True Friends

Someone asked me if I thought that the folks in my past would have taken serious offense/hold lifelong grudges because of my leaving their lives, and not getting back in touch yet.  My response?  

  I think that TRUE friends aren't "mad" at us, and while maybe a little hurt (though I wouldn't know why- as we were the ones whose lives imploded), would understand that we need space, need to heal, and that they will be happy to hear from us/have us back in their lives when we reach out to them.  I think that true friends are waiting on us, trusting God with us.

 BUT PLEASE- a digital message on the blog or email is one thing, and physical contact is quite another (not cool)...and the latter moves you to the "most def not my friend, and must be an enemy" list.   (And may I kindly remind you that I can contact you when it's time, when I choose to- WITHOUT invading YOUR privacy.)

 I don't think that I should have to say that- I would like to think that my real friends would understand that I need space, that after the way things went down-- well---I feel like none of you had my back/our back. Whether or not YOU stabbed me in the back- well...silence is consent. (Yes, I realize some of you were afraid, and some were children, and that does change a little.) James 4:17    

I think that TRUE friends also realize that I/we now have trust issues...thanks to everyone (And that can't necessarily be helped- we were raised and trained to run and tell everything about everyone to the authorities in our lives, so they in turn could tell each other, and I'm sorry- NO, WAIT I'm not sorry- I don't want everyone to know things about me/us. I don't want my past to know where I am what I'm up to. Not one of you has ANY reason.  THE PEOPLE WHO "HAVE TO KNOW, HAVE TO FIND US" have NO reason or need to find us: they are utter CREEPS.  Some folks I'd rather they not hear another word, or see another picture in their life, about us.) - well meaning friends/relatives, "frenemies", and "relative enemies"....especially the "relative enemies" & "frenemies"  that try to push their way into our lives? They are enemies, and yes, dead to us, or seemingly want to be. We're just waiting for you to die an earthly death.  

                        I'm sure that you are all relieved that you didn't need to help us in any way. 

God has truly been our Father, Brother, Guide and Provider. 

And He has provided above and beyond all that we can imagine.

1 Cor. 2:9

Learn and grow....at least have the next girl's back.

Sharing a good sermon: "Understanding Trials"

~Can we say with David "The LORD is my shepherd"?

~Can we say with Job "For I know that my redeemer liveth"?

~Can we say with Paul "..the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me"

 ~In trials, one should pray "LORD: give me a teachable spirit!"

The following 2 sermons are by Rev. Colin Mercer

Understanding Trials Part 1:

https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=221101057154

Understanding Trials Part 2:

https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=228101054179

 

 

~If I have Christ- that is everything- I am complete in Christ.

 

Job speaking of God: 

"Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:8-10

 

 ~Trials are short, and for the saved person they DO NOT last past the length of one's life.

 

"... weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5b

~In trials, we prove the everlasting mercy of God.

~Learn to bless God for the trials that come.

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        If you are wondering- no, I'm not very good at this yet.

Isaiah 42:16

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

  "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do (or say) unto me."   Hebrews 13:5-6  

 

I heard a teacher 'recently' say that this passage was like "don't covet your neighbors stuff".   I'm embarrassed to say exactly how many weeks it took for me to read and re-read finding what comfort I could- until it dawned upon me that yes in a secondary view it does, BUT the primary is plain old LIFE.  Your status/condition in life, etc...and not that you MUST roll over and take it kind of way, but a Divine Resignation during trials, that trusts God as our Father to see us through, and provide a way of escape.  Something like prison camp living- do your best, make the most of it, and yet always keeping your ears & eyes open to escape.  

 

I think that the following verses go along:

 "Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.  When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.  Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.  For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."   Proverbs 3:23-26

 

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"   Psalm 27:1

 

I'm not very good at this yet- please pray I'll get better at it~ thanks!

Resignation according to Webster's 1812 Dictionary: 

3. Quiet submission to the will of Providence; submission without discontent, and with entire acquiescence in the divine dispensations. This is christian resignation.

Psalm 23 with other scriptures added in

 These days if I get the brain to be creative, I take pictures, color, write up scriptures, draw...maybe bake.  I'm not really sewing, crafting or writing letters nowadays. 

The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

(When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.)

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

(We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.)

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

(I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

(This I recall to mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed because His compassions fail not.)

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over.

(Blessed be the LORD, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell the the house of the LORD forever.

(Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.)

Jerry Bridges book "Trusting God"

At Mom's suggestion, I've started reading Jerry Bridges book "Trusting God"- it is good!

I'll share 2 good quotes with you: 

"...God's providence is His constant care for and His absolute rule over all His creation for His own glory and the good of His people.  Again, note the absolute terms: constant care, absolute rule, all creation.  Nothing, not even the smallest virus, escapes His care and control.  But, note also, the twofold objective of God's providence: His own glory and the good of His people.  These two objectives are never antithetical; they are always in harmony with each other.  God never pursues His glory at the expense of the good of His people, nor does He ever seek our good at the expense of His glory.  He Has designed His eternal purpose so that His glory and our good are inextricably bound together.  What comfort and encouragement this should be to us.  If we are going to learn to trust God in adversity, we must believe that just as certainly as God will allow nothing to subvert His glory, so He will allow nothing to spoil the good He is working out in us and for us...."

"...In His well-known statement about sparrows, Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father....So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31)   According to Jesus, God does exercise His sovereignty in very minute events- even the life and death of an almost worthless sparrow.  And Jesus' whole point is: If God so exercises His sovereignty is regard to sparrows, most certainly He will exercise it in regard to His children.  While it is certainly true that God's love for us does not protect us from pain and sorrow, it is also true that all occasions of pain and sorrow are under the absolute control of God.  If God controls the circumstances that affect us.  God does not walk away and leave us to the mercy of uncontrolled random or chance events...."

 I've known these truths for years now, but I confess I am somewhat rusty-- it is so nice to read someone else putting it so well- better than I ever could!

1 Thess. 5:16-18

Please keep my family in your prayers-
    -All you can do at this time is PRAY.
    -Pray for my Dad to wake up.
    -Pray for Mom & I to trust God- especially while we are on this wild ride that my Dad set up, to remember that GOD is in control of ALL things.  (Gen 50:20)
    -Please don't worry. If you are tempted to worry, stop and pray!!!
    -We are daily being reminded that we MUST trust God.
    -And learning that we have not been trusting Him as well as we ought.
Thank you.

Whatever Wednesday: Chocolate & God

I'd been feeling down & old, etc, over the last few weeks, (and then while road tripping with grandparents last week) this is the wrapper my chocolate had. Not just one time, but 4 times, 4 days in a row: same wrapper. "You are never too old and it's never too late"....God knew I needed that reminder, and I thanked Him for it!  Do you need the reminder???  😊
 

(FYI: I'm not a Dove chocolate fan, but almost any dark chocolate will do if you really need it, lol!)😎💟

"Change"

~The following is from my devotional:

 "...March 9

God has promised to be with you always. When you feel overwhelmed, know that He can give you the strength and peace you need.

Change can bring about feelings of inadequacy and overwhelming uncertainty. But God is with you. Don't think that He doesn't know what you're going through, that He doesn't know the fear in your heart. He is aware of all you're going through and all that is required of you in daily life. And He is your help. He will give you all the wisdom you need to make the right decisions and to fulfill all that you must do. Don't lose sight of the big picture-- His purposes in your life. In every situation in your life, God gives you opportunities to live out your faith in the midst of fear and uncertainty. And He'll give you all that you need to live victoriously in His will.

 Psalm 146:3-5
Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 40:29-31
Jeremiah 29:11
Matthew 11:28-30
James 1:5

(you can look them up here: http://biblehub.com/  )

Heavenly Father, when I feel overwhelmed, assure me through Your Word that You are my help and there is nothing to fear. Strengthen me so that I might bring glory to You in all that I say and do..."

“Peace in Troubled Times”

The following is from my devotional:

 

"... April 18 “Peace in Troubled Times”

In the midst of troubles, you can have peace—God's peace. Find rest within God's promises. It's all you need.

When troubles come—and they will!--it's often difficult to even find the words and strength to pray. We lose our peace when the chaos continues and causes us to endure more than our faith wished to. We want quick resolutions, on-demand deliverance, and most of the time, that just doesn't happen. God makes us wait. But it's in the waiting times that we can know God better than ever before. If we draw near to Him, if we trust Him even when things don't appear to be moving in the direction we'd like them to, He will give you His peace. The peace that surpasses all our understanding brings about an inner strength and calm amid the raging storms of life. And that's all you need. If He is with you, you can rest.

Psalm 25:16-18

Psalm 31:7

Psalm 33:17-22

Psalm 34:1-8

Psalm 147:2-3, 5-6, 13-14

Proverbs 3:5-6

John 14:27

 (you can look them up here: http://biblehub.com/ )

Heavenly Father, I long for your peace. Help me to rest in You and wait upon Your Divine hand. 

You are my strength and my song; You are all I need...."

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Psalm 121

Psalm 121 is one of my favorites, and has a lovely lullaby-like tune, but it can also be sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne...which is good, because everyone knows that one, and we can all sing together!

I to the hills will lift mine eyes,

from whence doth come mine aid.

My safety cometh from the Lord,

who heav’n and earth hath made.

Thy foot he’ll not let slide,

nor will he slumber that thee keeps.

Behold, he that keeps Israel,

 he slumbers not, nor sleeps.

The Lord thee keeps, the Lord thy shade

on thy right hand doth stay:

the moon by night thee shall not smite,

nor yet the sun by day.

The Lord shall keep thy soul; he shall

preserve thee from all ill.

Henceforth thy going out and in

God keep for ever will.

Psalm 121

 Glencoe Valley - Scotland (or so I'm told)

"Stress"

The following is from my devotional:

 "...March 22

There's no reason to worry; God has promised to help you- to strengthen you, to deliver you, to guard your heart.

It's easy to give in to worry. Life can be overwhelming when your faith is tested. But God has commanded us not to worry. And there's a reason: He's in control. We need to find our strength in Him and fully realize, through our faith and through His Word, that He is in control of our lives, so there's no need to worry. No matter what happens, God is in control of it. His sovereignty is never interrupted. So when you are consumed with despair, struggling to make it through the next moment, seek God, and keep seeking Him until you have His peace. He's promised to give you peace that will not only surpass all understanding but surpass all stress that tries to overcome you.

Psalm 46:1-3

Isaiah 41:104

Matthew 11:28-30

Mark 4:38-40

John 8:36

John 14:27

Philippians 4:6-8

2 Timothy 1:7 & 9
Psalm 118:24

(you can look them up here: http://biblehub.com/  )
 

Heavenly Father, I need Your peace. I am overwhelmed, uncertain of what to do, but I will keep my eyes upon You...."

"The Earth Is Yours" by Gungor

You know I'm not a real fan of CCM, but I do like THIS SONG: "The Earth Is Yours"~

Psalm 8:
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Musical Monday: "Old Fashioned" -Adam Davidson

...I'd rather walk (in a relationship) than have to run (from a relationship)...


     ...a good old fashioned friendship building love to last for me and my pretty girl...

(embedded below or listen to it HERE)

 

It has always been my thought that marring a friend was the way to go-- 

--friendship turns to love. 

(Don't you love these sweaters???)

I'll fly away...

 Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
I'll fly away;
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

Chorus
I'll fly away, fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone,
I'll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

Chorus
I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

Chorus
I'll fly away, fly away Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).


"I'll Fly Away", is a hymn written in 1929 by Albert E. Brumley and published in 1932.
"I'll Fly Away" has been called the most recorded gospel song, and it is frequently used in worship services by Baptists, Pentecostals, Nazarenes, the Churches of Christ and many Methodists...

Lesson on Laughter and Happiness

...this was a great lesson on Laughter and Happiness- I challenge you to listen to it:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQXyTgztEPI    (I find it's easier to listen and not watch)

Why do we always forget the important things, and need reminding to laugh, have joy & be happy?
 

I know that not everyone thinks that Joel Osteen has anything good to say, but you know- he does get somethings right...he is like every preacher/lesson giver sometimes right & sometimes wrong.  This lesson was really good! 
 

Is your well of happiness stopped up?  All clogged up with the stones of stress, school, work, etc?  I'm afraid that mine often is...we need to make it our goal to unstop our well, and be the happy people that God wants us to be.

~Adrienne

"Every healthy adult should have a healthy child inside"  ~Joel Osteen

You Are Enough

Have you ever had one of those days in which you just feel less than?  I do.  Last time I did not feel enough, I found the following YouTube, and found it very helpful.   I pray that you will too!

Embedded video below, or watch & tap HERE.

You Are Enough (thank you, Brené Brown) - Tapping with Brad Yates  

Psalm 23

{A Psalm of David.} 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

 Photo location: Kyburz, CA

Whatever Wednesday: a Food Blog

In the event that you missed the news I'll tell you now ~  I just started an extra blog.
It's called "Pearls in the Kitchen?".
 http://pearls-in-the-kitchen.blogspot.com/

You are probably thinking something like "Adrienne, you don't need a new blog! I can hardly keep up with this blog....."  =).

  Well, I can't seem to help myself, and I've been thinking of doing something like this for awhile, and now seems to be the time to do it. No time like the present, right?

If you go visit, please make sure that you read the introduction! =)

I had just made the new blog official, and wrote my introduction, when Mom and I listened to this YouTube (HERE)....and I asked my Mom "What should I do?  What is my 'running after the mailman' moment?"  And Mom suggested to me that the new blog was maybe that for me.  Hmmmm....maybe so, maybe so... =)

What do you think?  Have you ever had a "running after the mail man" moment?  What one small thing could you step out in faith and do?

Chapter 4- "Character Building" & A Giveaway!

 "Beautiful Girlhood" is not just for little girls. It's for big girls & ladies too!
The bit below I read during Church today, from the book "Beautiful Girlhood" Revised by Karen Andreola

 Enter to win your own copy at the bottom of this post!!!

(or you can buy it from CBD here or Amazon here)...Mom read this book to me when I was very small, and I am now rereading it for the 2nd time.  I don't sit down and guzzle it...I just read a part of a chapter every week or so. I think that it's good for me.  I also think that every family should own one or more copies.

"....She who has an ideal character is first of all pure and true, them earnest and sincere, patient and gentle, and more ready to serve than to be served. It is easier to build bad than good character....Choose well as the days go by. Build for all time, not just for present pleasure.  What you are building will bring you praise and satisfaction all your life, or it will be your curse and disgrace....
"Is it right?"  "Would it be for my good?"  "Does it meet the approval of my parents?"  "Is it glorifying to God?"  are questions which you should be continually asking yourself as you decide what to do and what to leave undone....Christ is our Perfect Pattern, and only those who form their lives after Him are building the best character...." 

James 3:5-13

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

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(don't worry, all entries go into the same hat)