A Frog Hopping Conversion

This morning my husband woke up to a frog in the kitchen. Yes, a frog. Evidently he hopped in the house all by himself.  During the summer months we are in and out the back door often leaving it cracked or open depending on who is outside.

Apparently he wanted out so badly he was hopping up and down hitting the door to the garage. Mark opened it and he hopped out. Activities such as these happen frequently which is why we need to prevent it in the future. At times I have noticed birds flying too close for comfort!

Commercials on TV have become raunchy, silly, stupid and frivolous. A number of commercials are so bad; I wouldn’t buy the products simply for that reason!

The Progressive Insurance Commercials have overdone Flo.

You couldn’t pay me to buy a Magic Bullett or the Yoshi Blue Pans.

And who could forget the Sham Wow! What a guy! He takes acting to a whole new level!

The reason I brought up these commercials is we actually bought the Magic Mesh for the door. I never thought we would try such a thing. It will be interesting once we install it if it really prevents flying bugs and hopping frogs from entering in. The real test will be the cat. She doesn’t miss a trick; if it is new she will find it. Her nature strikes a chord of curiosity whenever anything is out of place or moved. In other words she isn’t a fan of change.

Are we any different than our cat? Do we like change? For the most part the answer is no.

Thank God he doesn’t change. We can count on him being the same today, yesterday and forever.

However, the evil in our souls must be purged which requires a “Jesus Reconstruction.”
Refusing to do so leaves us a few short steps from the abyss.

Years ago after God had given me my Damascus Road trip, I was mocked for my conversion. The words,

“You’ve really changed and I don’t like it. I haven’t changed at all; I am still the same.”

My response was,

“Yes, I can see you haven’t changed at all. What a shame.”

The Apostle Paul’s conversion must have sent vibrations through the earth. He was so sure of Jesus he most likely left many waiting in the wings of their unbelief.

Choosing a man of Paul’s education, status and outspoken behavior was true to God’s character. It would be just like God to appoint a Jew who hated Jesus and lived to kill Christians to be transformed into a man of God with a legacy unmatched by anyone.

As Paul’s Damascus road conversion made history, our metamorphosis should be obvious. If people don’t notice the remodeling of our lives, then the core value of God’s love is missing.

Paul is an example of what our transformation to Christ should look like; a major overhaul.

Hopefully others will catch a glimpse of something new we have that they don’t, but desire to find out what has happened to us!

Please read the following blog posts from The River Ministries.   Pastor David Chapman has outlined  Paul’s life in 4 very insightful sections.  He also has a testimony worth taking the time to read. God bless.

http://theriverministries.net/2012/05/22/the-apostle-paul-part-1/

http://theriverministries.net/2012/05/23/the-apostle-paul-part-2/

http://theriverministries.net/2012/05/24/the-apostle-paul-part-3/

http://theriverministries.net/2012/05/25/the-apostle-paul-part-4/

Copyright @2012 All Rights Reserved

churchgraphics.wordpress.com

Flowers in Green Fields and Ocean Waves

You know God is a pretty busy guy. Have you ever thought about that?

Very busy; he has an enormous amount of work to do every day. You might say he has a lot on his plate and his plate is quite large.

Stop and think about all he is doing; not done but what he faces in our generational era.

He has to be everywhere all the time. That in itself is exhausting to me.

God feeds the hungry, gives clothes to the poor, fights wars even though he hates war, saves marriages, rescues us from ourselves and fills the sky at night with stars.

God reforms his church, protects the missionaries, redeems the strayed, thwarts natural disasters, gives aid to those affected by natural disasters and composes ocean waves.

God sends foreign aid, guards our schools, beats crime, ransoms the lost, blocks violence, sends Angels to fight the enemy of the dark and lights the sky with a crescent moon.

God speaks for those who can’t speak for themselves, he cares for the widow and orphans, provides research for medicines, educates and trains his followers, scatters his flowers in green fields.

God heals through medicine (although I am sure he would prefer to heal the easy way) supports the homeless, provides needed earthly resources and wakes us up to a beautiful sunrise.

God topples evil nations, changes the guards of politics, ends the reign of dictators, confirms the constitution, weeds out corrupt politicians and ends the day with a sunset.

Shall I go on? The list is infinite. God is in control. God knows what he is doing.

God is busy, yet his first and foremost desire is to form a lasting personal relationship with every human being.

The concept that the Almighty God, Jehovah Yahweh even considers us as his most cherished creation is difficult to grasp.

The idea the King of Kings desires to teach, guide, protect, and provide our every need is nothing but overwhelming.

The realization the Chief Shepherd of the Universe chooses to speak to us, hear our prayers, listen to our gripes and complaints, forgive us, and deals with us at all is beyond my comprehension.

He must be God. Embracing his love for us is over the top, astounding, mind-blowing and bewildering. Thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.

If the Creator of the Universe takes time out of his busy life to speak to us, shouldn’t we do the same for him?

Photo by Randy Harrison
http://www.pbase.com/jrandyh

http://justmyfaithtalking.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/one-step-closer-to-home-casual-or-cause/

http://jesusmyjoy.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/look-at-the-beauty/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/the-loveliness-of-christ/

http://butchdean.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/a-matter-of-perspective/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

Dire Straits

Reading the news makes me want to throw up. Watching the mass lies, mudslinging and vile hate spewed at Christians brings me to my knees.

Folks, we are in dire straits in America.

The blame game, false advertising and accusations run rampant.

Slander is prominent and people disappearing. When will it stop?

Strong gay marriage support now exceeds strong opposition

Author says GOP broke Washington

State may vote on licenses for illegal immigrants

SC Gov Haley using piñata video to raise money

Dad says son beaten at bus stop as others watched

Secret Service boss: ‘I apologize’

$100 Billion Tax Question

Polls show US presidential battle tightening

Witnesses change stories in Trayvon case

I was hard pressed to find any good news. At least this one is;

Pro-Choice’ Americans At Record Low, Poll Finds

This is just America, not the world. The evidence is clear the media is more interested in promoting civil unrest, murder and anything disgusting.

The tone is negative rhetoric. Big talkers acting. Feuds are fought with demeaning gabfest. It is embarrassing.

What is worse is people fall for the lies….because they don’t know the truth. If they did the news would be opposite.

In the last 30 years I have witnessed this country decline in roller coaster fashion.

Issues we never discussed have become mainstream. Issues we never heard of are FrontPage news. Issues once thought to be ill-advised, hush-hush or deviant are accepted as normal by those who wish to promote such shameful aversions.

Explaining that to a 23-year-old is deafening. They can’t relate. Sadly, the younger generation has no idea what Ozzie and Harriet represented.

God is speaking and speaking loudly. Actually he is yelling. If you are blinded or don’t know the word, you won’t hear him. But this is what he is saying.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “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 will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Who does this sound like? Weren’t the Israelites a difficult bunch?

Unfortunately the Israelites don’t have anything on America. We are the most grumbling, complaining, and selfish, backbiting people on earth.

But God put us here for a reason. America was founded on Godly principles. America is God’s alternative to freedom for others. He has used our people to give generously, back Israel and seek peace in other areas of the world. He built this nation on Capitalism; free market and enterprise and a constitution based on his word.

America is a blessed nation or was.

We have to get back on our knees. Now.

http://singularspectrum.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/spectrum-perspectives-social-media/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/elective-despotism/

http://thewayeverlasting.com/2012/05/23/quote-shudder/

http://butchdean.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/a-matter-of-perspective/

http://justmyfaithtalking.wordpress.com/2012/05/19/a-simple-request-go-and-sin-no-more/

churchgraphics.wordpress.com

Praise Report!

My dad is home and doing fine! Thanks be to God his surgery went very well. He is bruised with some soreness, but that is to be expected. Doctor told him only Tylenol for pain and a cool compress which he is using to reduce any swelling.

Once home he sat down at the dinner table and gobbled down a delicious hamburger my daughter had made! He was starving and there is nothing wrong with his appetite!  Remarkably, with all he has endured the last 2 years his appetite has been excellent.

I am overwhelmed with my blogger friends and how you have risen to the occasion to pray for my dad. God truly answered your prayers and I am so grateful to each one of you for your blessings upon him and my family.

God knew when he created this technology the benefits it would bring.  The support for each other is needed and such a great blessing.

Thank you all for your friendship, and your prayers. My dad is a result of how important prayer is and that it really works!

God bless you all!

Prayer Request

I am asking for prayer for my father. He is 86 having eyelid surgery tomorrow, Monday,  May 21. Some of his eyelashes will have to be removed also. He is a real trooper having had major surgery in 2010 and 2 other surgeries after that. He is a walking miracle.  He has already been through so much physically but God has been good to him.

Please pray the surgery will go well, that God will be the surgeon’s hands and the recovery will be quick and the pain manageable.

Thank you.

Cavalier Days and the Champion Advocate

So you want to do this or that. What is that or this?

We wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t important….or would we?

Repenting of my useless, wasted energies, God assured me he uses everything.

Lavish fun, destructive music and movies, and squandering God’s money on the junk food of life are a total distraction. And to think in our youthfulness we knew it all…..yeah right.

Our cavalier and reckless days add up to empty hearts, no satisfaction and debt. The order may be reversed depending on how much you spent on life’s ill-fated pleasures or the extent you went to in revenge for Don Juan who broke your precious heart.

As you whine, “I will never date again!”  Or “You just wait you little eaves dropping adulterer, your days are numbered!”

Oh, give me a break.

How often do we tangle our own webs? How often do we muddle our gluttony by jumping into the fire ourselves? If we aren’t careful the enlistment will backfire.

The enemy uses whatever is available to distract us. And we are so easily allured into his devilish antics we forget or lose our way. He is a cunning, deranged creature who needs to be thrown under a few buses, but it won’t happen if we don’t push him. Or yank his so-called wickedness with real authority.

Wrong people and activities waste our time.

Yes, you know the fun people, all-about-me people or the hedonistic, miserly gourmets of popularity. These are the lost souls of propriety. Run away.

Destructive circumstances aren’t always lost in our foolish captivity. God is the source of freedom but only if asked.

Once you run away, seek God before the excess baggage of your blissful pleasures drop on your head. He is the beneficiary of our expensive and often painful negligence.

Psalm 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

No matter what we have done if we seek God he can take our egotistical, self-seeking greed and use it for his purposes.

How? By allowing us to reap what we sow until the veil is removed. Days of amusing revelry get old fast often resulting in dreadful circumstances.

Yep. All the misbehaving, rule breaking attitudes can be used as examples for the kingdom of God in the hopes others will wise up before gratifying their unholy aspirations.

The recommendation is to avoid at all costs the feasts of poisonous entertainment to start with. If you have joined in the foolery of many, turn it over to God and get out.

Allow God to turn the pampering of your sinful nature into a new creature in Christ. He uses evil for good showering us with a fresh start.

God wastes nothing. His clever techniques of deliverance far outweigh our mistakes.

He is a master vindicator working behind the scenes justifying the innocent.

The world is in enough disarray as it is without our own disregard for authority.

Use your God given common sense and guidance in how you spend your time.

After all, we are only passing through.

“Remind me that my days are numbered.” Psalm 39:4

http://birdmartin.wordpress.com/2012/05/19/birds-spiritual-learning-disability-god-grades-bird-on-a-curve/

http://longingsend.com/2012/05/19/saturday-psalm-psalm-18/

http://godspeaks-i-listen.com/2012/05/19/time-has-come-today/

http://jesuscarriesme.com/2012/05/19/my-struggle-with-the-story-of-the-canaanite-woman/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

The Stuff Between Your Ears

Switch if off. Turn it off. Shut it down. And listen to God.

Our brains are overloaded. Our minds are being infiltrated with every possible thought imaginable. It is impossible in a society so technologically advanced to absorb the daily news, Wisteria Lane and government politics without losing some very important brain cells. And if that isn’t enough to enlist you to the local institution nothing will.

The enemy loves our busy minds. He uses them to his advantage. Unfortunately he knows more than we would like him to know. He knows what we like or dislike, our weaknesses and our fears. Worst of all is he is patient….his strategy is to take his time filling our loaded brains with lines like,

“You can’t do that. You aren’t skilled enough,” or “Go ahead. Jump in the fire. It won’t burn you.”

Hopefully jumping into a fire is an activity most of us would rather not do…but how often has he used other language to persuade us to believe him?

About 12 years ago I was a single parent, working and sick. The enemy is a coward. He used some of my sickest moments to fill my mind with deception, lies and vile falsehoods.

One night, lying in bed I heard the words, “You are going to die. Just give up. You will die and you ex-husband will get custody of your daughter.”

The devil was stupid. He should have known the one area that would keep me alive was my daughter.

At that moment I made up my mind I was going to get well and stay well because there was no way on God’s green earth I would let my ex-husband get custody of her. The devil’s words backfired on him reminding me of the one incentive to change my thinking.

God’s words are the opposite of the devil filled with love, hope and positive overtones. Positive thoughts give life, success and health.

The devil feeds us fabrications of fear, doubt, hate, and evil; anything to bring us down in despair, depression and even suicidal thoughts.

The key to determining the difference is God’s word. Learning his word expels evil. Using it, speaking it out loud will chase the enemy away. Avoid his negative, blurry, misrepresentations by not giving him a moment’s notice. Ignore him. Instead focus on God.

Have you noticed your thought patterns when you are tired? Have you sensed a shift from the positive to the negative? Have you thought certain thoughts and wondered, “Where did that come from?”

Be aware of what drops in your head. If it is distracting, dishonest or negative, don’t stay there. Renew your mind with God’s word; practice his positive outlook and believe it.

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

This process takes time, effort and study, but well worth it. It is crucial to keep your focus on God allowing him to change your thinking.

Why? Our thinking affects everything we say, do, and how we act. Understand this is not learned over night. Don’t allow self-condemnation to set in which gives the enemy a foothold. Keep trying and trust God to teach you.

God reveals his character as we filter the evil out of our thinking leaving our minds free and clear to hear him. The importance of simplifying our lives increases the time we have to spend alone with God.

The devil hates it.

And God loves it.

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/does-nature-reveal-god/

http://highlyfavored74.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/2430/

http://refusingtotiptoe.com/2012/05/17/the-four-minutes-that-renovated-my-walk-last-year/

http://thewayeverlasting.com/2012/05/17/question-why-shouldnt-i-worry/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

Feral Trauma

Today was a day I don’t look forward to. It comes but once a year, thankfully.

Maxicat

You would think with life as good as our cat has she wouldn’t tarnish her reputation by her agitated screaming on a trip to the Vet.

Yes, she needed shots. Yes, I knew this but she didn’t. Yes, I feel like a heel when I push her small body in the cat cage and the “wailing” begins.

The trip in the cat cage is as traumatic as the visit. A feral kitten when we found her, she has never adapted to forcefully being kept inside or placed in a position where freedom is not available 24/7. The outside world was her original home for the first year of her life so a caged 10 minute trip is cat prison to her even with my lame attempts to keep her calm. Nothing will suffice until she is out of the cat cage on her soil.

Arriving in the clinic, other pet owners wondered what I had done to this cat to make her behave like a crying toddler who just got spanked for not getting his way. Her constant wails brought one woman over to see her. She quickly realized Maxi was not interested, nor congenial.

Maxicat in Box

Finally the receptionist spoke up saying,

“That is one unhappy feline.”

Embarrassed, I said,

“Yes, she really doesn’t want to be here.”

The man next to me had 2 adorable little kittens. They looked about 6 weeks old, very quiet and still as they listened to this female lioness roar. He brought them over to look at Maxi who then let out the “wail of all wails.”  He retreated as if she was going to launch an all out attack on his precious babies.

If that wasn’t enough drama, when the Vet called us back, Maxi refused to come out. We turned the cage upside down to make her fall out on the table only she backed herself up in the top wrapping her sharp claws around the cage bars.

She continues the whining as we one by one declawed her from the cage bars and she fell out. Amazingly she sat rather peacefully while she gave the injections. Once done she actually walked in the cat cage of her own accord.

A few wails and meow’s were all she could muster on the drive home.

Once I let her out, you would never have known the melodramatic performance she had just acted out.

Her child like behavior stems much from her past. Once a feral, always a feral as it rears its head in moments of restraint but I wouldn’t want her any other way.

I believe it is the “feral feline” remaining in her that is so captivating. Her agile ability to hunt, live independently, jump 6 foot fences at her age is a remarkable means of survival. She could live in the wild again if necessary and function quite well.

She is the epitome of cat; through and through. The hard, feisty personality she possesses kept her alive as the runt of the litter. At barely 9 pounds, and 10 years old she is the loudest cat I have ever heard. God left nothing to the imagination when he gave this girl vocal chords.

She is a talker; answers questions with “meow, meow” along with a variety of facial expressions and tail movements we adore. Her funny quirks and whimsical habits keep us laughing.

God has protected this cat. She almost died twice.

I am confident God knew animals would bring the best out in us humans. A cat of her breed and upbringing was a test of convincing her what love is. Her skittish and sensitive demeanor as a feral kitten affirmed rejection and fear in her young life.

Over time, showing her unconditional love, protection and provisions, she has opened her heart and allowed us into what was a depraved world.

As a result, we have been rewarded with an entertaining, lively and priceless “Queen of the Castle.” Or as my husband says, “Her Highness.”

“In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10)

Tired kitty resting in box after trip to Vet

http://denimdevotion.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/pause/

http://lifeofafemalebiblewarrior.wordpress.com/2012/02/02/sleeping-with-your-pets/

http://catnipchronicles.com

http://www.petwarmers.com

Mockingbird Motives

Mockingbird
Photo by Randy Harrison
http://www.pbase.com/jrandyh

Our yard no longer belongs to us. It has been stolen. The beastly creatures of the air believe we are enemies. Humans are not welcome, but the cat is considered an assassin.

The tree near the front porch is their new home. A nest for more of those noisy, annoying, provoking Mockingbirds built within feet of the steps. We did not offer that tree to them. No invitations were sent out to families of Mockingbirds to bring more of them into our world.
I love animals. I love most birds except these.

This pair of criminals will take on any foe that makes a move near their nest.  Beware of the torturous bickering, constant chirping, and whistling not to mention the physical attacks.

The cat and I enjoy sitting together on the steps. Not today. The Mockingbirds will have none of that harmonious affection.

We hadn’t been there 2 minutes and both of them appear announcing their displeasure with our presence.

One flew to the top of the mailbox post. Screaming at the top of his lungs he rattled on about how we were invading his territory. Never mind that we lived here first. The other flew to another tree near the nest obviously guarding it from the danger of bird trafficking.

The sun had finally appeared after a day of storms, it felt good to enjoy the warmth. Only these two loudmouths wouldn’t shut up.

Sitting quietly, minding our business the birds begin their assault on our peace. Flying back and forth and letting loose verbal aggression while airborne, it became quite clear the attack had reached full force. One step closer and the cat’s head would become a pecking post. Not sure which one of us these intrusive, pestering fowl hated more, I grabbed Maxi and left.

These unruly, feathered creatures remind me of some people I know. Stubborn. Aggressive. Bossy. Argumentative. Demanding. Obnoxious. Arrogant. Shall I continue?

Surely you know no one with these attributes? I admit my desire to choke these birds was not far from my thinking. Or better yet let one of them get too close to the cat. They just might think twice about being so arrogant.

When we allow ourselves to get to “big for our britches” we indulge in a waiting game for humility. You know the one where your britches fall off and you are standing alone stripped of any self respect.

God will allow us to sink deep; dig our own graves, or put our proverbial foot in our mouths to teach us the meaning of meekness, modesty and submissive obedience. A heart of conceit, yielding to tyrannical motives will ultimately overestimate their platform.

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

God will not allow his plans to be thwarted to divide and conquer.

God will not allow factions to override his laws no matter their stately position.

God will not allow leaders to continue to berate and belittle that which is sacred.

Whether you believe the Word of God or not, it still stands. God is not changing his mind or his promises to fit the idea our culture is evolving into anything other than his purposes.

There lies no argument. We are held accountable. And the cradle will fall….

Psalm 109:8 “May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership.”

http://jesusmyjoy.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/gay-marriage-debate/

http://larrywho.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/remember-the-prisoners-part-8/

http://lifeofafemalebiblewarrior.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/president-obama-out-of-the-closet/

http://media4lifeministries.com/2012/05/14/the-signs-of-the-time-and-the-word-of-god/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

CANCELLED!

TV is not a major part of my life; not anymore. Most shows are not worth my precious time. BUT WHEN THEY CANCEL SHOWS I LIKE I MAY AS WELL DUMP THE TV IN THE TRASH!

The few I have watched outside of NCIS have all been given the boot. And of course NCIS has a cliffhanger that could possibly force us to wait until the fall for the conclusion. NCIS is a date night for my husband and me as it is one of the few shows we both enjoy. The good news is “Person of Interest” has been renewed.

He loves “Swamp People, Antiques Roadshow, Survivor and what’s that show about the fishermen? Oh, yea, “Deadliest Catch.” Somehow swampy water and dead fish aren’t my idea of a good love story.

As of last night, the John Grisham show, “The Firm” has been cancelled. I love John Grisham. What is wrong with those people?

The truth? Our secular culture feeds on garbage. Yes. “Feed me trash, debris, filth, and the dregs of TV refuse.” No wonder the masses live on edge. No wonder the multitude of human beings are a wreck. You are what you watch!

Get your head out of the dirty mud and watch Hallmark Channel. You can cry, laugh, oooohhhhh and awwwww…..and feel squeaky clean while doing it.

Bad TV has a few good points.

Photo credit by
churchgraphics.wordpress.com

Time is released for me to be productive.

Time is given to beat my husband in rummy.

Time to blog more.

Especially; time freed up for God….

Apparently the days of “Andy and Barney” are too “positive” for the media today. Positive doesn’t sell in these days of rubbish. Ratings, Ratings and more ratings; again it is all about greed feeding pockets of many who already have more than most.

We live in an overloaded entertainment society. Only the entertainment has drizzled into a pot of mush over the years. And we were not born to be entertained. The devil made his grand entrance into the networks and spilled his corruption. Sad to say as in so many areas of our lives we fell for it, hook, line and sinker.

Movies and TV are temptations laid out to disengage us from God. So what is one more distraction? Add them to the daily news and we stuff our souls with lecherous carnality straight from Hell.

Sorry, but I can’t swallow any of today’s comedies. Give me Dick Van Dyke any day.

If you think for one minute the devil isn’t working overtime in the media industry of Hollywood, you need a “restart” button.

Maybe….bad TV isn’t so bad after all. Maybe it’s my way of defeating the enemy at his own game by boycotting his immoral and shameless influence.

Want to join me for some Hallmark?

http://media4lifeministries.com/2012/05/13/thank-you-jesus/

http://goldenbible.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/keeping-focus/

http://highlyfavored74.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/are-we-spiritually-growing/

http://lifeofafemalebiblewarrior.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/another-perfect-stranger/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved