Friday, July 29, 2011

I miss my Daddy and Being a blessing......

     My Daddy went to heaven 28 years ago today. I was 21 and a Sr in college when he passed. I have lived longer without him than with him and that made me sad, til I read a friends blog and she was talking about her Daddy being in heaven and how he had seen Jesus' face and that gave me such peace and comfort. Love you Daddy and miss you but I know you and Moma are so happy together in heaven with Jesus and I will see you again someday. I am glad my friend shared her heart cause it helped comfort mine.

     A few months ago I was able to be a blessing to a friend.  I never told her about it or anyone for that matter.  I did not want any recognition, I just wanted to help her out.  She was so excited and it made me smile to just sit back and enjoy.  I had someone ask me, "Why don't you tell her it was you?"  I didn't care if she knew, it was just nice to see her happy.  
     Well, fastforward a couple of months and today I received a similar blessing from someone I just "met" and don't even know.  She just wanted to be a blessing to me.  She didn't make a big deal, just quietly sent me the blessing.  She asked for nothing in return.  
      I was telling my son about it and he said "Moma, remember you always have taught us that if you are a blessing to someone when you can and they need it, God will use someone to be a blessing to you when they can and when you need it."  My Moma also always taught me that when you do something for someone and you make sure that everyone knows then that praise is all you get but when you just quietly go on your way then God will reward you.  
     I don't always do what I should or what God asks but I try.  I think God is amazing and thank Him for letting me be a blessing and for the one I received.
     Forgive me for rambling today, but just sharing my heart and lessons learned.
God bless,
Pat

This blog post is linked to http://www.homesanctuary.com/rachelanne/2011/07/company-girl-coffee-729.html If you would like to link up too, go here and thanks for stopping by.









Monday, July 25, 2011

Update on The Love's

     Our world has been interesting to say the least recently.  Billy and I were married on August 16, 2011 and so this year will be 25 years.  Jenny asked if we would renew our vows, I said yes on the condition that Billy said yes also.  I knew he would say no so I was home free, well he said yes, wow.  So then the planning began.  After much planning it was decided we would renew our vows a month early on July 16, 2011 so our daughter could be there.  Did I mention, she is getting married on August 6, 2011 and moving to Oklahoma with her new husband to work in a church there. 
     On July15th, it was all planned except rehearsal and the decorating. Rehearsal went with many hitches but we were sure we would still be ready the next day.  SO the decorating began, slowly over the night all left the church except for me and Jenny.  We were working away in the church oblivious to how much danger we might be in.  We finished the sanctuary and went next door for final preparations and then a late night trip to Walmart.  After were sure we were done, I started looking for my purse, it was no where to be found.
     After a few minutes we discovered our purses had been stolen.  The police came and took a report but the only positive thing they had to tell us was that we were blessed we had not been killed.  The renewal went ahead the next day despite the loss of our purses, all contents, including all Billys paycheck which was in cash and my bible and many treasures for us both, think about what is in your purse, ladies.  Because of money issues now, we did not get to go on our "honeymoon" but we did go out to eat and spent the night sitting in the pool beneath the moon.
     Monday brought many emotions including exhaustion as we sought to replace what we could-debit cards, drivers liscence etc  It has been an interesting journey but I think we have both made it to forgiveness and moving on.
     Now the countdown begins to Amanda's wedding and I will update from both with pictures as soon as I can.  The picture above was taken by our son who owns Studio 13 Photography and is one of our "engagement" pictures. 
     Thanks to Jenny and Jonathan most of all for the money, time and preparations but also to Stephen and Amanda, Anthony, everyone who serves, came etc.  This was a wonderful time in our lives through it all.
God bless,
Pat

Missionary Monday-The Shelby Family!

     The missionaries that I am highlighting this week is The Shelby Family to Kenya, East Africa.  They are out of Bible Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Arkansas.  We met them and had the privilege of getting to know them many years ago.  Our church has supported them for all those many years also. They have been serving God in Kenya since 1999.
     If you would like to learn more about Bro Luke and Mrs Tonya you can go to their website http://www.shelbysinkenya.org/  or you can find them on facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/Shelbysinkenya

     I am sure they would appreciate any and all prayers on the behalf of their family and their ministry.

God bless,
Pat


Thursday, July 14, 2011

When life gives you lemons.....and a sweet treat to encourage a friend!

     They say when life gives you lemons make lemonade so here is a really good recipe for lemonade and a nice lemon snack to go with it....

Rich Simple Syrup for Lemonade
* 2 cups sugar (you can use any type of white sugar)
* 1 cups water
Bring one cup of water to a slight boil and whisk in sugar until dissolved. Store in a mason jar once cooled in the refrigerator for up to a month. Use to whip up a batch of lemonade in no time.
Note: You can always double or triple this so that you don’t have to make it as often.
Easy Homemade Lemonade
* 1 cup lemon juice-fresh squeezed or you can just buy lemon juice
* 1/2 to 1 cup Simple Syrup (depending upon your desired sweetness)
* 4 cups of water
In a pitcher combine lemon juice and simple syrup, stir in water. Serve immediately over ice or refrigerate until ready to use.

Note: You can also slice lemons and float in the pitcher too....

A nice lemony snack to go with it is this......


Lemon Buddies    * 9 cups Rice Chex® cereal
    * 1 1/4 cups white vanilla baking chips
    * 1/4 cup butter  zest of one lemon
    * 2 tablespoons juice from the zested lemon
    * 2 cups powdered sugar

   1. Measure rice chex into a large bowl; set aside.
   2. In 1-quart microwave safe bowl, microwave chips, butter, and juice uncovered on High 1 minute; stir.
   3. Microwave about 20 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Then stir in the lemon zest.
   4. Pour the melted mixture over cereal, then carefully until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
   5. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; gently shake until well coated. Spread on a cookie sheet to cool. Once cooled, store in airtight container.

     I also thought this would be a great gift to drop off to a friend who just needs a pick me up.  You could add a tag that says “When life gives you lemons make something sweet”.  Then you could also include the recipe on a card.  Wouldn’t that just be the perfect thing to cheer someone up!
God bless,
Pat

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Just something I have been thinking about....

  

  I hope if you are reading this you will bear with me as I share my thoughts.  Lately, I have seen where several people have posted on facebook, on their blogs and in person to me that a true christian should always be positive.  We should never vent, complain, or share anything that is not uplifting and encouraging.
     I have had a couple of people come close to challenging me if I am saved even.  Well, let me say this, first I am saved and I have peace with God so I honestly don't care if you think so, and second, I am not perfect.  I try to live for God but none are perfect save God.  I make mistakes, I have struggles and sometimes I make really bad mistakes.  I try harder to not make them and I feel convicted and go to God alot faster than I did before salvation but I still mess up.  Sometimes I vent, complain and cry.  I try not to alot and I try to praise God and live for Him more but even when I mess up I am still saved and still living for Him.
     I have talked to some of my friends about this who are really good Christians and some who are struggling Christians.  The majority of them say that my struggles show them that it is okay to not be perfect, the thing is we should try our best with God's help and hope.  One lady told me, that I encourage her cause it gives her hope to keep trying. I hope that I encourage more than I discourage.  I love the Lord, I pray for me, my family, my friends, my church family, my missionaries and more.  I read my bible and I try to grow.  Now am I perfect no, I have struggles, one of my biggest is my mouth.  I speak too fast and sometimes too often and sometimes I say stuff I wish I didn't.  Pray for me, please.  Someday I hope I with God's help will overcome, but until then I am going to keep on living for and serving God the best I can. 
     So, if you mess up, get up, ask God for forgiveness,pray, read your bible and try again.  Someday we will win these battles when Jesus comes back to get us. Until then, I will just keep on serving my Jesus and prayerfully win more battles than I lose.  Praying, you do too.
God bless,
Pat

Monday, July 11, 2011

Missions Monday-July 11, 2011

        Every Monday I am going to focus on one of our Missionaries that our church supports or Missions friends.  This week it is one of my friends and her husband, it is Sam and Mandi Abrams. They are currently on deputation raising their support to go to Hong Kong, China.  They are a sweet young couple expecting their first baby also.
      This is a link to their blog that I thought you might enjoy reading and can learn more about them and their ministry...... http://cantoneseforchrist.blogspot.com/ Please pray for them also if they cross your mind and you do not mind. 
     This is a devotion that Mandi gave and she tagged me in a note of this....I thought it was very good and hope it will bless some of you too.....

For Ladies Only~ Devotional

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 is probably most of the most popular verses in the Bible.  Through it, the Lord teaches us to trust in His ability to help us in our weakest time, to give us strength when we do not have it, and to direct us when we have no idea where to go.

When my husband first told me we were going to be missionaries, I read this very every other day.  “Okay, Lord,” I prayed, “I can handle this!  I’m trusting in you!  You have to show me how to glorify you in this situation!”  When you hear a missionary say “situation,” you automatically think of many challenges.  Living in a foreign field with no hospital close by.  Traveling around for months trying to raise support.  Sleeping on cots in a Sunday School classroom when all you want is your own bed.  Riding in a car for 15 hours for one meeting that only gives you a $25 love offering.  No, when I thought of situations, it had nothing to do with these.  The biggest battle I personally had to face was following my husband’s leadership.

I’m Mandi Abrams and I am married to one of the greatest men in the world, Sam.  We’re missionaries to Hong Kong, China.  When he first surrendered to the Lord, I thought he was crazy.  But after a few weeks, the Lord gave me Proverbs 3:5-6 in a devotional.  It was like the Lord put His hand on my shoulder and told me, “It’s okay. Trust in me, I’ll get you through this.”  Finally, I gave my heart to the Lord.  It was settled - we were going to start deputation.

Trusting in the Lord when you have nothing is hard.  Where will your next meal come from?  Are we sleeping in the car tonight?  Will I even be able to get a simple haircut?  Money makes the world run!  And we didn’t have any!  I’m going to be very transparent with you.  I like money.  I like having the security of insurance, a savings account, and even an extra twenty in my purse if I want to buy a new blouse.  But that changed!  It took DAYS before I realized money ran out very fast.

We were traveling home to Arkansas for a mission’s conference from California.  The church we presented at sent the check to the church...so we did not have a love offering for gas to help us get home.  We had been fine.  Five months on deputation, the Lord had blessed us financially, we never had money problems..yet.  We drove all the way to Texas and a couple from a church invited us out to eat.  The gentlemen forgot his wallet.  No big deal. We paid for the meal and we were able to be a blessing.

Getting back in the car, we headed to Oklahoma.  Being a good (nagging) wife, I asked my husband if we could fill the tank up so we wouldn’t get stranded on the side of the road.  Sam ended up filling up the tank, but only half way.  Before I even said anything, he blurted out, “We only have $2 left in the savings account and that’s it.  We got nothing else.”

Okay.  So we had half a tank of gas to get us all the way home to Arkansas.  We made it to Oklahoma City on empty.  Being the emotional person that I am, I burst into tears.  We didn’t have any money.  God had abandoned us.  We’re not suppose to be missionaries.  Every thing came out of my mouth!  Sam just looked at me and hugged me.  He was sweet, but I wanted him to hurt like I was hurting.  I wanted him to know somehow this was his fault.  So, of course, I let my tongue cut him, “If you wouldn’t have given that church that large amount of money, we would have enough to get home.”

There. I said it.  He had given a very generous love offering to someone about a week ago with a need.  Sam always has a giving heart and most of the time, I question if he is crazy.  We need that money!  If we would’ve kept it, we would’ve been able to make it home with plenty in our pockets.

We didn’t tell anyone about our situation.  We didn’t call our pastor.  We just prayed.  That entire night, I fought with God.  I blamed Sam that we were in this mess.  He wasn’t wise with our money.  It took only a few seconds for the Lord to remind me of that wonderful verse in Proverbs, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart:”

“Yeah, Lord, I have been trusting you.  But I’m not trusting in him.  Did you see how much he gave away?  This is Sam’s fault.”  I kept complaining to the Lord about how that the decision my husband had made was the most horrible one.  Then, like a dagger, another verse came to my mind.

Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

Wait, wait.  I do submit.  I submitted to go to China.  I am following around my husband!  I am doing all of that!  Then, with a gentle rebuke, the Lord asked me about my attitude.  I had been serving Sam like the Bible asked, but I had done it with a distrusting heart or with an attitude that was ready to rip him apart when he messed up.  And to make it worse, I wasn’t submitting to Sam’s decision to give away our finances that the Lord told him to!  Did you see that?  The LORD told him to!  Doesn’t that fit in with trusting the Lord?

Ladies, God put our husbands as the spiritual, physical, and emotional leaders of the home.  It is his job to take care of you, protect you, and provide for you.  If he messes up, he has to answer to the Lord!  That is a responsibility I do not want to carry on my shoulders.

Sometimes, your husband will make a decision you do not understand.  There will be times that every fiber of your being wants to tell him just how crazy he is!  (I do all of the time!)  But it is not your job to be his judge or his conscience, it is your job to be his encourager and his helpmeet.  It is your job to submit to his decisions.  If the Lord lays something on his heart, please, let the Lord guide him.  The Lord promises to take care of you!

I’m not saying you cannot give your opinion, but there is a difference when you do it with a right attitude!  I’ve only been married for three years, but because of that one simple statement I said about finances, it has kept it’s ugly head in our relationship for a long time.  Every single time he gave money, he would look at me and question me if it was alright.  Oh my, I made a mess of things.  I hindered Sam’s giving spirit because of my worry-wart attitude!  It has taken months for me to try and repair my goof.  It is just now getting to where he will give.  And you know what, I just smile because I know the Lord will take care of me.

Some of you are wondering what happened after Oklahoma, aren’t you?  Well, to finish the story, then!  Again, we had told no one about our situation.  I battled with the Lord all night, but I finally asked forgiveness for my attitude and my non submissive attitude.

The very next morning, our friends left for work at 5 am.  We were packing up around 7.  Sam just looked at me the next morning with a smile.  Extending a note, our dear friends had left forty dollars, “This isn’t much, but the Lord told me to give it to you.  Love you guys.”

Forty dollars was all it took to get us home to Arkansas.  We also were able to buy lunch.  What a good God we serve.  Even when we have no idea how things will work out, He provides a way.

Ladies, God loves you and cares for you.  Your husband loves and cares for you.  They carry a heavy burden and sometimes, they just want us to know we support them.  When you trust in your husband and submit to his decisions, God puts you under His wings and takes care of you just like He promised.

(Did this for a Ladies' Group - thought it might be a blessing ;) )

God bless,
Pat
(Please do not copy this, all content of the devotion belongs to Mandi Abrams, I am only sharing it)




Friday, July 8, 2011

Make a joyful Noise

      My bible reading today was Psalm 96-98 and the verse that spoke to me is this Psalm 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. 
     What I got from this verse is this, I make noises very day and somedays they are loud noises but are they joyful? Praying that today everything I say today will be joyful, rejoicing and blessing and not the things I should not say or in a way I should not say them. My mouth is my battle so good verse for me.  Another verse that for me goes along with this and is my prayer today is Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
     What kind of noises are you making today?  Are they what God would want them to be?  Praying you carry a song in your heart and kind words on your lips.
God bless,
Pat 
This post is linked to http://www.homesanctuary.com/rachelanne/2011/07/shine.html if you would like to link up too, click this link.  Thanks for stopping by.





Thursday, July 7, 2011

The little things in life......are the best! I am making memories!

 
Grandbabies playing in the rain!
      I think sometimes when people say they are bored or have nothing to do or moan and groan, its because they don't take the time to appreciate the little things.
     I may not have the money to go away on a vacation to the beach like some people have but I am blessed to have a little 3 foot deep pool in my backyard where I can spend time with my family all summer long.  When we get in the pool, my teenager talks to me and shares his heart; my about to be married daughter asks me questions; I get to spend precious time with my older son and his wife; I get to hear the squeals of laughter from my grands and my hubby and I find a way to reconnect.
     People always go to the snow shack, the frigid frog etc; we make homemade ice cream and snowcones.
     People go to this movie or that theme park.  We go to the free movies in the mornings with the kiddos; we go to redbox and come home and pop some popcorn and pay less than the cost of one of us to go to the movies and we don't have to worry about cellphones going off or people talking.  We eat together, my whole family every Sunday night-we grill out, we make our own homemade pizzas etc.
     Now, is it wrong to do any of that other stuff?  No, but though I might not can afford to do some of them, I can enjoy the small things we can do at home. I can complain or I can appreciate what God has given me.
     I can complain about what I can't do and how I am bored or I can make memories. I am going to play in the rain, take a walk, splash in the pool,  I am making memories!
God bless,
Pat Love

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Are you praying for your children?

JJ, Nene, ZZ

Stephen

Jonathan and Jenny

Amanda and Anthony
       No one will pray for your kids like you will! No one will love your kids like you will! No one will bombard heaven for your kids like you will!Are you praying for yours? 
     It doesn't matter if they are still little ones or in their own home with little ones of their own. You never stop being a Moma and no one prays for their kids with the kind of heart and love that a Moma does.  We carry them inside of us for 9 months and in our heart til we die.
      I am praying for Jonathan, Amanda and Stephen Love.  Added to this is Jenny Love, JJ, Nene, and ZZ and Anthony Master who are mine through the love of my own children.  I hope you are praying for yours too.
God bless,
Pat

Monday, July 4, 2011

Missions Monday

     Every Monday I am going to focus on one of our Missionaries that our church supports.  This one is my friend also, her name is Diane Arender.  Her and her husband pictured above went to the Philippines as missionaries.  As God would have it, Bro Duane passed away on that mission field.  Mrs.  Diane, suffering from the loss of her husband and best friend and fighting breast cancer, returned to the field to carry on.
     She has now been joined by one of her sons, Bro Justin Arender and his family on this field.  I am so proud of the programs and ministries that they have started.  Please join me in praying for them and supporting them if possible.  I am linking to her 2 blogs and her facebook page if you would like to learn more about her and the ministries.

facebook:    
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000204488757

Blogs:
http://diane-womeninneed.blogspot.com/

and another one:
http://diane-sister2sister.blogspot.com/

She does not get to update them very often like she does facebook.

Thanks for letting me share....
God bless,
Pat


Happy 4th of July 2011! Pray for our Country!

(Used with permission from Studio 13 Photography, do not copy or steal)
Happy 4th of July to everyone! Freedom doesn't come free.Thank you for all that served and for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be free! We are one nation UNDER GOD!II Chro.7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
God bless,
Pat

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Psalm 122:1

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Psalm 122:1
    
     This is my church, Bible Baptist Church in El Dorado, where me and my attend and are involved in many ministries.  We have been members here since February 1992.  It is filled with not only my fellow church members but family.  Our church is close and it feels like family.  I cannot begin to tell you how the pastor and the people have been there for me and my family.  I cannot imagine going anywhere else. 
     I just wanted to share where I go.  If you are every looking for a church to visit or attend in our area, we would love to have you visit.  If you would like to learn more feel free to go to this link  http://bbceldorado.org/index.html  and we have a page on facebook too at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_109006435856907&ap=1#!/pages/Bible-Baptist-Church/248143436183
God bless,
Pat


Friday, July 1, 2011

Go visit a friends blog-Ideas for working from home-not what you think!

Go check out a friends blog-she has some great ideas for working from home but not what you are thinking. 

The link is..... http://valerie-thebishopswife.blogspot.com/2011/07/ideas-for-working-from-home.html 

She also has some other good stuff, I would suggest you follow her blog too.  I have met her in person and she is as sweet in person as she is online.

God bless,
Pat

Taking a Break to see if I want to continue

I am taking a break from here.  I am not sure if I want to continue or if my blog is another thing that is just a thing of the past.  I ...