A New Year

I for one love Christmas, and all that goes with it. But, I am glad that it is behind us and we are on to new things. I hope for some kind of normalcy, as if any of us would know what normal means.

I am looking forward to a new year, new things and new adventures and most importantly new walks and talks with the Lord. It is a time to look back and see how to do things differently, a time to remember those we love. But, it is also I a time to look forward to those we love, and to have new hopes and dreams and to put some things of 2009 behind us and move forward.(I know, easier said than done)

For me, 2010 holds another birthday before to long, it holds a 30th year anniversary for the hubs and me. Our daughter will be 28, I'm not even that old or I don't feel like it, and our son will be 25. WOW, where did all those years go with the children. My how those years flew by. This year Alan and I are going to Israel, a trip that we have wanted to take for more than 20 years although I am getting a bit nervous and excited. My husband is performing a wedding at the beach this year in July and the whole family gets to tag along for a family vacation for a whole week.(Fun, fun, fun in the sun, but with sunscreen especially for the hubs, the daughter, the daughter in law and the grandson, they are all super sensitive to the sun).

And in just a few weeks we will be having a ladies conference at out church with Ms. Carol Kent, as our keynote speaker. I have been praying about being involved in a ladies conference for a couple of years, and not only attending them.

Well, as this year closes and another opens up I want to be found serving the Lord in a closer relationship with Him than in 2009, how about you?

Joan

The Birth of a Saviour

Luke 2

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Merry Christmas
Joan

Wish You Were Here

AS Christmas is drawing near and the hustle and bustle of the season is definitely upon us all. WE are all about out of time and what it going to get done is about done.I will have to say that I am almost ready, baking, cooking almost done, presents are all wrapped, only a few small things left to do. Our immediate family will have Christmas tomorrow night after church(the kids,their spouses and the grandson). We usually go early to make it easier on the children and their families since their are so many places to go. However, I do miss not getting to spend all day with them on Christmas, they have families of their own, and other obligations. My selfish time with them has come and gone, but that is the way it is suppose to be.(Parents if you have under age children in your home, slow down and enjoy those moments, they will not last near long enough, and without small children in the home Christmas is different).

As Clayton and I finished up some shopping today, I could not help but think of those I love and hold dear to me that I wish were here. Whether it be miles, and miles of distance between us, or whether they have gone on to be with the Lord, there are many that I wish were here and I could spend Christmas with them.

My younger brother in Oklahoma and his family, I wish they were here and not there.(Oh, how I miss him) My older brother in Florida, I have not seen him in many years, I would like to know he is okay, warm, feed and that he feels loved this Christmas season. I wish he were here and not there. My oldest brother in Wyoming, I wish he were here and not there so we could chat a bit about noting, we seem to keep missing one another when either one of us are in the area.

Pap, my granddad, has gone on to be with the Lord. He was saved 3 weeks before he died at the age of 84(Amazing). I still miss you and think of you often, and would love to introduce to the rest of my family, and set and talk for hours. And there have been church family and friends that are with the Lord that I wish were here.

But most of all "Johanna" I wish you were here. I know your Christmas is the best of all, you are with the Christ of Christmas. But I wish you were here. You would have dresses, pj's and more clothes under the tree. Most definitely there would have been a baby doll and some more toys to go with them. And I would probably have started buying you the Holiday Barbie every year to keep and not play with.(That would have been mine and your Christmas tradition).I wish you were here, but I know Gods thoughts are not my thoughts and Gods ways are not my ways.

So, take a few moments this Christmas to reflect on those that you love, whether they are here, there, or with Christ. One day we that are born again will all be together in eternity with the Christ of Christmas.(What a day that will be)

Merry Christmas
Joan

How Long ...

Have you ever wondered how long the storm will last and will it ever pass. I must say that I have and I do. Yesterday was a day at home due to the snowfall in our area. It was kind of a lazy day with the hubs. But I did read over in Psalms 13 several times and found myself asking God How Long...

I don't think it matters what the storm is. For some it may be cancer, or cancer of a spouse, or it may be a storm of finances, or it could be difficulty in a marriage, or family difficulties, or a storm at work. I think the list could go on and on. And what is one persons storm may not be for another one. But as I thinking about and asking God "How Long" for this or for that... He showed me that it does no matter the "How Long" and that is not to be important for me to know, that is HIS to know. He begin to show me that the key is in the latter part of Psalm 13.

Psalms 13:5-6
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

So no matter what I am going through or you are going through the answer is in these verses and how long we go through anything really does not matter because we are a child of God, and I can rejoice in that. Really that is enough to Praise Him for from now throughout all eternity.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

Snowstorm

We are a blanket of white here in Lenoir, NC. I normally love the snow, and everything that goes with it. It is always so calm, so quiet, so peaceful and ever so beautiful. However, we made the decision to try and make it home early from vacation since a snow storm of the century was coming. We are home after much difficulty. WE got home late last night. However, I will leave all the snow stories I have out and I must say I may never look at snow the same. Enjoy the white if you have it at your house.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

The Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse


Today, we got out and roamed around the Outer Banks. We went to the Wright Memorial/Museum and saw where the first airplane flew and how long and how far. It was interesting to see. We ventured on to see some of the lighthouses on the coast.

First, we saw the Bodie Lighthouse in Nags Head. As I was viewing the lighthouse I could not help but think about Jesus being the light of the world. We went on to see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and viewed it and took pictures of them both. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was my favorite and the one to me that was the most awesome I stood there in awe of the Lighthouse and its significance and what it meant and stood for. I read that climbing this Lighthouses is like climbing a 12 story building. Since it is winter time, you can not climb any of the Lighthouses, and that we are thankful for. Afterwards we finally got to walk on the beach and pick up shells(where we are staying the beach is not accessible at all due to a storm that recently has come through).

But, I'm still thinking of Jesus being the light of the world as this scripture states.

John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
or
John 9:5
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest in the nation, the light can be seen for more than 20 miles out to sea, and has warned sailors for more than 100 years of dangers. Sounds like someone I know.

Jesus is the tallest, biggest, strongest one I know. His light can be seen all around the world, and He has been warning people of the dangers of hell and a life without Him for many, many, many years.

I am thankful that Jesus is my light and is showing me the way through this life until I can forever be with HIM.

Joan

The Little Red Coat

Last night, I received an email and pictures of my little angel in another state that had received her presents. I was not able to go with some of the fine folks at our church that delivered the presents. But they did take pictures for me, and let me know that my little angel would not take off her coat when they put it on her for pictures. The pictures were so precious, so very precious of a 2 year old little girl and her coat. It was what this "Gram" needed to see. Even though I still miss not getting to spoil Johanna this Christmas or ever, I am thankful that there is a little girl that has a new little red coat tonight to keep her warm this winter.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

He's Still Working On Me and The Little Red Coat

Christmas is almost here and I am almost done shopping. Well I have a couple of things left to do. For the last couple of years Alan and I take a week immediately before Christmas and get out of town and I like to get my shopping done before we leave.(Life is super busy, and we are ready for a break) But I have really enjoyed shopping this year with Nikki while she has been out of work, the last month I think we have shopped a day every week. It has been a blast and we have couponed together bought presents for some Angel gifts, bought Christmas presents for the family, ate out, laughed and had fun with Clayton. Poor guy he gets to go with us.

Yesterday, as we were shopping I decided I needed to pick up a couple of more things for my last angel little girl, that will be delivered out of state tomorrow. I bought her a coat last year and decided I needed to do this again this year. I found the prettiest RED Pea Coat at Target, well within my budget, and the right size. I had to have it for her.(I have never met my little angel, but I want her to have plenty for Christmas, and I am satisfied that she does now).

I must confess, I wanted to keep the little red coat. When I got it ready for wrapping last night I found myself crying wanting to give it to Johanna. (I know Johanna knows all about Christmas and I picture her sitting on Jesus' knee for Christmas and knowing more than any of us ever do about Him)But I wish my granddaughter was here with us this year. All the toys and dresses, I have seen this year I would have purchased for the angels anyway, but I would have also purchased some for Johanna and went way overboard on her as I did Clayton last year. And then I would have had to get Clayton more things. (It's a Gram thing, I know).

But, He's still working on me, so I give the little red coat to my angel in another state to wear and keep warm as I look forward to the day we can see Johanna again. So, He's still working on me through the little red coat.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

Just 1

As I was setting in the doctors office this morning waiting for my appointment I decided to make use of the time and do some Bible reading. I got to read quiet a bit while I waited, and waited, and waited. I ran across the scripture below and it reminded me that God is God and there is no other.(Buddha, Muhammad, Joseph Smith, etc, are not God, they may be godsThere is only 1 True and Living God.


Isaiah 45: 5-12
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

God tells us here that he formed the light,the darkness,He made peace, and created evil,created man, He has stretched out the heavens. And we could go on and on. Is this not enough evidence there is a God, 1 true and living God.

But, I went on to search and see other scriptures to see if there were anymore that stated this. Little did I know that there were many that remind us that there is only 1 God. I am going to let you go look up most of the scriptures for yourself. I remember things better if I do them myself. This is only a few of the scriptures I found, there are many, many more.

Exodus 8:10
And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God.

Deuteronomy 4:35
Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.

Deuteronomy 4:39
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else

2 Samuel 7:22
Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

And there are many more this is just a few to get you started.

2 Samuel 22:32,
1 Kings 8:60,
1 Chronicles 17:20,
Nehemiah 9:6,
Isaiah 37:20,
Isaiah 43:10,
Isaiah 44:6,
John 10:30,
Romans 3:30,

It is kinda like God is trying to tell us that He and He alone is the only God. I'm glad I know HIM, how about you?

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

Dec 1

It is hard to believe that today is the 1st day of December. That means Christmas is near. Where has the year gone. My thought is that life is really just a vapor, here today gone tomorrow.

James 4:14
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Psalms 144:4
Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away

As I set here I wonder have I done all I could have or should have for the Lord. I am afraid I must say I think not. How about you?

Lord, please forgive me, and help me live today and each day to the fullest for you. Because there will a day that my time here on earth is done, and I want to live and do all I can for you while I am here. You have redeemed me and bought me with a price, and my life is yours, NOT MINE.

In, With, and Through Christ
Joan

Thanksgiving

Psalms 92:1,4-5
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy Name, O Most High:
For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. 5O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

Well, the turkey is on, dressing is in the oven, gravy is made and we are just waiting for it to finish cooking. We are on our way to the In-Laws for lunch with the family, then Alan and I are going on to visit with my Mom and Dad this afternoon for a while.

Just a few things that I am thankful for today, and everyday.

1)God - My Heavenly Father, Jesus - My Savior and Redeemer,Holy Spirit - My Comforter.
2)My Salvation, and that God would choose to save a wretch like me. He knew me, yet he loved me enough to die for my sins.
3) My husband of 29 years. He really is my best friend and the only one I want to share my life with. I Love You, Al.
4)My 2 children, Nikki and Jesse, you really are the best. Thank You for putting up with me, you really have both taught me a lot. My 2 children that I did not give birth to, Chad, my son in law, Amy, my daughter in law. You are both special in your on way, and you love your spouses, my children.
5)Clayton, my amazing, sweet, wonderful grandson. Need I say more. Johanna, even though you are with Jesus today, you have forever touched this Gram.
6)America and the freedoms we have. Although she is not perfect or what she use to be. I am blest.

The list could go on and on, but these are the most important things to me that I am thankful for. How about you? Take some time today to think about God and what He has done for you, and what you have to be thankful for. After all that is more important than the cooking, the food, or socializing, or the game on tv.

Thankful
Joan

Thanksgiving Quotes

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.
~H.U. Westermayer

So once in every year we throng
Upon a day apart,
To praise the Lord with feast and song
In thankfulness of heart.
~Arthur Guiterman, The First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.
~Erma Bombeck

We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.
~Author Unknown

But whether we have less or more,
Always thank we God therefor.
~Author Unknown

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?"
~William A. Ward

Praise God even when you don’t understand what He is doing.
~Henry Jacobsen

I have much to be thankful for.
Joan

Thanksgiving Week

As I was doing the newsletter for church this month, I ran across this scripture that was fitting for Thanksgiving. This scripture has been one my mind ever since. Today I have read the whole chapter of II Corinthians 9 to try to get the full meaning of what is being said. I must say that I am not there yet, so I will keep reading, but I wanted to focus on this verse of 8 little words.

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.
II Corinthians 9:15

A gift is something giving out of the love of the heart. It is not something given to you that you have to pay for in return. I like to buy items for Clayton, my grandson. I would have loved to buy Johanna gifts, but that was not what God choose for her life. I enjoy buying my husband gifts, or my children and spouses gifts. Although as adults it is harder to buy gifts for one another. But God gave the ultimate gift to me/us(if you have accepted Christ as your savior) in Christ.

But, what is really on my mind is how thankful am I really for the gift
God gave me. If I understand II Corinthians 9, we are being told about giving out of the heart, and if you give much, God will bless you much. Those who give little, will be blest little. Our giving to others whether it is monetary, or time is actually a result of our love of God. So our actions really are a portrayal of how thankful we are to God for His unspeakable gift.

How many times do I take for granted Gods unspeakable gift of Christ and His salvation to me? God, forgive me for taking you for granted, and not being more thankful for ALL of your blessings.

Especially your "Unspeakable GIFT - Jesus"

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

Why Is It?

I am not much to fantasize about days gone by, because yes there were things that would have been wonderful about them. There were many things that would have been extremely horrible about them. So I am not one to look back and wish I could have live in the "good ole days".

But what has happened to people, why do they act like they do, or we do. What happened to working for what you obtained. If you could not afford it, you did not obtain it. When did that generation of people disappear. What happened to working and PAYING for everything you got, and doing without until you could pay for IT yourself. Where did those people go, am I expected to keep up everyone just because I am a Christian. Don't get me wrong I love to help and give as much as the next person, but sometimes you have to help yourself. It is called WORK, you want things you must sacrifice and work, earn money and pay for them. Is this not part of being an adult.

What happened to being nice on the telephone, don't call my house and demand to know where MY Husband is. I am not talking about immediate family members, or any family members, church members, or even former church members, or even preacher friends, or friends. I am talking about complete strangers, is it really any of your business where he is and what he is doing. For my own safety I do not tell strangers when he is out of town. Don't demand to know where he is and what he is doing. This has happened on more than one occasion this WEEK. I do keep in touch with my husband and pass along all his messages to him and then he can determine what ministry needs to be done. But come on don't demand to me to know his where abouts and his coming and goings just so you can receive a free CD.

Yes, I guess I am on a rant today but indulge me. But, where are the people that are saved that are trying to live a life like Christ. Do we really think Christ would act like we do.

John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease.

Maybe I should close by asking you to pray for me.

My Testimony

I ran across a blog a few minutes ago that stated leave in the comments section your testimony. So, I did but I also decided to tell you in more detail my testimony.

Ephesians 2:4-5
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

At the age of 18 just out of high school I married the man of my dreams and we began life together. Less than a year later I was pregnant with our daughter. We became parents at the age of 20(So scary I now see, but God worked in spite of me). I had been raised in church, a lifeless, dead one in my opinion but I knew right from wrong.

Alan and I went to church occasionally, very occasionally. But when our daughter was born and she began talking and copying the things we did. I knew that I did not want her doing the things I was doing. Especially the language that came out of my mouth.(By this time I had a very colorful vocabulary I might add). So the Lord began to work on me and I knew we needed to be in church. Alan and I worked around some people that were saved, they lived it and went to church. We went several times to the church that later became our home church. I told Alan one weekend that I was going to church with Nikki whether he went or not.

Well, he went with me and the Lord saved him, and I followed him to an alter and made a profession. I lived on that for 5 years but I never got complete peace of my salvation. We did get in church faithfully, a year later Alan announced his call to preach, 2 years later our son was born, a year later Alan was pastoring his first church.

So by this time, I was the young pastors wife, we were 24 when Alan took his first church.(What was God doing?Even though I was the pastors wife I never could get complete peace about my salvation. I would pray, and do all the things I knew to do. But through a series of events in my life God brought me to a place that I knew I was going to hell if I died. I had a freak accident in January of 1988 that severed the main artery in my right arm(Yes, it was an accident, I was washing dishes and a bowl fell and broke and landed on my right arm, Ouch I might add). All was well after emergency surgery, intensive therapy and so on. Later that year in June I had a car wreck, totally my fault and flipped my car. My first thought was I was going to die and go to Hell. So I handed my purse out the window in case they needed to identify me if my car was to explode. It didn't, and a stranger helped me out the car window and went on His way(can I just say it was the LORD, because He was no where around when I got out of the car). Life went on but I could not get this off my mind that my first thought I had when I wrecked that I was going to hell if I died. In September the Lord saved a lady at church that thought she was saved before. On the following Monday, God saved me and I repented of my sins and I accepted HIM as my Savior. God choose my before the foundation of the world to be HIS child, and now I am HIS and HE is MINE.

I have not always been what I should be, nor do I always do the things I should, but He always works on me and brings me back to a sweet fellowship with HIM. So what is your testimony?

In, With and Through Christ

The Joy of the Lord

I ran across a portion of scripture in Nehemiah this afternoon that has been on my mind ever since.

Neh. 8:10 ...for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Webster says the definition of joy is - a source or cause of delight. Happiness has the definition from Webster of being - a pleasurable or satisfying experience. I think a lot of times that we use these two words and meanings interchangeable. And really they are worlds apart. I think Alan probably has the best definition of happiness that I have heard it is happiness depends on your happenings.

But joy comes from the Lord. You can have the world crumbling all around you and still have joy. Only a relationship with Jesus can give this kind of joy. He is the only one that calm a storm, tell the winds to cease. He and He alone can give us the peace in the midst of a storm. I am so thankful that he is mine, and I am HIS.

Ps. 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

In, with, Through Christ
Joan

What I Know So Far

I was looking for a scripture to go along with my blog today and ran across Dave Ramsey and he says on his site that there are over 800 scriptures in the bible about money. WOW. But I thought this one was fitting for today.

Proverbs 21:20
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Since groceries, gas and everything else seems to have drastically increased in the last couple of years I want to spend what the Lord has supplied us with wisely.

I have tried several different times to figure out how to coupon and to make it work for me. I had one Saturday a couple of weeks ago that I do not have much to do and I ran across couponing and decided that if others can do it and make it work so could I. I did a lot of reading on the internet about how to make couponing work for you. Before I would save a few dollars and would get so aggravated that it was not worth my time and effort.

I am by no means an expert or have it all figured out but I have begun to cut my grocery bill in half. Sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less, but over all at least in half. I'm pleased at this point. I know you are asking how do you do it. so here is just a few basics.

1)Watch the sales(you can't be store specific or brand specific), and watch the Buy 1 Get 1 Free items. They are your friends.
2)When an item is on sale then use your coupon and then you have the item on hand when you need it.
3) I clip coupons from the Charlotte Observer,(I buy 3 on Sundays)ALL You magazine form Wal-Mart has about $50 worth of coupons a month and they are good ones.
4) Bi-Lo doubles coupons up to .60 all the time.(If I cut my bill in half I will drive to Morganton) Harris Teeter and Ingles occasionally triples coupons, they both double with certain limits on them all the time.

Here are some helpful websites I have found that have helped me learn what I do know, although I am still learning much about this new venture. Actually the Lord is teaching me how to spend more wisely and for that I am thankful.

www.southernsavers.com
30dollarweeklygrocerychalleng.blogspot.com
www.becentsable.net

Happy Shopping
Joan

Shopping With The Girls

Today, I took the girls(Nikki my daughter, Amy, my daughter in law)shopping for Christmas). There was a store that we all three like, that was having a sale. And we also found coupons for 20% off also online. Since I am a female, also, I would not dare pick out this purchase for the girls for Christmas. After all they are adults and they understand what the real meaning of Christmas is. We hit up the mall in Gaffney and then onto Concord Mills Mall. I must say I am not a big shopper and I am very tired. I go after what I intend to get and I am ready to go on home. But they found some bargains anyway today.

But as Clayton and I waited several times on the girls to shop in the different stores that we visited I could not help but think about Johanna. My thoughts were totally selfish I know but they were the thoughts of a grandmother.

Although I know God had other plans for you, I wished you were with us today. I so wanted to go into the Strasburg store and look for a dress for you(not that I would have afforded it or would dared to have paid that much for a dress). They had some very pretty white ones hanging in the window. I wished you were in the stroller beside your brother. I wanted to look for you things in all the stores we visited. I wanted you to have the shopping experience with Mom, Aunt Amy, Clayton and Gram.

However, I know that where you are in the presence of the Lord you need nothing. But Gram still missed you today shopping with the girls and Clayton. But, one day we will all be together worshiping Jesus together and that will be better than any shopping trip, I know. But you have forever touched Grams heart.

In, With and Through Christ

Hello

Well since I don't have anything on my heart to blog about today, I thought I would just say a quick hello to all my faithful readers out in the blog world. Why you want to read my thoughts is beyond me, but I do appreciate you stopping by. And for those of you who just stop by occasionally I want to send you warm greetings as well.

I don't really know why I started this blog, because my daughter challenged me to I think. So I write whatever is on my heart for the day sometimes however,I don't get it done everyday. I do try to keep my blog centered around the LORD. Sometimes there are things I don't want to share and then there are times that I want to share my heart with you. I am praying about being more transparent in my walk with the Lord so others can see more of Christ, and what Christ has done for me.

It does thrill me to watch my map on the left with the little red dots grow. Many of you are in the US and there are some that live outside the US and I am thrilled to have you as a blog reader. However, I would to have any of you stop in and leave a comment at any time so we can meet.

Grace be to YOU,

Couples Bible Study

Today I want to blog about studying the Bible together as a couple. Alan and I do this on a daily basis, we study the scriptures and then we pray together. This morning we ran across a scripture that I did not understand and he asked me what I thought it meant. Thank You, Babe for challenging me to think about it instead of just telling me what it meant. After I reread it and we talked about it I thought how simple and how did I miss that to begin with. It was plan as day.

We have not always studied the bible together, or prayed together on a daily basis. Of course we have gone to church together as a family, and now as a middle age couple. (Well he preaches and I listen and it has been this way for many years, so we don't have the privilege of setting on the church pew together). And that is okay, I don't know anything else. But there is just something about that time in the morning when we do our Bible study together, and ask one another how we can pray for the other one that is so special. It will deepen your commitment to the Lord and to one another. You will be able to talk about things during this Bible Study time that may be difficult to talk about at other times. And to know that my spouse is praying for me is so powerful, sometimes or many times that is the only one that really knows how we are feeling about different issues and that is really praying for us and our issues.

So, I challenge you if you are not having a daily Bible Study and praying daily with your spouse if he/she is saved do it NOW. Your home, your marriage and your entire family will be strengthened and you really can't afford to wait any longer. There are many bible studies available on the market that are not very expensive. Actually you can not put a dollar figure on this time with your spouse studying Gods word and praying together.

If you have a spouse that does not yet know the Lord keep praying for them, God is able. He knows exactly how and when to reach them.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

Holy and Without Blame

As I was doing my Bible reading this morning I thought I would also begin reading in Ephesians since Alan has started preaching this book on Sunday mornings at out church. Sunday he just laid the background and preached out of chapter 1, verses 1&2. I really enjoy the book of Ephesians and it is a wonderful book to read everyday for a month. But since I had just done this I thought I would read chapter 1 everyday at least for this week, and who knows after that.

Today, part of verse 4 is what has been stuck in mind all day.

Eph 1:4b
...that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

Oh, that I would live a more holy and blameless life before God and others. For you see, He has done so much for me that is the least I could do is to try to live a holy and blameless life. Here is just a few things He has done for me:

1)Died on the cross for my sins, and choose me before the foundation of the world to be His child. I'm REDEEMED!!!
2)Saved my husband, called him to preach and pastor, saved my daughter, her husband and called him into the ministry, saved my son and his wife, and called him to preach and pastor also.
3) A wonderful grandson(who one day we are believing that he will accept the Lord at a young age).
4)Johanna, is now in the presence of the Lord, waiting on all of us to come be with her.
5)Let me be born in America(where we are the richest people in the world).
6)Healed me from back problems and dependency upon pain killers. Praise HIS Name!!
7)I can freely worship HIM and read my BIBLE and go to church anytime without persecution.
8)I have air to breath, food to eat and a nice warm house to live in, and a nice car to drive to get around in.
9)He answers prayers for me, sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes it is just wait.
10)HE Loves ME!!!!!What more can I say.


I do strive to live a holy and blameless life but I am afraid I fail many times how about YOU?

Grace be unto YOU

Women of Faith Conference - Greensboro 2009 - Part II

Well, I can say I have gotten mostly rested from the Women of Faith Conference that we attended on Friday and Saturday. Yesterday I posted about some of the music that was at the conference. Mandisa did an amazing job, Steven Curtis Chapman was not afraid to open up his heart and share his heart over the loss of his precious adopted daughter, or the struggles of being a Dad and not always getting it right. He did perform his song Cinderella that I had not ever heard and it was very powerful and touching. My thoughts of course were on my own daughter, and her precious daughter Johanna that lived 63 precious, wonderful minutes with her mom and dad before she went HOME only 2 weeks ago.

But today, I want to tell you of some of the speakers that we heard. Marilyn Meberg spoke a couple of times and was oh so good. Patsy Clairmont was there Friday night and spoke with such fire and compassion although her son has been in intensive care for 10 days(with H1N1 according to the internet) There was about 11,000 women in attendance and they stopped for a time of prayer for Ms. Patsy's son - Awesome. I always enjoy her so much she is just a little ball of fire. Lisa Whelchel from the "Facts of Life" spoke and told us about her struggles being in Hollywood and being on her own at such an early age, and her weight struggles, and her struggles with being disconnected from life and how she is overcoming that with the Lords help. WE also heard from Sheila Walsh and the "Winter" that has settled in on her home and marriage and how God is working in her, her husband and her son. And how God used her 10 year old son to speak volumes to her about Forgiveness one night. And we also heard from Luci Swindoll, she was the last speaker Saturday. She has such a way about her like not other that I like, too.

There were other speakers also but that was the highlight of the conference for me.I was kinda not wanting to go this year because my daughter always goes with me, and she was not able to go and she is my BFF. But I had my daughter in law with me this year and we had a wonderful time, and we all enjoyed it a lot and I am glad that I went.

The one thing I learned is transparency from this conference. I am a private person and don't expose or tell to much of my life. But, I see how God can use what one goes through to help and touch others so I am praying that the Lord will help me be more transparent with some of the things He has brought me through. Because God has truly been with me, helped me, and touched me many, many times. And others need to see my God in me.

Grace Be to YOU,

Women of Faith Conference - Greensboro 2009

We had a group of ladies form our church go to this years Women of Faith Conference in Greensboro on Friday and Saturday. WE had a wonderful time, we laughed a little, cried a little, worshiped a little, got to know HIM a little more, and also slept a little.

On the stage this year ways Steven Curtis Chapman, Sandi Patty,Mandisa and the Women of Faith Worship Team. Everyone of the singers were really, really good. Sandi Patty sang one of her Christmas songs which was beautiful and more what a voice she has. Steven Curtis Chapman was on stage Friday and I don't think I had ever heard him sing that I know of. He was very good and he sang his song Cinderella that he wrote about his girls. Very powerful and touching in many ways I might add(especially since it had only been 2 weeks since Johanna's home going). Mandisa what an amazing voice and sweet humble spirit she had. I had never heard her sing and I am a fan now. So I think I will post her song "He is With YOU" from You Tube. Aunt James this is especially for you after reading your post and for the rest of you out there that may need to be reminded that God is With You (if you have accepted HIM as your Savior).



So I think I will post tomorrow a part 2 to to the Women of Faith Conference for 2009. Hope you have a good day in church today.

In, With, Through Christ

Hosea 10

Alan and I were doing our Bible Study this morning and we decided to read the 10th chapter of Hosea to go along with what we were studying. There were several things that stood out in my mind. Israel was in a mess because they had turned from God, are we not in a mess today because we have turned away from God.

Hosea 10:2 Their heart is divided...
Are we not a divided nation, I can see a major change in our country and in the church just in my adult years.

Hosea 10:3 ...because we feared not the LORD...
My prayer for today was Lord let me fear you,(LOVE YOU)

Hosea 10:12 ...break up your fallow ground..
They had hard hearts, and I am afraid we are all guilty of a hard hearts. I want to have a tender, teachable heart and I ask the Lord for this regularly. I don't ever want to be guilty of not being able to hear the LORD.

Hosea 10:13 ... because thou didst trust in thy way...


We are living in times no different than the things we read about in the Bible. People are evil, wicked, and give no thought or concern to God or the things of God. But if it was not for the grace of God who knows where I would be today.

In, With, Through Christ

Oops, I Did It Again

Well I discovered today from another blog that Harris Teeter was having their triple coupon sale this week starting and you know that I am trying to figure out this couponing. Although I had thought I would just try to master one store at a time - CVS - until I knew more what I was doing. This was to good of a sale to pass up. So I found my coupons,clipped them and had my list and was on my way.



I got these items for a total of 15.33 a savings of 32.46 with my coupons.



These items were $19.23 which was a savings of 27.62 with my coupons.

We had to do two transactions because you can only have 20 items per day per card. Nikki was my shopping buddy today, and we are going to go tomorrow and do the same shopping for her.

Onto more important things than my shopping Alan preached tonight out of Psalms 23. It was a good reminder of the Lord and that He is MY Shepherd. And I am so glad that He is. When the sheep gets into trouble, the shepherd comes along and cares for him, and he goes before his flock of sheep preparing the field for them. Oh My, that's just like HIM isn't it? Oh that I could keep my eyes more on HIM than on my circumstances. I have to confess I have to ask for Gods help daily in this area how about you?

In, With, Through Christ
Joan

Ouch....

Well I decided since the flu and the swine flu is running rampaide in our nation that I would get the flu shot. I am .... years old, well let me go ahead and tell you I am 47.(not everyone makes it this long so I am not ashamed to tell others how old I am). But, I have never had the flu shot. I decided this year that I would try to get it since everyone that has gotten it do not have any difficulty with it and they are all believers.

My local CVS had flu shot clinics and were giving them out at scheduled times, I did not make it. I was going to go to Wal-Greens and get the shot but I did not get it done either. Well my wonderful daughter in law works at an urgent care facility here locally and they give shots on Tuesday morning and Wednesday. So they had plenty in stock and I went this morning and got my first flu shot. I must say that tonight my arm is really sore all the way down to my rest. But I am sure that is normal and to be expected.

Maybe tomorrow I will blog about something worth while. I am reading Psalms 9 and hope to tell you something about it tomorrow. However, I would like to take the time to say hello to all my blog friends that come by to visit from time to time. I would love to hear from you from time to time and tell me a a little bit about yourself.

In, With, Through Christ
Joan

Trying To Figure Out Couponing

Well, after being curious once again about couponing and how some ladies get lots of items for pennies I decided to give it one last try. I have tried a couple of times before and became frustrated. I have run across some blogs over the weekend that I have read on how they do this.

I decided to start simple and try to master CVS and their system and coupons at that one store. I bought my paper yesterday and actually got 2 for the price of 1. So Nikki got her coupons too. So I had my coupons, and had gone over the CVS sales paper and decided I was on my way. My first trip to the store I was not too pleased, I had asked for their in store $4 ECB credit that was in the Holiday Catalog. Well I did not know I had to ask for it by name, and they had no idea what I was talking about. I bought my purchases, used my coupons, got $3 ECB to spend again at another time at CVS. Well I was not satisfied and came home and went to the handy internet and found the catalog I was looking for and the proceeded to call CVS store and asked them if there was any way they could give me the credit since I had spent the $20 that I needed to, to get my $4. They informed me that there was not and the cashier and I decided the best thing I could to was come back for a refund and repurchase the items. And that is exactly what I did. I got my coupons back and everything.(Wow, pretty amazing) She also gave me an extra $4.50 credit. The cashier was so very nice and did not seem to mind me learning to coupon on her.



My total purchase for the above items were 33.30. I had $4 in store ECB to spend for the future, and I had used 3.50 in coupons and all my items were on sale.



My total purchase for the above purchased items were $4.63. That is correct $4.63. I got 3 jars of spaghetti sauce, 1 tube of toothpaste, dish washing detergent, and dishwasher detergent. How did I do this, I used my $7 in store ECBs(money that is on your cash register receipt that you can spend later for other items, and I had coupons, and all my items were on sale) So really my spaghetti sauce was all free, my dish washing detergent was free and I paid only .81 for my toothpaste and $2.99 for the Cascade. Also, remember the $4.50 extra credit that the cashier gave me. So really my total out of pocket was .13 for the above listed items $33.30 and .13 out of pocket for all the items in picture 1 and 2 I did not think was to bad. 14 Items. So this is a start on couponing. Not to bad for a beginner. I left the store the second time more pleased than the first.



Clayton's Christmas(since he is only 20 months old I can post it). Toys R Us, had the Leap Frog Junior Tag Book reader on sale for $29 and I had a coupon for $5 more off. The books for the reader were also on sale for $8 and I had a coupons for each one with $3 off. Clayton's Christmas at Wal-Mart would have been $66 plus tax. I had $38 with the sale price and my coupons. I had already decided that this was going to be his Christmas and I had just not purchased it yet. I got it on sale and found coupons for it too. He will probably get a couple of more books by Christmas time to go with his book reader. I still have some time.

All in all not a bad day of couponing. I have decided that if other ladies can do this so can I Lord willing. But I am just trying to figure out CVS and couponing so it does not overwhelm me, I have a lot to learn still. I just want to be a good steward or our money in these economic times that we live in.

In, With, Through Christ
Joan

Psalms 8

Well I am back to my scheduled bible reading in the Psalms as of today. It has been a couple of weeks since I had been in the Psalms I think. I am reading a Psalms a day, or every couple of days depending on the time I spend in each chapter. Although, I have not been reading in the Psalms the last couple of weeks I have been in the bible in other places.

I had it on my mind all day today, to post the song "How Excellent is Thy Name" by Bro. Tom Hayes that he wrote on this Psalms. Well I am not a You Tube video creator and I was hoping someone else would have made a video to this song that I could post. Well I could not find one, so I will just post the scriptures.


Psalms 8
O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

I like to read this chapter in the bible from time to time, and dwell on how big God is and how small man is, and I wonder why God would put us into His plan.

In, With, Through Christ
Joan

Broken Appliances

In the last month the appliance repairman has been at our house 3 times(twice to work on the fridge)hopefully it is fixed this time. The first time my refrigerator went on the blink, I lost everything in it(freezer and refrigerator). The first part did not fix it, only temporarily, and we knew that it might only be a temporary fix, so in about 10 days it began defrosting again. So he came back out and changed another part.

I was actually washing a load of clothes while he was here working on the refrigerator and he finished up and went on his way. My load of clothes did not spin out correctly. I proceeded with the next load and thought it might just be that load, in the midst of the first spin out cycle of the second load of clothes it made an awful noise, much worse than an out of balance load, but I rearranged it and proceeded with this load of clothes. But, by the time it was finished you could smell rubber burning. Alan and I thought maybe a belt just burned into. Not so. It has taken us almost a week to get our schedule and the repairman's schedule to jive, and yesterday he came to visit us once again and the washer is not fixable.(Ya)

So we got to purchase a washer, well I wanted them to match so I got a dryer also.Ouch, but they are pretty and red and the are the front load style.I had been wanting for several years the new front load matchable washer and dryer but was waiting patiently until mine broke.The time had finally come and Lowe's is here now installing them. I have not washed clothes in several days so I get to see if I like my new purchases. However, I did get them on clearance and since I was actually buying the floor models, I got another 10% off. Yipeeeee!!

We have a couple in our church getting married in July so they get the dryer, that I just had worked on also while the repairman was here working on the refrigerator the first time. Lord willing no other appliances of ours will be in need of our handy repairman again anytime soon.

Even though all my appliances seem to be on the blink right now I can still rejoice because God has been good to me and has forgiven all my iniquities. Appliances are just earthly things that do no matter in the grand scheme of things. Christ is all that matters and my walk with HIM. I am glad I can echo what the Psalmist said in Psalms 103:1-5.

Psalms 103:1-5
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

In, With, Through Christ

He Says It Best

Psalms 32:7
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Psalms 31:3
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 17:8
Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings

Psalms 63:7
Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice

Psalms 91:2
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold

The scripture list could go on and on about the Lord being MY ROCK, what are some scriptures that you like.

In, With, Through Christ
Joan

I'm Tired Today

Today, I am physically tired and because of that I don't have much on the schedule today. But I was wondering what Gods word said about us being tired and this is what I found.

Psalms 73:26
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Oh, I am so glad and thankful that God is my Strength and my Strong Tower, My Rock, My Shield, My Deliver, My Redeemer. The list could go on and on of what He is to me, and what the scriptures says that He is. Even though I am physically tired my heart rejoices in God, and what all God has done for me.

So I think the rest of the day may be a Karen Kingsbury book, "Like Dandelion Dust" or just whatever I can get into.

In, With, Through Christ

Johannna's Prayer

Today, Lord our precious granddaughter is layed to rest. You knew this day was coming before the foundation of the world. You knew she would have only 63 minutes on this earth. You fearfully and wonderfully made her this way for your own reasons. I don't understand why, I want to. But I can rest in the fact that you and you alone know what you are doing and what was best for Johanna and for Nikki, Chad, Clayton, her grandparents, her aunts and uncles and all the others touched by her life. Forever my life has been changed by her life, ever so sweet, so precious, tiny and perfect. I wanted to buy her dresses, toys, play together and just spend hours and hours together doing grandmotherly things. But you had and have a bigger much better plan.

She has been rejoicing with you for 3 days now as we see it on earth. Oh, I wonder what heaven is like, what she is doing along with her other brother or sister. I like to imagine that they are together at your feet, or roaming all over heaven together praising you for who you are and for what you have done.Thank You Lord, that Johanna will miss heartaches, miss all the effects of sins, that she is with you forever. Thank You for chosing me to be your child and to be Johannas "Gram" and one day I can be with you forever, and there will be Johanna and we will an eternity together with YOU.

Hugs and Kisses to Johanna for me.

Your child
Joan

63 Precious Minutes

Johanna, our precious granddaughter was born Friday and lived 63 precious minutes on this earth. Although her time was short here we have an eternity to spend together, because we can echo what David said.

II Samuel 12:23...
... I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

Although we would have liked to had a lifestime of doing the spoiling of a granddaughter, she is forever in the presence of the Lord. And we rejoice for her.

A friend commented to Alan if her life can touch so many in her short span on this earth what could we do with ours. Oh, my what a thought.

Lord help me to live cleaner, holier, and closer to you. And thank you for allowing us to be blest with Johanna's life and forever be changed because of her.

In, With,Through Christ
Joan

He Knows My Name....

Isaiah 43:1

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.



In, With, Through Christ

I Stand Amazed...

In less than 48 hours we should have meet our granddaughter "Johanna". As one set of her grandparents we are looking forward to this, although we know not what the Lord had in store for her.

As time grows closer I stand amazed at Gods people how many are concerned for our little family. WE are just sinners saved by God's amazing grace trying to serve Him. But God's people have been so amazing and caring during this time. Bloggers all across the land are praying and concerned, doctors are being touched by Johanna's life, preachers, churches all around are praying for Gods will to be done Friday in Johanna's life along with Nikki, Chad and the rest of the family.

However, for me it is amazing to see God work in my child, Nikki's life and her husband. I feel honored and humbled all at the same time that God choose this course for her and her family. Although difficult and not what anyone of us would have choose, God and God alone knew and knows best for all involved. God could have choose anyone to have blest with this journey but He choose our family. Although growing closer to the Lord is sometimes difficult and painful it is the storms that should bring us closer to God. It is in the valleys that we learn a little more about God and who He is and how He loves us.

I stand amazed at the Fathers love to me, How he could love a sinner like me.
Psalms 89:6a
For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD?




I thought the song by Chris Tomlin was fitting for the day. I hope you enjoy.

In,With, Through Christ

Psalms 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in greenpastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever

Today this Psalms has been on my mind and I am reminded of My Shepherd. Because of His saving grace extended to me I can call Him Mine.And you can to if you have ever acepted Jesus as your Saviour.

But I also want you to notice how many times that the Lord is mentioned in some for or the other.

In, With, Through Christ

Finally...

This is the week that we all have waited for, for 6 months in the Carr/Carswell home. Although the arrival of Johanna is scheduled for Friday the 23rd we face it with many different emotions.

If you are new to the blog,or would just like an update Johanna in my granddaughter who is scheduled to make her earthly appearance on Friday Oct 23, 2009 weighing in around 5 pounds. Ms. Johanna was created by God with full Trisomy 18.

Psalms 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Although this diagnosis is not what Nikki and her husband Chad wanted or would have ever desired. Nor is it what we would have wanted for our daughter and her family but it is what pleased God.

Psalms 115:3
But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

There have been emotions for all those close to Johanna, some moments are wonderful knowing she is going to be with Jesus soon and very soon, and that she will miss out on sin, and heartache. Some moments are just okay, and everyone gets by in their own way. And then their are moments that overwhelming sadness full all our hearts.

But God, is still God and He and He alone knows best for Johanna, Nikki, Chad and Clayton, her grandparents, and her aunts,uncles, the doctors, along with anyone else that has forever been touched and changed by her life.

In, With, Through Christ

Good versus Bad

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

I ran across this scripture last night and God broke my heart over something I have been dealing with for sometime. Although this scripture did not pertain to what I was seeking from God, He used this verse to speak to me in a way that I had been praying for months.Thank You God!!!

Amidst difficulty or heartache God does not mean what we go through to hurt or harm us. He means it for peace, hope and only for our good.
Genesis 50:20
But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

In, With, Through Christ
Joan

Liquid Prayers

Since Thursday Night I have been reading Psalms 6 and I have been trying to get my mind around this Psalms. I have read it several times a day and pondered on it and have also done some other commentary reading.

This is waht I have discovered thus far. Psalms 6 is one of the first of Davids penitent(repentant) psalms. There are 6 more of these Psalms 32,38,51,102,130,143. Pslams 6 is divided into two parts,veres 1-7 and it is Davids brokenheartedness over his sin, verses 8-10 his mood changes and he has declared God has heard him and delivered him from his troubles.

As I was reading after Charles Speugeon in his "Treasury of David" along in verses 6 & 7 David is weeping, he is so broken that he is weeping and groaning out to God. What I ran across was Spurgeon calling these tears "Liquid Prayers". Oh my, I had not really thought about them as liquid prayers. I know that God takes our groanings and utterance to Him and transposing them into what we need to pray and He knows our heart and what we are seeking better than we do ourselves.

But "Liquid Prayers"!!!I will not forget that one. How many times lately have I went to God with my liquid prayers and not even able to utter words, all I could do was weep. I'm of the opinion that our tears are probablby better than our words.

In, With, Through Christ
Joan

I'm So Ready...

Alan has been in Florida, all week preaching and I am so ready for him to be home. He left Sunday night after church and drove to Macon and spent the night and drove on into the panhandle(Perry Co.) of Florida Monday. I normally go with him, to his out of town meetings.

But I was not able to go this time, I was going to see my granddaughter "Johanna" in an ultrasound today, but it was rescheduled due to the flu in the ultrasound technician's family. Oh Well, maybe Tuesday.

But I am so ready for my husband to be home. The house is to quiet, and to lonely. Sometimes all the noise in the house, is Mattie "the dog", or the tv, or the dishwasher. And Wednesday and tomorrow the noise will be Clayton and Mattie and whatever we can get into. I had so much that I was going to get done this week, and not a fourth of it has gotten done. However, I have been busy all week and the time has passed by fairly well.

I was going to go see my parents, and that did not work out, I was going to clean the house from top to bottom, I got a little of it cleaned, I was going to do some painting, did not attempt that, I was going to clean out the room that my computer is in, I did get some of it done, I was going to catch up on some computer work, and get way ahead. That did not get done. I was going to watch some chick flicks, I have watched 1. I was going to go to the gym every day, I did make it 2 days, I was going to do a lot or reading, I have read some. I was going to spend a lot of time in the bible studying and praying. I have done this. I was going to go to Charlotte and exchange a shirt for my son, because I bought the wrong size, I did get that done. I was going to vacuum my car out, I didn't get that done. however, I have been busy all week. But I am still ready for the hubby to back at home with me, or me with him. Either way would be fine. For you see he is my BFF (Best Friend Forever) and I have missed him a lot this week.

Until Next Time
Joan

Psalms 1-5

I am on a mission to read a psalms a day, or should I say every couple of days. I get to reading and studying them and I tend to stay in a psalms more than 1 day. And since it is my bible studies and time with the Lord I imagine that I can spend as long as I need to or want to in each one.

I have made it to chapter 5, and I must say that I am really enjoying each and every psalms. Each one is packed full of nuggets.

Psalms 1 - Blessed is the man that walks with the Lord, and he will be like a tree panted by the water.(strong & nourished,and not blown away with the first hint or wind - trouble)

Psalms 2 - Kings and Rulers think have it going on, but God is really in control and they will one day know this.

Psalms 3 - Many are against me, and trouble is all around for David and for us also, but God is our shield and He holds us up. David found such peace in God in the midst or turmoil and trouble because God was his shield that he could lay down and go to sleep. What peace, I'm not always there but I'm striving.

Psalms 4 -David was bold, when he told God to listen to him when he prayed. I'm not that bold or brave yet. How about you? But I most definitely do want God to hear me and listen to me. Because of turmoil or distress, David was made larger(enlarged) by God. When God apply's the pressure and we go to God and let him work, and we walk in close communion with Him we become larger and do not even know it. But others can see it in out lives. God has blest me and been better to me than the harvesters when they are harvesting their corn and grain in their best season ever.OH My!!!Again we see that we can lay down and sleep because of the peace God gives.

Go read these 4 psalms for yourself and let me know what you glean from them, I am not through with psalms 5 yet so I am not posting about it today.

In, With, Through Christ
Joan

29 Years Ago Today

29 years ago at the age of 18 and barely out of high school on a Friday afternoon I married the man that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And 29 years later I am still married to the man that I want to spend the rest of my life with. 2 grown children, and 1 grandson, and 1 granddaughter due at the end of the month where has the time gone. There was not a church wedding, or we did not go to Gaffney as so many people did at that time when you did not have a church wedding, we just went to the courthouse in Marion where we both lived and was married by the magistrate.

The magistrate was setting at one desk in the corner of the room and in the other corner of the room was a highway patrolman booking a gentlemen in hand cuffs that we went to school with. However, they did stop long enough for us to get married, and the guy in the handcuffs congratulated us and shook our hands while still in hand cuffs.(Funny) We are still married and I wonder what has happened to all of them. It is not the ceremony that makes the marriage.

Al, you are more than wonderful to me. You are many things to many people. You are a great Dad, an amazing loving grandfather, my favorite preacher. I know without a shadow of a doubt that you are a good teacher to your students at W. Lenoir. I can see it when the talk of your classes. You are a compassionate, caring pastor that loves his flock that God has given you.

But to me you are my best friend, always there to listen when I need to talk,and even ready to take action on my behalf if it is warranted. You are my husband, and my rock, my constant no matter what. I am so very thankful, that God put us together, I could never imagined the life that we have together. God has truly been good to us and I count it an honor to be your wife.

I look forward to many more years together and beside you to serve HIM!!!
I Love You, Al...
Joan

Saturate Yourself In The Word

Monday morning before Alan and I headed out to Crossett, Arkansas we had our prayer time together and we always ask one another how can I pray for you today. I don't remember what his request was probably to have the correct message for Monday night since he was preaching. However mine was that I would keep focused on Christ. I tend to have difficulty with this, and seem to struggle daily with this matter and my mind goes back to things of the world. His response was to me to saturate yourself in the Word, saturate, saturate,saturate.

I have not been able to get his words out of my mind and have been trying harder this week to do this. I love to read and have a Kindle (electronic book reader) that I have many books on and I also have the Bible on my Kindle. I carry my Kindle with me when I travel and do a lot of reading in airports, motels, houses where we stay. This week we have not had TV, or a car to go anywhere so I have had a lot of reading time. I am on my third book for the week. So all during the day I have been saturating myself in the Word. Right now I am reading a Psalms a day (well every couple of days actually). I read the same one over and over and over, I am currently reading Psalms 2. I started with Psalms 139, then went to Psalms 1, and now I am on Psalms 2.

Do you want to join me reading a Psalms a day over and over all throughout the day.

In, With, Through Christ
Joan

Saturating myself in the Word, has really helped me keep my mind more focused on Christ.

"End of the Spear" by Steve Saint

As you know last week I read a book "Through Gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliot. A must read for all. I wanted to know more of the story so I have just finished "End of the Spear" by Steve Saint.

The first book was wrote by the widow of Jim Elliot who was killed in Ecuador while trying to reach the Auca (now know as the Waodani's) This book that I just finished was wrote by the son of one of the men that was killed with Jim Elliot. Nate Saint was the pilot for the group of 5 missionaries and their families. These 5 men were dropping gifts by plane to the Waodani's in attempt to make friendly contact with them so they could take the gospel to them. They had made several drops but were attempting to actually make physical contact with this tribe. All five men were killed.

Elisabeth Elliot one of the widows, and Rachel Saint the sister to Nate Saint went to live with the Waodani's and won many of them to the Lord. Steve Saint also grew up with them in the jungle of Ecuador and has worked with them for many years. This book is his story and some of the work he has done, and you get to see and feel like you know some of the members of the tribe. I highly recommend this book also. If you want to know more about this story google it and you will find some basic information.

I wonder how many of us would not become bitter, angry or just plan mad at God and think it was not fair. But, you can see through this story that they knew more about God than most of us do, and knew that Gods ways are not our ways. And His ways are always best.

In, With,Through Christ
Joan

Psalms 139

Alan preached from Psalms 139 Sunday night. He had told me over the weekend that he was planning on preaching this chapter of Psalms. I must say that is was not from the angle that I was expecting, however I have not been able to get this Psalms off my mind and it was a very good message.

I enjoy reading and read a lot while traveling with my husband from place to place, and sometimes we are waiting in the airport and we both read. Well yesterday I kept reading Psalms 139, over and over to try and saturate my mind and self with the Word so I could keep my mind on Christ.

Sunday night and yesterday and today while I have been reading the Psalms the part that has been jumping out at me the most is the last 2 verses of the chapter.

Psalm 139:23-23
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

That is my prayer I want to live a clean life before the Lord and I want Him to show me where I fell Him and how I can be more like Christ.

In, With, Through
Joan

WOW....

Alan and I both just finished reading the book "Through Gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliott this afternoon. We both started this book just a couple of days ago. It is the story of the authors husband "Jim" and four other missionary men that were working to reach the Auca Indians in Ecuador. These five men lost their lives in the first attempts to make contact with them.

If you read at all this book is a must. I must say it has reminded me of how slack and worldly we really are, especially me. (Boy, are we spoiled) The widows were not angry, upset,nor did they think it was unfair what they and their families experienced. Instead they knew that God was in control and they were happy with knowing God had it in HIS hands and not theirs. They continued the work of their husbands which was Christ's great commission "Go ye therefore and teach all nations" and were able to reach the Auca Indians in Ecuador. These 5 families knew their bible and knew the author of the Bible and they lived it.

I would like to read more books about Christian Heroes of the past. Which ones would you recommend?

In,With,Through Christ
Joan

You Would Think We Would Get It....

As I was praying and thinking today this thought kept coming to my mind. "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee". God was reminding me that He is always there and no matter what He will never leave me. He is always with me and He is always there for me. He always understands what I am going through or how I feel at the moment. And some days my thoughts and feelings can change like the wind. I am a female after all, however I do try to keep my emotions in tact and on a somewhat level course.

Friends can come and go and they do as life happens. For most of us our best buddies in High School we never see or talk to or keep up with them for that matter. Our families can be spread out all over the country, we change jobs and our work friends are no longer a part of our lives. We change churches and our church friends are different people. Immediate family members come and go for many different reasons, heartache, death or just distance of miles.

Life happens and our cirlce of intimates change but God said He was always with us, and I was curious how many times that He says this and assures us of this. You would think if it was in the Bible one time that would be enough for us after all this is Gods love letter to us. But if it is in the Bible more than one time he must want us to really get it. I have listed only a few that I found and He says it many more different ways and times in His Word.


Deuteronomy 31:6
...or the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Joshua 1:5
...Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5
...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.


So when I feel alone or noone knows what I am going through I need to go back to the above listed scriptures and be reminded that God is always there and near. And if God is with me and for me that should be enough.

In, With,Through Christ
Joan

This Morninngs Bible Study

AS Alan and I were doing our Bible Study this morning we ran across something that the author wrote that has been on my mind ever since and I felt like it was worth sharing with you. Because I know all of us deal with this problem from time to time. The whole lesson was on understanding the attacks on our faith by worrying.

"Worry by definition is a lack of faith in God. It is, as one writer has said "Practical Atheism". In fact worry quickly becomes idolatry of the self: I am more concerned about myself than I am about trusting God's Purposes."
-Putting on the Armor by Chuck Lawlass

I don't think I had ever really thought of worrying as self idolatry,or practical atheism, but how true it is when we worry that we are more concerned about yourself than trusting God. (Ouch....)Let's see what the Bible says about worry.

Matthew 6:25-34
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.


Striving to live worry free today, because God is in Control

A Day At The Park

Church spaghetti for lunch after playing in the park.



Learning to slide.



Poppa and Clayton


Well it being Friday, and that means Clayton is at our house again today. Before lunch we took him to the park. We all had a ball. We stayed and played about 30 minutes and then home to church spaghetti.


Clayton enjoying the swings, he loved it.

Sorry the pictures are jumbled up, but I am learning. I hope you enjoy them anyway.
Joan