Leaves

Yesterday, after stuffing our bellies with a very yummy sandwich, my husband and I headed home. As we were driving up our carport, I noticed something on the driveway. I ask my husband who was driving, "what is on the driveway?". He replies "Leaves, babe." I in a rather shocking tone reply to his statement, "From where?" He kindly and sweetly replies "Umm, from trees, hahaha". Then I realized my question and we both sat there laughing.

One Tough Teacher

This is for all of the teachers I know...

A former Sergeant, having served his time with the Marine Corps, took a new job as a school teacher, but just before the school year started, he injured his back.

He was required to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. Fortunately, the cast fit under his shirt and wasn't noticeable. On the first day of class, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in the school.

The punks, having already heard the new teacher was a former Marine, were leery of him and decided to see how tough he really was before trying any pranks. Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, the new teacher opened the window wide and sat down at his desk.

When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he picked up a stapler and promptly stapled the tie to his chest…!!!!!

There was dead silence. He had no trouble with discipline that year.

Kylie

Kylie and I met a few years ago in the hallway of our college dorm. She was carrying a case of bottled water among a million other items. She was moving in that day. I introduced myself and asked her if she would mind if I help her with her things. I explained to her that I would be her RA for the year and that if she needed anything to please let me know. I helped her to her room, then said my goodbyes and went about my business for the day. Later that same night, I went to her room to check on her, we spoke for awhile. She seemed like a very sweet person so I was looking forward to getting to know her and hopefully become her friend.

Over the next few days, we hung out a lot and I learned that Kylie and I had a lot in common. We soon became best friends and were inseparable. When her birthday came around a few weeks later, I surprised her with balloons, a spa day and lots more fun. We had such a great day. Over the next several years we became like sisters. We took each other out on dates. We would cook together. We also got stuck in a snow storm waiting for the bus. We were so cold, that we told each other that if one of us would die the other would tell their family how much they loved them. We are a crazy pair. We prayed with and for each other, encouraged each other, and so much more. I saw God from a different angle--I saw God from her eyes. And together we started a journey towards obtaining a stronger relationship with God. However, we had to part ways so our journey together ended but yet we still pray for and encourage each other.

Its been three years since we have met and Kylie is one of my best friends. (So I had to text Kylie what year we met, I swore we meet in 2007 or 2008. However, she tells me that we met Jan 2009. I promise you it feels like its been more than 3 years since I've known her). I guess that's how you know you have an amazing friendship. I haven't seen her in a few years which makes me sad and I wish I could speak to her more often. However, I know that we are friends for life and that at some point in life we will catch up as if we just saw/spoke to each other yesterday. I miss you Kylie. I hope we can talk soon.

Thought for the Day: October 21, 2012

Look back and thank God. Look forward and trust God. Look around and serve God. Look within and find God. God closes doors no man can open and God opens doors no man can close.

Snapshot of my husband

I have a wonderful man, who helps balance my whole world. He isn't perfect but he is completely perfect for me. He is a man who works hard and would do anything for me. He makes me laugh and drives me crazy (in a good way). He is my best friend. He takes care of me, and I want to grow old with him. I am thankful for him each and every day. I can't live without him. This is just a snapshot of how I see my husband.

Flowers from my husband

The first rose my husband gave me

The pictures aren't the best quality but you get the idea....

The first bouquet of roses I got from my husband

Just because he loves me

The Resume of Jesus Christ

       Address: Ephesians 1:20
       Phone: Romans 10:13
       Website: The Bible.
       Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

           Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've
sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your
heart.  Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

           Qualifications

           ·       I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
           ·       I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
           ·       I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
           ·       I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
           ·       The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

           Occupational Background

           ·       I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
           ·       I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
           ·       My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

           Skills Work Experiences

           ·       Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting
                   the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
           ·       I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
           ·       Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

           Educational Background

           ·       I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
           ·       In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
           ·       My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
           ·       I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

           Major Accomplishments

           ·       I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
           ·       I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
           ·       I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
           ·       I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
           ·       There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www. - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

           References

           ·       Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance

           In Summation
           Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).

Two Traveling Angels

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.

As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his
wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen?

The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die. "Things aren't always what they seem," the older
angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall.

Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it." "Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."

Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have
faith, you just need to trust that every out come is always to your advantage. You just might not
know it until some time later...

The Girl in the Pink Dress

Unknown Author

There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park. Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad. Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat and watched the people go by. She never tried to speak. She never said a word. Many people passed by her, but no one would stop.

The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to see if the little girl would still be there. Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes.

Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone. As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress was grotesquely shaped. I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no effort to speak to her.

As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid my intent stare. As I approached her, I could see the shape of her back more clearly. She was grotesquely shaped in a humped-over form.

I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk. I sat down beside her and opened with a simple, "Hello." The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a "hi," after a long stare into my eyes. I smiled and she shyly smiled back.

We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty. I asked the girl why she was so sad. The little girl looked at me with a sad face said, "Because I'm different." I immediately said, "That you are!" and smiled. The little girl acted even sadder and said, "I know."

"Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent." She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got to her feet and said, "Really?"

"Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all those people walking by." She nodded her head yes, and smiled. With that she opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her wings to spread, then she said "I am. I'm your Guardian Angel," with a twinkle in her eye. I was speechless -- sure I was seeing things.

She said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself. My job here is done."

Be Still

The following is from my woman's devotion "Renew" edited by Ardis Dick Stenbakken.

This particular passage was written for July 19, 2012 by Raquel Quieroz de Costa Arrais.

A furious squall scame up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" Mark 4:37, 38, NIV.

I had flown many thousands of miles in the past 10 years, but this was the most violent storm I had ever encountered. Leaving the country of Moldova on a beautiful sunny day, I was on my way from Kishinev to Washington, D.C., when suddenly the airplane began to buck like a wild mustang with its first rider. For nearly 15 minutes we seemed to be surrounded by a violent wind that never ceased. I had good reason to believe that the plane would soon plummet to the earth.

The disciples had shouted to the Lord, "Save us; we're sinking!" In the same manner I began to pray. As the small plane bounced and swayed, I held tightly to the armrest. I felt fear, but as I prayed I had the assurance that God was in control, no matter what happened.

I thought more about the boat ride taken by the disciples and our Lord. Everything  was fine until the storm hit; then all the disciples grew fearful and distraught. Jesus was asleep in the bask of the boat. He was calm because He was in control. It was the disciples--and me--who let our fear get the best of us!

Almost immediately the turbulence stopped, and we continued on to our destination.

One of the blessings to come from this experience was learning that when we face a storm in our lives we have to remember three things. First, we cannot control the storms; we have to pray and let God care for us. Second, storms do not last forever. Jesus will not allow you to be overcome. You are safe in His loving protection. Sometimes He will calm the storm; sometimes He will calm your heart. Either way, He wants you to know peace in the midst of your difficulties. "Be strong, fear not!" Third, you aren't alone. There is no storm we face that Jesus hasn't already weathered. And He promises to accompany us through everything we experience.

When we are caught in the storms of life, it's easy to think that God has lost control and that we're at the mercy of the winds of fate. In reality God is sovereign. He controls the boat. As we spend time getting to know Him and experience His love, we learn to trust Him no matter how large the waves and no matter how scary the storm.

"I Couldn't Stop The Car"

This is a passage from my women's devotion "Renew" edited by Ardis Dick Stenbakken.

This passage is dated May 16, 2012 and was written by Yvonne Curry Smallwood.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Ps. 91:11

Our airplane had just touched down, and not wanting to allow another minute to pass, I clicked on my cell phone and called my parents. Dad answered. "We're so glad you're back," he said, then added, "And when you come by, your mother has something interesting to tell you."

After dropping our suitcase off at our house, we drove the short distance to their home. Immediately I noticed that only one of their two cars was parked in the driveway. After a brief conversation about our vacation, I asked, "Mom, what happened to your car?"

My 77-year-old mother sighed, then began relating a story that sent a tingle down my spine. "Your dad and I were on our way to church, and as I started to apply the brakes for a red light, I had none. I couldn't stop the car!"

My eyes grew big as she continued. "I worked in vain, certain that I was going to crash into the car ahead," she said. "But then suddenly something miraculous happened." I waited, silently thanking God that they were OK. "The car eased to a stop within inches of the car in front of it."

"Angels." The word dropped freely from my lips. "Angels stopped the car." We all agreed. God in His mercy saw what was happening and dispatched an angel to come to the aid of my parents.

Later I again reflected on this situation and how good God really is. We put our trust in so many "things." We assume that an alarm clock will wake us each morning, an airplane will maintain its altitude and not fall, and that water flowing from a tap will be safe to drink. But these are only things. It is our Father who taps us on the shoulder each morning. It is God who keeps the worlds from colliding in space. It is God who sends angels to protect us. We don't see angels, but we know that God has put them in charge of us. It's often angels whom God dispatches to save us in distressing situations.

Trusting God in all things is critical to our well being. He won't leave us when we put our trust in Him. And more important, He never fails. I'm so glad that He sent an angel to stop my parents' car; I'm looking forward to saying thanks, in person to this special heavenly being!

One question, another lesson from God

As many of you know, I am a social worker by trade. I moved to a new place so that I could live with my husband. Anyway, in my new home, it is required that if I want to work as a social worker I must first take an exam to obtain my license. Therefore, I have been studying for several months for this exam. I was scheduled to take my exam on September 17. I studied, I reviewed, and throughout the whole process as with everything else I prayed for God's blessings. September 17 came and I went to the testing center prayed and then sat down for 2.5 hrs and 170 questions. The weeks prior to my exam I was certain that I was going to pass and would be on my way to my social work career. On the day of my exam, I knew in my heart that God was in control and that whatever happens it in His hand and that it will all work out in time. So with that said, the test was set for 4 hours and was a total of 170 questions. As I stated before it took me 2.5 hours to take the exam. I got the results the same day. As I finished, I said one last final prayer, pressed submit and walked to the front office to get my scores. The lady handed me a piece of paper that said I failed by one question. I barely made it back to my car before I started crying. I then proceeded to cry all the way home. When I got home, I went to my bedroom and laid in bed and cried some more.

Well then my parents, husband and mother in law remind me that God always has a plan and its always perfect.They also told me that I should see it as a fail because it was one question, its more like God saying hold on, not yet. I was upset with God because He knows how much I want to go back to working as a social worker but because of this failed exam I am not able to resume my career. But then the light-bulb in my head went off and I got the bigger picture.

This experience isn't about me or what I want. I asked for God's will to be done and that His plan and purpose for my life be fulfilled. I have no doubt that God called me to be a social worker. But as I am going through this process I learned that God lets us exercise our free will. I told Him I wanted to take this exam and when. Yes, I did ask Him for help and all, but He is also not going to force me to go His way. It is my choice. I must deal with the consequences of my decisions. He does, however, still have our back when we make our own plans. So while yes, I don't have my social work license, I do have a lesson from God. He has me where He wants me for now. In His time, I will retake my exam and pass and be able to enter the world of social work. Till then, I can still help people that I come across in my every day going. I don't have to be in an office to help someone out. I finally understand the concept that my timing and God's timing is TWO different timetables.