The Wonder Of God

This morning as I was reading the Sunday paper on line I saw a head line which read Network finds jobs for older workers. I am an older worker and I have been looking for a job since the middle of May. I thought God was going to instantly answer a pray I prayed 14 years ago when I graduated with my degree, which God helped me achieve. The realization hit this morning that I had been looking at the job situation on my own and not letting God do His thing. Again and again discipline has to be applied by God to me and this time He is saying to wait upon Him and in His time he will give me the answer. The article in the paper is just what He wanted me to see and to pursue at this particular time. Who knows this may be the answer. God can not answer a pray if I am unwilling to listen to Him. How will I know if I do not do this, so yes I will call the telephone number and go from there.

Need Help To Learn

Hello, I have a question to ask from those who are smarter with blog add on's than I. I have seen on other blogs wonderful pictures and would like to do that on my blog occasional. When I blog I would like to add pictures from Christian glittering in the middle or end of a blog message post, how do I do something like that? I have been able to add to side of the page but I feel it distracts for the atmosphere I want to create. I will need step by step instructions to accomplish the process. I am not a handy dandy computer person, but I have met people who are so please respond if you can help.

Need Prayer

I need pray for a 15 year old young man who is in trouble for stealing something from his school. His name is James and has been at risk for a long time. He is in a facility for troubled teens and he is not opening up with the counselors who want to help him. When he was born his mother was on drugs and he has residue and learning problems from that. James and his parents and bother and sisters live in our other farm house. My pray for him is that he will learn to trust the individuals who want to help him with his problems and to open up his heart and get the help he desperately needs. He knows that God loves him but all he sees is how unloved he is from others. John and I love him as a grandson and want the very best for him. Thank you all.

Don't Break The Elastic

I received this from a friend and thought the message needs to be passed on.

Don't Break The Elastic!! Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.

And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day, like her breasts.
They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.

People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Music-Preaching-Music

Have you ever come to Friday and think O No it's the weekend again and think why can it not be Monday so I can go to work. Well let me tell you about a weekend that I thought would be just an ordinary two days and turned out to be one of the most amazing, magnificent, and awesome time for me to be alive. The weather could have not been any better and the night time was bright with stars and moon to experience God in His home. On Saturday night John and I attended what turned out to be one of the best nights I have spent in some time in a church building with a Christian Motorcycle Club praising God with two of the most amazing bands I have heard in some time. There music spoke to me in a way that I cannot put into words. The first band, named Cross Wind, comprised of what most people would bypass if they could. All the members of the band were in their leathers with long beautiful hair put in ponytails with different colors of bandannas and singing and playing what I thought was the most beautiful worship music I have heard in a long time. Here are a few of the words to some of their songs: HIS ARMS WIDE OPEN--HE IS RUNNING TO ME WITH ARMS WIDE OPEN. What a picture this is in my mind and heart to see and feel that whatevery happens is my life God is there with his arms wide open for me to run into when ever I want and need. Another song they sang had these words: DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING, HEAVEN OR HELL, COULD END AT ANY SECOND. Those words brought me up short. I know that I want to go to Heaven but at times I don't feel that I am worthy, and when they said any second I realized that I have to be ready now.

The second group of the evening was called Saved and their music was directed to the young people in the audience. Saved had a variety of music, from everyday to contemporary Christian. The talent of the group came out with music they have written. On of the songs I know I have heard on the radio, but I listened to it for the first time. The song is by Mercy Me and here are the words that meant so much to me: DOES IT TAKE PAIN TO MAKE ME PRAISE YOU-JESUS BRING THE RAIN. When I hear those words again I will listen instead of just hearing. They have a web-site if you want to check them out: http://www.wearesaved.org. One of the young men in group has a blog and has given me permission to add him to my blog. God gave me just a glimpse of what Heaven is going to be like. Words really cannot tell you what Saturday evening means to me. God is so great.

The weekend continues to today with going to church with the Christian Motorcycle Club of Indiana. You have never been to church until you arrive and see a parking lot full of motorcycles of different makes, models, and colors you could every dream of. These men and women bring Christ to people most of us won't talk to. Most of the motorcycleist we see have not heard they can be forgiven for their sins and they can live for God. The group that sang road in from Meade, KS on a bright yellow cycle with three wheels and a carrier pulled behind that beautiful machine. They are called Jetstream Ministries, Inc. and their web site is http://gojetstream.net Their music was softer than the groups of Saturday night, but just as moving in my heart. Here are some of the words I heard: JESUS IS THE WAY AND THE ANSWER FOR THE WORLD TODAY, WITHOUT HIM WHAT WOULD I DO. What would happen without Jesus.

The sermon continued to speak to me about the love we are to havre for our neighbors. I never reasized that our neighbor is anyone anywhere. I wish I could resite for you the sermon, but I can't. The day continued with a picnic lunch with healvenly food and fellowship. What a way to end a perfect weekend then with friends and new friends.

Farm Wife

What wonderful weather we are having at this time of the end of September. In the area I live in we have been able to open all the windows in our house to smell the smells of the beginning of fall. I love the smell at this time of year as I take dried clothes off the cloth line in the back yard. It is said that this morning fall began. Just think what God will do in the next few months, from warm weather, to bright colors on trees, and to colder weather and possibly snow. So during this time on the farm we are harvesting our crops that God gave us to put up for feed and to sell at the elevator to pay bills for raising the crop we just harvested. Also, at this time of year we have many little pigs running around with their mothers in the fields that have been picked and cut. It has been a few years since I have been able to assist my husband in preparing for winter so I have put on old clothes and helped sort a sow out to put in a special place so she can have a peaceful birthing time. Also, I have been riding to a seed corn company near our farm who is giving some of their scraps for feed and bedding for our sow herd. This has been going on for 20 years and we have been blessed with a good supply to last us until this time next year. God has given this bountiful supply as a wonderful blessing to help with the feed bill. Well it is time for me to end and make a light lunch for my husband. Have a wonderful fall.

Faith

Have you ever been in a place in your life that seems to be up in the air wondering where God wants you? That is where I am at the present time. In a Ladies Bible study I am attending, we are studying a book on a few important women in the Bible. Yesterday the lesson was on Ruth and her faith. That was the beginning of the "AH" moment in my life of wondering where God wants me. I still don't know the where, but I must have faith in God to explain his plan for me in His time; not mine. Then tonight at Wednesday Bible study after watching a movie by the name of,"The Perfect Stranger" more of the answer came to me to just keep on keeping my faith and the answer will come when He wants to tell me.

What a movie "The Perfect Stranger", we will have a discussion next week. I will have to find the book and read it and I understand there is a second book in a series I will have to get and read before watching the second movie.

You Know You Are A Farm Wife If

As I was reading my Women's Farm magazine on line I read this poem and though other individuals would enjoy it; so here it is. I am so glad that as a farm wife I can laugh and know that many of these if's I live with daily.

You Know You Are A Farm Wife If

If your name is taped to the side of a cake pan.

If you call the implement dealer and he recognizes your voice.

If the vet's number is on the speed dial of you phone.

If you know how to change the flat on your car, but can't because the spare is on a flatbed.

If your second vehicle is still a pickup.

If your husband has ever used field equipment to maintain your yard.

If you're in the habit of buying food stuff in bulk.

If a "night out" involves the local 4-H club.

If the word "auction" makes you tingle.

If you've ever washed off each other with a pressure washer.

If "a little bit of lunch" involves 6 courses and a dessert made from scratch.

If taking lunch to the field is as close as you get to a picnic.

If your rock garden was hand-picked.

If you can mend a pair of pants and the fence that ripped them.

If the shopping list in your purse includes the sizes of; filters, tires, overalls, chains, belts, lights, cables, spark plugs, or shotgun shells.

If "Farm", "Ranch", "Country", "Cowboy", or "Antique" is in the name of your favorite magazine.

If your tan lines are somewhere below your shoulder and above your elbow.

If you ever went on a date to the bull sales.

If you've ever called your husband to supper, using a radio.

If being taken out to dinner has ever included a talk by a seed corn dealer.

If your driveway is longer than a stones throw.

If your mailbox looks like a piece of farm machinery.

If your wading pool has ever doubled as a stock tank, or vice versa.

If the daily paper is always a day late.

If you have a yard, but not a lawn.

If you have lots of machinery and each piece is worth more than your house.

If the neighbor's house is best viewed with binoculars.

If the directions to your hose includes the words, "mile, silos, last, or gravel road".

If the tractor and the combine have air conditioning and an FM radio but your car doesn't.

If your storage shed is a barn.

If you measure travel in miles not minutes.

If your farm equipment has the latest global positioning technology and you still can't find your husband.

If you consider "hot dish" a food group.

If your husband says, "Can you help me for a few minutes?" and you know that it might be anywhere from a few minutes...to six hours.

If you plan your vacations around farm shows or calving or planting or harvesting.

If grass stains are the least of your laundry problems.

If your refrigerator contains medicine...livestock medicine.

If your car's color is two-toned and one color is gravel road brown.

If you knew everyone in your high school graduation class.

If you've entertained the romantic notion of living in an old, country farmhouse with a fireplace.

If you use newspapers to help keep the kitchen floor clean.

If you've ever said, "Oh it's only a little mud."

If you need a pair of vice grips to run a household appliance.

If you've used the loader to reach the windows when they need washing.

If you've ever discovered a batch of kittens in your laundry basket.

If dinner is a noon and lunch is before and after dinner.

If you shovel the sidewalk, with a skid loader.

If quality time with your hubby means you'll have a flashlight inn one hand and a wrench in the other.

If you know the difference between field corn and sweet corn.

If you buy your husband's "dress: socks at Campbell's Supply.

If family "pets" include deer, coons, pheasants, squirrels, foxes or birds.

If you can make a meal that can be ready in six minutes and will still be ready in two hours.

If your basement is really a cellar.

If "sharing a cab" has nothing to do with a taxi and everything to do with getting across the field.

If your job in tow is considered a farm subsidy.

God's Wonder

Have you ever thought about how God put the stars in the heavens? Tonight my husband and I went to a revival in another town and when we arrived home I looked up and saw right off the big dipper. By the way after dark is my most favorite time of the day, especially on a clear night. I have thought about God at these times and wondered how he put the stars where He did and in their perfect shapes. I did not know how many different shapes there are until my oldest daughter had to memorize many of them for a Science class in the 6th grade. She can still tell you where they are, how many starts in each constellation, how they are shaped, and what their names are. Is't God wonderful!!

The sermon hit home for me. It was on revival. My revival to be exact. The Evangelist said church members have to have a revival in their lives first before there can be one in the church. That really hit home for me. For some reason in the past few weeks I have questioned my life and what I really was here to do. I know that God has a plan for my life and has been giving me glances of it for many years. I believe I am scared of the next era of my life. For the past 8 years I have seen what God can do and what He wants me to do in that period of time. Now I am waiting. I don't want to go over God's head and do what I think I want to do, but wait for what God wants me to do. I believe God is going to answer a pray that I prayed 13 years ago and He is going to give me the dream of my life, but right now I don't know what the dream of my life is.

This happens to me when I am going into another decade of life. On December 9th I will be 60 years old. I know that is not old, but what am I and who am I. Those answers will be answered in the next 10 years. Thank you for letting me ramble.

Friendship

Some years ago I heard that a person will make somewhere around 7 set of friends in a life time. Looking back, I must be beginning on the seventh set and know that another set will be out there in the future. This morning I received an e-mail from a friend from my recent past college days and also an e-mail from a new friend met from a blog. Who would have thought that communication would fly across who know what for a person to hear from past friends, present friends, and future friends. Go out there and don't be afraid to make a new friend, I won't.

Six Years Ago

Six years ago this morning I was sitting at a desk in the basement of one of the buildings on the campus of the college I attended. I was working and studying and for some reason I just did not hear what the radio was saying. At 10:00 AM I traveled to the first floor so I could get to class. In the hallway a number of students were crying and asking why. School stopped and most of us found our way to a TV to watch what was going on in New York. It was so surreal to see reality and not comprehending what I was seeing. We all need to pray for the survivors of that horrible day. We need to pray for those who worked to save those individuals that were saved that day. On Sunday night I was watching ABC's Home Makeover. They did a makeover for a family who's husband and father was one of those who rescued at least 2 police officers from the rubble. September 11, 2001 is like one other important day I remember and that was the day John F. Kennedy was shot and killed. I was in the 8th grade then.

Answer to Prayer

When God answer a prayer He does it in grand fashion. Sunday morning after a number of Church members has been praying the same pray for a number of years a young man, by the name of Troy Tanner, came forward and gave himself and his heart to the Lord. The Baptismal service that was held was simply outstanding. We still have 3 young men about the same age we are praying for and I know it will happen soon since Troy will start witnessing to them.

Wet Pants

A friend sent this to me and I have got to share it with others.

WET PANTS

Come with me to a third grade classroom...There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.

The boy believes this heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need hips now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.' He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a kook in her eyes that says he has been discovered.

As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.

The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'

Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else-Susie. She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!

Finally, at the end of the day as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, "You did that on purpose, didn't you? Susie whispers back, "I wet my pants once too.'

May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good..Remember...Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another. Here is a prayer that was added at the end of the message:

Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives, and those that I care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs. Bless their home, families, finances, their goings and their comings. AMEN

About 3 years ago I had a similar experience in the parking lot of the college I attened. I ended up going to Wal Mart to buy underwear and a pair of jeans and changed in their bathroom.

Learning New Technology

In the past few years I thought I could get along with whatever new technology was out there in my world. I took the plunge to join a Christian Woman's Group, but have no idea if all the work I did was right and if I accomplished what I was suppose to do.
I am leading a very ordinary life at the present. In May I graduated with a BS degree in Organization, Leadership, and Supervision and a minor in Human Resources. For the past three months the transition into the professional work force has begun with the making of a number of resumes, cover letters, applications, and interviews for a number of different kinds of jobs. As of today nothing has come up for a job. I am interested in working in the Health and Safety field. I took an interest in a class where I received a certificate for 30 hours for OSHA. For the eight years of my college experience the Lord was with me all the way and in the classroom with me. He helped me daily with taking notes, taking quizzes, doing projects individually or in groups, and taking exams. I know he has planed the job for me and will let me know about it in his time. I am believing He will give me the desires of my heart.
God introduced me to many very interesting individuals. Many of them are close friends. I was able to encourage many to stay the course and stay in college and receive their degrees. One young lady I met in my first fall semester was just coming back to school after being in a coma for a number of months. She was in school with her care giver and pulling around an oxygen cart. To seeing her graduate four years later and a totally healed beautiful young lady with a future with a job she enjoys and a boyfriend she will marry some time this month,
My last year I was able to meet two women who came back to school in their fourtys with special needs children at home. They told me they will stay to the end a graduate with degrees because of my story.

Wednesday Night Church

The church my husband and I attend will be starting a new type of Wednesday night church. Around our church there are a number of families with children who do not attend a church anywhere so we are going to start by having a supper for the whole family and then break up into different groups. For the smaller children up to the 5th grade will go one direction, those young people from 6th-12th grades go somewhere else, and the adults will break up into groups, such as, prayer group, Bible study group, and care groups. I can not wait to be involved in this new endeavor.

Journal

I just learned something. I had written a blog entry and did not save it properly. Now I will rewrite it for prosperity. Having a blog is like having a journal where I can write down my thoughts for view for a very special group of friends and family. Earlier this evening John and I had a date. We took a drive to look at equipment at a farm auction in St. Anne, Ill. On the way over we stopped at a dairy that gives tours of their dairy, where they make cheese, and ice cream. They also sell toasted cheese sandwiches and 6 different flavors of ice cream. We each got a dip of our favorite flavors. Then on our way home we stopped in Roselawn, In. for our favorite sandwiches at a small place that we have been going to for 20 some years.

First ever message on a blog

Hello, For a person near 60 years old this is something I never expected to experience. I have have had friends on My Space, but I do not trust the privacy on that site. I was invited on a blog and decided to try my luck. My life is on hold at the present time because I have just finish 8 years of my life attending college and graduating in May with a BS degree in Organization, Leadership, and Supervision and a minor in Human Resources. Now I am looking for a job that I can do for the next 10 years. I hope it is in Health and Safety some where. I also have a daughter and son-in-law who lives in a nice home which I would love to live in. My husband, John is a farmer who also raises hogs. He also is an Insurance Agent who specializes in Crop Insurance.