CHEST PAINS

As my day dawned, I chose to be not so diligent in my quiet time with the Lord. Instead of reading His word and having my prayer time, I was instead busy being a Martha. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 tells how Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was busy in the kitchen being grumpy! Guilty! I hurried around my home doing busy stuff. Yet in that harried state, I still left laundry undone and dishes to wash.
Was it worth what I have given up in this day? My soul is down cast, my heart is heavy, and things are irritating. If I had only sat at His feet this morning, my burdens I could have laid down.
Isaiah 26:3 tells me “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.” I didn’t have enough faith to know that all the laundry would done in due time. I didn’t leave my cares in His hands. If only I could leave my sinful ways behind, days like today would not be so frequent.
Father, forgive me for being to busy to sit at your feet. Life is so much easier when I let you be in control. Thank you for loving me even in my selfish ways. My grief is great Father, so I will take the time to come to you in repentance, and then give my day to you to direct.
“My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to your word.” Psalm 119:28
For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15

It's Supper Tonight!

I have invited my son and his family to come for supper tonight. It won't be anything special, I just want to spend time with them. I called Chauncey last night and invited them for Lasagna and with the promise I would pick up the kids at daycare. She jumped right on that one!
Now my daughter Heather, would want to know are you fixing it from scratch or is it frozen? I usually try to lie about it and pass it off as homemade , but it unless I do a good job of hiding the box and getting it placed in a nice glass pan, she figures out my laziness! Chauncey on the other hand has never complained about my frozen entrees!
If you have not tried the frozen lasagna that you can get at the store , you should try it. It is really good for a quick and easy meal.What is that sound? Heather? Is that you laughing at this little story of mine? I will surely get a comment on this one!
Any way , 5:00 can't come soon enough. The two little ones, will help me feed the horses and I am sure we will play in Grandpa's big pile of sand before we go in. Yes , it will be fun. I have a new scrapbook toy to show to Chauncey, so maybe we can have a little time with each other also. Heather, my lack of enthusiasm in the kitchen is all due to laziness. I can cook when I choose to. But for now I would rather play with my babies.
Next month, I will have my two Salina boys for two nights! I can hardly wait! I promise to stock up on shampoo! Love ya Sis! I just love to hear you squeal! Love you too Chauncey. Do I agitate you too? Just wait until the GG syndrome sets in!

MISSION IDEA

For those of you that follow my blog, I ask if you would be kind enough to give me some input on this. Recently I purchased a massage table. I am not licensed but I have always wanted to do massage therapy. Any way, for the moment ,I am only doing massages for my girls that I spend time with and of course the family!
I have had conversations lately with several ladies that are hurting not only physically but also emotionally,spiritually. When I mentioned the massage table they would respond with oh wow I wish that I could afford to have one sometime, or something along that line. Now my heart is saying that I need to do something for these ladies also.
As a ministry , I would like to offer free thirty minute massages to those that I know are in need of relief from their physical pain and their spiritual pain.I have also priced the Gospel Primer booklets and would like to use those as a way of talking to them about salvation. Is this a doable thing or am I way off on this one?

THINGS ABOUT ME YOU MAY NOT WANT TO KNOW!

1. I love cowboy boots and would have a closet full if my hubby would allow it!
2. My hair is my passion, I color and cut it frequently and have had some bad accidents with the whole scene. I guess as long as it doesn't fall out , I will be ok.
3.I skipped class one day during my junior year. Seven of us left town and went to our neighboring city, nine miles away, but was promptly seen by the PE teacher. I believe he may have been skipping school also, but none the less , we still had to pay the price of freedom.Never did that again, after Dad had his say!
4. My best friend and I were smoking before school one morning and caught the trash can on fire in her parents home. That is not a smell that you can easily get rid of!
5. I had three grandmothers. Two of them taught me cooking skills. One taught me how to cook quite the spread. The other taught me how to burn even a pan of water. My third grandmother had a passion for her hair also. It was always bright red, maybe that is where my little quirk came from!
6. I was named after the red headed grandmother only to find out after her death, that her name was not May, but was Victoria. Way off dad, he tried!
7. My first car was a simca, straight from the local junk yard. Dad brought it home and proudly gave it to me . It looked like a green pea on wheels. It had a three speed on the column, with no reverse, and the right back door was broken. So when necessary to ditch a friend you just placed them near that door and made a sharp turn. It got me into a lot of trouble.
8. Growing up we had a pet crow that Dad brought home. He seemed to bring home the strangest things. It learned to talk and followed us to school often. I was so embarrassed.
9.I have always thought of myself as easy going but apparently not so. Mom caught me on film when I was 5 and my brother was 2, sweeping the sidewalk and well He was in my way. With one swift swing I cracked the poor kid in the head. He brings that up every now and then!
10I flew to New York and walked a marathon and a half for Avon Breast Cancer Foundation. I did my own training , then took my two girls with me to meet a niece that lived in New York at the time. We had a wonderful time. At the finish line my daughters met me with flowers and as we were leaving a homeless woman was sitting on the curb alone. My heart told me to give her a rose, her tears and thankfulness will haunt me forever. I often wonder about her and I pray that God has delivered her from this burden.
11. I love my Eddie with all my heart and I want the world to know what a great husband he is. He takes wonderful care of me and loves our children with all of his heart.
12. My children and grandchildren hold the key to my heart and will forever! I love you.
13. I am head of our Ladies ministry at Faith Bible Church. This is a job that I take seriously. I pray that God will direct my every step to do His work according to His will.
14.My list could go on but I won't prolong this any longer!

MY CUP OVERFLOWS

It is almost 5:00 am and again I am awake! I have been using this time to read the Gospel Primer, which is blessing my heart.
After reading the portion about our cups of life's blessings that we are given everyday, my heart breaks when I am reminded of my ungrateful attitude from time to time.
Jesus, gives us new grace with each day. He gives us blessings to use each day. Do I look at my cup as being half full or half empty? I pray for strength to always view it as half full! If I were to receive the wrath each day , that I so deserve, I would collaspe from the weight of it all. Instead, I can view my cup and be thankful for the blessings that have been poured out upon me. Thank you , Jesus!
Philippians 4: 6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God,which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds , in Christ Jesus." How can I not look at my cup that is given to me each day, and not be blessed with it's contents?
Lord Jesus, give me the eyes to see you in every detail of my life. Thank you for the blessings that you have poured out before me. Thank you for the cup of living water that quenches my thirst. Father give me the opportunity to be a foot washer today. Help me to share the blessings in my life with those whom have not yet opened their hearts to you .Father, have mercy on my soul , that I may spend eternity in Heaven at your feet.
My Blessings:
Ed
Heather, Sean, Aidan, Landen
Zachary, Chauncey,Falyn, Zeke
Alex,Tracy
Mike, Tina,Bruce,Aly,Curtis, Kaci,Ashley,Lucas, Chris, Lliam,Lindsey,Rodger,Sherry
My friends, my coworkers, my church family
To each of you , I am thankful for your love and the memories that we have been given.

ALL IN A DAYS WORK

Well it is Monday, and I have taken a vacation day to spend time with my man. Our schedules are so crazy or I should say his schedule is so crazy , that I am required to take vacation days just to be with him. I am not complaining, I love to spend time with my Ed. We have spent the morning with our horses. And this afternoon we go to the vet with Tripp. Ed is worried sick over his horse, so pray that all is well.
This past weekend we went to visit some friends. They are in the process of buying a home and doing some remodeling. Ed and I have promised to help. We are looking forward to this venture.Brian and Misty , I believe are ready to throw in the towel! It is very difficult to pick and choose colors and such and still be speaking at the end! I know,we just built a house and it is a trial for any marriage!
My family and Mike's family met in McPherson last night and celebrated Mom's 77th birthday. It was so cool to have everyone there. My four grandbabies kept us all laughing and busy. Aidan and Landen fell in love with my nephews girlfriend, Alisha! Her ears are probably still ringing from all of their stories! Curtis and Zeke always hit it off. Curtis seems to be ready for little ones of his own. Hint Curty!
God has greatly blessed Ed and I. We have so many children and friends to love and be with , it is hard on my heart when I let myself think about it. I hope that everyone will be as blessed as we are, where family and friends are concerned.
While we were with Brian and Misty this past weekend, I had the chance to spend extra time with little Addison. She is three and loves horses, so much like our little Falyn! I want to let the two girls spend time together and have fun. It will be fun for me to just watch them interact! It has been an excellent weekend and I am sorry that it goes so quickly. But I will simply tuck the memories into my heart and get on with the new day. By the way, I have received the copy of the Gospel Primer. This is an awesome book.I am planning on buying several and giving them away. Thanks for the book, Amy.

PSALM 139

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me,”
As I read psalm 139, it became clear to me that my life was not my own. Jesus loved me and knew me long before my body was formed. He already had me labeled as His daughter. He chose the color of my eyes, He chose the color of my hair, and He chose the Mommy that He would give me too.
Jesus wrote my name on the palm of His hand. With those hands he fashioned my days. Jesus already knew every word I would speak, every deed that I would do. And He forgave me. Yes, before my body came to this earth, before my Mother held me in he arms, I had already been forgiven. I had been granted everlasting life with a Father, who would never leave me or forsake me! No matter where life takes me, my Heavenly Father is always there to love and to guide me, with a tenderness that is beyond comprehension. His kingdom is my kingdom. His glory is my glory. The only thing I am required to do is to stay focused on Him. My Father will shelter me through life’s storms and He will be my strength. Thank-you Father, for giving me the greatest gift of all, eternal life, the blood of the cross. Amen!

What's Up?

Once again I was up long before dawn. I seem to only need about 4-5 hours of sleep right now. I am not sure who decided this, I know that I haven't! I guess I should be checking into this with my Doctor or maybe just leave well enough alone and let Jesus make the call!
Once that I am awake, I get up start my coffee and get my bible out. I use this time to study God's word and to pray. So maybe Jesus has decided that I need some extra study time and 3:00 am to 4:00 am would be His choice of time.
If I was worn out by mid morning , then I should probably worry. But so far my Heavenly Father is giving me the energy I need to get through the day and do what I need to do. Thank you for your strength! Is this His way of teaching me to stay strong in my faith? Maybe! Ok, Father, I will do what you ask of me and not complain. I would like to remind you that an occasional day of sleeping in would be nice!
Some of you may wonder , is it right for me to ask for rest when He seems bent on using this time to teach me? I think so. The bible clearly states that we , as His children have the right to come to Him and ask for the things we need. He tells us to ask boldly and to never grow weary of spending time with Him or of doing what He has called us to do.
So with that said, I will get myself dressed and ready for another day at work. I do have one more request! It is so cold and rainy this morning, Father. Could you calm the winds and send those clouds scooting? I love sunshine , ya know! I love you too and I am grateful for the time you are providing for us to spend together, uninterrupted!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM I LOVE YOU!

The valentine story was written several years ago. My mom is still living and doing fairly well. Her memory is getting worse but then so is mine.As a young girl, my mom would sit and listen to me cry and rant over everyday trials. She would simply hug me and then send me on my way to figure it all out. It is now my turn to listen to her and help her figure out life. Since dad passed away , she is so lonely and lost. Many days she will come to the clinic where I work and just sit for a while.
So much of the time she is lost in time. Her events of a few moments ago are easily forgotten. And events of the past can cause confusion. But we sit together and she will just watch as I go about my work. I know that the day is fast approaching and I will miss those moments together.
Yu that still have a parent still living, please take the time to enjoy them. If there is a problem to be fixed then by golly go fix it. Time gets away far to quickly. Mike , my brother and I have been so lucky to have our families close to each other. We have had many memories made over the years with parents, grandparents and now grandchildren.
I don't know what Jesus has in the makings for us this year, but whatever He brings to us , we will stand in faith and believe in His promises. Mom? She will always be welcome to sit in my chair and watch. She can ask all the questions she can remember and I will answer softly. Thank you Mom, for your love and dedication to our family. You are truly a Titus 2 Woman. I have learned so much from you. Your birthday is just a few days away. We will have a big celebration and look forward to next year. You make a great Valentine present to your children and grandchildren and we love you.

My Valentine Girl

Valentines Day is very special to me. When I was a little girl, it was all about the Valentine cards. Who would give me a card? Would I get a lot of them? It was always fun in school to make cards for everyone in the classroom. We would cut and paste and use enough glitter to cover the wings of a dozen angels. Ahh, the anticipation.
Then as a teenager it took on a different meaning. Now it was all about that special guy in your life. You always hoped that he could afford to at least buy chocolates. But if you were in between boyfriends or if you were not the prettiest and didn’t have a boyfriend, well that was a whole new area. Valentines day could be painful.
Now as an adult, I have come to realize that Valentines Day is all about my Mother. Her birthday falls on Valentines Day. As a child, that bit of information wasn’t important. I could only see my own desires. With some years gone by and hopefully some gained wisdom, I see how wonderful the day really is. Mom, is seventy-five now. She prefers to forget the birthday part of it. But I have discovered that she mails out cards to family and friends, as her own personal celebration of the day. I know that the day will come we will miss receiving those cards.For right now, Happy Valentines Day, Mom! I love you! Happy Birthday also! Thank-you for all the years that I forgot or was too selfish to give to you, and you loved me anyway. You are the greatest Valentine gift, ever.

MY REDEEMER LIVES

In my loneliness, I wonder does anyone really care? The pain, the hurt, the anger are overwhelming. All I want is for someone to hear me, to touch me, to love me. I have that someone , His name is Jesus. He was chosen before creation to be my redeemer. He is my father, I am his daughter. He is my husband, I am his bride. He is the lover of my soul.
While living life, we can easily stray. Each of us try to take the wheel and steer the happenings in our lives to suit our own desires. Caution and wisdom is cast away. Our flesh cries out to be satisfied now. It is in that season of our lives , that we can become broken.
Some of us may wonder around in the wilderness for many years. We may have known Jesus, heard his word, but now reject it. It is during that time of dwelling in the pits of addiction , pain, loss, rejection, loneliness, that God begins to speak to us. C.S. Lewis once said that “God whispers in our pleasure but shouts in our pain.”
Our heavenly father wants to be the center of our life. He longs to be our father. He wants me to return his love as any bride or daughter would do. He longs to be the only lover of my soul. Wow! I am not alone! There is someone who hears me when I cry. The pain of loneliness is gone because my husband is always there to love me and to help me. My father holds me tenderly in his arms as I crawl out of my pit. He will you also.
My redeemer lives! He is living within me, he loves me and will walk every step of the way ,if I will only allow Him to. Thank you for the gift of your love !

GOSPEL PRIMER

Thank you for making my day, Amy! It is 6:00 am and I have been up since 3:30 to get my man off to work. The laundry is done, the vaccuming is finished and I was cruising my blog. To my surprise , I was a winner. I am so excited to read the Gospel Primer. To everyone that has Jesus in your life I commend you. He is the reason for living, for loving and for praising! Have a great weekend and I will be back to post again later.
In Faith
Terri

Vegas Bound

My daughter Heather and coworkers have arrived in Vegas for a three day meeting. Sis has a really great job and I am very proud of her. She works for New Horizons Dental Care, with four docs and numerous technicians(coworkers). Every year they are taken on a trip of some sort by their doctors! This year Crown Counsel was in Vegas. Part of the activities will be a talent show. Ashley, one of the girls in Sis' group became a final contestant. She will be singing and the girls will be cheering her on! I am anxious to hear the results!
I know that Heather and the others are having a wonderful time and they always come home with great new ideas. It is also a great way for this Nana to have extra time with her boys! The boys and I had a great day yesterday and was blessed with great warm weather. Aidan even pulled out his shorts for the day. I will take advantage of any opportunity to be with my guys.
Back to Sis. Our family was sick all during the holidays and Heather knowing she would be traveling tried to avoid all of us and the bug. But unfortunately the first morning there she woke up to a froggy voice and sore throat. I am sorry , sis. This is probably my fault!I hope that all of you have had a great time and will share your stories with me when you get home. In the meantime Ashley, sing like you mean it and win that trip to Hawaii.
Be safe and enjoy the trip. I will pray that God will hold all of you in His mighty right hand and bring you home to me.I will be by the office soon to hear your stories , girls!

Eddie My Husband

I want to say to all of you, that having a great spouse as a friend and a lover , is a gift from God! Ed and I have been married since 1992. It was a second marriage for both of us. We each had children of our own that we brought into the marriage. It was a really hard time for everyone involved.

The kids all had to learn to live with each other and to live with a new parent in the house. We as the couple had to learn how to cope with each others way of parenting. Difficult! Our first years were a struggle and I must admit that we both thought about quitting. But as God would have it, he decided that we would endure these trials.

Ed's relationship with my children was strained. He has a very strong personality and so did they as teenagers. His daughter and I did well until her junior year in high school.Again God took control and made a few hard changes in our lives.

The kids are all grown and have families of their own now. Ed and I have been blessed with mended relationships and four loving little grandchildren. Grandpa loves those babies more than life itself. I know without a doubt that he would lay down his life for any one of them. They in return love him with all the gusto they can muster!

My Ed and I have developed a deep love for each other over the years. It was through prayer and changes in my attitude that has deepened our relationship.He is my hero, my strength and my shelter here on this earth. He understands my love for my Heavenly Father and respects that. I pray that someday we will worship together!

Ed works long hard hours and our time is very limited,, but we make the most of our time together.He loves me and our children and it is evident in his actions. God knew what he was doing when he brought us together. Thank you Lord Jesus, for my husband and my children. You have poured blessings upon us even when we deserved nothing. Continue to care for my Eddie, because you are so much better at it than I am! Bring all of our children home to us Father, keep them and bless them. Amen.

ALL HIS PARTS ARE IN OUR HEARTS

Last night I was having a conversation with my six-year-old grandson. We were planning our Saturday together. I have tried to teach each of my grandchildren to respect and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. A few times we have driven to a place that we can watch it with out any disruptions. Our music is playing and the moment is awesome.
Aidan expressed that we must start our day by watching another sunrise and we should listen to our Jesus music, then we could go for a walk in the woods and look for wildlife. This was sounding pretty good so far. As our conversation continued he finally asked “Where does God live any way, is he in the sky?”
I answered him by explaining that Jesus lives inside of each of us. That he lives in our hearts. He sat quietly for a few moments and turned to me and said, “ All his parts are in our hearts!”
Isn’t it amazing how the innocence of a child can help you see things in a different perspective? So this morning as I sit here reading Gods word and lifting up this day that he has so lovingly graced me with, I realize that Aidan’s words were sent to me from God to store in my heart.
As I surrender my heart to my Heavenly Father, he promises to fill me up. He will give me His eyes to see others with tenderness and mercy. He will give me His tongue and words of compassion and love to speak to those whom are hurting or are alone. He will give me His hands, so I might reach out o help another. He will give me His feet, so that I can walk a mile in another’s shoes and offer them hope and joy. He will give me His heart so that I may know the unconditional agape love that He has for me.
Yes, Aidan, his parts are in our hearts and it feels good! We must hurry! The sun will be coming up soon and we sure don’t want to miss it. With the dawning of each new day God gives us new grace, so don’t pass it up. Go grab your portion and then honor and glorify Him by sharing His parts with those whose hearts are still empty.
Thank you, Aidan for your words of wisdom!