the real me....

The real me is a child of God.

Born…. And protected by God my entire life.

As a child my parents took me to church, chapel, vacation bible school, and they were involved in the church wherever we moved, serving and leading small groups and youth.  I had an excellent example! My dad had wanted to be a pastor, but God had a better plan for him.

One night as we left church late it was dark in the parking lot we ran to get to our car, my dad was away at work and it was just us girls, running in the dark.  “Whoooo” my mom said, as she rushed us to the auto, “we have to hurry we don’t want the boogie man to get us!”  “Oh my” I replied, “God will not let anything bad happen to us.”  My faith and the fact that a 5 year old would say it shocked my mom into calm. 

I grew and adjusted…. God continued to whisper into my ear… I listened. As a young child I was somewhat concerned that I would not confess my sin enough…so I prayed a lot.

At 14 I went to a Bible Camp in the mountains of Japan, there was an evangelistic speaker, Dr. Cook, who took us through the steps to salvation.  I had heard those before but for the first time I realized I didn’t have to continually ask to be forgiven.  I stood up and told my testimony to my group that I always knew God was for me and that I was saved but this was the way to find peace.

~~~ after 16 I had a heart break, a young girl with a broken heart is mad at everything, I turned away from God, and decided to do everything my way… It was a sad and confusing youth, the details that are not necessary to share…

One night at 19 years old, I was alone in my apartment, sad, worried, lonely, and self-evaluating….

I prayed for God to help me and told him I could not continue on my own because all my ideas had ended in more sadness and loneliness…  within a half hour, a couple of people knocked on my door and handed out a flyer for a new church that just opened up nearby… I knew this was the answer.  I attended and got baptized.

I continued to follow God and thought there were times of desert and times of full spiritual engagement… there was always God.

I have to say that in Christ is the way to peace… in Christ is the way to wisdom…. In Christ is the way to grow spiritual strength.

I think that there are times and seasons, for everything in your life… and there are spiritual gifts that sometimes show up when God needs you for them and then are not in your life for a while, or ever.  I have had many seasons and there are times I have had wisdom and times I do not… times I had discernment and times I don’t.  It goes on… and I know I am his.

When does adulthood start... when should it?

OK

I find these two facts interesting...
1- When I was a teen (mid 70's), young adults were expected to pay for their own college and those who did well and were motivated did just that... not for everyone, but the smart and dedicated. Now everyone is expected to go to college and parents are expected to pay for it.   Could this be one reason why are there so many adults acting like big kids... ?returning home to be taken care of after college and putting off joining the adult world till the early 30's.
2- When I was a teen, a young couple who wanted to get married were supported by both parents in that decision and usually a majority of the cost was paid by the parents.  This would support the couple by launching them into the adult world.  Now young adults put off getting married and when they do decide (later and later) they end up paying for everything themselves. They go into debt to have a "fantasy day".  Instead of striving to become responsible adults in their early 20's they "live together" and think that replaces the commitment and legal connection of a marriage.  
No wonder we have so many young adults who are acting like kids. 

Love One Another !

This is actually a photo of me and my sister, in 1973!

I Love this commandment and work to follow this one like no other!

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34
Jesus makes many statements in the Gospel of John, but this is the only commandment that he identifies as such, calling it "new." Perhaps if he emphasized it so specifically, we should cling to it with every ounce of our effort.

Some thoughts I have had and have to keep re~learning.

Trials have no value or intrinsic meaning in the themselves... It is the way we respond to those trials that makes all the difference. J.E. Tada

My thoughts exactly..... as humans we tend to want to look only at our own hurts and either soak in the pain or lash out at others.

Both the the lamb (who soaks in pain) and the lion (who lashes out) feels the thorn prick each responds in an inappropriate way... for humans.

God wants us to "give him" the thorn and the pain and learn compassion for the experience or patience. Sometime the lesson is specific for us alone. We can either get bitter or better. Those around us will either suffer from our inappropriate responses or reap the added benefits from our learning our lesson. What a "better way" to learn how to, take care of another with pain, than have experienced it yourself.

Peace!

Displaced Orphans International

Displaced Orphans International is a registered
501c(3) non-profit foundation started by a
small group of Christians in Washington State
who are intimately familiar with the critical
problems facing displaced orphans on the
borders of Thailand. DOI was formed to
provide hope to those children who currently
have none.
The board members of DOI are all employed
individuals who have been led by personal
beliefs to assist the forgotten children in this
area of the world. These children are not
recognized by any national organization as
refugees and hence receive little or no aid.
DOI pledges that 100% of all donations will
go directly to the support of the children and
that all overhead expenses such as fundraising
activities, will be borne by the board members
themselves.
Strict accounting practices are followed and
annual audit reports are filed with the IRS as
required. These reports will be disclosed to any
sponsor upon request to DOI. If interested,
DOI can make arrangements for the sponsor to
visit the orphanages in Thailand so you can see
the results of our work first hand.
BROCHURE Click HERE

Flood ~ My Soul !

And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
Matthew 25:40

Your service toward those in need is your service unto God Himself. Don't endeavor to preach the Gospel; be the Gospel.




Nashville Flood Relief
If you're interested in helping with the relief efforts for the Nashville Flood, please visit here for more information on how you can be of service.

Trust in the Lord

A few weeks ago this Eagle landed in the trees in my yard....snap!

Today in my Daily verse, this email arrived.......

In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

~~~~~~>> Psalm 56:10,11 <<~~~~~~

Evaluate where you put your trust and what you allow to evoke fear. Be reminded that God is trustworthy and it is in Him who you should invest your treasure of trust.

Living a victorious life requires each of us to evaluate, inspect, observe, examine and dissect our own life. Prayerfully looking for ways we are defeated, ways we are lost, ways we are cowed into not fully enjoying the blessings God brings our way. I will not be a victim and I will grab all the joy and blessing God gives! I will rise on wings like an eagles! Amen.

Christmas is made of this ~ Love

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10,11

For His sacrifice, let us be thankful. Let us celebrate the true meaning of Christmas as we endeavor to love as He loved and give as He gave.

Mano Con Mano ~ We did a lot of Sewing! 90 + Baby Hats

We had another Sew~A~Thon ! This time we sewed fleece newborn hats for the Mano Con Mano mission to Guatimala. About 6 of us from the Womens Ministry of the Christian Life Center in Freeland Washington got together on a sunny fall day. At the end of the day we counted over 90! Keep warm and healthy little babies! AMEN!

How do you spell Perseverance?

This is how it is spelt, not with letters and words or even works, but with every breath we take and every cake we bake (to quote a famous song). He is watching us... breathe in the day and ask for help...It arrives just in time. I recall those Eagles that swooped down, at just the last moment, and rescued Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings), they walked through it all and were kept safe and allowed to see the beauty of the new and the rising of the new sun in glory because they slept, ate and lived the word perseverance.

...but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.Isaiah 40:31 ~ ~ ~

In my opinion, one of the hardest things to do is wait. Be encouraged, though - God's timing is perfect so remember to trust Him and as you wait - take time to envision having renewed strength - running and not being weary - walking without feeling faint. The wait will be worth your while.

Operation Shoebox

http://www.operationshoebox.com/

Yep we did it we collected enough stuff to fill a large flat rate priority box! And off it goes... I hope it helps with comfort and Love from home...

The women of Christian Life Center have been collecting special items of soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other "comfort items", those mini versions that you get from hotels and when you travel. The shoebox people make up comfort kits and forward them on to the field! What a great way to make our guys feel more loved. All the best of good thoughts and prayers and sincere Thanks go with each item.

Today I just had to share this one!

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Matthew 6:27 ~~~
Worrying about something usually doesn't impact the outcome of a situation - but it does affect how worn out you get in dealing with it. Try directing the energy you'd usually spend worrying toward prayer and consultation with God.

Working on things....

Jesus said to him, Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
John 20:29 ~~~~~
Often times, seeing is believing, as far as us humans are concerned. Be reminded that even when you don't feel like you're tangibly seeing results of God's faithfulness, He is faithful - He can not deny Himself.
(from http://thedailyverse.com)

Many of you already know that I have experienced a shocking and sad event ... a life changing event and I am slowing returning to life myself.

This is my first attempt to reconnect with my old life...

I will write and explain more as time and energy allows...

Prayers work ~ Continue to Pray!

Thank you.

the Daily Verse

Some of you who are my regular readers may have found your way all the way down to the very bottom of the page where I post the "daily verse". A year ago or so I was searching for a devotional type of ~ something ~ some wisdom ~ so I could just open a mini study right here at my computer. Well after several attempts at it and not finding just the right thing either because of content or style. I found the "daily verse" and I signed up. Here is how it works, each weekday in my email I receive a verse with a little comment after it by the author. She always seems to pounce right on the very point of the verse, her comments are insightful and poignant in ways that cheer my heart and help me meditate on the love of God and his precepts. I hope that you will not miss the daily verse when you visit this blog ~ scroll down and check out what verse is there for you today.

Here is one I found so insightful, useful and it was just for me!

"So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:26,27

~~~~~~~~~

Sometimes we feel like we're running on a treadmill, getting nowhere, running aimlessly. As you step into today, consider discipline and control, and be intentional about where you're headed. Perhaps you don't have the strength to complete a marathon, but one step at a time, seek the Lord's grace, and draw from His reservoir of endurance. He will give you what you need to press forward. "

Service makes life Heavenly

Today in my in box I got this email from a friend. I don't know if she is the author or if she just took it from the internet somewhere, I am repeating it here because it is just that good....

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said.

"Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like."

The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."

They went to the next room and opened the door.

It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long -handled spoons, but there the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don't understand."

"It is simple," said the Lord. "It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves."

When Jesus died, he was thinking of you. Are we willing to share our spoon?

As I contemplate my next life ~ adventure ~ I am compelled to choose service to others rather than just self.

Cool.

Just So terryann !...

I had to think of something quick! I was signing up for a blog. I was not prepared to just use my first name again. However, I couldn’t come up with some wildly creative tag that would allow it to come up on every blog search and be so “on the mind” of everyone that it would be natural for them to just fall into my blog. I did want to use this space for my shops and yet I also want to use this as an open diary of sorts. I wanted to share a few mostly public happenings and events, as well as how amazingly I find myself being blessed in every situation. What first sprang to mind was Just terryann, that didn’t quite carry me. I then had a bit of a brain blank, bubble, or maybe a seizure… no idea! …. I thought, I thought some more, I delayed, I watched Dr. Phil. I had tea and cookies, and then I went and got the mail. All very exciting activates to say the least. Some where in there I remembered a kids show called “that’s so Raven”, I also remember someone telling me how when something is right it is “Just So”. It caught my attention; I hope it catches yours also. Sometimes my blog will be “Just so” or right. Then other times it will be “just so Terryann” or so much like me.

Wisdom ~ Part 3

PART 3

20~ Live and let live, if possible.
21~ let your actions speak loudly, they are anyway!
22~ Let your yes be yes and No be no, you don’t have time to say yes then not follow thru… it hurts your reputation and those who depended upon you to be truthful
23~ Small portions – of everything!
24~ to look for and seek wisdom is a worthy goal.
25~ Read the good book everyday, there are worthy words there, and you will gain some wisdom.

You need to know this... stuff!

PART 2
11 ~ Proverbs…a really good read and not just stories!
12~ Pepto-Bismol is good for a lot!
13~ Yogurt every morning
14~ occasional glass of wine with dinner
15~ remember to eat your oatmeal!
16~ Eat your fruits and veggies!
17~ Chocolate, dark, only just a little.
18~ Hang your keys by the door.
19~ Keep a calendar and keep it current.

Pearls of Wisdom Nugget of Truth ~ Part 1

The following is a list of important bits of Wisdom and great advice I have received or given over time…. These mostly work… I will be adding to these from time to time.. and updating those where I find tweaking needed….let me know if you have a pearl of wisdom or a nugget of truth, I will be glad to consider adding it to my list….


1 ~ Don’t put that in your mouth.
2 ~ Look for that at the Library.
3 ~ Think and Think again.
4 ~ WWJD
5 ~ A place for everything and everything in it’s place will keep you from losing things.
6 ~ Have your thyroid tested!
7 ~ The only thing you can change is yourself.
8 ~ Live well in spite of your difficulties.
9 ~ There is help just ask, the right person.
10 ~ The Golden Rule! It works!

Advice - take it or leave it your choice - as always.

Update ~ ~ ~ Why I sew? ~~~ !

The whole reason I began to sew as a young girl was to be able to make things that were not available in the market. Many people think that sewing is an economical way to get clothing and home decoration. They are wrong. Sewing is a way to get what you want. It is expensive too, the machine is costly, the fabric, other supplies and the time! Sewing is a customized way to get exactly the right fabric, right color and right pattern you want. Custom is always more. I am the slightest bit creative, and I could always think up some design that wasn’t in the store. So once I got old enough to use a sewing machine I started sewing. First, just a sarong for Barbie, next was pillows and stuff for my room. My mom was an enthusiastic seamstress and she either sewed for me or helped me learn how to sew anything that was in my mind to make. As a teen I made a light weight jacket with a zipper down the front and slanted welt pockets that I was proud of. Besides the circle skirt and drawstring pants, there were numerous other projects that kept me busy with my hobby. When I was pregnant with my first I wanted a “Rainbow” theme nursery, not only was there nothing on the market, there wasn’t rainbow fabric in the fabric shops. What could I do…. Give up? Never, I found sheets with a big rainbow strip down the side. I bought several. From them I cut out the rainbow and made crib bumpers, curtains, lamp shade, switch cover, tissue box cover, rocking chair pad, changing pad and other little touches to complete the “Rainbow” nursery. Yes I was happy with that. It took time and effort and some money, but, I got what I wanted for my baby and for me. She is 25 now and my second is 17 I am finding I have more time to sew for myself and what do I want to do? I want to sew for complete strangers and hope they will like it enough to buy it on line.
See what I sew …. http://www.terryann.etsy.com