I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. We are "enjoying" hot humid days already here in the Carolinas and summer has not even officially begun.
My dad, mom, brother, and his family are coming over to cook out Sunday afternoon. My daddy is Bob Barnette. (below is picture from Father's Day 2009-I will update for 2010) In September he will 80 years young. He still plays golf every week, works when he has the opportunity, loves chocolate ice cream packed high on a cone, and oatmeal cookies by the dozen. He has been blessed with amazing life, he would tell you. I have been blessed to be his daughter.
My heart is tender this weekend to those whose earthly father is not with them physically or emotionally. Please know that I have prayed for you-don't know who you are but I know the One who does.
Thanks for letting me share my daddy. (and sweet Mamma Fay.)
31 Comments:
Lovely Pic , Have a great time:)
What a great picture, Wendy! I, too, am very close to my dad and will miss spending time w/ him on Father's Day this year. We're headed to your state - to Nags Head - today! Quick update on my dad - he's moved to a rehab facility and is supposed to come home on Monday. Keep the prayers coming, he's weak and very anxious to be out of the "old folks home" (as he thinks of rehab facility). Thank you for your prayers, lovely ladies - you are all in mine as well!
Kate in VA
Good morning GIG's,
It is going to be a beautiful, hot day here in New England and my husband and I are heading out later for our first beach day of 2010!
I had gotten a little behind on comments, but now I'm caught up.
Jennifer Renee, where are you and what have you been up to? I miss your posts very much! I pray everything is okay with you spirit-wise, and that you are not experiencing any computer problems. Please check in with us today, sweet Sister!
Welcome Texas ladies. I have added you to my GIG prayer list as the Texas Quartet (smile).
I want to sympathize with all of you who have had college kids return home with their noise and laundry and messes and appetites. I experienced that "coming and going" for seven years, and it is not always easy. Enjoy the good part!
Grace & Peace and Runner Mom, your comments about the light the other day really touched my heart. Walking more closely with the Lord does shed more light on our own sins and weaknesses. But fortunately it also provides light by which we can see the evil one approaching, and then we can quickly put on our "armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:10-18). For anyone feeling a spiritual attack, I strongly recommend that your read this whole verse. Our Wendy study won't get us there until December 8 (page 1583 in the NLT One Year Chronological Bible).
Allie, I think my jaw literally dropped when I read your praise report about Ryan. The good Lord truly "works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform!" I am so, so happy about these WONDERful developments.
Brandee, thank you for the encouragement to pray for myself. I needed that, sweet Sister. I plan to read some of the writing of Stormie Omartian this summer, for the first time. Any recommendations? (I LOVED the last book you recommended to me, on marriage.) I've really enjoyed reading your VBS posts this week. Whew! Busy week for you all!
Teeny, you sound great. How are you feeling, and are you still with your son!
Lori, twin, I sure hope you take plenty of water with you on those long, hot, AZ walks! I'm still so touched that you spotted Denise in the background of the dance photos. By the way, my spiritual mentor lives on "Lori" street.I kid you not! How's that for a Godwink?
Kristin (TX) I SAP for Rebecca, Lauren, and Brian. Dear Lord, please wrap them all in your loving arms, and bring them comfort and healing. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Have a blessed, 4:8 day, friends.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Hi again,
Silly me forgot to comment on the reading. In 2 Kings 13:18-19, Elisha chides the King "You should have struck the ground five or six times." That made me think about how we shouldn't limit our ideas on what God can accomplish in our lives. We need to pray the big prayers, keep at it, be enthusiastic and not timid. Our God can do anything!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Hi Everyone,
Wendy…Enjoy your 80 year “young” Dad and your whole family today. Will be visiting my 75 almost 76 yr. “young” Dad tomorrow. While I was at Mom’s & Dad’s yesterday afternoon….Too keep Him 75 young he enjoy His farming ….He drove by in a Big John Deere tractor from working fields all day to plant beans. Great photo of You and your Mom and Dad. I can see a little of each in You;)
Bible verse: 2 Kings 13:5: So the LORD provided someone to rescue the Israelites from the tyranny of the Arameans. Then Israel lived in safety again as they had in former days.
For Me I was wondering who this someone was ….
In the New American Bible for 2 Kings 13:5 it reads: So the LORD gave Israel a savior,* and the Israelites, freed from the power of Aram, dwelt in their own homes as formerly.
*footnote 13:5: A savior: by this language, typical of the Book of Judges (Jgs 3:9,15), Jeroboam 11 of Israel is meant; cf 2 Kgs 14:27
Jgs 3:9: But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a savior, Othniel, son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz, who rescued them.
Jgs3:15: But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a savior, the Benjaminite Ehud, son of Gera, who was left-handed. It was by him that the Israelites sent their tribute to Eglon, king of Moab.
2 Kings 14:27: Since the LORD had not determined to blot out the name of Israel from under the heavens, he saved them through Jeroboam, son of Joash.
So thankful for the “Savior” he has raised up for us today!! Thank you Lord.
Kristin in TX… prayers will continue for Rebecca….and may his healing hands be upon Lauren …May the families feel His strength. How did Lauren make out yesterday?
Stephanie TX….Your comment yesterday spoke to me: Let me to some pondering…..not walking “more” but “complete” freedom.
Michelle…...4:8 day for me today. Loved it.
Today have a graduation party to go to. Tomorrow celebrate “Father’s Day”
Thanks You LORD for our "Savior",
Rhonda
Good Morning & happy Saturday!
I am praying for all. May God in great love for us grant our prayers & guides us to a closer relationship with HIM.
1)heard in a new way; 2Kings 13:2-5 The rulers of Israel keep continuing in sin. However they prayed to the Lord for help. He did help but they still sinned after a time. How like me!! I want to live my own way but then want God to save me from evil. I need to choose God & His ways.
2) did not know; 2Kings 13:14-19, King Jehoash was told by Elisha to strike the ground with the arrows, he did it 3 times. Elisha told him he should have done more now he would only have victory 3 times. At 1st I thought well how was the king to know? King Jehoash would have known if he had been a prayerful man & followed in the Lord's will all along. The king only came to God in times of trouble. God answers prayers, even those who are not in the will of the Lord. However if we don't follow in the will of the Lord we might not know the details of His answer & we'll miss the whole blessing.
3)my nugget; Lord I pray that I will receive the Spirit to follow in all Your ways. So that I will know if I should strike 3, 5 or 6 times. That I will receive the full blessings of those who follow You daily!
Enjoy this day the Lord has made! I will be enjoying the sun & warm 80's weather here in the Berkshires, MA.
Blessings & Peace, Mary
Morning Friends,
It is almost 8 here in TN and Will is still asleep! This is a record for him! I think VBS made him tired :) Thank you all so much for praying for this past week. Please keep praying that the seeds that were planted and watered God will grow. I updated my blog this morning with thoughts on this week and pictures if you want to check it out. It is the Standing in the Gap one. Seeds were planted and watered this week and now I am taking my place on my knees in even greater anticipation of the growth that God is doing in my husband's heart.
Since we have had a long week, this Father's day weekend we are taking it easy. I am going to go get a haircut and go pick up John's present today. Tomorrow we have children's church rotation and then hanging out at home. We will see if John is up for company. He is beat this week and really wants to just rest :)
Wendy, love the picture! I know you will have a great day tomorrow with your dad :)
I did all the reading for the whole weekend yesterday. I am going to wait and post comments on that tomorrow.
Michelle, my suggestion to you would be "The Power of a Praying Woman." It is a book of prayers for you :) It covers all areas of your life as a woman of God and I think it would be one that you would love and really help you to learn how to pray for yourself. It is one of the first ones I went through when I first became a believer.
Stephanie, my prayers are with you and your family as you work with God and walk in obedience to all that He is asking you to lay down. As someone who has walked that same path, I know how hard and scary it can be especially when what God is asking us to do is going to involve someone else and we are not sure their reaction. As I worked through healing of my past some of the things I knew I had to do to heal were very, very painful. But they were necessary. Those things had to be given over to God and taken completely out of my life to walk in victory and freedom and good will come of it, I promise! God will give you the courage and the strength to do whatever He requires.
You all have a great Saturday! Check back in with you tomorrow...
Love,
Brandee in rainy, humid TN
Blessings Sweet, Lovely Girlfriends! Wendy, thank you for sharing your life with us! Beautiful parents, and beautiful daughter!
Today was a short reading – but, left me really thinking. Currently, the people are in the middle of all of the warfare in Syria. I imagine they are beginning to lose hope, and what does God do? He gives a sign to his people that he intends to give them victory. The dying prophet, (Elisha), placed his hands over King Jehoash and said, “This is the LORD’S arrow, an arrow of victory” (2 Kings 13:17). The arrow represented deliverance. This picture shows us that deliverance is from the Lord, but we must take part also. King Jehoash had to maneuver the bow/arrows, but God would guide the people.
We can’t just let our “arrows” sit and expect God to do all of the work. In order for us to have complete victory we have to do our part. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Col. 3:23). But, remember, we can only have complete victory if we rely on Him, “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15.5). Today, I am seeking to have every single branch cut off that is not bearing fruit! The only way I can do this is to remain with God. Daily, studying His Word, and as the Lord guides me along, He so mercifully keeps me on His path. He shows me areas that are taking up some of His precious time. Areas that I am putting too much focus on. Strongholds. Idols. Gently, He teaches me His desire and points out to me what needs to be let go of. Then, it’s up to me, - I need to take that “arrow” and do my part.
As we wholeheartedly commit our goals to Him, He will help us to have success (Prov. 16.3). Clinging to Him, we will walk in victory. The benefits: blessings, peace, God’s presence.
Hugs, Lori
Kristin, praying for Rebecca & Lauren, and that Brian’s faith will be increased.
Michelle, seriously, “Lori Street,” –I laughed when I read this! You always bring me a smile with your comments.
And, I’m enjoying the “Texas Quartet” (love this Michelle!) addition to our study!
Lyn, you’re angel to draw others’ to God’s Word.
Donna, I enjoyed reading about your “Blessing Book,” and I’m considering proposing this idea to my 94 year old grandma. We are moving her (again) this week. Her favorite caregivers are relocating to another home, so she wants to “follow” them.
...to be continued...it got rejected for being too long!
Stephanie, wow, little Kailyn is due in August –let’s pray for complete freedom – deliverance before your baby is born! Lord, your daughter, Stephanie, is wholeheartedly committing this area to You. Thank you for the power You have placed inside her to do this. She is seeking You to help her with this plan. She knows that she can not do it alone. Thank you for her supportive husband. Be her strength when she feels weak. Keep her on your path today. Rid her completely of this stronghold. Take away this branch that is not bearing fruit. Today, Lord, as she clings to You, give her a day of victory. Amen.
Father, fervently and humbly we approach You today to intervene – if it your will we boldly come to ask you to save John. We will not give up praying for Brandee’s husband, and Will’s earthly father. We yearn and pray – we so desire to be a witness to your supernatural power this weekend. Please, reach out and save this young man. What a delight it will be for young Will, to see a prayer that he has been so diligent in praying and believing in, every single day. Lord, you love your little children. Is this the weekend to give young Will a special gift? Lord, only You know the best time. We leave it in your strong hands. We look forward to giving You all of the glory, for without you nothing is possible. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.
Okay, now off to walk before it gets too hot, and I try to talk myself out of it! ha-ha! Smile.
Thank you sweet sisters - what a blessing ya'll are to me! Have a great weekend!
Oh, yes, Karen should arrive back in Basel today! PTL...we will give her a day to rest up, and maybe, just maybe she'll bless us w/ a pop in soon! smile
One more thing, Grace & Peace...THANK YOU so much for all you share with us. I learn from you every single day!
Love ya'll, Lori
Sweet Brandee, we were typing at the same time! Glad Will is sleeping in!
Love, Lori
Good morning, GIGS! Busy week, but I am caught up with my reading and plotting in my notebook which king/queen is doing evil in His sight or doing good. Then I read today's lesson. Mary and Michelle, I too picked up on the number of times that Joash struck the ground with the arrows. He didn't know that 3 wasn't enough. But, he didn't ask either. Matthew 7:7 reminds us to "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Many times I also forget to ask...I simply expect! Great nugget here today.
I have a prayer request for you sweet friends. My boys are going to mission camp after lunch today. We'll pick them up next Saturday. They will be refurbishing homes---new roofs,new plumbing, new floors, painting, etc. My oldest has been for 3 yrs. He knows the ropes. Then, there is my youngest!!! Need I say more? Please pray that he drinks enough water and gatorade before his body needs it! And that he eats enough to keep him fueled. And, most of all, that they both see the Holy Spirit at work in them and others!
Wendy, enjoy this time with your precious dad. Thanks for the sweet thoughts of us who have lost our daddies. This is my first Father's Day without him, and it is hard. He will be celebrating in heaven, and I will simply remember and be glad that he lived 86 amazing years without any illness. God is so good! THe rest of you have a great weekend and Happy Father's day to your hubbies and dads!
Hugs!
Susan
Lori, Your beautiful prayer brought me to tears this morning. Thank you so much. My husband and I have a class to attend that I have to go get the hair fixed for, but the reading really encouraged me this morning and I will share more later this afternoon. I love you ladies so much already.
Good Morning - GIGs.
Ok Texas quartet, idsn't that 2 sweet name. Kristin that includes you. The rest of us 3 are here in the Ft. Worth area. I think it would be so wonderful to have a DAY of prayer and worship. A whole day, well almost a day.:-) I will furnish the house,and enough to eat. Is that possible Kristin? Also Kristin how are the little girls coming. One is little so I just in my mind made the other one little.
In our reading today, God is so faithful. He promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and King David a large lineage. Even when the people didn't follow Him, He made His promise true. Just a little turning toward God, confessing our sins, He responds. This group is under the heading of being able to Experience true freedom. Lord, let us long for the freedom of walking and trusting in You.
About the Blessing book, Lori, get you mother a small journal, but pretty, so she will want to hold it, and write in that. A large page is overwhelming with only 2 or 3 blessing, containing 5-9 words won't look lost and hopeless. As she writes in it she will be amazed how lengthly those blessings will be. Ask her to do it for her legacy. Then encourage her to be with other women who do NOT want to talk about their ailments or how their children aren't doing as she wants them to. My group doesn't allow that. As a new person comes to be with us, we let them once and then before we break up I talk about being positive and not letting the Devil into our minds. This world is so different than when we were younger that it breaks our hearts. I could make a long list of those things, but it would make me sad the rest of the day. So I will not go there. I chose to be positive, and the seniors need to do the same. Stop watching the news completely - completely. Your neighbors and friends will let you know what is going on.
Ok my young GIGs - I got started on my soap box, (it is cushioned so I can stay on it a long time).
Donna - TX
Hi all, I'm doing fine and so is my computer. I just haven't been able to find anything to comment about relating to the reading this week. Last Saturday I went horseback riding and had a lot of fun. I was sore for two days but I look forward to horseback riding again. Today my family is going to my mom's to celebrate her 60th b-day and one year anniversary to my step dad. They've known each other for over twenty years. However, I guess it's not to late for me to get married if it's in God's plans for me. In the past two nights I've had three dreams about weddings, hmmm.
I'll have to do today's reading later.
I love you all.
Hello GIGs.
I just love the sharing that goes on in the community.
Today I was struck by how Jehoahaz cried out to God when the going became tough. How often do I do that? I go about my merry way, and then when trouble comes, I run to the One I know can take care of the problem. Instead I need to be at the Father's feet worshiping and fellow-shipping with Him, learning and growing. I want to give God the praise, not just ask for the help or blessing. Hmmmmmmmm
Hope everyone has a great weekend. We are seeing our son play in a band tonight- he has been playing for years but never close enough for us to hear. Can't wait.
Praying for you all.
Gaylene
Well, I’m back one last time! Thank you sweet sisters, ya’ll, are opening up today’s reading even more to me! I was stuck on the hand being placed on the other person [His hand on us allowing deliverance]…but, oh my goodness, I’m seeing the maneuvering of the bows in a different light –we have to do this! I’ve allowed myself to shoot off most of the bow’s…but, I’ve been holding on to some of them, selfishly…God is after 100%! Every last bow (branch) needs to be cut off! For one half of a century I’ve been holding on to some of my branches, seeking my selfish desires, - oh, ladies, I’m so desiring this second half of my life, to be seeking what God desires of me. (God willing, I will live to one-hundred, smile) It’s not about what I want, but all about what He wants from me.
God’s Word. Sisters, He just keeps revealing His will to me, as I pursue Him in His Word. Earlier, He showed me how we have to remain in Him to do it, cling to Him actually, - when we feel weak, when the enemy tries to pounce and steer us in the wrong direction. Well, I just read my daily devo from “God’s Daily Promises for Women,” and it reinstated what He told me earlier: John 15:5, 16 –“I am the vine; you are the branches, those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. You didn’t choose me, I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for using my name.”
Stephanie, this is a confirmation, that He will give you what you ask, when You ask Him using His name. He gets the glory. He will give us the fruit (self-control) to say, “no.” Complete freedom. As we commit our plan to him, we can be assured that He will give us success. Thank you, Lord!
Lord, accomplish in us Your desire. Take away every dead branch. It will take work on our part, - we can’t expect You to do it all. Help us shoot every single arrow that is holding us back from walking in total obedience to You. The blessings are worth the work. We cling to You, to guide us in your perfect way. We thank, You, for you’ve showed us what needs to go. What needs to be gotten rid of. Thank you for pruning us, and for giving us this attention! Don’t let us stop part way…we are running the race till the finish line! God Almighty You are who You say You are, and with you, we can do all things! Amen.
Sweet sister Stephanie, I’m right beside you holding you up in prayer, as I run the race, too!
Now, I do need to get off of this computer, (Donna, I can get comfy on my chair, too!) {Thank you for the additional help with the blessing’s book. Mema is my grandma, and she’s a feisty one at that, her mind is going a mile a minute…and nothing goes past this little lady!} and put a fire under the boy’s…there is work to be done! Smile…Looking forward to Father’s Day tomorrow…having my 77 year old dad over to spend time with our family. Enjoy the weekend everyone, and keep those thoughts on 4:8 –thank you, Michelle! Wishing I was at the beach with you! Second thought, this is a day for you to devote to your hubby! A dip in the pool here, will have to do for me!
Hugs, Lori
PS Jennifer Renee – thank you for popping in! Ya’ll I have to tell you a blessing I received this week…ya know how I sent Jennifer those CD’s I had… well, she blessed me with a picture of her last week while they were hiking and horseback riding! I’m telling you my heart just swelled up with love as I got to see her beautiful face! Now, when I pray for her I’ve got a visual in my mind! I decided to mail her back a picture, and told her that to hold on to it, because the Lord, just may manifest his mighty power in her and allow her eye-site to return! We never, never know what He is up to! It’s our unbelief, that keeps Him from showering us with miracles, I do believe!!!
Hi!
Things have been wacky the past few days and our schedule is all upside down, so while I've read, I haven't watched yesterday's vlog yet, but I had to hop on and share ...
My husband has been exercising up a storm lately, and today he said something that totally surprised me. I think I told you how I'd been hoping that he would use his morning time to exercise, and he's done that, and now he's added another session in the evenings, and he's evening cooking his own breakfast now (he used to skip it altogether). But today, when he got back, he told me that he's using his morning run as a prayer time, to thank God for the beautiful day that He's made and for other things that pop in his head as he runs. :-D I NEVER imagined that my husband would come home and say that just out of the blue. God is SO working there! :-)
I've been so excited since he told me that I can't remember what I wrote this morning about our reading, and to go get my notebook is to wake up my son, who fell asleep playing in his room, so ... I'll be back tomorrow. Heading off now to catch up on yesterday's post!
Oh, PS - You know how I was praying for an exercise time, but all of the easy-picking times are now taken by my husband? ;-) we signed up our daughter for a Saturday morning art class during the summer, and it's being held at the park! So after dropping her off today, I had 45 minutes with just the track, my iPod full of praise music, and me. (It was 94 and a bit warm, but God sent a nice breeze occasionally - it worked.) So I got a start on some exercise time, too!
I totally wrote down that verse yesterday, about abiding in the vine...after my reading. :)
Good afternoon GIGs.
Read early this a.m. and then was able to pick some veggies from my son's garden OH, we have hatched 15 baby chicks! The first eggs hatched on Wed. and then on Thurs. they finished...Nine out of the 24 eggs didn't hatch; 7 must not have been fertilized by Clyde, the rooster and two died before they could crack the shell. To watch God's creative hand is awesome!
I also was struck by the cry to God for help; His mercy, and then they fall back into their old ways. Lord, strengthen me daily to let my old self stay dead. Keep working on me to keep me on Your straight and narrow path.
The arrows also made an impression and your comments were along mine.
You are all such a blessing. Your prayers are my prayers.
Jen Renee, miss you when you're not commenting.
Michelle, I am doing much better and hopefully will be going to NC after 6/28 lab work. But will return on 7/7 for yet another appt.
My son is spoiling me! PTL
Kate, so glad Fred will be going home. Praying for you and Mom as you care for him.
Stephanie, praying for you.
Each request is prayed over as I read them.
Have a wonderful day with your Husbands and Dads,
Teeny
Good day, sweet GIGs.
It's so nice to read what each and everyone of you wrote. Lori, you really have the gift of prayer. That was a beautiful, straight from the heart one.
Brandee, we haven't stopped praying for John! I keep waiting to see what God will do.
I did not finish today's reading as I'm trying to catch up w my Koinonia class but what I noted in the margin was how every king who is bad is compared to Jeroboam when there were other bad kings after him! On the contrary every good king is compared to King David, a man after God's own heart. What it told me was when we are asked to start something, God uses us as a standard - be it for good or bad. So our legacy depends on what we have done during our lifetime. Oh I would hate for God to say of my great-great-great granddaughter "She did evil in the sight of the Lord like her g-g-g-grandmother, Grace & Peace."
As to the arrow, my mind went to the meaning of the number 7. In the bible 7 is the number of perfection - God's number. This is on my mind because in the aforementioned Koinonia class, I just finished a discussion on the 7's in Revelation. One of my classmates found 56 occurrences! Imagine that! GIG's the book that we hold is truly God's Word. The design, the interconnectedness of the detail proves that the Author is outside our time dimension. Who else could come up with these patterns? Not a fisherman like John. It just has to be God.
Ok, I have to get ready for 2 grad parties and to visit my Dad afterwards. This is bittersweet because we don't know if he'll be here next year. No, he's not sick but he met a woman 41 years his junior when he went to Asia. He might go back & stay with her and leave all his children & grandsons behind. If you can spare a prayer that he will open his eyes to the truth, I would most appreciate it. It is the only chance he has of being set free. Çlinging to John 8:32! Oh and of course Phil 4:8.
Have a blessed day everyone! It's a beautiful day in So Cal. We haven't had excessive heat. I can't stand heat. That's why I'm glad I'm going to heaven & not the other place.
It is such a blessing to have a great Dad. Definitely something to celebrate.
Happy Weekend to all you GIGs!!
I do have a HUGE praise report. Ms. Lauren (although she is not little at age 40) just had an infection, folliculitis, easily treated by oral antibiotics. She was home by Friday evening. Praise God.
Miss Rebecca is stable - they are still shooting for a homecoming early next week. It will truly be a blessing - to be home with her little brothers and out of that hospital. She still has a very long road to recovery - but sleeping in her own bed sure would help. The doctors are stating it could be the end of summer before she can have any real food - surviving on IV nourishment for now. Please continue to pray for her and this strong Christian family as they lean on their Heavenly Father to carry them through.
Boy, this lesson on the vine and the branches....wow. I must say I have had this branch that has been hindering my relationship with God for over 3 years now. I have continued to try and "snip" it off - only to see it return with new growth. Honestly, I have now sawed it off completely - but I am truly struggling. I know this is where I need to be - and must continue to have strong faith as I journey down this road. It is God's will.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and friendship.
BTW - I was feeling left out of the TX Quartet -- hee hee. Donna I am just north of San Antonio in the Hill Country - but a "get-together" sounds so awesome!!!
Love you guys - thanks for being there for me!
Hi figs. I had an incredible day. I said I was going to my mom's for her birthday and I did go. I got a big surprise when I walked in the door. My younger sister Brigitte and mom said happy birthday and happy anniversary. I was confused. It turned out that they were giving me and my sister Michelle a surprise 40th birthday party with presents. They had me come a little earlier than Michelle so Brigitte could show me the decorations. The decorations were in red and blue because when we were little if Michelle and I had the same outfit mine was red and hers was blue. Brigitte waited this year to do a party because this year Michelle turned 40 and her birthday is June 6. Brigitte said this is the first anniversary of my 40th year and that's why they said happy anniversary. It was an exciting day.
Happy Sabbath and Happy Day, ya'll...
No time to post this morning, but wanted to say, we're just going to have to change the quartet to the new quintuplets!
Kristin, Lyn (she's quiet, but does bless us now and then with a dear post,- plus she's the angel bringing the rest of ya'll in, smile) Donna, Stephanie, & Amber!
The big state, has the biggest "vocal" group! Love it! Love u, too!
Love all of you! Lori
PS A surprise party - how fun, Jennifer Renee!!!
Blessed Sunday!
The story of Jonah. Old from Sunday School classes. New from Jon Courson:
780B.C. the Lord looked down from heaven and saw Ninevah a great but exceedingly wicked city. The Lord commanded Jonah to go cry against it. But Jonah took off in the opposite direction. Jonah was not so afraid of the Ninevites. He feared that the the Ninevites would receive his message, repent and enjoy God's mercy. He didn't want mercy he wanted revenge. (Sound familiar?) Daniel to Belteshazzar - "don't you realize that your very breath is in the hand of the God you are blaspheming." Truly, our breath is in the hand of God. Composed of 78% nitrogen, 20% oxygen and 2% other gases, every breath we take is a miracle, for if the content shifted even one degree to 79% nitrogen, we would all be poisoned. If it shifted to 21% oxygen, the whle world would immediately explode in a fireball. Every second your heart beats 4 ounces of blood are displaced. In one year's time, your heart has pumped enough blood to fill 81 railroad tanker cars.
But we're alive! Every breath we take, every beat of our hearts, the food we had for breakfast - they're all wonders from a gracious God to His undeserving children!
There is so much more to learn from the Book of Jonah. Application Commentary Old Test. Volume 2, Pages 810 on. A whale of a tail!
My boulder - we are such a marvelous and wonderous creation of God. Studying anatomy I wondered why more things don't go wrong.
My to do - try to accept the things that do go wrong and delight every single day in the things of my body that don't go wrong.
Blessings, welcome to newcomers, prayers for those whose body is failing them, and praise for all the good things. Like our parents - Happy Father's Day.
Dixie in Florida
Blessings and thanksgiving today for my dear father, for the loving father of my children, for the amazing fathers of my grandbabies, and especially for my Almighty Father in heaven!
Welcome new classmates! I am praying daily for all you dear ones, your families and your special intentions.
Rhonda, about family dynamics... no family can be perfect. I'll offer some words that have worked for us: time, patience (and more patience), unconditional love, appreciation for the unique good in each one (and expressing it), forgiveness, keeping doors wide open. The tough times can ultimately create healing, and make a bond stronger. We have witnessed this. Special prayers for you as your family grows closer, all in God's time.
I had to think about Jonah 4:8-11. Jonah was angry almost to the point of choosing death rather than being uncomfortable, waiting impatiently for God to convict and destroy Nineveh. Don't we get hot and impatient with people sometimes?
When I see wrong, how do I judge? Am I as self-righteous as Jonah about others' faults? Do I waste my time and energy focusing on tiny selfish details (that "come quickly and go quickly") instead of God's big picture? Am I justified to wish for others to "get their due," according to my standards?
God sees the whole and knows the good that will take place in seemingly challenging and disturbing situations. Just as God changed His mind and offered the people of Nineveh His mercy, can I not extend a hand of mercy, a second chance, the benefit of the doubt? I pray to trust His plan, to keep my heart and motives pure, and use my energy to follow His call for me alone, not distressing over details that are out of my control, never stepping into His shoes of judgment or conviction.
Blessing you all,
Jacque
A Big Hello to all:
We spent several hours up in the country at our 3 acres of land.
We made "hobo" pouch dinners (hamburg,potatoes, and carrots) and cooked them on the gas grill. We have a barn and some conveniences there. I am not one to "rough it" too much! It was just the four of us, my hubby, daughter and son. My married daughter went to her in-laws, but they were able to stop by this am before we went to church, along with the two grandbabies.
It was a very relaxing day and just what my husband wanted to do.
I read Sat & Sun lessons while up in the country. A beautiful day here in the North.
Thank you Dixie, for refreshing my memory on Jonah. I knew there was a reason he was displeased, but could not remember.
Wendy, your parents look GREAT!
I want to comment more on what I read, but am sitting here really scummy waiting my turn for the shower. I think my mind has turned to mush.
Rhonda in NY
Bless you Lori! You are so sweet! I'm back and poppin' in for a quick hello and a prayer for each of you as you continue to read and grow in faith, love, and wisdom!
I am woefully behind (only on June 6 in the readings), but determined to catch up. I will vlog and read comments until I am caught up, but may not comment myself directly.
Michelle, I need to catch up on wedding stories and pictures! I know it was a beautiful day!
I pray you all had spirit-filled Father's Days. Even if your father has gone on before you, I hope you felt the presence of our Heavenly Father wrapping you in His arms today and whispering how much He loves you.
Be blessed,
Karen
Hi there gals,
I was reading back through today's scriptures and saw Amos 4:1-2. Now this in the afternoon.
Let me tell you about this morning:
As I was leaving for my dentist appt., my neighbor had a cow, yes a c-o-w out and walking down the road by my house. I thought, I have time, I'll help him out and put her back into her pasture. Right. I opened the gate and got behind her, but she went up the road the opposite direction. I jumped in my car, drove up to her, and waved her back down towards the gate. (Lost my bracelet, too.)She paused in front of my yard, while her baby cried in the field. That c-o-w would not go in through the opened gate. She took off trotting down the road again. By this time, I called the neighbor and closed the gate, I had to get to my dentist. On the way, I thought about how I have acted just like that cow. When God opened a gate for me, I went the opposite direction, trotting along,
my own way.
Amos says,Listen to me you fat
cows... I read that Amos was a herdsman, so he wrote what he knew about-cows. These were strong, Kine, and broke down fences, tresspassed on the neighbors ground.
Matthew Henry says,"Those to whom God has given a good pasture, if they are wanton in it, will justly be turned out of it; and those who will not be kept within the hedge of God's precept, forfeit the benefit of the hedge of God's protection."
Enough of going my own way, Lord. Keep me within Your hedge of protection-fence me in, so I won't get out of Your will.
Neighbor must have gotten the
c-o-w back into her pasture, because 2 hrs. later, she wasn't to be seen at my house or on the road.
I say, God knows how to get His message across, doesn't He?
I keep praying for ya'll.
Linda
My heart felt tender on Sunday for those who have lost their Dad too. I had special prayer time for a couple of friends who just lost their Dad a couple of months ago. Gave them a call to let them know I was thinking of them & they had taken their Mom out of State to visit with other family. They said that helped to get away for the day. I was glad they wouldn't be home alone, or going through a Father's Day service alone. They had talked about staying home from church that day, but the grandson said, "But Grandpa would want us to go."
I feel so blessed to have my Dad still here with me. He lost his Mom at age 9 and his dad at age 24. My best friend in Ohio lost her Dad about 4 yrs ago at the age of 24. I just can't image loosing my Dad. I don't think anyone does. God be with those who have.
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