Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to all - both past and present - who serve our country and protect the freedoms we enjoy.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Hmm

There is something that I just don't understand:

Public restrooms that have automatic flushers, automatic hand soap, automatic dryer/towel dispenser...

And then you walk to the door and you have to touch the handle to open it.

Hello?

Musings

"God did not allow His people to be oppressed so that they would be defeated but so that they would ultimately be victorious."

Recently I read this statement in a book I'm reading. It certainly grabbed my attention. It was referring to the children of Israel being given over to captivity. How many times in the Old Testament do we find God allowing the children of Israel to be captured and enslaved by other nations? Often this was because of their disobedience or because God was trying to get their attention turned back to Him. He did not allow this trial because He wanted to punish them or because He did not love them any more.

Sometimes God allows or brings circumstances into our life so that He can ultimately lead us to victory. I don't know about you, but there are things in my life right now that have me saying, "Why, Lord?" and "How much longer must I 'wait and see'?"

But today I will trust Him to bring it to victory.

Here!

I feel like I've been sadly missing in the roll call of blogger class. There are several good excuses -- a new laptop (and a Mac at that!), deputation, living out of a suitcase -- but anyway, just thought I'd pop in and say hello! And hopefully I can soon get back into the swing of things.

Here is a thought from tonight's sermon:

I'm not walking through a valley, I'm just changing mountaintops!

Ciao!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

I dedicate this blog to the love of my life -- my husband, Chris. We have enjoyed 18 Valentines together. Thank you, my love, for keeping our life exciting and special! I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life. I love you!

Live. Laugh. Love.

I know this saying has become popular in recent times but it is a great life philosophy.

Live. Thank you, Jesus, for life and health!

Laugh. The joy of the Lord is my strength!

Love. Thank you, Jesus, for my husband, my children, family and friends! Help me to show your love to those I come in contact with!

In light of recent events in my heartland and my homeland, my heart was feeling heavy this morning. I really should avoid the news media. Ha! Anyway, thanks to some friends, I feel encouraged this afternoon. And reminded to live, laugh, and love. Allow the peace, joy, and love of Jesus to fill your heart today.

Economy??

Is anyone else tired of hearing about the economy??

I am.

Especially coming from a country where people are living on less than $1 a day.

Here I drive the highways and shopping center parking lots are FULL. Restaurant parking lots are FULL. You can hardly push your buggy down the grocery aisle without bumping into someone else. The gas station pumps are lined with cars. The highways are full of cars.

Okay, so people aren't buying houses and cars like they were. And I know some people have truly been affected -- please, do not be offended by what I'm saying. I just believe that America has been living 'high on the hog' and now they are having to come back to earth, so to speak. But we still waste more money in one day that most of the world spends in a year. We are strong. There is hope. Keep your life founded on Jesus and you'll be fine!

God's economy is always STRONG!

Amen!

**Okay, I came back later and thought about deleting this. I do not want to offend anyone or make light of the situation. I know people are suffering. I know people are losing jobs and struggling to make ends meet. PLEASE, do not feel I am minimizing your situation. However, I do not like to see my country focusing on the negative. We are blessed! We are strong! Count your blessings...not your suffering.