Woven In

Whelp, it's a purdy good day at the Superman household. 

I was thankful to wake up migraine free, 

and despite the Cards loosing in the world series last night, 

this day has started without a bump, as some days will do. 

Handsome Hubby flew off to work early this morning to save the world, 

{after tucking a couple of fried eggs and cinnamon toast under his belt}.

I tackled some long awaited jobs nice and early while Dustin took care of morning chores, 

and then onto Bible study we went.

God is all wise.

No news flash, I know. 

We know that, but still, 

I find myself stumbling upon that fact over and over again throughout my days.

 I already knew that being in the habit of studying my bible is a good thing, 

and that being in the habit of studying my bible in different books on the same day, 

can be even better.

 I already knew about the blessings I have found in the past doing just such a thing. 

So, isn't it silly that it surprises me when those blessings jump out at me again and again!

Right now, this little gal is studying in 

Psalms,

 Ezekiel, 

2 Thessalonians,  

and 2 Peter. 

2 Peter is just a bonus challenge this week in our Five Tens group, 

the others are just where I happen to be in Psalms and my Old and New Testament studies...

blah, blah, blah...

I know I just get all wordy without even meaning too! 

Ok., get on with it! 

Anyway don't those books seem random to you? Unrelated? Psalms, mostly written by a King some 3000 years ago?  A book of major prophecy to a people now scattered over the earth from around 600 BC, several hundred years ago? Two different letters written to two different groups of Christians, by two different men in the early days of the establishment of the church? But, the wonderful common bond that they all share? They were all inspired by the same God, weaving the same redemption story throughout history, meant for all mankind to read, with the same plan of saving all men's souls by the power of God's word and the Gospel!

If you don't believe how lovely God weaves it all together, read on!

"I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me." Psalms 39:1 O.k., so this one doesn't tie in as much as it's a real gem I need to work on...hee hee, but stay with me!

Here are the words from God to Ezekiel, to warn Israel. You can't help but compare them to us, living in present day America, where God's word is rejected out of hand and at every turn. Or, more accurately, we could compare them to the so~called religious who call Jesus "LORD, LORD, and do not the things that He says". 

"Son of man, thou dewllest in the midst of a rebellious house, 

which have eyes to see, 

and see not;

 they have ears to hear, 

and hear not:

 for they are a rebellious house."

 Ezekiel 12:2 

"They have seen vanity and lying divination, 

saying, The LORD saith: 

and the LORD hath not sent them: 

and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. 

Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, 

whereas ye say, the LORD saith it; 

albeit I have not spoken? 

Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies,

therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord God. 

And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God. 

Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar:

Say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that is shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it. Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD: I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it. So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundations thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered mortar, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it; To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace saith the Lord GOD." Ezekiel 13:6~16

Hmm, you may be thinking?

 But it's a simple and clear truth, if we look.

 God had told His people, the Israelites, that the captivity was coming.

God was fed up with the idolatry, the lies and stealing, disobedience and deceit.  

The Babylonians were coming and nothing anyone said, or did was going to stop that at this point. 

Many religious people rejected that truth. 

They kept preaching:

 "peace and safety,

 ignore the truth, 

we'll build these walls, 

God is not sending anyone to punish us". 

But every word they said was a lie. 

They spoke against a prediction that God Himself gave,

 and there would be no changing. 

Our Dear and Holy Father simply can not lie, dear ones! 

Believing a lie will never change the end result of God's truth. 

See, folks rejected God's word way back then, and they're still doing it today. 

Many folks teach or preach false teachings.

 And they convince MANY people to follow them, as did the erring Jews in Ezekiel's day.

 Few were saved then, and sadly few will be saved today because people will NOT listen to God. 

They desire to preach their own gospel/desires rather than fully submit to His.

One of the greatest false teaching that the religious world offers is that of Pre~millinialism, 

the teaching that there will be a time of Christ reigning on the earth, 

with a WHOLE lot of warning before the Judgment Day comes. 

Lots of time for those who haven't been living right, 

to make it up and get it right. 

Hogwash and poppycock is what that is.

Scriptures do NOT contradict themselves, and our Dear Father and His Precious Son gave repeated warnings that were will BE NO WARNING WHEN HE COMES AGAIN. NONE.

Read with me, my friends, from my New Testament study, "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves no perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly...The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:" 1 Thes. 4:16,17 through 2 Thes. 5:1~5,9 

Good gravy and hot mashed potatoes. That is no joke. God clearly teaches that there will be NO WARNING when our dear Lord comes again...and furthermore He's not going to set foot on this old earth. No where in scripture can you read of us receiving a warning of His second coming, or of an earthly reign by Christ. Remember what we've said before? It's easier to believe a lie you have been told a thousand times, that to accept a truth you've never heard before.

And weaving all of God's beautiful word together..."But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who secretly bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And MANY shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of who the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." 2 Peter 2:1~2

See? It stinks. I hate it. But it's true. Just like there were religious ones that taught contrary to God's word then, there are those today doing the same.

 What a blessing that we have the soul saving gospel, 

so we can dig, study, pray, meditate and come to the truth. 

Don't you let that old Devil deceive you! 

He's a rotten scoundrel, and he knows where he's going, 

and he sure would like to take you with him.

Study, pray, study some more. God's wonderful redemption story is woven through the pages of our bible just waiting for us to read it and follow it. I hope you all have a super day!

 I love you, dear ones! 

Let's study, girls!

Love, 

 Superman's Marie (Debbie)

Him

A good friend posted a note on facebook a few days ago...it was about all the blessings flurying around us right now. Weddings, showers, graduations and the celebrations that go with them all...Wonderful, blessings overflowing days filled with goodness and {{{hopefully}}} thanksgiving.

She noted how important, in the midst of all of this, it is to not neglect the spiritual aspects and our obligations that go with those blessings...sigh...

I already am the world's worst card sender. I have good intentions. I pray for those dear ones that are grieving, sick or discouraged, but I'm not the best at letting them know that. Then, with all the wedding goodness going on, a few things have fallen by the wayside. I honestly have not studied nearly as much as I usually do these last few weeks. Why in the middle of blessings from HIM, do we let ourselves get so busy we neglect HIM? I know, I know, life does get busy, but I'm just saying that I, me, myself could do a little better.

This morning as I was finishing up 1 John, I was touched several times by His words about the great love that  Our Father has for us. The reassurance that He wants us to have in knowing how much He loves us, though we truly are not deserving of His love. He loved us first, and frankly, there was a time when I sure was not that lovable...ahem...Superman may say there still are times...cough, cough...

Anyway...I am thankful for that friend's reminder. I am thankful for my precious family, these beautiful blessings full busy days before our babygirl's wedding, but most of all I am thankful for HIM. For the sacrifice of the Father in giving His Son for me. For the sacrifice of the Son in giving Himself for me. And most of all for His word that I can know of His great Love and of His great plan that's all about Love and Obedience, for all of us.

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another...Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He fist loved us...By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous. ...These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."  1 John 4:10,11,17~19; 1 John 5 2,3, 13

Love you all~
marie

Pure Religion

We had a wonderful ladies Bible class tonight with very dear ladies and kiddos. 

I enjoy our ladies Bible class so very much! We prayed. For a really long time. No. I mean. A. Very. LONG. Time. It's what we do. You all know I'm a chatty girl. Well, um, if I'm chatty with you, you KNOW I'm going to have a lot to pray about with our Holy God. Many of you were brought before our Father's throne tonight, for comfort, strength or renewed health. 

We studied James 1:26~27 through 2:1~4.

Main point?

 Pure Religion=True Christianity, before God (which is everywhere and all the time) is truly being a Christian through and through. Duh, right? But easier said than done. It takes a constant heart of self examination, honesty and humility to see our weaknesses and decide to overcome them.

We should live our lives the same whether we are at home, the store, the church building, the bowling alley...everywhere, all the time in any and all circumstances. We should always show love, grace, mercy, patience, purity, kindness, compassion, and the list goes on...NOT because someone is looking, but because we DESIRE, with all of our hearts, to please God and to be a shining light to show others the love, blessings, peace, happiness and joy that can be found in Jesus Christ our LORD in living a life that brings glory to Him.

We used to read in the Little House on the Prairie books about the judges at the county fair taking a core sample from a huge wheel of cheese, or a tub of homemade butter, or a watermelon or pumpkin. They took core samples to make sure that whatever was being judged didn't just look good on the outside, but that it was solidly wholesome all the way through. That's what being a Christian is all about. That's what I want to be. I want people to be able to trust that I am who and what I say I am all the way through, not just for show and not just for them.

Do I stumble? Absolutely. Am I perfect? No way! Do I get mad sometimes? Umm...do you know me? Yup. Do I have a lot of growing to do? You bet. I can be a real stinker. Superman wants to hit me on the head with a coconut sometimes. No, really. He doesn't, but, I can make that man crazy. Does my faith get shaky when crisis after crisis hits. Yup again.

But I WANT to be like Christ in every way that I can be. I want to grow and learn to be more like him. I want you to be able to take a core sample of my heart, and see I'm a Christian through and through, no fooling. I slip up sometimes, but I'm not trying to discourage you, or fool you. I truly do love the LORD with all of my heart, soul, and strength. I'm trying to please the LORD, but I mess up. I fail. I sin. I stumble, then I get back up and try again. I need you to have patience with me, and be willing to forgive me when I stumble, because, maybe, like you, I'm a work in progress. I promise to try and do the same for you. That's this wonderful, perfect plan of pure religion. Of true Christianity.

What a wonderful life this Christian life is. What wonderful peace to pray and KNOW God hears us. To stumble, and know He will reach down and pick us up. To fail and know HIS blood covers a multitude of sins. To cry out to Him in anguish for this painful crisis to pass, and to KNOW that eventually it will. God is so good. And eternity is Forever.

Love you all.
Sweet dreams and don't forget your prayers.

~Marie

What LOVE is...and what it's not.

This article has been edited slightly and I am reposting today to share a little bit about God's great Love. 
I made the most important decision of my life in the Spring of 1990, 

when I obeyed the Gospel call and was baptized into Christ,

 becoming a New Testament Christian.

I didn't know a lot, but I knew my life was a mess. 

I was seeking God.

 His love.

 His forgiveness.

 His peace.

 His direction in my life.

 Just HIS way. 

After weeks of study, I understood that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He came to save me and all people from their sins. I understood the One church that God prepared, planned and created on the day of Pentecost, and I understood the commitment I was making publicly to God and before His church, and this world to serve and obey HIM and HIS SON all the days of my life.
I had heard, believed, repented, confessed and was fully immersed and thus baptized into Christ and added by our LORD to His church.

But I had a lot of growing to do.

I still am growing as a matter of fact. 

I hope to keep growing in the understanding of His word and His will, in His LOVE until I die.

I  hope that's your plan too. 

There's not going to be a point where I say, 

"Well, I've arrived. I've got it all down, and I'm done studying."

 The treasures in God's word are multiple, 

many faceted, 

and woven in,

 for us to keep unearthing through diligent study over the years.

As a babe in Christ, and in the first several years that followed in my Christian walk, 

I had an "idea" in my head of the Christian's growth journey. 

I had this idea that weak, liberal or new Christians were all the way on the left,

 and that we were to make a journey to bring us all the way to the right. 

That at one end of the spectrum of Christianity were the weak, 

and at the other end of the spectrum were the Ultra~conservative, 

well studied and strong Christians. 

I was actually offended by the term "middle of the road Christian" 

as if that meant one that "straddled the fence" on Biblical matters. 

Thankfully, many have been the number of older and wiser, 

gentler, faithful and loving Christians that have taught me and helped me to see more clearly.

Sadly there is a far left in Christianity that is fraught with liberality. Those that would loose God's word and not hold to all of his teachings. Those that talk freely of God's love, yet know little of His will. Those that pick and choose what they will obey, 

and claim they have the right to do so. 

That part I understood correctly. 

But over the years as a Christian, with study, prayer, 

and the above mentioned wisdom and advice of many others, 

I have come to understand at the other end of the spectrum there are those that deem themselves "ultra~conservative" Christians. 

However, zealous they may be, 

they are not as much well studied in His word, 

as well studied in certain verses and subjects. 

Their judgments are often harsh and laced with hateful speech.

 They claim to hold the love of God in their hearts, 

while their words and actions show anything but.

 They speak much of obedience, but little of God's love. 

When disagreed with, they spit out scripture like venom, 

with a look of such animosity on there faces 

that I truly am thankful we live in the dispensation that we do, 

lest God strike them down mid~spiel and mid~breath..

I hesitate to speak so boldly. I do not want to sound unkind myself. 

I truly desire the law of kindness to be in my mouth at all times, though I often fall short.

But I recently heard the words spoken:

"I am SICK of hearing about God's love. 

I am just SICK of hearing about God's love.

 There comes a time to lay down the law and this is it!" 

These words made me cringe. 

They strike fear and sorrow in my heart. 

I love these brothers and sisters, 

but as I tremble for those that would loose the truths of God's word, 

I tremble for these that bind matters that should be opinion 

upon others that are truly striving to serve our God.

 "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy;

 and mercy rejoiceth against judgement" James 2:13

Sadly both sides are missing crucial threads in the fabric of Christianity.  

God IS love. 

He loves deeply. 

He is also JUST. 

He demands obedience. 

His mercy, grace, patience, omnipotence, goodness, righteousness, 

LOVE

 and unchanging nature are all wrapped up into the fabric of His Being. 

I do not claim to know all there is to know about our Holy Heavenly Father. 

The depths of His Ways are  past finding out. Romans 12:33~35

 But I DO know GOD is LOVE. 

I often speak of balance in Christianity when I write. 

About the importance of love and obedience together. 

I would NEVER think to throw out the importance of obeying my LORD and Saviour in ALL of his commandments. But neither would I throw out His mighty LOVE. Romans chapter 14 deals with the patience we must have for one another in matters of opinion. 

I pray for myself first, 

and for our dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, 

for ALL of us to see His word clearly. 

For us to have wisdom, patience, grace and mercy

 towards one another as we strive with all of our hearts to discern His word and His will. 

I'm not "all that".

 I do not have it down. 

I need your patience and kindness with me. 

And I will show the same to you. 

I'm sure that's what God wants.

When I read these words, 

I simply can not come to any other conclusion.

Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God , and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. ...Beloved if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 1 John 4:7~8

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels. and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth. 1 Corinthians 13:1~8

Therefor all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even to so them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the Second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Mathew 22:37~40

Can you?

I love you all~

marie

Gone

A lot to share with you this afternoon. You might grab a cup of tea or coffee or a nice tall glass of lemonade, depending on your weather and your local...and your desire to read. :)

We are back home and thankful. Superman flew off to save the world first thing this morning. His lunch was all ready, and his clothes laid out the night before, and after our morning prayer together, he let his sleepy wifey, sleep in!

Our kiddos mowed the yard and put up the rest of the bead board  in the living room while we were gone. I am thankful for that! They are good kiddos! (Alright, alright, I did drop a few hints...ahem...or suggestions about possibly getting those jobs done...) But, still they did it, and it was great! Now just to paint that bead board white! Shocker, I know.

I am also very thankful to have had a weekend away with my husband while our kiddos were safe. We needed some time just for us. It was nothing short of magical. The scenery was truly breathtaking on that little Katy trail. We saw countless Indigo Buntings, Cardinals, a few Goldfinches, a Majestic Blue Heron, a large variety of lovely song birds,rabbits, groundhogs, a nasty Copperhead and a few other friendly snakes (my bestie will doubt that). Just all in all so lovely! We stayed at a historic hotel, Hotel Franklin (I think I said the wrong name before) in Booneville, MO. and a wonderful historic Bed and Breakfast in Jefferson City, MO, both right off the Katy trail. We talked, laughed, sweated, I wrecked...had icecream and other treats, went to a show, played disc golf. Just really nice. But this post is not all lightheartedness.

Back to our kiddos. We made safe and good plans for them all while we were gone. By safe, I mean both physically and spiritually. The most horrific things have been occurring lately, of both a spiritual and physical nature, among people we know, both Christian and non~Christian alike and it makes me double my efforts to protect my children.

I realize, at times, that by the things I write, life may sound like a breeze, but that is rarely the case. When I write about good things, it's because life is good, even when rotten things are going on. We actually had the most heart breaking news on our way out of town for our Anniversary. It was hard to shake all weekend. My heart felt/feels heavy, hurt, sick.  But Superman and I set our minds to try and enjoy our time together. We know what a precious gift marriage is. We knew our kiddos were safe. They stayed with Christian friends we trust, with no tv or computer time unsupervised (none at all actually). They were at work, youth rally or Christian friend overnights, all watching out for each other, all knowing God and Faithful parents were watching over them.

I don't mind sounding a little overly cautious. You may think me paranoid, but I don't mind. It's so important that we do our best to protect our children, even, or especially our teenage ones. Yes, they have to grow strong, and they have to make choices on their own. But they need the shelter, guidance and protection of their parents as they learn to use those freedoms. It needs to be rooted deeply in their hearts that God is with them always. It should be both a comfort in trials and an uncomfortable thought when temptation strikes them to do wrong. So, when we are gone, we have spies and lots of them. It keeps our kiddos safe, and on their toes. You don't have to agree. On Judgment Day, God isn't going to ask you to give an account for MY parenting. I will have to do that on my own! ;)

I joke and laugh and make light, because that's how God wired me. It's just who I am, how I live and love. But all joking aside, I write today because I can NOT stress to you enough how changeable life is. Another awful event in a long string of awful events happened on Thursday. I can not, I will not share the details here. I'm not being dramatic. It involves an innocent life accidentally ended. It is horrific and soul shaking. And it is one more wake up call to me, to share with you.  No matter how tightly you try to hold onto this life, it slips through your fingers like a mist. Cancer strikes, unfaithfulness strikes, death strikes both young and old alike. One minute someone you love is here, and the next they're gone.

Sure I wanted to share our trip news. Praise my kiddos and dear hubby. But there is more. I have ever so much more on my mind today, dear friends. I write today, hoping to sway you, hoping to encourage you. Hoping you will see the importance of getting your life right with God. Of doing the best you can to show deep, agape, self sacrificing love to others. NOW before it is too late. You may not have another day yourself. Or your loved ones may not. THAT'S what life is about. Don't wait to get your life in order. And don't give up due to all the horrible battles you are facing. This life just isn't about things getting easier. It's about gathering strength for the fight and giving strength to those who have none right now. It's about obeying God and trusting in Him, His word and His church to get you through. It's about enjoying your weekend with Superman, laughing and hugging and kissing and cuddling, even though death and sadness are trying to beat down the door of your heart/mind because you KNOW that this old life is going to keep being hard. It just is.

Let's get a few things straight between us. Being right with God is NOT a feeling. It's not doing what your parents have always told you to do, or doing what your momma and daddy always did, and their parents before them. It's about true Un~denominational (not non~ denominational we accept all denominations) Christianity. Your salvation is not just something you should trust to "I think I'm ok." or to someone else's opinion! Study His word!!! So many people think they are just fine.MOST people don't think twice about God, about denominationalism, about how they all claim different roads to salvation but they CAN NOT all possibly be right!

KNOWING whether or not you are saved comes about by reading His word, obeying His word and living His word. Hearing, believing Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior, the Holy son Of the Almighty God, it's about repenting of yous sins (completely turning away from them and not going back into them again), confessing that Jesus is the Christ and your belief and commitment to live for Him. It's about being baptized (fully immersed in the water) to wash away those sins, to put to death that old person/sinner you were and to raise up again a new person, one ready to live a faithful life for Christ. It's about starting today to dig and DIG DEEP (as my dear hubby would say) to be sure of where you will spend eternity.

Getting yourself right with God is NOT a state of mind. It's action, commitment and work. And it just needs to be done so badly. You just do not know if you have tomorrow. I never would have believed two years ago that my twenty seven year old sister in law would be gone now, that a baby, just turned 13 months with no health issues, would be gone. That a friend and cyclist in perfect non smoking healthy condition, would be gone.

Gone. That means no more time to get it right.

This post publishes both on my blog and my facebook. I love you, my friends. I wrote to share with you about our life. About our weekend, and the good fun times we have in our family. But I wrote to share more with you.

You many think of yourself as a close friend, a family member, or just as an acquaintance of mine. But if you're on my friends list, I love you, and I pray for you. And I ask you to examine your life next to God's word, and get it right.

Love, 

marie and Superman

Flirting, French Kissing and Fornicating Fools

This post is rated SM, that's for Smart Married people,
or for folks that plan on being Smart Married people some day.
If you're foolish, just stop reading right now,
because this article won't do you a bit of good.

Shwew...do I sound stirred up?
You can bet I am.

Me~oh~my, but I am fed up with Fools these days. Fools is just the Bible word for stupid folk. Folks that could choose to do better, but just won't do it.

Folks that think flirting is fun business, not foolishness that leads to French kissing and eventually to Fornicating. You think that's harsh? Do you really think there has ever been a French kiss without Flirting first? Do you really think there has ever been Fornicating without being preceded by French kissing? Really?

This is not a how~to guide...it's a how~NOT~to guide.
Please, read on.

Flirting has it's place...it's between two married people...
that are married to EACH OTHER of course.

French kissing belongs in the EXACT same place.

Of course Fornicating has no place at all in God's book...
except for those future and present residents of Hell.

Why do people think flirting is harmless??? I'll be the first to admit that I LOVE to flirt with my Superman. He's all mine. I can let my hand linger on his arm, or on his thigh, I can smile a sexy smile at him...it leads to lovely married things for married folk.

That's my intention. That's why I do it.
Because Flirting is not harmless.

It's provocative.

Innocent conversations start to linger on too long.
A light touch on the arm,
a soft laugh with a toss of the head exposing your neck,
a handshake lingering with gentle and provocative pressure,
fingers resting on someones shoulders with an inviting smile...
all of these are just so called "innocent" lures of Satan's that lead down a road
that many are unwilling to turn back from.

Good intentions of helping some poor hurting woman/or man (whichever is your opposite sex)
to get through a hard time may be just that to you... initially.
Good intentions...
but to Satan, you have swallowed the hook and imbedded it firmly in your jaw...and you'll not have such good luck removing it.

Yes, people in this old sin sick world need help...
and you AND YOUR SPOUSE may be just the ones to do it.
BUT NOT YOU BY YOURSELF.

Too many of our Christian friends have started down that path.
Well intentioned enough to begin with, then their egos were stroked and molded by that wicked one, in the form of a needy co~worker or friend with batting eyes and sheathed claws...and sometimes low cut blouses with plenty of cleavage showing.

I hate sin.

I HATE IT!!!

I hate the destruction left in it's wake as marriages are destroyed, children are devastated and wives or husbands are broken...left fallen to the ground weeping...
All wondering how this happened to a good Christian family.

I simply am beyond FED UP!!!

Wake up folks!

If someone needs help, get them help.
Talk to your spouse about them.
Come up with a plan together to help them.
But don't take the bait.

If someone starts flirting with you, no matter how inconsequential it may seem, IMMEDIATELY start talking about your handsome husband,
or your beautiful wife whom you adore.
Praise them, then move away.
Send your message loud and clear.
No, I'm not being dumb or paranoid.
Cliche but true, better safe than sorry.

The Proverbs writer, inspired by God,
warned again and again of the importance of not going NEAR the paths of sin.

"When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee; understanding shall keep thee:...to deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. " Proverbs 2:10,11, 16~19

Compare that to those that are truly seeking God's wisdom! "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise(profit) of it is better that the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasure, and all her paths are peace...my son let not them depart from thine eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion: so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck." Proverbs 3:13~17,21,22

"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it,
pass not by it, turn from it and pass away...Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are all the issues of life...Ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy ways be established." Proverbs 4:14, 15, 23,26

"My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding; That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two~edged sword. Her feet go down to death;
her steps take hold on hell. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable (unstable) that thou canst not know them. Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her,
and come not nigh the door of her house;
Lest thou give thine honour unto others...Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well...
Let thy fountain be blessed:
and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
And why will thou, my son,
be ravished with a strange woman,
and embrace the bosom of a stranger:
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He pondereth all his goings." Proverbs 5:1~9,15,18~21

Don't linger or bask in the rays of compliments, flirting or affection from someone who has no right to give it to you, and from whom you have no right to receive it.
Run don't walk.
Your ego may be too weak...and before you realize it is, it may be too late.

Flirting leads to French kissing and then to Fornication...all things that outside of marriage lead to Hell and Destruction for us, and incomprehensible Pain and Hurting for those We love.

Wake up my dear ones.
And if you're already wide awake,
give those that you love a nudge and pass it on.

Love you all~

marie

Fed Up

Good morning my sweet family and friends!
(er afternoon~eveningish...this post took a long time to write)

I wanted to tell you thank you for all of your encouraging and uplifting comments, messages and emails. It's one thing to be reprimanded when you are being a stinker and unkind, but it's another thing to get that when you are really trying to do your best for your family, for your friends and for the LORD.

In my sweet Sugarbears words "That weally thtinkth!" (that really stinks)

No biggie.
Not trying to whine...
o.k....maybe a little...
I DID get the wind knocked out of me for a bit.
But that's o.k.
God is sooo good and here HE gave us a brand new day on this side of eternity to enjoy and glorify HIM!

You all know that Our sweet Shauna left us this year (No, I still can't say died) .
I had cancer this year.
I don't feel a little focused on Heaven.
I feel a LOT focused on Heaven.
Again, I'm not "ALL that".
Yikes, I have so far to go.
But I LOVE MY LORD, HIS WORD and MY FRIENDS.
I know my goal, and I am so thankful that my sweet Savior knows ME,
knows my heart,
knows my intentions.

So, I was a little fed up.

I admit it.

You see, my family is stuck with me.
My dear LORD and Heavenly Father are stuck with me.

That leaves you, my friends.

You, lucky folk that you are , are not stuck with me!
You can "unfriend" me if you want to.
Just take me right off of your friends list if I offend you.
It will NOT offend ME or hurt my feelings.
It's o.k.

I would rather you did so, as a matter of fact, rather than you leave ugly and unkind comments on my page. I do not put ugly or unkind comments on my page directed towards you, nor do I post them on your wall. I have a very strict rule for myself to try to only leave uplifting and honest comments for others. If I have something to say that might be construed as confrontational, no matter how carefully I say it, then I will send it to you in a private message.

That is my Biblical understanding of addressing a matter of disagreement in the church. If you believe me to be sinning, please be so kind as to call me, message me, email me and let me know. I am open to discussion. You are on my friends list, because I think you are my friend.

But anyway, onward and upward...

Before even opening a facebook account we had a lot of family discussions. We discussed getting ad blocker first, to avoid the often pornographic ads that pop up on the side bar of facebook, which we did. We discussed family rules on what would and would not be appropriate content on our pages and on our friend's pages. (We have sometimes had to talk to our children about comments they have left and what some might construe from them and had to remove them. We have open access to each other's passwords and pages)

So after much discussion and thought, I finally opened a facebook account, this social networking venue, to reach out to my friends and family and share God's word with them. Our family uses facebook to grow spiritually ourselves ( I read tons of Bible articles on here), and to try to uplift and edify others.

Sometimes that means I have to s-t-r-e-t-c-h and grow a bit.

Sometimes I might be trying to encourage you to s-t-r-e-t-c-h and grow a bit. Sometimes I get my heart pricked and realize there is an area I need to do better in. Sometimes I try to pass that on to others, because surely I am not the only Christian that has some maturing to do.

So, see, I am going to continue to study and write Biblical articles. That's the point of my life. To grow and do what I can in my little corner of the world for my Father.

If you are on my friends list, I'll be writing to you, too.
Like anyone that writes Biblical articles,
I spend a lot of time in study and prayer each time I write.
I try to go over everything with a fine tooth comb.
I won't say it all perfectly but I will do my best.
Yes, there are others with more knowledge than me.
I think that just about everyone can say that.
I don't claim to be spiritually mature (or think I am, ahem, not a nice dig by the way).
But I'm not a babe in Christ.
I do have years of study under my belt.
I have sat at the feet of a lot of Faithful, sound, Godly men and women and taken their sound teaching to heart.
Some of you guys as a matter of fact!

It just doesn't make sense to me to do all of the study, prayer and preparation in writing and then to say, "Don't worry, I'm not talking about you, or to you, just ignore this article!"

That would give you a free pass to NOT do some self examination, which is the whole point of a biblical article. How much good would it do me if, before I read an article, the author gave me a disclaimer, "Debbie Heck, don't worry this article is not about YOU, to YOU or for YOU. Keep on the path you're on and don't examine yourself!"

Now onto the comments as to the need for patience, grace, mercy, humility towards others...

Any of my friends that read what I write on a regular basis knows that is my "battle cry" so to speak.

I try so very hard to encourage others to show the great love,
mercy
and patience
that Christ has shown to us, to others.

However, along with that undeniable and necessary attitude of agape love, we must be aware that some sins cause others to stumble NOW.

Some sins must be stopped NOW.

We can't keep on fornicating, or raping, murdering, looking at pornography, molesting children, stealing, lying, etc. These sins hurt and effect others.

So does the sin of immodesty.

You have no idea how many men are involved with pornography in the congregation you attend.

You have no idea how many hurting couples have come to us and complained about the way Christian daughters and mommas are dressed and the temptation it puts before their sons and husbands. The problem is church/world wide and epidemic.

You don't know how many private messages I got from Godly, good men that were grateful this issue of immodesty in the church was addressed because they can't hardly serve on the LORD's table as they pass the plate over exposed thighs and cleavage.

I am tired of the cry, "Men need to not look...they are just bad, dirty men. " Of course they need to look away. They are trying. Hopefully you won't be the one with grape juice spilled down your chest as they close their eyes over you while they are passing the fruit of the vine.

They're not bad or dirty.
They're men.
They are your husbands, sons, brothers and daddies, trying their best to get to Heaven pure,
and one of their biggest stumbling blocks is often their sisters in Christ.
What a shame that is.

While discussing this subject with my Dear Father in law, he said "God made men this way. They are visually wired, and it effects both young and old.
I don't know at what age men aren't effected by it."
They have to work hard all day every day every where to guard themselves. It is not right to have to do it in the Lord's worship service as well. It should be the one haven of safety that they are afforded.

ONE sin can forever alter the course of your life. One act of fornication. One time to purchase pornography or take that first drink. Sin is HORRIBLE and it's consequences are NOT to be taken lightly. We get so calloused to the idea of one little sin, one little area of sin in my life that I need to improve on, that' I'll get to eventually. Yikes.

If you want to be angry about something, well, to be frank, don't be angry someone is asking you to cover up your boobs. Be angry about sin.

So, from this long blog you can see that I have been "fed up".

I chuckled to myself
(now)
as I typed that.

Because I thought and prayed almost all night long.
I cried, a lot. Eek, you should have seen my puffy eyes this morning.
It weren't pretty.
I vacillated between down right boiling mad, to indignant and sorry.

I felt fed up.

Then I asked myself, as I often do, to examine my every emotion, and who/where/why it was coming from.
God or Satan.
It's a frequent family discussion at the Heck household.
Who are we trying to please, which one?
Why are we really aggravated?
And I reasoned in my little old head that anger would only be pleasing to that old liar the devil. I was feeling fed up? Well, maybe I should get "FED" up to the full with God's word.

So, you see, initially I felt "fed up" with people being defensive and angry.
Some of my friends were "fed up" with my Biblical articles and evidently with me.

Many of my friends were "fed up" with those friends comments. (Which I have to say, I did appreciate your love and support...what can I say...I'm human.)

But, with a lot of prayer and study I'm thinking we should just all be "fed up" with God's word.
As in "fill yourselves us with His word and His will.
Eat up His word, not each other.
Hide His word in your heart,
not anger.

Let's all be FED UP TO THE FULL in our Bible hearts/minds with His goodness and humility and don't be bent out of shape with each other, or even for each other. (Ahem...but did I mention that I appreciated, and NEEDED the support you gave to me my sweet and tender friends!)

God is SOOOO Good.
Sin is soooo bad.

Let's all be on the same team guys. It's a hard road ahead.

But, if you're still aggravated with me, hit "unfriend".

It's o.k.

My Father's got big enough shoulders for the both of us.

I love you all!
I hope your day is super duper!
~m

To the Sweet Young Girls in my Life

Good morning girls~

Yes, this post is just to the girls. Specifically to some young girlfriends of mine. I love you very much. I am constantly impressed by your kindness, your deep love for others, your caring example in looking to the needs of others, your desire to please the LORD. Your faithfulness in attending services. I LOVE YOU!!!

But you, like me, are not perfect. I have my struggles and you have yours. I know one of those struggles put upon all of us is the pressure to conform to the world. The pressure to buy into the foolish idea that you must win a fella by your outward beauty and by showing off your lovely young figures. Sweet friends of mine, please do not buy that lie Satan is trying to sell you. Please look to His word for His idea of modesty. Do a word study on articles of clothing. I assure you from my deep study, and the study of many other faithful men and women, it will conclude with the knowledge that God wants us covered from shoulder to knee. Please do not come to church again (or anywhere else) in short dresses or with ANY cleavage showing, with skin tight T~shirts stretched tightly across your chests. Wearing a see through lacy undershirt under your too low cut t~shirt does not make your outfit modest. It draws the eyes right to an area of your body that is CREATED to be seen by ONLY your husband. It's for your future husband's pleasure some day, and for nursing whatever sweet babies God may give you (if you chose to do so). It's not for my sons to view( unless one day they are your husband...which right now they AREN'T) It pleases that old liar the devil, and he couldn't be more happy that you have been caught in his trap. It saddens and angers our LORD, who continually warns us to be READY. To remain PURE. To stand fast always, to be watching for HIS return..

Your own dear mommas or grandmommas may not stop you. They may not have the Bible knowledge themselves. They may be thankful that you are improving in your dress, and be afraid to push you a bit farther to where you need to be. But sweet girls, Immodesty is a sin. Immodesty can not only cause you to be lost, but others to stumble as well. Other girls because they see YOU as a good Christian girl and think it's o.k. to dress like you are dressing, and boys because they can't help but stare...and imagine. They are not bad boys. I am a woman, and I can't help but see, and males are just more visually effected. That's how God created them. That's why it's COMMANDED that as women we adorn ourselves in modest apparel. There will be a time when you get to bare all. It will be right, good, pure, wonderful, complete happiness...in your Christian marriages. But for now, keep those beautiful, lovely bodies covered up. Keep it a mystery and just shine with your beautiful smiles, your beautiful actions, your beautiful modest clothing.

I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!!! I look forward to spending more time on this earth with you. You light up a room just by your very presence. I look forward to spending eternity with you, sweet girls. Will you please think about these things? Will you please be willing to die to self, and follow the LORD and His will even though it's hard. Will you please try to have a humble heart and not be angered by this note to YOU? Will you please be brave and post this on your own page to encourage your own dear friends?

Have a super day my sweet young encouraging friends! Big warm hugs to all of you!

Love~
me

24 Days of Blessings 1-5

As I sat here all cozy in my window seat this beautiful November morning, sipping a hot cup of spiced tea, and gazing at the bright leaves plastered on the ground, I pondered for a while all the blessings God has bestowed upon us, and me, in particular in my life.

The first thought of thankfulness that crowds all other thoughts from my heart is being thankful for His infinite mercy and love for taking a wretched sin sick sinner like me, and looking into my heart, knowing if only I knew Him I would obey Him and love Him for all I'm worth. Then His Providential hand placed one kind and loving good man in my path that would show me the way. Oh the depth and the riches of God's saving Grace flowing down from the cross for me! It is a fact I ponder daily that His infinite Mercy and Grace are completely unmerited by me.

My first thought of thankfulness always turns me right to my second, my dear husband, my Enri, by David Wayne, my Superman, my savior that led me to my Savior. I do believe in soulmates, and he is mine. No matter that we may disagree on some things, no matter that communication can sometimes be difficult between a crazy busy gal who sometimes uses way too many words, and a good and Godly man of few words; He is just what I need, and I am infinitely thankful for him. He is my life, my strong and steady, my best friend, the one who loves me, guides me and stands beside me through every battle that has come our way.

And battles lead me to my third thought of thankfulness. I am thankful for God giving me my best (girl) friend, Tammy, a faithful Christian, a treasure, a true best friend, a therapist, who would truly help me to heal and push me to be the best that I can be. Whole, faithful, Godly, focused, happy, content, at peace with my past, letting go of my past, and pushing forward with Joy for today and All God has blessed me with. Knowing where I came from and where I am is enough to make me the firmest believer in God's mighty Providence. My salvation is enough. My husband is enough. Tammy is enough. Any one of these blessings in my life brings me to my knees with Thanksgiving, completely humbled by the Mighty loving care of a God who has woven this wonderful, impenetrable fabric of loving care and concern throughout the days of my life to bring me to this day.

This one friend, my bestie, and this woven fabric that surrounds me, leads me to counting my other greatest blessings, my other best friends. Blessings upon blessings have been showered upon me because of my wonderful daughters Ashley and Candice, my sweet Shauna, my dear Chasity, Luvenia, Colby, Tina, Cindy, Joy, Nancy, Judy. Good women. Better that good. Good doesn't say enough. Tough. Kind. Loving to the depths of their souls. Honest. Strong. Faithful. And here for me every step of the way. When we were hurting and barely able to lift our heads, when we laughed until we cried and every painful step in between. I thank God every day for these precious women who have borne it all with me. I thank God for weaving them into the fabric of my life to mold me, form me, make me into this woman that I am. A woman that loves deeply that wants to show that love to them and be here for them like they have always been for me.

My last thought of thankfulness for the day will sound strange to some, and make sense to others. I am a bit ahead of the game as I believe this will be my fifth thing to list and it's only November third, but these five all go together. You may think it's strange that I have not named my children, my precious, precious children yet, but I will. I will get to each one of them individually. But it's these first thoughts that help me to love my husband and my children as God would have me to. That help make me the wife, momma and friend that I want to be. So the last thankful thought I leave you with today, is my cancer. I thank my Father every day that I had cancer. It hangs over me as a shadow. Not frightening me or worrying me, but reminding me that I truly don't know how long I have. It helps me not wait until tomorrow to tell my blessings and grandblessings that I love them dearly. It reminds me to hug them and rub their backs and hold them and love them for all I'm worth. It prompts me to fall on my knees thanking God for one more day. It focuses me on peace, patience, love, tranquility, faithfulness, mercy, grace, seizing the moment, and working with all my might today. It taught me to sit and wait. To enjoy every moment both the quiet and the crazy. It gave me a doctor who has helped me let go of my imperfections, and truly feel whole and normal, even when dealing with a possibly terminal illness.

Oh, I am thankful. So very thankful. I love you my friends. I pray your day is blessed with REALIZED blessings.

love~
m

Top of the morning to ya!

So hubby and I have random conversations.

I do admit that sometimes they are a little too silly.

The other day...well a few weeks, or maybe even months ago, really, while one of our sons was doing the icky, yucky "tick picking duty" on, or I should say OFF of our poor dog, Duchess, I had a light bulb moment.

I turned to hubby, grinned mischievously, wiggled my eyebrows and said,
"Honey, YOU are a chic magnet and Duchess is a tick magnet."

Hubby promptly replied, "No I'm not, I'm a "MY wife magnet."

To which I laughed and said, "Well, I'm a chic."

Hubby was not nearly as amused as I was.

****sigh*****

But it was funny.

:)

Have a super day friends!

God loves each and every one of us sooo much.

He will give us strength for each day, so start this one with a smile!

Love,
m.

Haallooooo and A Yummy Good for You Recipe

Well, it's been a while.
A super di duper Looooooooong while.

I've had plans, plans and more plans to write oodles of things, but...alas...I don't seem to get around to it. I am confident that I will eventually, because it's on my list to get back to blogging.

And if it goes on my list, eventually, it gets done.

Anyway. I'm really on an eating healthier kick. Trying to help hubby any way I can mend his broken leg, and do my best within my power to prevent my cancer from re~occurring.
So, spur of the moment today I threw together this marvelous, this super duper, this amazing~fresh~maybe~my~favorite~salad~ever. My momma used to fix a waldorf salad when I was a kid that I liked. I had a bit of that taste in mind, added a bit of fresh this and that, and here's what I came up with for our lunch today.

Fresh Waldorf Ambrosia
2 large handfuls fresh spinach leaves rinsed and patted dry
1 small head romaine lettuce rinsed, patted dry, and torn in smallish pieces
1 1/2 pounds red grapes with seeds removed (grapes with seeds are better for you)
5 stalks celery rinsed and chopped
2 granny smith apples cored and chopped
1 cup fresh snap peas rinsed and chopped
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1/2 to 3/4 cups raisens

This makes a ginormous amount!!

Dressing is:
1/2 cup light miracle whip
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix together, then pour and thoroughly toss salad.

Oh me oh my, it is sooo good!
Enjoy friends.

Hopefully be back soon!
love,
marie

I wanna be like HIM

The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger,
and plenteous in mercy.

He will not always punish:
neither will He keep His anger for ever.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as the heaven is high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west,
so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.

Like as a a father pitieth his children,
so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him.

For He knoweth our frame;

He remembereth that we are dust.

Psalm 103:8~14

Inspiration

He gives more grace when the burdens grow greater.
He sends more strength when the labors increase,
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed 'ere the day is half done;
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure.
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth and giveth again.

~Annie Flint~

One more quote that inspires me...

"One can not tell what passes through the heart of a man by the look on his face."
~Japanese Proverb~

Patience, grace and mercy with others,
we just don't know what our Brothers and Sisters might be going through.

Have a wonderful LORD's Day worshiping Him.

Love you dear friends,
~m

My Wednesday walk/run ramblings...

Hello Dear Friends,
I love writing to you all.
I'm not good at writing letters with pen and paper. I have good intentions, but we all know how that goes, so blogging is the perfect way for me to keep in touch with so many that I love.

Just a few random thoughts that I started writing down Wednesday,
that somehow spilled over into Thursday...
that may spill over yet again if I don't get with the program and finish this post.

First my goofy move of the day, well Tuesday.
I knew that I was officially back into the swing of exercising when I was on my way to a doctor's appointment yesterday and I just barely caught myself before I squeezed my water bottle over my head in the still hot car. Yep. I do that regularly running on hot summertime roads and trails. But NOT on the way to the doctor. Not my brightest moment of the day. But funny.

My normally~at~home~still~kiddos have been gone to Bible camp this week. I had all of these ideas of getting a LOT done...ahem...Not so much. I haven't painted one little ol' piece of furniture. I haven't worked on one single itty bitty household project...and believe me there are still plenty to chose from. And while I have done a tiny bit of mending, I haven't even sewed much to speak of. I have done my normal housework: laundry, a wee bit of cooking, dishes. Nothing to write home about.

Friends have said, "Boy, I bet you are really missing your kids!" and, not even feeling guilty, I said, "I am really enjoying a quiet house and time alone with hubby." I love my kiddos. I shore do. But after so many hard months of high stress, chaos and anxiety, I am not minding a slower pace. I am not minding not doing much at all. I am not minding solitude and pondering time. I am NOT ready for my kiddos to be gone yet. But a little down time has been nice. And they are having a wonderful time at Bible camp.

I have used my quiet free time to go on a lot of long walk/runs, to spend a LOT of time in prayer, to do some extra Bible study, and to try and do some extra nice things for hubby and other friends and family here and there. I joked since my kiddos were gone, I was working on my wifey/sister skills. :) I picked up ice cream a few times this week and met hubby for a quick ice cream in his office date. Alas...there was not much smooching involved...
Hubby has windows in his office...sigh...
But in the evenings...
Yep, we watch the Tour de France...

What did you think I was going to say?
wiggles eyebrows mischievously
;)

I spend most of my time in prayer while running and walking.
Deep meditative prayers, that are often disrupted by,
well, sort of,
Attention Deficit Disorder Prayers.
Prayers of overwhelming thankfulness that often interrupt my prior thought.
A lot of thanking God for whatever bird or wild flower has just come into my line of vision, for the sheltering arms of a huge Oak tree that gives me a few moments respite from the hot sun as I run under it's cool branches and feel the most delicious breeze wash over me and refresh me for just a moment before I am out of the shadow, and under the hot summer sun again.
I thank God for trees a lot.
For the varying shades of greenness of each one. For the different varieties he has given us.
For the wonderful shade they create. For the idea of sheltering beneath them which draws me to God, and makes me remember that He shelters me in His arms at all times.
For the bliss of a moment in the shade and the cooling breeze that always accompanies my brief respite there.
Tress always make me thank God and ponder His infinite mercy for making something as lovely and magnificent as trees, just for our enjoyment. Just because of His infinite love and care for us.

Anyway.
I may be deep in prayer for someone's marriage, when this lovely little pair of Mr. and Mrs. Bluebirds just flit right over head, and I interrupt one thought of prayer to say thank you Dear Heavenly Father for those husband and wife bluebirds, I mean, bluebird mates. Because my prayer is spilling out right then as I run and breathe, and I catch myself praying, I don't mean to sound flippant...of course bluebirds are not married, but thank you Father for these beautiful bluebird mates. For the brightness of their wings, for creating so much just for us to see and enjoy. Thank you for blessing me with so much...
I'm not kidding.
My prayers are often interrupted and rambly.
Go figure.

But I know that God knows my heart.
He knows how thankful I am for every beautiful sight he allows me to see, every beautiful morning songbird he allows me to hear.
He knows I am trying.
Oh, I am trying with all my might to please Him.

I know I fail.

Of course HE knows I fail.

And I am so thankful,
so thankful above all else for His infinite mercy and grace for me.
For His infinite patience with me as I long so much to be more like Him,
to be more pleasing in His sight.

Yep, I have a long way to go. We all do. Aren't you so glad, along with me,
for God's unchanging nature?

Spending time in prayer being thankful is so good for you.
The more thankful you are,
the happier you are.
Not to mention it truly helps you to keep a humble, content outlook and focus.

But, onto some ramblings.
Two more odd little tidbits.
Two fortuitous little bits of information that have helped make my running more...
well bearable,
since I can't quite call it fun yet.
:)

I squirt myself with my perfume every morning when I get dressed out of sheer habit.
Hubby really likes my perfume, and I like that.
(No comments from the Jensens, my kiddos or Kara about aforementioned perfume.)
Ahem...
A girls gotta have some secrets.

Anyway, so, just out of habit, the other day before I ran, I squirted my perfume on my running clothes. NOT on purpose, because, let me tell you, no amount of perfume is going to cover up the funk you work up running.
Nuf' said.
However, I did, and that day when I ran, the horseflies that torment my running existence, left me alone.
I made up a little ditty as I ran, something like:

What's good for hubby and puts a smile on his face,
The horse flies don't like the way it tastes...

Yes, sometimes I am beyond lame.

But now I spray that perfume on every day before I run.

Tidbit number two.
Every morning before I run I was washing my face with Dove soap, like I do every day.
Well, it is hotter than a fire cracker right now.
It's been in the upper eighties when I start, and ending in the nineties by the time I finish and that is early~ish in the morning.
Sweat is pouring off of me.
Not a pretty picture, I know, but you have to have the details for this story.
So, as the sweat starts to seriously run down my face, it has been burning my skin like nobody's business.
I started to wonder if I had acid sweat.
Hubby was sure it was from too much salt.
Hubby likes to blame a lot of things on my salt intake.
He mostly just likes to harass me.
That hubby of mine.
:)
But I got to thinking, hmm...I wonder if it is some kind of reaction with the dove soap and sweat.
So, today, I did NOT wash my face before I ran,
and
TA DA!!!
No burning/acid feeling on my face!
Hooray!

Just passing these tidbits on,
in case any of you gals need some running/walking in the super hot sun tips..
or just a good laugh on my behalf.
:)

A few confessions now.

I love the idea of getting up early, but I'm not great at it.
Barf.
I would love to get up every day at 5:30 and run.
Every night, I think it sounds like a wonderful plan.
But almost every morning I have to fight going back to bed after hubby leaves.
The alarm goes off at 6:30 and hubby hits the snooze until 7:00 and we get up.
Pit-i-ful.
I know.
But it's how we roll.

I am not "naturally" submissive.
I have to work at it.
Hard.
I'm getting better.

I make up goofy songs all the time.
All. The. Time.
See aforementioned horse fly tune.
The grandblessings love it.
Hubby?
Eh, not so much.
One of our family favorites,
o.k., one of my favorites, is

"Here's the scoop,
eating oatmeal helps ya poop."

Yep. They're not always pretty. Just little ditties all day long.
But I also sing a lot of church songs too.
Singing, even silly songs, is just good for you I think.

Well, that's all for now.
I'm sure I should be doing something productive.
:)

Hubby will be home soon.
I need to go put some perfume on.
wink wink

Love you all!
I hope your night is wonderful!
Love
~m.

Lessons learned...and being learned in marriage...

At the end of the day when I lay my head down on my pillow,
my mind is often spinning with words.

Words of prayers for so many mixed up and hurting friends,
torn up families and splintering marriages.

Words of comfort,

encouragement,

hope...

and sometimes even rebuke
that I feel almost pressed upon to share with others...

Not because I am "all that",
but because I...we,
have been through some of the same struggles,
battled some of the same battles,
had the same fights and fears,
went about things the same wrong way...
and needed help,
love,
patience,
encouragement,
and hope
to get to where we needed to be.

Marriage is hard work.

AND,

every now and then

Marriage is easy.

When it is good and right and we are following His blueprint,
it is Heaven on earth.
Things just seem to roll smoothly.
When wedded life is good, the world is just a better place.
The birds are singing.
The sun shines brighter.
Most days
:)
We find it much easier to count our blessings.
We really can tackle any of life's troubles because we stand side by side and arm in arm
with His word guiding us.
We are united and we are strong.
There are hard times.
(more than you might expect)
Really rough, knock the breath out of you times...
But, nothing TOO hard that we can't handle, TOGETHER.

When it is bad, and we really are NOT doing it God's way,
it feels like a living Hell.
I don't say that lightly or flippantly.
I've seen illness, death, depression, cancer decimating bodies, abuse.
But nothing is worse than a failing marriage.
(except, perhaps in my estimation, a failing marriage with alcoholism involved)

I believe that God created marriage to be the closest thing to Heaven on earth.
Doesn't it make sense to say a failing marriage is as miserable emotionally and spiritually as we can become? We are ostracized from our spouses, and often from our Father as well.
We are discouraged, weak, angry, afraid.
Despairing we may spend a life time living miserably in constant turmoil.
We wonder how it got this way because we are Christians after all!
Then pile hard times on top of that, and we are knocked down.
Maybe for the count.
We wonder if any other Christian marriages struggle like ours?
How do we fix it,
or if it's that bad...
it just can't be fixed.

And then some give up.
They walk away.
They walk out.
They give up
or they give in.
And Satan gleefully watches another Christian home go down in flames...literally.

Our Holy Father is the designer, planner and promoter of marriage.
He wants and expects us to do it His way.
As in any other Biblical matter, His way is good, right, pure, light and full of joy.

When we deviate from His way, it brings heart ache, on ourselves and on others.
When we are prideful, immature, fleshly, selfish,
when we throw agape love out the window,
and we throw our intended roles out the window
it is not,
and it will never be,
pretty, or easy, happy or peaceful.

Too often of late we have found that a lot of "apparently" good marriages are really falling apart.
Too many men proclaiming to be Christians are involved in sexual sins
from pornography to adultery.
Too many wives are discontent and unhappy,
seeming to think they are missing out on something, perhaps keeping their gaze on the world, rather than the world.
Longing for...what...
Romance?
Fulfillment?

Too much selfishness.
Too little Agape love.
Too much immaturity.

Too much entering into marriage allegedly prepared,
but really without clear ideas of what AGAPE love in marriage means or what God's roles for husbands and wives really are.

Whatever the reason, the troubles, struggles and sins hurting both husbands and wives are real.

If you are married, you may be struggling yourself.
If not, you may know someone who is.
If you're not married yet, likely some day you will be.

I know there is no easy answer.
Well, maybe I am saying that wrong.
The answer is easy.
It's the application, the laying aside bad habits, that is so hard.
But we just have to. Too much is at stake. And Satan is just sooo good at deceiving.
My prayer is that we will all look within first,
but also I hope we can reach out to others with love and patience and gently help guide them into a better way...God's way.
I pray we can unmask lies that Satan has fed us concerning marriage.
Maybe to ourself.
Maybe to a friend or loved one.
NOT with a holier than thou attitude.
But for LOVE'S sake.

We will study a few points and ponder a few ideas that if applied to humble hearts,
can better our marriages.
How do I know?
Because God never lies, and these ideas aren't mine.

They're HIS.

The points we will cover:

1) You need to be the perfect help meet for your husband, NO MATTER what anyone else says.
I did not say PERFECT person, but perfectly suited for your fella in particular.

2) You can't change anyone, but you can influence them. And you should be influencing your dear hubby for the good...not for your good.

3) If you are busy serving, you don't have time to worry about if you are being served. Self explanatory, but we will dig deeper.

4) Eternity is real, and no matter how bad you think your life is, it's a drop in the bucket compared to where you will some day take up permanent residency.

5) You are NOT the only one having struggles! Seeking Godly advice has saved many a marriage. However ONLY seek godly advice!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Points to follow soon!

So many of you have encouraged us in our marital walk,
and we are so grateful!
I continue to pray for all of us to have humble hearts as we strive to please our LORD and truly have the marriages God intends for us to have.

Much love dear friends!
~m

Sage Advice

Finally, be ye all of one mind,
having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Not rendering evil for evil,
or railing for railing:
but contrariwise blessing;
knowing that ye are thereunto called,
that ye should inherit a blessing.
For he that will love life,
and see good days,
let him refrain his tongue from evil,
and his lips that they speak no guile;
Let him eschew evil, and do good;
let him seek peace, and ensue it;
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous,
and His ears are open unto their prayers;
but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1 Peter 3:8~12
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another one of my favorite passages.
:)
~~~~~~~~
Have a wonderful day sweet friends!
I'm off for a mammogram.
Barf.
But then the zoo with my kiddos.
Woot!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

I think that's it's fun to learn more about other people.
I'm a question asker.
I don't call it nosy, because it's not.
I just care.
I love to know more about other people;
about what makes them tick.
How did they become who they are,
and why.

I love those "twenty things no one knows about me posts".
I don't think they're vain.
I think they are great,
because I get to learn more about people I love, or am just getting to know,
and I didn't even have to ask to find out!

I plan on getting back to some Bible study articles soon.
My sweet kiddos will be on a stateside door knocking campaign next week
and then a week of camp,
so I will have plenty of quiet time.
(maybe too much...eek)
The great thing about NOT having insomnia, is, I SLEEP!
The down side to sleeping is I am not up in the wee hours in a quiet house, writing. :)

Anyway, on to a randomly silly, fun to write post.

My favorite song of all time is Mandolin Rain by Bruce Hornsby.
I could listen to it every day.
Oddly enough, he is definitely not my favorite singer.
I don't really think his voice is that great.
But the song is amazing.

One of my favorite Bible verses right now is Romans 9:20
"Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?"
It speaks to me as applied to marriage and our roles, as it was pointed out in a wonderful article by a friend, and it speaks to me in being content with who I am, while striving to be better.

That brings me to a favorite thought of mine.
Being comfortable in my own skin.
I love that I am finally old enough and slightly wise enough to be just that.
Happy, thankful, thoughtful, grateful, aware of who I am and that God created me.
I am a conglomeration of my past, God's word, my genetics, my husbands influence,
providence, my peers, prayer and my upbringing.
And that's o.k.
Content to know that I am not perfect but that I am working always on being the child of God, wife of my dear hubby, and momma to my sweet children that God would have me to be.
Always room for improvement,
but grace and love for myself to know that it's o.k. to not be perfect.
That no one is.
I don't need a perfect body, the perfect words, perfect habits all the time.
I'm not giving myself room to sin.
I'm giving myself a little grace to fail, pick myself up and keep going.
Keep a wholly, HOLY repentant attitude, and God will do the rest.
I just need to keep striving, and God is pleased with that.
What a comforting thought that is to me.

I love salt.
More than the average bear.
I am a saltoholic.
What, you didn't know that was a word?
Now you do.
I salt my pizza.
Really.
I have been given a salt lick as a gag gift.
I thought it was very thoughtful.
:)


One of my favorite people that ever lived
(that I knew)
was my Grandma.
Her name was Naida.
As a child her friends and cousins called her "Naida Potata",
then her favorite cousin shortened her nickname to "Spud".
Yep.
She wasn't perfect, but she was mine, and I loved her very much.
She was not a Christian, but she was an amazing woman.
She gave short sage advice like,
"He won't buy the cow if he can get the milk for free."
and "Nobody likes a brat."
She once bought a T-shirt that said "I finally got it all together, but I forgot where I put it." Slightly scatterbrained at times, seemingly a family trait.
She was funny and loving, caring and kind.
And I loved her.

I love to paint antique, or any, wooden furniture white.
Not. A. News. Flash.

I always wanted five children.
For whatever reason five also happens to be my favorite number.
Hmm...
glad it wasn't twelve.
:)

I love traveling, but HATE riding in the car.
Hubby is very good to me and makes frequent stops to let me stretch my legs.
I love that guy.

I love taking long walks.
But taking long walks on a wooded trail next to a river with my hubby is my FAVORITE.

I love watching the Tour de France with my family.
(and I am so glad I got to wash some of my hubby's cycling clothes this weekend, because hubby's leg is better enough that he got to ride on his trainer downstairs!!!)
Hooray for progress and healing!

Christmas is my favorite holiday.
Hands down.
Aforementioned Grandma was the Christmas Guru.
Now, hubby says I am the Christmas Guru.
But let me tell you, that hubby of mine is a purdy good Santa himself.
Thanksgiving is a close second.
Just the holiday time of year makes me have a HUGE smile on my face.
Crisp weather, holiday songs and decorating the house.
A slower pace all cozied up inside.
I LOVE IT!!!
I pretty much love every holiday,
because it means our family is all together.

I adore wearing cowgirl boots with skirts...or dresses...jeans...
Hmm...I might even try my pjs.
Nah...just kidding there.
But I do like my boots.
Hubby got them for me for out 20th wedding anniversary.
Did I mention I love that guy?

I love dressing girly.
Feminine is fantastic.
I love how the virtuous woman is talked about as clothing her house in purple.
I don' think that gal was a slacker or sloucher in her dress.
I believe she was modest, lovely and wore beautiful clothing.
Not ostentatious.
But it's o.k. to stand out a bit, if the reason you are standing out, is just because you have taken the time to look purdy in a modest, lovely manner!
And I do like to do that to.
Bring on the purdy things!
Hubby doesn't mind a bit.
:)

I love to sew, run, garden, read, talk to friends, study my Bible, cook, have folks over, cuddle with my hubby, play board games, and play hide and seek in the house with my kiddos, grandkiddos, nieces and nephews.
That sums up a few of my favorite past times/ things.

Oh, and my favorite ice cream EVER is coffee lovers only from Coldstone with extra caramel and extra heath. You can pretty much never have too much extra goodies is my motto.
It's hubby's favorite too, so we always share the biggest size.

I hope you all have a super day.
Count your blessings.
Say your prayers.
Spend time studying God's word THIS day and every day.
And if you have a minute, tell me some of your favorite things!

Love to you all,
~m