Refiner's Fire

I don't know about you but most of the time God's refining process is hard, painful and sometimes very long in my life. Even so, I want to be refined so I can be more like "HIM".

"Did I Mention"

I heard this song tonight at church and can't seem to get it off my mind. The lady that sang it did a really good job, and I thought I would share it with you sang by The Perry's.

Today's Rant......

WE had a lady in our church loose a teen granddaughter because her car was hit by a drunk driver. How pointless, the gentleman that hit the car was 28 and this was not his first offense.

This has always been a sore spot from me, although I have not personally been affected by a drunk driver tragedy. It is so pointless, and it should never have to happen. The person drinking and driving does not have to do this and it is a stupid decision. So this week at least two families were forever altered because of a drunk driver, the family that the teen died from, and the family of the drunk driver and in this situation there were two other people injured. I do not know their situation.

Alan and I also watched a movie this week entitle Seven Pounds, which was a decent movie with Will Smith in it. The jest of the movie comes out at the end of the movie that he was reading a text message while driving and killed his wife, and 6 more(or seriously injured 6 more). Their is more to the movie but these 2 events this week got me thinking about texting and driving(reading text messages/ or literally texting while driving). I will admit on occasion I have done this, read a text or sent a one word answer.

Today it stops. I challenge you to do the same. You are to precious to your family to do this to them, and the other cars that you meet are to precious to their family for you to be doing this, also.

Some statics for you on the internet.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 5,870 people died in car accidents in 2008. ( This is 5870 to many, 5870 families have been altered because someone could not wait to read or send a text. Nothing is that important.) An additional 515,000 people were injured. Ridiculous!!!

50% of teenage drivers admit to texting while driving.
28% of all accidents in 2008 were caused by drivers between the ages of 18 and 29 that were texting while driving. (To my family and yours please stop it, and stop it now,you don't want to become part of this number. Your cargo is to precious to us, and their cargo is to precious to them).

Teens are not the only ones doing this. 81% of the U.S. population admits to texting while driving.

Most drivers today are aware of the risks of texting while driving but do it anyways

Due to the fact that text messaging slows a driver’s reaction time by 30%, texting while driving is being shown to cause greater impairment than being on drugs or drinking while driving.

So reading or sending texts, twittering, or checking out facebook needs to stop while you are in the car........Nothing is so important that it can not wait a few minutes until we get to our destinations. WE are not that important, but we are important enough to our families to not put them through an accident like this, just like the drunk driver should never get behind the wheel. We all think that kind of accident is such a waste and we should feel the same about our telephones in the car.

So Lord willing for me, this stopped today. I challenge you to stop and do the same because you are loved to your family and the vehicles you meet are loved by their families.

So that's my rant for today.
Joan

What I Just Finished Reading

I have been trying to finish up reading some books that people have loaned me recently and return them to their rightful owners. I just read "Learning to Breath Again", by Tammy Trent. Honestly, I had not ever heard of her before this book and I have had it a couple of months at least. She is a musician/singer and also been a Women of Faith Speaker. But I decided to give it a try this week so the book can return home.

I must say it was a very good book. Ms. Tammy's husband died in Jamaica in a diving accident Sept 10 2001. Then 9/11/01 happened and made her days in another country even more difficult after the sudden loss of her husband. She tells of their love story, marriage, career and then about losing the love of her life - Trent - her husband. And then she tells of learning to breath or live after becoming a widow and how God has helped her every step of the way.



If you have the opportunity and enjoying reading I would recommend this book. However, I am reminded in life we never know what we will have to face or where life will take us. But we can always rest assured that if we are God's child He will not hurt or harm us. Or ever take us through anything that He is not right there with us. So I leave you with this scripture..

Isiah 43:1-3a
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. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour...


Until next time
Joan

I Don't Know Where To Go

Over the last year or so I have gone through many things that I will not or cannot write about on the blog and many times I am just empty on what to post. I have been struggling with what to do with my blog. I just don't know which direction to take it. Do you have any ideas? I have thought about just canceling it, what is your thought?

I am not open to posting a lot of family pictures, or divulging a lot of family information. I feel this is way to dangerous for the world wide web. There is to much evil lurking around everywhere and I don't want to expose anyone of my family to any of that. I don't want this blog to be a place for gossip for anyone as I see happening in so many of the twitter and facebook accounts and blogs. I know they can be used for good but personally I am seeing way to much of how it is just a means to socialize with people one should not be socializing with. It monopolizes peoples time and they are always checking up on the lastest gossip and neglecting their families. Be careful!!!You might be neglecting those most important to you!!! Some can't drive, or carry on a conversation, or work, or accomplish any task without being tied to their phones. Is this really magnifying our Saviour!!!!

I don't want the blog to be all about me, that is not having a humble spirit or for me being obedient to HIM. My life is HIS, and my life is to be about HIM, I don't want or need to post about me.

So I don't know which way to go, I want my blog if I continue to always be around my Saviuor. I just don't know what angle to take for my very few readers. I have thought of cooking,and couponing but how do you turn that into HIM when it is all said and done over and over again. I have thought of some book reviews, daily devotions, the list could go on and on.

But I just don't have an angle at this time.
Joan

From a Child's Memory Verse

Last night at church one of the young men, I mean pre-school age, young quoted this scripture.

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
Psalm 118:8

God spoke to me with this verse and reminded me that my trust needs to be in HIM and HIM alone.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

Many Have Served

Many have served our country in my family and yours. Many died so we could be free. But He died so I could be free of Hell. What a Solider!!! Oh what a Saviour!!!!

In, With and Through Christ Alone
Joan

Under His Wings

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings - Psalm 17:8

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. - Psalm 36:7

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. - Psalm 57:1

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah - Psalm 61:4

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

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler - Psalm 91:4

Under His Wings - Ira Sankey

Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.

Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.

I am thankful that I can rest safely under His wings,

If ONLY...

Pslam 34:13-14
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

This morning in our bible study we read the above scriptures in chapter 34 of Psalms. I know there is much in this Psalms, but verses 13& 14 is what has been on my mind since reading them earlier today.

I do believe if we had no other words to live by(I know we do however) these 2 verses speak should speak volumes to us. I know that they do me. If I practice these verses, and if the whole world could and would practice these verses what a better place this world would be. I know I am dreaming, but let me dream on. However, If only Gods people would put this to practice what could the church get done for HIM.

So, I am going to try to work harder to keep my tongue from evil, and by not speaking anything guile. (The dictionary describes guile as "insidious cunning in attaining a goal; crafty or artful deception"). Because the Bible commands it and it is pleasing into the Lord. And verse fourteen tells me I am to pursue peace, and if I do that I will depart from evil and do good.

So I leave you today trying to live closer to my Savior by applying what I have read in the Bible this morning, how about you?

In, With and Through Christ Alone

Fears

I am reading a book by Julie Clinton called "Extraordinary Women" that I got for Mothers Day and it is very good I must say. In this book I ran across a quote that I thought was very good and oh so true that I thought it was worth sharing with you. This quote is from Donna Claus who helps run a ladies retreat called No Fear Forwards which is a 4 day wilderness retreat to help women identify and relinquish their fears.

"The major problem I see is that life is not about us. When we think that we are the reason for life, we live in fear. When we want everything our way, we live in fear. If women can go away from these Forwards with one idea, it should be that 'life is not about me'. Only when we leave the lie behind can we live fearlessly with our God. God had to wrench that out of me. It was painful; it was horrendous. But once I realized that all that matters is God and His plan, I found the secret to fearlessness. The opposite of fear is faith."

After I read this I could not help but think of the scripture in II Timothy where God tells us He is not behind our fears.

II Timothy 1:6
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I don't know about you but God is still working on me.
Joan

Holding Hands

Two or more people voluntarily hold hands for one of the following reasons and purposes:

* in various rituals:
o handshake
o in certain religious services, to pray
o in various religious rituals
* to express friendship or love
* to enjoy physical intimacy (not necessarily of erotic character)
* for emotional support
* to guide (a child, a blind person, in darkness, etc.)
* to urge to follow
* to keep together (in a crowd or in darkness)
* to help the other walk, stand or climb up
* to dance
* to maintain one's balance
* to arm wrestle
* when crossing the street
* during a meal
* while sky diving
* to rescue in a dangerous situation:
o pulling someone to safety
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holding_hands

I have noticed lately that when Clayton goes down the steps in our split foyer house that he wants to hold your hand. Or when he gets out of the car in a parking lot he wants to hold your hand. Now, he is not old enough yet to be completely dependent upon himself or confident that he can do it alone. Each time he reaches his hand up for comfort or security it brings to my mind that is the way God is and how we should be with God.

Isaiah 42:6 I
I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee.....

Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

If I could only learn to be more dependent on God like my 2 year old grandson is when he needs steadying. It is just awesome to think of God holding my hand.Wow

In, With and Through Christ

Be Still . . . . .

I listened to this song today for the first time and God used it to speak to me in a way that I needed.



Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.....

In, With and Through Christ

Mother's Day

We recently put this in our May 2010 church newsletter, and I thought it was very fitting.

The following is an excerpt from one preacher’s Mothers’ Day sermon. He says, “I’m preaching without apology and with appreciation for that time-honored institution without the benefit of which we wouldn’t be here!
Every Mother’s Day sermon I’ve run across starts with an explanation, this one is no exception. As ministers, we’re reminded not to get too sentimental about motherhood because:
for some, motherhood is an accident, and not always a welcome one;
(b) for some, biological motherhood isn’t possible;
(c) for some, mothers weren’t all that nice;
(d) for some, motherhood under the very best of circumstances is still less than a bed of roses and a primrose path.
If I can take some liberties with poet Wilhelm Busch’s words, I’d have to say: “To become a mother is not so difficult; on the other hand, being a mother is very much so!”
So, with all the qualifications that come along with Mother’s Day, why bother with Mothers’ Day at all? I’ll tell you why. It is because for all its stumbling blocks, pitfalls and broken dreams, for all the soiled diapers, soiled wallpaper and spoiled plans, we’re talking about a beautiful ideal, a natural part of God’s creative plan to bring love and caring to light. Motherhood is a constant demand for the gift of love and caring.”

Proclaim Magazine, “A Mother’s Day Sermon,” May 14, 1989


So for me this year I need not celebrate Mothers Day, I had rather honor my children. "Nikki, and Jesse" by natural birth, "Amy and Chad" brought into my life by my natural children. And of course to "Clayton" because I am known as his "Tram". I hope he always calls me Tram, it is just so sweet, special and created by him. "Johanna" who is with the Lord and makes heaven a bit sweeter for me and I can't wait to spend eternity with you. So to the 6 of you thank you for allowing me to be your mother, mother-in-law, and Tram. You have had to put up with a lot, and I am forever grateful that God brought all of you into my life.

Last but not at all least to my wonderful husband for almost 30 years that has allowed me to be the mother of his children. So to all 7 of you, I love you all more than words could ever express, and I am the one blest by God to have you each in my life. All of you have a special place in my heart that could never ever be touched by anyone else but you.

In Christ Alone
Joan(Mom or Tram)

However I do wish my mother, and mother in law a wonderful day on Sunday.

I Thought...

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

I thought someone else might need to be reminded today from the scriptures that He Careth for YOU!

Joan

Bibles

I found this Purple Bible at the Barnes & Noble store this morning. Since I love, lovveee purple and it was readable and in the version I wanted it came home with me. Yahhh!!!!



















A girl at the church Alan is preaching at this week has this Bible and I love, love it too. You can't have to many Bibles especially in girl colors. Maybe one day.


















Joan

"My Portion"

Lam 3:24
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Psa 73:26
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

I have had this on my mind since the EWomen Conference when we heard Lysa TerKuerst speak and she talked about God being "My Portion". I found 6 verses in the Bible and all of them being in the Old Testament.

This is the Strong's definition of portion:

1) portion, share, part, territory
a) portion, share
b) portion, tract, parcel (of land)
c) one's portion, one's possession
d) (chosen) portion
e) portion, award (from God)
2) smoothness, seductiveness, flattery

And that is what I have been praying every day that God would be my portion.

Joan

Spiritually Wrung Out

Alan and I were in Carrollton, GA this week for a Bible Conference. Alan was one of the preachers for the morning sessions. My what preaching we heard this week in the mornings and in the night services. But as I went to bed last night I felt like I had been spiritually and even emotionally wrung out. However, that is not a bad thing at all.

God brought me to a place this week that I realized I had been trying to fix something in my own heart for months now. He showed me that He needs to do the fixing, and I need to let go and let Him do the healing. Sometimes it is painful for us to get before God in a honest state but however for us to grow and tackle life sometimes it is so necessary.

I am so thankful that HE is mine, and I am HIS.


Joan

Tonight and tomorrow the girls and I are off to a EWomen Ladies Conference.

The Anchor Holds

I have journeyed
Through the long, dark night
Out on the open sea
By faith alone
Sight unknown
And yet His eyes were watching me

CHORUS:
The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm

Ive had visions
Ive had dreams
Ive even held them in my hand
But I never knew
They would slip right through
Like they were only grains of sand

CHORUS

I have been young
But I am older now
And there has been beauty
That these eyes have seen
But it was in the night
Through the storms of my life
Oh, thats where God proved
His love to me

I tried to find a you tube video that I liked, but couldn't so I am posting the lyrics. The choir sang this song tonight and Alan and I got some much needed help through it. I am so thankful that I am anchored with the true and living God.

Anchored,
Joan

"Screeching Halt"

Traffic on I-85 has come to a screeching halt in Greenville, SC as we travel to Georgia today for a Bible Conference. Evidently there was a collision of a cement truck and another "Big Truck" Clayton terminology.

But as I was searching the internet to find out was was up, and we set in the traffic I could not help but think that life is this way sometimes. We take life way to fast and the older I get the faster in passes by. Sometimes God has a way of forcing us to stop, by circumstances, sickness, snow, or traffic etc.

I could not help but think out the scripture in Psalms 46:10:

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Oh, that I could learn to slow down more, or come to a screeching halt and ponder more on God. We can find thoughts of God everywhere if we will keep our mind on HIM.

Joan

Basking in the Sun(SON)

Even though I not not like lizards in any way shape or form(I find myself relating to him today). To me the lizard is a cousin of the snake. Any one creature on earth that I despise it is the snake. I realize that it is Gods creature and He created them, but if they were not any on this earth it would be just fine with me. I have been known to panic on more than one occasion over this creature. My husband would love to have one as a pet, but I cannot live in the same house as one so we have an understanding and it works for us.

However, my mind goes to the lizard today as we all have seen them on a concrete wall, or the side of a house, or just sunning on a rock in the warm/hot sun. I feel like the lizard in that I am basking in the SON(SUN)today. I find that the lizard warms in the sun to warm up his body, because he is cold blooded, and for the vitamin D that he gets from the sun. Sometimes I get cold hearted and feel the winter breeze all around and I must go back to the SON(sun) for warmth. The lizard along with humans need the vitamin D for strength to the body, such as strengthening his bones. I get weak in spirit and body and need to go back to the SON(sun) and get strength for my body.

But if you notice when the lizard is sunning, he has a direct path to the sun, he does not lay in the shade. It is out in the open in the full sunlight that he lays and gets warmed up. I am still basking in the thought that I am "IN Christ" and God has been helping me to feel his love for me. So I feel like the lizard today as I feel the warmth of the SON(sun)all around.

In Christ

"In Christ"

I listened to a song on my Ipod Tuesday while I was at the gym on the treadmill. The song was In Christ Alone by Natalie Grant. I posted this posted this video from You Tube by Travis Cottrell on Tuesday. I listened to it many times over the course of the day and I have already listened to it several times today.

I just have not been to get away from the thought "In Christ". Beloved, I know that I am in Christ, because of what He did on Calvary. So, I just did a quick search to see how many times that "In Christ" was in the Bible. I have found it 76 times in the New Testament. WOW!!! I knew it was in Ephesians and Philippians many times, because I have it highlighted. But I had no idea it was in the New Testament this many times. God must want me to realize that I am "IN Christ".

"In Christ" is in:

Acts - 1 time
Romans - 10 times
I & II Corinthians - 20 times
Galatians - 6 times
Ephesians - 10 times
Philippians - 7 times
Colosians - 4 times
I & II Thessalonians - 3 times
I & II Timothy - 10 times
Philemon - 3 times
I & II Peter - 2 times

Later today, I plan on reading all the scriptures. I don"t know about you but I am soooo thankful that I am "IN CHRIST". So I think I will go listen to the song again as I read a few scriptures about being "In Christ".

In Christ,

Hide Me, O Savior

A friend sent this to me today in an email. I thought it was worth sharing with you. It is from Adrian Rogers Love Worth Finding Daily Devotional.

Psalm 17:8 - “Keep me as the apple of the eye, ... hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.”

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Charles Wesley was walking through the woods on a stormy day when a lightning storm broke out and the rain began to come down in torrents. A bolt of lightning flashed and a little bird was so frightened that it flew down to Wesley and tried to hide in his coat. He was so moved by the scene that he wrote a song we often sing: “Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high. Hide me, O my Savior, hide, ‘til the storm of life is past; safe unto the haven guide, O receive my soul at last.” That’s what our Lord does. He hides us, sustains us, and keeps us.

ACTION POINT:
Are the storms of life raging around you? Hide yourself in the dark clouds – they are just the shadow of His wing.

Joan

Ultimate Blog Party 2010

So I thought I would hop on board with the blog party. I love to read other bloggers but I have not blogged much lately. I just needed to take a break and get refreshed. So here goes.

I am a PW(Preachers Wife, matter fact a preachers mother, and a preachers mother in law)to the most amazing man, my sweetheart since we were 15. How did I get so blest? GOD! I am a mother of 2, Mother in Law to 2, so that makes 4 children. "Tram" to Clayton the most wonderful grandson. But first and foremost I am a child of God. I love HIM and am learning more about HIM everyday.

Joan

In Christ Alone.........

He Knows My Name

Verse 1
He counts the stars one and all
He knows how much sand is on the shores
He sees every sparrow that falls
He made the mountains and the seas
He's in control of everything
Of all creatures great and small

Chorus
And He knows my name
Every step that I take
Every move that I make
Every tear that I cry
He knows my name
When I'm overwhelmed by the pain
And can't see the light of day
I know I'll be just fine
'Cause He knows my name

Verse 2
I don't know what tomorrow will bring
I can't tell you what's in store
I don't know a lot of things
I don't have all the answers
To the questions of life
But I know in whom I have believed

Chorus

He knew who I was when He carried my cross
He knew that I would fail Him but He took the loss

Chorus

Every step that I take
Every move that I make
Every tear that I cry



Genesis 21: 17
And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

Precious Jesus, Sweet Rose of Sharon

Who is refreshing as an ocean in the desert
As lovely as a flower in the snow
And who is as watchful as an eagle o'er her young ones
As gentle as the summer breeze that blows

Precious Jesus
Sweet Rose of Sharon
There's peace and triumph
When you speak His name
Loving Savior
My sunshine in the midnight
My guiding star that shining all the day

Who is the One who always understands my blues
He just smiles and hums a happy melody
A liberated soul can't sing about being bound for long
Without looking back and to realize who set him free

Never Knew Love Like His Love

Psalms 18:19b
..."He delivered me, because he delighted in me."

"Free grace lies at the foundation. Rest assured, if we go deep enough, sovereign grace is the truth which lies at the bottom of every well of mercy. Deep sea fisheries in the ocean of divine bounty always bring the pearls of electing, discriminating love to light. Why Jehovah should delight in us is an answerless question, and a mystery which angels cannot solve; but that he does delight in his beloved is certain, and is the fruitful root of favours as numerous as they are precious. Believer, sit down, and inwardly digest the instructive sentence now before us, and learn to view the uncaused love of God as the cause of all the lovingkindness of which we are the partakers." http://www.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps018.htm

I am loved
Joan

Keep Me As The Apple Of The Eye

I am liking reading a psalm a day and pondering on it. I had gotten a little slack in days gone by, but I am trying harder to be more diligent in reading Gods words and pondering on them all day. I knew that we would be reading Psalm 17 this morning for our Bible study together and I began reading the Psalm yesterday.

I was amazed that David could say to God in verse 3, "thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing". Now I don't know when David wrote this Psalm or exactly what was going on in his life but it you will notice David is talking to God and saying you have searched, and tested me and you found nothing wrong in my life.WOW, I don't think I have ever been able to say that can you? I always have room for improvement in my life.

But what stuck in my mind the most was in verse 8.

Psalm 17:8
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

I wanted to see how many other times this is mentioned in the Bible about being the apple of Gods eye, so this is what I found. In the scriptures listed there is reference to being the apple of Gods eye.

Deuteronomy 32:10, Proverbs. 7:2, Zechariah 2:8 and Lamentations 2:18

As I began to research and to think about the eye, here is what I found. The eyelid helps keep out dirt and unwanted light, the eyebrow is covered with hair to catch debris and to also filter light that is too strong.

Are you seeing the picture of Gods protection here, I don't think we will ever know the full extinct of Gods protection and guidance on our lives until we meet Him face to face. Oh but, I want to be shielded under the shadow of His wings from this world and the things that this world has to offer don't you? And to think I am what God favors, I Am The Apple Of His Eye.

So again I echo what David says here in Psalm 17:8 Lord, "Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.

Apple of HIS EYE
Joan

I've Been Thinking

I read Psalms 16 last night and began studying it for our bible studies this morning(Alan and I try to spend time together daily studying the bible and praying together and right now we are in Psalms).

Psalms 16:1
Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

There are many good parts in this whole chapter. In verse 11 "in thy presence is fulness of joy. I have no joy outside of the Lord. Now, I know that things on earth can bring us happiness for a season. But, if time allows it will only be for a season. True joy, peace and happiness comes from having a personal relationship with God. Or in verse 6 "yea, I have a goodly heritage". If you read this verse in context with the whole chapter it is talking about our heritage that we have in Christ,not an earthly heritage. This whole chapter is packed full of goodness. As, we were discussing this, this morning one of the first things Alan said was this was a psalms about ones confidence in the Lord. After we talked about it I could also see that. I think Charles Spurgeon calls this the Golden Pslam.

But on my mind has been those first four words of the chapter in verse 1 "Preserve me, O God". If you notice David is not asking for God to get him out of a jam, or to help him overcome anything. He is asking God to preserve him. The definition in the dictionary for preserve is:

1 : to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction : protect
2 a : to keep alive, intact, or free from decay b : maintain
3 a : to keep or save from decomposition b : to can, pickle, or similarly
prepare for future use
4 : to keep up and reserve for personal or special use

I want to be keep safe from harm, injury, or destruction, and I most definitely want God's protections today and everyday. I want to be alive, and intact, free from decay for the Lord. I want to be saved from decomposition. I want to be used for something special for the Lord.

So, I want to echo what David said "preserve me,O God".

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

Just thought I would say Hi....

I wanted to stop by and post a little something and to let you all know that all is well and I am still alive. I don't really have anything on my mind today or lately. I just have been trying to catch up on some house work and some much needed rest. The body and the mind can get weary when we run, run, run from one thing to the next. The last few months have been that way, although I have enjoyed every project, duty or obligation. So for this week I am just trying to be a wife, a mother, and a grandmother as I wade through the house catching up and cleaning. Nothing heroic or out of the ordinary, but I must say I have enjoyed this week a lot.

Until Next Time
Joan

I've Been Shopping

I went to CVS this afternoon and purchased M&M's and made money. You ask me how did I do that? Well I am glad you asked. The M&M's were on sale and I had a coupon for $1 off 2 bags, then I had $1 ECB. So my M&M's were $3.39. I got home and looked at my receipt and I had 2, $2 ECB's and not 1 that I was expecting.

We then went on to Hickory to eat supper on a gift certificate that we had. I had a coupon for the restaurant also. We were also were able to stay on our diet. Whew. Supper was $1O for the 2 of us and that included the tip.

Before supper I went to Target while Alan went to Best Buy. I really scored there. My total was $65, and I only paid $15. This is what I purchased.

6 - 32 oz. All Liquid Detergents - 4.94 but they price matched to Big Lots of $2.50 then I had coupons for $3 off 2. So I got the detergent for $1 each.

4 - Nivea Body Washes - $2.99 - Target coupon for $1 off each, and manufacturing coupons for $2 off - so my body wash was FREE.

3 - Reach Access Flosses - $2.29 - $1 coupon each, so this was $1.29 each.

3 -Travel Size Tide Detergents - .97, I had a $1 coupon for each. FREE!!!!

1 - Johnson and Johnson Lotion Travel Size - .97, I had a $1 coupon. FREE!!!

1- Johnson and Johnson Shampoo Travel Size - .97, I had a $1 coupon. FREE!!!

2- Johnson and Johnson Band-Aids Travel Size - .97 each, and I had a $1 coupon for each, FREE!!!

1 - Olay Shower Lotion - $3.99, I had a $1 coupon, $2.99, pricey but I wanted to try this.

This was a savings of 77% not that I am counting. I was so excited with my purchases and I felt like a Proverbs 31 woman by being wise and frugal with our money.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

There Is A Fountain Ladies Conference

Well our first ladies conference at Calvary Baptist Church is now only a memory. A very good memory. I enjoyed it so much and felt honored and humbled all at the same time to be a part of this conference. We had about 240 ladies in attendance for our conference.

Carol Kent was our keynote speaker. She did a fabulous job and such a sweet person. We had one speaker that is a retired missionary form Haiti and we were able to take up a special offering for the Haitian people. We challenged each lady to give $5, our total offering was $1700. Way to go ladies.

Thank all of you that worked so hard to make this conference a success, and thank all of you that attended to make this conference a success.

God is so Good
Joan

Super Busy/Super Tired

Well as we wind down this week for our 1st Ladies Conference at Church it is a busy week. We have done all the preparations that we could previously but there are always a few last minute things to accomplish.

But, yesterday, I bought groceries,took my daughter in law out to lunch,ordered the food for our conference, made several telephone calls, and had to return several more phone calls, cooked supper, Alan helped me work on what I am going to say at the conference for Friday night, and had Bible Study and prayer time with him also. Today, I have to go have a root canal, or have the tooth pulled. I have a hair appointment this afternoon, and then we are meeting at church to try and finish up our last minutes details. Wednesday and Thursday are Clayton days, and I imagine we will have some loafing to do but he is such a good traveling buddy he will hang with Gram and we will get done what we need to accomplish.

Then it's our Ladies Conference, and I do hope you are praying for us as we try to minster to the ladies that will be in attendance.

Until next time,
Joan

Ministering to the Hurting

Someone dear and precious to my husband and I is going through a difficult time right now(none of the situation is of their own making). My husband said to me this morning I am going to send them a text today that says Numbers 6:24-26. I am ashamed to say that I had to ask him what it said. He told me what it said and I also looked it up for myself. He did text this individual this scripture along with that this was what he was praying for them today.

After reading it, and pondering on it all day I have decided that this is scripture worth remembering when there are no words to be said to those that are going through difficult situations of any kind.(After all what better is there to quote or say than God's words). I am afraid sometimes we say nothing, or we say way to much. Sometimes we say all the wrong things and say way to much, but most people don't know what to say and wind up and saying nothing. When we say nothing people feel as if noone cares about them. People are hurting all over the world, just look around and you can find many to care about and minister too.

I ran across a statement when Nikki first learned of Joahnna's diagnosis that said simply "God is Faithful" and I have learned to use it a lot for others in any situation because God is faithful.

But, after today I will also tell others that I am praying numbers 6:24-26 for them.

Numbers 6:24-26
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

So this is what I am praying for, for all of you that are reading this today.

Joan

Up and At IT...

I've been on the go since 5 this morning, and still have much left to do. I actually began waking up before the clock went off. I guess I was so excited to get up that early. Alan and I had our Bible Study together this morning, had a time of pray together, and then we were at the gym on the treadmill before 6AM, that's right 6AM.
Since he had to return to his teaching job this morning we had to get up and at it really, really early. I cooked a healthy breakfast for him when we returned,we had a few moments of down time and then he was ready and out the door by 8.(Whew, I'm tired).

While at the gym I was listening to "There is a Fountain" by Selah on my ipod. I found myself having to resist singing along with it, I wanted to world to know about HIM and that my sins are gone. This morning as we read Psalm 4 and discussed it, one of the things Alan pointed out to me was where David is talking to God in verses 1, and where David is talking to people in verses 2-6. I had not seen that in my reading.

David is telling those to whom he is talking to:
How long are you going to turn Gods glory into shame.
How long are you going to love vanity, and lying.
You need to stand in awe of God and the things of God, and sin not.
You need to trust the Lord and not yourselves

Does this sound like our world still today? Oh, that I would get a deeper grasp of God this year, it would change me and those all around me. So maybe I should have told someone at the gym about God today. David was bold and told those around him.

In, With and Through Christ

Happy New Year

Well today is the 1st day of 2010. Ten years ago some thought the world would stop because of the computer age turnover for the millennium year.I don't recall any tragedy's and has it really been 10 years ago.

But, today marks a new year for us all. Old things behind us and new thoughts dreams are ahead of us. What do you suppose this year will hold you? I'm sure it will be full of laughs, and heartaches for us all. But, God is so faithfully in ever situation and He and He alone knows what is ahead of us. I for one am glad that I can't see into the future and know what is coming.I honestly don't think any of us could deal with it if we knew what was ahead, we would try to avoid many situations, and hurry up and try to do many other things. But God is His divine wisdom knows exactly how to handle us all and every thing that we must go face.

For me some of the things I am looking forward to this year is I am going to try to spend more time reading my Bible and praying.(I must admit I get busy doing, and get so neglectful of this)Shame on me.

I am going to try to consistently eat more healthy and try to focus in on 1400 calories per day. I must plan and prepare ahead of time to accomplish this. I want to get back to exercising. 50 pounds this year is my goal to lose and to get off one of my cholesterol medicines and avoid blood pressure medicine.(I'm borderline right now)The Dr. told me I was going to be collecting pill bottles. Ouch!!! I want to try to slow down and be less busy.I want to be more thoughtful of other people and caring for what they are going through. I want to find ways to let them know that someone does care for them and has prayed for them and thought about them on such given day. I want to spend more time with my husband, not doing anything in particular but just hanging out, and my children and their families. Just enjoying one another because time is swiftly passing us all by.

So what are some of the things you are looking forward to this year?
Joan