Happy Trails to You

Who wants to celebrate? I LOST 14 LBS THIS MONTH!!!!!!!!!

There are two things that I really miss since I've been an adult and gotten old and fat. One is riding a horse and the other is riding a bike. Some day I'm going to lose enough to do both again. Of course, nothing beats the feeling of gallopingthrough an open field wide open with the wind in your hair and the smell of leather and horsesweat and honeysuckle making you high. But if I had a second choice, this little baby pictured above would be it.

Isn't she pretty? I love the retro look, the little pink seat, and of course the basket just makes it complete. Oh and those pretty fenders! If I had a bike today, it would be this one. I just love the girliness of it all. If you go to beach cruiser blog,you can see all the different styles they have, or even help them decide on their newest looks. You will be impressed with the many different types of beach cruisers they have available. And I'm sure some of you are looking for a great Christmas present for your youngster or your health-conscious brother-in-law.

What is your favourite color? What should be the color combination? You can decide different color for frame, rims, fenders and seat. But for me, I think this one is perfect just the way it is. I think I would a midnight blue with silver fenders and black seat too, though. The possibilities are endless.

No, it's not as good as riding the trails Roy Rogers style, but hey--we can't all be Dale Evans.

Roy Rogers
rel="tag">Dale Evans

Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are

John 6:35 reads like this: "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."He speaks of giving everlasting LIFE to those who will believe in Him. Again in John 10:10; Jesus says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Only the TRUE believers can worship TRULY. True believers have a sincere gratitude for being rescued from a life of sin. Worship is all about reverence, admiration, and love. It is a humble service rendered in appreciation for all that God gave when He gave His only son. It is not rendered in a mere obligatory way rather it is freely given from the heart of the redeemed.

With salvation comes the promise of everlasting life. That life is now and in the hereafter. Worship should be a part of our present as certainly as it will be in our future. The book of Revelations gives a picture of worship that can be used as a pattern for us today. In chapter 4 we read of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders. Verse 8 states that they never cease to say; "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." Revelations 5:12 puts it this way: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise." Verse 13 adds, "forever and ever".

We should worship with all of our being; mind, body, will, and emotions. Any thing less and we are like a beautiful sanctuary that is empty and lifeless. We have potential and capacity but we are void of the service we were created to provide.

He has given His all, shouldn't we give ours?

--Worship Wednesday is brought to you by PT2006. Thanks!

Update

I have had a sick child the last couple of days--stomach virus. Today he is finally better and probably will go back to school tomorrow.

I have managed to get a day's worth of typing in since 2:30 this afternoon and clean the bedroom carpet. We steam cleaned the living room last night and still have four rooms to go. Trying to get it in good shape for the holidays. And no, I don't have my tree up yet. That will be probably another week in coming.

I have nothing philosophical or inspirational to impart today. My body and my mind are weary. I just stopped by to let you know I haven't forgotten you and have made a short pass through some blogs. If I haven't been by yours, it's nothing personal. I'll get to it sooner or later. As rewarding as it is to work from home, when you have a sick child it becomes a challenge. For all the family members that have called and I haven't had time to talk, I'll call you back tomorrow.

What's in a Name?

A simple way to praise another is to add a title when you address them; one that describes a quality trait or attribute of their status. The Psalmist spoke of God as Jehovah-Elyon, the Lord most high. Not a polished paragraph of accolades, just a simple addition to the name Jehovah. The meaning is one that parallels the commandment; “thou shall not have any other god before me”. There is none higher than God.

“I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness; and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.” Ps.7:17

I have taken the first three words of this verse and used them for my screensaver. I find it helpful to remind myself to praise. In Sunday morning services, it is easy. When everything is running smoothly, it is easy. When I have extra money to spend, it is easy. You get the point. You all know the opposite of these times; Monday mornings, rough times, and the day just before payday. These are the times when I need a reminder.

Lately, those reminders have come in the study of the names of God. Jehovah-Elyon has been a perfect addition to my prayers, for it reminds me of how all of my problems are beneath the LORD MOST HIGH. None are greater than He.

The Psalmist gives another reminder in Psalms 100:4. “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; Be thankful unto Him and bless His name.”


The Apostle Paul adds; “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Instead of saying have a Happy Thanksgiving, I say give your THANKS HAPPILY! Remember to PRAISE! PT2006

A Long-Winded Letter

I've got a new post up at Writer...Interrupted. Well, it was new yesterday. I've been buried under work after coming off a very busy weekend. My neice got married Saturday on Chase's birthday, and CWGIII was a ringbearer, CWGJr officiated, and I ran the soundboard and cued the bridesmaids. It was a gorgeus wedding, but I'm glad it's over. After the wedding we celebrated my baby's birthday at the Mexican restaurant in town. Then on Sunday we drove down to Jackson, Tennessee to celebrate with my side of the family. After getting to have two parties, my son finally forgave Jenn for planning her wedding on his birthday. I think.

I've had more computer problems to the tune of $130. I had to get a new power source for the Compaq laptop. Please remember to unplug your laptop before moving. Those cords are very delicate as are the inner workings of the jacks you plug them into. I know, I recently killed Hewlitt-Packard. They sautered the contacts back, and it lasted all of 5 minutes. Thankfully I had my hubby's newer Compaq for backup when that happened a few months ago. And then yesterday is when the power source on it failed. But a couple hours later and a little bit poorer, I was back in business. The snafu put me behind by two hours, and I completed one file at midnight last night. I just completed the other a few moments ago. Neither was late, but I'm exhausted.

Add to that gearing up for Thanksgiving, and you have a recipe for exhaustion, which it seems many of us are dealing with--and the holidays aren't even here yet. I'm making a couple of Coconut Raisin Chess pies, a Coconut Chess pie minus the raisins, and a homemade banana pudding complete with meringue. Lord willing, if I live that long. We are taking food to my Grandpa in the nursing home, then having lunch with my sisters, then traveling back to Paris to have supper with my hubby's family. Whew! Pray for us as we travel.

I'm thanking God this week for a full-time job in Paris with benefits for my husband. No, it hasn't materialized yet. But I figure I'll get my thank-you in early, God. I know you have something better for him. He's getting so worn out and depressed over this situation. I know you have a master plan. I know it isn't easy for him, and Lord, he's so hard to live with when he's miserable. Please, please intervene. I'm worried about his health and state of mind. God, you can fix this.

I'm thanking God for health, for the good reports I got at the doctor's this month, regardless of the weight and cholesterol issues. Thank you, Lord that there were no critical test results. Thank you for giving me strength for another day and the days to come.

I'm thanking God for my family and extended family. I have wonderful family members. I so enjoy getting to see all of them and visit. And I'm getting new family members as well. Welcome, Ryan, to our family. (Jenn's new husband).

I'm thanking God for a son who is making straight A's. We have to fight over homework and piano lessons, but he gets them done. When he woke up on Saturday I asked him, "How's the birthday boy?" And he said without missing a beat, "It's been a great 7 years!" What a precious gift I have in him. Thank you God for keeping him safe at school each day.

I'm thanking God for meeting my needs. What a wonderful God we serve.

I could go on and on and on. And this week I will remember more blessings to give thanks for as we approach Thanksgiving Day. Please take time to count your blessings and give thanks for them to the One who gave them.

And now, I'll quit my blabbering and get to that laundry that's been piling up and make that grocery list. Good thing I'm sending CWGJr. to Wal-Mart. I sure do hate it this time of year. (But THANKFUL we have one.)

Holidays
Wal-mart
Precious gifts

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHASE!!!

Seven years ago today I lay in a hospital bed with a fetal monitor strapped to my belly, an IV in my arm pushing Pitocin, a blood pressure cuff strapped to my other arm, and a nurse's hand up my vagina saying, "Poop a watermelon." I know, I know that part sounds hilarious now. But all I could think of at that moment was if giving birth was like pooping, I was severely constipated.

After 14 hours of labor, 6 hours of that pushing and straining to get my "watermelon" out, the kind doctor suggested forceps. I was adamently opposed. I did not want my poor baby's face to be all smashed and bruised. But the doctor won out. And still, my "watermelon" refused to budge. He tried the suction thingie with no better results.

Finally, in desperation I screamed. "Get him out, now!" which seemed to garner much better results. Within twenty minutes I was prepped and in surgery. Within 15 more minutes, my bundle of joy had arrived. He was no watermelon. He was my gorgeous 8 lb. 2 oz. baby boy. I got to kiss his little forehead before they put me out to staple me up. My husband got to carry him to the nursery and give him his first bottle. To this day when my husband and I argue, guess who is on his side? That's right. My baby bonded first with his Daddy. The one with the formula always wins.

Later on after arriving home I finally got to review the video. I got to see the parts I missed while I was in the Twilight Zone. There never was a Papa more proud. And that child sucked down 2 oz. before you could blink an eye. Yep, no doubt about who is father and mother are.

I got to see everyone's reaction on the tape. I'm still a little jealous that everyone was gone by the time I got to my room at 10:30 that night. But I'm so glad someone had the forethought to tape it. My grandmother held my tiny son in her arms. She looked at him so sweetly. And she prayed over this blessed new life.
My husbands' family took turns burping and cradling. My sister sucked the mucous out of his mouth with a bulb like a pro. And finally, my mom got to hold him. She had been ever so patient, knowing she would be at the hospital when everyone else had left. I never will forget how proud she was. She had waited a long time to become a grandma. Both my sisters had been married 9 years and produced no offspring. I felt justified that this was payback for both of them marrying the same year, leaving me at home and single. There is a God. Laugh.

When I got back to my room, they let me hold him. I never knew what joy a baby could bring. True, I felt like I had been through combat. My body was bruised and sore and exhausted. All I wanted to do was sleep for hours on end--and watch this little bundle of joy. I would keep waking up and saying, "Ain't he pretty, Mama."
He had the most beautiful head of hair. That was the biggest surprise. Was it worth all that laboring and pain and nine months of throwing up, losing 40 lbs, having 27 staples, and breaking out from the anesthesia? You bet it was.

You know what? Even though seven years have passed and my beautiful boy is now in First Grade, I feel as if I were back in that room, marvelling at God's blessed creation all over again. It's his birthday today. But I got the best gift. Happy Birthday, Son. May God Bless your life in countless ways. I love you with all my heart

Can You Hear Me Now?

The Prophet Isaiah declares that we all like sheep have gone astray. He may have well been thinking of the people of his day and time. Yet his words ring still ring true in this 21st century. Again, it seems that my theme will be on righteousness. Today's post has for its text Jeremiah 23:6 and 33:16.

Jeremiah begins chapter 23 with a word of judgment from the Lord concerning the corrupt religious leaders of the time. Then the Lord declares his salvation to the remnant of His flock. He speaks of bringing them back to their pastures and how they will again be fruitful and increase.

“In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: "The LORD Our Righteousness." Jeremiah 23:6 NIV This verse is repeated again in Jeremiah 33:16 following a description of the restored people of Israel.

The picture is of a people that will be known by the name, Jehovah-Zidkenu; The Lord our righteousness. They are a joyful, glad, thankful family of worshippers. They are no longer afraid or terrified of their enemies. Their fortunes will be restored and their families will be intact. Once again they will be in the safety of His fold.

Oh, what joy to be made righteous by the hand of the Lord! To know that each one is special to the Good Shepherd as we pass under His hand. (Jeremiah 33:13) He counts us one by one, knows each of us by name, and is pleased to call us His own.
Can it be any clearer? We can only be righteous through Him. John 10:27 sums it up this way; "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." KJV

He is calling; "Can you hear me now?" 11/15/06 PT2006

Happy Anniversary

I didn't realize it, but November 11th marked my first anniversary of blogging. Has a year gone by already? I look back at my situation a year ago, and indeed I'm grateful that things are a little better these days. We're slowly making a comeback. I'll admit, I was scared out of my mind about losing our home and everything else we had worked for in out 10 years. But here we are, a year later. I have to say it's made me stronger. When you look back and see where you've been and how far you've come, you have a lot more faith and strength to face the days ahead.

Some good things have come from it. I've gotten many new friends. I've written a novel. I've spent a whole lot more time talking to God about things. I don't take things for granted like electricity and gasoline--and family. In short, I've done some stretching and growing. But I've got a long way to go.

If you're new here and have no idea what I'm talking about, just take a peek back at some of last year's posts. The last 12 months have been stressful to say the least. But for everything and every person we lost, God has brought something new and beautiful back into our lives. And sometimes it's not people or things He gives you back...sometimes it's a testimony. I want to thank Him publicly. He's never left my side.

Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart--

Was thinking of Jeremiah. About how he was thrown in the dungeon. In the mire. And how he was brought out of the pit with rotten rags. And about how he let God use him through this experience to prophesy (minister, if you will) to others during this time. The song, "If it Takes a Valley" comes to mind as well.

I get to feeling sorry for myself sometimes...like what a rotten place I've found myself "thrown into." Like how unfair it seems. How sometimes it's hard to catch a break. How everything seems to come the hard way for us. Yes, it's a hard road sometimes. It's a valley. And sometimes the word valley is a euphemism for it when it's actually a dungeon full of muck and mire. A disgusting mess.

I can tell you, I talk big in the blogosphere. Here, I'm Superwoman. Invincible. Unflappable. But stop for a moment. And look past the screen--I'm human. Cut me, I bleed. Tempt me, I cave. Anger me, I push back. I know what it means to be in the mire, weighted down by daily cares, by sins that so easily beset us, by apathy -- by depression. And I have to remind myself daily that I am not alone in this life--maybe even not alone in the dungeon. Some of you have been there too, I know. I've read your blogs.

What keeps me going, what keeps me sane, what keeps me alive is knowing that it's temporary. Knowing that it's for a season. That I am not forsaken. That there is no valley or dungeon low enough that God can't reach. When I feel like a failure, when I feel unworthy, when I feel inferior -- HE IS THERE.

This afternoon I was looking for my long-forgotten stamp collection. It's here somewhere. Probably the attic. What I found in the process was every Bible I have had since about the age of 8. All of them worn, the pages coming unglued, underlined, dated, dog-eared. The journey of my life is underlined and dated in these. Someone else might not be able to see it in the margins, but I know it's there. Time and time again I've turned to His word for comfort, for guidance, for peace -- and for correction. What in the world would I do if I found myself in a dungeon and had no Word hid in my heart, no foundation to keep me stable, no landmarks set for me by my parents and grandparents and most of all Christ to follow?

I close my eyes and I remember sitting in church next to my Granny. I would play tic-tac-toe or doodle and listen to her sing. I would watch her mark the text in her well-worn Word. I hear her praying. I found my little Prim dress in the cedar chest, my Honor Star cape, and a handkerchief from my wedding. I found a crocheted shawl Granny made that I wore in a church Christmas play. And I found that first Bible. And in that Bible, just like my current Bible, the words remain --32 years later: Jeremiah 31:33" I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they will be my people."
His Word will stand forever. Though our circumstances change, and we find ourselves in difficult places, HIS WORD REMAINS. He is faithful. His mercy endureth forever. And his love is everlasting. Amen and Amen.

Just Do It (Even if you're a day late)

Worship Wednesday:
Due to a technical e-mail glitch, this post was received at 18 minutes past midnight, making it technically a Thursday Thought. Anyway, it's a good read.

As noted in last week’s post; the righteous are the people who consistently live in right standing with God. When one is in right standing with God then he will be in right standing with his fellow man.

One illustration of the two relationships resembles a plus sign or a cross. The vertical line is the relationship between man and God. The horizontal line represents the relationship of man to man. When the form of the cross is correct, the lines are intersecting at right angles. The view of the cross is distorted when the lines are skewed.

The key to being righteous is keeping the cross in view. One must keep both the vertical and horizontal lines straight. When the horizontal line lists, care must be taken to check the condition of the vertical line. It is certain when the vertical line sways the horizontal will also be affected. The cross of Calvary; love, mercy, forgiveness, sacrifice with pure motive; will always be the pattern to follow to get one’s cross in its correct form and to put relationships in the right angle.

The 23rd and 24th verses of Matthew chapter 5 give one example of making the angles right. The NIV reads this way: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Again the Gospel records this observation; “Anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” I John 4:20

The RIGHT thing - just do it. 11/08/06 PT2006

Busy Week

Under deadline this week on two heavy projects with bad audio. Waiting for PT2006 to send me Worship Wednesday installment. It's rained this week, so I've been doing mini workouts indoors. Lab work came back high cholesterol, which I expected. Otherwise, so far nothing else to report on the medical front. Sorry I haven't been around much. Will get back in the groove when things slow down.

IMPORTANT GIRLY STUFF***

I just got back from having my breasts mashed, my body invaded, my arms stuck, and pride wounded. Yep, annual physical about six months late. Besides the fact that I'm old and may be going through early menopause (they're checking hormone levels, etc.) I have gained 40 lbs. over the last 16 months. I told you I'm a stress eater. Doc says, "Get moving!" So Diane, I'm going to start that walking in the mornings. I'm going to say Monday through Friday when I get back from taking Chase to school at 7:30a.m. before I start my work day. She said to start slow with about 15 minutes. I wanted to tell her that that's probably all my fat body could do right now. She suggested Weight Watchers, but money's tight right now. I'm going to check into it.

As for the mammogram, it went okay. It's not too painful for me -- must be all the padding. I laugh every time they put those little b.b. pasties on your nipples. But I have a real good tech who makes you feel comfortable. She told me mine weren't the biggest she's had by far. Some people have to have two and three films to get their entire breast. And I thought mine were a chore to drag around! But seriously girls, get your mammograms. I have a family history of breast cancer, a double whammy with both my grandmother and mother having had it. I am fully aware of what cancer can do to a person. And the sad part is that the type my mom had a high success rate if caught early. Her doctor told her it was eczema. Don't ignore any rashes on your breast or nipples, and don't take eczema for an answer. Get a second opinion. THIS IS IMPORTANT LADIES!!! I know you dread it, you put it off, you hate it. But just do it.

I also have an aunt that is a breast cancer survivor for, I don't know probably 20 years. She caught hers, went through chemo with the attitude of a champ, and with much prayer beat it. She is one of the most productive and wonderful women I know. I'm thankful to have had her all these years. I love you Aunt Ramona!

As far as the Pap smear goes, nothing like gettin those feet up in those stirrups and chatting about the kids is there? I lost all my modesty when I was pregnant. No sense in being shy when they see a hundred vaginas a day. Mine's clean, and I'm proud to say that when they asked me how many partners I had had in the last 10 years I could say 1. She said they don't hear that often. Too much information, you say? Well I guess I've gotten less sensitive in my old age. (I'll 41 Saturday, and hubby is taking me to Memphis overnight without CWGIII. I'm so excited !!!) Besides that, I think too many times we don't talk enough about these health issues. We shy away from talking about them because we're embarrassed, but I have to tell you, our girls and boys these days need to be informed. And informed properly, not with street knowledge.

As for the blood work, I had a wonderful tech this time who actually listened when I told her she would need a butterfly needle. She got it on the first try. Much easier than aiming urine into a little specimen cup, I'll tell you that much. But enough of that. Pray for good results. I can't afford to be running back and forth every month or to be on expensive medication. Don't get me started on prescription costs. LOL.

No Worries, Mate!

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are saved.” Proverbs 18:10 KJV

I’m sure you haven’t heard of anyone running into a strong tower lately-- a strong storm or a water tower maybe. The King James Version is a bit awkward for many, yet I’m still partial to it. For those unaccustomed to the King’s English, I offer the New Living Translation. “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”
Additionally the Amplified Bible clarifies what is meant by “the righteous”. It adds "consistently upright and in right standing with God."

Rather than dwell on how to remain in right standing with God, I would like to focus on “the name of the Lord”. Perhaps we will pick up with the righteous motif next week.

Throughout the book of Proverbs we read of the Lord as a deliverer, rock, shelter, and hiding place. Our text is the only reference in Proverbs to the “name of the Lord” being a place of safety. The “name of the Lord” is the writer’s way of speaking of the total character of God. One has only to look to the Patriarchs of Old to find the names of God. Each reference to a name of God is given as a reflection of God’s character in the circumstances faced by the Patriarch.

With Abraham we can say, Jehovah Jireh is my provider. In the book of Exodus, Moses declared Him as Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our banner. Again, we must transition from the KJV to a modern application of this title. Simply put, the Lord leads us victoriously in battles, trials, temptations, and all confrontations with the enemy. The list of the names of Jehovah includes many more that we may deal with on a later date.

The “Name of the Lord” is His reputation. He has never failed. He will never fail. He has never lied. He will not lie. He has never left the “righteous” begging for bread. He has and always will supply. What He has promised, He has always delivered. When we run headlong to Him with our arms reaching for Him, He meets us with arms that are strong enough to carry us all the way through whatever trial we are facing. Truly we are safe in His care. As a certain actor would say it, “NO WORRIES, MATE!" --PT2006

PT2006 is my big sister, Carla. She has an Associates degree in Medical Lab Technology and also has studied at Southwestern Assemblies of God Bible College in Waxahachie, Texas. She and her husband Dale have been married for 15 years and are a loving aunt and uncle to my son, Chase, who is rotten because of her. She is new to the blogging scene, and at my encouragement has been gracious enough to provide us with our weekly Worship Wednesday post.