Thursday, May 31, 2012

Book Review-The Leaf Catcher

I have never heard of the author Dax M. Tucker until I joined Twitter. And when I read the review of the book I just had to get it. The main theme of the book without giving away the whole story is, "Can you go a day without thinking a negative thought?"

Tucker has a unique way of presenting his story as it is in a poetic style. It takes place in the 16th century Europen village.  I could not put the book down. It is easy to read and the lessons that can be learned are great.

So it is a must read. I got mine at Barnes and Nobles but I imagine there are other places that you can buy this book.

Please do.

God gives many people a great gift of writing in which the writer can show a reader what he/she wants them to see and I feel Dax M. Tucker is one of those gifted writers.

Bonnie

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

A Name Change

I decided that maybe I needed a name change. So I decided on Taking A Journey. Everyone is on their journey to their eternal home. And I enjoy sharing what is taking place in my life. And I would love to have you share what is taking place in your life journey.

Do you have children, write, play an instrument, sing? It is always fun making new friends and sharing the things that happen in our lives. Good or bad. If something bad, we can pray about it. If it is good we can rejoice together.

There is a place for comments on the bottom of blog where you can write a comment.

But I would love to have our own community where we share are journey together.

Bonnie

Monday, May 28, 2012

Thank You To All Who Have Served or Serving Our Country

If you live in United States today we are celebrating a special day we call Memorial Day. It is a day that we honor all those who have served or are serving in our military for our Country.

My husband, two sons, a brother, both my fathers, my mother and her sister (Betty), my nephew right now is serving and I had uncles also serve in the military. I am proud of all of them.

And for all the families in which their loved ones did not come back my prayers go out to you.

God Bless America if you can. We have strayed so far from You but our men and women are fighting to try to keep our country free. Be with all of them Father. And be with all of those who are serving in our government that they will recognize Who You Are and your Son  who gives us true freedom.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

A Wonderful Day

Yesterday our daughter and her family came over. When her oldest son stood next to me he was a few inches taller than I was. He grew some since I had seen him last. Her middle child was about the same in size and so was the youngest child. She never seems to grow. Out of the three it amazes me how strong Anna is. She will be eight in October.

Even when she was born and had to be placed in the special unit for children with health problems, she lifted her head right off the shoulder of the nurse holding her and she was only a few hours old. On top of that she had 40 cc of blood taken from her so that the blood would flow through her heart as she was born with a rare heart disease. And she also had a whole in her heart. So for her to have all that strength it was remarkable.

Anna doesn't look like or act like she has a serious problem. She may need surgery at any time. But yesterday she was doing somersaults all across our yard. She can even shut  a sliding door on a van with one pull. I can't even do that. She has no restaints at school and she just does what little girls do. More of a Tomboy, she has two older brothers.

I am so thankful that the Lord spared her life and that she is doing good so far. She goes to the heart doctor this week for her checkup. No one, even the doctor, saw this problem ahead of time even though my daughter had repeated checkups due to my daughter's health and losing her first daughter to a birth defeat.

My prayer as a grandmother is that Anna will stay healthy and that it will be a long time before she needs surgery. And if she does need surgery that it will go smooth for her. The Lord knows all about it so will leave it in His hands and I will  just enjoy Anna and all of my grandchildren.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

How Time Flies When You Are Having Fun

Yesterday was a very busy day and it wasn't until about ten o'clock at night that I realized that I hadn't written anything for the day. I thought would wait until today to write something.

First, I went to work from 9-2. It was a very interesting day as I had story time for the 2 year old. They were good. The other day I had story time for the 3-5 year old. The topic was Father's Day. I only had one on Wednesday. The name of the book was What Your Dad Sometimes Do. I asked my little boy if his dad does things? The answer, "No, but he has a broom." I wasn't sure what that meant, but I thought I better not ask.

Then my husband and I had the pleasant job of getting groceries for the week. I bought him what he wanted for supper as I had taken him out the other day. Then we came home, put away the groceries, and by that time it was time to eat.

After supper I went to a home of a person who said that I could come back and pick out some things she had for her garage sale the other day. So I spend some time talking to her and picking out some goodies. Lots and Lots of buttons, some crochet needles, and odd pieces of jewelry.

I brought my stash home and started sorting it all out. There was more stuff then I realized, but got it done. Now I just need to take the time to use all that I have to make the projects I want with them.

The Lord is so good in that He has given me different times of things to do that can help people, making crafts, and writing. At least I hope my writing is helping those who read it. I am enjoying and receiving a blessing from just sharing what the Lord is doing in my life.

So good bye for now.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Vance Havner Old Time Preacher-Thorns

When I was reading through my facebook mail today a You Tube of Vance Havner came available. I listen to it and thought it was very good. So am sharing it with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYSqYi_Lh...

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

A Birthday Dinner

My husband's birthday is on Friday and I was going to take him out to dinner but decided that tonight would be a better night. So we went out to dinner and had a great meal.

I am so grateful for my husband. As I have mentioned before we will be married 46 years in August. It has not always been easy, but what got us through it all is the vows that we made on our wedding day. You know the ones, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.

My husband has been put through the test about sickness and health. I have had at least nine surgeries, fibromyalga for 42 years, and one of the surgeries I had was for cancer of the thyroid. I can not even count the number of times I have been to the hospital ER or had hospitals stays. But he has always been there for me.

My husband spoils me, well he actually said I was spoiled already, but he is so good in helping me with things and just buying me things just to buy me them because he knows I would like them.

We have a special love and I know for sure that he is the one that God picked out for me.  (He is not perfect, but if you ask him he would say he was.) Of course I always need lots of prayers.

So my prayer is that you have found just the right person or if you are looking for a mate check in with God first, if you are a believer, and He will direct you to the right one.

Again there is a place at the bottom of each post if you would like to write a comment, ask a question, or just say hi. Would love to hear from those who read this blog. I love to talk and share.

Monday, May 21, 2012

A New Day

Every day is a new day in order for us to draw closer to the Lord and to see what He would have us to do for Him each day.

I just heard a young person say that she had all these plans and nothing was going right. Then she realized that they were her plans and not the Lords and that is why they weren't coming out right. So she decided to let Him do the planning and she would follow them.

That is what is so nice about knowing the Lord. He helps us know what direction to go. Sometimes it takes us a little while to realize the direction but if we really want to He will show us.

But remember, that the closer you are to the Lord and doing what He wants you to do, you have an enemy. If you read my post for yesterday you can see what the enemy was doing in my life. Trying to have me be critical and not seeing the good points.

So you can be doing everything right and wonder why it seems like you are in a battle. You are! That is when you can use what I call a "It is written verse."

The verse I have in mind and use a lot is James 4:7,8(a)
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...

Do you have a "It is written verse?" If not it is great how the Lord will guide you to the ones you need to help you times of trouble or verses for good times.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Forgive Me Lord

They say to be a good blogger you are to speak from your heart and be honest and be real.

This evening I have a heavy heart. The reason is that during our church service I had to ask the Lord to forgive me for my attitude. We had a special group in singing and I have attended this church for almost thirty years. I started attending it in 1972. So each generation there has been changes. So as I was listening to our special group and watching them my mind was going back to the 1970's 1980's and even into the 1990's.

And what a change there has been. I fear more changes are on the way. I don't mind changes, but I was wondering if the Lord was pleased with what was presented this evening.

I know that some changes need to be done, but how far does one go before there is no difference between the world and the church?

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Thank You Lord

I want to publicly thank the Lord for answering a specific prayer today.

I tend to have panic attacks and I was on the verge of having one this morning at work. One reason for my panic attacks is having friends or relatives die.

This past week alone I had my 90 year old Aunt die and my 51 year old nephew die. The month before I had two of my cousins die they both were in their 70's. One was my Aunt's oldest child.

Now when I have a bad panic attack my speech goes, and other things go on, so of course don't want one to happen at work. One of my co-workers that I worked with today is a retired nurse. So I ask her to check on me once-in-awhile.

As I began to work I just stopped, closed my eyes, and talked to the Lord. I asked Him to hold me tight and help me through the feelings I was having. Then I felt peace. I knew He would be there for me and I felt like what good would it do have a panic attack. I just would feel worse, look bad, and what good would it do me.

Since I have made a decision to go forward in my Christian life this is one way Satan attacks me. I said, "No way Satan, I have the Lord on my side and you are not going to get me." He left but I know he will be back and try again. But I will still have the Lord on my side.

So I know for sure that prayer works.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

When God Gives You Direction

I have just finished doing my daily devotion Sharing The Bible Together and I looked on my list of things to do and saw that after I got through with blogging the next thing on my list is to clean an area of my studio/office.

I was thinking what I could listen to while I was cleaning as I clean better if I am listening to something. I had a few choices then it was like God gave me the idea of listening to the tape that I had started. I said, "Thank You Father for giving that idea."

So I not only had something to write about I also have something to listen to. Isn't God so wonderful?

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Update

I few posts ago I wrote about being overwhelmed with having so much on the internet and not getting much other things done. I must tell you that God gave me a perfect plan.

I got out my notebook that I write things that I am going to do or want to do for the day. I once was told to do things in threes. That way it doesn't seem to be like there is so much to do. So I write three things down and put a box around them. All the things are one type of project (art, writing, e-mail etc.). Then when I do each one I cross them off. Then I go to the next block of three and do the same thing. So I am getting more things done and feeling good about myself.

As far as the internet goes I go to my main Yahoo account and press My Yahoo and that brings up the most recent messages on my sites. So I just read them. That takes up less time and frees me up.

I am really excited as you can tell. Bye for now.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Praising The Lord!

On March 16, 2012 I feel off a chair that had wheels on it at work. It took me so much by surprise that when I looked up my co-worker who works on the other side of the room ran around the desk to help me. She happened to be going by at the time and there was no one else near me at the time.

I had such a headache and I tried to get up but it was hard to move because I hurt so much. I had landed on a very hard floor. I think the chair hit my right side as that seemed to be the side that hurt most after a few days.

I didn't go to the doctors that day but did write out a accident report.  The following Monday morning I wasn't feeling any better and pain was shooting up my back and tingling in my right leg that I called our contact person and she got me right into the doctors.

The doctor told me I hurt my tail bone and my sit bones or (my butt) and it would take about 3 months for the tail bone to feel better. So he had me go to physical therapy.

Today I went to see the doctor again, May 14, 2012,  and he said I didn't need to come back to see him or have any more therapy as I now only have a pain in the one zone. 

Now that I feel better I can do a little more. Still a little tender but feeling so much better.

 The Lord knew who I was to go to and the day it happened as the next two weeks were my vacation time and so I didn't have to work. That way  I could heal better and not lose any work time. And the doctor was so nice.

The Little Bird

I saw the strangest thing this morning on my way to church. I was driving down the road and just a little bit ahead of me was a very small bird walking across the road. It wasn't even afraid. It was not even a bird that would normally do this kind of thing.

I thought that people do this also. Walk in front of cars not looking where they are going or seeing if any cars are coming. I have done that in parking lots before. I would be thinking of something and just step out and not look to see if anything was coming in my direction.

So I learned the lesson of looking in all directions when I am walking or driving to make sure I am not in any danger or am going to cause someone else to be in danger or hurting me as a results of me not paying attention.

Friday, May 11, 2012

A Smart Grandpa

Today, as I was working, we were talking about grandchildren. And one of my co-workers was telling us a story about her friend's father.

This friend's father took all of his children and grandchildren to Disney World. Now his granddaughter was small enough that they could use a child harness to keep the child from running away. I know it sounds awful but it is better than having a child get lost or hurt.

Every once-in-awhile they would let the granddaughter go without the harness and of course she would ran away. So the grandfather had an idea.

He told his family that he and his granddaughter were going shopping. And sure enough they did. And when the grandfather and the granddaughter came out of the shop the granddaughter had a nice pair of high heel shoes on. Of course now they didn't need the harness anymore because the granddaughter would not take off her shoes. This meant that she could not walk fast.

Smart grandpa!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Having Fun

The other day I had story time with my 3-5 year-old age group. I only had three boys. We read some books about Mothers and then we went into doing our craft. The craft was a square sheet of colored construction paper folded like an envelope. It was large enough to hold five colored paper stems and five paper flowers and a small heart. Then they put a handle on it and a big red heart on the front which said Happy Mother's Day.

Some of the boys listen to how to put it together and the others went ahead and did their own idea. This time it didn't turn out as bad as the frog we made earlier in the year. It was suppose to be a basket of flowers for their Mothers. But one boy wanted to wear his basket as a hat. So that was what he did no matter how hard I tried to tell him it that it was suppose to be a basket. His Mother liked it anyway.

It is amazing to me how each child is so different. But that is how God made us all to be different which is a good thing. So it was a great day.

On Friday of last week I had my two-year-old group with their parents and there turned out to be eleven as a play group came in and joined us.  I have already ten children signed up for program, but usually there are only about four that come. I will have to wait and see how many I have this week.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Computer Is It Good Or Bad?

For me it is a little of both. Of course I love writing this blog. It lets me share with you what is going on in my life and how the Lord is working in me. But then there are so many other good blogs and things that I want to read. I never seem to get my e-mails caught up and have to erase some.

O my! I still am trying to cut down on what I put on to read, but as I said, there are so many good sites.

Do you have any problems in this area too?

 It really isn't a bad problem, it is great to have Christian material I can read and also articles that help me to grow in my Christian life and also in the areas the Lord is having me do. One of them is writing. And if you going to be a good writer, you have to read.

Prayer
Father, thank you for all the good places that I can go and read Your word and read what You have given others to write. It really helps me become stronger. And thank you Father for all the people that look at this site and I pray that they are being blessed and helped in their Christian life through what You have me write for You help me come up with what I do write.

Dogs and Lizards

Today I had to go to therapy again and while I was getting ice put on my back I picked up a magazine that looked interesting. I started to go through the pages. Just before this I was talking to the person giving me my treatment and she asked if I had any children. I have three. And I told her that my youngest son lives in New York City and one of his jobs is to walk dogs.

Now back to the magazine ad. I am not sure what the ad was advertising but what got my attention is the woman in the ad was walking three animals. They were not dogs but three large lizards. They had collars on and long leashes. I started to laugh and shared with one of the other workers why I was laughing and told him about my son walking dogs. Although I don't think he would mind walking lizards either.

I believe the Lord has a sense of humor. It just cheered up my day.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Being Positive

I just read a blog that talked about being positive. It is a great idea. I used to be a more positive person when I was younger but I happen to live with a person who is a negative person. So after 45 years it has rubbed off on me a little bit.

I also have a positive pledge list posted on my wall in front of my computer so that I am reminded everyday to have that positive attitude.

When I am thinking positive I feel so much better. When I get those negative thoughts I am so tired and run down all I want to do is sleep. My whole body hurts more and it is just not worth it. So I am changing my ways and looking on the good side of things. God has a purpose for everything. Some things we don't understand why happen, but He knows about it. So we can go to Him and ask Him why. He may not tell us, but we can talk out the problem with Him.

We can also go to Him when things are going good. Sometimes we forget to do that. But it is always good to say thank you for a good day, a good time, etc.

So a challenge from me to you is to have a positive outlook on life.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Fear-Charley Stanley

I truly receive a blessing from listening to Charles Stanley messages and today was exception. So I am posting his web site so that you can hear the message and take your own notes if you want to.

This Week on TV

Friday, May 4, 2012

Who Do You Know That Does Good?

I just read a blog in which it asks for the one reading it to write about someone who is kind, caring, helps others, and so thought would take the challenge.

I would have to say it is my daughter Kimberley. The boys are great too and also is my husband. Kimberley is one who is always there for others, but not always for herself. She has an older woman that she takes places when needed too just because she wants to help her.

She calls us everyday and sometimes more to see that we are doing ok. I tend to be ill a lot. When I needed to go in for some kind of surgery she would always came and so she could see me before I would go in and then be with her dad as I went through the surgery. She is a great mom and a very good wife.

She loves the Lord and makes sure that she is in church whenever she can be. She helps cleans the church and she sings with her children, in the choir, and in a ladies' group. She likes going to the Ladies' Advance in June so she can get more teaching on areas she needs help in and be with her friends.

So it is so great to have a very special family and I especially am overyjoyed that the Lord gave me Kimberley.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Learned Something New

I don't know about you but I enjoy learning something new. And as I was doing my own daily devotions today I learned a few things and I would like to share them with you.

I am reading in the book of Genesis and today's chapter was chapter 8 and here is what I learned.

  1. God remembered Noah and all the animals in the boat and He sent a wind to blow across the waters, and the floods began to disappear.
  2. The underground water sources ceased to flow.
  3. And the rain stopped. I knew about the rain but didn't know about the underground waters until I read chapter 7.
  4. Five months after the flood started the ark rested on the mountains of Ararat. I didn't know there was more than one mountain.
  5. It was another two and a half months later that other mountain peaks could be seen.
  6. It was not to after 40 days before Noah sent out the first bird.
  7. Noah was 601 years old, ten and a half monhts after the flood began.
I like how the Bible translation told about the wind blowing and the underground stopped. And how long the flood lasted and how old Noah was.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Children Are So Special

I love working in the children's department at the library where I work. It is the best job ever. I love to listen to children as they play. One child today was playing with one of our stuffed animals, which happened to be a dog, and she was saying to it, "It is ok, I will take care of you." It was so sweet.

Then sometimes when the mother tells her child to use their quiet voice, or listening ears, or walk don't run they will say, "We left them at home, or school. So they continue on with loud talking, running, or not listening to their parents.

Then we have others, on their own, will say thank you when I have finished stamping their books so they can take them home.

I am so glad that the Lord led me to this job. It is so right for me and just where I should be at this time.