How To Stay Girded Up While In The Wilderness Of Life...

Living Our Days In Simplicity...

So many days are filled with hard things.
They may be little things in the grand scheme of things;
But they make you stop and you have to realign and gird up...

Why are we all having to gird up?
The Word speaks about this very thing.

I believe God is teaching us endurance to overcome!

Trials have a way of helping us to have a tough external reaction to
Trials and troubles.

Kind of like a horse or cow, they barely flinch when the
Flies and mosquitoes land on them to feast from their very hid...

And may I remind you this kind of girding up, does not make one insensitive!
But rather able to discern where to use its energy and strength.

Many longed to live the simple life, but we are always in training.
"To endure to the end"

You all know the diligence that is required to even grow a garden;
You know the strength required to keep a home running smoothly.
You know the importance of keeping your husband's heart filled and encouraged!

Why do these trials just keep on coming for so many, you may be asking?

Sometimes plain and simple it is the enemy of your soul,
Like Erckle use to say---- I am wearing you down Baby---

Or it is our Lord and Savior, training and teaching us in the wilderness;
Or on the backside of the mountain....

We are learning to be flexible and not falling apart when trouble comes knocking.

Sometimes you can answer the knock and see who it is and if it is the enemy
Close the door and tell him, I don't talk to snakes, go away in the name of Jesus.

If it is the sweet Lord Jesus, invite Him in and tell Him your every burden!
Wipe your tears away and begin to do what is required of you!

I choose this day to arise and let my enemies be scattered;
But I will study God's Word
 and I will dust my home and sweep the floors
 and encourage you all to do the same simple things!

We get into our heads and hearts we have to be doing huge things or projects;
But to do what is required of you is a powerful strength!

I choose to look for the simple combinations of things in my life and home.
Making a lovely space of a pretty old blue kettle and a lace tablecloth over an old oak chair
 and a clump of lavender can make a bright spot in any room.
 This is called working with what you have. And making all things lovely!

...I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep
that which I have committed unto him against that day.
2Timothy 1:12 KJV

If you will just quickly respond in trust and faith;
God will bring you to this place of peace;

Your response and attitude  determines how long you stay in the wilderness!

Do you know someone who is just very bitter?
But it is the very choice they have made,,,
There is a fruit that is being grown from your very response of life's wilderness
Experiences and Trials!
Responding well is how we grow and gird up according to God's pattern.

Are you going through a trial?
Well rejoice for you are in training to endure to the end...

How To Really Be In The Winners Circle....

~Lets, play ball, Lets all get in the game, it's not all about just winning~

Two Choices

What would you do? You make the choice.

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities,

 The father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by

 All who attended

 After extolling the school and its Dedicated staff, he offered a question:

When not interfered with by outside influences,

 Everything in nature is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do

 He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play.

 The boy looked around for guidance and said,

 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning..'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt..

 I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart.

 The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

At the top of the ninth inning, 

Shay put on a glove and played in the right field.

 Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate,

 The pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, He moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!

Run to first!'

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second,

 Gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!

Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer.

 He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy,

 And coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

We are all righting little stories that can bring an impact...

A long life is what we hope for, but a life filled with moments

Of real life situations that is what really changes us and the world we live in!

Do you care more about just winning?

Do you just care about always being right?

Sometimes, someone might just have that one day left;

Will we find ourselves helping them make it a good one?

You make the choice...

"Do You really want to hear
  Your Out?"

Why We Must Guide Our Homes And Being Mothers Who Fight The Good Fight...

 

Why My Mother's Love Inspired Me...

A force so strong, yet the world tells us it's just a glob;

Abort...

Abort this ball and chain you will never be free to do as you please.

I can't afford this now...

Pain and sorry surrounds so many pregnancies.

My Mother was placed in an orphanage as a young child,

She was adopted and I am sure it was not easy for her!

But one thing I can be assured of she was going to keep

Every baby that she had...

When we lay down our lives and work and stay strong to keep

our children close and safe it what real love looks like!

Don't be fooled by the words of someone that might tell you

~ I Love You~

Love is a verb and requires action...

Staying the course when all run away or strays from the narrow path.

Being a protective shelter from the elements of this world is so needed!

Laying down your life for your marriage

Laying down your life for children

Laying down your life for truth

Don't lay down like a doormat and allow others to walk all over you;

Rather, take up your mat and walk through the door of your home;

And begin to put things that may be out of order in its rightful place.

We are building a kingdom that will resemble a holy city

~A Holy City Set On A Hill~

Those women that have it really tough;

No husbands, no working skills,

Only a deep down abiding faith that she is worth something

~Not believing the lie that she would never amount to a hill of beans~

Do we as parents do everything right?

(Well, you know the answer to that--- NO)

But if you are doing the best you can do, God will honor that...

Dear Ones, if you are working and struggling to just get by too,

Take care of your children, I applaud you!

From the bottom of my heart...

Don't ever give up...

All the work and sacrifice is worth it!

I know this to be true---

I am here because she kept me and all my siblings

She even mourned those who were never allowed to come to full term.

Here is for June Brides

June Birthdays

June Love

June Flowers

And lastly June Bugs...

We are all just trying to work out all the Bugs in this journey called life.

Thanks For being a good Mother!

~Your Inheritance~

Where we give praise, others are honored!

Mothers And Fathers and Sisters and Brothers...

Family

Are you willing to lay down your life and agenda for those given to you?

Roar Like A Lion And Live Like A Lamb...

 

Roar Like A Lion

I need to have a meek and gentle and quiet spirit...

But at times I can feel a roar coming on!

At times I want to just post sweet little topics and encourage.

Other times I feel that we are just too quiet on things that will

have an eternal impact!

Forgive me if I have offended some of you,
Hard words for hard days;
May Gods Word be your guide;
And His breath cover you!

Praise God for some of you that have been challenged,

Tend to your gardens and enjoy each day,

Do not give up making a difference in our world,

When I was a young woman I would of loved for someone to have

Taken the time and interest to teach me so many things that

Would of make a difference in my life.

Tell me this one thing;

Has there been one thing you have read on this blog made you wiser or stronger

To become a Godly woman;

If you can say yes, then it is all worth it....

Can A Womens Dress Rob God Of His Glory? And Dressing in a Feminine Way...

The dressing down in America is so upsetting in our world today!
So many women look like frumps;
Or we have the other extreme of women who looks so provocative;
You may find yourself wondering is this a brothel
And this is in the church today...
The church has become a place for the world to come in to see if the shoe fits;
Or how far do I have to go to look like a God fearing woman??

Does all this really matter?

YES...

As I walked through a very large airport this last year I was shocked at what I saw!
But I felt more shocked at what I see in our churches today.

I am not a prude and I do like looking fashionable
Both seductive and alluring is not acceptable...
I did a post on why we should not show cleavage awhile back
You can view it here
Cover Your Cleavage

But now I must do another post for the derriere (bottom half)
Tight pants and skirts and dresses that accentuate your plump bottom
Excites men of all ages...
You my dear become a distraction and a source of allowing yourself
~To rob God of HIS Glory~

As a woman we are to give a visual of hiding what is beneath.
This is really what makes you alluring;
We can also look like a Nun in a full habit and still be provocative;
So we have here ourselves a real problem
Can we just cover all the female parts and be void of this problem?
NO...

We seem to have too many women not doing their job;
 of speaking to ladies and girls on how to dress!
  And being an example!
And we have so many who feel they have the right to dress any way they choose.

Okay, maybe we can not stop this trend of dressing like harlots;
But we can still teach and preach and at times confront in love.
But I will warn even if it is done in love they will be mad and offended!

It is like we have lost all sense of womanly features of the term ladylike!

And believe me, those who are lovely and ladylike in their style,

They are like a picture of loveliness... 

We may need help in what is appropriate;

(Don't get all frustrated over this statement)

Ask God, if what you're wearing is okay!

And, I love this one;

I asked my Husband and he said he doesn't care what I wear...
So if he wants you to wear a revealing top in public is this okay?
Or Daise Duke shorts...

Sometimes ladies you could ask your husband if what you're wearing is okay,
But if he has not made a covenant with his eyes and watches P_ R_
He would not be a good choice to use...

To dress more femininely, you should wear flattering clothes that aren't revealing.

 Wear more ladylike clothes such as skirts, dresses, pointed shoes, a cute pair of boots,and scarves,

Wear slacks or jeans that are not too tight!

 A lovely blouse or anything that distinguishes you as a woman and a lady.

 You don't have to look buttoned up, but you can should avoid looking too provocative.

 Wear anything that has feminine features. 

 You can find the look that's best for you. If you really don't look good in skirts, go for something else like a loose flowing slacks with a long tunic type.

If you do wear jeans...

Do not wear the skinny jeans!

 Just avoid the "just rolled out of bed" look. Don't wear baggy sweatshirts,

 Baggy pants, long T-shirts, or anything that completely hides your shape. 

The over large bag look!

Unless you're going to Walmart you would just blend in!

 Whatever you wear, you should look like you've put in an effort

 Anyone should be able to see that you've put some time and effort into putting your look together.

 Accessorizing....

I just love that word!!

 In addition to your clothes and makeup,

 you should spend some time finding the perfect accessories to go with your wardrobe.

 You don't need to get a box full of accessories -- just a few key items

 can help tie your look together and can make you look more feminine.

 Here are some items to consider as you work on your more feminine look:

~Accessories~

A Great purse

A pretty silk scarf

A cute hat (straw for summer)

 Pearl earrings or other gold hoops

A pearl bracelet or Some thin silver bracelets

I love a necklace myself...

 A cute headband or clip works well for some.

 A signature Scent is so very feminine!

If you want to look like a lady, then you have to smell like a lady.

 Consider putting a dab of perfume on your neck

 or rubbing some scented lotion on your hands or arms.

 Remember to only use a light touch you don't want to overwhelm anyone with too-strong perfume.

~Be Graceful~

Being graceful as you walk, and sit!

 Cross your legs at least at the ankle. 

All this is important for where you are and what you're doing. 

When I am on the shooting range, you must move and act appropriately.

 Being graceful is the way you carry yourself in all situations.

~Acting Like a Lady~

Being kind and being confident in who you are in Christ! Looking calm and not anxious.

I remember always being in a hurry, and it showed in my mood and my mannerism.

Why Post A sign That Says No Tresspassing...

 

Welcome

Now this is a really nice thing to see...

We all have signs that might be placed on our doors and welcome mats on the porch..

We have little ornaments in our gardens that all say welcome;

We see these as we might cross a state line that says Welcome...

Mostly we do welcome those that come into our homes or property lines;

But as women that are told in scripture to guide our homes,

We must heed these words;

So we sometimes simultaneously have to have another sign posted

Such as theses;

Can we just open our doors to all?

I think not...

I do not live in fear, but I will say that there seems to me to be an all time high;

Of low life mentality...

They seem a bit off, mental and spiritual understanding that is riddled with

Untruth and trusting them is just not wise!

~I feel like I am called to be a watchman on the wall~

Beware of the lions and tigers and bears, oh my...

But in these days we should beware of the

--------- and ------- and -------- oh my!

YOU fill in the blanks...

We do not live in Wonderland and this is not Disney or the Magical Kingdom.

All these places and open doors are not wise.

And NOT everything  is acceptable or should be permitted!

Trust Me...

Said the Big Bad Wolf

Little Red Riding Hood you sure are looking good!

Why does God give us discernment?

Can anybody answer that?

It is so we can discern between evil and good!

We cannot just go by looks and yet we can also go completely by looks...

That is why we need to discern as things can look one way,

And yet can be completely off...

We must look at the fruit and past history

History always proceeds the future;

I am not saying people cannot change, but I am also reminded where 

The Lord says can a leopard change his spots?

" History will always repeat itself"

Well, not on my watch...

You are Welcomed,
Jesus is always welcome...
 But just remember Beware

 (I am watching you)

As is the Lord...

How A Fence Really Gives Us Freedom...

 

Good Fences

Bad Fences

Old Fences

Fences are in place for many reasons!!

They are what I see as boundaries and are used to keep us safe...

If we did not have these fences we would have cows in the corn;

Horses in the alfalfa fields;

And rabbits in the gardens;

A fence can help to keep things in their own area!

A bad fence is where you build a fence around yourself to

Keep others separate and away from you!

(Isolation)

Old fences are boundaries that were put in place to keep us

and our stuff from being abused or taken advantaged of!

The laws of the land to give us freedom;

Laws to keep us from being overrun from agendas to take our stuff

And poison our minds!

We are not suppose to be run by the government

But rather they are to be a service to us...

We had men long ago that wrote a constitution for the American people

"We The People"

We all want freedom!

But as we all well know it does come with a price...

Some countries have no freedoms and no fences;

To keep themselves safe or to keep the enemy out!

Do you go to bed at night and leave your doors unlocked?

Do you just trust someone because they say they are a Christian?

Will you get in a car with just anyone because they have a driver's license?

(These are all forms of fences we should have in our lives)

We all have God given rights...

But many in places of trust will cross over an established fence.

I do not enjoy hurting other peoples feeling;

But I do not like to feel cornered or coerced into things.

We must all make good choices everyday!

God tells us to lead a quiet life and work with our hands...

Just don't tread on me!

I serve one master and loyal to one king!

Keep your watch dear ones, manage your home!

Keep the fences in good sound repair!

Watch for anyone trying to climb over this fence and does not come through;

"The Door Or Gate"

Freedom is not really free...

Have any of you seen that movie called

"Little Boy"

I loved it!

How To Impact And Improve Your Marriage And The Lily Of The Valley Flowers...

~Lily-Of-The-Valley~

How can such a tiny flower give off such a heady and powerful scent?

They have a lovely tiny bell shaped flowers, it is usually only white in color.
But it can actually be found as a pale pink in color.
 I have never seen the pale pink.

These little tiny bell flowers will fill an entire area and atmosphere
Of a heavenly perfume
And I might add, it is distinctive scent!

These little flowers can make a huge impact;
Just their presence can release a strong and sweet perfume!

How can we as women make a strong and sweet impact,
In our marriages and relationships with others?

By being distinct in our way with our words and our intent of our actions...

We get this silly notion like we have to be perfect and big important in
how we live and our realm of influence has to be large...
That is a big fat lie

Let me tell you this, it is the smallest things that have happened
in my life that have made a huge impact...

When you will take the time to tell your Hubby I love you and smile,
And do a small gesture of showing that he matters; it will make an impact!
Small things done daily or even just once can prepare a fertile ground
 A place that love and humility can increase.

How to improve;
In our hearts and the intent and the real motive should and,
Can be done in small increments, little by little
Can produce a strong sweet perfume...

We have all heard or maybe have said this phrase;
"Well that just plain stinks"

When I leave a room or a place, I dearly hope they are not saying
that about me, even if I might speak a hard word to someone,
If it is done in love,
 I must trust it will still leave a sweet smelling fragrance.

Just because something that might look delicate does not mean it
Cannot make a huge difference.
A truly biblical lady must be a bit like a lily of the valley flower

The Lily flower is a picture of sweetness, purity and humility,
And fruitfulness...

Just remember we can really fool no one;
Husbands and children and even animals can sense if you have a true intent;
To bring safety and kindness to a person
"That is why if your instincts tell you to beware of someone, trust it!!
Even children can sense an evil motive, don't tell your child go give
So and so a hug, when they clearly are not comfortable!
And this is my warning;
This flower might be sweetly scented
But it is highly poisonous...

Some impacts can be dangerous to ourselves and our loved ones.
Sometimes situations can seem that they are about to implode.
God wants us to be gentle as doves but wise as serpents!

We are all called to bloom where we are planted;
The the Lily of the valley blooms supposes to mean;
"Happiness is said to return"

~The symbolism's for this dainty tiny flowers are these~

Marys tears she shed when Jesus was on the cross.
Ladder to heaven.
Jacobs tears.
Also, it is considered a sign of Christ's second coming!

May your days be filled with a sweet smelling aroma;
Small and dainty but powerful...
Love others and look  all around you for those sweet spots,
That are filled with His presence...