Miss Prudence sharing her gifts

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. -Hebrews 10:23

(devotion)
Appearing forlorn, the little girl crouched in the corner of the ward near a woman with bandaged limbs. She was there to spend her school vacation with her mom. But her mother was no ordinary patient, and this was no ordinary ward. This was a mission to treat those with Hansen's Disease. It was not exactly a place you'd expect a little girl to spend her vacation.

During my visit there, I witnessed the impact of leprosy on people and their loved ones. I thought about the passage in 2 Kings 5, and I could imagine how desperate Naaman must have been to be cured. When he heard about Elisha, Naaman went to the prophet's door, only to have a messenger tell him to wash in the Jordan River. Despite his anger and mis-givings, Naaman acted on God's direction that came through the prophet and was rewarded with a miracle.

Like Naaman, I've found that God's directions don't always make sense to me. They may challenge my understanding of how to deal with my circumstances. But when I act in faith on what the Bible says, its promises prove true. What God has promised will surely come to pass because God is trustworthy.
(Eunice Tan)

Savior of the world, help us to place our trust in your wisdom and promises for every situation we may face. Amen.

My dearest Barbara aka Miss Prudence is sharing her talents in a special giveaway.

Phone rings...

I will both lay me down in Peace, and sleep;
for thou Lord only makest me dwell in safety

Phone rings late...for my house anyway. It's Deena! My silly, funny friend who I love so very much. She always makes me laugh. I think I make her laugh also with my "country talk"...she calls me sweetie. So, she shares with me the best news...out shopping, cell phone rings, has no idea how to turn off speaker...MRI shows that the tumors that are not gone are less than half the size they were originally. So excited, I hope I remember it correctly. Quickly, I whisper, "Thank you Lord for this miracle". "HE" is using Deena in such a way...a way that has touched so many lives, even those who are well, healthy. She has brought such joy to my life since first meeting her years ago, Pre cancer. Yet she's still the same Deena.

God in Heaven, today I thank you for the miracle of healing, answered prayers, hope, lasting friendships. Let me remember these moments which bring warmth to my heart.

From Ter'e...I humbly thank you for sharing this beautiful video. You may click the lower right corner of the video to enlarge to full screen. Turn speakers on please!

Busy without God

As [the two followers of Jesus] talked and discussed, Jesus himself drew near and walked along with them; they saw him, but somehow did not recognize him. -Luke 24:15-16

The two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus were so busy in their thoughts and in their discussion that they did not recognize Jesus when he began to walk with them. How this story reminds me of my walk with Jesus!

As a Christian leader and trainer, I often find myself extremely busy in ministry, training ministers in spiritual formation and Christian leadership. Recently, though, I have realized that in doing so much work "in the name of God," I have neglected a basic element in my own life of faith: intimacy with God and growth in my personal spiritual formation.

When we become busy in our "doing" for God and forget to spend time in God's presence with scripture and prayer, we will find ourselves becoming tired and frustrated with our work. In our ministry for Christ, we miss Christ's ministry to us.

I have learned that I need to have intimate times with God constantly, even as I go about doing things for God. My Christian service has changed for the better as I have prayed, "Lord, help me and lead me as I daily serve you."
(Sammy N. Gumbe)

Faithful God, help us to be constantly aware of your presence. We seek your love and your wisdom as we spend our days serving you and those you call us to love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

(Mark with the silly witchy hat)

(Lyndsee & Blake with new teeth)

(Jesse-Ray, Anna, Brody, Brett)

(Cody with Mason & Arielle)

(Silly teenagers playing with magnetics)

It's grand to have such great friends...

Rejoice with those who rejoice.

Weep with those who weep. -Romans 12:9-15

Inbox from Jill-
Lee passed away on Saturday evening. The Dr. gave six months with not treatment options. I'm grieving with this family, but there is relief that he did not suffer. Pray for the family, and for Lee and Jill who will be making decisions about travel.
Thank you for the messages of concern. I know Todd & Jill thank you also. She is Jill Peterson- Frontier Homestead. Lee is Todd's brother.

True colors...

As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
-Galatians 3:27

If we come to Christ, hungry, thirsty, starving for the friendship of the divine, we shall be filled in God’s sacred silence.

(devotion)
My son and I attended a football game in a city three hours away from our home. As we settled into our seats, the air was full of excitement over the game about to be played.

Although we didn't personally know any of the other people in the stadium around us, we were immediately accepted into the group because we were all wearing the colors or jerseys of the home team. Regardless of who we were or where we traveled from, the only thing that mattered on game day was whose colors we were wearing.

As Christians, we are called to be clothed in Christ, spiritually wearing his "colors" of truth, faith, and love as boldly as any team jersey. And we are called to accept all who share our allegiance to Christ, even if their homes are far away or they are of a different nationality. At the football game, fans of many colors and ethnic backgrounds cheered together as one for their team. As Christians, let us make sure we're wearing Christ's colors.
(Larry Hashman)

Lord Jesus Christ, help us to be clothed in you in our interests and behavior. Give us boldness to live for you as openly and enthusiastically as we cheer for our sports teams. Amen.

~Joys~

~ "His" art scattered in colors of Fall throughout the Mountains here in my lil valley
~ Tidy landscaping filled with pumpkins galore (pics to come)
~ Lovely, Blessed Teachers
~ conversations with Deena
~ little surprises in the mail (unexpected simple thank you)
~ Mercy, Grace
~ Freedom
~ Lovely small group of Special Education students I worked with yesterday

progress...

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. -1 Corinthians 10:13

(Look at this mess...this is when I really dislike gardening.)

(Two of the horses are back home. I miss them so when I can't see them every day. Mark took them up to the barn at Grandpa's farm last summer as there was nothing here for them to live on.) Below is "Colt" resting...he ate too much

(Rex (left) is 24ish years old...he's really sweet)

So this is what I've been doing. Progress makes me feel good!

"And may you feed a hungry world through me"

The words here are ever so powerful...

Time...

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" - Psalm 4:8

I think Tuesday was totally skipped from my life. How did I miss it? I need time...more time.

I took Cody to the Dr. He has a mild case of whiplash. Dr. wanted him to take meds, but Cody will not take a pill. I guess this is a good thing, but he really needed this medication.
We have the estimate for the damage. Oh my, I had no idea it would be so much. $2500. I tell you, I am so anxious to get a bill for the adjustment they will surely make on our premium. I don't pretend to understand how it works. I pay my premiums for years...no claims...then one claim, and the rates go outrageously high. I still count my blessings, it could be much worse.

Today is Deena's Autumn Open House...I have nothing for you. Lest you'd like to see 3 tiny pumpkins nesting in my old rusty green grass cutter. This is where my need for time comes. The summer flowers still linger, withered, ugly. I need to finish laundry, a project I started for my friend in NC months ago, clean the flower gardens, plant mums, place bittersweet. I won't think of starting Christmas offerings. When will that happen. I also have company coming in a few weeks...from Texas. My home needs to be welcoming for this dear soul. Positively, I have no time for worry. I gave Cody and Jesse-Ray to "Him" as they drove away in the fog this morn.

Lord, help me manage time, prioritize, slow down. Bring order to my chaos...Amen

My Joys-
* the promise

* my house is founded on the rock
* late night bonfires (watching Mark return to childhood)
* morning fog...I won't have to take my morning walk
* the ministry of music - (Promise of a lifetime - Kutlass)

(more pics of our Sunday trip)

A humble thank you and...

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" -Matthew 5:16

The kindest of words have been sent to me over the past few days through email, and phone calls...each of you inspire, encourage. I will keep these words and thoughts hidden in my heart always. The scripture I shared on Saturday holds truth. Though I shall face trials, pain and suffering, I will stand firm. Nothing will separate me from the love of God. So I thank each of you, for visiting my blog, for the time you've taken to share thoughts, words of encouragement, care and concern. I wish you peace and smiles.
I will reply to each of you, just let me get settled with Cody, and we have to take care of the insurance stuff today...estimates, and such.

Yesterday the four of us rushed in from church, changed, and back out the door to Knoxville. It was AYSO day with the Lady Vols. I will share more tomorrow. I'm off to take Cody to the Dr. He is rarely sick, and her certainly is not one to complain, but He's complained this entire weekend with his head and neck hurting. From the accident? Not sure, but Sister Elaine says he needs to be checked.
Find a Blessing in this day my friends...

Cody and a few of the soccer girls...aren't they just the cutest girls...

And the rain fell...

And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock" -Matthew 7:25

a view from my home...

Thank you...

The winner of my keepsake box ~give away~ is.....

from The Primitive Bucket...you should visit her lovely corner in blogland.

You have blessed us, O God, with the gift of friendship, the bonding of persons in a circle of love. We thank you for such a blessing: for friends who love us, who share our sorrows, who laugh with us in celebration, who bear our pain, who need us as we need them, who weep as we weep, who hold us when words fail, and who give us the freedom to be ourselves. Bless our friends with health, wholeness, life, and love. Amen.

I kindly thank each of you-

Pamela (beehindthyme)
Pam (basketsnprims)
Angie (simplethymeprimitives)
Harriet
Kimmie
Mountainview
Patti
Suzanne
Jill
Betzie
Debra Facer
Sharon
Tina
Jen
Mary
Lisa (black sheep)
Maggie
Elizabeth
Ter'e
Jackie
Lucia
Sher
Sherry
Deena
Trudy
Lori
Paula
Joleen
Virginia
Rondell
Wendy
Lana
Angie (quillysilly)
Lindanuts
for sharing your blessings...they are many!
And, another thank you to the sweet gals who posted my give away in their corner of blogland.
Yet another gratefulness...Deena encourages me, all of us in so many ways. Go over and visit her, and just say "Thank you".

Thank you all for the messages of concern about my headache. Just when I thought I was getting over it, yesterday afternoon, my cell phone rang...it's Cody, "Mom, I'm alright, but I've been in an accident". The call you never want, expect to receive. I ran to the barn, stopped in the middle of the road as Mark runs to the car. We make our way over toward the high school. The traffic situation there after school has always been a problem. All those "teenagers" trying to make their way through the "bottle neck"...at the same time. It's the most traveled, convenient route. I kept my cool, except for the complete shaking my body was going through-adrenaline???. I am most thankful no one was injured. The lady in front of him, slammed on the breaks to avoid the car in front of her. She was lucky, Cody was not. He said it was a horrible feeling, knowing it was going to happen, knowing there was nothing he could do to stop it. He veered to the right, to avoid her, which happens to be in the direction of the big concrete blocks on the bridge. He didn't hit the bridge. I know God had his hand on him. The damage was not bad to his little Ranger, but she was driving a "big" new Ford Expedition, so I'm guessing, it will cost a bit to fix hers. My biggest worry now, is, "what this will do to our already OUTRAGEOUS car insurance. I'm also most thankful the Officer working the accident happens to be a very dear friend of ours. Boy, he gave Cody a big lecture. One I think all kids should hear.
I think it didn't hit me until later, when I had time to really think about it. That bridge is very high. What if he'd gone over...the thought just kept picking my mind. I hate the accident happened, I'm just thankful God poured his Grace and Mercy on Cody.
Needless to say, I woke this morning with a splitting headache once again. Not to worry, I am still so very blessed. My pain will subside, there are so many who face pain each and every day.

Just a reminder...the "sharing goodness give away" ends in just two days...read all the wonderful comments my friends have shared...I thank each of you most humbly for your thoughts...

I'm battling a horrible headache this week. It's attached itself pretty good:(
I'll be back on Friday.

God of all truth, teach us through your word how to be obedient to your will. We love your law because we love you. Amen.

We are Rich!

Cast all your anxiety on [God], because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7

From todays Upper Room-a fitting note for our economy struggles...
When we cast our anxieties on God, God will sustain and comfort us.

I had taken out a commercial loan to help support the construction of a hospital we needed in our community. The time to repay this large amount of money was approaching. I became anxious and unhappy because I did not have the money to pay the loan.

Then I stopped to think about all the blessings in my life. I thought of my wife and my children, my house, my work, my friends, my brothers and sisters in Christ, my parents, all the beautiful experiences of my life. I am rich! I told myself.

I felt ashamed. Kneeling, I gave thanks to God and asked for forgiveness, casting all my anxieties on God. After my prayer, I felt at peace and happy, as if everything had been taken care of.

Days later, I received a letter from my sister in Ohio. Since she was going through some rough times in her life, with her husband and her daughter in the hospital, I opened the letter with some trepidation. To my surprise, inside the letter was a check for exactly the amount I needed to repay my loan. My sister was repaying me for a loan I had made to her and forgotten.
(Angel M. Mattos-Nieves)

Lord, remind us every day that you are willing and able to supply all our needs if we trust in you. Amen.

Sharing your Blessings...~give-away~

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! -Psalm 150:6

I've made a special keepsake box...
for holding memories.
I'll send it to one of you. Just leave a comment on how someone
has blessed your life, helping you in a time of need.
It can also be a thanksgiving of family, friends. Feel free to share more than one if you wish.
I'll add all the entry names in the box, and let Cody or Jesse Ray draw. Let's say, one week from today. I'll post the winner here - Friday, October, 10...early in the morn.


I've covered a much aged mache box with the loveliest of pumpkin calico...lid is covered with dirty quilting cloth. Inside I've tucked an old vintage postcard, which can be replaced with your own family photos. I've added seed, (from my friendship garden), to a tiny linen pouch, for starting your own.

I've made a hanging pinkeep, with HARVEST worked in all the wonderful Autumn colors. I hope you will enjoy this "pay-it-forward", and also enjoy reading the stories friends will share.

***If your not a blogger, make sure I'm able to contact you. If you don't want to add your email information, just send it to me privately~ blaircreek@hotmail.com

Here's but a small list of mine-
The promise He made
Mom & Dad ~ Karen & Elaine
Mark
Cody
Jesse Ray
Friends who send encouragement
Every person who's purchased something from me
The message from a stranger, (now new friend)- it made the "big picture" so very clear to me
Wise words from my friend in Texas


Remember your blessings...they are far greater than your troubles.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Seventeen years ago at 3:39 in the early morn, I was blessed. I never thought love this strong was possible. Then they placed him in my arms, and I knew...

Happy Birthday Dillon Cody Harrell

Choices

Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10

Every action has a consequence my Dad tells me. Though I think my actions are good ones, and my "reasoning" makes perfect sense to me...

For some time now, I've been swimming in muddy water. Unable to see through the thickness of my own self will. I give to Him, but suddenly I snatch back. I am contained in this jar of self pity. Almost as if I am happy with worry.

In the past couple of days, I've received much knowledge and sharing from friends and strangers alike.
I must make choices. Choices that will change everything, make the water clear and pure. I must chose to "come to Him with my whole heart". It is then that He will hear me and answer my prayers.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
I've always been fond of this passage, but yesterday when I read it in the inbox, the last sentence seemed highlighted in huge bold print. Yes, that's it...the choice I must make.

As a mother, it is my instinct to "fix" and control my children. I have issues with the "letting go". I keep thinking, what if. God has shown me through the eyes of "another mother", much wiser than I will ever be. We must let go, let them make mistakes, all the while knowing, trusting, that God will be there to scoop them up. During this time, it's also a learning lesson for me. Learning to trust that God is, at the same time, teaching me.

Today, I am making a choice~ to trust, give my whole heart to Him, the Master, the only one who can and will supply my every need.

Dear God, I cry to you for mercy, today I chose to let go, to give you all. Help me to see the pureness of your promises. Amen...