Living Sacrifice-Dying To Self

When you are forgotten, neglected, or purposely set at naught,
And you don’t sting or hurt with the oversight,

But your heart is happy being counted worthy to suffer for Christ
That is dying to self
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed,
Your advice disregarded, your opinion ridiculed,
And you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself,
But take it all in patient, loving silence.
That is dying to self
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity,
Any annoyance; when you can stand face to face with waste, folly,
Extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus did;
That is dying to self
When you are content with any food, and offering,
any raiment, any climate,
Any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God;
That is dying to self
When you never care to refer to yourself in
conversation or record your
Own good works or itch after commendation when you can truly
Love to be unknown;
That is dying to self
When you can see your brother prosper and have his
needs met, and can
Honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy,
not question God,
While your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate
Circumstances;
That is dying to self
When you can receive correction from one of less stature than
Yourself and can humbly submit, inwardly as well as outwardly,
Finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart;
That is dying to self

Author unknown.

I am not politcally savvy, I couldn't tell you all the issues of the those running for president, I know who is republican and who is democrat, but that is about all I know. What I do know is that God's ways are perfect, and we as human seem to forget that. We worry about who will be president, and afraid of the wrong one getting in, from our view point. What we need to ask is, who does God want in the place as the President of the United States. Who will accomplish what he needs done. In studying the Bible I have found a verse that is very prophetic as to the times we are in right now. Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the way of thy paths. Did you notice the part that says, " children are their oppressors and women rule over them." Think about what is happening in our world. How many school, and college shootings have there been recently? I haven't counted them but look at the way discipline is in the school, children are given the upper hand and the laws make it next to impossible to control these children. And now think of this, we have a women trying to the votes for the democratic nomination. A women, running for president, one who wants to be our leader, make descisions that impact you and I, our families, our jobs. All I can say is that if this is prophecy that God is ready to fulfill then there really is nothing we can do about. Does that mean we just go ahead and vote for her, of course not. You vote for the person you would normally choose, and at the same time pray that God's will would be done and whoever becomes president would have such an impact to show this country its need for complete dependence on God. Not only that, we need to keep our lamps trimmed and burning so that when the Lord returns we are ready. I am worried about so many out there who seem to not feel the seriousness of having a right relationship with God. Many profess, I see it everyday, but they lack the understanding of what God's Holy Word is really telling them. They have listened to false teachers and are not looking to God for understanding. They would rather believe a feel good Gospel instead of looking at the Bible to show them the sin in there life. We will be judged by the Bible, not by what church we attend. He doesn't have a manuel with the name of your church on it and will not say ok, did you follow what your church was teaching. He will say did you follow what I commanded. Jesus said, if you love me, then keep my words. When I have questions about what God expects of me, I go the Bible and he reveals to me is expectations. Our salvation is conditonal. I pray that you would let God reveal himself to you, and follow after him with your whole heart. He will never fail you.

He is risen, he is risen indeed. How beautiful is it that we have a saviour who came to save us from our sins, he bore our transgression, he became sin for us. I love the Lord and want to serve him with my whole heart. He has made my burden light, he brightens my pathway. Why wouldn't want to give honor to the someone who gave his all so that we might have salvation from the world. When I think of the surrender it took for Jesus to to be willing to die upon the cross. He could have said it isn't worth it, why should I go through this horrible pain and suffering. These people do not deserve this, most of them won't even appreciate it. I know I don't deserve a loving saviour, but I willingly have accepted this gift of salvation. He has changed my life so completely. I hope that all who read this know this Saviour in such a personal way as to know he is your Saviour. Jesus is risen, he is risen indeed.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotton son, that whosoever believeth in him would have everlasting life. John 3:16

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19, 20

I believe this verse so much and was made very real for me last sunday and through this week. I am so thankful to God for the protection he provided for my family inlcuding Emily. You might say, "but didn't she get hurt", yes she did, but it could have been worse. She is still with me, she lost several teeth but they are and baby teeth a will grow back in, it may take a while but she will be fine. I thank God for providing for me before Emily's accident, after christmas I was in Kroger's and looking at some after christmas sale items they had, there happened to be this small blender that is perfect for blending small amounts of things that was normaly priced at $29.99 and I got it for $3.00. This small blender was perfect for blending up smoothies and milk shakes for emily in just the right amount without wasting a bunch. A large blender which I have would not have done as well with small amounts. We had just finally found a good dentist for the our family to go to and Emily had just had her teeth checked so now we have a dentist to go to for a follow up appountment to have mouth looked at without having to go back to the hospital to the clinic which would probably be more expensive. I am also thankful for my friends who called and offered their help, support and prayers, it meant so much to me. God has provided me with such a great circle of people who care. In my life of sin I did not have that support. My pastors wife called me about everyday to let me know she was just a call away and would come if I needed her help. Your so sweet Sis. Stetler.

In reality was this week hard, yes, but I am still thankful for his guidance, grace, and help through this week. He was there to pick me up when I tired of a long day caring for Emily. He is ever true, and is always right beside us. I love the Lord and want to follow him wherever he may lead.

Here are some pictures of Alex, as you can see he can fall asleep anywhere. If I thought to take the picturs I could have a whole album full of just him falling asleep where he is. He will tell me he is tired and before I can get him to bed I will turn around and find him sleeping on the floor or anywhere. My husband will send me pictures of him sleeping in various places when I am working. I think it is the funniest thing. I just wanted to share this with you.

Here is Emily feeling much better. She still has a sweet smile although, toothless. She is still eating smoothies and now pudding and yogurt. She tried to eat some pizza but just couldn't do it. She said she couldn't swallow, it kept getting stuck in her back teeth. I know it isn't funny but I always have to laugh when she starts going around smelling food. She will do this over and over again and sigh and say how she wishes she could eat it. Tonight she has been battling a bad taste in her mouth I think some of the scabs in her mouth are starting to slough off and it leaves a bitter taste in her mouth. She kept having me rinse her mouth out with mouth wash.

She had a bright spot in her day, I babysat for a friend who has a little boy who is one, and Emily just loves babies and toddlers. She played with him and helped me by getting him a snack and helped with his supper. Well that is all for now. Talk later. Goodnight.

Another update on Emily. My little girl is improving still, today she has tried to eat some chicken nuggets and french fries. She was not successful but she tried. I am sure she will keep trying everyday until she is able. She loves to eat and had been helping me make fruit smoothies which she has found yummie. It is peaceful this evening, it is just me and Emily at the house, the other two are at my mom-in-laws house. Emily is relaxing and I am getting some things done, like ironing and general cleaning. Well, I will sign off for now so that I can work on laundry. Have a great day. Bev

Just an update on Emily. She is improving steadily, she will drink just about anything, but still not willing to eat anything substantial. she had me blending today to try things. Some she liked but others she did not. She enjoys smelling food, and will say, "awww", to let me know it smells good. She also brought me pizza coupons after I had asked her if there was anything she would eat. She smiled when I asked if she would eat pizza, and then shook her head. I feel so bad for her. I wish there was something she would eat, I will just keep trying. I do feel that prayer is being answered because, she has had minimal pain. She would not take any pain medicine today but his evening she did ask for some tylenol. I will keep trusting the Lord for her healing, he is the great physician.

I do want to add that Megan has been such a great big sister. She has been trying to help Emily by getting her a drink when she needs it, and helping me by keeping Alex occupied. She is turning out to be a wonderful help. Well I better go, have a good night and keep Jesus first in your life. He will never fail.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I wanted to update you and hopefully if blogger works I can add some pictures. We had a visit from our pastor and his wife, Bro. and Sis. Stetler, and they were so sweet and brought the kids frostys from wendy's and a dish of red beans and rice and corn bread. They also brought Emily a nice Easter basket, from the church, full of yummy candy which she will enjoy when she is able to eat regular food. This seemed to perk her up a bit and she had Megan counting the candy for her. After that Emily started to get thirsty, and kept me busy for a while helping her drink from a syringe and different medicine spoons, chocolate milk, pedia sure, apple juice, and ginger ale. She was also enjoying her frosty. I was able to convince her to take some motrin for the pain, I hope this will help her get a good nights sleep, and me too. Thanks for your prayers.

If you have children you have had your fare share of excitement, and we had ours yesterday. I had actually gone to work and planned on a quiet day nothing exciting when I got the first call with husband saying, "I think Alex broke his finger", of course I suggested they go to the hospital, but later he called to say Alex's finger was sore but he was moving it without trouble and seemed to be fine, disaster #1 averted. Now onto call #2, my husband franticly says,"meet me at the hospital, I think Emily is missing a bunch of teeth", no other information, thoughts running through my mind, how bad was she would she be ok, would she need surgery ..., on and on. I started praying as I headed onto the road, thanking the Lord for my children, placing them in his hands and driving safely within the speed limit. I knew me getting pulled over or in an accident would only make things worse. Well I get to the hospital and they direct me to the room she was in, my first look at her was with fear and trepidation, she had blood all over mouth, and her mouth had blood in it, and I couldn't see any top teeth. I went to her reassure her that I had been praying and said a quick prayer with her there and told her Jesus would look out for her. The Cincinnati Children's Hospital is a great place and they always make you as comfortable as you can be, they took good care of Emily. As the story goes a metal saucer sled was at the bottom of the hill where they were sledding and Emily went down on another sled face first, she hit the saucer at the bottom mashing her teeth out and in. My husband realized quickly that something was wrong and rushed her to the hospital. When he called me I hear could Emily crying in the background that she did not want to go to the hospital. She tends to panic with a little scratch, this was not just a little scratch. After being at the hospital for several hours, and seeing many doctors and nurses, and having an x-ray of her mouth they determined that she had alread lost 3 teeth and would two more needed pulled, all this from the top, one tooth on the bottom was pushed in and loosened and we were told to just let her wiggle it our on her own when she felt like it. He gums are pretty messed up but will heal. Also, some of the bone around her teeth was fractured but that will heal itself. God designed out mouth in such a wonderful way that it will reshape and form itself without much help. I thank the Lord that this was not worse then it was. The Lord was protecting her even in this. I know that there are lot worse things then losing some teeth in this way. She may have to change her eating habits for a while, but she will manage. Right now our prayer request is that she will feel only minimal pain, and that she will be willing to at least drink something. She is having a hard time with pain when she swallows, but the other hand she won't take anything for pain because it hurts when she tries to swallow that too. We appreciate you prayers. I know she will be fine, she is in God's hands.

The Big Snow.

The above pictures are of my children enjoying about 12inches of snow. They are calling the blizzard of 2008, even though it never really reached blizzard proportions. It was windy and cold though. There were drifts about 2 feet deep and lots of snow to shovel. I have a sore back due to that but will survive. Pretty much most the Northern Kentucky and Cinn. area was shut down. the malls were closed even. I was supposed to work today but since our job's are additional patient care we were not required to work, I wouldn't have been able to get out of my driveway anyways. I hope this it the end of the snow, I would like to see green grass, and dandelions. Hear the robin chirping his spring song. Watch the tulips peak there heads out and not have to wear a coat. But until that time I will try to be content and know that God's ways are perfect and he knows what is best. Well since the time changes tonight I will sign off for now. Have a good night. I will write more later.

Just a quick update on the weather. We have about 6 inches of snow, and are expected to get about 9 more. Tonight has the possibility for blizzard conditions. I am going to crawl into my burrow and snuggle up with my electric blanket and keep warm. The kids had a lot of fun playing in the snow hopefully that means they are tired and will go to bed with out a fuss. Well I better go so I can get them into bed soon. Have a safe and warm night.

Urgent weather warning

Well folks I am back at my post. We are in the middle of a weather system that could bring lots, and lots of snow. The current forcast is, today 4-7 inches of snow, winds 20-35 mph at times.

Tomorrow another 5-7 inches could accumulate. Its March people, spring is just around the corner what is going on, its not like we live in New York, like some other people I know.



I get another thought when I think of the weather, and you the Bible talks about the weather, it also talks about how we can forcast the weather but yet we do not know the signs of the times.
Matthew 16:2,3
He answered them and said unto them, when it is evening you say it will be fair weather for the sky is red, and in the morning it will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and lowering, O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky but ye cannot discern the signs of the times.

You know that is happening today, we have people who can tells us how much rain to expect, or snow, or whether the conditions are right for a tornado, hurricane you name it. We have such technology today that we know if we can go on with our activites or should we stay home. We are seeing many signs of the times today and people are so blinded that they do not see them. God's word says there will be a great falling away, and you know I see others who are falling away, not away to living a hard life of sin but to "minitries" who are not teaching the whole truth. It is a feel good teaching. Jesus loves you as are you. Yes Jesus loves us and he wants us to have a relationship with him, but he also said "if you love me keep my commandments, all of them".
I worry about the ones who I see changing, I see it in their faces, I hear it in their voices. I pray that you will open your hearts to God's complete will and have a surrender so complete that there is no question in your heart as to where your affections are.

I wanted to make a quick post just so that you could see that we are true kentucky folk. The story begins with the temperature being unseasonably warm today, almost 7o degrees, and when it gets like that my children all of sudden think it spring and the shoe come off. Well Alex did this and proceeded to ride a little big wheel down the driveway many times and dragging his feet, before I found out his shoes were off. The result of this was very dirty feet. I just had to share this and these pictures of him and his feet. I think that some of the dirt had worn off by the time I took the pictures because they were almost black, but they were still very dirty.

Have you ever come to church and just knew God was working right in the midst of everyone, you can feel his presence hovering so close and feel like answers to prayer are just about to happen. Well this morning was like that. The kids went to there sunday school class and Bro. Tillman came to the front for the adult class and all of a sudden I could feel God's presence so strong. Tears came to my eyes as I sat there. Before we even had prayer, Sis. Winkler spoke up and gave God thanks that he is working there lives. They have some foster children in there care that are to be adopted by a lesbian couple and they have prayed, the church has prayed and waited for God to change the way things were going. Well, she was told by the social worker that they need to take a second look into whether or not this situation was best for these boys. I praise God that he is working. I have just been believing that God would take care of this situation. I praise him, and rejoice in his works.

Now onto the Sunday school lessen. I recieve such good help in our class and this morning was like no other. The lessen was about The Word of God, it was given by inspiration of God, it is God breathed. Therefore it is holy, we should honor God's word and as Jesus said, if you love me keep my commandments. Towards the end of the lessen he hit upon something that I really needed to see it in the Bible, because I don't know how many times I have heard, "That's according to your, their's or whoevers, interpretation." I will say this, I do not interpret the scripture, God's does that for me. Well here the verse. II Peter, 1:20 Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. There are not many different ways to look at the doctrine of the Bible. There are many who have tried to say that the Bible says many different things to fit there life, that way they don't have to change there life style, or actions, how they dress, what activities they are involved. Even whether or not they live to close to the ways of the world. God's does not have a different message depending your denomination. We are to live by the Bible. The best advice I can give is you take the Bible and read it and ask God to tell you what it means. I hope that someone can recieve help from this. I love all of you and want everyone to make it to heaven. Give God your all. Give him every aspect of you life. Let him be in control.

We all love it when our children get into our perfume, especially when its our sweet little boys. Well last night, after all the kids were put to bed the first time, Alex comes into the living room smelling like a lot of perfume. Of course he wouldn't really admit to anything, and it wasn't until I went to get ready for bed and walked into my bedroom and found large wet spots on the floor and room wreaked of perfume. I then found out that Alex had been playing with my body spray and a bottle of water trying to mix it together. Well needless to say my room smells of perfume and probably will for a while. My blog will never be without things to write about as long as my children keep providing it and I don't think that will end anytime soon. Have a great day.