Winter.....Can we just skip it?

I am one who hates Winter. I dread it when it gets near time for Winter to begin. One reason is that I hate the fact that it is so dark out a lot during Winter. That makes people depressed. We need more sunlight all year round. Another reason that I hate Winter is the snow. The snow makes it hard to get out and do things. You are stuck in doors for days and even weeks. I know people say that we need the snow, but I don't see what good that it will do.

I just wish that one year that we could just skip Winter and go right to Spring. I love the warm weather. Makes you want to get out and do things. You have more energy. I would just like for one year to be able to sleep through Winter and wake up in Spring.

Since we have started into January 2015 it seems like each week the weathermen are predicting snow. That is just depressing. I hear people all the time say how wonderful it is that we get snow. I think those are the same people that don't have to go to work in snow.

I don't think snow lovers realize that the more snow we get the more days that school is closed. With West Virginia's new 180 day of school rule that means that we have to make up every day missed due to bad weather. So if we miss a day due to snow we have to make it up. That could mean less Summer vacation.

So if I had my way I would have a magic wand to wave and melt all the snow. I would also wave my wand and make it never snow again. I know that that is just a good wish, but it is a wish none the less.

I just have to remember that God is only going to give us what we can handle. He knows what we need and when we need it. I just hope and pray that he understands that I need to be at work now and not in the summer.

God is going to see me though this winter. Yes I may complain about the weather, but I know it is all in God's hands. Thank you Lord for carrying me through this.

To Blessed To Be Stressed

 

 

There are days when I leave work and head to my car that feel like I have been stressed to the bone. I feel like I just want to scream at the top of my lungs hoping that will make me feel better. I know that it will not. So instead I sit in my car for a little bit before turning it on and talk to God. Yes this might sound funny, but I realize that this is a better way to vent than screaming.

 

 Two years ago I had to drive 30 minutes to work one way. Those drives to and from gave me time to myself. During that time I would talk to God as I drove. I would talk to him like a friend that was right there with me in the car riding shot gun. It felt really good. Better than screaming.

 

I have come to the conclusion recently that being able to talk to God at any point in the day is a good thing. It means that I am too blessed to be stressed. I should not let what goes on in life get to me. I need to just take a moment to give it over to God. No problem is too big or small for him to handle.

 

In fact, God knows our problems before we tell them to him. He is already in the process of dealing with our problems when we tell them to him. We need to not tell God how big our problem is, but instead tell our problems how big our God is.

 

When we are going through a tuff time or a stressful time God will send us a much needed blessing. It might be a hug from a child, a card from a friend with a kind word, a phone call from a friend to say how much they care, and so on. God knows our needs and will see us through.

 

So when you are feeling stressed this is what I suggest. Just say "God is in control". Then tell whatever is stressing you that God is going to deal with it. In the end you will feel better and be blessed. 

Repent and Get Right With God......Speak For Yourself

 

Our Sunday School lesson today was on Prayer. As part of the lesson we talked about praying for others to be saved. This is something that I do often. After church this morning a fellow congregant came up to me saying "Repent and get right with God". This person continued with some unchristian statements that left me speechless. I listened to their words till they were finished. Then I responded with "speak for yourself."

 

I am all for helping others to come to know Christ and be saved. However, when you talk the talk you better walk the walk. That is to say that you need to practice what you preach. Don't come up to me spouting your Christian ideology and then go away doing something quite different.

 

I don't find it at all good that a fellow church member took it upon themselves to decide that I needed to be saved. I thank you to know that I can tell you the date in which I was saved. It was June 21, 1995.

 

I think this person needs to reevaluate their own life and get it right with God. I don't like to judge fellow Christians, but if you are speaking one thing and then living another something is really wrong. You need to change your life before you change others.

 

I hate it when fellow believers go around saying they are Christians and then judge other Christians. That is totally wrong. You should not judge others based on how you believe. Sometimes what you believe is wrong.

 

So my advice to all these so called Christians is to get your life in check before you try to tell someone else how to live their life. It will be well worth it in the end.

Weather......The Science of Uncertainty

We are in the middle of Winter. With that brings bad weather. Weather is a science of uncertainty. That means that the weatherman or the National Weather Service can tell you what they think is going to happen and then it may or may not happen. They have a 50/50 chance of calling it right.

Recently the weatherman has called for 2 snow events that have turned out not as predicted. That is not the weatherman's fault. That is the thing with weather. We never know what is going to happen until it happens.

Weathermen are just predicting what they think will happen. It is their job. They are not perfect by any means. We have to cut them some slack. Just cause you want snow and it is in the forecast doesn't mean that it will happen. It means that it might happen.

Here is another thing. They put a % on each of the weather predictions. If it is 100% you know that it is going to happen. Anything below that and you may or may not get bad weather.

Take last night for example. There was a 100% chance on Monday of snow last night. As we got closer the chance of snow got lower. That was because the models had changed the closer this storm got to us. That is how it works.

Weathermen look at models to make their predictions about what is going to happen. Then it may change or it may not. It all depends too on if the factors are all in place for whatever they are expecting to happen.

Sometimes the factors are there, but the timing is just not right. Last nights weather was too warm and brought several hours of steady rain that did any of the snow chances in. That is good in my book.

So I would tell all those snow lovers out there to not get too overly excited about a snow forecast. It may or may not happen. All the weathermen can do is predict what they think will happen. You will just have to see what happens when the storm comes. That will be the real test. 

Walking....The Lost Art

I got up this morning after a very much needed sleep where I decided to sleep in. I do this a lot on Saturdays because during the week I tend to tell myself that I can stay up a little later and it will be ok. I will still be able to get up in the morning for work. Sleep, though it is a good thing is not the subject of this blog.

I went outside to feed my cat and decided that instead of taking my car down to church that I would walk. This was due to the snow that was on the ground from the night before and the fear that the church hill would not be fit for me to drive up.

I bundled up and headed down the road to the church. As I walked down the road I began to realize that walking places is a lost art. That not a lot of people do it anymore. That people would rather drive their cars than walk. That is sad.

Growing up we walked a lot. Grandma just lived up the road so we walked to her house quite often. Church was down the road so we walked to it in the Summer for youth group. We often walked with my uncle down to the local store. Grandma quite often had me walk to the post office to get her mail. The list goes on.

Now days it seems like we don't walk like we use to. People want to drive even short distances. I know that there are cases where you have to drive. However, there are times that we should just walk. It is better for us in the long run.

So as I walked back up the road I realized another fact that I had not thought about. That is that the roads are just not safe for people to walk anymore. I live out in the country and there are so many dangers in regards to walking on the road. People drive quite fast on the road anymore. 

Now most people only walk these days for exercise rather than necessity. This is in a way sad. I think that if we had to walk more places that we would be healthier by far. People would sleep better after walking a long distance.

So if you ever get the chance I would recommend to you that you take a walk to some place close to you. Make it a habit. You will feel better for it.  

Snow...Not A Big Fan

Snow....Yes, I know that it is a part of the Winter season, but does it have to happen so often and so much. I am not a big fan of snow y any means. I would rather have rain than snow. Last winter it seemed like we were having snow almost on a weekly bases. To me that is too much snow. I got sick of snow quick.

Another reason that I don't like snow is cause of my job. I work for the local school system. You would think that being with kids all day that I would love a snow day. Not so. The state of WV has passed legislation that states that now we have to have 180 instructional days during the school year. That could mean if we get enough snow days this year that we could be going till July. I would rather be in school now than school in June.

A friend of mine pointed out recently that we need the snow. We need it for all the good that it will do this Spring and Summer. We need the moisture. Last year we got plenty of snow and still we had dry ground for crops. That coupled with the lack of rain did not sit well for farmers in the area.

That brings me to another reason to dislike snow. I grew up on a farm. Now as an adult still living on the farm I can see why farmers don't like the snow. Power outages for one. If the snow is heavy enough trees could cut off the power. Not good for chickens and other animals. Plus if the snow is deep enough farmers can't get out to feed their cows and other animals.

Then there is driving. When it snows I don't drive unless I have to. That is a good thing. One less person on the road. It seems that soon after the snow stops that people feel that they have to get out and go. I had an Uncle that as soon as the snow stopped and he could get out he had to go somewhere. Never failed. The roads are not safe anymore after the snow.

I could list a million reasons why I don't like snow. I know that there are people out there that like the snow and that is fine. To each his own.

I have a friend that keeps telling me that God has it under control. That is true. He will not give us anymore than we can handle. That is a fact. I figure that God knows what we need. If he feels that I need to work in June instead of enjoy a break then who am I to argue with that.

So if you love snow I say good for you. If you are like me and don't like the snow then I say join the club. Snow will not be gone till Spring and then will be back again next Winter. It is a fact of life that we just have to deal with.

Worn

 

 

Have you ever been at the point were you just feel worn? I have had days like that. Days were I feel like I just can't go on. Tenth Avenue North's song Worn goes through my head at times like this. When I feel broken I listen to that song and I realize that no matter how broken I feel God will put me back together and use me for a greater purpose.

 

Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that. That verse says that God has a plan for each and everyone of us while we are here on this earth. That is a fact. God is going to use us for a greater good. We just have to have faith in that.

 

Philippians 3:12-14 says I’m not there yet, nor have I become perfect; but I am charging on to gain anything and everything the Anointed One, Jesus, has in store for me—and nothing will stand in my way because He has grabbed me and won’t let me go. Brothers and sisters, as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission. I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed.  

 

That says that we are not perfect, but God has us in his loving arms. We are on the path to gain all that Jesus has in store for us. Nothing is going to stand in our way. We are leaving the old life behind and sprinting forward to have a life with Christ. That is an awesome thought.

 

Philippians 4:13 says I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength. That says that with God nothing is impossible. We will be able to do whatever we set our mind to. God has our back. That is awesome.

 

So when you are feeling worn just go to God in prayer. He will hear your need and see you through it. All you have to do is ask. Nothing is too big or small for God to handle. God is in control. We just have to have faith. 

Jason Crabb.....His Music Has A Powerful Message

In 2009 I was going through a ruff patch. My Grandpa Rittenour had passed away in May and then two people that I dearly love were murdered in October. That left me questioning my faith in God. I was at the point that I wanted to give up on God. Then one Saturday Night I was watching Classic Gospel on WVPBS. This show was all about the Gaither Homecoming.

As I watched the show I saw a singer by the name of Jason Crabb who sang the song  Through The Fire. That song just blew me away. The message behind the song says that no matter what we are going through in our lives that God is always with us. That song has been my favorite from that point on. I just couldn't get enough of it. That song reminded me of the bible story of Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego.

Jason's music has a powerful message. I know that when I need a lift or just wanting to praise the Lord that Jason's songs will be what that I go for. They are so powerful.

Another song that I reach for in my Jason Crabb playlist is I Sure Miss You. This is a song that Jason wrote after the passing of his Grandpa. When I am missing my Grandpa I listen to this song and it reminds me that one day I will see Grandpa again.

Another powerful song that I listen to over and over is Please Forgive Me. The version of this song that I like best is one that Jason does with Gordon Mote. The song has a powerful message.

Please Forgive Me,
I need your grace to make it through,
All I have is you,
I'm at your mercy Lord,
An I'll serve you,
Until my dying day,
And help others find the way,
At your mercy,
Please forgive me

I can't help loving I'm Amazed. Jason does this song with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. It is a powerful song that will get your hands in the air. Jason did this song at the last Billy Graham Crusade that was held in New York City.

Redeemer is another one that I love. That song talks about Jesus. It is a great song about the power of Jesus. Daystar is a song that talks about how much one person loves Jesus and wants to be a witness in this world for him. I love that song.

Love Wins is a powerful song. It says that no matter what happens God's love is going to win the battle for you. Love is Stronger is a song that talks about how when things get tuff that you keep going. The video for this song is one that makes me cry. You can watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZuWbA2LnlE.

Until I Found The Lord is a song about Jacob. It is a great song about one man's faith in God. Maybe we should all seek the Lord like Jacob did. Until Then talks about making the most of life on Earth till God calls you home.

I could go on and on about the songs of Jason Crabb. There are just so many good ones. I could listen to Jason's music 24/7. It never gets old. It always seems new to me each time that I hear it.

I have a friend named Becca that is just as huge a fan of Jason Crabb as I am. She got to see him in concert. I thought that was so cool. I am hoping that one day Becca will make a video to post on Facebook of her singing one of Jason's songs. She is a good singer.

God gave Jason Crabb a gift and he is using that gift to glorify God. What a blessing he is! If you have never heard Jason Crabb I encourage you to check out his music. You will be truly blessed. It has a great message and is so powerful.

Its The Little Things That Divide A Church

In our Sunday School lesson this week there was a little devotional about how two churches in a community wanted to become one church. Both churches on their own could not and would not be able to survive in the community. The plans were in place to become one church. That was until it came down to how the members would say the Lord's Prayer. The one church said debts and debtors while the other church said trespasses and trespass. They couldn't come to an agreement so they didn't join.

It is the little things that divide a church. So often Christians get hung up on the little things that go on in a church. They stew and fret over things that mean nothing to the work of the church. These things are incidental. In time these things mean more to some in the congregation than others. They end up making mountains out of mole hills.

Those people loose sight of what really matters when it comes to the work of the church. These people stir up trouble in the church that ends up dividing the church. It is like a feud. Those with the problem try to weed out those in the church that don't believe or feel the way that they do. They will stop at nothing to be happy.

In the process they will not only divide the church, but they will keep others from wanting to join the church. They have lost God and sight of what he wants. They don't remember what started this all in the first place. In the end they really are not happy. It is very sad.

I have heard of this very thing happening. In the end it took years for both churches to get back on their feet. It took years for the community to see the churches for what they really are. It took years for the churches to find God again and get back on the right path.

My advice is that if you get upset about something that happens at church then pray about it. Give the problem over to God. He will help you through it before it gets out of control. God will help you gain your focus on what is right. God is in control when you feel that you are not. Have a little faith. It will all work out in the end.

A Church divided will not stand. We must come together as one for the sake of the gospel. We need to share the love of God with others. We are lights for God in this world. How we behave reflects our faith in God. Never forget that.

Retirement....Saying Good-Bye to special people

In everyone's life there comes a time when they think about and then decide to retire. They have come to the age and stage in life when it is time for retirement. Webster's dictionary defines Retirement as the act of ending your work or career.

Recently some people I know have decided to take the step in life of retirement. It is sad, but it has to happen. I wish them the best in the rest of their life as they move on into the retirement stage of life. They will be missed, but they have left a lasting mark behind.

Mrs. Reva Miller has been a waitress at the Kac-Ka-Pon Restaurant as long as I can remember. She always had a smile on her face. She got to know the regular customers. I can remember going there as a kid and Reva already knowing what I was going to order. She served me wing dings and fries many times. She was always so kind to everyone who she waited on. She is a wonderful Christian lady. I know that I am going to miss her. I wish her all the best.

Mr. Funkhouser has been a staple at East Hardy High School for years. He taught English. Last year and this year he has been working with the Core Curriculum. He is a very kind and caring teacher. Students trust him. They know that if they need someone to talk to that Mr. Funkhouser is someone that they can talk to. He is a very Christian man. I can remember when my Grandpa Rittenour passed away how Mr. Funkhouser prayed with Mom and I. Mr. Funkhouser was a great teacher and a great person to work with.

Mr. Rudy has been a staple at East Hardy High School for years. He has taught Math. He has been tough, but fair. Students know that if they need help with math that Mr. Rudy is glad to help. He wants to see his students succeed. I can remember in college taking a math course that was quite hard. I had a tutor that was helping me. She and I came across a math problem that we could not do. She told me that we would call my mom (former math teacher) for help. If mom could not help us then we would look to Mr. Rudy for help.

Mr. Funkhouser and Mr. Rudy are the difference. They were interviewed for a program called Be The Difference. You can view that interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7bzfb90ccM.

I wish these wonderful people as well as everyone else who is planning to retire the best of luck in the future.

The End of an Era

As 2015 begins it seems that a few things in our community that have been long time institutions are coming to an end. That is sad for those of us who have lived in the community for a long time. I guess that change has to happen.

On December 31st, South End Grocery closed its doors. The store had been opened for 35 years here in Lost City. It is sad to see it close, but it was going to happen sometime. JP and Jeanie are ready to retire. Their store had a little bit of everything in it. In the Spring and Summer you could go there and find fresh fruits and vegetables. They had homemade sandwiches, hotdogs, ice cream, and so much more. The store will be missed.

Green Valley Clinic will close its doors this month. Dr. Gehman and staff have been a vital part of the community for decades. The staff makes you feel part of the family. They are very carrying of all the patients. Dr. Gehman made you feel comfortable. I know that when I have had to see him when I was sick I knew that he would know just what to do to make me feel better. He is a small town doctor with a caring touch. His office will be missed for sure.

I have a feeling that with these institutions closing that something will come to replace them. We will just have to wait and see what happens.

God Is In Control

 

 

So often I seem to make a mountain out of something that is truly nothing. I get frustrated to easily and loose sight of what I really should be focused on. When things get me down I need to just stop and give it over to God. He will see me through it.

 

Philippians 4:13 says I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength. That says that we should not worry about anything in life because God has it in control. Nothing is too big for him to handle for us. He will see us through.

 

Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that. That says that God has a plan for everything that happens to you. He is not going to leave you either. He is going to be right by your side always.

 

I have learned to just say over and over when something is bothering me that God is in control. It makes me feel better. I realize that God has me covered. He is going to get me through whatever is getting me down.

 

So no matter what happens I am going to put my trust in God. I am going to let him take control. He has my back. He has a plan and a purpose for everything. You just have to have faith and believe. Good thing happen to those that believe.

 

The song God is in control says this idea best. Twila Paris says it better than I could ever say it.

 

God is in control
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
Oh, God is in control, oh God is in control

History marches on
There is a bottom line drawn across the ages
Culture can make its plan oh, but the line never changes
No matter how the deception may fly
There is one thing that has always been true
It will be true forever

God is in control
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
Oh, God is in control, oh God is in control

He has never let you down
Why start to worry now?
Why start to worry now?
He is still the Lord of all we see
And He is still the loving Father
Watching over you and me

Watching over you, watching over me
Watching over every thing
Watching over you, watching over me
Every little sparrow, every little thing
Oh, every little thing, oh

God is in control
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
Oh, God is in control, oh God is in control

Oh God is in control
Oh God is in control

Downton Abbey...Season 5 Episode 1

Downton Abbey......I have been a fan of it for awhile now. I ran across it one Sunday Night and then had to catch up on what I had missed. I was hooked on it from the first moment that I saw it. I was in fact hooked on the Mary and Matthew story line. I so wanted them to be together and when they did get together I was shouting from the roof top.

Now we are into Season 5 and I am quiet excited. However, I wish that the UK and USA would show the show at the same time. I know that the UK is where the show is set and filmed so they should show it first. I just would like to be able to see the show before it is out on DVD. However, I am considering purchasing the seasons on DVD so that I can watch them over and over again.

Season 5 Episode 1 begins with Lady Edith seeing her child that she has secretly had and given to a family in the village. How long is that going to go on before someone finds out about the child? Then there is Daisy. She wants to learn math so that she can go live on the farm. Will she really be happy on a farm?

Then there is Tom and Ms. Bunting. Does Tom have a flame burning for her? I think that it is high time the Tom is happy. He doesn't have to marry, but he does need a companion. I hope that Mary will soon make up her mind about who she wants to spend the rest of her life with. She needs to find a companion.

I think that it is time that Mr. Barrow gets the boot. He is a troublemaker. I have not liked him from the moment that he showed up. I think that in time he will get what is coming to him. I am wondering how long it will be before Barrow finds out Bates secret. He will make a big deal out of it.

I would love to know what is up with Lady Amtower and James. I think something more is up than what they are letting on. I don't like the fact that Barrow spoke for James when Carson tried talking to them. I like how Lady Grantham handled Barrow. However, Barrow did sort of redeem himself by saving Lady Edith.

34 years of marriage for Cora and Lord Grantham. That is wonderful. They seem so very happy. I think that Lord Grantham did the right thing by sacking James.

This season seems to be shaping up to be a good one that I for one do not want to miss a minute of. If you have not gotten into Downton Abbey then you don't know what you are missing. It is a great show.

The Last Supper.....Holy Communion

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread. He offered a blessing over the bread, and then He broke it and gave it to His disciples.

Jesus: Take this and eat; it is My body.

And then He took the cup of wine, He made a blessing over it, and He passed it around the table.

Jesus: Take this and drink, all of you: this is My blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you: I will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until I am with you once more, drinking in the kingdom of My Father.

Matthew 26:26-29 (The Voice Bible)

 

Today at church we did as we always do on the first Sunday of each quarter (January, April, July, October) we have Communion. This is a sacred and solom time. It is a time to reflect on the huge sacrifice that Jesus made for us.

 

This morning before Dwight gave Communion he said some very beautiful words about this holy institution. You can hear his words at http://youtu.be/U8riJmUMevw. As Dwight was talking it got me to thinking about Communions that I have partaken in my life.

 

I can remember going with my Grandma and Grandpa Rittenour to Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Rio, WV and taking Communion. As a child I went up and stood next to Granddaddy and was blessed. When I joined my church they allowed me to take Communion. They used Communion Wafers. Those things were awful. They tasted like plastic. So after I was given on I pretended to put it in my mouth. I ended up putting this in my pocket. This went on for years until my Grandma caught me.

 

After church she explained to me how important it was for us to take this seriously. Also at my Grandparent's church they used Communion Wine that was so awful that I almost wanted to make faces when I drank it.

 

As Dwight talked today I thought about how right my Grandma was. We should take Communion seriously. This is not something that we do lightly. It is something that represents Jesus death and suffering on the cross for us.

 

In our church we use bread and grape juice. It is the same concept as what was used at my Grandparent's church and I know that every church does something different. That is their right. There is no written rule about what to use for Communion.

 

The bread of Communion represents the body of  Christ. When he broke it in front of the disciples he was telling then that his body was going to be broken for them very soon. The grape juice of Communion represents Christ blood that was shed for us when his body was broken on the cross. Jesus was trying to tell the disciples in a very simplistic way that he was going to give his life to save them from their sin and the sins of the world.

 

I don't think that the disciples understood the brevity of what Jesus was trying to tell them. They didn't understand the significance of this simple act. I think that is still true of Christians today. I think a lot of Christians just go through the motions like it is no big deal. It is a big deal!

 

Communion is all about remembering the biggest sacrifice that anyone has ever done for us. That is to die for us on a cross so that one day we could live in the greatest place imaginable forever. How cool is that?

 

So from now on I challenge each of you to take Communion a little more seriously. To really think about what the elements symbolize for us as Christians. Think about the ultimate sacrifice the Jesus did for us that is evident each time we take Communion. Don't just go through the motions. Make it the big deal that it is.      

Blessings

 

 

Blessings......Have you ever really thought about them? Have you really experienced them? I believe that blessings happen when you least expect them. They happen when you need them. God gives you a blessing when he feels you need on.

 

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says But blessed is the one who trusts in Me alone; the Eternal will be his confidence. He is like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots beside the stream. It does not fear the heat or even drought. Its leaves stay green and its fruit is dependable, no matter what it faces.

 

That says that if we trust in God alone he will see that we are richly blessed daily. What a wonderful thought that is! The thought that we will be blessed daily is a great thought. God is at work in our lives each day.

 

We need to have faith that we will see blessings happen. If we have faith and let God take control good things happen to us. We need to not look for blessings each day. We need to just let them happen. Unexpected blessings are the best kind. Those are the ones that you will remember.

 

Just remember in faith we will see blessings happen to us.

Thank God for Great Friends!

 

 

I am so blessed in so many ways. When it comes to friends I have some great ones who know me better than I know myself. I thank God everyday for those friends. God puts people in your life who he knows that will be there for you when you need them. God knows just who is the right fit for your life. He has a plan for you.

 

In my life I have great friends. One of my best friends is Andrea. She knows me better than I know myself. She knows that I love butterflies. So for Christmas she got me a butterfly pillow that is very beautiful. Once before she got me a hobo handbag that has a butterfly on it. I love them both. Andrea is a very unique person who is always positive no matter what life has to throw at her. I wish that I could be that positive all the time. Andrea is so out going. She would be the life of the party. She makes everyone feel special and important. She doesn't care what people look like cause she likes everyone. She is the best friend that I could ever have.

 

Then there is my friend Jackie. She is someone that I can talk to. She listens and never judges. She makes the most of what she has. She is a great mother. She has a heart so full of love. She loves the students in her class like they were her own children. That is one things that I try to do each year with the students in my class. She welcomes you into her life with open arms. She makes you feel a part of her family. That is what I love about her.

 

Proverbs 27:9 says The heart is delighted by the fragrance of oil and sweet perfumes,

and in just the same way, the soul is sweetened by the wise counsel of a friend. That means that friends can make a difference in our lives. They are there to cheer us up, lift us up, they encourage you, and are there for you when you need them.

 

One of my favorite songs talks about good Christian friends. Friends by Michael W. Smith is a great song that I always think about when I am thinking about good friends. Here are the lyrics.

 

Packing up the dreams
God planted
In the fertile soil of you
I can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through

We'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say "never"
Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends

With the faith and love that God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say "never"
Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say "never"
Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends

 



Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed....in a recent post by Sara, she said that the song Overwhelmed by Big Daddy Weave has been the song that captures this whole journey with Isaac for her. I can see that. Check the video out at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiGb14tTaH4.

Sometimes things in our lives can be overwhelming to us, but with God by our side we can get through it. I know that there are times that I have just had to stop and talk to God before I did or said something that I couldn't take back and that I would regret later.

God is always there when we need him for anything that we need him for. God is great. He is an awesome God. He will help us through anything. We never need to feel overwhelmed about anything. God has it under control.

So when you are feeling overwhelmed by life just turn to God and give him what is bothering you. God will see you through it. He will take away the overwhelmed feeling in your life.

Happy New Year! Time for New Beginnings

Happy New Year......2014 has past and 2015 has begun. This is a new year and a new slate. The old is gone and the new has begun. It is a time to let new things happen. I wish everyone the best year possible.

Everyone has made New Years resolutions I am sure. This is one year that I really did make a new years resolution. I want to read my bible and pray more. I want to worry less and give things to God more. I want to be more positive and less negative. I want to have more faith in God and less questioning of His power. Lastly, I want to do some act of kindness for someone each day in 2015.

I hope that the new year brings you everything that you are looking for. May your New Years resolutions come true. May this be a year of blessings and miracles for you.

In 2014 the Ludwig Family got a miracle. Baby Isaac got the heart that so many people had been praying for for him. It was the faith of his mother Sara and the faith of so many others who prayed for him that God heard. God is good.

In 2015 the Ludwig Family will take the next step. If all goes well next week Baby Isaac will get to go home from UVA for the first time and for good. His post op progress has been excellent. He has done better than expected.

I pray that this family who has been through so much in 2014 will get their new beginning in 2015. That Sara and Mitchell will be able to bring Baby Isaac home. What a blessing that will be.

Have you thought about your new beginning for 2015? What are you planning to do? 2015 is all about new beginnings. That is taking the next step in faith to get a positive result. I challenge you to make this a year of new beginnings.