Hi Sis, I want to be honest with you. Like I said, I missed you and I also was VERY concerned about you. You had said something awhile back about crying. I asked you about that because I really care. Then I began to worry about you too.
As goofy as this sounds, I was wondering if someone esle was sending me the notes you sent. Now I know I was wrong and I am sorry. I had no idea you needed to copy and paste to send a message. I actually wondered whether your computer was even broken. I've heard the truth is always easier, but it sure isn't easy!!
I tend to have a suspicious nature at times, as you can tell.
I hope you'll forgive me.
Here's your mail.....

Warning Grooves

By Kelly McFadden

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Have you ever come home at 11:30 p.m. for a midnight curfew? It’s not likely. I remember waiting on my front steps until 11:59 p.m. before going inside. When given the opportunity, it seems to be in our nature to push the limits to the very farthest degree. Perhaps you’ve asked this question before: how far is too far? How much noise can I make until I push Mom over the edge? How fast over the speed limit can I drive before the police will pull me over? How much can I cheat before getting caught?

We like walking on the edge. The problem is that when we live life near the edge, we can go too far before we realize it. It’s like being on a winding mountain road. On many of them, as you near the edge, you’ll hit a series of warning grooves that cause you to start bumping along. They are there to remind you to get back on the right track. Driving on the edge of a road is dangerous, because it can be easy to lose control and drive off the edge.

The Christian life is much the same. I used to think some of the rules in the Bible were cumbersome. I have come to realize, however, that it is these very guidelines—like warning grooves on a road—that help keep me from flying over the edge and losing control in my life. God’s commandments and principles are there for our protection so we can experience all God wants us to experience. Typically, when people lose control of their lives, it hasn’t been just one bad decision that launches them off a moral cliff, but a series of bad decisions along the way. The Scriptures, the Holy Spirit and our brothers and sisters in Christ help provide us with the warning grooves and the guardrails we need to keep us from flying out of control and going over the edge.

Thank God today for giving us the help we need to stay on the “narrow road."

GOING DEEPER:
1. What is the meaning of today’s verse, Philippians 4:8?

2. Pray today, asking the Lord to show you who can be a companion to walk beside you and help keep you accountable in your thoughts and actions.

FURTHER READING:
Ecclesiastes 4:11-13; James 5:13-18; 1 John 3:1-2

another good one. OOOOOOOOO's (hugs), Darlene

Hi Sis, I love the words you used in your note to me..."no sugar coating". That's good.
I tend to be a mother hen with some people, so consider me your mother hen! lol I'm not a mother hen to very many, just a select few and I guess you're one of those!! Do you understand what I mean by a "mother hen"? You probably do but just in case you don't, here's an example. There are two sisters who live in the same town we used to live in. One is older than I am and the other is a little younger. When I'm with these two ladies I act like a mother hen. It's really kind of funny, but it's true.
Honey, why are you alone so much?
One wonderful thing to remember when you are alone is we really aren't ever alone. Jesus said, I will NEVER leave thee nor forsake thee.
I also know there are times we need other people!! I know this personally. I wish we lived next door to each other. I'd watch the kids for you now and then. Not always, cause I'm getting up in years and little kids are active, as you know very well.

Well sweetie, here's your mail. Please take GOOD care of yourself. I know the Lord wants us to take care of ourselves. He loves us.

Prayer of Blessing
By Leslie Snyder

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

Psalm 33:22

Have you ever watched a child fall asleep in the arms of a parent, especially in a noisy crowd like a sporting event or other large gathering? The sleepy child often falls asleep in the most precarious of positions with his or her head cocked sideways on the parent’s shoulder, one arm hoisted around Mom or Dad’s neck while the other dangles. It’s an awkward position for both parent and child, but the innate relationship between the need of the child and the love of the parent instinctively leads the parent to shield the young dreamer from disturbances. Rest is available to the child as he or she trusts Mom or Dad’s loving care.

I love the psalmist’s use of the phrase rest upon us. It conjures up images of someone gently laying a soft, warm blanket across the shoulders of one who needs protection from the elements of wind, rain or excessive heat or cold. The phrase literally brings visible comfort, an audible exhale, a physical release, and relief from the daily barrage of stress, pain, burden, anger, hurt and disappointment. The other phrase that complements this is even as we put our hope in you. How amazing is it that the blessing comes in the action of hoping? Not before, not after, but during the act of trusting comes a blessing of rest. Another translation chooses the word mercy instead of rest. What an even greater gift when we think of rest in terms of mercy, for who doesn’t need this gift?

As you consider this verse today, I’d like to invite you to pray this passage as a blessing for the people around you. It might sound something like this, “May your unfailing love rest upon (insert name here), even as she/he puts her/his hope in you. Amen." Not only will you be blessing someone, you will begin the powerful practice of praying Scripture.

GOING DEEPER:
Praying Scripture may feel odd at first. Even so, give it a try. Below are some Scriptures to get you started.

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 3:16-19, 6:19-20; Philippians 1:3-6

I don't think I've ever prayed scripture....have you? I like this idea! lots of love, Darlene

Hi Charlene, I'm planning on writing my story so if I don't write to you every day, that's the reason. I really want to get this finished before the Lord takes me home. You are important to me so I'll probably still stop by almost every day but just in case I don't, you'll know why.
Here's your mail.....

Not Always As It Seems

By Kelly McFadden

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…

Matthew 7:12

A Different Type of Prayer
(author unknown):

"Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and was rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children. Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester. Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking fellow, begging for money in the same spot every day is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares. Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together."

It’s been said, “You never know enough about a situation to truly be angry.” So often we jump to conclusions, instead of looking beyond the situation at the heart of the matter. As children the Golden Rule was said in our classrooms, teaching us to be fair and nice. As adults, we now teach the next generation this same phrase. Treat others the way you want to be treated. But do you truly act this way? Or is the Golden Rule just a looming phrase and a nice ideal? The words in Matthew 7:12 are the words of Jesus. These words are building blocks of compassion and kindness. God shows us this kind of love every day. What can you do today to show an act of mercy or goodness? As Christians it is important to treat others the way Jesus would treat them…you may be the only Jesus someone ever sees.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you ever misjudged a situation? What happened? What was the result?
from me (Darlene)...YES, I have misjudged a situation concerning a good friend of mine.
2. How can you make an effort today, and everyday, to be an example of God’s mercy and goodness?
from me (Darlene)...I can remember that she's a sweetheart and I love her. I hope I've learned to trust the Lord with people I love.

FURTHER READING:
Luke 6:27-36; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:13-15

I love you and hope you're feeling better and better every day! Darlene

Charlene!! It's so nice seeing your little one along with this very pretty picture of you!! This is a super nice surprise.
Thank you for saying what you did about my writing. I think you're prejudice (or however that's spelled) cause you care about me.
I do hope you will write your own story someday. The way I think about this is, even if I leave it in my computer or make a hard copy (as they say) and leave it for my kids that would be enough for me. It doesn't have to be a book.
I love you for saying that though. That means a lot to my heart. Thanks pal.
I really do appreciate seeing this picture of you. When is the baby due? I forgot. I know I'm gonna want to send the baby something. I don't know how I can and that makes me sad!!
Here's your mail again. lots of hugs, me

Surviving the Lions

By Robin Dugall

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

I don’t think that there is one person whom I have ever met who has been exempted from hard times in life. There is a myth in much of Christianity that once you become a follower of Jesus that you are “protected” from tough times. People interpret the “abundant life” that Jesus promises as if His role is to insulate us from the hard realities of life. But, it just doesn’t happen that way. For those who trust in Jesus, we echo what David wrote when he penned those famous words in the 23rd Psalm.

From today’s Scripture, note that David, the author of Psalm 23, didn’t write, “IF I walk through the valley…” Rather, he exclaims “even though.” Hard times are inevitable and to be anticipated. It is part of what it means to live in a broken world.

There was a young man who went through horrendous hard times in his life. His name was Daniel and his story can be found in the book of the Old Testament that bears his name. One of the most “famous” stories that we know from Daniel’s life is when he found himself standing up for God, and ended up at the bottom of a lions’ den as a result. Even though Darius the king respected Daniel, he had violated the king’s law and was quickly expedited to the lions’ den to suffer a sure and certain death. Daniel was thrown to the lions, but God delivered him. The king was so astounded by the way God protected Daniel, that the king himself comes to acknowledge the God of Daniel as his own God.

While we may never have to face being thrown to the lions, hard times will come. We can trust in God or we can allow the tough times to overcome us. When you are experiencing hard times, make God your highest priority. Build the foundation of your life on Him.

Further, we don’t have to face tough times alone. God has put people in your life in community to encourage and support you. As Peter said in his New Testament letter, “humble yourselves under the mighty power of God and He will honor and bless you.” With your trust placed firmly in God and His power to deliver, you too can survive the “lions” you face.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you ever felt that you have been eaten alive by your problems and hard times? What “lions” are you facing today?

2. What can God teach you about your problems? How can you view them differently knowing that God is with you?

FURTHER READING:
Daniel 6; Romans 5:1-6; Psalm 23

This was a good one for me! mmmaauh! Darlene

Hi Sis!! When I got to your page and saw your new picture, I smiled. I'm really glad you put this picture here. It's a sweet picture.
Don's goin to bed soon so I need to make this short.
I have your "mail" with me. teehee...........

Addiction to Activity

By Jim Liebelt

You may say, “I am allowed to do anything.” But I reply, “Not everything is good for you.” And even though I am allowed to do anything, I must not become a slave to anything.

1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT)

What is all the commotion about? It seems that everyone is rushing about, trying to work through their “to-do” lists so that they can…add more items to their “to do” lists. Let’s have some perspective here! We are not doing ourselves any favors by living life at supersonic speed. Today, we cram more and more activity into our lives because our culture encourages us to do so and because we can.

This addiction to activity has also infected the church. It’s wonderful that so many churches today can offer a wide variety of ministry services in order to address a wide variety of life issues. But, far too many Christ-followers cram their schedules with too many (good) things: ministry meetings, program meetings, small group Bible studies, accountability groups, recovery groups, and even meetings to plan more meetings! And, as a result life loses its balance.

Remember, just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should! Busyness for busyness sake—even when the busyness is ministry oriented—is counterproductive at best, and just plain sinful at worst.

When I look at Jesus’ life, I see a man who was not ruled by His schedule. He seldom seemed rushed. For instance, I love that while He pursued plans, he would welcome interruptions from people in need. From what we know, Jesus never said anything like this to anyone, “I’m sorry, I can’t help you. I need to be in Jericho by sundown.” Wouldn’t it be refreshing to cut back on our pace of activities and actually live more like Jesus? Wouldn’t it be helpful to become more of the salt and light that Jesus called us to be in our neighborhoods and communities and spent less time in activities and meetings just talking about it?

Today, give some thought to the pace of your life. If necessary, begin the process of weeding out activities from you life that may be good, but actually prevent you from living a balanced life.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What good activities are you involved in that could actually be (or become) obstacles to your spiritual health and effectiveness in serving Christ?

2. Are you simply too busy? If so, what steps can you take this week get your schedule under control?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 7:11-17; 10:38-42; Matthew 5:13-16; Psalm 46:10

I can see where my life could use some help in cutting out some of the things I do..especially on the computer. Every now and then I realize I'm overdoing in one way or the other. I need more balance. What they said about Jesus helped me see that I want to be more like He was when He was here. He took the time to listen and He took the time to answer their questions. Actually He's still listening and He will still answer our questions. He's the same yesterday, today and forever. love, Darlene

Hi there. Yep, your little girl is growing. You don't look like you've gained at all, except in the tummy area. You look very nice and pretty too!
My "book" as you call it, isn't doin do good. I've been very tired and not up to par for the last couple of weeks.
I did do something yesterday toward the writing though. With Don's help I got a heavy container out of our shed that has all my old notebooks and journals in it. It's here in the house now. When I feel a little better, I hope to slowly read these things. Looking at the past is hard so I want to wait till I feeel a bit better. Then something else happened yesterday that was hard for me.
One of our daughters called yesterday and I answered the phone. She is very angry because I haven't called her the last couple of weeks. She ended up telling me that she wants nothing to do with me. At that point I told her I love her and I'll be praying for her. I have and I will but this has hurt me so deep it's hard to describe.
I don't believe she means it from her heart but she's not speaking from her heart right now. She's speaking from her anger!
I wrote her a letter last night and again this morning. Since she wants nothing to do with me, I can't mail them but it helped to write to her anyway. This is not the first time she's said hurtful things to me or Don. I forgive her of course. It does hurt though. Tears are flowing while I'm typing. Please pray about her and I (and Don too).
I'll bring your mail later. love, Darlene

I forgot to tell you, I have a huge container of granny squares that my mother made. She had planned on making a bed spread but didn't get them done. There's still lots of yarn too so someday I might complete it. It's different colors like beige, off white, and brown all one string of yarn.
That's excellent that you know how to do this!! I don't, so if I do complete my mom's bed spread, I'll need to learn how to make granny squares first. love ya, me

Hi baby sister!!! Here's your mail.

Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.
Hosea 6:3

There are days when we feel God's presence. We sense God's love. We see God's power. But we do not always feel or sense or see. There are times of silence, distance and uncertainty. There are the difficult times of waiting for God to appear. In times like this we may find ourselves both longing for God and fearing that God will come.

The longing comes because in our heart of hearts we know that there is no recovery without God's gracious presence. If God does not appear, we are stuck, bound, hopelessly entangled in dysfunction. If God does appear, it will be like the sun rising - we will be able to see the way.
It will be like gentle rains which nurture us so that we can grow and
thrive.

The fear comes because often we do not see God as one who comes as 'sun' and 'rain' to give life. We are afraid that when God does appear, it will be to punish us, to demand restitution from us, to shame us.
Because we have served vengeful and vindictive gods, we fear that it will be the god-of-impossible-expectations who will finally appear.

We do well to follow the urging of this text to 'acknowledge God'. We need daily to examine whom we serve. When we acknowledge the god-of-impossible-expectations, then we will surely fear his appearing. But if we acknowledge the God of the Bible whose coming is to nurture and give life, then we will await God's coming like the dawn of a new day.

I acknowledge you, Lord.
You are not the god-of-impossible-expectations.
You are not the god-who-is-eager- to-punish.
I know what it is like when these other gods come.
They bring shame, blame and fear.
I do not acknowledge them, Lord.
I acknowledge you.

Come as the dawn of a new day, Lord.
Bring light into my dark days.
Come as gentle rain, Lord,
Cleanse, renew and nurture.
Come, Lord, as the dawn.
Come as the rains.
Water the parched earth of my soul.
Amen.

Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan

This one is VERY good. Muuahhh!!

Sis, Don's asleep so I can't type now. I'll write to you tomorrow.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO's

Pure Religion

By Mike DeVries

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27 (TNIV)

Mark Twain once remarked that it was not the things that he did not understand in the Bible that bothered him, it was the things that he did understand.

I don’t know about you, but today’s scripture is one of those places for me. The writer of the book of James makes this astounding statement about a religion that is “pure” and “faultless.” What is astounding is that he opens the door to the idea that religion, in its proper expression, is not cold and lifeless, but is actually fresh and life giving.

Religion in its proper expression is not about living a perfect life, nor about being able to check off the “religious to-do list,” but about embodying the heart of God. It is about living a life in which we “follow God’s example” (Eph. 5:1), caring about and taking action on the same things and in the same way that the incarnate God, Jesus Christ, displayed for us.

Time and again, the Scriptures display God’s heart for the last and the least of society. It appears that this is a subject that is very close to the heart of God, and thus should be one that is close to the heart of those who are followers of God. Perhaps one of the greatest legacies that we leave the next generation of Christians is a strong expression of caring for those who are close to the heart of God—those who are the last and least in society.

What if, rather than being known for what it stands against, the people of God were known for what they stood for? What if we, the Church, were best known as a conduit of love and grace to a world that is in desperate shortage of both? Caring for those who are the last and the least is not only a good ideal, but rather it appears to be central to a life that pleases God.

GOING DEEPER:
What are some practical ways in which you can care for the last and the least in your community?

FURTHER READING:
Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:17-18; Isaiah 1:16-17; Jeremiah 5:26-29; Ezekiel 16:49-50; Acts 4:32-35

Hi, it's me again! (as if you didn't know)
I called our daughter yesterday morning and asked her if I could read a letter I had written to her. I read her part of it, then we both said a few more things, and then she hung up on me. I've decided unless I (or the Lord) changes my mind, not to call or contact her in any way for one week. Next Tuesday I hope to know what to do or not do.
Here's your mail.....

Are You Wasting Away?

By Jim Liebelt

Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given.

Luke 12:48b (NLT)

The young people that made up this “blue-collar” youth group were seething at their youth pastor as he stood in front of them, burning a twenty-dollar bill. For these kids, twenty dollars was a big deal! Repeatedly, he would set fire to the bill, let a bit of it burn and then blow out the flame. Repeatedly, he asked the question: “Is the bill still worth twenty-dollars?” The kids thought their youth pastor was crazy! They begged him to stop—to give the money to them—before it was too late and the bill was worthless. The students yelled in frustration as the money finally disappeared into ashes. Then, the youth pastor asked, “How many of you are treating the life God gave you in the same way?” The atmosphere of the group changed immediately as the kids fell into an introspective silence.

What about you? God has given each of us tremendous gifts of life, talents and abilities. Are these being used as God intended or are they—like the twenty-dollar bill in the youth pastor’s object lesson—being slowly squandered and wasted away?

Unlike burned money, and fortunately for us, God is in the business of re-creating squandered lives. There is no one so far gone that God is not able to restore and rebuild a life. It’s never too late to recognize waste in our own lives, ask God for His forgiveness and grace, and get back on the track of real life, offering ourselves up to God to be used by Him.

Today, take a quick self-inventory. Are you being responsible with the gifts God has given you or are you allowing yourself to be wasted? Take whatever action is necessary to make needed changes and to put your God-given gifts to use for the cause of Christ!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What gift, ability or talent do you possess that is not being used to its fullest for the cause of Christ?

2. What decisions do you need to make that would allow God to do a work of re-creation in your life so that he may use you more effectively for His purposes?

FURTHER READING:
Acts 9; 1 Corinthians 4:2, Philippians 3:12-14;
2 Timothy 4:7

This one speaks loud and clear to me. I love you bunches, me

Honey, I was just telling a friend of mine yesterday that when I was fairly close to having one of my babies, I was watching TV and saw a monkey milkinng a goat. I got sick to my stomach over seeing that. It wasn't icky but I guess I was nausiated cause it sure did make my stomach sick. I wasn't sick at the time either.
Is it possible you have the wrong date of your last cycle?
I thought of a verse this morning that sorta goes along with how I feel about our daughter Dawn. I don't remember the right words but it goes something like this. As a hen gathereth her chickens so would the Lord like to gather us. I know this is not the way it goes, but I'm pretty sure about it saying God wants to gather us like a hen gathers her chickens. That's what I'd like to do. Our kids are busy as we all get and we don't see them very often anymore. It's pretty sad, but I know the Lord is their Lord too. All four of our kids know Jesus as their Savior.
I like the idea of sending her the letter...but unless the Lord shows me or leads me differently, I'm goiing to wait till next Monday and even then I don't know what I'll do. But today is today and I could change my mind or the Lord could help me know what I need to do before Monday.
Charlene, Don and I didn't get saved till we were in our late 30's. He and I both know that our kids had a rough time when they were young. I feel sorry for what our kids went through, but I can't change the past. I am different today than I was then and so is Don. There were some decisions I made that I wish I wouldn't have and other times I wish I had made a decision and instead I didn't. I pretended everything was fine when it wasn't.

I get this in the mail every day. I thought you might like to read it. love you, me

September 3, 2009

The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
--Proverbs 28:1

In 1996, Reverend Joe Wright, pastor of a large church in Wichita, Kansas, bravely stepped to the microphone of the Kansas House of Representatives to open a session in prayer.

But it wasn't the generic prayer to which the congressmen were accustomed. In part, he said:

"We have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it moral pluralism. We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism....

"In the name of choice, we have killed the unborn. In the name of right to life, we have killed the abortionists....

"We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment."

He then asked for wisdom and forgiveness and closed the prayer in Jesus' name.

As you can imagine, Wright's prayer caused quite an uproar. But he stood strong...and said he wouldn't apologize for stating what was true.

In today's secular and godless culture, we need more people like Reverend Wright to take a bold stand for Jesus...people who aren't afraid of declaring and defending the truth of God as revealed in His Word.

Are you one of those people? When was the last time you took a stand for Christ? Maybe it wasn't in front of a room full of congressmen, but perhaps in a personal conversation with an unbelieving friend.

Today, I want to challenge you to memorize the verse at the beginning of this devotional, and live it out in your daily life.

As a believer, you have the truth on your side! So you can be as bold as a lion as you live the Christian life.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you be bold and strong in your witness for Him.

This is sent to senior's but I think this one is good for all of us. With my thanks and love, Darlene

Hi Sis! I'm very tired this evening cause we've had company all day! I might fall asleep on the keyboard.

I'm gonna make this short and go sit in our recliner.
with lots of love, me

Here's your mail....

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Psalm 23:4

Sometimes the recovery journey takes us through the valley of the shadow of death. It is a frightening valley.

What a difference it makes in times like this to hear God's promise
to be with us. It's not that the fears vanish, they don't always. But
we experience them differently when we are not alone. When we are alone our fears can become the focus of our thoughts and feelings – they can consume all of our emotional resources. But when our journey is a shared one, fear does not have the same power over us.

God has made a very specific promise to us when we are going through the most difficult of life's struggles. God has promised to be with us.
It is hard to say how God's presence will be made known. Our subjective experience of God's presence may vary widely.
Sometimes when we least expect it, we may hear the still, small
voice of God saying "I am here". Sometimes God will use a friend, a
sponsor, a counselor, or someone in a support group to speak to us in ways that help us to remember that we are not alone.
Sometimes God will give us a peace that needs no words.

The important reality is that God is with us. God does not come and go in the way our experience of God's presence comes and goes. God does not forsake us. God walks with us. Even through deep valleys.

God, I am walking through a difficult valley right now.
Sometimes I think my heart will give way with fear.
Remind me of your presence.
Sometimes I know you are here.
Sometimes I'm sure you have gone.
Are you really here?
Please walk close beside me.
I need your protection.
I need your love.
Amen.

Copyright 2009 Dale and Juanita Ryan

This is another god one!!! with love and a great big hug, Darlene

Hi sweetie. I found something else to bring you tonight. It's a study titled In The Beginning. If you want to learn more about the beginning, there are seven more articles or studies. I haven't read every word in this so you might find some mistakes. If you do please let me know. Thanks sis!! love ya, me

Day 1 - The Beginning
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

Understanding the beginning is the beginning of understanding. The first verse in the Bible may include the four most important words ever written—"in the beginning God." The understanding of this one verse is the foundation upon which all truth is based. Before we can comprehend the end of the age, or our present purposes, we must first understand the beginning. This is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

"In the beginning God"—these four words are worthy of a lifetime of study, and will be the basis upon which an eternity of worship will be founded. We exist because of God. We, therefore, owe Him everything. He alone is worthy of our worship and devotion.

At the end of the age, the most pressing philosophical controversies still revolve around our origin. This is understandable because when we answer this one question right, the answers to all other questions are possible. If we answer it wrong, the door opens to almost every form of darkness and deception.

Just as the strength of a foundation will determine the magnitude of what can be built upon it, the depth to which we understand this one truth about our origin can determine the spiritual strength of our entire lives. When we understand that we had our beginning in God, and that He made us for His purposes, we are compelled to return to Him. The truth of our beginning is also the beginning of all truth. Since He made us, we are His. Therefore, His purpose and His plan must guide us.

If God made us, then we can no longer claim to be the centers of this universe. He is the center. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He is I Am. All things will be summed up in Him. Just as every compass will point to the magnetic north, all else will ultimately point to Him, the magnetic pole of truth. With this pole of truth in our hearts, we have a basis for every decision—what is His will? All things came from Him and all will return to Him. This is our destiny and the goal of our lives—to return to the One who made us, and to serve Him in all things.

Also implied is the importance of all beginnings. How we begin our day will probably determine the quality of our day. How we begin our marriages will have a lot to do with the quality of our marriages. How we begin our jobs, ministries, or any other venture, will determine their foundations. How something is started is often the primary factor in the quality of what is finished. Projects begun on an impulse are just as quickly and easily abandoned. For any significant project that is accomplished, great care must be taken while laying the foundation.

The foundation is the single part of any building that is used every day. If it collapses, the rest of the building will collapse. The Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 3:11, "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Knowing Jesus and abiding in Him is the foundation of our spiritual lives. We may build many things upon this foundation, and we may learn many great truths about His ways and His purposes. We may do great things for Him, but coming to Him every day, and doing all that we do with Him instead of just for Him, is essential if we are to bear true spiritual fruit. Paul also wrote in Ephesians 1:9-10:
He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth. In Him.

The ultimate purpose of God is that all things will be summed up in His Son. If we do not keep the ultimate purpose of God as the focus of our lives, and assure that all we do is founded in Him, we will continually be distracted by the lesser purposes of God. Many are distracted from the River of Life by the little tributaries that feed it. If you want to stay in the River, keep your focus on Jesus Christ in all things. No other foundation can be laid that will stand.

I like this so far. I'll send the next one tomorrow unless you tell me you'd rather I didn't. Bye for now, Darlene MMuuuuaaaaahhhhh

Hi mama to be, Don's sleepin so I can't type.
I hope you're doing real well. Here's your mail. love, me

Eat Your Vegetables

By Kelly McFadden

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

Proverbs 15:17

As children, my sister and I were required to finish all the vegetables on our plate before we could have any dessert. I recall one night when my sister looked at our mom and, in a very matter-of-fact manner, stated that she would throw up if she had to have one bite of the string beans. Our mom insisted she have at least one bite or no dessert. Knowing ice cream was within reach, my sister held her nose and tried to force down a tiny bite of string beans. The moment she swallowed, true to her word, her entire meal ended up back on the table—not a pleasant moment at our dinner table!

Proverbs 15:19 reads, “the path of the upright is a highway.” The path of a Christian does not always seem easy. There are times when Christians have to stomach unpleasant situations, people or circumstances, but today’s Scripture assures us that this is better than the alternative. Compared to hatred, discord, envy or greed, the path of a Christian is smooth with open road ahead. Compared to the temporary pleasures and a life that looks only to please oneself, the life of a Christian focuses on the long term and, in the end, the reward is greater.

A meal of vegetables is not always the most pleasant choice. But, as we all have learned, it is in vegetables that we find essential nutrients for a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle. So while they are not always pleasant at the time, in the long term, vegetables are just what our body needs. The same is true with love. It is better to live a life built on the foundation of love, than to get carried away in the rocky roads of hatred.

My family still looks back on that meal and laughs until we cry. It has become one of our most endearing memories, not because of what my sister went through, but because we shared it with each other.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How does loving someone change your tolerance or actions towards that person?

2. Have you experienced a time when you reacted in love for someone who did not deserve it? How did they react? How did you feel?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 15:17-19; Proverbs 17:1; 1 Peter 4:8

Hi, I just read this on your page and figured I'd send it to you.

Psalm 139:13-18
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Hi pretty lady! Don's asleep again so I can't type very much. I found out they do have quiet keyboards and Don would love for me to get one! I probably will one day soon.
Thanks for your letter. There's one problem, when I come here to your page, sometimes I forget what you've said on my page. I think you said you have 10 weeks to go before your little girl is born. One day at a time honey. I know you're able to do this cause I think you're stronger than you think you are. Or maybe you know you're strong. You'll do fine!! I know you will. I sure am looking forward to seeing your little one.
Well, before I wake Don up, here's your mail.....

God Provides

By Jim Burns

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the doors will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him.

Matthew 7:7-11

God cares for you. He wants the best for you. He always has your best interest in mind. Because He is your loving heavenly Father you must tell Him your needs constantly. He wants to provide abundant life and abundant blessings for you.

George Muller was a man of great faith in our God as a provider for the children in his orphanage in England. One day, things looked bleak for the children in his orphanage at Ashley Downs. It was time for breakfast, and there was no food. A small girl whose father was a close friend of Muller was visiting in the home. Muller took her hand and said, "Come and see what our Father will do." In the dining room, long tables were set with empty plates and empty mugs. Not only was there no food in the kitchen, but there was no money in the home's account. Muller prayed, "Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat." Immediately, they heard a knock at the door. When they opened it, there stood the local baker. "Mr. Muller," he said, "I couldn't sleep last night. Somehow I felt you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at two o'clock and baked fresh bread. Here it is." Muller thanked him and gave praise to God. Soon, a second knock was heard. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in the front of the orphanage. He said he would like to give the children the milk so he could empty the cart and repair it.

There's a word that comes to my mind after reading that incredible story. It's not necessarily a spiritual word—but it's the word I bet was also on the mind of the hungry children that day. WOW.
What else can you do but take a moment to thank God for all his provisions?

GOING DEEPER:
1. What makes this story so inspiring?

2. Take a few minutes and list the many ways God has provided for you in this past week (even if you took most of it for granted).

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 47

This was another good one!!! With lots of love to a very pretty young lady! Darlene

Hi Charlene, I need to go to bed real soon so I won't make this long. I'm gonna be using this keyboard as a pillow soon if I don't! lol
Here's your mail.............

Think Before You Speak

By Leslie Snyder

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Luke 17:28

One fateful afternoon, 55-year-old Marko retreated to his semi-detached workshop to make himself a tool for chimney cleaning. The chimney was too high for a simple broom to work, but if he could attach a brush to a chain and then weigh it down with something, that would do the trick. But what could he use as a weight?

He happened to have the perfect object. It was heavy, yet compact. And best of all, it was made of metal, so he could weld it to the chain. He must have somehow overlooked the fact that it was a hand grenade.

Marko turned on his welding apparatus and began to create an arc between the chain and the grenade. As the metal heated up, the grenade exploded. The force of the explosion killed poor Marko instantly. (2005 Darwin Award winner, from Darwinawards.com)

Every year the Darwin Awards remember those whose lives were cut short by actions that, let’s say, lacked forethought and even common sense. For example, it shouldn’t be surprising that heating a lava lamp on the stove or using an old grenade for chimney cleaning, or even teasing a wild animal are all bad ideas. But for a split second, some unfortunate people didn’t stop to think about the consequences of their actions and the results were tragic.

Fortunately, for most of us, our foolish actions stop well before our lives are in danger. The book of Proverbs is full of teachings about a fool and his or her actions, with many of them dealing directly with the words we speak. I once heard the saying, “God gave us two ears and one mouth…. use them accordingly.” If we would only follow that advice. How often I speak too soon only to give unwanted advice, hurt another’s feelings, say something I regret, or speak in anger to the ones I love. In short, my actions are foolish. Colossians 4:6 instructs, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” James 1:19 goes further, “Know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”

Words are powerful and carry the power to bless, encourage, teach and build up, but when misused they can harm, abuse, shame and destroy. Like the writer of Proverbs understood, may we also listen more than we speak. And in so doing, even our foolishness may seem wise.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a time you experienced pain through the words of another.

2. Evaluate your own words. How are you either continuing or stopping the cycle of pain caused by words?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 6:28; James 3:6–12; Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

MMMuuuuuuuaaaaaaahhhh....

Hi Sweetie, I'm finally taking the time to let you know more about Dawn. I'm sorry I didn't take the time to tell you sooner, especially since you were praying. Dawn called here this past Sunday. She wanted to let me know what her doctor had said about the random pain she's been having. Her doctor said a few things it could be, but the doctor isn't sure if it's any of those. So, Dawn is gonna be having lots of tests done this week. When she gets the results she said she would call me.
During our talk, she asked if we couuld pray. I said yes, do you want to? She prayed for us and ended up crying while she finished the prayer.
We're planning on seeing a counselor together so Dawn can talk to me about her childhood. I am nervous about this cause there were lots of things that were difficult when my kids were young. I know the Lord gives grace in the time of need and I'm counting on Him for that. My husband is against us seeing and paying for this counselor. Since we have good insurance and I want to help Dawn, I'm going ahead with this.
This was the first conversation on the phone in a while now where Dawn and I had both showed respect and love. We talked about the need for respect.
Charlene, thank you so much for praying!!!!!!! The Lord does answer prayer.
I'm dropping off your mail now...

Playing Favorites

By Jim Liebelt

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?

James 2:1 (NLT)

The story has been told of a man who asked a minister to conduct a memorial service for his pet dog. The minister was incensed. “We do not hold memorial services for dead dogs! You might try another church down the street.” As he turned to go, the man said, “I really loved that dog. I was going to offer a million dollar memorial gift for performing the service.” The minister spoke up, “Wait a minute, you never told me your dog was a Christian!”

Unfortunately, to one extent or another, we all do it. Whatever the defining factors are: race, denomination, political views, gender, economic class, or interests, too often we categorize people as “in” or “out.” These categorizations are demonstrated when we play favorites. I know that I have been guilty of avoiding someone who may need a friend desperately only to befriend another person because they seem to be “more like me.” And too often, like the minister in the story, we determine others’ involvement in our lives by whether or not they useful to us.

Perhaps we all need a good reminder that playing favorites is simply wrong. True, we can’t be “best friends” with everyone. That’s okay. Yet, Jesus calls us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The New Testament is full of instruction challenging us to avoid favoritism and to freely love others.

Another important reminder: Jesus said that the world will judge whether or not we are truly His followers by whether or not we display genuine love for one another (John 13). Today’s challenge is to move beyond our comfort zones and demonstrate that we are truly followers of Jesus by extending love, grace and friendship to others—regardless of our differences.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there someone in your life that you have “played favorites” against – excluding them from a relationship, community, ministry or of respect? Do you need to seek their forgiveness? Take appropriate action.

2. What steps can you take to begin including others in your life/ministry who may be “different” than you?

FURTHER READING:
John 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 5:21; James 2:1-13


These are getting better all the time! love, Darlene (big sis)

HI Sis!! I found something a little different than your usual mail.
I think we all like to be reminded how much the Lord loves us. I know I do. Of course all we need to do to remember how much He loves us, is remember the cross.

I hope you like this mail....

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable then they? Matthew 6:26

Many of us learn early in life that we need to earn our sense of value. For some, value was earned by entertaining people with our clowning acts. For others, value came from taking care of everyone else. And for others, value was derived from achieving success of some kind. But often there is no way to entertain enough, take care enough or achieve enough to meet our needs for approval. No matter how compulsively we entertain, or care or work, we still are not able to feel valued. These substitutes do not meet the deepest longings of our heart. In addition we run the risk of becoming compulsively attached to these substitutes because we fear that the sense of value which they offer is our only hope of finding peace.

The longing to experience ourselves as valued is a fundamental human need. The need is really a need to be heard, seen, enjoyed and loved by others for who we are rather than for what we do. No amount of earned approval can meet this need. We long to know that we have value simply because we exist. This kind of value cannot be earned, it must be received as a gift.

Jesus says to us "you are valuable. Simply because you are, you are valuable". The birds of the air are God's creatures. God sees them and cares for them. God made them and God enjoys them. They are valuable. You, too, are God's creation, made and known by God. God sees you and cares for you. You are of great value.

As we grow in our awareness that our true value is a gift already given to us by God, we can begin to let go of the tight hold we have on our substitute strategies for achieving worth.

Father, you know how attached I have become to earning my sense of value.
But, I can never seem to work hard enough.
Thank you, Creator God, for valuing the birds of the air.
Thank you, Creator God, for valuing me.
Help me to receive this good gift from you.
Help me to see myself as valuable in your eyes.
Amen

Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan


I believe God loves each and every one of us far more than an even imagine! lots of love, Darlene

Hi Charlene! Won't you come join a terrific new social group here on AAG.Net, called healingPRAYERs? Our primary focus is praying and receiving prayer for the unhealthy, but there is so much more to discuss! We'd love for you to join and begin receiving the imminent blessings generated only through total devotion and prayer. This is a new group, just planting its roots, so come and be one of the first to enjoy the fruits of our services! I can't wait to meet you there! Just enter this link and poof, you're there... http://www.allaboutgod.net/group/familyhealthact208 ...or find the healingPRAYERs group under the "groups" tab at top of this page. Cheers!

God Bless!
Glenda

Hi Charlene, Don's sleeping so here's your mail........

xoxoxoxo


Strangers

By Kelly McFadden

Dear brothers and sisters, you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls.

1 Peter 2:11
Some years ago, I spent a few days in a little village in Scotland called Gullane. What makes Gullane famous is that it is home to Muirfield Golf Course and The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. Their recorded history dates back to 1744, when the club wrote the original 13 rules of golf. The unique aspect of being there was that I was allowed inside the clubhouse. Few women get this opportunity, as it is an all men’s club. I found myself carefully minding my manners, enjoying the privilege, but never quite feeling totally at home inside. For as welcoming and as wonderful as everyone was, all the ladies and guests knew that the moment the match was over, the doors would be shut to us for good.

Is this not how it is for believers? Peter talks about Christians being “foreigners and aliens” here on earth. This world is a temporary dwelling place, as our permanent home is in heaven. Not the heaven we see in cartoons or on TV where angels with wings and harps are floating around on clouds, but the real heaven, where the Lord reigns for all eternity. God has been revealing His plan slowly through time, giving us Jesus and the Holy Spirit, so we participate in His kingdom even now. Someday, the Lord will return in His glory, and He will reign over all.

You are not alone if you sometimes feel out of place as a Christian. This is a world that, as a whole, disregards God. But knowing we are strangers here means we live with different priorities and loyalties. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our focus should be on living a life pleasing to God, which may mean that oftentimes we choose to make unpopular and sacrificial choices, remaining faithful to Him.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a time when you were a visitor or stranger somewhere. Why is it important in those situations to be on your best behavior?

2. As Christians, strangers in this land, why is it especially important to “keep away from evil desires”?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 132:17; Galatians 5:16-18; James 4:1-10

Hi Little Sis. This isn't your usual mail but it has a good message.

the Duck.........

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.'

Thought for the day and every day thereafter:

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done...
And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc......whatever it is...You need to know that: God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing.

He has seen your whole life... He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you..

The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness;

He not only forgives you, but He forgets..

It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved

Remember, God is always at the window.

Charlene, I'd like to add to this....and His arms are open wide cause He loves you!!!
Bye for now. Darlene

HI Sis! I'm glad you liked the duck story.
I'm goin to bed early tonight. I've been buring the canle at both ends and in the middle. That's supposed to be funny.
Here's your mail honey.......

Tuesday 15th of September 2009

"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
"Bring them here to me," he said.
Matthew 14:17-18

Sometimes after reading the newspaper or watching the news on television we experience an intensely painful awareness of the enormity of the world's problems and the hopeless inadequacy of the resources available to solve these problems. During recovery we often experience these same feelings of helplessness and inadequacy. Our personal problems seem enormous. Our
resources seem incredibly limited. Part of our denial comes from our desire to avoid recognizing that our personal problems are bigger than our personal resources. We will need resources more extensive than our own to make any progress in recovery. Fortunately, God has a long and consistent history of working with people who have limited resources. It has been God's consistent pattern throughout the biblical record. God's preference is to bring strength out of weakness. The abundance which God brings from a few loaves and fishes is a clear sign of the surprising resource-full-ness of God. God does not seem to be at home among the well-nourished, the resourced, the un-needy. In a reversal of all of our expectations, God comes to the needy and limited with invitations to participate in the Kingdom.
When we see how few loaves and fishes we have, we become convinced that our needs for nourishment will not be met. And we conclude that there will be nothing left over to share. But the hopelessly limited resources somehow turn into abundance when offered to God. There is enough for us and enough to share. Each day, one day at a time, God accepts our limited resources and surprises us with what can be done. I am hungry, Lord. I have not been getting the nourishment I need. What I have is so limited. A few loaves. A few fish. There will not be enough to go around. I cannot imagine what use they will be but I make my limited resources available to you.
Accept my limited resources, Lord. I bring them to you for your blessing. Amen.
Copyright 2009 Dale and Juanita Ryan

This was a good one for me!!! OOOOOOOOOOOOO's love, Darlene

HI Sis!! A friend stopped by late this afternoon and it was good talking with her. I can't type cause I just woke Don up. I hope to write to you earlier tomorrow! love, Darlene

Reinstalled

By Kelly McFadden

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering…

Romans 8:1-3

With no warning, my computer suddenly shut off. My insides screamed, “No, no, no, no!” while on the outside I somehow maintained a relatively calm composure. Silently, I begged for a favor from God to bring my computer back to life. I hit the power button and held my breath. Nothing. I turned my laptop upside down, made sure all the screws were tight, shook it around a bit and tried again. The glorious sound of the computer turning on chimed through the speakers. “It’s alive!” I screamed in triumph. Quickly, I backed up all of data. But, it didn’t last long. Within a few days, my computer died once again.

To fix the computer, I had to delete everything on the computer and then reinstall from scratch back onto the hard drive. After reloading the original software, I added the personal files I had saved. As I did, I couldn’t help but think about the way God reinstalls us when we crash.

God molds us, and designs us. He gives us each some similar components, making us in His image. Then, He goes beyond creating carbon copies. He gives each of us a little of this, a bit of that—those things that make us unique—something like the personal drivers and varieties of software and files we add to make each of our computers unique.

In a way that also reminds me of computers, people often get overloaded with information, worry, struggles and, of course, we all get infected with that nasty virus we call sin. These problems cause trouble in our lives and without the right remedy, we crash. Fortunately, our remedy, Jesus Christ, is always there for us with open arms, ready to help troubleshoot our problem areas. God is always available to repair and restore our souls. When we seek Him, He comes to put the pieces back together.

Each of us has our own set of struggles, sins and failures. Isn’t it great to know that Jesus has already paid the price to have us cleaned up? He has paid the full price. He is waiting for each of us to ask Him to repair our souls.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What areas in your life make you feel overloaded?

2. How can you give God control in your life? What keeps you from doing this?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 1:20-22; Luke 5:19-21; Acts 2:37-39

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO's

Hi , it's early so I can type awhile!! Yeah!!
I'm listening to one of your songs right now. It's called Daddy's Girl. I sure did love my dad. When I was a child, he'd often take me with him when he went on an errand of some kind. We sang a lot in the car on the way to wherever we were going. One of the songs we sang was the A B C song. I don't know the actual title but here's the way it went. A, you're adorable, B, you're so beautiful, C, you're a cutie full of charm, D, you're a darling and E, you're exciting and F, you're a feather in my arms...and it went on through the alphabet. Those are precious memories. We took turns while we sang this. He sang the A and I sang the B thing and on we went. Then the next time, I'd begin the song. It was fun and like I said a very good memory! Memories can be so sweet but there was a time when I didn't remember all the good things. I am thankful that I do now.
I hope you're better than ok. love you lots, Darlene

All who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant - these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Isaiah 56:6b-7a

Rest can lead to joy because it creates a new perspective in us. Rest reminds us that we don't have to be compulsively responsible for the world and everything in it. Rest reminds us that God is in charge. Rest also leads to joy because it leads to a renewed relationship with God.
As this text puts it, God promises to lead Sabbath-keepers to his holy mountain. In rest we can be led to a place of joy in God's house ofprayer. It is a beautiful image of God rejoicing with people who rest.

Rest can also lead to joy because it restores us. It renews and
re-energizes us because it allows us to balance our "being" with our
"doing". When we cease doing for a time, our senses are opened again to the world around us. We can see life with new gratitude and awe. And gratitude and awe produce joy.

Rest frees us to be what we are - creatures. We are creatures who can work and play, give and receive, weep and laugh. Today we can balance our working, giving and weeping with playing, receiving and laughing.

Lord, I want to stop doing for a time today.
I want to stop and remember that you are God.
Help me to experience the freedom and joy of being your creature.
Help to keep the Sabbath.
Bring me to your holy mountain.
Give me joy in your house of prayer.
Amen.
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan

Muuuuaaaaahhhhhh! and a big hug too!!

Hi honey! It's been a busy time. I'm either sitting with my friend who's husband has been helping Don or I'm making meals or washing clothes, or I'm asleep!! I just got on the computer a few minutes ago and it's about 7:15.
I'm glad to hear you're doin ok. That's good news!!
There's a couple at our church that have been wanting to have a baby for a long time. They didn't have any little ones. They told us recently that's the lady is pregnant, I was so happy when I heard the news. I had been praying for them.
I brought something different with me today. It's not your usual mail Here it is............

Well prepared
When you're well prepared for the challenges, you can actually enjoy working through them. When you enjoy the challenges, you'll be able to create great value.
What can you do today that will make your work tomorrow go more smoothly? Though you may not know exactly what the challenges will be, there is still much you can do to prepare.

Preparation boosts your confidence. Good, solid, thoughtful preparation makes your efforts more effective.

Be well prepared, and your time will be spent moving forward instead of struggling to catch up. Be prepared, and you can effectively deal with small issues before they become big obstacles.

Imagine the possibilities and then prepare yourself for them. That puts you in position to make the best of whatever may happen.

Good preparation magnifies the positive influence of your efforts. Be prepared and everything becomes an opportunity.

-- Ralph Marston

Muuuaaahhhh!!

Hi sis! I was thinking about you earlier today. I hope you're well and content. I imagine you're a busy young lady!
I got this following thing in my mail and thought I'd share it with you. Here it is......

September 23, 2009

For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier...
-- Ephesians 2:14

Many years ago, the Prince of Wales visited the capital city of India. An arduous, stately barrier had been set up to keep back the masses of people, most of them lower class, who wanted to catch a glimpse of royalty.

When the prince arrived, he shook hands with some of the political dignitaries who were presented to him. Then, looking over their heads to the crowds beyond, he said, "Take down those barriers!" They were quickly removed, and the people, regardless of social rank, had free access to the heir to the British throne.

Several years later, the Prince of Wales visited the same district again. Waiting on him, were 10,000 outcasts that waited under a banner. The banner welcomed him with these words inscribed: "The Prince of the Outcasts."

Not many of us take time out of our hectic schedules to reflect on the majesty of Jesus and what He did for us. Born into sin, we were outcasts from conception. But by the grace and forgiveness of Jesus, we have been adopted into the family of God.

So often we don't thank Him or praise Him enough for the incredible mercy he showed us on the cross. We were separated from God, we were the outcasts, sin was the barrier, and the heir to the throne came and ordered it to be taken away. As a result, we now have free access to the Son. Thank God for our "Prince of the Outcasts"-Jesus Christ.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Take a few moments to simply thank God for sending Jesus to provide forgiveness for your sins as a sacrifice on the cross through His shed blood. Take time to worship Him through song for bridging the gap so that we can have eternal life.

I love you girl!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Hi little Sis, I found something else I think you'll like. Here it is.....

DAILY VERSE

Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19

DAILY QUOTE

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing. Abraham Lincoln

DAILY THOUGHT

God promised that He will transform us when we become part of His family. He will do a new thing in us and He will continue to bring forth change that will be for our good and His highest.

God is able to make rivers spring forth in the desert. If He can do that, He can be trusted to cover the messes we made in our past—and supply everything we need for a bright new future. That’s the kind of God He is. He is the One who is able to take broken, worn out, failed, dusty experiences—and plant a beautiful garden.

If we want to experience all that He has for us, we must begin with the simple belief that He loves us and wants to do something special in us—no matter what has transpired up to this very moment. One of the ways you show that belief is by seeking His will for your life, trusting Him for His wisdom to make right choices and go in the right direction.

Ready for a fresh start? A new start? Turn to God. He is faithful to guide you to a brand new beginning!

Thank You God for Your love that draws me back to You when I’ve made a mess of my life and for showing me Your power to produce flowing rivers in the desert of life. Amen.

Goodnight...

Hi, I brought a quote with me that's very funny.
Don's asleep so I'm just dropping it off. I do hope you're doing real well. love, Darlene

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
~Charles M. Schulz

Hi Sis! Don's trying to sleep so I am typing VERY softly and VERY slowly. I hope U R doing well. I hope your family is well too.
lots of love, big Sis
Here's your mail...

The Key to a Good Life

By Jim Liebelt

…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:26-28

I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who didn’t want his or her life to matter. I think God creates us with a desire to live a great life. The problem is that we lose sight of what makes a life truly great, what it means to make a difference during our lifetime.

A friend of mine tells the true story of a man who once was an athlete. He played college football until one day, as a young adult, he suffered a stroke at practice. The stroke caused brain damage and the man was in a coma for a couple of weeks. When he woke up, he was paralyzed and couldn’t walk. The doctors told him that he would never walk again. Eventually, he regained the use of his legs and re-learned how to walk, but the brain damage was severe enough that he would never be his old self again. He would be challenged for the rest of his life.

The university where he had played football gave him a job as a custodian. He loved his job. He told my friend that he is so thankful to God that he is alive and can hug his wife and give piggyback rides to his kids. He said he was thankful that the school gave him a good job—even though it was picking up other people’s trash—because he loves helping people.

Here was a guy who has all the reason in the world to be angry with God and to give up. But instead, because his life has been touched by God’s love, he found real life and the way to greatness—to live a life that matters—by loving God and serving others. By the world’s standards, this custodian will likely never be considered great. But, in God’s eyes? Absolutely! This man makes a difference by being a servant, which by the way, Jesus defines as the core value of real leadership!

Sadly, many people never recognize that the key to greatness lies not in the amount of money they make, prestige of their career, or how many times they show up in a Google search. True greatness is not limited to the most popular, the most outgoing, the smartest or the most gifted. Rather, it is available to each of us, and is found in the simple, and often quiet, role of servanthood.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How have you defined greatness? Has your definition been in line with God’s definition? If not, why not?

2. Think about the people in your life. Who can you serve today? How can you serve that person?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 20:20-28; John 13:2-17; Luke 10:27-37

Hi Sweetie. I think you're probably waiting as patiently as you can for your little one to arrive. I'm sure that will be a wonderful day. I remember so well when each one of our kids were born. I guess there are some things we just don't forget.
Don's asleep again so here's your mail......

Joy is Yours
By Jim Burns

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

Did you know that over 500 times in the Bible we are commanded to rejoice? The Living Bible says, "Be full of joy." Every morning I repeat a particular verse in the Psalms to myself. In fact some mornings I say it while looking in the mirror, because I don't feel joyful. Nevertheless this verse is forever true and always helpful. Here it is:
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
The truth of that Psalm helps me get my day started on the right track. I have found that if I start my day rejoicing in the Lord, my day will be full of joy. A great preacher once said, "The surest mark of a Christian is not faith or even love but joy." Did you know that Jesus came to give you joy, a deep, overflowing joy that only comes from God? Jesus said, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:11).
God's kind of joy is not a giddy, superficial good feeling. Rather, His joy runs deep. Even during the tough times it prevails in your soul.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Why do you think the writer of Philippians repeats himself in verse 4:4?
2. Have you ever felt peace or hope in the midst of trials? If you have then you have experienced joy. What do you think is the connection between rejoicing in the Lord and being filled with joy?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 12:12; Philippians 3:1

Muuuuuuaaaaaaahhhhh and these are hugs..OOOOOOOOOOO

Good morning pretty lady!! I'm about to get ready to go to the dentist but I wanted to stop by and say hi and also drop off the following....

One who was there had been an invalid for thirty eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition a long time he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
John 5:5-6

Do you want to get well?! What a shocking question. Isn't the answer obvious? Why even ask?

One of the most confusing parts of the recovery process is the fact that we have many layers of resistance to recovery. As we begin to see the changes which recovery will demand, we begin to see how attached we have become to our existing way of life. Sometimes we play games to hold on to the past. We have a good friend who prayed early in recovery that God would deliver her from alcoholism so that she could continue to drink!
We are all like this - we want healing but we fear the changes which healing will bring.

Sometimes the fear of recovery comes from the fact that we can't imagine any way of being in the world other than what we have known. A life consumed with despair, rage and self-loathing may seem pretty awful, but its the only life we may have known. Any change may seem risky and uncertain.

God is not ignorant of our resistance to healing. God asks the difficult question: "Do you want to get well?" It's not always as obvious as it seems. The 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous addresses this issue when it talks about being "entirely ready" for God to change us. The process of becoming "entirely ready" is at the heart of the struggle of recovery.
Our hearts and minds are being prepared to answer 'yes' to God's offer of wholeness.

My answer to your question, Lord, is yes.
I am ambivalent at times.
I am uncertain and afraid at times.
But, I do want to get well.
The answer is yes.
Amen.

Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan

love ya, Darlene OOOOOOOOO's

Hi there little Sis!!! I LOVE your new picture! It looks like you're not quite ready to have your little one. My babies dropped futher down before "the day" came. Did that happen with your other kids before they were born?
I don't have any mail with me this time. I just thought I'd say hi.
I'm thankful for you too Charlene. You've been a blessing to me young lady!
Yes, PLEASE DO let me know how your appointment goes on Thursday. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you about that.
I'm boiling potatoes and eggs to make potatoe salad. I need to go check them now. I love you! me

HI little Sis!! Don's sleepin so I want to be quiet.

I'm just dropping off your mail tonight.

Open to Instruction

By Leslie Snyder

Then I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:5

A 2004 Olympic gymnasts Terin Humphrey and Courtney McCool trained in our hometown. Each girl trained thousands of hours perfecting position, form and routine. Coaches spent endless amounts of time and energy preparing the girls for their Olympic tryouts. While hundreds of girls tried out for a coveted spot on the United States Olympic gymnastics team, only a handful made it. What made the difference? The ones who made it were open to instruction. They listened to the critique and instruction of the coaches and made the changes being asked of them. Stubbornness, pride and hard-headedness landed many girls on the bench. But those who were willing to heed instruction went on to chase Olympic dreams.

Proverbs 13:13 reads, He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. And Proverbs 19:20 states, Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Most of us would do well to learn from this wisdom. Too often, we insist on doing things our own way, thinking our own way is right. As a result, we create turmoil for those around us and ourselves. The ugly word for this is pride. Pride thinks of me first. It’s the attitude that says, “I’m right, you’re wrong.” “It’s my way or the highway.” But Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said, He who obeys instruction guards his life, be he who is contemptuous of his ways will die. Proverbs 19:16

Today, wherever we find ourselves, it’s likely that some opportunity to either receive or reject instruction will come our way. Our challenge will be to choose to be open to instruction, remembering that the Scriptures tell us that pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall, and whomever gives heed to instruction prospers.

GOING DEEPER:
Are you open to instruction or do you dismiss help offered to you?

FURTHER READING:
James 1:5; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 16:20

Good night. love you, me

HEY LITTLE SIS!!!!!! (that's my calling you) Where are you? I'm in chat and another lady was asking about you.
I hope you're having a relaxful time OR you may be having your appointment to see how you and the baby are doing. I just remembered that today is the day. I hope you and little one are doin real well. love ya, me

Hi Sweetie! Thanks for letting me know about your appointment.
"Our" little one will be here before you know it. That will be sooooooooooooooooooooo nice!!!!!! Notice, I said "our" little one? teehee. I really am excited about this little one of yours. Yes, I know this is your baby. I was just being silly...kinda...lol
Here's your mail......

Uninvited

By Mike DeVries

Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.

Luke 7:44-47

In today’s Scripture, we read of two people and their interaction with Jesus: one, the dinner host, and the other who was uninvited. One was called a teacher; the other called a sinner.

Two people, both with access to forgiveness and peace. One was a religious leader, the other a person with a seedy reputation.

Jesus tells a story to his host, about two people who owed debts, one much more than the other—but both were such that neither could repay—yet both are forgiven. Jesus asked his host, Simon, “Which will love him more?” What Simon does not realize is that his answer will expose that he still sees with unforgiving eyes. The issue is not that one is allowed to love less, while the other is required to love more. The issue is that there is only one response to being made whole and free, and the only one who gets it is on her knees.

How will you respond? Will it leave you still living with labels and levels of grace, or will it leave you on your knees?

GOING DEEPER:
1. How are you responding to the love and generosity of Jesus? Is it making you more of a person of love and generosity, or more self-righteous?

2. In what ways can your life be lived more in tune to the love of Jesus?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 7:36-50; 6:46-49; John 8:31-32

Muuuaaahhhh and hugs..OOOOOOOOOO's

Hi Charlene, do people call you Char? Some call me Dar, so I was curious.
I hope you have a special weekend. Sometimes we can do things to make it special.
I hope you are feeling good. I know the last couple of months being pregnant aren't easy. I love you lots, Darlene
PS I brought your mail again. Here it is.....
Slow Me Down, Lord

By Jim Burns

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own.

Matthew 6:33-34

We live in a fast-paced society where at times we can become seduced by a culture that takes our mind off the Lord. To keep in touch with Jesus we must slow down our fierce pace and give Jesus our time and attention. This prayer has helped me for years with my tendency to over commit my life to unimportant things and leave God on the sideline.

Slow me down, Lord. Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Teach me the art of taking minute vacations - of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to smile at a child, to read a few lines from a good book. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward my greater destiny. Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed. Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.
—Orin D. Crain

GOING DEEPER:
1. After reading Matthew 6:33-34 what does the Bible suggest be our first priority?

2. Are your priorities in proper perspective? Take a few minutes to give God your priorities and seek His kingdom first.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 37:4; Proverbs 3:5-6

Wow, as I read this it seemed like it was speaking directly to me.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 's

Hi Charlene! How's things there? It's cloudy and pretty cold here! I'm not looking forward to winter and yet in some ways I am. I love the way new fallen snow looks on the branches of trees. I also love the sparkle on snow. It almost looks like diamonds. I just don't like the cold.
I brought your mail. Here it is...

By Kelly McFadden

I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

1 Corinthians 9:26 (NLT)

Sometimes, I am amazed by scriptwriters. I am astounded at the way they throw in symbolism, foreshadowing or teasers throughout a movie that give you a deeper glimpse, but at the same time are so subtle, you often have to see the movie again before you catch everything. Among other things, scriptwriters use outlines, notes, brainstorms, drafts and redrafts in an attempt to make sure everything interconnects properly.

Every word a writer puts down on paper has purpose. There is no word or event or thought that is not carefully crafted. The writer goes to tremendous lengths to make sure everything is interwoven and perfect before he moves on. It makes me wonder, what if I was a scriptwriter? What if my life, my story was being taken down with each step I took? Each word and action captured and presented. I’ll tell you one thing, I would be a lot more cautious and thoughtful about what I said or did.

This is the point. Our lives should be as thoughtful as scriptwriters making their movies. In every step, I should be running with purpose. In every step, I should be making sure I am an example for Christ and living a life that shines the light on Him. In every step, I should be thinking about the story of my life. It matters what I say. It matters what I do. I need to be purposeful in writing a script that glorifies God in everything I do. Instead, I often think about Him second, or forget to pray before making decisions, thinking that I am the only one who cares about my script.

Each step we take, each decision we make needs to be thoughtful and purposeful, not haphazard or careless. God calls us to be disciplined and in training all of the time for His kingdom. May it be that when we look back on the script of the lives we have created, we’ll look back satisfied in the knowledge that for God’s kingdom, our lives have been blockbusters.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What kind of script are you writing for your life?

2. What are ways in your life that you could be living with more purpose? How can you change this?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 19:21; 1 Timothy 6:12; Philippians 2:1-3
Muuaaah!! ooooooooo's

Hi.Charlene...guess.who's.spacebar.got.full.of.coffee.last.night?
Yep,mine!
All.the.other.keys.work.but.not.the.spacebar.
Don's.been.wanting.me.to.buy.a.silent.keyboard.so.I.guess.I'll.be.
doing.that.soon.

Here's.your.mail.sweetie....

Short-Term Memory Loss

By Leslie Snyder

And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

Exodus 20:1

I love a mountaintop experience; I mean a real hike up the mountain that involves planning, challenge, hard work, sweat, a few stumbles, a full backpack and my favorite hiking companion. My husband, Jim, and I have covered many trail miles over the years and just can’t get enough of that mountaintop experience. Of course, we’re not talking Mt. Everest (yet), but we’ve seen some beautiful sights from mountain peaks across the country and both agree that some of our most amazing “God experiences” happen on the mountain.

Moses might agree. After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses and the people came to the desert in Sinai. There the people camped in front of the mountain while Moses went to meet with God and acted as a go-between between God and the people. After one of these encounters, Moses brought the people some instructions from God, what we call “the Ten Commandments.” However, before beginning, God reminded them of two important things: Who He is and what He did for them. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

I’ve always been surprised at how easily the people of Israel forgot the LORD and the things He did for them. The Old Testament is riddled with the phrases “and the people did evil in the sight of the Lord,” and “the Israelites again forsook the Lord.” I don’t get it! How could the very people who witnessed the devastating plagues in Egypt, who walked on dry ground between two walls of water, and who followed a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day into the promised land forget and forsake the very One who made it happen?

Sadly, we’re no different in our generation. We also easily forget what God has done for us and return to our complaints. We forget the peace instead of pain, the restored relationship, and the endless answered prayers. God is I AM. He is our deliverer. He is the same “yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Maybe the journey from bondage to freedom causes short-term memory loss. Somewhere between the excitement of the journey and the reality of the road before us, we forget where we’ve come from and forsake the One Who delivered us. Today, take some time to re-chart your course.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What demonstrations of God’s goodness in your life have you forgotten?

2. What steps can you take to overcome this “short-term memory loss”?

FURTHER READING:
Exodus 19:1-25

bye.for.now...love.you,..Darlene

Hi.Sis!!..it's.good.hearing.from.you.today.(as.it.always.is)!
What's.you're.daughter's.name?..
Tell.her.Darlene.says.happy.birthday,ok?
No,I.didn't.know.your.son.started.preschool..
From.what.you.said,it.sounds.like.he.likes.preschool.a.lot.
I.imagine.it.is.tough.waking.up.earlier.and.getting.dressed.
to.go.out.too.
Sometimes.I'm.still.in.my.pajama's.when.it's.close.to.noon...
and.sometimes.even.later!
I.brought.something.a.bit.different.to.give.to.you.
Here.it.is..
DAILY VERSE

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:14, 17–19

DAILY QUOTE

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
‘Tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
With You evermore to be.

Samuel Francis

DAILY THOUGHT

When everything around us crumbles, we will always have the love of God. No matter how bad we mess up, no matter how unloved—or unlovable—we’ve been, His love endures forever. His love is so deep that it’s incomprehensible, and sometimes the lack of love in our lives makes it hard for us to accept and understand that God truly loves us. But He does, and His grace can help us understand and live out the loving affection our Father has for us.

The song “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” penned by Samuel Francis in the 1800s, describes this vast love of God. Find comfort in the knowledge that God’s love is unconditional and irresistible.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Love of ev’ry love the best:
’Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
’Tis a haven sweet of rest.
Father, I know that You love me, but sometimes that reality is hard to accept. Help me live in Your love today, and help me share it with others. Amen.

I.thought.you'd.like.this...
lots.and.lots.more.love,Darlene

Hi.Sis!
Try.putting.this.in.your.serch-bar.
It's.a.song.called.."Precious..Lord"...lots.of.love,Darlene

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-m9A7tKDoA

Hi,how's.mama.to.be?..
I'm.doin.a.little.better...I've.been.depressed,but.I'm.pretty
.sure.I.know.why.
The.Bible.says,something.like.this...to.him.who.knoweth.to.do.good.and.doeth.it.not,to.him.it.is.sin.
I've.been.neglecting.doing.something.that.I'm.as.sure.as
.I.can.be.the.Lord.wantts.me.to.do.
Please.pray.for.me.
This.seems.like.a.difficult.thing.to.do,but.I.know.I.can.do.it,cause
.God's.word.says.I.can.do.all.things.through.Christ.who
.strengthens.me.
Here's.your.mail.sweetie,..love,Darlene...(or."big.Sis")

Rhythm

By Mike DeVries

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10

I was talking with a friend about rhythm. Both of us are huge music fans, so the discussion started with our exploring what the other person had in his iTunes collection. As we went through each other’s collection, the discussion moved from musical tastes to favorite bands to songs that, in our humble opinions, are “flat-out amazing.” As we listened to each other trying to describe what moved us about certain songs, we kept saying, “I can’t describe it. You just need to hear this song.”

Music has a way of moving us, changing us. Sounds played in a certain rhythm, with words that capture our thoughts and emotions. For anyone who is a music fan, you know when a song comes together… and you know when one doesn’t. You know when it’s in rhythm, or whether it’s out of rhythm.

Our lives are similar, aren’t they? You just know when you are living life in a good rhythm. It may be hard to describe it, but you just know it. You can feel it. It just works together. At the same time, you can feel when your life is out of rhythm. It feels forced. You feel drained. You keep asking yourself, “Why is life so hard right now?”

One day, Jesus is walking with His disciples and makes this astounding statement, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” In essence, Jesus is saying, “I came to show you how to live, really live. I came to show you how to live in rhythm with God—a life both now and forever more.” Jesus came, not only to open the door that we may be reconnected to God; He came to show us the very best way to live in the here and now—a life in rhythm with how the Creator wired us to live.

Perhaps that’s why when we live as Jesus lived—a life of love and grace and generosity—we feel that we are tapping into something beautiful, something that feels right. This is the way God wired you to live. To live in any other way would be out of rhythm with how we were designed by our Creator.

Today, may you choose to live deeply in rhythm with how God created you to live: A life lived in the way of Jesus, empowered by His Spirit.

GOING DEEPER:
Take a piece of paper and write out a half dozen ways in which you could live in rhythm with how God created you today. Keep the list with you as you go through your day.

FURTHER READING:
John 14:5-13

WOW,this.is.a.good.one.for.me!!!!

Charlene,your.little.boy.might.enjoy.this...

http://www.paperairplanemovie.com/index.html

It's.about.little.boys.flying.paper.air-planes....It's,cute.

Hi..pretty.girl..
Don's.trying.to.sleep..Here's.your.mail..

Be Humble Before God

By Jim Liebelt

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Luke 12:15

Jesus told a story about a rich man who was a good businessman with a good business plan. He had been successful in his agricultural industry. His crops had produced. He was looking over his physical plant – and realized he didn’t have the facilities to store his crops. What’s a good businessman to do? Build a bigger warehouse, of course. Typical of a successful business owner, he saved his profits. He was able to say, "I’ve got enough now to kick back and take it easy: eat, drink and be merry." It sounds like the American Dream, right?

Yet, Jesus unfolds the story as follows: "But God said to him, ‘You fool!’ This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’" (Luke 12:20) Ouch. The rich man gets the bad news: Your life is over and you can’t take your riches with you.

What did this guy do that was so bad? Should people not be good at business? Should every business be non-profit? Should there be no planning for the future or retirement? Should there be no enjoyment of life and the fruit of our own labors? One might reasonably draw these conclusions as a first impression.

Fortunately, Jesus steps in with the moral of the story. It’s not really about business or profits, but perspective. Jesus concludes the story with "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." The rich man’s problem was not that he was rich, but that he was not humble before God. He demonstrated no concern for God’s place in his life. The rich man left God out of his life, and in the end he was left with nothing.

There is nothing inherently wrong with having hopes and dreams for the future, with developing your potential, with growing your business, with saving for your future. But, the most important issue is this: are you rich towards God? Apart from this, all other things amount to nothing. Personal achievements and personal kingdoms never last.

Be humble before God. Invite his participation and partnership in your life. Seek to develop your relationship with him. Give Him the rightful place as Lord in your life. If you do this, you’ll be in a secure place—with treasures stored for eternity—that no one or no thing, not even death, can take away.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Identify things, people or pursuits in your life that keep you from being rich towards God.

2. What action steps can you take to reorder your priorities?

FURTHER READING:
James 4:13-17; Matthew 6:31-33, 16:26; Psalm 127:1


Another..good..one!!.Muaaaah!!

Hi.Sis,
Don's.asleep.or.he's.trying.to.sleep.so.I.need.to.be.quiet...
and.just.drop.off.your.mail.again.
Lots.of.love..Darlene

************
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms and
carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11
(this.one.is.for.you.Sis)
The Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, is pictured many times in.the Bible as a Shepherd God. This may not be shocking to modern readers- most of us don't know much about sheep herding beyond the few.sentimental ideas we may have about rural life. But nothing was more.ordinary in biblical times that sheep herding. It was a dirty job.
It.was a low prestige job. A shepherd lived with his sheep. Day and night.he was with them, paying attention to their needs, providing protection,and guiding them.

For the little ones in the flock, the most vulnerable ones, there was
often a need for individual care and attention. In times of special need.or danger, the shepherd would seek them out, lift them into his arms and.carry them close to his heart.

This is how God cares for us. God is a God of gentleness, of tender
affection, of protection, and of nurture. Our God is a Shepherd God.
When we feel afraid or vulnerable, God is aware of our need. We are
gathered into God's arms. We are carried close to God's heart.

I am your lamb, Lord
The wolves are not far off.
Pick me up and hold me in your arms.
Carry me close to your heart.
Allow me to experience the mystery of being held by your loving arms...Amen

Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan

xoxoxoxo's

I.hope.this.is.what.I.think.it.is.........

Hi.Sis,I.love.you...and..I.hope.you're.doin.good..
Your.little.one.will.be.here.before.you.know.it...
I'm.looking.forward.to.that.
I.found.this.and.thought.you.might.like.to.read.it.too...Darlene

DAILY VERSE

God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity. Psalm 68:6

DAILY QUOTE
A home is a house with a heart inside.
Author Unknown

DAILY THOUGHT
She was a single mother with a five-year-old son and a ton of bills. Just to stay afloat, she rented a musty, cramped camper at a local RV park. She was embarrassed and discouraged by her surroundings. She cringed one day as she overheard someone ask her little boy if he wished they had a real home. But her grimace was replaced with a tear and a smile when she heard him give this reply: “We do have a real home; we just don’t have a house to put it in.”

Maybe you’re not happy where you are. But no matter how bad things look, don’t get so focused on where you want to go that you miss the good things you have right now. God has a good plan for your future—but He has also sprinkled gifts and blessings in the life you have now.

Make sure your eyes—and heart—are open to see them.

Dear Father, thank You for bringing me into Your family and thank You for those intangible blessings that make life wonderful. Amen.

xoxoxoxoxo.etc...

Hi Sweet Sis, I have a new keyboard!! Yeah! This one is moore quiet than the last one was. Oops, Don just asked me to go to sleep cause he heard me typing. I guess this new keyboard isn't quiet enough.
Here's your mail...


How Close is God?

By Jim Burns

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8

How close is God? God is closer than your breath and closer than your skin. Philippians 4:5 tells us to never forget the nearness of your God. How much does he care for you? Scripture reminds us:
He knows our names (John 10:3).
He numbers the hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30).
He counts the steps of our feet (Job 14:16).
He bottles the tears from our eyes (Psalm 56:8, RSV).
He holds our right hand in His hand (Psalm 73:23).
He supplies all our needs (Philippians 4:19).

GOING DEEPER:
1. Memorize Deuteronomy 31:8.
2. List five struggles in your life and then write out how today's devotional applies to each.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 116:5-7,12-14

I'm gonna do this tonight..I'll write out five struggles and how this devotional applies to each one. lots of love, Darlene

Hi Sis, how are you doing these days?
I came across this earlier...

"We're always getting ready to live, but never living."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer

There is no lesson for today. You have permission to stop thinking for a moment and just enjoy yourself. Stop looking at your computer right now and go look at the world. Rediscover the natural wonders that you walk past every day. How can there possibly be that many shades of green? Let your mind be grateful for a break. Don't think, don't strain. Let the memories of loved ones remind you of your favorite times. Close your eyes and try to smell the sunshine. Listen to your heart beat in your ears. If it's raining, smile at the thought of the flowers that will soon follow. If you're surrounded by buildings, celebrate the creative genius of human beings. See the hope, the alarm, the love, the grief in faces that stream by. Thank the Lord for the chance to even be here. For a moment today, don't worry about being better. Just be.
If a person doesn't know Jesus as their Savior all the thanking in the world won't help. If they don't know their own Lord, how can they "just be"?
I like this and hope you do too. It's good to just stop even for a few minutes and look out at the wonder of creation. You could look at your own children just like I could look at mine and be amazed that God created each and everyone of your kids and mine. With lots of love, Darlene xoxoxoxo