An Unexpected Blessing

I know it's been a very, very, very long time since I've blogged but I just had to share this.

It always amazes me how God blesses me with the desires of my heart in so many unexpected ways.  This being one of many:

We just got back from a last minute, very short and quick trip to Wasilla and Anchorage; about 6 hours away.  Randy had an appointment in Wasilla and asked if I and the girls wanted to go.  Since his appointment was in the morning, he said we could go shopping but will be driving back home soon afterwards.  There was going to be no overnight stay but he said the magic word: SHOPPING.  Of course, the girls and I said YES!  Amanda didn't think she could take off work with a few hours notice so she didn't bother to ask so it was just Amy, Jamie (a friend of the girls that moved back to AK and is staying with us) and I that went.

I was thinking that it would have been nice to have been able to go to the malls in Anchorage since we don't have any as well as don't drive there often (this trip wasn't figured out in the budget so probably a good thing we didn't go to any)  BUT where we did go....

My one rule whenever we go any where from home:  The only thing "allowed" is to go to places that aren't at home (unless it's absolutely necessary to go to a place that is at home).

We had breakfast at IHOP (Amy's request) before Randy's appointment.  During his appointment we had time to go to KOHLS and Target (a couple of stores that I always go to when "there"); also slipped into Sally's Beauty Supply Store too since had little bit more time to wait for Randy (AND THEY WERE ALL ACROSS THE STREET from where he had to be in Wasilla and we HAD FINISHED JUST BEFORE HE FINISHED).  We then drove into Anchorage since the store Randy had planned to go to on this trip was there.  He's such a sweetheart because the girls had mentioned wanting to go to Burlington Coat Factoryand he took us there FIRST and waited the couple of hours until we were finished.  Did I mention how thoughtful and kind he is because he's NOT a shopper.

Last, off to his "man store" to get a pair of overdue, much needed pair of hunting boots.  I tried to get him to get the other item he wanted but he said he could make due without it.  That man does not like to spend money on the things for himself that he'd like to have; even on the "practical things" that is needed/would be well used and get more than its money's worth out of it.  Didn't see the price or know if it can be bought here but I think I know what to suggest to the kids to get for Father's Day.  We rounded off our trip with a meal at Arby's (my request since Olive Garden was not fast food LOL) and ice cream from Dairy Queen (Jamie's request).

Nope this trip wasn't in the budget but I did have a gift card that was given to me awhile ago but didn't have the opportunity to use until now.  Amy argued it was suppose to be used on me but nothing "caught my eye" so I used it for the cute things I found for Samuel instead and the spending money I keep in my wallet for "things" that might say "buy me" was used for things I got for Nevaeh.  Yeah, my grandbabies are worth giving up to.  My mom once said to me many years ago: she had sent me money for a birthday and said to use it on me but instead I used it for something the kids needed.  When I told her what I used it for she said I was definitely a "real mom"; giving up something I need or want for my kids.  So it must mean I'm a "real grandma" now, right?  LOL  Besides, I had fun doing it.

A needed reminder and something to think about:
It may be something so minute that it's missed if I don't take time in my day to realize and appreciate all He actually does EACH AND EVERY DAY.  You know, if I would just take a little bit of time to sit and think and look, I'd see how He blesses me every day. What/Why is it that I am so busy doing that I can't see and appreciate all God does and is doing for me ALL the time.

With all that said, what I want to say is: isn't that just like God.  Blessing us when/where we don't or least expect it.  

Bear Hunting Update

To anyone that was curious on how the bear baiting went.....

Last weekend was the last weekend for hunting bears off of baits so off  went the mighty hunters.  Randy had trail cameras at his and James' baits.  According to the pictures, James' had nothing but grizzly bears on his and it's illegal to shoot them off of a bait as well as even in the general area; because it would be hard to prove that it was hunted off the bait when reporting where it was shot.  So James took his tree stand down and put it near Randy's to take videos/pictures of any bears that did "come in".  I have to admit that they are fun to watch.  When I went with Randy two years ago (when I actually shot a bear!) I couldn't decide if it was more enjoyable to watch them or to shoot one; I'm still undecided.  I had thought about going with him this last weekend but since James went I decided not to.  Especially since Randy would take James to his bait then go to his which was 20 miles away.  No, he didn't walk the 20 miles, he drove 20 miles down the road but he did walk James to his bait, to make sure he wouldn't get lost (James kept having a hard time following/finding the trail.  I'm glad I'm not the only one who had trouble).

Randy didn't think he'd get a bear this year because the camera at his bait also had pictures of a grizzly but there were also pictures of other bears on it the previous weekends when he checked it.  Even though they were small there was one that looked like it would be "a good one", he decided that it couldn't hurt to stay and wait.  His patience paid off and he got it!  James got some good videos of the smaller bears but then "the good one" came in; and it was a cinnamon color black bear.  He also had black rings around his eyes--the bear not Randy or James!  It was gorgeous.  The pictures came out dark so if I can edit any, I'll try to post one.

I'm such a good wife ;-)

And I'm NOT #1 in my hubby's heart.  That's okay, he's NOT #1 in mine either.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is!!!

Last weekend,  Randy & I got to "get away" together--just the two of us.  It's kind of strange that we didn't have to make any arrangements on who was going to stay with the girls, take care of the critters, etc.  We were just able to let the girls know our plans, give them some instructions, then pack and get up and go. 

We went camping and to an archery shoot in Chulitna that Andrew had "put together"-- Bowhunter's Classic Archery Shoot (I think that's the official name....I think....I think....). This was the 2nd annual Bowhunter's Classic Archery Shoot that he did and I have to say that Andrew did a fantastic job with putting it together.  I was just planning on going to just spend the weekend with Randy, just to go, because I didn't feel like I was ready since I hadn't been practicing as much as I should have been but... he packed my bow and talked me into participating.  hmmmmmm, must be why he had me practice shooting longer distances..... Some of it was tough but I have to admit that I enjoyed it. The shoot was for two days and there were two different courses (shooting both courses each of the two days)...the second course was tough, as far as the "trails" to walk on to get to the targets. Well, okay, some of the shots were tough too--at least for me. I had debated whether to do the second course when Andrew warned me about it but Randy talked me into it. Both Randy and Kyle helped me (I was thankful that Kyle decided to tag along the first day on the second course as without his help I'm not sure I would have been able to make it) with going up and down the steep paths on the second course the first day (one pulling, the other pushing, I'm sure it was quite comical).  With doing only part of the course the second day (it was decide upon to do only part--many complained about the difficulty of the trails), it seem most of the harder, steeper trails were eliminated. Including myself, there were 4 shooters in our group the first day and 5 the second day.

Because of the challenge of the course, I have to admit that even though those trails were tough for me, I was actually disappointed that it was decided to do only part of the "harder course" the second day. I improved tremendously the second day when we figured out that my bow wasn't "sighted" in correctly so not only because of the challenge, the other reason I was disappointed for not doing the second course completely the next day was that I couldn't compare my overall score with the first day's. Oh well, it was getting late into the day anyways by the time we all finished shooting what we did the second day.  The guys were so nice and understanding about me having difficulty with my footing; well some was family so does that count? But all of them were so encouraging and praised when I did shoot, no matter whether or not I hit where I was suppose to.  They were also encouraging when I missed.

Kyle and Connie had gone to cook for everyone--lunches both days and breakfast for everyone on the second day.  It was so nice to not have to plan meals and prepare them.  Although when I do go on these kinds of trips with Randy, he does all the meal planning and cooking.  hmmmmmm, he had it easy on this trip.

I know most women wouldn't be impressed on what we did/went for our get-a-way but it's what Randy likes to do and I have come to enjoy doing so with him, as long as it isn't too frequently.  Hey, Randy does things he doesn't like with me whenever we go out of town to the "city" (Anchorage) or lower 48....shopping!  For example, when we went to Florida, he diligently went shopping with me.  He doesn't go into all the stores with me (which I am glad) but he did carry the pink Victoria's Secrets bag with the others through the mall while we went to other stores and did so patiently.  He's the man and he's mine.

It was a nice drive there and back.  We got to talk and had laughs.  We kept joking that this was our get-a-way for our anniversary (our 27th was yesterday, June 16); and in the busyness in today's world, how many couples actually get a chance to get away on an "odd" anniversary.  The last time we "got-a-way" was on our 25th.  Camping AND hunting that time.  We did go to the Bahamas on our 20th so I was okay with not doing anything extravagant on our 25th. Well, when our anniversary is in the middle of the week, we usually wait until the weekend to go out to dinner but it's June and well, it's bear baiting and hunting time.....  Randy felt bad, because of all the joking of the weekend being our getting away for our anniversary and it be doing something he wanted, when he asked if I minded if he went to the bear bait this weekend and we could go out for anniversary next week.  Hunting from bear baits is such a short season (just May and June--at least that's when he goes and we were in Florida for the beginning of May) and with having to work during the week and such a long drive, weekends were the only time he was able to go.  The season is soon over and he nor James hadn't gotten any bears.  The bears had been coming to their baits but not when Randy and James been out hunting at their bait sites (from tree stands). 

I'm such a good wife ;-)  Only because God blessed me with a good man that loves our Lord with his whole heart..

Goodbyes are never easy

I said goodbye to by dear friend Terry last night. We knew this day would be here but with all the delays ("closed doors") It seem like it wouldn't ever arrive; so yes, I was in denial. Through the years as friends have been lead in different directions, we never thought that it would happen to us. I'm not one that gets "close" to people very easily, that I feel comfortable in calling upon any time day or night or/and talk to about anything. This has been hard on me as Terry was the "last friend" (if I could say it that way) in Alaska that I felt I could do so. I have other friends here but none as close as she after the others had moved. She has helped me, kept my accountable for staying close to God. We may not have agreed in everything--we had many debates--but it had helped me stop and think of what/why I believe the way I do and to search out the proof. (yes, she is a born-again Christian and her faith is firm or we wouldn't have been as close as we are).  We weren't able to get together as much as we had wanted/planned when they moved to North Pole but we chatted alot on the computer and we are looking forward to doing that again when they get settled in Iowa.

No, goodbyes are never easy but at least I know that I'll be able to pick up the phone and hear her voice again. I just won't be able to get together and actually see her with my eyes. It's like having to say goodbye to a love one that has passed on but at least I'll be able to pick up the phone and hear Terry's voice again but can't do so with my love ones that has passed on. I think those are the hardest goodbyes, when our loved ones has passed on, knowing that not only we won't see them but we won't actually hear their voices again. As I think back, it was harder for when my brother passed on than my dad because my dad had dementia (sp?) and didn't talk the last few times I was "home" before he died; but with my brother I was still able to talk with, both when I was "home" and on the phone. What makes some goodbyes a little easier as even though I won't see these loved ones or possibly these friends I'm thinking about again in this world, I know that one day I will see them again as they have all accepted Christ as their personal saviour as I, so I will see them again in heaven for sure. They are missed very much but I know I can always count on God for his comfort.

Having a close friend is a rare gift and having one nearby to see, to talk with, and spend time with, is even more of a blessing. A true friend knows all about you and loves you the same. A true friend is not afraid to tell you "how it is" when they know you need to hear it, even if it might hurt your feelings or make you mad at them. Terry is such a friend. I hope that everyone that was given such a rare gift that they won't take ever take advantage nor take it for granted of that rare gift that were given them from God because it is truly a blessing to have such a close friend that one can depend upon in both the good times as well as the bad times.

Cherish the friends that God has/have brought into your life and never take advantage of their friendship, no matter how long they are/have been in you life but thank God for them and their friendship.

Family Vacation

We had an excellent family vacation in the beginning of May in Florida.  Why Florida?  Because my oldest daughter was graduating from Pensacola Christian College and since all of us (Randy and all the kids, including Connie and Nevaeh) were going, we decided to make it into a family vacation!  Besides, going to Florida sure was a long way from Alaska as well as expensive so we wanted to make the most of it.  What made it even more memorable was the fact that not only my mom and oldest sister went, but also Randy's mom and sister.  Now if only my younger sister and Randy's brother could have made it....but maybe, just maybe there will be another time....I can hope, can't I?

I can't remember all the day to day details of when we did what but I can tell you what we did/went, just don't ask me exact days and times!

We were able to rent a house in Orlando so we had our own home away from home!  It was much less than staying at a hotel--that's for sure--and much more homey and comfortable for all; but the most important was that there were enough beds and bathrooms for everyone.  Well, Andrew did have to sleep on the couch for a few nights because I wasn't expecting him to stay as long as he did--still not the full time we were there but longer than he had planned.  He had just started a business (Precision Archery) and was only planning on staying for 3 days (and that included one night in Pensacola and travel time) but after arriving, he made some phone calls and was able to stay another 3 days.  I'm not sure who that meant the most to:  Randy, myself, Christine, the grandmas and aunts, or even Kyle, Connie and Nevaeh(!) but nevertheless, it touched our hearts.

Most of us arrived in Orlando on "Day 1", got settled into the house, spent the night then drove to Pensacola (all but Kyle, Connie & Nevaeh; because of her age, Nevaeh wasn't able to go into the auditorium).  We rented two vans and Andrew rented a silver convertible Mustang.  He asked for a yellow one because Amy keeps saying that's what she wants--a yellow convertible Mustang.  Poor Amy though; she rode with Andrew when we went to Pensacola and got sunburned very badly--she fell asleep on the drive down and it was so hot.

Meant Randy's mom, Don (a family friend), and sister in Pensacola (they flew into Pensacola but flew back home from Orlando).  Spent the night in Pensacola and then graduation was the next day. Yes, I cried.  I was fine until Christine gave a short speech and then I actually realized what a wonderful young woman she had become.  I mean, I know she had and is, but it was like I actually really saw it then.  Afterwards we went to lunch then helped Christine get her things together for her friend to take to North Carolina--where Christine will be working.  Then we all, except Don ((he had gone home from Pensacola) headed onward back to our home away from home in Orlando.  We just hung out at the house the next day; did do some shopping as we needed some groceries...too.

Randy's Mom and sister was leaving Saturday so before they left, we went to Red Lobster for his mom's 70th Birthday.  When we got back, we had cake and ice cream.  Yes, we did put all 70 candles on the cake.  I had thought about telling someone at the restaurant that it was her birthday but didn't know how she would react so I didn't.  She was surprised with the cake and couldn't believe that we actually put all 70 candles on it but I think that I can say she was pleased and happy that we took time to do something for her birthday--especially since this was "Christine's time".  We were also able to go to Cocoa Beach before they had to go home.  My mom, Randy's mom and I walked down the beach along the shoreline.  It felt so good to feel the sun shining on me and the water on my feet.  After we got back from our walk, Randy talked me into going into the ocean all the way to do some wave hopping.  I thought I was nuts to let him talk me into it but I have to admit that it was fun.  Me, who does not swim or like water because of it, actually did it AND enjoyed it!  Mind you, I told him I wouldn't go unless he kept a hold of my hand and sure enough, he was a gentleman and didn't let go.

On Monday, the rest of us were also able to go to Disney World for the day.  Have to admit that we were somewhat disappointed.  We picked the one park that we thought would satisfy everyone but what it advertised wasn't what it appeared to be, or maybe it wasn't what we had expected.  We wonder if the other park we had considered would have been better.  Because of our time, and what we wanted to do in Florida, we only had time to spend one day there.  If anyone asks us about going I would say, definitely do so for more than one day.  The kids said that they enjoyed Six Flags/Marine World better than Disney World, and we only went for one day there too on the three times we were able to go when "home".  When I asked why, they said it was the same things they saw and did from the time(s) before but it was just more fun compared to Disney World.  I have to admit that I agreed and all I did was walk around at Six Flags too; except the first time we did go to a few of  the "shows".

We did fit in some shopping too.  The first time we went to a Mall and I have to say that I think it was one for the rich.  Connie and the girls went shopping elsewhere one evening and Amanda and Amy were in "7th Heaven"....LOL  They did find a lot of good deals in their price range.  We did go to another Mall that was for us "normal folks price range" and I was able to get a couple of things I had wanted.  To satisfy the guys (mainly Randy), we went to a Bass Pro Shop.  That stop was scheduled in because Amanda and I had gotten him Bass Pro Shop gift cards for his birthday. We also went to an outlet mall but only went to a couple of stores as by that time we were tired

.

The restaurants we ate at:  Besides Red Lobster, we went to (do I dare say) two other places for dinner and the food was good but they were "bar type" restaurants, like the one Chili's have (the closet I can come to explaining it).  Amy kept saying how can she explain that we took her to two bars???  She was joking and I have to admit that it was kind of humorous when I realized that we had--but not on purpose!  We went to IHOP at least three times for breakfast.  Randy and I took Kyle and Connie out on a double date to Olive Garden.  We ate at the Food Court at the Mall.  I missed out on DQ ice cream because I choose Chinese but was too full to have DQ for dessert afterward as I planned.  We ate at Sonic for a meal too.  Oh yeah, when we had lunch at Pensacola it was a Pizza Hut but I guess that doesn't count because we can eat at a Pizza Hut here in Alaska.  I think that's all the places we ate but at every place we ate, we had such excellent and friendly service.  We couldn't believe how well mannered and how each waiter/waitress was "right there" constantly tending to our needs and was always asking if we needed anything.  You don't find that kind of service everywhere.  We were truly impressed and it wasn't just one certain restaurant but at each and every one we went to.

Did I mention that we had our own pool at the house!  We all took time out by or even in the pool.  Mostly at the end of the day for most.  Even the girls (including Connie) and I took a night after Nevaeh went to bed to go into the pool.  We opt out to paying extra in having the pool heated since the sun heated up the water during the day but we found out that it definitely cooled off in the evenings/night!  Randy even stayed up with us; he said someone needed to be around that actually knew how to swim while we were goofing around.  We were already in the pool and decided when he came out we were going to say how warm and nice the pool was to convince him to get in.  He believed us and jumped in!!!

It was a wonderful time to be together.  I was so glad that it worked out for the whole family (mainly Randy, my children-- and I) to be together.  I was thinking that with everyone grown up that no telling when this would happen again.  It was a special time for me.  More so that both our moms and sisters were able to come too.  We sure did miss Randy's brother and my younger sister though; it would have been nice to have all of our siblings together with our moms.  It was still a great reunion though.

In closing....Mornings were my favorite time to sit out by the pool (screened in), drinking coffee and enjoying the sunshine before the busyness of the day started.  It was so peaceful and a great time of reflection and spending time with my Lord.  I think it's important to take the time first thing in the morning devoted to God.  No matter how one thinks that they'd be able to find time later to do so, before you know it, it's the end of the day and "later" didn't come around.  It says in the Bible to give our "first fruits" to God.  I think it can be said that this includes our day--to start our day, first with God, before getting started with the rest of what is planned/needed to be done each day.

Surprise, surprise, surprise......

....here I am.  I wanted so much to be diligent in blogging but to no avail, I have not.  As I was thinking, a verse came to mind:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." ~I Peter 5:8-10

These verses probably have nothing to do with what I'm thinking so I'm not even sure why it came to mind, but I was thinking how I was doing this; meaning it seemed that I was going to and fro but yet not getting anything done that I could see.

As I was pondering on why I just can't or feel that I can't take the time to do so--blogging for the reason I started it:

"....the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour...." and when I looked it up to make sure I was quoting correctly, I got to thinking of the beginning of it, "Be sober, be vigilant..."  Am I being sober and vigilant (being serious about being watchful--my conclusion after looking up the meanings of these words from the concordance in my Bible and a dictionary) against sin and temptation.  Have I been falling into temptation of not being "...steadfast in faith knowing..." to be firm to accomplish my purpose (again, my conclusion of the meaning) of blogging even though I know how easy it is to fall prey when I felt lead to do this blog.  What I need to do is hold on to God's promise "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, secure you." That the times I fail/fall it can be used for good, to conform me into his image (see Romans 8:28-29), to show me truth, to make me stronger, give me freedom from anxiety (combination of paraphrase meanings and my conclusion).

How often are we all guilty of being so busy that we fail to do what it is God wants us to do; missing the many rewards and blessings from him, if we would have only just slowed down.  Yes, as women, (no matter the responsibilities we have, whether little or much, whether we are single, married, a stay at home wife, a stay at home mom with one or more children, working or nonworking women with or without children--I think I covered it all.  Oh yeah, can't forget being a grandma), whatever "phase" we are in life, we are just plain busy.  I think I might have mentioned it before, if  priorities are in the right order, there would be time to do all of our responsibilities as well as doing what God would want us to do and still have time to do all the "extras" (ex. hobbies) our hearts desire to do.

Like I said, I'm not sure why these specific verses came to mind but thought I'd share them.  I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts, especially if you think I have taken these verses out of context.  That's what I like about God's Word.  There's one meaning but many applications.

A Realization.....

I can say that I might have gotten side-tracked or I've just been too busy or had to stay focus on my own responsibilities or ?  but I'm not sure what the excuse is for not having to not continue on here with the book review I had started as I had said I was going to do or into even blog anything at all.  I just haven't taken the time to is all because I did have the time.  I think also that my heart wasn't into doing it anymore but then I realized something the other night.  I did not get any sleep that night; I kept waking up every 45min./hour and when I finally went back to sleep, I was awake again soon after.  So what I did during those "awake times" was what I used to do when this happened; pray for whoever/whatever came to mind. Do you know what/who came to mind?  Me.  I came to realize that I wasn't being "A Woman After God's Own Heart".  Sure, I was going through the "motions" but my heart wasn't in it.  I was home alone that same evening with Randy working late and girls not home.  It was too quiet.  I didn't have anything that needed to be done except dinner but I was just piddling around waiting to hear from Randy of when he was on his way home as dinner wasn't going to take long to cook.  I felt lost.  I did have a "small prick of heart" that I needed to face some things but I wouldn't admit it, even to myself, that I needed to "take care" of some things in my heart.  It is so easy to go through the motions/routines of the day without paying attention to what one is doing because they have become habits, and that's what I have been doing.  I realized that this have been going on for a long time.  It seems that the routines I have, that I do, have just been that, a habit.  Good habits to have/do is a good thing but my heart just wasn't into doing them, into doing anything really.  I was just going through the motions.  This time of quiet reflections had made me realize that I had lost my first love for my Lord.  It was something I had not realized until I took the time to sit (or I should say lay in this case), be still, and listen during this "prayer time" with my Saviour.  After much time in prayer about myself, it ended up to be a sweet hour(s) of prayer and I am glad that I was able to have it.

I am now going to really pay attention to what I do and to get my heart to where I can be A Woman After God's Own Heart.  No matter what it is that we all have to do, be responsible for, we should still be doing it for the Lord in actions and attitude on how it is done.  What we do may seem minute to someone else but everything we are responsible to do, that needs to be done, should be done for the Lord.  For me, for example, just doing things around the house, may not be much for the other woman that has a career but I should still be doing it for the Lord because he gave me those things to be responsible for and the ability to do them--which is just as important for the other woman in God's eyes--and I should be thankful to be able to do those things and to do them with my whole heart for the Lord.  (I hope all that made sense)

I am going to start from the beginning of this book review, for myself.  As I go through, or maybe it won't be until I am finished, I will continue to post my review/comments/of what I learned.

 

Has it really been that long???

It's been a long time since I've been here, hasn't it.  Don't know why it's been so long.  Think I can blame the short AK summer days?  I know, can't be too short since we have daylight almost round the clock during our summer.  The short summer season, better?  Not much going on this summer.  I guess today is going to be more of an update on what's been going on...

We are down to 1 1/2 horses and hope to sell them too (to those that didn't know, we were up to 8 horses--not including the foals that were born--and also had beef cows).  This will also be our last year of doing hay.  It was fun while it lasted but with selling off all of our critters....  We thought we'd continue on with the hay and sell it but with the last couple of summers... it's a race to beat the rain to get the hay cut, dried and baled that we're finding that we were putting more time into it than it's worth.  Now that we don't need much hay for ourselves we've decided to retire from the hay business.  It's too bad because we enjoyed it...yes even I had my turn at the tractor.  Believe it or not, it was actually relaxing & peaceful driving the tractor.  I had many "conversations" with my Lord during my turn at it.

I had some type of "bug" in July.  That was not fun!  Just before we had decided to go to Valdez to fish for salmon.  I had planned on not going but the whole trip was going to be canceled because Randy didn't want me home alone so I opt to go since I was feeling better.  Valdez is known for it's rain but God blessed us with beautiful weather; cool, clear and breezy but no rain!!!  Have to admit that once we got there and started fishing off the rocks, I felt refreshed and was able to enjoy the weekend.  Except for Andrew, the whole family went; including Kyle, his wife Connie and of course my Vaeh!!!  James (Randy's uncle) also came.  Yes, the girls came too.  It's been a long time since we've had a family vacation.  Needless to say we didn't catch much of anything.  Found out the commercial boats had just came through with their nets and was waiting to go through again (from what I understand, they have to wait and not able to do so except at certain times...I think....we saw them waiting patiently).  We were planning on tenting it, like we usually do; Kyle & Connie had rented a cabin, because of Nevaeh, and talked us into getting one too.  We got the last one available--Praise God! as I was not up to tenting it this time.  Even though there wasn't any fish, we all just enjoyed spending time together.  We did see some wildlife: sea lions, eagles and one bear.  It was a great weekend. Kyle & Connie stayed another day and they saw more bears the next day. 

A week or so later, the girls and I helped with VBT (Vacation Bible Time) at our church.  Amanda & I had baked cookies for it:  Chewy Brownies, Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Scotchies.  Do I hear "YUMMY, I WANT SOME!!!"?  It was a joy to see how excited all the kids were during that week. Unfortunately, I became sick again the weekend after.  It started out as a cold, then the flu.  It took me a long time to get over that one.  Yesterday was the first day I actually didn't feel sick at all.  Today was another good day.

Randy made another trip to Valdez this pass weekend.  He wanted to take Christine again before she left to go back to college, since we didn't catch anything before.  Just he, Christine, Amanda & James went.  I still wasn't feeling up to par, but since I wasn't really sick and Amy isn't "into" fishing, we stayed home.  This time there wasn't going to be a cabin so he knew I would be miserable if I really got sick again.  Besides, Kyle, Connie & Andrew weren't going either so he knew I could get help if I needed to.  Anyways, they all caught their limit (pink salmon) this time!!!  They all enjoyed themselves.  They only brought back a cooler full but they were promised to someone; since we are planning on going again in a couple of weeks when the silvers are suppose to be running.  Not as good as reds and kings, but much, much, much better than pinks.  Reds are my favorites.

Oh yeah, a granny has got to brag a little about her granddaughter, right?  Nevaeh turned one in June but started walking when she was 9 months; has been coming over 2 days a week and whenever else....  I can't forget to tell you how she found a new friend, our colt that was born in May.  She loves him and I think it's mutual.  He comes up to her all the time.  When we are outside, as soon as I put her down she heads for the horses' "pen".  I have to keep a closer eye on her when were outside as she tried to climb in a couple of times.  She knows now that she's not allowed to "cross the road" without me or her aunties. He's bigger now so she's not too sure of him anymore.  She actually prefers "mom" now.  I think because the colt is now frisky and she's not too sure about that.


Except for just enjoying it, that's my summer "highlights".  I have plenty of notes on the book I'm reviewing but thought I'd tell about me this time.  Hope you don't mind but for those that don't really know me, I'd like to share my "everyday life" with you and just not what I've learned from God.


Hope y'all are enjoying your summer as I.

Watching, Waiting, Welcoming....

IT'S A BOY!!!  We've been anticipating this moment for quite some time.  I'm sure many didn't know we were expecting...a new baby horse that is.  Wouldn't you know it was due to be born when Randy was gone on his hunting trip with a good friend (Jeff Humphries); a trip that had been planned many weeks ago.  Midnight started to show definite signs two days after he left so it was time to keep round the clock watch on her.  I did the "day shift".  The girls split the rest of the hours so I can get some sleep.  Amanda did the "swing shift" (is that what the shift from 6-midnight is called?) and Amy had 2am--8am.  I had the longest shift, what's up with that?  but it was also the easiest after getting a full night's sleep.  Lack of sleep is not good for me--causes me to have "spells" as when I overdue it.  Well we missed the actually birth.  I so enjoy being able to watch the mircle of birth before (horses, cows, and my first grandbaby--the greatest mircle of all!) that I was disappointed to have missed this one.  He was born just before 4am.  Amy had just went outside to check on mom when the colt was almost all the way born, so she got to see the end of it.  She was able to help mom to break and remove the sac before she came to wake me up.  We were able to watch the colt take his first steps.

Some thoughts came to me:

Shouldn't that be what we should be doing of our Saviour's return, to anticipate it--to be watching and waiting for him to return.

What about when we are telling others about our dear Lord; watching and waiting for them to realize their need for Him for their Saviour and then welcoming them into the family of God; then to be a part of their first steps to learning more of him.

One last thought:  When we see a dear one straying away from God, we pray, watching and waiting for our prayers to be answered.  If we are blessed enough to be able to see that stray one to return, we welcome them back with open arms and help them to take those first steps back towards God.

It made me wonder that if I would just get pass the first step of watching and start to wait more....
Sometimes if when we are watching and don't see anything happening we stop waiting.  I wonder if because of that we never get to the end of being able to be the one to do the welcoming as well as being the one to help them take those first steps.

It makes me wonder if I would get pass the watching and waiting more....
What/how many blessings have I missed to not be the one to  "welcome" as well as to be the one to help with those "first steps".

It is something to think and pray about, isn't it.

Chapter 1 continued....

B.  A Heart Devoted to God

After choosing to have a changed heart, what does it actually mean to have a heart devoted to God?  In Luke 10:38-42 we can read about Mary and how Jesus praised her for having a heart devoted to him.

As you read this Bible passage, you will see two very different women when Jesus was received in their home.

• Martha was busy with the "physical needs",  "But Martha was cumbered about much serving..."

I can just imagine her runing around picking things up, and putting them away, do a little cleaning, making excuses if things aren't up to par, etc.; making sure everyone had a drink to quench their thirst from their travels, then preparing something to eat.  Something we may do if we have an unexpected guest we want to impress.  Or even when friends stop by unexpectly and our homes isn't as clean as we would want it to be

• Then there is Mary who "....sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word."

I'm sure with all the "running around" trying to meet the "physical needs" that Martha was starting to get stressful trying to get everything done for their unexpected guest that she started to complain to Jesus;

 "...Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?  bid her that she help me."  Then Jesus responded, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath choosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Before I go on with my "review", I'd like to share something about the last part of this verse that was "revealed" to me when I read it.

I need to be careful to not take away from someone their desire to know/learn more of God.  Yes, I can be a part of directing them in the right direction, especially if I see they are "going down the wrong path"--believing something that doesn't go/or isn't in God's Word but "sounds" like it could be something from God.  Though I must remember that if I choose to say anything to anyone that I may see "going down the wrong path" when they are searching to know/learn about God and his ways, I need to be able to prove/back it up with God's Word, the Bible.

I need to be careful with this "person" as I direct them as I can be discouraging them to stop if I'm not.  My purpose may be noble but it has to be done carefully--especially if it's someone that doesn't like to be told they are wrong or what/how to do something.  My words need to be put in a way that it will be encouraging them to keep seeking God instead of discouraging them to stop.  Hope this made sense to you.

Okay, where was I....

I'm sure Martha was excited to have Jesus in their home and to be able to have him at her dinner table.  Of course she wanted everything to be perfect.

Mary, too, was excited to have Jesus in their home but for a different reason.  She was able to hear God's Word from God himself and didn't want to miss a single word.

Are we so busy in our every day lives, doing our every day responsibilities, that we forget or just don't take the time with God; to read his Word and to pray.  Are we so busy that we don't take the time to stop, be still and "listen" what it is he wants us to know/learn.

I know I am guilty, many times, of not taking the time to do so.  How can anyone have a heart devoted to God if they don't spend time with him, to continue to get to know him, to learn about the things he wants us to know.

When we meet again, I'll mention some things on how we can follow Mary's example of her choice to spend precious time with God.

Do What You Can

I just want to say, so you may understand where I am going with this (or is the phrase "coming from" better?); whenever I go to church (I may have said this before), I go with a heart, expecting God to show me what it is he wants me to hear/learn.  Many times it is something not even being preached about but there is that "one thing" that shows me so much of what I need to know/learn.

We had a wonderful message given by Bro. Ryan Gray Wednesday night.  To put it all in a nutshell, if God put something on our hearts to do for Him then what's keeping us from doing it.  It will be put on our church's website soon http://biblebaptistfairbanks.com/ so you may listen to it yourself.  He took us to Nehemiah and compared the building of the walls--what the people had to put up with--to what may be stopping us today to not do what it is God places on our hearts to do.  (The book of Nehemiah was an encouragement to me during another discouraging "phase" in my life a few years ago).  Bro. Gray was basically preaching on that if God puts something on our hearts that he wants us to do for him--gives us a desire to do something--then we shouldn't hesitate to do it.  One of the things that he pointed out that can cause a person to not do it is because of distractions--we may have let these distractions interfere, take focus, instead of staying focus on doing what it is that God had placed on our heart to do.  God may have blessed us with many things but it's what or how we use these things, whether or not they become distractions--take away from doing what God wants us to do.

As long as I can remember, since I was a teenager, I had always been involved with church--wherever there was a need, I was there doing it.  If you had read my testimony, God still used me even though I wasn't saved, as well as taught me so much.  He finally had to get my attention through my health--where I HAD to stop.  To keep from going on and on and on and..... As I think I said in my testimony, I had wanted to get involved with church ministries again but it was not to be.  At first I came to see it was because I wasn't saved like I thought I was.  Then it seemed like whenever I wanted to do something, the "door was shut"--it just didn't work out.  Mostly it was because I was trying to do too much and then I'd have a relaspe; then I'd cry out, "Why can't I!  Why can't I do the same things as before?"  It got me thinking, why, why, why??? My desire is to serve God.  Why wasn't things working?  After hearing the message the thought came "Do what you can.  Do your best at what you are responsible for NOW, without being distracted with worrying about what you want to do elsewhere; then just sit and be still.  Do what you can."

When I came home I thought, yeah, the things that I do do are just as important as what others do elsewhere.  I need to be content at where I am and do what God had already given me to do.  As I said before, if we are so "in tuned" with God, the desires we have on our heart are his desires.   When He feels I am ready to do something else, he will put that desire on my heart; and if I am "in tuned" with God, I will know that it is from him.  This may not be what the message was exactly about but it was what God had showed me.

It made me wonder, when did I stop being content?  I mean, I'm content at where I am as far as my home and needs being met but I wasn't being content at what I was already suppose to be doing.  I am to do what it is I need to do now, what I have already been given to do, and that will help me to be a Woman After God's Own Heart. 

Where did the time go?

It seems with spring comes the busyness--cleaning after the  long winter.  Although when winter nears it gets busy too--getting things ready for the long winter.  At least we have the summer to enjoy and to rest?  The only problem is, our summers are so short that we're all busy trying to enjoy every minute of it.

My baby (youngest) turned 18 last week!  I still can't believe how fast the time goes by and that Amy is actually the last to "officially" be called an adult.  She'll always be my baby though (she cringes every time I say that).  It's hard to believe, at times, that all my children are considered grown up now.  I am so proud of how they have/are all "turning out".  Only by the grace of God.

Just when the days seem to take so long to pass; I then realize that time has flown on by.  Makes me realize that each day I wake up is a gift from God and makes me think, what am I going to do for him to thank him for giving me another day.

It's been awhile since I've been back on my blog.  It's been busy (more so for me as I have to take things easy).  I also had a relaspe (seizure) two weeks ago.  We still can't figure out what brought that on as I've been taking it one day at a time.  I did have to finish the kids taxes so maybe the pressure of that???  Who knows.  I just praise God I was home and I felt this one coming on (the few I had, I hadn't always) and was able to go lay down before it actually "hit".  It was one of those that I was "aware what was going on" during it and the girls were home too.  One of them called Randy and he came home.  What a sweetheart he is (I hadn't planned on him coming home as it wasn't a "bad one"--the girls just wanted him to be aware of it).

Sorry for not getting back to blogging of the Book Review/Bible Study.  I hope to be able to blog something by the end of the week or beginning of next.  Please be patient with me.

A Time of Remembrance

I hope all has taken this whole week to remember (as I have) what Jesus had done for us on the cross:  shed his blood for our sins & died; buried for 3 days & nights; then rose from the dead and is now living again!
Around most of the world today, many are abserving (Good Friday) the death and resurrection of Christ. I know that no one knows the exact time of year that this happened, but I hope everyone realize that it is impossible for Christ to have died on a Friday and rose again on a Sunday because it says in the Bible that He was buried for 3 days and 3 nights.  I can never understand why it's called Good Friday (the day to remember when he died) and that on Sunday remember that he rose again.  I think it's wrong to observe Good Friday because it confuses many as they come to believe that this is the "time frame" that it all happened.


You know, I think it's great that many are taking this time to remember Christ's death and resurection but I think it's a shame that many does not take the time to remember what he did EVERY DAY. I know, that I include myself in this "group". I mean, I do live for God and try to do what he would have/want me to do each day; but to actually take the time to know/remember what he did for my sins and everyone else's sins too..... I think if we all did remember this every day that maybe there would be more of us that would be concerned for others; to go out and witness more so others would come to realize the love of God and the need for Christ as their Saviour.


If you haven't done so already this week; to those that have accepted Christ as their Saviour as I have:


Take the time to remember how God loved us so much and gave his ONLY begotten Son to die on the Christ for our sins. And to realize how no one deserves this free gift but God loved all of us so much and did not/does not want any to perish in hell but to live eternally with him in heaven. Because He cannot face sin he gave a way for us to have our sins forgiven that we may have life eternal in heaven with him. Then thank and praise God for this unselfish free gift.


For those that have not: Accept this free gift before it is too late.

Part I The Pursuit of God

I apologize for taking so long in getting back to blogging.  Spring is in the air and along comes Spring Cleaning!  I started last month but since I have to take it easy, it takes longer than usual.  Needless to say I should be done soon so now am taking some time to get back.

"A Woman After God's Own Heart" is divided up into 3 Parts.  Some of the chapters are lengthly and divided into subparts so may take more than one day for me to write down my "review" for each chapter.  Please bear with me and I hope you will be blessed as you read this as I have been blessed (again) from reading this book (again).

Chapter 1:  A Heart Devoted to God

"But one thing is needful:

and Mary hath chosen that good part,

which shall not be taken away from her."

~Luke 10:42

A.  A Change of Heart

In I Cor. 5:7 it says "For we walk by faith not by sight"

How much easier is it to trust what we see instead of what we don't see; it IS much harder to trust what we don't see.  That's why we need to adjust our perspective to match God's view of life; which includes the past, present and future.  We need to keep in mind that God knows all things and have the faith to trust that he wants what is best for us.

We should live every day to count now and for eternity; choose to live every day for God; our sole desire.

• Love Him
• Worship Him
• Walk with Him
• Serve Him
• Look forward to being with Him in eternity

Psalm 37:4 says "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

If our perspective matches God's view of life than our desires will be what God would have us to desire.

• What am I doing to become a woman He wants me to be
• Give God ALL of my heart and devotion
• Make Him #1 in all things--the highest priority

No matter how little we think our tasks/responsibilities we do/have in our daily life, it ALL counts if we face it with our heart devoted to God.
I've learned that it's a choice whether I do so or not.  It's a choice NOT to make my choices by what has happened or is happening in my life but by what God wants in my life.
It's MY choice whether or not I'm going to see things from God's perspective and have the faith that he knows what is best for me--no matter what it is. 

First Steps

My granddaughter (Nevaeh) took her first steps not to long ago.  She is still unsure of herself so she'll take a few steps, gets unsure then "falls" back down.  She had also come to find (since she doesn't have the confidence yet) that it's faster and easier to just give up and go back to crawling.

Isn't that true with our Christian Walk at times?  We've accepted Christ as our Saviour.  Now we want to learn everything we can as fast as we can but if we aren't careful we can fall because we're unsure (don't have the confidence/understanding) and can end up giving up.  And if we aren't careful to really learn what God wants us to, to grasp it, we can go back to the "old" because it's so much easier.

We ALL need to take the time to learn by taking each step at a time.  It doesn't matter how long a person's been saved, they still need to take one step at a time and be careful as Satan is still out there to put a "blindfold" on anyone so he can trick us into not learning anything that will draw us closer to God in our Chrstian Walk; or to "pick up" something again that we had "let go" or even to not "let go" something that we need to get rid of or even haven't gotten taken care of in our sinful lives.  It doesn't matter how long a person's been saved or how much a person knows about God, there is still much more to learn about God and his ways if one has the desires to do so.

Many times when some first gets saved, they think they are "safe" from everything; how UNTRUE that is.  Just because a person has accepted Christ as their Saviour doesn't mean they are "protected" to not fall.  God gave each and every one of us a free will and that means we have choices we have to make all the time.  Whether or not that will be good or bad choices is up to us.  That's why it is so important to be in his Word daily as well as pray daily.  Many times, too, a person may think that since they've been saved so many years and knows many things, is able to answer many questions that they don't have to be in God's Word as much or to pray as much but that is SO wrong.  There are still many things we ALL don't know no matter how much we may think we already know.   As we go to His Word, we should go with expecting God to show us something and he will.  The same thing we should do when we go to church.  The message that is preached may have nothing to do what is going on in your life but if we go with a heart that EXPECTS something from God, I guarantee that He WILL give/show you something.  I know this because He's done it EVERY TIME for me and I know He will for others too.

Don't let pride get in the way of preventing you to get back up again after falling.  We have a merciful God who is waiting with open arms to continue to teach/show everyone what it is he wants us to learn/know.

I think I've said it before; remember that the day that a person accepts Christ as their personal Saviour is the first step for each of us to be a person after God's own heart.

I know I've said I would tell my thoughts of what I've learned from the first chapter but after praying and asking God to lead me in what I should say, I felt lead to say this instead.

You're invited to take a trip

I'm sorry I haven't been diligent in posting my "review" as when I said I would but I've had a couple of "bad days" and not feeling well on top of that.  For those that are reading my blog, I hope that you will understand and be patient with me.

While reading (a fiction book, no less!) I came across a verse: 
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." ~Jeremiah 29:13

I got to thinking that before anyone can be a person after God's own heart that they must find him and see their need for him as their personal Saviour for themselves FIRST.
I mean how can anyone be a woman (person) after God's own heart if we don't KNOW him; meaning, have come to the point that we realize we are sinners and believe what he did for us on the cross, then to accept him as our Saviour so that we may have life eternal with him in heaven.  I don't mean to just know it in our heads but to believe in our hearts of the need of him and accept it.
I came to the conclusion that before I can actually start telling y'all about what I have learned/my "review", that first I should take you on a "trip" down the Roman's Road (there may be some "detours" but basically it all leads to the same "destination").  If you haven't been "down this road" and "finish the trip" completely, I pray that you realize your need to do so.  Since I am making this simple, if you have any questions, please email me personally and I will answer.

ALL HAVE SINNED
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. ~Romans 3:10
....there is none that doeth good, no not one. ~Romans 3:12b
None of us is "good".  Not a single one of us.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" ~Romans 3:23
ALL-That's every single one of us that has been born into this world.
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."~Romans 5:5
He gave us a way "out".  Please contine on and I'll tell you more.

THE PENALTY FOR SIN IS DEATH AND HELL
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." ~Romans 6:23
Wages = death (being separated from God forever) in hell  Accepting God's gift = eternal life in heaven

JESUS DIED TO PAY FOR OUR SINS
"For God so loved the world, that he GAVE his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him (Jesus) should not perish but have everlasting life."~John 3:16
"But God commendeth (proved) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." ~Romans 5:8
To show how he loves us; he first gave, then died.

JESUS INVITES YOU TO BE SAVED TODAY
To have God's gift is to just accept his Son as our Saviour.
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." ~Revelation 3:20
"And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hat not life." ~I John 5:11-12

It's easy to accept his gift of eternal life so you won't have to pay if you don't.
"That if thou shalt CONFESS with thy MOUTH the Lord Jesus, and shalt BELIEVE in thine HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
"For whosover shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." ~Romans 10:9, 10, 13

Each and every one of us need to do this in order to receive his gift of eternal life.  If you haven't already and this is what you want to do, you may say a prayer something like this:
Dear Lord, I confess that I am a guilty sinner and that I need to be saved.  I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay my sin debt.  Please forgive my sins, come into my heart, and save my soul.

Just remember that it's NOT the words that save you.  It's the confession AND the believing that does.  If you JUST SAY the words (without truly confessing and believing), just thinking that you'll be "safe" now, then you aren't/will not be saved.
Also, you CAN'T say this "prayer" for any one else, whether living or dead.  EACH and EVERY person need to do this for themselves.
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." ~John 3:36

The wonderful thing is that once you've accept His free gift is that you NEVER have to do it again, IF you truly confessed and believe.
"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." ~I John 5:13

I do have a passion for all to know Christ as their Personal Saviour so if I seem to come across "strong" then it's because I want every one to know their need for Him because I know what is in store for them if they don't and I don't want any one to have to go through that (in hell) for eternity.  
My prayer is that whoever reads this, that haven't already, will realize their need for Christ.

By the way, I'm usually not on the computer on the weekends so I probably won't be adding to my blog again until next week.  Besides, it'll give you a chance to think and ponder about whether or not you are truly saved.  Don't make the same mistake I did; thinking I was already saved.  I was trusting in someone else's word that I was when I wasn't.  It still bring tears to my eyes to think that if I never, FINALLY, admitted that I wasn't saved and was trusting someone's else's word instead of trusting Christ as my Saviour MYSELF (you can read my testimony if you haven't already).  Don't wait until it's too late as I could have.

Outer Beauty/Inner Beauty

I went to get my nails done yesterday (acrylic fill-ins).  As I was getting them done, I got to thinking; yikes I can think?!  LOL  I had two thoughts about the Christian's Walk:


Those of you who don't know about acrylic nails, basically fill-ins are what they "say"; as the nails grow, the grown out natural nails needs to have the acrylic filled in.

1) As we GROW in our Christian Walk, it's as if our eyes are open to more and more things.  Once we were blind and now we see that there are things that we shouldn't have in our lives; ex. movies, music, books, etc.  As we get rid of these things, we ought to replace
(fill in) it with godly things, ex. replace the "worldly" music with godly music.  If we do replace these "worldly" things with godly things, it is so much easier not to have the "worldly" things enter back into our life once again--it's easier to not let it or permit it to.

After the fill-ins I got them painted (french tip manicure).  If I want to continue to have my nails look nice I have to be deligent to go back to have the fill-ins done.  It is recommended to go every 2 weeks.  Why can I "get away" for not going that often?  Because I "know how" to keep them looking nice myself because I've learned how to do nails years ago when I was in Cosmotology school but I still can't do them "completely on my own" to make them looking good so I still need to go in to get them done.

2)  As in the Christian Walk, we want to be able to stay close to God, get closer, learn more, etc. (as I want my nails to stay nice).  As we grow we realize our need to go to church to hear his Word being taught so we can learn what God wants to teach us.  We don't go often (just Sundays & Wednesdays); so how do we stay on the right "road" of the Christian walk since we don't go to church often? By reading the Bible and praying daily (which also draw us closer to God).

Again, remember that even though we have the "know how" that we must be deligent in reading the Bible and praying daily OURSELVES in order to help stay in our walk (comparing to my nails staying nice) we also need to be deligent in going to church (an Independant Fundamental Baptist Church, KJV Bible).

I hope I said this for you to understand what I "saw" when I was getting my nails done.

So much to grasp...

I have decide to post my "review" comments of  "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by chapter as there is so much to grasp that I had remembered that it wouldn't do the book justice if I just did one simple review of the book as a whole.  As I reread this book I am learning something I didn't "see" the first time I've read it.  Isn't it so true with reading and searching the Bible?  I can read the same thing over and over again and yet if I go expecting God to show/reveal what He wants to teach me, He is always faithful to do so.
I also want to make sure that the comments I post of what I've learned is what God would have me to share; that it won't be something I just say is true but because it's what God says is true.  Because of that, it'll probably take me 2-3 days or more for each chapter before posting my thoughs and comments.
I should have the first chapter tomorrow or Friday.  Whatever I say, I'd encourage you to still search His Word for yourself and see what God says and not just to take my word on what I've learned. 

A Woman After God's own Heart

I read this book (by Elizabeth George) recently and am now reviewing it and thought I'd put my thoughts on my blog.  There are chapters on how as a woman, wife, or mother, can pursue God's priorities with our husbands, children, in our home, in our walk with God and in our ministry.  We can find a life as a woman after God's own heart.

"A Word of Welcome"

In the Bible, I Samuel 13:14 it says about David "the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart".  It's amazing that with all of David's "mistakes" and wrong doings that God still considered David as a man after his own heart.  It just goes to show that we don't have to be "perfect" to be a person after God's heart. After all, David had a husband killed so he could have his wife for his own.  He wasn't the greatest parent.  He didn't always consult God before taking action (how many of us are guilty of this?  I know I am).  Now if  "the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart" like a man like David with all of his "mistakes"--it's obvious he wasn't perfect--who's to say that we can't try our best to be a woman after God's own heart.

For to do so is something we cannot do without desiring (wanting) to or without God's help.  Some of these chapters do refer to being a wife and mother but I do believe that they still can help a woman that isn't married or have children that do desire to be a woman after God's own heart.

I hope you will join me as I tell you about my journey on learning about what I learned how I can be a woman after God's own heart.  As I review this book I will just be writing down my own thoughts, comments and what I had learned.  Don't take my word on what I say but to find it for yourself what God says in his Word.

Again, don't hesitate to let me know what you think if you have any comments of your own.

A friend once said:
"Friendship is like a rose, you have to go through some thorns to get to the beauty of it".

How true that is; especially with "close friends".  You know the ones:
The ones you can call any time--no matter the time--and they'll be ready to listen or help any way they are able.
The ones you can disagree with, with tiny or great things and their opinion won't change on the friendship between the two of you.
The ones you can tell about your beliefs and it won't change the friendship either.
The ones you can talk to about your hurts and they'll sit and listen.
The ones that can talk about when you see one or the other doing something to make them "fall" and even though it's not wanted to be heard or like what is heard we'll still listen and take heed to the "warning" or reproof.
The ones that you can make mistakes with, whether it's done in words or actions, they'll love you the same.
Through it all, the mistakes can actually make the friendship stronger instead of no longer--IF it's true friendship, there's no pride in us over hurts or mistakes to the others or if we accept that they or us aren't perfect.
I'm sure that you can think of many other/more things that could be said about the relationship of close/true friends.

As I made this short list on friends, I can't help but think of my own relationship with my dear Lord as this short list "applies" with it as well as:  How I may have to "go through some thorns to get to the beauty of it" and it just makes me stronger, grow more, learn more as well as make my relationship with Him even sweeter.

As we go from "Peak to Peak" as a recent guest speaker (Bro. Chris Chaney from Lighthouse Baptist Church in San Diego, CA) preached; it's when you go through those valleys to get to the next peak that makes a christian stronger and closer to the Lord" [paraphrasing what I've already "heard and learned" but the reminder to hear again is always a great encouragement that we should be blessed to have to go through the valleys].  Also he pointed out that as we go through the valley it may also be a time to help someone else going through the same "valley" and it ends up helping the two that is going through it together.

I remember the long ago best friend that said this (comparing friendship with the rose) how when she told me she was going through "?" just to find out, I was going through the same thing.  How much easier it was to get through it when there was someone else going through the same thing and it had just made our friendship stronger.  Too bad through the years, after we got separated because of our lives going in different directions, that it wouldn't be remembered that even though new (and much different) "thorns" came up that the beauty couldn't/wouldn't be remembered that was had in the past was still there.

Isn't it wonderful that God never does or will turn away no matter how often we may make mistakes, stray or want to turn away during the hard times.  He is always faithful.

It was a wonderful message.  It's posted on our church's website if you'd like to hear it for yourself.  http://biblebaptistfairbanks.com/