Cafe Chat

How would my life look if I no longer struggled with _______? What if I was completely free from ______ through Christ’s power…(Put your struggle/stronghold in the blank): Ok, here I go. How would my life look if I no longer struggled with self esteem issues? Wow, I can hardly imagine what my life would be like to not struggle with self esteem issues constantly. In my entire life, I have never liked myself. I have always felt as if I were stupid, fat, and ugly. Not good enough to be in the world. What if I was completely free from self esteem issues through Christ's power? Praise God, that would be so awesome. I want to be able to see myself through His eyes, not mine. I love You Father, please forgive me for my self doubts .

Praise God

Praise God from whom all blessings sweetly flow. God is truly watching over me and lovebug, and I love Him, and praise Him for His ever faithful watching eyes. We received our income tax check in the mail yesterday, and we received confirmation that lovebug will be able to draw unemployment. They said that they would be mailing him a check today. Yesterday was payday, but he did not get a check, because they did not work last week. But, God sent us two blessings yesterday, woo hoo. Lovebug worked 4 days this week, but is off next week. God is providing for all our needs. Our rent is due Sunday, and we also have other bills to pay, groceries, gas, medicines. But, we are not worrying, for our God will supply all of our needs. Give God a great big round of applause, He is more than deserving.

Fearless Friday

Praise Reports: Thanks for your sweet prayers, my dad is feeling much better., also my health has been better this week. Prayer Needs: Please pray for my sister Vicky, she is a type 1 diabetic like me. She is dealing with kidney failure, and 2 inflamed swollen disc in her back, they are causing her much pain. She also has a pinched nerve in her back. Pray for my friend Lisa over at family life, she is carrying such a burden for her parents. Her dads health is not good at all, he has been put into a nursing home, and her mom suffers with her health. Pray for my friend Leslie over at do you weary like I do, she and her family have been dealing with sickness for weeks now. Please pray for Angela over at free spirit haven, she is dealing with several issues.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for another morning in which I can rise from my bed, and praise God for His many blessings that flow throughout my life. I am grateful for my lovebug, that loves me 100% percent of the time, unconditionally, just as I am. I am thankful for the good morning hugs I get from lovebug each morning, several hugs before he leaves for work, it starts my day off beautifully. I am thankful for my dad, who held my hand all through church last night, never in a million years did I ever think he would want anything to do with me, and now, we worship God together. I am thankful for standing next to my dad, and lovebug, as we sang amazing grace at church last night, then on the way home from church, my dad and I sang together in the car, praise God. I am thankful that I am feeling better, after last weeks round of sickness. I am thankful that my nephew called me the other night just to check on me, and tell me he loves me. I am thankful that my dads girlfriend, has really opened her heart up, and really reached out to me, we have become good friends. She truly loves the Lord, and my dad, double blessings. Praise God for all of these blessings, and so many more. I love You Lord.

Word Filled Wednesday

Do not put your trust in people, money, or even yourself. Put all of your trust in the Lord, He will never let you down my friend.

Letter To My 45 Year Old Self

Dear Me at 45, Well, you turned 45 on November 20th 2008. Last year on June 8th, you lost your big brother suddenly, and unexpectedly from type 1 diabetes, he was only 55. You still cannot believe he is gone, but you know he is happy with your momma in heaven. You were very sick at the end of 2008, and now into 2009, you have more sick days than well days, due to your type 1 diabetes. They found several nodules on your thyroid that could possibly be cancerous. You will find out in July, when you have another ultrasound done on your thyroid. But, there have been some wonderful blessings this year too. Your big brothers daughter is going to have a baby, due in September, I know he is celebrating up in heaven. Your dad is back in your life, and you are in church together, praise God. So, hang in there, God is in control, and everything is going to be fine. Love You, at 45

In Other Words Tuesday

“Is it possible we could experience the joy of our salvation, if we mourned [over our sin] as if someone had died? We cannot experience joy without mourning.”
~Pastor Robert Morris, Gateway Church. From the Sermon: “Those who mourn are happy”~: Guess what? Someone did die, Jesus. He was nailed to that cross for our sins. How does that make you feel? It makes me grief deeply, Jesus was innocent, I was guilty. He took my sins upon Himself, so that I could be free. We need never to forget the ultimate sacrifice that was given for our sins. But, do not forget the joy that brings either. Jesus loved me so much, and cared so much, that He willingly went to that cross. What a beautiful, precious love, none other comes close in comparison. Knowing I am His, puts a big smile upon my face, and unspeakable joy in my heart. My salvation is the greatest gift I have ever been given, and I treasure it.

Mission 4 Monday- Baby Cuddlers

BABY CUDDLERS: VOLUNTEER TO CUDDLE BABIES


Baby cuddlers are needed in orphanages, neonatal hospital units, group homes, nurseries, and wherever else there are babies and young children who may not have adequate human contact early in life to begin developing social interaction skills.
Sometimes infants are removed from parental care at birth. This is especially true when the mother is addicted to drugs. The baby cuddler programs now in place at most children's hospitals grew out of the "crack baby" epidemic of the early 1990's. Touch is especially important for these tiniest of humans to develop into loving and caring adolescents and adults. You can make a life-long difference in their lives when you choose to become a baby cuddler.
When a baby is born too early, or has ailments that must be corrected shortly after birth, worried parents often can't be with their baby as often as they'd like to be. Often times, the baby is transferred to a specialized children's hospital far away from the parent's home. These parents, already highly stressed, may have other children to care for, and jobs they must keep to safeguard the family's way of life. You can provide the love and nurturing each baby needs so desperately while his or her parents must be away.
Children who have been deprived of close physical contact have lower levels of social-bonding hormones, according to baby cuddler research by The University of Wisconsin and published in the National Academy of Sciences. Early cuddling is vital to a child's emotional well-being. Infants cared for by volunteer cuddlers may demonstrate greater growth, physiologic stability and have shorter hospital stays than babies without cuddling. You may be able to help a baby to develop social skills, increased learning ability, and stronger self-esteem. On the other hand, under-stimulated babies who have suffered neglect may struggle to form secure relationships when they are older.
As a volunteer baby cuddler, you would be specially trained to handle, hold, rock, and pat hospitalized infants. You would provide a foundation of care as you hold and soothe newborns and preemies. For instance, as part of the baby cuddling program at the Oklahoma University Medical Center, a picture of a rocking chair is posted on the cribs of the infants who have been cuddled by volunteers, reassuring parents that their baby has been cuddled that day.
You can make a life-long difference in a child's future. Can you imagine what that means to the parents of these at-risk babies? By volunteering a little of your time to love babies back to health, you can also reduce the trauma their parents face day after day.

Baby cuddlers are needed around the world in hospitals, orphanages, and nurseries. Other opportunities to cuddle babies exist in group homes providing longer-term care to infants and children.
The training is usually free and available at most hospitals. Tuberculosis tests and background checks are usually mandatory for the protection of the babies.
To get started, simply use the American Hospital Directory to call the hospital or long-term childcare facility nearest to you. Just ask to speak with a volunteer coordinator.
You may also want to consider cuddling babies overseas, perhaps at an orphanage, as part of a volunteer vacation.
Opportunities abound to become a volunteer baby cuddler. With your help, many struggling and at-risk infants will start a better life.

Super Simple Sunday

Highway of Life
Goal: Not to just get to the end, but to help others on the way.



So what part are we?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40



Some people are the big things we can see.
Pastors, teachers, singers, and missionaries.
We could call them road signs, or maybe bridges, or traffic lights.
Some are quietly doing their job, always there.
Like the supporters of the ones above.
We could call them the painted lines on the road. Never really noticed unless they are not there.

Some people are never noticed at all, but you couldn't get by without them.
We could call them prayer warriors.
They could be the culverts in the road. Without them the road would always be flooded.

So many other examples, the smile you give or receive, the helping hand, the kind word, they might be something small like the lines for a parking space, or something big like a street light.

Our part is important no matter how big or small it is. So be the best we can be!!
We are needed, or we wouldn't be here!

The One Word Game

The One Word Game - snagged from Laurie Ann
It's harder than you think. Here is what you are supposed to do - copy and paste into your own note, type in your one word answers.
Where is your cell phone? Bedroom
your hair? Gone
your father? Awesome
your mother? Angel
Your favorite thing? Life
your dream last night? None
your favorite drink? Water
your dream/goal? Health
the room you are in? Living
your fear? Fire
where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
muffins? Blueberry
one of your wish list items? Restoration
where you grew up? Alabama
the last thing you did? Ate
what are you wearing? T-Shirt&Jeans
your tv? Off
your computer? enjoyable
your life? Amazing
your mood? Chilling
missing someone? Momma
your car? Mustang
favorite store? Target
your summer? Fun
your favorite color? Purple
when is the last time you laughed? Today
last time you cried? Monday
three people who email me? Angie, Lisa, Lea
three of my favorite foods? Grapes, Apples, Oranges
three places I would rather be right now? Hawaii, Florida, Bahamas
I am not going to tag anyone, but play along if you desire. Please, leave me a comment, so I can come read your responses. Have fun!

Praising God Through This Storm

Hello my dear friends, praying you are all doing well, and are smiling. I want to give God a great big round of applause, for watching closely over me. I have been sick all week with my diabetes again, nauseous, throwing up, feeling very bad. My blood sugars are way out of control again. Yesterday afternoon, lovebug had went to visit his parents for awhile, I was ok when he left. A few hours later, things changed. I became very dizzy, feeling like I was going to pass out, or fall down. The dizziness kept getting worse, even when I was sitting, or laying down, the room seemed to be spinning. I started getting really nauseous, and then threw up several times. God never left my side, gently taking care of me until lovebug got home. I praise God for being my shelter in every storm I go through. Today, the dizziness is gone, there has been no throwing up, only nauseous. I love You Lord.

Fearless Fridays

Please join me in praying for the following :1) Beth's daughter Cara is very sick with asthma, and she is also a diabetic. Ask God to please heal her from the asthma, and to not let the diabetes get out of control. 2) My dad is sick with a bad cold, please pray for him to feel much better very soon. 3) Please pray for my husbands job situation. Thank you, I greatly appreciate your prayers.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my life, may I never take one minute of it for granted. My diabetes is really out of control, and has been for so long. The Doctors are doing their best to help me, but I seem to feel sick constantly. I am not complaining, I know there are people dealing with much worse than me. If this is my burden to carry, that is fine. God has a reason for everything, and I trust Him completely. It hurts to see lovebug worry so much about me, and take constant care of me. He has seen the better, and definitely the worse. He is always there to rub my back through all of my nausea, clean up after I throw up, put a warm rag over my eyes, to try and soothe my hurting eyes. I love my lovebug with all I am, and consider myself truly blessed to be his wife. I praise God for bringing us together, and keeping us together. God has made our marriage such a beautiful blessing. I cannot express how very much I love my heavenly Father, He is my all in all, my everything. Father God, please watch over my lovebug. He is burdened right now over his job, our finances, and me. He loves me so much, he says I am his heart. He gets scared when I am sick, he says he could not live without me. Father God, please reassure him that all things are in Your very safe, and capable hands. We will be fine, because You love us.

Word-Filled Wednesday

In Other Words Tuesday

You can kiss your family and friends good-bye, and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world, but a world lives in you.”
by Frederick Buechner, in Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale : Amen to this, so very true. No matter how many miles separate my sister and I, we are tied together by our heart strings. My blog sisters live in so many various places, miles and miles away from me. But, I keep them very close in my heart, and in my thoughts, and prayers. My Momma and my big brother are both in heaven, but they are tucked away close in my heart. Thoughts of them are in my mind constantly. I carry all of you with me in my day to day life. I do not just live in this world alone, all of my dear family, and precious friends, which make my world, a better, and brighter place, are the world, that lives within the deepest part of my heart.

Mission 4 Monday- Meals On Wheels

Become a Meals-on-Wheels Volunteer
Volunteers are the vital link in our services and add an immeasurable human value to the quality of what we do. We believe that those we serve deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and our volunteers are the living examples of that belief. More than 2,000 a year donate their time to Meals-on-Wheels and many seniors tell us the best part about meal delivery is the friendly, caring volunteers. Meals-on-Wheels offers many opportunities for those who want to get involved with a nonprofit in their community and help seniors stay independent.
MEAL DELIVERY Volunteers, using their own automobile, can choose a day(s) to deliver meals between Monday - Saturday Delivery time is typically 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. However their role is far more important than the meals they deliver:
* They are often the only contact our customers have all day.* They provide a warm smile and a caring attitude.* They are a safety check to help ensure our customer's well being.* They are the eyes and ears of Meals-on-Wheels and often alert us to customers with additional needs.
Delivery volunteers are required to have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, have completed a one-hour orientation, conducted weekly at our four Service Center offices, as well as pass a background check. Meals on Wheels does not accept volunteers wanting court appointed hours. Children and students can volunteer with an adult 18 years of age or older. Delivery volunteers may deliver as often as they like, but we ask for a minimum of two days per month. We are able to schedule most volunteers for service near their home or office.

Memory Verse Monday

My memory verse from last week:1 Corinthians 6:20- For you have been bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body.: God gave His only Son for my sins, Jesus shed His precious blood for unworthy me, He was innocent, but took my sins, and your sins upon Him. When He was on the cross, we were on His mind. We owe Him our life, and we should always glorify Him in our bodies.

Valentines Day 2009

Well, it was a wonderful day, filled with much love, laughter, and happiness. We had a funny adventure at Walmart last night, we were walking down an aisle, when all of a sudden, I got a pain wrenching cramp in my right thigh, in the back of my leg. I have never had a cramp there before, ouch!! I could not move, it hurt so bad, I was almost crying. So, lovebug to the rescue. He sets me down on a bench, and tells me not to move. He leaves, comes back with a wheelchair buggy. I say, what are you doing? He says, they did not have a motorized buggy, so get in. He helps me to sit down in the wheelchair, and starts flying down the aisles. We had so much fun, like two big kids. He wheeled me to the car, and when we got home, he carried me in the house. Today, he has doctored me with deep heating rub creme, and a heating pad. The cramp will not go away. But, I still cooked his favorite breakfast, and dinner. I made his favorite dessert, pecan pie. He loved it, woo hoo!! I read him a love letter, and a poem that I wrote him, they brought tears to his eyes. I sang to him, and told him how very, very much I love him. Today was so awesome, I love being in love with my lovebug. I owe him a dance, as soon as this cramp goes away. I hope you all had a wonderful Valentines Day, be blessed.

Super Simple Sunday

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
So what are we doing with our faith? To build faith is like our bodies, we have to eat right and exercise. We eat right by what we listen to, and what we read, or watch. We exercise by doing something.


It's not hard to eat the good stuff, but it's real hard not to eat the bad stuff. It is easy to eat the salad for lunch, if we can add the dessert after it. It is a bit harder to feed the spirit, if we eat any bad, it ruins the good. So we have to be careful what we see, and hear.

With exercise very few people do it, because it is fun.
Most often we do it, because we want to feel better. So it is with our faith. We have to decide to do it! When we face a fear, we grab faith by the hand, and walk on. It will get easier each time.

Like it is with our bodies, it is hard to eat right and exercise, in our spirit.

Cafe Chat

Tell of one specific time in your Christian walk that you were overwhelmed with God’s love for you.: I was recently overwhelmed with Gods love for me, when He brought my earthly father into my life. My earthly father, is now serving my heavenly Father with me. I have prayed for so long to be a part of my fathers life, and for him to love me. God has blessed my life in such a beautiful way. He brought my father into my life, saved him, and now we are attending church together. I have both my heavenly Father, and my earthly father, double blessings.

Fearless Fridays-Please Join Us

For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.
—1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 : Please pray for the salvation of my brother.

Letter To My 42 Year Old Self

Dear Me at 42 years old, It is Febuary 2006, the last several months have been very hard on you. Your Momma is living with you, and she is really sick. You have been doing your best to take care of her, taking her back and forth to different doctors, and there have been many trips to the hospital. I wish I could tell you that things are going to get better, but unfortunately, things are going to get much worse. In March, your Momma will go into the hospital once again, but it will be very different this time. The doctor will talk to you on March 20th, he will tell you that your Momma is dying. He will give you several options, you can leave her in the hospital in the hospice unit, put her in a nursing home, or take her back to your home, and hospice will help you. You will ask him how long your Momma has, he will tell you six months, maybe longer. Of course, you choose to take her home with you. This will be the hardest thing you have ever had to do, but you will cherish the moments, and the memories with your dear Momma. It will hurt so much to watch your Momma begin to fade away, and to suffer so much. You will show strength, that you never thought you had. You will cling to the hope of six months or longer, you will pray for much longer. But, on Friday, April 21st 2006, one month after your Momma comes home from the hospital, you will walk into her bedroom that morning, and she will have went home with Jesus. You will run screaming out of her bedroom, saying: No! No! Momma! Momma! When you quit screaming, you will return to her bedroom, crawl up in the bed beside her, pull her close to your heart, and cry like a little baby. You will tell her what a wonderful Momma and friend she was to you, and how very much you love her. You will rub her hair and her lovely face, until they pull you off of the bed, so they can take her away. The funeral will be a blur to you, you will walk around in a haze. Afterwards, your descent into hell begins, you fall into the deep black pit of depression. You will become a cutter, cutting yourself to relieve the pain. But, do not give up, Jesus meets you in the bathroom one night, as you sit on the bathroom floor, preparing to cut yourself once again, He stops you. He tells you how very much He loves you, and that He is hurting with you. He tells you that He has never left you, and never will. You leave the bathroom, a different woman. Jesus gives you the sweet peace that surpasses all understanding. You will survive, and go on to be happy once again. Momma is watching over you, and one day soon, there will be a beautiful reunion.

What Are You Learning

I am learning more and more to give all of my burdens to God. He does not want me to walk around carrying the weight of the world upon my shoulders. Instead, He wants me to come to Him in prayer, leave my burdens with Him, and do not continue to pick them up and carry them around. I am to leave them with God, believing that God will answer my prayers concerning my burdens. He loves me, and wants to carry my burdens for me. I love Him, and praise Him for being my burden barrier.

Letter To My 36 Year Old Self

Dear Me at 36 years old, the year is 2000. In April, you will have to let go of your dream baby. You, and lovebug have been trying to have a baby for almost 16 years, and it has not happened. You have done everything you possibly could, from fertility pills, to numerous exploratory surgeries. But, you have poly cystic ovaries, fibroid tumors, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic adhesion's, and endometriosis. The Doctor has told you, if you do not have a total hysterectomy, you will get cancer. This is such a heartbreaking decision to make, but you must make it. There will not be any amount of anesthesia, that will take away the pain you will be feeling before the surgery, and especially after the surgery. You will feel as if your heart has been ripped out of your chest, you will feel completely empty. You will sing a goodbye lullaby to your precious dream baby. But, I promise, you will survive this. The ache of not being a mom will never go away, but it will get easier. You are not a failure, you are a good person. Love you, at 45

Thankful Thursday-Love

Hello dear friends, another Thankful Thursday is here. We give You much praise Father God. Saturday will be Valentines Day, many husbands go all out for this holiday. They buy their wives jewelry, roses, candy, and take them out to a nice restaurant for dinner. Do not get me wrong, I think that is very nice, and my lovebug has spoiled me plenty over the years. But, I am looking so forward to Saturday, not because of what I am going to get from lovebug, but because of what I am going to give to him. You see, we have not been doing very well financially since late last year, and Tuesday, lovebug got really bad news about his job. There will be several weeks that he does not get to work at all, starting next week. So, things are going to get worse, before they ever get better. Lovebug was really feeling down after hearing the news concerning his job, he was feeling like a failure. We had a long talk, and he said I made him feel better. He does that for me constantly. He said he was so sorry that we could not celebrate Valentines Day. Well, that is what he thinks!! Saturday, I intend to show my lovebug that he is loved everyday, not just on Valentines Day. I am going to let him know how very much I love, and appreciate him. I am going to pamper him all day long, make him feel like a king. First, I am going to cook his favorite breakfast, and serve it to him in bed. Then, I am going to run a nice warm bath for him, when he is done with his bath, I am going to give him a massage. I am also going to wash his feet, and massage them. I am going to read him a love letter that I have written to him. We are going to watch some of his favorite movies, while he enjoys buttered popcorn with a big glass of iced tea, his favorite movie snacks. I am going to cook his favorite dinner, including his favorite dessert. After we are through eating, I am going to read him a poem I have written him, and sing to him. He loves to hear me sing, so that is what I am going to do. Saturday is going to be all about love, showing my dear lovebug how very much he means to me, and how much I appreciate him. I praise You Father God for giving me a life long valentine, my precious lovebug.

Letter To My 21 Year Old Self

Dear Me at age 21, Your head, and your heart, seem to be spinning out of control at a fast rate of speed. You just met a great guy named Eddie Oldham, he is sweet, funny, kind, and sooooooo cute. You never believed in love at first sight, but now you do!! Tighten your seatbelt honey, this ride is only going to get better. It is November 1984, you have just turned 21, and have just met Eddie. He is going to ask you to marry him in December, only after one month of dating, wow, I know that is super fast, but do not be afraid, saying yes will be the best thing you ever do. You will get married on April 6th 1985, it will be such a beautiful wedding. Eddie will take your breathe away, and will continue to for many years. Your marriage will not always be a rose garden, there will be many painful thorns along the way, but together, your marriage will continue to bloom. You will forever be his shortybear, and he will be your forever lovebug. Love, you at 45

Please Pray

Yesterday, when lovebug came home from work, I could tell something was bothering him. He was kind of quiet all evening, then he finally told me what was wrong. He waited to tell me, because he said he did not want to upset me, or worry me. He is always thinking of me, bless his heart. He got some very bad news at work, he will not work Feburary 16-20, March 2-6, March 16-20, or March 30-31. The rest of the time, he will only work four days a week. Please pray for us, lovebug is so worried, but trying hard not to show it. He said he feels like a failure, like he cannot provide for me. I hugged him close, and I told him to wipe those thoughts from his mind. He has always taken great care of us, and he will continue to. This is not his fault, things are hard financially for everyone right now. He said I always know how to make him feel better. He is sleeping right now, and I am sitting here crying like a baby. I love him so very much, I hate to see him hurting. Dear heavenly Father, please watch over my lovebug, bring peace to him. Help me to encourage him through this storm we are headed into. Cover us with Your loving hand of protection. We love You so very, very much. Amen.

Word Filled Wednesday

Letter To My 16 Year Old Self

This week I am writing a series of advice letters to myself at ages 16, 21,36, 42, and 45.. I cannot claim the idea as an original, I got the idea from Angela. Dear Me at age 16, I know being sixteen has been everything but sweet. You are feeling much older than your 16 years. Emotionally, mentally and physically you feel sick. You trusted your stepfather, and would never have thought in a million years, that he would ever hurt you, especially in such a brutal way. You never imagined that you could, or would be a victim of sexual abuse, but you were. You feel dirty,used, and very ashamed. You think you will forever be used goods, that no one will ever want you . You feel you are destined to be alone for the duration of your life, marriage is totally out of the question for you, so you think. My dear friend, you are so wrong. Please quit piling all the blame for your abuse on top of yourself, put the blame where it belongs, on your stepfather. You were the victim, never forget that, you did nothing wrong, and nothing to deserve this. You have no reason at all to feel ashamed, you are not used goods. You are a beautiful daughter of the King. You can, and will rise above this. You are not destined to be alone, I promise you that. Marriage will be a beautiful gift that you will be blessed with in five years. Hang on, your lovebug is coming. Love, you at 45

My Interview

These interview questions are from my dear friend Gretchen
1)Denise, I see you as so “Paul-like”. Your encouragement and exhortation are always so genuine and God-based. Obviously, this is a spiritual gift. However, is there anyone in your life, past or present, who you think influences this in you? Has anyone been an example of encouragement to you? Thank You for such kind words my friend, I love you. My lovebug has been such a tremendous influence in my life, he lifts me up daily, and gives me wings. Watching him, greatly encourages me.
2)What gives with the nickname “Shortybear”? I think, based on your blog, that you love teddy bears, but what’s up with “Shortybear?” Lovebug started calling me that years ago, he said I am short(5ft) and extra cuddly like a teddy bear.
3)You live in TN. I have never been there. Give me 5 “don’t miss this” travel tips. Or, if that’s too hard, 5 reasons you like where you live. Here are five cannot miss places to see in Chattanooga Tennessee: Rock City, Ruby Falls, The Aquarium, The Incline, The Walnut Street Bridge.
4)You mention dealing with a number of health issues, one being diabetes. If you could share one thing about diabetes with the rest of us (to promote understanding, or to help us encourage others with diabetes), what would it be? Diabetes is a life long battle, so come along beside someone who is fighting this battle, and encourage them to keep on fighting.
5)My Barbara Walters-esque question: If you were a fruit, what kind would you be, and why? I would be a watermelon, delightful, and sweet. lol

In Other Words Tuesday

Love needs to be based on character, if you know and love God, you see He has a lot of character we are in love with. The best thing we can do for our spouse is to grow in character, as listed in 1 Cor 13. It’s a love of choice. We choose to love God, He chooses to love us. Love of choice is the most powerful love, God calls that agape love, it’s a love that lasts, we should never settle for anything else between us and God, and others. It’s a love that grows. Keep fervent in your love, allow it to stretch and strain as you watch it grow. Wayne Corderio: Love is a choice that we are freely given. These days marriages remind me of a certain type of razor, disposable. A marriage is not something you try on for a little while, and then take it off, or exchange it for another. Those vows you took said for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or health, till death do you part. But, so many people seem to think that marriage is a game, they play for awhile, but then they move on. You are to love your spouse always, good times or bad. Love tends to grow stronger through the storms, as well as the sunny days. Jesus loved us so very much, that He willingly died for our sins, He chose to love us. Choose to love Jesus, not just sometimes, but all the time.

Memory Verse Monday

The memory verse from last week was: Isaiah 59:1- Behold, the Lords hand is not so short that it cannot save, nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. : The Lords hand is more than able to save us all, and He always hears us when we talk to Him, and praise Him. We need to always speak words of love and thankfulness into His ear, He deserves that and so much more.

Mission 4 Monday

You can be a part of "Tunes 4 the Troops".
Everyone has some old CD’s and DVD’s they no longer want, or they have downloaded to an iPod or mp3 player.

All you have to do is commit to be a Satellite collection center and collect 100 items or more. “Tunes 4 the Troops” will provide you with an address of a military Chaplain, or the MWR’s address for a unit serving in a combat zone. You are welcome to send to your own family members or friends!!!

It only costs about $15.00 to ship a box of about 30 DVD’s and 120 CD’s (150 items) if you use Media Mail from the Post Office (very best rate).
All we ask is to let us know how many items you send. This is so we can track the CD’s and DVD’s sent and hit our goal of 500,000 sent overseas.
This is a great way for schools, churches, clubs, businesses, individuals and families to support our Troops.

You can just send your donations directly to:“Tunes 4 the Troops”P.O. Box 2008 Cleveland, Tennessee 37320

Financial donations can be sent to:
Cleveland High School c/o “Tunes 4 the Troops”850 Raider Drive Cleveland, TN 37312

Super Simple Sunday

Keep on Keeping on!
Salmon keep going upstream.



A salmon's whole goal is to get back to the place of their birth.
They are hatched, usually in a hatchery, it takes about a year to get to the ocean.
They spend 3-5 years there then go back to the place of their birth to spawn and die.
To get to the place of their birth the follow the taste of the water.
Since water is a symbol of God's Spirit we need to follow the taste of the Water.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18
Sometimes our vision is just to keep going.

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

We will never reach our goal if we are distracted.
So Keep our eyes on God,
and follow the taste of the Water.

I Remember When- My Most Memorable Valentines Day

Every Valentines Day with my lovebug has been memorable to my heart, but one really touched my heart and soul. In 2006, my momma was living with us, and we were her caretakers. She was so sick, and getting worse everyday that went by. Lovebug and I had not made any plans for Valentines Day, because we had to stay home and take care of momma. But, we did not mind, we enjoyed spending time with her. Valentines Day that year was on a Tuesday, when lovebug came in from work, he had brought me a dozen yellow roses, they were beyond beautiful. I told lovebug to put them in our bedroom on the dresser, he said he wanted to show my momma first. So, lovebug went into my mommas bedroom, I was standing in the doorway to her room. When lovebug walked up beside her bed, she turned towards him, and smiled the biggest most precious smile I had ever seen. She said, Eddie thank you so much, yellow roses are my favorite. She hugged him very tightly, and kissed him gently on the cheek. Lovebug hugged her back, kissed her gently on the cheek, and said the following words of love to her: You are very welcome momma, but you are more beautiful than any rose. I love you, Happy Valentines Day. I was in tears, I was deeply touched by his words and actions to my dear momma. When lovebug came out of her room, he had left the roses on her bedside table. He looked at me, took me by the hand, and led me into our bedroom. When we sat down on the bed, he took both of my hands in his, kissed them gently, and began to cry like a baby. Of course, that made me start crying harder. When the tears stopped, lovebug said these words to me: Honey, I am sorry about the roses, but, there was no way I could take them from her. I looked into his eyes and said to lovebug: Sweetheart, I did not want the roses, I have plenty of time for more roses, but momma doesn't. I told him that what he had done for my momma was the greatest Valentines Day gift ever. Two months, and seven days later on April 21, our beautiful rose went to heaven. We bought a yellow rose bush, and planted by her grave, it continues to bloom beautifully. Just as momma continues to bloom beautifully in our hearts, and in heaven.

Cafe Chat

This week’s question is going to be a tough one…Rather than answer the question; we will probably talk about more how the question makes us feel. I was reading a page from David Jeremiah’s (I like him) book, “Captured by Grace”, and the story I was reading had a question that got my full attention. So this week, I would like to see what emotions this question will evoke in you all. I will give the quick version of the story. The story is about Helen Roseveare a British medical missionary in the Congo. Helen stayed in the country in 1964 when many others fled; she believed that she would be willing to make any sacrifice for her Savior Jesus. Someone tried to poison her once, her house was looted and she lost every item in it, and around her many female missionaries and medical personnel were raped be rebel armies. David Jeremiah mentions that Helen was fearful often, but she wanted to concentrate more on learning to trust God.There is more to the story, but to shorten it for this week, on August 15, 1964 Helen was beaten, humiliated, and raped by a truckload of brutal soldiers. She barely survived and had to be taken from the Congo. During her very painful recovery she found herself closer to God than ever before, and she even longed to go back to the Congo more than ever. (Up to this point I have paraphrased what David Jeremiah has written, and now I will take up with direct quotes to finish up the story).
“There was no bitterness within her, though Helen had experienced terrible, mindless evil. It would have been so easy to demand of God why He allowed these atrocities, when she had been so faithful to His service. But in her heart of hearts, she felt that God’s question would be, “Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience, even if I never tell you why?”That question stopped me in my tracks, and for today’s Chat I would like to hear your thoughts about this question...Of course this is the question that Helen felt like God was asking her, but I think it is a good question for all of us to ponder.: Wow, that is a powerful question. As I look back over several trials in my life, I believe my answer to that question would be yes. When my momma was dying, and I was her caretaker, of course there were several times I wondered why this was happening. But, now that she has been gone three years this April 21, I am truly thankful for God trusting me to take care of my momma, and holding my hand through it all. If I never find out why I was chosen to take that journey with my momma, that will be fine with me. I am forever grateful for the trust and love God had for me, as He chose me to be mommas caregiver. I praise You Father.

What Are You Learning

I am learning that it is getting easier and easier to let go, and let God. When I first lost my hair, I really tried to act like it did not bother me. I would joke about it constantly, but behind those jokes were the tears of a clown. It was made worse by the stares of certain people, and unkind remarks. Recently, I have been having a struggle over the loss of my hair. I cannot even look in the mirror without crying, I feel so ugly. It is not just the loss of my hair, it is all the sickness I have been through recently. The diabetes has left its mark on my body, my eyes look so tired, and are looking very unhealthy due to the damage from diabetes. But, as I told my sister the other day, as we were talking on the phone, I refuse to dwell upon these things, satan is so happy when I feel so sad. I am not going to throw any happiness his way. I am going to be happy in this body that God blessed me with. I am not ugly, I was created in Gods image, and He is beautiful. I am who I am, and I belong to God. His opinion is the only one that matters, and He loves me regardless. So, I have forever let go of this sadness over losing my hair, and other issues regarding my health. Instead, I have chosen to let God be my mirror. I now see myself, as He sees me. I am His lovely daughter.

Thankful Thursday- Changes

Hello my friends, praying your week is going well. Time for thankful Thursday, let the praises begin. Open your heart, and share your blessings. God is truly blessing me with some precious changes in my life. He has brought my dad into my life, which continues to bless my heart daily. We are now going to church together on Wednesdays, and Sundays. Praising the Lord with my dad and my lovebug, how awesome is that? God has changed the words that come out of my dads mouth, from words of condemnation, to uplifting words. All my life, dad spoke very harshly to me, cursed me constantly, never had a kind word to say to me. Today, we were talking about my lack of hair, I told him that I was sorry if I embarrassed him in anyway. He made me cry by the words he spoke. He said that nothing I could do would embarrass him, that I was his daughter, and he loved me very much. Praise God, my dad loves me, just as I am. I have waited all my life for this moment in time. God is so good to me, thank You Father, for bringing such beautiful changes into my life. I give You all the praise for all the days of my life. I love You.

Word Filled Wednesday

May all you do in your life, reflect the beauty of God.

In Other Words Tuesday

As you are driving down the road, you will see various road signs along the way. They are there for a reason, to keep everyone on the road aware, and safe. We all pay careful attention to these signs, if it says stop, we stop. If it says road slippery when wet, then we take precautions on that road if it has been raining, or snowing. Well, God gives us signs along the road of our life. He warns us of dangers, and sins. He tries to keep us protected, and if we would always heed His warning signs, we would be so much better off. Why do we choose to follow our own signs down the road of life? Do we actually think we know where we are going, and the best way to get there, without the guidance of God? He created this world, He knows everything about everything. Please quit trying to travel the often dangerous roads of life alone, give total control over to God. I promise you, His driving record is excellent.

Mission 4 Monday

After school care is an important mission. There are so many kids that stay late after school, because their parents are working, and do not want them home alone. Schools are in need of volunteers to watch over the kids. It is a great oppoortunity, for you, and for the kids. All you do is watch over them, making sure they do their homework. When they finish their homework, they can go outside on the playground, or stay inside and visit with other kids. Someone else will be outside to watch over them while they play. Our kids are precious gifts from God, we need to be more than willing to keep them safe.

Marriage Monday- The Surprise Of Christian Marriage

I think my marriage was filled with surprise from the very beginning. We met in November of 1984, were engaged in December of 1984, and got married in April of 1985. So many people thought it was to quick, and said our marriage would not last. Well, on April 6th, we will celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary. So, surprise surprise everyone!! Sometimes in a Christian marriage, there can be daily surprises. You never know what God is up to, but it is always something for your own good, that will only make your marriage stronger. God is the glue that securely holds our marriage together. We intend to stay stuck together with our Father forever. My husband has been hit with some major surprises in our marriage, through sickness and health has really been tested. My health is not good at all, but surprisingly, it has brought us even closer. We are strong, when we are going through the fires.

Memory Verse Monday

This was my memory verse for last Monday: Matthew 6:33- But seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. : Here the term righteousness has the sense of seeking all of God's spiritual blessings, favor, image, and rewards. It is not enough to ambitiously yearn to accomplish. According to Jesus, God's Kingdom and His righteousness, are the very top priorities in all of life. Seeking God's righteousness is that important.

Feeling So Blessed

I cannot believe that my blog was named one of the top 100 christian womens blogs by the voters at internet cafe. I was named one of the top ten in Cup of the Day Blog.This blogger is the "cup" you couldn't do without. You find yourself daily drawn in to sit a spell. You leave inspired and encouraged. I am so honored to be thought of by my precious friends. You have deeply touched my heart. I love you all, and your blogs. Congrats to all the winners, you are all very deserving. Blessings to everyone.