Drought Conditions

I'm sorry it has been a while since my last post.
I will try to get back into a routine and post more regularly.

Hasn't this been a hot summer?!  I know many parts of the country are experiencing drought conditions now. I purchased two boxwoods to put in front of the house. My timing wasn't very good as it was a little late in the season. Then the circumstances were against me; searing hot temperatures and no rain. Though I tried to keep watering them, my efforts could not replace what God does to care for His creation. The rains have returned lately. The yard is again green, and growing almost faster than I can keep up with in mowing.

I, personally, have felt rather dry and have been withering inside like the boxwoods I bought. How blessed we are that God always knows what we are going through and will refresh us with His rain.

 

They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain. Job 29:23

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. Deuteronomy 32:2

Today I want to share a story I read as food for thought.

Four Wives

Author Unknown

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.

He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighbouring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."

Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No way!", replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:

Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.

Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.

The grass is always greener...

One day last week, I came home to find a wonderful blessing had come my way.

A couple of Mondays ago, I decided it was time to take advantage of the improvement in the weather and try to tackle the jungle of weeds we commonly refer to as our yard. I went out and did the trimming first.  When I tried to use the riding lawnmower, it wouldn’t even start. I waited over a week for the repairman to come and pick it up and haul it to his shop. He said I was number 37 on his list! My yard was already long overdue for mowing. After another week it looked like the yard of an abandoned place.

Last year it didn’t look nearly as bad. It seems somehow through the fall and winter the yard became inundated with chickweed. I don’t mean patches here and there like you see dandelions. I am talking a field of chickweed. You see, whereas for the last decade or so I had become accustomed to small ‘city’ yards, I am now responsible for a spacious half acre.

This yard has the potential to be one of the nicest in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the owners lived here before and didn’t spend much time caring for it. He removed all but three shrubs from the front beds, leaving them to fill up with weeds that spread to the yard. Weeds don’t look good anytime, but my neighbors take great pride in their yards and have them professionally treated. It pays off too. Though their yards are less than half the size, their lawns are beautiful; lush and thick, and rich dark green. 

                                                                                        

I started thinking about how this relates to our lives. We all have potential. When we get married, there is the potential to have a great marriage. But like the yard it requires attention and work. If we don’t cast the right grass seed and feed the lawn, we won’t have the right grass growing. It won’t stay healthy. If we get busy with other things and ignore it, soon there will be a few random ‘weeds’ creep in. They are hardly even noticeable at first. When the right things aren’t growing, the weeds will fill in. And if we aren’t diligent in handling those problems, before you know it the bad starts overwhelming the good.

We have to tend to our relationships. We need to sow the right seeds; respect, encouragement, positive words, mercy, patience, kindness, gratefulness, graciousness, and peace. And we need to be diligent in pulling up the weeds. Weed out anger, bitterness, jealousy, criticism, sarcasm, complaining, whining, pride, offense, arrogance, disrespect, lust, judgmental attitudes, arguing, and improper speech. Feed your relationships with prayer, unconditional love, forgiveness, appreciation, self-control, and a pleasant, joyful attitude.

Right about now you may be saying, “That’s too hard, I can’t do that!” You’re right; you can’t.  But God!

 "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." Romans 8:11

We have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead living within us!

We are called to be Christ-like. It’s our job to guard our minds and words, our attitudes. The Bible says to cast down wrong or bad thoughts every day.  Out of your thoughts, come the issues of your life. Take control of your thoughts. You can’t live by your own thoughts. We must strive to have the mind of Christ; to keep and maintain a loving, forgiving, merciful heart, and to do good to others.

Then we won’t have crabgrass or chickweed in our lawn of life. It will be beautiful, healthy and lush.

 

 

And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.      Ephesians 4:32

Speaking of being helpful and kind…

I came home last Tuesday, to find my yard had been mowed by one of my neighbors. What a wonderful blessing I received from an elderly neighbor who not only mowed the jungle, but brought another neighbor to repair the lawnmower for me. Jesus’ attitude of being loving, kind, and doing good was demonstrated through these two men.

I’m thinking I should  bake and deliver a couple of pies...but first I need to buy some Weed and Feed .

                    

    

Trish, it's for you....

So,  I was talking with my son on the phone tonight...           

We were talking about what God is doing in my life lately. I was telling him how I had been preparing a Bible study, and then heard four different sermons that confirmed what I was getting in my study. I mentioned how much more information the Holy Spirit was giving me, than I could even use for this study, so I was writing it down to save for another one. Then I thought, "Another one?! God, what are you doing?!"

We also talked about my feeling that God may be calling me into some form of ministry. I 've been wondering if it is just me, or if He really is wanting me to, about my situation and wondering how it would be possible. Naturally, I have prayed about it. In fact, I asked God for confirmation, if it was indeed what He wanted, and not just me. Well, just after I said this, our call got disconnected.

So I walked into the living room and did something unusual, for me; I decided to turn on the television.  I usually only turn it on for Joyce Meyer or when the children and I pick a movie to watch. I walked out of the room to get my glasses and when I returned, I sat down to watch. There was a well-known, respected, pastor speaking.

He said, "When God plants something in your heart, He has a reason for it. If you'll take the first step, in whatever He plants in your heart, God will lead you to the second step and He will provide every single thing you need."

"Whenever you take the first step in something God wants you to do, He will give you the second step. He has a blessing in mind."

Then he was talking about God calling people and how they respond, "Oh no, no, no! He would never call me. And they say, "When God first began to speak to me, I said, "Well, that couldn't be me. I have three children...I'm this, I'm that..." And God said, "Uh uhm, I'm calling you.""

My mouth dropped open, and my eyes misted at how incredible my God is!

I turned off the television to do devotions with the kids. I picked up the first book and I couldn't believe it. My son's devotion was about preparing our hearts and attitudes for speaking for God.

"OK," I said smiling, "I get it!"

I finished that one, and picked up the girls devotional to read. It was about fulfilling promises you make to accomplish something, even if it takes a while; you won't start doing, if you don't dare to dream. It ended with a prayer, "Let me never hesitate to make grand and glorious plans that serve Your kingdom."

You know, sometimes you just have to laugh.

I Don't Live There Anymore!

Many who know me will find this shocking, but I just feel so joyful! I feel positive, encouraged, free, and so full of anticipation and expectancy!
I know what you're thinking.

No, I didn't win any money.(though I wouldn't turn it down)
I didn't wake up in a particularly good mood. 
I didn't hear any good news.
I slept fitfully and I'm tired.
No, actually I feel tight and am coughing from chest congestion.
No, little elves did not come in and do all the housework.(see note for #1)

This joy doesn't come from 'something', but Someone. As the children's song we used to sing says,"I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!" This was an 'inside job'. I am a different person now.

I was never known as a positive person. On the contrary, in the past, I spent a great deal of my time as a very negative, critical, angry, bitter, insecure, rejected person.It breaks my heart to think of the damage done to my relationships and the time lost out of my life. I thank God that He didn't give up on me! He lifted me out of that prison of misery and changed my heart.

As I've heard Joyce Meyer say, "I am not where I need to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be either!"

I am loved by God.

I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.

I am forgiven for everything, everything I have ever done or didn't do.

I am free from condemnation.

I am a new creation.

I am God's workmanship; a work of great love.

I have direct access to the Father and may approach Him with freedom and confidence.

I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances

I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.

I am a minister of reconciliation for God.

I am growing, I can be strong, I am faithful, I have God's power, I am not alone, I am not in want, I have hope, I have peace, I am set free, I am victorious, and I am promised a full life.

I receive teaching and guidance.

I have prayer partners.

I am being used in ministry.

I am a part of a loving, caring, hungry-for-God church.

I have seven children.

I have 6 grandchildren.

I live in a lovely, comfortable house in a beautiful area.

I have Godly friends.

....  How can I not feel joyful and praise Him? !

                        

 

 

"Sound the trumpet..."

Usually, most little girls love their daddies. I am no exception. My father, though human with faults, was a wonderful man. I have always been very proud of him. He lived as a man of integrity, hard work, loyalty, and dedicated to excellence.

My sons expressed thoughts of my dad, their 'Pappy', as he was known to many, as well as anyone could.

From David, as posted on his blog:

"February the 6th at 6:25pm my Pappy went home. He is walking with Jesus and will never worry about another pacemaker replacement. I just wanted to tell you a tad bit about him...

Kenneth Dennison was born March 23^rd, 1926, inside what is now Mammoth Cave National Park. He was adopted, and raised in poverty. He collected ginseng in the park and trapped foxes for money so his family could buy clothes. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade to work in a labor camp, and later passed his GED after only a years worth of study. He served in World War II, held the line at the Battle of the Bulge, rescued his brother from a POW camp, provided for two orphans, and returned a hero. Stateside he married, raised a family, while caring for his brother; reorganized and revolutionized the Job Corps program, made several presentations in Washington, DC to the labor department, was placed over inspections and problem solving for all the Job Corps; he even had a senator on speed dial. Kenneth Dennison was a church deacon, elder, teacher, camp speaker, and a mighty fine singer. The man's life reads like a movie; yet none of his many accomplishments compare to one thing. While his given name was Kenneth Dennison, to most of us he was known simply as 'Pappy'; he is my Pappy, and my hero.

A simple, unwavering, and powerful love for God, his family, a job well done, and all of those around him, make up the hallmark of Pappy's life and that is what he will be remembered for. Somehow, with all the greatness in his life, Pappy was a simple family man, full of integrity and an undeniable love for God.

That is my Pappy."

Kenneth Dennison 1926-2012

My oldest son, Jon, rewrote a poem to reflect his grandfather:

"For many years

This man has stood the watch.

In his country's hour of need

A soldier stood the watch.

In his Father's heavenly call

a man of God stood the watch.

In good times and bad

And sometimes to our consternation

Still my Grandfather stood the watch.

Today we are here to say

Kenneth Dennison, you've been father,

grandfather, soldier, man of God,

and now it's time,

The watch stands relieved,

Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and loved.

Pappy, you are relieved...

We have the watch.

Angels in heaven, sound the trumpet...

A soldier's watch is done,

And my Pappy is coming home."

Enter your rest, and the joy of eternity in the glory and presence of your Lord and King! 

I love you, Daddy.

"When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!"

I've had a makeover...

I hope when people look at me they wonder what is different. You see, I have had a makeover. I am different!

Alcohol, Drugs, Sex, Spending money, Eating, Dieting, Makeovers, Facelifts, Botox, Liposuction, Enhancements, Anti-depressants, Parties, Traveling...

People try many different things to fill voids, bandage wounds and heal hurts, change themselves and their lives in some way. But most of it is usually superficial and unlasting.

I have thought of many of these at one time or other in the past; wanting to change myself and what was wrong with my life, and like many others, looking in the wrong places.

We all face sorrow and deep disappointment at some point in or lives. We may look in many places for relief. But Jesus is the answer for our heartache and despair. Harry Lauder, the great Scottish comedian, receiving word that his son had been killed, said, "In times like this, there are three courses open to man; He may give way to despair and become bitter. He may endeavor to drown his sorrow in drink or in a life of wickedness. Or he may turn to God."

I know what it is like, to have everything and everyone that you have depended on for the foundation of your strength and happiness, taken away cruelly in less than one year's time. My parents, my husband, and consequently, my mother-in-law, all removed from my life. I felt totally abandoned. My children tried to be there for me, but it wasn't their job to support me, but my job to be a support for them. They too had lost and were suffering. I was floundering around in a vast sea of desolation and pain; unable to swim and drowning. My immediate response was despair and bitterness.

BUT GOD!!! 

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for drawing me and speaking to me. Thank you, Lord that you didn't give up on me and abandoned me like others have.

God is so good and merciful, loving and compassionate. He sees us in our turmoil and feels our pain. Like the loving Father He is, He doesn't listen to the venomous words we spew out in anger, but He looks at our brokenness. And though we are to blame for the places we find ourselves, He tenderly takes our hand and says,

"Don't be afraid. I am here with you. Your trust and dependency has been misplaced. Just trust me and lean on me. I will never abandon you. I will walk with you, and wrap you in my mighty arms of comfort and protection.I will bind up your brokenness and heal you. I see your tears, and each one is a prayer from your heart that I have heard and recorded. I am a jealous God; I will not share the place of honor, devotion, and love in your heart. Look to me, depend on me, honor and love me first. I will take care of everything else. I am your strength, your refuge, your comfort, your counselor, your Father, and your husband. Run into my arms!"

How can anyone not love a Savior like this? How could I turn anywhere else? Where else could I find the transformation I wanted, and the help and hope I needed?

Yes, people may look at me and think I look basically the same; but I have had a makeover. I am no longer the same person I was. My heart is different. My life is different. My focus is different. I pray He will continue to change my heart, teach me, guide me, and lead me on the path to the destiny He has for me.

Thank you, Lord, for the work you are doing in my life, my heart, and in the hearts of those I pray for. Continue to change me and teach me and fill me with your love until I am transformed into someone like You.

I felt I should back up a little, since I left out the last 5 months. The children and I moved the first of September. I was worried about how they would adjust, and about us being alone, I needn't have. When will I learn; if you are following God's plan for you then it will be alright?

The move itself was not a good experience. The movers lost or broke a good portion of our things, of course the most expensive things. One daughter lost her entire wardrobe. All of the accessories to their video gaming system and all their games were lost. A box containing all of my jewelry and some of my daughters' was also 'lost' in transition. To top it off we lived in a totally empty house for a week before they managed to deliver what was left of our things. But enough complaining.

The place God allowed us to rent (from pics on the Internet) is wonderful. It isn't large by any means. It is smaller, but so cozy and homey feeling. The location is out a little from town, but in a pleasant neighborhood, and the half-acre yard is very nice. The air is fresh and you can see the stars in the night sky. It is peaceful and comforting and like medicine for my soul. My city girl was a little freaked by the country, at first. She couldn't believe there was so much space without people. Happily, after being here a few weeks she started coming around. In fact, she came in one night after a spending the afternoon and evening on a farm back off to itself, declaring that we should live somewhere like that!

The kids love their new schools and feel like the people are friendlier here. Which of course, I think they are. For the most part people here are just good, down-to-earth people and relatively accepting. Quite the change from some places we have lived.


We made our first church visit the second week we were here. The plan was to check out different churches and decide where we liked and felt the most comfortable. Then we would chose from those options. Well, that was the plan anyway. We walked into church that morning and into something different than we had ever experienced. This church had been praying for two years for a move of God. He showed up. They were in their 13th week of revival at that time. It went on for another 6 weeks. 
I asked the kids about visiting another church the next week. They unanimously agreed they didn't want to go somewhere else, they wanted to stay there. Obviously, we stayed. Three months later we joined the church.


I truly believe it was God's plan for us to come here when we did, live where we are living, and for us to go to that church during the revival. We have had peace here. I am making friends at church and getting involved there. I am growing so much spiritually, and I know there is more to come. I am full of anticipation and expectancy.

 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans for good, not for harm; plans for hope and a future."