Thankful Thursday- Courage

Father, I thank You for the daily courage You give me in dealing with my diabetes. It is a battle, but You help me to stay strong. I thank You for the courage You give me while I wait to find out if I have thyroid cancer in July, because of You, I am not afraid. I thank You for the courage You provided to me and lovebug while he was not working. You brought us through, and we are forever grateful. I thank You for the courage You gave me to take care of my momma, and the courage to be able to go on after her death. I thank You for the courage You gave me to get through the death of my big brother last year. I thank You for the courage You gave me to open up my heart, and invite my earthy father in, what a beautiful blessing. I thank You for the courage You gave me in dealing with the loss of my hair, You taught me that there is much more to me than hair. I thank You for the courage You give me to not be afraid to speak up for You. Thank You for the boldness, and the courage You bring into my life. I am so appreciative. I love You so very much Father.

Word Filled Wednesday

In Other Words Tuesday

The way you think
determines the way you feel,
and the way you feel
determines the way you act."
Rick Warren : Wow, powerful words, and I feel they are truthful words as well. For example, if you think you are overweight, and are constantly putting yourself down by saying negative things about yourself, then you will feel there is no hope of you ever losing weight, so you will not even try to lose weight. If you think you are not a smart person, then you will see no reason to try to learn new things. If you think you are unattractive, then you will never want to try to change your appearance at all. If you do not think you need the Lord, and you feel you can make it through life on your own, then you will act in foolish ways, that will take you further and further away from God. My friend, you need to think constantly upon the things of the Lord, because when you do, you will feel the joy of the Lord, and you will act like someone who is deeply in love with the Lord. Fill your mind with the Lord, feel His presence in your life, and act like a daughter of the King.

Focus On Missions

I have a great love for missionaries, and have decided to start a new focus on missions on my blog. Each Monday, I will share a new missionary with you. Please keep them all covered with prayers. Missionaries are Gods hands in action, they spread His word, and love around the world. This week, I am very happy to share with you a man I have had the honor of meeting, brother Tommy Tillman. This dear man has such a heart for God, and the lepers of Thailand. He, and his wife are such precious blessings. May God continue to bless their ministry.: Harbor Evangelism is a non-profit organization, that was founded by Missionary Tommy Tillman,
who hasbeen a missionary for over forty years and in the ministry for over fifty years. He now has
his son MitchTillman who became missionary to Mongolia, six years ago. Missionary Mike Ivey is
the overseer to the lepers in Thailand. These are some of the things that God has done and is doing
through Harbor Evangelism.

Over Thirty Years In Thailand:
1. Leper Colony in Mae Lao, Thailand with church built on the premises.
(In the process of building the second leper colony at this writing.)
2. Orphanage and Invalid home right outside Chiang Mai. Church built on the premises.
3. Two leper churches in souther part of Thailand.
4. Leper Church at Prapadange Leper Colony right outside Bangkok.
5. Hill Tribe Church in Mae Hong Son, (not leper church). In Northwest Thailand.
6. Over one thousand Home Study Bible Courses being mailed out each month to Buddhist
believers. These courses lead up to salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. They are given a diploma
when course is completed. They come to the mother church at the children's home to be baptized.

Over Twelve Years In Mongolia:
1. Adult Mother Church in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia.
2. Two adult churches in the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar.
3. Twenty children churches over Mongolia. Including Ulaanbaatar and the Gobi Desert.
4. Three churches in the Gobi Desert with eight to be built. ( Need Pastors).
5. Prison ministry with church building inside the women's prison.
6. Orphanage with 15 Children at this writing. Children are being adopted out.
7. Printing Ministry: Printing Bibles and Gospel Tracts.
8. English lessons being taught in secular schools and giving out the gospel of Christ.
9. Translation Ministry.
10. Ministry with alcoholics and street people.
11. Two hospitals completely built in the Gobi Desert with doctors and nurses.
12. A feeding center at the city dump. Also, a medical clinic built at this location with a doctor.
13. Four feeding centers in the Gobi Desert for starving desert children.

Mission 4 Monday

Donating your old eyeglasses can save someone in a developing nation from unemployment. With the price of glasses exceeding three months' average salary in some African countries, donated eyeglasses are the only feasible way to bring sight to many visually impaired. These recycled glasses can be the difference between a blacksmith continuing his work or closing up shop, or the factor that enables a woman to support herself by doing embroidery rather than becoming destitute.

Medical missions often call their eye care facilities "joy clinics" because of the happiness that eyeglass donations bring. Imagine the feeling of being a boy who constantly did poorly in school because he couldn't see the words in his books all of a sudden having reading make sense because he received the gift of recycled glasses.

Yet while some mothers in poor, rural areas have never even clearly seen the faces of their children, more than four million pairs of unused eyeglasses go into the garbage in North America each year.

The good news is that you can make a huge difference in someone's life simply by donating your unworn eyeglasses and spreading the word to others. Groups such as the Lions Club can recycle eyeglasses for as little as 8 cents each. But they cannot do it without your help.

Donate your old eyeglasses and sunglasses to help people with eyesight difficulties worldwide. (Sunglasses can be non-prescription. They are needed in countries near the equator to help protect people's eyes from sun damage.) Collection facilities include Goodwill Industries stores, LensCrafters stores, and Lions Club drop boxes. Items also can be sent in padded envelopes or boxes to:

New Eyes for the Needy
549 Millburn Avenue
P.O. Box 332
Short Hills, NJ 07078

E-mail ten friends who wear glasses to see if they have old pairs that could be recycled for people with eyesight problems. Collect them for donation.

Check with lost and found departments in hotels, stores, police stations, and mortuaries for unclaimed glasses that could be donated.

Super Simple Sunday

Cafe Chat

On a scale of 1-10, with a 10 representing the strongest, rate how you do with reading and studying the Bible. Why did you rate yourself as you did?

If you are struggling with reading God's Word, make a list of possible stumbling blocks.

Make a list of how we can grow closer to Jesus through the reading and studying of God's Word. : On a scale of 1-10, I would rate my reading and studying the Bible, a 6. There is always room for improvement. Possible stumbling blocks: Time constraints, life, laziness. These can be some possible reasons. We can grow closer to Jesus through the reading and studying of His precious word. There are so many beautiful life lessons just waiting for us to glean. We grow stronger in everyway when we make time, and take time, to read and study the Bible.

Fearless Friday

Prayer Requests:1) Please pray for precious Stellan, and his dear family. 2) My friend Mel had eye surgery this week, I pray that her vision will be totally restored to her. 3) I pray for my sister as she gets her iron infusion treatment this week, may God pour His strength into her.4) I pray for Angela, may God bless her sweetly. Praise Reports:1) Lynn got home safely. 2) My brother got to Florida, and back safely. 3) Our church is going to have short little television ads running in several resturants for a year. I pray that people will see them, come to our church, and get saved. May God do a great work in our church.

Thankful Thursday- Provision

God is my ultimate provision. He is all I need, and He provides all my needs. He provides the warm sunshine that daily shines down upon me. He provides a place for me and dear lovebug to live, and a car for us to travel in. He provides a job for lovebug, so we are able to pay our bills. He provides my church home, that I love dearly, where i can praise His holy name. He provides me with family and friends, that I care deeply for. He provides me with my precious salvation, and the glorious gift of eternity. I love You Father, my forever provider. Thank You for everything, especially my relationship with You.

Word Filled Wednesday

Three Years Ago

Momma, it has been three years ago today, since you went home to be with Jesus. I cannot believe it has been that long already. I still think of you everyday, miss you everyday, and love you more everyday. It was so very hard when you first left, I broke into many pieces, like a jigsaw puzzle. I did things I should never have done momma, I became a cutter. I was just trying to ease the hellish pain I was feeling. I pray you forgive me for my careless, and foolish actions. I am much better now, I know you are happy and healthy, and that makes my heart happy. I have dad in my life now, and he is serving the Lord momma. Can you believe it? Our prayers came true, woo hoo!! One day soon, we will all have a beautiful family reunion. I cannot wait to see you, hug you, and give you sweet butterfly kisses. I will forever love you, and miss you until then momma. Blowing you kisses momma, please catch them like you use to. Bye for now my precious momma, and best friend.  Nesie

In Other Words Tuesday

Give yourself permission not to know, and be satisfied knowing the One who does."

~ by Joyce Meyer, "I Dare You": Wow, what a great quote. We should all chew on it for awhile. Why do we so often think that we have to know everything, about everything? When difficult circumstances come into our lifes, why do we immediately say why? Why me? Well, why not you my friend? Stop spending so much time, asking so many questions, about so many things, and you may finally realize, that the answer to all of your questions, has been right by your side, and His name is Jesus. He knows it all, and that is all you need to know.

8 Things Meme

I was tagged by my sweet new friend Allelulabelle for the 8 things meme. Here's how to do this 8 THINGS tag:
Mention the person that tagged you.
Complete the lists of 8's.
Tag 8 of your wonderful bloggy friends.
Go tell them you tagged them!

8 THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO

1. Each new day that God blesses me with, it truly is a gift.
   
2. Seeing my lovebug smile at me daily.
   
3. Doing daily Bible reading, and prayer time with my lovebug.
   
4. Church on Sunday morning, and night. Church on Wednesday night.
   
5. Being reunited with my momma, and my big brother Charles in heaven one day.
   
6. Growing more in the Lord.
   
7. Blogger conference in Florida this October.
   
8. 24 hour fast and prayer time at my church on May 15&16

8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY

1. Church
   
2. Bible reading and prayer time with lovebug.
   
3. Watched the Janette Oake movie "Loves Unfolding Dream"
   
4. Ate some burritos
   
5. Watched it rain
   
6. Spent some snuggle time with lovebug
   
7. Blogged
   
8. Went to bed

8 SHOWS I WATCH

1. American Idol
   
2. Ruby
   
3. Hallmark Channel Movies
   
4. How Do I Look
   
5. Nancy Grace
   
6. Larry King
   
7. John Hagee
   
8. Local News I'm tagging anyone that would like to do this.
   

Miracle Monday

Today, I would like to share what I consider a true miracle, and answer to prayer, my relationship with my dad. I have shared on my blog, the events leading up to my birth. My dad did not want me, I am actually an abortion that did not work. My parents thought it had worked, until my mom felt me kick. My dad never wanted anything to do with me, and he was never in my life. Well, at the end of last year, my dad gave his life to the Lord. Praise God, now he calls me, comes to see me, and visits my church, and I visit his. We have a close relationship, that I have always prayed for. Now, i have my heavenly Father, and my earthly father. I am so blessed by this precious miracle. I love both my heavenly Father, and my earthly father, very , very much.

Mission 4 Monday

DONATE TOYS TO INSPIRE CHILDREN

When you donate toys to needy or sick children, you provide inspiration and a glimmer of hope.

Without sufficient toys and books, children don't develop necessary motor skills, says the National Institute for Early Education Research. Studies also show that infant toys are critical for brain growth that affects learning later in life. Because play is essential for children to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives, all children need at least simple toys like balls, blocks, costumes and crayons.

Older children without toys are more likely to be involved in fighting or other negative behaviors. On the other hand, when a neglected child receives a game or toy donation, he can develop necessary social skills, such as sharing.

There are over 29 million needy children in the U.S. who live in low income families, according to the National Center for Children in Poverty. These children have little inspiration for the imaginative, fulfilled lives that all children deserve. When you donate a toy to a needy child, you provide a positive outlet for the child's energy and creativity.

Needy children with chronic health conditions are at especially high risk. Days spent in hospitals and clinics can be long and lonely. Often, the environment is sterile and bleak. Tests and sometimes painful treatments occupy their days. Your donation of art supplies, stuffed animals or board games can brighten an impersonal room or provide entertainment.

With just a simple toy, you can make a world of difference in the life of a needy or sick child.

To donate a toy to a needy child:

• Drop off a toy donation at a social service agency or homeless shelter near your home. Check your phone book under "social (or human) service organizations." Or use this link to find a social service agency.
  
• Donate toys during the holiday season to the Salvation Army or Toys for Tots.
  
• Donate toys online. My Two Front Teeth is a nonprofit organization that provides donated toys to underprivileged children in daycare, preschools and community agencies. Sign up to receive an email notification prior to the next holiday season. Once you browse profiles of the eligible children, choose a child to sponsor, then purchase and donate toys online via My Two Front Teeth.

To donate toys to a sick child:

• Donate toys, books and games to your local Ronald McDonald House.
  
• Donate board games your family no longer uses to a local children's hospital.
  
• The Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., keeps "Dr. Bear's Toy Closet" stocked with toys and games for young patients. The medical center provides guidelines and suggestions for toddler and infant toys and games for older children.

If you have children that receive an abundance of gifts at Christmas and birthdays, consider starting a tradition of sharing. Encourage your kids to re-gift one of their many presents to less fortunate children; or at least, ask your children to donate toys they have outgrown, if those toys are in mint condition, and still in their original packaging.

Super Simple Sunday

Cafe Chat

On a scale of 1-10, with a 10 representing the strongest, rate your current prayer life. Why did you rate yourself as you did?

If you are struggling with your prayer life, make a list of possible stumbling blocks to a more intimate prayer life with Jesus.

Make a list of how we can grow closer to Jesus in our prayer life as well. : I would have to rate my prayer life as being almost a six. I rate myself that because, I need more prayer time. What do I think are some stumbling blocks in my prayer life, as well as in others lifes? Too much computer time, not having our priorities straight, the fast paced world we are living in. We can grow closer to Jesus in our prayer life, by giving Him more of our time. We need to make Him our top priority. Jesus first, the world last. We need to truly learn to pray without ceasing. We need to pray with our family, our spouses, our friends, our church family, and have alone time in our prayer closet. Prayer is our hotline to Jesus, and we should be calling that hotline constantly.

Fearless Friday

Prayer Requests: 1) For my friend Lisa to find a job, she is in desperate need. She is a single mom raising a son on her own. 2) For my friend Lynn to have a safe trip home this weekend. 3) For my brother Jim to have a safe trip as he travels to Florida to visit his new granddaughter. 4) I pray for financial freedom for everyone. Praise Reports: 1) Easter Sunday, my nephew Kevin, and his fiancee Angie, both got saved. Praise God, two more precious souls have joined the family of God. 2) Our church had a special Resurrection offering last Sunday, our goal was $10,000. Praise God, for a little church we did awesome. We reached $8610.00

Thankful Thursday

I am overflowing with thankfulness. I am so thankful that my Father loves me, He loves me!! I feel so unworthy, but in His eyes, I am worthy. All I have to be is me. That is so awesome. I am thankful for the close relationship we have. I am thankful for all the heart to heart talks we share, He is so gentle with my heart. I can cry to Him, and with Him. I can laugh with Him, I know there have been many times I have cracked Him up with my antics. He gives such great advice, keeps my life on the right track. When I am scared, or worried, His lap is my place of comfort. His hand lifts me up to places that on my own, I would never be able to reach. He is my biggest cheerleader, always there to push me a little bit further to reach my goals. I am definitely a Daddy's girl, and not ashamed to admit that. My Daddy has first place in my life, and always will. Daddy, Your love is my most prized possession. Come on, climb up, and sit in Daddy's lap for awhile, He will calm Your fears, and wipe away your tears. There is always room for His children. I love You Daddy, I love You.

Word Filled Wednesday

In Other Words Tuesday

“God’s promises are never affected by our failures. He can use us at any age.” Michael Youssef from Leading the Way.: Praise God that His promises are never affected by our failures. I am so grateful that no matter how many times in my life I have failed, He has always forgiven me, and He is very faithful to keep His promises to me. It is so true that He can use us at any age, there is something for everyone to do for the good of the Kingdom. So, when you slip, and fall again, do not stay down. Quickly get back up on your feet, and continue to work for the Kingdom.

Miracle Monday-Prayer

Hello my friends, I would like to share what I consider a miracle with you all. Friday, there were quite a few bad storms, and some tornados, here in my area. I live in Chattanooga Tennessee, and my sister lives in Athens Tennessee. She lives about two hours from me. Well, here in Chattanooga, all we got Friday, was quite a bit of rain, and some high winds. But, my sister got much more. She called me, and she was almost crying. She said, ' Nesie, will you please say a prayer for us right now"? I said of course I will, what is wrong? She said the weather was very bad there, there was a tornado warning out for their area. I immediately prayed for them, and when we were through praying, the phone went dead. She called me several hours later, and this is what she told me, their power had cut off. There had been a tornado that touched down very close to where my sister lives, but God had truly watched over them. There was no damage at all to their home, or to them. Praise God!! There are more miracles caused by prayer than people realize. God is a precious miracle worker, and I thank Him.

Mission 4 Monday- Build A Childs Self Esteem

Building a child's self-esteem helps a child to function successfully in life. On the other hand, a child who feels unwanted, unappreciated or unloved can suffer from depression, act out violently, abuse drugs and alcohol, develop an eating disorder, become pregnant, drop out of school, or even commit suicide, according to the National Association for Self-Esteem.
"What's wrong with you?" "You're not good at that." "Why did you do it that way?" Few people realize that such simple words can have a devastating, life-long effect on a child's self-esteem.
Low self-esteem is shaped early in life. Unfortunately, the well-meaning adults in a child's life may actually have the most negative impact: the parent with unrealistically high expectations who may unconsciously belittle a child's accomplishments, the teacher who doesn't give enough encouragement when it's needed, and the caregiver who doesn't show affection. Additionally, the classmate who bullies may also chip away at a child's healthy self-esteem.
Self worth can also be influenced by society with its many messages of "must haves" and unattainable standards. For instance, a low self-esteem child may start to feel ugly or fat when comparing himself or herself to a celebrity whose photo has been airbrushed to perfection.
Low self-esteem often perpetuates the vicious cycle of "self-fulfilling prophecies."
Perhaps a child believes he is not a good swimmer so he stays away from that activity and any event that might involve swimming. He decides that since he isn't good at it, why take the risk in the first place if the outcome will most likely be failure. Of course, by removing himself from the situation, there is no way he can improve, grow, and build self-esteem.
Self-esteem is what we believe to be true about ourselves. And it is these core self-beliefs that determine how well a child copes with life's triumphs and disappointments.
While you can't control all the events and influences in a child's life, you can play an important role in helping a child feel good about who he is and build better self-esteem.
Oprah credits her fourth-grade teacher as the person who made her believe in herself. Senator John McCain says it was his football coach who changed his life. You don't have to be related to a child to help them build their self-esteem!

If you spend time with a child as a neighbor, family friend, babysitter, teacher, team coach, etc., you can make a positive impact on a child's life. Here are some tips to improving a child's self-esteem:
Listen. Give a child your undivided attention when he or she speaks to you.
Give praise and encouragement. Take genuine pride in a child's achievement big and small. When a child succeeds let them know how proud you are of them. When a child fails, encourage them to try again. Talk with them about the choices they made and what they could do differently. Share your own triumphs and failures. Most importantly, let a child know you appreciate their efforts no matter what the outcome is.
Make a child feel special. Together, write up a list of a child's accomplishments and the qualities that he or she like about themselves. Post it in a prominent place for all to see.
E-mentor a child. E-mentoring takes place over the Internet, allowing a mentor and a child to develop their relationship by communicating online. For instance, as an online Achievement Advocate, you can join parents and teachers in a team to support students in their efforts to set and meet goals for success.

He Is Risen-Super Simple Sunday

He is Risen, He is Risen. Open your heart, and let the joy flow out. Let the praising, and the shouting begin. He lives, He lives, my precious Saviour lives. Death could not keep Him in the ground. Stand up, and shout it out loudly, our Jesus lives, forever and ever.

This Is Awesome

My New Great Niece

This is a picture of my sister in-law Patsy, and her new granddaughter. She is married to my brother Jim. They became grandparents for the first time on Monday, April 6th. The baby is beautiful, her name is Kalie Rose Jenkins.

Jesus Breathed His Last

Mark 15:37-39 - Jesus breathed His last

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry and saw how He died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"

How could an act of weakness, such as a man dying on a cross, cause this kind of response in an elite Roman soldier?
In the Jewish temple there was a place called the Holy of holies. A heavy curtain covered the entrance; separated unholy man from a holy God. When that curtain was ripped in two, the separation between God and man was gone.
Suddenly the centurion saw what he couldn't see before: Jesus was not an ordinary man, but God's very act of reconciliation. Can you see that? Or do you still see just a man on a cross?Today's commentary by:Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

Fearless Friday

Prayer Requests: 1) I pray that my brother in-law will quit drinking. 2) I pray that my friend Lisa will be able to find a 3rd shift job, so she can come back to church. 3) I pray for my church to continue to reach out to all those in need. 4) I pray for my dads girlfriend, and my dear friend Lynn to be safe as she travels out of town next week.5) I pray for precious baby Skylar to be healed, and to be born very healthy. Praise Report: 1) My sister got her joy back, praise God. She went to church with me on Sunday morning, and to her church Sunday night. Thanks to all of you who prayed about this. 2) My nephew Neil and his wife, had their first baby on Monday. It was a beautiful baby girl, they named her Kaylie Rose. May God sweetly bless her all the days of her life.

New Look

Hey everybody, how do you like my new blog look? I love it so much. Tara did such a great job, she is awesome. A great big hug, and thank you to Irene for having the contest on her blog, and to Tara for all the hard work. I love and appreciate you both.

Thankful Thursday-Sacrifices

I am so very thankful for the greatest sacrifice ever given, Jesus. He took our place upon that cruel cross, please never forget that. He was sinless, we were the sinners. Thank You Jesus for loving me that much. I am thankful for all the missionaries serving in various places throughout the world. They sacrifice so much, sometimes even their life's, to share the gospel of Jesus to those people who otherwise, would never know our Jesus. I am thankful for pastors, who so faithfully lead their congregations down the road to heaven. I am thankful for all those dedicated military men and women, that put their life's on the line, to keep us safe. I am thankful for my lovebug, who has often made many sacrifices on behalf of my health. Father, please know, that I am more than ready, and very willing, to make sacrifices in my own life, for the sake of Your call upon my life. I would lay down my life for You Father, that is the least I could do, after all the sacrifices You have made for me. I love You Father.

Word-Filled Wednesday

I Won

My sweet friend Irene was having a giveaway over at her blog. The prize was a blog make over. She announced the winner today, and I won. Woo Hoo!! I am so excited, can you tell?? Huh?? Can you tell??? Thanks so very much Irene, I love you bunches.

What Easter Means To Me

It should have been me, instead of Thee, that hung upon that cruel tree. You were innocent, yet You paid the ultimate price. You were more than willing, to give Your life, as a sacrifice. I am so very aware, that as You hung there, it was me that was on Your mind. You died for my sins, You took them all upon Yourself. You died, so that I might live. You loved me that much, how deeply You have touched my heart. You gave, and gave, until You had to give Your precious life. That endless fountain that flows freely from Your veins, to save a wicked wretch like me. I thank You Jesus, I thank You. I will forever praise Your holy name. Thank You for showing true grace, when at Calvary, You took my place. I love You, and I am eternally grateful.

In Other Words Tuesday

“Heaven must be in me,before I can be in heaven. ”
by Charles Stanford: God, the precious breathe of heaven, blew life into me. I am His creation, formed by His gentle hands. But, I chose to be a sinner, living in the world, and for the world. But, when I was 25, I finally woke up, and realized that my life was not my own. I was making a total mess of the beautiful life God had created for me. So, I fell on my knees, and cried out to God. I asked Him to please forgive my sins, and wash me clean. I wanted Him to live in my heart, and to guide my every step through this life. Praise God for His grace, He now reigns on the throne of my heart. There is no turning back for me, I do not want to travel down the highway to hell, I want my luggage to say heaven bound. You must be willing to have the maker of heaven ruling your life, and living in your heart, if you ever hope to be in heaven. Please choose to travel along with me my friends, heaven is our destination.

Happy Anniversary Lovebug

Dear Lovebug, 24 years ago, I joined my heart with yours. We are not two, but one. Basically, we can finish each others thoughts, and sentences. You are my everything, you make my life worth living. You are the sweetner to my days, and the peace in my nights. Without you, there is no me. You make my hard times much easier, you make the tears fade, and the laughter return. I love you more than mere words could ever express. Thank you for 24 wonderful years of marriage, I am looking forward to the next 24. Happy Anniversary sweetie.

Marriage Monday- Friendship In Christian Marriage

Today is my 24th wedding anniversary, and I am happy to say that my lovebug is my best friend. We are great friends, being together makes us both very happy. We have so much fun together, laughing is something we do alot of around our home. Lovebug likes to watch wrestling, so I watch it with him. During the commercials, we have our own wrestling matches. Woo Hoo, I am currently undefeated(because I start tickling him, lol). We love to have water gun battles, chase each other around the apartment, see who can blow the biggest bubble with our gum, or blow bubbles with our bubble makers. We love watching funny movies together, and laughing until we cannot breathe. Our marriage is such a sweet, loving , and very enjoyable gift straight from Gods heart. Take time to laugh together everyday.

Mission 4 Monday- Share Books

Reading is becoming a lost art. Twenty-one million Americans can't read at all, 45 million are marginally illiterate and one-fifth of high school graduates can't read their diplomas, according to ReadFaster.com. Fewer than half of American adults read literature.
Kids who learn to read when they're young are less likely to end up in prison, drop out of school, or take drugs. In fact, a child's entire lifestyle can be enhanced by picking up a novel now and then. Literary readers are nearly three times as likely to attend a performing arts event, almost four times as likely to visit an art museum, more than two-and-a-half times as likely to do volunteer or charity work, and over one-and-a-half times as likely to attend or participate in sports activities. Unfortunately, many children are struggling with learning how to read, haven't had exposure to interesting reading material, or simply don't have examples of reading for understanding and leisure.
Many school children are stuck with ill-equipped libraries created decades ago. These small collections of antiquated materials are unable to meet the needs of today's kids. In Southern California, for example, the average copyright date for a nonfiction public school library book is 1982, predating many political events, social changes, and technological inventions that are a part of children's lives. Many public libraries aren't much better. Some only have the funding to stay open for short periods of time, and others are unable to hire librarians with specialized knowledge about childhood reading.
In fifteen minutes or less, you can make a difference by promoting reading with children and teens. Influence a child to pick up a good book – it just may change her life.

Reading should be natural and fun. Try one of these quick ideas to support reading:
Be an example. Let children and teenagers see you as a positive example of reading. If families with children visit your home, let the kids browse your book collection and invite them to join in discussions about books. Never lecture or force kids to read. Just let them see your enthusiasm, and they will be more likely to catch the reading bug.
Start a lending library. Offer to let children borrow the books in your collection. You may want to keep track of your books and give kids a chance to check out your "library catalog" with an online program such as LibraryThing.com. If you live in an apartment complex, consider starting a give-one-take-one laundry room lending library. Just fill a cardboard box with a few books and leave the collection in your common laundry room. Tell your neighbors about the idea and watch as the people in your complex discover and share their favorite books. (Be sure to get the go-ahead from the apartment manager first). You can also start a book swap at your church, community group, or child’s school. Or, encourage kids to swap books online with sites like PaperBackBookSwap.com, or FrugalReader.com. Do be sure that they have the approval and guidance of their parents when using online book swaps.
Release a book "into the wild" with BookCrossing.com. Simply choose a book you think would inspire kids or teens, and register it on the site. Follow the on-site directions to label the book and leave it somewhere it will be found. Kids will be delighted to "capture" the book, mark its progress on the site, and leave it somewhere for another reader to find and enjoy.
Give books as gifts. Instead of giving toys that will soon be broken or forgotten, consider giving books to the kids and teens in your life. Holidays, birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations are opportune times to promote reading. You may even want to give books as baby shower presents. Choose quality copies that can be read again and again, and be sure to choose books that suit the child’s interests.
Donate books to classroom libraries. Teachers often spend hundreds of their own dollars to get a decent selection of books in their classrooms. Encourage reading by giving kids a wide variety of age-appropriate books to choose from within the walls of their classroom. Check out classroom wish lists at school book fairs, or simply contact a local school or teacher and ask how you can help.
Give kids booklists that fit their interests. There are books on every interest, from horses to the electric guitar. After being forced to read school books they consider boring, kids are often surprised when they learn that there are books about subjects they really care about. Get kids hooked on reading by printing off a list of subject-specific books from ATN Book Lists, The Boston Public Library, About.com's Children's Books, or Lots of Lists from the University of Calgary.
Email reading websites to teens and their parents. Introduce teens to the reading community by sending them to Teen Reads, Teen Angst Books, Reading Rants, Teen Link, or Guys Read. Note that some pre-teen and teen books (otherwise known as young adult or YA books) contain mature content.
Celebrate reading holidays. The National Education Association sponsors the Read Across America celebration on March 2nd, Dr. Seuss's birthday. Their website has ideas for how to plan a kid's reading event in your community. National Library Week is generally celebrated the second week in April and many libraries across the nation hold library activities for kids during that time. National Poetry Month also comes each April, along with many opportunities for kids and teens to experience poetry. Get Caught Reading Month, held each May, gives kids the excitement of getting "caught" with their nose in a book. Library Card Sign-up Month is held in September and Teen Read Week is observed each October. For information about more literary holidays, see a detailed list at LibrarySupportStaff.com.

Hello

Hello my friends, praying everyone is doing well. Get ready, I got behind on my blog, so I will be posting several posts this evening. I love you all.

Super Simple Sunday

Cafe Chat

Today, I ask you to share a time when a friend may have wounded you by speaking hard words to you, and even though you were hurt, you realized it was the best, and most loving thing he/she could have done. : After my momma passed away in April 0f 2006, a grief counselor named Carla from Hospice, started coming to see me once a week, and this continued for a year. We quickly became close friends, she was a sweet christian sister. She saw me through many ups, and downs. Sometimes, she would do all the talking, because all I could manage to do was cry through the entire visit. At other times, she sat and patiently listened, while I talked through the entire visit. She was so kind to me, which truly touched my heart. One day, when she came to visit, lovebug was here. She asked him to sit in on our conversation, and to add anything he might feel lead to share. Well, I had been cutting myself, and had not shared that with Carla. Lovebug was so worried about me, so he told her about my cutting. She got very upset with me, she began to really speak harshly to me, but it was all done with much love and great compassion. She cared about my entire well being, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, everything mattered to her. She told lovebug to take anything that I could possibly use to hurt myself, and put out in the trunk of the car. She made him take those things to work with him, so they would be out of my reach. When she left, I was really upset. But, I knew she had only done those things out of love and concern for me. God bless her efforts toward me, and her friendship. During that time of deep heartache and darkness in my life, I would have died without my precious Father God, and His ministering angels, Lovebug, and Carla.

Love Still Remains

Lovebug and I will be celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary on Monday. Wow, that seems so unreal, and it makes me so very happy. We were talking about it last night, sharing memories of all the things we have been through. I said to him, " My looks have really changed over the years, I lost my hair, and my eyebrows. I said, I sure do look different. He looked me right in the eye, and said these words, " That is not true, when I look at you, I still see the beautiful woman that I married 24 years ago, except you are more beautiful now. My heart melted like an m&m, and we embraced. Love still very much remains at our home, praise God.

Fearless Friday

Praise Report: 1) My sisters doctor appointment went well, thank you for your prayers. 2) Eddie went back to working five days a week Monday. Prayer Requests: 1) My sister is going today for a echocardiogram, please pray for good results. Also, please continue to pray for her joy in the Lord to be restored. 2) My sister has a friend who had a stroke, please pray for a full recovery, his name is Bob Bunyun

Thankful Thursday- Hope

Woo Hoo, another Thankful Thursday. Thank you Laurie for hosting, you are appreciated. Laurie chose hope as the theme this week. So, here I go. 1) I hope my sister Vicki gets her joy in the Lord back, she recently told me, that she has lost that. 2) I hope my dad has a wonderful 74th birthday on Monday, and is blessed with many more birthdays. 3) I hope that my sister will have a great birthday on Wednesday, and that she will realize that the giver of her life, is the true joy of her life. 4) I hope that lovebug and I enjoy our 24th wedding anniversary on Monday, and that our marriage continues to grow deeper and richer in tune with Gods heart. 5) I hope that when my Father God looks at me, He smiles. 6) I hope I can be a blessing to others. 7) I hope I can lead others to my dear Saviour. 8) I hope my church becomes a bright light for many lost, and hurting souls. 9) I hope God continues to pour His anointing all over my pastor. 10) I pray that all who read this post, will be blessed beyond measure by our precious Father.

Word Filled Wednesday

This is one of my life verses. Praise God, for pouring His strength all over me. With Him in my life, I feel that I can do all things. Like this little mouse, I can fly, because God gives me wings.