Still Upward in 2010

Still upward be your onward course:
For this I pray today;
Still upward as the years go by
And seasons pass away.

Still upward in this coming year,
Your path is all untried;
Still upward may you journey on,
Close by your Saviour's side

Still upward although sorrows come,
And trials crush your heart;
Still upward may they draw your soul,
With Christ to walk apart.

Still upward till the day shall break
And shadows all have flown;
Sill upward till in Heaven you wake,
And stand before the Throne

(Taken from Streams in the Desert)

Not many of us are living at our best. We linger in the lowlands because we are afraid to climb the mountain. The steepness and ruggedness discourage us, so we stay in the mist of the valleys and never learn the mystery of the hills. We do not know what is lost by our self-indulgence, what glory awaits if we only have the courage to climb, or what blessings, we will find if we will only ascend the mountains of God!

I pray you have the courage in 2010 to climb your mountain, whatever that may be for you! And remember, you do not have to do it alone! Resolve to never give up and never give in in 2010!

Happy New Year!

'Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas ... No one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a "Holiday."
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit,
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X-BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken and Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas was nowhere to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Durbin, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Reed, on Kerry, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say ...
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

~ author unknown ~

Is it Possible to Have Peace On Earth?

I am sitting in my living room and enjoying a very peaceful, quiet morning with my cup of coffee and the Christmas lights sparkling so beautifully. I treasure these quiet moments, as I know they are few and far between, but am always reminded of the scripture that says "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

When you think about Christmas, and everyone wanting peace on earth, I somehow think that the only way for that to happen is to start with peace in our own hearts and homes.

We live in such a high paced, stressful, chaotic world today, that it is hard to find time to just sit and be still. We are so used to technology filling every part of our day, from the computer, to the TV, to our cell phones, never a moment to ourselves. We drop into bed exhausted at night, only to start the process all over again the next day. Certainly not a feeling of peace and contentment. Our lives can so quickly get out of balance.

I challenge you this Christmas Season to take time to sit and be still. Take time to think about your year and what you have accomplished, or what you may want to change for the new year. Take time to reflect upon the goodness of what God has done in your life.

This morning I came across a site online containing the meanings of names, so thought I would check out what my name meant. I have seen different versions of the meaning of my name, but it really touched me as I read it again today.

Meaning of Janna ~Yaweh is gracious~Yaweh is merciful

This is certainly so true, and a great reminder to me of all the the Lord has done in my life. He has been so gracious to me, and so merciful as well. I am so grateful that I know Him as Lord and Savior of my life.
I don't know where I would be today if it wasn't for His mercy and graciousness every day in my life. And the peace that He gives me, doesn't compare to anything else this world can offer.

If you are struggling with inner peace this season, I invite you to come to know the only one who can give true peace. The only one that this Season is all about. The only one that can truly make you content. Jesus!

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

* from the collection of Lincoln's papers in the Library of America series, Vol II, pp. 520-521

Thanksgiving Proclamations

Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d dy of October, A.D. 1789.

(signed) G. Washington

Give Thanks

This is the time of year that we all reflect upon what we are thankful for!

I don't have to think too long before realizing how truly blessed I am. I am so very grateful for my family, my home, my business, and all the wonderful people I am privileged to work with day in and day out. I am also thankful for so many friends who I learn from every day, and who I pray learn from me as well. I am also grateful for the grace and mercy of a great God, who daily makes His presence known to me.

Here are a couple of Thanksgiving Poems I came across, and thought I would share with you today. I pray you too, have much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving!



BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

~~Author Unknown.~~



HOW TO OBSERVE THANKSGIVING

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

~~Author Unknown.~~

What's Your Favorite Time of Year?

Mine is definitely fall. I love the crisp cool air, the leaves turning gold, and the anticipation of holidays! Some of my favorite activities this time of year are:

Taking a drive up to the mountains to see the Aspen trees.
Taking a trip to Happy Apple Orchard to pick blackberries, raspberries, pumpkins, and apples!
Going to Estes Park to hear the elk bugle.
Having our annual Great Pumpkin Dinner (a tradition we started years ago)
Going Hiking
Thanksgiving Dinner with Friends and Family

Take a few moments to plan some fun things in your fall that you can do with your friends and family. Life can get so busy, that we miss all of the beauty around us that God created and intended for us to enjoy.

I'd love to hear what your favorite fall activities are and what you are planning to do to make it special!

In My Father's House Are Many Mansions...I Hope Mine's Next to Yours!

Oh how great is Your goodness which you have laid up for those who fear You. Which You have prepared for those who trust in You! Psalm 31:19
Dave and I have had the privilege of taking a much needed vacation this week, and it has been so refreshing! Yesterday we took a hike up to Lily Pond, and I wanted to share some of the gorgeous beauty that we saw with you.

The wild flowers were absolutely amazing!
It was wonderful to have time just to reflect upon God's goodness and beauty!
We talked a lot about what heaven is going to be like. With all of the beauty and creativity that God has surrounded us with here, it still is nothing compared to what it will be like when we are in heaven with Him one day.
I can't wait!
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." John 14: 1-3

In my Father's house are many mansions....I hope mine's next to yours!

Janna

Will It Ever Get Done?

I know it's been a while since my last Blog post, but we have been in the middle of painting this month, and it seems like it will never end. Have you ever taken on a project that seemed like such a great idea, and once you got into it, you realized it was going to be much more involved and take much longer than you originally expected? Well that's exactly what's happened with this...but the end result has been well worth the effort.

Sometimes life is that way. We go along, and do the same things day in and day out, striving to reach some sort of accomplishment...whether it is raising our children, or working hard at our jobs or businesses, nurturing our marriages or even our relationship with God. Somehow we are always anxious to reach the end result, so that is what we focus on, instead of focusing on the journey it takes to reach those results. In doing so, we may miss many important lessons along the way.

I am learning to make the most of each day. Instead of being so intent on the end result, I am pausing to see what I can learn and grow in today. We miss too many opportunities if we are always focused on the end result, and sometimes we don't even pause to hear what God is saying to us right now, because we are too busy planning the next big event or activity.

Life is certainly a journey...but don't miss out on the journey by being too focused on the destination. God's more interested in what you are learning on the journey to your destination and the character that you are developing along the way.

Why "TAPS" is Played

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which Taps was played; this brings out a new meaning to it.

Here is something Every American should know...but most don't, until they read this:

We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.

But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.

Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.

The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.

The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted.

The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used at military funerals was born.

The words are:

Day is done ... Gone the sun

From the lakes ... From the hills ...
From the sky .. All is well.

Safely rest .. God is nigh..

Fading light .. Dims the sight ..

And a star ... Gems the sky

Gleaming bright from afar ..

Drawing nigh. Falls the night.
Thanks and praise ... For our days.

Neath the sun ... Neath the stars...

Neath the sky. As we go
This we know .. God is nigh

I too have felt chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either, so I thought I'd pass it along.

I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.

Remember those lost and harmed while serving their country and also those presently serving in the Armed Forces. Please remember to pray for our soldiers this weekend and for the families who have sacrificed loved ones for our freedom.

Back to The Basics

MOM- What Are You Doing to Get Back to Basics?
(Darla Shine)


Get back home. Get back in the kitchen. Play with your children. Pray with your family. Entertain. Invite friends and family over. Bring back Sunday family dinners. Spend less. Cook more. Buy on sale. Use coupons. Make more from scratch. Be creative with leftovers.


Hang your laundry on a line. Iced tea on the porch. Lemonade stands. Longer skirts. Less Diva. More classic. Less cleavage. Thank you notes. A call to say hello. Take up a hobby. Talk to your neighbor. Bake an apple pie. Help an old lady.

Learn how to make preserves. Go to Church on Sunday. Scrub your floor on your hands and knees. Go bike riding. Take long walks with your hubby hand in hand. Eat more nuts and berries. Eat less. Volunteer. Plant a tree. Take your children to a farm. Pick your own strawberries. Go fishing. Go camping. Shut off the air conditioning and open the windows.


Teach your children to waltz and cha-cha. Make a roast. Wear an apron. Wear lipstick and high heals. Shut off the TV. Read a book. Play scrabble.

Take a milk bath. Say hello to the cashier. Talk to the butcher. Take omega 3 instead of antidepressants. Sell your pie. Faux paint a dresser. Use egg yolk for a facial. Drive less. Book your children less. Save more. Stop using credit cards. Go green. Try alternative healing.


Cook for your family.
Keep a beautiful home.
Be a beautiful woman.
Contribute to your community.
Thank God for all you have.

--Darla Shine

25 Things My Mother Taught Me

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'

2. My mother taught me RELIGION
'You better pray that stain will come out of the carpet.'

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL
'If you don't straighten up,
I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'

4. My mother taught me LOGIC
' Because I said so, that's why.'

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck,
you're not going to the store with me.'

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT .
'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'

7. My mother taught me IRONY
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS
'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM
'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'

10. . My mother taught me about STAMINA
'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
'Stop a acting like your father!'

15. My mother taught me about ENVY
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world
who don' t have wonderful parents like you do.'

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION
'Just wait until we get home.'

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING
'You are going to get it when you get home!'

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.'

19. My mother taught me ESP
'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'

20. My mother taught me HUMOR
'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT
'If you don't e at your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

22. My mother taught me GENETICS
'You're just like your father.'

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'

24.My mother taught me WISDOM
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.'


Happy Mother's Day!

Lakita

Okay, so I have to tell you my puppy story!

As you know, I posted a story a couple of weeks ago about my puppy Providence that I got about 2 years ago. I absolutely loved that puppy, and my heart was broken when he developed a post reaction to his vaccine shot, and started going into seizures. 2 days later he passed away. It has taken me 2 years to build up the courage to get another puppy, and after much prayer and consideration, my husband and I decided that now was a good time. It always amazes me how God cares about every single detail of our lives. I have to tell you our story.

We have been looking for about 4 months for a puppy, and I have done tons of research trying to decide what that right breed would be for us. I was drawn to the Siberian Husky, and really wanted a dog that I could take out on the trails hiking, and that loved to be outdoors. I had checked out some books from the library on Siberian Huskies to read up on them. One night we were watching a movie and there was a girl in the movie named Lakita. I told my husband, Dave, that if we get a Husky, I wanted to name her Lakita, having no idea what it meant.

Well, about a week later, I was looking at puppies on craigslist, and there was an ad for a 6 month old Siberian Husky puppy that was a stray. She had jumped into the yard of this family. At first they didn't feed her, thinking she would return home, but she kept hanging around. One day, to their surprise, she discovered their doggy door, and they found her in the house. From then on they took her in, and tried everything to find the original owners, but no one came forward to claim her. After several weeks, they decided it was time to find her a good home. They would have loved to keep her, but they had just gotten a new puppy from the pound, and their other dog had just had 8 pups. (That's a lot of dogs! LOL)

They really felt like she needed more individual attention than they could give her, so they went on a mission to find her a good home. They received over 75 emails from people responding to their ad! She emailed me back and forth for about 2 weeks, and finally decided that out of all of the people she had interviewed, she felt our family would be the best fit for her. She even said that if we took her home, and things just didn't work out, that we could bring her back. She sent me a picture of her, and of course I fell in love with her right away!

I then decided to get online and look up the name Lakita to see what it meant, as that is what I wanted her name to be. When I checked it out, my eyes got real big, and my husband said..."what's wrong?" I said, "you'll never guess what Lakita means." He said "what? I said "found treasure." There couldn't have been a more perfect name for her!

Well 2 weeks ago today we brought Lakita home, and she has been such a joy to all of us already. She has a very sweet personality, and I have loved taking her out walking and hiking. She is doing obedience classes, and has learned so much already! We have definitely adopted her as part of our family, and look forward to many years ahead of companionship and good times with her. She is truly our "found treasure."

Let it Rain

This morning when I got up, it was raining, and it made me reflect on the results that rain can bring in our lives. We have had a pretty dry winter here (except for this month), and it's amazing how green things become in such a short time, with just a little rain or snow.

I took my new puppy out for a walk in the rain. She wasn't too sure about that at first, but she soon got used to it and was exploring everything along the way.

Maybe you are feeling a bit dry spiritually, physically or mentally. Maybe things in your life aren't going the way you had planned. Why don't you take some time to soak in the rain of God's many blessings in your life.

Here are a few ideas that won't cost you a dime, but will refresh you:

*Read the Bible
*Take a walk and enjoy God's creation along the way
*Take a much needed nap (turn off the phone)
*Take a hot bath
*Read a book
*Watch a good movie
*Pray

Rain brings new growth, and it cleans and refreshes. We all need to be restored from time to time, and in fact I have learned that the more often I take time to be refreshed, the more energy I have to give to others.

What did YOU do today to nourish your soul? I'd love to hear about it!

MY PUPPY PROVIDENCE

I have always been a dog lover, and have been trying to decide recently whether to get another puppy or not. I lost my precious little puppy (above) about a year and a half ago, and it broke my heart. I have always loved dogs, and in fact keep going to check out all of the puppies each week at Pet's Mart. This is such a touching story! Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one!

Lucky Dog....


Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.'

Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.


Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact; she was just sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him! The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap.

Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body f felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.
He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most Credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.

If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God

Cherry Berries on a Cloud

Every Easter our traditional family dessert is Cherry Berries on a Cloud. It is soooo yummy! Here is the recipe in case you want to try it for your family! Enjoy, and Happy Easter!

Cherry Berries on a Cloud

INGREDIENTS

• 6 egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• FILLING:
• 2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• TOPPING:
• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff peaks form (do not underbeat). Spread evenly in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 275 degrees F for 1 hour; turn off oven (do not open door). Let cool in oven overnight or at least 12 hours.
2. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth; gently fold in whipped cream and marshmallows. Spread over meringue. Chill for 4 hours. Cut into 16 pieces. Combine topping ingredients; spoon 1/4 cup over each serving.

The Easter Story

THE EASTER STORY!

From the garden of Gethsemane

Where Jesus knelt to pray

To the betrayal done by Judas

On that grim and fatal day.

From the mighty hands of Pilate

Who wished to let Him be

To the noble priests and leaders

Who refused to set Him free.

From the crown of thorns upon His head

And lash marks from a strap

To the weight of such a heavy cross

Placed there upon His back.

From the thief who hung beside Him

Crying, “Lord, remember me”

To the gentle words of Jesus

“Today, you’ll be with me.”

From the darkness of the noon time

As He died upon the cross

To the earth that shook and trembled

In response to such a loss.

From the cheering cries of soldiers

As they took His body down

To the caring hands of Joseph

A follower new in town.

From the tomb where He was laid to rest

In linen cloth of white

To the guards who had to stand close by

Throughout both day and night.

From the stone that blocked the entrance

As it gently rolled away

To the miracle that happened

On that third and final day.

From the baffled look of soldiers

As they peered into the room

To the startled face of Mary

When she found an empty tomb.

From the strange events that happened

As the guards all turned and fled

To the words that came from angels

“He has risen from the dead.”

From the frightened eyes of Mary

As she swiftly left that place

To the light that flowed from Jesus

When she saw Him face to face.

From the doubt of His disciples

When she spoke of resurrection

To the fear upon their faces

As He walked in their direction.

From the written word of scripture

He fulfilled in prophecy

To the eleven who had gathered

On a hill in Galilee.

From the words that had been spoken

Before He went away

To His ascension into heaven

Where He lives this very day.

From the Bible on the mantel

Tis the words you need to heed

To find wisdom in its pages

And a light to sow a seed.

From the death and resurrection

Of the one we hold so dear

To the coming of His spirit

Now that Easter time is here.

From the colored eggs and candy

And an orchid trimmed in blue

To the truth found there in scripture Christ Jesus died for you.

Written by Marilyn Fergason

Good Friday

This is the time of year when we take time out of our busy schedules to reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made in our place, so that we could be set free from our sin.

I have been reading the story of the crucifixion in Matthew this week, and every time I read about what Jesus did for me, I am truly humbled by it. To think that Jesus took my place on the cross to pay for the price of my sin, is hard to fathom. And yet it is true. There is absolutely nothing I have to do to earn my way to heaven. The price has already been paid! He can't love me anymore than He already does! All I had to do was accept His gift to me. Am I perfect? Not by any means. But I am forgiven and have been set free to become the person that God intended me to be. You can be too! What is holding you in bondage today? Do you have peace in your life? Or are you struggling from day to day, always feeling defeated, never able to gain victory in your life?

Say a prayer to Him today and turn your life over to the one who already paid the price for you! It's so simple, yet so life changing! Let this be a "Good Friday" for you that you will always remember.

Mary's Lamb Got Suspended

Mary! had a little Lamb,
His fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
The Lamb was sure to go.

He followed her to school each day,
T'wasn't even in the rule.
It made the children laugh and play,
To have a Lamb at school.

And then the rules all changed one day,
Illegal it became;
To bring the Lamb of God to school,
Or even speak His Name!

Every day got worse and worse,
And days turned into years.
Instead of hearing children laugh,
We heard gun shots and tears.

What must we do to stop the crime,
That's in our schools today?
Let's let the Lamb come back to school,
And teach our kids to pray!

Diligence

TODAY IS THE DAY.....

To Be Diligent at Work

As the lowly ant demonstrates, life is a roll-up-your-sleeves proposition. God gives you the basic ingredients you need for your daily bread, but He expects you to do the baking. You can have lots of enthusiasm for the final product-a warm, tasty loaf of bread-but unless you are willing to do the work required to produce it, enthusiasm will not get you very far. When it comes to the tasks that lay ahead, roll up your sleeves and get to work! Diligent effort produces the satisfaction of a job well done.

Hands that work hard will rule. But people who don’t want to work will become slaves. Proverbs 12:24 NIV
The plans of people who work hard succeed ~ Proverbs 21:5

For the diligent the week has seven todays;
For the slothful, seven tomorrows!
Author Unknown

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing"
-Walt Disney

taken from Everyday Insights for and Extraordinary Life

A Still Small Voice

Well it's been a while since my last post, as life keeps us all very busy. It has now been 8 weeks since I had surgery, and I am feeling great. God is so incredibly good and I have so much to be thankful for! Thanks again for all of you who have kept me in your prayers.

As always, the Lord continues to teach me daily to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all other things will be given to me as well. It sounds so simple, and yet with the hectic pace that we all keep in our lives, it can be so difficult. So many things demand our time and attention, and if we are not careful, they can crowd out our time that we spend with our Father.

This week I was reading in I Kings 19: 11-12 about Elijah, and how he was on the mountain listening for God, and when the winds passed by they were so strong it tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces, but the Lord was not in the wind. Next there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. Then a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and finally a still small voice...that is where Elijah heard God's voice.

How often are we all so busy with the noise of life, that we miss the still small voice of God speaking to us. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." If we are not taking time to be still, we cannot hear that still small voice that is speaking to us prompting us to learn and become more like Him.

Can God speak to us through the noise of our lives? Certainly! But somehow I think he treasures the times when we are listening intently and hearing what He is whispering into our hearts. The times when our focus is on no one but Him.

Help us Father to seek you first in all we do, every day!

Closer to You

What an amazing day and age that we live in! Because of the technology of Facebook, I was reconnected with a good friend of mine, that I hadn't seen since I was a teenager. Both of our families were musical, and so we attended a music school together for several summers. A few months ago, when he found me on Facebook, we started catching up on each others families and lives and all that God has done through the years. Yesterday he was in Colorado, so my husband and I had the privilege of meeting with him over lunch and reminiscing about old times.

Little did I know way back then, that he would go on to write many award winning songs for groups such as 4Him, Phillips Craig & Dean, Point of Grace, Larnelle Harris and more. He has quite a story, and just had a book published about his life that released last week called "Healing In God's Time" by Donna Clark Goodrich

I wanted to share the words to one of his songs that he had just written when I met him, and it has always been such a blessing to me. We sang it so many times as a family, and even sang it last Thanksgiving at our family reunion. It reminds us all to keep our eyes focused on the only thing that is truly important in this life, and that is spending time with God and getting to know Him better each day, so we can be a reflection of Him to those around us.

Closer to You

I know that I've failed you Lord
Time and again
But each time, you've always stayed true
And that's why I kneel at the Cross once again
And ask to draw closer to you

Closer to you Lord,
Closer I pray
Help me draw closer to Your will today
It doesn't matter what others may do
I want to draw closer to you

Lord I surrender all that I am
For whatever you'd have me do
I've faith in your promise
And I know that you'll show
A way to draw closer to you

Written by Dave Clark