A Mom...in less than three minutes!

A Funny...

We had just finished an enthusiastic praise and worship time one Sunday morning. As the worship leader finished the last song, she went straight into prayer.

"Speak to us, O Lord," she prayed. "Open our hearts to hear your voice."

Just then we were startled to hear a deep, friendly voice coming from above our heads, saying, "Hello, how are you this morning?"

I opened my eyes in surprise and saw that the worship leader and my fellow parishioners were standing with eyes and mouths wide open, too.

After a moment of stunned silence, the worship leader chuckled and said, "Oh! The pastor must have forgotten to turn off his lapel microphone when he went out to greet latecomers!"


—Kathy Leonard, Palmyra, Virginia, "Lite Fare," Today's Christian

Thank you, Lord. I needed a laugh today;-)

Gunman on high school campus in my hometown

Please keep this situation in prayer.

Las Plumas High School in Oroville, California has reported a male student with a gun on campus, with 2-10 hostages. One shot has been fired, but no injuries reported as yet.

Please pray. We know students at this school.

Deena

Update: They have him in custody. No more details, but PRAISE GOD!!

The Duck and the Devil

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.

He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.

He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target.

Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.

Just out of impulse, he Let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it.

He was shocked and grieved!

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching!
Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes.'

But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.' Then she whispered to him, 'Remember the duck?'

So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.'

Sally just smiled and said, 'Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help.' She whispered again, 'Remember the duck?'

So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer.

He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.'

So, let me ask you this...what is satan using to keep you as his slave? Because God already knows it, has forgiven it and is just waiting for you to confess it. Don't let the devil hold your duck over your head!!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

The Gravy Ladle

I found this at Bonnie's blog:

John invited his mother over for dinner.

During the meal, his mother couldn't help noticing how attractive and shapely the housekeeper was.

Over the course of the evening, she started to wonder if there was more between John and the housekeeper than met the eye.

Reading his mom's thoughts, John volunteered, "I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, my relationship with my housekeeper is purely professional."

About a week later, the housekeeper came to John and said, "Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the beautiful silver gravy ladle. You don't suppose she took it, do you?"

John said, "Well, I doubt it, but I'll write her a letter just to be sure."
So he sat down and wrote:

"Dear Mother, I'm not saying you 'did' take a gravy ladle from my house, and I'm not saying you 'did not' take a gravy ladle. But the fact remains that one has been missing ever since you were here for dinner."

Several days later, John received a letter back from his mother:

Dear Son, I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with your housekeeper, and I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with your housekeeper. But the fact remains that if you were sleeping in your own bed, you would have found the gravy ladle by now."

Love, Mom.


Puts a new spin on "Be sure your sin will find you out", huh?

Who do we think we're fooling when we hide our sin?

Doesn't take a gravy ladle for God to know and see all.

And, besides, remember this: confession is good for the soul!

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," I John 1:9
Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Check Out Something Funny!!

I know, 'cause I posted it!

Click here.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Deeper Still...

From Beth Moore's blog

My Dear Sister
Now it's your turn
Take your Rhema
And obey it NOW!
No matter what awaits you
Or who doesn't believe you
You are at a crossroad
Don't miss God for the world!
Move past your offense
Forsake every stronghold
And go with God.
You are dearly loved
Completely forgiven
Deeply called
And thoroughly equipped
When you study God's Word!
Get out there and live this thing
To the glory, honor, and supremacy
Of Christ Jesus, the King.
You go, Girl,
Deeper Still!
Because you are not a sissy!
God is with you
And your sister loves you.

Do You Have Your Helmet On?

This past Sunday, our pastor finished a gorgeous sermon series on "Victorious Christian Living". We were in Ephesians, chapter six, examining the full armor of God.

Concerning the helmet of salvation, Pastor Dave asked the question: "Do you have your helmet on?" He continued, "And is it slammed down tight?"

Now, Brad Stine has his take on those phrases, but that wasn't what Pastor Dave was referring to!

The enemy will attack our minds, filling them with doubts and deceptions. We must know and take hold of the knowledge that once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and our Savior (i.e., are born again, saved, accepted salvation)...we are secure in Him.

No matter what the evil one uses to condemn us, we can say, "I have my helmet on. I know I'm safe and secure in the blood of Christ."

No matter how the evil one tries to deceive us, we can say, "I have my helmet on. I know what the Bible says about Jesus as God's Son, His sacrifice for me, and I know I'm safe and secure in the blood of Christ."

No matter how the evil one tries to torment us with fears and worries, we can say, "I have my helmet on. I know God will never leave me or forsake me, and I know He holds all of my days in His hands; I'm safe and secure in the blood of Christ."

So, I had to ask myself, "Do I have my helmet on?" Because I had one. I just had to put it on. And to keep it on, no matter how the storms raged, the wind blew, or the waves tossed me.

I ask you, in love, do you have your helmet on?

Do you even HAVE a helmet?

If you don't, email me and ask me how to know you're certain to go to Heaven, to be forgiven.

If you do, then put it on...and I say this with all love...and slam it down tight!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

URGENT PRAYER NEED!

Two young children in a family we know have apparently been kidnapped by the non-custodial parent and have disappeared.

Pray they are found, are safe, and the law does it's job in this situation.

Thank you!

Deena

This Is Cool...

HANDY LITTLE CHART
God has a positive answer:

YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Just a thought...

Creative Spiritz

It's Official!

I'm married to a man who is now a half a century old:-)

Wanna wish him a happy 50th birthday?

Click on the balloons to go to his blog:-) He has a GREAT post about turning 50 that you won't want to miss!!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

P.S. I'm still waaaaaaayyyyyyy younger than he is:-0

Don't Miss This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baby, Think It Over!

My seventeen year old daughter is taking a class at school called Child Development. As a part of her curriculum, she has to have a baby in her care for a week.

The school is smart, so instead of a real baby, they are taking part in a project called "Baby, Think It Over." She has a baby doll, complete with battery pack and key, wardrobe, diaper bag, and diapers(?) for this soft plastic replica of a human baby.

Whenever "Scott" cries, my daughter has to tend to "his" needs. Sometimes, he's hungry; sometimes he doesn't like how he's being held; sometimes, he needs a diaper changed. And sometimes, quite frankly, we think he's just being a brat:-)

The whole idea is to give her a taste of what it would be like to be a mom at her age. Her homework gets disrupted. She has to either take him along or get a sitter (I'm babysitting my "grandson" right now--haven't decided how much I'll charge her just yet:-).

And her sleep--oh, her precious sleep!! A couple of nights ago she couldn't stand it so she did the unthinkable---she removed his battery pack!! If only it were that easy, right moms??

This in no way is what it's like to care for a baby. But it is a small taste of it. She'd only been a mom for a day before she came to me, tears in her eyes, thanking me for not only being HER mom, but for being a mom 3 times over! She said, "I don't know how you did it, but I'm glad you did."

Which got me to thinking.....

What if I was able to get just a taste of what Jesus must have gone through to save me. Would I be more appreciative, as my daughter is? Would I go to Him, with tears in my eyes, saying, "I don't know how You did it, but I'm so glad You did!"

Of course, we get little tastes of it every day. When we're made fun of for what we believe...when a loved one goes home, separated from us until eternity...when someone betrays us unexpectedly...when we're left all alone in a trial...when a child goes astray and we long to bring them back.

We get tiny tastes of what our Savior endured...but do we thank Him?? Or do we cry out, "Why is this happening to me? I've been good! I've done what I was supposed to do, haven't I, God?"

Watching my daughter be a mom for a week has made me proud...she'll make a good mom one day (just not TODAY!!). When God watches me...is He proud? I think I'm going to see my trials and troubles, my hardships and struggles...just a little differently from now on.

And I hope I remember to turn my face toward Heaven, and to cry out "I don't know how You did it...but I'm SO glad You did!!"

Be blessed, and be a blessing! (I'm SO thankful "Scott" goes home on Thursday!!)

Deena

P.S. Not many people use cloth diapers anymore and with all the expenses of baby supplies you'd think that saving money on diapers would be more popular. Getting diaper bags and baby clothes is plenty for one's purse so know how much savings there is in cloth diapers.

Quick Question...

Is yours??

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

A Final Update...

'cause I'm tired of thinking about it all.

Went to the dr. today

He gave me MORE pills, a shot of analgesic in my hip.

And a referral to a back surgeon:-(

Please pray that I won't need surgery.

I feel very worn out...from either the pain or the meds.

Thanks for the prayers.

Be blessed and be a blessing...I gotta go...I got chicken fryin'

Deena

Quick Update...

...on my situation.

I went to the emergency room last night in severe pain. They gave me an extra strength pain shot, and diagnosed it as sciatica. My left sciatic nerve is severely inflamed, which (dr. said) is common for back surgery patients.

I go to my regular dr. today to see if I can get a shot of analgesic pain reliever in my left hip. Until then, can't drive or do much of anything because of the meds I'm on.

Which means I can't work, can't drive my kids to school...and going to church will be a REAL adventure:-)

Even now, sitting here as I type this, I'm in pain. It's bearable because I know I have medication to take. But I couldn't stay like this for very long before it would drive me crazy.

Thank you for your prayers yesterday. While my visit to the er wasn't pleasant, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Only a 4 hour visit and some relief!! (For those who live in the Marysville area, you get my point, I'm sure!!)

Please continue to pray. This pain is getting on my last nerve...literally!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

Hello??? Is this thing on??? Your comments are not getting through...because I KNOW you're leaving them.

Sound check please! Leave me a "Hey there!" so I know I'm not all alone here!

Deena

Wordless Wednesday...and a prayer request...

I'm in a lot of pain right now. My left sciatic nerve is inflamed and has been hurting for over a week. My dr. says it could be a sign of something with my back.

Please pray

1) for relief
2) for it to NOT be a sign of something in my back
3) that I would learn to let others do what I really should not do

Thanks!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deen

In Their Honor...

I've picked up a bad habit. Of course, it's only been a couple of days. But I can sense it's here to stay.

I buy McDonald's coffee on my way to work.

I'm too cheap for Starbucks every day, but I have to have my coffee...it's the only way I can drink my coffee creamers:-)

But I don't like the way they fix it. They don't put enough cream or sugar, no matter how I tell them I want it. And they insist on putting the cream and sugar in for me...Hey, it's MY coffee. I like to have control over how my brew turns out.

What I'm finding is a lot of people are getting that way with God. They want to pick and choose what they believe about Him, discarding what they don't like and adding what they want.

I mean, how many "new" gospels have been uncovered lately? How many new "religious" books are on the best sellers list that have no business in the hands of believers?

Note that they are called "religious" books and not necessarily "Christian" books.

But God isn't like our morning coffee.

We can't make Him weaker or stronger to suit us. He just is...strong.

Omni-strong.

We can't flavor Him to suit our taste. We can just taste and see that He is good.

Omni-good.

We can't heat Him up or ice Him down. We just have to realize He is a consuming fire.

Omni-hot.

And we really shouldn't treat Him like He's nothing more than a drive-thru window...stopping by on our way to our plans for a quick blessing. He's always there, in good times and in bad, when we're obedient and when we're...not.

Omni-present.

So, while I may continue to buy my McDonald's coffee on my way to work, and to fix it the way I like it...

I won't try to fix God. Imagine...a God made in MY image...now THAT'S a scary thought!

I think I need some coffee...

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Something's Missing...

My husband did a real "husbandly" thing...he put a new shower head up for me. He took it for a test run. Then he invited me to try it out for myself.

All this time, I just thought we had really lousy water pressure! Turns out, the old shower head was so clogged with gunk from our water that the line was cracking and most of the little holes in the shower head were blocked off.

What a difference! I enjoy showers again...and I feel clean now when I take one:-)

That, as usual, makes me think about my life. How much of it do I think is just normal, when in reality something spiritually has clogged up? What am I just settling for, not realizing how much better it could be?

You've heard people say it...maybe you've said it as well. I know I have. "Well, you know...that's just life." What if........that's a lie??

There's only one way to know. Allow God to replace my head...spiritually speaking of course:-) I think Scripture actually talks about this...it's called putting on the mind of Christ.

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a lot of work. I had actually suspected our old shower head was the problem...but it seemed like such a job, and I didn't want to trouble my husband...so I just dealt with it.

Ironically, it took longer to purchase the new one than it took him to install it. Talk about a "Duh!" moment for me!! So, how much work would it REALLY take to begin to think like Jesus thought...and still thinks today??

A few minutes in God's word each day? Some time in prayer to the Father? Immersing myself in the things of God instead of the things of the world??

I won't really know until I ask God to "replace my head, please". And I'm rather attached to it...so I don't really want to give it up...my head, that is. I like my mind. I've made it up so many times that it is comfy cozy, thank you very much!

And yet, some thing's missing in my life. Has been for some time. Feels kinda blah and joyless...unless I hold it at just the right angle...then I can get something going that's good.

Kind of like that old shower head. Got the best stream of water when the hose wasn't crimped and the nozzle was twisted just. that. way. Ahh, that's better...no, wait...oh, well. It was nice while it lasted:-)

So, I'm thinking about asking God to replace my head...again, spiritually speaking. To see if the flow of His Spirit will be better, richer, and more forceful. Because lately I've been feeling rather dry and crusty (in my soul, people...sheesh!), and nothing I've tried seems to work.

How about you??

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Unlimited Supply...

From Drudgery To Divine!

Your Superpower Should Be Mind Reading

You are brilliant, insightful, and intuitive. You understand people better than they would like to be understood. Highly sensitive, you are good at putting together seemingly irrelevant details. You figure out what's going on before anyone knows that anything is going on! Why you would be a good superhero: You don't care what people think, and you'd do whatever needed to be done Your biggest problem as a superhero: Feeling even more isolated than you do now

What Should Your Superpower Be?

Sometimes, as a mom, I wish I had a super power. It is so hard in life keeping up with all I have to do. In fact, I told someone at Bible study last night I have so much to do I'll never die!

With life being so overloaded, it's hard to keep my focus where it should be. But Pastor Dave gave me a key to a heavenly treasure...I just need to use it.

He spoke on Sunday about Ephesians 6:5-9. Not about slaves so much, but more about all of life and being under authority in general. He said that if we do all that we do as if we're doing it for God, that will change how we do it.

For the mom wiping her baby's bottom for the 100th time that day...you're serving your child in Christ's name...and great is your reward.

For the daughter who is asked to do the dishes so Mom can work on other things...you're serving your mom in Christ's name...and great is your reward.

For the wife who's washing her 13th load of towels and wondering who's taking all those showers...you're serving your family in Christ's name...and great is your reward.

We tend to divide our lives up into 'This is what I do for God' and 'This is what I do for everyone else. But as believers, everything we do is done for God...we just need to realize that and live it...for it is so.

While I would love to have superpowers...I do have a super power...the power of God lives within me, enabling me to do all things in His name. I just have to remember that.

Be blessed and be a blessing...in Jesus' name!

Deena

Food For Thought

Read the following words inside the blue triangle out loud.

What did you read?

Did you read "The bird in the bush?"

Or did you read "The bird in the THE bush?"

Look at it again...

Makes me wonder...

How much do we miss in God's Word because we read in a rush, not taking the time we should...?

Just food for thought...

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

P.S. Trying different kinds of food to determined if you like foods like japanese food or seafood. One kind of food we love is that we all love to eat holiday food!!

A Little Talk With God...

"God?"

"Yes, My Daughter?"

"Life hurts."

"Yes, it does."

"Well, I'm tired of hurting. Could you do something about it?"

"What would you like Me to do?"

"Couldn't you cover me in, oh, I don't know...something like a cross between bubble wrap and a feather quilt? You know, so those harsh words people throw at you don't sting...and the loss of dreams doesn't pierce so much...and the loss of people is muffled so it isn't so loud...something like that?"

"You mean, insulate you?"

"Yeah, insulate me, God! Would You please?"

"As you wish, My Daughter."

**moments of silence**

"Um, God?"

"Yes, Daughter?"

"Are You still there?"

"Of course I Am. Why do you ask?"

"Uh...I can't really feel You anymore. In fact, I really can't feel much of anything. I can't hear very well...and it's hot in here!"

"Anything else?"

"Yes...when the fiery darts hit the bubbles, they pop, and that scares me."

"Would you like me to remove your insulation?"

"Yes, please." **More silence** "Now, God...how can I be protected from life's hurts? I'm so tired of hurting."

"Have you been wearing your armor?"

"Armor?" **silence** "Well, not exactly."

"That is what I've provided for your protection. Maybe you ought to put it on."

"I suppose so. But won't I still get hurt? I mean, armor = battle...right?"

"Yes, you're right. But think of the victory you'll have!"

"All right, God." **sounds of clinking** "How do I look?"

"Like a daughter of the King. Now, don't forget your shield."

"Yes, God. And You'll stay with me, right?"

"I'll never leave you alone."

And I'm back in the battle once again.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Do The Do!

Love,
Deena