Blessed or Stressed?

I do try to keep up with major events happening in the world around me, but at times watching the television news reports can be overwhelming, to say the least. Horrible suffering in war-torn countries, crime occurring in many areas, and natural disasters are only a partial list of devastating reports that news announcers tell us about. If we allow these reports to take over our thoughts, it can make for some really gloomy moods.
 But as Christians, we cannot pretend there's no evil or suffering in the world, and ignore all the bad things as we go about our lives. Nor should we go to the other extreme and focus on the negative events completely, allowing ourselves to be filled with stress.
So is it possible to feel happy and blessed in a world filled with negative news all around us (which can easily result in our feelings of stress)? I think the answer is YES!
As a Christian, I know my Bible is my guidebook for life--in all areas. All I have to do is search Scriptures and I can find answers, comfort, and hope. In the book of John, Jesus tells His disciples that in the world they will have tribulation, then He adds but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ~ WOW!! Those words spoken so many years ago are still true for us TODAY, because the Lord is still IN CONTROL. Even though daily news reports remind us of the strife, evil, and disasters happening around us, we can be blessed by knowing the Lord loves us and is watching over us.
I try to remember that when a particular news report leaves me feeling stressed, I need to pray about the situation and the people affected, then remember how blessed I am because I belong to a loving God, and He will never leave me.

Service With A Smile

How can it be May already? This year is zipping by too quickly, and I've heard many other people making that same comment. ~ As I look at my calendar now turned to the month of May, I am reminded that at the start of 2013 I chose a new "Word for the Year" which I want to make sure I remember

. This year my word is SERVICE. I decided (at the end of this past December) that throughout 2013 I really wanted to focus on serving God. And the way to serve God is by serving others. So I look for ways (yes, they're usually little ways) to do things for others. Sending cards and gifts for no special occasion is one of my favorite ways to help--and bless--others. I know how much a "thinking of you" card has meant to me in the past, so I always pray when I send a card (or gift) that the person receiving it will be blessed. Maybe if that person has had a rough day or week, my card will arrive at exactly the right time to lift their spirits. Even small acts such as assisting an elderly person with a shopping cart at the store, or picking up a toy that a small child has dropped can be a way of serving others. Of course taking a meal to a family in need is a way of serving others--the list could go on and on. But I'm also reminded that as I look for ways to serve, I need to have a servant's heart. Rather than wanting to do things for myself, I need to be joyful as I do things for others, because by serving others I am serving the Lord. So may I always serve others with a smile--not complaining or grumbling--but being truly joyful that I'm pleasing God by serving others.     ~     ~
                Serve the Lord with gladness.  Psalm 100:2

Trivia Tuesday

Just for fun, I've compiled another list of trivia--from various categories. If you enjoy trivia (no matter how useless!) I hope you'll enjoy these facts.
FUNNY  TOWN  NAMES:  Buttermilk, Kansas
                                                Good Intent, New Jersey
                                                Moon, Pennsylvania (which interestingly, has an airport located nearby)
A GROUP of:  Gorillas is a band
                          Elk is a gang
                          Monkeys is a troop

Engineers needed 22 years to design the zipper.

Albert T. Marshall patented a household refrigerator in 1899.

Despite its great strength, the octopus tires easily.

Even though it has a hump, the camel has a straight spine.

It is estimated that manatees live a maximum of 50-60 years.

In Berkeley, California there is an organization whose members gather monthly to discuss and honor the garlic plant.

Ancient Greeks believed ivy to be the sign of everlasting love.

To grow properly, orchids require moving air (they seem to do better if there is a constant breeze).

Only 8% of the potatoes grown in the US are used to make potato chips.

Star Sightings

When I log on to my computer home page, I always see the weather forecast, various news stories, and a feature that I don't normally view, called "Star Sightings." It features Hollywood celebrities in various locations, and readers can view more photos, if desired.
Not long ago as I logged online and once again saw the Star Sightings section, I was struck with a thought of how that phrase can be interpreted. I'm certain people who enjoy viewing the "star sightings"  are interested to read updates about the celebrities. But for me personally, the stars I would rather view are the ones in the sky at night, because these are a reminder of God's amazing creation. My Bible tells me that God created the heaven and the earth--so I know that includes the sun, moon, stars, and all the planets in the universe. In other words, He created it ALL! And personally, I am more in awe viewing the night sky than viewing photos of "famous" people. Now every time I see the section titled "Star Sightings," I have to smile, because the star sightings I enjoy are the ones created by my Heavenly Father.
   The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork.  Psalm 19:1

The AMAZING Truth

April is here--which is one of my two favorite months of the year. This month also brings with it sweet memories of my precious Mother, who loved the month of April. So when Mama went to Heaven, it seemed fitting that she went on April 21. As terribly sad as that time was for my family and me, we knew we'd see Mama again one day in Heaven. So as I looked at the lovely pink azalea bush in full bloom outside her window the day Mama left us, it was a sweet reminder that we will all "bloom" again in Heaven one day.
What an AMAZING---yet VERY REAL, truth for Christian believers!

Since yesterday was Easter Sunday, we celebrated Jesus' triumph over the grave, and know He lives! So for Christians we have the reassurance and joy in knowing that we will also live forever with Jesus--and our loved ones--in Heaven one day.
What a glorious and AMAZING truth!!  He is RISEN!!!

He is not here: for He is risen.  Matthew 28:6

Comfort in the Clouds

Even though many people enjoy flying, I am not one of them. But I won't argue that it's wonderful being able to travel hundreds (or even thousands) of miles so much quicker than if in a car. Still, if given a choice, I'll take a car--thank you very much!
On a recent airplane trip back from Kansas, we encountered a lot of turbulence. Now for folks who fly frequently, this is probably no big deal. But to someone who doesn't fly very often--and doesn't enjoy flying--it was rather unsettling. Actually I should say it was VERY unsettling. As we literally bounced up and down, I felt almost as if I was riding a roller coaster (which I haven't done in years). Glancing around at other passengers seated near me, a few appeared concerned. But for the most part, the majority of the travelers didn't seem to be bothered by the bouncing (or they were hiding their feelings well!). Being very honest, I have to admit: I was scared.

I took in some deep breaths, and I prayed. Earnestly prayed for the Lord to keep us safe, no matter how stormy the weather might be, or how strong the turbulence was. Then I began silently reciting some of my favorite Bible verses of comfort. Not only reciting them, but actually thinking about what the verses said: God is in control. He is ALWAYS with me--whether my feet are planted firmly on the ground, or I'm thousands of feet in the air as I travel in an airplane. ~ Then an amazing thing happened: A calming peace washed over me, and I knew that no matter how bumpy the flight, God held me securely in His hands. Thankfully the flight became calmer not too much later, and we landed safely in Atlanta. But that experience was another reminder for me that no matter what storms we go through, our Lord is with us--leading us, watching over us, and always there to calm our fears. What a comforting thought!  ~  ~  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  II Timothy 1:7

Kansas Fun

Last weekend my husband and I flew to Kansas on a trip I'd been looking forward to for many months. We stayed at author Kim Vogel Sawyer's wonderful Bed & Breakfast, where she and husband Don made us feel right at home! One of the main reasons for the trip was to meet "in person" my friends from Australia, Rosie and Pete. Although Rosie and I had been corresponding for a while via e-mails and phone, we hadn't met face-to-face. So last year when she sent me an e-mail saying that she and her husband were planning a trip to the US and she wondered if I could come to Kansas to meet them, I was SO excited! The details were worked out and we began counting down the days. Author Judy Miller drove them from Topeka, and Author Carol Cox was able to join us on Saturday.

What a wonderful time we had---visiting, laughing, and eating (we ate so much yummy food!).  Kim's kitties also made me feel at home, since I was away from mine for a few days. The time passed much too quickly, but I am so thankful and blessed to have spent a weekend with these precious Christian friends.
Even though Rosie and Pete live on the other side of the world, it was wonderful being with them and learning about their life in Australia. I especially enjoyed hearing them speak--with their British-sounding accents (although they said I was the one with the accent, haha).
I was reminded yet again of how much the Lord has blessed me--not only with my precious family, but also with special friends.
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.   Proverbs 18:24