Permission to Have Fun

Bachelor's Cat

2012-01-31T08:06:00.003-06:00

A bachelor kept a cat for companionship, and loved his cat more than life itself.

He was planning a trip to England and entrusted the cat to his brother's care. As soon as he arrived in England he called his brother.

"How is my cat?" he asked. "Your cat is dead," came the reply.

"Oh my," he exclaimed. "Did you have to tell me that way?"

"How else can I tell you your cat's dead?" inquired the brother.

"You should have led me up to it gradually," said the bachelor. "For an example, when I called tonight you could have told me my cat was on the roof, but the Fire Department is getting it down. When I called tomorrow night, you could have told me that they dropped him and broke his back, but a fine surgeon is doing all he can for him. Then, when I called the third night, you could have told me the surgeon did all he could but my cat passed away. That way it wouldn't have been such a shock."

"By the way," he continued, "how's Mother?"

"Mother?" came the reply. "Oh, she's up on the roof, but the Fire Department is getting her down."

Just Another Birthday Video | Casting Crowns Videos | Christian Artist Music Videos | Christian Music | NewReleaseTuesday.com

2012-01-17T07:51:00.000-06:00

Just Another Birthday Video | Casting Crowns Videos | Christian Artist Music Videos | Christian Music | NewReleaseTuesday.com

Boy, this one touches my heart. With Jesus, I'm fine!

Wow! John 3:16

2012-01-17T07:13:00.001-06:00

I love this ad, simple, true, all about the love Jesus has for us. Unveil this same love into the life of those you meet today.

Do. Or Not do. There is no try.

2012-01-02T09:26:00.000-06:00

I took the word try from a friend's vocabulary last year, only to give it back to her. Now it's a New Year, I'm taking it away again -- it's time to 'do' not try...
We can do exceedingly more if we stop trying and just do what God calls us to do.

Seagulls of Hope

2011-12-31T09:15:00.000-06:00

A seaman meets a pirate in a port, and talk turns to their adventures on the sea. The seaman notes that the pirate has a peg-leg, a hook, and an eye patch. The seaman asks, "So, how did you end up with the peg-leg?"

The pirate replies, "We were in a storm at sea, and I was swept overboard into a school of sharks. Just as my men were pulling me out, a shark bit my leg off."

"Wow!" said the seaman. "What about your hook"?

"Well," replied the pirate, "We were boarding an enemy ship and were battling the other sailors with swords. One of the enemy cut my hand off."

"Incredible!" remarked the seaman. "How did you get the eye patch?"

"A seagull dropping fell into my eye," replied the pirate.

"You lost your eye to a seagull dropping?" the sailor asked incredulously.

"Not exactly," said the pirate, "it was my first day with the hook."

.... So this reminds me of Acts 27 where Paul is on a ship with other prisoners, when the storm comes and everyone thinks it's the end. Paul hears from an angel, that they will be spared, that God graciously had given the lives of all who were with Paul.

This brings me to the 'seagull' moment in the story above ... and how in the storms of life we would love to see the seagull on the horizon, the shoreline, the hope and dry land.

But we must be sure that we're not forgetting the God who brought us through the storm -- the hook of hope that brings us out of the darkest days. And no, God won't poke you in the eye.

It's a Wonderful Life, Don't Jump in the River

2011-12-24T09:35:00.000-06:00

I did it. I watched "It's a Wonderful Life" sitting all by myself drinking a flavored water, eating popcorn and snuggled up on my sofa with my schnauzer Macy.
George Bailey is down and out after his brother Billy loses $8,000 and life keeps giving what George thinks is the short end of the stick.
He finds himself about to jump from a bridge to end his life, only for an angel to jump in the river ahead of him - a distraction to make George save the angel's life.
Then, Clarence (the angel) shows George what it would be like if he'd never been born...

With his life ...
He saved his brother's life...when he fell through the ice.
He kept the pharmacist from poisoning a child with the wrong medicine.
He married Mary and had four beautiful children.
He helped hundreds of people get houses from the building & loan.

If George never existed ... none of those things took place.

So this Christmas never underestimate where your life is ... who you touch, how you impact someone.

I expect there's an angel ready to jump in the river for each of us, to point us to Jesus, to remind of that we're fearfully and wonderfully made...and every time you hear a bell ring, an angel just got his wings.

Merry Christmas ... you matter.

Ride With Jesus Today

2011-12-20T07:42:00.000-06:00

The pastor of the church was looking over the cradle in the church's soon to be put away nativity scene when he noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures.
Immediately he turned and went outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon. In the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus.
So he walked up to the boy and said, "Well, where did you get Him, my fine friend?"
The little boy replied, "I got him from the church."
"And why did you take him?"
The boy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give him a ride around the block in it."

Orange or Grape Soda?

2011-12-13T15:00:00.000-06:00

When given a choice on the last soda, what would you do? Which would you pick? See, how two best friends handle this decision...

Do you like orange or grape soda?

Chocolate Night Before Christmas

2011-12-12T07:35:00.000-06:00

'Twas the night before Christmas and all round my hips
Were Fannie May candies that sneaked past my lips.
Fudge brownies were stored in the freezer with care
In hopes that my thighs would forget they were there.

While Mama in her girdle and I in chinstraps
Had just settled down to sugar-borne naps.
When out in the pantry there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash,
Tore open the icebox then threw up the sash.
The marshmallow look of the new-fallen snow

Sent thoughts of a binge to my body below.

When what to my wandering eyes should appear:
A marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer!
That huge chunk of candy so luscious and slick
I knew in a second that I'd wind up sick.

The sweet-coated Santa, those sugared reindeer
I closed my eyes tightly but still I could hear;
On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS
A Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox.

From the top of the scales to the top of the hall
Now dash away pounds now dash away all.
Dressed up in Lane Bryant from my head to nightdress
My clothes were all bulging from too much excess.

My droll little mouth and my round little belly,
They shook when I laughed like a bowl full of jelly.
I spoke not a word but went straight to my work
Ate all of the candy then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger beside my heartburn
Gave a quick nod toward the bedroom I turned.
I eased into bed, to the heavens I cry--
If temptation's removed I'll get thin by and by.

And I mumbled again as I turned for the night
In the morning I'll starve... 'til I take that first bite!

Christmas Music Trivia

2011-12-11T17:25:00.000-06:00

1.) In the carol "Frosty The Snowman" what does the cop tell them to do?
2.) In the carol "Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me" whats not needed to make Christmas great?
3.) In an unnamed Christmas Carol what did grandma get run over by?
4.) "What's?" roasting on an open fire?
5.) Dashing through the "what?" on a one horse open sleigh?
6.) What song are these lyrics from? - Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree won’t mean a thing if youre not here with me.
7.) What song are these lyrics from? - Snowin and blowin up bushels of fun.
8.) What song are these lyrics from? - And although I know it’s a long road back I promise you.
9.) In the second verse of we wish you a merry Christmas what do the singers demand?
10.) What color Christmas was elvis having?

Bonus Question: How many la’s in three verses of Deck The Halls?

Answers...
1. Stop 2. Presents, candy and toys 3. A Reindeer 4. Chestnuts 5. Snow 6. Blue Christmas 7. Jingle Bell Rock 8. I'll be home for Christmas 9. Figgy pudding 10. Blue
Bonus Question: 96

Dog Rules for Christmas

2011-12-08T07:18:00.001-06:00

1. Be especially patient with your humans during this time. They may appear to be more stressed-out than usual and they will appreciate long comforting dog cuddles.

2. They may come home with large bags of things they call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.

3. Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special kind of pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.

4. They may bring a large tree into the house and set it up in a prominent place and cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know: Don't pee on the tree... Don't drink water in the container that holds the tree... Mind your tail when you are near the tree... If there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell interesting or that have your name on them, don't rip them open... And Don't chew on the cord that runs from the funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree.

5. Your humans may occasionally invite lots of strangers to come visit during this season. These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some discretion on your part: Not all strangers appreciate kisses and cleans. Don't eat off the buffet table. Beg for goodies subtly. Be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your spot on the sofa -- they don't know any better. Don't drink out of glasses that are left within your reach unless you can get away with it...

6. Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be important: Observe all the rules in #4 for trees that may be in other people's houses. (4a is particularly important) Respect the territory of other animals that may live in the house. Be nice to the kiddies. Turn on your charm big time.

7. A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night. DO NOT BITE HIM!!!

Homeless for the Holiday

2011-11-30T16:16:00.000-06:00

Husband Sold On Craigslist

2011-11-22T11:50:00.002-06:00

A Utah woman, fed up with her husband playing a video game for hours put him up for sale on Craigslist.

Her ad said, "Easy to maintain, just feed and water every 3-5 hours."

Apparently, this ad was a joke and she posted it because her husband became obsessed with the video game. He was a veteran and played this game to stay in contact with his military friends, but a 48-hour stint was too long.

She received responses right away, one person offered a blue bag of Skittles, while others offered to trade places with her husband. Some said they were housebroken and trained too.

Well, her husband was quoted as saying he loved his wife, and he thought the whole thing was funny.

... Now, Joseph (in the Bible, the brother with the pretty coat) was sold on Craigslist for 20 pieces of silver. He first spent time in a pit because his brothers were jealous. Although traded into slavery, he found favor in God's eyes, and God was with him (see Genesis 39:2 and Genesis 39:21) -- even when falsely accused by Potifar's wife and sent to prison, the Lord ... was with Joseph.

His journey of slavery, prison and promotion was a NOT a joke, instead--his life protected the future generations of the 12 tribes of Israel when the famine came because his brothers needed grain to survive.

I love how -- no matter -- what list I find myself on, the Lord is with me, even if others want to put me up for sale on Craigslist.

AA Meeting Here I Come?

2011-11-16T16:42:00.000-06:00

How many AA meetings have you attended? I went to my first one.

Check out the link below and read more about it.

http://thechristianpulse.com/2011/11/16/my-first-aa-meeting-shines-with-hope/

Schades of Silliness with Pam & Cindy

2011-11-12T09:25:00.001-06:00

Tune in. Stop by the Fan Page on Facebook called Schades of Silliness. Go to my profile on Facebook and you'll find it there. New online radio show to air beginning in December 2011.

Faith, Hope, and Fun!

Grab the Halloween Tiger by the Tail

2011-10-30T21:14:00.000-05:00

I didn't mean for her to fall from her car, to break her leg and to go to the emergency room.

My friend, Diane dressed up like a tiger that year, with a lanky, spindly six-foot tail. Her little girl was dressed in the same costume for Halloween.

After the two of them received candy at my door, Diane and her toddler got in the car. She backed out of my drive-way and I noticed her tiger-tail was caught in the door. Running, I yelled, "Your tail is dragging the ground."

She saw me, stopped and opened her door. But she left the car in reverse, rolled backwards and lost her balance, tumbled from the seat and fell to the concrete. Her car, with her daughter inside, smashed into brick mailbox, stalled and stopped with a sound that reminded me of rocks falling on a mountain like a landslide.

Taking two tigers to the hospital isn't really the way to spend Halloween. And yes, Diane's leg was broken, but her tail was fine.

...I shared this story in a teaching, remind the audience that sometimes we drive forward with choices that are not the best for us. Or maybe, we're about to run over our 'tail' with the decisions, only for things to break and fall, all around us.
But with the Lord, He's there to catch us, to dress us in the costume of hope and to patch and mend our hearts. So, no matter where you are in your relationship with Jesus, it's great to know we can drive ahead with new purpose and with new choices, and you don't have to grab a tiger by the tail to find this out.

Strange Encounters of the God Kind

2011-10-19T23:37:00.000-05:00

What are the odds? I needed to find a woman I did not know in a city of nearly 50,000 people. I had a letter for her with signatures from inmates who were praying for her family, a letter from Prayer Hands Ministry.
I called a few folks and nothing worked out, not one connection came together. I read about her in the paper, but no one, well, no one that I knew had a phone number for her.
Then, I did what every blonde does -- I Googled the ladies name. The address sent me to a street where there must have been 100 apartments. I parked my car, unsure if I needed to knock on doors or give up.
A man in a wheelchair sat at the end of the sidewalk. He was talking to someone at the corner of the building.
Getting out of the car, I walked up, and asked if he knew the woman. A lady sitting in a lawn chair out of my sight spoke, and I stepped around the corner. She knew her, telling me of her new address and how she'd moved.
Well, actually she told me of a near-round-about address, but it moved me closer to finding the house. Seems she knew the names of two of the streets and that a chicken restaurant was close by.
Inside my car, I grabbed my cell phone and yes, I Googled again. This time, I had a few more details so another address popped up.
Driving to this house, I walked up to the porch, knocked and stood there, stood there and stood there.
Eventually I gave up, and got back in my car.
I decided to look on facebook to see if this woman had a profile since many people use this site. I found her and looked at her photos. I found a picture of her standing in the front yard of the house, the one I had parked in front of, the one right outside my car window.
I had found the right house.
The next morning I drove back to the house and this time someone was home. I made my delivery--handing the prayer letter to a friend of hers, and he promised to give it to her.
Awesome.

... To make this delivery, I drove to some apartments where I met a man I did not know, who had a lady friend sitting in a chair that I did not know, who sent me to a street near a chicken place in another part of town, a part of town that I did not know.

...I love how God directed my steps and allowed this to take place. Praise God for divine appointments., and for social networking sites and for Google. I love being God's postal carrier.

Delivery of Hope

2011-10-18T13:02:00.002-05:00

Who would ever think inmates inside of a state prison would create a hand-drawn shield on poster board with encouraging words and scriptures for someone else?
My friend GraySon with Prayer Hands Ministry decided to take their ministry to a new level, by awarding people who make a difference.
Since I have the privilege of delivering his other prayer letters, I was honored to take the first shield to Bob & Virginia Webb, who have a skating rink.
For 28 years, they’ve given children a place to skate, a safe environment to play and be with friends.
On Saturday, the 15th of October, I felt led to make the delivery. I called Virginia at the skating rink and her response like most would say, “What? Prisoners are praying for us?’ Tell me that again.”
She told me to come by, I shared the story behind this prison ministry outreach, and when she saw the shield, she said, “That’s a pretty big thing to live up to. I can't believe they did this.”
Virginia called her husband, he joined us and right away he cried. I cried too.
Isn’t it amazing how God can take someone behind bars and give them compassion for others?
I stand in awe at what God does … and is doing in lives and in hearts.
So, if you need to tell someone they matter – don’t let today get away without taking the time to share this with them. Call or stop by, in other words—skate into their life and bring a smile, a prayer, and a word of hope--you may be the shield of hope he or she needs.

Fall Gathering of Authors

2011-10-14T12:03:00.000-05:00

Fall Gathering of Authors

Don't miss this event!

It's a chance to support St Jude Research, a chance to meet area and regional authors, and a chance to support literacy. At the Four States Fairgrounds fine arts building, Texarkana Arkansas, on October 21, from 7 - 9 p.m., you can enjoy the charity dinner with author Larry Linam as he shares his story of redemption and forgiveness. In 1980, his daughter Gina was gunned down at the age of seven in Daingerfield, Texas at First Baptist Church on a Sunday morning along with several other church members.

Larry struggled with this tragedy for years, often contemplating murder and becoming an angry man. However, when God heals a broken heart lives are changed forever.

On October 22, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds you can meet all 21 authors as they offer their books in varied genres, with something for all ages. Games for the children, an essay contest and a Halloween costume event for children too.

Yes...yours truly will be there. Come see me. I can't wait to see you there.

The Lord is the Paintbrush to My Heart

2011-10-11T09:17:00.000-05:00

I 've found a new approach for my selling books. Actually, the message

of our Lord will sell itself. He's the artist to my heart, the paint brush to my soul.

What the Chev Cruze and God Have in Common

2011-10-08T09:38:00.000-05:00

Most of you know, I have new blue Chevrolet Cruze car.
Last week, on an outing with my hubby a whistle sound, one I'd heard the weekend prior started back, a high-pitched noise that we could hear at about 58 miles per hour.
I listened. Hubby pointed. We wondered. We stopped and looked at the front end. Nothing loose. He opened the hood. Yes, he found the engine. All seemed fine.
We got back into the car, took off and whistled in the wind.
I grabbed my cell phone, hit the record button and captured the sound.
This way, the service man would hear what we heard.
After the dealer checked the front-end, he discovered a loose piece of molding around the windshield, fixed it, and no more whistle.
I picked up the car. Grabbed the extra key and tossed THAT key into my purse.
The next couple of days, I couldn't figure out why my car kept making extra beeping noises. It wouldn't stay locked. I kept telling me the remote was in the car. I was puzzled. I had double the sounds.

Then, a friend asked "Don't you have the EXTRA key in your purse, the digital-smart key? Aha! I had two key-less remotes and my poor car was getting confused. It didn't know which key to honor, especially when I left with one in my hand and left the other in the car in my purse.

Smart Keys!

Now, there's a lesson for me. I have God's Holy Spirit, a smart-key so to speak. I want to hold onto Him. I want to know He is with me. I want His whistle of hope in my heart.

Zoom! Zoom! I'm headed down the road today. I'm whistling His love-song in my heart.

...And yes, He's the smart to my day, the remote to my life, the "Cruze" in my step.

GIVE by LeAnn Rimes Reminds Me to Give

2011-10-06T12:32:00.002-05:00

Give. A Simple word. It requires action. The word moves me. Give.
LeAnn Rimes filmed this video in Chicago with some of homeless and street kids. She fell in love with them and mentioned that many don't look them in the eye, like they don't exist. So today if you see someone, even a person who isn't homeless -- GIVE that person your smile. Make that person know they do -- exist, that we see them, that God loves them.

AA Meeting - My First!

2011-10-03T10:44:00.001-05:00

It's not everyday I attend an AA meeting. I'd picked up one of my friends, a young lady in rehab for her off campus day outing. The first stop on our list, she was required to attend a meeting. We drove about 10 minutes to a white building where women, men, young and old walked inside taking a seat.

I heard the testimony of Tim, a nice looking middle aged-man, who spoke of his journey of alcohol and the victories in his life, of knowing he could drink tea at restaurant instead of beer. He had a philosophy--keep it simple. One day at a time. With God at his side.

Larry spoke of getting to attend his son's high school football game sober. Of knowing he was going to remember it and could cheer his son on at the game.

Arturo told us how he lost everything, how his divorce sent him into despair and he didn't think he could live without his wife. He ended up on the highway one night in his underwear, was arrested and taken to a mental facility. He took his recovery seriously, says he's still lonely but he's trusting God for his choices, his life, his day. That's right. He's keeping it simple.

Britney shared how she spends a lot of time in the Bible processing what God says, and she mentioned she knows it invovles surrending all of herself to Him, but she's not quite there yet. She was quick to say she loves God and is working on becoming who she was meant to be.

Cliff shared his heart while sitting in his wheel chair, an older man who leans on the group spiritually and emotionally, he's hanging on to his day, and looking for answers.

As I sat there in the room, I noticed a common thread--the need we have for love, the need we have for Jesus to be a part of our lives (even when we don't know this), and the heart of the broken and bruised is not only found in AA meetings--because all around us we find those who are hurting, lost and lonely.

As simple as God's love is for them - for us; it's amazing how "His love" seems so far to the wandering heart, when it reality the Lord is near the broken hearted. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

I found rest with some new friends on that Saturday, and somehow, I think I needed them that morning, more than they'll ever know.

My Pretend Diet

2011-09-30T15:16:00.002-05:00

Do you ever pretend? I'm guilty of it when it comes to how much I weigh. That's right, I admit it. I fudge on the truth when/or if someone asks how much I weigh? First of all, I'd have to wonder why anyone wants to know this piece of information in the first place?

Isn't it obvious by the rolling and bouncing way I slide and scoot down the sidewalk?

So this week, I weighed myself. No pretending allowed. Wow! Was there an elephant standing on the scales with me? Yikes. Diet. Small meals. Less food. More water. No sweets. Exercise. I needed to make some changes.

And yet, letting go of my pretending isn't as easy as I thought -- because so far, I've poured diet root beer into a glass, added sweet cream, walked away and 'pretended' that I was coming back to a glass where the ice cream melted. So can you say, pretend ice cream float?

Then I made a spinach quiche with out crust. Pretending it had the yummy dough I loved, only someone had eaten all the crust.

Another day I poured some half'n half (that's what I use in my coffee) and pretended with my pretty little polka dotted glass with my initial on it--that I had a milkshake.

Yes, the pretending has taken over my diet, which brings me to a point of asking if I pretend to show love to others, or pretend to be a Christian or if my pretend church face on Sunday has any depth or meaning behind it.

So if this diet is teaching one thing--it's that with out ice cream, without crust, without the milkshake, that my health improves and my body will lose weight. Maybe, if I'd get rid of the junk in my spiritual walk with God--then my life would overflow with the fruit of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control.

And that's some fruit even my diet will allow!

Wonderstuck with God?

2011-09-29T09:26:00.000-05:00

I watched a commercial last night advertising a sweet perfume Wonderstruck a new fragrance by Taylor Swift. The product will (in my opinion) sell itself because so many people adore this talented singer. However it makes me wonder just how much perfume would it take to cover up our inner heart? Do we need to spray the fragrance of God's aroma into our lives?

Check out what Joyce Meyer says about walking in love. A fragrance worth the price ... because a life with Jesus will be "wonderstruck" - with more than we can ever imagine. Oh what a sweet fragrance!

Sweet Fragrance - Joyce Meyer Devotional

When Inmates Pray

2011-09-28T12:10:00.000-05:00

At the Recovery Center where I volunteer, I pray with my ladies -- only this past Sunday the roles were reversed. C -- that's what I'll call her said she felt led by God to pray for my younger son, Brandon. I had not shared the news that he needed a miracle in a situation, however God was at work in our midst.

What an honor to have someone step up and offer prayer for me ... for my son, to listen to God, to be brave enough -- even though this precious friend is serving time in rehab, she prayed boldly to the Lord.

And yes ... God heard the cry of this woman's heart.

On Monday, I'd get a phone call from said-son and he'd tell me the miracle of how a situation was entirely reversed, in a moment, a twinkling of God's answer. Can you say amazing? God is ready to hear our cry, to be with us, to deliver.

Thank you C. for praying for my son!

From Kids Super Church to Jail

2011-09-13T08:56:00.000-05:00

Bathroom Ministry?

2011-09-09T20:36:00.000-05:00

Tonight. 10 p.m. Come by my Fan Page on Facebook. Live show streams on the Ustream Link on the left. It will be recorded.

See how God uses me in a "Bathroom Ministry' -- You never know how God will use you. Be ready to say, "Yes. Send Me."

Pick door number one. Door number two. Or door number three.

But please - pick a door and share, pray and be God's light in places that you aren't likely to select as your first choice.

Isaiah 6:8

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom will I send?

Who will go for us?" I said, "Here I am. Send me!"

Stanley Praimnath, and Pslam 91

2011-09-09T12:34:00.000-05:00

by By Mark Ellis

The 911 Commission credits Stanley Praimnath as the only known survivor from the impact zone at the World Trade Center towers on September 11.

“The Lord saw fit for me to live,” says Praimnath, who works in the banking industry in New York. His riveting tale of survival is chronicled in “Plucked from the Fire” (Rosedog Books), coauthored with William Hennessey.

Wow. Read this blog and it will make you cry. I know, I cry easily. But God's protection shines in this story.

http://blog.godreports.com/

Strength from the Lord

2011-09-08T07:33:00.000-05:00

Do you need strength today? Hang out with these verses. Pray. Ask God. Believe He is working on your behalf.

Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

2 Samuel 22:33 God is my strength and power: and he makes my way perfect.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

Psalms 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

Isaiah 33:2 O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited for you: be you their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength.

Habakkuk 3:19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk on my high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel to him from heaven, strengthening him.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Thelma Wells Rocks!

2011-09-07T15:10:00.001-05:00

Picnic at the Lake with Thelma Wells was amazing last weekend.

This was my first time to take a Saturday and to listen, to

learn and to hear from some Godly women teaching God's word.
They challenged us to make a difference for the Kingdom.

Places to Find Me!

2011-08-23T07:56:00.000-05:00

Permission to Have Fun on iTunes
Listen to podcasts online, on your phone, anytime!

Every Friday night. 10 p.m. Central Time. Live streaming. 15 minutes of "Permission to Have Fun."

Live video from your iPhone using Ustream

Are you a real teacher?

2011-08-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

Real teachers buy Excedrin and Advil in bulk at Sam's Club.
Real teachers grade papers in the car, during commercials, in faculty meetings, in the bathroom, and at the end of nine weeks have even been seen grading in church.

Real teachers cheer when they hear that April 1st does not fall on a school day.

Real teachers never sit down without first checking the seat of the chair.

Real teachers have been timed gulping down lunch in 2 minutes 18 seconds. Master teachers can eat faster than that.

Real teachers can predict exactly which parents show up at open house.

Real teachers understand the importance of making sure every kid gets a Valentine.

Real teachers never teach the conjugations of "lie" and "lay" to eighth graders.

...With the new school year starting for teachers ... pray for them, that real love, real caring, real hearts will touch our children.

Josh Hamilton Lives for God

2011-08-12T07:20:00.000-05:00

Click on this link: Josh Hamilton and his faith

I am a baseball fan and love to attend the Texas Rangers games. What I love more than baseball is a person who lives his life as an open book for God. Josh Hamilton with the Rangers is a someone who reminds me of the redeeming message of Jesus and how God changes hearts and lives.

Check out the video above and see ...

Speaking to Ladies In Jail

2011-08-11T13:47:00.000-05:00

You are Precious to God

2011-08-10T08:06:00.000-05:00

In God's eye, you are a precious rose. Life comes with thorns. You may struggle to grow in the weeds and to blossom. But with Jesus, He is there to show you how your petals color the world with beauty.

This flower is from a dear friend. A precious rose.

I Love Lucy

2011-08-06T18:16:00.000-05:00

Why we still love Lucy
(Click on the link and see what columnist Cal Thomas says about Lucy.)

I have a license plate with the words: I Love Lucy. I still love to spend a few minutes with her when I see the re-runs come on the television. She takes me to her chaotic world where she's always up to something. I suppose that why I love her so much--she makes me laugh.

The Bible tells me in Philippians 4:4 to rejoice in the Lord always, This translates to me -- rejoice in the day you have, laugh, be thankful for your giggle and live with joy.

And if you need a jump start then watch an episode of "I Love Lucy" and she'll happily give you the push to fun, giggles and rejoicing.

Who are You to do that?

2011-08-03T10:30:00.000-05:00

by Jon Acuff
There is a voice of doubt every leader hears at the start of a new project.

The specifics of the project don't matter. The confidence level of the leader does not matter. The level of risk involved does not matter. This voice always sneaks in, just as you are about to launch something you feel God is calling you to. What does the voice say? Simple:

"Who are you to do that?"

Jon Acuff: 3 Wayt to Kill the Voices of Doubt Leaders Hear

(Check out the rest of his article)

_____________________________________________

I needed this article to remind me that blonde, goofy, perky and hyper folks like me -- have a chance to make God smile and to be a part of a His journey bringing smiles, offering love and enjoying our life as a Christian. Even for identical twins! Yes, I'm a twin, the good twin. Or not! Ha.

What If God Had a Facebook Page?

2011-08-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

What God's Bible Fans would Say!

Zacheeus once said, "I've got seats for the hottest event in town."

Bathsheba once said, "I've got the feeling someone is watching me."

Hey...check out the link above and see what the other Bible Characters would say on a post on God's Facebook.

In the Lick of Time

2011-08-01T11:48:00.000-05:00

Children's Book Leads Ladies to Jesus

Visit "The Christian Pulse" -- article about children's book and ladies who love Jesus, a stray dog and a sheep, dusty trails, lipstick, chaos and tasty meetings with Jesus.

Be a Butterfly for God

2011-07-29T23:00:00.001-05:00

Permission to Have Fun - Friday Nights with Pam Kumpe.
Go to My Fan Page on Facebook. All shows will be available after they air under Ustream. Join Now.

Video streaming by Ustream

Connecting Hearts and Making Delivery

2011-07-28T13:58:00.002-05:00

     I received a Prayer Hands Ministry letter in the mail from GraySon, the inmate who prays for others even though he is inside a state prison. It's for the family of a teen girl who was electrocuted by lines she knocked down in a freak car accident.
     Since I don't know this family, I prayed about how to proceed, trusting God to open the right door.
     How could I get this prayer letter into their hands?

Today a pastor friend stopped by my office, we chatted, and he talked of his jail ministry many years ago. I told him about the prisoner who prayed at our local state prison.

     After our talk, I told him that I currently have a delivery to make to a family. Turns out he knows the aunt so he made a call and handed me the address.
     The letter will make its way into the mailbox this afternoon.
     I believe in divine appointments and God directing our steps, especially since yesterday I forgot the letter and I also made two phone call to find this family--to no avail.
     God connected me with the right person today and I love how God directs our steps, connects hearts and shows up.
     Praise God!

I'll Run with You, by William Boyd Chisum

2011-07-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

“I’ll Run with You” is the latest book by William Boyd Chisum and beginning with the first page, he took me on a roller coaster ride because Boyd opened up his life-story in such a way that I traveled with him on every flip of the page—feeling the spiritual highs like the time he joined Southern Grace Quartet as their lead singer, to his enduring spirit and his resolve to make a difference in this world.

The pages are stark and real, no masks, and when Boyd shares how his father-in-law Jack helped him find his way to becoming a published author with “Chasing the Wind,” I was shocked to read about Jack’s journey, a life cut short by suicide, and this made me cry.

The reader will learn about Boyd’s son, Brock and how a life threatening heart surgery will bridge this father and son duo, and the pages of this story bring glory to God.

The title of the book is also Boyd’s life-song and in many of the chapters he recounts special people who left their mark of friendship and love on his life—the blessings of friends who are his life.

Now, this book will change you and challenge you to follow the desires of your heart, to look for the grace of God, to find hope in the midst of physical hardships, to see the mercy and joy as you run the race of your own life, even if you must limp.

Boyd Chisum has watched people lose their way, and he has struggled, fought back and rose to sing for God time and again. He has found friends, who are closer than a brother, and he has been blessed to have a song that describes his own journey—and he’s lacing up his running shoes.

He knows that grace runs deep and yes, he has escaped Pandora’s Box more than once, and he has moved from broken vessel to becoming a humble servant for the Lord. Yet, Boyd will run on the other side of those Heaven gates, but in the meantime, you must read this book to see how he is literally running ahead of me and I’ve got some grace-laps to run before I catch up.

There is a book that will make you laugh, cry and gasp, and this is it. There is a book that points to Jesus, and this is it. There is a book that brings hope—and this is it. Read it for yourself, but beware—you’ll need new running shoes by the time you turn that final page.

Share God's Story

2011-07-25T09:31:00.000-05:00

Sharing the details of my children's book with a young man, I spoke about Schade the stray dog and his sidekick Priscilla, a sheep who is doing her best to do a make over on this stray.

When they meet Jesus, a make over of the heart transforms the duo.

As I spilled this sound bite of the book's premise, it's interesting how you mind can talk to you at the same time. I heard myself say, "He wishing you would finish talking, so he can say goodbye."

When silence fell from my lips, he responded with this instead, "Where can I get a copy of your book?"

Since my bookstore is the trunk of my car, I grabbed a copy of "In the Lick of Time" and signed "Morgan, always pray & play."

... I am learning to be brave with the messages God places in my care, because like I discovered on that day, a little one became the recipient of my story which points to Jesus.

For Those who Feel Forgotten

2011-07-14T07:40:00.002-05:00

You are not forgotten. You may sit alone in the house. You may walk the streets alone. You may swim against the river of life; but you are alive—and this means you can have hope in Jesus.
He is walking with you—on the days you think your are alone. Strike up a conversation. Chat. Hold His hand. Grab on to His love.
Alive in Jesus. The hope for our day. The best friend in life—this is Jesus. Come live. Come to Jesus. Come.
You may have a million reasons to give up—but the light of Jesus shines through in the darkness. I see hope rising up. I see mercy falling in on us. I know Jesus loves---so you are not alone.
You have Jesus.
…And He holds you.

Permission to Have Fun Podcasts

2011-07-02T07:08:00.002-05:00

What Does Your Life-Shirt Say?

2011-05-31T18:08:00.004-05:00

At a recent Christian concert, a friend of mine wanted a T-shirt, one she noticed as we walked inside the building before the event started, and it was behind the product table.

Later, since I’d already stood in line and made the cattle-moving hustle with other women to the bathroom during intermission, I was ready to shop at those tables.

Having taken her time, my friend found herself in the line, way down the line, near the twisting and turning group of women who decided to head for the ladies room -- at the last second.
This auditorium had one bathroom for men, one for women, and several thousand folks in need of – a bathroom. So yes, you can guess the long lines and the dancing feet outside those doors.
My friend handed me some money and told me to purchase a specific T-shirt for her while she moved down the stairs toward the basement in line.
I cut through the crowd, moved to the table, met everyone along the way, making friends with each step and I saw the shirt hanging up behind the workers.
The first gray shirt read, “Save me from myself.” Below it was another gray shirt, which read, “Wonder.”
Now, I was stuck. She told me it was gray, and now there were two gray T-shirts to pick from.
Bouncing back through the crowd and the maze of folks, I found myself back at the stairs. My friend was down below, down the long-deep stairs, ready to make the turn into the bathroom. “Hey, I see two shirts. One says, save me from myself. The other says, wonder. Which one do you want?”
She chuckled, teeth shining and responded, “Save me from myself is on the front. Wonder is on the back. It’s the SAME shirt.”
“Aha. I see. I’ll be right back.”
I learned that she turned to the woman behind her, and told her, “Life with her is never boring.”
The lady had laughed and said, “Priceless.”
Now of course, I missed their conversation since I was chasing down a T-shirt for my friend. And I didn’t get the meaning of the phrasing on the shirt either. Why would it say, save me from myself and then wonder about it?
Oh wait. The name of Michael W. Smith’s album is “Wonder” and the first song is “Save Me From Myself.”
Goodness. I expect my friend would like her next T-shirt to say, “Save Me From Pam.”
And mine would say, “I wonder…”

…Here’s the best part.

Jesus is ready to save us from ourselves with His love!

No need to wonder about that!

In the Lick of Time

2011-05-17T16:26:00.000-05:00

Do you wonder if you are making a difference? Or have you asked how certain events will impact the future for others?

Ten year ago, I wrote a story about a dog named Schade who tasted the foot of Jesus after he followed the shepherds to the manger. The premise for the book was based on Psalm 34:8 taste and see that the Lord is good.

In my original manuscript this stray dog becomes Jesus’ first pet—only much like the story which got tucked away inside of a box, we often feel like strays in life, wondering if we matter.

Encouraged by a series of events last year, I wanted to bring my story out of the archives, and I wanted to look at reworking the tale, to see what I might do with the poor lost dog that never made it into a storybook.

As I dusted off the pages, an amazing journey took place and Schade who seemed lonely was given a new friend Priscilla, a sheep with an annoying personality trait of talking too much. She also thought she was called to do a makeover on Schade, he was her new project.

It’s like I heard Schade and Priscilla talking in my head, the playful way Priscilla would speak to Schade, and then in return I’d hear this gruff sounding dog sneeze at being allergic to Priscilla as he tried to run her off, to get her out and away from brushing his tail.

This children’s book took on new life; the banter between best friends jumped from the pages.

Then, I needed an illustrator and through another series of events I hired Ron Wheeler to draw my characters. He captured them exactly as I’d pictured and the book became a 32-page tale of tasting the goodness of God and discovering the makeover of the heart—comes from Jesus.

On May 11, 2011 the books arrived, and I took a copy to the Recovery Center where I hold Sunday morning church service. I shared the tale with my ladies, to take them to Ezekiel 34 in the Bible and how God is like our shepherd and how he is looking for the stray sheep.

By sharing this story from my book and then by using God’s Word to match our hearts with the love Jesus has for the stray, well—the altar call at the end of the service changed my own heart.

C-girl, one of the ladies in recovery came up to me, and she wanted to give her heart to the Lord. I prayed with her, our tears mixed with joy and she was spiritually renewed. Then, in a move that I credit to the working of the Holy Spirit, some 20 ladies also gave their hearts to Jesus as they wanted to make sure they were God’s kid, his child, that they were a part of the family.

I have only one thing to say about this entire story about Schade and his best friend Priscilla—the Lord is after the stray in all of us.

Never underestimate how God can use a story, how God can touch a life, how Jesus loves us—too much—to forget about us. He’ll never toss our life story away, or tuck it away in a box. He’s ready to bind our hearts with hope and give us a tasty life with Him, and it’s all about God’s timing!

Does Jesus live in a Tree?

2011-05-03T23:14:00.000-05:00

A pastor was giving the children's message during church. For this part of the service, he would gather all the children around him and give a brief lesson before dismissing them for children's church.

On this particular Sunday, he was using squirrels for an object lesson on industry and preparation. He started out by saying, "I'm going to describe something, and I want you to raise your hand when you know what it is." The children nodded eagerly.

"This thing lives in trees (pause) and eats nuts (pause)..." No hands went up. "And it is gray (pause) and has a long bushy tail (pause)..." The children were looking at each other, but still no hands raised. "And it jumps from branch to branch (pause) and chatters and flips its tail when it's excited (pause)..."

Finally one little boy tentatively raised his hand. The pastor breathed a sigh of relief and called on him. "Well...," said the boy, "I KNOW the answer must be JESUS ... but it sounds like a squirrel to me!"

________________________________________

Our search for Jesus shouldn't take us up a tree, but rather our hearts can find Him at the cross of mercy, love and hope! Take your bushy tail and jump into His arms.

It Sure is Hot Down Here!

2011-04-11T22:10:00.001-05:00

Have you ever said something that didn't make sense?

Well, this couple decided to go to for a weekend trip to the gulf to see the coast, but getting the time off at the same moment was a struggle. The husband decided he'd go a day early, and get the beach front hotel set up and his wife would join him the following day.

Once he got to the resort, the husband thought he would email his wife from his laptop, but he accidentally mistyped her email address and sent it off without checking it.

Now...somewhere in the United States, a widow had just returned from her husband's funeral, and he had been the pastor at the church for years, and was 'called home to glory' following a heart attack.

Tired from the day, the widow checked her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends, but instead found this:

From: Your Departed Husband

Subject: I've Arrived!

I've just arrived and have checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was. (P.S. Sure is hot down here!)

To: My Loving Wife

...If you have trouble making yourself clear, at least make sure you have sent your note to the right person

...Touch someones life with kindness and the love from God today.

Leaving a Lasting Impression

2011-03-30T08:07:00.002-05:00

My mom walked into the store along side a man who knew my father. My precious daddy passed away in 1997 and in his retirement years he worked for Guys Burger in Nash, Texas.

The man recognized my mother and stopped her. “You’re Mr. W.C.’s wife aren’t you?”

They chatted for a minute, catching up on the past. He was one of the men who stopped by the burger place to tell lies with the old men at the round table. Maybe not lies, but those were his words.

He often came in, but didn’t always have the money for a burger. My dad would tell Guy the owner to put it on his tab.
Then when Randy would bring in the money, to pay my father back for the burger, daddy wouldn’t take his money, telling Randy he didn’t remember doing it.
As my mom and this man Randy talked, he said, “W. C. was the nicest man I’ve known.”
Yes, I cry as I remember how blessed I was to have such a father. His touch in life was great—a kind, gentle breeze to a person’s day.

Mt Everest is Flat!

2011-03-26T16:48:00.003-05:00

That’s right. Mt Everest is flat.

I know. It's not. If this were true though, then conquering the mountain would require absolutely nothing from you. You would climb with ease.

So what if I told you the race of life is short, no curves, no bumps, and no potholes? Again, it would require nothing from you. How does this make you feel, knowing the easy life would be yours, flat-boring, and no challenges?

Paul talks about the thorn of his flesh and asking God to take it away. And the Lord told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
I believe the Lord is holding onto us with our thorns, even when we feel like we can't climb the mountain we don't often see the view until we reach the top.
The Lord talks of his power rising up and his grace being enough, and I know that in life the mountains are steep; they are filled with crevices and cliffs. We may fall, we may find our feet slipping, but Philippians 1:6 reminds me--the God who has begun a good work in us will carry out it to completion.
This speaks of hope—of my holding on and conquering life with God. However, I admit, I have at times thought, “what if life was easy?”
Do I remain committed to the Lord only at the mountain top? Do I live with zeal and joy, only when I know life is uncomplicated, when I sense fewer thorns? But the extraordinary life comes by serving an extraordinary God. It's all about the climb with God, rising up, holding on, running the race, and surviving the curves.
I want to be an over comer—with God holding onto my life. Don't you? Live for the view God puts in your heart, and climb.

Roll Up Your Sleeve

2011-03-18T22:31:00.001-05:00

What if he stopped by your office just to have you button the cuffs on each sleeve of his shirt, would you think this odd?

The other day, a retired, elderly tall, and funny ,but yet quite bright man in town came into our office to take care of business. Mr. Retired Man spent a few minutes with another staff member and then proceeded to say to me, “Pam, I need two favors from you.”

I quickly said, “Sure. Whatever you need.”

He stuck out an arm. “See this cuff on my sleeve, I can’t button it.”

I proceeded to button it.

“Now, here’s favor number two, the other sleeve.”

Done.

He showed me the scars on his arm from the surgeries, which left his finger mobility tightened, so his fingers no longer could take care of buttons on cuffs.

As we move along in life, scars and slowing down are a part of the physical makeup of our lives. We may need more help, or favors – like my friend.

I told him, “You come see me anytime you need those buttons taken care of.” He grinned, and left the office.

I couldn’t help but wonder how a small button may seem like a mountain when you can’t conquer it. And in this same way, when obstacles come our way, small or big, we need God’s help to find our way. If we’ll ask for His favor and trust the Lord to button up our difficulties, we can soar with sleeves of hope.

If you need a small favor, try me. I may can help, or at best—I’ll send you to the Father, our Lord. He’s the Savior with all the favors. Hold onto him, and look for His help.

Lost Heart

2011-03-17T22:07:00.001-05:00

I lost my heart. Those words echoed throughout the house this morning. I can’t find it. It’s missing. I had a heart. Now it’s gone.

Eventually, hubby chimed in, “Honey, how did you lose your heart?” His chuckle trickled into my office and his words confirmed my thoughts, that he didn’t believe me.

Actually I had my heart on Valentines Day at a banquet, so maybe I lost it or left it at the church where I spoke. Either way, my heart is missing, and I want it back.

Is this how we go through most of our day? We know the steady beat of our heart exists, however we forget how blessed we are and we go through the motions—kind of in a robot sort of way?

As long as we have breath in us, no matter where we’ve been, or will go, the Lord can use the heartbeat of our life to bless, encourage and shine for others. So grab your right ventricle, let’s get on with living the full life, since we’re not stuffed or stitched like the red-stuffed heart I lost—somewhere.

Medical Care Isn't What It Used to Be!

2011-03-10T10:52:00.000-06:00

Limping is never fun for anyone. So when I ran across this illustration, I had to share it.
Two patients limp into two different medical clinics with the same complaint. Now, both have trouble walking and appear to require a hip replacement. The first patient is examined within the hour, is x-rayed the same day and has a time booked for surgery the following week.

The second sees his family doctor after waiting a week for an appointment, then waits eighteen weeks to see a specialist, then gets an x-ray, which isn't reviewed for another month and finally has his surgery scheduled for a year from then.

Why the different treatment for the two patients?

The first is a Golden Retriever. The second is a Senior Citizen.

...And why this story matter to me? God won't wait weeks to meet with me, no appointment needed. He loves restoring our lives, so we can walk without the limp and we can then, step with confidence using our paw-paw walk for Him.

Lonesome Dove Shines Light on Fragile Lives

2011-03-08T21:13:00.001-06:00

    When the movie finished, I said I was never going to see again, however the more I thought about the plot, it offered insight into the frailty of life. Take Loraine, a prostitute in the movie “Lonesome Dove” who works in a saloon to make her living. All she wants is a place called home, to be loved.

     Even though she meets up with plenty of men, her heart belongs to Gus, one of the Rangers taking a herd of cattle and horses to Wyoming.
     Wanting out of her saloon lifestyle, she ends up on the journey with Jake, another former Ranger and the couple join Gus and Captain on the trail with the herd.
     Jake deserts her along the way, and Gus oversees her care on the trail, and before long a group of Indians and Wild Duck, a horrible killer kidnap Loraine, abusing her with torture and beatings.
     Saving her, Gus protects and cares for her, but her trauma is so deep she doesn’t speak for weeks.
     Along the way, they buy horses from Claire, who is Gus’ long lost love from years ago. It seems Gus and Claire used to sit by the creek near Lonesome Dove for picnics.

Claire and Gus

Loraine stays with Claire, now living in luxury, and she has new shoes, a bath, and her hair is pretty—but she’s the saddest person in the house. She longs to be loved, although the love Gus had offered her was better than she realized, he respected and wanted only the best for her.

Before Gus died, he writes two letters, one for Claire and one for Loraine. Claire reads hers. But for Loraine, she did not, it was enough to know that the letter was for her. She held it close to her heart.

When I think of God’s love for us, I’m reminded that he’s written a love letter to us. Sure we may find ourselves in the wrong saddle at times and life may hurt us, but the Lord is ready to clean our hearts, refresh our thoughts and shine hope into our day.

But … to know how much he loves us, we must receive this love … and open the letter of hope from the Lord. Will you take the letter he has for you? Is it enough to know just how much he loves?

In the Lick of Time

2011-02-28T16:51:00.000-06:00

New Children's Book! Coming in May 2011!

In the Lick of Time

Dents of Life!

2011-01-29T11:15:00.000-06:00

A a man traveling down a neighborhood street in his new Jaguar, found himself watching for the children who darted between parked cars. So he slowed down. Then, a brick sailed out and smashed into his shiny passenger door.
He slammed on the brakes, jumped from the car and saw the dent. He backed his car up, looking for the culprit.
"What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?"

"Please, mister, please...I'm sorry! I didn't know what else to do!" The youngster cried. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop! It's my brother. He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up."

Sobbing, the boy asked, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair?"

The man helped the boy into his wheelchair, and wiped his scrapes and cuts with his handkerchief.

The walk to his car became a slow life changing moment, and the man NEVER fixed the dent in his car.

I have a question: Will someone have to throw a brick at you to get your attention. In life we tend to get into the fast lane, often forgetting about God. In Psalm 46:10 we see, "Be still and know that I am God."

Taking time for God will keep some of the dents out of your life, or at best--when they come, you recognize how God is speaking to your heart.

What are you wearing today?

2011-01-22T13:03:00.000-06:00

We all combine certain clothes to make ourselves look good in public, however there are a few things which really don't go together.

Like:

~ A nose ring and bifocals.

~ Spiked hair and bald spots.

~ A pierced tongue and dentures.

~ Miniskirts and support hose.

~ Ankle bracelets and corn pads.

~ A belly button ring and a gall bladder surgery scar.

~ Unbuttoned disco shirts and a heart monitor.

~ Midriff shirts and a midriff bulge.

~ Bikinis and liver spots.

~ Short shorts and varicose veins.

I hope your're looking good in what you have on today!

______________________________________________________

As always if we wear God's goodness and shine

His love in our actions--we will keep others from seeing

our liver spots, buldges and varicose veins.

God's Copy of Love in Your Day

2011-01-15T09:34:00.000-06:00

     The copier at the office is new, at least to us. It’s digital and reads images, and recognizes the size of the paper and whether to use letter sized paper or legal. A coworker announced this new copier produced a black stripe across the top of her copy. I stayed away; I’m the least savvy tech person.
     My comments jumped across the room with possible solutions though, and for two days we all mumbled about the new purchase.
     Late one day, I journeyed to the copy, and slipped my originals into the feeder, only to receive striped black copies in return. When this problem belonged to the others, I was fine. Now that it affected me, I wanted to fix the problem. The stripe had to go away.
     I phoned the company which carried our service contract, speaking to the service man. He talked me through check points. Immediately, I talked under my breath, “I knew, this was going to take forever.”
     I pressed buttons. I moved parts. I check components.
     Mr. Techno Man guided me until I found the tiny black smudge causing the line on our copies. He solved my issue in two minutes, nice. I grabbed a tissue and alcohol and wiped the glass clean.
     Testing the copier, I placed a piece of paper in the top feeder, pressed start and retrieved the copy. The black line appeared on this new sheet.
     My coworker bellowed, “You made of copy of the copy, which already had the line on it. If you make a copy of a black line, you get a black line.”
     I expect this is how my mind works, since what goes in appears on the copy pages of my day. God knows why we should guard our hearts. He knows that impressing his love into my life will give me the ability to express and copy the lifestyle of walking in His love, of sharing his goodness and helping others know He erases the black lines from our day.
     Wiping our lives with His forgiveness, we enter the realm of receiving His eternal love—it’s the service contract which never ends.

Snow in East Texas

2011-01-10T07:44:00.000-06:00

It snowed all day in East Texas. Now, we're slipping and sliding to work. But oh, the beauty of the white blanket which coats the landscape of life. However, driving on snow covered roads is not the norm for me.

I'm like the little girl who dressed in her "Sunday best" and she found herself running was late to church. She started running to her Sunday school class. As she ran, she prayed, "Dear God, please don't let me be late. Dear God, please don't let me be late." Then she fell.

She got up, dusted herself off and saw that her dress was now dirty and had a little tear. She started running again, still praying, "Dear God, please don't let me be late." But this time she added, "But please don't push me, either!"

--- I don't need to be late for work this morning ... and in my case, I need God to push me and keep me on the road!

Skipping with God

2010-12-29T12:04:00.001-06:00

Can you imagine if everyone in your office stood and skipped in unison?

The image I see of bosses in suits, of ladies in high-heels, of mail room clerks, and CEOs skipping to the file cabinet, skipping to the phone, or skipping all around the office makes me smile.

It also conjures of memories from my childhood when skipping meant your high-step outward expression showed the world you were happy and carefree. But most of us haven't skipped since we were ten.

If you did it now, what would others think? What would they say? Would you care?

The freedom to be a kid would be worth the experience, and I have challenged a coworker to this skipping art. See, when we get past what someone thinks of us, when we are free to be childlike and not put on suits and shoes that restrict, we discover a lost art -- the ability to enjoy life like a child sees it.

Once you start skipping, you might try flapping your arms like a butterfly. Or twirl and skip like a helicopter. Then you might skip backwards or sideways. You can skip to your hearts content. But don't fall down!

Now, if you need a skipping partner. I'm your gal. I love fun. I love knowing we are God's kids, no matter our age. And I love the idea, of watching others have fun, live out their faith and see all the possiblities for the day.

So come on ... let's skip away the day!

What Do You Believe In?

2010-12-28T10:56:00.000-06:00

What do you believe in?

How would I know?

What does your life say about you?

If I watched you, what would I learn?

Without hearing you speak, would I know you believe in Jesus?

What does your silent life say to others?

Christmas Reaches Out!

2010-12-23T12:35:00.000-06:00

I love spontaneous moments of popping into a person's life without his or her knowing it's me. Well, sometimes they must know it's me, since I hand out gifts in person.

It's so fun, to be God's hands, His feet and bring light to someone at Christmas.

You may wonder where and how to bless someone, but I've discovered by listening to a person, I hear needs and desires. Then I can act.

Take for instance, when a person comes in your office, frazzled and rushed--he or she may be ready to throw in the towel. Another friend finds out the money she thought she'd have to make a trip home is not there for the gasoline. Or you find out a neighbor will be alone. Or you know that your cousin will spend her holiday looking for hope in shopping trips and making purchases.

The hope and joy of Jesus is the answer. He's ready to love on the person who is ready to give up, for those who need gasoline, for a person who is lonely, or for the one who spends money to fill up the empty void in her heart.

Here's a thought: Grab yourself by the hand, push if you must. Challenge yourself to reach outside of your world. Encourage the frazzled, and take time to pump hope into another person's life. Meet a need for someone during the next 48 hours and see how your heart grows and expands with joy.

In other words, God gave us a heart--so Merry Christmas to all and to all--reach out!

Cards, Gifts, Oh my!

2010-12-21T10:12:00.001-06:00

Do you wait until Christmas Eve to think of others?

I heard of this woman who waited until the last minute to send out her Christmas cards. Actually, many people have stopped doing this all together. Well, she decided to send out a card to her closest friends and family, 49 folks to be exact.

She hurried to the store and purchased a package of 50 cards, not even looking at what the inside of the card said, but she liked the picture on the front.

Addressing them, she signed the cards, stamped the envelopes and sent them out in the mail.

On Christmas Day she sat down for her morning coffee, and saw the one lone card that was left over from the package. It read, “This card is just to say, A little gift is on the way.”

Forty nine people were expecting a gift from her!

----------- So slow down. Read your cards. Drink your coffee

And remember, the message of Christmas is: Jesus is the gift, and He's on the way.

Merry Christmas! Jesus loves you!

Wiggle Toes & Walk

2010-12-15T23:43:00.001-06:00

The young pregnant woman is wondering about her future. Especially since she must tell everyone about her pregnancy. She will be shunned by some. Others will whisper. Gossip of her situation will fly from conversation to conversation.

"Is it true? Is she pregnant? Who is the father? Will she keep the baby?"

Imagine this scene today.

Now imagine it with Joseph and Mary. It's more than most people can comprehend our understand.

And then, when I think of, the first cry of baby Jesus, of his wiggling his toes. It reminds me of how his walk on earth was all about love, a story of joy and new births--ours too!

Jesus is ready to come to us -- today. He loves. He lives. He reigns. Wiggle your toes. And take the walk toward Him! Or crawl if you must...

Jesus is the Star

2010-12-10T15:04:00.002-06:00

May you find hope in the manger.

May your life sparkle with joy.
May Jesus become your all.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Letters

2010-12-08T16:08:00.000-06:00

This is the Proverb 31 Woman's Christmas Letter.

Dear Friend,

The letter you hold is from paper I made myself. I rose early this morning to give myself time to hand paint the wreath you see on the front of the envelope. Then I spent the morning sewing the placemats we'll have on the table this Christmas. Yes, I painted this same wreath design on the napkins. We're excited you'll be with us for our special meal. Of course, I'll prepare it all from scratch and we'll eat promptly at noon.

I'm stenciling gold stars on all the gift wrapping paper this year too. I just wanted to take a minute to say hello, but now it's time to glue all the berries on the Christmas tree and make my grandmother's homemade fudge before cutting wood out back for the fireplace.

See you soon,
The Proverbs 31 Woman

However, this is the letter you would get from me.

Dear Friend,
I'm writing this note to you on a paper sack from the store, so pay no attention to the coffee stains and milk stains. I'm jotting this letter to remind you to bring your own napkins since money is tight. While you're at it, will you bring the turkey? We'll still have Christmas dinner at noon like always, except you'll need to pretend we have dressing, since I'll not make it this year--since I burn most things. Well, I've got to run, so I can get the Christmas tree up, it's out in the storage building somewhere. Don't forget you gift for the Christmas exchange, I found you something special at the Dollar Store.
See you soon,
Pam

The Real Meaning of Christmas

2010-11-30T22:23:00.000-06:00

I just finished watching a cartoon. And yes, I’m older, so most people my age don’t spend an evening watching cartoons. Since the premier of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” years ago, plenty of people have objected to nativity scenes, and we see where commercialization is still a problem even today.

Take Black Friday a few days ago, people staying up all hours to get that bargain. I got up at 5 a.m., just to get a sale item with my sister. We shopped all day, looking for deals.

And yet, I hear Linus tell me the real meaning of Christmas.

That’s my prayer this year, that we’ll spend time thinking on the birth of our Savior, while giving his story a significant place in our hearts. He does offer love, hope and joy.

Linus recites these words, a reminder of this love found in Luke 8: 8-14.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Linus goes on to say, “That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

This special cartoon speaks volumes to me, about what really matters at Christmas. And as always, I learned so much from the gang, and from Charlie Brown.

I need to search for meaning this Christmas. And even if I’ve carried a security blanket of doubt around, one special moment with Jesus changes everything. So listening to the story of Jesus, can make all the difference on how I spend my holiday this year.

Besides, if a dog can live his fantastic adventures on the Charlie Brown cartoons, then just think what a great adventure we have in store for us, living as a believer of Jesus Christ.

So this Christmas, pause, listen, sing, spend time in the scriptures, there’s a life changing story of a Savior who came for you, and for me. And that makes me want to sing, Hark the Herald Angels Sing … glory to the new born King.

The Chirp of Life

2010-11-17T07:15:00.002-06:00

Do you look back over your life? Ever wonder if you have missed God along the way?

When did you last pray with a friend? Or sit and listen? Or talk about what the Lord has done in your life?

There's something to be said about counting your blessings. It does take your mind off of yourself and give perspective.

There's this guy who was upset about his current financial situation, his plight in life. Then he saw a man rolling down the sidewall who had no legs and this man in the wheelchair whistled and smiled.

My dad spent some of his last days in a wheelchair, and I'll never forget pushing him around the park in a circle around the pond. He hummed enjoying the birds singing, the children playing, and the ducks in the water. Wwe talked about anything and everything.

I treasure those times, as they exist only in my memory -- he passed away several years ago.

Take time to stroll. Take time to laugh.

Take time to hear the chirp of life.
Or better yet, waddle around the pond.

Let's spend time with the Savior, Jesus.

The song he is giving us, is one of blessing and hope.

Don't miss the tune...roll ahead and hum.

Is it Worth it?

2010-11-11T08:09:00.000-06:00

When a soldier fights for our freedom, we tend to forget what he or she endures on the battlefield.

I read a story about a solder, and he saw his best friend fall out on the field above their trench.

He was stuck, caught in the hole during continuous gunfire as the sound of the bullets flew above his head. He wanted to bring his friend back from the field, from no man’s land outside the trenches.

His lieutenant said, "You can go, but I don't think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may throw your life away."

The soldier blocked out the words of the lieutenant and stood, climbed from the trench and crawled out to his friend.

He reached his long time friend, and hoisted him up and propped him on his shoulder. Carrying him back to the trench, the gunfire whizzed around him.

The two of them tumbled down and into the trench, landing in the bottom of the hole.

Another solder, a doctor looked at the wounded soldier, and said, "See, it wasn’t worth it, your friend is dead. Now you have been wounded as well.”

The soldier answered, "It was worth it, because when I found him, he was still alive and I had the satisfaction of hearing him say, "I KNEW YOU'D COME."

Take a minute, pray for our soldiers.

Take a minute, thank God for his love.

Take a minute, because no matter what trench we find ourselves in, God will always come.

Thank you soldiers for fighting for our freedom!

Start Spending!

2010-11-08T09:16:00.000-06:00

Imagine that you won an incredible prize in a contest. Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400.00 in your private account for your use. The prize does come with a set of rules, just as any game has certain

rules.

The first set of rules:

* Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you.

* You may not simply transfer money into some other account.
* You may only spend it.
* Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400.00 for that day.

The second set of rules:
* The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say, It's over, the game is over!
* It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.

What would YOU personally do? You would buy anything and everything you wanted, right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love, right? Even for people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself, right? You would try to spend every cent, and use it all, right?

IN LIFE, this GAME is REALITY. Each of us is in possession of just such a magical bank. We just can't seem to see it.

The MAGICAL BANK is TIME. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of Life. When we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is NOT credited to us. What we haven't lived up that day is forever lost. Yesterday is forever gone.

Each morning the account is refilled, but the Bank of Life can dissolve your account at any time, WITHOUT WARNING.

SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds?

Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars.

Think about that, and always think of this:

* Enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think.

* Take care of yourself, be Happy, Love Deeply and enjoy life!

Here's wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day.

Start spending.

Does God tell us to shut up?

2010-10-27T15:10:00.002-05:00

When her husband took the floor to deliver his 15 minute talk to the teens, Ms. Wife was assigned the task of praying for him. Sitting, quietly in the front row praying, she propped her chin on her hand and closed her eyes.

When it nearing, his one-minute time mark (the amount of time left), she raised her right hand, just a wee bit, to let him know. He ignored her wave, however he'd asked her to give him such a sign.

She signaled a double wave with both hands. More than once. No response from her talkative husband.

Up from her chair, she moved to the back of the classroom, stood by the back walk and proceeded to do a jumping jack wave routine. Not once did he see his beloved bouncing wife signaling him.

Minutes ticked on, the kids rolled their eyes, boredom set in.

She gave up and walked back to her chair in the front row and resumed her praying position. She closed her eyes and waited for the talk to end.

Finally he offered his last scripture reference, closed his Bible and stepped down from the podium.

Running up to her husband, she used her whisper yell, "First, I pray for you. Then, I signal you. You did not stop talking. I run to the back of the room and jump up and down. Nothing. So I sat down and prayed for God ... to ... shut you up."

When I heard this story (based a true incident)

I laughed so hard,

because it's reminded me of how

God must try to get my attention.

He talks to me. He signals me.

He stands at the back of the room calling out my name.

However, I go on...and on...and on...and on.

Thank goodness, he waits patiently for me to stop talking.

And yes, it takes Him doing jumping jacks before I respond...some days.

Get Out of the Pit!

2010-10-26T07:59:00.001-05:00

"But it won't work for me."

How do we help someone who is is the pit?

I often think about, how to help someone with the understanding of knowing God's forgiveness and love is for them. Sure, I hear stories of hope. I can listen to tapes about a person who has overcome, but how do I convey this "hope" to a broken person who is still in the pit?

Confessing God's word over my life. That sounds good. Saying and repeating God's promises. That's good too. However with any new beginning when it begins with Jesus - that's where we find the hope.

Knowing his sacrifice, his love and his heart; getting this from my head to my heart, is key to receiving his love.

Isaiah 61: 10 says, "I will find joy in the Lord. I will delight in my God. He has dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He has wrapped me in the robe of righteousness like a bridegroom with a priest's turban, like a bride with her jewels."

There's the hope - having joy in the Lord, having delight in my God, and knowing he's the salvation for my soul, that his love will bring me out of the pit. He is my lifeline. He is wanting to put my feet on solid ground, so I can walk away from the choices that lead to falling into the pit.

So if you're in a pit -- here's my advice: Stop digging. Start climbing. The hand of God is ready to hold onto yours as he lifts you from the mire, from the mud -- his deliverance is as close as your next breath or prayer.

Like Isaiah 54:10 says, "The mountains my move, and the hills may shake, but my (God's) kindness will never depart. My promise of peace will never change, says the Lord, who has compassion on you."

He loves you. He loves you. He loves you.

....take a few minutes ... think of chewing on the goodness God has for you....his dog-bone is the tasty treat for our life...

Will your kids pray at school?

2010-10-25T19:02:00.001-05:00

Do your kids pray at school?

Who would ever think cartoons would get too afraid to talk about praying in school?

Do you children pray at school?

Would they be afraid?

This cartoon strip was in my paper on Sunday. It makes a huge statement with few words.

When Toes Tumble!

2010-10-19T11:15:00.001-05:00

When I went to bed, I told myself not to trip over the suitcase on the floor.

However, when my miniature schnauzer woke up before sunrise, the dark room meant I’d walk through the house without turning on a light.

That’s right; I couldn’t switch the light on because my dear hubby was sleeping soundly under the quilt.

Opening the back door, my four-legged Macy scampered out to the yard. Her barking told me she’d rather play outside for awhile.

I waddled back down the hall, to grab a few more winks before the alarm sounded its buzz.

In the shadow of the darkness, the suitcase caught my attention, but not before three of my toes on my right foot tangled with the latch.

This sent my left foot in another direction, causing me to do the splits in the air, flying forward like a trapeze artist who was performing in the dark.

Only thing, my arena was a bedroom filled with furniture and end tables, and my head soared right toward a wooden object.

I threw up my hands, to block my face. A few second later, I had carpet burns on my palms and realized my right knee had slammed into the floor. I’d slid across the nylon floor like a batter sliding into second base.

Was I out? Was I safe? Did I score a run for the other team? Was I alive?

Sitting on the floor, my body screamed in pain, the slow-motion tumble, bounce and slide technique that I had tested out was a surprise at sunrise, and I didn’t want to do it again.

Letting my dog out, and trying my best to be quiet so my hubby could sleep didn’t pan out either. With my screaming and moaning, needless to say, my hubby was now sitting up in bed looking at the wild animal on the floor.

Yes, that was me—the wild, crazy and whining woman in green pajamas!

After I realized nothing was broken, praise God—I stood up, showed off my wound to my hubby and decided it was time to move THAT suitcase before someone fell. Oops! Too late!

So here’s my question. What obstacle is in your way? What do you keep tripping over? What item or area in your life, is like a suitcase packed with hindrances? I believe, God is ready to hold our suitcase of pain, carry off the burden of a heavy heart and zip up our past with His steps of grace and mercy.

We simply need to turn on the light. That’s right, the light of our Savior Jesus will guide, direct and protect our toes on days when things go tumble and dogs get up early.

God Holds the Key to Our Needs

2010-10-06T21:18:00.001-05:00

Some 18 months ago, I started recording voice notes of the lessons and stories God put on my heart to share at the Recovery Center in Texarkana. This is the service I teach on Sunday mornings, and since God often changes the scope of what I end up saying, I love keeping up with those teachings.

The problem with doing this is, I have not transferred them to text and I needed someone to do this for me, especially since I'm writing a book about the ladies in purple at this jail.

God is the key!

Just this morning, I googled for someone to do transcribe my recordings, and found no one locally, that I knew or trusted.

Then, God sent an email my way this afternoon from Tonja Taylor ( a new friend) who is venturing out in her own business, found at Tonja Taylor.

She's "Your Personal Literary Professional" and she does copy and line editing, article writing/promotion for print and the web, plain old data entry, and more.

I sent her a note, we wrote back and forth and SHE does/will transcribe my voice recordings.

What's cool is, she happened across my path today, at the very point of my need. Don't you love how God hears us? How He loves us? Don't you love that He is ready to move on our behalf?

He transcribes my heart and writes His love into my day. And I don't have to Google His name to find Him either.

(Oh, do check out Tonja's website. She's ready to get to work. And I'm first in line).

http://www.tonjataylor.com/

a scoop of inspiration

2010-09-30T09:32:00.000-05:00

New Book Coming Soon!

When Life Crashes In, Wear Your Seat Belt!

2010-09-11T09:48:00.000-05:00

I tend to rush around the house, leaving only minutes to get to the office.

Knowing how many seconds it takes me, to drive the four blocks to my day job, I ran out the door. I opened the car door, started the ignition and raced like a Nascar driver through my neighborhood.

Yesterday, I left my seat belt off, hurried down the street and pulled up to the stop sign. I glanced in the mirror, not to check the traffic behind me, but to give my face its approval rating. Hair looked fine. Make up on. No lipstick. Forgot that.

Turning the wheel to the right, I made a move into the two-lane highway, crossing the center lane. A car approached, inches from my front bumper, the driver zipped around me and disappeared down the road. It all happened so fast, she didn't have time to honk at me.

If this driver had not seen me, she would have hit me. And yes, it would have been my fault.

Distractions enter my day, and some of those, I have control over, like driving the car and making sure it stays in the lane provided for me. Thanking God for protecting me from the wreck, I reconsidered driving without a seat belt.

Two hours later, at the office a Tonka truck backed up in the parking lot. I saw my friend step from his truck, walk by my parked Honda, the one without any scratches. He looked at the back bumper and came inside the office.

Yes, he'd back his flatbed trailer into my car, hitting the back bumper. A dent. A scratch. All of this took place while my car minded its own business, parked securely in the space where it has sat for the last three years.

Take my advice, wear your seat belt-the one offered from God. He wants to protect your heart from distractions, to guide your day, to keep you safe when life runs into you.

After getting the estimate for a new bumper, and after slugging my friend in the arm for hitting my car, I'm thanked God for loving me enough to give me a new lesson. He wants to replace the brokenness and dents in my life with His love, to offer His hope and His bumper of mercy when distractions get in my way.

And yes, I told God, I'll wear my seat belt from now on...even when my car is parked! Oh and if you see me coming, plan to get out of the way!

Roast of the Heart?

2010-09-07T16:24:00.007-05:00

I tossed the roast, the carrots, the potatoes, onion soup and seasoning into my crock pot. Planning a meal for Sunday afternoon, I expected my younger son and his girlfriend for lunch.

The aroma of a home cooked meal made my dog look for food, my bird sing on her perch and my husband clap his hands with delight.

That's right, I never cook!

Well ... my son and his girlfriend encountered a delay. Hubby and I ate our lunch, smacking like toddlers at a feast. And if I say so myself, it was rather tasty.

I may need to try this again someday.

When I think of home cooked meals, they remind me how we go to church, how we sit and soak up the aroma of hearing about God. We listen to the tasty goodness provided by our pastors, only to go home, and never use the principles our pastor has challenged us with.

We forget to burn with love, to add seasoning to others, to be the aroma of God by sharing his tasty offering of mercy and grace. We can add flavoring to those we meet along the way, but we must scoop out the servings and share from our heart.

Oh, if you need to borrow my crock pot--it's free, at least until Christmas. That's right, I may decide to cook something around the holidays!

Until then, share God's love, one tator at a time--the world is hungry for Him.

Facebook. What will I learn from you?

2010-09-04T13:59:00.000-05:00

Facebook. Love it. Hate it. Like it. Enjoy it. Hooked on it. Repelled by it.
Ask anyone on any day how he or she feels about it, the answer is different.
It's a place real or imagined, but either way, it's a way to connect with others.

Scoop of Fun

Some folks tell me when they brush their teeth. Others give insight into their struggles. Some debate. Some read. Others take notes.

An opinion of a person can develop over time, especially if you look at the photos, read their posts and see what matters to him or her. We're prone to decide, to size up this world called Facebook, when it reality our faces don't tell the entire story.

Pages unfold. Chapters get written. We meed new friends. Leave some behind. We find ourselves needing each other. Asking for prayer. Searching for a hug. A smile. Some fun. We look for encouragement. We all need hope.

At that's what Facebook is for me--a place to pass on a word of encouragement, to help if I can, to add something to this world of faces where I've made news friends. So hold on, check out my wall posts. You never know what you'll learn about me. Plus, I look forward to learning from you.

Penny Blessing - In God We Trust

2010-08-31T11:09:00.000-05:00

If a penny falls to the sidewalk, will you pick it up?

A wealthy man (as the story goes) saw a coin on the payment just outside of a restaurant. He stopped, looked down and picked the coin up. Slipping the copper penny into his pocket, he walked inside the restaurant.

Why would this man, who had more than enough pennies take time to pick this one up?

His secret. He loves how the coin says, "In God we Trust?"

This reminds me that God drops his message right in front of me. He is telling me to trust Him.

So the next time, I see a penny, I'll pick it up. If God cares enough to drop His message into my life, I should at least receive His valuable love message.

How many pennies have I stepped over so far? How many times has God dropped into my day?

Isn't it time I received His blessing?

Vacuum of the Heart!

2010-08-24T16:49:00.001-05:00

I did it. I purchased a new vaccum.

No. It's not my first to own, however it is the first I've purchased without supervision from my hubby.

I had stood in the aisle at the store looking at prices, they ranged from $39 - $200. Trying to decide on a vacuum was not an easy task, until a friend told me - - buy XX Brand, it's perfect.

I grabbed the box, tossed it into the cart and made my purchase.

At home, I tightened two screws and the rest of the vacuum snapped together. In no time, I was rolling down the hallway like the cleaning lady.

The lightweight machine pulled up hair, lint and dirt and the sound of the motor told me I was making progress. Cleaning the house isn't my cup of tea, but someone needed to step up to the counter and do those dishes.

Even the laundry called to me from the baskets in the utility room, saying, "We're dirty. Wash us. Rinse us. We miss the closet."

I started a load, swept the kitchen and moved to sweeping the bathroom floors. Mopping followed, then I noticed my doggy's bowls were in need of a scrubbing.

Soaking those doggy dishes, I then took out the trash.

Wash. Clean. Dry. Mop. Vacuum. I was almost finished, but when my schnauzer Macy walked in the back door, I saw her dirty, scruffy face. She received her cleaning in the bathtub in oatmeal shampoo, followed by a warm towel. Oh, the life my dog has living with me!

Now--if I could teach my dog a few tricks and teach her how to use that new vacuum!

This must be how God feels about me. He has given me life. His forgiveness has taken away the dirt, the lint and the dust from my heart. His towel of warm love has wrapped me with life and with hope.

http://www.pamkumpe.com

New Boston Pioneer Days Fun

2010-08-21T08:30:00.001-05:00

Last night, I strolled (don't really stroll - I kinda bounce) at the opening night for Pioneer Days in New Boston, Texas. This August festival is the hottest one in the area, bringing in arts, crafts. booths, bands, carnival rides for the children and so much more. The weather gave a small reprieve offering a breeze to those who attended.

The Lumber Jack Show entertained with its antics, axe throwing and water logging competition. It's amazing to watch two men compete on a log keeping their balance. I have trouble keeping my balance on solid ground. The food vendors were busy, the parking lot packed. It was a great start to a weekend filled with events and family fun.

I saw the superintendent to the New Boston School District dressed like a cowboy working near his wagon baking cobblers. I saw children sliding down the biggest slide, and a line waited for the mechanical bull.

This is the same bull I rode last year. No. I really didn't ride it last year, I simply sat on it, had hubby snap my photo and used it to make a point with someone. I had said, "I can stay on the bull for more than one second."

See, I never said it had to buck and move and twirl around while I was on it. That's right, I never let the man start the thing--so I never fell off. Although I did tumble down to the mat when I dismounted, as it was lower than I thought.

So if you're not busy, head over to New Boston. Today's packed with the Turkey Shoot, the parade, the vendors and all the rides. More bands will play and the Fiddlers Contest is today, along with the Muddin' Show. The night will close out with Gene Watson and a street dance.

See you there. Got to grab some pics for the paper. And yes, it's gonna be hot! So bring your fan!

http://www.pamkumpe.com

God's Voice in My Life

2010-08-19T21:10:00.000-05:00

I had no idea why God asked me to give away the money. His tug on my heart isn't pushy, loud or aggressive. And He often comes to me with a soft, gentle word, an impression He leaves on my mind, one that will not go away.

Even when I know it's Him, I find myself saying, "Is God asking me to do this?"

I'm prone to arguing and debating with God. I discuss and wonder if I should obey the request. Gosh, the way I've talked back to God over the years, it's a wonder He asks me to do anything.

Still though, I am blessed to have taken part in some wonderful acts. They are not my own. I would never dream up the timely blessings He deposits into another person's day. I would be early. Or maybe I would be late. Or maybe, I would be a no show.

I just happen to be a delivery person of good tidings on certain days.

We are all a part of God's puzzle.

However, I wonder how many times I miss God, how many times I don't hear God's voice. Or act.

I truly want to listen. I long to move when He speaks, to bring a gentle love offering to someone's day. I want others to sense His love, know His gentle touch on their life. That He cares.

So this week, I was a part of a miracle in another man's life. He needed what I had, I needed to see God's touch on his heart. I will never forget the experience.

Thank you, Lord for choosing me to be your hands. May I respond with fervor and yes -- all the time. What an honor!

Walking on Water

2010-08-18T11:21:00.000-05:00

Once a mother watched her four year-old son play outside in a small plastic pool. He giggled and laughed as he splashed in the half-filled round tub of a pool.
Suddenly, the little boy stopped, stepped out of the pool, and began to scoop water out of the pool with a pail.
“Why are you pouring the water out?” his mother asked.
“Because my teacher said Jesus walked on water, and this water doesn’t work.”

Are you trying to walk on water without keeping your eyes focused on God? Remember when Peter took his focus off the Savior, the water rose quickly over his ankles.

We can walk in trust today, but at first we may need a wading pool.

Check out: Permission to Have Fun - online radio show

A Mother's Love

2010-08-17T10:51:00.005-05:00

I wrote a story about a precious nine year-old boy with autism. At the age of four he spoke for the first time, reading a sign on the road. His words nearly caused his mother to veer off the highway.

She stopped the car, turned to him, asking her baby boy if he could talk. He simply said, "Yes."

All those early years with the intervention by using occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and praying while loving her child, planted tools for his future.

This mother never quit on her son, never stopped loving him, never let up on seeking God for her child's life. She grabbed the promises of God and made them a part of her life.

When this boy was tested at the age of four, he was reading third grade material. Third grade!

This story, this boy, this mom--remind me to hold onto God with all I have, that the Lord never gives up on me. He's pulling for me, and waiting for the day when I'll speak, for the day when I'll claim his promises.

So I only have one question, "Can you read God's street sign?"

It says, "I'm pulling for you. You can do it."

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

What is God asking you to do?

2010-08-16T15:04:00.006-05:00

A barely know this man. He asked me to write a speech for him. Of course my editor at the newspaper would probably have more than one comment about this, since she knows my grammar, sentence structure and writing need lots of tender loving care.
At first I considered telling the man no, thinking how odd it is was to live up to such a request. His enthusiasm at hearing from God, that I was the one, sold me on the idea.
Last week, I prayed over the topic. I grabbed God's Word and spent time centering around the scripture this man shared with me. I wrote his speech, called him, dropped it off and pray that it meets his need.
Then today, he dropped by my office, smiling and praising God for the speech. He plans to bring a taped copy of his sharing the message from the conference which takes place in September.
God is moving. He is ready to use us, even little Southern gals who only know three scriptures. My Lord is exceedingly abundantly more ... more amazing every day.
So what is God asking you to do?

Purple Friends Win

2010-08-14T09:38:00.003-05:00

Amazing!

When I pay attention, when I obey, when I listen to God, it’s the small things that become the big things, and miracles happen.

Teaching at a Recovery Center began when God moved me to give 100 books to their library, which took six months for me to do. No, I don’t always listen to God in a speedy fashion.

That all took place in May 2009, and almost as soon as I packed the books he put another idea into motion. Teach a service, hold a worship time for the ladies. Since my schedule is full, I tossed out the time to God, telling him that 8 a.m. on Sunday mornings was the time I was available.

Hmm…he knew they didn’t have a service at that time. So I now teach from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. each Sunday with my friend Mary who is our prayer warrior.

We’ve heard guards sing in our services, had ladies tell me they’re getting to see their children, heard of how forgivenss has taken place in their families. One lady got her doctor’s report back — no cancer.

Each Sunday ladies sing, some share scripture and I always have someone who offers to run the music during worship. I love my ladies in purple at the Recovery Center.

Not long ago, I prayed with one lady, who had some things on her heart. During the service, I also prayed with another lady who told me she had hurt feelings, it turned out to be the first lady who’d said things to lady number two.

I prayed for them, asked God to restore their friendship, and reminded the second lady of their bond in Christ.

Then the next Sunday, I was elated to learn how out of the 100 ladies, my two prayer buddies were asked to speak to young juveniles at a detention center, offering motivational speeches.

Isn’t it awesome how God used them? He picked them from everyone there–and yes, they’re bond of Christian fellowship was restored!

Permission to Have Fun

2009-10-06T08:54:00.008-05:00

For more fun with Pam Kumpe, that's me,

swing over to http://pamkumpe.com/

and watch for updates.

It's called "Permission to Have Fun"

Encouraging you to Pray & Play while Staying in Love with God.

Summer Heat!

2009-07-13T16:10:00.003-05:00

How long does it take a blonde to drive a car eight miles in the pouring down rain?

Answer: One hour!

I'd found myself in a blanket of rain, so heavy it was like the clouds were touching the ground and dumping buckets of water right on top of me. As for the color of the sky, can you say gray? Dark. Wet. Muted gray. Where's a rainbow when you need one?
I left the highway near the paper mill and was only minutes from home, but it was like my car veered from the road on its own. Then I saw a group of cars, and three of them were stuck in the rushing water at the bottom of the hill.
I turned around, and by the time I'd driven five miles, up and back; I'd spent 40 minutes and only gone a few miles!
I zigzagged through town as many streets were flooded, cut through a sub division and found myself a block from the house. It took me another 20 minutes to get home!
All I can tell you is, that day I considered building an ark in my neighborhood. You could've joined and we might have gone down in history on "Pam's Ark," in memory of Noah's famous boat ride.

Update: This flood was in May! And now we're scorching in the sun with 105 degree weather!

Rain! Rain! Rain! Give me rain! Some oars, a boat and cooler temperatures!

Cows Explain Politics

2009-06-18T08:48:00.000-05:00

I always knew I could learn something from a cow! See if you agree.

Cows Explain Politics

Mandatory 'gay' day for K-5 students

2009-05-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

Mandatory 'gay' day for K-5 students

What's your take? Would you allow you children to attend?

Check it out!

Even the title of the curriculum book makes me ask some hard questions.

Be Kind to Critters!

2009-05-12T13:17:00.002-05:00

This is BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK. We can do a few things to help our furry friends!

1. Do something nice for your mice. After all, their ancestors did come over on the Mayflower.
2. Take time to stop and smell a skunk. Try not to hold your nose unless he holds his. While you're at it, let him borrow your after shave.
3. Create a scholarship fund for porcupines to study acupuncture.
4. Help an aardvark start his own ant farm.
5. Donate your old contact lenses to a mole.
6. Let your rabbit keep all four feet.
7. Designate one trash barrel with an easy open lid for raccoons.
8. Spiff up your armadillo with Armorall.
9. Give a rear-view mirror to a hummingbird. The hummingbird is the only living creature that can fly backwards, but it's no fun because he can't see where he's going.
10. Give a robin an alarm clock. A robin needs about 70 worms a day to stay alive, so he has to be an early bird.
11. Take your Chihuahua to Taco Bell.
12. Watch a Muppet movie with a frog.

And yes, I'm having way to much fun living in a rural area surrounded by critters of all kinds! Piney Woods in East Texas!

Chapstick Has Many Uses!

2009-04-23T11:50:00.002-05:00

It's not Mother's Day, but gosh -- you need to check this story out. See if you have any Chapstick in the house! And if you have toddlers dispose of it before you have this happen to you.
_______________
This family had a 10 year-old cat named Jack who died. Jack was a great cat ,and the kids would carry him around and sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on a mat in their bathroom.

At the time of this tale, the three children were four, three and one. The middle child loved Chapstick. He kept asking to use his Mom's Chapstick and then he'd often lose it.

So finally one day Mom showed him where she kept the Chapstick telling him he could use it anytime. The drawer in the bathroom held the stick of soothing ointment.

However, one Mother's Day as the family rushed to get ready for church everyone cried and carried on. Two of the kids fought over the toy in the cereal box while the baby wailed as Mom put her make up on.

Everything had long forgotten it was a Mother's Day, a Sunday to honor Mom and the amazing job she holds -- motherhood.

Finally everyone loaded up in the car only that "middle child" was missing. Mom hurried back into the house and found her toddler in the bathroom applying Chapstick VERY carefully to their cat's rear end.

The boy looked right into his mother's eyes and said "chapped."

Now if you have a cat, you know that their little butts do look pretty chapped at times. This Mom had only one question, "Was this the FIRST time her son applied Chapstick to the cat, or was it the 100th?!"

So got any fun Mother's Day tales to share? I'd love to hear them! And no, I don't want to borrow your Chapstick!

Baskin' Robins!

2009-04-16T13:28:00.003-05:00

Two robins were sitting in a tree. "I'm really hungry", said the first one.
"Me, too", said the second. "Let's fly down and find some lunch."
They flew to the ground and found a nice plot of plowed ground full of worms. They ate and ate and ate 'til they could eat no more. "I'm so full I don't think I can fly back up to the tree," said the first one.
"Me neither, let's just lay here and bask in the warm sun", said the second.
"OK", said the first.
They plopped down, basking in the sun. No sooner than they had fallen asleep, a big fat tomcat snuck up and gobbled them up.
As he sat washing his face after his meal, he thought, "I love baskin' robins."

If you find yourself going through the day like a person whose eaten way too much; then pause, reflect and see what the Lord would have you do instead.

I've learned that tomcats come disguised in many forms and they'll eat away at our time, zap our attitudes, and take away our joy.

My advice is -- keep your eyes open, snack on the flavorful promises of God and watch out for furry things that crowd your thoughts or your actions.

Don't let anything rob you of living a baskin' victorious life!

Giddy up!

2009-04-08T16:06:00.001-05:00

What is the opposite of joy?

"Sadness."

And the opposite of depression?

"Elation."

And how about the opposite of woe?

"I believe that would be giddy up!"

....I think I've become a country gal after all!

Nitro Words Will Blow Up in your Face!

2009-03-29T21:02:00.004-05:00

Did you know that words can blow up? That's right, they're like nitroglycerin and have the potential for impact that can leave scars on some one's heart.

I remember the time I yelled at my twin sister. We were in the 4th grade. But the reason behind it seemed justified at the time.

Before the episode, she'd run out the back door to play with Ricky and Randy. I wanted to join them, pushed open the screen and hopped down the steps. I'll never forget her gaze, when she looked back at me and ran without stopping. That's right. She ran!

The three of them took off into the woods, and I decided to cut them off at the pass. I planned to take an alternate path and meet them down the trail. When I reached a three-foot irrigation ditch with a barbed wire fence; I immediately assessed the distance. I could do it. I could jump across the ditch.

I backed up. Got a running start and pushed off. As I sailed through the air, my leg dropped down and as gravity would have it, I fell onto the barbed wife fence. I stood. I looked at my thigh. A softball sized hole in my leg caught my attention.

I panicked and ran home.

Once at the house, Mom told me to put a band-aid on the wound. She didn't really turn around, so she had no idea how bad the cut was on my leg. Soon she did, and we headed to the hospital. I ended up with 40 stitches.

When I thought it couldn't get worse, the doctor took a final x-ray of my leg. The technician discovered a shotgun shell casing had gotten embedded in my leg. That's right, they had to take out the 40 stitches, remove the foreign item, and re-stitch my leg up again.

By the time, I saw my sister. I yelled at her, and blamed her for my accident. I said things I'd regret, and I made her cry.

That's right, I was no better than Job's friends in the Bible. You remember them, Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad who joined Job and sat with him for seven days and seven nights. They cried, threw dust on their heads and sat with Job.

The problem came when they started talking -- their words of criticism were like nitro to Job's heart. My words were like nitro to my sister's heart.

Sometimes listening is better in the long run, especially when our words may cause more pain.

I didn't feel better when I made my sister feel responsible for my injury; I only wounded my own heart. It was like I'd torn a gaping hole in my sister's heart that day with unnecessary words.

Take my advice. Pause. Listen. Pause. Listen. And then -- pause and listen before you speak.

And if you're like me, apologize when you've said something you shouldn't! Relationships are too important to let them blow up in our faces!

For the Tough Times, Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope

2009-03-28T13:04:00.006-05:00

A quick look at Max Lucado's book "For the Tough Times" - Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope, I strolled through the pages and discovered a few nuggets that I liked, but there were a few I shook my head and questioned.

Since I've read many of Lucado's books, the familiar way he links sentences together with a certain poetic tone grabs me every time. In this book, the small compact size would be a nice reason to grab it for someone who needs hope, because it's a very short 80 pages.

When a person is in pain, he or she may ask questions. They are looking for understanding. And since we live a world that's fallen, where disasters prevail, people hurt, and life feels like it's unraveling; the fact is - people need Christ. His love will bring the comfort they desire.

Sure Lucado can inspire, and he does give effective illustrations. Like the chapter on revenge where he shares a story about an Amos and Andy routine (page 50). Amos asks Andy what that little bottle is he's wearing around his neck. "Nitroglycerin," he answers. Amos is stunned that Andy would be wearing a necklace of nitro, so he asks for an explanation.

Seems a fellow had a habit of poking Andy in the chest when he spoke to him. So Andy hopes the nitro will blow off his finger, and he'll get even. Settling a score often brings more suffering for us instead.

I teach Kids Super Church, and may use this illustration in the future with my children.

As a whole the book lifts the spirit, and although there were a few times I felt some comparisons with scripture were stretched; I'd still recommend the book to someone who needs a short book that might point ones thoughts to God.

But to tell me God is in charge, does not add up in my heart, because we have free will. God is not in heaven pulling strings, like we're puppets. Love, Christ's unfailing love does not come with a puppet string.

In the chapter where Lucado encourages me to listen more and speak less, I'm reminded of how I need to listen more. Period. Listening for God's voice and allowing His comfort to speak to me through the Holy Spirit is a great reminder. I really appreciated that chapter.

But would this book be my first choice in telling a person to about hope? No, probably not. But if someone is solid in his or her faith, there are good parts in the chapters. But even the caption on the back of the book, "God is in control," causes me to to think twice, because God is in control of His part, but He's not pulling my strings and pointing me in a certain direction. His love gives me the freedom to choose, to listen to Him, and to love Him in return.

Point a person to Christ's love and he or she will always find hope.

A good book. Good illustrations. Some valid points. Some questionable. You decide.

Skittles, Stolen Goods!

2009-03-20T10:08:00.003-05:00

Do you love candy? Ever thought of breaking into a laundry shop for a chance at tumble drying with some Skittles? Just think how desperate someone mut be, to spin around beside a bunch of washing machines in hopes of finding goodies.

Well, in one city a trail of Skittles candy wrappers led police to three children whom they charged with breaking into a vending machine and robbing a coin-operated laundry.

The police were called to to investigate a smashed window, and $10 in missing quarters, along with stolen candy. Mr. Officer noticed the empty candy bags and followed them to a nearby boy on his bike. And the boy admitted that he broke into the store with his brother and a friend.

(Not the greatest criminal masterminds here... not only does the boy readily admit that he did it, but he didn't even have the common sense to ride his bike away from the scene of the crime!)

So are you leaving a trail that leads people to you? What would they find? Would you be guilty of sharing Jesus with them? What verdict would I find?

I challenge you to enjoy a bag of Skittles, looking for all the colors of the rainbow. Take a few, and drop them behind you, as you leave a trail of goodness and sweetness that leads to Jesus.

Share a "sugar snack" of love with someone along the bike trail today!