Monday, December 7, 2020

Where can you turn up the Light in your life?


 Dec. 7, 2020

It is that ever so special time of the year!! So exciting and wonderful!!

This year I've so enjoyed this little grouping of nativity scenes that are precious gifts we've been given over the years.  I keep the lights on even in the day as I work around the house as they give me a joy and peace and a connection with the baby, the Christ child.



Usually we are gone in early December to the NFR.  This year we decided not to go and to stay home.  I was really excited to be home.  I had grand ideas of having lots of friends over to eat, visit, and fellowship.  Covid has reared it's ugly head again and it looks like fellowship will not happen.  So now what?

My devotions this morning raised some questions for me to think about.....
     Where can you turn up the light in your life?
     What opportunities is God giving you this Christmas season to be available for Him?

Looks like it might be a 'different' season this year.  So what can I do, what can you do, to make it glorifying to Christ.  May we seek HIM to see how we can serve HIM this Christmas season!!

May you feel, experience and live out the love of Christ this Christmas! My love to you.....Millie





Monday, November 23, 2020

Prepared for battle.....

 Nov. 23, 2020

I had to come back today and reread my own blog to give me courage and strength today!!! 

I listened to Jay Sekulow on the radio this morning.  He said what I know - that our country is in a big battle.  WE ARE IN THE BATTLE NOW!!!!!   He said we are to be prepared for battle and always to be ready. That is what I said yesterday. 

Then today I read in 2 Cor. 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  I also read in Psalm 149:6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands. 

Yes - we are in the battle today!  It is a battle for our freedom and well-being, for our children and their children's future.

We must prayer hard for our country, our leadership, for repentance for our sins, for revival for us all, for salvation for our family, friends, and fellow Americans. Pray that if there is cheating and evil, that it can be made know and stopped.  Pray for righteousness! 

Lord God - we know we are in a battle for righteousness.  We know there are many that are against You and Your standards and values.  Please come to help us!  The battle is Yours!! Come to our rescue!  May Your Holy Name be glorified!! Amen!

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Spiritual slant on 'look good - feel good - do good"

 Nov. 22, 2020


In April when I first started this blog I wrote an article about getting up and getting dressed first thing.  It was about being ready for your day.  I stated that when you get dressed and look good you are more likely to get things accomplished.

Today I want to apply this to our spiritual walk.  We must get up in the morning and get ready spiritually.  It is ever so sweet to be able to spend time with our Lord in His Word.  We need this to be ready for the battle that each day brings.  

There are many 'good' things the Lord has for us to do each day.  Most of you reading this are spending the majority of your time taking care of your spouses or children and that is what God has for you.  I am so thankful to be able to do so many positive things for God.  

BUT we must be aware there is a battle going on around us to take us down, to make us fail or fall, or to give up, or to get sidetracked.  There are enemies all around us wanting us to fail. Eph. 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

I'm saying go into the day with one hand working and your sword in the other hand.  That is what the Israelite men had to do when they were rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 4:15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us aand that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and bcoats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built.

We have the victory through Christ.  Pv. 21:31b the victory belongs to the LORD. The first part in winning the battle is remembering we are IN THE BATTLE. It is a fact of life.  It is not our choice but it is where we live. 

SO get up and dressed and be ready for it.  Work with all your might to accomplish what God has for you to do BUT also fight against evil with all your might. Be prepared!!

Thursday, November 12, 2020

How to get petunias to come back year after year.....

 Nov. 12, 2020

For those of you who love gardening and hate to pay for plants each spring I have an idea for you.

For years now I have had petunias come back each year.  

In the fall I put my flower pots 'to bed' for the winter.  That means I don't pull the old dead flowers out, rather I bend them over in the pot.  This gives the old flowers time to drop their seed into the pot and it keeps the soil covered for the winter so the winter doesn't blow the seeds and dirt away.  



I leave the pots this way until about April.  Then I gently removed the old debris without digging up much of the soil. Sometimes I add a little more potting soil if the pot needs it.  And yes I use the soil for several years before replacing it and I fertilize them several times a summer.  As the weather warms I begin watering the pots about once a week.  Soon, as the weather warms, you'll see little petunias begin sprouting.  They will come up thick and you may thin them out and transplant them to another area.  I find that these petunias are more stringy and gangly as they grow than ones I buy at the store each season.  Several times during the summer then I trim them back to shorten them up and they come right back blooming again.  The picture below shows petunias that came back from seed the prior year in a flower garden.  I did the same thing with the flower garden as I do with my pots.  Have fun gardening!

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Lasagna Gardening!

 Oct. 9, 2020


I love gardening!  About twenty years ago I read a book about lasagna gardening.  I have been gardening this way since.  It is so easy and produces such great results.  The best part of it is that there are virtually no weeds to pull or hoe.  I am running this past you gardeners this fall with the thought that you may try it come spring.  

The following are pictures of a flowerbed I built on the edge of our drive way and our garden that was built on top of grass. Both are several years old.  



To build a lasagna garden:

1.  Pick your spot to build it.  It can be on top of lawn or driveway.  Just needs to have dirt below it.

2.  Lay down cardboard to cover the area of your garden.  Make sure all the area is covered.  You can also use newspapers to fill in holes where the cardboard doesn't cover.  You may wet this down if you want.  That will help to keep it in place but not a must.

3.  Begin layering your materials.   Use manure, straw, leaves, hay, and/or grass clippings.  A variety of these is good. If you use straw there may be some wheat come up but it pulls very easily when it is about six inches tall.  I don't worry about it until then. There may also be some weeds come from the manure, but again they will pull easily. I particularly like to use plenty of leaves. So begin bagging some now and keep them until spring when you will build your garden.  In between layers you are supposed to put peat moss.  I am usually too cheap to do this but I know that some of it is necessary so I buy a big bag of it when making a garden and layer it in.  

4.  I like to build a new garden about a month before I plant so it has a little time to settle.  I water it with a sprinkler a little every few days.  But if you don't get it built ahead of time don't worry.  Just build it and plant.  You can sprinkle your seeds in the garden or put in plants.  Be sure to sprinkle it often to let it compost down and keep your seeds/plants moist.  After the plants come up I lay several sprinkler hoses in the garden connected to a three way splitter to water the garden through the summer.  

5.  I use this garden then again year after year.  In the spring I usually put on another layer of old composted manure and some more leaves.  

6.  The soil on these gardens stays very soft.  The petunias in the picture all came back from seed from last years petunias.  I leave the dead plants on the garden through the winter.  This protects the soil from blowing away when we have big wind storms.  Then when April rolls around, I take the old dead plants off of the garden and sprinkle the garden with water a few times.  This drives the old flower seeds into the soil, gets them moist, and allows them to sprout.  Many flowers will come back to enjoy the following summer doing it this way.  Again, I don't work up the soil but I often add a new light layer to it. 

Give it some thought - prepare ahead this fall by gathering leaves - and give it a try come spring! 


Thursday, October 8, 2020

My secrets on how to make great, quick, easy brownies


 

Some years ago I had a friend tell me how to make the best ever brownies.  I'll share with you what she told me.....

Buy brownie mixes when they are on sale at the store!! Then make them according to the directions - EXCEPT put in an extra egg for each box of mix.   Most boxes have directions on them that tell you how to make cake-like brownies.  This is what we are doing.  I usually make two boxes at a time and put them in a 9x13 pan to cook them in.  That way they are nice and thick. Brownies made this way stay soft and delicious for a long time. If you are only making one box put the mix in a smaller pan. 

Other hints:

Oil only the bottom of the pan before you cook them.  

When you think the brownies are done, test them with a toothpick (not in the center of the pan) but 1/2 way in to the center.  It is so easy to get them cooked too much.  I usually leave mine in the oven about 35 minutes at 350. 

When they are done and slightly cooled, I cut them with a plastic knife.  It slides right through and doesn't get gummed up.  If they are too hot it will melt the knife!

Sprinkle powdered sugar on them with a sifter to make them look nicer.  Enjoy!!








Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Settling for mediocracy?

 October 5, 2020


This past week some of our horses got a gate open and got out into our yard.  They took a bite or two out of the good green grass in our yard.  I would have thought they would have loved it and thought maybe they were in heaven ...... but NO.....



They walked right by the good green grass and stopped out on the road and began grazing the bar ditch.  They did not like the good (in my understading) green grass but went back to the kind of grass they were used to eating daily as they grazed in the pasture.

This brought to mind an analogy for us ---- are we comfortable with our surroundings?  Do we love being in the same routine, doing what we want, and settling for mediocracy? OR we do strive for something better?  Do we strive to be Godly, God honoring, God fearing, God obeying workers for our Almighty Savior?

Jeremiah 15:16

16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy words were unto me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Jehovah, God of hosts.

May I encourage you today that you not be comfortable with your mediocre surroundings.  Instead SEEK GOD with your whole heart and life and walk in His green pastures honoring, obeying, and praising Him!! 

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Guidelines in making decisions

 Sept. 20, 2020

What are we 'free' to do as Christians? When it comes to: movies, tv shows, school options, Bible studies, churches to attend, food, drink, drugs, hair or clothing styles, music, shopping, or hobbies, how do we know what to do? Sometimes we don't have point by point answers from the Bible for the activity we are considering. How do we make decisions that honor God for things that are not specifically addressed in scripture?

The following are a few ideas that I gleaned from a two-part sermon by John McArthur called: Using Your Liberties - the E's of Decision Making

1.  Will this 'thing' I'm considering be spiritually beneficial and profitable?  Is it helpful to me spiritually?

2.  Will this 'thing' edify (improve me spiritually) me?

3.  Will this 'thing encumber (restrict, burden) me?

4.  Will this 'thing' bring me into bondage? Is it habit forming?

5.  Is this 'thing' something I am doing to cover up my sin? Does it turn my liberty into license?

6.  Will this 'thing' train me to ignore my conscience?

7.  Will this 'thing' be a good example to others? Sometimes we must limit our freedoms to set a good example for someone else.

8.  Will it help me to or allow me to share my faith?

9.  Would Christ do this activity? Would I be emulating Christ?

10.  Will it bring Christ glory?

This is just a 'quick' recap of the messages.  You can find them on Grace to You on the internet.  

Hope this is helpful to you and the decisions that you make! Have a good day! 

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Happy 48th anniversary to Gail and I!

 Sept. 1, 2020


Happy anniversary to us, happy anniversary to us, happy anniversary to us!!

Gail and I are celebrating our 48th anniversary today. (celebrating? at home? yes, two of our girls fixed us a wonderful steak lunch!!)

I just want to encourage any of you out there reading this.  Marriage does get better and easier as the years march on.  So hang in there!  Seek God and His ways and you will be blessed.  God's ways are right and good and rewarding. There are some rocky roads in marriage. They are some seasons that are more difficult than other.  So hang in there!  Stay committed to your mate.  Stay committed to God's Word and His ways.  Hang in there! He will carry you through whatever you are going through and bring you into greener pastures.

I am so thankful for the years Gail and I have had together.  I am thankful for God's leading in our lives and that He is molding us to be more Christlike and mature. 

Seek God.  Seek His ways. He will bless you too!

Praying continually ... as I tromped through the pasture. Why?

 Sept. 2, 2020



This looks harmless enough.  It actually looks very appealing with all the wild flowers blooming.  It was a 'fun' cool morning out in the pasture as I again was pulling those old devil's claw plants.  I was actually doing what I had learned from I Thessalonians 5: 16-18.  Those verses say: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

You see we live in south eastern Colorado where there are plenty of rattlesnakes.  There is a danger in roaming around in the pasture.  Most every summer my husband kills about fifteen of these deadly rascals on the ranch. So as I was out pulling weeds I was thanking God for the beauty around me BUT I was praying continually and being watchful for snakes around me.  

I thought that really this is what we should be doing in our everyday life.  

We need to:

1.  Rejoice always - thanking God for his gift of salvation, for His Word to guide us, for the Holy Spirit to empower us, and for blessing us so abundantly

2.  Pray without ceasing - Satan is like that rattlesnake.  He is lurking around the corner waiting to trap us and to hurt us and to take us down.  Pray for God's help and direction and protection at ALL times because we need His help to give us victory over Satan.

3.  Give thanks in all circumstances - In life we have good and bad things happen to us.  Let us remember to look to God to give Him thanks for what ever situation He has put us in. May we use every circumstance we are in to glorify Him and grown us in our faith. 

Romans 8:28, 29  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 


P.S.  No, I didn't see any snakes.  Thank you Lord for answering my prayers!!

Saturday, August 29, 2020

A lesson from the devil's claw plant......

August 29,2020

Today's lesson is about sin and comes to us from the devil's claw plant.  How many of you know what this plant is?  

Well.... it looks rather pretty growing in the pasture.  It has nice little flowers and the plant is soft to touch.  Looks harmless enough.....

As it grows it develops pods that hang down and they look kind of nice too.....
BUT when the plant matures those pods are not nice at all!!


 They are very frustrating!  The ends are sharp and catch in everything they can get a hold of.  The are horrible in your horses tail or on your boots. What looked like a harmless little attractive plant turned into a nightmare problem.  

Sin is that way to.  At first it looks harmless enough.  It looks attractive and enticing.  Doesn't look like it would hurt anything.  BUT watchout!  It will get you too!!  

Genesis 4:7  sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”.

Let's all examine our lives.  Have we opened the door to sin?  Shut it quick, confess your sin, repent, and get back into a right relationship with Jesus!  Let us glorify Him in all we do!  

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

A passion for purity....helps for all of us lest we fall.....

 August 25, 2020

No one is exempt from temptations and the pull of sin.  

I recently heard a message from Alistair Begg titled "How to Maintain a Passion for Purity".  I have gone back and listened to the message again and I'd like to share my notes with you from his program.  I think his Biblically based ideas are beneficial to all of us as we try to follow Christ more devoutly. He said many greats fall in the area of moral purity.  He says it is a slow steady leakage but one that finds you out and takes you down. May this review of his message be an encouragement to you to STAY STRONG in our Lord's ways. 

The scripture used for his points were Proverbs 6, 7, and 24.  You might benefit from going and reading them now. 

To maintain moral purity:

1. Cherish the Word of God  - cherish:to value, prize, lay hold of, to possess, to adore

- Psalm 119:97 "O how I love your Law.  I meditate on it all day long."

2.  Stay awake and alert

- the young man in Pv. 7 failed to use good judgment, was living in carelessness

- I Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9. Resist him, firm in your faith,...

3.  Make choices in advance and on the basis of God's Word

- good decisions can't be made 'on the fly' in the heat of the moment

- make decisions about your behavior before they need made, before you go on the date or to the event, before the problem confronts you

- Ps. 119:106 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

4.  Determine to live your life in the center of the narrow way and not on the edge when it comes to moral purity. 

- have an absolute act of determination to stay on the narrow way.  This is unlike the young man in Pv. 7 who walked toward evil and sin. 

5.  Walk in the light and live with the children of the light

-I Thes. 5:5,6 tells us we are children of the light.  We are to keep awake and be sober. We are not of the night or the darkness.

6.  Don't be naive of sins appeal and power 

-sin is a predator crouching at your door.  It desires to have you.  You must master it! Don't be like the foolish young man in Pv. 7

7.  Live with eternity in view. 

- Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

-Philippians 2:15 ... so you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

I am so very thankful for God's love and His wonderful Word to guide us!! 


Saturday, August 15, 2020

Another lesson from pictures...let us not forget.....

 August 15, 2020



In early July I took pictures of our ranch and put them on this blog.  It was VERY dry.  

We did get some rain and things have turned around, greened up, and grown some grass.  We are SO thankful for this!!! I know there are still some very dry areas in the country and I am sorry for the hard times this makes.  We continue to pray for rain for every area.

The Lord has put it on my heart that thankfulness is very important.  

Romans 1:18–24 (ESV): 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 


Things may not be perfect but we need to be thankful for what we do have from God.  Be SURE to GIVE HIM THANKS!!!

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Our spiritual health.....

July 28, 2020

How is your spiritual health?

"Spiritual health is very similar to physical health -- it requires attention and effort." Intentional Faith by Alan Jackson

What are you doing to keep yourself or your family healthy spiritually?  We must intentionally keep in God's Word, in fellowship with other believers, following the Holy Spirit and more!

I hope to do a miniseries on this subject. 

The first is TODAY! 

What are you intentionally doing today to grow closer with Jesus in your daily life?

I have always taught our girls that what you listen to and fill your heart and head with is important.
One of our daughters said today that her husband had noticed the boys were singing country songs as they went about their day.  So what had they been listening to?  Yep, country music!  Her husband said, "We'd better get them back on track listening to Christian music and memorizing the Word!"

We get off track so easily. We must be INTENTIONAL in what we do and how we spend our time. 

So today:  make an effort to LISTEN to God's Word and good music.  We have so much at hand today that we didn't before.  In many ways the digital age is good and bad.  Choose to use it for your good.  Tune in to only Christian radio.  We live in a rural area and can't do that so I have Sirus radio where I can listen to good music and Godly sermons.  I know you can do the same with Alexa or Echo.  These may cost us some money but the outcomes will be worth it. 

Do whatever it takes to fill your hearts and minds with God's Word!  Be strong and spiritually healthy!!

Have a good day!

Friday, July 24, 2020

A lesson from pictures.....




July 24, 2020

Summer gets busy...haven't been able to blog for a bit.  Took these pictures a month ago when I went out to help Gail and Austin with the intent to post here.  Just getting around to it.  It has been really dry.  Our grass did not green up this spring.  


 

Pretty ugly if you look down!!!!

SO... look around and look for some good.  Keep your faith and trust in God.  Remember there is a bigger picture and God has a wonderful plan for us.  


Philippians 4:8
8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

May His peace be with you today and always!! Millie

Sunday, June 28, 2020

The Tribulation - a peaceful then violent time to live....


End Times #4 – Tribulation
This is part 4 in the End Times series.  Today we will talk about the Tribulation.
This is a 7 years period of time.  (There is much written about this in Daniel that I have not gone into.)  This time is also called “the day of the Lord” which refers to a time of God’s judgment against both Israel and the unbelieving world.  Joel 1:15 says, “Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty.” Zephaniah 1:14-15 also talks about this time.  Then Paul talks about it in I Thessalonians 4-5 that this time period will come as a thief in the night while some are saying peace and safety, then destruction will come.  He told us this so we would know what to expect and not to be in the dark about what was to happen.  Remember Christians need not fear this time as they will be taken to be with Christ in the rapture.  
1.        The beginning…..the first 3 ½ years
-          A crisis will probably happen in Middle East that will bring the Antichrist to power
-          The antichrist:
o   Will come to power after Christians are removed from the earth. 2 Thessalonians 2:6-9
o   Most likely will be a Gentile – Rev. 13:1
o   Will rule over a revived Roman empire
o   Will oppose the people of God and try to change the laws of God without opposition from the people
-          The false prophet
o   Will be a man, empowered by Satan
o   A religious leader who will head up a world church that is a mix of many different religions that denies the basic beliefs of Christianity – this church is called a ‘harlot’
o   During the first 3 ½ years will use his influence to promote the Antichrist
o   Then during the last 3 ½ years will destroy the church and direct worship toward himself.  Rev. 17:16
o   He will focus on industry  and commerce and require the mark of the beast on everyone to participate in financial transactions
-there will be 144,000 Jewish missionaries that will convert many Jews and Gentiles to Christianity
o   They cannot be destroyed by the antichrist . Rev. 7:3-4
o   They are Jews from each of the twelve tribes who have come to Christianity after the rapture.  Rev. 7:9,14
-          These first 3 ½ years will be a time of peace. I Thess. 5:3
2.        The midpoint of the tribulation
-          The antichrist will break his peace treaty with Israel and begin persecuting the Jews and Christians.  Daniel 7,9,11
-          The persecution will be horrible and if not cut short no life would be left
-          God’s judgments from Revelation take place – the seal judgments, trumpet judgments, and bowl judgments
God’s love is perfect and He is holy.  That demands he judge sin.  He does that during the tribulation period.  He also gives a last chance for people to come to His salvation.  This choice for salvation comes with a great cost of persecution to the believers during the tribulation.  Ezekiel 33:11 pleads with the wicked to turn from their evil ways.  Why not make the decision to turn from wickedness now and to follow Christ before this terrible tribulation time comes?



Saturday, June 27, 2020

Info about the rapture/end times


End Times #3 – Church Age, Rapture
This is the third of a series on the End Times that I have written.  I want to talk a little more in detail about the things that will happen in the End Times.
CHURCH  AGE
The church age is basically a period of time from Pentecost (when the Holy Spirit came upon believers in the early church) until the Rapture.  After the Jews rejected Jesus, God temporarily halted his dealings with the Jews and opened up salvation for Gentiles.  Romans 11:1,25 says that there is a ‘partial hardening for Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”  We are NOW in the Church Age.  

RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH
The Church Age ends with the Rapture of the Church.  Rapture comes from a Greek word harpazo that means ‘to snatch away’- the believers are snatched away when Christ comes in the clouds. I Thessalonians 4:16-18 tells us the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout and the trumpet and the dead in Christ will rise first.  That means that the bodies of those who have died as believers during the church age previous to this event  will be joined with Christ.  Their spirits have been with Christ since their death but now their bodies will be united with their spirits and they will join Christ.  Then those Christians who are alive at the time of the rapture will be suddenly caught up together with the dead to meet the Lord in the clouds.  For these believers there will be no death.  Their entire being –body, soul, and spirit – will suddenly be removed from the earth.  I Corinthians 15:51-54 tells us our bodies will experience a radical transformation from mortal bodies into immortal bodies. They will be similar to the body of Jesus after His resurrection.  Our new bodies will be similar to our present bodies but radically superior to them. We don’t see the word rapture in the Bible but we do see the Latin word rapturo  and the Greek word harpazo that means rapture.
Dr. Jeffress in his book Perfect Ending gives 4 reasons he feels the rapture will occur for believers before the tribulation.
1.        Purpose of the tribulation is the redemption of Israel (for the Jews to come to Christ) and for the condemnation of unbelievers.  If this is true then the believers need not go through the tribulation and the judgment.
2.       There is a lack of reference to the Church in Revelation 6-18.  The Church is clearly visible in Revelation 1-5 and again in the return of Jesus in Revelation 19 but the church is not mentioned in the middle of Revelation during the tribulation.
3.       Revelation 3:10 says the church will be kept from the hour of testing.
4.       God promises the believers will be spared from His condemnation.  Romans 8:1tells us there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.  Jesus has taken the pain and judgment for our sins.  We do not need to go through the judgment of the tribulation.
Titus 2:13 says  “to be looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.”  Many feel everything has happened that needs to for the rapture to occur and it could come at any time.  Are you ready?  Have you accepted Christ as your Savior so you will be ready to join Him when he returns with the trumpet call in the clouds? If not…admit you are a sinner, accept Christ as your Savior, turn your life over to Him and be ready for the ride of your life!






Monday, June 15, 2020

Hint for the day....

June 15, 2020

Just a very quick, easy to read blog today...

DO SOMETHING TODAY AT HOME THAT WILL 'SHOW' OR FEEL GOOD....not the usual.

If you can do one thing everyday that is out of the usual you will feel as if you accomplished something.

For example:  clean out a kitchen or bedroom drawer, wash a window and the curtains/blinds, clean off your desk, do the laundry all in one day, clean up some piles of stuff that accumulate so easily, straighten a room up that has gotten cluttered.

Last week I was home and babysitting Luci (such fun!) and I cleaned the windows, curtains, and blinds in my bedroom and bathroom.  I felt so excited to get it done.  Didn't take long either!

Look around.....clean up....have fun....feel good!

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Overview of the End Times




This is a continuation of a little series about the End Times and what to expect.  Yesterday I wrote a brief essay about why it is good to know what is to come.  Today I want to give you a time line of what we think will happen in the end times.
1.        Church Age- started at the time of Christ’s birth
a.       Romans 11:25 – a time of hardening of the hearts of the Jews so the Gentile could become believers
2.       Rapture – when Christ comes in the clouds to get the believers so they will not have to go through the tribulation
a.        I Thessalonians 4:16-18 Christ will come in the clouds to take the dead in Christ first (those who have believed but died), then those who are alive will be taken up to meet the Lord in the air and be with the Lord.
3.        Tribulation – a period of 7 years that begins with peace and turns violently evil and difficult
a.       Joel 1:15 - ‘The Day of the Lord’ – a time of God’s judgment against Israel and the unbelieving world
4.       Second Coming of Christ – the visible return of Jesus to establish His kingdom on earth
a.       Revelation 19:11,1Thessalonians 4:16 – Jesus will visibly be seen and believers and unbelievers alike will witness Christ’s turn to the earth
5.        The Millennium -1,000 years period where Christ will reign on earth
a.        Revelation 20:1-3 – Satan bound for 1,000 years and
b.       Isaiah 11:4,6,9 -  A time of peace where the wolf will dwell with the Lamb
6.       Great White Throne Judgment – a judgment time for unbelievers and believers
Revelation 20:12-15 -the Book of Life contains the name of the believers, those whose names are not written in the book will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.
7.       Eternity Future – a new heaven and earth
a.       2 Peter 3:7,10 present earth destroyed
b.       Revelation 21:1-4 new heaven and earth where believers will dwell with God

Just to say… there are different views of the end times.  I am comfortable with what I have learned about this prophecy and have read from several great teachers.  I will explain in more detail in the days to come why I believe this time line to be correct.

If you’d like to read more I suggest the book Perfect Ending by Robert Jeffress, who is pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas

Friday, June 12, 2020

End Time Prophesy #1

June 12, 2020

My husband, Gail, has recently been preaching a sermon series for our church, Valley Cowboy Church, about the End Time's Prophecy.  It has been very interesting and encouraging to study this. I want to give you a quick 'recap' of what we have learned.  This may take several blogs to get it all down.

WHY SHOULD WE STUDY END TIMES PROPHECY?
1.  It is a major theme in the Bible.  The Old Testament contains more than 1,800 references to Christ's return.  One out of every 30 verses in the New Testament refers to the Lord's return and it is taught in 23 of the 27 NT books.

2.  Understanding prophecy helps us understand and apply the Bible accurately. For example, if we know a scripture is prophesy we can understand it has a certain place for the end times.  I was reading through Matthew lately. I came to the verse about the pregnant mother running to the hills (Matt. 24: 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. ) I used to worry about that verse and what it meant.  Now I know it is about what is to come during the tribulation times. If we understand this, we have a peace in our hearts as we read.

3. An understanding of Bible prophecy motivates us toward godly living.  We know the end times will come in God's timing and we want to be found living holy lives.


Watch for more information about this in the days to come. 


P.S.  Earlier this week I put out a blog about hurrying up and getting on with what you are to be doing. One of my daughters said she about over did and it was harmful to her health!!! LOL!! Remember everything is to be in moderation:) Have a good day!



Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Hurry up!

June 10,2020

This time of year is NOT my favorite time of the year.  Things get so busy!  I must have the 'kid mentality' from my younger years that it is vacation time but as an adult it is NOT vacation time.  As you have seen it has a been a bit since I've had time to work on this blog.  Just trying to take care of what is a priority and get done what is most pressing. 

Today I was convicted to get with it - to quit lollygagging and hurry up - do what needs done quickly, be efficient.  Then I will feel at peace with myself and my surroundings.  Complaining won't change anything but efficient quick work will.  I reallllly wanted to go take a quick nap but I didn't!  Will get this blog written in hopes of encouraging you also.

Have a good day......get your work done quickly! 

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Listening to the Holy Spirit's promptings

May 26, 2020

Summer is coming upon us.  It is usually a busy time of year with lots of things to do.  So.... just a quick thought today about the Holy Spirit and the help that He can give.

I believe that when a person receives the gift of salvation by accepting Christ as their Savior that they are given the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct them.  I am so thankful for the gift of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 14
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,[f] to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truthwhom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[g] in you.

Three thoughts for you today:

1.  Listen to the Holy Spirit each  moment of the day for His direction and help.  He is there with you and wants to guide you. He is your helper.  I know I often don't listen or obey and I want to do better.  The Holy Spirit is our friend and guide.

2.  The Holy Spirit intercedes for us for us and prays for us when we don't know how to pray. 
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
There have sure been times in my life when I was in dispair, confussion, or grief and I didn't even know how to pray.  I found great comfort for my life knowing the Holy Spirit was interceding for me on my behalf.  How good our great God is to us!!

3.  Pray for your children and family to have the gift of salvation in their lives and to be guided by the Holy Spirit too!  We often pray that our grandchildren will know Truth.  As I read John 14:16,17  (see verses above)  recently I realized that not only do I need to pray that they will know Truth but they they will receive salvation and the Holy Spirit to show them truth as the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth.  

I hope we all can be more attentive and obedient to the Holy Spirit as He works in and through our lives each minute of each day!! 

Monday, May 18, 2020

Help for summer...esp. for moms!

May 19, 2020

Looks like we are headed into summer now!  Most schools are out and the weather is warming up.

This post is especially for mom's with children but is applicable to all of us.

I want to encourage us to be organized and productive but to enjoy life also.

Mom's - I really want to encourage you as you go into your summer to do some things with your kiddos.

1.  It is good for the kids to have some jobs to do around the house or yard.  It is a time for you to teach them practical life skills - cooking, yard work, etc.  It makes them feel good and it is helpful to you too!! This takes some work on your part but it is part of your job as a parent to teach them the skills and to teach them to work.

2.  Use the time you have with your kids this summer to teach them spiritually.  Get them all up at the same time for breakfast and have morning devotions.  Also sit down with them through the day and read books with Bible stories to them.  Talk with them throughout the day about God and how He is at work among you.  At night time read them devotionals before bed.  One of my favorites was called Keys for Kids.  I see you can still get them through the internet.

3.  Plan some fun times.  It does take planning or it won't happen.  Doesn't need to be anything big as we are still required to stay close to home.  It can be a picnic on the porch or on the trampoline or running through the sprinkler.  Do something to have fun.

4.  I mentioned in an earlier post that it is good for kids and mom to rest each day.  I wanted to encourage you to have your kids that can read to be sure to spend some time each day reading.  I especially like the kids to read biographies, which encourage them to greatness.

5.  This is a time you can minister to others as a family.  I have had people ask over the years what our family did to encourage the spiritual growth of our children.  I think this is the KEY.  Seek God and see what you can do as a family to serve God.  How can you and the kids work together to serve?  Can it be cooking a meal or cookies to take by to someone?  Can your family show up to clean up some one's yard?  Maybe you could send cards.  This is an important thing for you parents to do with your children.  It gets them mission and ministry minded.  This trait will them carry through for the rest of their lives.

Your precious kiddos won't be with you for long....be Godly parents doing what God has called you to.....

Thursday, May 14, 2020

You don't have FOREVER ...

May 18, 2020

Just a thought from my heart today.  Christ is knocking at the door of our hearts and wants us to come to Him, to turn from our sinful ways, to repent and turn our lives around, to YIELD to Him, and to accept His gift of eternal life for His sacrificial death.  BUT you do NOT have forever to get this done.

I realized the other day why so many people seem to have lost their common sense and why they seem to have a hatred for God.  We are all created with a (so to speak) hole in our hearts that long to know God.  We have a conscious that tells us right from wrong.  God is calling us to come to Him and to accept His gift of salvation through Christ's death on the cross.  IF we continue to turn away from God and the pricking of our conscious when we do wrong,  THEN:


God's Wrath on Unrighteousness - Romans 1

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 
19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse
21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 
22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 

25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.


How about you?  Have you given your life to Christ?  OR are you putting off salvation?   You won't have forever.  The Holy Spirit is pricking your heart to come to salvation BUT He won't do it forever.  At some point God will turn you over to your own desires and idols.  Don't wait....come to Christ!!