Tuesday Meme

Well, tomorrow is the day I start my lifestyle change. I will be weighing in every Tuesday. If you would like to join me, so we can cheer each other on, and give much encouragement, please do. There will be a linky, and you can post on your blog. Blessings everyone.

Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day everyone. I pray that you enjoy this day with your family, having picnics, cookouts, or however you spend your day. But, my hearts prayer, is that you take time today to truly remember what this day is about. Say a prayer for all those who faithfully, and bravely serve our country. They stand strong for our safety, and are very willing to give their lives for our country. Praise them for their efforts, and ask God to put a hedge of protection around all of them. I am so proud to be an American.

Telling Our Testament

There is always enormous joy and rejoicing, whenever people talk of God’s greatness. For who can remain still, or quiet when there is good news to share? Come and hear, says the psalmist, and I will tell what God has done for me.

Proclaiming what God has done for us, is what demonstrates His love and grace. Our witness and our words, convince others that God is real, alive – that He can instill hope even in the hopeless. All the proof we need is in our own lives. Consider all we have seen. Our experiences through the years, through the tears, and through the trials confirm our belief in Him. We are here today, because God alone has protected and sustained us, not because of anything we have done for ourselves.

Everywhere we look we can see our past in the people we encounter. We, too, wandered from day to day, without much purpose, until someone told us the good news of God. Now that we know Him, we need to tell others what He has done. They need to know, that knowing Him, can make a difference in their lives as well.

Our testimony, can be the testament, that just one person needs to accept Him.

Our Good News

Our task is to tell others how to repair the brokenness in their lives. Jesus came to restore our relationship with the Father. Now it is up to us, to lead others toward that reconciliation – to tell them they can have hope for the future, and that they do not have to live in despair.

The world is desperate for the message of salvation. If only we will take the time to share what we know, we will see lives changed before our very eyes: the poor will become rich, the homeless will have shelter, the sick will be healed, and the lost will be found. People will discover the hidden purpose and meaning of their lives. No longer will they have to look to those around them to find joy and satisfaction; they will have the peace and comfort of the Father within them at all times.

Sometimes, you and I take for granted all that God has done in our lives: the many times our health has been restored, our finances have been repaired, our prayers have been answered, our emptiness has been replaced, and our losses have been returned.

What God has done for us, He wants to do for others. Incredibly, He can use our brokenness, to show the power of His word. But, the world will never understand, until we tell them the “good news.”

Fearless Friday

Please join me in lifting these dear ones up to our Father's throne. So many are hurting in various ways, they need our love and prayers. We need to help carry their burdens. Please pray for Peggy,she is such a faithful prayer warrior for others, we need to remember to pray for her. Also, Kat is a very faithful prayer warrior. Her husband lost his job yesterday, please keep them covered in prayers for financial blessings. Also, please go to Kat's blog to read about her friend Denise. Denise is suffering with the same condition that my lovebug has, Guillian Barre Syndrome, except hers has gone to her brain and intestines. Please pray for her physical well being, and their financial situation. Please pray for Michele, and all of her health conditions. Pray for dear Angela, and her family. They truly need financial blessings. Pray for sister Alleluiabelle, as she cares for her dear husbad Ron. Pray for his physical conditions, and also pray for Alleluiabelle's sister Sandy, she is dealing with cancer. Pray for sister Rosel, as she ministers to the physical needs of those in prison, pray for her safety. Pray for Pia, she has lost her job. Pray that God will meet her financial needs until she can find another job. Also pray for her marriage to be restored. Pray for Andrea's friend MaryGrace, she suffered a stroke, and her vision has been affected. Also pray for her nephew Amden, he has down's syndrome. Pray for Ron who is fighting cancer. Pray for the health and well being of sweet Tabitha. Pray for dear Mary and her precious family. They are truly in the middle of some fierce spiritual warfare. Pray for Lisa as she battles cancer. Also, pray for Sherry, and the ministry that her and her husband provide. They are in need financially. Please pray for my sister Vickie, and her various health problems. Please keep my lovebug in your prayers, ask God to continue to watch over him physically. Thanks to everyone for joining in, and praying with me. If you, or a loved one has any prayer needs, please let me know. I will pray, and post them on Fridays. My email address is shortybear63@bellsouth.net

Thankful Thursday

Hello everyone, it is time for Thankful Thursday once again. What are you thankful for today? Give God the praise He deserves, I know you must have something you are thankful for, we all do. I am thankful that my lovebug has worked four days now, two days were ten hour days, and Friday, he will work ten hours. He is back doing the same job he was doing before all of this happened to him, and is having no problems at all, praise God. He will receive his first full pay check next Thursday, thank You Lord. The blessings just keep rolling in, and we are so very thankful. We found a new Church home, and are so happy about that. We love, and appreciate all of you for your love and prayers for us throughout all of these months. You fill our hearts to overflowing. Please know that we love you all, and keep you in our prayers always. May your hearts desires, become realities. Thank You Lord, for Your sweet blessings upon us.

Word Filled Wednesday

A Little Bit Of This, A Little Bit Of That

Hello dear friends, how is your week going so far? Praying that it is going wonderfully for you all. Thought I would catch you up on our life. Well, lovebug went back to fulltime work yesterday morning. We were totally praising God for all He has done for us, and continues to do. As lovebug pulled out of the driveway, and waved goodbye, and blew kisses to me, I started crying like a baby. Emotions were running very high. To think, five months ago, he almost died. Then, we did not know if he would ever be able to walk, or drive a car again, and going back to work seemed an impossibility. But, with God, impossibilities, quickly become possibilities. Yesterday, was a very lonely day for me, getting used to being just me again. When I saw lovebug pull in the driveway at 4:15, I ran out the door so fast, and into his precious arms. What a reunion!! We kept telling each other how much we had missed one another, and how much we loved each other. He is doing the same job that he was doing before, he said everything went really well yesterday. He really appreciates your prayers for him. They all welcomed him back, they made him feel good. After today, the rest of the week, he has to be on the job two hours earlier. Which means, he is working three ten hour days this week. Wow, they are really welcoming him back full time, lol Well, there is other news regarding us also. Praise God for leading us to another Church home, the name of it is New Haven Baptist Church. We both really love it, it is what we have been looking for. We are both being fed what we need, and our hearts desire. Life is going really well here at the Oldhams, of course with our Father, life is always good. Starting next Tuesday, here on my blog, I will be posting weekly a weigh in. On that day, I will post my current weight, devotions, and things I am doing to lose weight. When I saw my endocrinologist, who takes care of my diabetes, and thyroid it was April 12. At that time, I weighed 158. She told me she would like for me to try to lose between 15-20 pounds before my next visit, which will be on August 11. So, starting next Tuesday, June 1, the count down begins. If anyone knows how to make buttons, could you please make me one, I would like for it to say Tuesday Weigh In. Thanks, much love, and many prayers to all of you.

Unspoken Signs Of Love

Divine love transcends culture, race, gender, and age. There is no one anywhere, who does not respond to the kind of love that Jesus tried to show the world: a warm smile, a gentle touch, a helpful hand, something to eat or drink, a word of comfort, a simple prayer. All of these display the holy and godly love of the heart.

Too often we communicate with others using our lips and hands. We say how we feel, or we stand by as someone struggles. We fail to let our heart speak. We do not offer understanding, kindness, support, and encouragement.

Our days are a journey of becoming more Christ-like, to love as He loved, and to live as He lived. We cannot learn how to be compassionate toward others all at once. Love develops slowly, and deliberately. Over time, we begin to realize the potential of what we can do through God.

We discover we can love in greater ways when we are guided by the heart, for that is where God speaks to us each day.

Healing Or Patching

Jesus came so that we would have life, now and for eternity. We are made new creatures in Him, and through Him, leaving the past behind. Even so, we cannot resist the temptation to graft at least part of the old self, to our recreated body.

No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth to an old garment, Jesus said, for the patch will pull away from the garment. Often, we try to take the hurts and pains of years ago, and attach them to our present self. We even attempt to stitch previous regrets, into this new fabric. But it will not work. Sooner or later, everything will unravel. The tear in our lives will become worse, perhaps even beyond repair.

Jesus adds that it is impossible to put new wine into old, worn out wineskins. If we do, He says, the skins will burst; the wine will run out all over, and the wineskins will be ruined. Our lives are much the same. We cannot fill ourselves with the new life of Christ, without letting Him change us completely.

He must remake us both on the outside, and inside, so that His life, and love, can be preserved within us. It is impossible to live for Him, if we only patch up our wounds. Eventually, the seam will rip apart, unless we are fully restored by His hand.

Update On Us

Hello my friends, praying sweet blessings into every one's weekend. Well, this week has been spent getting lovebug prepared to go back to work. Woo Hoo, that is music to our ears, work. He is so happy to be able to go back, he thought he might not ever be able to work again. But, our Father is the miracle worker. It is going to take some getting use to, we have been together day in, day out, for six months. We love each other more now, than ever. I told him last night, that he is my hero. Watching the way he handled all of this, proved that he is truly a survivor. Go lovebug, Go. Around 2:00 A.M. Friday morning, there was a drive by shooting here at our apartment complex. We live in building 15, the shooting was at building 14, right next door. Praise God for His protection, no one was hurt. He continues to watch over us, and keep us safe. There are so many bad things that go on here, but we cannot afford to move right now. God knows that, and keeps a shield around us. Thank You Father God. Have a beautiful weekend, and praise God, because He deserves your praise, always, in all ways.

Fearless Friday

Today is Fearless Friday, please join me in praying for the needs of others. Ask our Father to rain down blessings upon those who are hurting financially, physically, mentally, spiritually, and every other way. Please pray for my sister Vickie, she hurt her right foot, and is now having to wear a boot and cast on it. She is diabetic, so this is not a good thing, added to all of her other health problems. I pray God will heal her quickly. If you have any prayer needs, please send them to me at shortybear63@bellsouth.net I will pray for you, and post your needs on Fridays. Blessings and much love to you all.

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday, and our hostess Laurie, has chosen time as the theme. Such a wonderful theme Laurie, thanks for hosting this month. I am very thankful for time, it is a precious gift given to us by our Father. Each day, when the alarm clock goes off, I praise God for a brand new day. Knowing that I have 24 more hours to be in this world with those that I love, fills my heart with joy. Spending time in the hospital with dear lovebug was a life changing experience. Watching your husband nearly die on Christmas Eve, and spending Christmas Day visiting him in ICU, gives new meaning to what a true Christmas gift is. We realized that being blessed with more time with one another, is a gift that cannot be bought at any store, but is the most valuable gift ever given to us. For six months, we have shared a journey together. It has been a long, hard, scary, stressful journey. Filled with many twists, and turns along the way. But, time, after time, our Father shined. He never left our side, and always met our needs. He brought us through the storm, and placed us safely on the shore. Throughout this time, He taught us how very precious time with each other is, and to enjoy each second given to us. We love one another even more, than we already did. Now, it is time for lovebug to go back to work. Monday, May 24, he goes back to work full time. This will be a new adventure for him, he is not the person that he was the last time he worked there, which was November 2009. But, we know that God is with him, and everything is going to be fine. Time to fly my precious lovebug, I know you can do it. Thank You Father for bringing him to this moment in time, we love You.

Word Filled Wednesday

In Other Words Tuesday

“God whispers to us in our pleasure,
but, He shouts to us in our pain.”

by CS Lewis: Wow, such a great quote, and very true. When life is going well, and we are enjoying much happiness, and many pleasures, we listen out for that sweet, gentle voice of our Father. We daily do devotions, prayer time, seeking Him. We have no problem hearing Him on the mountain top moments of our lives. But, when the bottom drops out of our world, and we go tumbling off of the mountain, and down, down, deep into the valley, things quickly change. We tend to suddenly lose our sight, and our hearing. We turn inward, and become all about us, and our pain, and heartaches. We cry out, saying "Father, where are You?" "Why are You not listening to me?" If we would just move out of the way, take our blinders off, and listen, we would hear our Father shouting at the top of His lungs at us. He has been there the entire time, He never leaves us. Listen people, all the time, not just sometimes.

Me And God

Me and God, what an awesome team. I have His back, and He always has mine. Whenever I am down, He is there to lift me up. Through thick, and thin, He is my dearest friend. When the world walks out on me, He remains by my side. He wipes away my tears, and He takes away all of my fears. He puts a smile upon my face daily, and together, we share much laughter. He is the reason for everything I do, and to Him, I will be forever true. God's team is the winning team, no evil schemes, like on satan's team. So, grab your faith, and your prayers, and come on over to the winning team. Go team God, Go!!

Poem I Wrote

Jesus is the only way, He has the say, in my everyday. When my day is gray, all I have to do is pray. Soon the gray skies depart, and the Sonshine covers my heart. From my life, He takes away all strife, and replaces it with His sweet, sweet peace. As peace floods my soul, satan no longer has control. Go back to hell where you belong satan, for my faith has made me strong. God rules here, and you satan, I will never more fear. God's grace covers me, so satan, you must flee.

A Picture Of You And God

You and I need to see ourselves in a much different way. We have a chance each day to re-discover and re-imagine ourselves, if we take the time to look at God first. He speaks to us softly, gently, and reminds us what our lives are all about. The image He reveals to the world, and to us, is far from the familiar one we most often see.

The snapshot we carry around in our minds is lonely and desolate. We are by ourselves, alone in the middle of nowhere, looking up toward heaven. But the picture God shows us is full and complete; we are safe and secure. He is there with us, protecting us, and showing us which direction to go.

When we glimpse the photograph of God with us, we realize that we are never alone. He is always there, in the struggles, as well as the successes. No matter how lost and deserted we may feel at times, the truth is that there are always two figures in the picture. We can see God standing next to us, even though He is unseen by the rest of the world.

Praising God

Fearless Friday

Hello my dear friends, praying that your day is going well. Today is Fearless Friday, let us join our hearts and minds together in prayer for one another. The needs are great, so many are hurting. Remember those in financial crisis, family crisis, and health crisis. God hears us, and will answer us. Lift your needs to the Father, He wants to lighten your load. I love you all dearly, and God loves you even more.

Award Time

My friend Beth presented this lovely I love your blog award to me. Thanks girl!

I am supposed to list 10 things I love and pass along to 10 bloggers! Here goes: 1)I love my Father in heaven. 2) I love my salvation. 3) I love my lovebug. 4) I love my family. 5) I love all of you. 6) I love strawberries. 7) I love music. 8) I love praise dancing. 9) I love taking bubble baths. 10) I love picnics. Now to pass it on to ten blogging friends. 1) Jacob 2)Renee 3) Andrea 4) Beth 5) Heather 6) Karen 7) Cathy 8) Pia 9) Mary 10) Tasha My dear furry friend Sitka, blessed me with the sunshine award. I would like to give it to all of my readers. Our dear friend Renee, blessed lovebug and I with three lovely awards. Cool blog, blog buddies, and bright spot award. Thanks Renee, we love you bunches.

Thankful Thursday

Good morning precious Father, thank You for a beautiful new day. I love You, and I want the entire world to know that. You are my life, and I am so thankful for that. Everything I am, or ever will be, is due to You. Through the valley, or on the mountain, You never leave me. I praise You, I praise You. It has been such a wonderful week, and my heart is overflowing with love and appreciation for You. Lovebug had an appointment with his neurologist on Tuesday, it went really well. He released lovebug to go back to work fulltime on May 24, praise God. Please pray for him, he is feeling nervous. Yesterday, my dad called and asked me if I wanted to go to Sam's Club with him, of course, I said yes. We had a nice visit, laughing and talking. I love him so very much. I thank God for giving me a relationship with him after all these years. He also blessed my heart by helping lovebug and I out with our bills for this month, a big thank you to both of my Fathers. Everything is going to be just fine, I knew it would be, my Father promised.

Word Filled Wednesday

Sowing With Our Heart

We often go to the Lord asking for help, when we should be asking how we can help. We need to be ever mindful of opportunities to serve, whether it is at home, at the office, down the street, or in our community. God wants to use us, to show His love to the world.

Many times we think we need some special preparation, or purpose in order to do God’s will. What we forget, is that God has already made us ready. We can accomplish the things God has called us to do, because He is working through us. He is always present in the process. We will never reach the point, when we are wholly able by ourselves.

All we need to have is the desire to be used, to want to help in little ways. We must plant the tiny seeds, so that He can reap the great harvest. God will take care of the big things that need to be done, but we must be willing to go out into the field. He will honor and bless all we do in His name, no matter how small or insignificant.

When we sow our hearts for service, God gives us everything we need even before we ask.

Please Pray For Donetta

Please join me in praying for Donetta, she took a bad fall on Friday, and is hurting. Please go by her blog, and leave some prayers and love. I know she would really appreciate it. Here is the email she sent me:
You would just not believe what happened Friday. I am left sprained wrist,elbow, shoulder on the left side...wrist and shoulder not as bad on the right. chest and back strains and torn. knees twisted.
Dove wanted to be a kitten and got under my legs, and held onto and pulled the dress skirts. I tried to step over her, and fell real bad. Thank God no breaks. A lot of pain.
I am not to lift at all for 5 days
so this may be the last typing for a bit.

Happy Mother's Day To My Angel Momma

Forgive For God

It is easy to hold a grudge, but hard to forgive. It is easy to hate, but hard to love. It is easy to be angry, but hard to be patient. God calls us to do what is difficult, not what is always easy. He knows what is good for us, and we need to trust His judgment.

A woman I know has a license plate that spells out the word forgive. Every time I see her car in the parking lot at work, I am reminded of what God says over and over. He commands us to forgive others, no matter what they have done to us. We must do the hard thing, and forgive them.

Even if someone did something that made us lose our job, we must forgive. Even if a person told damaging stories about us, we must forgive. Even if our reputation suffers, we must forgive. Even if an individual takes credit for what we have done, we must forgive.

God does not ask us what we want to do. He tells us. We have no say in the matter, and we do not get to choose our will over God’s. Either we obey Him, or not. It is that simple, even though what we have to do is difficult. If we do not forgive, we are on our own. If we make an effort to forgive, God will be with us, and help us. The sooner we start forgiving, the quicker we will be able to put our anger, hate, and resentment behind us. These things have no place in our life, and they belong in the past.

If you cannot forgive for yourself, at least forgive for God.

Weight Loss Memes

I have a question, does anyone know of any weight loss memes? If so, please share them with me. I want some accountability partners. Once a week, we could have a weigh in, share dieting tips, and exercise tips. Really encourage one another. Anyone interested? Thanks, love you.

Fearless Fridays

Hello my dear friends, how are you today? Are you feeling down, stressed out, overwhelmed? Are you sinking in a pile of unpaid bills? Is the health of a loved one, or yourself, getting worse, not better? Are there relationships in your life that are in real trouble? Are you looking for a new church home, but having no luck finding one? Are you on the edge of totally giving up on everything? Well, if this describes you, stop!! Take a big breath, breathe in God, breathe out the world. Fall down upon your knees, look up toward heaven, and praise Him for your life, trials, and all. Instead of stressing, praise Him. Praise Him with your voice, praise Him with your body. Dance for Him, let Him know how thankful you are for His love, and protection. Pray, pray, and pray again. Also, take your eyes off of yourself, and pray for others. So many are hurting, help carry their load of burdens. It will not only lessen their load, but your own as well. I love you my friends, and pray for you daily.

Thankful Thursday

Word Filled Wednesday

In Other Words Tuesday

Please join Karen this week, she is hosting In Other Words Tuesday. Here is this week's quote: “Prayers arising from my needs, are preparations for future mercies; Help me to honour Thee by believing before I feel, for great is the sin if I make feeling a cause of faith.” From the book, “The Valley of Vision” a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions.: I do not feel like God is going to answer my prayers, I believe He will. He has proven to me over, and over again that He is faithful to answer my prayers, and meet my needs. When I cry out to Him with my needs, He is quick to show me mercy. I choose not to let my feelings rule me, instead I let my belief in my Father God rule my life. Once again, He heard my heart's prayer, and came running to help me. Our May rent is paid, and I praise You Father. No gut feelings here, only true belief. I believe in You, and Your mercies precious Father. Thank You, Thank You. I love You, and that will never change, only grow.

My Blogs

Hello my sweet friends, praying your day will be blessed. I wanted to let you all know, I deleted my other two blogs. I prayed over this decision, and God lead me back to shortybears place. I am going to totally concentrate on this blog once again. I appreciate all of those who were followers of my other two blogs, and pray that you will now follow shortybears place. I love you all very much.

The Wonder Of Prayer

As you pray this week my friends, keep in mind that your Creator says, "Call to Me, and I will answer you." That is the marvel of prayer, not just that we can talk to God, and not just that He talks to us, but that we can have a conversation with this great, and mighty Creator. The Bible is God speaking to us, prayer is our way of speaking to God. We can trust God to hear, answer, and respond to us. God demonstrates His power at work through the wonder of prayer. What do you need to talk to God about? Remember, He is just a prayer away my friend.

I Want To Be His Help Mate

Dear heavenly Father, please hear the cry that is deep within my heart. I feel as though I am letting my husband down. Father, it is not his fault that this nerve disease has been, and continues to disable him, and keeps him from being able to work. He feels as though it is his fault, and hates that he has not been able to support us for months now. Father, he does not need this extra burden upon him, he worries so much about our financial situation. I try in everyway to encourage him, and love on him. I appreciate everything he has done, and continues to do to take care of me. I would not care if we had to live under a bridge, as long as we are together, that is all that matters to me. Father please heal my husband, and encourage him in all ways. I want to be a help to him, not a hindrance. I wish I could find a job, I tried to get SSI, but was denied. I want to support him now, in his time of need. Please show me what to do Father. Thanks for loving us, and being with us. I love You more than words could ever express.

Praise Him