A Resting Place

SUMMER SKIES 2011

2011-09-05T13:02:00.001-05:00

The summer of 2011 has been relaxing and eventful. Spent time knitting and sewing. Only had a few very hot days. Which suited me. Kept up with the swimming, but not as many days. Kept working on the weight loss goal. So far 56.5 lbs have vanished. YAY. Still have a few more to go before the goal is reached.
June was busy with sewing numbers on Jerseys.
July held a visit from my niece, my 60th birthday, and visited with a distant in-law
Aug. was very busy with jerseys and My girl came home from Ont. for two weeks. :))) We went see "Wicked" and then we had the opportunity to the Blue Man Group. My son is friends with one of the guys in the band so we meet after the show for a meal and a great visit.
We celebrated my daughters 25 birthday. had a family BQ, All in all it was a great summer.

A DAY ON THE WEB and ANNOYING PHONE CALLS

2011-07-22T17:54:00.000-05:00

Spent the day editing my website, that seems to take me so long. At the same time there were a few annoying phone calls offering everything from complete debt reduction to special Walmart offers, (which buy the way is the first for me). Each of which I politely refused. Only to get a little annoyed when the next call came. I should know better than to answer unknown numbers.
But I will keep smiling :)

2011-06-10T10:01:00.001-05:00

A Fun Day

2011-05-22T20:26:00.000-05:00

First went church with family. Did a little sewing, went swimming for an hour and a half :)). Swam in the big pool. That was great. Even though I will be 60 this year I feel like a kid. Then to top that I bought a smaller bathing suit. I give all The Praise to My Lord Jesus for the continuing strength he gives.

NOT IMPRESSED

2011-05-19T15:27:00.003-05:00

Today, I am not impressed with Canada Post.

A Creative Day

2011-05-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

Today is a day for sewing something other than numbers on Jerseys. For finishing up some dolls fashions, some knitting, reading, relaxing, and maybe some new creative projects.

A New Look

2011-05-16T13:03:00.000-05:00

Thought it was time to change the look of my blog. I may change again. Been working on losing some extra pounds as well, so far 30 lbs have gone. yeah

NOVEMBER

2010-11-10T15:19:00.000-06:00

REMEMBER

On Vaction

2010-09-04T15:53:00.001-05:00

New Toys are fun.

2010-08-01T11:22:00.003-05:00

For the past few days I have been playing with my new iPod touch.I guess you could say it is my birthday gift to myself.

Update

2010-07-26T16:27:00.002-05:00

Well the last time I posted on there I said, " I hoped to post more often here than last year, but I find my mind is often blank for things to say, and I Never was one for many words, so to find some to put here is a stretch."
Well I can say for sure, my mind has not been blank all this time, LOL. Just been busy. I have been very busy sewing and saving for an up coming trip in September. Watch for info on where I am going.

A NEW YEAR

2010-01-02T13:40:00.001-06:00

Glad for another year, wondering what it will hold for us. I hope to post more often here than last year, but I find my mind is often blank for things to say. Never was one for many words, so to find some to put here is a stretch. But we will see what can be done. **Happy New Year to All**

Us and Neil

2009-04-21T19:27:00.006-05:00

US WITH NEIL YOUNG

We had the great opportunity to attend Neil concert in Saskatoon, after which we had and even great opportunity to meet Neil and his wife Peggy.

Neil is my mother's cousin. We have wanted to meet and greet him for a long time. This was wonderful. The concert was awesome but even better was the time we spent talking to him. A very gracious man. All the best to you Neil and thank you.

Link to a past post

OBSTACLES AND RESPONSIBILITY

2008-08-05T10:32:00.006-05:00

HAVE NOT READ TO MUCH IN THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL,
SO I THOUGHT IT WAS TIME TO READ IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH.
BEEN READING IN THE NEW LIVING TRANSLATION ( GREAT VERSION).,,

SO I AM READING ALONG AND THEN THERE IS THIS VERSE THAT JUMPS OFF THE PAGE.
IT IS AMAZING TO ME HOW READING A DIFFERENT TRANSLATION CAN GIVE A CLEARER UNDERSTANDING.

ANYWAY CHAPTER 3 VERSE 20- 22 SAYS THIS.

"IF RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE TURN AWAY FROM THEIR RIGHTEOUS BEHAVIOR AND IGNORE THE OBSTACLES I HAVE PUT IN THEIR WAY, THEY WILL DIE. AND IF YOU DO NOT WARN THEM, THEY WILL DIE IN THEIR SINS...
Also checked the meaning of righteous ( free from sin or guilt) ( moral, virtuous,) are just a couple of the words used to describe the meaning

DOES THERE SEEM TO BE OBSTACLES IN YOUR LIFE?
HAVE YOU CHANGE YOUR RIGHTEOUS BEHAVIOR?

DON'T IGNORE THE OBSTACLES.
GOD PUTS THEM THERE TO GET OUR ATTENTION.

OUR WE OUR BROTHERS KEEPER? I THINK SO.

THERE IS SO MUCH IN THIS LITTLE VERSE.
I AM NEEDING TO MEDITATED ON IT FOR A WHILE.

My Nieces Wedding

2008-07-07T21:22:00.004-05:00

Ariann Chamber is becoming Ariann Turner

The Wedding Party

Mother and Father of the Bride
Bride and Sister

Loging In

2008-04-29T10:44:00.002-05:00

OK, so I guess I should post a little more often. it took me 10 mins. To get into my dashboard.
Have a great day everyone.

Thoughts

2007-11-11T17:42:00.003-06:00

We have to look past, the black eyed makeup, black lipstick, painted white faces and into the heart of the young folks who are involved in the Goth fashions. Some of these young people name the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior.

We have to be careful not to put them in the mold we think they should fit, because it is God who works in us. In fact we should be careful not put anyone in a mold of our own making.

My New Grandson

2007-10-05T18:17:00.000-05:00

LINDEN EDWARD
welcome to the world
Congratulation to you Crystal and Rob.
A hard Job Well done.
Blessing to you and your new little One

This little man is a just a few minutes old in these pictures.

LINDEN EDWARD

This make Number Nine

ONE MORE PICTURE ON UNCLE NATHANS SITE

NOTHING TO SAY REALLY

2007-09-18T10:06:00.000-05:00

NOT MUCH TO SAY THESE DAYS.
THOUGH I SHOULD AT LEAST CHANGE THE LOOK AND ADD SOMETHING HERE.
HAVE BEEN BUSY WITH THE SAME THINGS. MY LIFE IS FULL OF WORKING,
SEWING,
WORKING,
SLEEPING,
AND WORKING SOME MORE.

WHEN I AM NOT WORKING, I AM SEWING AT SOMETHING. WATCHING A MOVIE, VISITING WITH FAMILY, OR RUNNING MY DOG UP AND DOWN STAIRS SO HE CAN GO OUT SIDE.

SOON TO BE A GRANDMOTHER. THIS WILL BE NUMBER EIGHT. MY OLDEST DAUGHTER IS EXCEPTING HER FIRST CHILD. THIS IS VERY EXCITING.
WELL THAT IS ALL FOR NOW.

DEFINITION OF A BLOG

2007-07-12T09:14:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

2007-06-20T12:03:00.000-05:00

For those who Deal with Anger, Rage, and Wrath

Listened to It' s a New day this morning.
The guess was very good.
Her topic was praise and worship and things that hinder us from really Praising and Worship God. There were many things mentioned, but the one which struck the most,
was when anger and rage were spoken about.
I guess the reason it struck me was, I have seen so many people,
who are so angry,
and have been for so long,
they do not even know why there angry.
They have forgotten what they are angry about,
or they know, and do not want to deal with it,
or how to deal with it.
There anger has turn to bitterness and it rub off.

It is OK to be angry, but when we do not deal with our angry, before we go to sleep at night we become bitter.

We are instructed not to let the sun go down on our anger.
This guest says, today we are encouraged to vent our anger, to get rid of it.
That is good, but God is the only one that can deal with our angry.
He is big enough and knows us better than anyone else.
We need to go to him to "vent or tell him" our angry,
even if we are angry at God,
He 's big enough to handle our angry and believe it or not, his desire is to heal us.

Believe me it works, when I am angry I go to God and tell him I am angry.

The thing that really stuck me was this guest comment on rage.
Here goes,

Rage is a result of having been challenged
with the truth that you did not want to hear.

There is some thing to think about.

WHAT'S NEW

2007-06-09T11:25:00.000-05:00

What is new?
Well:
Joined FaceBook and got into a food fight LOL.

Work lots, sew lots, and Sleep lots (according to what Bette is doing now on face Book) LOL

Signed up to take an at home computer programing course, so I guess I would be sleeping as much. LOL

Saw my brother from Taiwan.

Going to hear him speak on Sunday.

All in all life is great,
and
I am blessed

ANOTHER TEST

2007-04-25T12:46:00.000-05:00

Thank you Ariann. I now know who I am "LOL"

Which L.M. Montgomery Heroine are You?

TEST

2007-04-14T12:05:00.000-05:00

OK, So I was doing the next blog thing today and came across the little test.
I can really say I do not know everything, but, it is good, I remember what I do read.
Try it and see how you do!
Have fun

You know the Bible 100%!

Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic!

Ultimate Bible Quiz
Create MySpace Quizzes

SURPRISES

2007-02-27T09:16:00.000-06:00

Well it has been an interesting week.
First, I thought about purchasing a new computer desk.
Second, I found out the my son had lined up a newer computer for me. So my thinking about a new computer desk became the real thing.
So, I spent Sat. putting it together and setting up my new computer.
Then I reformatted my old one and pasted it on to my daughter.

I work at Fabricland and Sunday as was getting ready for work when they called me and said the store would be closed until further notice.
Some driver decided to drive their car right into the store.
I do not mean just into the front window, but right into the store.

Picture this, Our pattern cabinets our in the middle of the store. This driver enter the store on angel leaping over 1 foot brick wall, smashed thought the 25 foot long front window, took out all the bolts of fleece, most of our new spring collection, some of our cottons, missed the cutting table and the cash register and smashed into the pattern cabinets, pushing then about 2 feet.
If that was not enough, he tried to drive back out, taking out the door on his way out.

Sorry I do not have any pictures to post. Hope fully I can get a couple to post here in the next day or two.

Here are the pictures

So it has been and interesting week so far.

RENOVATIONS

2006-11-24T09:54:00.000-06:00

Well it has been a while since I have posted. So I guess I should put something here. Life has been interesting these past few months. I have been busy working at Fabricland and in my spare time I have been sewing at home.
This past week we have been renovating the bathroom in my suite as well as changing the suites entrance. My whole suit looks like a construction site. Insulation, lumber, sheet rock, plumbing , electrical wires and every other thing you can think of is scattered every where.
However, I will say it will be snazzy as my daughter -in laws says when it is all done.
Here are some photos

THINGS I LIKE , DISLIKE and LOVE

2006-05-21T09:55:00.000-05:00

Have been giving some thoughts to things I like and dislike, now that I have no more children living at home [ except my family up stairs].

WHAT I LOVE THE MOST
*********
MY LORD AND SAVIOR
MY CHILDREN
MY GRANDCHILDREN
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS
PEOPLE
GATHERING TO WORSHIP

THESE CAN NEVER BE REPLACED
*********

SOME THINGS I LIKE

SEWING DOLL CLOTHES, AND QUILTS
FABRICS
SHINY CLEAR GLASS
THINGS THAT ARE ROUND OR OVAL
FAIRY'S FIGURINES
CANDLES
A GOOD BOOK OR MOVIE
MUSIC
DRUMS, VIOLIN, SAXOPHONE
THINGS YOU CAN SEE THROUGH
BLUE AND GREEN
RAIN AND SNOW
SPRING
PANSY'S, LILAC'S, DAFFODILS, ROSES
DOING LAUNDRY
PURSES
TECHICAL GADGETS
****************************************
DISLIKES

DIRTY CUTLERY ALL OVER THE COUNTER
UNSTACKED DIRTY DISHES
CROOKED PICTURES ON THE WALL
WIND
WASHING FLOORS
DISHES IN GENERAL
DISORGANIZATION IN GENERAL
THINGS THAT DON'T WORK WHEN YOU NEED THEM TO
BEING OUTSIDE ON A HOT DAY
SPIDERS. MOSQUITOES, MOTHS
******************
I AM SURE I COULD ADD TO BOTH THESE LIST
THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT MAKE ME, ME

IT'S MOVING DAY "YIPPIE"

2006-04-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

"HURRAY" Ready to Launch
You know the commercial where the last child leaves home and the parents are making plan for the now extra available space. Well that's me. My youngest is flying the coop today. 20 years is long enough. Don't get me wrong, I Love all me children very much and when each one left home for the first time this Mother was sad/happy. The same is true today.
She is not going to the other side of the world yet, just the other side of Town.
I' am happy for her and I wish her the best.

A SUMMARIZED TESTIMONY

2006-02-28T08:25:00.000-06:00

As long as I can remember, as far back 7 or so, I believed there was God. He was the great creator of everything I saw, my self included. He was up there watching over me and taking care of me. If this great God could create so many beautiful things I knew he must some how love me. I even talked to him and with all that was in me I wanted to get to know him. But had no clue how to.

As I entered my early teen years, I struggled with insecurity and was very, very shy. At the same time due to a variety of circumstances with my family, I became a runaway at 14. I decided I did not want to live at home any more, and as a result, my life now belonged to the government, supposedly until I was 21.
During this troubled time in my life, on the surface my desire to know God faded, but deep with-in I still cried out to Him for help. Little did I know that He was working, not only in my life but my families as well.
During my 16th year my Mom began to hear the good news about Jesus, and even though she had not surrendered her life to Him she began to ask God to bring me home. At 16 and a half I came home, and for 6 months Mom , shared and read all the things she had been reading, about God and Jesus, and the Bible.We were living across the street from CBC (Canadian Bible College) in Regina, and the Students covenanted together for our salvation.

As I listened and heard with my heart to all the things my Mom shared, I heard God speaking, about how I was born a sinner with a sinful nature, and if I die in this state I would be separated from Him forever. He spoke about how he loved me, and how he sent his Son Jesus, and shed his own Blood for me so I might be forgiven of my sins and live with him forever. Faith arose in my heart and answers to long asked questions were being answered. I believed all he spoke to me and acknowledge my sinful state, and received His forgiveness and became a follower, I became an adopted Daughter of God. Both My Mom and I came into the Kingdomofo God at the same time. God place us in a strong Bible based church and began to teach us. It was during this time I made Jesus, King and Lord of my Life.

God forgave my sin through Jesus Christ his Son. Jesus took away all my confusion and became very near to me. He gave me a peace, that cannot be explained, deep with-in, which has never left. He has give deep understanding of his Word and has filled me with the Holy Spirit. Peace and Rest came in and all the confusion in my life came to a sudden halted, and I knew I was loved.
Growth has come with time, through trials, mistake, and much more. I am daily being sanctified as I surrender to my Lord and King. Jesus.

Some think once you become a follower of Christ life is easy and things are perfect. Well, how do you grow, mature and build character if you have no hardships?
We are still human and make wrong choices, but God is faithful, and His mercy and grace are abundant and he will never stop working in my life.
The enemy still roars around me with feelings of insecurity, because he is aliarr and sometimes, I give into to lies only to have The Holy Spirit remind me to whom I belong.

My greatest desire to is to be a vessel use of God to shine the light of Jesus to the lost and bring Glory to my Father God.

For all those who are wanting to take this step of faith, do not wait.

God says; Today is the day of Salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

??What Santa Forgot??

2006-01-04T11:06:00.000-06:00

As the Christmas Season came and went and a New Year started, I heard varies advertisements, inviting folks to their store to pick up "what Santa Forgot".

My daughter and I ventured in to the local Wal-mart on Boxing day, not because we wanted to, but because my daughter needed to pick up an specific item. "I know why I do not go shopping on Boxing day!"

There were so many people, you had to stand in line and wait, just to get the thing you came to buy.

Anyway through all of this, while waiting, I began to think about the phrase "what Santa forgot", along with a quote I had read a few days earlier, which was still resonating in my soul.

I wondered, could it be, all these folks were here hoping to go home with the possession or possessions that "Santa Forgot", and this item would finally satisfy the need in their hearts. If that is the case how sad we are.

Along our journey in this life we find "things" which we think will bring happiness and satisfaction, only to find, after we attain them they lose their intrigue and the novelty wears off, so we go searching for the next newest item. Maybe this one will be the one.

Pondering this, I was reminded again of the passage I read a few days after Christmas from and 2003 addition of our Daily Bread. It spoke volumes to my heart about real happiness.

I am not one to give heed to a New Years resolution, but it is my desire this year 2006 and in the years to come, to allow God to work the truths below deep in my heart.

________________________________________________

From Our Daily Bread Dec. 29, 2003

Everyone is looking for happiness, and people follow many avenues trying to find it. They look for it in money, parties, self-improvement programs, fancy cars, luxurious homes, or promoting a cause.

That's the wrong list. The right one is found in Matthew 5. Jesus taught us that deep and lasting happiness comes from being right with God. He said we are blessed, or happy, when we are:

Poor in spiritÃ—recognizing our desperate need for God.
MourningÃ—realizing the awfulness of sin and being genuinely sorry for it.
MeekÃ—demonstrating self-control, even when we are mistreated.
Hungry and thirsty for righteousnessÃ—longing to be holy and pure.
MercifulÃ—showing mercy to others, just as God shows mercy to us.
Pure in heartÃ—being singleminded and sincere in our devotion to Christ.
PeacemakersÃ—sharing the peace Christ offers, and promoting peace with one another.
PersecutedÃ—being willing to suffer for Jesus' sake.

Looking for happiness? Follow Jesus' way. Ã—Dave Branon

Happy are they who love the Lord,
Whose hearts have Christ confessed,
Who by His cross have found their life,
Beneath His yoke their rest. Ã—Bridges

___________________________________________________

WWJG

2005-10-29T15:33:00.000-05:00

WHERE WOULD JESUS GO
Where do you think Jesus would go if he were to visit your town?

I went to Sarcan to today to do the recycling thing. It was the first time I had been there when it was packed full of people. We live four blocks from Sarcan. I packed up the van with all the cardboard, tin cans, milk cartons and of course all the pop bottles and tins, and headed out, around 12:30. I thought I would stop at Sarcan first, but you could hardly get in the door there were so many people. So I went over to the other place and got rid of all the cardboard and such and came back only to find it was still just a busy. I thought I should just go home a come another day. Then I thought I would just stand in line and wait.

It was interesting to me how many different nationalities of people were there. Native, Oriental, Black and White. Here we all were in the same noisy, smelly, place.
Some folks were from the rich class but most were poor. Young and old. People looking to cash in there bottles for a variety of reasons.
One little old lady with an eye missing kept asking people if she could have their bottles so she could get money to buy liquor. She kept saying she was dry.

The Man and his son ahead of me, whom I had seen walking as I drove to recycle, had two full shopping carts with garbage bags hanging from every corner, said he could not give his bottles to her because he was saving to fix his truck. He was short of stature and thin and as I watched him unload his bottles I noticed he was disabled a bit. He did not seem to have the use of both hands and he walk with a limp like one who may have have polloi at one time. You could tell by his look he had had a hard life, but there was still a softness about him as he talked with his son and those around him.

From the time I arrived at Sarcan and left, a whole hour had past. It was not until I stood next in line to unload my bottles, that I began to think this would be one place Jesus would come to. A place were some people were looking for a way to buy the next fix or meal or cash to fix a truck or a varieties of other reasons.
I am glad I decided to stand in line a wait. It is in waiting that we learn the most and grow. In this world of instant this and that it is hard for us to wait watch and learn. God love people so much.

Lions, Bears, Knights and Pirate's

2005-10-26T19:55:00.000-05:00

grandkids2
Originally uploaded by blynnb.

Getting Ready

A NEW VENTURE

2005-08-08T16:17:00.000-05:00

New Ideas to keep one Busy
It has been a while since I have been here. Been busy, partly, and did not have a lot to say.
In the works these day is a new prospect. A friend of mine and I are going to try a little buisness. We are calling ourselves, THE CUSTOM HOMEMAKERS. We will do things like cater small dinner parties, cater make ahead meals, frozen entre's ect., for those who are busy and do not have time to cook. Help those who are feeling over whelmed and need help with some home organzation. We will do sewing and crafts, make Jams and Perserves, Homemade Salsa's, Salad Dressing, Dips, baking and what ever else we can think of. We will also take in some craft fairs. Hopefully we will be-able to leave some nuggets of wisdom for homemaking tips.
So, that is what has kept me busy this past few days as well as the everyday things of keeping my own house in order.

CONVERSATIONS about Praying To Be Enlightened

2005-07-04T00:38:00.000-05:00

Ever had a conversation with someone and wondered after the fack if you said to much or if your message was convade correctly. Had very interesting conversation with a loved one and wondererd this. Upon setting out for bedtime I found this little devotion in my inbox which express what my heart was trying to share with my friend.
Pray To Be Enlightened or "My Title" [Seeing with the Eyes of our Hearts]

EPHESIANS 1:18 NIV
18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

There is much we don't know.

In fact, the most spiritual among us has only glimpsed a part
of God's plan. The Apostle Paul said that he only "knew in
part."

So, with the Apostle Paul we should pray that "the eyes of our
heart may be enlightened." For ourselves, and for others, too.

If study alone was the answer, those who have studied the Bible
the most would have the most faith, and would be doing the most
exploits in God's name. Often, the opposite is true.

Thank God for scholarship, but that is not the total answer.

The Bible is a living message given by a living Author.
Fellowship with God and illumination from Him are necessary for
full understanding from the Bible.

Our prayer needs to be that of the Psalmist.

PSALM 119:18 NKJ
18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.

You may have wondered why you see some things clearly in the
Bible that your friends or loved ones seem blinded to.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:4 NIV
4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so
that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of
Christ, who is the image of God.

The answer is that, somehow, our hearts and minds need opened
or illuminated by God. This is a reason, and a way, to pray for
your unsaved loved ones.

ACTS 16:14 NIV
14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia . . . The
Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.

SAY THIS: Lord, open my eyes and give me understanding of all
that you have for me to know.

THE GOD OF PEACE

2005-06-28T08:09:00.000-05:00

I LIKE THESE LIITLE DEVOTIONS THAT COME TO MY MAIL BOX
THE GOD OF PEACE

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NKJ
16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in
every way. The Lord be with you all.

Several times the Bible refers to God as the God of peace. But
as English readers we miss the full meaning.

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament
of the Bible was written in Greek. All English Bibles are
translations.

The Greek word translated peace is eirene (i-ray'-nay), which
corresponds with the Hebrew word translated peace, shalom
(shaw-lome').

If you study extensively, both in the Hebrew and the Greek, you
will find that these words translated peace have a rich meaning
-- far more than just an absence of conflict.

The primary thought is one of wholeness -- lacking nothing.
When nothing is missing you have peace. There is no anxiety
because all is well.

This is the idea meant to be communicated by the term "God of
peace" or the "peace of God." It includes health and prosperity
as well as the normal English meaning of absence of conflict.

Romans 15:33 NKJ
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

SAY THIS: The God of wholeness, health, and prosperity is with
me -- to help me.

Canada�s Evangelical movement: political awakening

2005-06-16T07:29:00.000-05:00

This morning on CBC News
CLick below to read

CBC News Indepth: Evangelism

SCOTT YOUNG a Relative 1918 - 2005

2005-06-15T07:50:00.002-05:00

scott_young_hr_en
Originally uploaded by blynnb.

Scott Young was a member of our family. It is sad to see him go.
His father (Uncle Percy to me) and my grandfather were brother. I remember meeting Uncle Percy a long time ago.
I guess, if I have this figured this out right, that would make Scott and my Mom first cousins. Somewhere along the line I am related to Neil Young. I think second cousin removed or something like that. After cousins it's hard to keep things in order.

I remember meeting Scott at a family reunion we had in the late 80's at Cypress River. Actually it was Cypress Rivers Centennial. My Mom was so excited for us to meet him.

We sat around and enjoyed listen to him talk about his life and his family. It was great to to meet him.

OK, here's the relational connection for all those in my family. Maybe we can keep it straight now me included.

My great great Grandfather James Hume Young had my Grandfather William Gould Young and my Uncle Percy Young.

William Young: had my Mother along with a few other children
Percy Young: had Scott Young and a few other children, Neil Young begin one
This makes Scott and my Mother 1st cousins.

Of course Mom had me and Scott had Neil, so I guess Neil and I are cousins also. I find this all very confusing. Just when I have it figured out. I find I do not. The bottom line is we are Family.

To read More about Scott click Here

FAMILY DAY AT THE PARK IN PICTURES

2005-05-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

The First Community Church

2005-05-14T12:31:00.000-05:00

And everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done among the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. (Acts 2:43-44)

The birth of the first community of Christ in Jerusalem is too seldom taken seriously. The miraculous account of the disciples speaking in tongues is too strange for most people. The nature of the communal way of life of the early Christian Church is no longer understood. And because both these decisive features of the early Church are looked upon with skepticism, it is often impossible to portray this most important experience except in watered-down terms and concepts.

No one person or group could have made the first Church. No heights of oratory, no flaming enthusiasm, could have awakened for Christ the thousands who were moved at the time, or produced the life-unity of the early Church. The Spirit did not, as you might think, descend upon the speakers in such a way that they preached a sermon or gave a speech to an unenlightened crowd. Instead, fiery tongues of the Spirit ate their way into the hearts of the hearers and inflamed the crowd in one common experience of the same Spirit and the same Christ.

The deepest mystery of the early Church lies in the very presence of the risen Christ himself, who makes his dwelling in each person’s heart and reveals the power of his presence in the midst of his Church. The open tomb proves that God rules because at the first Pentecost, from the one who had died and risen again, the life of the Spirit broke in as the coming of the kingdom. The Crucified One had risen—that was the proclamation at Pentecost. God had wakened him from the dead and made him the Messiah and king of the coming kingdom. It was in the strength of this proclamation that the early Church immersed itself.

When the murderers of Jesus stood before the Spirit of the living Christ they were confronted with absolute truthfulness. Their first response surged from deep within their hearts: “What shall we do?” As a result, there came about a complete transformation of people’s inner being, a reshaping of their lives, which was the very change of heart and conduct that John the Baptist had proclaimed. He had seen it as the first requirement for the great revolution to come, the turning upside down of everything. Personal rebirth could not be separated from this total transformation in Christ.

For this reason, what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount was actually fulfilled in the early Church, as were indeed all his words. Fellowship in his Word meant life-creating and life-shaping power. It meant the fellowship of being truly bound together in prayer and in the breaking of bread, of becoming a genuine community, embracing the whole of life. Christ came to gather his people, and thus when the Spirit descended, “All who had come to this faith remained together and had everything in common, and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:44-45). After this common experience of the Spirit, which surged up from within, there could be no question of any rules and regulations; the simple truth was that the early Church was one heart and one soul.

What did the first believers experience? They experienced the kingdom of God—the revolution of all things and the revaluation of all values. They experienced the complete changing of all conditions and all possibilities, the switching of all relationships in business, state, society, and everywhere. A completely different scale of values took effect, quite different from all other values that had existed so far. God became the highest value; he reigned and revealed himself. Christ replaced the other sovereignties; he swept away the power of lying, of impurity, and of murder, and instead of them the peace of God took hold. This was the expectation and experience of the original Church-community.

The Pentecost of the first Church-community was nothing else than the witnessing power of the Spirit of the future, sent ahead. The Church-community of Christ was nothing else than a renewed birth of Christ, a renewed incarnation of the eternal Word. This incarnation continues. It does not take place in some kind of a symbolic ritual in a church service. Rather, the whole of life becomes a symbol and a ritual, so that the whole of life becomes a representation, an incarnation of the Word. The incarnation of the Spirit in Church-community corresponds to the character of the final kingdom.

In Jesus’ resurrected presence, the invisible kingdom of God has become visible reality. The word has taken shape, love has become real. Jesus showed what love meant. His word and life proved that love knows no bounds. Love halts at no barrier. It can never be silenced, no matter what circumstances make it seem impossible to practice it. Nothing is impossible for the faith that springs from the fire of love. For this reason, the call of Jesus does not stop at property.

When the Spirit was given by the risen One he overturned everything and set it on fire. Then the disciples were able to become a life-sharing community, and only then did their love overflow. They were all on fire with the same burning love, which drew them irresistibly and for always together. Love had become in them a “holy must.” Just as Jesus had always wanted to gather his nearest friends and pupils, whom we call disciples, so the Spirit drew the early Christians radically to one another. Together they felt compelled to live the life of Jesus, and together, in complete community, they experienced the powers of the Future.

Only in this way could isolation and its ice-cold existence be overcome. Communal life with its white-hot love began. In its heat, property was melted away to the very foundations. The icy substructures of age-old glaciers melt before God’s sun. All ownership feeds on stifling self-interest. When deadly selfishness is killed by love, and only then, ownership and all that separates comes to an end. This is how it was in the early church. This is how it still can be: Under the influence of the Spirit, community is born, where people do not think in terms of “mine” and “thine.”

This kind of love overlooks no need or suffering. In such a life-sharing community no one suffers a lack of clothing, food, or any other necessity of life. Those who want to keep goods and valuables for themselves in spite of the need around them must do violence to their own hearts. God’s heart is never limited in its sphere of action. Those who held their goods in common at Jerusalem thus gave generous hospitality to thousands of pilgrims. Through the outpouring of the Spirit, they were able to care wisely for many, for very many, with the slenderest means.

The Pentecostal spring of the first Christian church contrasts sharply with the icy rigidity of our Christianity today. Everyone senses that at that time a fresher wind blew and purer water flowed, a stronger power and a more fiery warmth ruled than today among those of us who call ourselves Christians. We all know that in spite of the different churches, the community life of faith and love represented by the early church is almost completely absent today.

What has Christianity in general lost? What was the all-important event that took place in Jerusalem? The word of Jesus, and even more, his life and deeds from the manger to the cross, were really alive and present in that first circle of the Christ-movement. This community of faith and community of life in the first love was marked by the risen Christ—the Christ who had said, “I am with you always.” Everything depends on seeing the mystery of the risen Christ as unconditional love. There is only one thing that knows no conditions: that is love. There is only one Absolute: that is God’s rulership. There is only one direct way: that is the experience of God’s love in Jesus Christ. In Christ, his love is put into practice.

Excerpted from Innerland: A Guide into the Heart of the Gospel and from two talks (EAE 20/10, EAE 230).

FOR ALL MOTHERS

2005-05-04T07:50:00.000-05:00

"HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY"

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Pray Without Ceasing

2005-04-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

The words "pray without ceasing" are not to be understood in the way we usually think of prayer. For this would mean that we should incessantly be on our knees before God, addressing him with prayerful words. Then the statement would be in direct contradiction to the Lord's command not to use many words when we pray.

This simply cannot be applied to the way we usually pray. For "pray without ceasing " is too strong an expression to be translated by words like "pray frequently and diligently" or "pray as often as you possibly can."

"Without ceasing" implies something more…It can only be understood as the turning of the human spirit toward God in prayer.

Here one can say that what should be present without ceasing is a prayerful and beseeching, supplicating attitude; one might say that there should not be a single moment when God does not find us praying to him as if we stood physically in his presence.

“There is a different kind of prayer without ceasing; it is longing. Whatever you may be doing, if you long for the day of everlasting rest, do not cease praying. If you do not wish to cease praying, then do not cease your longing. Your persistent longing is your persistent voice. When love grows cold, the heart grows silent. Burning love is the outcry of the heart! If you are filled with longing all the time, you will keep crying out, and if your love perseveres, your cry will be heard without fail.”

Augustine

David expresses this same thing: "To thee I lift up my eyes, O thou who art enthroned in the heavens" (Ps.123:1). Here also, he compares this raising of the eyes to the Lord our God with the way servants watch the hands of their masters and maids the hands of their mistresses, without a word being said.

This looking upward can be present in every activity and wherever we are, even in the midst of conversation, and even when our mind is occupied with the practical task of the moment. If we undertake or perform a task which separates us from God and prevents us from raising our eyes to him, we can easily lose our bearings.

Only think of the many wrong emotions - so much anger, rage, vanity, envy, pride, greediness, touchiness, as well as unnecessary worry - which would not be there if our souls were directed toward God instead of being concerned with all these things.

Indeed, there is no other rule which costs so little and needs so little effort, but which has such a significant effect on a person's nature; "pray without ceasing!" is to be understood in the sense of good advice rather than as a veto.

How much protection and safekeeping, how much deliverance from the snares of darkness, how much redemption and response to our need could we experience as a matter of course, with no exertion on our part, if we were to stand before the Lord in prayer in every situation…

From “Questions of Faith," 20

See all articles by:
| Johann Christoph Blumhardt

Visit the author's website at:
www.blumhardts.com

Rent Veils, Broken Vessels and Light, Communion

2005-04-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

Ministry and Fellowship

2005-04-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

Mentoring

2005-04-25T09:50:00.000-05:00

New Friends

2005-04-25T09:15:00.000-05:00

Authority , Faith and Unity

2005-04-11T11:29:00.000-05:00

My Journal Notes
What a title yeah! Well I have been mulling this over in my thoughts since our church service yesterday. Our pastor has been teaching on Authority or rather being one who is "under" authority. We think the one "in" authority has the power to laud it over others.
When one hears the word authority we assume a order of rank or rule, like from the boss to the worker,or, from the government or law enforcement to the common person. These are good, used in there rightful place. We see this order or rule when it come to the church setting,(pastor and deacons rule over the people.) but that is not the way it should be.
The message I have been hearing is one of authority but I would like to put another word to it also "unity" even though the word used is authority. Yesterday our pastor made reference to the idea that as people we want everything to be on a flat plain with no real authority, "except our own," (I added that part but I think it fits) then he said, but when Jesus comes he is coming as King and Lord. "That speak to me of authority don't you think". If we are believer and have made him Lord we are "one under authority," or we should be, but it seem to me that is as far as it goes. We think because we now name Jesus as our King and Lord we do not have to come, live, and be under authority any more, but, I see it that we need to under authority more than ever.
Pastor says, that God is still a God of order yesterday today and forever and he has set things in order and he has a order to the way thing are to be done.
Pastor shared that even King David learned this when the Ark fell off the cart and a man died when he touched it. David became angry at God but not because of the man's death but because he wanted to bring the ark into the city and God stopped him because he was not doing it the right way. David then read the Word of God and found out the way God wanted it carried and who was to carry it. He had the priests and levities prepare themselves and then proceeded to bring the ark into the city.

The Pastor also made reference to the story of the Roman centurion, in Luke, who's "servant" was ill, and who himself said he was one under authority, and who also gave orders to others. The Centurion understood Jesus was under authority and Jesus said he has never seen such faith in all Israel. So I think there is a great deal about authority we do not understand.

Back to the story of David and God stopping the Ark from entering the city until it was done right. For along time Pray has gone up to heaven for the move of God in our land and it seems to be thwarted or slowed or even stopped. We have prayed so long for the unity in the Body of Christ, maybe we need to put things in the right order and allow the right kind of authority to be put in place. An authority that takes responsibility for it action and humbles itself and does not laud it over others.

Why do we have such difficulty with authority may, I be brave enough to say I think it is pride and we want to be in control, our attuide is "know body is going to tell me how to live my life or what to do."

I want to be one under authority, not because I want to be rule over, but because I want to bring my life under God's authority and have his Blessing and his hand on my life. I want to be covered by Him. "Extend the borders of your mantel over me Lord" When we do thing the way God wants it just work better and there is peace and faith arises.
If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land

What is a Disciple

2005-04-04T07:05:00.000-05:00

Exerpts from Waking The Dead by John Eldredge

. . . . A friend of mine recently handed me a program from a large and successful church in the midwest. It's rather an exemplary model of what the idea had fallen to. Their plan for discipleship involes, first, becoming a member of this particualar church. Then they encourage you to take a course on doctrine. Be "faithful" in attending the Sunday morning service and a small group fellowship. Complete a special course on Christian growth. Live a life that demonstrates clear evidence of spiritual growth. Complete a class on evangelism. Consistently look for opportunities to evangelize. Complete a course on finances, one on marriage, and another on parenting (provided that you are married or a parent). Complete a leadership training course, a hermeneutics course, a course on spiritual gifts, and another on biblical counseling. Participate in missions. Carry a significant local church ministry " load."
You're probably surprised that I would question this sort of program; most churches are trying to get their folks to complete something like this, in one way or another. No doubt a great deal of helpful information is passes on. My goodness, you could earn a MBA with less effort. But let me ask you: A program like this-- does it teach a person how to apply the principles, or how to walk with God? They are not the same thing. Change the content and any cult could do this. I mean Gandhi was a remarkable man; so was Laotzu, Confucius, or Thomas Jefferson. They had principles for a better life. But only Christianity can teach you to walk with God.
We forfeit that birthright when we take folks through a program whereby they master any number of Christian precepts and miss the most important thing of all, the very thing for which we were created: intimacy with God. There are, after all, those troubling words Jesus spoke to those who were doing all the "right" things: " Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you'" (Matt 7:23). Knowing God. That's the point.
You might recall the old proverb: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." The same holds true here. Teach a man a rule and you help him solve a problem; teach a man to walk with God and you help him solve the rest of his life.. . . . .
Only by walking with God can we hope to find the path that leads to life. That is what it means to be a disciple. After all -- aren't we "followers of Christ"? Then by all means, lets actually follow him. Not ideas about him, Not just his principles. Him.

A Question

2005-04-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

Martin Buber

“Where is the dwelling of God?” This was the question with which the Rabbi of Kotzk surprised a number of learned men who happened to be visiting him. They laughed at him: “What a thing to ask! Is not the whole world full of his glory?” Then he answered his own question: “God dwells wherever people let him in.”

Like what you read , read more hear.
And wherever people let him in, there is redemption...

Source: "The Way of Man"

Random Thoughts

2005-04-02T20:36:00.000-06:00

Ever feel like the whole world is mad at you and you can't do anything right. Well that has been me the past couple of days. Not sure why I feel this way yet. I will give it to my Lord and ask him for help. What do you do when you feel like the world is against you? Any way on to something more cheery. Even when one goes through hard times there is still some sunshine.

I love Spring snow melting, mud, ect., well that part of Spring I can't say I like to much. Birds singing, gets light earlier, warm sunshine, no winter coats, the thoughts of flowers growing, tree buds opening, it is a time for a fresh start. Maybe I will focus on these things instead.

Crystal, Rob and Josie

2005-03-29T10:33:00.000-06:00

Crystal, Rob and Josie
Originally uploaded by blynnb.

A suprise visit. It was great to have thier company for Easter supper, and to hear Crystal play.

DISAPPOINTED

2005-03-26T19:45:00.000-06:00

Well that's the way I feel today. For sometime now I have been trying to get a home business of some kind going. I love to sew clothes for dolls and make all kinds of other craft things. About three years ago I discovered a form of art called OOAK "one of a kind". It is very cool. You completely redo a doll, usually a fashion doll. Take all the factory paint off, repaint, restyle the hair and redress them. Some people just repaint and then sale them. Other just make clothes and sale them. So I thought I would really like to do this. I have always loved to make clothes for fashion dolls. When my girls were little I made lots of outfits. Being a seamstress/artist I thought I could do this. I would love to do the repainting but my eyes are not as good as they once were. Any way most of this information I discovered was through checking thing out on E-bay and doing a lot of surfing the web.
I watched as people sold on e-bay and what they went for, and thought I could do this. So after buying a few dolls and making the outfits for them. I started to list them. Well it not as easy as it looks and disappointing to find all your time an creativity seems to be for nothing. Anyway I just had to vent a little, sorry.

A BLOGGING I WILL GO

2005-03-24T19:19:00.000-06:00

Spent the better part of my day working on line trying to update my web page. Added a couple more pages and did some editing. It is interesting to me that "one little tiny character" can be so hard to find. Anyway I thought I should blog for a little while I was here.
Today is the first day of the Easter Break and also Parent teacher interviews at my grandchildren school. So I watched the kids while Mom and Dad went to the School. I remember my days of Parent teacher interviews. They were not so long ago. Mom and dad say they are doing good.
Well I have nothing more to say now, except, I hope you all have a "HAPPY EASTER"

food blog

2005-03-22T07:44:00.000-06:00

If you like to cook Here is a great blog I ran across. Hope you have fun.

Lending A helping Hand

2005-03-12T19:16:00.000-06:00

My other son and his family "Stephen and Colleen" purchased a Computer this past week. They have now joined the computer age and are online. So I had the wonderful opportunity to pass on some computer knowledge I acquired from my Eldest son "Nathan"
Be sure to Check out their blogs and leave a comment.
For your information My daughter- in- law will soon be going in for a Liver Transplant, so some words of encouragement are greatly needed for both of them. A date has not been set yet, all the details are just being put into place. I maybe sometime before they hear anything.

Your Words Are Important

2005-03-05T09:55:00.000-06:00

This was in my mail box today. I think it is true, we do need to
to be more care about things we say.
The little saying that go's like this,
"Sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me"
is such and unturth.

Your Words Are Important

MATTHEW 12:36-37 NIV
36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day
of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words
you will be condemned."

Few people realize the importance of the words they speak.

There is almost no way to overemphasize the importance of what
we say. Yet most people give it almost no thought -- usually
speaking without even thinking.

Jesus came from Heaven and revealed to us that words are
important. Very important. The Bible has much to say on this
subject. We ignore it at our own peril.

You may not be familiar with what the Bible says about the
importance of words, but if you knew only the verse above,
Matthew 12:36-37, that should be enough to convince you. Your
judgment will be determined by the words you have spoken.

Certainly, this is not a negative message. When we understand
the importance and power of words, we can use them for good.
The Bible says death and life are in the power of the tongue
(Proverbs 18:21). Just as fire can cause great destruction,
tamed and controlled it can be a great blessing to us. So it is
with words. Life is in the power of the tongue. That means life
is controlled by words.

I repeat: life is controlled by words. Words release authority.
Words determine the course of events. Words matter.

What should you do about this?

First, you need to study what the Bible says about words. Jesus
said if you continue in His Word you would know the truth and
the truth would make you free (John 8:31-32).

Also, you need to ask the Lord to teach you and help you to
speak correctly -- because we must have God's help to tame our
tongue.

SAY THIS: Lord, please teach me and help me to speak the right
words.
From A Bible Devotion

Looking for Something Good to Read

2005-03-01T06:53:00.000-06:00

It is wonderful there are so many talented writer's who can give expression to ones heart.
A while back I was introduced to this great site.
There are many nuggets of truth here check it out for your self and have fun

Does Christianity Kill or Cure?

2005-02-24T09:59:00.000-06:00

This was in my inbox today so I thought I would pass it along.

It is hard to overestimate the divisions of the world right now. Even as the myth of unity-through-consumption is pumped out by our media monitors, the armies of one side confront the suicide bombers of another.

Across the globe many religionists portray tsunami as the judgement of an angry God against human waywardness. Others, of all faiths and none, see it as a tragic cry for compassion and justice.

In the USA one side elevates the nation’s aspirations into an almost sacred ideal, while the opposing side denounces its ambitions as dangerous and wrong.

Christians, to name but one segment of warring humanity, are split apart by violence, by wealth (or lack of it), by relations with those of other faiths, by sex, by politics, by culture, by the way they read the Bible, and by who and what they believe in.

When the events, resources and texts that are supposed to unite people merely reveal their apparent irreconcilability, is searching for commonality amidst radical difference a hopeless, abstract ideal? Can our divisions be healed? What hope conversation in place of cacophony?
Read more here.
Reprinted from www.bruderhof.com.

"SOMETIMES" a poem by me

2005-02-18T21:05:00.000-06:00

Well today has been house cleaning day. Mostly sorting out papers and junk While sorting things out I found this poem I had written a few years back, so, I thought I would put it here so I would not forget where it was. Here goes.

Sometimes
Sometimes I feel like a little child, insecure and afraid,
In need of some tender care and strength to meet the day.
So I go to my Father, who is always there and rest my weary heart.
He sheds His light within my soul, and new life begins to spark
In His tender loves embrace, a steadfast strength appears,
To reasure my childish heart and vanish all my fears.

Sometimes I feel a hurt so strong. that brings a need to cry.
From deep within my soul I long to know the reason why.
Then a voice so gentle says,"One day I cried for you,
Will you, for a moment, let me share the burden you bare?
Then freely yielding my heart and soul to the Spirit's call
I surrender the burden that is in need of being deeply shared.

Sometimes I feel I am in-between, unsure of which way to go,
Should I go up this hill or through that valley low.
When all I 've tried seems to have failed, I hear His voice again..
He speaks of strength and courage and His light to lead the way.
" I 've been this way, He says along this dusty trail,
So put your hand in mine, I'll lead ore hill and dale."

Sometimes I feel I rule the world and no one stands in my way,
So self -assured of my own way, I am blind to the fall ahead.
When my way seems hard to find and I fall and fail again.
From deep within my heart His voice speak soft and clear.
He speaks with great authority, so I quite myself to hear.
Realizing all the while, It is He who should rule my world.
...by me, Bette...1984

Been Having Fun

2005-02-16T11:26:00.000-06:00

Check out my newly renovated Web Page.
This is what I have been doing for the past few days.
There are a couple more things I want to do yet, but it is a start. and a learning procces
HOUSE OF OOAK DOLLS & STITCHES

2005-02-14T11:42:00.000-06:00

HAPPY
VALENTINE'S
DAY
TO ALL!

Nonviolence

2005-02-13T08:40:00.000-06:00

The Person in Your Path

André Trocmé

People tend to think of nonviolence as a choice between using force and doing nothing. But the real choice takes place at another level. Nonviolence is less a matter of "not killing" and more a matter of showing compassion, of saving and redeeming, of being a healing community. One can only choose between doing good to the person placed in one's path, or to do him evil. To do good is to love a person; but not to do that is as good as killing him. To love someone is to restore that person physically, socially, and spiritually. To neglect and postpone this restoration is already to kill.
Source: "Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution"

Letter from Thailand

2005-02-09T06:12:00.000-06:00

My Brother and his Family were in this region of Thailand for 2 years so I found this article very moving. I think we need not forget that there is still tragety and devastation going on. We may not be able to help in a physical way but we can help by remembering to offer prayers for those in need and for those you are there to help.

Phuket, February 8, 2005 by
Johann Christoph Arnold

I was drinking my coffee on the morning of December 26 when news of an undersea earthquake near Sumatra hit the news. The death toll was set at a few thousand and counting, but I sensed immediately that here was something from God that was a judgment on the whole world, and I called this to the attention of my family and congregation. Soon horror stories from twelve affected nations were filling the headlines, and we were asking ourselves what we could do to help out. Amazingly, doors opened within days, and we were soon in touch with Thai officials, first in New York and then in Thailand itself.

“Christianity has all too often meant withdrawal and the unwillingness to share the common suffering of man. But the world has risen in protest against such piety… The care of another - even material, bodily care - is spiritual in essence. Bread for myself is a material question; bread for my neighbor is a spiritual one.”

Jacques Maritain

Now, six weeks later, a group of us are here in Phuket. It is one of the worst-hit regions of the country, with nine thousand dead or missing. Of course, there are no exact figures; as I write, some three thousand corpses are being held for identification in semi trailers near our hotel.

The Thai we’ve met so far have opened their hearts and doors to us and pleaded for help in any form we can give it, such as sponsoring orphan children and helping to pay for their monthly upkeep. Our church is planning to do this for twenty children—a small token that will alleviate only a tiny fraction of the tremendous suffering we have seen here, but at least something. At the request of the Thai government, we are also sending a couple to teach English in one of the many makeshift schools here still reeling from the loss of teachers and students.

(We observed something interesting, by the way, at a meeting with the governor of Phuket. A representative from Switzerland attending the same event was promising his Thai audience the world, presumably in the form of monetary aid. The governor’s response? “Thank you, but we need commitment. We need teachers. We need people here.”)

People here need to talk; they want to share their personal stories. We visited a fishing village where eight hundred orphans from the surrounding area are being housed. The village was essentially wiped out: there used to be fifty families, and now only seven are left. It’s the same in countless other places. At one point we passed twenty-seven kilometers of complete destruction. The annihilation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the atom bombs could not have been more devastating. Everything and everyone is gone.

We have met forensic experts whose gruesome task of identifying bodies—by now almost completely decomposed—has left them so devastated they could hardly talk. Officials tell us the real statistics will never be known. (Apparently the situation in Indonesia is even worse; there, they are still digging out the dead.)

The tsunami’s effects on the economy are devastating. One of the first evenings we were here, we were taken to a rather posh restaurant, and treated to a beautiful dinner. The place was next to one of the biggest shopping areas in Phuket and used to serve three thousand people every evening. The night we were there, there were only thirty customers, half of whom belonged to our delegation.

Apart from tourism, Phuket depends heavily on fishing, but those who are left are afraid to go out to sea to continue their livelihood. First, there are aftershocks almost daily, some measuring up to more than 7.0 on the Richter scale, so many people are still panicky and on edge. Second, they fear the fish will have eaten the bodies of those who drowned. (Officials tell us that this is not the case; there are no sharks here, and the other ocean fish are not carnivorous.)

We hear again and again of the amazing selflessness of the Thai people. In the wake of the tsunami, they have treated foreign visitors better than their own citizens. The government, too, has been incredibly helpful. It ensured that survivors from other countries made it home as quickly as possible; it arranged medical coverage for all tourists who were injured; and it paid their return airfare.

Such generosity seems impressive, and it is. But to the Thais, it is simply part of their culture—a heritage that goes back thousands of years. Deeply influenced by Buddhism, it is a culture of forgiveness and respect for life, though it accepts suffering and death as part of life. It is also a culture that respects the elderly. Our guide told us that until his grandmother died at ninety, she was the force behind all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and at festivities the whole clan still goes to her house to honor her memory.

We westerners have so much to learn! Here in Phuket, one feels a sense of community, joy, service, and respect for every human being. Meanwhile, what do we have to offer Thai visitors to our countries, aside from selfishness, violence, drugs, alcohol, cheap entertainment, promiscuity, and endless loneliness? The contrast is very stark. These poor people are far ahead of us.

Thailand is about 80% Buddhist, and only 5% Christian (the other 15% are Muslim), but it is easy to find common ground. Many of the Buddhist rules for living—do not kill, do not commit adultery, and do not steal, for instance—are the same as those found in the Ten Commandments. There is also an openness to the Gospel, as we found when we visited an old Buddhist monk yesterday. A master of one of the temples here in Phuket, he is 109 years old, and told us that in his lifetime he had never experienced such a disaster. Later he told us that he had met Jesus in his meditations. Then he spoke about forgiving. He said that it is the most important act we can perform, even if it is the hardest, and that the fruits are unending.

Today is Chinese New Year, which is widely observed here, and our guide took us to a celebration at the temple. While the monks were chanting and singing and bringing their offerings to the Buddha, I got into a conversation with an American couple from Colorado. They have lived in Thailand for eighteen months, and happened to be on a nearby beach when the tsunami hit, though luckily on a protected section of the bay. They thanked God for letting them survive, but wanted to do more. Now they have decided to stay here and serve the Thai people for the long run. They’ve just signed a lease for their house for the next twenty years.

Talking with this couple reminded me of Jesus’ words, “Whatever you do unto the least of them, you do unto me.” Like countless others suffering around the world, the people of Thailand (and the other countries hit by the tsunami) have now become “the least of them.” We should not forget their plight, but unite around it. And—no matter how little it seems—we should continue to do whatever we can for them.

Related articles:
Woodcrest 3rd/4th grades: The Big Wave - Children's Poems
Johann Christoph Arnold: The Tsunami: A Wake-up Call
Marianne Williamson: Where's the Miracle?
Donal McKernan: Busking for Change
Bill Wiser: Now What?

"Peacemakers"

2005-02-08T06:06:00.000-06:00

Been thinking a lot about this (selfishness) for a while now. Sometimes the thoughts are very clear, and other times they are just floating around in my head. I decided yesterday to jot a few clearer thoughts down.
So, now you wonder how I can name this post "Peacemakers". Well, as I said, I started to think a lot about selfishness and what it all involes, and as I sat down to write the first thought that came to me, was, why do we get upset or angry? I said to myself, what does that have to do with selfiness?

Before I go one step further I just want to clearly say these are my own thoughts, others may have a totally differnt idea or opinion. It would be nice to get some feedback and hear what other have to say.

So as I was saying, I wondered what angry had to do with selfishness. I had alway thought I did not get angry. To me getting angry was flying off the handle and thowing something or yelling. I would get more frustrated than angry, but I have learnt this is a form of anger also, so I had to ask myself what I was frustrateded or angry, with or about. Mostly for me it was alway about something, not at someone. Then this thought came, we get angry because we are selfish, but, I thought, some reasons for anger are justified, like righteous angry, but that is another story. Anyway, some get angry because they can not get thier own way, others get angry because they can not get the things they want. but, I think most people get angry because they feel thier TIME is being infringed upon. TIME is very important to to us and to me that is where selfihness comes in.

Please don't miss-understand. There is a balance between time for yourself and time for others and the things we love to do. Nowadays, with the fast pace and busyness of life, the need for time for ourselves is great. We need time for ourselves, for refreshing and reflecting, to help us restore our sence of well being. By doing this we are better able to give ourselves to others. But, when we desire so much time for ourselves at the expence of others, or, we do not get any time just for us, often anger, resentment and hurt become to norm.

Today, it is very difficult to juggle the busyness of life with time for yourself. When you have others in your life who need your time and attention it seems impossible to find even one second for yourself. It is not like it use to be, work for 5 days at eight hours come home have the weekend off time for family and friends and church. It seem during this era even then time at home was less hacktic. Today however, there does not seem to be a break at all, stores are open all the time, some 24 hours, people work all hours of shifts, this busyness has spilt over into time with family and friends and church. IS IT TRUE? there is not enough time, they is still 24 hours in a day, or is it true that we are just plain to busy. Busy doing what, trying to find time for ourselves. I think there is a whole lot more here that I have not figured nor do I have the words to clearly express all my thoughts.
I think this is where we grow, for some it is easy to let go and be selfsacrificing, but for others it is like trying to pull King Authers sword out of the stone, because, the way I see it, we just want what we want regaurdless of the other people in our lives.
Either way the selfscarificing person or the stubborn one in the end both lose. The selfsacrificing one become resentful, because to them, it seems they are always giving in and there is no time for them. and the stuborn one becomes spiteful and so the ball is rolling, both kinds of people are hurt and angry in the end.
So where and how do we stop the ball from rollling is the question?
For me it is taking some valued time and asking God to help me put things in the right order, and realizing that God is never in a hurry. I Like what James the brother of our Lord has to say.

James 3:13-18 (The Message)

The Message (MSG)

Live Well, Live Wisely

¹³Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. ¹⁴Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. ¹⁵It's the furthest thing from wisdom--it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. ¹⁶Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.

¹⁷Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. ¹⁸You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

A Matter of Conscience

2005-02-07T07:10:00.000-06:00

A Matter of Conscience: "Sgt. Kevin Benderman (40) is a U.S. Army mechanic with ten years of service under his belt, including a role in the assault on Baghdad. While there, his outfit was ordered to open fire on children who were throwing rocks at unit personnel. Troubled by this and other similar incidents, and facing a second tour of duty in Iraq, Benderman applied for conscientious objector status in December 2004. The U.S. Army has charged him with desertion. He has been called a coward by his commanding officer, and his chaplain has told him that he is ashamed of him. Born in Alabama, Sgt. Benderman currently lives in Hinesville, Georgia, with his wife, Monica, and stepson Ryan."
Very Interesting Story, maybe if more people did what this man did, there would be no more war.
Read his story here

Now What? back to normal by Bill Wiser

2005-02-01T05:23:00.000-06:00

Part of an article I found, read the rest here.
Almost every newspaper or magazine I picked up in the last weeks carried commentary similar to this column by the Boston Globe’s Ellen Goodman:

…It was in the personal tragedy we felt our unity. Waves swept away Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians with a ferocious indifference. The tsunami took no side in the decades-old enmities over borders and beliefs…

Once again, unified in the face of catastrophe, we hit the pause button on our own man-made conflicts…But I also watch us inch back to “normal.” On Page 1, the fury of nature shares space again with the folly of humanity. The victims of nature make room for the victims of man-made conflict.

Is this inevitable? What can you and I do about it? Goodman concludes with an intriguing observation and an unsettling question: “Even now, in the wake of the tsunami, we know more about tectonic plates buried under the ocean than we do about our own heart of darkness. Where on earth is the early warning system for man-made disasters?”

Some people call that early warning system the conscience. It’s the still small voice that tells us when we’ve done wrong. It’s also the clarion call to action when we don’t feel satisfied with things as they are.

The tsunami opened hearts and minds the world over. My children joined others in raising funds. But now what? While millions continue to battle for survival, aren’t our consciences telling us to seize this moment to examine the root causes of conflict?

Let’s start with something we seemed to have forgotten—until December 26. We all die the same. And we’re all born the same. So what happens in between? One thing I’m sure of: Children don’t naturally hate. To paraphrase some lyrics from the musical South Pacific, they’ve got to be carefully taught before it’s too late, before the age of six, seven or eight. We’ve been very good at teaching. Is it too late to do some learning?

Thought for the day

2005-01-30T21:55:00.000-06:00

A Friend sent this to me, so I wanted to pass it along.

Thought for the day

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited
island. He prayed feverishly for GOD to rescue him, and every day he
scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood
to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little
hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened,
and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and
anger.

"GOD, how could you do this to me?" he cried.

Early the next day he was awakened the sound of a ship that was
approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

"How did you know I was here?" Asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We
saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we
shouldn't lose heart, because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the
midst of pain, and suffering.

Remember that, the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the
ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of GOD.

COMPUTER HEADACHES

2005-01-15T17:37:00.000-06:00

Had some very interesting adventures with my computer this week to say the least. I must say I have learned a lot, but not enough.
I have been setting up another web site for some time now to promote a small hobby I have. Was trying to figure out my PhotoImpact program so I could make a collague for some pictures, when I hit the wrong thing and moved my program files or something like that. After that things would not work and I did not know how to fix it, So I ended up formating my whole system.
" I do know how to do that"
Anyway after spending a few hours getting things back in order. I went on line to up load some much used programs, but I had to update windows first, which took another couple of hours, after which I could then install my Norton system. Then a few more online items were installed, bookmarks restored, some wallpapers set, all the while noticing this little icon on my taskbar at the bottom. It had never been there before so I wondered what it was. Ran my Norton program which fixed a few things. Then went on a search to find out what this thing was, and thought it was some kind of adware that had been added along to way. Decided I need to reinstall my adware program. Set it up and it ran it, only to find a number of things there. Said fix it and "it fixed it alright." Had to restrat my computer only to find I had to enter a the computer serial number. Never done that before either. Enter the number and nothing, tried the start up disk to see if that worked, it worked, read the helps but not being a computer genius I did not know how to even start the diagnosic program. In my books most Helps really don't help. They say open this type this and enter and things are supose to work.... but that never happens for me.
Anyway when all is said and done, over a three day span I formated my computer twice. I think it works now,all systems are running , I am here any way.
If anyone else has some interesting computer adventures it would be nice to know I am not the only one out there. "Oh yeah" buy the way, it was not to long ago I was loading some software to set up my printer and the disk shattered in the drive. Could not even get my drive to read a Cd. Had to buy another drive. Lots of fun, however I really do like computers even though there are times I would like to kick it.
Anyway that was and adventure and now I am in needed of some sleep. It would not be so bad except I am not that only one to use this computer, so I needed to get it back to running order in a short time.

bye for now got to go.

'"MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR"

2005-01-01T11:37:00.000-06:00

Better late than never, I'd say.
Just wanting to wish all you bloggers out there
"A Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year"

Dresses and Dolls

2004-11-15T23:44:00.000-06:00

It has been a while since I have stop and jotted down something here. However I have not been idle. I have been working a another blog site. OOAK Dresses and Other Dolls. Pictures of my doll dresses are being posted when they are ready, but the "other dolls" are a little slow. This is my hobby as of late and I am hoping it will become a little more than that. Most of the "other dolls" are done by my daughter.
I have had a lot of help from my son and I thank him.
So if you stop by here for a visit, while you are clicking the (next blog) check out the link to my other site.
OOAK DRESSES AND OTHER DOLLS
Hope you days are blessed and filled with joy

Something to Think About

2004-11-02T09:52:00.000-06:00

In my quite time, today's reading from "Experienceing God, Day by Day" it speaks about obedience and waiting. It covered a whole lot of other things as well.

The main theme, "Obedience," is based on James 4:17 "Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it , to him it is sin." The author says it is never a minor thing to know God's will then make excues why we can't do it. He says, rationalizing and procrastinating are disobedence also. Even thought I can't actually recall a particular incident at this present time in my life, I am sure there were many, where I did rationalize and procraste mostly trying to decern if it was God voice. The author says " God's call is not to " make a decision" but to obey.
So if our thought is to good for someone then we should do it.

For me it is not the big things in life I have difficullty decerning ( however they do take some time) it is the little everyday things, like calling someone or speaking to some or even just waitng over a issue that is in my life. Mostly I think why we don't do these things, is because we are busy doing our own thing and being (selfish), another whole thing I have been thinking alot about these days. That was a rabbit tail.

Anyway, this little devotional goes on to say that, even waiting is sometime the call to obey. "God told King Saul to wait for the prophet Samuel , but instead of waiting he took thing in to his own hands. How many times do we do that?

This really spoke to me, because, many times I have found myself in that waiting stage, sometime even wondering what I am waitng for. I know very dear loved ones who are waiting for God to guide.
We seem to have this idea we have to do something. In this world where everything is so fast paced and instant it is so hard for us to wait for God's best for us, mostly because we want it now and in stead of waiting, we like Saul take things in to our own hand. Please do not missunderstand, there are time in are lives when waiting just seem to be a waste of time and we should be doing something, but even after we have done the thing we still have to wait. I am speaking about the times when you know God has called you to wait and you go ahead of God only to find yourself in a hard place. Waiting teaches us patience. To me this is one great characteristic of God.When I forget this God reminds. He is very patience with us and wants us to learn to be like him, but boy, is it hard sometimes.

Lord help me wait when you say wait and to act when you say act.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2004-10-17T16:49:00.000-05:00

"With coffee in hand I sit down to collect a few thoughts to jot down. It is a mystery to me how some folks can write at great length. I am sometimes envious.

In the last post ((( a while back))) I made mention of a job change. Well things have change again. It might seem to you, 'this person has trouble keeping a job', Not the case. First I am a seamstress and second I am trained as a cook. My jobs have always been in the food service industry, But I due to health I needed to change my work. So I ventured to take a position with a local Taylor here in town only I find I could not hem '15 pair of pants in 30 mins'. So needless to say I was not fast enough. Never having been let go from a job before was a new experience and I was feeling real bad. I call my son from the payphone at the bus to tell him I was on my way home ' I live in the basement suit at my Son's place and upon arriving home I was greeted with a celebration party because gramma could stay home for a while.

So I have been home these day enjoying my stay, I have wanted to stay home for a while and work on building a website so I could post my sewing project and maybe build a little business for myself, but there is this nagging thought I should go and get a job. So I have been thinking a lot about that, maybe I should just write it down and I would not think about it so much 'yea', maybe I discovered the mystery.

Well I have run out of things to say, but mostly the sewing project I have been working on is calling my name and my coffee is done so I will go now.
May all who read this blog have a great day.
By the way if anyone is interested, it snowed here last night about 3.5 inches 'Merry Christmas.'"

Learning the technical Stuff

2004-10-17T16:46:00.000-05:00

It has ben a interesting day. Two blogs in the same day, Pretty good for me I'd say. I still am not sure if I know my way around here but. I am learning.