Friday Funnies

I came across this exercise suggested for seniors, to build muscle
strength in the arms and shoulders. It seems so easy, so I thought I'd
pass it on. The article suggested doing it three days a week.

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.

With a 5-lb. potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out
from your sides, and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a
full minute, then relax. Each day, you'll find that you can hold this
position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb. potato sacks. Then 50-lb.
potato sacks, and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a
100-lb. potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more
than a full minute.

Once you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each sack.

 

Join us for more laughter at Homesteaders Heart!

Blessed Aroma Nominations

Hey Ladies,

Please stop by the Internet Cafe to nominate your favorite blogs!

Thanks so much!!

My Eyes Are On You…

On this WFW I choose to use a picture I recently took of my grand-daughter Grace. When she comes to visit she loves to put on my glasses and pretend she is just like me.

She also wears my shoes, and loves to sit at my dressing table and imitate putting on her make-up just like her Grammy. Oh how precious these days are.

In this verse, Paul lays out a challenge for us to live in such a way that others can see Christ, and will be inspired to follow our example.

I pray I will always be able to live a life before my children and now grand-children that reflects Jesus.

Please join us today over at The 160 Acre Woods.

Step by Step

Of the many scriptures we can read about faith, the one that most often comes to my mind is found in Hebrews 11:1;

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

It seems from the very beginning of time, mankind has found it difficult to live by this basic principal. Starting in the book of Genesis we see a couple who trusted in what they saw rather then believing what God had said. They choose to walk by sight rather then by faith. The truth is that we also are faced with this same challenge almost every day of our lives. Will we live according to what God has spoken and promised, or will we walk only by what we can see in the natural?

I've wrestled with this same issue of walking by faith in my own life. I must confess, I can think of too many examples when I was focused on what I could see, rather than choosing to believe and act upon what God had spoken. Paul instructs us in Romans 1:17;

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Today’s quote by Martin Luther King reflects the same kind of declaration that Paul made to the Romans:

The Bible is full of stories of men and women who learned what it meant to “take the first step in faith”. Faced with the odds stacked against them, we see a very old and barren couple hold on to the promise of God to receive a son. God said their descendants would be like the sand and the stars. They never waivered, even when all natural hope of conceiving had past, they continued to believe God.

Story after story we see how God’s people choose to believe His promises, even in the face of great obstacles. In Hebrews 11 we read about men and women who walked by faith, refusing to turn back, give up, or surrender, even in the face of death. I could weep to think of all they endured for their Faith. Some would say they were fools, yet concerning these heroes God said,

"Of whom the world was not worthy". (vs. 38)

Oh, more then ever I long to be counted among those whose faith was unmoved and unshaken by circumstances. Just like Martin Luther King said, we must be willing to take that first step!

The choice is always ours.

My prayer is taken from Psalm 125;

"Father, today I ask you to strengthen my faith so it would be like Mount Zion, which can never be shaken. Even when problems, disappointments, and unanswered prayers try to discourage me, surround me like the mountains of Jerusalem. Father, you promised to do good and reward all those who trust in you, who are upright in heart, and who diligently seek your face. Give me a vision to see your promises, and the grace to walk before you in faith, step by step. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

Please join us today at Shortybears Place for more In Other Words.

Friday Funnies!

Yes, it's that time again, and oh don't we all need a good laugh?

OK ladies, now who is not guilty of these kind of prayers?

After starting a new diet I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery. I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and as I approached, there in the window were a host of goodies.

I felt this was no accident, so I prayed "Lord, it's up to you, if you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery."

And sure enough, on the eighth time around the block, there it was!? God is so Good!"

For more great jokes and videos join us today over at Homesteaders Heart!

Roe Vs Wade

I could not let this day in history pass by without sharing this awesome video I just found on Lori Kasbeer's Facebook. Oh my...

I'd also like to direct you to two precious friend's blogs who did a post on abortion. These are some very brave women who desire more then anything to get the truth out about abortion.

I appreciate their honesty, and rejoice in the freedom they now walk in.

Tiffany wrote: "Let's Be Real About Abortion."

Lisa wrote: "Let's Talk About It"

(please remember to mute my music player first!)

Giving Thanks

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

This is the second verse I am memorizing this year. I've taken the Beth Moore challenge to memorize 2 scriptures a month.. Don't you just love Beth? She has such a passion for God's word, and wants us to join with her to press into the Heart of God.

So on this Thankful Thursday list I'd like to give thanks for:

* The opportunity to join thousands of other women as we study and memorize the word.

* For God's grace, which He has shown to me during this 21 day Daniel Fast that I am participating in this year. Oh my, it's been such a wonderful time. I'm seeing breakthroughs already.

* For all the wonderful fruits and veggies there is to eat, and for the meat and bread I'll be having SOON!!! (yes...)

* For my three granddaughters and one grandson, who I adore so much.

* For friends and family that make my life so rich and rewarding.

* For God's loving-kindness and grace that is new every morning.


Thanks so much for stopping by today...my prayer is that your day will be filled with the Joy of Lord!


Please join us over at Lori's Reflections for more grateful hearts.

Our God Reigns!

(Verse 3 of the hymn, "This Is My Father’s World" by Maltbie D. Babcock)

What an exciting day in history! January 20, 2009, a day we will all look back to and remember. A day, if the Lord should tarry, our children's children will be learning about in their American History class. No matter who you may have voted for, it's time now to begin praying for our new President, his family, and all those in authority. We are truly facing uncertain days of unprecedented trouble. As a nation, we so desperately need for God’s hand to guide our leaders and give them wisdom.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” ( I Tim.2-4)

“Father, today I pray for our newly elected president, Barack Obama, and for his family. Protect them and watch over them. Give him divine wisdom as he leads our nation, and surround him with wise and godly advisers. I pray that all of the evil forces that will try to manipulate and corrupt him will be bound. Thank you Lord for so abundantly blessing our nation over all these years. We are truly grateful for your kindness and mercy. You rule and reign O Lord, you alone are sovereign.” In Jesus Name, AMEN

Please join us over at the Writing Canvas today!

Soul Food

Hey Ladies!

Are you hungry? I'm over here today...

Please join me!

Friday Funnies

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with that expensive double-pane energy efficient kind, and today, I got a call from the contractor who installed them. He was complaining that the work had been completed a whole year ago and I still hadn't paid for them.

Daaaa.......just because I'm blonde doesn't mean that I am automatically stupid. So, I told him just what his fast talking sales guy had told me last year, that in ONE YEAR these windows would pay for themselves! Helllooooo? It's been a year! I told him. There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally just hung up. He never called back. I bet he felt like an idiot!

Please join us over at Homesteaders Heart for some laughter!

PS. I love all my blonde friends! They are very smart...

Steadfast and Hopeful

On this WFW I choose a scripture that I am praying will be the heart of all five of my sons, daughter in law, and one day for all of my grand-children. I pray they will never lose the hope they found in Jesus at a very young age, all the days of their lives.

This picture really touched my heart as I saw my son Joseph with his arms stretched out, in such a beautiful setting on the coast of Australia. I recently found out that a good friend he made while teaching in Taiwan joined him in Australia. I had been encouraging Joseph to visit Hillsong while he was in Sydney and he did finally go last week. When his friend met him, the first thing he told him was, my mom wants me to go to Hillsong!

My heart rejoiced to think another mom from Michigan is encouraging her son to seek after Jesus, and to think God brought them together half a world away. Hopefully I'll even get to meet her one day.

Lord, I pray you will continually watch over and protect Joseph daily. Let all his journeys lead him to you. Surround him with your presence and fill him with your joy. Thank you Lord for blessing me with such a wonderful son. May he have a heart after yours. In Jesus name, Amen

Join us today over at The 160 Acre Woods!

Word Power

Thank you for joining me today for In Other Words. Of the many wonderful quotes I've read over the years, this is one of those that I want to become a life goal for me.

There is a little phase most of us know, and probably learned at a very young age…,

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

I don't think a greater fallacy was ever spoken. If I asked you to think of some hurtful words that caused pain in your life, they would probably come right back to mind, along with the pain that came with them. We are all guilty, and we say words we often regret. Unfortunately, they can never be taken back once they are spoken.

Isn't it amazing how powerful our words really are? On one hand, words can pierce, divide and cause so much pain, but just like a double-edged sword, they can also bring healing, hope and so much comfort.

As I pondered on this quote, one of the first scriptures that came to my mind is in Proverbs where it says:

"Pleasant words are as honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)

This metaphor brings to mind eating something delicious and delightful. Have you ever thought of your words as something that can go to the very soul of another person?

The positive, uplifting and kind words you choose will have the power to bring “healing to the bones” of the hearer! The marrow of the bones represents life itself.

We have all been damaged by reckless words, but oh the healing that comes from those kind and comforting ones. Just like an echo, one way or another, they are played over and over in our minds. One of the things I miss so much about my precious mother was her ability to say such comforting words to me when I was confused, hurt or feeling down.

However, I have been blessed to have an older sister who is there and does the very same thing. No matter what I'm going through, I know I can pick up the phone and she will say something kind or encouraging, and immediately I feel so much better. In Proverbs the Bible says,

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word can cheer him up.” (Prov. 12:25)

I pray I will be able to speak “kind words” to others each and every day.

There are always opportunities are all around us to bless and encourage others.
Just think how a simple prayer, thoughtful comment, or kind word could change the course of someone's life? Can I challenge you to make this one of your goals this year?

Every word we choose today will make a difference in someone's life...one way or another!

Lord, help me to be sensitive in the words I choose to speak each day. Let my words bring healing and hope to those who are hurting. Thank you father for the many kinds words that have been spoken to me. Be glorified in all I do and say, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

If you would like join us today for In Other Words, please add your name to Mr. Linky and post your article here. Then link back to this site so others can be blessed! Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Happy Monday!

Hey Ladies,

I'd like invite you to join me tomorrow as I will be hosting In Other Words. I will be sharing some thoughts on this insightful quote.

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echo's are truly endless" by Mother Theresa.

It would be great to have you participate with us tomorrow by writing your thoughts and comments as well.

Have a blessed day!

Friday Funnies

What a great week it's been! We started with Humor in Marriage, and now I'll end with some Friday Funnies.

Praise God for joy and laughter.

I look forward to these light-hearted posts each week.

Today my funny is about signs that tell you that you are getting older.(now I know this isn't happening to you...yet!) Oh my, all you can do is just go with the flow. There is so much humor to be found in all the seasons of our lives. Hope you get a couple laughs out of this one!

YOU KNOW YOU ARE GETTING OLDER WHEN...

You try to straighten out the wrinkles in your socks and discover you aren't wearing any.

At the breakfast table you hear snap, crackle, pop and you're not eating cereal.

Your back goes out but you stay home.

It takes two tries to get up from the couch.

Your idea of a night out is sitting on the patio.

All you want for your birthday is to not be reminded of your age.

Your idea of weight lifting is standing up.

Your address book has mostly names that start with Dr.

The pharmacist has become your new best friend.

It takes twice as long -- to look half as good.

Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt -- doesn't work.

You wonder how you could be over the hill when you don't even remember being on top of it.

Please join us today at The Homesteaders Heart for some more good laughs.

I Am Not Ashamed

On this WFW, I choose these words that were written by Paul to Timothy his spiritual son. This was Paul's last will and testament to him as he sat in a Roman prison cell. There is no stronger charge for any of us as Christians then to study the word of God. This requires diligence, time, and great care as we rightly divide the word of God. With so much apostasy in the church it's so important we are not deceived by every wind of doctrine.

From many of the blogs I've been reading, I am so encouraged to see how many of you have committed to memorize the scriptures this year. Having the word planted in our hearts is such a key to living victorious in Christ.

This is the scripture I choose to memorize. The word of God is the only foundation strong enough to withstand any hardship we may have to endure. May the word become our life source, the very thing we we hunger and thirst for each day.

Please join us today over at The 160 Acre Woods for more awesome scriptures!

Song in the Desert

These are the lyrics to the song now playing on my blog. This is my prayer to the Lord for 2009. Soak it in, enjoy!

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides


And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare

God is my victory and He is here


And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship


This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

Lord this is my prayer to you. Thank you for being with me through every desert. I will praise you in every season of my life. I will declare your faithfulness to my generation. Thank you for all you are going to do this coming year. All glory and honor to you almighty God!

Humor In Marriage

Today's theme for Marriage Monday is Humor in Marriage. With all the stress we deal with in marriage, starting with planning the ceremony, the wedding day itself (as you'll see in this video clip below), to raising children if we couldn't laugh we'd be in big trouble.

In Proverbs 17:22 Solomon said: “A cheerful heart is a good medicine…”

Now isn't laughter an amazing thing? Learning to laugh and express humor can be one of the best tension dissolvers, tranquilizers, and shock absorbers ever!

I recently read that a child laughs over 400 times a day, but the average adult only 15. Maybe we lose something very valuable when we grow up that is worth holding on to? We sometimes take ourselves too serious, but thank God we have this wonderful outlet called laughter. It sure helps to lighten the load, and if look a little closer, most of the time we can find something funny in all our experiences.

I hope you enjoy this little video montage of some pretty funny wedding day experiences. My hubby and I laughed out loud as we watched it together. Now, that is what I call some great marriage therapy!

So I hope you enjoy it as well, and don't forget to show it to your husband!

Join us others over at Chrysalis for more humor!

(please remember to mute my music player first!)