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!