Dinner

Having 20 children, ranging in age from 3 to 14, and 5 adults, ranging in age from I don't tell to I don't care, at your house for dinner can be a real test of faith. I had a ball. Getting ready for the upcoming event was not as chaotic as I thought it would be. Making the choice to have hamburgers and hot dogs and setting up tables in the backyard was nothing but a stroke of genius. I thank my husband for cooking all those burgers and hot dogs and doing it without groaning or simply yelling at our welcomed guests. I was absolutely amazed at the chaperones and their relaxed manner. It reassured me that I made the right decision to have them for dinner (I was the main course in a progressive dinner) and not escort them to dinner. I seem to be too demanding when I am "in charge" of a group of youngsters. I believe I was referred to as Hitler by someone I know who loves me. Don't get me wrong, I truly love kids. Last week when I had the nursery at church, it was said to me "Christie you really enjoy those kids don't you?". And I really do. I seriously could eat them up. I enjoyed watching them eat and run and play. They were all wonderful. I look forward to our next gathering.

Where there's smoke, there's fire!

What are you all looking at?

I want this one next!

I'm so pretty, oh so pretty....

What?

Weekly Bible Verse

"Beloved, pray for us." (1 Thessalonians 5:25)

The request "pray for us" is one that proclaims the faith in and power of prayer. If I ever wonder what I can do to help others or situations, I know I can always pray.

I become still and focus on the holy presence of God that is within each person and every circumstance. My prayer is sincere, open, and affirmative. I respect and honor those I am praying for and know that God's resources are limitless.

My faith is strong, and I pray in faith--knowing that God is the answer to every prayer.

To Blog or Not to Blog

Now that is the question! At first I thought writing down my thoughts so the world could see, okay not the world just the chosen few I have shared my blogsite with, would be refreshing and fun. I have enjoyed the few times I have done this, but am discouraged by the lack of comments I receive from my "world" out there. There is a comment section, did you know that? By leaving comments, good or bad, okay just good, let's me know someone is reading. I thank the one person that did ask me where had I been when I was MIA for several weeks. That encouraged me to write two more. I know it is selfish of me and egotistical and just plain wrong to want the acceptance of others, but I CAN'T DO WITHOUT IT! So if I have appealed to your sensitive side and you care about me, please leave a comment. It is right there below this line, see it. CLICK ON IT!

Daily Bible Verse

"Then he said to them, 'Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21)

A coin held tightly in my closed hand won't buy me anything. It's only when I release the coin that I can invest it or spend it.

Sometimes I may hold a challenging situation in mind as if I were clutching it in my closed hand, refusing to release it. I realize that by not letting it go, I'm not giving it a chance to be anything other than a challenge.

In prayer, however, I release the situation into God's care. I let go of any attachment to outcome or eventuality, and I invest my trust in God.

As I let go and let God be active in my life, I open my heart to the potential blessings of every circumstance. As my prayer life builds, I become proficient at releasing to God the things better left to God, which in turn lets me focus on what is mine to do.

www.unityonline.org

Daily Bible Verse

Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Open House or Open Mouth

Yesterday I attended my niece's guitar class, chili supper, book fair and open house at school. Oh and I worked (ok, not all day, but a good portion of it). It dawned on me why I don't have kids. God in his infamous wisdom realized I don't have the energy. I was "plumb wore out". It did not help that as I was about to meet her PE teacher, the last teacher of the night, rudeness showed its ugly head. We, Katie, her Mom and myself, had made the long journey around the school, twice, and stood behind a very talkative couple to meet the amazing PE teacher. This couple went on and on and on, then as we thought they had wrapped it up, they went on and on some more. Not to the rude part yet! As they began to wrap it up, another child entered into the invisible barrier and encroached upon our space. She began talking before the other couple even left, this approach seemed to work, because her mother joined her immediately. We, being the polite people we are, stood in awe. I, of course, have my hand on my hip and am wondering do people have manners anymore. Just as my thoughts were forming, this lady, and I use the term lightly, came barreling past me, running into my extended elbow and begins talking to the PE teacher as if we are not even there. Evidently the PE teacher had recently married (over the summer) and noone could believe it and this particular women had to have all the details. Now this woman was at least in her early 60's and should know better. We again stood listening to their conversation, which I surely thought would only last a couple of minutes, until we had enough. I turned and began to leave and the others followed. Katie wanted to know didn't I want to meet the PE teacher, I said of course I would love to, because she seems to be very popular and has a very interesting life, so much so that everyone wants to talk to her. Did these people forget this is an open house. Meet the teacher, talk about the class activities, get out of the way for the poor teacher to repeat the same thing over and over again. I am sure that most people that were in my path as I was exiting the building, saw my red face and determined walk, because noone seemed to encroach on my space again. I don't like being rude and am always appalled at those who are. I did, however, keep my mouth shut and was thankful that Terry had stayed in the first classroom waiting for us. He would not have been so polite!

Daily Bible Verse

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

Daily Bible Verse

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Daily Bible Verse

"And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Friends

I don’t understand why people don’t take the time to see when they have hurt someone. Especially someone they have cared about for a long time. I recently comforted a friend that has been and continues to be hurt by people who are supposed to love her. Are we so caught up in our lives that we are ignoring those around us that have helped us to become the people we are? Are we so oblivious that we can not even see that they are hurting? Well I say stop it! Shame on you! Shame on me! I am thankful for all the friends I have, those in the past, present and future. I know that relationships change over the years. Some grow apart, some get stronger, but every one of those friends have contributed to your life to make you who you are. Even the friends I do not see or talk to very often are still dear to me and have helped to shape me over the years. I do not ever want to miss that I have hurt them in any way. I ask that we take the time to ponder over all the friends we have had in our life, thank God that they have come across our path, and if in remembering we find that one may be hurting, remember to BE a friend!


Friends
A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift,
A friends is someone we treasure for our friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy, and grace
And makes the whole world we live in a better and happier place.
-Jean Kyler McManus


"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

Daily Bible Verse

"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

The love of God inspires me to give in a spirit of generosity. In the same way, my loving thoughts and actions reach out to those who live on the other side of town, another part of the country, or another part of the world. God's love has been so freely given to me, and, in return, my gratitude infuses me with a spirit of generosity toward all.
God's love is reflected in the abundance of life's blessings. I honor this love by sharing God's unlimited good, giving to others freely and generously.

Time....

Where have I been? Now that it is the question. Have you ever just got in a funk that wouldn’t let you go? Well that wasn’t it! Have you ever felt like there is nothing left to say? Well that wasn’t it! Have you ever just had too much on your plate and the luxury of finding an hour to yourself seemed impossible? THAT WAS IT! I know there are those out there saying…. “Oh you should make time for yourself”…. Okay, sure that is what I’ll do.

I did take off time last weekend to visit my sister. It was a short trip, but at least I got to go. I did the same this weekend to visit my brother, short trip, but I did get to go. I enjoyed myself at both households. It did occur to me this weekend as I was sitting on his patio overlooking the lake with all the kids jetskiing, boating and swimming, when did I get old? I am not taking enough time to just have fun. I mean the kind that makes you feel 12. Laughing, giggling, and screaming with excitement. The kids were all doing just that and I was sitting back watching. I did decide that I don’t want to be a spectator anymore I want to be a participant. There are a few things I will need to do to reach that goal, but I am on my way. So next time I visit the lake, you won’t be seeing everyone else through the lens of my camera, you will be seeing me through the lens of someone sitting on the sidelines!