My sure and steadfast hope

Trust and Distrust

2009-09-08T14:02:00.001-04:00

Distrust thyself, but trust His grace;

It is enough for thee!

In every trial thou shalt trace

Its all-sufficiency.

Distrust thyself, but trust His strength;

In Him thou shalt be strong;

His weakest ones may learn at length

A daily triumph-song.

Distrust thyself, but trust His love;

Rest in its changeless glow:

And life or death shall only prove

Its everlasting flow.

Distrust thyself, but trust alone

In Him, for all--forever!

And joyously thy heart shall own

That Jesus faileth never.

Frances Ridley Havergal

Take My Poll!

2009-09-01T16:31:00.001-04:00

I am currently taking a poll as to what God's word has to say about your body.

I Cor. 7:34 says "The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord,

that she may be holy both in body and in spirit."

What does this mean to you? I have my opinion of course but I want to know what you think. I run into so many young people today who say piercings, tattoos, clothing etc. are not really that important. We live in a day of grace and God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance.

So - does God care about these things or not?

Thank you for indulging me with your opinion.

An IMPORTANT message for youth today!

2009-08-10T16:13:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0ezYNWIDB0

I thought you might be interested in seeing this. I am praying for the Lords leading as I speak with girls this weekend at Dayspring. One message will cover some of these issues. Young people today just don't realize.

Your prayers are appreciated.

God is Able and God is working!

2009-05-03T19:45:00.003-04:00

I just returned from a family reunion of my grandmother Anderson's family. The DeBauge family. There were 60 of us there and 5 had come from France where the family originates. It was so interesting! It was fun to hear people tell stories of those I have known and loved in the family ie. John and Nan (DeBauge) Walden, and of course my grandmother Antonia. The tree only goes back for about 150 years right now but they're digging deeper to get more info. So far, no royalty or villains in the family!

I was personally invited to Paris, France to stay with a young family that says they hope to organize a reunion in years to come in France. I'm going to start saving my pennies! They live just 2 Kilometers from Versailles. Did I spell that right?

The best thing of all is most of them are Catholic and the Lord gave us opportunity to talk to several about the Lord. One man actually asked "Why are you not Catholic". He said he had been searching for 45 years to find God and we told him that God put him next to us that day to hear the truth. He got my e-mail to further our conversation as we were interrupted by picture taking time.

Before we left on Sunday, my father stood and shared with all in the dinning hall, about 25, that the Lord was coming soon. He gave a brief Bible prophecy oration pointing to Christ, spoke of some current things that are pointing to the soon return of the Savior and gave the gospel. It was a blessing to see him in action with passion and boldness. I know the Spirit of God was using him in a powerful way at that moment. If you think of it, pray for the DeBauge family . God is able and God is working.

Mexico once again!

2009-03-11T16:12:00.002-04:00

Just wanted all of you who might happen upon this to know we are going to be in Mexico again. Your prayers would be appreciated as it will be very busy. There is another youth conf. scheduled and this time I get to do some break out sessions with the ladies. I am excited and scared! There will be an interpreter ( a friend) and it will take some getting used to keeping my mind focused. We'll be busy with the assemblies through the week and on the weekends. There is some concern about travel into Mexico but I know that the Lord will see us there and back without problems. It is His work and His timing.

Pray for Joel while we're gone. He'll be with family but it always seems so strange to ask others to help out there with him. May he honor the Lord and be of help to them.

Blessings,

Moving forward!

2009-01-12T18:05:00.004-05:00

Well, as you know the new year is here and I already have both feet on the ground running. Isn't there supposed to be some kind of break or something in life? You know, stop - take a moment and catch your breath? Life just keeps moving forward and it doesn't slow down. But really, that is such a wonderful thing. We're moving closer to eternity and it can't get any better than that! Mom was reminding me of that this afternoon. The Lord is coming soon!

We sent a New Year letter out to many this year and spoke of the goodness of God in it. This last year His goodness has passed before us in so many ways. In all our travels, His goodness was there. In ministering to the children at camp or DVBS His goodness was there. In the sorrow and grief of lost loved ones, even there we saw His goodness. His goodness is everywhere but sometimes we don't recognize it because we're too busy, or maybe we're just not looking for it and so we don't realize it.

Moses said in Ex. 33:13 "show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight." I love it that the Lord's answer was "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

It is the Lords goodness that His Presence goes with us. In having Him with us we have rest. Are you enjoying that rest? Are you enjoying His Presence? Yes, we're busy, especially those who have small children. But His rest can be realized in freedom from worry. Moses had the care of all the Israelites, in the dry, hot, weary desert. But they lacked nothing. They received refreshment, food and protection from the Lord, who promised to be with them.

This past year may have been a dry, hot desert at times. Or maybe the coming year will bring wilderness troubles. But the Presence of the Lord is with us in even a greater way than Moses experienced. We have the indwelling Spirit of the Living God. The One who is our Comforter and Guide.

John 14:16,17 and 26,27
"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you . Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

I don't know about you, but I realize everyday how much more I need Him. I am praying this year that just like Moses, I too will know Him more. Knowing Him, means enjoying His Presence in a new and wonderful way. Knowing Him means realizing more of His goodness.

It's about time!

2008-09-08T15:27:00.008-04:00

Well, what can I say? Yes, I know - it has been way too long since the last post. A good friend recently told me with some question in her voice, "It's been March 12 since you posted last!"

I guess I thought no one was really noticing!

But you know what it's like to be busy! I know you do. I do not stand alone in this. Isn't it a line we each say!

Ok - let me just show you some of our summer highlights!

Oh bother! I can't get rid of the upside down picture. Will I ever learn?

Once again - a picture mistake. I quit!

I'm starting to prepare for our ladies study. Maybe I'll have more success there!

Thanks everyone for your prayers throughout the summer and for more recent events regarding Evelyn. The Lord's people are great and we love you all.

Mexico update

2008-03-12T13:35:00.001-05:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We are very much enjoying our time in Mexico. There has been much going on. We completed a very intense weekend conf. with the young adults over the weekend and have spoken in 3 different assemblies thus far.

There is a meeting scheduled for this evening in yet another place. This weekend we will travel to Saltillo for another 2 days of meetings.

Please pray for continued good health, good ministry and receptive hearts. The saints here are very dear and many of them speak some english. There has been a translator for those who don't, mostly the older folks.

We expect to return home on the 18th and are so thankful that we were able to fly. Driving would have been difficult given this schedule.

Greetings to each of you and thank you again for your faithful prayers.

By His Grace,
Ken and Marti

Mexico or bust!

2008-03-05T13:50:00.002-05:00

Well, come Friday Ken and I are flying to Mexico for ministry. Your prayers would be appreciated. The schedule will be very heavy. There will be a conf. on Sat and Sun. Daily devotional messages at the Christian school there thru the week with Mexican students in an English speaking environment. Speaking at area assemblies 3 or 4 nights and then another Sunday message at a different chapel. Other than the school all the speaking will be with an interpreter. Ken told them since we're coming the distance to just fill up the schedule.

We'll be seeing Tom and Sandy Peasland and the Wielengas from Torreon. (Not sure if I spelled that right!) We have prayed about doing this for several years and are finally seeing it happen.

Pray too that we will get no stomach bugs and for Joel as he remains home with different family members.

2 Cor. 4:5-6 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Listening or not!

2008-02-12T20:47:00.000-05:00

I am so cold! Forgive me for stating that I do not like the cold. It seems to come rushing through me and I find I lose all desire to do anything I should be doing! I don't really understand. I would just be pleased to curl up in bed and sleep without a care in the world, snug and warm.

But this is not what I am called to do! Thankfully the Lord continues to bring things in my life that need to be done. Keeping Elisa comes to mind. Now she keeps me moving! (and I do turn the thermostate up on the days she visits!)

Recently I have been doing lots of study in both Romans and Matthew. I am trying to both catch up and get ahead in these. Matthew has been challenging lately.

Matthew 16:8,9 "O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves...? Do you not yet understand, or remember...?"

Of course he was speaking to the disciples regarding the past miracles of feeding the multitudes but to me He seems to say -

"Martha, stop trying to figure everything out. You don't have to have an answer for all that happens! Just remind yourself of what I have done in the past. I have been faithful through time and eternity to you and all mankind."

We get caught up in the moment of our own preoccupation. We don't listen to what He really is saying to us. Or, sometimes we are so busy trying to fit what we think He is saying (based on our selfishness or ignorance) that we don't hear what He really said!

Isaiah 64:4 "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, who acts for the one who waits for Him."

God is acting on your behalf today. Whatever your struggle, your pain, your loss. Listen quietly to Him. Hear His still small voice. Let Him calm the storm of your life with His Words. Peace be still!

Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Pray for the Hughes and Horn family

2008-01-21T23:06:00.000-05:00

My heart aches tonight at the news of little Elliot having gone to be with the Lord. His suffering has ended but his parents and grandparents will need much prayer in the days and weeks to come. Let us minister to them mightily in prayer. The Lord is able to make all grace abound.

To tell the truth...

2008-01-06T21:29:00.000-05:00

Wow, where has this year gone? Honestly, my mind is in a jumble. I have been in a fog...
Ever feel that way? I don't like admitting that I've had more downs than ups this year, but it's true. Being real with others is sometimes hard to do. But I want to be real and that means admitting to stumbling around at times.

Thankfully, I am not alone. I know that is true although I haven't had anyone tell me they too have been stumbling around lately. Why is that? None of us wants to admit that we struggle in a very real way. I especially, at my age want you to think that I am doing fine. But I have been lonely, stressed and discouraged. Why do I admit this? Because I want you to know that I have been through struggles and it has made me love Him more.

I was reading Kept For the Master's Use by Frances Ridley Havergal. This little book looks at the song Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. You know that song! You, like myself have probably sung it many times and meant it too! I so much want this for myself and you; to be consecrated to the Lord of Glory!

" Consecration is not so much a step as a course. It is not so much an act as a position to which a course of action inseparably belongs. Insofar as it is a course and a position, there must naturally be a definite entrance upon it and a time when that entrance is made. That is when we say, "Take." But we do not want to go on taking the first step over and over again."

" What we want now is to be maintained in that position and to fulfill that course. So let us go on to another prayer. Having already said, "Take my life, " let us now say - with deepened conviction that without Christ we really can do nothing - "Keep my life, for I cannot keep it for Thee."

My friends, the keeping of my life is not in my hands. Now I have known this. It is not new to me. But, life happens and we can become so weary in it's course that we sometimes forget that the Lord "keeps" us.

"For with the deepest and sweetest consciousness that He has indeed taken our lives to be His very own, the need of His active and actual keeping of them in every detail and at every moment is most fully realized. But then we have the promise of our faithful God, "I, the Lord, am its keeper... I guard it night and day" (Isaiah 27:3)

Meditating upon this thought that the Lord is my Keeper, I began to search scripture for this.

Ps. 121 " I will lift up my eyes to the hills––From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore."

My heart is encouraged. The Lord so kindly has brought me through difficulty again. He is faithful beyond my understanding. I am kept by His gracious, omnipotent hand. Kept to continue on, to press forward and by His keeping to bring glory to Him.

And by the way, Joel is kept by this same One and I have no need to worry about him. My God is able.

2007-10-12T23:17:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share some fun pics from New Mexico.

These girls are following Kens "great" advice. He says as he draws a cartoon woman, that if you might be lacking in good looks, you can always make up for it with Big Hair! Here's some more!

Ken is in New Mexico right now doing some training on starting a kids club. He's also doing a mens conference over the weekend. Busy boy.... pray for his stamina and voice as he was speaking 8 different times between Wed and Sun.

Think before you look and then PRAY!

2007-09-05T17:24:00.000-04:00

Many have asked to see pictures of Joel. They aren't pretty pics and I wouldn't post
all we took. Each day we took a pic so we could see his improvement. It's amazing how fast the body heals, especially when your young.

It has been 4 months since his accident. God has healed his body. His long and short term memory are so much better. There is still need for growth in his reasoning, attitude and overall cognitive thinking skills. My prayer is for him to soon be able to get back into the work field as well as get some technical trainging for his future. All in the Lords time.

Joel will be baptised in a few weeks. He wants to continue to grow and change as a "new man" in Christ. Please pray with me that God will open his eyes to see how he needs to be faithfully in the Word and find new and solid Christian friends.

Maybe you can tell, once again I have been having a fight with the computer to get the formatting of these just right. Yes, the computer is winning. Will I ever learn?

I did have two other pictures on here but they disappeared into some other world. But these will suffice.

Certainly God is good and we rejoice in His kindness towards us. May Joel ever be reminded by his own scars of the grace of God towards him.

Time for an update!

2007-08-18T10:49:00.000-04:00

Ok - I am still trying to figure things out here. I obviously don't know how to center my posts like I want! So what!? I wanted to share some of our vacation with you. We've had a great time in Florida! My grand kids have been a joy to be around.

Kaitlin and Joel have bonded! It's been fun watching Joel interact with the kids. He's even helped with baby Doug!

Grandpa put his artistic abilities to work here. He made a monster with Kaitlin here after they made a sand castle with a moat.

This little sweetie is known by name at the local Dairy Queen! Just kidding, but her dad for sure is making a name for himself there!

I Did It!!

2007-07-07T23:05:00.000-04:00

Just wanted you all to know, I figured it out -
ON MY OWN!
I now have links posted and I am exhausted!

This is nothing exciting to most of you but to me it is huge!
I am learning, slowly but surely......

Baby Doug!

2007-07-07T20:52:00.000-04:00

What do you think he's thinking?

Just experimenting this evening and ran across this sweet picture of

Christina's new son, now over a month old!

I am SO Blessed!

2007-06-25T11:42:00.000-04:00

Wow! One month has passed and I haven't posted a thing. Life is busier than ever.

Joel is doing very well. His wounds are healing but there are still things that we are dealing with in regards to the accident.

He had surgery last Wed. the 20th on his thumb. The doctor didn't feel it was healing as it should and felt he needed a pin in it. There is a 60% chance of full recovery. This of course means that Joel will not be driving as soon as he had hoped. But I keep reminding him that God is working what is best and he is sweetly taking each day as it comes.

I am so blessed in our relationship right now. Joel is no longer the young may you once knew him to be. I would that you could all visit with him and see and hear the difference, it is amazing. There is a real spiritual work going on and Joel is a willing participant. He is asking for baptism but our busy schedule (Ken's out of town camp and vbs work) as well as Joels cast on his wrist, not to mention the things going on with my father have kept us from being able to visit with the elders about it. This too we leave in the Lords hands. I wouldn't want anything other than His timing and purposes.

He does have an appt. to look at his knee on Tue. as it is swelling quite a bit. Not sure what will happen there. The Lord also provided another therapy scholarship so we can have another month of therapy (cognitive) that his therapist said he really needed. She is doing an excellent job. I sit in with them and am fascinated with the work they are doing with him. It helps me know how to help him at home too.

Some of you may have heard that my father was admitted to the hospital last week also. He has some internal bleeding and the doctors are uncertain as to where it is. He has an upper GI scheduled for tomorrow. His colonoscopy was negative as to bleeding. They had to give him 2 units of blood over the weekend. He is stronger since then. He also has congestive heart failure and they are draining fluid from around his heart and lungs via diuretics.

If you read this, will you encourage others to come here for updates? Brandon and Grace have been so busy with - well, life. You know how it is!

I did have my little granddaughter Elisa over the week end. What a joy she was. Indeed, children's children are the crown of old age!

Gods blessings upon you today. Remember, He orders our steps and today especially He is caring for you!

I have a grandson!

2007-05-24T13:04:00.000-04:00

Just thought I would spread the word. Christina delivered a 6# 15 oz. boy this morning at 11:45.

Douglas Edward Jr. Wish I had pictures! Grace is planning on going to Florida to help Christina on June 5th. That seems like a long time away but - that's the way it is.

Joel is doing better every day. We are having Joel's friends in Friday night for a party. Ken plans on "challenging" them with the Word. Pray for wisdom and boldness and results!

Last night we were on the news too! They were doing a story on how dangerous the road is where Joel's accident was. Ken, Joel and I all got our moment of fame! No recruiters have called yet though - hmmmmm.

May the God of Hope fill you

2007-05-15T09:50:00.000-04:00

It's good to be home. Don't ya just love it?!

We brought Joel home yesterday and got him settled into our bed because it's downstairs. This morning I didn't have to get up at 5:30 to get to the hospital. Everyone is sleeping in. It's quiet. I love it like this!

We are so thankful for the Lord's goodness in sparing Joel's life. He is doing better everyday. I know there will still be some difficult times before us. We don't walk this road alone though. Our Savior goes behind and before us. He lights the path, He leads the way.

I have been encouraged as I have reviewed my studies in Romans. (BSF - wonderful!) In times past I have been so encouraged as I have looked at the "He is able" verses.

Romans 4:21 "what He has promised, He is able also to perform"

Romans 11:23 " God is able to graft them in again" (God's dealings with the Jews)

Romans 14:3 "He is able to make him stand"

Romans 16:25 "to Him who is able to establish you"

These wonderful things about God are only a few of the things that build up my faith and strengthen me to stand.

Romans 15:4 "...that we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope"

Yes, my friends. He is my sure and stedfast hope and always will be.

Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

I am weak but He is strong...

2007-05-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

When I made my last post, who would of thought that I would have such an opportunity to "shine" for the Lord. I have found Him to be the faithful One who gives strength as we face each day. It is not our might or power but His Spirit that upholds us and radiates through us.

I feel very weak and very small, but He is very strong and very big! In this I rejoice. Not in my circumstance for it is difficult, but in My God for He is able. When I am weak, He is strong.

Thank you for your love and prayers. We feel very strongly the prayers of the saints on our behalf. Joel may not be aware yet, but someday he will hear and know how God spared him and loved him through each of you.

He is able,
Marti

This Little Light of Mine Romans 13:11-14

2007-04-15T19:28:00.000-04:00

I have been reminded in Romans 13 this week that "now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." How near is that? I like to think that it is VERY soon.

Because His coming for us is soon we are encouraged to "cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light." Rm 13:12 That's a cool visual! Armor of Light! Makes me think of 2 different passages.

Eph 6:10-17 "Put on the whole armor of God..." v.13 "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (firm)"

John 8:12 "I am the light of the world..."

You might say that putting on Christ (Rm 13:14)is putting on the armor of light and He is the power to stand firm against the evil one.

It is a dark world we live in, and there is an evil power that blinds the hearts and minds of many. But, dear ones, we are not bound by it but rather set free and now it is our responsibility to shine!

So, "let us walk properly,(decently) as in the day," - did you get that? (As in the day?) You mean it's not day? No! It is night! You bring the light to the world around you!

Judges 5:31b "But let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength."

Shine for our Savior and Lord today! Light exposes sin, brings warmth, causes growth and yes, cheers our hearts.

Daniel 12:3 "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever."

What a picture!

Remember the song "This Little Light of Mine"... Now it's up to you!

A Sure Recipe for Fruitfulness

2007-03-16T22:51:00.000-04:00

My study has taken me into 2 Peter.

I noticed that the "knowledge of God" is mentioned 5 times in the first 8 verses. Throughout the entire chapter, Peter speaks of the things they know as he is reminding the saints of them. He ends the chapter with the certain truth that the scripture is Divinely inspired. Therefore, to know it (the Bible), is to gain understanding in the knowledge of God. I'm pretty certain that to have the knowledge of God is key to the Christian life! Wouldn't you agree?

2Peter 1:2-8 "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature.

For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these things are yours and abound, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Breaking verses 5-8 down -

Make every effort - be earnest, diligent

Add to your faith, virtue ( moral excellence) not just the everyday good morals. High standards of Godly living.

Add to virtue, knowledge - (1Tim. 2:15 Study!)

Add to knowledge, self-control - thoughts, words, deeds, actions and reactions

Add to self-control, steadfastness (perseverance, patience) - keep it up daily, day after day, week after week, month after...

Add to self-control, godliness - (Christ likeness, holiness)

Add to godliness, brotherly affection - kind ministering to the family of God

Add to brotherly affection, love - fervent stretched out love, giving totally of yourself to others

Doing these things will keep us from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

For me personally, that's a very tall list. How about you? Let's make every effort though to do these things. By His grace and His divine power these things can be practiced in our lives.

One of the most wonderful things about our Lord is that when we do stumble and fall - or just plain mess up, He is merciful and forgives. His grace says, get up, keep going. Press on, don't give up. "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age." Matthew 28:20

tagged and playing

2007-03-08T15:29:00.000-05:00

Thank you very much Brooke!
1.What is your occupation? – Domestic Engineer
2. What color are your socks right now? black, they go with my everyday black shoes!
3. What are you listening to right now? – the hum of my computer and the clanking of my thoughts
4. What was the last thing you ate? 1/2 chicken enchilada and 1/2 C ff refried beans and 1 pear( I just started weight watchers a week ago!)
5. Can you drive a stick shift? -yes ( took Joels new stealth out just last Sat.!)
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? NOT green, but everyone else seems to think this is a great color to be! Go figure I'm feeling rather purple!
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? – Grace Powell
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? tagged with? Yes, very much :o)
10. Favorite drink? water
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Ken laughing
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes, once upon a time
13. Pets? 1 very large 22# cat!
14. What is your favorite food? mexican, italian, and chocolate
15. What was the last movie you watched? Eragone, I'm trying to watch less!
16. Favorite day of the year? vacation
17. What do you do to vent anger? huff, raise my voice and then pray! Still not to the Pro. 31 stage
18. What was your favorite toy as a child?sad but - that was so long ago, I don't remember :(
19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? both
20. Hugs or kisses? both
21. Cherries or Blueberries? - both
22. Do you want your friends to email you back? – no, but they can comment if they want
23. Who is most likely to comment? clueless -that's not a friend of mine, just me!
24. Who is least likely to comment? – my mom (she'll never see this!)
25. Living arrangements? Your place, when I'm old and needy!
26. When was the last time you cried? about the same time every month
27. What is on the floor of your closet? –shoes, things to be given away to the next group who calls for donations.
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? not sending or tagging - she can't respond yet - Laura!!
29. What did you do last night? sewed for my mother
31. What inspires you? the lives of my young friends and their blogs
32. What are you afraid of at this point in your life? my son not trusting Christ
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? plain, less calories
34. Favorite dog breed? outdoor
35. Number of keys on your key ring? 4
36. How many years at your current job? 28.5 years (I would really like 30 years to get me a cruise!!)
37. What would be the title of a book you wrote? Life with Ken
38. How many states have you lived in? 5
39. Favorite holidays? anytime the families together
40. Ever operated a motorcycle or heavy machinery? motorcycle, and really enjoyed it - till I ran into the bush!

Now, since I can't tag Laura I'll tag Dre and Grace!

Kaitlin at Christmas

2007-02-28T16:39:00.000-05:00

This is our first grandchild Kaitlin. Her daddy and mommy came with her to visit for Christmas. They are watching a chalk talk by Grandpa Ken on Christmas morning about the wise men. She is a treasure!

Grandbaby time!

2007-02-28T16:26:00.000-05:00

I have just learned the necessary "clicks" to make pictures and so I'm sharing my dear little Elisa with you. She is now about 2.5 months and 12#. She's a happy little girl that tugs at my heart strings each time I see her!

Sifted for a purpose!

2007-02-26T15:58:00.000-05:00

I finished my study in I Peter recently and was so taken back with some things I learned. I've had to sit back and really think about how to share them.

I Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

I think we all know and agree that we have an adversary. We're aware of his deceit, his subtleness and lies. But the apostle Peter had an encounter with the devil that causes him to urgently encourage us to be on the alert!

My study took me back to Luke 22:31,32 where the Lord says to Peter "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." This verse says that Satan asked (the word implies demanded) to have Peter for the purpose of sifting. Does this remind you of another passage? Yes, Job went through a refining process too.

What struck me was that the Lord allowed Satan to sift both Peter and Job. The Lord tells us of several processes He uses to shape or conform us. But this one I hadn't given much thought to. The potter uses pressure within and without while the clay is spinning on a wheel. I think I have felt this conforming process many times! Then, there is the intense heat that causes impurities to rise from metals so they can be removed, thus purifying and making the metal beautiful. This too I seem to have felt at times. But now to think that there are, or may be times when the Lord allows Satan to sift me or those I love is a little much!

My comfort comes in knowing that Satan has to ask for the right to sift and even then it's within the boundaries the Lord sets forth. The Lord Himself prays for us that our faith would not fail. Thereby insuring that this testing is only for a time and with a purpose of simply sifting. Not destroying, not rendering useless; but making us finer, more suitable for a - shall we say - lighter cake?

"And when you return, strengthen your brethren" This is important too! Not only should this sifting affect us, but it should affect others that we meet from then on! It should cause me to open up and share more, or to be more bold with each opportunity the Lord gives.

I look around and somehow think that there is more sifting going on than I ever imagined. Sifting of my fellow saints, family and friends. The Lord alone is wise enough to know just when and how much.

"Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." 1 Peter 4:19

My Desire

2007-02-06T20:52:00.000-05:00

I started this great study in I Peter this year. I wanted to study it because of what it says about suffering. I have learned so much. I am learning even more about relationships though. As I was going over my notes last night I realized that twice ( I Pet. 1:22 and 4:8) we are told to have fervent love for one another. The Greek word for fervent means "to stretch out". As I thought on this I realized that it is going beyond the norm of Sunday mornings, Wed. nights and ladies studies.

What is it to be stretched out? It is painful, uncomfortable, tiring, and even (heaven forbid) a nuisance. It means to go beyond the norm and go the extra mile!

I thought of how the Lord was quite literally stretched out for us. His hands and feet were pierced for us. He bore the penalty that was ours. This is the ultimate love! His is an example of how we ought to love. Giving our all -

My desire, to be like Jesus
My desire, to be like Him.
His Spirit fill me, His love o'er whelm me;
In deed and word, to be like Him.
Lillian Plankenhorn

2007-01-31T18:19:00.000-05:00

I am entering into the world of the unknown. This is a very monumental thing for me to do - post a blog!! Well, I do think it looks like so much fun and such a tool for growth and encouragement. I do hope you enjoy it as much as I "think" I will.