CHANGE IS GOOD

I was just thinking.......'What has facebook done to the Blog?'.

Just wondering.

It has been a long time since I've posted anything on here. I attribute it to facebook and ....laziness. It's so much easier to go to my home page.....see what's going on and go about my way. That's technology for ya!

Denise and I have been working together now for a month or so. It has been nice seeing her throughout the day. I wasn't sure how it was going to workout at first......but it's worked out nicely. I'm seeing a new side of her. I really appreciate her attention to detail. We're at a phase where we are finishing one job and about to go to another. I'm excited about the change. The job we're finishing has been a wonderful experience. It's stretched both of us into areas that we never knew we could walk in. I'm very thankful for the experience. I never realized how much faith it takes to do what we do. Faith helps us to work hard and finish well. Like I said.....I'm thankful for the experience. I'll post before and after photos soon.

I'm looking forward to the holidays. Thanksgiving is at our doorstep and Christmas is around the corner......time flies. I guess I've been so busy with work that I haven't paid to much attention to the time. It just really dawned on me today how close we were to the end of the year. I feel like I'm just now getting used to 2009......now 2010. Like I said....I'm thankful for the experience.

I guess I'm in a reflective mood......thinking about the last year...last few months....this has been a good year.

Deut. 30:16 'For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.'

-JGR

WE FIVE

//

BRANDON HEATH

//

FUNNY VIDEO

This is soooo funny.


http://<a href="http://www.cmt.com/video/" target="_blank">Tom Mabe: Eavesdropping</a>

Tom Mabe: Eavesdropping

Goodbye Garden

I had planned to chronicle this year's garden in pictures and prose. I didn't. But, today, I picked the last of the butter beans and green beans; only enough for a meal; and thought of things I've learned.

One verse that kept coming to mind is 1 Corinthians 3:6 "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." Now, I know that Paul is speaking of spiritual concepts here; but, somehow, experiencing this reality through the garden, has brought me greater understanding spiritually.

For instance, in 2006, we were still picking butter beans by the five gallon bucketfuls in November. In 2007, the green bean vines were so laden that it would take me 3 hours to pick two medium rows. Last year, 2008, two very small rows of cucumber vines produced exceedingly well. We had freshly sliced cucumbers every meal, every day. We canned approx. 140 pints of sour pickles and 7 gallons of dill pickles. We gave away approx. 5 or 6 five gallon bucketfuls to family and friends. Each of these years, the other crops produced fairly well and one stood out.

This year has been the strangest. Nothing really stood out, though every thing that produced tasted exceptional, as always! The cucumber vines were looking great, but one afternoon, following a heavy rain, the sun came out and burned them up; no cucumbers. The tomatoes didn't do really well. The green beans did best, I suppose; we had more of them to can. We really enjoyed the corn and okra that we had, and had plenty of a variety of peppers. The butter bean vines were as big and pretty and green as I have ever seen, but produced very little.

Each year, we did all we could do; but ultimately, God gave the increase. We did what we could do, and thankfully enjoyed the increase each year, whatever it was. We didn't become anxious or strive over it because we knew we couldn't make those plants grow or produce.

I can love people. I can pray for them; intercede for them. I can even provide wonderful teachings and music for them. But I can't change their hearts. Only God can change their hearts. So, there is no reason for me to be anxious..."Have faith in God." kdr

STRENGTH OF MY LIFE - P.O.D.

This song came across my mp3 player this morning.....it really spoke to me.

http://

Foolish talk

Ephesians 5:4 "Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes--these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God."

1 Timothy 6:20-21 "...guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God's grace be with you all."

Since I can remember I have always been uncomfortable with obscene stories and coarse jokes. It saddens me even today to hear fellow believers and friends engaging in these kinds of things. But this didn't stop me from engaging in foolish talk and discussions, even in childhood. Maybe it was an attention-seeking device for me, a way to relieve boredom or to appear witty, clever and cool. Or maybe it was because friends and family said I had no common sense...I was very smart in some areas but struggled in others...

It really doesn't matter. What matters is , it became a habit that is displeasing to God. Since I became aware of this among other things on March 1st of this year; much thanks to the Jackson Family!!!; I have made progress in this area, though I haven't completely defeated it. I know that I will since I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me! Because NO amount of human attention or approval or wittiness or coolness according to human standards is worth the displeasure of our God, our Father, the Love of our lives...

I have been totally undone and I will not be satisfied until, by His love and grace, I have achieved the level of holiness He is calling me to..."Come up here!"

kdr

THE DAY AFTER ELEVEN

I'm not going to harp on this much. It's all fresh in our memories again. I remember how we came together as a nation the day after 9/11/01. We were a unit.....a big community......it was cool how people came together and the little things that normally bug us about each other were no more. And even though there were some things about G.W. Bush that were typical of any other President........he was definitely the right guy for our nation. It was amazing to see photos of him before 9/11 and to see him when he left office............the job had really aged him. I don't doubt that it's a stressful job......not at all.

But back to 9/12/01...........to see how divided we are as a nation today........it makes me long for those days when the national spirit was best described as compassionate......caring.......we stood with one another. It's quite a contrast with today. Our only true hope is God.

II Chronicles 7:14......... if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

God is truly our only hope........

It has been too long since we blogged; we are very busy with home projects, Jose's work and the garden; plus we are making an effort to honor God more with our time both together, and when we're apart. The thing is we don't want to stop...

I have posted some things on facebook but don't know how to embed them on the blog.

The greenbeans are the cream of the crop this year. In 'o7 it was the butterbeans, last year it was the cucumbers. Jose' and I picked greenbeans on Mon. afternoon. We broke them up from around 7:30 to 11:30. On Tuesday, I washed them and packed them and my dad pressure cooked them. There were 27 quarts! And this was the third time we've gathered this many and more. We've given alot of them away. I don't care if I don't see another green bean for awhile...:)

In some ways, things have been hard...but God is GOOD...ALL the time...

I'm gonna end with an invitation from a song called "Inner Court" by Suzy Wills Yarei and Paulette Wooten. Wish I could post a video or audio of the entire song:

"There's the highest priest, Jesus, waiting there
With His open arms calling us closer
Let's go further in with a faithful heart
Without wavering washed in His water, we

Come into the inner court
Hear the sound of the Lord
Come into the inner court
Hear the Lion roar

Come into the inner court
Hear the song of the Lord
Come into the inner court
The veil has been torn...

WOW! Who could resist such an invitation...
Who would WANT to ...

kdr

1 Corinthians 13:1-2

(NLT) " If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing."

When I love others as God does, then my revelations and discernments won't lead to self-righteousness and will truly be relevant...kdr

Something Told The Wild Geese By Rachel Field

Something told the wild geese it was time to go,
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, "snow. '

Leaves were green and stirring, berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, "frost."

All the sagging orchards steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.

Something told the wild geese it was time to fly,
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.

Good Story!

A Demonstration Of The Kingdom by Rick Joyner from The Harvest VolumeII

"One of the greatest demonstrations of the Spirit that I have ever witnessed was not a miracle-it was the demonstration of profound peace and thoughtfulness in an airline ticket line. Because of problems with incoming flights and other delays, the line to one connection had grown to many more people than could be processed in the short time before the flight was to depart. Strife and impatience were rising to the point where I seriously thought that it was going to get out of control.

At the worst possible moment, just after more bad news had been announced, two large, boisterous women, each carrying two large suitcases, started pushing their way through the line demanding to go to the front. I do not recall ever witnessing more obnoxious attitudes in aanyone, much less in a situation like this. I was watching, fully expecting someone to deck them both. Then, to my dismay they headed right toward my friend who was in line for the flight. As the clamor behind him grew, he turned to see what was happening.

As others were actually beginning to jostle the two women, my friend instinctively raced to their assistance, asking if he could help them with their bags, and offering them his own position near the front of the line. This action was so contrary to the prevailing spirit in that place that it stunned everyone. A great quiet came over the entire scene. I looked around and almost everyone was staring at my friend with obvious amazement. As he picked up his own bags and moved to the back of the line it seemed that every eye was on him. The two women seemed undone by the unexpected, and unquestionably undeserved, act of kindness. A powerful peace came over the entire line.

The agents, who had also witnessed the scene, suddenly became agreeable and somehow the flight was delayed enough to get everyone on it. I have witnessed many miracles, but that airport scene still stands out to me as one of the greatest demonstrations of the kingdom I have ever witnessed. As hell was fast gaining control of a volatile situation, and moving it towards potentially serious strife, it seemed Satan brought in two of his biggest guns in the form of a couple of very ill mannered women, aimed them right at the Christian, who quickly and easily disarmed the enemy and his entire host with one genuine act of kindness.

We have been given this same power, in every situation. When strife arises in our family or at the office, we can join the side of the enemy or the side of the Lord. Who gains the victory in that situation will almost certainly be determined by our choice. If we join the Lord it does not matter if anyone else joins Him with us. One person and the Lord always makes a majority. If we allow the fruit of the Spirit to prevail in us, He will ultimately prevail in any situation we find ourselves."

kdr

WHAT'S IN THE HEALTH CARE BILL

http://www.morningstarministries.org/Articles/1000054411/MorningStar_Ministries/Media/Special_Bulletins/2009/Special_Bulletin_19.aspx

Click the link above.....it's pretty eye-opening!

Bible Study (NLT)

Romans 2:29 "No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people."

-We need to cry out from our hearts for God to change our hearts by his Spirit.-

-When our hearts are truly changed, it won't matter to us if our family and others don't praise us or our efforts.-

Romans 4:3 "For the Scriptures tell us, 'Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.' "

Romans 4:16 "So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, IF we have faith like Abraham's..."

Romans 4:20-24 "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous IF we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead."

-Faith is not just a matter of believing in God; that there is a God; but BELIEVING GOD; believing his promises.-

-We cannot receive the promise if we don't believe God will do it in his time; against all odds.-

-If we do waver in believing God's promise, that is sin; so repent and believe.-

Romans 8:1-2 "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death."

-The promise is that there is no condemnation if you belong to Jesus; so, stop living in condemnation. If you feel condemned because of sin in your life, BELIEVE that the Spirit has freed you from the power of sin and stop sinning. When you sin inadvertantly or out of habit, repent immediately and cry out to God to deliver you from sin and to change your heart.-

1 Corinthians 10:13 "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."

-The promise is that you CAN overcome temptation; just ask God to show you the way out!-

Embracing the Power...

2 Timothy 3:5

KJV "...Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away."

NLT "...They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!"

Have you ever heard an elderly person say "I'm too old to change; I'm set in my ways."? Or maybe a younger person say "Well, that's just the way I am."? Neither of these are good reasons to stay the way we are, when the way we are is wrong. Most people who say these things have actually tried to change themselves only to fail; so they give up eventually.

I have tried to change in my own strength and failed. But as a believer, I have the power of God available to change me. When I cry out to Him; He will change me by His Spirit. I have experienced this and am currently experiencing this; I recognize things in me that need change and I really want these changes. I still have a long way to go, but I am aware that God's power is truly working in me and the changes are coming. I see it in little ways and I am encouraged.

Zechariah 4:10 NLT "Do not despise these small beginnings..."

Embrace the power of God for change.

kdr

"I Was Only Joking..."

Ephesians 6:23 "Honour thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it might be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."

So often I hear children of varying ages speak disrespectfully to their parents. Some parents attempt to correct their children, the child responds with "I was joking", and the parents accept this explanation. Other parents will just excuse their children, saying "Oh, that's just how we relate; I know they don't mean to be disrespectful."

I wonder if we are doing our children a disservice in teaching them it's really ok to be disrespectful if they're only playing. This stood out to me so clearly that I asked God, "What is it I'm doing?"

Uh Oh ...I do seem to remember times when I say something disrespectful to my husband and yeah, I'm only joking...

Forgive us, Lord!

kdr

The Roots

I recently planted some radish seeds in the garden; later, when hoeing weeds and morning glories, I realized I wouldn't recognize the radish plants and might hoe them as well. I meant to look in the produce section at the store, but forgot. So I watched the posted video.

I already knew that the roots grow down as the leaves grow up, but never really thought much about the roots. For years, I spent most of my energy trying to push through that top layer of soil and produce some nice green leaves. I wanted people to recognize that I was a good, useful plant.

But those roots; they don't care what people think, they're not even seen; they're intent on going deeper and deeper into the soil to provide a strong, sturdy foundation for healthy growth.

Who knew I could learn from a radish?!!!

kdr

Two Prayers

The Bible is loaded with wonderful prayers; and over the years I have made many of them my own; simply because they so adequately expressed things in my heart that I had been unable to put into words.

At this point in my life, two prayers stand out for me. One is the prayer of Jabez. I had heard of it and seen books about it, but had never read any of them. Some friends brought it to my attention recently and I found it to be a concise way to express the desires of my own heart. It can be found in I Chronicles 4:10.

"Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!" kjv

"Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" new living translation

The other is near the end of Psalm 19.

"Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me; then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression."

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer." kjv

kdr

ANYWAY [anon.]

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may cheat you;
Be honest anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous and resentful;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may never be recognized by mankind;
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them, anyway.

kdr

The Voice of Wisdom

As I listened to Sarah Palin's speech yesterday, I was struck by the wisdom with which she spoke. I was reminded of Deborah, a judge of Israel long ago. Her story is recorded in the book of Judges in the Bible. Barack, a man of her time, respected her wisdom and listened to her words from God, and so Israel was delivered once more.

I wish that the Barack of our time would likewise listen to the Voice of Wisdom, that we would be delivered as well.

Happy Birthday, America!

kdr