Praise and Worship Leaders Really Set The Tone

Mom had a very difficult morning. She did not sleep well, which meant I did not sleep well. She kept wanting to go home, though she was already at home. My brother came over to help calm her down but by then (8AM or so) she was dressed and enjoying breakfast. So since we were both up bright and early and she was raring to go somewhere, I thought I would do something that would bring a smile to her face. I decided to take her to visit her church. We hopped in the car and began our travels, when half way there I heard her say, "I told you to take me home!" I reminded her we were on our way to church and she said, "I did not tell you to take me to church I told you to take me home!" So I turned the car around. This opened up a wonderful opportunity for me to attend the church of my choice. My nephew, Sammy and my son, Micah stayed with Mom. I arrived right on time for the very first song and let me tell you, our Praise and Worship Leader, Eric, is AMAZING! He has such a heart for Christ and you can feel that with every soulful tone. He helps the crowd leave whatever happened before they got there behind, so they can focus on Christ. His selection of music and his delivery makes the crowd feel excited to praise and then he and the worship team direct you right into deep worship. When I close my eyes, as I repeat certain verses, I feel as though I am inhaling the essence of the Holy Spirit. For a moment, I forget others are around and it is just me and God and Eric and the praise team. I love that feeling. After Praise and Worship, I feel totally refreshed and renewed. Blessings go out to all the Praise and Worship Leaders everywhere.

Hurt Feelings

There are some people that really like to emphasize that they are Christians. There's nothing wrong with that, however, I think it is just as wonderful to show the love of the Lord via your actions. As you live to glorify Him, in word and deed, others will see Jesus in you. Someone may even ask why you do this or don't do that and their questions can open a dialog for you to witness to them. There are those, however, that really study their Bible, attend church regularly and forever quote scripture but unfortunately they do not notice that some of their actions are contradictory to God's Word. They can be the nicest people yet maybe they don't realize that they gossip, hold grudges and do other things that hurt loved ones. I like to take a 'What Would Jesus Do' attitude. If you have a problem with someone, do what the Bible teaches. Go to that person and speak to them directly about whatever is on your mind. It does no good to spread negative information about someone. Plus, if you go to them, you may find that whatever you were upset about, may just be a simple misunderstanding or by bringing your upset to the other person's attention, it may help them in how they handle a similar situation in the future. Remember, God is Love. We all make mistakes but let's do our best not to allow Satan to cause division. (BTW, if you go to them and they become angry that you brought a situation to their attention, you can either take the next step of bringing someone else with you to further discuss the matter with them as the Bible teaches or pray for them, give it time and know that you attempted to do what God wanted you to do.)

HE LIVES!!!

Thank you Mom, Dad and St. John's Church for teaching me about Jesus and the words to this song about 49 years ago. This song has radiated in my heart and mind many times throughout every year of my life. It is so uplifting. I hope you will sing it often. HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY!!!

He Lives!
Words and Music by Alfred H. Ackley
© 1933 Homer A. Rodeheaver
Renewal 1961 by The Rodeheaver Co. (Word Music, Inc.)

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He's always near.

Chorus
He lives, He lives,
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives,
Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

I've Got The Auto Repair Blues

You know I have often thought about taking an automotive course. I learned quite a few things from my Dad with regards to how a car works but I have never actually handled any repairs. I'm GREAT, however, at holding a flashlight, making sandwiches and providing a soft drink to someone actually doing the repairs haha. If anyone knows of an automotive course particularly geared toward women or at least to those women or men that would like to learn basic auto repair but may or may not necessarily be mechanically inclined, please let me know. I would like to know how to change a flat tire, at what voltage to change a car battery, how to change a car battery and maybe how to do a bit of autobody work. Keep rolling on Blog Buddies. Say a prayer for me!

Mom's Bed Is Still The Best

When I was young, my Mom and I shared a bedroom. My Dad snored and it kept her awake so for the most part, she opted out. Two of my nieces lived with us also, so Mom slept in a twin bed with my niece Gina and I slept in the other twin bed with my niece Luann. Every now and then if I had difficulty sleeping or was not feeling well, I would get in bed with Mom pulling the covers around her feet to make a mock pillow for my head. Boy that would be the best sleep ever. It must be universal because Sheryl Kravitz wrote a story about children that found Mommy and Daddy's bed to be The Coziest Bed In The World! Well, in the wee hours of this morning, Mom was having some difficulty. I don't know if she had had a nightmare or maybe woke up not recognizing where she was but she was shaking quite a bit. I put her back in the bed (now she sleeps in the big bed where my Dad used to sleep) and tucked her in real well to make sure to warm her up I climbed in with her. She immediately calmed down. Again, I gathered the covers around her feet and layed my head there. She patted my leg and I patted hers and off to dream land we went. I fell into such a deep sleep, my daughter had difficulty waking me. She said she had never heard me snore like that before. Oh, if only I could have slept until I woke up on my own but you know how it is. A Mother's work is never done so when duty calls you've got to get going.

When Life Throws You a Lemon, Make Lemonade

I'm sure you've heard this before but you know, positive thinking really works! Dreary days like today really can bring you down. Unfortunately, many people, like me, are dealing with leaking roofs and severe structural damage to older homes as the treacherous Cleveland winters have taken their toll. Keep praying. Stay positive. God has a plan and we can trust in His Word. So curl up in a warm blanket with a glass of lemonade and your Bible. A warm cup of hot chocolate or tea may seem more appropriate but I bet as you drink lemonade, a smile will come to your face. You will automatically begin to think of Spring and what a Wonderful Provider God is.

Isn't It Odd That We Hold On To Certain Things

I have had the same automobile insurance for 20 years. In 20 years, I basically never used this insurance. I received a ticket last year, which I did not feel I deserved but in talking with the officer, she said...your word against mine...coming to court is an all day process.. With the care of Mom it is difficult sometimes to get away for long periods so I paid the ticket. Little did I know (now mind you I have been driving for 40 years and by the grace of God I have NEVER had an accident and maybe only received 5 tickets including parking situations in my whole life) this ticket counted against my driving record. Well, I get a notice from my wonderful insurance company that due to my ticket, they are going to have to raise my rate, increasing my monthly payment $50. I was truly hurt and I wrote a letter but you know, it forced me to truly examine other companies out there and almost everyone offered me a lower rate. It feels like a relationship breakup. hahaha But I am pretty sure I am switching. I have until the 20th to decide. Whenever something like this happens, more and more I look for the silver lining. It could be God's way of forcing me to examine my options and move on. Next, bundling my cable, telephone and high speed Internet service. The deals sound phenomenal so onward and upward!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow??

Still out enjoying my daily walk though the weather was treacherous. May not have been able to go as far but I DEFINITELY got the workout. Walking in snow gives you so much resistance, just like the sand when jogging on the beach! It is truly great when you are dressed appropriately for it!
H-E-L-L-O Spring!!!!

I tried something new today!

This may be something that you have had for years. Maybe it will seem common place to you. You might be shocked that I never had it. I had seen pictures of it in the past and had meant to try it but never got around to it. Ok..Ok enough of the suspense right??? Today I put Blueberries on my cereal AND IT WAS A DELICIOUS COMBINATION. I had tried bananas in the past, strawberries, apple slices and raisins. But the sweetness of the cereal with the somewhat tart taste of the Blueberries is very complimentary. If you haven't tried it, or if there is any food that you have thought about but never put the thought into action, I encourage you to just do it! Little changes mean a lot and Blueberries are a great source of fiber. I'm thinking about ordering some Blueberry plants (pictured above) and growing my own. For me, that's thinking out of the box. (smile)

Everyone Needs A Sammykins

There are some people in this world that are just so wonderful. You know you are blessed to have them in your life and you might even wish everyone could experience their kindness, but what can you do? You can't clone them. hahaha Well, my nephew Sammy is in that category. He makes sure to visit us regularly and as we sat together the other day I immediately thought, "I've got to tell my Blog friends about him!" Actually he would be my great-nephew (no pun intended) because his wonderful Mom is my niece Gina. I lived in VA during the majority of his life but once he met us, he had an immediate bond with my children and me. He is the type of person that you can depend on and he looks for opportunities to do things to help without even being asked. That's what I call going the extra mile! He is a gentleman, very respectful and a godly person. Like my daughter, Beranda, he demonstrates a maturity beyond his 19 years. He is so patient with my Mom and when he fills in for me during vacation time, etc. I know he follows my schedule in getting Mom up, feeding her and administering meds and that he is giving her all the love and care that I do. He also helps to transport and babysits his little nephews and nieces when he is not working or serving within his congregation. And he is a wonderful encourager to his teen male cousins. So here's to you Sammy, nicknamed Sammykins by this Auntie. You are a sweetheart and I cannot thank you enough for all the love and care you provide to our family and all those you come in contact with.

Good Day Sunshine!!!!

Woo Hoo!!! Man, does sunshine make you feel great or WHAT!!!! I woke up bright and early, had my Blueberry flavored Green Tea (yum) and a delicious breakfast (boiled egg w dill on whole wheat toast) and a huge cup of water. I try to walk/run 6 miles 5 days a week but today I feel so great I might be able to run at least 1/2 of that. I do have a few errands today and because the weather is so lovely, I think Mom and I will hit the trail together. Thanks for your prayers for Mom Dee, my sister-in-law's Mom (See The Mom Squad Forum Prayer Request Folder). Surgery went well. She will spend a a bit of time in rehab now so please continue to pray for her complete recovery. Remember to take a moment to inhale some fresh air. Gina Hart has not made it back to the station yet so please continue to pray for her. She is having a very difficult bout with flu/pneumonia. Brooke sounded much better this morning, PRAISE GOD. The Mom Squad had a great time at the Hartville Hardware this past Saturday. It's such a fantastic place. If you were unable to come out I hope you will stop by there in the near future. While you are out there, enjoy the Hartville Flea Market and Hartville Kitchen. Beranda and I loved our lunch at the Hartville Kitchen and the Apple Cobbler...mmmm...mmmm good. If you haven't signed up for The Mom Squad yet, how about doing it right now? It's quick, easy and you will receive notices of our upcoming events AND have a chance to obtain gifts and win prizes. Who wouldn't love that? Everyone at 95.5 The Fish is so special. One can't help enjoying the wonderful music and happy commentary. Bless you so much. Thanks for checking in. HAVE A MARVELOUS MONDAY!!! P.S. I'm skunk free thanks to the Garfield Heights Animal Warden. THANKS A BUNCH ED!!!