January 31, 2010

Heavenly Rewards
Remember that the Lord will reward
each one of us for the good we do.
Ephesians 6:8 NLT

At this time may God grant you
Special gifts of joy and cheer
And bless you for the good you do
For others through the year.

Father give us a giving heart one that is focused more on the needs of others than ourselves.  In Jesus Name.

Yesterday, we were at home, but in the afternoon we spent time at the Sr. Center with the other seniors, the guys do some pool and we visit a bit.  I didn't stay long because I needed to go to Cando and clean the church, it is a good thing I did.  Someone(I think I know who ) had been up in the attic and there was insulation all over in a few places, it took me a while to get it clean, but I can rest this morning as we go that it is ready.

January 30, 2010

Our Refuge
yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

the Lord is our salvation
and our strength in every fight,
Our redeemer and protector,
our eternal guiding light.
He has promised to sustain us,
He's our refuge from all harms,
And underneath this refuge
     are the everlasting arms.

These are some thought I read this morning:

   Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one
another in love.
    -- Ephesians 4:2
      
   "You mean I have to put up with that!?" There are those folks in
life about whom the saying is true: "They are the grit out of which
we are to fashion our pearl." But our great example in this
challenge is Jesus. Think of what he had to put up with in his 12
disciples. Remember how transformational his patience and
gentleness with them was. Can we dare to do less?

I share these with you because we all face people who are hard to be around but God is/wants to use them to work patience and grace in our lives.  Thank you Lord for the challenging people in our lives that you have allowed to be used to shape us into there person you can use.  In Jesus Name. Amen.


Yesterday, school.  I came home and after resting and fixing supper I sewed and finished the project I am working on, so now I can work on another project.  Dad has done another room rearranging, I stayed out and let him do it, because I am not to lift, I have no idea how he manages to move the tread mill, but he did it, he made a few changes in that part of the room, so I hope it works good for him now.  You can read about it in Julie's blog.

January 29, 2010

Strength for the Day
My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9KJV

God did not promise sun without rain,
Light without darkness to joy without pain.
He only promised strength for the day
When the darkness comes
         and we lose our way.

It is so good to know that he is with us whatever the conditions.  He doesn't always make a way of escape but rather he walks through the situations with us.

Father, I pray that you would bless my family this day and encourage them in whatever they are doing, help them to see your hand in their activities.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

I wrote some reflections about yesterday the ups and downs. First we had a real positive note when a students who had given us a problem wrote a page letter of apology to the resource room teacher, it made her day and mine, too.  Because I am the one who has to talk to her when she gets uncooperative, granted it may happen again, but we feel it is progress in the right direction.  The whole process is preparing children for the real world, and for some it isn't what they learn in a book.  the second student that had been a problem, I was able to spend time with her doing maps at a level she could understand, and she responded positively. I had some positive conversations after school with teachers, and people who had come to the basketball game.  I went home and got there in time to fix supper.

Now for downers:  7 hr study hall, Father give me grace and wisdom, they are a challenge.  when I got home dad had rearranged the living room and put the treat mill where the sofa sat, I was tired enough that I didn't care, I have no idea how he managed to move it, he says he did it himself.  so I told him, we really don't need a new sofa, so it will be interesting to see what I find when I come home today.

January 28, 2010

Making It Personal
I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Isaiah 43:1 KJV

Life is a sojourn here on earth
Which begins the day God gives us birth.
We enter this world from the great unknown,
And God gives each spirit a form of its own.

We have two new little onesNatalie and Leah, and for them their life here has just begun, and we reflect on our life experiences, and there are a lot of them for each of us, they are life experiences, sometimes we don't like to remember, and God is able and willing to forgive and we need to forgive ourselves, and then there are good life experiences, times when we have sensed that God has blessed us in a special way, and yet we may experience many more life experiences, and there will be some even today.  Thank you God for being with us in our life experiences.  Thank you for making us each uniquely our own self.  There is no one else just like us.  We are your vessels.

Love one another deeply from the heart.  This is a verse that I read this morning,  I feel it is significant for my day and maybe for yours,too.

Father, I pray that you would bless each one in our family with your spiritual blessings this day.  In Jesus Name. amen.

Yesterday I felt like I was a school counselor, three students seemed to have challenges and I was in a position to be the one to speak to them, at least to two, the third we need to get the mom in the picture.  So today I need to tell the speech pathologist and counselor what to expect from them.  We didn't have Bible Study so I stayed home and sewed in the evening.

January 27, 2010

Haven of God's Love
Then they were glad because they had quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.
Psalm 107:30 RSV

God's love is like a beacon
Burning bright with faith and prayer,
And through the changing scenes of life
We can find a haven there.

We are all in different seasons of life, but God doesn't change he is with us in each season, we may see him differently, he may be there to meet our needs differently.  But he is there with us.

I encourage you to put on God's Armour today, all of it, to protect you from whatever is coming against you.  I often and try to every day pray for you that you would be protected by each piece of his Armour but I also encourage you to put it on yourself.  Helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, loins gird about with truth, feet shod with gospel of peace, carry the sword of the spirit(God's word) and be covered with his shield of faith.

Let us go this day and go in God.  Jesus bless each one of you.

Yesterday was a special day, we rejoice that Gregg and Alicia's baby is here, and we enjoyed the photos of you together at the hospital.  It was a good day here, I didn't go to school til 10 a.m. but it was good.

January 26, 2010

Our Stronghold
the Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield,
and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold
Psalm 18:2 RSV

God's love is like an anchor
When the angry billows roll--
A mooring in the storms of life,
A stronghold for the soul!

Father help me to hang unto your anchor this day.  It does me no good to focus on to morrow and worry about that which hasn't happened or to think back on yesterday wishing I had done things differently Father forgive me for not living up to your expectations yesterday, this is the day you have given me, I rejoice that it is today and help me to live it for you. In Jesus Name.
Amen

Yesterday was an indoor day, I got a call that there was no school because of storm, so I focused on making the most of this day right here at home.  It was a sewing day, Dad did go to town in the morning but otherwise was here at home.  Trusting that it was a good day for each of you.

remember when....

Just a short little blog, if I can find a photo I would ad to this.  Remember the "scout"  and how we drove it to church when it was stormy and the roads were bad.   It was really a rough ride.  I was thinking about that yesterday when we were going to Cando.  The road hadn't been plowed when we went and it was hard to see the tracks.

January 25, 2010

Thou are the God who workest wonders,
who has manifested thy might among the peoples
Psalm 77:14 KJV

Each day there are showers of blessings
Sent from the Father above,
For God is a great, lavish giver,
And there is no end to His love.

Do you children remember when we went to a place called Zion Harbor, we went there with Ben and Edna and their girls?  anyway, Dad had been thinking about the/leader and found his obituary, I did some reading and was interested in a concept that he shared with people.  it was the concept of blessing your children.  So I am doing a bit of reading on the subject.  I find that when I see people I have this desire to "bless them"  maybe lay my hand on their shoulder and express that to them.  We have new people coming to church and one man has a son, Joey is in grade 7 at Cando.  He seems so alone and sad.  I asked him about school and he alluded that he didn't have any friends, my heart just hurts for a person like that.  there was opportunity to go to him and pray with him. 

Father, I pray that you would bless each member of our family, may they know and feel your presence,  Father, I pray that you would bless them with your spirit and that you would guide their steps this day.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

Yesterday we had Sunday School and church, those going to Nicaragua shared what they were going to be doing, and we took a special offering.  After lunch at Cenex, Dad and I came back and helped Colleen get things ready for them to take to Nicaragua.  I had made net bags last winter and Lottie helped me finish them.  we were putting items in those bags.  We came home and slept and enjoyed our evening here.  This morning I got a call, no school today.  it doesn't sound very good outside. Dad steped out on the step and came back in.  You all stay safe and enjoy the day inside.  On Saturday when we had lunch with the Seniors, Dorothy Harpestad was getting a puzzle to work and wanted a book to read.  She was getting ready for the storm. I have a book for her but didn't get it to her yet.

Have a great day,  If it is stormy we don't have to be concerned about people coming and bothering us.  Right.  it is a day for pop corn and fun.

January 24, 2010

Be Radiant!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant.
Psalm 34:4-5 RSV

You'll find when you smile,
Your day will be brighter,
And all of your burdens
Will seem so much lighter.

Have you ever been around someone who seemed to radiate, they were likely a Christian who lived close to God and sought to daily do his will.  They were that way because the love of Jesus was radiating from them.  It didn't just happen, they made the choice to follow God in prayer and reading his word.  This morning I am reading the lesson for Sunday School.  it is all about Being Cheerful and has a lot of scripture about speaking cheerfully, singing cheerfully, and smiling cheerfully.

Proverbs 15:30
 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.

Father, help us to examine ourselves, what are we projecting to those about us and especially our families?  They deserve the best, help us give the best to them.  In Jesus Name. Amen

We enjoyed the day at home, I did some cleaning, made some bars and we were with the Sr's for lunch.  Dad moved snow with the tractor/snow blower.  it is very heavy snow.

January 23, 2010

Waiting...

May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for thee.
Psalm 25:21 RSV

If when you ask for something
God seems to hesitate,
Never be discouraged--
He is asking you to wait.

  This morning I havebeen reading about wisdom,  In James 1:5 it says: if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who give generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
I think we all struggle with wanting to make wise choices, and God is telling us to ask him for wisdom, which is what we ened to make decisions.  Once we have asked him we need to trust him to guide our steps.

In James 3:17
Wisdom from above
1.pure
2. peace loving
3. considerate
4. submissive
5. full of mercy and good fruit
6. impartial
7. sincere

verse 18 talks about Peacemakers
sow peace/raise harvest of righteousness.

Father help us to look at ourselves and to ask you to help us be more like you.  Show us the areas that we need to yield to you.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Yesterday was a regular day of school, sports events were called off and when we left for home it wasn't to bad, I drove over to see Frank and Dorothy and while I was there, here came Dad to see them, too.  By the time we left for home the weather wasn't as nice.  It sounded quite windy in the night and we have a drift in front of the house, but it is clear this morning.  Have a great day

January 22, 2010

Losses Into Gain
I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh pon me:
thou are my help and my deliverer.
Psalm 40:17 KJV

When one sheds a teardrop
       or suffers loss in vain,
God is always there to turn
       our losses into gain...
And every burden born today
       and every present sorrow
Are but God's happy harbingers
       of a joyous, bright tomorrow.


This morning I read the following verses:

Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
              ask/receive
              seek/find
              knock/door opens

What in your life is a hurt, a concern, a desire?  Again we can come to Jesus and ask him, he is calling us to seek him and then to knock.  You might say but I have been.  God is still calling us to come to him.  I encourage you to write down your thoughts and concerns and to see  what and how God is and will answer you.

I was also reading the passage in 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13  It speaks of encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.  That is what I feel for each of you, my desire is to speak life into your lives, to let you know that I care, but that my caring is nothing compared to what God thinks and  cares about each of you.  He truly has your best interest in mind.

Father, I pray for each one in our family, that you would minister to them today to the need that they have in their life,  Father, that you will speak encouragement into their lives, comfort and that you will draw them to you.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Yesterday, dad and I went to Devils Lake after school.  We weren't there very long and came right home.

January 21. 2010

Live to Give
(You) should give much to those
in need and be ready to share.
1 Timothy 6:18 NLV

Every day is a reason for giving
And giving is the key to living...
So let us give ourselves away,
Not just today but every day.

I was reading a verse:
 Galations 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God can not be mocked, a man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the spirit will reap eternal life.

I thought of a student yesterday who chose to sow bad behavior and then what he reaped, a visit to the office, and an encounter with the principal.  Everything we do has consequences, when we sow love, we truly do reap it, but when we sow discord or negative, we reap that too.  The author of the poem challenges us to give and we will benefit and receive back as we do give from our heart.

Father, what would you have me to give this day?  How do I translate this concept in my life at this season and moment?  is it something great and magnificent or something small and simple as a smile?  Help me to hear your voice when you give me that opportunity to give.  In Jesus name.

Yesterday, school, we were at Bible study in the evening.

January 20, 2010

Cast Your Cares

Casting all your care upon him
for he careth for you.
1 peter 5:7 KJV

When life becomes a problem
          much too great for us to bear,
Instead of trying to escape,
          let us withdraw in prayer--
For withdrawal means renewal
         if we withdraw to pray
And listen in the quietness
         to hear what God will say.

This morning I was reading this verse:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance....James 1:2-3    God wants to strengthen our faith, but we don't really like the trials and challenges that we face,   What are you facing today?  Have you taken it to Jesus in prayer?  Have you asked him for help?  Did you express to him what you truly feel, what you need?  Then have you waited and listened for his answer, sometimes he speaks softly.....


Father, help me to have a listening heart, willing to hear what you are saying.  In Jesus Name. amen.

Yesterday we were in Grand Forks,  We ate lunch with jacqui and Alicia and I had Dr. appointment, I am doing o.k. but still need to be careful about lifting.  I got fabric to make Janet a quilt and  then in the evening we were at Larry Ohma's and got some photos for our class reunion.

January 19, 2010

Do Unto Others....
"Whatever you wish that men would do to you,
do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets."
Matthew 7:12

Great is our gladness
To serve God through others,
For our Father taught us
We are all sisters and brothers.

I read this verse again this morning, In everything do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets  How much livfe would be different if we treated every person the way we want to be treated.  Do we like to get encouraging words, then give them, do we like to be helped, then help, do we like to receive smiles then give them.  How many things can you think of that you like receiving, then do them. 

Father, help us to see the world through your eyes, the hurts through your compassion, the joy through your  peace.  In Jesus Name.  amen

Yesterday I did not have school, I worked on document for class reunion til noon and then went to Cando.  We were at the church all afternoon making bracelets for Nicaragua.  I am not real crafty, so it isn't really me, but I did the best I could.  The fellowship was good. Dad went to a meeting at Lakewood Park Bible camp.  He went with Jerry to get the truck he will be driving to Illinois.  Jerry was to leave this morning at 7 a.m.

Alicia, we wish you a Happy Birthday, we know what would make you happy today.  We are praying for you.  Jesus bless Alicia on this her birthday.

January 18, 2010

Nothing New

What has been will be again,
What has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun
Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV

There is nothing that is new
Beneath God's timeless sun,
And present, past, and future
Are all molded into one.

(What is happening today is a repeat of having been done many times before.)

Yesterday Maryanne Raftevold was with us again, she had been in our church the night before ministering to single people.  She used the following acronym and it is helpful:

Happy -enjoying pleasures 
       Hope in the Lord  Romans 5:5 says And hope does not disappoint us,
       because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
        whom he has given us.
Ask - gracious, full of mercy  What is God asking of you in this year?
         He will open doors, equip you, send you out....
Pray - more than ever this year.  Talk, praising, adoring 
        How can I be used by God?
Pursue God like there is no tomorrow -hang unto God to never let him go. 
         Hold unto his hand  Psalm 119:105 Light path, lift us up 
         When we fall, he picks us up and dust us off.  Can you do this?
        challenge  Repented - not listening to God.  who is in charge of your life? 
        Who is trying to lead you?  I have a calling on my life?
Yield yourself to God.  Submit yourself to one another.  You have a part to play

application: we have a purpose and God has a plan  How are you going to let God use you?

Father we commit this day into your hands, and pray for your protection for each one in our family, Father our prayer is that you will supply the needs that we have today, In Jesus Name. amen.

January 17, 2010

Our Father's World
The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:3 RSV

Thank You, God, for the beauty
Around me everywhere,
The gentle rain and glistening dew,
The sunshine and the air.

I reflect on the above verse, the wonder of God's care and that he is watching each of us.
Can you sense that he has been with you this week and even for the hard times and places we have been in, he has used even that in our lives.  Each of us is facing different challenges and decision, but that doesn't mean that God isn't there, he is and he is meeting us each in a different way.

He probably has to be a different kind of God
A God of Mercy,
A God of grace,
A God of patience,
A God of compassion
A God of peace
A God of joy
A God of.........

You put in there what your situation as been this week and how God has met you.

I am reflecting the kind of God he has been to me, and to Dad this week.  It may be different than your needs, but he has been there, and has promised that he would never leave us or forsake us.

Yesterday when I wrote to you in the morning I was feeling that maybe I shouldn't go to Devils Lake, I don't like leaving dad alone, So Dad drove, and I went to my meeting, he came and got me and we went home.  At the meeting Kristen told about the Deerfield Massacre in Massacusetts(1704) where her family came from.  She had a relative in that event but he survived and because of that her family is here today.  It is through her mother.  You might like to read about it.

We had time at home, I fixed the tomatoes for the soup and we ate, then we were with the seniors for lunch, they make a real meal, sandwiches and pie, and I left and went to Cando.  We had a special even for singles,  there were 7 who came and then Maryanne who sang and spoke to them.  I helped in the kitchen and then we got it cleaned up after wards, I had soup left so I stopped at Gladys Neidlinger's and gave her some for today.  It was a good day.

Trusting that each of you had a good day.

January 16, 2010

Bitter and Sweet
He who is sated loathes honey, but to one who
 is hungry everything bitter is sweet.
Proverbs 27:7 RSV

Everything is by comparison,
Both the bitter and the sweet,
And it takes a bit of both of them
To make our lives complete.

We would like things to always be great but then we would never experience the joy of being blest by something special. 
Thank you Father for giving us valleys and mountain top experiences.  Thank you for blessing us in this way. 

Galations 5;16  Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is so important, he enables and empowers us to move beyond our sin-not by focusing on it and refusing it, but by enriching us and "distracting" us with the important things of God.

I found this verse and thought important this morning and so I share it with you.  I can get really depressed by things happening around me in the world, but when I come back and focus on my life in Christ and what really is important, that changes a lot of things.  What is he calling me to do?  Daily how am I to live my faith?  Can I change what is happening out there, or does it start by changing what happens right here in my life?

Yesterday, a day at school.  I see a trend in students to not take school very seriously,  we have way to many students that may not graduate because they don't really try or they have allowed situations in their lives that are destroying them, or they are in a home situation where the parent figures have not being a guiding example for them.  It is sad, we sometimes feel that we have been over blest with children with problems, we have less than 90 students, but oh so many with problems, that take our time daily to deal with.

We were home in the evening.  It was a good day.

January 15, 2010

Release Your Burdens--Pray
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.
Philippians 4:6

God only asks us to do our best--
Then He will take over and finish the rest...
So when you are tired, discouraged, and blue,
There's always one door that is open to you,
And that is the door to the house of prayer,
And you'll find God  waiting
      to meet you there.


What happens when we come and ask God for help, he is there and he listens and he answers, now if you didn't get what you wanted when you wanted, maybe it wasn't God's time, or we haven't learned the lessons he wants us to learn, but we can be guaranteed that he has heard, and he is answering.


Teach me O Lord, to follow your decrees then I will keep them to the end.  Psalm 119:33

Yesterday was a school day, I have a study hall that looks to be a challenge, so I am praying for wisdom in how to handle it.  I visited with Frank and Dorothy for a while after school and then we were home in the evening.  Dad is researching and found a site from Marshall Co. Indiana where his family came from.  He found cemetery records and the names of family members listed.


Have a great day!!!

January 14, 2010

Always Thankful
giving thanks always for all things unto God and the
Father in the name of our Lord Jesus christ
Ephesians 5:20

We rob our own lives much more than we know
when we fail to respond or in any way show
our thanks for the blessings
     that daily are ours--
The warmth of the sun,
     the fragrance of flowers,
For the joy of enjoying
     and the fullness of living
Are found in the heart
     that is filled with thanksgiving.

Father thank you for blessings, that we are forgetting, thank you that we can get out of bed, that we can see, hear and speak and that we can sense your presence in our lives.  Thank you for the hope that we have in you.  Open our eyes this day to see the blessings of life that are about us.  In Jesus Name.


We are thankful that Russ and Janet are home from Florida, trusting that Cody is o.k. from the fender bender that Cody experienced(not his vehicle, but trusting that he is not injured), Yesterday  we had some challenging experiences, Alvin, Jerry's foster child is having some challenging moments with school, I had a student that is having some emotional problems, that we need to deal with again today.  But otherwise it was  o.k., Dad and I were in Cando for bible Study.

January 13, 2010

Open Eyes, Open Heart

God looks down from heaven upon the
sons of men to see if there are any that are wise, that seek after God
Psalm 53:2RSV

It's a wonderful world and it always will be
If we keep our eyes open and focused to see
The wonderful things we are capable of
When we open our hearts
         to God and His love.


Today my thoughts are on the role we have to be Christ's Ambassadors. 

2 Corinthians 5:19-20  God has committed to us the message of reconciliation we are therefore Christs ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ's behalf; be reconciled to God.

We are facing situations here that show us the need for reconciliation. Little Alvin is having a very difficult time at school.  Pray for me as I talk with him and his teacher this morning.

Yesterday was a usual day, I did some sewing in the evening, but afterschool I went to show Delorus Melland how to make a cap on the loom, so I suspect that she was busy doing that last night.  Have a great day.

January 12, 2010

Make Time to Meditate
I will meditate on all your works and
consider all your mighty deeds.
Psalm 77:12 NIV

Let us plan with prayerful care
      to always allocate
A certain portion of each day
     to be still and meditate.

These are the very thoughts that were shared with us on Sunday,  seeking God, listening to his voice.  God is preparing a people to be able to stand in a time when the world seems to be crumbling.  God is the same, we have a choice to be drawn to him or to follow the world.  What will we choose?

I have appreciated this verse: Galatians 3:26-29  You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, make nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 

What has meant so much to me is the part about being clothed in Christ.  Do you remember when you were baptized as a believer.  For our family that either happened at Snyder  Lake after a Sunday School picnic.  Dad and I were baptized at a different lake, I remember that Lottie was baptized the same day.  I have photos of some of you the day you were baptized at Snyder Lake.  But the significant thing is your choice personally to follow Christ in baptism and then to think that at that time you were Clothed in Christ.    Christ is what should show if we are clothed in Christ.

Yesterday we started a new semester and that changes the dynamics of my study halls as some of their classes changed.  Thats o.k.  In study hall I read Naomi's column in the Grand Forks Herald, there I learned about what Valley Christian Center is doing with their youth in a place they have labeled "The Attic'  in down town Grand Forks.  Exciting to see that happening.

All of you have a great day.  Love you

January 11, 2010

Foster a Forgiving Spirit

Bear with each other and forgive whatever
grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13

When God forgives us, we, too, must forgive
And resolve to do better each day that we live
By constantly trying to
       be like Him more nearly,
and trust in His wisdom
       and love Him more dearly.

Is there something in our lives that we hold against someone?  Feelings that make us feel uncomfortable when we are in their presence?  I reflect on some situations in my life, and how thankful I am that God has extended his forgiveness to me and allowed me to experience his presence that has taken away what could have turned into bitterness.  I can take no credit for it myself, it isn't me it is God.  Is there something that you are feeling towards someone?  Is it affecting how you feel about them?  Does God want you to feel this way?  Do you want these feelings to control you?  Because if they do they will affect how you feel towards your spouse, and your family and those you work with.

Father, help us to search our hearts and show us anything that is standing in the way of our relationship with you or those around us.  Father, when we have identified the problem, give us grace to come to you and ask for forgiveness, than Father, help us to allow your forgiveness to wash away the hurt.  We thank you for the freedom you give us in your forgiveness.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

Yesterday, we had Sunday School and church, Michael had a good message about listening to God's voice.  Dad and I ate at Cenex and sat with Kenny and Doris Pollestad.  We came home and slept, I went in to see Delorus Melland, I am working on a project as a result of a phone call last week to research traditional artists.

January 10, 2010

Supernatural Strength
I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength
Philippians 4:13 NIV

God has given us the answers,
       which too often go unheeded,
But if we search His promises,
      we'll find everything that's needed
To lift our faltering spirits
      and renew our courage, too,
For there's absolutely nothing
      too much for God to do.

I have been spending time in the word and praying for each of you.  This year, the writing is really brief so I am adding to it from what I am reading each day.  I am reminded that god's word is full of promises but we need to read them, apply them to our lives and cling to them.  This wasn't a verse this morning, but it is what I was thinking about.  I remember when John and Jacqui came to live with us, she printed out in big letters the following verse and it was posted on our kitchen cupboard door.  God's word hasn't changed that verse is still there, waiting to be a part of our lives.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 
When I looked up that verse I was directed to these verses, too:
Isaiah 55:12  You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.  The mountains and hills will burst into song before you and all the trees will clap their hands.
Job 8:7  Your beginnings will seem humble so prosperous will your future be.
Zechariah 8:15  So now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah, do not be afraid.

Some of you are walking to work, and some are driving,  You know God can speak to you in your car, he desires for you to quiet your voice and listen for him, and for those of you who walk, spend that time in prayer and praise, and quiet your heart so that God can talk to you, too.  I use the time when I ride to school to again pray for my family, to pray for compassion in my heart towards those I am with and to pray for other needs too.  Sometimes, it doesn't seem so great, but sometimes I know that God is there and his presence is guiding me.  It is my prayer that this would be your experience, too.

Father, may the meditation of our heart be acceptable in your sight O lord, our strengh and our redeemer.  In Jesus Name. Amen

It was a day at home, we ate lunch with the sr's in the afternoon and went to the O'Brien house, we had to shovel to get in the door, but we did find a lamp shade so I can now use this old lamp that we have been fixing this week.  it is something that was sitting Grandpa Glenn's garage for years.

Have a great day.  We love all of you.

January 9, 2010

Loved and Accepted
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 KJV

God asks for no credentials--
     He accepts us with our flaws.
He is kind and understanding
     and he welcomes us because
We are His erring children
     and He loves us, every one,
And He freely and completely forgives
     all that we have done.


In my devotion time I read the verse in Matthew 6:19-20: 
Do not store us treasurers on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal
Store up treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt and thieves do no break in and steal
For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.

I need to repeatedly ask myself, what/where is my treasure?  What is important to me?  Am I making right choices/
Father search my heart and show me the way you would have me to go.  In Jesus Name.

Yesterday it was the end of the week, the end of the semester.  And the day to get the online final into the teacher, we made it by the end of the day.  I was really tired after school and in the evening, so I rested and read.

January 8, 2010

Always Near
The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.
Psalm 145:18

Just keep on smiling
Whatever betides you,
Secure in the knowledge
God is always beside you.

Father we commit this day into your hands, thank you for being by our side in all situations. give us a concept of your presence. Father help us to read your word and give us understanding, and then help us to apply your promises to this day.  In Jesus name.  amen.


I have been reading about all the promises in God's word and how we need to live by them.  I believe we are into times when we need to cling very closely to what God's word is saying to us.  You will find that what you didn't understand last week or a year ago, God may be speaking into your life.  Listen as he speaks to you.  apply it to your day.

You might like to read Psalm 119:9-16 today.

January 7, 2010

Daily Renewal
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 RSV

You are ushering in another day,
Untouched and freshly new,
So here I come to ask You, God,
If You'll renew me, too.

Father help me to be an imitator of God, to live a life of Love, help me to love with actions and in truth, help me to give all that I am to honor and serve God.  Father, I know that I can not do it myself and so I pray that you would pour your love in me so I can love others.  Help  me to be kind and have compassion towards my family first and then toward those who cross my path this day.  We are your chosen people, clothe us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Help us to bear with each other, to forgive as you have forgiven us.  Help us to put on love which binds us together.  Only then will we live a victorous life and be a conquorer.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Yesterday was a normal day, we are working on final tests for the online classes.  We didn't have Bible Study so we were here at home in the evening.

January 6, 2010

No Unmet Needs

The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs.
Isaiah 58:11 NIV

God only answers our pleadings
When He knows that our wants fill a need,
And whenever our will becomes His will,
There is no prayer that God does not heed.

Today, I know know that some and likely all of you have needs, life may seem overwhelming, I do not have answers for you, I know that God cares and is listening when we call.  I do not know the path he wants to take you.  I can only pray for you and hold you up to his thrown of grace.

Yesterday was a school day, and the student finished the letters so we could get them on the quilt, I sewed for about 1 1/2 hours around the letters, but the task is done and I do not need to do any more work on it.  I went and visited Frank and Dorothy for a bit and then we were here at home.


Father we commit this day into your hands, we ask for your guidance in all that we do, and pray that you would show us your will for this day.  Guide our steps and direct our paths and lead us in the way you would have us to go.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

January 5, 2009

Gateway to Joy
Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things:
this is known in all the earth.
Isaiah 12:5 KJV

Birthdays are the gateway to
An endless life of joy for you
If you but pray from day to day
That He will show you the truth and the way.

When I read this I thought, we have some birthdays, Amanda on the 2nd, Sabine today and Julie on the 8th.   Happy Birthday to each of you.

Helen Steiner Rice, has some very simple thoughts, but they say what is important.  We had ought to specifically ask God to guide our steps this day and then walk on believing and trusting that he is.  When we have connected our line with heaven we know that he is with us.

Yesterday we were back to school.  it was a good day, I rested in the afternoon, when I have a break and no one in a study hall.  After school we did some visiting and then I drove to Devils Lake and took back the samples to furniture store and ordered the chair.  I visited with Edna for a while before coming home.  We ate together and enjoyed the rest of the evening.

January 4, 2010

Bright Tomorrows

I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, O Lord, I will sing praise.
psalm 101:1 NIV

God has told us that nothing can sever
A life He created to live forever.
so let God's promise soften our sorrow
And give us new strength
      for a brighter tomorrow.

God's Sovereign Hand

Both riches and honor come from thee, and thou rulest
over all. In thy hand are power and might; and in
thy hand it is to make great and to give strength
to all. And now we thank thee, our God,
and praise thy glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:12-13 RSV

Accept what the new year brings,
Seeing the hand of God in all things,
And as you grow in strength and grace,
The clearer you can see God's face.


God is with you and he cares about what is happening to you, he is guiding your steps and directing your path.  He doesn't promise only Roses there will be challenges and we will not necessarily find things going the way we want them, but that doesn't mean that he has left us or forsaken us, he is waiting there and wants us to come to him,

Father, we give you this day and thank you for the rest we experienced last night, as we start this day, we ask for your guidance in what we say and do, first to our family and then to those who come across our path.  Help us to be gracious and sensitive to their needs, too.  Father help us to experience your peace in this day.  In Jesus Name. Amen


Yesterday we had Sunday School and Church, we had a missionary, he is former Heuterite from SD and is a missionary in India, he spoke in Sunday School and then in worship service.  after church we took down decorations and ate pizza together. I came home and slept and then we ate with Sr. in town.  Men played pook and I watched the ladies putting a puzzle together.

January 3, 2010

Beginnings
Thou crownest the year with thy bounty
Psalm 65;11 RSV

What will you do
With this year that's so new?
The choice is yours--
God leaves that to you

A lifetime of Favor
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is
but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime
Psalm 30:4-5 RSV

If you meet God in the morning
And ask for guidance when you pray,
You will never in your lifetime
Face another hopeless day.


I am using a new devotion book this year, which I actually bought yesterday.  The poems are by Helen Steiner Rice. 

I feel like she has some good thoughts for us to think about each day.  What are we going to do with this year, and are we going to ask God to guide our day?

Jack and I drove to South Dakota on News Years Day.  We started out by stopping in Devils Lake, we ate at the White Couse Cafe and then walked over to the St. Micheal's Furniture Store in the Mall. We had been looking at a sofa and had the fabric samples so we could match it to the floor cover in our living room.  They had the right colored sofa, but we took samples home because we are going to get a chair, and I wanted to get something that would look o.k. with the lazy boy that is in the room.  Then we took Highway 1 and drove down to Janets.  We were driving the maroon pickup and had the sofa loaded in the back that is going to Janet's house.  We got there and had a really good turkey dinner together, there was time to do some visiting.  The sofa looks really good in their living room.  Yesterday after we ate together, we started for home, My favorite place to shop is in the Mall at Jamestown so we stopped there, I found some fabric and the backing for the t-shirt quilt.  and then we came home.

Trusting that you have had a good week.  We did, we mostly traveled, etc.

January 1, 2010

Wow a New year and a new decade!

In the beginning, God.....
Genesis 1:1a

God has been there since the beginning, evidence of his hand is all about us, but today we are thinking about a New Beginning.

We have the opportunity to make choices and changes, the opportunity to face this year and realize it is like a new beginning.  A few years ago I wrote down somethings I wanted to accomplish that year and put the list away, later at the end of the year I went back and read what I had written, amazing I saw that it had happened, and I hadn't realized how very much I had desired it to happen at the beginning. 
I suggest that you think about it today,  What in your life would you like to see change, be realistic, and ask God to help you.  Writing down our thoughts is a good idea, they become more concrete that way.  I don't think of these thoughts as resolutions because then we tend to focus on what we resolved to do, we try to do it ourselves and lets face it we fail, but when we do what we know that God wants us to do, it will happen.

Father, search our hearts what are you saying to us today?  What would you like to see happen in our lives over the next months?  Help us to hear from you and to listen to yur voice.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Yesterday we were at home.  I don't remember anything significant, just finishing some letters, etc.  Dad went for lunch and visited with Chuck.