I'm all excited! I must still have some little girl in me . . . It's my birthday tomorrow! . . . and I can't decide how to spend my day!
A month ago I started a new dress in anticipation of this "great" day. It's not quite finished yet. I must get busy! (This is exciting too by the fact that I do not have much time to sew new dresses)
June is one of the best months for a birthday! Our liliacs are in full bloom! . . . and Lily of the Valley!
This is the day that the Lord hath made . . . I will rejoice and be glad in it!
(By the way I sing this on "bad" days too)
Enjoy tomorrow with me!
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Walking Together
"Can two walk together except they be agreed?" - Amos3:3
Yeah, this past date night I asked Japheth if he'll ever take me out again. (Jokingly) But I did have reason to think that he might be bit hesitant to do so because I messed it up again! My communication skills are lacking . . . and I mulled things over till I couldn't see straight. So I "blew it" and hurt him by my perceptions. Why did it have to be that special night? . . . or any night!
The more you love someone the deeper the sting is. What someone else may inflict you with doesn't hurt near as bad as if it comes from your own beloved. Just one word or tone from Japheth can make or break my day!
Marriage brings more joys and more pains!
We are one. Wednesday when Japheth called home from work at lunch, as he always does, the sky had turned gray. He was having a rough day! Now so was I! . . . Sometimes I don't want him to know that I'm not having a "good" day just for the fact that his day won't be as bright
About dissagreements . . . lately there have been several things to work through. Marriage does take work to keep it "up and running" :-)
God knew what He was doing when He brought us together. He knew what we each needed in a life partner! Thank-You, Lord!
Being agreed is sweet walking!
Ps. Sorry the writing doesn't flow too well . . . It's been a busy week and I'm tired.
Yeah, this past date night I asked Japheth if he'll ever take me out again. (Jokingly) But I did have reason to think that he might be bit hesitant to do so because I messed it up again! My communication skills are lacking . . . and I mulled things over till I couldn't see straight. So I "blew it" and hurt him by my perceptions. Why did it have to be that special night? . . . or any night!
The more you love someone the deeper the sting is. What someone else may inflict you with doesn't hurt near as bad as if it comes from your own beloved. Just one word or tone from Japheth can make or break my day!
Marriage brings more joys and more pains!
We are one. Wednesday when Japheth called home from work at lunch, as he always does, the sky had turned gray. He was having a rough day! Now so was I! . . . Sometimes I don't want him to know that I'm not having a "good" day just for the fact that his day won't be as bright
About dissagreements . . . lately there have been several things to work through. Marriage does take work to keep it "up and running" :-)
God knew what He was doing when He brought us together. He knew what we each needed in a life partner! Thank-You, Lord!
Being agreed is sweet walking!
Ps. Sorry the writing doesn't flow too well . . . It's been a busy week and I'm tired.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
At All Times
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:7
I have to admit sometimes I wish there was a break . . . especially on Mondays. Today felt like a Monday!
So . . . This was our theme song today . . .
I will bless the Lord at all times at all times
His praise shall continually be in my mouth at all times
I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.
This poor man cried and the Lord, He heard him when he cried.
And saved him out of him troubles when this poor man cried unto the Lord.
O taste and see that the Lord, He is good, taste and see.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him, taste and see the Lord is good.
I will bless the Lord at all times, AT ALL TIMES
His praise shall continually be in my mouth, at all times!
I have to admit sometimes I wish there was a break . . . especially on Mondays. Today felt like a Monday!
So . . . This was our theme song today . . .
I will bless the Lord at all times at all times
His praise shall continually be in my mouth at all times
I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.
This poor man cried and the Lord, He heard him when he cried.
And saved him out of him troubles when this poor man cried unto the Lord.
O taste and see that the Lord, He is good, taste and see.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him, taste and see the Lord is good.
I will bless the Lord at all times, AT ALL TIMES
His praise shall continually be in my mouth, at all times!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
It Yieldeth the Peaceable Fruit of Righteousness
"Let God train you, for He is doing what any loving father does for his children. " Hebrews12:7 (These verses are taken from The Living Bible)
" . . . but God’s correction is always right and for our own good, that we may share his holiness. Being punished isn’t enjoyable while it is happening – it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character.
So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet. . . . "(v. 10b-13a)
I think God put these last few phrases in here especially for me. He knew that after He rebukes and chastens me that I would have these feelings of drooping hands and wobbly knees!
And right now I feel like a failure in child training and a few other areas. . . . But God says, “Get up and go on.”
" . . . but God’s correction is always right and for our own good, that we may share his holiness. Being punished isn’t enjoyable while it is happening – it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character.
So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet. . . . "(v. 10b-13a)
I think God put these last few phrases in here especially for me. He knew that after He rebukes and chastens me that I would have these feelings of drooping hands and wobbly knees!
And right now I feel like a failure in child training and a few other areas. . . . But God says, “Get up and go on.”
Friday, May 20, 2005
Make My Spirit Srong!
I don’t know the reason why God allowed me to go through a period of depression a number of years ago, but I do know that “All things work together for good to them that love God.”
Sometimes I still wonder . . . Then I read the verse in II Corinthians 1 that says, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
It began after my cancer. I was quite an active person. . . . Cancer changed that. I was tired ALL the time, exhausted. My vitality was gone. I felt like a forty year old, not a 22 year old. I became depressed . . . Later a doctor told me that most cancer patients are put on an anti-depressant automatically. For some reason I hadn’t been. Depression can come three ways emotionally, physically, or spiritually but it affects all three.
Sleep was a commodity hard to come by! Often in the wee hours of the morning I prayed for sleep again and again! God why? I had trusted Him with my life during the surgery and everything, now months later I had a HARD time letting this in His hands.
I met and married Japheth. . . one of the happiest times in my life and yet I still battled depression. Adjusting to married life, cooking three meals a day, getting acquainted with a new community, making new friends (when I didn’t feel social able because of tired state) and being pregnant all added up to difficult winter. Many a day went by with making my husband breakfast, packing his lunch, and sending him off to work, then resting till about four oclock. I would then muster up enough strength to do a bit of housework and make supper. After supper I usually didn’t find the energy to even wash the dishes. They had to wait till the next day when I would “rise and shine” at four o’clock!
“My body is yours for anything, Lord.” Remember the chorus of that song “I Love You, Lord Jesus”? It was a daily struggle to be able to truely say that.
Today, I feel healed from that depression. But I remember those long, dark days. If you were here I would sing you a song that I first heard through my sister-in-law, Judi. She sang it to me that first year of FOCIS out in the all-season room when my heart was low. It’s called Mountain of Sorrow. I just want to be able to comfort others who are hurting. I cry with you when you feel like you can't go on, wondering if time will ever bring healing.
Sometimes I still wonder . . . Then I read the verse in II Corinthians 1 that says, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
It began after my cancer. I was quite an active person. . . . Cancer changed that. I was tired ALL the time, exhausted. My vitality was gone. I felt like a forty year old, not a 22 year old. I became depressed . . . Later a doctor told me that most cancer patients are put on an anti-depressant automatically. For some reason I hadn’t been. Depression can come three ways emotionally, physically, or spiritually but it affects all three.
Sleep was a commodity hard to come by! Often in the wee hours of the morning I prayed for sleep again and again! God why? I had trusted Him with my life during the surgery and everything, now months later I had a HARD time letting this in His hands.
I met and married Japheth. . . one of the happiest times in my life and yet I still battled depression. Adjusting to married life, cooking three meals a day, getting acquainted with a new community, making new friends (when I didn’t feel social able because of tired state) and being pregnant all added up to difficult winter. Many a day went by with making my husband breakfast, packing his lunch, and sending him off to work, then resting till about four oclock. I would then muster up enough strength to do a bit of housework and make supper. After supper I usually didn’t find the energy to even wash the dishes. They had to wait till the next day when I would “rise and shine” at four o’clock!
“My body is yours for anything, Lord.” Remember the chorus of that song “I Love You, Lord Jesus”? It was a daily struggle to be able to truely say that.
Today, I feel healed from that depression. But I remember those long, dark days. If you were here I would sing you a song that I first heard through my sister-in-law, Judi. She sang it to me that first year of FOCIS out in the all-season room when my heart was low. It’s called Mountain of Sorrow. I just want to be able to comfort others who are hurting. I cry with you when you feel like you can't go on, wondering if time will ever bring healing.
God brought me though the deep waters . . . HE CAN DO THE SAME FOR YOU!
God says, “I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. – John 14:18
God says, “I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. – John 14:18
"Come unto me . . . and I will give you, rest." Matt11:28
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. - Isiah 43:1-3
Here’s a one of my favorite poems. I was having my students memorize this at school when my cancer was found.
THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING
Our Father knows what’s best for us
So why should we complain?
We always want the sunshine,
But we know there must be rain.
We love the sound of laughter,
And the merriment of cheer - -
But our hearts would lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear
Our Father tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow
He tests us not to punish us
But to help us meet tomorrow
For growing trees are strengthened
When they withstand the storm
And the sharp cut of the chisel
Gives the marble grace and form
God never hurts us needlessly
And He never wastes our pain
For every loss He sends to us is followed by rich gain.
And when we count the blessings
That God has so freely sent.
We will find no cause for murmuring and no time to lament.
For our Father loves His children,
And to Him all things are plain
So He never sends us pleasures
When the souls deep need is pain . . .
So whenever we are troubled
And when everything goes wrong
It is just God working in us
To make OUR SPIRIT STRONG.
- Helen Steiner Rice
God had His plan in allowing that deep, dark time in my life. I know one thing. . . He wanted to make my spirit strong! Thank-You, Lord!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Birthday Soup
Have you ever read “Little Bear”? (It’s a children’s book.) He made some birthday soup on his birthday thinking his friends might stop by . . . and they did.
I had a very refreshing morning! My babysitter, Sheirlee, had the three oldest children at their place this morning. What did I do with my “free” morning? After having an extra long “quiet time” (devotions) and a nap (which usually means lying exhausted upon my bed and not sleeping ;) I straightened up the house a bit. Then I jumped in the van with Wayne and took off to visit a friend.
Blanche and her flowers do a body good! She graciously let me cut some daffodils, tulips and blue bells (not sure the correct name) for a lovely bouquet. Her daffodils reminded me of my grandparents place where my parents now live. There were daffodils galore in the woods and all about. One particular time I was privileged to pick a whole box of them and decorate tables for our youth group supper. That was pure pleasure! Anyway I asked if I could take a few for Bertha too.
I arrived at Bertha’s to find two other guests sitting around her kitchen table. As I handed the flowers to Bertha, Norma commented that she had wanted to bring Bertha some fresh cut flowers for her birthday, but wasn't able to. I told Bertha that I did not know that today was her birthday (86th) but that God remembered and sent them for her!
And guess what they were having for lunch? That’s right! I was invited to join them for birthday soup and fresh strawberry pie!
I had a very refreshing morning! My babysitter, Sheirlee, had the three oldest children at their place this morning. What did I do with my “free” morning? After having an extra long “quiet time” (devotions) and a nap (which usually means lying exhausted upon my bed and not sleeping ;) I straightened up the house a bit. Then I jumped in the van with Wayne and took off to visit a friend.
Blanche and her flowers do a body good! She graciously let me cut some daffodils, tulips and blue bells (not sure the correct name) for a lovely bouquet. Her daffodils reminded me of my grandparents place where my parents now live. There were daffodils galore in the woods and all about. One particular time I was privileged to pick a whole box of them and decorate tables for our youth group supper. That was pure pleasure! Anyway I asked if I could take a few for Bertha too.
I arrived at Bertha’s to find two other guests sitting around her kitchen table. As I handed the flowers to Bertha, Norma commented that she had wanted to bring Bertha some fresh cut flowers for her birthday, but wasn't able to. I told Bertha that I did not know that today was her birthday (86th) but that God remembered and sent them for her!
And guess what they were having for lunch? That’s right! I was invited to join them for birthday soup and fresh strawberry pie!
Monday, May 16, 2005
Faith In God
I’ve been challenged at times with the phrase that goes something like this, “How will you be able to spend quality time and meet the needs of all your children if you have a “umpteen” of them?” I would like to ask the question, “Can you meet all of your child’s needs even if you only have one?” I know I would still not be able to. I am not a perfect person.
Is God able to meet a person’s needs even if his parents forsake him? Psalm 27:10 says “When my father and my mother forsake me then the Lord will lift me up.”
. . . or what if they do the best they know how and “Pray without ceasing.”
Am I wrong for trusting God with family planning? . . . should I take things into my own hands and have children when I THINK it fits into the plan for my life?
I have a very good friend in PA who has been such an encouragement to me is this area. She firmly believes that God opens and shuts the womb. Does He not? Even though she is the second of thirteen children and now has several of her own who are quite close together in age, she still trusts God. I wish I could say that I have been as steadfast in my belief as she has been, but I cannot. At times when things were tough, I would doubt.
But the peace of God rules in my heart when I am strong and believe that God plans my family just exactly as HE WANTS IT. I will continue to leave it all to Him.
Is God able to meet a person’s needs even if his parents forsake him? Psalm 27:10 says “When my father and my mother forsake me then the Lord will lift me up.”
. . . or what if they do the best they know how and “Pray without ceasing.”
Am I wrong for trusting God with family planning? . . . should I take things into my own hands and have children when I THINK it fits into the plan for my life?
I have a very good friend in PA who has been such an encouragement to me is this area. She firmly believes that God opens and shuts the womb. Does He not? Even though she is the second of thirteen children and now has several of her own who are quite close together in age, she still trusts God. I wish I could say that I have been as steadfast in my belief as she has been, but I cannot. At times when things were tough, I would doubt.
But the peace of God rules in my heart when I am strong and believe that God plans my family just exactly as HE WANTS IT. I will continue to leave it all to Him.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
"The Crib Is Clean"
I read this yesterday "Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox." Proverbs 14:4
Two things came to my mind.
The daybefore I had put my daughter down for a nap. ( Now she has this thing about her pamper coming off. With the boys I never had this problem! But somehow the velcro gets a bit loose and then she picks at it and there you have it a pamper on the floor or dragging around at her ankle.) Well, she stayed awake for a long time and finally I went in to "encourage" her to go to sleep. As I was going up the stairs. my nostrils detected an oder. "Yes, I guess the boys room does stink!" I thought. My husband has been telling me that the boys room smells bad. And I wasn't sure it really did. Well now I agreed! . . . or did I? That oder is coming from the nursery! I opened the door to behold a little girl and crib smeared with brown sticky stuff and a pamper on the floor with a bit of the same!
Yes, where no babies are the crib is clean! . . . and hearts are empty and hurting for a little one to snuggle close, to kiss and feel the soft skin against theirs, to hear them call, "Mama" or just reach up their little arms for you to pick them up. I thank God for my little girl. She is so precious! . . . truely a blessing from the Lord God Almighty!
Secondly, consider my house on this Saturday morning! Lots of dirty floors, cups, toys and books strewn about and company coming for supper (It is the Stauffer Clan's family night every Saturday. We take turns having the crew. . . By the way we are making our favorite specialty EGGROLLS! Yum!), food to make for tomorrow, and a house to clean. If I had no children the "crib would be clean" or at least easier to clean :) But I am GLAD to have a full house and many little faces round about my table. Yes I am glad for a "dirty crib"!! Thank You, Lord!
"Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord: that walketh in His ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion . . . " Psalm 128
Two things came to my mind.
The daybefore I had put my daughter down for a nap. ( Now she has this thing about her pamper coming off. With the boys I never had this problem! But somehow the velcro gets a bit loose and then she picks at it and there you have it a pamper on the floor or dragging around at her ankle.) Well, she stayed awake for a long time and finally I went in to "encourage" her to go to sleep. As I was going up the stairs. my nostrils detected an oder. "Yes, I guess the boys room does stink!" I thought. My husband has been telling me that the boys room smells bad. And I wasn't sure it really did. Well now I agreed! . . . or did I? That oder is coming from the nursery! I opened the door to behold a little girl and crib smeared with brown sticky stuff and a pamper on the floor with a bit of the same!
Yes, where no babies are the crib is clean! . . . and hearts are empty and hurting for a little one to snuggle close, to kiss and feel the soft skin against theirs, to hear them call, "Mama" or just reach up their little arms for you to pick them up. I thank God for my little girl. She is so precious! . . . truely a blessing from the Lord God Almighty!
Secondly, consider my house on this Saturday morning! Lots of dirty floors, cups, toys and books strewn about and company coming for supper (It is the Stauffer Clan's family night every Saturday. We take turns having the crew. . . By the way we are making our favorite specialty EGGROLLS! Yum!), food to make for tomorrow, and a house to clean. If I had no children the "crib would be clean" or at least easier to clean :) But I am GLAD to have a full house and many little faces round about my table. Yes I am glad for a "dirty crib"!! Thank You, Lord!
"Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord: that walketh in His ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion . . . " Psalm 128
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Our Four little gifts from Heaven
Japheth Daniel
Jeremiah Frank
Loraine Rose
Wayne Robert
David, Daisy (twins) and Jewel waiting in heaven.
By the way we have been married for 4 and 1\2 years! Has God blessed us or what? I admit at times I feel that the blessings are truely "poured out"I don't have room enough to receive it. But these blessings are made extra special in the fact that I only have one ovary! Cancer took the other 5 and 1\2 years ago. God is my Healer!! Praise His Name!
Malachai 3:10
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herein, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
Japheth Daniel
Jeremiah Frank
Loraine Rose
Wayne Robert
David, Daisy (twins) and Jewel waiting in heaven.
By the way we have been married for 4 and 1\2 years! Has God blessed us or what? I admit at times I feel that the blessings are truely "poured out"I don't have room enough to receive it. But these blessings are made extra special in the fact that I only have one ovary! Cancer took the other 5 and 1\2 years ago. God is my Healer!! Praise His Name!
Malachai 3:10
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herein, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Underneath His Wings
Underneath His wings . . .
In the shadow of His care,
O Jesus, rest me there.
-Aimee
In the shadow of His care,
O Jesus, rest me there.
-Aimee
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