A great post by Beth Moore

I enjoy reading Beth Moore's blog. I have posted her last blog post below. It is well worth reading.





Like many of you, I’m a thinker. Years don’t come to ends or beginnings without me getting caught up in what’s behind or in front of me. That’s good if it leads to change. That’s bad if it leads to dread. We’ve all heard this definition of insanity: doing the same thing the same way and expecting something different. Yet, for the most part, we live life in that maddening loop. One of the things God has taught me along the way is to try to hear from Him about one area at a time that He’s pinpointing for change. Much more than that is too overwhelming. Anyway, He’s a God who’s into process with the lives of His children. We need look no further than Philippians 1:6 for proof of that. What He may begin in an instant He may complete over a lifetime. Instead of making a list of resolutions for 2011 that are broken by the time they’re spoken, is there simply one thing about us we really wish to change? I could think of a dozen things I’d like to change but this is the one I think God is pinpointing as our joint effort for the top of 2011: a mental loop I tend to get into when I get offended or hurt by someone I love. I have come to believe that my first minute’s reaction is what determines the cycle of the next (usually miserable) two days. So, here’s my specific prayer for the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011.


My Dearest Abba Father,
I’ve lived long enough to know that any 12-month period of time on Planet Earth winds a pathway through thicket and thorns. It’s just too long a period of time not to get hurt or offended. I also know that You have tucked many joys in the oncoming year and I don’t want to miss them because I can’t quit obsessing over what’s hard. You’ve gone to measurable lengths in the last year to show me how the enemy of my soul operates in one specific area: he can’t block You from blessing Your children so he tries to block Your children from enjoying it. I do not want him to cheat me of reaping from anything rich You send my way this year. Even the treasures hidden in darkness. As this year ends and a new one begins, I am so thankful that I have Your Spirit without limit in my life and that, with You, change in a long pattern really is possible. You’ve done it before in my life. Come do it again. I am asking You in particular, Abba Father, to run to my aid in that first moment when an opportunity for offense happens and urge me by Your Holy Spirit to head into a thought-loop that spirals upward rather than downward. Simply put, help me to get over things fast. Honestly, Lord, sometimes I just make life harder than it has to be. Some things that wound me aren’t even about me. Help me to see where I’m jumping into somebody else’s loop and to quit getting hung by my own. I choose joy in resting this petition at Your feet, Lord, and I refuse self-condemnation or fruitless regret. You never would have brought this to the forefront and called for it in prayer if You didn’t have something good in mind. You began this work. Now come and take it to the next level. I’m excited about it, Lord, and see a glimpse of liberty on the horizon. Thank You, Father.

Beth Moore

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving we were at home on Palatine. Momma came and stayed at Cynthia and Earl's house for the weekend. They came and joined us for the day. Also, Bobby and Marlene came and brought their whole family to join us. We really enjoyed having Bobby, Marlene, Jeff, Celinda, Maddie, Logan, Greg and Taylor. Kynn smoked the turkeys and everyone else made side dishes. Of course, we had way too much food. After we ate, it was outside to play football, basketball, and ride the four wheeler. It was a great day.

Thanksgiving 2010

Logan tackling Christopher

Logan and Daisy

Kynn and Celinda

Marlene and Christopher

Jeff, Celinda, and Logan

Earl and Cody

Oh Yes!

We have had such a good Christmas this year. Instead of "major" gifts, we took a cruise with the whole family from Dec. 17 - 23rd. We got home in time for a lazy Christmas Eve and attended our church service. Bobby and Marlene came over after church for breakfast for supper. Christmas day we hung out and ended up at Bobby and Marlene's for steak and a movie. Last night, we got a phone call from Alex and his family (our foreign exchange student from a few years back.) AND, today we woke up to snow. We have had some really nice days at this time of year. What a blessing.

#4 My Bible

Here is a poem that I have written in the pages of my Bible. I am not sure who wrote this one. If you know, please leave me their name in the comment section. I would love to give credit where credit is due. I hope you like this poem.

Autobiography in five short Paragraphs

Day 1 - I walked down the street. There is a hole in the street. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.

Day 2 - I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I didn't see it. I fall in. I can't believe I'm in the same place, but it isn't my fault. It still takes me a long time to get out.

Day 3 - I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there. I still fall in. It's a habit! My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

Day 4 - I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.

Day 5 - I walk down a different street.

Silent Monks Singing Halleluia

Just have to say it!

I know it is silly, but I must say it,

Go Gamecocks! Beat Auburn!

Four Wheeling

This was just ONE of our fun activities on Thanksgiving day. Not only was it Thanksgiving, it was momma's birthday. One is never too old to have fun.

#3 My Bible

Here are more words written in the extra pages of my Bible. I wrote these following in my Bible on 4-20-04. I was reading the book Calm My Anxious Heart and thought I might need to read these words in the future. I have read and reread these words many times.

In Times of trouble, say, "First he brought me here. It is by his will I am in this
strait place; in that I will rest. " Next, "He will keep me here in his love, and give
me grace in this trial to behave as his child." Then say, "He will make the trial a
blessing, teaching me lessons he intends me to learn, and working in me the grace
he means to bestow. "And last say, "In his good time he can bring me out again.
How and when, he knows." Therefore say, "I am here

1. by God's appointment,
2. in his keeping,
3. under his training,
4. for his time.

Andrew Murrey

PS I am clueless on why the words are not filling in each line.

#2 My Bible

More from the covers of my Bible

Do you believe God only when your circumstances are favorable, or do you believe no matter what your circumstances may be? (Streams in the Desert)

Truth is troubling (to the lost) because it will not go away.

For God is greater than our hearts! (I John 3:20) (Thank you Lord!)

Todays successful people make right decisions today and manage them the rest of their lives. Kirk Nowery

When you realize your sins hurt God, it is easy to repent. Adrian Dupre

Unforgiveness is like taking a dose of poison and waiting for it to kill you. A.W. Tozer

There's good stuff in the hard stuff, if you don't sleep walk through it. P. Shirer

My Bible

I was given the Bible that I currently use by Marlene Chandler for my birthday on Dec. 20, 1997. I love this Bible and have been through many seasons of life with it.. Recently, I have realized that it is time for a new Bible because this one has begun to fall apart. :( I am one who underlines and writes in the margins and in the front and back covers of this special book. I can see certain quotes that I have written and know which study or group of ladies I was with when I wrote it in my Bible. In the next little while I plan on shopping for my new Bible and know that I will have more wonderful memories of God's faithfulness to me. Great is his faithfulness.

The following quotes by my pastor, Dick Lincoln, are written in the front and back covers of my Bible.

12/3/06 (First Sunday in our current sanctuary)
God loves you too much to let you stay bogged down in what you are, instead of being glorified in what you can become.

1/8/99
Don't get discouraged! Awareness is the first step to change.

1/22/00
Christianity has more to do with God holding on to you than you holding on to God. That is why his name is Faithful and True.

12/17/00
Faith is the ability to enjoy what God is going to do before he does it.

3/24/02
The key to the Christian life is to trust without explanation.

3/4/01
Carry on with the good. Leave the bad behind.

9/4/01
We must say "No" not only to things which are wrong and sinful, but to things pleasant, profitable, and good which would hinder and clog our grand duties and chief work.

Sometimes God may prioritize the faith required to continue trusting Him when we don't get what we ask, OVER the faith required to receive it.

11/4/02
Faith unchallenged is faith stifled.

10/28/01
Everything I have is yours. That is the attitude I should have. I feel sorry for the man who puts money in the plate to support the church. It should be an act of worship to God. The tithe is a check on your submission to God.

11/4/07
God is interested in providing for you. Faith must believe this!

12/21/03
If you ever wonder if God loves you, look at the cross. Circumstances do not express God's love. The cross does!

7/2/06
Anytime someone becomes comfortable with sin, it will become a disgrace.

12/07
Have you gotten to the point that you want what God wants for you?

1/17/04
It's not our problems that pull us down, it's our lack of faith.

1/6/08
God called you to be a finisher.

11/16/08
Don't be gripped by a habit! (bad habit) Let it go!

All of these have special meaning to me and God has used them to encourage me throughout the years. He is so good!

Happy Birthday to Jamie

Happy Birthday to Jamie. He is 19 today. May God bless you this year. (Pictures to follow)

Here a few of our pictures of Jamie's birthday.

I really can't remember what we said, but it did make him laugh. He wanted chocolate cake and blueberry cobbler. The chocolate cake is Kynn's mom's recipe and Marlene made the blueberry cobbler. Yummy!
Grandmomma always sends a check. It's a Good thing!.

Daisy loves the birthday boy!


One of our birthday traditions! We have a birthday basket and the birthday person gets a basket full of some of their favorite foods.

And, Daisy wanted a kiss from Marlene. It was a good day.

Happy Birthday to Jamie. He is 19 today. May God bless you this year. (Pictures to follow)

Life Lessons by Regina Brett

My friend, Tammy Williamson sent this to me. I really liked it. I hope you enjoy it too.

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .> >

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Priscilla Shirer

Priscilla Shirer was in town this past weekend. It was such a great time of teaching and fellowship with other ladies.

She is an incredible teacher and I learned a lot from her.

Her brother, Anthony Evans lead us in worship. Check him out. You will be amazed at his voice.

Marlene told Anthony to hug her like he loved her. She is too funny.

Momma came with Beckie and they stayed with Cynthia.

Diapers were donated by the ladies for Daybreak Ministries.

Kynn received this smoker for his birthday. Look closely and you will see ribs on the lower level. It is a double decker smoker. When the conference concluded, we had lunch waiting for us. It was great food and fellowship. (Bobby, Marlene, Earl, Cynthia, Beckie, Momma, Lorie and Kynn) It was a delicious treat. So glad he got the smoker for his birthday.

Happy Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KYNN

Cake and presents tonight after Bible Study! :)

Precious

Baby Layla came for a visit the other night. Jonathan and Laura needed some work done on their car and also wanted a quick date night. We got to play a little while with their sweet daughter Layla. We claim her. :) I thought this was a sweet picture.

Baby Spencer

Spencer Lee Harris

September 16, 1987

8lbs. 11 oz.

6:40 pm

Our first visitors


Granddaddy

Grandmomma

Aunt Cynthia, Gene and Patty

Aunt Melanie and Esther

We are home from the hospital.

Thanksgiving in Alabama. Joe and Spencer

Sweet Baby Spencer

Happy Birthday Spencer. I pray this will be a wonderful year for you. I love you.

Mom

Please pray

UPDATE: Both of Lee's cats have been missing since the fire incident. She knew they had both been inside right before the fire. We have prayed that they were able to escape at some point. Yesterday, one of them came home! How awesome.


Our neighbor's house burned on Sunday afternoon. It was a very sobering moment to stand with her watching her home burn. Sigh! For the most part, she has lost everything. The firefighters did a great job of saving some of her pictures. Please pray for Lee Mutlig as she deals with this great loss. Thank you.

Four Wheeling

Bobby and Marlene came over for a fish fry tonight. As usual, Kynn did a great job with the food. Marlene brought some mighty good food too. After dinner we decided that it was time to take the four wheeler for a little spin. We all got a turn.

Marlene took it wide open!

Jamie made her scream a time or two!

Daisy kept watch for the police. LOL

And, Bobby loved the ride. He wants to do this again real soon.


Here we are! Another fun Sat. night.

The Guys

USC today...

empty nest tonight.

Friends

I may have posted this one before, but I smile when I look at this picture. What a fun time these teenagers have had together. I love all their smiles. Good times.

Ways You Can Make Your Marriage Better

I came across this yesterday while I was cleaning out a drawer. Here's the short version of the article by JB Collingsworth

1. Be nice to your spouse! It is amazing how relationships improve when we decide to be nice and kind and thoughtful.

2. Watch your tongue. We choose our words and they have the power to build up or tear down.

3. Turn away from temptation and evil. God knows we will have opportunity to behave badly, but He has given instructions for our good and for the success of our marriage and family.

4. Read a Proverb a day.

5. Never forget you are not on your own! You will find joy and contentment when you lean on God and allow Him to accomplish His will in your marriage, both in the good times and in the unavoidable bad times.

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14


And, I would say, remember to ask your spouse how you can pray for them today. It will bless them and you just might learn what is going on in their heart. God is good. He is all about our marriage.

The Flying Begins

This past Sunday we set out with a big truck and headed to Anderson University to move Christopher into his new house. He and 3 friends will be living in this house. This is one of several "ministry" houses on the AU campus. To live in a ministry house, an application must be submitted with hopes that you will be chosen. If you live in one of the ministry houses you must host a Bible Study, and have a specific ministry that you will be involved with throughout the year. Christopher and his roommates will have a ministry for transfer students. They are so excited to have a house instead of a dorm room this year.

Kynn's statement of the day, "Isn't there a pillow in that truck you want me to carry?" The answer was always 'NO"! :)

It was a rather HOT day.

One of the bedrooms


Dining room off the kitchen

Kitchen

Daisy helped with the move. She thought it was HOT too.


And now, there is only ONE bird left in the nest. You can just see in his eye that he is ready to fly too.