Just There

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. ~ 1 Peter 5:9

Have you ever given real thought to what the devil wants to do to you? While this whole nation is enveloped in a recession that looks to have lasting results with little relief we need to be on our guard more than ever to recognize and understand that the devil wants nothing but the absolute worse for us and our families as we try to wade our way through this sea of economical turmoil. These are desperate times for some and we need to help them resist Satan's worldly sin laced ways of getting through these times. When the news blares stories of women turning to "other ways" of income, or fathers robbing banks, or the many unnecessary suicide/homicides we have heard about all in the name of trying to make ends meet, or as a way to see a gleaming ray of hope it saddens my heart and it should grieve yours also. Let's reach out to the hurting and stand firm, persevere and continue to seek God's wisdom as we trudge through this fallen world. We need to repeat to ourselves constantly that there is a reason, even if we can not make any consorted sense out of what's going on, until we believe it in our bones and very being. Most of all, we need not be ashamed of what our past, present, future, or finances say about us...they DO NOT define us and they should not be given such position; we need to hang out some of our dirty laundry so that others can encourage us and so that we may be an encouragement to those who need to know they will get through this....but do not let it define you. Let's help one another resist, persevere and so remember that we are not alone...so reach out a helping hand even if it's just to be there. ~

Love Snow

The first big snow of the year has arrived and we have made sure to have fun in it by sledding down the outside stairs off the deck and into the yard. The stuff is sticky enough to make a huge snowman family with plenty to spare piling up in the road ruts. Today I am assuming things will be better, but yesterday I couldn't get my van up to my house as the tires just spun in the slush/mud mix and caked the traction my studded tires once held. My prince of a husband had to come a rescue me, but after last night's freeze and today's continued dumpage of the white stuff, I am sure to be able to make it up the frozen tundra that only 24 hours ago was slop. Cody is down at Shorty's looking at ways we can incorporate pizza ovens; one of his many passions. On nights like last night I'm sure they're would be plenty of people who would love to stop, get dinner and make their way home with a warm, already made dinner when holed up for the night. I love these kinds of days; I love being shut into my home cozy and warm while watching the lights of cars creep along 131 in a slow line. After having worked (2) 12 hour days - 1 Wednesday and 1 Thursday - and being exhausted, there was nothing more relaxing for me than waking up Friday morning to the fluffy flurry of snow in the air and not having to drive in it. Just to enjoy it. I love snow! ~

Pure Right

The character of even a child can be known by the way he acts - whether what he does is pure and right. ~ Proverbs 20:11

Have you ever watched a child in a grocery store throw a tantrum because they didn't get the gleaming candy bar in the check out aisle and wondered, What in the world? Why isn't that parent doing anything? At that moment we unfairly judge the character of that child, and the undoubtedly worn out mom when we simply don't even know the situation; don't worry, I've done it too. Here's the kicker; some of us adults act the same way; worse given some situations and we should know better. According to the scriptures, the character of even a small child can be revealed by the spoiled way he may act, by the screaming lungs, or maybe the quiet gentle spirit spurned on by giving and sharing. With that being said the question is, where do you think our children see the model of temper tantrums and greedy attitudes? If the acts of a child reveal what he does as pure and right, then don't you think all the more for adults. We need to check ourselves and purify our character so that we can be good models and exemplary examples of how someone with pure motives act. We need to love each other, treat our elders with respect, let others go first in line at the grocery store, remember our manners and bring back "please" and "thank you" and ditch the "give me" and "I deserve" attitudes. Above all else, treat others as you would want to be treated and let the character of God shine brightly through you - pure and right. ~