The Pearl Necklace

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This is adapted for Christmas from a similar story found online, but did not find an author's name. If anyone finds an author, I will delete this promptly.
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One day in early December, Jenny (who is almost 5) was at the Dollar store with her mom. Mom was looking for Christmas decorations, but Jenny was just looking at things on the shelves she could see. Mom had picked up quite a few things when she heard Jenny’s excited voice, “MOMMY – look at that beautiful necklace!” Mom looked at it, a simple, cheap necklace made of play/faux pearls strung by elastic. Mom did not share her excitement knowing it could break easily with beads going everywhere. Jennie tugged on her mom, once, twice, and said, “I really WANT that pearl necklace mommy, can I have them, please!”

As mom stood in line to check out, Jenny tugged again at her mom and pleaded one last time for the necklace.

“Jenny, will you help me bake cookies without complaining?” “YES”, said Jenny. “OK",agreed mom. Jenny ran back to the necklace she had her eye on, carefully picked it up and went back, smiling, to the check out.

The minute she got in the car, Jenny opened the box and proudly put on the necklace. She felt so pretty and so grown up. Jenny wore them everywhere – Church, School, play, even to bed.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night he would read her a story and pray with her.

One night when he finished the story he asked Jenny: “Do you love me?” “Oh Yes Daddy. You know that I love you”, said Jenny. “Then give me your pearls,” said dad. “Oh Daddy, not my pearls! You can have my favorite pink horse, Daddy! You gave me that one remember Daddy? That is my favorite one!” “That’s ok, Honey”, said dad. “Daddy loves you. Good Night”, and he gave her a kiss.

About a week later, after story time, Jenny’s daddy asked again, “Do you love me?” “Daddy you KNOW that I love you”. “Then give me your pearls”. “Oh daddy not my pearls. You can have my baby doll. The new one I just got for my birthday. You can even have the blanket and her clothes.” “That’s ok. Sleep well. God bless you. Daddy loves you”, and he gave her a kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed. As he came close he noticed Jenny was softly crying. “What is wrong, Jenny? Why are you crying?”

Quietly she lifted her little hand up to her daddy. When she opened it, her pearl necklace was in her hand. She said, “Daddy…this is for you, I do love you”.

With tears in his eyes, Daddy took the necklace and said, “I am so glad you love me that much”.

On Christmas morning, when all the gifts had been opened, daddy handed Jenny the gift hidden in the tree. She opened it and saw a blue velvet bag. Carefully she emptied the contents into her little hands….there was a strand of REAL pearls.

She put her arms around her daddy, and said, “Oh thank you…they are beautiful!”

See the Daddy had the real pearls for several months, but he wanted Jenny’s heart to be prepared to welcome the pearl necklace of value. Her heart seemed satisfied with the cheap one. He needed her to be willing to lay down the cheap one, so he could bless her with the real one.

What are we hanging on to? We think we can’t live without it? It makes us feel so good. But if we give everything we have to God, HE will shower us with blessings that are more valuable than we could ever imagine. #

Deaf Interpreter

Recently I was in a store and saw a deaf man that I know. He greeted me in his usual kind way, and then he introduced me to someone he was with. He introduced me as "an Interpreter". I cannot tell you how my body reacted inside! I had to hold back the tears. It brought back so much emotion for me, as all the past years of loving deaf people flashed before my mind.

The LAST thing I ever wanted to be to a deaf person was "an interpreter". I want to be their "FRIEND".

I did NOT learn sign language so I could "fill in the blanks" for them. I did not learn sign language to earn money off of their closed ears. I did not learn sign language to be the go between for them, or even an advocate for them. I learned sign language because I wanted to get to know them! I wanted to know them as people, their thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and opinions. It wasn't until years after I learned sign language that I realized since I was a hearing person, that automatically put me in the position of "interpreter".

For years I argued with God. I repeatedly asked him WHY He didn't make me deaf. I don't want to be known as their INTERPRETER, I want to be known as their FRIEND.

Being married to Ken since 1973 has tremendously helped me to gather peace in this area. Ken has helped me to see that GOD made me hearing for a reason, just like HE made them deaf, for a reason. I may WANT to be deaf to be more welcomed into their lives, but I am not deaf, by GOD'S design.

Ken helped me to see how my feelings are no different than anyone else who is wishing they were someone else, instead of accepting who they are by God's design. Over the years I have come to peace with my position before God.

I count it an HONOR to be able to bring music to deaf people BECAUSE I can hear. I count it an HONOR to be able to help them understand their doctor's better, and have their feelings and opinions explained more clearly to the Doctors. But most of all, I count is an HONOR to be able to interpret the Word of God standing next to my husband, who is my Pastor.

I am so grateful for God putting Ken into my life! He has walked with me thru some tough times.

So if I have this peace, why did this deaf man's words cut me to the quick?

I think it was just a IN MY FACE reminder of where I was, and where I am today.

Even though I would much RATHER be introduced as their friend, I am thrilled to be known by them at all, and thrilled that God has given me enough skill that THEY would call me "an Interpreter"!

The heart shaped twig wreath

This heart twig wreath has hung in our bedroom for many years. I am sure I do not dust it as often as I should. But nevertheless, it hangs in our room year after year.

Because we are fixing up our bedroom, Ken recently took it outside and gave it a good spray down. ( I told him I usually put it in the shower - but he knows it is not often enough.)

Today I asked him if he remembered the story of how we got that wreath. Perhaps his mind was on what he was doing on computer, but he stopped and said he didn't have a clue. I was slightly disappointed, for I was sure he would be able to fill in the blanks of my own faulty memory. You know how love has a way of finishing each other's sentences? Well this becomes a hoot as time goes by.

All I remember is we lived in Escanaba, MI and had gone into a flower shop to pick out an arrangement for someone. While waiting for our arrangement to be made I looked around the shop and I spotted this lovely twig heart wreath on the wall. I commented to Ken how much I liked it (I love hearts), but the price was HIGH, so I kept looking around.

Soon we left the shop with our arrangment.

It was later that day Ken went back to the shop and bought the heart wreath to surprise me.Although I do not remember all the details, I remember the LOVE I felt the moment he surprsed me with the wreath. To think that he had LISTENED to me, and made a SPECIAL EFFORT to go back and get it....meant ALOT. I felt loved.....and I am LOVED!

The wreath hangs in our bedroom, not getting dusted as often as it needs, and the story fades in our memory....but our LOVE is not fading. Thank you LORD!

Outside our Church

I stand amazed at God. He is so faithful.

Alot of things have been coming against me lately and I have been fighting discouragement. The irritant is outside our Church, but coming from "friendly fire". I have not given in to it more than seconds at a time, yet STILL it knocks repeatedly on my mind's door.

Just when my seconds are tempted to turn into minutes, God has a way of showing up in some pretty neat and creative ways!

The enemy has a way of catching me by surprise too, and that is why it often hurts so. Surprised at who the enemy is using to bring torment. There ususally seems to be an element of surprise in friendly fire, catching me off guard.

MY LORD tends to do this also. In ways that I least expect it, HE shows up....in very creative ways....HE shows up.

Amid my mental battle, I received an email from a lady I barely know. I may have seen her twice for a few moments of time. Her email said that she and her 7 year old daughter would like to contribute to our puppet ministry! They would like to make or purchase a puppet and donate it to our ministry! I cannot tell you how much that SHOCKED me. She has enjoyed reading my posts about the Puppet ministry on our Church Facebook page!

Today she emailed to say they decided to purchase THREE puppets for us and they put in the order today! I am left speechless (well almost) but certainly humbled at GOD.

The enemy is using people outside our Church to bring discouragement into my life.

MY LORD is using people OUTSIDE OUR CHURCH to bring JOY into my life!

So who am I going to give attention to?

I choose to give attention to the one who LOVES me, laid down his life for me, rose again for me,and lives within me! I plan to serve HIM with all my heart and MIND until I see HIM face to face.

Thank You, Lord

God wanted my Ugliness!

I know that God has a sense of Humor....and I know that God can work thru anything that is surrendered to Him.

I am so thankful for the Word of God, and my strong inner desire to believe and obey as much as I know and can. There is a verse in the Bible that all Christians seem to know. I think it is because we ALL understand it, and we ALL need to believe it!

Here is the Verse:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13.

God taught me sign language when I was in 8th grade. I was floundering in who I was and where I wanted to go in life, or even why I was on earth. God gave me purpose and guidance, when HE, (in HIS great wisdom), introduced me to Deaf people.

AND YET....why would a good God give me a talent that openly, publicly displays perhaps the ugliest part of my body! I have short stubby fingers and two thumbs that look like lollipops!

When I was younger, I struggled occasionally with this. I remember asking God if I could wear gloves and be known as the "gloved Interpreter" - ha ha. I think HE laughed with me, as my next thought was how silly it looks for my stubby fingers to wear a glove - they RARELY ever fit! I have extra glove at the end of each fingertip!


When you know that GOD HIMSELF has given you something, it really is not too difficult to surrender to HIM. So thru the years, every opportunity I have, I put my two ugly short stubby fingered hands into the air and sign!

Isn't that true about all of us? Do not we all wonder how God can use US? Who are WE to be of any Kingdom use to an Almighty God? And yet, He loves us, adores us and LONGS for us to yield our body parts to Him.

He takes our offerings and creates something that brings great JOY to others, to the inside of me, and flows sweetly to my Lord and Savior.

Thank you Lord for my life, for Saving me, and for creating me exactly as you have. Forgive me for the times I have complained about my body and mind. I thank YOU for all you have done in my life......and Thank You for my stubby fingered hands. I raise them in YOUR name!

So little, So painful!

Ken and I had planned to take a rather short motorcycle ride this last week to visit with Charlie and Patsy at Anna Maria Island where they were having a family gathering. We were eager to meet Charlie’s 95 year old mom, and also his sister Kathy whom we have prayed so much for in recent times. Patsy’s brother was there too. [Charlie’s sister and Patsy’s brother are married- kinda neat, hey?] So in anticipation of riding only a couple of hours, I thought about my hair issue and made a decision. I put my hair up near the top of my head so when I took it down, it would have ‘body’ instead of flat.

For the first hour, all was fine...but shortly after that my head began to ache. I found myself moving the helmet around in hopes that it would soothe the pain quickly intensifying at the top of my head. I have never wanted Ken to speed before….but I was tempted to tell him to go alittle faster. I was MIGHTY happy when we arrived. Without hesitation, I took off my helmet and took my hair down immediately. There, in my hand, I held the irritant: A small black stretchy hair bob.

They come in a package of about 50 and cost very little. They have a purpose indeed, but to be under a helmet is not one of them. Who would have ever dreamed that little thing could cause such pain.

We are all aware of how much pain sin can cause in our lives and in our families. It doesn’t’ have to be a big one. A wrong look, or an unwise word...can cause alot of pain in a relationship in a marriage, in a family.....or in a church. We all need to be careful with what we THINK, say and do.

A Love Gift from HIS Heart

The first question that most people ask when they learn I am a Deaf Interpreter is: “When and why did you learn sign language?” Most of you know my story, but let me remind you of God’s great mercy.

I am the middle child of two very strong Christian parents. My older brother was overflowing with musical talent that got him lots of attention. My younger sister was just cute-cute…and then there was plain me. I was a Christian, but still had no reason to get up in the morning. There was nothing special or meaningful about my life…not a good place for a Junior High girl. I started to dabble in things that could have led me down a very destructive path. God looked down at this unhappy girl, who was very vulnerable, and gave her a Love Gift from His Heart!

When I was In 8th Grade, we had 8 deaf students come to our School. They sat in class with us, and had no interpreter. Some could lip read, but others struggled. As you know, teachers talk while writing on the board. No deaf person can lip read someone’s back. Something deep inside me stirred when I saw their eyes, their expressions, and knew they were missing information. I started writing down what the teacher was saying ‘to the board’. I also made sure they knew their homework assignments. That gesture of kindness started a friendship between us. I went to their homes and they came to mine. I WANTED to be able to talk to them, REALLY talk to them. AMAZINGLY, I learned sign quickly from them…outside of class of course. I loved them, and they loved me.

Years later, I realized the placement of those deaf students was a LOVE GIFT from God to ME!

That is the ONLY year we went to school together! I really believe God saved my life when HE brought those lovely deaf students to my school that year. He looked down at this vulnerable youth and caused me to fall in love with a beautiful group of people, and equipped me to talk to them!

Later, as I grew more in love with Jesus, HE helped me to understand that Deaf people need Jesus too. Who was going to tell them? I needed to do more than just bring them to Church. God had equipped my hands, and my heart, to share the GOOD NEWS with my deaf friends. There is no greater gift I can offer them, than to offer them JESUS!

Thank YOU Lord!

Where I was on 911

Most of us remember where we were on that fateful day ten years ago that resulted in 2,996 deaths, and changed life in America.

I had taken a friend to her doctor appointment. I was the only one in the waiting room watching the TV. It was Dr Kulas's office in Escanaba, MI.

At 8:46: Flight 11 crashed into the north face of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Seconds afterwards they were showing this on TV, not knowing what had happened. I remember being totally stunned, speechless, numb as I watched this nightmare play out on TV.

At 9:02: Flight 175 crashed into the south face of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, making it clear that we were being attacked! It wasn’t long before the medical staff had joined me in the waiting room – everyone’s eyes glued to the TV in disbelief.

At 9:37: Flight 77 crashed into the western side of the Pentagon. I cannot remember anyone crying or even talking……..it was SILENT. Absolute silence as together we watched the events that day that changed our lives. At that moment in time all classes of people were torn down. There was no difference emotionally between the doctors, the patients, or just a person, like me, sitting in the waiting room. At that moment in time, we were all AMERICANS. TVs were turned on all over the world to watch the horrific snowballing of events.

At 9:59: The South Tower of the World Trade Center began to collapse. All of America gasped! I remember the chill that went thru my body as the smoke and debris filled the air and the streets. I was not physically there, but I could FEEL what all of America was feeling. The expressions on faces cemented into my memory.

At 10:03: United Airlines Flight 93 crashed, due to fighting in the cockpit, 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, PA. All minds were trying to figure this out, when our hearts sank once again.

at 10:28: the North Tower of the World Trade Center began to collapse, burying dads, moms, grandpas, grandmas, sons and daughters in debris.

11:30: Before sleeping, President Bush enters into his journal: "The Pearl Harbor of the 21st century took place today...We think it's Osama bin Laden."

Osama Bin Laden, one man, using the bodies of his followers, gave America a huge dose of Fear, Grief and Death.

JESUS, one man, using the bodies of His Followers, can give people Hope, Peace, Love, JOY, Forgiveness and a HOME forever.

Vanity, Vanity, ALL is Vanity

Motorcycle Story from our 2011 vacation of 4,092 miles to Upper MI and back to Florida.

I LOVE to ride our Motorcycle. Ken can suggest a ride almost anytime, anywhere and I will gladly agree to go on the motorcycle versus the car. I love everything about the motorcycle: the fresh air, the togetherness with my hubby, the time it gives me to think, reflect, pray, sing or just SIT. Ken puts on wonderful Christian music and it is like one big praise concert as we ride along.

Did I say I love “everything” about our cycle? That is not exactly honest. Like ministry, marriage, family or life in general, there are things that remind me that I am “short of the glory of God.”

I have always had an issue with my hair, when I take off my helmet! We can have a great ride, but when we stop somewhere, I dread taking the helmet off. I am self- conscious of my new wild hairdo. I have tried using different kinds of soft curlers (makes for a very SORE head), and hair nets but nothing seems to help.

SO why do I fret about such matters? Ken thinks I am beautiful and isn’t his opinion the only opinion on earth that should matter to me? Why should I allow something so frivolous to keep me from enjoying our ride?

“Lord, forgive me for my pride. I know YOU love me no matter what my hair looks like, what color it is, what length it is, or what style it is! Help me to be content with myself, knowing YOU love me, and that truly is more than enough!”

HANG ON!

Motorcycle Story written after our vacation trip of 4,092 miles

I have never ridden anything more comfortable than a Goldwing! I am just as comfortable on this Blue 92 Goldwing, as I was on our Red 98 Goldwing we had a few years ago. Most of the time, I hang on to nothing when we ride. I can lean back on the speakers, cross my arms, rub Ken’s shoulders, hold a bottle of water, etc and I am fine. I do have a lovely set of grip bars at my side.

There are moments when I am glad to have the grip bars near me. If a curve is extra sharp or long, I grip the bar. When a semi-truck whizzes by us, I grip the bar. Sometimes when we are passing a vehicle and I feel extra speed, I grip the bar. When we go over a railroad track, I grip the bar and lean towards Ken to avoid a jar to my back. When it is raining, I grip the bar. In situations where I need just alittle bit more security, I grip the bar.

NOW ....HERE IS A REVELATION:

The grip bar is attached to the bike!

So in reality, it is not a lot of protection! If the bike goes down, hanging on to the grip bar will not keep me upright on the bike. It just makes me FEEL more safe!

My faith is in Ken who does not have a grip bar, but has all the controls needed to ride the roads as safely as possible. My comfort is knowing that we are together. Should the bike go down, we go down together. He is not somewhere alone, and neither am I. We ride together, to be together!

And should we fall, our faith is in Someone with ultimate control of our lives – JESUS. We have given Jesus ownership of our lives. We have even dedicated our bike to Him. We are HIS. So …Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go.

Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go;
Anywhere He leads me in this world below;
Anywhere without Him dearest joys would fade;
Anywhere with Jesus I am NOT afraid.

Anywhere! Anywhere! Fear I cannot know;
Anywhere with Jesus, I can safely go.

Anywhere with Jesus I am not alone,
Other friends may fail me, He is still my own’
Though His hand may lead me over dreary ways,
Anywhere with Jesus is a house of Praise.

Anywhere with Jesus over land and sea,
Telling souls in darkness of salvation free;
Ready as He summons me to go or stay,
Anywhere with Jesus when He points the way.

{The Hymnal for Worship & Celebration, page 467}

“Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Earrings in the Wind!

Motorcycle Story from our recent 4,092 mile Vacation Trip from FL to Upper Michigan and back.

For many years now I have chosen to wear the weather guard that zips in and out of the helmet. (Honestly, it looks pretty dumb in FL!) It is designed to shield the rain from going down my neck, and keeps any COLD air away. I personally wear it to protect my hearing. I don’t feel comfortable with the wind blowing into my ears at highway speeds.

HOWEVER on the way back this year it was VERY HOT! We also had pavement heat. Our bodies began to feel the effects of the heat, so I decided I would take off my helmet shield so that more air could circulate. So, on the next stop, I removed the shield and we continued on.

I felt alittle vulnerable as my helmet did not seem to fit as tightly now. I wondered if my chin would hold the helmet on, if we should go down. THEN, I had a terrible thought! I became VERY AWARE of my earrings now swinging freely in the wind! These are not just ANY earrings...they are from my mother! My dad had given them to my mom, and she had worn them everyday….UNTIL her new husband gave her some earrings. She then gave them to me. I have worn them every day since! They are even now MORE precious to me since my mom has passed away. There will be no more gifts from my mom!

NOW those precious earrings are wildly blowing back and forth in the wind as we travel down the road! It was hard for me to concentrate on anything else but my earrings! HOW AWFUL I would feel if I lost them just because I had wanted to be alittle bit more comfortable in this heat! What was I thinking! When we stopped, I was greatly relieved to feel both earrings in place. I thanked God for protecting my earrings and zipped the shield back on.

My protection for my earrings, my hearing and my overall security with the helmet was back in place!

Little ole me, Bonnie, is precious to GOD. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for me. He sent His Holy Spirit to live in me. He keeps me safe in the hollow of His hand. HE is my Helmet. HIS Word guards my thoughts and reminds me of my value because I am the daughter of the King of Kings!

CHORUS: Safe am I, Safe am I, In the hollow of His hand; Sheltered o'er, sheltered o'er; With His love forever more; No ill can harm me, No foe alarm me, For He keeps both day and night, Safe am I, Safe am I, In the hollow of His hand.

It Didn't Change a Thing!

Motorcycle Story from our Vacation of 4,092 miles to Upper Peninsula of MI and back to FL.

What most people remember about our trip last year is how I could not see anything straight ahead because of Ken’s helmet head, SO THIS YEAR, I decided I would re-position myself to be able to see straight ahead.

I shifted my upper body to the right, resting my elbow on the speaker and was able to see what was ahead! I could still see what was behind in the rear view mirror. So I could see behind and ahead! BUT I also became very aware that no matter how much more I could see, I was still a passenger. I could SEE, BUT I was not in control.

I realized quickly that I was perfectly content with that position. I liked being able to see what was behind and what is ahead, but was SO GLAD I did not have the full responsibility to keep the bike up and getting us to our destination! I was perfectly content on the back of the bike with Ken as my driver!

Some women really struggle with staying under the authority or leadership of their husbands. Many people in general want to run their own lives and only use God when they need Him. Our trip went well, because I sat, contently, in my place. I was able to enjoy all the benefits of the trip without any of the responsibilities of driving or even filling it up with gas. Ken took that responsibility for me. AND Ken was blessed to have me along!

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

[A MOTORCYCLE STORY - from our Recent Vacation of 4,092 miles]

On Monday, July 18, we left the Hudson family reunion in Port Huron, MI and headed NORTH to be with our sons and grandchildren in the Upper Peninsula. Just south of Bay City, on M15

Ken knew a storm was brewing in the near distance. He was watching the clouds and sensing the wind as it became cooler and stronger. THEN he noticed the corn stalks bending deeper as the wind increased and he knew we needed shelter – it looked like a strong storm front was coming thru. There were no gas stations or stores in sight.

Ken pulled into a driveway leading to a barn. His plan was to get the bike to the side of the barn that would get the least wind and rain. But he quickly saw that it was impossible to get to the other side of the barn. He told me to quickly get the rain gear on. Ken turned the knob to the little barn door, and found it UNLOCKED. He quickly told me to come in. We finished getting our rain gear on inside this machinery barn and listened to the strong wind and the pouring rain.

Ken knew we needed to move our bike….as he watched our bike get less and less steady on the dirt driveway. SO, we headed out into the rain to move the bike to the grass instead of the water soaked dirt. Then back into the barn, where we waited another 30 minutes for the rain and wind to wane down.

When Ken thought it was safe, we carefully got back on our bike, and road by the farm house….but NO ONE WAS HOME, so we were unable to thank them for the use of their barn. I prayed that God would bless them, whoever they were, for the needed shelter their barn provided for us.

BUT I thank God most of all for a wise husband who was looking out for us, and protecting us from harm.

So much like our Heavenly Father who is a Shelter in the time of Storm.

The Little Bird

While taking a casual stroll in our yard, I saw a little bird on the ground...and as I walked towards it....it did not fly away. Then I heard the loud chirping of parent birds as they were squalking something to the little bird, to each other or to me.......I didn't know WHAT they were saying, but the tone of their voice let me know the subject was the little bird on the ground.

I called to my husband. He gently walked towards the bird, but the bird kept backing away until it was at the brink of the Lake! The bird realized that it could not compete with the water, so started hopping back in my husband's direction. Gently my husband reached down for him and he quietly nestled into his cupped hands.

It was not clear if the bird had fallen out of the nest (actually looked too big for that), failed his flying test, or if he had actually been picked on by the others whose intent was to evict him. He looked rather picked over. Although the cause of his being on the ground was not clear, it was clear that his parents would no longer be in charge of his care, no matter how they may be squalking above us.

A Friend of ours, very compassionate with nature, came over and began feeding the little bird "smart water" thru a straw. The bird received the nurishment with NO problem. His beak opened wide, and often, to receive the love gift my friend offered to his little helpless self.

Our little friend now resides at our friend's home, where he will be well cared for until he can once again enjoy his FREEDOM, as God intended for him to have.

No matter what it was that prevented this bird from his safe place and compromised his future of living a healthy life.....GOD INTERVENED on his behalf....and love was applied so this bird can live to fulfill his God designed purpose.

I pray that my eyes will be as watchful and eager to help needy people, as I was to see the need in this little bird. I would not have known to offer the bird "smart water" and very likely he would have died under my care. But GOD doesnt ask us to do anything HE has not qualified us for. God provided by bringing a caring friend to my house.

I trust that none of us will walk by a hurting bird, or a hurting person....without doing for them, as God has equipped us. For some it will be a smile, a loving touch...providing them a safe home for a while, or leading them into Freedom.....but please just don't walk by.

NEW SHOES

Out of desperation, my husband and I set out to find shoes to replace the worn out black flats. We found NOTHING in town. No one keeps "wide" in stock. They all said they would have to order them. Well I can order them, but I wanted to find a pair that I could try on to be relatively sure they would indeed fit. So we went to the next town and searched their mall.

I am not much for shopping...and after looking and finding nothing in WIDE, I was getting discouraged. THEN we went into the next store! and there were several pairs to choose from that were WIDE! I tried to do the happy dance, but I know that even though the shoes SEEM to fit in the store, they do not always fit when you put some miles on them. I tried on several as Ken went around the store bringing me pair after pair to try on. We finally decided to buy two pair...that way, one of them hopefully will be indeed comfortable under actual long wear.

So we were smiling on the way out of the store, packages in hand....mission accomplished!

NOW for the test of actual wear.

I must say, both have been very disappointing. Both hurt my feet alot at this time. They LOOK nice, but oh my feet are hurting.Every chance I get, I slip them off. I am hoping that in time, the shoes will conform to my feet. I do not want my feet to conform to the shoe or I will have serious problems with my feet. So the battle is on....who will win?

I have dedicated these shoes to God and to His service. He knows I needed them, and HE knows how I sought for them. He knows I tried them on and they seemed to fit. He knows we did our best....so I am leaving the rest up to HIM.

As my whole self continues daily to conform to HIM, and not this world. So I pray my feet will break in the shoe and not the shoe to break down my foot.My feet belong to my LORD, my shoes belong to the Lord....and I long to serve HIM with all that I am. My feet will lead me to many places where HE and I will share the gospel. So even though it may hurt for a while....I will continue to move my feet, one shoe in front of the other, as long as HE gives me breath.

Sermon in Shoes

There was a Sunday school song that rings in my head from time to time, it says: "Do you know O Christian, you're a sermon in Shoes? Do you know O Christian you're a sermon in shoes? Jesus counts upon you to spread the Gospel news, so walk it and talk it a Sermon in Shoes" Another says "Preach it and teach it". There may be plenty more, but you get the idea.

I am not a big shoe person, like some. I am content if I have one pair of tennis shoes, one black flat, one pair of heels, and one pair of sandals. WELL....my black flats (and I have no idea how very old they are) totally tell apart on Palm Sunday. My husband and I were setting up the chairs in the Clubhouse for the concert with ROCK THE SILENCE, when the bottom of my entire shoe loosened and detached from the top! Now, I don't view myself as a prideful person, but Ken and I were the hosts that evening so I had to change my shoes! I ended up putting on sandals with my dress . I felt alittle uncomfortable with that, but most likely NO ONE looked at my shoes. They came for a wonderful concert!

One thing I have kept for a future devotional is four pairs of my mom's shoes. My goal is never to "fill her shoes" but my goal is to have a zest for my LORD and HIS Word like she did and to share what HE has done in my life, every time an opportunity comes my way.

These black shoes have been MANY places, and I believe God has been honored every inch of their travel. They have served me well, and I am grateful for them. But more importantly I trust that my life has been an attractive Sermon in Shoes. I trust that when people are around me, they sense JESUS, not me. I trust that people will sense a sweet spirit, a joyful spirit and not a bitter, angry spirit.

Soon I will have to go shopping for new black flats that once again will take me many places that right now I don't have planned. BUT I know my LORD will guide my steps. I desire to GO where HE leads.

There is a hymn that says: All the way my savior leads me; What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, who thru life has been my guide? Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I KNOW whate're befall me, Jesus doeth all things well!

OR the precious song: Precious Lord take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am wor. Thro the storms, thro the night, Lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home!

I plan to wear my next pair of shoes out too.........for my LORD!

Coffee Break

My body has been FEELING alot of stress lately. I am not sure if I have more stress than usual and that is WHY I am feeling it, or if maybe I am just getting more in tune with the signals my body sends me. But for whatever the reason, I have been aware that my BODY has been feeling stress. So amid the preparations of various lessons etc....I do try to take care of myself.

Today the mailperson brought ne a BLAIR catalog. I love catalogs. They are no brainers, there is hardly anything to read, just visual enjoyment as I look at the colors, the fashions, and the prices. It doesn't matter if I ever buy anything. I cannot seem to keep my mind on Lesson preparations UNTIL the catalog has been looked at from cover to cover.

SO I poured me a cup of coffee, and settled into a recliner with my Blair catalog. I opened the catalog and then slowly brought the coffee cup to my lips. ........what a SHOCK! The coffee was cold! The coffee maker had turned off a few hours ago apparently! There was no refreshment in cold coffee....and certainly NOT the way I had envisioned my nice catalog break!

I slowly got up from my recliner and put the coffee cup in the microwave. Yes, things do not always go as we plan them, or envision them...............but they do happen. I DID have my break and I DID enjoy the catalog, and I even enjoyed a cup of hot coffee. But it did not happen the first time. I was determined to have my break, and it was worth it. It even sparked me to share this with you!

Some things are just worth making it possible, even if you have try and try again.

Now I need to get back to work!

He stood alone in the Bean Field!

In 2 Samuel 23 is an account of David's 3 MIGHTY MEN. We have to laugh because chapter 22 says his whole army was a group of losers, people with problems. But it is the third Mighty Man that captured my attention.

The Israelites were in the bean field (not sure what stage they were in, but commentators think it was harvest time). They had planted the lentils, and taken care of them so they could have food for their families. BUT the enemy advances in their direction! The Israelites all RUN....except one man! He stands in the middle of the bean field prepared to die rather than relinquish his bean field to the enemy. He is not about to feed the enemy without a fight. The Bible says that he completely struck down the enemies all by himself. Now that is impossible! Sounds like a fable, unless you are familiar with GOD. NOTHING is impossible with God....all GOD needed was ONE able and willing body to work thru!

There are alot of people who have been told they are not worth very much- "You won't amount to a hill of beans". These labels cause people to feel unworthy of being protected, unworthy of experiencing anything good in their life. BUT there is a wonderful divine purpose for EVERY life.

Jesus stood in the middle of OUR bean field, our life....and gave HIS life for us. He died that we might live! He rose again, so that we might have abundant life here and forever!

Jesus is the ONLY ONE who could do that, and He willingly stood in our place.

Don't give the enemy any ground in your life. Jesus paid for us with His blood.

Offer your harvest to HIM, and He will feed a nation with your fruit.

HUG

Introducing MISS BLUE

It has been alot of FUN to give these old puppets a make over. They were used for years with my parent's ministry, known as "Mopsy and Derby". They held Children's rallies, Vacation Bible Schools and Family Crusades in many States. Both of my parents are now enjoying Heaven, and I am enjoying their THINGS. I am giving this group of well used, PINK puppets, a make over and they will soon re-enter ministry!

Today I finished MISS BLUE. I still have MISS PURPLE and MISS RED to finish, but they are almost done. Next, they will need clothes (I am thinking matching tie dye shirts that will bring in all the various colors)....THEN they will begin ministry!

This chorus of Pink Puppets I have named "The Pink Praisers". They will sing together familiar Sunday school songs using CDs of children's voices. They will travel with our already existing puppet team of adult puppets, known as "Hands of Faith".

As cute as they look..........they have no expression, and no movement until a puppeteer puts a hand into the puppet.......THEN, like magic.....the puppets come to LIFE! Puppets can keep children, and adults alike, spellbound for long periods of time, as they are ALIVE under the puppeteers control.

Similar to people. We breathe, we move, we exist, but until we are FILLED with the Holy Spirit of God, we do not LIVE!

Surprise Drink!

My loving husband got a cold drink for himself out of the frig, and brought me over a glass. I was sitting at the computer writing an email. He said something like: "Maybe this will help your headache." Then he left to be sure the church is in order for tomorrow.

You know how your eyes can SEE something and KNOW what it is. I was so SHOCKED when I tasted it! I thought it was apple juice, and it was Vernor's Ginger Ale!

Now, don't get me wrong....I like Vernor's ginger ale very much, but my mind had told me it was apple juice, so I was taken by surprise! Once I tasted that it was still good, just different than I had expected, I could enjoy the cold drink my husband had shared with me.


My mind has a certain idea of what is going to happen in Church tomorrow. I expect the pews to be full of people of all ages. I expect people to come with hearts ready to hear the Word of God. I expect people to be at the altar in prayer and repentance. I expect deaf people to come, so they can HEAR the Word of God and learn how HE gives forgivness, life, and peace. I expect children to come so we can have a Sunday school class and use the crafts that I have ready. My mind is preparing for a powerful Sunday, with blessings uncountable.

BUT no matter what happens tomorrow in Church, I will rejoice because I am in God's House with God's people! And that will be enough for me. I will go to Church tomorrow to WORSHIP Jesus who is worthy of all praise for what HE did for me on Calvary. He is my Savior and my Lord!

Now back to finish my Ginger Ale, that was brought to me in LOVE.

A NOTE of CHANGE!

Sadly, I am all too aware how easy it is for people to stay home from Church on Sunday evenings and Wednesday nights. Every Pastor (and wife) has heard countless "reasons" why Church people choose not to come to the evening services. After hearing these excuses week in and week out, it even sneaks into my own mind from time to time. I too would like to stay home from time to time. I have to confess that laziness before my LORD and resist that thought in the name of Jesus...and get up and GO!

For us, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening are the power services!

Sunday night the general format is this: We encourage people to SHARE what God has done in their life or shown them in His Word this last week. After they share a testimony they can choose a song. Of course people can just select songs too, as pressure is put on no one, only encouragment. We sing alot and we HEAR what God is doing in our lives.

[We know that if people cannot talk about Jesus with Christians, MOST LIKELY, they are not comfortable sharing Jesus with their family and neighbors. So we believe encouraging them to talk is vital for their spiritual growth, as well as the growth of this Church.]

Pastor "teaches" on Sunday night from the floor, using a writing board so all can SEE, as well as HEAR, and thus retain more to better equip them for their week ahead. Life is tough and we NEED to be armed with the Word of God. Afterwards several of us fellowship at the Ice Cream Parlor, but since it is closing, we may have to bring ice cream to the church and then we can include everyone.

Wednesday nights there is a hymn book on each seat. Everyone comes in, sits down and begins to find their choice of a song. After prayer, we sing the first verse of each selected hymn. It is alot of fun, and we get to learn some hymns we do not all know, and sing hymns that build up our faith. We share prayer requests. Pastor shares a devotional with us, and the rustle of Bible pages are heard.Then the men go into the Pastor's office for prayer. The ladies stay in the circle and pray together.

This is the HIGHLIGHT of my week! I LOVE to hear other ladies pray! It is such Holy ground to me! I am sitting in the presence of ladies who are talking to GOD! God is listening to them! Such Holy ground! God hears and ANSWERS our prayers!

I received this NOTE from a lady who told us she and her husband would not be coming on Sunday nights or Wednesday nights. They just didn't do that anymore. So it was a real delight to have them in our evening service!

To God be the GLORY. GREAT things HE has done and continues to do!

New Hymnals!

EXCITING days are here in our little, but growing, Church!

Our hymnals have been in very poor condition for quite a while. About 2 years ago, a few of us ordered sample hymnals to review, as we sure did want new ones. We agreed that we wanted hymnals that were easier to read. We agreed and wanted the Bible verses to accompany the songs and we wanted a good variety of hymns and choruses. But while we were reviewing the hymnals, our Church, like so many, had to put a freeze on Church expenditures. The samples were set aside, and we faithfully sang praises from our old tattered hymnals.

THIS YEAR,for Christmas, 25 new hymnals were donated to our Church! This was a TOTAL SURPRISE! The EXACT hymnal our committee had reviewed and was leaning towards!

25 is enough for the size of our congregation on most Sundays, BUT WE HAVE A VISION OF GROWTH. So our people became excited! Various members WANTED to buy more hymnals and began donating. The original donator CAUGHT our vision and ordered 25 more! They arrived today. We are about to order more in accordance to donations from the congregation at $10.00 a hymnal. We want ALL of our pew racks to be full and READY for the doors to burst open with people!

We are so excited! God is up to something really good and we are thrilled to be a part of it here at Faith Missionary Baptist Church!

What an exciting day it will be when all the new hymnals have someone holding it. Exciting to envision people in every pew! I can already HEAR all the voices being lifted in Praise to God, who alone is worthy of our praise!

Beeping Smoke Detector

Most of the night, and so far today, our smoke detector is BEEPING at us. It is not really annoying, but we hear it gently beep on a regular basis a few minutes apart. It is trying to tell us that it needs new batteries to be effective in protecting us. If we would put new batteries in, it will BEEP LOUDLY should we have a fire and it could save our lives.

I was thinking how nice it would be to design little beepers and implant them into our Bibles. Then, when we get busy and they lay unopened, they would begin to gently BEEP at us. Or when we are worrying or wondering what to do in a certain situation, it would gently BEEP at us reminding us that the answer can be found in the contents of its pages.

Well we DO have the Holy Spirit of God residing INSIDE each Believer of Jesus. Let us ask HIM to remind us to read the Bible regularly. Let us be determined to read MORE of God's Word this year.

Let us not get bogged down in guilt if we get behind. Just pick up your Bible again and read. Ask the Holy Spirit of God to help you remember to read His Word. Give HIM permission to BEEP your heart!

Holy Spirit of God, I give You permission and sincerely ask You to help me be more consistant in reading my Bible this year. Please remind me when I falter that there is LIFE in those pages, because it is YOUR WORD!.... and YOU are life!

Tire Game

Yesterday I went to one of the Dollar stores and a game caught my eye. It was only five dollars and yet it sounded so different. It is a TIRE GAME and it comes with ten rubber goodyear tires that you are suppose to stack - one horizonal and then one vertical, over and over.

The little tires are very cute and I was anxious to try this when I got home.

At first it was looking VERY EASY and I laughed at my purchase. But I had great trouble with nine and ten. Over and over it would topple. I am not a real competitive person, but this was challenging to me. It is only TEN little tires, certainly I can handle this assignment! I tried several times.

My husband came home and I told him about my "FIND"....and how cute it is and how it will be fun to use for a review game in Sunday school, etc. He tried, looking real confident until he got to number nine himself.

When I was trying again, he was LOOKING AT IT ALL. And he suggested that I turn every other one (notice the picture) 90 degrees. So I did that, and I could feel more stability in the stack. I still haven't made it to ten....but I did learn how much more fun it is to BUILD when you have a helper.

Ken's looking out for me while I built, and my cheering him on when he was building, accomplished what the goal of the game is: to have fun together.

Life is not meant to be solitaire. It is meant to be with others.

So whatever you are building in your life, share it with someone, and find out that life can be truly much more meaningful when you do it as a family, a group, as friends, or as a Church.

Do not spend this day alone. Make a phone call. Visit a friend.

BUT GET INTO SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE, and let them into yours.

Our Christmas Cactus

For Christmas, a family in our church gave me a Christmas Cactus. Now I must tell you, anyone that you see or know is better with plants that I am. I am not a good keeper of things with leaves.

But let me tell you what this plant means to me when I look at it.

I see our Church....well it could be any Church that loves the Lord Jesus Christ. Each believer is independent of the other, but beautiful and comes together sharing the same soil and the same roots. I understand the blossoms will fall off, but the plant will not die. The more we get to know each other, the more we see each other without the bloom. We seem to stare at each other's stock instead of remembering the beauty we each have because of Christ. We share the same soil of life's hardships and challenges. Certain events like Christmas, where we have joint projects, goals and activities help us to see the BLOOM again in each of us, as we focus our hearts on CHRIST.

So I am thankful for this gift of a plant, for whether it blooms or not, it is ALIVE, giving out oxygen and having a divine purpose!

Our responsibility, in the Pastorate, is to care for our Gift, the local body of Believers, so that we can BLOOM and spread throughout the neighborhood, the city, our nation and even the world until Jesus comes again.