are spiritually. I know they believe in You but I don't know if they have accepted Jesus as Your Son. Please speak to Lou while he's sleeping and reveal Yourself to him and to the rest of the family. Thank you for the privilege of being their friend. Please help me tomorrow when I go to see him/his family. Keep me safe as I drive, help me to find my way. I love You, Father.

Kitty

Our little kitty loves to lie on top of the telephone. She watches everything that goes on. Nothing escapes her eyes! But she never tells any secrets! Isn't she sweet?! Thank you, Lord, for our blessings in abundance. We even have things we don't need, simply for our enjoyment!

Hold Outs!

We have a few flowers that are just hanging on in spite of the frost that has hit us. The blue is, of course, a lonely little petunia (not in an onion patch!) and the pink is a begonia. It's not like they used to be, they were full flowers with lots of petals, now this is all that's left.

But they're still beautiful and I love them. Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of and creativity of flowers.