Jocelyn & I had fun yesterday evening. It's nice to be able to spend some one-on-one time with her before she heads back for her final semester. We were laughing so hard in Target, it was hard to make it down the aisles! I'm sure our goofiness turned some heads. I pretty much bought her whatever it was she wanted/needed. My thinking is, when you can, you can. Last night I could.

The horror of the bridge tragedy is still very overwhelming. The video clip of the bridge collapsing is like some out of a movie scene.

My friend and co-worker is still in the hospital after having surgery for a broken hip. She is being treated very poorly by hospital staff and I don't understand it. Unfortunately, a nurse was killed as she walked the crosswalk to the hospital during the week, and I'm sure it devastated staff. However, there can't be a complete loss of care to those patients in the care of the hospital. I'm so angry.

Sometimes it's hard to remember that God is in control of all things. He is certainly big enough to handle it all. It's up to me to *faithfully* lift it up to Him, and to trust His will and wisdom. For me, it's a case of "easier said than done." Not that I can't do it, I just have to get to the point where I remember that's what I'm supposed to do.

Lord, how I thank You that You ARE in control. You hold Lola, the victims of the bridge collapse, Jay and his family, the people effected by the flooding in South Asia -- You hold all of that in Your mighty hands. Your word teaches that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Lord, I pray that You will allow me to act accordingly. To lift those to You who need strength and hope right now. To trust You in each situation. To remember for Whom I was created. Where I can, allow me to be salt & light - a reflection of Your love. And allow me to give You praise and honor in all things. In the precious name of Jesus --

Amen.

:)

Obligatory post! Just kidding. Well, sorta. It has been a very long time since I posted. I've got no excuse except for a touch of laziness, and a hectic life. My son has become engaged and is planning on marrying in March, 2008. My daughter is heading back to school for her senior year, and will graduate from college on May 10. My children and husband have been/or are going to China and Africa and Montana on mission trips. Work is crazy and instead of the 28/32 hours a week I typically work, I've been working 48/52 hours.

Life is crazy!

When our new Sunday School year started in May, I left my youth girls and went back up to adult ladies. I'm teaching our youngest adult ladies class, which is absolutely wonderful!

My dream right now is to someday own a B&B. While we were in Virginia this summer, I found a home that would have converted beautifully (and with very little effort) into a superb B&B. I'm almost heartbroken that it's not a home I can just buy and do with what I want! It was just perfect. My heart hurts just a little ... just a tiny bit ... that the beautiful old home won't be mine.

Today is Friday! It's time to get ready for work and get this day on the road!

Adios!

1. Rejoice always;
2. Pray without ceasing;
3. In everything, give thanks (for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus);
4. Do not quench the Spirit;
5. Do not despise prophetic utterances;
6. Hold fast to that which is good; and
7. Abstain from every form of evil.

It occurs to me that, if I held up every decision / word / action / thought / deed against these seven premises; if I inspected every possible motive against these godly characteristics, I'd more easily align my life with the truth of God's word.

Rejoice always. Regardless of circumstance or situation. Not "be happy," but rejoice!! I can rejoice no matter how sad or angry I am feeling, because God is sovereign and He is in control. And I know that He has a purpose.

Pray without ceasing. Communicate with God continuously! Remembering, of course, that communication is a two-way street. I've got to _listen_ to God, as well as talk to Him.

In everything give thanks! (emphasis added) EVERYTHING! How? By faith. Why? Because it's God's will for me to do so! How can I become embittered, or prideful, or envious, when I'm thanking God for His good & perfect will, in everything?!

Do not quench the Spirit. Don't ignore that inner prompting, that still, small voice. God's Holy Spirit directs and guides our steps on that narrow path. Ignoring that prompting hardens our hearts, and our ability to hear that voice, effectively quenching the Spirit. God says, "Don't do it."

Do not despise prophetic utterances. Good gravy, what?!? First of all, what are utterances, and how do we know if they're prophetic? Utterance is the act of uttering; vocal expression. Prophetic would refer to the ability to foretell events, by supernatural intervention. In other words, when a child of God comes to you in a spirit of love, and points out that a behavior of yours *will have* damaging consequences, don't despise the utterer. Rejoice that God has seen fit to warn you of a behavior or choice which does not line up with His will!

Hold fast to that which is good! One Scripture perfectly defines this command: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8.

Abstain from every form of evil. I think I prefer how the King James Version translates this particular point. Abstain from all appearance of evil (the emphasis is mine). Don't even allow your actions to mimic or to appear as if you were doing evil. No only must we guard against doing evil, but we need to guard against our actions appearing evil to others. Especially non-believers, and babes in the faith, so as not to damage our testimony, nor to hinder theirs.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22. A beautiful synopsis for living a Christ-centered life.

Selah!

I sometimes wonder why I bother making "stand firm" statements here -- I have such a struggle living up to them!

The study in Daniel is going incredibly well. I love Bible history, so a lot of the historical significance is not new to me. The spiritual implications and insights, however, are bowling me over!

I could so very easily be a Babylonian. (In the context of the study, I mean.) I really struggle with materialistic wants and images. How do I reconcile wanting my home to look nice and be pleasant, and not wanting things? Or, even worse, wanting (cough, cough -- coveting) what my neighbor has? STRUGGLE! The appearance part (self-appearance) could be more of an issue, but sometimes I'm so discouraged about my weigh (and total lack of control there), that it's easier NOT to worry about my appearance! Talk about convoluted.

We're well into the week 5 study. I love that God uses these studies to reveal areas I haven't given over to Him, and to draw me nearer and nearer to Him. How lucky am I that He loves me so?

Blessed. Indeed.

Selah!

:)

This is going to be an incredible study, of this I have no doubt. I've always enjoyed Beth Moore's style of teaching; her sense of humor and more especially, her passion for Jesus. This study will be different from any of hers I've done before, because it is session driven -- the homework stems from the video session, instead of vice versa. Personally, *I* like the set-up. She made some awesome points yesterday; I left the session feeling incredibly convicted!

We talked about viewing Daniel's Babylon figuratively -- as a way of thinking, or an attitude. To that end, Isaiah 47:10 sums it up, "...I am and there is no one besides me." Self-absorption and complete over-indulgence. Certainly, an attitude of Babylon prevails in the west!

One thought that struck me particularly was this: If I am not doing everything possible to keep from being indoctrinated by "Babylon," I already am.

Wow. I think about how as a family we've struggled with worldly music, TV, movies, clothing, and other worldly influences, and I understood just why it was so important. Keeping that mindset of separation enables us to live in the world without being a part of the world. It doesn't take much.

Another thing she said that sticks with me is, "I believe I won't." Based on 1 Corinthians 6:12, which (paraphrased) is that all things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial. Believers need to pray for godly discernment so that they can say "I believe I won't," to those things which are permissible, but not beneficial.

To that end, Beth Moore challenged us to do something Daniel-like. Daniel refused to eat from the king's table. I don't believe this was a sacrifice, but more a decision to NOT. Beth is giving up rich meats and challenged us to do the same or something similar. I want to give up something to which God would say, yeah, you can, but it's not beneficial to you. I am praying that God will quickly illuminate that something for me!

Exciting days.

Hola!

Tonight starts our Sunday edition of the Beth Moore Bible study on Daniel. I'm very excited. I *miss* being in a small group with other women. I have a hunger. I will try very hard to keep up with the study and journal it here. I'd like to be able to read back through my thought processes, once it's finished. It's being facilitated by Jamie Bell, and I'm looking forward to that, as well.

We sang this morning, oh did we worship! Two back-to-back "builders" as Todd calls 'em. What a great morning of praise and worship! I'm so thankful to have a Minister of Music of Brother Pat's caliber! He pushes us! It certainly was good to be in the house of the Lord this morning!

SELAH!

:)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today was a nice change of pace; Todd and I walked together, outside. It was a beautiful morning for it! Only one car passed us, and while we heard several dogs, nary a one came chasing after us. Just lovely! We waited until 7, so all the school traffic was out of the way, and evidently, most of the commuter traffic was gone too. Very nice. If I can convince him to do that every third day, it would be *great*!!

Then, I was very convicted about questioning my husband's integrity. I went to him and asked his forgiveness. It would have been very easy to have said nothing, but it was so utterly wrong of me. I should have championed him, instead of letting my pride get in the way, and questioning his judgment.

And the craziness begins. This weekend marks the beginning of our craziness: James and I both working three jobs; Julia and her family coming to stay with us for a week; Jocelyn's play and all that stuff; my birthday; our weekend away . . . manic! On top of all that, I start directing Children's Choir this weekend, we're painting the living room, MOPs starts up, and there's the Women's Annual Bake-Off! I hope I survive!

God? Where would you have me serve *You* today?

Ciao!

:)

Thanks, God. I *know* I could not have done the treadmill this morning without You! It was so stinking early!

James needs to be getting up soon. But I wanted to share how good God is, even in things like "30 minutes on the treadmill" -- He's faithful to assist when I opting to be obedient. The thing is, why do I get it in some areas, but not in others? I'm so _stubborn_.

Joshua 1:1-18 is where we are this week in Sunday ... er, excuse me ... Cross Training. The passing of the mantle of responsibility from Moses to Joshua. I imagine Joshua was pretty overwhelmed with the task. I wonder why it was passed to Joshua and not Caleb?

The key verses, to me, are 1:8-9: Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. !!!

No small task -- but pretty simple instructions. Let's see where my instructions come from today: Luke 20:1-8. Do I appreciate the authority under which I am placed? Do I understand that it comes from the LORD, Most High? I forget, a LOT, that I'm His. I need to re-commit to that *every* morning.

Lord, I'm Yours. I need Your protection. I need Your presence. I need You to empower me to be all that You would have me to be today. Father, I need help staying focused on You. Let me be grounded in Your Word today. Jesus, thank You.

Buenos dias!

:)

You know, there is something incredibly empowering about walking . . . why do I stop? Huh. Let me just say here and now, I hate Satan. And I hate that I'm trapped in this old, earthly, stinking flesh. Between the two, I allow myself to fall again and again. I get too cocky and self-sure, and forget to ask for God's empowering and His strength. I am nothing without Him.

Nice walk this morning. I put together a good set of songs! Music and/or companionship make all the difference in the world when I'm walking.

I'm a little confused about the USDA's pyramid thing. According to it, I only need 2 1/2 cups of vegetables a day, and 1 1/2 cups of fruit. Together, that only makes four servings. What happened to 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day? I'm not sure what's going on!

It's just 8:00, and I've walked, made the bed, fixed breakfast for both Todd and James, I've had coffee and my fruit for the day, I made James's lunch, and I'm journaling. God, You're so good!

A lot of needs in our church right now. Desperate, life-changing needs. I think Satan's on the warpath at FRBC.

Lori Quick is talking about starting an aerobics class at the church, four days a week; two in the morning and two in the evening. What fun that would be! I would sign up in a heartbeat! :)

God, please allow me to be sensitive to Your will today. Please empower me to make godly choices, inspired by You. I want my focus to be You, today.

There is only You.

Adios!

:)

Yeah. I know.

I think I may have waited too long to get on here this morning. I'm already as cooled off as I'm going to get; my music has stopped, and I've got things to do before I leave for work this morning. Egads!

I'm approaching this with a different mind set this time, I hope. I wanted to do the right thing, but I think my reasoning was wrong. My focus was on me, even though the benefits for my husband were clear. My focus in this, just like everything else, needs to be on God. If I'm not doing what I'm doing for Him, through Him, because of Him, then I'm going to fail fast.

My desire has to be in what He wants for me, not what I want for myself. Some of what I want is okay; to be healthy and fit. Some of what I want is not -- to be sexy and desirable and shapely. My thought is what clothes I can fit into again and be a hot mama, whereas God wants my focus to be on housing His glory. Especially since He's brought my attention to the modesty/feminine area. Whoa!

So my concentration won't be on miles and points, so much as on pleasing God by time spent exercising this temple daily, and truly good nutrition.

God, I pray You will keep my teachable; that I won't be dulled to Your prompting!

:)

I'm still very intrigued by the relationship of the Trinity, One to Another. Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. Unity in its most perfect form. What an example to the fellowship of Believers . . . working together in perfect harmony.

Another nice walk this morning, and an even better time of prayer and praise. I can't think of a better time to walk than when I'm fellowshipping with my Lord. He is the *best* walking companion!

I had such fun in my applique class last night, although I still believe the way I was taught is a lot easier than trying to fold that mess under with a needle every step of the way! Except for stems -- those now make sense! A lot of discussion about bias last night. Good thing I know how to figure out where the bias is on a piece of fabric! Anyway, it was a fun time.

Jennifer got a new cat for the shop -- his name is Cash. I wonder if it was supposed to be "Johnny Cash," and they shortened it to Cash? He's Kitty Cash to me. :)

Tonight I am actually going to have dinner with my husband! How great is that? I don't think we've actually eaten dinner together since last Wednesday. Only tonight, I don't have to run off to a meeting!

This is the day that the Lord has made!! I will *rejoice* and be glad in it!!

Oh my soul!

:)

Hey -- before you jump on me, know that I *have* been journaling -- just not online. It doesn't matter where I journal, just that I *do* journal!

I had a nice walk this morning. Not too brisk; I wanted to be able to close my eyes in prayer when I needed to. What a sweet time of prayer. God, I'm so grateful to You. Praise You for Your perfect goodness.

Car wrecks, car vandalism, relationship break-ups, ministry opportunities, retreat planning; all that in the midst of regular life. Thank God I've got my Jesus to lean on. Thank You God.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Perfect unity. Jesus prayed that His disciples would experience that same unity and oneness. This is central to Christian fellowship. Unity. Of course, it can't be perfect this side of Heaven, but it can certainly be improved!

Rest beyond the river.

My God is so good.

Selah.

:)

Another day, another diet. Haha . . . just kidding, same diet. *grin*

I'm not sure what I'm thinking about today. I'm not sure, I'm not sure, I'm not sure.

I love my husband.

I can see Jocelyn living a long, single life, and enjoying every God-ordained moment of it. But don't tell her I said that. I can just as easily see her as a godly wife and mom with four children, having a blast taking care of God's gift of a family. Wow. What will my Jocey be, say, in six years down the road?

Singleness is definitely *not* for James!

Repent, repent you sinners and vipers. That's not for anyone but me.

I'm in a strange mood today. Perhaps it's because of the weight watchers. I need to be diligent and non-manipulative with it this time. I WANT TO BE OBEDIENT. I hate failing.

I also hate feeling disconnected. Blah.

Oh! I did get the Round Robin yesterday! Yeay-rah! I'm in! It was a lot of fun to sit down last night and read all the letters. Whoohoo! Now it's my turn to write.

It's also my turn to get into the shower. I'm so discombobulated (?!?) today. God? Throw me a life line!

:)

I think it's time to try WW again. (For the umpteenth time.)

Lord, You know how much I want to be obedient in this area, and how *hard* it is for me. Please be my strength today; not my will power, but Your will power!!

And James. My sweet son, James. Lord, I lift him up to You. I pray You will continue to give him direction, Lord. Allow him to be sensitive to Your guidance; to be able to discern between his emotions and feelings, and Your direction. Speak to him in the quiet of his day, and allow him to hear You clearly.

I don't want to be a Jehu -- who starts off on fire and follows God's instructions to the letter, and destroys all the trappings of Baal worship, only to fall prey to the golden calf. I want my life to be a testimony of obedience. A visible testimony of obedience. Starting now!

Through the power of Jesus Christ.

:)

I let too many things interfere with my commitment to journal on a daily basis. It's a shame, I know, and I've really got no excuse. It's a shame because God has shown me some really cool things this week, and I should have been noting them as I learned them -- not waiting to play catch-up, at the week's end. Not to mention, God was pretty clear to me at the beginning of the year when He directed me to be faithful in journaling. Not *my* will, Lord, but YOURS be done. Except, I haven't done it. {sigh}

I want to relate to these girls. Lord, I really want to relate to them, and have them be able to relate to me. Father, what do You want? How do *You* want me to proceed??

I want to be skinny and healthy and fit. I'm tired of obesity. Blah. I spit it out of my mouth. (Unfortunately, the problem is the food that I *don't* spit out of my mouth!)

It's incredible to sit back and watch Jocelyn grow and lean on the Lord. It's the same with James. My children are growing up. I'm so humbled by how God has grown them and strengthened them, despite me. I'm so grateful; beyond words.

I love my husband so much. He cares for me -- in so many different aspects. Father, I praise You for him.

We had the Burketts over for dinner last night, and went out to dinner with the Wrights on Friday night. Wow! We had a great time both nights. It was so sweet to fellowship with brothers & sisters in Christ, outside of church! Friday night is Kasey & Greg's "guy" shower, which should be fun. Lord, please prepare me so that I can fulfill the role I'm supposed to fulfill that night!

I have 2.5 hours until we get to go back to church and sing with the Mike Spec Trio!!! I'm very excited!

And, a picture or two from our weekend getaway to Mountain Laurel Inn Bed & Breakfast in Mentone, Alabama (which I *highly* recommend)!!

This is the view from our cabin porch. It was *very* secluded, private, and romantic! The paved path leads from our porch back to the main house (where we ate breakfast).







This is a view of the falls, from the trail that ran from our door (practically). It was a breathtaking view; quite spectacular! It would be fun to go back in the spring, when rain had been more plentiful! It's been rather dry up in the mountains, and it was reflected in the waterfalls.

This final picture is from the other side of the falls. See the tiny little overhang, that juts out just below the trees? That's from where I took my picture of the falls. Good thing I took that picture first!

:)

There's a cave cricket somewhere down at my feet. *shudder*

In chapter one of Job, God asks Satan where he has come from.

Satan responds, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it." In 1 Peter 5:8 we get a fuller understanding of what Satan's been doing. ". . . like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." With that understanding, let's start the conversation over:

The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"

Satan responded, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it, like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Job? ..."

This just BLOWS me away! God knew what Satan was up to! God knew why Satan roamed the earth! God KNEW Job would withstand Satan's attack. I wonder if in keeping Satan busy with Job, some poor soul who *wasn't* up to the task of withstanding Satan's attack was spared (for the time being).

I just don't believe there's ever been a time when God could have substituted my name for Job's. As I look back at the trials and periods of testing I've faced (which are minute, to begin with), and how I responded, I'm so ashamed.

God is in control. God is in control. God is in control.

I am not.

The thing is, I shouldn't even want to be in control! I can't see before, during and after! I can't know what's going on in the hearts and minds of those around me (and those not around me). I don't have all the information!! How can you be in control if you don't have all the information??? Only God has all the information! Only God. God.

So why do I sometimes try and be in control? Why do I pretend that I'm capable of handling any given situation? I know perfectly well that I am not equipped to be in control. I certainly know that I'm not sovereign. What is it in my stubborn self that requires that I make a fool out of myself (more often than I'd care to admit), by trying to be in control?!?

I want God to be able to say to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Denise? There is no one in the earth like her; she is blameless and upright, a woman who fears God and shuns evil."

Selah!

:)

What a delightful long weekend we had! Todd & I took a trip up to Mentone, Alabama, and stayed at the Mountain Laurel Inn Bed & Breakfast. It was simply wonderful. The cottage is tucked back into the woods, and surrounded by acres of trees and wildlife. The hostess, Sarah Wilcox, is truly gifted in hospitality. From the moment we arrived, to the time we (reluctantly) checked out, she bent over backwards to make us feel welcome and comfortable. I come home feeling awed by God's glorious creation, and relaxed and ready to face the world again!

It occurs to me -- especially after watching it happen with Jocelyn this weekend -- how ready God is to provide for our every need, when we have faith and trust in Him. Jocelyn's pulled wisdom tooth that had given her trouble before Europe, came back in full force in Tahoe. She woke up Friday morning in pain and misery. They took her to an oral surgeon in Reno, who took care of everything, free of charge. Todd & I had deposited $300 in her account, to make sure she could cover everything/anything she needed -- and all she needed was $104 for prescriptions. It's such an awful feeling to have your child be sick or in pain and out of your reach. Until I remember that my child was His child first, and as much as I care for my girl, He's going to outdo me (and rightly so) every time! Lord, Abba Father, how grateful I am to You.

Our SS lesson this week, which I will be teaching, is on Job. The main theme is, "God is in control." If they don't learn anything else, if I can make that one truth abundantly plain and clear to them, it will be a successful lesson, in my opinion. God, what would make it successful to You? What do these girls need to get from this Scripture on Job? I pray You will make me very sensitive to Your word this week; that I will be able to understand and discern what You are speaking through Job's trials, and that I will be able to clearly communicate it to our class. Lord, I pray you will bless them this week in such a way that they recognize it as only You.

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work I go!

:)

Do you know how hard it is to do something that you *know* you're supposed to do, but you really don't want to do it? Pretty difficult. I can relate to the Israelites. I am one. I'm a stubborn child of God who knows what she's supposed to do, and consistently decides to do it her own way (which is never the right way) instead. I _know_ God wants me journaling daily. Do you know how many times in the past week I've sat here, pulled up this very page, and then, with a click of the mouse, shut it down? You know what I've done next? Most typically, I've pulled up a game, instead. Good gravy! I've done this before, too. Only this time, I'm not going to let days turn into weeks, and weeks into months. It's got to stop!

Unconfessed sin is typically what does me in. When I've got the burden of unconfessed sin strangling me, I don't want to do what God wants me to do -- because I'll have to confront that sin, lay it before Him, and repent. That can be extremely hard for a prideful person, such as myself, to do. Instead, I leave it unconfessed . . . and wrap the painful truth of God up in some hard material, like an oyster does with a annoying grain of sand. And while pearls are of value to us, it only brings death to the oyster (as someone comes along and pulls the oyster out of its comfort zone, yanks it open, and forcibly removes the pearl). Yuck. I don't want that!

But it's so painful to lay myself open to God -- to expose the rotting, stinking earthly flesh. It's painful and shameful. I think the shame is hardest. God, why? Why do I constantly fail this test? How do I give this to You? How do I allow You to work through this? I don't do the things I want to do, and I do the things I know I'm not supposed to do.

It's come down to whether I choose to believe Satan's lies over God's truth. I can NOT have it all. I can't make my own decisions and choices, and still retain a right relationship with God. Do I trust in God's provision? That's the thing. It's a matter of my wants over God's provision. I've grown up hearing Satan whisper the lie of "you deserve it" and "you should have that" and "if you want it, go for it" and "whatever it takes". It makes me weep to realize how I must break my Father's heart. I need to reflect on this.

Peace.

:)

Proud mama? I think so!

I never realized, before this morning, that a second killing followed so closely on the heals of Cain's killing of Abel. As one of Cain's descendants, it sounds as if Lamech, the first polygamist noted in the Bible, used Cain's sin as an excuse for his own. I've done that. I've measured my sin against a sin committed by someone else; to downplay what I've done. But God doesn't look at it that way. My sin is measured only against His standard of perfection. That's why there is no acceptable sin.

I'm in the book of 1 Kings in my quiet time, now. Reading about the kings of Israel (the Northern kingdom) makes me think of the hymn, "No not one!" I know the context is different, but there surely wasn't one king who reigned in Israel who was righteous. No not one.

Of course, the kings of Judah (the Southern kingdom) weren't much better.

Today is primary election day in the grand state of Alabama. Go Judge Roy Moore!

:)

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; He is good -- He is good!!

He certainly was good to Solomon. But the minute Solomon started taking His blessings for granted, it went to Solomon's head. The beginning of the end. I'm just like that. At some point I stop being grateful, and start getting ... expectations? Perhaps I start feeling like I *deserve* the goodness -- it's my right, my just rewards. Lord? Help me to remember today that what I deserve is death. I'm a sinner saved by Your grace alone, and that is the only blessing I truly needed. How I praise You for that! You are good -- You are good!!!

My Jocey is serving God in Tahoe, and my James is headed to a camp in Roach. What a name for a city! Todd and I are on our own again this week. Wow. I'm praying that God will really impress upon me ways I can show my darling husband that I respect him. I'm a very loving wife -- but am I a respectful wife? This week I'll pay close attention to it.

Time to see what Sunday's lesson is about!

Tah-tah!

:)

Oh yes -- two things I wanted to share! One was an incredible bloom off of our magnolia tree, and the other was a glimpse into the lovely tea party that Jocelyn & I had on Tuesday! Enjoy!

For three days I didn't walk. Lemme 'splain . . .

Wednesday: We got up at 4:15 am and left at 5:00 am to take Jocelyn to the airport {sniff} and from there I went straight to work, where I stayed until 5:30 pm, and went directly to the Roger's home for the SCUBA event for our 7th & 8th grade youth.

Thursday & Friday: No excuse. Except my hips hurt really badly and I had to be at work incredibly early, and I just didn't do it.

I noticed (realized) that when I didn't walk, I didn't journal. Guilty conscience, I suppose.

I'm journaling today, so guess what?!? Yes, I walked this morning. A lovely creation walk with my husband. They're my favorite!

Do you ever wonder if you'd have done thing differently if you'd been either Adam or Eve (as appropriate)? I like to *think* I'd have run from the serpent, and cried out to God for help, but I know in my heart I'd have done the same thing Eve did. Perhaps I wouldn't have even offered the little resistance that she did. Hah -- maybe I wouldn't have even needed the serpent to speak to me. I'd have just seen the fruit and eaten. The reason I know this is because of how I respond to temptation when it's presented. I listen to the lies, instead of running from
them . . .

But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

It's frustrating to know what I'm supposed to do, to know in my heart that it's really the best choice, and to still choose wrongly. Ugh. It's a good thing I'm not God -- I'd have no mercy or compassion for myself. Lord, I thank You that You love me. Father, I ask You to continue to draw me near to You. Lord, discipline me and correct me when I need it (which is often). I thank You that Your discipline reflects Your love for me. I'm so lucky to know You hold me in Your mighty hand. I love You, Lord!

:)