Simple Pleasures Thursday

I am late with this post and am going to have to do it really quickly, because this has been a day full of Simple Pleasures! (I didn't get it done quickly enough. It was date night with my husband, a simple pleasure, so I had to get off the computer!)



First, after hubby went to work, and I had my quiet time, I drove to my brother's house in the country, to spend some time with him, my sis in love, my son, and these precious little ones!

Their smiling faces and hugs are some of the best Simple Pleasures in the world!

I have been to my brothers' house many times, but haven't driven it myself many times. I always miss a couple turns, and today was no different. I was simply pleased when I saw a road sign that told me I was going the right direction. When I got there, Gabby ran to me and looked up at me with a big smile. I grabbed her up and gave her the big hug she was wanting. That was definitely a SIMPLE PLEASURE! I was only able to stay long enough to hold and feed my baby grandson (a simple pleasure!) and eat a bowl of Taco Soup very quickly. (simple pleasure!) I drove almost an hour to spend just an hour and then drive more than an hour again to make it to my hair appointment. (which I didn't make it to on time, but communicated with my friend/hairstylist on the way, and she made it work. That was a simple pleasure.)
Then, I went by to visit Mom, just her and me sitting on her couch visiting. That was a simple pleasure. The picture of her was taken the day before, when my son met me at her home for a visit.

I pray that you'll take time in 2011 to enjoy the Simple Pleasures of life!

Join Dayle to share your SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY

the JOY of a new year!

Don't you just think "JOY" when you see those 2 smiling faces, or

the smiling faces of the precious little ones in your life?

I do, but then why I am crying?

I am crying because my own little ones have grown up.

I am crying because I miss my Dad.

. . .but I really am filled with JOY that my children have grown up,

that they are "walking in the way of the Lord",

that Jase is spending this week on a mission trip

in Nicaragua,

that Kalyn is spending the next five days

with her boyfriend's family,

who are special friends of ours,

that she gets to enjoy 2 bowl games!-

the Alamo Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl,

and will get to enjoy San Antonio and Arizonia,

that Josh and Adrianne are such wonderful parents,

that we have these precious grandchildren,

that we live close to my Mom,

that my husband loves me and I love him,

that I know God has special plans for 2011.

I am filled with JOY to

begin a new year of

scripture memory,

and to strive to

be kind,

and be a peacemaker.

Rejoice in the Lord always,

I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds

in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

What is filling you with JOY today?

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!

Thank you, Angel!

the JOY of CHRISTmas. . .

I am sad and a little stressed and full of JOY all at the same time.

Today, right at this moment, the sounds of my 17 year old and 20 year old playing Mousetrap with our 8 year old nephew and with the sound of my husband mowing the yard, and the smell of banana bread baking in the oven, and the taste of cranberry bread all bring me JOY.

Taking time to slow down and really be with Jesus brings me the greatest JOY.

(Luke 2:10) But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

(John 16:20-22) I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. {21} A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. {22} So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

(Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Angel is faithful to do this post every Wednesday to help us all remember to count it all JOY!What is filling you with JOY today? It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Today, I can think of lots of "simple pleasures" that I am thankful for, but the one I am going to share is that my son has baked lots of banana bread to earn money for his mission trip.
It is a simple pleasure that he had the initiative to do that.
It is a simple pleasure to have him and others in the kitchen, even our small one now, where we are constantly bumping in to each other. I am glad I have family.
It is a simple pleasure just to smell and enjoy home baked bread and other Christmas goodies!
It is a simple pleasure to make special things in the kitchen to give to others for Christmas gifts.
Today, I am so thankful for all of my family.

Join Dayle to share your SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY
Join http://www.eph2810.com/thankful-thursday/thankful-thursday-vanpool/ for Thankful Thursday!

JOY to the world!

Josh, Adrianne, Jocyah and Madasyn

after the first 3 were in a church

performance of

"Christmas is Forever.", and

Madasyn had given them

the "thumbs up" for

their great job!

Jase as Joseph

in our church

"Living Christmas Tree" performance.

"Gran Sandy" with Jocyah a.k.a. "baby Jesus"

Yea! It's Why I Count it All JOY Wednesday! I just have 1 minute to finish this up on my lunch time.

I am filled with JOY because I enjoyed watching my sons portray Joseph in church Christmas programs.

I am filled with JOY because Kalyn will be home for Christmas break tomorrow!

I am filled with JOY because I am often hearing the words. . .

"Joy to the World. Let every heart prepare Him room!"

My heart is preparing Him room this Christmas!

Angel is faithful to do this post every Wednesday to help us all remember to count it all JOY!What is filling you with JOY today? It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Peace, Love, JOY

Merry Christmas to your family

from our family!

Today, I am counting it all JOY that

I know the true meaning of Christmas.

I know the acronym for Jesus

Others

Yourself.

I know that God has a plan for my life and that He is opening doors (or shutting them) for me.

my God of Hope is filling me with all JOY and peace as I trust in Him and I am overflowing with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

He will be with me tomorrow as I interview for a teaching job.

He will be with my family this Christmas as we miss my dad and celebrate together.

Angel is faithful to do this post every Wednesday to help us all remember to count it all JOY!
What is filling you with JOY today? It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

From Beth Moore-last Tuesday, 11/30/10
Do you know today how blessed you are?? We have the King of the universe to look to and to be loved by. He planned for each of us before the foundation of the world and even chose the works we would do in His great name. (Eph. 2:10) He intentionally set us in our generations and planted us with divine purpose in our parts of the earth. (Acts 17:24-27) I am amazed by Him this morning.I don’t want to take divine intervention for granted. We – you and me – are the stuff of miracles. Even to discern the living, breathing voice of God through His written Word is a wonder.
I am anxious to hear from you through today’s Talk To Me Tuesday topic! I’d like to know about a time when you were desperate for divine wisdom in a particular area (whether relational, work, ministry, or otherwise) and you had no idea what to do. You sought God and you received wisdom that you are certain only He could have given you.


I have pondered Beth's question all week. I did post an answer that I have felt God directing my paths all of my life (Proverbs 3:5-7) and also that at this particular time in my life, He is speaking to me through James 3:17-18.
That is in regards to relating to my grown up brothers.

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is
first of all pure,
then peace-loving,
considerate,
submissive,
full of mercy and good fruit,
impartial and sincere;
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Now, this week, God is directing my paths in a possible job change from working with individual special needs elementary students as an aide, to an interview on Thursday for a high school special ed. teaching job.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things,
God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to His purpose.

I would appreciate your prayers this week.
And, I would love to pray for you, and to hear how God is speaking to you!

Counting it ALL JOY Wednesday

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

Tonight, I am counting it ALL JOY that. . .

the 24 hours of this 24 hour bug have passed and I am getting my strength back.

although one of the drawbacks of working at an elementary school is catching these viruses every month or so, I am filled with JOY that I have a job!

my son is busy every night baking banana bread to sell to his teachers to raise money for his next mission trip.

God is working on MY heart to try to find my gentleness again and let it be evident to all and to let the peace of God guard my heart!

Angel is faithful to do this post every Wednesday to help us all remember to count it all JOY!

What is filling you with JOY today? It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Look what I won. . .and if you hurry, you can enter to win one, too!

I read about this adorable new children's book on Amanda (Moore) Jones' blog, Baby Bangs. I was one of the over 130 people who left a comment to win a signed copy, and I won!!! I was going to wait til I receive my book in the mail to post about it, but Erica Stidham, the author, is doing a give away for one of her books, and the drawing is tomorrow night in honor of her 6 year old, Brea's birthday and I thought some of you will be interested in entering! I totally think you should check out this book. I don't have a sister, only had 1 daughter and 1 granddaughter so far (2 brothers, 2 sons and 1 grandson so far), but just reading about this book makes me smile thinking about my daughter and granddaughter, and all of my nieces, but especially Mercy and Gabby who are sisters, just 15 months apart.
Erica has an incredible heart for the Lord and her blog has been an encouragement and inspiration to me. If you would like to learn more about her and enter her giveaway, take a look HERE.
And HERE is a link to a post she wrote regarding her calling as a children’s author.

Happy Birthday Brea and Thank you Erica and Amanda!

Praying for Peace (on Tuesday, before Count it all JOY Wednesday and Thankful Thursday)

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for JOY and I will give THANKS to Him in song. ~Psalm 28:7


Last Wednesday night, I started a post, but didn't get to finish it. So this week, I am posting this on this quite Tuesday morning, before I get busy with my family for Thanksgiving.

The week before last, I shared my first 10 days of Thankfulness. Here are the remaining 15.

I am thankful for. . .
day 11: America, all service men and women and their families.
day 12: knowledge that I will see my dad and other loved ones in Heaven
day 13: weekends, quality time with family
day 14: personal relation with Jesus and all kinds of mission fields that He gives each of us.
day 15: friends. . .
day 16: communication
day 17: younger generations to love, guide, teach, mentor, disciple and learn from!
day 18: the Holy Spirit and fruit of the Spirit and Wisdom from God
day 19: again for God's guidance and direction in my life and His perfect plan for me.
day 20: our marriage
day 21: Christian brothers and sisters to worship, pray, grow and fellowship with and preachers and teachers of God's word.
day 22: work and rest; laughter and serious conversation; today's weather; beautiful leaves on the trees; being loved by others and deep love that I have for my family, friends, co-worker, students. . .
day 23: LOVE
day 24: safe travel--family coming together.
day 25: the overwhelming feeling of Gratitude to God!

What is filling you with JOY today? It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU and your family!

JOY

Today, it is filling me with JOY that we are in the month of Thanksgiving.

I am joyful and thankful for. . .


day 1: Christian Mom and Dad
day 2: that my Dad took the time to sit me in his lap and explain why I needed to pay attention in church and lead me to ask Jesus into my heart.
day 3: the BEST husband that God chose for me.
day 4: that God blessed us with 3 amazing, healthy children who have all grown to be caring, responsible adults.
day 5: God's Amazing Grace
day 6: my great "daugher in-love" to Josh and Mommy to my grandchildren.
day 7: my wonderful mother in-law and my precious grandchildren.
day 8: God's obvious direction in my life, opportunities from Him
day 9: my brothers, their wives, my husband's brother and sister, her husband, all of my nieces and nephews-FaMiLy. . ."Love each other deeply. . ."
day 10: sunrises, sunsets and the time inbetween, beginnings and finish lines and the journey inbetween My parents taught me to appreciate all of that!

What is filling you with JOY today? It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Counting it all JOY Wednesday-"through all generations"

I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever.
His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5 Yea! It is Wednesday, my favorite blogging day! Like Loren said, just that we are in the month of November makes me focus so much more on thanksgiving, even though I do always try to have an attitude of gratitude and always love our Counting It All Joy Wednesdays.
I am counting it all Joy that even though last night I was so sick that I had to take off work today, I still don't feel great, but I am able to do some things here at home.
I am counting it all Joy that my husband does his and my son's laundry. I have been complaining that I can't get my done, because he's always doing a load.
Today, I'm getting my laundry done!
I am counting it all Joy that His love is continuing through all generations in my family.
I am counting it all Joy that we have these 2 precious grandchildren to love on.
What is filling you with JOY today?
It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

I am late writing my Count it All JOY post, but that's about all the blogging I do lately and it has been 3 weeks ago today since I did that and things have changed for me so much since then. Actually things changed the day after that post and it has helped me so much tonight to read my blogging friends Joyful posts, so. . .

here goes!

I went back and read Angel's post from that day 3 weeks ago about her sweet Aunt's passing and took the above scripture from her post. Several friends have given me that scripture in the last 2 weeks.

I am missing my Dad even more than I knew I would, but I am counting it all JOY

that he is in Heaven now.

that we are not watching him suffer any more.

that we have so many precious memories with my Dad.

that my children each learned so much from him.

that he was the one who led me to the Lord.

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

The Simple Pleasure of Gratitude (Simple Pleasures; Thankful Thursday; What My Dad Taught Our Family)

This past week didn't turn out quite like I had hoped when I wrote my Counting It All Joy post last week. I am still "counting it all joy".

This is how it went. . .

After 1 night at the nursing home, my dad was taken back to the hospital because his oxygen level was too low for physical therapy.

After a day of being induced, my daughter in-law was sent home and told to return the next night to be admitted and induced the next day after that.

Jocyah Thomas David Hammock was born on Sunday, 10-10-10.

My dad's soul went to heaven Tuesday morning, 10-12-10.

This week, for Simple Pleasures and Thankful Thursday, my daughter says it best. . .

"One thing that really stands out about my Grandpa may sound simple, but has so much truth in it and has taught me so much. Almost every single time I have ever asked my grandpa how he was doing, he would smile and say, "I can't complain." And it's so true. He couldn't. He hardly ever complained, because he was so incredibly thankful with everything God had blessed him with, and it showed in his every day actions, in something as simple as saying, I can't complain". Life is not always going to be easy. Peter writes in his first letter in 4:12-13 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it come upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." Jesue tells us that we will endure hardships, but he gives a\us the strength to endure them and they result with him being glorified. My grandpa knew this. He was a man of such strong faith and a huge heart, and I will never forget the love he showed to me and others. By hearing my grandpa constantly say those three words, I realized that life is short. He was right. . .why complain? We really should never have anything to complaing about. And if we do, we should think about the many blessing we have that, by far, overpower those complaints. My grandpa lived a long, full life, but to me, it was till so short. I still wish I had just one more day to go on a walk with him and pick up his neighbors to put on their porches. I would like to have another opportunity to go on a boat ride with him. It would be awesome to watch anothe Arkansas game with him. But life is short, and son't always have the opportunities that we w ould like to have. Therefore, we really need to take advantage of the time we do have, be thankful for it, and not complain. That's what I learned from my grandpa."

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thankfulness this week by visiting and linking up with our hostess for the month of October-Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage" and our host, Greg at Greg's General Store and Dayle @ A Collection of This and That for Simple Pleasures ~ Morning's Sun .

Why I Count it all JOY Wednesday-This Season/Sandwich Generation

When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me JOY. (Psalm 94:19)

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.(Proverbs 16:9)

Today, I am counting it all JOY that my Dad is being moved from the hospital to a nursing home for 21 days of Physical Therapy. I pray this will help him.

I am counting it all JOY that on Friday, our first grandson (second grandchild) will be born. His name will be Jocyah. We are so excited!



It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Why I Count it all JOY Wednesday-My Dad

Today, my Dad is still with us, but he is suffering so much, and crying out "Help!".

It hurts to see him hurt and not be able to help him much.

I count it all JOY that my Dad has a relationship with Jesus Christ!

I count it all JOY that even though a lot of what my Dad says these days does not make sense, he still talks about the importance of relationships with family and friends.

I count it all JOY that my Dad has been surrounded by people who love him.

I count it all JOY that I am blessed by such great co-workers who encourage me to be with my Dad during this time.


ReJOYce in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6-7

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12


It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

Why I Count It All JOY Wednesday

I am feeling my age, but I am counting it all JOY that I have been married to the same wonderful man for 28 years!

My husband knows my sins, but I am counting it all JOY that he loves me anyway!

God knows my sins, but I am counting it all JOY that He loves me anyway!

No more sleeping in, but I count it all JOY that I have a new job!

I am a certified, experienced teacher, not close to retirement yet, and I am working as a teacher's assistant, "T.A.", but I am counting it all JOY!

This job came to me, like the job I had last year did, so I am believing that it is all in His perfect plan!

I don't live near my childhood/highschool best friend,

but I count it all JOY that she still texts me

when she has an important prayer request.

She texted me the other day to let me know

that they thought her Mom had a "small stroke".

I am full of JOY that it was a reaction to

being on sinus medication for a long time,

and not a stroke!

ReJOYce in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious abut anything, but in everything,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 6-7

It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts,so go here to share in the JOY!!! Thank you, Angel!

TUESDAY SUMMER BIBLE STUDY-RUTH-wrap up

My Bible study friends, minus a few

Summer Bible Study is coming to a close, and so is the Summer! I am so glad that I did this study, and I am so glad that God gave me friends to do it with me, in person, and on line.
This study has truly been a parallel to my life, not in the way that Ruth experienced, but it has just really been great for me.
I've got to publish this and get to my brand new job. I will tell you a little about it in my answers for today.
Because of my new job, I am going to miss the Bible study gathering with my friends on Friday, so all of you, if you come on here and read this, you can post your answers here for me, if you want.
Shelli and Amanda, who are sharing with me on here, I hope to hear from you soon!


Siesta Summer Bible Study Wrap Up

(from Beth Moore)
Hey, Siestas!
Our six-week study has flown by, hasn’t it? And so has the summer and just maybe we lived it a bit more victoriously because we were in Bible study together! I have enjoyed every second of it and I trust you have, too. Kelly’s way on paper really speaks to me. I’ve heard many of you say the same thing. Like we’ve done in our previous summer studies, I will devote a post entirely to our teacher at the end of the week and let you tell Kelly how much you received from her tutelage through God’s Word. Try to save your direct feedback to her for that time so she’ll be able to read every single comment. Look for that post around Friday.

Summer Siesta Bible Study – Ruth Final Week from LPV on Vimeo.
I hope you’ll be able to watch the video greeting but, as usual, I want to make sure you have your instructions for our final gathering also in print. So, here goes!
As you meet in your final gathering, you’ll discuss Weeks (or Sessions) Five and Six:
The first two interactives are in response to Week (or Session) Five:
1. Turn to p.122 and review the paragraph in the middle of the page beginning with the words, “I wonder if your life can be easily explained.” Follow your review by sharing what you wrote in reference to the “Personal Response” portion just below it, if you feel led.
2. Turn to p.136. Kelly wraps up Week Five by asking us to have a closing prayer time over the one thing that touched us most in that five-day unit. If you feel comfortable doing so, please share that one thing with your small group or, if you’re going solo, share it with me and the rest of your participating sisters.
The last two interactives are in response to Week (or Session) Six:
3. Turn to p.144 and look at the wonderful bold print at the bottom of the page. Review the answer to the question, “Who suddenly takes center stage and does this surprise you?” Then, glance up to the top of the next page (p.145) and share your answers to the “Personal Take.” Have fun looking over those next couple of paragraphs Kelly wrote about “you know, the women!”
(By the way, don’t you love the way Kelly had us go back to all those references that contained descriptions of Naomi? I thought it was so insightful.)
4. Day’s Four and Five are so powerful that I cannot choose just one portion for you to review. Please glance over the entire ending to the Bible study, stretching over both lessons, and share what you have gleaned from God concerning LEGACY. God is just better than He has to be, isn’t He?
Thank you, Siestas, for a great summer in God’s Word! I respect your relationships with Christ so much. I pray that He enjoys lurking here. He is everything to us.
Be thinking about how you’re going to stay in the Word this Fall! We’ll provide some accountability by asking you around the first of September about your plan for victory!
You are so loved and highly esteemed around here. Press on, Darling Things!

If you have time, it would also be great to go to Kelly Minter's site,

http://www.kellyminter.com/

and at least watch the short video for session 6.

To my Bible study buddies and to my blogging buddies:

I love you all. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words!

On Friday, at 11:00, my Bible study group is going to meet, without Shelley and I because we can't go out to Shannah's because of our jobs at the schools. We are going to meet for lunch at a local restaurant located between our 2 schools, and we will still get to have our Bible study time with each other! I am looking forward to it! I am missing the rest of you all a lot, but so glad that we did all get connected with each other and to God and daily Bible study.

Thank you all so much!!!

Love,

Sandy

MONDAY'S MOMMA MOMENTS-SCRIPTURE MEMORY MONDAY

Monday's Momma Moments

Yesterday, I had the privelege of attending the Esther Sunday School class with my son, as he shared his experiences on his recent mission trip with the 16 women in their 80's. It was a true blessing just to be in their presence, and then to listen to Jase share, and then to have them keep leaning over to me, and say

"Aren't you proud of him?"

Yes, I am extremely proud of him and his sister and brother, and his niece. . .

They each teach me so much!

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as in Christ, God loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1NIV

And my God will meet all your needs according to His glory. Philippians 4:19NIV

Please share your Momma Moments and the scripture that is speaking to you or that you are choosing to memorize or meditate on.
Have an aMazing Monday!
Sandy

PSALM SATURDAY-SPIRITUAL SUNDAY

"My sin was a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."

Psalm 103

Praise the Lord, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits--

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord works righteousness

and justice for all the oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses,

his deeds to the people of Israel;

The Lord is compassionate and gracous,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

He will not always accuse,

nor wil he harbor his anger forever;

he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressins from us.

As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass,

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord's love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children's children--

with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven,

and his kingdom rules over all.

Praise the Lord, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.

Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.

Praise the Lord, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, O my soul.

If you didn't come here from Spiritual Sundays, go here!

Thank you Charlotte and Ginger for this wonderful way to connect with others for encouraging, inspirational posts!

Have a blessed weekend!

Sandy

Family Fridays-FOREVER FAMILY-Part 12-Watching, Praying and Waiting

I posted a Family Fridays entry two weeks ago, but was too late to get it linked up with Amy and Lori, because I had spent the whole day with my family. Last week, I wasn't able to link up an entry, because I was at camp, with most of my immediate family, and with part of my church family.

This morning, I have been alone with my Bible and my thoughts and prayers, while Jase helped Jeff do some manual labor.

I am looking forward to going to our beloved church camp tonight for the last regular youth week service, and looking forward to Kalyn coming home tomorrow night, just for a short time, before she goes to college week at Glorietta, and then back to college.

My Journey devotion was perfect for me this morning, about not working too much for money.

If you read this in time, and would like, I would appreciate your prayers at 10:00 a.m.CDT. I am going to be interviewing for a job as Assistant to a first year pre-k teacher. She has been a pre-k aide for the past 3 years, even though she was already a certified teacher, herself. I began teaching in 1985 and have my Masters, but am sincerely praying to get this job.

I feel a little like Jase might have felt as he was on that tower of a ropes course, blind folded. I am trusting that God has a plan for me. I am blindfolded right now to my future, but will soon take off the blindfold and see what He has for me!


Whatever you do, work at with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3: 23-24

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her;. . .
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31: 25-31

Join Amy at Keeping up with the Schultz Family and Lori@Peterson~St. Louis to enjoy more family posts!
I hope you are having a fun-filled, family Friday and have a
great weekend connecting with others in the flesh, and maybe a little time to read some encouraging blogs, too!
Sandy

THANKFUL Thursday for SIMPLE PLEASURES

I had already planned to combine my Thankful Thursday post with a new meme hosted by Dayle @ A Collection of This and That. (her link is at the bottom of this post) Then, Lynn, who has hosted Thankful Thursdays for July, asked us to share a picture of something that inspires awe in our heart. How cool! I think this picture works well for both. It might not look simple, but I think it still fits the subject. Like Lynn, my family and I also appreciate all of God's creation so much! How awesome that God can make a beautiful waterfall in the middle of a small "mountain"! This picture is at a very special place for all of my family and me. I am thankful for the simple pleasure of God's beauty all around us. I am thankful for the simple pleasure of being a sponsor at a youth camp. I am thankful for the little ways God works in our lives daily, for the blessing overflowing, just as He promised!

Yesterday, I was looking for something very important that I needed to find to pass on to another teacher. I looked and looked, and couldn't find it. I sincerely prayed to God to help me find it, and I found it immediately!

I am thankful for friends and acquaintances and blogging buddies.

Of course, I am thankful for my family.

There is so much to be thankful for!

Psalm 106: 1
Hallelujah! Thank you , Lord! How good you are! Your love for us continues on forever. Who can ever list the glorious miracles of God? Who can ever praise him half enough?

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thankfulness this week by visiting and linking up with our hostess for the month of July-Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage" and our host, Greg at Greg's General Store and Dayle @ A Collection of This and That. Go here http://alittleofthisandthat2.blogspot.com/2010/07/simple-pleasures-reading.html to link up with her.

You'll be glad you did!

It will bless your day to stop and be thankful for all of those simple pleasures in your life!