I always have mixed feelings during this time of the year. I feel a touch of sadness that the warm summer months are coming to an end...and at the same time, I feel excitement that a new season is beginning. The leaves change color, the air becomes crisper, the fresh vegetables in season become a bit hardier, and more layers are added in my wardrobe.
My cooking takes on different aspects in these cooler months, too. I tend to focus more on savory dishes and comfort foods. Yes, we still eat plenty of salads and raw veggies, however, oftentimes I will add meat to the salads and more root vegetables to the veggie trays. Unfortunately, I also bake more during this time of year--sweets that should not be consumed very often. Brownies, cakes, pies, cookies...yes, all of them. However, I am trying to use more whole grains in my baking, and having some success.
I tend to spend more time indoors now, too, and this gives me more opportunities to spend in the Word. A passage of scripture has been in my mind quite often here lately, and I thought I'd share it with you...
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
~Isaiah 55:6-11
As some of you know, we have faced a few difficulties here recently. I was laid off from work late in the summer, and have been unable to find a new job yet. Also, my son was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago. However, while these things may look devastating, there is much to praise God for! The bills are paid, and God is continuing to prove Himself to be the Source of all good things in my life. Also, His Word has not returned void in my son. Words of healing have continually been spoken over him since the diagnosis, and when the doctors did their exploratory surgery last week, they found no cancer at all! Hallelujah! Yes, we do serve a mighty God and He continues to bless us in many ways!
I have been working on my newsletter as I find the time, and am hoping to have it out very soon. I hesitate to give a definite time or date, though, but will say I am trying my best to get it out as quickly as possible.
Thank you so much for being faithful and loyal to my blog and my writings. Many of you have walked this journey with me for several years, and many of you are relative newcomers here. I keep all of you in my prayers daily and look forward to hearing about the wonderful things God is doing in your life!
I am going to try to begin posting what I am thankful for each day here as I have been doing on my Facebook profile.
Today I am thankful for....words of encouragement and exhortation from unexpected sources!
Lord please give me the patience to listen, the courage to
speak, the honor to follow, and the wisdom to lead.
Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
~Psalm 22:4
I am always amazed when I think of our country's forefathers. The first settlers from England have always fascinated me...their bravery, their fortitude, their inner drive to move to a new place and start their lives all over again for the sake of freedom--freedom to believe in and worship God, freedom to live the lives they knew they were supposed to live without persecution. How many hearts were broken when they boarded the ships to leave the only home they had ever known? How many women were blindly following the leading of their husbands? How many children didn't truly understand what was going on, but were being obedient to their parents? What was life like on those ships? What was life like when they first stepped on the soil of North America? How many fell to their knees and gave thanksgiving prayers unto God?
How did our nation become the nation it did? Through the suffering, the trials, and tribulations endured by our forefathers. Where did they get their strength? By crying out to God Almighty and asking Him to guide them, sustain them, provide for them, and lead them. And then they allowed Him to do so. That is the key. That is the principle this wonderful United States of America was founded upon. Faith in God, albeit blind faith most of the time, was the element most needed, and our forefathers followed through with that element. They trusted God. How many folks in America are trusting God today? And I do mean truly trusting in Him and Him alone. Trusting Him to lead them in the paths of righteousness, trusting Him to provide for all of their needs, trusting Him for their health, trusting Him to speak to our nations leaders, and then praying our leaders listen to Him.
It is my prayer today and every day that God will once again be Lord of this country and that our leaders will turn to Him in all aspects of their lives. Not just in the decisions made in the Senate or in the White House or in Congress, but in the day-to-day lives they live. What they'll eat that day, what they'll wear, what they'll say, what steps they will take to insure this nation is once again the thriving country it once was. I pray that our unborn babies are once again safe, that our infants and children will not know the horrors of poverty and perversion, that our young adults will forge ahead and become the future leaders and be the godly men and women they were created to be. I pray that once again God will look upon this nation with favor and be pleased with what He sees.
Happy Father's Day! This is such a special day, and I believe that all of us around the world should honor our Dads on this day. My own Daddy isn't here any more (went home to be with the Lord after a prolonged bout with prostate cancer when I was a young girl), but let me tell you a little bit about him...
On a shelf above my monitor here on my desk is a picture of my Daddy. It was taken on Christmas morning, and he's sitting on our old couch eating candy. To me, this picture says so much about him! For one thing, he loved to eat candy (maybe that's where I learned to do the same??). Also, even though its Christmas morning (there are open packages and wrapping paper on the coffee table in front of him), he's already dressed in his dress shirt and slacks (although still in his socks and no shoes). He's watching TV apparently--his focus is aimed right where our old TV sat (the kind that swivelled and had a dot when you turned it on that eventually grew into a picture--we only had 3 stations back then--no cable TV, no remote controls!!!). He looks to be a man of utter peace and contentment--and yes, I do believe he was.
My Daddy came from Virginia--the Hills of Dan. He grew up on a mountain, and learned the Appalachian way of life from birth. This stayed with him all through his life. He loved his biscuits and red eye gravy (you'll find the recipe for that over at Nanna's Kitchen--see sidebar for the link), and I still remember him pouring his coffee from his cup into his saucer to cool down enough for him to drink it (he liked it boiling hot, like my sis does). He was a simple man in many ways, clinging to the simple pleasures and values in life. I don't remember him ever discussing politics, but I'm sure he did--most of his children did, except me.
Daddy was extra special to me, for he adopted me. I was his granddaughter, and when the need arose for someone to take this newest addition to the family, he and Mama (my maternal grandmother) stepped up and took me in. I was quite sick at 2 weeks of age, and they nursed me back to health. Although they had already raised their family (they had 8 children), they were willing to take in a sick infant and make sure she received the care and support needed. When I was 2, they legally adopted me, and I was blessed by this, and continue to be blessed. It brings tears to my eyes, even now, of their sacrifices and hard work just for me.
Daddy was a firm believer in the Bible--and did his best to live by it every day. I remember when he was in the hospital, he took one of my crayons and marked key scriptures for me to learn and live by. I had that old Bible for years until it was destroyed and unsalvageable. However, by then I had learned those verses, and many of the ones I teach about today are those same ones!
Not only did my Daddy instill his knowledge and wisdom of the scriptures in me, he instilled in me a sense of right and wrong, principles in living, morals, and family. He also planted the seeds that grew into my love of Appalachia--telling me many times that I would live in these mountains when I was grown up. He and Mama had moved to Florida due to their health, but it was his dream that his baby girl would live in these hills--and that dream has come to fruition. Many folks have tried to get me to move away from here, and I admit there have been times I've been very tempted, but I still remain, and shall do so until the Lord moves me elsewhere.
This bit of blogging hasn't even begun to touch on the whole man that my Daddy was, but just consists of a few precious memories I have of him. To tell the whole story of him would require an entire book--which may or may not be written someday. But I do pray that some of these few words about this most special man who made such an impact on me will reach out and touch someone this day--with encouragement to stand up and be the Daddy that is needed for their own child. My youngest son grew up without his father, but the lessons I learned from Daddy enabled me to be one to him (yes, I've received many Father's Day cards as well as Mother's Day!). Live your life by setting the example to the younger generations, stand by the principles found in God's Word, live with high morals, and don't allow anyone to lead you astray. As you do this, you will find that you become the best Dad you can be!
arrived yesterday evening....I graduated college (again!)!!! Yes, last night was our 2009 Commencement Exercises and it turned out wonderfully! I do believe I am finally finished with my college education (unless the Lord leads otherwise), and I, for one, am thankful. It was a joyous occasion, and I was glad to share it with one of my dearest friends and her family. My son, as well, was there--working. He was ushering, seating guests, and then led us out in our Processional, guided us onto the stage when we needed to go, and then led us out after it was all over. Afterward, the school provided a lovely Reception on the downtown Plaza, and I enjoyed mingling and talking with everyone.
This day has been a long time coming in many ways. Yes, it took about 33 months for me to get both degrees, which really isn't long. However, it took nearly 30 years after graduating high school for me to get to college! You see, first I got married and raised my family! Now the boys are all grown (and parents themselves), busy in their careers and raising their own families, and Mama is now spending her time enjoying being a grandmother and pursuing my own life. Most importantly, though, I continue to serve our Lord, I continue to be Mom and Nanna, and now am working and adding more areas to my life.
My writing has been "on hold" for the last several months, mainly because so much time and effort has gone into school. I didn't want to sacrifice my time with my grandchildren and my son who lives here, so I did put my writing to the side. Of course, I've enjoyed my time with the children--Allen and Cayla have both played baseball this Spring and that was a delight--and we have been tremendously blessed by our Lord providing a wonderful woman to care for them while I'm at work. She's a Christian treasure, and I give our Lord all praise for sending her our way. But I've gotten off topic here.....
As I sit and reflect back today on my time in school, I've also reflected much on different areas of my life that have led up to this moment. I must say, its been quite a journey! I won't say its been easy, but I will say our Lord has been with me through it all. Our vocalist sang a lovely song last night called Footprints in the Sand (a version I've never heard before), and as I look back, I see so many times when there truly are just one set of footprints in the sands of my life. The many, many times our Lord has carried me through one trial after another, one calamity after another, one sorrow after another. And yet, mixed in with them all have been times of joy, times of peace, and many, many times of refreshing. What an honor it is to serve Him!
I truly don't know what tomorrow brings, and that's just fine with me. I know Who is holding me and guiding me each day of my life, and I know that when God brings me to something, He alone with bring me through it, as well. I know He has much more for me to do--in His timing. I do know I will begin writing again--very soon! I've already begun making notes and such and there is much ahead. I do know I'll also begin sewing again--very soon. I have some quilt designs rolling around in my head waiting to be worked out on graph paper, some new apron designs being finalized, and much more. I do know that I'll once again be able to be more active in church once again--albeit in a new church now. ~sigh~ Sometimes the Lord moves us, and He also moves in mysterious ways. But He knows what lies ahead, and He alone knows the thoughts and plans He has for us.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.~Jeremiah 29:11-13
I'm looking forward to sharing more of my journey here with you and also in my newsletter (which should be out once again very soon). I leave you now with this picture of my youngest (and silliest) son taken with me last evening...
What a true blessing Motherhood is! I remember when I was a young girl, I would play with my baby dolls, and then my Barbie dolls, and then my Dawn dolls, and just be entranced with them. I truly looked forward to the day I would become a Mommy!
Little did I know the true work and sacrifice involved in Motherhood! I never babysat when I was a teen--never took care of any children then. However, the day I gave birth to my eldest son (who turns 30 today--Happy Birthday Christopher!), I entered not only a new chapter in my life, but a whole new realm of womanhood!
I was completely lost--didn't even know how to change a diaper or give an infant a bath. However, my precious Mama was willing to teach me these things and guide me through the next few years as I had one son after another (I have 3 sons). What a blessing she was to me!
Now that I'm a grandmother, I truly understand how she felt, and how much she sacrificed for me and my sons. The prayers that she prayed, the hopes and dreams that she had--yes, I have the same for my sons and their children. Many tears have been shed through the years, many prayers have been uttered, many praises of thanksgiving have gone up to our Father in Heaven for such wondrous miracles. What an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to earn the title of "Mom."
My own Mama, Ethel Marie, and my biological Mother, Mary Ellen, are both gone now. However, the legacy of both of these precious women lives on in me. Their wisdom, their advice, their examples, the knowledge they passed down--yes, they both continue to remain very much alive in my heart and my memories. I am so thankful to God that I was allowed the privilege of having both of them as my Mother. Hallelujah!
To all of the mothers reading this, I pray that you have a most blessed and Happy Mother's Day this year. I offer you my encouragement to keep on keeping on. I know there are many days when you may want to just sit down and cry, many days when all feels hopeless, many times when you feel overwhelmed, many times when you think you just can't go on one more step. However, I promise you it does get better.
All of a sudden, out of the clear blue, your precious (and contrary!) child will wrap his/her arms around your neck and whisper, "I love you, Mom" in your ear. You will hold on to that through the hard times until you're blessed to hear it again. If your child is away from you now (as are 2 of my sons--1 in the war zone, the other in Florida), you will cling to the memories you have. You will say extra prayers for their safety and happiness. You will cling to the promises of God found throughout His Word. This is what we do as Mothers--it is our job, our destiny, our right.
I leave you with these nuggets of wisdom from God's Word:
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. ~Proverbs 31:26-31
It's been a little while since I've blogged...well, 2 months and a few days. Even longer since I've put out my newsletter. Some of you have wondered about where I've been, some have even emailed me to ask. Forgive me, but my only explanation is "busy." Life seems to sort of creep up on me sometimes, and I lose track of the days and hours...sometimes even the weeks that have gone by. No, its not the onset of Alzheimer's--its just a very, very busy lifestyle. I would be totally and completely lost sometimes without my day planner, as well as my computer to let me know what day it is and what I'm supposed to be doing on that day. Scary, yes, organized, yes, comprehensible to others, usually not. However, its just the way it is here.
I am finally in my last quarter of college, and I have to admit, its tough! Don't let anyone ever fool you into thinking Accounting is easy--for anybody. Now, I admit, once I was able to get my brain wrapped around it and comprehend it all as a whole, it became much simpler. However, I have to spend a lot of time working on each new concept being introduced to me--a lot of time. There are days where I literally work on my homework and studying for more than 12-14 hours. This is one of the reasons I "lose" days! I get started and the next thing I know, it's bedtime! That's when I realize I haven't eaten, haven't done anything but schoolwork, and missed any sunshine that may have been outside. I do pick up my grandchildren from the bus 4 days a week, and set the alarm to remind me to do that on those days, and that does give me a bit of a reprieve. (It helps that my son usually calls me to talk--i.e. remind me of what I need to do on those days!)
However, by the 2nd week of June this will all be behind me and hopefully life will become a bit more normal then. I've arranged childcare for my grandchildren once I start working, and will be developing a more workable schedule then, so I should find more time for writing. I'm currently working on a "couple" of books--they're in various stages, but still have a ways to go before being ready for publication. I will most likely offer them online as downloads, and we'll see how that goes before I go into a printing process.
On another note....I have been talking with some folks recently about homeschooling. Now those of you who have read this blog for a while know that homeschooling is something I strongly advocate. However, I do realize that there are many who abuse this right, and it truly bothers me. I've heard of a couple of homeschoolers recently who thought that this choice gave them the prerogative to not educate their children at all, but instead chose to do nothing more than watch soap operas and have their children do the housework. This really bothers me.
Now, don't get me wrong, please. Teaching children responsibility around the home is vital to every child--but so is learning to read and write. Allowing children the freedom to play is a part of homeschooling--and a vital part of the learning process. And every child has a different learning style and method by which he/she learns best (and its usually different for each child in a family, it seems!).
Homeschooling is hard. However, it is well worth the effort and sacrifices made to ensure that your child(ren) receive the special one-on-one attention needed to grow and mature as they learn more and more. Not only will your child learn valuable skills and master many "educational" concepts, but they will learn important life skills necessary in their adult life. You will be able to teach them about God and His Word, and incorporate that into every subject they learn.
There are an abundance of resources available at your local library, and even more available online (The Old Schoolhouse magazine--a link to it is in my sidebar ad--is a wonderful place to begin! I subscribe to it and use it often with my grandchildren as an "extra" to their education). I won't say you can completely homeschool your child for little cost, but there are many frugal ways and lessons available online. You will have to put forth a lot of effort--planning, teaching, and the routine, mundane tasks that many just can't seem to grasp in life in general. It is a major undertaking for everyone involved, but well worth the cost, both in effort and dollars.
You will not find me recommending public school to anyone (although, unfortunately, that is where my own grandchildren go-through no choice of my own--although I do supplement their education when they are here with me). When I meet someone who is choosing to homeschool, I offer an abundance of encouragement and resources and help in every way I can. This is what we all should be doing. There are homeschooling groups in every state that will enable you to make sure you child(ren) have the needed socialization that many are concerned about them having, as well as group field trips, activities, and organized sports.
Now, I will get off of that soapbox for now, and move on to another topic....Spring has finally sprung, and it is very welcome here in Appalachia! I am greatly enjoying the beautiful flowers and trees blooming (although my allergies have decided to try to take over my life for the time being), and have already planted more flowers this year (some petunias, pansies, and salvia). My lettuce is growing quite well, and will be ready for a fresh salad within the next 2 weeks. I've held off on planting any tomatoes just yet--our last frost date is May 15--but I'll probably have them in within the next week or so.
I have actually started the Spring Edition of my newsletter, and while I hope to have it in inboxes in the next week or two, I make no promises at this point. But won't it be a pleasant surprise when you do receive it????
Once again sorrow has come into my life. A dear friend and teacher has passed away. Tony Kessick taught me computer programming, database management, college math, and much, much more. He was a teacher at my college, yes, but became a dear friend and mentor in many areas. I will miss him very much.
Tony was not only a teacher, but a playwright. He had many of his shows performed on Broadway and many other areas. He was quite talented in several fields, and used his talents in extraordinary ways. He was also a member of the American Mensa Society, and his intelligence spoke volumes in many ways.
Tony was a quiet man. He loved to do crosswords and many puzzle games. He enjoyed developing them, too. He had the ability to wrap his mind around nearly anything and find the logic in it.
Tony enjoyed my writing. I was honored each time he mentioned something he'd read here on my blog, in my newsletter, or in one of the many magazine articles I've written. He seemed to always know when something of mine had been published and was eager to read it...and critique it. However, his criticism took the form of encouragement...urging me to write more and more, no matter how much time I had or other tasks that needed done.
Tony was diagnosed with cancer last Fall, first in his lungs, and then a brain tumor was found. The doctors operated to remove the tumor and he began treatments. However, those treatments had to be curtailed earlier this year due to low blood count. I have to admit, he went through much pain and I am glad he is no longer suffering. That may seem a horrid thing to say, but its just the plain truth. After seeing so many suffer through years of treatments and pain, I'm glad his was relatively swift--just a matter of months instead of years. The world has lost a great man this week, but I'm glad I had the honor of being allowed the privilege of coming to know him and learn from him.
As I've sat and mourned today, I've spent much time in the Word. God has been merciful and given me His peace, for which I am grateful. One of the many passages that have offered me comfort this day...
The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah. ~Psalm 24
This week has been a monumental week here in the United States. History has been made with the election of the first African-American President being elected. Had the other candidate, John McCain, been elected, history would also have been made with the election of the first female Vice-President. To sum it up, this was destined to become a history-making election.
I've listened to many comments this week from many areas. Some comments have been positive, others have been negative. This is to be expected. As in all democratic societies, passions and emotions run high during election time. Everyone chooses the candidate they feel is best to be elected, and they will defend that candidate no matter what is said or done.
There is a lot being said about the troubles facing our new President as he prepares to take office in January. Our country is in the midst of an economic crisis, we are at war in 2 separate countries, the threat of terrorism is at a very high level...and the list goes on and on.
However, we have faced times such as these before in the not too distant past. It is really only in the last 30-40 years that our country has settled down to a level of comfort unknown before. How many Presidents have taken office in the midst of war? or with the threat of war hanging over them? How many have taken office during times of economic stress? Most of them, actually.
Think back to the Civil War, the 2 World Wars, the Great Depression, the long battles for women's right to vote, the battle for gender equality, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War...and again, the list goes on and on.
There is a difference between those times of troubles, and our current woes. The difference is in the people. During those times, the people instictively joined together and worked as a team to improve our country. Neighbors helped neighbors, communities banded together to improve their local economy, and the nation's leaders knew they had the backing of the citizens of the United States. Knowing that gave them the courage to make difficult decisions and gave them the confidence to move forward as a united government.
What am I seeing now? I'm seeing a nation that has divided itself into political parties, and the governmental leaders are divided in the same way. Bills and laws aren't being passed because "the other party" suggested them (even though they would benefit the country). Nitpicking is being done along political party lines and this is filtering down to the citizens and creating more fear and anxiety for our country's future.
I won't go into all of the reasons for this division, but there are many. My main focus is what can we do to stop the problem? I do have a couple of ideas.
Quit looking at everyone as a political party. Instead, focus on how you can work with this other person for the good of the country. Learn to lay aside your differences of opinion, and find that common "neutral" ground that you can stand together on. Work from there.
Quit spending money on frivolous things. In other words, if it isn't needed for the welfare of your family, don't buy it! For example, if your washing machine breaks down, try to have it repaired before you just junk it and buy a new one. Or do you really need that new suit or dress? No, probably not. We must learn to distinguish what is a 'necessity' and what is a 'want'.
Learn to say, "No." to your children. They don't have to have the latest gadget, or the hot toy of the year! Your son or daughter will learn the meaning of limitations, and the wisdom of not frivolously throwing away hard-earned money when you do this. You don't have to go into financial details with them, just let them know it isn't in the budget right now. Too often parents try to blame the economy, or blame someone else for their budget woes, when all too often it comes down to common sense not being used by the parents themselves. Your son or daughter won't hate you forever (although they might make you think they will), but instead will learn valuable lessons from you about life principles.
Reach out to others. I know this may sound crazy to some, but when you give, it comes back to you in many ways. Now, that's not the reason to reach out to others, but may help you overcome that fear of letting go of a dollar or two for something besides frivolity.
Simplify your life. This includes everything from your menus/meals to how you spend your free time. Quit eating out all the time--it isn't healthy, it isn't inexpensive, and it really doesn't save you any time (even fast-food isn't fast any more--think of how long you spend standing in line!). Plan your menus--simple food is easier to fix and generally healthier for you. Rent a movie (or borrow one from a friend) instead of spending the prices at the movie theaters. Take a walk in the park instead of walking through the mall (where you'll be bombarded by "sales" and end up spending money you don't need to spend while you're breathing stale air instead of fresh air!).
In other words, use your common sense. Tighten your belts. Close your wallet to unnecessary "stuff." Quit your impulse buying. Spend more time at home with your family and friends.
I leave you with one of my favorite verses today:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ~Romans 8:28
Hugs,
Cynthia Robin
P.S. A final thought--my newsletter hiatus is over and the new issue will be out very soon in your inbox!
...the tragedy that befell our nation on this day 7 years ago, the lives that were lost, the children that were left without parents, the parents that were left without children. We will not forget the tragedy that entered into so many lives on this day. We will not forget the sacrifices of the men and women who have worked so valiantly to restore a semblance of peace to our nation, from the emergency personnel, to the bystanders, to the soldiers who have been fighting ever since to right the wrongs in so many areas.
It wasn't only our nation that was affected on September 11, 2001, it was the entire world. We have seen terrorism at its highest peak since that fateful day, we have seen horrible brutalities against nations around the globe. We have seen lives lost, hearts broken, and destruction step in everywhere.
And yet, through it all, we do not, nor will we ever, forget that the enemy struck right here at home. We will not forget the innocents who are no longer with us in body, but will forever remain in our hearts. We will continue to fight against the wrongs in this world, we will continue to rebuild, we will continue to remember the very principles this country of ours were established upon.
I am reminded of this verse in the book of Job...
And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. ~Job 42:10
No matter how hurt and devastated we have been by the tragedy that befell our nation 7 years ago, we must remember to pray. Always, and without ceasing, we need to pray. We need to pray for the survivors, we need to pray for the leaders of our country, and yes, we need to pray for our enemies. They need to know God as He is--not as many that are blinded by the enemy perceive Him to be. We need to remember who it is that we battle against--who the enemy of this world really is....
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ~Ephesians 6:12
And we need to remember the words of our precious Lord and Saviour...
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. ~Mark 13:6-8
Perhaps we are seeing the beginning of the sorrows our Lord was speaking of. If so, take heart and prepare yourself, for it means our Lord will be coming soon! Don't allow yourself to be dragged into a stage of panic, but instead, turn your eyes and ears to the promises of God that we have in His Word, the Bible.
Our nation is heading into the national elections very soon. This is the time for everyone to stand back and give serious thought to what lies ahead. Don't allow yourself to be caught up in the hype and negativism that is all around you, but instead turn to the Bible and study it. It will give you a clear picture of what is coming, and as you gain the understanding, ask the Lord to lead you in how you should vote in this election. Think about the qualities of the leaders we need, think about the principles our leaders need, think about the devotion to God and our country that is so vital for our leaders to have.
I leave you this day with the words of our President on that terrible day...
“Time is passing.
Yet, for the United States of America,
there will be no forgetting
September the 11th.
We will remember every rescuer
who died in honor.
We will remember every
family that lives in grief.
We will remember the
fire and ash, the last phone
calls, the funerals of the children. "
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001
As we go throughout our day today, let us keep in prayer those who lost loved ones that day, those who have lost loved ones in the war zone, and those who are continuing to fight for the freedom that we need around the world.
This *blog* is a compilation of *Nuggets of Wisdom* I have been blessed to have been taught by the Lord throughout my lifetime. There are child-raising thoughts, relationship thoughts, recipes, craft ideas, and some other goodies thrown in here and there. I pray it is a blessing to all who honor me by reading it.
PLEASE REMEMBER OUR TROOPS
IN YOUR PRAYERS
Soldiers' Prayer List
Jeffrey Ackley, US Army
William Lee, USMC
Matt Mancuso
Matthew Kempfer
JB Hogan, US Army
Kenneth Boyd, US Army
Aaron Mutter, US Army
Ssgt. Leigh Nichols, USAF
PFC Matthew Carty, US Army National Guard
PFC Nicolle Carty, US Army National Guard
Josh Freeman, US Army National Guard
Brandon Willoughby, US Army
David Barnette, US Army
E4 James Owens, Jr., US Army
Steven Solana, US Army
John Robert Greene, USMC
Cory Thornton, USMC
Lucas Elliott, USMC
James Westberry, US Army
