Just a note about Jesus

JOHN 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them"..... JAMES 2:18-20 18 "But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person,... do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless."
These don't contradict each other. There are many people who believe in Jesus, but they reject Him by their actions/lifestyle. We can "believe" all we want to, but what good will it do at the final judgement? Not one iota.
JOHN: 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commands."
We can "do all the right things", follow His commands, but if our heart is not devoted to Him, then it does not do one bit of good. The key word is: LOVE. We have to have a relationship with Jesus first and foremost. Then, BECAUSE we love Him, we will WANT show that love to Him by following and obeying Him.

How do we have a relationship with Jesus?  We spend time with Him.  How?  We read His Word.  We pray.  We STUDY His Word.  We listen to sermons. 

Is having a relationship with Jesus easy?  Is having any relationship easy?  The key difference between a relationship with Jesus and a relationship with another person is that Jesus will NEVER fail you.  Jesus is ALWAYS there for you.  Jesus will ALWAYS love you. You can't say that about anyone else.  Jesus will also NEVER push you into a relationship with Him, but He is ALWAYS holding out His hand, waiting for you to grab hold of it.  It is YOUR choice.  You have to make the conscious effort every second, every minute, every hour, every day to follow Him.

But remember, if you fail, if you sin, there is an answer:  1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
I AM BLESSED!!
Keep Smiling!! :)

Chauffer

Moms are very often chauffers.  I have been chauffering my children all over the place "forever".  Of course, now it's just my youngest daughter.... 
For a period of about one year, I was a chauffer to my step-daughter(s).  Originally it was just the one step-daughter.  Then it ended up being both step-daughters.  I mainly took them to work and picked them up from work.  Occasionally a doctor's visit was thrown in.  It used up a lot of gas and it put a lot of miles on my car.  I lost sleep doing this, therefore, I was sleepy a lot.  Sometimes I was even sleepy when driving home at night. 
BUT!  Being their chauffer meant I spent time with them.  A lot of the time it was one on one time.  We would talk about anything and everything.  Alcohol, friends, family, drugs, animals, work, school, boys, the past, etc.  I treasured those times with them. 
One time we took the oldest step-daughter to an appointment at Remington College.  She was checking into their Dental Assistant program.  On the way there, I-35W was blocked off because of a very serious/deadly wreck.  Little did I know that I-35W was going to be blocked off on our way home!!  What should have taken us maybe an hour to get home, actually took us 3-4 hours!!  BUT!  It was an adventure with the three girls!  We had to try to figure a way home.  The gps was not cooperating.  My hubby was not answering his phone.  It was an adventure for sure!! 
I would joke often about being a chauffer to the girls.  I fussed about the price of gasoline.  (It's ridiculously high.)  But again, I treasured those times with the girls. 
I AM BLESSED!!!
Keep Smiling!! :)

July 13, 2011 Devotional

"Then the Lord said to Moses" Exodus 31:12

That's it.  That is the whole verse.  But it speaks volumes!!  Think about it!  "Then the Lord SAID to Moses".  The Lord was speaking directly to Moses.  One on one.  They carried on a conversation together.  Of course, not face-to-face.  If Moses had looked upon the face of God, he would die.  But still, they spoke to each other.  How beautiful and wonderfully awesome is THAT?! 
I hope and pray that one day I will be blessed to have a conversation with God.
I AM BLESSED!
Keep Smiling!! :)

Wandering & Lost

Luke 15:10¹⁰ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

One day Ethel had puppies.  She had them under the bunk house....or you can call it a shed.
One day my husband was on the porch and he heard the puppies.  So, he looked through the cracks of the porch and he saw one of the puppies.  It was black and white spotted.  Then he called me so I could go look at the puppy.
The next day my hubby got the puppy out from under the porch and found another black and white spotted puppy.  He brought them both in the house, then brought Ethel into the house.  Ethel nursed them and wanted back outside.  My hubby watched her and he saw that she went back under the bunk house. 
This time he listened hard and he heard noises at the back of the bunk house.  Puppy noises!  So he crawled under the back of the bunk house and found three more puppies!  One who had brown spots and two who looked like Ethel.  He brought the other three puppies into the house. 
The two puppies who scooted away from the rest of the litter, their brothers and sisters, reminded me of people.  These puppies had their eyes shut, so their world was dark.  They left their family, they wandered away.
Sometimes people will shut their eyes to Jesus, and to the light, the knowledge and love He gives them.  They wander away from their family and from Jesus into a world of sin, of darkness.
Ethel kept going to her wandering puppies, taking care of them, trying to keep them with the family.  Jesus keeps going after people lost in the darkness of sin, loving them, caring for them, wanting them back in His family.
Jesus is awesome.
I AM BLESSED.
Keep Smiling!!  :)

Marijuana/Alcohol

1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
To be honest, I'm not sure how connected this little blog will be.  I wrote down my notes a few months ago, then never had a chance to get on here and write it out.  But... here goes.

Who would have ever thought I would blog about marijuana?!  Have I ever used it?  NO.  But I have known plenty of people who have.  Have I ever wanted to use it?  NO.  I have seen the results.  It alters the person's behavior - which means it affects the brain.  There is someone dear to me who used to drink and do drugs.  He would be mean while on drugs - including marijuana, and mellow when drunk.  Wow.  It altered his behavior.  Imagine that. 

I understand that it can relax a person, help them chill, etc.  Just as alcohol does.  But there are many more ways to "chill" and/or "relax" than using either.  Marijuana and/or alcohol is often a gateway for stronger drugs.  Those using them are looking for a "better high".  Lives are lost, families are ripped apart, people are homeless - most because of their addiction.

Addiction.  Some people can handle more than others.  Everyone is different.  Then there are those who take one drink - they become an alcoholic, or, smoke one joint - they are addicted.  There are social drinkers and there are social smokers.  It depends on whether the person has an addictive personality and/or if addictions are prevalent in the family.  Do you think that someone just decides to become addicted?  "Oh, I think I'll become addicted today to....".  No. That's not how it happens. It can be progressive.  Don't try to tell me it's not harmful.  Tell the friends of mine who are now dead....those who started out with smoking joints and then went on to "bigger and better" drugs.  Tell the friends of mine who are dead....those who started drinking with their buddies, became alcoholics, spent time in jail and then ended up dead because of drinking and driving.  Tell the friends of mine who are still alive.... and now addicted to crack, heroin, coke, etc.... and either on the streets selling their bodies or spending time in prison.  Tell my friend who is now a crack whore, who lost every one of her children....who started smoking weed. 

An argument FOR marijuana is "marijuana is natural".  Yes, it is.  So is poison ivy.  Do you want to smoke that? 

Another argument is a lot of smart people smoke weed.  Sure a lot of smart  people smoke weed.  Smart people also drink alcohol.  But, you cannot say that they do not harm the body.  It is a proven scientific fact that marijuana and alcohol do kill off brain cells.  Imagine how smart these "smart people" would be if they didn't use weed or didn't drink.  In fact, someone super dear to me told me a few months ago that a young lady we knew used to be very smart, but she smoked too much weed.  Wait.... USED TO BE?  SMOKED TOO MUCH WEED?  The person who told me this used to smoke it himself and would love to again.   

I have a question:  Should pregnant or nursing women smoke or drink when pregnant or nursing?  No.  Why?  Because the baby ingests it.  It's harmful.  Well, if it's harmful to the baby, then it's harmful to the mother.  By the way, this was a question I posed to someone who is PRO marijuana use.  SHE was the one who said no.

People who want to use it think that marijuana (and/or alcohol) are okay.  They will always come up with arguments to justify their use.  But that doesn't make it okay.  "Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words." Proverbs 23:9

Diabetes

A little boy came into the office with his dad one day.  He was about 4 years old.  Cute as can be.  He asked his dad something, his dad told him no.  So, the little guy turned to me and said, "Do you have any good candy?" His dad looked up from the paperwork he was filling out and said, "He has diabetes.  He knows that is 'bad' candy to him."

"Oh," I said.  Then I looked at the little boy and said, "No, I'm sorry, sweetie.  We don't have any 'good' candy."  He accepted the answer, then proceeded to talk about other things. 

This was the day after I went to the doctor with Heather.  I'm not going to go into details about the doctor's visit.  Let's just say I learned a few facts.  I knew a few things, but I have a LOT more to learn.

I worked closely with a diabetic for nine years.  I am working closely with one now, and have been for four years.  Someone dear to me is a diabetic.  These three are adults.  They all "follow the rules" regarding their diet.  A nicer way to put it is: they follow the dietary guidelines.

I can't imagine living with diabetes.  Especially Type 1.  Maybe if a person is diagnosed as a young child it wouldn't be as difficult because it would be "normal" for them.

But, what about being diagnosed when a teenager?  An older teenager?  Say, around 16 or 17 yrs old?  Up to that time being able to eat and drink whatever, and however much he/she wants?  Then.... BAM!!!  Being told "You have Type 1 Diabetes."  Talk about a lifestyle change.

    1.  Medicines daily - possibly several shots daily.
    2.  Monitor blood sugar - i.e. prick finger several times a day.
    3.  Major changes in eating habits.
    4.  Lots more doctor visits.
    5.  That thought "I'm a diabetic" hanging over you like a sword.
    6.  The realization, "I have to live this way forever."
    7.  The fear, "I can't have fun anymore" or "I can't have a normal life anymore".

There are severe consequences if a person refuses to take active control of their health: coma, blindness, dialysis, neuropathy, heart attacks, death.....  That is just a few.

You know kids and teenagers.  Coke and a candy bar - they are set.  (Yes, adults too!)  Or, just grab a snack - no matter what it is or what time it is.  Hanging out with friends, munch out, or it's "Woo-hoo!  Pizza!".  Carefree.  No worries.  But, not for a diabetic.

Now, I realize that the snacks, munchies, etc, are not that healthy.  If you're going to snack, it should be something healthy, like veggies or fruit, regardless of your age.  Some kids/teens do eat healthy snacks.  But even with fruit, diabetics have to be careful.  Think about it: fruit is sweet.  It has natural sugars.  They may be "complex sugars", but the bottom line is, they are "sugars".  Something to be careful with, and to monitor. 

Sugar.  Nobody should pig out on sugar.  It's not healthy regardless of who you are.  Can we say "empty calories"?  Can we say "bad for your teeth"?  What about just bad for your body altogether?  Except the taste buds.

But wait!  Sugar isn't the only thing diabetics have to be careful with.  Pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, corn, etc.  These are starches, carbs.  They break down and turn into sugar.  Carbs -> starches -> sugars.  Maybe it's starches -> carbs -> sugars.  But you get the point.  It's better to eat whole wheat pasta, brown rice, whole grain bread, etc. 

Have you considered how expensive it is eating healthy?  It is.  I know it's better to purchase the whole grains, etc.  But for those who are financially strapped, it's often not feasible. 

I understand it's not as though it's cancer, or multiple sclerosis, or ......  True.  But for someone who is just diagnosed, or who doesn't want to accept the diagnosis, or doesn't see that life goes on and can be complete and fulfilling, it's like a death knell.

Oh!  And yes!  Life DOES go on.  It can be fulfilling, successful, rich in love and happiness.  Because, life is as you make it.  Why not make it the best, and most healthy, it can be?

I AM BLESSED!!

Keep Smiling!! :)

The Clothes Our Girls Wear

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4

Think about the girls/woman you see, at the store, the park, work, school, etc.  Wherever you are, wherever you go.  There are those who dress modestly, suggestively, becomingly, provocatively, outlandishly, etc.  There are MANY ways females dress. 

Now, I realize that the above Scripture is addressed towards wives, but don't you think it's applicable for all females to dress according to that Scripture?

I have daughters and nieces.  I also know several other young ladies whom I care about.  I've told my girls that they need to think about the image they are projecting when they get dressed.  If they show a lot of cleavage, or barely cover their bottoms, what is their appearance saying? 

Let's say a girl wears a shirt that shows a lot of cleavage.  A guy looks at her, approaches her and talks to her.  I can almost guarantee that he is not thinking about her in a "Oh, she looks like a nice girl.  I'd like to get to know her" kind of way.  Nope.  He's looking at her as a sex object, a piece of meat.  If a young lady is trying to attact a man, she needs to think: does she want a guy who will use her and throw her away, or does she want a guy who cares about her as a person, who is interested in more than just what he can get from her?   

Girls need to understand that dressing provocatively DETRACTS from their real beauty.  In fact, dressing provocatively makes them look trashy.  I don't want MY girls dressing like slut puppies.  I want them to dress becomingly, with modesty.  They need to understand they can dress to enhance their real beauty without showing their bodies. 

But you know what really gets me?  The mothers who take their daughters shopping and buys them the slutty outfits.  WHAT are these mothers thinking?!  What are they teaching their daughters?!  I'm sorry, but I just want to knock these mothers upside the head and tell them "Get a grip!  What about teaching your daughter how to dress decently instead of like a little hooker?!"

All girls need a big brother like the one my girls have.  He wants his sisters to dress with propriety.  He jokes around in the summer with them "You better put a parka on over that bikini!".  But he's not joking when he tells them their shorts are too short, or their dress is too short, or they are not leaving the house wearing "that shirt".  He loves his sisters and he knows how guys think. 

Just a few thoughts....
I AM BLESSED!!!  Keep Smiling!! :)