To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice- Updated for Lent 2026

This was originally written in 2010 in the midst of the Lenten season, and updated once again in March of 2019.  Thought it was worth updating again, as we begin this new season of Lent today, February 19, 2026, and I really didn't have anything new to write about right now, (except for a postscript at the end of this to bring you up to date on current events).
This post includes some pictures taken of the beauty of God's creation in our previous neighborhood, which always gave me moments to reflect on the Lord and His plans for my life, and what He is asking me to do for Him...So let's take a step back in time, but with a message that is still relevant and current for today as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the true meaning of Easter...

I Samuel 15:22  
"Has the Lord as great delight in 
burnt offerings and sacrifices, 
as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, 
and to heed than the fat of rams."

(Our Sand Hill Crane Couple are still faithfully walking together-perhaps preparing a nest?)

 Participation in Lent has always been something for me that is a personal decision for each individual to decide.  If you normally do make a decision to participate in the idea of making some personal sacrifices during this season, how does it usually go for you?  Do  you find it difficult to maintain your convictions?  What happens in your mind if you "fall off the wagon" so to speak, and give in to the temptation to do whatever it was you said you wouldn't do?  Do you get back up and start all over again? Or do you just give up altogether and decide this just wasn't a good idea for you?

My approach to Lent is that it is not so much about making a "sacrifice", as it is about moving forward in the right direction, a new beginning; a clear resolve to obey rather than sacrifice.  Writing a daily journal is one way God has directed my steps during this season of Lent in the past.   It has been a way that  I believe God has directed me to obey Him and trust Him to open new windows of opportunity as a result.  Writing something new every day is a real challenge for me, but it is also an opportunity for me to stop and listen to what God is saying to my heart, and also what He wants me to share with you.  Trust me, it has been a real lesson in obedience and self-discipline!  

Reflection of the clouds on the water...
'The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
the Lord is over many waters
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
The voice of the Lord is full of majesty"
Psalm 29:3-4

So, how about you?  What new sacrifices or challenges are you dealing with?  Are you finding it difficult to stay on the course? From what source do you draw strength and energy to keep moving forward? 

Let me share with you my secret...this is what "works" for me.  Perhaps it will help you as well:

1. "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!  (Philippians 4:4)
2. Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. (Philippians 4:5)
3. Be anxious for nothing, (Philippians 4:6a)
4. But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6b)
5. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."     (Philippians 4:7)
6. "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Is it easy to "rejoice always" and "be anxious for nothing"?  Absolutely NOT!  It is Christ alone Who gives me the strength and energy I need to accomplish whatever task I fear or dread.  Without Christ living in me, I am powerless.  In my own strength, I fail miserably. He is my Power Source.

The question for today is this: Are you plugged in to the true "Power Source"?  If not, would you like to be? All you have to do is ask! He's much closer than you think!

"Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones,

give unto the Lord glory and strength.

Give unto the Lord the glory 

due to His name;

Worship the Lord in the

beauty of holiness."

Psalm 29:1-2

So back to the present, February 19, 2026...This week has had its blessings and challenges for sure. I have had to draw heavily on those resources of faith found in God's Word, in the book of Philippians especially, that were quoted above so many years ago! Interestingly, our current Ladies' Bible Study is in the book of Philippians, and it's as if God keeps reminding me of these words of faith and hope and peace over and over again. You'd think I'd know them totally by heart by now...but this is why a season of "Lent" is so valuable...I call it an "annual check up", to see how things are going with my heart and soul and spirit. And then to work on the areas that I notice need some "tweaking" and improvement.

Speaking of "annual check ups"...yesterday afternoon we finally had our quarterly physical check up with our doctor, to go over the lab tests and anything else that needed "improvement".  One thing right away that I learned is to be patient and accept what God knows is best for you.  I had mentioned in my previous post that our appointment was supposed to have been on Tuesday, but it was cancelled for some crazy reason unbeknownst to us. It was just as well, because they were going to put us with a P.A. instead of the "the real doctor" that we wanted to see, and so by changing the appointment to yesterday, we would get to see the "real doctor" instead.  Well, who walks into our room but the P.A.!  I said to him, "I thought we were going to see Dr.---, because we were going to go over the results of my husband's PET Scan, which we had previously discussed with him prior to the test..."   He apologized, but said that he actually was the one who had made the arrangements for the test with radiology and that he had been very much involved in the report, etc., and basically he felt that he was probably the best qualified to go over the results with us...but he would get the Doctor if that is what we wanted...but I humbled myself and kept quiet and let him go on.  As it turned out, by the time we were through with both of our exams and his explanation of our VERY EXCELLENT blood work, BTW, Praise God!, my hubby and I were both very impressed with this young man and his knowledge, and I literally apologized to him for my previous questioning of his "authority".  He was very gracious and kind, and I learned a good lesson.

Remember when I said in my previous post https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2026/02/just-quick-check-in-about-check-up.html, that God always works all things together for our good...here's the exact verse:

Romans 8:28 NKJV

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, 

to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Yep...that's the one...and Yes, it is still so very true. Sometimes we just have to humble ourselves and sacrifice our own selfish will and accept that God DOES know best.  Remember the old TV show, "Father Knows Best"? Yes, our Heavenly Father really does know best.

As I said above, our blood work was excellent for both of us, and the report on the Pet Scan was also excellent...two big answers to prayer!

On  another note...this "Valentine's Tree" was in the waiting room at our Doctor's Office!  Can't say that I've ever seen a pink Valentine's Tree before...

The other issue we were being challenged with this week was the loss of our use of our "plumbing".  Finally we had to go ahead and schedule the septic tank to be cleaned out...

Turns out that the pipe going from the house to the tank had shifted somehow underground, and was not properly aligned with the tank,  so "things" were getting clogged at the entry to the tank.  The septic tank fellow worked very hard to fix that, and our friends from church who had done so much work the day before on the other end of the situation came back and did some more work under the house to get the pipe better supported and angled for better "flow".  Finally after two days of having our plumbing disconnected, we were able to "flush" again and take showers and wash dishes and laundry, etc.  We are SO thankful that is fixed, and the septic tank man said we should be "good to go" for maybe 10 years before needing another "clean out".  I hope he's right. This was an expensive week, but we are thankful it's done.  

Okay, that's all for today. Speaking of laundry...I am way behind in that and other cleaning jobs, so if you need me, that's where I'll be.  

Be blessed my friends. God IS in control!!!

Sermon Notes: "Keep Going"

What do you want more than anything else in the all the world?

Read along with me the writings of the Apostle Paul:

Philippians 3:3-14

"3.  For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, 

and have no confidence in the flesh,

4.  though I also might have confidence in the flesh, I more so:

5.  circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, 

A Hebrew of the Hebrews;

concerning the law, a Pharisee;

6.  concerning zeal, persecuting the church;

concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7.  But what things were gain to me, 

these I have counted loss for Christ.

8.  Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the 

excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, 

for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, 

and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

9.  And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, 

but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

10.  That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, 

and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

11.  if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12.  Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; 

but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

13.  Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, 

forgetting those things which are behind 

and reaching forward to t hose things which are ahead,

14.  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Do you want to know more about Christ and His suffering?

We tend to focus on the things we do to keep up with the world, neighbors, friends, etc.
Paul, a pure-bred Hebrew...Paul had authority...and expensive commodity of the day...
and one day Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus  (see Acts 9)...and Paul's entire purpose and direction was changed.  He had to let go of all the things that had slowed him down...and he counted them as rubbish, that he might gain Christ...

• What do we consider rubbish...the things that we need to let go of...get rid of...so we can know Christ and be like Him?
• As we prepare for the New Year...is this the best time to assess our life's identity?  
• What is it you love above all else?

Paul's focus became heavenward...where he found peace, love, joy, confidence...once he was touched by Jesus..regardless of the hardships that he had to face...

Christ Jesus is there to carry us through whatever our hardships may be.

How much pain and suffering do we have because we drag along our pain and sorrows and refuse to let them go? 

What is it we are holding on to?

Look at verse 8: Paul was counting all things as loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord...for Whom he suffered the loss of all things...and counted them as rubbish...so that he might gain Christ.

Paul was willing to give up himself...all for Christ..."for whose sake I have lost all things"...through faithfulness of Christ...Christ's faithfulness is what saves us...See verse 9:

"And be found in Him, not having MY OWN righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith..."   

In verse 12, Paul says "I press on"

Verse 13: Paul says "one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead..."

Verse 14: "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

• How many would be willing to give up ALL that we had to be able to have this journey alongside Christ...to see life resurrected from the dead...
• As we continue the journey, into a "Happy New Year"...with Christ working in us...
• Letting God recharge our batteries and renew and restore us...
• God is bringing you on that journey with Christ...Christ is there with us wherever we go...
• May we make a stronger commitment to follow Christ in this New Year...
• 
  
• Back to the original questions:  
• "What do you want more than anything else in all the world?"
• "Do you (I) want to know more of Christ and His suffering? 
•  What is the rubbish that I can let go of so that I can know Christ and be like Him?

I know I need to work on this.  As much as I try to live for Christ, I know there are many things that get in the way of me fully letting go and letting Him be all that I need.  I know in my heart and mind that I have to let go of these "things", but sometimes I find it very difficult and I forget all that Christ as already done for me...and that I can fully rely on Him to continue to meet ALL my needs. I can say it, I can even write it, teach it, and "preach it"...but when it comes right down to living it, I often fall short. I am praying that God will help me to let go of the rubbish and fully press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  This is a wonderful way to begin the New Year...Thank You, Lord, for walking with me on this journey of life.  Amen.

Sermon Notes: FUMC, Interlachen, FL, Pastor A.C. Myers, 12/30/2018

Please Note : I want to repeat this disclaimer here...the notes, outline, and content included here are based upon my own personal understanding of the message that was being given. I am not attempting to completely quote or reproduce this message or any other message I've shared previously. Just as each person reading these notes may glean insights and thoughts that seem to directly apply to one's own situation and interpretation, my own delivery of these messages is skewed by my hearing and translation of what is being said. Some may read my notes here and wonder if they were hearing the same message as I...and I say, God speaks to each of us as He wills...there are things He is trying to get across to each individual that may be entirely different than what the person sitting next to you in the pew is needing to hear... That is how the Holy Spirit works! He knows what we need to hear and how to apply it to our hearts. So it is with that understanding that I present these sermon notes to you.

Sermon Notes: Keep Going!

It was so good to be back in the house of the Lord on Sunday!  After traveling one week, and then not feeling well the next, it seemed like ages since I'd been to church! What's that sign we've seen on some church billboards?  "Seven Days without God makes one weak!"...Well, even though I was never "without God"...He is always near...always here...in my heart...and yet, when we wander too far from His fold...His house...His people...our strength may fail...we need a steady diet of God's Word and fellowship with His people to keep growing strong and healthy in our faith.

And so, as I said in the beginning...it was good to be back in the house of the Lord!  And to hear the Word of God proclaimed was definitely a dose of good medicine to my soul... So here we go:

Sermon Notes for July 1, 2018..."Keep Going"
The Scripture reading was from Philippians 3:4-14

Question:  What do you want more than anything else in this world?
Is it to know Christ Jesus...and "the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death..." (see Philippians 3:10)

We become so focused on things...keeping up with the Joneses...
But What is the most important thing in the our lives?

The Apostle Paul listed his credentials in verses 5 and 6...He was a powerful man in the realm of the Hebrew world...A Pharisee, very zealous, righteous in the eyes of the "law"...blameless...
Power...an expensive commodity in the world.  Most people would find that kind of power difficult to give up...

But Jesus met Paul (Saul) on the road to Damascus  (See Acts 9:1-22), and Paul cast aside all those so-called important credentials...and said in verse 7 of our text "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ."

Look at verse 8, "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ..."

• What is it that is "rubbish" that we are hesitating to give up for the cause of Christ?
• What is it that shapes your identity ....and holds you accountable?
• What or who holds you accountable in your life of faith?
• Do you consider things "rubbish", except for the cause of Christ in your life?
• Who and what is your focus?
• Is your focus to experience and love God more than these things in life?

Paul's focus was heavenward...he had more peace, joy, love, and confidence because of Christ...

Have we lost our confidence...our ability to "love one another"...has it become just "tolerance" of one another?

Paul experienced more because his focus was on Christ.
No matter what our circumstances are in life...can you put your focus on God?
How much pain and hardship do we cause because we can't "forget those things that are behind..." (verse 13) 

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended;

but one thing I do, 

forgetting those things which are behind

 and reaching forward to those things which are ahead..."

God wants you as you are, where you are right now...

But what are you holding on to that keeps you from moving ahead?

Paul wanted to become like Christ...(verse 14)

"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

But look back at verse 10 again:

"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death..."

How in the world and why would Paul want to die like Christ?  He wanted to be more and more like his Savior...

And we should also...

Empty ourselves completely for the sake of others...be more like Him...be close to Him forever...

Are you willing to give up everything to further your spiritual walk?

What is holding us back from that relationship with Christ Jesus?

Paul was on a journey with God...

What about you?  Are you on that journey with Christ?

• I want my life to be about being so full of Jesus that it overflows...
• A life resurrected from the dead...
• A light shining in the darkness...

We need to build our life in Christ Jesus...

But we tend to want status...is that our glory? What more could we ask for than to be called a Christian?

Seek out God's call on your life...

What do we need to empty ourselves of to let Jesus fill it back up?

Claim the love of Christ...Let Him lead and guide you...Claim His death...and the power of His resurrection...

Lord, we ask that You empower us ... help us to be willing to serve You as we 

"press toward the goal for the prize of 

the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  

Amen.

Please Note : I want to repeat this disclaimer here...the notes, outline, and content included here are based upon my own personal understanding of the message that was being given.  I am not attempting to completely quote or reproduce this message or any other message I've shared previously.  Just as each person reading these notes may glean insights and thoughts that seem to directly apply to one's own situation and interpretation, my own delivery of these messages is skewed by my hearing and translation of what is being said.  Some may read my notes here and wonder if they were hearing the same message as I...and I say, God speaks to each of us as He wills...there are things He is trying to get across to each individual that may be entirely different than what the person sitting next to you in the pew is needing to hear...  That is how the Holy Spirit works! He knows what we need to hear and how to apply it to our hearts.  So it is with that understanding that I present these sermon notes to you.

Sermon Notes, FUMC, Interlachen, FL., Pastor A.C. Myers, 7-1-2018

Hello, It's Mushy-Headed Me!

Yes, it's me...trying to keep cool in our "lovely pool" in the summer heat. (Ha!! Some things you just have to leave to the imagination.) Pardon the white legs. You may need to put on your sunglasses.  I don't get out in the sun much due to my fair complexion and the high heat.  Try not to laugh too hard.

I thought I'd better post something on my blog before you think I've abandoned it.  No, I haven't gone away...just haven't had much to say.  I went to my doctor for a check up the other day, and I told him I felt kind of "mushy headed"...couldn't think clearly, fuzzy on the brain, feeling fatigued. In addition to finally talking me into taking medication for my extremely high cholesterol level, (after my years of failed attempts to control it by diet and fish oil, etc., you know the routine)  the doctor ordered some lab work to check my thyroid, but not until my next appointment in October. By then I could have a totally moldy brain.   But that's the new protocol apparently for medicare patients...you are only allowed so many appointments per year and lab tests unless it is considered urgent.  I guess I wasn't quite mushy headed enough to warrant an emergency.  Ha.

So, I decided to try and fight through this "purple haze" and write something whether I have anything worth saying or not.  In light of all the turmoil and terror in our world, I would like to try and be positive and offer hope.  How can I do that, when I feel a sense of hopelessness creeping in to my fuzzy mind?  I don't even want to turn on the television anymore for fear of more "breaking news".    

So, this is what I am trying to do to cut through the fuzz:

• Start each day by reading from God's Word and following a good daily devotional guide.
  
• Pray...for my family, friends, our nation and world.
• Daily look for ways to be thankful for all that God has done for us.  
• Look for ways to share God's love with others.
  
• 
  
• Find ways to get some exercise and fresh air every day, preferably before the thermometer reaches 95 degrees.  Early morning walks and after supper walks are daily goals. Take photographs of anything interesting along the way.
  

• Eat a good healthy diet, avoiding too much cholesterol, sugar, and junk foods.



Homemade Ice Cream on the 4th of July is exempt

• Spend my spare recreational indoor time writing and/or reading good inspirational books or other uplifting articles, rather than watching television or spending too much time on the computer.  
  
• Find new ways to exercise my mind by taking on realistic, reasonable projects, puzzles or other creative activities.  
  

Most of all, in order to restore peace, calm and an uncluttered order to my mind I must fix my eyes on my heavenly Father, the Creator and Sustainer of all life.  

Here is a passage of Scripture that speaks to me...and possibly to you if you can relate to the things I've been discussing above:

II Corinthians 4:15-18

"For all things are for your sakes, 

that grace, having spread through the many, 

may cause thanksgiving to abound

to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart.  

Even though our outward man (or woman) is perishing,

yet the inward man (or woman) is being renewed day by day.

For our light affliction,

which is but for a moment,

is working for us a far more exceeding 

and eternal weight of glory;

While we do not look  at the things

which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.

For the things which are seen are temporary,

but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Perhaps this post speaks to your "mushy head" today as well.  I pray that you will also seek God first and foremost in your life...and that you will NOT LOSE HEART.  

Here's another passage to encourage us along this race of life:

"Therefore we also,

since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which so easily ensnares us, 

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus,

the Author and Finisher of our faith,

Who for the joy that was set before Him

endured the cross,

despising the shame, 

and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:2

So who's ready to run this race with me?   Keeping our eyes focused on Jesus as our leader...we will grow stronger and happier every day.  Let's get going and drive away all the fuzzy, mushy heads!  

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!"

Philippians 4:13

Amen.

Today is a Special Day

Today is a special day.  I would like to write something significant, since it is my birthday. Lately I haven’t had much to say. Not sure why. One reason is since blogger changed the format of our dashboard, my computer is having issues with writing on the new page.  It really bogs down. (Has anyone else had this issue?) I’m sure it is my old computer that needs to be cleaned out, updated, or thrown out. I’m leaning towards the latter option, as soon as I can find a suitable replacement at an affordable price.  

Sometimes I feel like my old computer.  I need to be cleaned out, updated, or thrown out! Hold your comments on these options, please.   I do believe that birthdays are a good time to reassess and evaluate what our goals, plans, and purpose may be…and where do we stand in the process?  At my grand age of 62, I am sorry to say that I have not achieved everything I had hoped to accomplish by this stage in life.  Retirement is still an elusive dream that I long to latch hold of and run into the golden sunset with my hubby, enjoying what few years of active life we still have left.  He is already there, although not by choice.  Job cuts forced him to take an early retirement last summer, and although he has been actively searching and pursuing all possibilities for employment ever since, there has not been one “open window, and many “closed doors”.  He has had a few glimmers of hope, but thus far they have not materialized into reality. Maybe that is God’s plan.  We are trying to accept that.

So back to my search for significance and purpose.  I know God is working in my life. This blog is a testimony to that fact.  You may not think much of it…you may even wish I’d just get to the point and stop babbling so much about stuff.  I understand. I tell myself that quite often. But there has been a metamorphosis taking place in my life over the past two and a half years since I started writing here and opening up my whole heart and soul to total strangers around the world. I’ve actually had to think before speaking. (So glad for the editing features of my computer).  Delete and backspace are two of my favorite keys.  For those of you who don’t know me personally, you may be surprised to learn that I have often had a tendency (understatement) to open my mouth and insert my foot.  For a rather tall person with big feet, that “feat” has been a bit uncomfortable from time to time.

What am I trying to say?  (I wish someone would tell me!)  Perhaps it is this: I believe that God is allowing me this privilege of writing to share a message of hope with the world.  Sometimes I veer off course and dabble in nonsensical stuff and materialistic dreams and activities…but even those have a purpose.  (Usually).  Here is what I hope to do with what I write:

“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed,

but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. “

Luke 8:16

I want my light to shine before men and women…

“You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden….

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” 

Matthew 5:14 and 16

This is risky business.  My “good works” don’t always show up.  Sometimes there aren’t too many.  I know that. I am working on that.  But I pray that God will use what talents and gifts and “good works” I do have to encourage others…plant some seeds of hope, love, and trust in the Lord.  To lift some spirits who may be dragging bottom and ready to give up.  If God will allow me to do that, I will have accomplished my goals, realized my purpose, and fulfilled my dreams.   I may even live (or die?) to see the day that I hear these marvelous words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.  Enter into the joy of your Lord.”  Matthew 25:21

That will be glory! Not that I care about being a ruler over anything…no thank you. I don’t even enjoy being a supervisor over a few people…not my cup of tea at all.  But to “enter into the joy of your Lord”, yes, that will be Glory!!!

Yes, Today IS a Special Day!

Amen.

 

Random Journal Day #3: A Rather Nondescript Journal

Here we go again...Random Journal Day #3!  I am enjoying this opportunity to team up with other blogging friends in baring our innermost souls and sharing excerpts from our past journals with the world.  It is a bold and daring thing to do...open up an old journal and allow others to have a peek at our secret thoughts.  It could prove to be embarrassing, but hopefully it will be uplifting and encouraging to others who see themselves in what we have written.  If you would like to join us in this activity, please link up with us on
the following link: Random Journal Day Link Up - 3. 

Meanwhile, Today I selected an entry from my most nondescript journal in my collection.  I wanted to post a picture of it, but it is just a plain brown notebook, in which I added pages as needed.  The cover was so ugly, I decided to try and show it off to its best advantage...here's a few shots of it:

Now you have to admit that these pictures
do make this journal look a lot more interesting!
Now if the story is anywhere near as interesting as the picture,
this might be worth reading!

The journal entry I have chosen to share comes from September 3, 1989- Sunday, 9:55 p.m.     "Bedtime always seems to be the only time I can sit down and write. Probably because everyone else is still up-either getting showers, playing in their rooms to the very last minute, or watching the tail-end of a game or something on T.V.  (At the time of this writing, we had 3 sons living at home, ages 17, 16, and 12. One was a senior in high school, one a junior, and one in 7th grade.  We were serving in the ministry of a suburban church in the outskirts of Dayton, OH.)  I like to steal away into my bedroom, get my shower, and write awhile before everyone else comes barging in for bedtime prayers and goodnights.  Writing is, to me, a very private thing. (and here you are reading over my shoulder!)  Although someday I'd love to publish a book for all the world to read~right now I want to keep it hidden from view~my own private world where I can say what I want without fearing what someone else will say about it.  I guess it's sort of a lack of self-esteem~I don't want anyone else to read what I've written who may not understand it or appreciate it.  (See...this really does take courage to print!)  I'm sure someday someone will discover this and read it~maybe a grandchild~or even a great-grandchild~and if they do, perhaps they'll catch a glimpse of their past in these pages~perhaps even a glimpse of themselves~"a missing link", so to speak~of why they think or act the way they do~or why certain traditions have been handed down in their families.  Who knows what some future heir will think when he or she reads this...perhaps that their ancestor was a bit odd?  Or silly and sentimental--or a dreamer?!  Well, regardless of what my future heirs shall think~I'll continue to write~and maybe this will eventually fall into the hands of a "kindred spirit"...a child with a heart like mine!  One who will cherish these words from the past as a treasure of memories.  I suppose that's why I take the time to write them~with the hope that someday someone will read and understand and appreciate the underlying messages coming through." 

At this point in my journal I mentioned that I had recently resigned from a job and I listed a very long wish list of things that I hoped to accomplish now that I was "free"....as free as any busy pastor's wife with 3 active teenaged boys could be, that is. I was rather ambitious...of course, I was only about 39 years old at the time, so I guess I still had the energy to be that ambitious.  Some of the things I listed were:

• refinishing some antique furniture
• plant tulip bulbs given to me by a friend from church
• bake bread! ?
• make and freeze applesauce?!
• make and freeze zucchini bread?!
• catch up on correspondence
• teach 2 Bible Studies, work with Jr. High youth at church
• thoroughly clean the house!
• be a better neighbor and friend and spend more time cultivating friendships
• and last but not least: WRITE A BOOK!  I think it was funny that I wrote in parentheses: ("What do you think this is??")

I then added the following thoughts:

"So, the plans look ambitious~and I commit them all to God.  I want HIM to order my life~not me!  If these plans aren't exactly that He had in mind for me, then I submit to His will and seek His guidance.  Perhaps He has some surprises in store yet!  I trust they will be pleasant surprises."

I went on to quote from an old hymn the following:

"But I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."

I concluded this entry by saying, "Tomorrow is Labor Day. No school or work! Hurray!!"  Good night.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this excerpt from my past.  Hard to believe this was almost 23 years ago! I still have a long list of things I'd like to accomplish...still some of the same kinds of things..and especially the part about writing a book...and I still ask myself, "What do you think this is?"  Maybe someday...

P.S.  Looking back at the time this journal entry was written, I can say that God did have some surprises in store for us.  Within three months we were called to another church in the suburbs of Detroit, MI., which was quite an adventure in itself - for another story.  I did, however, manage to accomplish a few of my goals before moving... I refinished the antique vanity that I had wanted to restore...and here is a picture of the finished product along with my Grandmother's antique dresser. (I didn't refinish the dresser...that was already done by my brother). (Notice the gold carpet...this was the 80's, remember?) I did plant the tulips in my yard, but I never got to see them grow and bloom. I wonder if they are still there?  I don't remember about the applesauce, bread and zucchini bread...but I still like that idea for a fall project.  I will never catch up on correspondence...but now we have email and facebook, so that is my "correspondence" these days. (and this blog).  I know I taught a Ladies' Bible Study, but I don't remember another one at that particular time, and I did help with the youth until we left that church 3 months later.  Neighbors? Well, we moved...what can I say? But, I do still keep in touch with many of the ladies from that Bible Study on facebook..which was a surprise blessing a couple of years ago! And I am STILL wanting to write that book...someday...Lord willing! 

You know you've been away too long when you can't remember your password...

Psalm 145:1-3 "I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever.  Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.  Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable."


This has to be the longest I've ever stayed away from writing on my blog...and I had to retry my password twice before I could log on...not a good sign.  I posted a picture of my sweet little "Baby Elva" on facebook sitting at my computer keyboard, and someone suggested that maybe she should update my blog for me....I took that as a hint to get back at it quick! 

So here I am...and what do I have to say?  I am not too sure at this point. It has been a very stressful start of the new year for me...both at work and at home...nothing earth shattering, but just a lot of adjustments and pressures that I am finding more difficult to cope with at this "old age".  However, this reminder to get back to my writing has helped me remember the goals that I had set for myself last year around this time...primarily that I would make an honest effort to write something uplifting, encouraging and praiseworthy every day.  Just like the Psalmist above, "I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever....Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever." 

It is already the 8th day of the New Year, and I am just getting around to it...

Lord, please forgive me!  Help me to get back on the right track immediately...and keep me there so I will not go astray in my thoughts and meditations of You.  Even when my body is weak and my mind is weary, open my eyes, my ears, my heart, and cause me to focus my attention on You.  Then I know I will have the words that You desire me to share with others...and You will give me the purpose I need to keep moving forward.  Thank you, Lord, for not giving up on me.  Amen.

"The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.  The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season.  You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every  living thing."  Psalm 145:14-16

What new goals and "resolutions" have you made for this year?  How are you doing so far?
It's a good time to take stock of ourselves and think about the areas in which we need to improve...and then ask God to begin the work.  Don't try to do it alone...Let God be your guide and support team...He will never fail you.

"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.  He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.  The Lord preserves all who love Him...but all the wicked He will destroy.  My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever." Psalm 145:18-21

Looking forward to hearing from each of you this year...I know that God has great plans for all of us.  Now, let's just get moving!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!