Hush Yo Mouth!!

Since I opened up a can of worms yesterday about lessons learned at church on Sunday, I figured I'd go ahead and poke a stick in it to see what stirs up! Not only did we have an intriguing lesson in Bible study hour, but the message was thought-provoking as well.

Pastor Dave spoke about Ephesians 5:3-7, and included in the Scripture was an admonishment to refrain from obscene, foolish and idle talk. While the obscene is not a problem for me...the foolish and idle can be a thorn in my side.

Normally, I try to remember that the person listening to my conversation could one day visit my church or find out that I'm a Christian. I learned that lesson early on in the fifth grade...but that's for another post...

However, I'm not perfect, and my mouth does tend to run off without my brain. For instance...

Last Friday, I was taking my daughter to the movies, but we found out it had sold out. Frustrated, I decided to go on home and try again on Saturday. I drove the stoplight at the corner, and traffic was backed up into the cross walk.

While waiting to turn right, I phoned Dave to let him know I was on my way home. A car behind me honked, obviously wanting me to move. But there was no place to move to. And had I poked my nose out into the intersection, the cars making u-turns would have hit me, or gotten very irate at me.

Finally, he decided to go around me. I rolled down my window to let him know I was sorry, but he proceded to call me names and tell me how stupid I was. Well........

...let's just say I didn't use colorful language, but I did argue and shriek at him a bit....a lot....I lost it. After he was done calling me a variety of names and such, he sped off.

I told my daughter that I realized he might one day come to the church, and I was ready to let him have it then as well. My daughter told me to calm down, and said, "You're going to regret that, Mom."

I retorted, "I didn't do anything wrong." She agreed, but she knew me, and she again said I would regret it later on.

She was right. I did. I should have held my tongue. I should have turned the other cheek. I should have kept my window up! But I wanted to have my say, and I did...but it wasn't very satisfying.

So, while I may still mouth off now and then, I will watch my words more closely. If not for the example I set for others, at least for my kids. Because they are watching even when no one else is.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

P.S. If you want to know the lesson I learned in 5th grade, email me.

Can't We All Just Get Along??

We had a rather interesting lesson yesterday at church during our Bible study hour, concerning dealing with conflict in church. Richard did a wonderful joy with the lesson, but I remained silent.

I am silent no more!!

Which brings me to my headline...and the answer is yes...and no.

There will always be differences of opinion in groups of two or more. I mean, I can disagree when it's just me, myself and I! But we are not our opinions, and therefore we should be able to agree to disagree on the non-essentials.

And that is where my problem lies.

I have this annoying tendency to become my opinion. To make what I think who I am, and therefore if you reject what I think, you end up rejecting me.

Which, of course, is totally false. But because of my insecurity, I've somehow bought into the lie that you must agree with me in order for me to be validated.

Joyce Meyer calls it "The Root Of Rejection". At the root of my arguments and squabbles is a need to feel like I matter, I make a difference...I call it the George Bailey syndrome.

So, while we may not always agree, as believers we can still be two peas in the same pod. Except for the essentials, there's plenty of room in the Father's fields of grace to discuss, debate, and disagree...as long as it's done in love.

We must become people of the Book again, in order to know what is pivotal to our faith in Christ, and what has room for discension. Salvation by grace, Divine inspiration of Scripture and other tenets of Christianity are not up for grabs. But many are.

God has given us the gift of His Word, a mind that works in wonderous ways, and the leadership of the Holy Spirit for a reason. I'm one of those nutjobs who believes that our abundant life comes through the exploration of the things of God, not in how much money I have or how many cars I own.

Everything we believe must fit what Scripture teaches, and even then, we have room to disagree with one another. For instance, I know Jesus is returning...but I don't know when. So I won't ever agree with you if you say He isn't coming...but we can have fun with when it might happen!

So, while we won't always agree, we can always be in agreement. And discussion or debate can be fun and challenging, as long as it is done in love. Everything we do must be done in love, or it isn't being done in Christ.

Now, repeat after me, "I am NOT my opinions, I am NOT my opinions, I am NOT my opinions..."

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

**Edited for clarification...

I'm Laying It Down...

I've FINALLY figured out what has been mucking up my brain lately!! We have a breakthrough here!

But it's kinda sad, really. I mean, I've been here before. I should have recognized the terrain...but I didn't.

See, I'm the kind of person who is more than sympathetic. I tend to be very empathetic (as opposed to PATHETIC...but we won't go there:-). Hence, my picture above.

No, it's not me...although I do look quite a bit like Deanna Troi...if she gained a smidgen of weight and it kinda settled on her backside...but I digress once again...

See, she was on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and she was ship's counselor. But she was unique in that she could feel what others felt. Sometimes, it was too much for her and she had a meltdown.

Now, as for me...I'm not a true empath. But I do tend to put myself in other's shoes, which can be, as Mr. Monk says, a blessing...and a curse.

It gets so bad that I have to be careful what I watch on television and which movies I see. Very, very, VERY few true stories for me. Can't handle it.

And I don't just read books...I get lost in them. The deeper the storyline, the harder it is for me to re-surface in our world. Fantasy works like The Lord of the Rings can actually give me a Hobbit hangover if I stay in the book too long:-)

I pick up on feelings very quickly, and am so sensitive that a slight change in tone and I can read into anything. And when I care, I care deeply...sometimes too deeply.

My husband used to tease me that world hunger and the war in Iraq, yes, they were all my fault, as well as any evil or wrong in his life and the lives of our children, because I would take it all on myself all too often.

Our family is undergoing some changes, and so is our church family. I've been internalizing everything and the weight of it all is smushing me. That's why I've felt as if I was disappearing...I kinda was.

But I've realized that all of it is sin, because I haven't been following God's lead, but my own. It's been as if I'm saying, "You know what, God...I know You're busy, so I'll just get this over here, and You don't worry about it. I've got it covered."

When you stop laughing...realize that is what we say when we plunge ahead, using our gifts without consulting the Gift-giver...which is all too easy to do. Because I believe God gifted me with my empathy/sympathy/discernment...I just get carried away with it.

So, I'm laying down all the burdens I've been carrying that aren't mine to carry. I have a specific load that is designed for me, and carrying it builds faith and character. Carrying the loads of others demonstrates a lack of faith and makes me QUITE a character...just not one I like being!

It also shows a lack of faith, not just in God, but in those I care about. I don't trust them to know their limits, to know when to ask for help, and to know what's best. Ultimately, it's an insult to them...and I don't want to do that to anyone.

I'm trusting God to let me know when to turn it on, so to speak. My radar isn't going completely dark, but it is no longer on high alert. So maybe I can be myself again...as obnoxious as I am:-)

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

A Poor Imitation...

"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him,"
I Corinthians 2:9

Let that soak into your heart for a moment.

Nothing down here can begin to compare with what awaits us over there. Just think...

...the most gorgeous sunset? Mere fingerpainting in comparison.

...the deepest love? Mere attraction, if that, in comparison.

...the richest flavors? So bland as if to be non-existent in comparison.

...the sweetest fragrances and tastiest aromas? Like air compared to what awaits.

My greatest imaginings are but pale shadows when compared to the reality that waits for me on the other side of this life. C.S. Lewis put it best when he said we are living in the shadowlands.

So then, why in the world do I cling to this pale imitation?? Why do I get so enamored of the things of this life to the neglect of the things in the next? Why do so many attractions ensnare me and so many distractions entangle me?

This life is all I've ever known. And because I can't begin to imagine anything more, I settle for what I can imagine.

This.

And yet, how faulty is my imagination even when it comes to what is known!! Think about it...

...I imagined what it would be like to be an adult one day...doesn't begin to compare to the reality!

...I imagined what it would be like to be married one day...doesn't begin to compare to the reality!

...I imagined what it would be like to be a mom one day...doesn't begin to compare to the reality!

...I imagine what it will be like to be retired one day...I know, I know...the reality will be so different!

Fixing my eyes on heaven is so incredibly hard these days, and yet it is what my heart so desperately longs for.

Perfect love, perfect worship, perfect faith.

Complete devotion, complete attention, complete service.

No more sin, no more pain, no more struggle.

And yet, as wonderful as all of that sounds...

"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him,"
I Corinthians 2:9

I can hardly wait...

Be blessed, and be a blessing.

Deena

And This Is The Part...

Even my blog is blah these days.

Sometimes, I sit, gazing at the screen, and that line from Veggietales pops into my mind:

And this is the part where Deena comes out and says something profound on her blog...Profound Blogging With Deena.



And then we sit and stare at one another for a few minutes.

I might sing a few bars of "Oh, Where Has My Brain Gone?"

Then the curtain closes.

Painful, isn't it??

But there's just nothing there. My head isn't full of wisdom these days...it's full of fuzz. Static. A snowy screen.

I've been trying to figure out why. Praying, "God, turn me back on please. Hit re-boot or something..." And still...nothing.

Oh, I have thoughts. Thoughts of "Hmmmm...**sigh**...Oh, my!...and Whatever!" Thoughts that would make Eeyore weep...but nothing worth sharing.

I've even thought it's time to shut'er down. The blog, that is.

But then something way down deep inside cries out, "NO!"...or maybe it's my husband screaming it, I really can't say.

Anyhoo, please pray for me. I don't like this. My mind keeps me entertained and off the streets...I'd be dangerous out on the loose!

Don't like the funky feeling that lingers...."Lay off that funky feeling, white girl..." Oh, that was just SO WRONG...too wrong for words...

See what I mean?? It's scary...

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Thankful Thursday---Is It Thursday Already??

I'm struggling to be thankful this morning. Thursday seemed to sneak up on me, and I'm still in the battle of the blahs---but I'm determined to win. So, here's my list today:

1) I'm thankful for freedom in Christ.

2) I'm thankful for His amazing grace.

3) I'm thankful for His unending love.

4) I'm thankful for eternal life.

5) I'm thankful that this life is not all there is.

How about you?? Are you thankful today?? Go over to Sting My Heart and share....

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

P.S. Thank you to all who are praying for me.

Wordless Wednesday...

The Long and Winding Road...

Sometimes this life just seems so long, you know??

Heaven is a far off, distant land. And the journey is one that takes forever. At least, that's how it's feeling today.

I'm like the child in the back seat, crying out to God in the front, "Are we THERE yet?"

Don't get me wrong. It isn't that I don't enjoy my life here. I've been blessed greatly, and I'm fully aware of all that God has given me.

It's just that...my mind is weird (just in case you haven't noticed yet!). When I enjoy the fragrance of a rainy day...or a good book...or my son's laugh...or my daughter's smile...

I think, "How much BETTER all of this will be in Heaven!"

I'm tired of wondering when Jesus will return. I'm tired of watching for wolves who want to devour my children. I'm tired of battling the sin that so easily pulls and weighs me down.

I'm tired of the distractions, the world's shiny things, that keep my attention from the things of God. And while I'm incredibly thankful for ALL God has done for me, given me, provided for me, and kept from me...

I just wanna be home. I wanna look Jesus full in the face and say "Thank You." And then fall at His feet...

I so love the woman in Scripture who got to anoint His feet with her tears. She just speaks my kinda language. Because I think that's the first thing I'm going to do...bawl at His feet, that He chose me...little old, weird and sinful me...to be His.

Yes, the road is long and winding...thank God it leads to Heaven's door for me...

What about you? Where will the road you're on take you?

Be blessed and be a blessing...and make sure you're on His road today....

Deena

Something Worth Checkin' Out!

Absent again...

I know, I know. I'm neglecting my blog.

This has been a crazy week. People at work on vacation, son at camp, daughter and hubby both sick...

I'm feeling a little off balance these days, and my thoughts are all in a jumble. But I'm working on sorting them out.

Til then, browse through the archives...there's some GOOD reading in them, if I do say so myself:-)

For now, most of the action will be at A Peek At My Bookshelf...feel free to join me over there.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

P.S. Son is home from camp, and both "sickies" are on the mend:-)

Music That Reaches Deep Inside...

Most of today's Christian artists just don't do it for me, you know?? I mean, they sound great, and are most definitely talented. But it just entertains, and when I listen to Christian music, I don't want to be entertained...

I want to be moved, changed, provoked, convicted, and blessed.

Maybe that's just too tall an order. I don't really know.

But I've found an artist for today who is capable of doing all of that and more, and his name is Todd Agnew. He is this generation's Rich Mullins.

Both men write for an audience of One, and are deeply personal and honest in their craft. Both men have taken great amounts of criticism for writing the kind of music that I need to hear.

Did you catch that? I NEED to hear it. Otherwise, I just remain complacent and content...a fat and happy Christian that never peels back the layers to get to the truth of the matter. The heart and soul of what I believe, Who I believe in, and who I really am.

So, I introduce Todd Agnew to you through his newest and most criticized release...

The basic premise of the album is our questions for God, hence the title, "Better Questions". God is able to handle our questions...the issue for us is are we able to handle His answers.

The song that pierced my heart and made me cry this morning on the way to work is the track, "If You Wanted Me". A piercing ballad that echoes my heart's questions to God, and makes so much sense to this struggling believer.

I respect Todd and don't want to violate his copyright, but here's one line from this powerful song: "If you wanted me to surrender, why'd you make these hands able to hold on so tight?"

Give his CD a listen. I think you'll like it.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Thankful Thursday--The Short List!

I'm still not feeling well today, so my list will be short, but heartfelt!

1) I'm thankful my daughter is feeling better, and didn't require a trip to the emergency room.

2) I'm thankful my husband finally decided to see the dr. about his ear(s).

3) I'm thankful my fever broke during the night so that I can go to work today.

4) I'm thankful my son will be home in just 3 more days!

5) I'm thankful my oldest will have a chance to walk on the beach this week.

How about you? What are you thankful for? Come share with us at Iris' Sting My Heart!

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

We Need Your Prayers...

My hubby has an ear infection or something brewing.

My daughter has the flu.

My son is away at camp for the first time.

I'm having a flare up of either RA or CFS/Fibromyalgia.

And our oldest is meeting the parents for the first time...

We would LOVE and APPRECIATE your prayers!

I hope to be blogging again tomorrow:-)

Be blessed, and be a blessing.

Deena

Something To Make You Smile!

HUGS!
Hugging: The Perfect Cure
for Whatever Ails You

No moveable parts
No batteries to wear out
No periodic check-ups
Low energy consumption
High energy yield
Inflation proof
Non-taxable
Non-polluting
And, of course, fully returnable.

Hugging is healthy
It relieves tension
Combats depression
Reduces stress
Improves blood circulation
It’s invigorating
It’s rejuvenating
It elevates self-esteem
It generates goodwill
It has no unpleasant side effects
It is nothing less than a miracle drug!

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Wanna See What I Got For My Birthday??

With inscriptions from my husband, and my two younger children. Made me cry.

And it's GREEN!!

I love it!

To see the books I received, click here.

To see the toys, click here!

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

A Prayer...

Lord,

Our days are long
and our schedules are full.

You said when we are weary
we can come to You
and You will give us rest.

So we come to You now
and ask You to...

Renew our spirits.

Restore our strength.

Refresh our hearts.

Thank You for being
the source of all we need
to do everything
You have called us to do.

Wherever we go,
and whatever we face today,
may we live in Your presence
because that is the only place
we can truly be rejuvenated.

Amen.

--Holly Gerth, Writer, Dayspring

Can I hear an amen??

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

A Public Service Announcement

As of Sunday, July 15, 2007, the world as we know it will never be the same.

A tragedy of mammoth proportions will hit the earth, causing world-wide panic, pandemonium, and an abnormal amount of helium will be released into the atmosphere.

Why, you may be asking?

Simple...

It's My Birthday!!!!

Yes, this little ol' blogger will be 44 years old as of noonish on Sunday. As such, with it being my birthday...that makes me

The Queen Of The Blogosphere!!!

As such, I hereby order you all to de-lurk and leave me a comment in honor of my festive occasion.

Pretty please??

Let's see if we can get the comments on this post up to at least 44, in honor of the many, many years I've graced the world with my wit and charm, shall we?? LOL!!

And I COULD be mean and say, I'll only live as long as the number of comments I receive, but I'm not that vicious and heartlessly cruel...nor that willing to take my life and put it in your hands....:-)

But, just think, I'll be 44...which, two times that is 88, and no one in my family has achieved that landmark goal...I just wanted to graduate from high school...call me an over-achiever!!

But that would mean my life is half over...and what do I have to show for it??

Blog comments, that's what!! So get to commenting this weekend, people. Time's a-wastin'...what? What's that, you ask??

What will I be doing this weekend, while you're all here, slaving away at my comments??

Why, I'll be partyin' like it's 1999...which would make me...oh...around 36 LOL!!

Be blessed, and be a blessing...oh, wait, you already ARE one...to me, that is!

Deena, Queen of the Blogosphere...

P.S. I also am posting a similar message at Junk in the Trunk and at A Peek At My Bookshelf...so swing by there if you don't mind....let's try to hit 44 everywhere, k??

Wholesome Goodness At Wholly Devoted!

Mingle² -

Waiting For My Perks!

Some people are naturally optimistic. They are naturally upbeat, positive, and cheerful. Natural perks, they are.

And they get on my nerves:-)

Just kidding!

Sort of.

Seriously, sometimes I want to go to God and ask Him, "Why didn't you give me the perky gene? I mean, when people ask me, 'Is the glass half full or half empty?', I wanna yell 'Ok, who drank my Diet Pepsi??' and deck somebody!

"Don't You realize how I would have totally ROCKED for You if only You had made me a cheerful kinda gal? It's not easy being green, but it totally stinks being gray!



Why couldn't you have made me more like Pooh or Owl or Kanga, instead of a cross between Eeyore and Rabbit??"



I said I WANNA talk to God about it...but I read Job...and I may be moody, but I'm NOT dumb!!

I struggle to live by Philippians 4:8. My translation tends to read, "Whatever is wrong, whatever is stinky, whatever is negative, whatever is sucky, whatever is of gloom and doom, of a raw deal and painful...think on THESE things."

Not a happy camper, I'm not, I'm not.

But I wanna be. I wanna be able to love the sinner and hate the sin, no problemo. I wanna be able to pray through in faith and believing, going through life with "Praise The Lord!" naturally on my lips.

I don't wanna be the kind of person who finds it painful some days just to smile. I hate that about myself.

And yet, I do believe, deep down. And I've been told when you're in a struggle, I'm a person to have on your team. I can pray like nobody's business for people...just not for myself.

I'm critical; I can be harsh, and I can be distant. And I am oh, so very negative!

So I wonder...Why didn't He give me the cheerful DNA strand? I mean, I would have totally ROCKED as a cheerleader...instead of being a melancholy baby...

**sigh**...oh well, at least I'm YOUR melacholy baby...right, God??

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Thankful Thursday--For My Heritage...

Reflecting on this Thankful Thursday, and with my 44th birthday rapidly approaching (on Sunday)...

1) I'm thankful that I had Christian parents. Mom and Dad strayed from their faith for a bit, but by the time I was 6, we were in church faithfully, and they lived what they believed at home.

2) I'm thankful that I have a Christian husband. He has taught me so much, and has opened doors of belief for me that most likely would have stayed locked had I not been with him.

3) I'm thankful that each of my children (including my step-children) have professed faith in Jesus as Savior, and that at least 3 of the 6 have allowed Him to be Lord of their lives. Please pray for the other 3 that they too will surrender to Him one day.

4) I'm thankful for our wonderful church family. We are not little any longer...we've grown to 50+, and have many coming each week to see what we are all about. With growth come growing pains, but we are all on the same team, and it is exciting to see what God will do.

5) I'm thankful for my relationship with Jesus. When He died for my sins, He gave me more than just eternal life. He gave me friendship, guidance, peace, joy, and God tore the temple veil in two so that I could come before Him freely.

6) I'm thankful that Jesus is coming again, and that the world will be set right once and for all one day. I don't want to see anyone die without Christ, but I'm so tired of the sin that runs wild and the emptiness of this world...the hollowness of it all. I want to see what God meant for us to be and to have all along, without sin, without death, without fear...

7) And while I miss them both greatly, I am so thankful both of my parents are in Heaven today with Jesus. I'm also a little jealous that they got there before me and have had all that time to spend with Our Savior (Dad-8 years, Mom-nearly 1 year).

So, what are you thankful for today? Won't you share it with us? Go visit Iris at "Sting My Heart"...you'll be glad you did!

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Food For Thought...

As I was driving home from work one day, I stopped to watch a local Little League baseball game that was being played in a park near my home.

As I sat down behind the bench on the first-base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was.

"We're behind 14 to nothing," he answered with a smile on his face.

"Really," I said. "I have to say you don't look very discouraged."

"Discouraged?" the boy asked with a puzzled look. "Why should we be discouraged? We haven't been up to bat yet!"

So, when it comes to the hardships of life...don't fret...we haven't been up to bat yet!!

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

A Poem, Of Sorts

Life is nuts
Life is crazy
Leaves me feeling
Kinda hazy
In my head.

Weather's hot
I am bored
And I'm tired
Of being ignored.
I'm off to bed.

Hiding under
All the covers
Feeling like I'm
Going to smother.
So I cry.

Then I hear
His tender voice.
Telling me
To rejoice.
And I ask why?

When there's pain
In my life
And my home
Is filled with strife--
Why try?

"Because I died
to give you hope.
So you just smile,
Don't tell me 'nope'--
Let your spirit fly!

Soar with me
On eagle's wings
Up above
Your stress and things
will look up!"

I come out.
I take His hand.
I journey on
Toward my
Promised Land.
He fills me up.

Life is hard.
God is great.
Oh, I can't
hardly wait.
To see His face.

But til then
I'll carry on.
In His strength
I'll be strong.
I'll dwell in grace.

Be blessed...

Deena

As Waters Gone By...

13 "Yet if you devote your heart to him
and stretch out your hands to him,

14 if you put away the sin that is in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,

15 then you will lift up your face without shame;
you will stand firm and without fear.

16 You will surely forget your trouble,
recalling it only as waters gone by.

17 Life will be brighter than noonday,
and darkness will become like morning.

Job 11:13-17

A Bit Out Of Sorts...

Well, I'm a bit out of sorts today.

Feeling wound tighter than a spring, and that is NOT a good thing!

So, I'm going to take a little bloggy break, and let God do the talking this week.

Feel free to stroll through my archives...there's some good stuff in there.

See you later!

Deena

5 Things I Dig About Jesus!

Ack! I've been tagged! Isn't it too hot to play tag??

Kidding! This is a way cool meme, and Mamabright has tagged me to play.

Here are the rules:

1. those tagged will share 5 things they dig about Jesus…
2. those tagged will tag 5 other bloggers…
3. those tagged will post a comment here with their name and a link to their “dig” Jesus list…

My 5 Things I Dig About Jesus:

1. He died for me so I could live with Him.
2. He left me an example how to live, and gives me what I need to live it.
3. He calls me friend, and He lets me call Him friend, too.
4. When the devil points his boney finger at me and says, "You're not worthy!", Jesus stands up and says, "Oh, yes she is!" and breaks the devil's boney finger!!
5. He not only loves me, He loves you TOO!

My 5 Choices to Tag:

1. Nise' at "Thus Far The Lord Has Helped Me"
2. Sharon at "Sit With Me Awhile"
3. Denise at "Shortybear's Place"
4. Julie at ...well, "Author Julie Carobini"
5. The gals at "Girls Write Out"

And YOU, if you'd like to play along:-)

Leave me a comment telling me where to find you and your "I Dig Jesus" post!

Be blessed, and know Jesus digs you, too!

Deena

Short & Sweet

Thankful Thursday--Thank You For Being A Friend!!

For today's Thankful Thursday post, I would like to express my thanks to a few wonderful friends of mine:

1) Belinda---a kindred spirit that God brought into my life many years ago, and my spiritual big sis. This lady is one of the few who "get me", and no matter how badly I communicate what I'm thinking, she just seems to know. She builds me up in Christ, and has given me such confidence in who I am as His child. I wouldn't be who I am today without her influence in my life. And God has used her in such a mighty way to "grow me up in Jesus". She loves me for me, and that is so special to me. Love you, B!!

2) Mary---she and I share a very similar sense of humor, so we laugh a lot. She too is a big sis in Christ, and has taught me a lot by example. I love how her mind works, and enjoy talking with her. Love you, Mary!

3) Machelle---another kindred sistah! We are so much alike, I never have to worry about opening my heart up to her...she gets me as well! She has moved far, far away, but she is always in my thoughts and prayers...and I treasure the years we spent talking about the Lord and what He's done in our lives. Love and miss you, Machelle!

4) Our ladies of Loma Rica Baptist---too many to name, but how special they are to me! They watch out for me, and take care of me even when I don't think I need it...which is often! They each bring a different facet of life into mine, like a gorgeous diamond...when I feel like a lump of coal, they remind me of who I am in Jesus!

5) My sister-in-love Brenda---I tease Dave all the time that she's actually my sister, but God felt bad for him so he let's him claim her as his own:-) She listens to me, and gives me Godly counsel, and we have a ball whenever we're together. Only wish we lived closer...Love you, Bren!!

6) My sister, Leslie---we've gotten so close since my mom passed away...closer than I'd ever thought we'd be. It's been interesting getting to know one another as adults, and to learn to lean on one another. We miss our Mom, but I wouldn't trade what I've found with my sis for anything...love you, Sis!

7) Miss Pat and Miss Patty---these ladies have become my honorary moms, and oh, what a job they both have!! Pat was there for me long ago, and we laugh together a lot. She's helped me through a lot of stuff, and I adore her. Miss Patty has been my "mom" for a short time, but she just seems to know when I need a hug, and when I need to be encouraged. Love you both!!

8) All of my bloggy sistah-hood---you make me laugh, you make me think, you make me smile, and sometimes you make me cry...and that's a good thing!! Who'd have ever thunk it, that one day I'd be part of such a great bloggy world:-) Love you all!

9) Bridget---even though our friendship is still in its beginnings, it feels so good to have someone who knows you and loves you in spite of how goofy you can be! We're at different stages in life, and that's a good thing. We can learn from one another, and encourage one another, and get each other's back. I look forward to seeing where our friendship goes and grows. Love you, Bridget!!

So, what are all of you thankful for today?? Go on over to Iris' place and share...and be blessed!!

Deena

Will The Circle Be Unbroken??

It occurs to me, after reading some of your comments, that my post from yesterday needs a bit more clarification. So, kick off your shoes, pop the top on a cold Diet Vanilla Pepsi (or whatever you prefer), and prepare for a journey unlike any other...

...a journey through the labyrinth of my mind...

What triggered yesterday's post was quite simple. I have this dear, sweet blogging buddy who emails me. Every day. Just a simple line or two of encouragement. And a daily greeting card from Dayspring.

She is so faithful to lift me up every day. And it hit me one day: who encourages her? Who emails her every day? What happens when she gets down and discouraged??

Then I thought about our ministers...while they are busy pouring their lives out for the care and feeding of the church, who ministers to them??

Which led me to the ones in our church who send cards on special occasions. Does anyone think to send them a card on their special days??

Or the lady who always brings everyone's favorite dessert to potlucks...does anyone know what her favorite is, and does anyone bring it to her??

So, I wasn't discouraged...disgruntled...depressed...despondent...just curious. And while I agree that Jesus is our All in all, and the Holy Spirit ministers to us on a daily basis...it's always nice to have someone be Jesus to us...

Just food for thought:-)

Be blessed!

Deena

Random Thoughts---Who...

...comforts the comforting?

...ministers to the ministering?

...encourages the encouragers?

...prays for those interceding?

...serves the serving?

...teaches the teachers?

...is it you? Is it me?

Who is it who does for those who are doing?

Deena

Keep The Change...

Change...

I don't do well with change. I like routine. And yet, I get bored so easily.

Still, I don't like change...

and changes are coming.

Yesterday, our little church of 30 hit an all time high attendance of 54. And we had families with children. Lots of children.

Changes are coming...

My baby boy will finish junior high this year...and enter high school in Fall of 2009. Yikes! And only two more years til his sister graduates high school...

Changes are coming...

My husband will be 50 in September. We were talking last night, and if he lives to be the age my father was when he went home to Jesus...we're only talking another 23 years. Not much time when you think about it.

Changes are coming...

Family moves away. Friends travel on. We get older, and wiser...

Life changes.

And I don't like it.

But really, what would life be like if change didn't occur??

Stale. Stagnant. Dry. Eventually lifeless.

And so very, very boring.

So, change is good.

And without the changing power of Jesus...it's pointless.

I'll adjust. I always will. Just ignore the whining you hear coming from my little corner of the world.

Be blessed, and let Him change you. It may be hard...but it's worth it.

Deena