I had not spoken about it on my blog much but Mickey & I moved a young man from our church into our 5th wheel in our back yard on August 21st. Mickey also gave him our 92 Chevy S-10 pickup to drive. On August 27th another couple from our church hired him to work for them.
He & his wife were facing some difficult times and decisions. They have 4 precious young children ages 2 to 7.
It has been such a joy to Mickey & I to be able to minister to this young couple over these past 10 weeks. More to him than to her because we saw him on almost a daily basis.
About 4 weeks ago he began to once again attend church with us and they sat in the pew in front of us. It was such a joy for all of us: them, us, and the Church Body to see them worshiping together.
Two days ago, on Tuesday, he moved back home where he needs to be. We thank God for the opportunity Mickey & I had to be able to extend help to this couple and watch as God has begun to restore their marriage. To lay that firm foundation that can only be laid by God and upon God. That foundation on which to build the marriage and the ministry that God had in mind for this young couple, and their family, from the very beginning.
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!!!!!!!
May we each be the Lords hands extended when the opportunity arises. Most importantly of all let us not shoot our wounded Christians.
Thank you Lord.....
for what you HAVE done, what YOU are doing and what YOU will do
in ALL our lives if we will but let YOU.
We went and talked to Pastor Gary about putting up two clothing racks and shelves across one wall, like the Baby Room but he felt it would be better to not make permanent adjustments, because we trust this ministry is going to grow and we will not be in these 2 rooms for too long. He is going give us a VERY LARGE storage clothes to use and back up and they will put one long hanging rack in there because that room will never been anything but for storage. He suggested we try and find some used racks on maybe Cr*aig's Li*st and let them know the cost.
I've never done Cr*aig's Li*st but I came home and tried to find something on it. I either did not know what I was doing (highly possible!!) or there was nothing. So I just googled in "clothing racks/used/Tulsa" and several places came up. I called and located round racks for $45 & $55. $55 with rollers.
Yesterday morning I called the church and told them what we'd found. They asked how many we needed and I said 2 or 3. They wanted to know how much, and when they heard the prices they said, "Go get them!! Get 3 and get the ones with rollers." I explained I hadn't even seen them and couldn't guarantee how good they were. Since we had to drive 30 miles one way to view them they went ahead and gave me a check, which could be voided if it they were duds, so we didn't have to make 2 trips.
Mickey & I headed to Tulsa. The place was a huge, OLD yellow brick multi-story building. I've never seen so many "fixtures, shelves, mannequins, signs, etc." in my life. We rode in a rusty old freight elevator and I said, "How old is this building?" It was built in 1942. Something almost as old as us!!!!!
The racks were just what we needed and wanted but they were all in pieces and had to be matched up. It was 11:40 so Mickey & I went to get a bite of lunch and came back and picked ups our 3 lovely, round clothes racks. YEAH
I spent time hanging up all the items we had on hangers while he went down to the kitchen area to check things out. THAT is a whole other post that will be coming up.
We will open the first week of November. Thelma and I are working Tuesday and Judy and Linda are working Thursday. We will be open those two days a week from 9 to 3. The other gals will help out and be greatly involved as they are available.
I have really been impressed with how hard all of these gals work and how much we've gotten done on this huge job. Sad to say, but I've been involved in ministry before where some don't carry their weight in work, but like to come and talk and visit!! Not a one like that in this wonderful group.
God is so good!!
The new birth doesn't automatically eliminate the old nature. We live in bodies that are susceptible to sin, so we must stay filled with God's spirit. Paul says: "Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." Galatians 5:16 NAS Then he gives us a familiar illustration: "Do not be drunk with wine...but be filled with the Spirit." Notice:
First, Paul's talking about yielding control of our life to God's Spirit. When some one's drunk we say they're "Under the influence." Second, Paul's statement is a command. "Be filled." He didn't say, "If you'd like to," or "It would be nice." No, if you are going to please God then you must be constantly filled with His Spirit. Third, this implies to every believer. Sometimes we look at someone and say, "They love Jesus so much; why can't I be like that? You can. The difference is the filling of the Spirit, not the fact that they have something you don't. Fourth, you can't fill yourself. Like filling your car, you must regularly pull up to the pump. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 NIV. Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? Fifth, it's a continuous action. You can't run your car on a single tank of gas; you've got to keep going back to the source. The Spirit's filling is a dynamic, moment-by-moment experience. Why is it that way? Because we live in a world that depletes us spiritually and contend with a core of carnality that seeks to defeat us. So, "Be filled with the Spirit."
I like to think of it as The Eye of God. From my post here, on His Eye is On The Sparrow, I like to picture His watching over me with this beautiful image of His creation. However, He does it I'm just so very thankful to know that He does watch over each and every one of us that are His.
Posted as part of Spiritual Sunday. Go here to read other Spiritual Sunday posts.
Stephen Sample says, "The average person suffers from three delusions: that he's a good driver, that he has a good sense of humor, and that he's a good listener. You may succeed in life without the first two, but you won't without the third." Are you a good listener? Do you think what you have to say is more important than what's being said to you? When people talk, do they get the impression you're not listening? If so, write, "LL" on a card, carry it with you and look at it regularly. It means, Listen, and Look at people while you're listening. One study says we hear 1/2 of what's being said, listen to 1/2 of what we hear, understand 1/2 of that, believe 1/2 of that, and remember only 1/2 of that. Translate that into an eight hour work day and it means you spend about four hours listening, hear two hours worth of what's said, listen to an hour of it, understand thirty minutes of it, believe only fifteen minutes worth, and remember less than eight minutes - of all that was said in eight hours. Wow, it sounds like we all need to work at listening!
You cannot "connect" with someone if they don't feel heard and understood. A deaf ear is the first symptom of a closed mind, if you haven't formed the habit of listening - you aren't going to get the facts you need. And when you don't have all the facts, you're in the dark. Paul writes: "The greatest of these is love." One of the greatest expressions of love - is a commitment to listen?
Taken from The WORD For You TODAY
Do you think you are a good listener? How does this apply to us here in blog land? I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments on this.
Joining in at Show & Tell once again at Cindy's. Go here to participate and to read other Show & Tell posts.
My Show & Tell this week is a little different but I think the IDEA is so wonderful that I wanted to TELL it and consequently SHOW what we did.
The TELL: Several weeks ago, during the Sunday morning worship, our church handed out brand new $10 bills to whom ever wished to take one. The object of this was based on the parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-23. Those who wished to participate were to take one of the $10 bills and use it in some way to multiply it. Our church is doing this as a fund raiser to pay down our building debt on the Recreation Center Building at our church.
It turned out wonderfully YUMMY and we were able to turn our $10 into $59. Not a 30 or 100 fold by any means, but just under 6 fold wasn't too bad.
The really wonderful part is, the funds are being matched by a family in our church so our effort will pay off $118 toward the debt on our building.
When we have the grand finale and I know the total amount those participating were able to pay off on this demonstration of the Talents I'll let you know.
WHEN will we, the American people say,"Enough!". WHAT will be the straw that finally breaks the camel's back.
I saw the following on one of my favorite reads, Marallyn of Shalom from Jersulem. and had to share it with you here. Marallyn has more on the above post that needs to be read, too. I invite you to click on the link and read it.
From the Canadian Free Press:
First Lady Requires More Than Twenty Attendants July 7, 2009 Dr. Paul L. Williams
"In my own life, in my own small way, I have tried to give back to this country that has given me so much," she said."See, that's why I left a job at a big law firm for a career in public service, " Michelle Obama
No, Michele Obama does not get paid to serve as the First Lady and she doesn't perform any official duties. But this hasn't deterred her from hiring an unprecedented number of staffers to cater to her every whim and to satisfy her every request in the midst of the Great Recession.
Just think Mary Lincoln was taken to task for purchasing china for the White House during the Civil War.
And Mamie Eisenhower had to shell out the salary for her personal secretary. How things have changed!
If you're one of the tens of millions of Americans facing certain destitution, earning less than subsistence wages stocking the shelves at Wal-Mart or serving up McDonald cheeseburgers, prepare to scream and then come to realize that the benefit package for these servants of Miz Michelle are the same as members of the national security and defense departments and the bill for these assorted lackeys is paid by John Q. Public:
1. $172,2000 - Sher, Susan (Chief Of Staff)
2. $140,000 - Frye, Jocelyn C. (Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy And Projects For The First Lady)
3. $113,000 - Rogers, Desiree G. (Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary)
4. $102,000 - Johnston, Camille Y. (Special Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady)
5. $100,000 - Winter, Melissa E. (Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
6. $90,000 - Medina , David S. (Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
7. $84,000 - Lelyveld, Catherine M. (Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady)
8. $75,000 - Starkey, Frances M. (Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady)
9. $70,000 - Sanders, Trooper (Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady)
10. $65,000 - Burnough, Erinn J. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
11.. $64,000 - Reinstein, Joseph B. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
12. $62,000 - Goodman, Jennifer R. (Deputy Director of Scheduling and Events Coordinator For The First Lady)
13. $60,000 - Fitts, Alan O. (Deputy Director of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady)14. $57,500 - Lewis, Dana M. (Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady)
15. $52,500 - Mustaphi, Semonti M.. (Associate Director and Deputy Press Secretary To The First Lady)
16. $50,000 - Jarvis, Kristen E. (Special Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide To The First Lady)
17. $45,000 - Lechtenberg, Tyler A. (Associate Director of Correspondence For The First Lady)18. $43,000 - Tubman, Samantha (Deputy Associate Director, Social Office)
19. $40,000 - Boswell, Joseph J. (Executive Assistant to the Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
20. $36,000 - Armbruster, Sally M. (Staff Assistant to the Social Secretary)
21. $35,000 - Bookey, Natalie (Staff Assistant)
22. $35,000 - Jackson, Deilia A. (Deputy Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady)
This total damm near $1.6 Million Dollars, that’s just sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There has NEVER been anyone in the White House at any time who has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady's social life.. One wonders why she needs so much help, at taxpayer expense, when even Hillary, only had three; Jackie Kennedy one; Laura Bush one; and prior to Mamie Eisenhower social help came from the President's own pocket.
Note: This does not include makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 49, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny Wright, 31, both of whom traveled aboard Air Force One to Europe .
Copyright 2009 Canada Free Press.Com canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/12652
Some of you may get tired of hearing me talk about all my blessings, but truly it has nothing to do with me, it's just all about the God I serve and love.
I've written several posts now about my "fight" or "bout" with satan but I just have to share more about the blessings that I received.
This "episode" happened while I was surrounded with the love and care of my Monday morning Bible Study group. What better hands could I have been in? NONE!
Then. when Sandra heard about it, (she leads the Tuesday night Bible Study group in her home) she comes by to check on me. I was still completely out of it and not even aware she'd come but when Mickey shared that with me it just blessed me so much.
Then Tuesday evening, on her way to the Bible Study, which I had to miss for one of the few times :o( my friend, Wantha, comes by and brings me yummy, and I mean, YUMMY, chicken & noodles. Thank you, Wantha.
Then early Wednesday morning there is a knock on the front door and here stands Norma, from the Tuesday night group, with a sack of gifts for me and a card.
Didn't take a picture of the card but it was special with all their hand written greetings and even Wantha's admonition for "get better JOYCE". There is a private joke about that!!!! Having the last name Joyce I get called that a lot!!!
Romans 8:18 & 8:27 in action!!!!
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."
This was truly brought home to me this morning when upon checking in on my blog this morning I found this comment left on this post by
a King's daughter You probably don't know it, but I was at your house just after the ambulance. I talked with Shirley and she told me what was going on. I left just as your pastor was pulling on the scene. God has more people praying for you, and watching over you than you will ever know! ;-)
October 20, 2009 12:17 AM
Yes, I am becoming increasingly aware of just how many people were praying for me that day and how quickly the word of my "distress" and "need" was being sent literally around the country.
The internet, in a funny sort of way, has become a teaching tool to us about prayer and the instant-ness in God's kingdom ........ we "say" (by means of our fingers typing away) something and then hit that "post" or "send" key and instantly our words are everywhere. We utter a prayer to God and instantly our words are in the Throne Room of God in Heaven.
So, while I am in distress and being treated by those around me: the Bible Study women who I was with and brought me home,, my husband, and the EMC personnel who arrived on the scene, God sent my neighbor and friend, A King's Daughter - Tammy, down the street at the very moment this is going on. Tammy is a pray-er!!!
Mickey had told me that Tammy was here, but the impact of that has truly been made aware to me as the days have progressed. Thank you Tammy, ..... Sandra, ..... Kathy, ..... Pastor Gary Rogers, ..... Thelma, .....Shirley, .....Judy, ..... Linda, .....Betty, ..... Martha, ..... Mickey and the many more I'm not even aware of,
Thank you God that not only is your eye ever upon us but that you surround us with these extension of Your Hands.
Many have inquired as to what was wrong....... I don't know. I'd had the regular flu shot that morning at 10 and the EMC personnel thought that might have been a factor. I have had the flu shot for years and never had a reaction from it. I think perhaps it might have been food poisoning, , but we had all eaten at the same place and I was the only one who became ill.
I personally believe it was an attack by satan.......we had just had our first Friday night in-home prayer meeting three days earlier and it was glorious. I, along with these other ladies. am excited about the new Klothes Kloset Ministry that Judy is heading up and we are all helping with. I think satan is attacking many of us in different ways to try and discourage us from being and doing all God is calling us to do.
I serve notice to satan..... your devices and schemes will not work. You are a liar and a thief .... but WE are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus our Lord!!!! God is building an army of PRAY-ERS!!!!!!!!
Charlotte & Ginger sponsor Spiritual Sundays and it is always a treat for me to participate with this lovely group. Go here to read other Spiritual Sunday posts.We were preparing to go to Eureka Springs to hear Perry Stone and others at a Revival service and I told her when we returned I'd get with her about the details.
Last Friday, October 10th, we opened out home at 7 p.m. for S.W.A.T.
Spiritual Waponry Attack Team. We had been praying all week that God would bring in those HE wanted to be here and to participate with us. We had just the three of us, Mickey & I and Carmel. We had the most glorious time in the Lord and were just so refreshed. We didn't quit until 11!!!
Last night we had our 2nd meeting. Mickey & I are determined not to let ANYTHING: not an attack by satan on my body 3 days after the first meeting, or the joy of sharing in something good like a family wedding in Branson, MO deter us from this call from God. Last night the Lord doubled us and there were 6 of us praying. Mickey, Susan, Carmel, Thelma, Stan & Wantha. Oh my......what a glorious time it was of praise, pray and WORSHIP!!!!! We broke up around 10:30.
My purpose in posting about this Prayer effort is to encourage others of you, out there in Blogland, to open up your home one night a week to pray and worship our wonderful Savior and Lord. As you know, Mickey & I are very involved in our Church and this certainly does not detract from God's calling in our local Church body but we feel that God is truly calling HIS people to bring prayer and worship into our homes for groups like this as well.
Let me assure you, you will be blessed!!!!! We already have been and I know God is going to do a great work in us as in obedience we follow Him.
Please join hands & hearts with us in your area.
The Wilderness Church. An old log cabin church that was moved to this site. Even the pews were made from logs. The wedding was performed by a Parson and was a wonderful ceremony. At the conclusion of the wedding they rang the church bell. It couldn't have been more lovely. 
The bouquet. Both the bride and her Maid of Honor had bouquets like this. 
The beautiful bride, Laura 
The bride & groom, Laura & Wayne. 
The wedding party. Laura's daughters, 6 year old Kaycee & 14 year old Kalyn (Katie), were her attendants. 
The cake. 
No words necessary!!!!
The grooms Uncle Jerry and Dad, Ronnie.
The groom and his father. 
Mickey & I with the groom, Mickey's nephew, Wayne. Mickey was the Best Man. 
Dinner at The Ol*ive Ga*rden after the wedding. 
Mari over at My Little Corner Of The World had this cute Meme as her post. It's been a long time since I've done one of these and I have a lot of newer readers since the last time I did one so thought it would be fun to participate. Here goes......
When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart?
Yes, almost always or at least park it in the cart parking section.
In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener?
It truly depends on the social setting, but probably more of a talker. I am a good listener though because I really want to know about people and you can learn so very much by just listening......sometimes more to what they are not saying!!!!
Do you take compliments well?
Yes, I use to not and then I read that when you don't accept a compliment you are making the one giving you the compliment feel like they don't know what they are talking about. That made sense to me so I've learned to just graciously say, "Thank you."
Do you play Sudoku?
No, never heard of it.
If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive?
NO!! I am very dependent upon my husband.
Did you ever go to camp as a kid?
Yes, both to Church camp and Girl Scout camp. I loved going.
What was your favorite game as a kid?
Out doors - Kick the Can - In doors - Monopoly.
Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you?
NO!! NEVER!! My faith in Jesus is my very core and my very breath. It is the most important thing to me.
Do you like to pursue or be pursued?
Definitely pursued. I'm from the old school and that is just the way it was done. I think it would be nice if it was still done that way :o)
Use three words to describe yourself?
Jesus followerer and lover, Wife, Mother and I'm going to name a 4th - Friend. I guess the 5th would be "someone who doesn't always follow instructions to a T !!"
Do any songs make you cry?
No, not usually but worship songs make me joyous and blessed.
Are you continuing your education?
Not in the "formal" sense but yes as far as viewing life as an education and being interested in learning new things constantly. After all I'm 71 years old and blog!!!
Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth?
Yes, certainly. The last time was when visiting my forever friend, Joan, while in Albuquerque!! It was fun!!!
How often do you read books?
Constantly!!!! I just finished "Plucking The Eagle's Wings" by Perry Stone. I am currently reading my 6th Joel Rosenberg book, "Inside the Revolution", also started "Angels on Assignment" by Perry Stone and have "Shaken Not Shattered" by Matthew Hagee waiting in line when I finish Angels!!! I also read a lot of blogs and receive a lot of devotional type e-mails from various ministries. I read my Bible each morning to start my day. Oh yes, I love to read.
Do you think more about the past, present or future?
Definitely the present because I believe in living very much in the day and moment I'm in. I do look forward to the future and the Rapture of the Church. I never dwell on the past because it's just that....pasted - gone.
What is your favorite children's book?
There was a little book about a squirrel who put sand in the children's eyes to make them sleepy at night that my father used to read to me and I loved it. Don't remember the actual name of the book. I think I read every Nancy Drew book growing up.
What color are your eyes?
Hazel
Where is your dream house located?
I am perfectly content with the small house my husband & I are currently living in, except I wish we had a little more dining and living room space as we love to entertain.
If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed?
My leather bound King James Version Bible that was given to me by Mickey 50 years ago on our first anniversary. The pages are paper thin and I've had it rebound once, because it was falling apart. It is what our marriage and my happy life has been based on.
When was the last time you were at Olive Garden?
Just a couple of weeks ago with our dear friends, Don & Barbara, to celebrate Don's birthday.
Where was the furthest place you traveled today?
Haven't yet.... it's 5:16 a.m.!!! I'll be driving a mile to church at 10:30 to work in our new clothing ministry.
Do you like mustard?
Yes, and I prefer the dark mustard.
Do you look like your mom or dad?
My mother.
How long does it take you in the shower?
Never timed it but I'm quick in and quick out and I always wash my hair, too.
Can you do the splits?
No, never could even though I took ballet and was pretty limber.
What movie do you want to see right now?
None, I'm not a movie person. Give me that book!!!!!
What did you do for New Year's?
We always eat Black Eyed Peas!!!
Do you think The Grudge was scary?
Never heard of it.
Do you own a camera phone?
No.
What's the last letter of your middle name?
I don't have a middle name but have used my Maiden name, as my middle, since getting married. The last letter is "t".
How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
5 or 6. I don't require a lot of sleep. That's why I'm doing this Meme in the wee morning hours :o)
What do you buy at the movies?
I rarely go but if I do go I HAVE to have popcorn and soda pop.
Do you know how to play poker?
Yes, and use to enjoy playing when we were young married with friends. That was our "entertainment" back then. I haven't played in years but haven't forgotten how.
Do you wear your seat belt?
Yes, always.
How many meals do you eat a day?
3 if you count a piece of toast each morning as breakfast.
Do you like funny or serious people better?
I certainly enjoy a good funny evening with friends from time to time but I really prefer a serious discussion with interesting people.
Ever been to L.A.?
Yes, but I much prefer San Diego or the Bay area.
Did you eat a cookie today?
No, but only because there were none in the cookie jar!!!
Do you hate chocolate?
You've got to be kidding!!!
Are you a gullible person?
Yes. I am very trusting and believe the best in people. Usually I am right about them.
Are you easy to get along with?
Yes, but if I get overly tired I can get impatient.
THAT'S IT!!
Join in the fun if you want. Please be sure and let me know if you participate so I can come learn more about you.
I think there has been a terrible mistake...........I think they mis-spelled the word.......
Shouldn't it be PIECE Prize?
He is giving everything of value, here in our great country, away one PIECE at a time.
And yes,...........he was already earning it 12 days into his presidency.
And every day since.
Not the Nobel Peace Prize
but
The not so NOBLE PIECE PRIZE
God help us!!!!!
How many Sister's does it take to get the camera set-up on the tripod for a picture? In our case.....a lot.
Every Tuesday is special but October 6th was extra special because it was Gloria's birthday and we celebrated it with gifts and a Turtle Cheesecake.Sandra has been teaching us about the Jewish feasts and since it was Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles, after our study she had a canopy on her patio for us to all go out under for Gloria's birthday snack. Even though it was a little nippy it was such a joy to sit out under the stars with this extra special group of woman who truly love the Lord. Seven of us have been involved from the beginning back in February, but Norma, Sandra's sister, joined our group after going to hear Perry Stone at the Arkansas revival at Harvest Assembly. She is a wonderful addition.
My desire for each or you is that the Lord blesses you with participation in a wonderful Bible Study.
Please go to Sandra's blog, here, and join in praying for our troops around the world who are making the sacrifice for our freedom .
Well, I think after doing this that I am pretty boring!!! but I am happy and very content with my life.
Mickey cleaning the exterior of our 5th wheel one year after having double bi-pass heart surgery!!! He was also up on the roof cleaning it, too, but I didn't get a picture of that. What a blessing!
These beautiful mums blooming in our back yard. At the end of spring we were at a farm & garden store getting some of the last geraniums for our yard. Because it was the end of the season and getting HOT a lot of the plants were in terrible shape. They had these, almost dead mums. for $1 each so we bought a bunch of them (I also have some in the front yard). Not only did they revive but just look at the fullness and beauty of them. What a blessing!
These beautiful climbing roses have been blooming all summer and their beauty still blesses me even in October with fall coming on. What a blessing!
