In Christ ALL things are NEW!

How often do you pray for your children, by name, with scripture?
I know I get caught up in the busy-ness of the day and don't lift my child's name as I should. However, the older my daughter's becoming I have moments of fear encompass my thoughts, making me breathe faster. Things in the world that are riskier...driving, dating, socializing with young adults whose parents I DON"T KNOW, going off to college, making decisions out in the world without being under our roof, and so forth.

This is when I MUST rely on God's Word and His Promises to hold me up, hold her up while facing each day's newness. Fear is not in the Lord--We are to be anxious in nothing but lift our concerns to Him for the peace that passes all understanding.

Psalm 34:4I ...sought the LORD, he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 112:7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

Philippians 4:6 ...be anxious about nothing,...in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

From liftinghands.blogspot.com (you'll see a new link in my border). Would you join us today in saying this prayer over your child, by name?

I pray that my child(ren) will not inherit any sin traits from his/her earthly family, but will "inherit the kingdom prepared for him/her from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34).

Thank You, Jesus, that in You the old has passed away and all things are new.

What changes has He brought about in your life after you've asked for His protection in your kids' lives?

PLANNING....ho hummm :\

Just for fun...and any guys or girls(like me) who enjoy baseball (and food)...

Published: The Sporting News (1981), Unknown (1906)

My sermon today, said Reverend Jones,is baseball and whence it came.

Now, if you take the Good Book and you take a good look,you will find the first Baseball Game.
It says Eve stole first, Adam second; Solomon umpired the game.

Rebecca went to the well with a pitcher,And Ruth in the field made a name.

Goliath was struck out by David —A base hit was made on Abel by Cain,

And the Prodigal Son made a great home-run. Brother Noah gave checks out for rain.
Jonah wailed — went down swinging. Later he popped up again.

A lion-drive by ole Nebuchadnezzar made Daniel warm-up in the pen.

Delilah was pitching to Samson, When he brought down the house with a clout,

And the Angels that day made a double-play, that's when Adam and Eve were thrown out.
Ole St. Pete was checking errors, Also had charge of the gate.

Salome sacrificed Big John the Baptist, who wound up ahead on the plate.

Satan was pitching that apple And looked as though he might fan 'em all,

But then Joshua let go a mighty blow And blasted one right at the wall.
And then the Lord wound up and took good aim, and started the very First Baseball Game.

And, now we all know the way that the game was begun,

and to this very day — It's still Number One!

It's a long story so I won't begin to tell you how I got from baseball to my meal planning. But I did combine the two for today.

I'm trying to get on base in the ballgame of feeding my family; and I'm hoping I'll hit a home run sometime this week. Here's what the coach has put on the roster for the first "7 innings"--any other "innings" will be considered extra innings, so the rookie and team manager will be on their own to seek out leftovers in the dugout- fridge or locker-room freezer!

Monday broccoli-roll-ups, cheesy-potato-skins
Tuesday Caribbean-nut-crusted-fish, greens-grain-salad, banana-split-cake
Wednesday Easy-layered-Italian-meatloaf, mashed pot., green beans
Thursday Chicken tacos, refried beans
Friday chicken-Parmesan-bundles, salad, grain toast
(I get a lot of my recipes from Kraft Foods at: http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf )

Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going,there is neither working nor planning..." But, hopefully, baseball!

"Six Random Things About Myself" Meme

One of my favorite blog buddies (http://keepthelightshining.blogspot.com/)"tagged" me with a new meme (thoughts transmitted from one blogger to a group) and each member of the group answers the same questions and continues the process.
1. My first prayers were with my sister, who is 8 years older than me. We'd go to bed every night ..."Good night," I'd say, she'd answer, "Sleep tight!" I'd chime back in saying, "Pleasant dreams" then she'd say "Same to you!" then we'd add in blessings from the day, concerns for sick people, and just about anything we thought of...usually I would fall asleep before the prayer was finished!

2. As a young child I loved the pup tent my Daddy gave me. It's where I set up "Barbie World" with Ken, Midge, and Skipper. I always enjoyed when my neighbor, Linda, would bring her blue plastic chest filled with Barbies and "furniture"!...she had wicker chairs and tables and I had couches made out of Kleenex boxes. One of my proudest Christmas presents was a pink convertible Barbie sports car...she could fly down the road for real and they didn't have seat belts, so when they hit a rock, she and Ken would be tossed from the car and then we would get to play ambulance and nurse.

3. I was a drum major my junior/senior years in high school ... at band camp my first directing year, I was so eager to do a good job and was excited about getting out on the field. Being so early in the morning, the grass was really wet at Berry College. We removed our tennis shoes 'cause we didn't want to have to march all day in wet Keds...unfortunately, a spider bit my foot and I spent the rest of the day with my foot on ice propped up in a chair, directing from the sidelines!

4. My Granny lived way out in the "kuntry" and lived next door to an AME church. I remember sitting on her front porch after we had returned from her church, enjoying the summer breezes and listening to her neighbor church's members singing through their open windows...no air conditioning in any of the churches back then...they would worship on into the afternoon, sometimes until the sun went down.

5. (Thanks to Freefoto.com for the turkey pic!) I remember cooking my first turkey for Thanksgiving in our NEW HOUSE with my in-laws and sister-in-law visiting while her husband was serving in Desert Storm. (You can see this coming, can't you??) I left the giblet bag in the turkey, and my mother-in-law cracked up as she found it when carving the bird....yikes! Needless to say, I wanted to crawl under the table.

6. A situation that wasn't funny then but seems funny now--When hubby and I got married we went on a cruise...and the 3rd day out, our ship caught fire in the engine room. The cruise line had government boats pick up all the passengers from the ship and take us into a little Mexican town we had never heard of. We were at the mercy of the "taxi cab" drivers...and mind you, I use that term loosely, 'cause none of these cars were marked as taxis. They drove us about 60 miles to the closest big port and the ship met us there that night to continue the rest of our cruise. Our friends had great fun saying, "Boy, you guys had a really "hot" honeymoon! ha

OK, I'm only going to make it to 3 blogger friends to be tagged...but 3's better than none:

1. http://rlambright.blogspot.com/ BE STILL AND KNOW...a budding writer, loving God and her girlfriends


2. http://www.lratcliffe.blogspot.com/ MEZZO FORTE...loving mom, heavenly singer


3. http://mathymusic.blogspot.com/ TURNING POINTS, one of my favorite teachers of children and adults...she's smart beyond her years teaching HARD MATH to high schoolers...and she sings to our Lord with her voice and her life!

This was fun, Mary, thanks for inviting me!

Oblivious after the Oak

I meant well... I was trying to get pictures of my beautiful oak tree--so glad it had survived the night before's 70-mile/hour winds. I had taken several "stills"--So, how did I get "video" for the last three shots?, you ask.

Can you say, "didn't have on glasses?"
Can you ask, "How many 'skeeters were biting as you shot?"
Can you say, "BLONDE?"

All excuses for not "paying attention". Sometimes such a mistake could be costly to your person, your car, your family, your soul. For example, when I don't "pay attention" in the kitchen and try to take a shortcut, I have burned myself or squealed as I sliced through the tip of a finger.

When I haven't "PA'd" while driving my car, I've missed exits and had to turn around a few miles up the road....uuuggghhh! There have even been times when I haven't "PA'd" and missed non verbals dear daughter gave and I should have delved more pointedly into her circumstances surrounding her day in high school.

And, finally, there have been times I'm going about my day not "PA'ing" to God's nudgings to be his hands, feet or voice--yet I didn't still myself long enough to properly respond. (This thought quickens me to the bone, knowing I must respond differently and more attentively, especially as it regards God's work.) Living is about today...and eternity.

My actions have missed opportunities to help guide someone to the most important information they couldl ever have...the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ, who gave EVERYTHING for me so I could continue relationship with him FOREVER! Lord, I pray you will continue to grow me and open my eyes to "PA" when You need work to be done. Give me a sense of understanding the funny side of my mistakes so I can laugh at myself and not be so "perfect"?! (ha ha, as if that were possible). AMEN

So, here's to laughing at trivial "mistakes"....you'll see some storm evidence, look for the swing--and, there's a "wonderfully flattering" upside-down nose shot!"

...1 minute 23 seconds of oblivion.



Where did you miss opportunity to share Jesus with someone this week by not paying attention to His nudging?

What is your latest mission for Christ's eternal reign?

Deuteronomy 7:12 If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your forefathers.

PROTECTION, Please!

New driver; Mommy worries

Changing frets into prayer

Share concerns, He's there

Away she drives, gone

Pacing, waiting, then ringtone

Calm returns

God's wholeness, protects

El Shaddai, at the right hand

All-sufficient Lord

Returning home, whole

Door opens, lights go out

Protection supplied; thankful sleep

Psalm 121:7-8

God guards you from every evil, He guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, He guards you now, He guards you always.

COMIN' ALONG...in word and seed!

My hanging basket is thriving--getting more abundant with every ray of sunshine and frequent summer showers.
I'm "eager" to one day sneak up on some "buds" that will be announcing future color...for a view of how far they've come, go here: http://skirkman.blogspot.com/2008/07/simple-womans-daybook.html

As I watch I'm "more eager"...not anxious, mind you...."eager" to see what color God is going to give me in each petal that He brings forth later this month.

Have you ever noticed people on television and/or in conversations saying things like, "I'm so anxious, I can't wait!"...huh??? Language Arts was one of my best and favorite classes. Were your teachers like mine? Did they teach you that words actually do have meaning and we each should know how and when to use APPROPRIATE words. So,

"Welcome to this addition of LAOnline 101, My names is Ms. Skoot and I would like to clarify the differences between two words that are COMMONLY flipped. By the end of this class, I am eager for you to be anxious no more in your proper use of each word..."

"As mentioned in previous posts, dictionaries are wonderful reference tools and help us clarify pronunciations, spelling, word forms and definitions. The definitions are usually followed by synonyms (words having same or nearly same meaning) for even further clarification. I successfully found anxious and eager at dictionary.com since I started with a "general knowledge" of how to spell them--aren't you glad I saved you this step in our lesson today?"

Assignment 1: Read the definitions and synonyms below; note: jot found information in your notebook if these words are a struggle for you to remember, there may be a quiz.

anx·ious [angk-shuhs]–adjective full of mental distress or uneasiness/fear of danger or misfortune; greatly worried; solicitous: Her parents were anxious about her poor health. Synonyms: disturbed, fearful, uneasy

ea·ger [ee-ger] adjective keen/ardent, passionate in desire or feeling; impatiently longing.

Synonyms: enthusiastic, desirous

Assignment 2: Describe how "mental distress/uneasiness" compared to "keen/passionate in desire" are the same. (take a sip of water as you ponder--this assignment may cause you some stress) Have you discovered this ...THEY ARE NOT THE SAME : )


"Congratulations! You have passed your LAOnline 101 "Magna Cum Laude", for you have achieved grades above the average , so you get a tassel!

Now... take your knowledge into the world--represent us here at LAOnline 101 proudly as you PROCLAIM and HENCE FORTH FROM THIS DAY FORWARD use the words "eager and anxious" correctly.


The bell just rang, you're dismissed for today...but come again, soon, ok?
(Sniff, sniff, wipe, wipe) I'm so proud of you!!!"

Psalm 119:130

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

Yesterday we enjoyed meeting friends at one of the HOT movies for the summer...HANCOCK. This is a movie for "older" teens, in my opinion, because there is some language we don't allow at our house. However, the story line is good, there are some twists that QUICKLY catch your attention, and I believe a sequel is definitely possible. Will Smith does a "phenom job" being gruff, believable, then clean-cut and "learning to make better decisions" as he entrenches himself in a new understanding.

No popcorn or drinks, we were just there to SEE the movie...HEAR the soundtrack and ENJOY time with good friends. As we walked down the entrance way through the dark, carpeted walls and turned the corner seeing the magnificent screen and captains chair seats, we were amazed...we were the only ones in the theatre!

ALRIGHT, this is going to be a treat, for sure.

As we sat down to take in all our ALONENESS, we enjoyed the previews of the remaining movies coming out this summer. There are some good ones coming, so we'll be saving our money for those, too! RAIDERS, BATMAN, EAGLE's EYE, STEP BROTHERS...many to choose from. The lights started going down and we turned off our cell phones, so we didn't INTERRUPT WITH OUR OWN SOUNDTRACK...as the shortflick urges you to do.

As we enjoyed the movie, the fast action of the opening scenes, another family SNUCK IN--I guess they really didn't sneak in, but I had no idea they were there.

Until....during one of the more quiet scenes as we listened to Charlize Theron and Will Smith, the three kids brought in with one adult got excited, tired, into the movie, needed to go to the bathroom, I don't know which.

Only two families in the theatre, and suddenly the scenes were being broken...what are the odds? My compassion was not at its highest at this moment. Oh, well...it was good while it lasted--and I know things are tight and babysitters can be expensive. But, I remember when my parents wouldn't take us to an adult movie because IT WAS AN ADULT movie.

When and why has that changed? I also wondered what other "older" movies these toddlers have seen and heard that will be forming their on-going vocabulary?

Pray with me: parents to be more concerned about what example they are setting for their children...that families will share babysitting responsibilities to give Mom and Dad a day or night out to themselves at the movies or dinner... so people wanting to enjoy a large-screen movie can hear what they've spent an hour's wages on.

Proverbs 19:11

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

ITS ONLY 12 Steps?!

Earlier today I read about families struggling with dysfunction...and I started asking myself some questions. We were always taught to start with the dictionary, so I went to dictionary.com:

dys·func·tion [dis-fuhngk-shuhn]

1.Medicine/Medical. malfunctioning, as of an organ or structure of the body.
2.any malfunctioning part or element: the dysfunctions of the country's economy.
3.Sociology. a consequence of a social practice or behavior pattern that undermines the stability of a social system.

I believe ALL families struggle with dysfunction, in some form or fashion; and I believe it is called original sin. We are in "the body" of humans that occupy this earth, and, we each tend to malfunction in major ways from time to time, day to day, moment to moment...in our own special way; and, we all have behavior patterns we KNOW undermines ourselves, to our own detriment, then we get tummy aches, can't sleep at night, snap at the slightest provocation, or avoid relationship with those who should be closest to our hearts...so why is it so hard to correct this "dysfunction"?

This question pulled me along in curiosity, so I wanted to look at AA's 12 steps--to look at their list. I've heard of it over many years yet I hadn't read the steps specifically. When I found it, I decided to make a very abbreviated bullet list, 'cause I can absorb better in small snippets. Here's what I bulleted:

*admit problem
*believe in Power greater than self
*turn will/life over to God
*take moral inventory
*admit wrongs
*ready for God's removal of defective character
*ask God's removal of shortcomings;list persons harmed
*make amends to those people
*continue taking inventory

*admitting when wrong
*pray/meditate with God, pray His Will/power to carry out
*carry this message to others
*practice these principles in all our affairs

None of the above 12 are easy, and we humans want the easy route, the path of least resistance....it's just too hard or a substance could take control of us should we step into waters we should reject less it sweeps us down the "river of pain and suffering".

Matthew 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."

Thank you, Jesus, for Alcoholics Anonymous, for their reaching out to those in need in their program and those outside their program. Thank you for giving us your Son, His example of love in its most compassionate form, for His sitting at your Right Hand. May we share what He has done in our lives with people every day through our actions, words and deeds.

Yes, I believe I need to use this as my daily guide to my behavior.

For a full version, see: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-step_program#The_Twelve_Steps)

photo: http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp

THEN SINGS MY SOUL SATURDAYS....

Very often during our weekly accountability group meetings either before, during or after our prayers, the Holy Spirit reminds me of Chris Tomlin's song, We Fall Down--

We fall down

We lay our crowns

At the feet of Jesus

The greatness of Mercy and love

At the feet of Jesus

And we cry holy, holy, holy

And we cry holy, holy, holy

And we cry holy, holy, holy

Is the lamb.

And we cry holy, holy, holy

And we cry holy, holy, holy

And we cry holy, holy, holy

Is the lamb

I first learned this song when I went to Emmaus, and then really learned to worship with it through our youth group...watching teens praise and sing to Jesus with this song is overwhelming and beautiful.


The promise of Heaven always comforts me in ways I can't explain, especially when we've come together in prayer and in His presence...His holiness, loving us, hearing us; he is worthy yet we are not worthy to be there-- but,....He cleansed us AS WORTHY by His death, for US! He was love and knew love would win out.


What a blessing He has given us through the inheritance!

I once heard Dr. Dobson on a broadcast explaining a future appointment he wanted to make with his son...he was explaining that one day he/Dr. Dobson, would die. He told Ryan about death and eternity...and the importance of making a decision to follow Jesus so he could "keep the appointment with him/Dr. Dobson and Jesus"...wanting Ryan to meet him on the other side of the East Gate.

Thinking of that day just beyond the East Gate, beginning the never-ending praising...seeing His face yet bowing, laying crowns before Him for eternity-- goes beyond what my mind can comprehend. Every knee bowing, every tongue confessing the name of Jesus! It puts a spark in me like no other.

p.s. Dear Daddy, Granny, Thomas and Jesus: be at that gate--cause we've got an appointment!

Revelation 4:9-11

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

BEASTS, BEES, BUTTERFLIES & BLOOMS

Beastie Kitty stalking, seeing what's lurking in and out of the blades
...scooting to and fro, gathering whatever for wherever...
.....resting, enjoying the southern sun on the hard, heated bricks leading to the door
..........looking again, a brown, spotted lizard; pouncing and playing catch!

Bees buzzing in, on, up, down, around, finally landing on a bloom

......wings closed while gathering God's pollen goodness

.............wings open, readying for flight, gathering is done

Butterfly billowing, wisping through warm breezes, meandering through leaves and trees

......flittering quickly, to and fro, never staying still on one perch very long

...........contrasting yellow-black against the lavenders and greens, what beauty!

Blooms greeting visitors in the morning, opening to sunshine after nightly naps

......spider-like, lizard-green fingers reaching from each stem, welcoming daylight

..........dusk enticing each petal to protect itself; closing gently to embrace another rest

Colossians 1:16

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him

SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK

FOR July 7, 2008...

Outside My Window......sunshine coming through my breakfast bay window and I see my new hanging basket--the seeds I planted 3 weeks ago are sprouting up through the brown soil along side the pete moss surrounding the basket...they've grown a lot over the last few days of late-afternoon summer showers. Job 8:16He is like a well-watered plant in the sunshine, spreading its shoots over the garden

I am thinking...how each day is new, last night was not good (couldn't sleep, generally restless even though my body was yelling it was tired--hormones are difficult to say the least, transitions in early life learning to understand yourself as a new woman and later in life as they turn off, struggles between your brain and body as to what "should be" happening but can't.Ephesians 6:12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

I am thankful for...God's blessings coming in unexpected ways...one of my youth students from church came by to visit me post surgery and it made my day. He was in the vicinity visiting a friend and stopped in to see how I was progressing. I love him with a mother's heart...like a son I never had and he's growing into a responsible young man, seeking God's ways while discovering his new driving independence. Isaiah 49:13Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

From the kitchen...cheerios and fruit. Genesis 1:29Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.

I am wearing...a cotton, moss green tank with white shorts.

I am creating...ideas in my head about dinner for tonight...what to get out of the freezer.

I am going...a little stir crazy...maybe I'll run out to the grocery later for some fruits and veggies...still very limited with my activities and driving.

I am reading...Lovely Bones...it's one my daughter read last summer and it was on the shelf...a gruesome subject of tragic loss in a family but it jumps around in many directions, it's taking me a while to get into the flow of this writer.Psalm 10:8He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims.

I am hoping...my newly plated trumpet bushes will thrive with my petting...they've been getting fed often and watered on days I can water...we're still under drought restrictions. Today's high is supposed to be in the high 80's, so it won't be too sweltering and more showers are expected, YEAH!!!! Jeremiah 12:2You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit.

I am hearing...the phone ringing...calls from various politicians wanting my vote for county commissioner on July 15. The garbage trucks have been going by this morning, beeping as they back up and turn around in our cul de sac. "Stacy and Clinton" are guiding another "fashion challenged" individual into a new world of loving their body "where it is" and dressing "for now" not what "you wish for"...I confess I'm a TLC junkie...it makes me laugh, and I pick up great ideas along the way.1 Kings 1:41"...On hearing the sound of the trumpet, Joab asked, "What's the meaning of all the noise in the city?"

Around the house...it's quiet, no one home except me, so I'll be doing laundry and piddling with little chores.

One of my favorite things...is getting to catch up with others and blog, finally...when your system is down, it begins to affect your psyche...but it gave me some great quiet time, and I love that, too. Proverbs 17:1Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:...more recuperation...rest. I think I'll visit the local ceramic shop and pick out a project to paint and fire. It's been a while since I did a piece. Proverbs 16:3Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

The pictures I'm sharing...are views of my hanging basket that is giving birth; the first was taken 6/28/08 (ten days after the seeds were planted) and the first glimpse of color broke out from underneath the dark brown soil...they're so tiny and fragile. At this point I was still spraying the basket with a misting water bottle.

The second is from 7/7/08 (19 days after planting the seeds) and the leaves have grown exponentially, become more rounded and their stems are becoming more substantial. It's fun watching them "become" what God intended. Isaiah 61:11For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

----------------------If you'd like to do this activity...

Here's the link to the Simple Woman's main page. http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

The Lord's Love

As I gaze upon this picture, it speaks about June 14, 1947 (from atop of Stone Mountain)--my parents were celebrating their marriage that day...Having endured World War II, he returned home at the age of 21 to wed my mother who had turned 15 on her last birthday.

He had left for the war immediately after his graduation and spent three years in the jungles of Luzon Island in the Philippines-- while my mother was still in high school playing basketball, even though she was probably the shortest one of the team! He was raised helping his daddy run a country diner/gas station and my mother was helping her mother raise her four brothers and older sister. It was her sister who introduced her to my daddy...you see, her sister couldn't date alone, so she had to have her little sister tag along to the movies.

It was the beginning of a 44-year marriage held together by "the Lord's love"...my mother always gave herself and her days to the Lord, and later in life, my father came to know the Lord when they retired back to Alabama.

Ours was a loving, happy home and I will always be grateful for their love, their sharing their love by having us, their showing my friends love and teaching my sister and me how to love our Lord and seek His ways!

Anytime I climb Stone Mountain, I think of my parents' beginning there and I smile.

Psalm 103:17

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-