I LOVE being a homemaker. It’s a dream come true. It took two years to learn how to be a housewife, aka personal maid and secretary. I had to learn and understand what a Godly wife was and how to set my priorities – God first, then Craig, then family, then Craig, then church, then Craig. Oh, did I mention Craig?
I’ve been doing a lot of journaling and writing these days. Some days, I look at the clock and it is 1 pm and I’m still in my PJs; so I hurriedly jump into the shower, dress and do my hair and face before Craig comes home from work.
I’m currently doing a lot of research on procrastination – how to live in peace with a procrastinating partner – so far my angle is patience, prayer, praise. I’m trying to figure out the biblically based principles to help spell out the how-to–do-life in the midst of this very sensitive subject in my own marriage. Pray for me, I had a meltdown yesterday evening:
Craig left a dirty pan in the sink in the garage after he chopped 120lbs of cooked pork butts. The needless scrubbing I had to do (the pan sat in the sink for a whole day), my frustration level went over the top as a result of Craig's procrastination problem and my inability to cope. I took the soapy pan and threw it to the other side of the garage, then picked it up off the floor and repeatedly banged it on the floor until my hand split open and blood went everywhere. I now have twelve stitches in my hand to forever remind me that I NEED PATIENCE with PROCRASTINATORS.
God has blessed me with a procrastinating husband. Funny thing, this trait was noted in each of my past mates. When God wants you to figure out something, he keeps putting the same thing in your path. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. What I think He wants me to learn is HOW TO LIVE WITH ONE – then to share it with others.
I do love my husband. Everybody loves him. Craig over extends himself. He is just a sweet person that loves God and loves to help others - Very busy, way to very very busy. I have to make dates with him to get his time. Tomorrow, he has hired 3 people to get some things done, a plumber for my kitchen sink, a laborer to help organize everything for a BBQ competition that we are cooking in this weekend, and a fence guy to do a job that he can’t get to. Craig has a full time job at Bosch, and two businesses that he runs on the side. He has so many irons in the fire – I can’t keep up with them – and you know – he expects me to because I’M JUST THE HOUSEWIFE.
Am I venting? No no hmmmmmmmmmmmm well maybe.
Got to go for now, big day tomorrow. Packing the camper and off we go for the "Pig on the Ridge" in the big town of Ridgeway SC. I love it there; it’s like stepping back in time. Reminds me of Summerville back in the 60’s. ohhhhhh we are getting old girl!
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Dreams of Living in the Country
I've always dreamed of living in the country on 15 to 20 acres of property. Today I found the place in Dorchester SC.
My husband was installing a fence for a customer that lives in Dorchester. He needed some hinges, so I packed my lunch for a road trip. Close to where he was working a sign just over the railroad tracks caught my attention - Large Tracks for Sale, with an arrow pointing to a long paved road. So, curious girl that I am, off I go looking for some large railroad tracks.
I passed by fields of corn just barely tall enough to tell what was growing. Rounding a curve these old houses and barns appeared. I stopped in awe and took these pictures.
After shooting these pictures, I drove until the payment ended. There was another sign posted - Land for Sale - 15 - 20 Acres and a phone number. The road from start to finish must have been about 3 miles long. I definitely felt like I was out in the country in the middle of Nowheresville.
This little fixer upper was on another road in Dorchester SC and it was so cute I just had to take a peek around:
If you know the history of the south of large plantations and slaves, these buildings must be slave homes. Sitting out in the middle of nowhere along old roads and amoung the fields where people lived and worked, loved and had children, now all is still and silent.
That's it for my tour of homes in Dorchester. To actually live there would be like stepping back in time. Something to consider. I must call to find out what the price is for this land. It would be awesome to restore one of these old relics from the past.
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My husband was installing a fence for a customer that lives in Dorchester. He needed some hinges, so I packed my lunch for a road trip. Close to where he was working a sign just over the railroad tracks caught my attention - Large Tracks for Sale, with an arrow pointing to a long paved road. So, curious girl that I am, off I go looking for some large railroad tracks.
I passed by fields of corn just barely tall enough to tell what was growing. Rounding a curve these old houses and barns appeared. I stopped in awe and took these pictures.
After shooting these pictures, I drove until the payment ended. There was another sign posted - Land for Sale - 15 - 20 Acres and a phone number. The road from start to finish must have been about 3 miles long. I definitely felt like I was out in the country in the middle of Nowheresville.
This little fixer upper was on another road in Dorchester SC and it was so cute I just had to take a peek around:
If you know the history of the south of large plantations and slaves, these buildings must be slave homes. Sitting out in the middle of nowhere along old roads and amoung the fields where people lived and worked, loved and had children, now all is still and silent.
That's it for my tour of homes in Dorchester. To actually live there would be like stepping back in time. Something to consider. I must call to find out what the price is for this land. It would be awesome to restore one of these old relics from the past.
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Light at the End of the Tunnel
No matter what situations life throws at you,no matter how long and treacherous your journey may seem, remember, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel....
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You're laughing aren't you?
That's good .......my job here is done!
Have a great day!
A Massage, A Message, and the Hand of God
I dragged myself out of bed for my spa appointment. I was seasick and thankful we were no longer moving. I praised God that we had docked at Freeport. Does a cruise mean spending time in the spa getting a massage and facial, not having to cook, meeting new people, relaxing by the pool, and a chance to share God's word? Well, it does for me. I had never been seasick before and as I looked out the window the clouds were gray and moving across the sky at a fast pace. I hoped the rain would stop.
My masseuse, a lovely young woman in her mid 20's, introduced herself as she motioned me to the massage table.
"Where are you from? Are you enjoying your cruise?” she asked.
"Yes, South Carolina and traveling with my husband Craig. It is his twenty fifth high school reunion cruise."
She told me to remove the terry robe and hang it on the wall hook provided for patrons as she left the room. All I wanted to do is crawl back in bed and pray the nausea would pass soon. I quickly made my way to the table and slipped under the sheet.
From past cruises, I knew the employees onboard came from all over the world and are contracted to work for several months at a time. I wondered where she was from. She tapped on the door and opened it.
"How long have you been on this ship?" I asked as she re-entered.
"I've been with this cruise line for three years. I get to go home soon for a vacation.”
"Where are you from?" I inquired as she rubbed her hands together to warm the oil.
"I'm from Johannesburg South Africa.”
A feeling a gloom swept over me as I had heard that Johannesburg was very poor and a Godless place to live. She also told me she was half way through her eight month contract.
Lying on the table, I felt her hands work out the tight muscles in the back of my lower legs. I began to pray silently, "Oh God help me feel better. Thank you for these hands to work out my sore muscles in my legs." I had given in to Craig's demands to take the stairs in lieu of the elevator. It was his way to compensate for overeating.
Wondering what it was like to live in Africa, I continued, "God bless this woman today." The muscle popped and released under her thumbs. I breathed a Thank you Jesus and she giggled, “Good, I can always use His help.”
I felt the need to ask her if there were any churches in South Africa. She nodded her head and lowered her voice, "Yes. I am a Christian.”
Intrigued by her need to whisper I continued, "Are you able to go to church onboard?”
"No, there is no place to worship here.” Her superiors didn’t provide or support any type of worship. In fact, they discourage talk about any beliefs.
All sorts of thoughts popped through my mind: I couldn't work on a boat for months with no one to talk to about God. She next told me of the long shifts and said that other than the few hours she has to herself, she sleeps.
"Do you own a Bible?” I asked.
She stepped away to add more oil to the palms of her hands. "I do. God waits for me in the morning to talk to him. He asks: Why didn't you talk to me today? I do acknowledge him and say tomorrow but tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes as I usually fall asleep from pure exhaustion."
The young woman was now thumping my back with her palms, "Do you believe in demons?"
"Yes, they are alive and here to distract us and we need to keep our minds guarded at all times.”
She told me of how noisy it was in her living quarters, "There are lots of demons onboard. Some of the girls have experienced being woken in the night to find blood splattered over their bed sheets, or someone standing over them. They are upset because they don't know how anyone could access their room through locked doors.”
I raised my brows as she noticed the wrinkles appearing on my forehand.
She continued to explain, "Some of the girls from my hall have come to tell me things they have seen and heard. There are people who stand naked in front of their windows and chant in some unknown language for hours. I've heard them too.
Hearing her story gave me goose bumps as she moved around to the head of the table. I prayed to myself, forgetting my seasickness and feeling true concern for her. "Satan, you do not belong here. You must go. Where God is you cannot be. Father God, protect this young lady; protect me while I'm here, and protect us all."
Over and over I repeated this prayer as she rubbed out the rising tension in my neck muscles. She spoke, "I feel God here."
"Yes, God is here. He is with us and He is waiting and watching over us because He loves us so much." We both became still and soaked in His presence. It lasted for a moment; for me it was long enough to feel that He is and has always been near me. My neck felt better and I knew He was truly with us.
"Can demons live in us?" she asked and stepped back to the sink to wash her hands. “You can sit up now”, she stated as she waited for my reply.
Without hesitation I firmly but lovingly said to her, "Where God is, Satan can't be. God lives in us. Satan tries to attack us when we are weak and through our minds and thoughts or through other people." I had attended a Cleansing Stream Retreat prior to going on this cruise and had been reviewing my workbook and reading the book by Neil T. Anderson, The Bondage Breaker. What I had learned was very fresh in my memory.
Sitting on the edge of the table I dangled my legs and noticed how much better they felt. She confessed to me that she has had many affairs and many times turned into someone that she's not - from the sweet, quiet, reserved person that she is - to someone who gets very angry and says hurtful things.
I looked straight into her eyes and smiled, "God loves you so much, He forgives you and thinks of you as His precious child, His princess, His beautiful daughter."
"Thank you Miss Karen. You can get dressed now and I will be back in a moment." She exited the room. When she returned, her eyes filled with tears as she said, “God sent you to me.”
"Yes", I cried. "He also brought you to me. For all I said to you was meant for me to hear as well. We are His precious children, His princesses, His beautiful daughter; and He has forgiven us for our sins. He longs for us to talk to him, every day, and all day long."
I reached out and took her hands and asked her if I could pray for her.
"Yes, please", she seemed eager. Then I prayed a hedge of protection over her, for God to bring her a friend or friends that she could talk to about God. I asked God to bless her hands and the words from her mouth, and asked God to give her peace and a sound mind, health. I also asked God to watch over her and her family at home. I prayed God's light would shine so brightly through her that her co-workers would notice and be so curious they would break the imposed silence so she could share the love of God.
We hugged and it was time for me to leave. I hoped to see her again one day.
I know we met according to God purposes. Our meeting was the most interesting and meaningful part of this vacation. The best massage of my life, inside and out. It really brought it home to me that we are God’s little girls, loved by Him and forgiven.
END OF STORY, for now
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My masseuse, a lovely young woman in her mid 20's, introduced herself as she motioned me to the massage table.
"Where are you from? Are you enjoying your cruise?” she asked.
"Yes, South Carolina and traveling with my husband Craig. It is his twenty fifth high school reunion cruise."
She told me to remove the terry robe and hang it on the wall hook provided for patrons as she left the room. All I wanted to do is crawl back in bed and pray the nausea would pass soon. I quickly made my way to the table and slipped under the sheet.
From past cruises, I knew the employees onboard came from all over the world and are contracted to work for several months at a time. I wondered where she was from. She tapped on the door and opened it.
"How long have you been on this ship?" I asked as she re-entered.
"I've been with this cruise line for three years. I get to go home soon for a vacation.”
"Where are you from?" I inquired as she rubbed her hands together to warm the oil.
"I'm from Johannesburg South Africa.”
A feeling a gloom swept over me as I had heard that Johannesburg was very poor and a Godless place to live. She also told me she was half way through her eight month contract.
Lying on the table, I felt her hands work out the tight muscles in the back of my lower legs. I began to pray silently, "Oh God help me feel better. Thank you for these hands to work out my sore muscles in my legs." I had given in to Craig's demands to take the stairs in lieu of the elevator. It was his way to compensate for overeating.
Wondering what it was like to live in Africa, I continued, "God bless this woman today." The muscle popped and released under her thumbs. I breathed a Thank you Jesus and she giggled, “Good, I can always use His help.”
I felt the need to ask her if there were any churches in South Africa. She nodded her head and lowered her voice, "Yes. I am a Christian.”
Intrigued by her need to whisper I continued, "Are you able to go to church onboard?”
"No, there is no place to worship here.” Her superiors didn’t provide or support any type of worship. In fact, they discourage talk about any beliefs.
All sorts of thoughts popped through my mind: I couldn't work on a boat for months with no one to talk to about God. She next told me of the long shifts and said that other than the few hours she has to herself, she sleeps.
"Do you own a Bible?” I asked.
She stepped away to add more oil to the palms of her hands. "I do. God waits for me in the morning to talk to him. He asks: Why didn't you talk to me today? I do acknowledge him and say tomorrow but tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes as I usually fall asleep from pure exhaustion."
The young woman was now thumping my back with her palms, "Do you believe in demons?"
"Yes, they are alive and here to distract us and we need to keep our minds guarded at all times.”
She told me of how noisy it was in her living quarters, "There are lots of demons onboard. Some of the girls have experienced being woken in the night to find blood splattered over their bed sheets, or someone standing over them. They are upset because they don't know how anyone could access their room through locked doors.”
I raised my brows as she noticed the wrinkles appearing on my forehand.
She continued to explain, "Some of the girls from my hall have come to tell me things they have seen and heard. There are people who stand naked in front of their windows and chant in some unknown language for hours. I've heard them too.
Hearing her story gave me goose bumps as she moved around to the head of the table. I prayed to myself, forgetting my seasickness and feeling true concern for her. "Satan, you do not belong here. You must go. Where God is you cannot be. Father God, protect this young lady; protect me while I'm here, and protect us all."
Over and over I repeated this prayer as she rubbed out the rising tension in my neck muscles. She spoke, "I feel God here."
"Yes, God is here. He is with us and He is waiting and watching over us because He loves us so much." We both became still and soaked in His presence. It lasted for a moment; for me it was long enough to feel that He is and has always been near me. My neck felt better and I knew He was truly with us.
"Can demons live in us?" she asked and stepped back to the sink to wash her hands. “You can sit up now”, she stated as she waited for my reply.
Without hesitation I firmly but lovingly said to her, "Where God is, Satan can't be. God lives in us. Satan tries to attack us when we are weak and through our minds and thoughts or through other people." I had attended a Cleansing Stream Retreat prior to going on this cruise and had been reviewing my workbook and reading the book by Neil T. Anderson, The Bondage Breaker. What I had learned was very fresh in my memory.
Sitting on the edge of the table I dangled my legs and noticed how much better they felt. She confessed to me that she has had many affairs and many times turned into someone that she's not - from the sweet, quiet, reserved person that she is - to someone who gets very angry and says hurtful things.
I looked straight into her eyes and smiled, "God loves you so much, He forgives you and thinks of you as His precious child, His princess, His beautiful daughter."
"Thank you Miss Karen. You can get dressed now and I will be back in a moment." She exited the room. When she returned, her eyes filled with tears as she said, “God sent you to me.”
"Yes", I cried. "He also brought you to me. For all I said to you was meant for me to hear as well. We are His precious children, His princesses, His beautiful daughter; and He has forgiven us for our sins. He longs for us to talk to him, every day, and all day long."
I reached out and took her hands and asked her if I could pray for her.
"Yes, please", she seemed eager. Then I prayed a hedge of protection over her, for God to bring her a friend or friends that she could talk to about God. I asked God to bless her hands and the words from her mouth, and asked God to give her peace and a sound mind, health. I also asked God to watch over her and her family at home. I prayed God's light would shine so brightly through her that her co-workers would notice and be so curious they would break the imposed silence so she could share the love of God.
We hugged and it was time for me to leave. I hoped to see her again one day.
I know we met according to God purposes. Our meeting was the most interesting and meaningful part of this vacation. The best massage of my life, inside and out. It really brought it home to me that we are God’s little girls, loved by Him and forgiven.
END OF STORY, for now
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THE RESUME OF JESUS CHRIST
Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible.
Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus
Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.
Qualifications
* I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
* I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
* I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
* I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
* The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me,(See Galatians 3:14)
Occupational Background
* I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
* I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
* My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)
Skills Work Experiences
* Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healingthe sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
* I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
* Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)
Educational Background
* I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
* In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (SeeColossians 2:3).
* My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
* I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).
Major Accomplishments
* I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times,(See Genesis 1:26).
* I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
* I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of themopenly, (See Colossians 2:15).
* I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
* There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. Youcan read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.
References
* Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings,salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidanceIn SummationNow that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidateuniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart.
In summation,
I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence,(See Hebrews 3:15).
Send this resume to everyone you know!, you never know who may have an opening!
Thanks for your help and may God bless you!
-- Author Unknown
Mom Lands in Fayetteville
Mother's Day weekend was great. Mom and I took a train from Charleston to Fayetteville. The ride was rockin and rollin and we made the trip in record time. Three hours verses four hours on the road is the way to go. With gas prices as high as I can ever rememeber, it was cheaper to go by train and with the added bonus of less time, it was a win win situation. Plus hanging out with Mom is always a hoot!
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Visit to Jerusalem in April 2008
Too much to see and too little time. Two weeks in Israel wasn't enough time. I am planning on returning next year for three months!
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Hat's Off
Naturally, or freely, is a whole lot easier than forcing. For instance, I love writing a story when God prompts me to. I dislike writing for a deadline. Another parallel would be to look at relationships. You know when you love someone and you know when you have to work at loving someone. Pondering a little further, you also know when you are in and when you are out. And guess what? I’m in!
Good Lord, what is this woman talking about? Well, let me explain. I have a mother-in-law, Rose, and she is totally in. Rose is a wonderful person who loves her family and her son’s wives. She’s also a great Christian friend. Sometimes, she can tell by the sound of my voice that I’m upset. She will ask, “Karen, do I need to take the mother-in-law hat off and put the girlfriend hat on?”
I’ve had a lot of experience with mother-in-laws; which I’m not to proud to boast about. As I look back at my past marriages, I can conclude that none of them had God in the center and none of the in-laws where Christians. Those marriages were doomed before they even started. I learned the hard way of what not to say to my in-laws, as they all turned into out-laws. That’s okay. I am so blessed to have finally gotten it right this time.
No mother wants their child to be known as anything but wonderful, even when they know better. I have to tread on ice when given the opportunity to vent to my friend, my mother-in-law. Through trial and error I have learned that it is best to not vent to your mother-in-law, or a friend, or even your own mom. Why? Because when my husband and I get our problem resolved, we are okay but those we vented to may not be okay with the one vented about. Picture a vent, a tube that vents hot air. Hot air rises. For all concerned, it’s best to take it up. Up as in, take it up to God, not out to the people around you.
I thank my mother-in-law, Rose, for giving me permission to talk to her about how much I am hurting. When I’m upset with my husband, I screen my calls. I don’t answer the phone or return calls unless it concerns our business. I respect Rose enough to not involve her in my problems with her son. I want to keep the loving relationship we have. I allow God to fix our problems since He is the only one who can.
Do you know the best part of this story? When I allow God to do His work, it keeps my relationship with my mother-in-law natural, the way God intended it to be: easy, free, and something you don’t have to work at. Plus, Rose doesn’t like hats. I take my problems to the King and His hat is a crown.
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Good Lord, what is this woman talking about? Well, let me explain. I have a mother-in-law, Rose, and she is totally in. Rose is a wonderful person who loves her family and her son’s wives. She’s also a great Christian friend. Sometimes, she can tell by the sound of my voice that I’m upset. She will ask, “Karen, do I need to take the mother-in-law hat off and put the girlfriend hat on?”
I’ve had a lot of experience with mother-in-laws; which I’m not to proud to boast about. As I look back at my past marriages, I can conclude that none of them had God in the center and none of the in-laws where Christians. Those marriages were doomed before they even started. I learned the hard way of what not to say to my in-laws, as they all turned into out-laws. That’s okay. I am so blessed to have finally gotten it right this time.
No mother wants their child to be known as anything but wonderful, even when they know better. I have to tread on ice when given the opportunity to vent to my friend, my mother-in-law. Through trial and error I have learned that it is best to not vent to your mother-in-law, or a friend, or even your own mom. Why? Because when my husband and I get our problem resolved, we are okay but those we vented to may not be okay with the one vented about. Picture a vent, a tube that vents hot air. Hot air rises. For all concerned, it’s best to take it up. Up as in, take it up to God, not out to the people around you.
I thank my mother-in-law, Rose, for giving me permission to talk to her about how much I am hurting. When I’m upset with my husband, I screen my calls. I don’t answer the phone or return calls unless it concerns our business. I respect Rose enough to not involve her in my problems with her son. I want to keep the loving relationship we have. I allow God to fix our problems since He is the only one who can.
Do you know the best part of this story? When I allow God to do His work, it keeps my relationship with my mother-in-law natural, the way God intended it to be: easy, free, and something you don’t have to work at. Plus, Rose doesn’t like hats. I take my problems to the King and His hat is a crown.
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Strike While the Iron is Hot
When my husband and I received our first bad check, his first comment was to take them to court. I felt the need to pray and put it in God’s hands. Here’s how God worked it all out:
Rodney, a property manager for several homes, calls us when he needs fencing work. Our business relationship started off great but lately things haven’t been going so well, for Rodney that is. Apparently he has too many properties, no organizational skills, and now as I look at the returned check in my hand with a big stamp across it – Insufficient Funds, no money.
I picked up the phone. “Hey Rodney, this is Karen from Town and Country Fences. How are you doing today?”
“Busy, real busy, what’s up?”
“I got a check from my bank today. It was returned for insufficient funds. It’s the one you wrote for the St. John Street job”.
“No way, that can’t be. I just saw David at the bank and deposited seventeen hundred dollars. You can run that check back through. Sorry about that. It’s okay now.”
Rodney’s voice sounded shaky so I told him okay and goodbye. I looked up at my clock; it was ten minutes to five. Something in my spirit told me that Rodney had lied. I drove to the bank and arrived just in the nick of time with one minute remaining.
I presented the check to the teller and she punched away; then excused herself as she stepped over to the bank manager. I noticed his name on the pen lapel: David Williams.
David came around from behind the teller’s window. “Mrs. Story, can I speak with you a moment?”
I nodded as he continued, “I’ m sorry Mrs. Story this account does not have enough money to cover this check.”
“Really? I just got off the phone with Rodney and he said he made a deposit today.” I was starting to get a little upset and blurted out, “He is not stealing from me, he is stealing from God.”
David continued, “Rodney comes in here every day so why don’t you come back tomorrow.” He handed me the check. “I’ll give him a call and let him know that he needs to make this check good. You see, Rodney is a friend and he has been having some financial issues, but I think it’s time for us to have a Come to Jesus Meeting.”
In response I told him when we first started doing business with Rodney, God had given us a burden of prayer for him. We felt he had problems, but hadn’t had the opportunity to get to know him on a more personal level. We were trying to have a good business relationship and it wasn’t looking too good right now.
He went on, “I am going to call him tonight and I’ll get back with you tomorrow. But I have a question Mrs. Story: what did you mean by saying that Rodney was stealing from God?”
I love it when God opens a door for me to share with others, even if I do sound a little nutty. I told him our church had a building campaign; we prayed before we made a financial commitment. The amount God placed on our hearts was obtainable, but with some sacrificing of things like dinner out less. My brother-in-law blessed us to pieces recently by giving us Town and Country Fences. Every dime we make after bills have been paid, employees paid, we give to the church.
The phone rang the next morning with David on the other end. “Good Morning Karen I hope I haven’t called too early.”
“No. No. I was still asleep,” I responded as I pulled myself and my brain together. “I was writing a story last night, no, it was morning, 3 AM. I had to write it down so as not to forget.”
Rodney replied, “Strike while the iron’s hot. I do that too. I like to paint. Do you want to know why I called?”
“I’m sure it’s about the check. It’s good now?”
“It sure is,” he responded.
“Well isn’t that wonderful. I guess your Come to Jesus Meeting went well?”
“Yes it did.”
“Goodbye David. Thank you for calling me. I better get to the bank, you know, strike while the iron’s hot!”
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Rodney, a property manager for several homes, calls us when he needs fencing work. Our business relationship started off great but lately things haven’t been going so well, for Rodney that is. Apparently he has too many properties, no organizational skills, and now as I look at the returned check in my hand with a big stamp across it – Insufficient Funds, no money.
I picked up the phone. “Hey Rodney, this is Karen from Town and Country Fences. How are you doing today?”
“Busy, real busy, what’s up?”
“I got a check from my bank today. It was returned for insufficient funds. It’s the one you wrote for the St. John Street job”.
“No way, that can’t be. I just saw David at the bank and deposited seventeen hundred dollars. You can run that check back through. Sorry about that. It’s okay now.”
Rodney’s voice sounded shaky so I told him okay and goodbye. I looked up at my clock; it was ten minutes to five. Something in my spirit told me that Rodney had lied. I drove to the bank and arrived just in the nick of time with one minute remaining.
I presented the check to the teller and she punched away; then excused herself as she stepped over to the bank manager. I noticed his name on the pen lapel: David Williams.
David came around from behind the teller’s window. “Mrs. Story, can I speak with you a moment?”
I nodded as he continued, “I’ m sorry Mrs. Story this account does not have enough money to cover this check.”
“Really? I just got off the phone with Rodney and he said he made a deposit today.” I was starting to get a little upset and blurted out, “He is not stealing from me, he is stealing from God.”
David continued, “Rodney comes in here every day so why don’t you come back tomorrow.” He handed me the check. “I’ll give him a call and let him know that he needs to make this check good. You see, Rodney is a friend and he has been having some financial issues, but I think it’s time for us to have a Come to Jesus Meeting.”
In response I told him when we first started doing business with Rodney, God had given us a burden of prayer for him. We felt he had problems, but hadn’t had the opportunity to get to know him on a more personal level. We were trying to have a good business relationship and it wasn’t looking too good right now.
He went on, “I am going to call him tonight and I’ll get back with you tomorrow. But I have a question Mrs. Story: what did you mean by saying that Rodney was stealing from God?”
I love it when God opens a door for me to share with others, even if I do sound a little nutty. I told him our church had a building campaign; we prayed before we made a financial commitment. The amount God placed on our hearts was obtainable, but with some sacrificing of things like dinner out less. My brother-in-law blessed us to pieces recently by giving us Town and Country Fences. Every dime we make after bills have been paid, employees paid, we give to the church.
The phone rang the next morning with David on the other end. “Good Morning Karen I hope I haven’t called too early.”
“No. No. I was still asleep,” I responded as I pulled myself and my brain together. “I was writing a story last night, no, it was morning, 3 AM. I had to write it down so as not to forget.”
Rodney replied, “Strike while the iron’s hot. I do that too. I like to paint. Do you want to know why I called?”
“I’m sure it’s about the check. It’s good now?”
“It sure is,” he responded.
“Well isn’t that wonderful. I guess your Come to Jesus Meeting went well?”
“Yes it did.”
“Goodbye David. Thank you for calling me. I better get to the bank, you know, strike while the iron’s hot!”
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Second Chances
God allows all things to work for His good, even for me. All means “all” as in everything, every situation, good or bad. He gives us chances too.
“Mom is in route to the hospital. She collapsed in her church while decorating for Christmas Eve services”, my sister Margaret said hurriedly. “I’m following the ambulance and she’s going to Trident Emergency. I’ll meet you there”.
Quickly getting dressed, jumping into my car, pulling out of the driveway, I called Margaret back on my cell phone.
“Margaret, what happened?”
“Mom is in route to the hospital. She collapsed in her church while decorating for Christmas Eve services”, my sister Margaret said hurriedly. “I’m following the ambulance and she’s going to Trident Emergency. I’ll meet you there”.
Quickly getting dressed, jumping into my car, pulling out of the driveway, I called Margaret back on my cell phone.
“Margaret, what happened?”
“All I know is that she woke up this morning with a headache and was feeling sick to her stomach. She’s throwing up blood and Mary had to get a trash can. Mom gave her my phone number. I got to hang up now. I’m driving, I need to call Matt.”
“Oh Jesus, Father God, Holy Spirit, please, please be with my mom right now. She can’t leave me yet. This is in your hands God. I feel you near me, thank you”, I prayed and drove as fast as I could to Trident. I phoned Craig, my husband, and let him know about Mom and asked him to find Bill, my brother, and bring him to the hospital. I also asked Craig to call Cathedral and get mom on the prayer list.
I parked and ran into the emergency room. Margaret was standing in the hallway. “They have taken her to x-ray, let’s sit in the hallway outside where they have her now”, Margaret spoke while walking towards wherever. I was in la-la land. “This is happening, this is real, just go with the flow”, I told myself as Margaret repeated what had happened at St. Luke’s.
Very soon, it felt, we were able to see Mom. She was sitting up in bed telling us she felt nauseated and has a bad headache. Nurses where around her checking this and doing whatever nurses do. A man appeared and introduced himself as a neurosurgeon. His name was Dr. Tyler and behind him stood mom’s family doctor, Dr. Levinthal. They directed and walked us to a sitting area room across the hall. My brother and husband where coming through the big double doors, spotted us and came into the room.
Dr. Levinthal closed the door and we all found a seat and Dr. Tyler spoke first. “Your mom has had a brain aneurism, that’s why she’s throwing up and her head hurts. We need to stop the bleeding and we are scheduling surgery for tomorrow morning or sooner.”
I remember questions being asked and answered but most of all I recall Dr. Levinthal saying, “We are not sure how well your mother may recover from this, she may have some personality changes”. My sister’s eyes and mind locked together for a moment, and then we both asked as we turned to the doctors, “What do you mean by personality change?”
“Well, it could be for the bad or good. She may not remember things, or she may be sad or moody”. “Oh God” I thought and whispered to Margaret, “Could she be meaner or nicer?”
My mother had surgery on December 24, 2003 and the time now is April 2008. Spring is in bloom in Charleston as I reflect back on the past five years. Mom isn’t the same person she was before the aneurism and neither am I. It’s like God, through the surgeons’ hands, fixed the bleeding but He also changed her personality for the good. She’s happy and content. Mom smiles all the time and loves all the people around her. Her life is simpler now that she doesn’t have a big house to keep up with and she plans trips and looks forward to the future.
God gave me back my Mom. All those wasted years of bitterness between us vanished. During her recovery, I was able to hold her and sit next to her and pray. I helped her learn to dress and walk. Mom would tell me how sweet a girl I was. The look in her eyes reflected that she loved me. No longer do I get the look of disappointment; no longer does she say things that upset me. She nurtures me. I thank God every day for giving us a second chance.
VISION FROM GOD
Every morning for two weeks I stared at the mirror in my bathroom and repeated “Jesus, please come into my heart”. Over and over repeating and awaiting for some miraculous sign that Jesus had entered me.
I would look closer into the mirror and into my eyes. Nothing, no feeling rushing into my chest, no golden light settled from heaven on my body, and no deep male type voice was audible. Shaking my head back and forth, staring back at myself in the mirror each morning, I would wait for something, a sign, until the coo coo sounded from the clock in the living room.
One evening after the Divorce Recovery class I approached Marilyn and asked her a question.
“How do you know if Jesus is in your heart?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I’ve been asking Jesus to come into my heart and waiting for a sign and don’t know what to look for.”
Donna, overhearing our conversation stepped in, “Has anyone said the sinner’s prayer with you?”
“No.”
Donna and Marilyn came closer and Donna led me to repeat the prayer. I closed my eyes and bowed my head.
“Father God, I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”
I opened my eyes and looked into Donna’s and smiled. I felt peace within my heart and warm all over and said, “That’s it? It’s done?”
They both nodded and each in turn gave me a big warm hug of reassurance.
The next morning, again in the bathroom mirror, I stared and lean closer into the mirror. Something was different, not sure what, but something feels different.
“Jesus? Please forgive me for being so naïve and thank you for coming into my heart. Thank you for always being just a few steps near me, behind me and before me. You have always been with me. Right?” The house was silent. Thoughts came in my mind.
“Karen, I have great plans for you. Close your eyes and look”.
I felt God speaking to me, not words, but thoughts as if someone was talking to me. I closed my eyes again and leaned on the counter with both hands. The vision was of me standing on stage and talking to a large audience. The lights were low and I was walking back and forth. Next, I was standing to the side of the stage looking behind the curtain at the audience.
I squeezed my eyes and ran from the bathroom into the living room shouting up, “No way!” I opened my eyes and stared up through the ceiling window and the sun filtered through all around me. Again I shouted, “No way!”, as I spun around with hands on my hips and took the you-got-to-be-kidding stance.
Again, God spoke, “It’s not going to happen tomorrow. I’m going to put the right people around you to guide you. It’s not going to happen next week, or next year, or the next. Relax; we have plenty of time, about ten years. You have a lot to learn. Relax!”
“Whew, Wow, Okay, Okay”, nodding my head and taking in a big breath.; slowly letting out my breath, "I can do this. God is not going to let me fail." The coo coo of the clock brought me back to reality. "Ten years is a long time but right now, it’s about 6am and this girl needs to get in the car and get to work".
I have never put that scene out of my head. I smile and giggle when I remember that morning eight years ago. I’m not ready to step out in front of an audience, but I do have a lot to say. So I write for now. I dream as I write and smile, knowing one day I will get there. I see Jesus in my reflection and my heart is full of joy.
Do you have a vision or a dream of your purpose in life? Does it hold a sense of fear when you meditate on it? Or does it make you smile with excitement? Let go of fear. It’s the devil trying to hold you back from your purpose. I’m holding on to my vision and in God’s timing all will come true.
Habakkuk 2:1-3
I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the Lord will say to me and how he will answer my complaint. Then the Lord said to me, "Write my anser in large, clear letters on a tablet, so that a runner can read it and tell everyone else. But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
Click Here to Read More..
I would look closer into the mirror and into my eyes. Nothing, no feeling rushing into my chest, no golden light settled from heaven on my body, and no deep male type voice was audible. Shaking my head back and forth, staring back at myself in the mirror each morning, I would wait for something, a sign, until the coo coo sounded from the clock in the living room.
One evening after the Divorce Recovery class I approached Marilyn and asked her a question.
“How do you know if Jesus is in your heart?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I’ve been asking Jesus to come into my heart and waiting for a sign and don’t know what to look for.”
Donna, overhearing our conversation stepped in, “Has anyone said the sinner’s prayer with you?”
“No.”
Donna and Marilyn came closer and Donna led me to repeat the prayer. I closed my eyes and bowed my head.
“Father God, I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”
I opened my eyes and looked into Donna’s and smiled. I felt peace within my heart and warm all over and said, “That’s it? It’s done?”
They both nodded and each in turn gave me a big warm hug of reassurance.
The next morning, again in the bathroom mirror, I stared and lean closer into the mirror. Something was different, not sure what, but something feels different.
“Jesus? Please forgive me for being so naïve and thank you for coming into my heart. Thank you for always being just a few steps near me, behind me and before me. You have always been with me. Right?” The house was silent. Thoughts came in my mind.
“Karen, I have great plans for you. Close your eyes and look”.
I felt God speaking to me, not words, but thoughts as if someone was talking to me. I closed my eyes again and leaned on the counter with both hands. The vision was of me standing on stage and talking to a large audience. The lights were low and I was walking back and forth. Next, I was standing to the side of the stage looking behind the curtain at the audience.
I squeezed my eyes and ran from the bathroom into the living room shouting up, “No way!” I opened my eyes and stared up through the ceiling window and the sun filtered through all around me. Again I shouted, “No way!”, as I spun around with hands on my hips and took the you-got-to-be-kidding stance.
Again, God spoke, “It’s not going to happen tomorrow. I’m going to put the right people around you to guide you. It’s not going to happen next week, or next year, or the next. Relax; we have plenty of time, about ten years. You have a lot to learn. Relax!”
“Whew, Wow, Okay, Okay”, nodding my head and taking in a big breath.; slowly letting out my breath, "I can do this. God is not going to let me fail." The coo coo of the clock brought me back to reality. "Ten years is a long time but right now, it’s about 6am and this girl needs to get in the car and get to work".
I have never put that scene out of my head. I smile and giggle when I remember that morning eight years ago. I’m not ready to step out in front of an audience, but I do have a lot to say. So I write for now. I dream as I write and smile, knowing one day I will get there. I see Jesus in my reflection and my heart is full of joy.
Do you have a vision or a dream of your purpose in life? Does it hold a sense of fear when you meditate on it? Or does it make you smile with excitement? Let go of fear. It’s the devil trying to hold you back from your purpose. I’m holding on to my vision and in God’s timing all will come true.
Habakkuk 2:1-3
I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the Lord will say to me and how he will answer my complaint. Then the Lord said to me, "Write my anser in large, clear letters on a tablet, so that a runner can read it and tell everyone else. But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
Click Here to Read More..
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