Quote for today.

“You don’t need more hours in the day. God has given you plenty of time to do what He wants you to do.”

Wow! That speaks to me in a powerful way!!

Christmas Tree Field Trip

My Sunday school class decided to take on some Christmas cheer projects. One of them was to make these cute little Christmas trees. They are about two feet tall and flat, so you can hang them on the wall (and easily store them flat). Kudos goes to Miss Teresa for coming up with this incredibly clever idea (based on a picture she saw in a magazine!). Miss Gassy’s husband, Mister Jimmie, was sweet and welded the triangular frame for us. Then last Sunday, we wrapped the frame with stiff garland, securing it to the frame with twist ties. Then we twist-tied a small strands of lights, ribbon, ornaments and whatever else was donated to make ten of these little Christmas trees.

This Sunday, we had a field trip to the local nursing home. We hung one Christmas tree in each bedroom and one in the common area/tv room. The lady working there was completely overwhelmed. It never occurred to me that the workers would enjoy the Christmas trees just as much as the residents. We got to meet the cutest little lady. We were asked to guess how old she will be on her birthday next week. V guessed 39 and the little lady just giggled! She was born in 1912, which makes her almost 97 years old! Wow! We should all be so fortunate to make it that long.

The whole experience from start to finish was such a blessing to my class! We decided that we should have a lot more field trips!

Thanks

Just a big old fashion THANK YOU to all whom have prayed and called and sent cards and flowers and goodies. It has been a really tough time and it really helps to know that y'all really do care!!

Get Real!

I had the best time today at our Ladies' Conference: Get Reat with Shelley Hendrix and Erica Branch. It was fabulous!! And I thought Mrs. Blessed Beyond just looked radiant at the Welcome Table! The whole team did such a wonderful job with all black and white decorations on a shoestring budget. I'm so glad that I was feeling well enough to attend!! Erica's singing blew off the roof. She has such a gift!! I have to noodle on all that Shelley shared; I'm sure that I will never view a jar of clay nor a band-aid the same again. I'm looking forward to diving into her book On Purpose For A Purpose. I'll add a link to her blog so that everyone can share the blessing.

Pray it Forward

I surprised someone with a gift this morning. Just something to let her know that she has been in my thoughts and prayers. I need to do that more often...because the reward (a huge smile) is so worth it! I didn't even realize that she had been having a really tough week...it was just something that God told me to do. I am trying to listen better and do when He tells me to do. What a world this would be if people (ladies, especially) knew that they were loved and prayed over! I know personally that the thought that people were praying for me and my family carried me through some dark and difficult days! And for that I will be forever grateful. So, my challenge: Pray it forward.

In the Strangest Places

The Sunday ladies were talking about knowing if it is really something God wants you to do. The consensus was that you get confirmation...from God's word, from a prayer buddy...but can it come from a fortune cookie? I kid you not! One morning I got a phone call at work. I saw the caller id and knew it was not going to be fun. It was a plea for help. Although I said yes; it was not in a loving manner. I was being quite stubborn and trying to figure a way out all morning. I was already determined to walk away. When I went to lunch and this is what my fortune cookie said "YOU WILL BE CALLED UPON TO HELP A FRIEND IN TROUBLE. ANSWER THE CALL." I am the type of person who likes things spelled out in neon on a billboard. So the sense of humor in me loves that it was in black and white on a tiny piece of paper. A little small to be a billboard. But I got the point. He does work in mysterious ways!

Profoundness

Hmm… I’ve never heard it quite like this.

But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.1 Corinthians 10:13b

It's ironic that one of God's certain promises concerns an area in which we feel very uncertain: our ability to escape temptation. Here is the two-fold certainty God has provided concerning temptation: You will never be tempted beyond your ability—that is, beyond your spiritual maturity level. And, there will always—always—be a way to escape the temptation.
God has said it, and that makes it certain. Whatever tempts you is covered by this two-fold provision.