I'LL BE BACK

BLOGGING

I'm not a blogger, obviously. Where does one find the time to blog daily or regularly??? I can't do it. So many bloggers have gone to Facebook. I'm not going there. MySpace? that was another misadventure. Like I said I'm just not the blogging type. I like to lurk and read others but I really don't have much to say for my own blog.

I started Community Bible study on Friday mornings and we're doing the Gospel of Luke. I'm going to enjoy it. New place and new faces in my group, new adventure.

Tuesday I went back to my regular small group at church. That was good too, remeet again.

Frank is at praise team practice.

There....now you can see why I don't blog. MY LIFE IS BORING for a blog. But that's OK. I do have four followers! that's better than none, right?!

Good night and God bless you.

TOOK A SICK DAY TODAY

I had a busy weekend and this morning I was soooo tired. I called in sick. Yes, I wasn't physically sick but does exhaustion count? I had a busy memorial weekend too and I think all the busyness caught up with me. I just slept pretty much most of the day and fooled around with my current jigzaw puzzle. Am I bad? No, this aging grandma had to get some rest.

Now, I feel rested and will gladly be at work tomorrow. I don't usually call in sick but I know I'd be dragging this week if I didn't get some rest. So with that, good night!

Did you notice I changed my profile picture? Yes, I changed it in honor of the Lakers. Let the games begin!

IT'S EMBARRASING

Let me just speak truth here. I'm not a blogger! I apologize to my three followers. What you see is what you get. Not much in way of blogging. I guess I'm more of a blogging looky loo. I can't get over how creative some blogs are. I bet their houses are just as beautiful and creative.

Maybe when I retire..............

Today I"m feeling so groggy. I'm beginning to think I drink to much Pepsi. I know I do but I'm beggining to make the connection between how I feel and drinking that Pepsi. Who would have thought I could become addicted to Pepsi or any cola drink. I realized it last weekend when there was none in the house and I was too lazy to go out and get some. Finally on Sunday I told my husband I was craving it!!

OOps I have to go take my grandson to school. I'll be back a little later and finish my craving story.

DOING MY CIVIC DUTY

Tomorrow I start my time on a jury for a criminal case. The judge said it will be about a five day trial. With deliberations it could be a few days longer. I'm blessed that my job will pay for 10 days. BUT being a church secretary this week is crucial at the office due to all the bulletin I have to print for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday (2) and Easter. Plus payroll!! I plan to go to the office early in the morning or after court for a day or two.

Please pray for wisdom and discernment on the jury's part and pray that I have peace and not anxiety knowing what awaits me at the office. I can only do so much. My main concern is getting payroll in. THAT'S THE PRIORITY!! heheheh

My smalll group has been doing the Book of Romans and oh how it speaks to me in light of Holy Week and the CROSSS.

Blessed be the name of the Lord. God will carry me through this week.

I just love Him. While I was still a sinner Christ died for me. ME!! Praise Him! Thank you Jesus.

YOU ARE INVITED

http://michellebentham.blogspot.com/2009/03/calling-all-followers.html

I was invited to participate in this unique bible study beginning tomorrow. If you would like to check it out please go to the link above and follow the guidelines. I look forward to this. I'm wanting a fresh word from the Lord.

I'm involved in three bible study groups and I do the homework but it's like what I called it, homework. I don't seem to be getting any ah ha moments.

What I like about the above link is that all I need is my bible. I don't have to buy a workbook, i don't have to do research, i don't have to sit through video or share with people. There is nothing wrong with that by no means. don't get me wrong. I love all that I mentioned but I just want to sit at Jesus feet and get one-on-one with Him. I just want him.

So tomorrow starts something new for me. I'm yours Lord, let me have it!! :)

RETURNING TO FINISH MY THOUGHTS FROM LAST TIME

Before I signed off last time I said I would mention "Worship at the Abbey." When hubby and I got rid of cable we were left with regular TV which isn't even worthy watching anymore because of the very poor reception. BUT we do get a worship channel that is a very pleasant surprise and doesn't fade in and out as much as the regular channels. (is that God or what!) This particular channel (worship.net I think) has christian infomercials and one of them was Worship at the Abbey. I sat down to watch the infomercial and was taken aback by the beautiful songs that just ministered to my heart at the right time. The first one Stuart Townsend singing "My God." and the words just struck a chord with my heart and had me in tears. "My God takes the broken and makes them whole" "My God....calls the sinner, friend." Typing the words don't to it justice.

The other song, I found out it was written by Stuart Townsend too, was sung by Kelly Minter. Now the connection I have with Kelly Minter is last summer I, as with hundreds of others on Beth Moore's blog, did her (kelly's) bible study "No Other Gods." When I saw her singing at the Abbey I got excited and told Frank "I know her!" "I did her Bible study last summer blah blah blah." Her song to just melted my heart. She sang "How Deep the Father's Love for Us." That song just turns me to mush when I hear the words, especially when she sang "....and made a wretch his treasure." Oh what love God has for me. I can't resist those words of love from the Father.

I've been trying to download the songs from youtube onto this blog but can't seem to do it. So I would invite you to go to youtube.com

search for Worship at the Abbey

then when it comes up click on My God by Stuart Townsend and How Deep the Father's Love by Kelly Minter. They are so good.

If you know how to copy a segment from Youtube can you let me know how, and of course in very simple terms.

Did I mention I have jury duty the week of March 30. I enjoy doing my civic duty but this time around isn't too practical for me especially if I get on a jury panel and heaven forbid be selected to be on a case. Being a church secretary this time of year is not a good time to be away from the office what with all the bulletin for Holy Week (it's a Lutheran church) and then a big one for Easter. And I have to get the church newsletter printed and mailed out too. Part of me hopes I don't get called to be on a panel. I just want to do my day and be released. Oh well, I can't stress over what is out of my control.

So long for now. I'm out of thoughts worth mentioning.

I'M BACK, READ PRIOR POST FIRST

One more titdbit. I've been enjoying my ipod. I have 515 sermons on it. I have Charles Stanley, R.C. Sproul, JOhn Piper (of course), Nancy Leight DeMoss, James McDonald and many more. Where am i going with this.....Oh yeah, I downloaded sermons from a church in Redlands. I thought it was Redlands, Calif but turns out it's Redlands CRC in Australia. The first clue was the accent. At first I thought it was a guest pastor or something like that but then realized it was coming from Australia. It's kinda cool. I get caught up in my ow little world and forget that I have brother and sisters in Christ all over the world. The unity of Christ.

We just bought the DVD "Worship at the Abbey." UTTERLY FANTASTIC!!! Thank you Jesus for music. I'll talk about that later.

I do have to go. It's getting late for this ole gal. Have things to do before I go to bed.

Things to talk about next time:
More about Worship at the Abbey and our upcoming Ladies Nite Out at my church.


I'm going to give you all my "myspace address" to as I seem to be on that more, only to add things to encourage others with the love of Jesus.

Blessings to my sisters in Christ and all who may happen upon this blog by chance. You are loved with an everlasting love by Jesus, the One and Only.

SORRY FOR THE DELAY

I have three followers according to my side bars. Oh my, the pressure is on to produce something interesing!! Bless you ladies who follow me.

So much has been happening but not blog worthy, so it seems to me. But I'll just go ahead and talk.

The last time I posted I had said that we didn't have cable tv anymore and we still dont. I did miss some of the shows I watched but i don't think about them anymore. Since then we did get the box one needs to see something and rabbit ears for the bedroom. But TV doesn't capture my heart like it once did. The real reason why is that everytime I try to watch the reception is awful. So it's almost a bother to try. The color is bad too. I almost hope we never get cable again because I know I'll go back to watching TV again. But maybe not, maybe my strength and resolve are stronger now.

I've started doing jigzaw puzzles and love doing it. I can sit for a couple of hours and not realize how much time has elapsed. Plus I've started reading again. I love mysteries. I can't put a good book down and have been known to read while cooking.

I'm supposed to get together with my sister so she can teach me to crochet something. That'll probably take a good part of my time too.

I've been sick this past weekend. Had to go to the doctor on Saturday and am now taking antibiotics for a sinus infection and battling a cold too. Ugh! I didn't go to work today and slept for a long time. Hopefully I'll feel better tomorow to get back to work.

I'm on call for jury duty starting March 30. I don't mind, I like doing jury duty. My time will be at Compton Court which is one of the best courthouses to do jury duty. They treat their jurors real nice. While we wait we can use their computers, watch movies, or whatever one brings along to move time along.

I started reading JOhn Piper's "Future Grace" this Sunday. I just love to listen to his teachings. I have to read and listen to him real slow as he is a little over my head but it's worth it. He has a great sermon called "What is the recession for" on his website www.desiringgod.org God has purpose for our recession.

My small groups started studying the book of Romans. I listen to Piper alot to get more insight into Romans.

I have fallen in love with Leah's dog Roxy. I am not an animal lover at all. Give me goldfish anytime. But dogs or cats no. All our married life Frank and I have had dogs but they were his dogs. I didn't mess with them. But along comes Roxy and she just melted my heart. I will have to take a picture of her and share it. I don't like dogs that jump all over me, sniff all over me, bark, growl, or whatever dogs do to be themself. But Roxy is so cute. She is a little terrior and something else and listens to me. She doesn't smell or drool. I like her sitting on my lap or when I lay on the bed she jumps up and lays with me. Why allow this I don't know. I must be mellowing in my old age. Roxy is a good girl. Too bad she isn't mine to keep. But maybe that's why I like her so much. I can love on her and send her home.

I'g going to sign off real quick. I'm getting a publishing may fail notice and I don't won't to have to rewrite this, I'll lose the momentum. Byeeeeee.

YES! IT'S A POST!!!!

Would you believe I had something to say but by the time it took to log in and bring the post form up I forgotten!! Oh, those senior moments!!

Oh yeah, we don't have TV anymore. We got rid of cable and because we don't have an antenna or rabbit ears we our TV is dark and quiet. What an adventure.

Well, I went to Wal-Mart and got a 1,000 piece puzzle, I bought a Monopoly card game, I've been reading lots (even before the TV went silent). I've been reading/studying the Bible, working, listening to the radio/CD's and listening to the Ipod. I think that's about enough time on my hands, oh and listening to the police scanner.

I feel like a pioneer. :) I think I'll suggest to Frank to have the electricity turned off too and we can use candles. Second thought, I wouldn't be able to blog etc.

Tonight we are taking my mom to dinner for a belated birthday and then when we come home I'll start working on the puzzle.

I'll let you know how things are going at the end of the week. We haven't had TV since Saturday.

I'M PANTING!!

AS THE DEER PANTS FOR THE WATER BROOKS,
SO MY SOUL PANTS FOR YOU, O GOD.

I am so spiritually dry right now. Bible study took a break before Christmas and I haven't been able to get back into small group due to sickness and just class not meeting. AND I AM FEELING IT!

I've been so discouraged lately with my groups and finally today when I was praying about it I realized that the discouragement is coming from being spiritually dry and I am thirsting/hungering for some good WORD and fellowship. I'm going to get back on track and find what will fill and satisfy me. I'm going to Kay Arthur's website and sit down for some of her teaching. She's been on Isaiah. I listened to my praise tapes today and oh Sweet Jesus, how I was ministered to. God promises to fill us and oh such peace.

So, I will be in the Word all day today. I will medidate on the Lord.

My scripture memorization for the next twoo weeks is from Ps. 73:25-26 and they are appropriate for my spiritual condition right now.

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides you, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

PRAISE YOU LORD!

DARE I BLOG!!??

Now I know why I am long in adding new posts. I have nothing to say. Nothing exciting or profound, especially when there are serious things going on in the world. You want to know what is on my mind today?? Talk about trivial.

Well, should I go to the movies today or tomorrow? I want to see Frost/Nixon and Frank isn't interested so I'll go alone.

I've finished reading the book Marley & Me and we'll be going to see that with Frank's brother and his wife who are dog/animal lovers.

I look around my house and acknowledge the clutter surrounding me, but it doesn't interest me to get up and start straigtening up.

Since taking a break from attending Bible study group I have hardly picked up God's Word. That's my problem. The saying "A week without the Word make one weak." That's me. I'm too involved in trivial than with the Word. I've become spiritually weak. This always happens when my study group takes a break. I don't really like taking the breaks because of my lack of self-discipline. My group has started 2 Timmy and Paul's words to Timmy in 1:6 "...I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you..." Since we broke for break that has kept running in my mind. Another versions says "fan into flame." My flame right now is a little low I need to start flaming this precious gift within me before it gets any lower.

I'm so thankful for the Spirit whose been the One nudging me with that verse. God will never let me go so far that the flame will actually fizzle out. What would I do without Him? Nothing can separate His love from me. Thank you Lord for penetrating this foggy mind of mine right now. I will take time for you today.

PS: Thanks for the beauty of Your red roses this morning outside in the cold. You ARE a Wonder!

SURPRISE MINISTRY & OTHER CHRISTMAS TIDBITS

Merry Christmas to everyone in Blogland, you or two who visit. :) Every year I seem to think "this Christmas was the best." Well, I'm saying that again. And it's all because of family. It's not the gifts but my family. The grandkids are such a joy to watch. Little Gina was into her dino's this year, Larissa into Hannah Montana, and Timothy into his miniature skateboard, batting cage certificate and other older kid things. He keeps saying he has a mustache but he doesn't know the difference between peach fuzz and mustache.

One gift I got for Christmas has turned into ministry. My son Adam got me a police scanner. I've always loved law enforcement, I used to work at the PD in my younger years, now I watch the police shows etc. As I've been listening to the scanner I've come to realize that I can pray for those needing police assistance. The one that caught my heart was a mother who had her 7 year old son begging for money on the boulevard and domestic violence on Christmas night. What a good time to pray, right at the particular moment. I'm excited about this.

We spent Christmas Day at my mom's. My immediate family was there except my brother. The cousins got together and I was amazed at their good behavior. No petty arguments. I have good nieces, nephew and grands. They all got along so good. Lots of laughter, eating and yelling for the Lakers. Everytime I'm with my family, when I leave I want to get together again more often. But I never to anything about it. Well, this year will be different. I told everyone that we will get together at my house Memorial weekend 2009 at my house for a barbeque or something.

I have the rest of next week off (Thank you Jesus!) and plan to relax and relax.

I'll be posting a picture of me and my sister at mom's later this evening, maybe somemore pics too. Frank's coffee mug spilled in his "man purse/tote bag" and leaked all over everything including the camera case. I think it might have gotten to the lens as the pictures are cloudy at the bottom.

Feliz Navidad everyone.

NEW LOOK

Since I want to get serious again with blogging I thought I'd change my look. I'd like one of those fancy ones that one can get for free, but don't know how to download it? Anyone out there help me?

Anyway, this will be my look until I learn how to get fancy. :)

Did I mention how much I'm loving Kay Arthur's Back to the Garden? Lord, have mercy, women must do this study, teens, singles etc. Especially singles!! If every woman took this study and passed it on we could have a new, godly, pure, sexual revolution TO THE GLORY OF GOD!

You'll be hearing more about it again.

Well, I'm off to get ready for the day. Lots to do.

WHAT'S ON MY HEART TODAY

I feel like a traitor to the faithful blog world. I was totally into myspace for the last couple of months. Leah talked me into getting a space and it was fun for awhile but too much work and very visually annoying. I'd get a head ache scrolling through everyone's "stuff." I'm not knocking what brought them enjoyment but for me to read all their stuff was too time consuming AND getting a "comment" from someone was very rare if at all. At least with the blog world I know no one may ever read it but myself or my sweet sister Lisa. SO I'M BACK TO BLOGGING.

Granddaughter #2, Larissa, is practicing her songs for the "holidays" in kindergarten. Boy, can she sing a good Kwanza song and about Hannaka. WHERE'S THE BABY JESUS!!! Oh yeah, she's in public school. He's not allowed in! It really hurts to realize that everything is accepted except no one can mention Jesus. Timothy is in the chorus in 5th grade and they're practicing their "holiday" songs as well. They are singing a traditional Christmas song but have taken the name of Jesus out of it. I can't remember which one it is right now. His presentation is this coming Wednesday. After it's over I plan to shout "Happy Birthday Jesus!" My own personal protest. ;)

My Friday morning Bible study group is doing Kay Arthur's "Back to the Garden" God's design for a woman's sexuality. IT IS WONDERFUL!! I highly recommend this study to any woman, any age, married or single. Kay gives the facts straightforward about sex and the beauty of our specialness as women. I think every high school girl should take it. Sex is one subject that I never heard talked about at church ever! And yet God created our sexuality. She talked about the importance of our virginity, purity and our bodies as the temple of Spirit. There is no blushing among us ladies taking this course and I believe that is truly the Holy Spirit anointing this class. We have shared with one another our experiences in light of God's Word and have had healing from past mistakes and a fresh, pure vision of ourselves as God's vessels to the Lord and to our husbands. The singles I do this with are enjoying this as much as us marrieds. I plan to approach the youth group leaders to recommend this to them.

The weather outside is cool and crisp. I love it. Is it still fall? The leaves are all over our front yard since we never rake. I like the look though.

We're going Christmas Caroling tomorrow afternoon. We'll visit three rest homes. AND we are bringing Jesus with us!! After we'll all return to the church office for some goodies to eat and fellowship to share.

Doris Day is singing "I'll be Home for Christmas" right now. I love Doris Day's singing. My dad made me a cassesstte with her songs which I treasure. He also made me a Ella Fitzgerald. Which leads me to say that lately I've been into jazz. That's all I listen to anymore. Speaking of music, I just love the new song by Beyonce, the Etta James song "At Last." The movie Cadillac Records is going to be a must for me. I was going to go alone today and see it but I couldn't remember if it was out yet. Another favorite is singer Dinah Washington.

Well I think I've said all I can right now. I'll try not to be so long in posting. Ha Ha Like everyone is so waiting to hear from me, like that visit everyday. You know a blog is good when you go to it every day and feel a little let down when they haven't posted. Those kind of blogs spoil me into wanting something new everyday.

Time for me to go read something.

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW

It's the day after the turkey. Frank & I had a nice time together just the two of us. No hurry, no rush, just relax all day. Took my time preparing the traditional dinner which was cooked by Vons, so all I had to do was heat it up and cook some dishes. Adam, Chante & Gina stopped by around three and stayed awhile before heading to her mother's. Tim, Leah, Timothy, Larissa and Roxie, their dog, came by around 6 PM for dessert. I had a cherry, chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding and pumpkin pies to choose from. Roxie is the cutest little thing. A good dog. Listens well, didn't smell that dog smell (which i don't like), friendly and didn't pee in my house.

Today I'm looking at cameras on the internet. I have this urge to buy myself a good camera. I'd like the one on TV, the Nikon D30. Whew! I won't be getting that for a long time. The price!!
My dad always had a camera on hand. He was a picture taker. So many memories he captured for me growing up with all my cousins.

I miss my dad. I wish I had...
Talked more with him.
Ask him to teach me cribbage
Ask him about his Navy days
have him teach me to keep score while watching a baseball game
have him give me that red covered WWII book which he would read to me. I've looked for that book at moms but it's gone. I always have the hope that it will be found one day.


No plans for today but chill out with Frank. He just dug out the Christmas music (his tradition) and it's playing. Candles are lit, there's a chill outside, perfect weather. Frank will do his thing, I'll do mine and then we'll meet up around noon and spend the rest of the day together. I never get tired of spending time with my man. 37 years together and it does get better. He is my BFF. I love his sense of humor, which keeps me laughing so much. Silly stuff, but so funny between us.


It's time to get myself dressed. I'm still in my pj's and it's almost 10 AM.

I do thank the Lord for my life and His great riches for me, His revealed mysteries, His Son, His eternal Word, HIM.

ABOUT ME

I've changed my profile picture. These are my three treasures: Timothy, Larissa and Gina. My three grandchildren. They are so precious to me. My gifts from God.

BETH MOORE SIMULCAST

Beth was so anointed yesterday/today as she passionately encouraged us to continue in God's Word, our only source of power. I wish I could convey the teaching here but I'm not a good note taker (it distracts me, I get more out of just listening). If you, dear reader, would like to know what she talked about, go to www.lifeway.com in a couple of weeks and they will have it posted. Go to the Living Proof Life link and Lifeway ususally posts a Godtube video and a summary of the weekend.

God's Word was so powerfully given to us and of course, with Beth, her passion for the Word is so contagious.

If anyone reading this has never heard of Beth Moore go to YouTube or Godtube and search Beth Moore and you'll come up with some videos.

I so look forward to putting into practice the things that will keep me abiding in Him.

POST VBS

THIS ARE TWO OF MY CREW: GLORIA (L) & ASENATH (R)

Leah & Paloma now friends.

My third crew member Leah & me.



Our whole class & crew making a craft

Whew! I made it! VBS 2008 is now a memory. The kids had a blast and my preschool crew are tired but we had some fun with the kids. Working with 3-4 year old all week has its own unique qualitites. We made a lot of trips to the bathroom. When one had to go all of a sudden everyone had to go. We had tears for momma. We had a little spat "you're not my friend" type of thing. (We adults have them too, we just don't come out and say it, we just politely ignore each other.) By day five these two girls were friends again. We colored, made crafts, had snacks, watched a "Chadder" video and saw skits telling the Bible story, and played, played, played.

It was a great VBS and ALL the kids attending had such a fun time.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN

Vacation Bible School

Must go plan my lesson.

Working with preschoolers. :)