The "Terrible, Horrible, Awful Day"

Ever have one of those "terrible, horrible, awful days"?  Yesterday, I was awakened by gunshots!  No-I wasn't being shot at-the man who lives up the hill behind my next door neighbor was doing his target practice in his backyard.  I guess his yard is isolated enough that he won't ever hit anyone but the loud noise is still very unnerving. 

While dressing, I removed my glasses to put on my necklace and the side/earpiece broke off completely!  I found my old glasses so I wasn't totally blind but the world seemed much blurrier than usual. 

On the way to have them order the new piece to fix my glasses frame (which was supposed to be made of titanium and extremely flexible and last forever), a light came on in my car.  It was telling me that the bulb for my left blinker light had burnt out.

To top it all off, my nose spent the day either being totally stuffed up or running constantly. By 8:00 p.m. it was pouring rain outside and I had all I wanted for one day!

I was ready to crawl into bed, pull the covers up over me and escape from the world.  Do you ever have days like that?  I'm sure you do.  As I was lamenting to myself over the "disasters" of the day, it dawned on me that things really were not that bad.  There were alot worse things that could have happened and there were many people out there dealing with cancer, job losses, rebellious children, hunger, etc.  My problems were inconvenient and annoying but not earth-shattering.  I didn't get shot, my husband replaced the bulb in the car and in a couple of days I will have my glasses fixed.  I'm not sure what's going on with my nose or how long that will last, but I doubt it's more than a cold or some sinus drainage that will eventually go away.

When you have one of those "terrible, horrible, awful days", take a deep breath, put things in their proper perspective, pray and let God see you through it!

"Praise the Lord, God our Savior, who helps us every day."  Psalm 68:19

DOING GOOD

As a Minister's wife, I'm sure you sometimes get overloaded and tired.  We should learn to say no and to take time for ourselves but we are not to stop doing good for others.  In Galations 6:9-10 we are instructed: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."   It may be something as simple as a phone call to a shut-in or a card to someone in the hospital but let's all try to do something good for someone else this week :) 

CHRISTMAS COMFORT

We had another good friend pass away on Friday. He was the Church Administrator the 12 1/2  years we served at First Baptist Church here in Roanoke.  It is so hard to lose a loved one, especially this close to Christmas.  His name was Chip Vail.  Please pray for his dear wife, Paula and their two grown children, Elizabeth and Charles and his family.  Even though we are saddened at his loss we rejoice for him for we know he will be celebrating Christmas with his precious Lord and Savior!  Here is a poem I wrote years ago for another friend who had lost her beloved husband that year.  A regular Christmas card just did not seem right to send to her, so I penned this poem and have shared it with others who have lost someone close during the year.  Perhaps it will comfort one of you during this season that should be full of joy!

CHRISTMAS COMFORT

I know your heart is saddened and you feel a heavy load,
but may you find comfort in knowing your loved one is singing and dancing
down the streets of gold.

There are rows and rows of angels, with our loved ones in between
and there is indescribable beauty, like we've never seen.

The KING'S orchestra is playing a heavenly symphony, and your loved one has a part!
Imagine the majestic sound of the music and let it bring joy to your heart.

There is a glorious celebration in heaven, and the festivities have just begun.
Your loved one and the angels are celebrating,
the birthday of God's Holy Son!!!

Blessings to each of you today!

PRIORITIES

After the recent death of my husband's 1st cousin, age 64 who was diagnosed with a brain tumor 7 months ago and the senseless shooting of a Va. Tech police officer two days ago, I am reminded of the brevity of our lives here on earth.  We never know if we will be here tomorrow.  That is why it is so important for us to keep our priorities straight.  During this busy Christmas season, let's try to focus on telling others about Christ, loving and spending as much time as possible with family and friends, and doing good to help others.  I'm guilty of getting too busy trying to do too much and not taking the time to really focus on the things that are the most important.  Have a wonderful day and tell someone you love them today!

'THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES"

Since I just celebrated my birthday,yesterday, I am more aware of the fact that "time waits for no one".  Looking back at pix from last year compared to this year-I can see how much older I look.  I was blessed to have lunch at a local tea room with my friend/neighbor and her 19 yr. old daughter.  That night my sweet hubby took me out for a wonderful dinner, then I was treated to a "combined" birthday party with cake and ice cream by another neighbor/friend for me and her l7 year old daughter.  I call her "my little twin" since we have the same birthday.  Everytime I realize I am 40 years older than her, I am made keenly aware of how old I'm getting!  It seems like yesterday that those two sweet girls were toddlers. 

When I reflect on all of this, I am convicted to use what time God gives me on this earth more wisely.  I tend to waste alot of time (mostly on Facebook these days, LOL!).  I need to spend more time reading God's word and books that will make me stronger spiritually.  Also, I need to be doing more for others.  I need to spend more time with family and friends and go places I've always intended to go.

The word "days" appears more than 500 times in Scripture-did you know that?  Let's make the most of the days God has given us!

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm  118:24

CONNECTED OR DISCONNECTED?

I want to start out by giving praise to the Lord. After 3 months, my stomach is finally doing much better and I can finally eat and have more energy! I just read about having connections with other women in your church. Do you all feel connected to the other women in your church? If not, why? I'd love to hear some feedback from you on this subject!

Here is another resource for MW's only: contagiousjoy4him.com. Check it out.

I look forward to hearing some comments from you ladies! Have a great day!

PRAYER

Again, I apologize for taking so long to write anything. I am still dealing with gastrointestinal issues and lack of energy. I would like to ask each of you to please lift me up in prayer that I may soon be well and also for strength, patience, and calmness as I wait for healing.

The Lord wants us to pray for each other. I would really like for some of you to share any prayer requests you may have at this time with all of us on this blog.
The best thing we can do to help and encourage each other is to lift each other up in prayer, especially when there's a special need.

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer". 1 Peter 3:12

"Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call to him." Psalm 4:3


"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:9-11

"O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come..You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior." Psalm 65: 2,5

THE LORD HEARS OUR PRAYERS, SO LET US BE FAITHFUL TO PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER. I hope some of you will respond with your requests on this post.