Worth Watching

This was passed on to me by a friend, who has family serving in the war in Iraq.

Did I Miss Something?

Did I miss something? Did I sleep for a week and not know it? All over the internet headlines, the news media is telling us who has won which state, and who will be our next president. I don't know, but I thought election day is next week. I know there are places where people have already voted, some legal and some not, but I don't cast my vote until Tuesday. I always thought it was bad when they were telling us the winner for President as we were just getting off work out here in the West, but this is ridiculous! Speaking of voting, I really hope that people are paying attention because there is so much false stuff going on in so many of the races, so many lies, and so much deception. It seems that deception, both among candidates and the media, is at an all time high and it's scary how so many are believing everything they hear, instead of going and checking out the facts! We have become a society that strongly relies on the media's sick and twisted way of conveying their 'truth' and we don't research the real TRUTH for ourselves anymore. We were all given a brain, lets use them this election and in the next few days, take time to really find out what the candidates stand for and believe in.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. 2 Timothy 4:3-5

Fall Sunset

There have been some beautiful sunsets the past few nights. I was fortunate enough to have my camera with on one of those nights as the fog started to roll in across the prairie, just as the sun was dipping behind the mountain.

The fog was setting in across the wheat field and this is exactly what the camera captured, no editing involved.

The Thief Strikes Again

Almost a year ago, I wrote about a thief. This thief lives with me, and is pretty much my constant companion when I'm not at work. The thief is not dangerous, at least not to me, but this thief is cunning and devious. This thief that lives with me has a mugshot......








Yes, it's my dog. Don't let that face fool you, she's a hard core thief! You see, my dog loves carrots! Last year, she jumped up in my raised beds and ate half a row of carrots in no time flat. Well, this year I was determined to not let that happen again so I put a fence around my carrots a couple weeks ago so she couldn't get in them. A couple days ago, I looked out my bedroom window, which overlooks my garden, and noticed that somehow that roll of fence had been moved. I thought that was strange because neither my husband or I had been back there since I put the fence around the bed, at least not at the garden. I went out to inspect further, and noticed a couple carrot tops were on the ground, and that there were fresh dog tracks in the garden. I still have no idea how she moved the fence, but she did. Well, I took the roll of fence and strung it around that middle raised bed much better than the first time. Much to my dismay, and amazement, my dog has still figured out a way to get in this garden bed and eat the carrots. Between the fence and raised bed, it has to be at least three feet tall, probably more, and my dog will be turning 7 in a week, so she's not as spry as she used to be, or so I think. I went out to my garden yesterday to find that over half my carrots have been, once again, dug up and eaten. Like I said a year ago, we have a very tall fence around our yard, so the only one who can get in there is my dog, or a neighbor cat. I'm sure my dog would love to blame the neighbor cats, however, there are large paw prints in the freshly dug up soil and they seem to match my dogs foot. I'm pretty much stumped at this point on how to keep her out without putting up a five foot fence around the few carrots that are left. I keep trying to catch her in the bed, but she's a crafty dog and doesn't get caught. I have enclosed these mugshots just in case you see this face around your carrots so that you too do not fall victim to this innocent looking thief! Please take note, do not allow your carrots anywhere near this dog as she will inflict bodily harm upon them and they will never recover!! This public service announcement is for the benefit of all carrots out there. You have been warned!

Good News

Good News: I challenge everyone reading to share something good that has happened this week. I think the more we read positive things the more our mind will focus on positive. Our pastor talked about how stressed out everyone is right now and that we need to focus our thinking on good things, and start to destress. I agree.

I don't know about you, but I need to have some media input that is positive. Although I've stopped watching any news because I am tired of all the garbage on right now, and all the fear mongering that is going on with the media hype on a lot of issues, I still see the news headlines when I get online. I try to avoid them, as well, but sometimes they still catch my eye.

I just typed in the word good news and found a site that focus on good things. Some of the headlines are listed below. You can go check out their website at http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/, and find out there are still good things going on in this world. There is a newsletter they will send to via email for free with the top ten good news stories of the week. You do have to register to read the stories, and you can get one month free. One month of good news stories will help to get us through this crazy time we are in.

Soldier's Dog Brought to the U.S. From Iraq (Video)
Princes Harry and William Ride Motorbikes Across African for Charity
NY town bakes 6,600 cookies for troops
Hiker Rescued After One Week (Video)
New Cancer Meds Offer Real Hope (Video)
Drivers are Ecstatic as Gas Prices Drop Significantly (Video)
A Different Kind Of Healing for Vets (Video)
The New Face Of Giving
Video Games Support School Lessons and Learning
Girl with Down Syndrome Voted Homecoming Queen
Academy Uses Hip-Hop to Spur Creativity

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Worries

For each of us the time is surely coming when we shall have nothing but God. Health and wealth and friends and hiding places will all be swept away, and we shall have only God. To the man of pseudo faith that is a terrifying thought, but to real faith it is one of the most comforting thoughts the heart can entertain. ~A. W. Tozer

Are you at that place where you are worried about health, finances, relationships? I think we probably all have at least one of those stresses in our life right now. I know I do, more than one to be honest. The quote above is so true, yet I struggle to put my full faith in God that He will take care of it all. I want to be at a place where I can give it up to God, and stop taking it back, but the human nature wants control, and it's a battle to give it all to God, to lay it at His feet, and leave it there for good. I know He will take care of everything, but for some reason, I think He must need my help. For some reason, I worry, a lot. For some reason, I fail to remember that He is the God of the universe, my creator, and He knows me inside and out. He knows my needs, He knows my fears, He knows where I struggle. Even though I fail time and time again, He still loves me and picks me up and keeps helping me through life. I know Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, must have felt the same way because he wrote in Romans 7, We know that the Law is spiritual. But I am merely a human, and I have been sold as a slave to sin. In fact, I don't understand why I act the way I do. I don't do what I know is right. I do the things I hate. Although I don't do what I know is right, I agree that the Law is good. So I am not the one doing these evil things. The sin that lives in me is what does them. I know that my selfish desires won't let me do anything that is good. Even when I want to do right, I cannot. Instead of doing what I know is right, I do wrong. 20And so, if I don't do what I know is right, I am no longer the one doing these evil things. The sin that lives in me is what does them. The Law has shown me that something in me keeps me from doing what I know is right. With my whole heart I agree with the Law of God. But in every part of me I discover something fighting against my mind, and it makes me a prisoner of sin that controls everything I do. What a miserable person I am. Who will rescue me from this body that is doomed to die? Thank God! Jesus Christ will rescue me. So with my mind I serve the Law of God, although my selfish desires make me serve the law of sin.

Today I am going to keep reminding myself of God's love for me. I am going to try to focus on Him, not my worries. I wonder how my thoughts would be different if instead of spending time on the 'what if's' in life, I spent them thinking about God's love for me, and how He always wants what's best for me, even if it's out of my understanding at the time.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God. Psalm 43:5

Beautiful Fall

Unlike today, yesterday was an incredibly beautiful Fall day. The sun was shining and it was in the upper 50's. After church, my hubby and I decided to go for a drive around the chain lakes, and Lake Coeur d'Alene. It was a beautiful drive. The river was very calm, so the reflections of the Fall colors was extra pretty. We stopped at one of the bays and walked up to a camp area that is closed down, and just sat for awhile and enjoyed the silence. We had a deer visit us, briefly, while we were there. It was a perfect Fall day!


























Three turtles sunning themselves


















Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! ~Psalm 34:8

Mom's Day

"A mother's love is a special place where children always have a home."

Today is my mom's birthday and I want to wish her a very happy day!

As many know, I work with teens and the one thing I am truly grateful for as I hear stories from the girls I deal with, is that I had a mom who was home with me and who loved me and cared about me. Mom took time to be a mom and a friend. She was involved in our lives, and she took time to listen. I'm sure there were times when things I shared with her weren't always the easiest to hear, especially since I liked to talk way after it was mom and dad's bedtime. I am still that way, but don't sit on their bed now and talk, instead I just get on here and blog! Back to my mom....I just want to say thank you for the endless hours you have given to us, for the love you have shared and for the time to be a truly great mom and friend. Thank you for sharing your love of photography, gardening and flowers, and your compassion for others with me. Thank you for the example of being a Godly wife, and showing us that husband and wife/mom and dad should love each other. I love you, mom! Happy Birthday!

Beautiful Night

The full moon rose above the grand fir trees in the eastern sky. The sky was filled with amazing hues of purple and blue, and around the moon was a wispy, white cloud. The cloud did not cover the giant moon, but instead it framed it's beauty. It was a stunning sight. When I turned my head to the western sky, the sun had just set and behind and above the silhouetted mountains, were vibrant colors of red, peach, orange, deep blue, and purple with white clouds interspersed in the magnificent scene. Again, breathtaking! It was one of those nights that is a photographer's dream. However, this photographer was having a bad dream, because she left her camera at home. I thought of it as I rushed out the door, but left it lay. I had my camera bag, just no camera. So, today, I hope you see through my mind's eye the amazing beauty that God blessed us with last night. It truly was incredible.

The lesson for today: Always be prepared! Also, remember to take in the amazing sights that surround you and look for the beauty of God's creation because it is amazing.

My Dog

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

Today I just want to write about my dog. I wish I was half as loyal and devoted to others, as she is to me. I am hardly ever out of her sight when we are home together. She lays at my feet, and goes with me wherever I go, evidently with the idea that she is protecting me. She is generally happy and just loves to have a some quality attention. She knows when you are sad, and will come sit next to you, usually putting her head on your lap, as if to comfort you. She's always excited to see us when we arrive home. She seems to forgive immediately if wrong is done to her, which in her eyes would be forgetting her nightly bone. It seems to me that I can learn a lot from my dog. She displays many of the qualities that I should display to those in my life-loyalty; happiness; devotion; unconditional love; not worrying about the small stuff but just what's really important in life; true, committed friendship; quick forgiveness. Funny thing is, I'm the one who is supposed to teach her things, but when I really look at her, she's the one who should be teaching me.

Take a Few Moments.....

Yesterday I was in the mall, standing across from Orange Julius, which I didn't even know was still in business. I don't frequent malls often, and when I do, I try to go in and out as fast as possible. Yesterday, however, we met part of my husband's family at a mall. I was waiting for my husband and my brother-in-law and his wife, so I was just standing out in the middle of an area, watching people, as I often do. I observed a small, elderly man coming out of one of the major stores, and he was looking at people and saying hi, but no one would make eye contact with him or say hi back. Instead, they just rushed by him like he was invisible. I thought it was quite rude. He was just a very soft spoken, elderly man, who looked completely harmless. Yes, I understand he could have been, but I doubted it. He looked like a man who was lonely, who had probably been a farmer or some type of laborer, because you can just tell those things if you really observe people. He came towards me, and I made eye contact with him and smiled and said hi. He smiled back and said hi. He walked past me, but then came back and asked me if I knew where the elevators were. I told him I did not know because I hadn't been in that mall for a couple years and it was so large, I didn't know where much of anything was. He agreed, and said he hadn't been there in many years, either. He usually frequents the one in the valley, but his house had burned down a few months ago so they had put him and his wife up in a motel while they worked on getting him a new house, and in the process he ended up on the other end of town. He told me that it had been a tough year, because not only had he lost his home, but his wife had very recently passed away. I told him I was sorry, as tears formed in his eyes. By this time, my family members were standing a few feet away, wondering who I was talking to. The man told me quite a bit about his life in a few short moments. He told me that life was sure different without his life-long companion, and he wondered if I knew of any large groups where he could meet some people his age, to play games with, and just be around for company. I told him our church had a group for the 50+ crowd and that I thought it was a good sized group, but I didn't know any details because I worked with teenagers. I told him if he had the internet he could check it out there, but he just chuckled and told me that he was too old for the internet. He said it might be too far to drive right now, but when he got back to his home, he may look into it. He told me of the church he attended, and then he said he may have to check out a few others in the area so he could find some people to be around because being alone was tough. His daughter lives on the other side of the state, and he doesn't see much of her, however, he was going to make a trip over to her house to take his wife's two cats to her because he just isn't a cat person. He told me he thought he would get himself a golden lab or a golden retriever because he thought they made good companions. I was able to assure him that they most certainly do since I own one. He saw me glance up at my family and said he didn't want to keep me any longer but he sure appreciated that I talked to him. I must say that it made my trip to the mall worthwhile. When I rejoined my family, they wondered who the man was that I was talking to and I told them I didn't know, he just needed someone to talk to, I guess.

I challenge you to look at people when you are out and about and observe them. Yes, be careful, because there are some not so nice people out there and you have to be discerning, but there are also a lot of good people out there. Some are lonely and just need to know that someone in the human race still cares. It took a little over five minutes out of my day, in the midst of hundreds of people, to talk to one lonely person. I hope it brightened his day a bit, because I know it did mine.

Thoughts for Today

2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (NIV)

Seems there's plenty to get overwhelmed with right now in life. The economy itself is enough to send a person to rocking in a corner, wondering what's to come. I personally am dealing with a health crisis with some spinal issues, and it's scary. My devotion this morning talked about how great people in the Bible questioned God through the hard times, some, like Job, even cried out in anger. God is always faithful to us, even if we don't understand the reason for things that take place in our lives. I have included today's devotion, so you can read it and maybe find some hope in your troubles today.

Gut-Honest Prayers
Rachel Olsen

“The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.”
Psalm 6:9 (NIV)

Devotion:
Have you ever grown frustrated with God over situations in your life? Have you gone to Him and poured out those feelings in prayer?

If so, you’ll be able to relate to the prophet Habakkuk, who lived roughly 600 years before Christ. His book of the Bible begins with this complaint: “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save me. Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?” (Hab.1:2-3, NIV).

God answered Habakkuk by telling him to be patient and to watch, that He will do amazing things and usher in justice – but only in His timing.

Passionate, honest, gut-level prayers have been recorded through out the Bible. Habakkuk wasn’t the only one to complain. Moses, Gideon, and Elijah all questioned God. Job even cursed the day God made him and said, “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.” (Job 10:1, NIV).

In his anguish, Job accused God of afflicting people for no reason (Job 9:17), overwhelming them with misery (Job 9:18), and not caring about injustice (Job 9:22, 24). Job even wondered if maybe God was laughing at the pain of the innocent (Job 9:22). None of these accusations are accurate – far from it – but we can sometimes feel that way in times of severe suffering or testing. God knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, so it’s futile to think we can hide them from Him. Better to come clean with how we really feel, get it off our chest in prayer, and hopefully clear the way to hear and receive God’s reply or comfort.

I’ve complained to God in the past for allowing my loved ones to die or fall deep into sin, for allowing valuable things to be stolen from me, for allowing my reputation to be unfairly tarnished, for allowing physical suffering in my body, or for not allowing what I felt I deserved. My goal is to be a woman of faith who can take such things in stride with Him. But when I’m losing that stride, I’ve found the best thing I can do is honestly take these feelings to God where they can be traded for His perspective and His comforting assurance.

Though God does not always change my circumstances the way I want Him to, He can and does change my perspective on those circumstances – enabling me to endure them.

God listens when we complain about injustice. He understands when we feel shortchanged or opposed. Read through the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life and you’ll be reminded of just how much Jesus can relate to undeserved opposition!

Be honest before God in prayer today. While maintaining a holy respect for Him and thanksgiving for His saving grace, pour out the good, the bad and the ugly of your feelings. As Habakkuk, Job and others discovered, God can handle our intense emotions and questions. He may not explains Himself fully to us – perhaps because we can’t fully understand – but He will flood us with His love when we come humbly and honestly before Him and pour out our heart.

Dear Lord, it is often hard for me to deal graciously with the difficult situations in my life. Help me to see them through Your eyes. Help me to endure, with grace, all that You allow into my life. Fill me with Your peace and love today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Application Steps:
Read through one of the New Testament gospel books that records Jesus’ life, noticing all the times and ways that He was opposed, or let down by those around Him. Notice also how He responded.

Reflections:
Are you angry with God over what He’s allowed to happen to you, or a loved one?

Have you taken those feelings to Him honestly in prayer and asked for His perspective and comfort?

Are you willing to settle for the comfort of God in your situation, or are you only interested in having God change your situation to suit you?


Psalm 86:6, “Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry.” (NLT)

Cupcakes

My nieces have pretty much the same food allergies as I do, and can't have gluten, dairy, and many other things. They have never had cupcakes, so I found gluten free/dairy free cake mix, frosting, and even sprinkles at Pilgrim's and we made cupcakes. They thoroughly enjoyed them and had a lot of fun dumping the sprinkles on the cupcakes. I had fun watching the chocolate frosting go everywhere, and I enjoyed seeing their eyes light up because they got to make something especially for them. They usually say 'we can't have that, can we?' This time they got to say this is just for us! It was a lot of fun and a special memory.

Fall Day

It's a cool, crisp day. The sky is gray and dark blue, with the sun occasionally peeking through. The wind adds to the brisk temperatures, as it tosses the trees to and fro outside my window. The neighbor kids are bundled up in heavy sweatshirts as they toss the football up and down the street. The fire crackles in the wood stove as it warms up the house, and the sounds of a football game come across the tv. Much to my disappointment, I pulled a sweater down from my closet shelf this afternoon, before making a quick trip out to Cabela's, and it was cold enough outside that I even had to add a coat. Yes, today is full of signs that Fall has definitely arrived.

Come said the wind to the leaves one day, Come o're the meadows and we will play. Put on your dresses scarlet and gold, For summer is gone and the days grow cold.

Balance

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air. You name them - work, family, health, friends, and faith - and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends, and faith are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life. ~Brian Dyson, CEO of Coca Cola Enterprises from 1959-1994

How do you do with balance in your life? I have improved over the past two months, but it's still a struggle. Our pastor talks about balance as putting God first, spouse second, family third, job, ministry, & hobbies/activities after that. I think most of America has their values, their balance out of whack. If we did have things more together, things wouldn't be so chaotic in life. We would have time to take a walk and enjoy the change of seasons, we would have time to sit and talk to each other, and we definitely would know right from wrong and rely on God to help us through this life, not trudge through thinking money is the answer. In the Spring and early Summer, I had my priorities way out of place and was going, going, going, and not being. I wasn't spending quality time with God, my husband, or anyone for that matter. But, at camp, I had some moments that slowed me down and helped me to focus and I saw how out of balance my life truly was. As I swallowed my pride, I decided I needed to step down from some of the things I was involved in, the things that took all my time. I must say, I'm still working on proper balance, but I've taken one step closer to to leveling out the teeter totter of life. It's not easy, but it sure is nice to spend more time at home with my husband.


"Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?" Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." Matthew 22:36-40 The Message

Today I Wear Pink

Today, I wear pink. I wear pink in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Today I wear pink in honor and memory of my friend, Jenny. She has been on my mind a lot lately, and I really miss her words of encouragement, her love of life, and her inspiration. I went to her blog the other night, Mangy Moose, and just revisited some of her postings. I smiled and cried, as I thought of her. She lives on in so many hearts, and through her beautiful little girl, Grace.

Today I wear pink in honor of an aunt and three cousins who beat this terrible disease.

Today I wear pink, praying and hoping that my nieces generation will not have to live with the fear of breast cancer, because someone found a way to cure it.

Today I wear pink, and throughout the month I will wear pink, to honor all those who have been affected by breast cancer.

Today I wear pink as a reminder to get a mammogram. I wear it as a reminder do self exams. I wear it as a reminder to be educated and know the risk factors and the early signs. If you need a mammogram, GO GET ONE! I just got one in June and was in and out of there in less than an hour. Take a friend, your sister, your daughter, your mom with you and get checked! Many states offer free or reduced rate mammograms, so not being able to afford one is not an excuse. Early detection can save you.

Need more info?

http://nbcam.org/

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://ww3.komen.org/home/

In honor of Jenny, Celebrate Life was created. The money goes to help support North Idaho patients at Celebrate Life, P.O. Box 420, Ponderay, ID 83852. From the donations, a variety of needs are provided through the Bonner General Hospital outpatient clinic, Hospice and the Kootenai Cancer Center at Bonner General.