Where have you been?

A one dollar bill met a 20 dollar bill and said, "hey, where've you been? I haven't seen you around here much."
The twenty answered, "I've been hanging out at the casinos, went on a cruise and did the rounds of the ship, back to the United States for awhile, went to a couple of baseball games, to the mall, that kind of stuff. How about you?"
The one dollar bill said, "You know, same old stuff, church, church, church."

I put this on my facebook status today:
A slave has no choiceThey serve their master
A servant choices to serve.
I think about this sometimes. Before we are saved (by the blood of) Jesus, before we surrender completely to him, we are slaves to sin. In summitting we become free! But when we think we are in control of our lives we are in fact slaves. I thank God He is in control of my life and I am free! I give to Him freely my life! He can do so much more than I could ever imagine with my life. He surprises me every day from the smallest thing to the awesome! I do remember thinking I was in control, and how I could screw things up so easy and often. I am ashamed of things I did, but thank God it has all been erased and my name is in the Lamb's book of Life!
And when we are "in control" God can still use us for His Glory! I have seen Him use sinners many a time. He is in control even when we chose the wrong path. He allows us to make our own "free will" choices, but I know He still watches out for us and He loves us all!

Prayer and daily living

Someone has written these beautiful words. One must read and try to understand the deep meanings in them. They are like the Ten Commandments to follow in life all the time.

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble; it is a "steering wheel" that directs us in the right path throughout life.

2] Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

4] All things in life are temporary. If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don't worry, they can't last long either.

5] Old friends are like Gold! New friends are Diamonds! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a base of Gold!

6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision."

9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE.

If you really enjoy this, PLEASE pass to others. It may brighten someone's day... Praying for love and peace to fill your heart each day.

A poem written in 2001

PREJUDICE!
by Juanita Dale Bedenbaugh

Hate consumes! Hate destroys!
Whatever hate can do - love can do more.
Do you hate an ex-friend or someone else's wife.
Then hate takes control & ruins your life.
You may not see it, but others can,
Your hate & anger for your fellow man.
It starts off so very small
And it ain't long before it takes all.
An in-law or an outlaw - it doesn't matter who
Hate builds up until you don't know what to do.
Just like Kryptonite can drain superman's power
Hate can drain all love from you every hour
Who are we to give judgment
Isn't that why Jesus was sent
Who are we to throw stones
To bruise other's flesh & bones
Don't let the hate from 9-11 eat away at you
Let's join together & do what God wants us to do.
Turn your eyes to the heavens above.
He can show you how to forgive.
His love will guide you on how to live.
WWJD? What would Jesus do?
How would He treat you?
What did He do to the adulteress
He gave her protection & forgiveness.,
What did He do the the blind man, the leper,
the poor man, the rich man, the sinner,
He treated them all the same
He took all the blame
He shed His blood in the name of love
From His Father above

Get fired up for Jesus!

He is the First and Last, the beginning and the end! He is the keeper of creation and the creator of all! He keeps the architect of the universe and the manager of all times. He always was, He always is, and He always will be... Unmoved, unchanged, undefeated, and never undone! He was bruised and brought healing! He was pierced and eased pain! He was persecuted and brought freedom@ He was dead and brought life! He is risen and brings power! He reigns and brings Peace! The world can't understand Him The armies can't defeat Him, The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him and the people couldn't hold Him! Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The new age can't replace Him, and Donahue can't explain Him away! He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, kindness, Gentleness, and God. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful and pure. His ways are right, His word is eternal., His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me! he is my redeemer, He is my savior, He is my guide, and He is my peace! He is my joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord, and He rules my life! I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and the sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

Maxine's yearly Dementia test

Maxine's yearly Dementia test

Our Yearly Dementia Test It's that time of year for us to take our annual senior citizen test. Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important to keep mentally alert. If you don't use it, you lose it! Below is a very private way to gauge how your memory compares to the last test. Some may think it is too easy but the ones with memory problems may have difficulty. Take this test to determine if you're losing it or not. The spaces below are so you don't see the answers until after you've answered them. OK, relax, clear your mind and begin. 1. What do you put in a toaster? Answer: 'bread.' If you said 'toast' give up now and do something else. Try not to hurt yourself. If you said, bread, go to Question 2. 2. Say 'silk' five times. Now spell 'silk.' What do cows drink? Answer: Cows drink water. If you said 'milk' don't attempt the next question. Your brain is over-stressed and may even overheat. Content yourself with reading a more appropriate literature such as Auto World. However, if you said 'water', proceed to question 3. 3. If a red house is made from red bricks and a blue house is made from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a green house made from? Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass. If you said 'green bricks,' why are you still reading these??? If you said 'glass,' go on to Question 4. 4. Without using a calculator - You are driving a bus from London to Milford Haven in Wales . In London , 17 people get on the bus. In Reading , 6 people get off the bus and 9 people get on. In Swindon , 2 people get off and 4 get on. In Cardiff , 11 people get off and 16 people get on. In Swansea , 3 people get off and 5 people get on. In Carmathen, 6 people get off and 3 get on. You then arrive at Milford Haven. Without scrolling back to review, how old is the bus driver? Answer: Oh, for crying out loud! Don't you remember your own age? It was YOU driving the bus!! If you pass this along to your friends, pray they do better than you. PS: 95% of people fail most of the questions!!

Take time to read the Bible..

I received this email and I thought it was worth a share:  The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.. One day the grandson asked, 'Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?'  The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, 'Take this old wicker coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.'  The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, 'You will have to move a little faster next time,' and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the old wicker basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was 'impossible to carry water in a basket,' and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, 'I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough,' and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, 'See Papa, it's useless!'  'So you think it is useless?' the old man said. 'Look at the basket.'  The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different.
Instead of a dirty old wicker coal basket, it was clean.
'Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.' Moral of the wicker basket story: Take time to read a portion of God's word each day; it will affect you for good even if you don't retain a word.

Cicadas

They are called periodical cicadas. They only come up from the ground once every 13 years and sing in trees. Thats their mating. they will be around long enough to lay their eggs in tree branches then they will die and the eggs will fall to the ground and burrow down, about 30 days. And wait 13 more years.  They don't sing at night, they only sing during the day. Sounds like alien space ships. I copied and pasted some info:

There are many interesting aspects of a periodical cicada emergence, including the length of time they spend underground, their massive numbers, their visual appearance, their amazing songs, and the variety of reactions people have to the cicadas. One of most amazing things you can witness during a cicada emergence is to watch cicadas emerge from the earth as nymphs, crawl up a tree, shed their skins, spread their wings and become adults.

Step 1: The nymph grabs hold of a leaf

Periodical cicadas will typically emerge over a period of several days. If you discover that cicadas have emerged in your yard by finding their skins (exuvia) or adult cicadas, chances are good more cicadas will emerge later that night.
Nymphs will crawl around until they find a place to grab hold of with their tiny tarsal claws. Usually they find part of a tree branch or leaf. Sometimes they find a car tire, a brick wall or a barbecue.
Step 2: The back of the cicada splits open, and the cicada pushes itself out.
The skin of the nymph splits open along the middle of its back, all the way up to its head. The cicada then pushes itself out back-first. You’ll notice that the cicada is white in color with two black spots on its back. At this point the cicada’s body is very soft — until a cicada’s body has hardened, we call them teneral, which means soft or tender in Latin.
Step 3: With its abdomen anchored in the nymph skin, the cicada curls back, freeing its legs and spiracles.
The spiracles are the holes through which the cicada breathes. You’ll notice fine white strands connected to the nymph skin — those were once connected to the spiracles.
Step 4: The cicada curls forward, grabs hold of its former skin, and frees its abdomen
step 5: The cicada crawls away from its old skin and prepares inflate its wings
Step 6: The cicadas wings fill with fluid and expand
The cicada inflates its wings using haemolymph, a blood-like fluid also used to transport nutrients in a cicada’s body.
Step 7: The color of the cicada darkens and its body hardens
Once the cicada has expanded its wings, the cicadas will turn their final color and their bodies and wings will harden. Once the body and wings are sufficiently hardened, they are able to fly and sing.

Well I pulled off a surprise party for Angel and my mother. It wasn't easy, Angel kept making plans for the same time. I had to go behind her back and tell others "No she can't". I am exhausted. And their new glasses came in and we had to go pick them up. I got pulled over, doing 52mph in a 40 zone. Thank God I only got a warning. My odometer was reading 80 when I was in park. Chevy's, got to love em! It was a long day and I am not recovered yet. But Angel wasn't expecting a party yet, too much going on. She said she could wait a couple of weeks. She still can have one with her friends at the park. My party was just family and her boyfriend. He did good! He got her 2 books and all the Harry Potter movies. She did a dive hug on him!
My family tried to have a surprise party for me. Some people did not get invited until right before time of the party. I was feeling a little unappreciated, no cake, no presents and no attention. Not even a card. Three days had passed and nothing. I was looking at a cake, small, thinking my grand babies could sing Happy Birthday to me and eat cake. but I was putting it back because it costs so much. When my sweet husband came up behind me and fussed. He said something about me messing up the surprise, He should have just asked, "What are you doing?" Well, I showed them how to have a surprise party. I did give Angel a card with a phone card in it for her birthday, on her birthday! Her birthday landed on Easter and we were so busy and she knew she was having a party in a couple of weeks. My mother was surprised, she thought it was all for Angel.
Now, Easter is over, Angel's surprise party is over... I can put all my energy (not much left) into our Spaghetti supper/ Talent Show this Saturday. It seems like "if it can go wrong, it will go wrong". I pray we have an amp, or we won't have much of a talent show. Still trying to put some of the acts together. and not all my girls are taking rehearsals seriously. Some are getting stage freight. Please pray for all of us. We are trying to raise money to send our Sunday school children to camp. It is only $100 a child this year. The camp runs from July 25-29. The same time as Doc Holliday Seminar, and I want to go so bad! Need money for that too, but I can't have a fund raiser for me... or can I? I glazed a 22" angel, mother of pearl on the wings and fired gold on the belts of her dress. She is one of the door prizes, a bag of Avon, Shealy's Bar B Que gift certificates, a Bible cover, book (from B-L Christian book store), hardware store donated a light and Southern Keepsakes donated a gift card. My girls still need to get out there to a few more places. I hate to say it, but greed is still a part of our little town... one place rather large company was asked, they said if we gave to you, we would have to give to everyone that asks. As a small business owner, I have never turned anyone down. I have given to so many different causes and I am proud to have been a part of them. I have noticed that when I give gift certificates I rarely see them come back. but atleast I contributed. Thank you for your time and God Bless you!

The last update was about my first insulin, since then I have done it every night but one. I forgot that night because I fell asleep in my chair (from meds for my sinus infection.) When I woke up, I stumbled to bed. Back to the insulin shots, the second time I did it in my left side and it hurt. The next night I did the right side and it didn't hurt. I came to the conclusion that it hurts the left side not the right, but that's not always true either. I don't know why sometimes it hurts and sometimes it don't. I don't know how much it is helping either. I check my sugar all the time, but it may be too close when I ate, or when I'm starving. I guess I will have to wait for the four months blood test results. Of course she did want me to come back after 6 weeks. I just pray it is under control by then, now would be nice too.
God shows me his beauty everyday on my way in or on the way home. Poppi loves it. He goes crazy when he sees the wild turkeys or deer. I wanted to get a picture when I saw the skunk, but I couldn't put the window down, because Poppi would bark, and I didn't want to upset the skunk at all. And then there was the afternoon when two young girls where out chasing 10 puppies that got loose. Poppi didn't like it when we put 8 of them in my car, they were all over him and they are so big and so many.
I am really enjoying the flowers. Smells so sweet! The zoo trip Sunday was awesome with the sweet smells of all the flowers. I took lots of pictures.
After a night of 13 people (mostly girls) in our house, one hour less sleep and a day at the zoo with 12 of us, it was still such a wonderful weekend.

First Insulin shot

Well, I started taking insulin last night for the first time, on my birthday! That's one way to always remember it (that's what my mom said). I would rather forget. I cried when they told me I had to start taking insulin because my blood sugar levels are out of control. I haven't eaten sugar in four months, except the small turnover at thanksgiving and one burnt marshmallow at the zoo at Christmas.
I was so scared to stick a needle in myself. I kept telling myself "Fear Not!" It's in the Bible 365 times, one for everyday of the year. Guess what, it didn't hurt!!!! I put it in, slowww motttiioon, I pushed the button down to inject 10 units, and it was over in two seconds.  I DID IT!! I was scared for nothing. I went to bed. I forgot to check my sugar levels this morning, because I did not want to get out of bed, and when I finally did I was running late. Ha! Running late to get to the shop and spend the day by myself. It's just too pretty a day to be inside painting. Of course, when it's raining, it's too nasty to come out to paint.  You could come pick up some ceramics to take home and paint.
I had a nice birthday. I wore a pin that read "Birthday Girl" and I had about as many strangers wishing me Happy Birthday as I did on facebook. Thank You all my friends and family!
My girls are out at Wal-mart today selling Girl Scout cookies from 2pm- 5pm. Better hurry, so you can get the kind you want!! They will be at the Lexington store next Saturday.

Debt

How did Jesus Christ pay the dept for my sins?
Romans 3:25 God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing His life for us.
Romans 5:9-11 Since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgement... So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God -- all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us friends of God.
Our sins left us in debt to God. But Jesus Christ paid that debt through His death on the cross, making us right with God and pure in His sight.

Grief

A young girl lost her father. Only 12 years old and now she has to go on without her father. Please remember her and her family in your prayers. Carly we love you and pray for God's loving arms to comfort you and your family in your time of need. At times like this, just remember God is in control and that He will comfort you. You are in our heart and prayers.

That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God - 2 Corinthians 1:4

When we sustain a heartbreaking loss,
When grief overwhelms our soul,
the Savior who gave Himself on the cross
Reminds us that He's in control.  D. De Haan

An email I received...

One day an old German Shepherd starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he's lost. Wandering about, he notices a panther heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch.
The old German Shepherd thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep doo-doo now!"
Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the panther is about to leap, the old German Shepherd exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious panther! I wonder, if there are any more around here?"
Hearing this, the young panther halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees.
"Whew!," says the panther, "That was close! That old German Shepherd nearly had me!"
Meanwhile, a squirrel who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the panther. So, off he goes.
The squirrel soon catches up with the panther, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the panther.
The young panther is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, squirrel, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!"
Now, the old German Shepherd sees the panther coming with the squirrel on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do now?," but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old German Shepherd says..."Where's that squirrel? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another panther!"
Moral of this story...
Don't mess with the old dogs... Age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery!
BS and brilliance only come with age and experience.

How do I accept others, especially people I dislike?

Romans 14:1, 3 Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong... Those who think it is all right to eat anything must not look down on those who won't. And those who won't eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.
God's Promise:
Romans 15:7  Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.
Judging others should be left to God. He sets the standard for accepting others.
It is so hard sometimes, but I keep reminding myself that it is God's job, not mine. He alone is the Judge!

When does life begin?

Psalm 51:5    For I was born a sinner--yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
The Bible makes it clear that life begins at conception, not merely at birth.

What is the value of an unborn child?
Psalm 139:13-16 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Jeremiah 1:5 I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.
Before we are Born, God knows us personally and intimately. Who would dare to kill a friend of God, even an unborn friend?

My friend Betty

I've lost a good friend and customer. Betty Henderson passed away on Tuesday. Her funeral will be at Milton Shealy's here in Batesburg on Sunday at 2pm. She had a bad heart, pneumonia and strep. I spoke with her last Friday, she said she would try to see me this week. She was here so much and it really hurts to be here and know she won't be back. She will be missed greatly.
In times like this, don't forget that God is in control and that He wants us to be a comfort to others.

When we sustain a heartbreaking loss,

When grief overwhelms our soul,

The Savior who gave Himself on the cross

Reminds us that He's in control.  -D. De Haan

Pray for her friends and family at this time of loss. In every desert of despair God has an oasis of comfort.

Virginity

I heard a lady on the radio, talking about her Grandmother and how she showed her just how important her virginity is. She told her "you have a car, brand new, it was a gift. Would you give it to a stranger? Your brother or sister? mother or father? What about your boyfriend? Your virginity is worth so much more than a car, so why would you give it to just anyone, even if you (think you) love them."
I may not have gotten that exactly right, but close.
Virginity is such a precious gift to give to your spouse as a wedding gift on your first wedding night. Males and females!

PLEASE LIFT JOHN STONE UP IN PRAYER. HE HAD A SMALL STROKE SUNDAY NIGHT. THEY SENT HIM TO ATLANTA BECAUSE THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT HIS KIDNEY. PRAY PROTECTION OVER IT. (HE ONLY HAS 1) BLOOD PRESSURE TOO HIGH. PATRICIA IS TRYING TO REST AND WILL GO DOWN LATER. MATTHEW IS WITH HIS FATHER NOW. THANKS

JOHN IS A PRAYER WARRIOR! KEEP HIM LIFTED UP IN YOUR PRAYERS, PLEASE.