Sadness has made its presence once again known for my family and me. Several months ago, my Aunt fell and had to be placed in traction. After several trips between the hospital and nursing home, my Aunt passed on to be with the Lord. She was the wife of my Dad’s brother who passed away last summer.
The minister who officiated at her funeral is a beloved family friend. When he was describing my Aunt he said the Bible term “virtuous woman” could describe the kind of woman she was. What a wonderful legacy she has left behind for her son and grandchildren… to be remembered as a virtuous woman. There is no doubt her family knew and felt the love she so freely gave. She was a praying woman, whom I’m sure was continually uplifting her family in prayers.
When my sister and I were growing up, during the summer she would come and pick us up for an overnight visit, so we could spend some time with our cousin. Her daughter was around the same age as my sister and I and we always had a terrific time when we were together. A few years ago, our cousin passed on to be with the Lord as well. I’m truly blessed to have these wonderful memories.
Thought I’d post the words to Proverbs 31:10 in remembrance of my Aunt. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” My aunt will be remembered as being a prayerful, loving and kind virtuous woman… she will be greatly missed.
Until the next time, may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
23 April 2008
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I’ve been keeping busy lately with family health issues. One of the issues dealt with my own health. Had a flat scaly spot that came on my leg several months ago and since it was not bothering me I just ignored it. A few weeks ago it slowly started changing in size and redness started to develop. Still I kept on ignoring the matter. I did start putting some antibiotic cream on the spot, but it made no difference. Finally the area started itching, and then I knew that I had to get to the Doctor.
The spot on my leg seems to correlate with the way sin transpires in our lives. It starts out innocently, no major changes and then slowly things start to change with a negative impact. It could be something as familiar and simple as playing a video game. The game brings pleasure and then the next day we play again and again. Before long we’re late coming to the dinner table because the game has our thoughts totally occupied. Next junk food seems to accumulate around the video game setup because we have to achieve the highest score. Without realizing it several days have passed… prayer, Bible study and family time are no longer priorities for video gaming is consuming our life.
I used video games as an illustration, but it could be anything that negatively impacts our relationship with the Lord. Like the spot on my leg, something that starts our innocently can have a way of festering into sin and hindering our relationship with the Lord. Playing a video game is not a sin; however, if we do not make the Lord our priority and daily communicate with Him in prayer and Bible studies then sin has a way of creeping into our lives and takes its hold… and things like playing video games can become sin in our life. When sin enters our life we must confess to the Lord our sin and seek His forgiveness. In 1 John KJV 1:9 we find “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Thank you Father for your grace and love.
Tomorrow I have the spot on my leg removed…oh yes that dreaded scalpel! If I had gone to the Doctor earlier… it would have been easier to remove. I give thanks to the Lord that the Doctor said it doesn’t look cancerous now, but felt that it could turn into cancer if it is not removed. Just like cancer… unconfessed sin in our life has a way of growing and like cancer it can metastasis by spreading into every facet of our life until the Lord is no longer even in our thoughts. Confession is indeed good for the soul.
My church First Assembly of God Corbin is a small church, but has a true heart for loving and serving the Lord. The Drama Team and Youth Group in Corbin performed a couple of skits at church. Thought I’d share these skits with you. I created a page on the blog containing these skits and named it Skits – Drama Team and Youth Group in Corbin. I know you will be blessed by these skits.
Until the next time, may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
31 March 2008
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Spring is just around the corner. Even though snow blanketed the landscapes for a great number of us this past week, sunshine soon arrived to hasten the snow’s melting and help usher us toward that seemingly magic time of year… spring.
The budding trees, delicate spring flowers and the blossoming greenery of our landscapes will create that magical essence, which we fondly cherish. It is a transformation, which starts out very subtle, hardly noticed, and then it seems overnight our landscapes have blossomed into a glorious splendor of greenery and vibrant spring flowers.
The harshness of winter’s weather is soon forgotten as this seemingly magical time of year unfolds and makes its presence felt and loved as springtime captivates our lives. Windows that have been locked for months are now opened, so the freshness of the spring season can be enjoyed. Spring attire soon makes its way back to the front of our wardrobes and winter coats are soon forgotten. The backyard once again becomes a playground for our children and their friends to enjoy. Gardening takes its grip and has us digging, weeding, planting and loving it!
Perhaps one of the most appreciated elements of spring is the increase in sunshine! We begin to feel renewed as the sun’s radiance helps lift our spirits and enables us to feel that extra spring in our footsteps.
Spring is the time of year that Easter is celebrated. Remembering our Lord Jesus and His death on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins… followed by His resurrection the third day is without doubt a special blessed time of year for us to rejoice in His love. Matthew 28:6 KJV “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said…” We should treat every day like Easter by always giving thanks to the Lord Jesus for his grace and love.
In Genesis 1:14 KJV we find “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:” What wonderful treats the Father gives to us each year as the glory of his works can be found in the seasons he created. Each season holds the special creative touch of our Father.
Until the next time, may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
11 March 2008
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As many of you know, my Dad suffers from dementia. One memory from his long ago past that frequently re-surfaces comes from his childhood days. He recalls a day there was a large snow, which came up to his knees and how he and his brother were out by the barn when they saw rabbits. They chased after the rabbits and caught them since the rabbits could not move very fast in the deep snow. Back when my Dad grew up the rabbit population was plentiful. Each time he tells this story an illuminating smile fills his face.
Dad frequently comments “we don’t have snows now like there use to be.” It was just last week he made the statement that he would like to see it snow. On Wednesday morning when I awoke, my heart leaped with joy as I looked out the window and saw a beautiful blanket of snow covering the landscape. My joy was for the fact that I knew this was something Dad really wanted to happen.
When I woke Dad to tell him about the snow, immediately he sat up in bed and his face was a vision of pure delight as he pushed back the curtain to reveal the breathtakingly beautiful snow. Right away he got out of bed and made his way to the dining room table to sit. With the window curtain pulled back, Dad had a perfect view of the snow. Several times that morning he related his cherished childhood memory about the snow and rabbits.
Lord, thank you for the beautiful snow. The purity of the radiant white snow reminds me how you took my sins and washed them away leaving me pure and radiant as the fresh white snow. No longer living in my sins, but living in your love.
Psalm KJV 119:29 “O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Until the next time may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
29 February 2008
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As I began my day, found myself wanting to hear some uplifting music. Had to go to the computer to check something, so while I was on the computer I browsed over to Sonific. Right away I found just what I needed. The name of the song is “Safe” by Steve Archer. The words in the song were immediately uplifting…”safe inside your love and there is nothing I can’t face.”
These are wonderful uplifting and encouraging words! I looked the word safe up in Webster’s dictionary and some of the words it used in the description are …secure, trustworthy…giving protection. We can trust in the Lord to always be there for us and can take comfort in knowing that we can feel totally secure and loved because he is protecting and watching over us; through Him we can face anything.
Music is a wonderful way to lift our spirits and helps draw us near to the Lord. Whether we are at home, church, traveling or whatever the case … listening to Christian music can be uplifting. It can help us keep focused on loving and serving the Lord. The wonderful words and sounds of Christian music help create within us a merry heart. Proverbs KJV 17:22 tells us “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
Thought I’d share this wonderful song “Safe” with you. It will definitely uplift and encourage you.
Until the next time, may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
22 February 2008
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I haven’t been able to blog or visit my blogger friends blogs much lately because of expanding my home business. Taking on a new project or experience can sometimes be daunting and maybe even overwhelming. At times these past weeks, I have found myself feeling saturated with decision making in unknown territories.
A couple of days ago during a unsettling day when Dad’s health was leaving him weak and I was trying to make sound decisions on a number of business steps, a calmness suddenly came over me. It was then my thoughts shifted to my blogger friend Janet’s post “Ch-ch-ch-changes…” in which she listed some “Changes For A Better Life”. As I read the post print out that I keep on my desk, one of the items that caught my attention was (”Rely on God and His Word all the time-Not partially, not sometimes, not when it’s convenient! …And Rely on Him instead of: -myself, others, coffee, chocolate”…)…. a great list of other “instead of” items followed.
These are wonderful words for our life’s journey. They really changed my focus that day. Even though I had included in my prayers to the Father my Dad’s health and my business… I was not fully relying on Him. I was trying to make the right decisions instead of pacing myself and waiting upon His direction.
Believe situations like this happen to us frequently. Even though we pray about a need in our life, sometime we get caught up in our situation and lose track on what is most important…. waiting and knowing with full assurance the Father will answer at the perfect time. When we pray our prayers are always answered and we should take comfort in this and constantly carry with us the assurance that we can fully rely on our heavenly Father to meet all our needs.
As I was typing the second paragraph of this blog, my Dad had gone to the bathroom and was making his way back to the living room and fell once again. The Lord is so good…Dad did not hurt himself. There is no doubt the Lord is watching over him…He is watching over all of us! Thank you Lord! Lord… help me to constantly rely more fully on You.
Proverbs KJV 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Until the next time, may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
12 February 2008
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This has been another busy week for me. Find my energy level somewhat drained this week. This can be attributed to poor quality of sleep. Dad fell again this past week and once again I’m truly thankful to the Lord that he did not hurt himself. However, I do find that when he falls or is suffering from illness my sleep pattern is affected. I find that throughout the day I do not believe that “worry” has its hold one, but when the lights are out at night…thoughts of Dad and his health do consume my thoughts. Although I know in my heart the Lord is watching over and caring for all our needs…there is that basic instinct to worry despite the absolute assurance of His caring for us. In *Psalm NIV 121 1:5 “The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.”
I have found nourishment from this verse. This verse illustrates to me how the Lord is always in our lives loving and protecting us. A shade offers protection from the harshness of penetrating light. We can raise our hand and provide shade to protect our eyes. When the right light conditions exists our bodies reflect a shade or shadow. There is no way that we can make the shadow disappear. I can move and shake my hand indefinitely, but still it persists. The same is true for the Lord being in our life.
When the Holy Spirit is living within us, we have that shade of love, protection, strength and encouragement given to us and present in our lives. Sometimes as we journey through life we may become inattentive to the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and lose sight of the nourishment and help the Holy Spirit provides. When we switch our focus back to the Lord…the light of the Lord shines in our lives and we can see the Holy Spirit’s shade of love, protection, strength and encouragement once again nourishing us and helping us during times of needs. The Lord is the Light of our lives and the Light has given us the presence of the Holy Spirit who stays with us like our shadow … and is leading, guiding and comforting us.
A couple days ago, I finally made the connection that my lack of sleep was the cause of my lack of energy. I felt led to turn my computer off two hours earlier than normal. Then I asked the Lord to help me sleep. Since that time I’ve been following this routine. My sleep has been sounder and my energy level is coming back up.
Sometimes we have not because we ask not. When I laid in bed those sleepless nights…thinking about Dad’s health…I had asked the Lord to watch over Dad…but the one thing I did not do is ask the Lord to help me sleep. The Holy Spirit’s comforting put me at ease and a restful night of sleep followed. We can draw encouragement and strength from the Holy Spirit who can help us overcome all challenges in our lives.
Until the next time, may be Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
2 February 2008
*Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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The past week has been a busy time for me. I have been working on growing my business. Needless to say there is always much involved when doing this.
Since I have an at home business, space does become challenging. Had been using one of the rooms in my home as a combo den/office area. Due to new directions I’m moving in my business, more space is necessary. As such, the television has been moved out to the living room and some of the seating items I had in the den/office have been removed. The room now is my office.
Actually this rearrangement of living space has worked out really well and is much better than the other setup. There is a small step-up that has to be maneuvered to enter the office room. When the television was back in this room, Dad had to be careful when he entered and exited. Now the television is easily viewed from his favorite recliner. He is actually viewing more television now. Since Dad suffers from dementia, watching TV helps him to focus and concentrate.
Previously, I did not consider it a major item of concern having the television in the den area, since Dad did not seem to have any interest in TV and viewed it so infrequently. However, now I believe the reason he viewed it so little may have been because it was not easily assessable… the way it is now. I made the assumption that Dad’s lack of interest in TV was because of his dementia and had not stopped to reason that perhaps there were other factors, like easy accessibility.
This reminds me of how we sometimes fail to do the Lord’s will by easily making “assumptions”. Perhaps, we sometimes “assume” that since we don’t have a certain skill or categorize someone else as taking care of certain matters, that we don’t have to be concerned. Sometimes, the truth is right before us and we don’t want to take a look.
James KJV 4:17 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” We should search our hearts carefully when we recognize a need and always strive to do our heavenly Father’s will. Sometimes just getting involved is all it takes to make the difference.
Until the next time, may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
22 January 2008
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My Dad’s congestion stills remains. The temperature he was running is no longer occurring. He seemed to be doing a little better yesterday. Then just when I least expected it…. as he was leaving the bathroom and was making his way back to his recliner in the living room, he fell. My Dad is a diabetic and has vascular disease in his legs and feet. Falls are a familiar occurrence in his life and are probably largely related to the diabetes and vascular disease. Each time it happens it feels like my heart jumps all the way to my throat.
I know without doubt that the Lord was watching over him, as he always watches over us. Throughout the numerous falls in my Dad’s life he has only suffered injury one time. Even in that situation I knew the Lord was with him, as he always is… his shoulder was only dislocated and he did not need surgery…only rehab for a few weeks. The Lord’s blessings in our lives are countless.
Being a child of the Lord’s doesn’t mean we will not suffer adversities in our life, but it does mean that He will always be there with us and is a true and ever present help during our struggles in life. Yes, all of us will suffer adversities as we make our journey, but our struggles in life are soothed, as we are comforted by the Holy Spirit.
I feel there has probably been numerous times in our lives when the Lord made a difference in our circumstances or situations and we had no realization of it. Maybe it might have been…. the almost car accident, barely escaping the bite of an unknown dog, moving just in time to avoid being hit by a falling object, the fall we had without suffering injury…
I don’t believe we will ever fully realize or appreciate all the Lord has done for us until that blessed day when we are standing in His presence. What a blessed and glorious day that will be!
John KJV 6:33 “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” I thank you Jesus with all my heart for paying the debt for my sins so I could have eternal life with You… and for the blessed assurance that You are always there for me no matter what the circumstance. Hebrews KJV 13:5 “… for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”
Until the next time, may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
13 January 2008
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For the past few days Dad has been suffering from some congestion, low energy and at nighttime has ran a low-grade temperature. Today he seems to be doing better. I too have felt the impact of some type of adversity myself over the past week. My energy level has been down accompanied with headaches and various other aches.
Because of Dad’s dementia and frail health we stay at home a majority of the time. Without exposure to outside sources our immune systems have probably weakened. This reminds me of our spiritual lives.
If we limit ourselves to a life that is not shared with other Christians, our Church Family, or other means of spiritual fellowship then this will weaken our own spiritual lives. Christian fellowship is very important in our lives. It is a means by which we can gain encouragement, strength and comfort during those unsettling times in our lives.
It is absolutely wonderful to know that you have a Christian family of friends you can call upon when in need of prayer and support. Today I received a letter from my Pastor with Sunday’s prayer list…and on the prayer list was my name. What a blessing to know that my Church family is praying for me and to be able to pray for the needs in their lives.
The Pastor in his letter suggested putting the prayer list on the refrigerator, to serve as a reminder to pray. I think this is a wonderful idea! Every time the refrigerator is opened the prayer list will be there as a reminder of the needs in our friends lives for which we should pray. We should be seeking the Lord in prayer continually and not occasionally. Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy KJV 1:3 “I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.” Paul sets a wonderful example for us to follow.
Perhaps you find yourself like me, confined a majority of the time to the home. I have discovered there are ways to share with Christian friends such as phone, letters, emails and blogs. My blogging experience has been a wonderful blessing. It keeps me connected with Christian friends by sharing my thoughts and needs in my life. There are wonderful Christian bloggers whose blogs will bless you with heartfelt words of encouragement, inspiration, strength, The Holy Word, and a great deal more of blessings.
Until the next time, may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
9 January 2007
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There is a basketball game coming on TV in a little while and my Dad loves basketball. Sometimes due to his dementia he loses track in the game, but still enjoys watching the game. When I was a child he coached basketball at our elementary school. My brothers played on the team Dad coached. During basketball season, game day was always the highlight of the week. Lots of talk and excitement about the sport filled the house.
Basketball has been a long time love in my family. The love for the game goes back as far as my Grandmother. I can fondly recall her faithfully listening on the radio to the game. This love was passed to her children with aunts and uncles having a true devotion to the sport followed by their children. Myself, I do enjoy watching basketball with my Dad, but cannot say that I’m an avid fan like others in my family.
Thought I’d bake my Dad a cherry pie as a game time treat. Unfortunately, when I opened the freezer I discovered that I was out of frozen piecrust. So I got out the ingredients and made the crust from scratch. It had been a long time since I had made piecrust from scratch. Needless to say the results of my efforts were somewhat lacking. The pie is now in the oven baking. I just checked on it and hope it tastes better than it looks.
Being greatly out of practice with my piecrust making, reminds me of our relationship with the Lord. Our relationship with our heavenly Father will become lacking and distant, if we don’t continually pray and study His Holy Word. In 1 Thessalonians KJV 5:17 we find that we are to “Pray Without Ceasing”. And in 2 Timothy 2:15 we’re told “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
I just removed the cherry pie from the oven. Ouch, it does look sad. Dad is usually more interested in taste than looks. Hopefully it does taste better than it looks.
Until the next time, may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
5 January 2008
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It is hard to believe today is New Year’s Eve. As I lay in bed this morning, my thoughts journeyed back over the year. It has been a difficult year that included the loss of family loved ones, family health issues that made a great impact in our lives, injuries and other life struggles. However, despite all these adversities the Lord has always been there for my family and me. Giving us strength and encouragement as we faced life’s challenges and difficulties.
I believe it is important to always reflect often upon the blessings in our lives. It is a great way to feel the Lord’s presence in our lives. The Lord has been so good to me. He has blessed me tremendously not only this past year, but throughout my life.
My Dad who suffers from dementia came to live with me this past year. I am so blessed to have him in my life. Although the initial relocation to a new home was at first difficult for my Dad, he has been able to make the adjustment. I know the Lord was with us, helping us through this time. What a blessing to be able to enjoy and care for my Dad. The blessings given to me by the Lord are countless.
Would like to think all my blogger friends for sharing my journey this past year. You have been a wonderful encouragement to me. It has been a blessing to share my journey and love for the Lord with you.
May the Lord greatly bless you and your family in the upcoming New Year. Be encouraged and draw strength from his love and grace.
Always Smiles,
Gin
31 December 2007
Philippians KJV 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
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This morning as I was reading from the book of Psalm, I came to one chapter that I especially love, Psalm 121. I find this chapter provides great encouragement and strength to us. The Lord is never sleeping, but is continuously watching over us. He is our protector and we can take comfort in knowing that He is always watching over us. Whatever “help” we may have a need for in our lives, the Lord is always there for us…. both now and forever.
I added Psalm 121 as a page to Footsteps With Christ. Believe you will find this a great chapter to reflect upon to provide encouragement and strength. Drawing comfort from the fact that our Lord Himself is watching over us can ease any burden that may come into our lives.
Want to wish everyone a blessed Christmas. May joy, peace and love fill your life as you reflect upon our heavenly Father’s unspeakable gift: 2 Corinthians KJV 9:15 “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
Until the next time, may the Lord bless and watch over you.
Always Smiles,
Gin
22 December 2007
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Today as I was retrieving something from inside my china hutch that contains a collection of sentimental items given to me over the years, a nativity scene ornament captured my attention. Frequently this time of year, churches show honor to Jesus by creating nativity scenes.
Live animals, nativity scene members dressed in costumes reflecting the attire of that period and a crude crib nestling a precious baby or perhaps a baby doll representing Jesus makes for a wonderful reminder for us to enjoy. Lights are strategically placed to provide subdue lighting for the nativity scene. There is a sense of calmness, peace and tranquility that fills the presence of the nativity scene.
Cold weather does not hamper the nativity scene’s production. Despite sometimes-harsh temperatures, cast members willingly endure the inconvenience in order to pay tribute to the Lord.
If you have never viewed a live nativity scene, I encourage you this Christmas to make time to view a nativity scene in your local community. You will be blessed.
Found a YouTube video “The Nativity Story: Heaven In a Manger&
