Saturday's thoughts

Our pastor has mentioned the need for integrity quite a few times lately. I guess because I live a fairly sheltered life at times I am not aware of the condition of things. Suddenly I become aware of the need and see it again and again.

Our daughter works in a doctor's office. They have had to hire a couple of new people. There were several who accepted the job, and then on the day they were to start called and said they had changed their mind, etc. One person even agreed to full time work and the day she was to begin called and said she could only work part time. What is it with people? It's sad when your word doesn't mean anything.

Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great wealth. Respect is better than silver or gold. (God's Word Translation) Obviously to some people this doesn't matter. That makes me sad for them and for our world.

Here are a couple of quotes that I like.

Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not. Oprah Winfrey (1954- ) in Good Housekeeping

Integrity combined with faithfulness is a powerful force and worthy of great respect.
Real Live Preacher, RealLivePreacher.com Weblog, January 27, 2003

My prayer...........

Psalm 25:21
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. (NIV)

Forever God is Faithful

If you are a parent do you ever feel that God uses your children to teach you His ways? It's like we do/say all these things to make an impression on our children when they are small and yet God uses something we least expect to get the point across.



When Rebekah was little we had some Kid's Praise music that she listened to a lot. One series was Psalty the singing songbook and Charity Churchmouse. I never realized what an impact these songs had on her until I read her blog.


http://bekasthoughts.blogspot.com/


I know that God can use whatever He desires to touch our children's hearts and make an impression on them. I never knew at the time that He was doing that very thing. I am forever grateful to Him for continuing to work in our children's hearts. He is faithful!

Sad puppy

Rebekah, Bethany, Ben, and Daniel just left for San Antonio. It sure is quiet around here. Donald had to go back to work, and Hannah, Bright, and I are going to run some errands. Bright hates it when someone is not home. He knows when someone is about to leave and he get depressed while they are gone. I kid you not. So we will have to give him lots of attention the next few days. A few car rides will make him happy also.

I guess I'm just about as bad as he is. I'm glad they are getting to go, but I sure hated to see them walk out the door. Of course, Ben came back in a couple of times before they drove off as he forgot some things. He had a class this morning, so when he got home everyone was ready and waiting.

Our computer monitor wouldn't come on this morning. Ben hooked up my new flat screen TV to the computer and we can get Internet access so I'm sure the problem is the monitor. I started to get upset, but then remembered to thank and praise God. It sure helps beat the stress. I'm going to see if I can get it checked out this afternoon before we buy a new one. Maybe it's something simple.

I told Donald I am NOT losing my TV to the computer though. But it is nice to have it work as a backup. Guess I better clean up the kitchen and be ready to leave in a bit. I did ask Ben who I would cook for while he's gone. (He always gives me hugs and tells me he loves me while I'm cooking!) He said since he was gone I didn't have to cook. Wasn't that nice of him??

Weird Wednesday

Usually I'm at church right about now. Tonight I'm home and that seems weird as I'm feeling just fine. Donald had a meeting tonight and is getting to eat plus getting continuing education credits for it. Sounds good to me. I spent most of the day on the go and had to pick up Daniel from work since Donald's not home. We decided to go through Arby's for cheddar melts and curly fries. I didn't get home from the grocery store until after 4:00. Ben and Hannah helped me unload and Hannah cleaned the pantry and put away food for me. By then I didn't have time to cook dinner since I had to be ready to leave when Daniel called. I guess I'm trying to justify spending money on fast food; it was good, but not that good. At least I have the items for quite a few meals now. I love it when I plan ahead and know what I have on hand to fix.

The kids are leaving for San Antonio tomorrow so we have plenty of things to work on tonight. Homework and laundry mainly. The washer and dryer are humming along and the kids are studying so all is well on the home front. It sure is strange not being at church!

presence choice

I love how when God gets my attention about something He continues to send me reminders. Our wonderful pastor has reminded us many times that we should seek after God Himself and not what He can give us/do for us. That is wise and life-changing advice. My daily devotional from Pastor Kevin (http://www.e-quip.org/) also talked about this. This is what he said in his Jan. 11th devotional.......

"It's time to get back to the basics. It's time to get back to KNOWING GOD. It's time to get back to a relationship with Jesus that far exceeds any other relationship we have on Earth, amen? Amen. THAT is what will be the catalyst to get YOU and ME into that PERFECT, EXACT, and GOD-PLANNED PURPOSE for our lives. Amen! I recently heard this statement, "It's time to be less concerned about the "presents" of God, and to start being more concerned about the "presence" of God."

I need His presence. I entered into a "me-centered" attitude yesterday and it stunk. It was an especially long morning as I bemoaned my missed meeting and dealt with my "poor me" attitude. I knew better; I just didn't let it go. It wasn't the end of the world and nothing life threatening came of it. I am human; I simply forgot. That happens and life goes on.

After a busy afternoon and night I checked email this morning and got this note from a special friend. Just read your blog. Are you being tested today? :) Hang in there. Remember God is in control and to praise Him in all things. Don't come down on yourself. He loves you very much!!! and sooooooo do I.

Aren't friends wonderful??

blah, blah, blah

Life is changing yet again for me. Ben has started classes for the spring semester at the junior college. So that means thinking ahead and planning my schedule for when I need a car or maybe taking someone else to work so I'll have their car. In addition that means adjusting my schedule to be available to pick them up. Already today I have had to call on a dear friend for a favor because I have two places I need to be at the same time later today. Will I ever learn to say no??

Day one.......I've already messed up. They are having an enrichment class meeting for the parents as I type this. I'm supposed to be there. I forgot. Totally forgot about it. Vicki called or I never would have thought about it. I couldn't go; I didn't have a car. Good planning so far, huh?

I wonder what it would be like to have my very own car? Just to have it there for whenever I decided I wanted to go somewhere or do something. Our schedule is far too complicated for me.

Donald's parents had five kids also, but only one car. How in the world did they do it? Am I so spoiled that I think I deserve a car of my own? Let's get real here, our family has four cars already. Now one of them Rebekah is paying for and therefore has exclusive rights to. She is very good about sharing or helping with transportation when the need arises.

Why am I sitting here complaining?? I need to practice what Pastor Paul spoke about yesterday.

Note to self: begin attitude adjustment...... immediately!

rlp

"If enough of us commit ourselves to small acts of goodness, the world really does begin to be a better place." Gordon Atkinson/Real Live Preacher

http://www.reallivepreacher.com/