Prayers For the family of Steven Curtis Chapman...

In a tragic accident, the youngest daughter of Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was killed. Her teenaged brother did not see her and ran over her in the SUV after his oldest sister's engagement party.

Here's a video of Steven and Maria filmed just two months ago.



To send condolences to the Chapman family, click here.

Mom's Impressive Job Description

Author and preacher Tony Campolo said that when his wife, Peggy, was at home full time with their children and someone would ask, "And what is it that you do, my dear?" she would respond, "I am socializing two Homo sapiens into the dominant values of the Judeo-Christian tradition in order that they might be instruments for the transformation of the social order into the kind of eschatological utopia that God willed from the beginning of creation."

Then Peggy would ask the other person, "And what do you do?"

—John Ortberg and Ruth Haley, An Ordinary Day with Jesus (Zondervan, 2001), p. 122; submitted by Dave Slagle, Lawrenceville, Georgia

HA! Top that one, anybody:-)

I'm Just Sayin'

Deena

I Want This T-Shirt!!

EMERGENCY ALERT. : If wearer of this shirt is found vacant, listless, or depressed, ADMINISTER CHOCOLATE IMMEDIATELY.

WHITE LIE CAKE

Have you ever told a white lie? You are going to love this, especially those who bake for church events.

Alice Grayson was to bake a cake for the Baptist Church Ladies' Group in Tuscaloosa, but forgot to do it until the last minute. She remembered the morning of the bake sale and after rummaging through cabinets, found an angel food cake mix and quickly made it while drying her hair, dressing, and helping her son pack for Scout camp.

When Alice took the cake from the oven, the center had dropped flat and the cake was horribly disfigured. She thought, 'Oh dear, there is not time to bake another cake.'

This cake was important to Alice because she did so want to fit in at her new church and in her new community of friends. So, being inventive, she looked around the house for something to build up the center of the cake. Alice found it in the bathroom - a roll of toilet paper. She plunked it in and covered it with icing. Not only did the finished product look beautiful, it looked perfect.

Before she left the house to drop the cake by the church and head for work, Alice woke her daughter Amanda and gave her some money and specific instructions to be at the bake sale the moment it opened at 9:30 and to buy the cake and bring it home When Amanda arrived at the sale, she found the attractive, perfect cake had already been sold. She grabbed her cell phone and called her mom.

Alice was horrified - she was beside herself. Everyone would know! What would they think? She would be ostracized, talked about, and ridiculed! All night, Alice lay awake in bed thinking about people pointing fingers at her and talking about her behind her back.

The next day, Alice promised herself she would try not to think about the cake and would attend the fancy luncheon and bridal shower at the home of a fellow church member and just try to have a good time. Alice did not want to attend because the hostess was a snob who more than once had looked down her nose at Alice because she was a single parent and not from the founding families of Tuscaloosa. But, having already RSVP'd, she couldn't think of a believable excuse to stay home.

The meal was elegant, the company was definitely upper crust old South and, to Alice's horror, the cake in question was presented for dessert! Alice felt the blood drain from her body when she saw the cake! She started out of her chair to tell the hostess all about it, but before she could get to her feet, the Mayor's wife said, 'What a beautiful cake!'

Alice still stunned, sat back in her chair when she heard the hostess (who was a prominent church member) say, 'Thank you, I baked it myself.'

Alice smiled and thought to herself, 'God is good.'

I'm Just Sayin'

Deena

Lesson Learned...

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.

"How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.

"Fifty cents," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.

"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.

By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.

"Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins.

"I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.

The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies....

You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

Creation Explained....Sort Of!

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

Then, using God’s great gifts, satan created Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and Krispy Crème Donuts. And satan said, “You want chocolate with that?” And Man said, “Yes!” and woman said, “and as long as you’re at it, add some sprinkles.” And they gained 10 pounds. And satan smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.

So God said, “Try my fresh green salad.” And satan presented Thousand Island dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.

God then said, “I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them.” And satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.

God then created a light, fluffy white cake and named it “Angel Food Cake,” and said, “It is good.” satan then created chocolate cake and named it “Devil’s Food.”

God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And satan created McDonald’s and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, “You want fries with that?” And Man replied, “Yes! And super size them!’ And satan said, “It is good.” And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then satan created HMOs.

The Fern and the Bamboo

THE FERN AND THE BAMBOO

One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality....
I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me.

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the
bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. The same in year four.

"Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.

"Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo.. I will never quit on you.

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.

"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life.

Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life.

-- Author Unknown

I'm just sayin'

Deena

Please...

go here...and pray.

To good to not post...

Oh, and by the way...that borrowed tomb?

IT'S EMPTY!! HE ROSE AGAIN!!

It's Been Fun!

I'd like to thank all of my faithful readers of Wholly Devoted.

I've been able to share a lot of my thoughts, ideas, inspirations, and funnies, and I've loved every second of every minute.

But, as of today, Wholly Devoted will be no more.

I'm not dismantling the blog...but I will be rarely, if ever, posting here. Lots of my material is original, so I may print it out and scrap book the pages that mean the most to me. So don't worry about it going completely away.

My ego is too big for that!

But God has opened doors for me to do something that I have a passion for, and that is write reviews for Christian fiction and non-fiction. This has gone from hobby to ministry, and while it has it's controversial and frustrating moments, that is truly where my heart is.

Plus, with my various health issues, I haven't had a whole lot to say about me lately. I'm having surgery April 21st to take care of one issue, and my doctors are working on treatment for the other one I battle daily.

Still, God isn't done with me yet, and I may pop in from time to time to share something amazing He has shown me. You just never know...

So, thank you. Thank you for giving my voice a chance to be heard, for helping me realize yes, I do matter in the Kingdom, and for all of your encouraging and uplifting comments and emails.

I've had a blessed and fun time. I hope you have as well.

See you later, gater!

Deena

Why Is It...

...that often times those who are invalids feel invalid?

...that to be helpless can leave you feeling like you can help less?

...that the meaningless things in life aren't meaning less?

But isn't it great that those who are selfless think of self less?

I'm just sayin...

Deena

Another Verbal Faux Paux...

Time to press the old panic button again! Opened my mouth and out came something I didn't mean, expressed in the wrong way, and the moment to correct it was lost.

So, all of you have to endure my explanation, which I hope you will find as cool beans as I do:-)

A sister in Christ had asked for prayer at last month's Bible study (yes, we meet once a month for women's Bible study...that's an entire other subject...I'm working on it!), and my sister in law took that request especially to heart.

My sister (in law) had let me know before she left to return home that she was going to make it a point to pray for the hurting sister. She really connected with her request and the events surrounding it.

So, at Bible study, I let this sister know about that conversation, so she would know of the Spirit connection that was made that day. But what I said was "She's going to pray for you in this area, even if you don't need it!"

What I MEANT was "she will pray for you so faithfully, that even when God delivers you in that area, the prayer won't stop."

What God whispered to me while my face turned red and I felt stupid was this:

Even if we continue to pray for a need, and the need is met, and we continue to pray...He applies our soothing balm of healing prayer to another hurting area in the person's life. He knows our needs better than we do...and we may be praying in sincerity and in fervency for an area that has been healed...

But He won't waste a drop. Ain't that cool?? I thought so.

I hope you did too. Despite my faux paux...once again:-0

I'm just sayin'...

Deena

What's It All About...?

We just finished watching a movie tonight at our church. "Love's Enduring Promise", based on the books by Janette Oke. A bit cheesy, but it made a rather pointed...um, point.

That, coupled with the books God has led me to read lately, causes me to rethink some things. Things such as pain, loss and suffering.

We're told quite often, especially in James and I and II Peter to expect to suffer. "Count it all joy", "when trials come"--not if, "for your suffering builds" this and that and the other virtue.

But juxtaposed with Jesus' own promise that He "came to give us life, and give it to the full" (or as some translations put it--abundantly), how does it all fit? What's the answer to the age old question "why do bad things happen to good people"?

The answer lies in the definition of "abundance".

When Jesus promises us abundance, does He mean fat wallets, substantial bank accounts, full pantries, warrantied vehicles, and better homes (and gardens!)? Maybe...but not likely.

If you doubt me, read about Jesus' own life. If the King of Heaven lived like a vagabond and ate with others at their invitation, not the other way around...what can we expect?

I believe the answer to abundance is this...

When the diagnosis isn't good, and the worst possible could happen...knowing that to the believer, it is the greatest gain.

When your spouse or friend abandons you for no reason other than they can...knowing there is One who will never, ever leave...no matter what.

When the food supply dwindles, and your stomach growls...knowing that you can still feast on the Bread of Life that will fill your soul's content.

When you snap, crackle and pop without eating breakfast cereal every morning...knowing that one day a glorified body awaits you that will be friskier than any puppy, more flexible than any Olympic gymnast, and more limber than any deer.

When the clouds of depression refuse to part and let the light in...knowing that the joy of the Lord is your strength, and you don't have to dredge it up from yourself.

When evil seems to be overtaking the world and wounding those you love...knowing that He will ride in on a ride like no other and cry "It is finished!" and it finally will be as it was always meant to be.

When death takes a loved one and we grieve the loss...knowing that we are merely storing up our treasures in Heaven (if we will get busy sharing our faith).

When the things of this life pull, tug and lure you to the point of singing that old hymn "prone to wander, Lord, I feel it! Prone to leave the One I love"...knowing that one day you will sit at His feet with nothing else to do than to worship Him like you've always longed to do, with no distractions, no temptations...and No. More. Sin.

I think THAT'S the life abundant Jesus promised us.

Now, do I live it? No way, girlfriend! At least, not as much as I long to. And oh, how I long to live this way!!

And anyone who tries to convince you that they DO live this way, 24/7/365...don't believe it. We can't. We try. We fall. We get back up, and try again and again. And we live this life, knowing He knows we are jars of clay, holding the holy within us in His Spirit.

I'm trying. How about you? And isn't that what it's all about?

I'm just sayin'...

Deena

Know Crochet??

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover.

In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000. He asked her about the contents.

"When we were to be married," she said, "my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll."

The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.

"Honey," he said, "that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?"

"Oh," she said, "that's the money I made from selling the dolls."

A Prayer......

Dear Lord, I pray for Wisdom to understand my man;
Love to forgive him;
And Patience for his moods;
Because Lord, if I pray for Strength,
I'll beat him to death, because I don't know how to crochet.

I'm just sayin'...

Deena

Who's Hands??

Lately, I've found myself in the midst of one health issue after another. I'm baffled, befuddled, mystified...and wearied of it all.

With this most recent one, I called my sister and told her I had an unusual prayer request.

"Please pray that the doctor will put me in the hospital," I cried. Then I proceeded to explain to her why that would be the wisest thing he could do. Made perfect, logical sense...and actually gave me a kind of peace.

Then she blew me out of my tranquil waters: "No, instead, I'm going to pray that God will show the doctor what he should be doing. We don't know if the hospital is the best thing or not."

Well, that sure rocked my boat! Didn't she hear me? Didn't she UNDERSTAND????

Yes, she did...better than I did. And I'm SO glad I called her with my hair-brained request.

I'm reading a book right now about a person who, out of fear, raced ahead of God and made a life-altering decision that had ripple effects in the lives of so many people. And no, it's not from the Bible...

But it could be. Remember Abraham? His race to prove God right gave us the turmoil in the Middle East. And remember Rebekah? Second worst case of sibling rivalry ever recorded (first was Cain and Abel), wasn't it?

And Peter...poor Peter. He always gets the bad rap...especially when he jumped the gun and cut off the guard's ear. Had he only waited a few more days, he would have seen Jesus rise and everything would have been okay.

Made me think of myself. Who's hands am I trusting in? Who's hands are my troubles in? Am I rushing out ahead of God, trying to make a way for Him? How ridiculous can that be?

But don't we tend to do that? Especially when we're in a situation that is just too big, too burdensome, too huge...too preposterous. That's when we tend to get out ahead of God and take matters into our own hands.

And that NEVER turns out well...ever.

I'm trying so very hard to lean on God and His wisdom through all of this. I'm trying to be patient, optimistic, and hopeful. But it is so hard. So very hard. And just when I think I have it figured out and solved...

He loves me enough to send me someone, like my sister, to gently say "Deena, put it back in My hands. Let Me hold it for you...it will crush you, sweetie. But My hands are strong enough, and I can see out far enough to know what is best for you."

It may not always feel like it...but I can't live on feelings. I have to live on faith.

I'm just sayin'...

Deena

I needed this one too...

...thought maybe...so did YOU:-)

I'm just sayin'...

Deena

Malachi 3:3

I needed this today...thought maybe you did too:-)

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it"

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Pass this on right now.

This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end.

I'm just sayin'...

Deena

Wet Pants

Come with me to a third grade classroom.....

There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened.

It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.

The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, "Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat."

He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered.



As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.

The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!"

Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out.

All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie.

She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!"

Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

Susie whispers back, "I wet my pants once too."

May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good..

Remember.....Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

I'm just sayin...

Deena

Special Day At Our House!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish my second daughter and middle child a very Happy Birthday!!

She turns 18 today, and is not too crazy about being labeled "an adult".

So, I'm letting her be a kid a little bit longer:-)

Hey, it took me 30 years to grow up:-) And I'm STILL working on it!

Her blog is Books 4 Teens--stop by and give her a shout out on her birthday:-)

I'm just sayin...

Deena

I did the Macarena with a goat because the voices told me to!

This is funny, don't spoil the fun, and keep it going............Type out the sentence you end up with, and put it in the comments...feel free to swipe it and post it on your own blog:-)


Pick the month you were born:

January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June----------I smelled
July-----------I did the Macarena With
August--------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October-------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:

1-------a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7-------my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbour
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a st uffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19------ - a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an ipod
29-------a surfer
30-------a llama
31-------A homeless guy

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:

White---------because I'm cool like that
Black---------because that's how I roll.
Pink-----------because I'm crazy.
Red-----------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----------because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green---------because I think I need some serious help.
Purple---------because I'm AWESOME!
Gray----------because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow--------because someone offered me $1,000,000 dollars
Orange--------because my family thinks I'm nutty anyway.
Brown---------because I can...
O ther----------because I'm a Ninja!
None----------because I can't control myself!



Now type out the sentence you made in the comments...I can't wait to see what you get stuck with.................


I'm just sayin'...

Deena

Just A Mom???

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. 'I'm a Mom.'

'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,' said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in m idair and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, 'I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out).

I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).

But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'

Motherhood!

What a glorious career!

Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' and great grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates?'

I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts 'Associate Research Assistants.'

I'm just sayin'...

Deena

No More Tea??

One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me and
my brother who is four years older than I am. I was maybe 1 and a
half years old and had just recovered from an accident in
which my arm had been broken among other injuries.

Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift
and it was one of my favorite toys. Daddy was in the living
room engrossed in the evening news and my brother was
playing nearby in the living room when I brought Daddy a
little cup of 'tea', which was just water.

After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea,
my Mom came home. My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch
me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest
thing!!'

My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the
hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watches him drink
it up, then says, 'Did it ever occur to you that the only place
that baby can reach to get water is the toilet??'



So, what've YOU been drinking from??

I'm just sayin'...

Deena

The Holy Alphabet

I got this in an email from Denise at Shortybear's Place, and it is so good I thought I'd share it with all of you:-)

A-lthough things are not perfect
B-ecause of trial or pain
C-ontinue in thanksgiving
D-o not begin to blame

E-ven when the times are hard
F-ierce winds are bound to blow
G-od is forever able
H-old on to what you know

I-magine life without His love
J-oy would cease to be
K-eep thanking Him for all the things
L-ove imparts to thee

M-ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N-o weapon that is known
O-n earth can yield the power
P-raise can do alone

Q-uit looking at the future
R-edeem the time at hand
S-tart every day with worship
T-o "thank" is a command

U-ntil we see Him coming
V-ictorious in the sky
W-e'll run the race with gratitude
X-alting God most high

Y-es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z-ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!


Thanks Denise!

We're just sayin'...

Deena

Ain't It Just Like God!!

A Coincidence????

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and science shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.



A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.



Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.



A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.



Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.



Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.



Eggplant, Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? .... It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).



Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.



Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.



Onions look like body cells. Today's research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.

"The news isn't that fruits and vegetables are good for you, it's that they are so good for you, they can save your life." David Bjerklie, TIME Magazine, Oct. 2003.

No one can ever convince me this is all an "accident"...and the evidence for a loving and divine Creator keeps mounting...

I'm just sayin'...

Deena

Philosophy of (Mid) Life!

I've seen two shows lately that went on and on about how mid-life is a great time for women. Just last week Oprah had a whole show on how great menopause will be... .Puhle eeeeeeze! I've had a few thoughts of my own and would like to share them with you. Whether you are pushing 40, 50, 60, 70 (or maybe even just pushing your luck), you'll probably relate.

Mid-life is when the growth of hair on our legs slows down.

This gives us plenty of time to care for our newly acquired mustache.

In mid-life women no longer have upper arms, we have wing spans.

We are no longer women in sleeveless shirts, we are flying squirrels in drag.

Mid-life is when you can stand naked in front of a m irror and you can see your rear without turning around.

Mid-life is when you go for a mammogram and you realize that this is the only time someone will ask you to appear topless.

Mid-life is when you want to grab every firm young lovely in a tube top and scream, 'Listen honey, even the Roman empire fell and those will too'

Mid-life brings wisdom to know that life throws us curves and we're sitting on our biggest ones.

Mid-life is when you look at your know-it-all, cellphone-wearing teenager and think: 'For this I have stretch marks?'

In mid-life your memory starts to go. In fact the only thing we can retain is water.

Mid-life means that your Body By Jake now includes Legs By Rand McNally -- more red and blue lines than an accurately scaled map of Wisconsin

Mid-life means that you become more reflective . . . You start pondering the 'big' questions:

What is life?

Why am I here?

How much Healthy Choice ice cream can I eat before it's no longer a healthy choice?

But mid-life also brings with it an appreciation for what is important. We realize that breasts sag, hips expand and chins double, but our loved ones make the journey worthwhile. Would any of you trade the knowledge that you have now, for the body you had way back when? Maybe our bodies simply have to expand to hold all the wisdom and love we've acquired. That's my philosophy and I'm sticking to it!

I'm just sayin...

Deena

Happy Valentine's Day ( a little early)!!

For God so loVed the world,

That He gAve

His onLy

BegottEn

SoN

That whosoever

Believeth In Him

Should Not perish,

But have Everlasting life."



John 3:16

He's just sayin'...He loves you.

Deena

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)


Keep this handy...

I'm just sayin'...

Deena

Putting Down Roots...

Today, I'm sharing a bit more from that little book I mentioned in yesterday's post.

Paul shares about a family who has just returned from the mission field, and the mother is asked what it was she found so overwhelming upon returning to the U.S. Her response? "The potato chip aisle in the store."

Did you know that Lay's Brand produces over 40 different types of potato chip? That's NUTS, people! And when you've been to a foreign country where a potato itself thrills you no end...you realize just how nuts that is.

Now, let's move it into the realm of the Spirit, shall we? How many different types of churches (denomination, style, size, etc.) do we have in this country? And how healthy is it for the Body of Christ?

Before you come flyin' at me with your theological debates primed and ready, let me say this...I'm not knocking denominations. I'm just saying, how long have you been serving where you are currently at?

Most Christians spend an average of 2-3 years in one church. The average pastor spends only 7-8 years as pastor of one church (in our denomination, the average is much less). Now, somebody tell me how you can put down roots that way?

So many believers are saying they feel so disconnected from the Body. I know of one woman who feels no one in her church "gets her". My question is "has she been there long enough to be gotten--and how 'there' is she?"

When my husband pastored 14 years ago, we lived along the Sacramento River, and we had lots and lots of almond orchards surrounding us. In 1995, our area was severely flooded, to the point we had to evacuate to my parents home 45 minutes away.

As we drove along the highway, we saw tree after tree after tree lying on its side, root ball sticking up in the air. Later on we read how most of the almond crop for that year was destroyed by flood.

The reason? These were trees with shallow roots. They hadn't been planted long enough to go deep into the soil, so when the flood came, they popped up and toppled over. Had the flood waited another few years, the root ball would have been deep enough that the trees might have stayed planted.

With all of the variety and choice in the Body of Christ, I wonder if we stay put long enough to take root. I've watched in my own small town as "this church" become the "happening place to worship" and people move in droves to worship there...only to have it shift within a couple of years and then people move over there.

Or the worship/children's ministry/fellowship changes and doesn't meet my needs, so I'm going to go over here now. How will it ever be what it can be if people don't put down roots and help be the change they want to see?

So, let me ask you again...how long have you been in your current church? And just how "in" are you? Are you putting down deep roots? You need to...and don't worry...God will move you when it's time to move.

I'm just saying...

Deena

Simplify

I'm reading a clever book by author Paul Borthwick called "Simplify".

He has a lot of thoughtful, "chew on this" material for me, and I thought I'd share something from it with you.

"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him," Deuteronomy 30:19-20.

What I'm realizing through reading this book is that those verses read more like this for me:

"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against me that I have set before myself life and death, blessings and curses. Now I choose life, so that I and my children may have stuff and enjoy life and that I may like the Lord but love Wal-mart, drown out His voice in my life with iPods and DVDs and books, and hold fast to whatever the new fancy or fad is in my life today," Deena 372:1-3.

Which version sounds a chord for you?

If you want to know more about the book, click here.

I'm just sayin...

Deena

HUH????

Supposed true stories from real people...YIKES!!

1) We had to have the garage door repaired. The Sears repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the opener. I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest one Sears made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, 'Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower.' I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4. He said, 'NO, it's not.' Four is larger than two..'

We haven't used Sears repair since.



2) My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave the clerk a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her a quarter. She said, 'you gave me too much money.' I said, 'Yes I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar bill back.' She sighed and went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the quarter, and said 'We're sorry but they could not do that kind of thing.' The clerk then proceeded to give me back$1 and 75 cents in change.

Do not confuse the clerks at McD's.



3) I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road. The reason: 'Too many deer are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.'



4) My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.' He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce.


5) I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, 'Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?' To which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?' He smiled knowingly and nodded,
'That's why we ask.'


6) The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine. She asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, 'What on earth are blind people doing driving?!'
She was a probation officer in Wichita , KS


7) At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker. She was leaving the company due to 'downsizing.' Our manager commented cheerfully, 'This is fun. We should do this more often.' Not another word was spoken. We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare.
This was a lunch at Texas Instruments.


8) I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself and for the sake of her life, couldn't understand why her system would not turn on.
A deputy with the Dallas County Sheriffs office, no less.


9) When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the drivers side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the technician, 'its open!' His reply, 'I know. I already got that side.'
This was at the Ford dealership in Canton , Mississippi

Hmmmmm....kinda makes you wonder, huh?? LOL!!

Be blessed, and be careful out there!!

Deena

Brief Thought, Laughs Below...

In Bible study we talked about David as a young boy, tending his father's sheep. We talked about how, out of the entire army at King Saul's disposal, David was the only one willing to fight Goliath, and he was a civilian.

Remember how King Saul tried to dress David in his armor? David tried it on, then refused it, saying it was too cumbersome and he would not be able to do what he was called to do while wearing the king's armor.

My thought is this:

Who's armor are we trying to wear, and is it helping or hindering us in fulfilling God's call on our lives?

I know I'm guilty of picking up stray pieces of other people's "armor", trying to make them fit me and then wondering why I feel so awkward and uncomfortable, so ineffective and insufficient.

Maybe it's because I need to put on my OWN armor (see Ephesians for more) and do my OWN thing according to God's will, and stop trying to be like everybody else.

So, who's armor are you trying to wear? And isn't it about time you took it off and let God make you who HE wants you to be?

I'm just sayin....

Be blessed!

Deena

The Living Lexicon: Church Terms that Oughta Be

Biblidue: The build-up of bookmarks, bulletins, notes, and other miscellanea that collects in one's Bible.

Clivaholic: One who can no longer control the compulsion to quote C.S. Lewis in every sermon, lesson, or conversation.

Hymnastics: The entertaining body language of the song leader.

Narthexegesis: Unsolicited post-sermon commentary given the preacher by armchair biblical theologians.

Pewtrify: To occupy a precise spot in the sanctuary for more than 15 years without once showing signs of sentient life.

Ministereotype: A common myth or misconception about any ordained person.

Deaconscript: An unwilling church officer cajoled into a position of leadership.

Hi-litaholic: One who cannot resist highlighting Bible verses until the entire volume is a multihued mass of Day-Glo vibrancy.

Hymnprovisation: The abrupt and unannounced transition from one song to another, usually a chorus unfamiliar to most present.

Proliferation: An abundance of anti-abortion activists.

Pulpituitary: That phenomenon familiar to those seated on the front pew, during which a preacher produces hazardous conditions with alliterative P's.

~~Received via email from Church Laughs Newsletter

Be blessed, and don't forget to laugh! It's healthy!

Deena

All I'm Saying Is...

KNOW WHO YOU ARE VOTING FOR...



That's All I'm Saying.

Deena

If You're Able...

An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests.

First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart.

"Wal-Mart?" the preacher exclaimed.

"Why Wal-Mart?"

"Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week!"

Don't let this be said about you. If you're able, call home and say I love you to the ones who raised you. I'd love to talk with Mom and Dad again...but I have to wait for eternity now.

In The Center Of His Will?

Some food for thought....

Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?

A: Psalms 117


Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?

A: Psalms 119


Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible?

A: Psalms 118


Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118

Add these numbers up and you get 1188.


Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?

A: Psalms 118:8


Q: Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?


The next time someone says they would like to find

God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to

be in the center of His will, just send them to the

center of His Word!


Psalms 118:8

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Now isn't that odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it)?


When things get tough, always remember...

Faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it !!

Thought you might like that!

Be blessed, and stay centered!

Deena

Food For Thought, Doncha Know?

Jake, the rancher went one day,
To fix a distant fence.
The wind was cold and gusty;
The clouds rolled gray and dense.
As he pounded the last staples in
And gathered his tools to go,
The temperature had fallen;
The wind and snow began to blow.



When he finally reached his pickup,
He felt a heavy heart;
From the sound of that ignition,
He knew it wouldn't start!
So Jake did what most of us would do,
had we been there.
He humbly bowed his balding head
And sent aloft a prayer.




As he turned the key for one last time,
He softly cursed his luck.
They found him three days later,
Frozen stiff in that old truck.
Now Jake had been around in life
And done his share of roaming.
But when he saw Heaven,
he was shocked --
It looked just like Wyoming !



Of all the saints in Heaven,
His favorite was St Peter.
(Now, this line ain't really needed,
But it helps with rhyme and meter)
So they set and talked a minute or two,
Or maybe it was three.
Nobody was keeping score --
In Heaven time is free.

"I've always heard ," Jake said to Pete,
"That God will answer prayer,
But one time when I asked for help,
Well, HE just plain wasn't there.
Does God answer prayers of some,
and ignore the prayers of others?
That don't seem exactly square --
I know all men are brothers."



"Or does he randomly reply,
Without good rhyme or reason?
Maybe, it's the time of day,
The weather or the season.
Now I ain't trying to act smart,
It's just the way I feel.
And I was wondering,
could you tell me --
What the heck's the deal?!"

Peter listened patiently,
And when old Jake was done,
There were smiles of recognition,
And he said, "So, you're the one!!
That day your truck;
It wouldn't start,
And you sent your prayer a flying,
You gave us all a real bad time,
With hundreds of us all trying."

"A thousand angels rushed,
To check the status of your file,
But you know, Jake,
We hadn't heard from you,
in quite a long while."
And though all prayers are answered,
And God ain't got no quota,
He didn't recognize your voice,
And started a truck in Minnesota !"




BETTER KEEP IN TOUCH!

Nuts in the Cemetery (A Funny)!

On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence.

One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts. "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me," said one boy.

Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence. Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate.

Sure enough, he heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me." He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off.

Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along. "Come here quick," said the boy, "you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls."

The man said, "Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk."

When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled slowly to the cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you,one for me."

The old man whispered, "Boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord." Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything.

The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord.
At last they heard, "One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done."

They say the old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes ahead of the kid on the bike.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

I Don't Usually Do This...

...but I think it's worth doing today.

Recently I was asked to review a manuscript of a book that is due to release in February. Nothing unusual about that...I get them these days. And it was a book I was interested in anyway...just a bit earlier than I had expected.

Talk about a Divine Appointment!

Since I know some of you only read "Wholly Devoted" and either aren't aware of my book review blog, I'm going to repost some of the information here for your benefit.

I buy a lot of books. I read a lot of books. I review a lot of books.

No book has changed me like Allison Bottke's soon to be released book, "Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children".

Except the Bible.

Allison wrote this book out of a painful experience involving her own son; she recounts that pivotal experience in the opening pages. With a prologue from Carol Kent, who's own son's actions changed HER life forever, this book rings with authenticity and a heart for hurting parents that is just HUGE.

In this non-fiction, semi-autobiographic book, Allison first explains "The Parent as Enabler". This was a difficult section to read, because from the very beginning I saw myself in these pages. But it was also a divine appointment (and you thought this was just a book review:-), because I also found freedom in these pages.

As a mother of a prodigal (wayward) daughter, this book was more than just something to read. It was, as I stated earlier, a God appointment. I didn't request this book for review...I was asked to review it.

And now I know it was because God knew I needed the message of healing contained in these pages, and because He wants to get the word out to hurting parents of prodigal children..."There is hope, and you are NOT alone!"

Buy this book for yourself, for a friend or family member, for someone who's hurting over their adult children. Begin a support group and read it together. And allow yourself to regain your S.A.N.I.T.Y. once again. "Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children" releases February 1, 2008 and is published by Harvest House Publishers.

To Read the Entire Review, click here.

This is a book with a wide appeal. It's for hurting parents; it's for friends of hurting parents.

It's for aching families. It's for families who want to avoid the aches and pains of raising kids in this messed up world.

It's a wake up call for some. It's an alert for others. It's a roadmap to avoid pitfalls...for others, it may be the rope that rescues you from the pit you're in.

No matter what, it's worth reading...and sharing.

Pray for me as I pray for direction concerning this book. I'm going on blog tour with Allison Bottke's new book in April, and I've had some things asked of me.

I don't want to make a move without God's approval, but I feel a sense of urgency about this issue. It's very personal, and I don't believe God is wasting this experience for a mere review.

So, please check out the review. Watch for the interview. And pray for me to find direction in what He has ordained through this divine appointment.

Be blessed,

Deena

What Will WE Do?

So, there I was, sitting at my desk this morning, doing my work, minding my own business...

(For those who DON'T know, I work part-time as a church secretary).

I was putting together this week's bulletin for church, when the announcement about the Wednesday evening Bible study caught my eye.

Now, I'm familiar with this particular piece of news...I designed it. It runs every week. It's an ongoing ministry of the church I work for.

What held my attention was this thought...

It took several years for this church to begin having a Wednesday night Bible study. There was some squabbling, some discussion, some bickering, some badgering, and finally a surrender. But it took a long, long time and a lot of hard work to begin a weekly Bible study.

And Bible study is good...worth fighting for...don't misunderstand me. What hit me was we're like a group of medical students who go to medical school to learn how to be doctors...

...and we keep going and going and going and going...once in awhile we'll pick up a scalpel...test it's weight...polish it up...and put it back in our nice and tidy medical bag.

Or a group of law students who practice court but never really hold court, buffing our briefcases and toting our huge law books back and forth, impressing one another with our torts and briefs (now that just sounded SO wrong!)

What's the use of going to medical school if you won't one day practice medicine?

What's the use of going to law school if you won't one day practice law? (Maybe that's why so many are so bad at it...their still practicing?? LOL!! Sorry, my bad...)

Why study God's Word if we're not going to one day go out there in the world and use it?

When's the last time you watched your church fight for an evangelism program? Struggle to fit in a Bible study...sure, no problem! But witnessing? Evangelism? Street preaching?

Ummm...let me check my datebook...

The cool thing about the church I attend (no, it's not where I work...long story for another post), we have one gentleman who is fighting for our church to beginning spreading the gospel more actively.

What I find even cooler?

He's not waiting. Did you catch that? He's not waiting for the rest of us to pick up the call...he's called, he knows it, and he's just waiting for the rest of us to CATCH up!

See, the thing is this...

We'll have all eternity to learn about God, His ways, and His thoughts...

We'll have all eternity to worship Him in word, song, and deeds...

We'll have all eternity to fellowship with fellow believers and to share our testimonies among the faithful...

But we only have here and now to share the gospel message with someone. And far too often, I find myself doing the first three, and neglecting the one thing I can only do here and now.



Who will spread the Good News? He's waiting on YOU and ME. How about it?

Be blessed, and keep studying...but let's get out into the "operating room", shall we? Let's do a full court press for Jesus! (Sorry, just couldn't help myself...get it..."court"..."law"....oh, never mind!)

Deena

Deena

It's Scandalous!

Okay, unless you've been living under a rock these days, you've all probably heard the latest buzz on the unauthorized biography of Tom Cruise, written by Britain's version of Kitty Kelly--Andrew Morton.

It's been on all the talk shows, scandal rags, and television gossip shows for weeks now. I caught a snippet on the Today Show this morning.

And, just in case you didn't know the latest dirt on THIS celebrity...



She checked herself out of mental health, lost permanent custody of her children, and her Dr. Phil special? Canceled.

My question is this...why do we care?

Don't we realize that we create this stuff? We create this kind of voyeuristic living and lifestyle for these people? If everyone who claimed to be a believer in Christ stopped watching and reading and buying, and just started praying...what a difference we'd make!

I mean, I was just as upset as any American mom when the scandal about Vanessa Hudgens (of High School Musical fame) hit the airwaves. And I was heartbroken when Jamie Lynn Spears announced she was pregnant at 16.

But it was even more heartbreaking to know that, without Christ in their lives...all of these so-called famous people will die and go to hell.

And isn't that more important??

Do we pray as much as we watch, read, and gossip?

Britney can one day get her kids back...Tom can leave Scientology, and Jamie Lynn's baby can have a hope and a future, but only if WE get off their backs and get on our knees.

With all the surveys done lately on who claims to be born again...we're a force to be reckoned with at the gates of hell...and we're too busy reading The Star and watching Entertainment Tonight.

So, I don't care about Tom Cruise's wacky or racy habits. I care about his soul. How about you?

Be blessed, and be praying. Develop a Hollywood hitlist...'cause if Steven Baldwin and the lead singer from Korn can be redeemed...Tom Cruise?? He's no challenge to God at all:-)

Deena

Guess What?!?

God answered prayers (well, of course He did...He answers all of them)...
but He answered SPECIFIC prayers on my behalf.

I do NOT have breast cancer...I just have a lymph node in an odd place.

But praise God I DO NOT HAVE CANCER. I DO however have a much deeper appreciation for what women go through who receive "that" phone call, and vow to pray for those battling breast cancer (or cancer of any kind) more fervently.

If you or someone you love is battling breast cancer, my heart goes out to you. If you need a shoulder or an ear...you can always count on mine:-)

Thank You, God, for choosing to heal me now instead of later. I praise You and give You ALL the glory!

Amen, and be blessed in His name.

Deena

Grandma's Hands

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.

When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and

looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear voice strong.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her.

"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at

my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story:

"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. "They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.

"They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

"They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.

"They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

"They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

"These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life..

"But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home.

When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.

I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

When you read this, say a prayer for the person who posted it for you, and let's continue praying for one another.

-- Author Unknown

Be blessed, and be His hands and feet.

Deena

Tomorrow...

I go in for an ultrasound. The second mammogram showed enough to warrent more tests. Please pray for me Thursday afternoon (around 3:30 PM PST).

I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't scared, but I know God is there ahead of me and He already knows the outcome. He's already made a way, no matter the final outcome.

I know this, but I don't know if I want to have to walk the path laid out...and right now, I'm still at the crossroads. And that really stinks!

Be blessed, and thanks for blessing me with your prayers.

Deena

Standing In The Gap...

Today, I saw my general practitioner (i.e., regular doctor). I told him all that had been going on for me since August, and told him exactly how I was feeling.

Now, my doctor is a Christian, and he knows I'm a Christian. So, instead of a prescription for pills, he prescribed Scripture. Instead of medicating my fears, he spoke against them. And instead of predicting the outcome, he pointed my eyes to the One who holds every outcome.

And he encouraged me to lean on my prayer warriors, those who stand in the gap for me. But to know my strength comes from the One to whom we all pray.

I won't say I'm not at all fearless now...but I fear less. No matter the ultimate outcome...no matter if I have to one day say, "I have breast cancer"...I will look to the hills from where my help comes from...and I will cry out to God.

I'm still waiting for results from the last mammogram, and will most likely have an ultrasound or a biopsy done. Please, continue to pray for me. I have my strong moments, but I still have my weak ones as well.

Many thanks, and be blessed.

Deena

The Space Between...

Welcome to a brand, new year...2008.

Remember when we thought we'd never see 2000, let alone be eight years into the new century??

Entering a new year always causes me to reflect back on my spiritual journey of the previous 365 days. This year is no different, yet in some ways my reflections are a bit more...reflective, shall we say?

The last few months have been one health issue after another for me, beginning way back in late August. I re-injured my back, which resulted in possible surgery. An MRI was ordered, which revealed major damage to my back...

...and a cyst on my left ovary. Which led to an ultrasound that revealed an abnormality in the lining of my uterus. So I was referred to an ob/gyn for further tests, and was referred for spinal epidural steroid injections on my back.

Saw the ob/gyn, which led to lab work and a request for a uterine biopsy. Because I had been naughty and never had a mammogram, one was ordered for me. Not happy about it, I almost didn't go.

But I've always done what I'm told, even when I don't like it. So I went. The next day, I got a call from the imaging center...they found a lump the size of a pearl in my right breast, and need more images.

That's a phone call you can think about, but when it comes, you don't react in any way like you thought you would. Time stops for a brief moment, and then your heart races and your mind runs rampant down all the possible roads that now lay before you.

I went in yesterday for my follow-up views...and it wasn't just a shadow. It wasn't just a density in the tissue. It is a genuine, "let's take a better look at this" lump. Next up, another ultrasound, and then, if it is warranted, a needle biopsy.

Through all of this boring, repetitive stuff, I've made an astounding discovery about myself. Something that both reassures me and perplexes me at the same time. I'm not quite sure what it says about me...so feel free to comment on this...

...but I must warn you, I'm not in the mood for lectures or rebukes. My emotions and my body are both very tender right now, so if you cannot talk to me in love, then please, for pity's sake, be silent right now.

What I have found is that I have total assurance that, no matter what comes my way through this or anything else life has for me, I'm going to be fine. God has it all in His hands, and He is already ahead of me, making a way for me to walk.

What I find so perplexing about that is this: it isn't the I'm fine part of it that has me knotted up inside...it is those three words in between the I'm and the fine...it's the "going to be" part of it.

See, I know that if I don't have breast cancer (those are hard words to type...excuse me for a moment.................................)...if I don't have it, I'll be fine. I also know that if I do have it, I'll still be fine.

It's the journey between I'm and fine that leaves me feeling breathless, overwhelmed, and a little dizzy right now. It doesn't really comfort me to be told what I already know...I KNOW I'll be fine. I am fine.

It's the unknown of the "going to be" part that has my heart racing at moments in the day...my eyes filling with tears unexpectedly when I'm doing my household work...my throat in a vice when I try to tell my husband what I'm feeling...my emotions on a swing when I give myself that "spiritual talking to".

I have such huge faith and trust in God at this juncture of my journey that I'm amazed at myself. This is a huge turning point for me in my faith walk. But now, as I face whatever is out there ahead of me in my health issues, I find that it's that space in between that still causes me pause...that still has me asking, "What are you going up there, Father?"...that still causes me to tremble in my not knowing.

I have this sense that the Father holds me even closer at those in between moments. That He gives me more grace. That He hears me better than ever. That He doesn't just walk with me, but He picks me up at those moments. That He doesn't rebuke, but He restores my soul.

That His love for me means far more at those in between moments. And so does my faith in Him. Because I know the one who stands in between me and my fear...and He is mightier than anything that life can throw at me.

Pray for those who stand in between the I'm and the fine. It's a hard place to stand, but through His grace and strength...we will stand.

I will let you know the ultimate outcome of this latest health dilemma. Please pray for me that God's will be done, and that I can walk where He leads me to walk. Because, when it comes right down to it, I have peace, and yet I feel so fearful. I know, I'm odd.

But you love me......right?

In Him, be blessed.

Deena

P.S. I can't promise I will be blogging much, but I will try. So don't give up on me just yet:-)