Well friends, I'M BACK! Yes, after over a years absence on this blog - I'm back! Sometimes the Lord takes you away from things for a time of reflection. OR Life happens & you get sidetracked from the things that you love. I love writing. I enjoy putting my thoughts on paper, so to speak. I am much better at that than trying to have a conversation. Usually because when writing you can go back over & edit or rearrange things - not so much in conversations. Many of us would stay out of trouble if we could edit or rearrange the conversations we have. Just an observation from my own experiences.
I am extremely excited about what 2011 holds for my family. We have been praying & seeking the Lord for the past two months regarding changes that we feel need to be made. Things for 2011 look very positive & with the Lord's guidance, changes will take place that will benefit our family. I am in the process of writing down these changes, my personal ones, along with the family ones. Its amazing to look back over the ones from previous years & see how far we've come or how short we fell. This year to try to avoid the shortcomings, we have prayed about these changes & are believing that the Lord has led us to the goals that we have. Going to start a 21 day period of prayer over these specific changes & see where the Lord leads. It may be to keep them, change them or start over completely! Either way, we want the Lord to be in it - whatever it is or turns out to be.
The year 2010 was very full of stuff. Stuff is the only word that will begin to cover it all. It had highs & lows, as all years do. It seemed to have much more stress & difficulties. I'm not sure if that is due to the way our world is, our mindset or being tired. I say tired because some of the things we dealt with (or are still dealing with) relate back to unresolved issues regarding previous errors in judgement. I'm sure none of you have had any of those! LOL The Lord has definitely strengthened our love for one another & Him during these times. But in saying that I feel that we have fallen short in sharing how faithful the Lord has been to us. He has provided words of knowledge, answered prayers, healings, blessings & favor. So this year we have resolved to share more of what the Lord is doing in our lives. Not because it is about us - but about HIS FAITHFUL POWER & LOVE & so that He can recieve all honor & glory!
Today starts the beginning of a wonderful NEW journey with the Lord for our family. There is so much anticipation as we walk down a new road of faith/glory with the Lord. He will take us (as His word says) from glory to glory. I will try to be more diligent in keeping everyone updated on how this journey unfolds. So sit back & enjoy our ride together because the Lord has great things in store for us. As His will unfolds in our lives, we pray that it will be a blessing for you. Love y'all!
Psalm 34:4 - I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. (NIV)
Psalm 34:4 - God met me more than halfway, He freed me from my anxious fears. (MSG)
Monday, January 3, 2011
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Don't go to the ballpark!!!!
Sorry for the delay in posts! Things have been hectic in our world, i.e.-graduation, senior things, softball, baseball, school, work & etc. But on to this post.
DON'T GO TO THE BALLPARK!!!!!!!! If you don't want to see smoking at a public park, don't go! If you don't want to hear foul language, don't go! If you don't want to see your family, friends, fellow christians sacrifice their witness, DON'T GO!!!!!! I love baseball & several other sports but I continue to be amazed every year when I go to sporting events! It appears to me that once people get there or maybe even on the way to the event --- their brains fall out of their heads!!! Sporting events bring out the worst in people!?!?!?!? WHY???? Maybe I'm to logical but I don't understand it. People want to hurt other people that normally they get along with or are at least cordial to. Sporting events cause someone you think is normal to act like a TOTAL MORON or WORSE!!!!! And people instigate problems, i.e. making smart comments (I guess to make them look cute) NEWSFLASH: It just makes you look like a bigger IDIOT!!!!! They scream at umpires, referees, other coaches, even parents screaming at other parents! Does this not sound pathetic???? IT'S JUST A BALLGAME!!!!!!
Here's how I look at it: The umpires, referees are human & they will make bad calls! (Hopefully if they are prejudice against one team or the other, the person in charge of the park/event will do their job & fix it------I am aware that this is not usually the case!) If they don't you have to move on!!!!! Winning at all costs is UNACCEPTABLE! It needs to be a fair win or its not really a win!! (Think about it for a moment!) Coaches want their team to shine not only for the players but for themselves too! (OUCH!!!-a little selfish-yes but they have put their time & effort into it, so some of that is acceptable!) Its just that it becomes an obession! I understand men/boys are competitive but when did being competitive mean being stupid?????? The thing that most people need to realize is when you act like your world (marriage, spouse, children, health, home, job, cars or etc.) hinges on the outcome of a ballgame you have lost ALL PERSPECTIVE!!!!!!!!!! If your marriage were falling apart, if you, your spouse, your children, your parents or another loved one were dying......would that INSIGNIFICANT sporting event even matter.....would you even give it a second thought! OR Would you be so thankful, grateful, and appreciative of every moment that is left??????
For Heaven's Sake: SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE!!!! IT'S JUST A GAME!!! By the way, isn't it supposed to be fun. According to Webster's the definition of game is amusement, play. Well, the players are playing & the rest of you are REALLY AMUSING!
Does sportsmanship not play a role in organized sports any more??? Let me refresh everyone's memory on the definition of sportsmanship. Sportsmanship: fair play, respect for opponents, & gracious behavior in winning or losing. Maybe that definition needs to be posted on a sign at all parks or stadiums? The sad part it would probably be ignored just like the existing signs.
Your on display every day. Your testimony is out there whether you realize it or not. What is it saying about you??????? HMMMM!
OK I will step down from my soapbox now. I do hope this was eye opening for some of you or at least makes you stop & think about the people around you - especially at sporting events! I would ask that you pray for them & for yourself that these events don't cause you or anyone else to sacrifice their witness. We are called to be different. A light to a dark & dying world. Just something to think about! Love y'all!
DON'T GO TO THE BALLPARK!!!!!!!! If you don't want to see smoking at a public park, don't go! If you don't want to hear foul language, don't go! If you don't want to see your family, friends, fellow christians sacrifice their witness, DON'T GO!!!!!! I love baseball & several other sports but I continue to be amazed every year when I go to sporting events! It appears to me that once people get there or maybe even on the way to the event --- their brains fall out of their heads!!! Sporting events bring out the worst in people!?!?!?!? WHY???? Maybe I'm to logical but I don't understand it. People want to hurt other people that normally they get along with or are at least cordial to. Sporting events cause someone you think is normal to act like a TOTAL MORON or WORSE!!!!! And people instigate problems, i.e. making smart comments (I guess to make them look cute) NEWSFLASH: It just makes you look like a bigger IDIOT!!!!! They scream at umpires, referees, other coaches, even parents screaming at other parents! Does this not sound pathetic???? IT'S JUST A BALLGAME!!!!!!
Here's how I look at it: The umpires, referees are human & they will make bad calls! (Hopefully if they are prejudice against one team or the other, the person in charge of the park/event will do their job & fix it------I am aware that this is not usually the case!) If they don't you have to move on!!!!! Winning at all costs is UNACCEPTABLE! It needs to be a fair win or its not really a win!! (Think about it for a moment!) Coaches want their team to shine not only for the players but for themselves too! (OUCH!!!-a little selfish-yes but they have put their time & effort into it, so some of that is acceptable!) Its just that it becomes an obession! I understand men/boys are competitive but when did being competitive mean being stupid?????? The thing that most people need to realize is when you act like your world (marriage, spouse, children, health, home, job, cars or etc.) hinges on the outcome of a ballgame you have lost ALL PERSPECTIVE!!!!!!!!!! If your marriage were falling apart, if you, your spouse, your children, your parents or another loved one were dying......would that INSIGNIFICANT sporting event even matter.....would you even give it a second thought! OR Would you be so thankful, grateful, and appreciative of every moment that is left??????
For Heaven's Sake: SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE!!!! IT'S JUST A GAME!!! By the way, isn't it supposed to be fun. According to Webster's the definition of game is amusement, play. Well, the players are playing & the rest of you are REALLY AMUSING!
Does sportsmanship not play a role in organized sports any more??? Let me refresh everyone's memory on the definition of sportsmanship. Sportsmanship: fair play, respect for opponents, & gracious behavior in winning or losing. Maybe that definition needs to be posted on a sign at all parks or stadiums? The sad part it would probably be ignored just like the existing signs.
Your on display every day. Your testimony is out there whether you realize it or not. What is it saying about you??????? HMMMM!
OK I will step down from my soapbox now. I do hope this was eye opening for some of you or at least makes you stop & think about the people around you - especially at sporting events! I would ask that you pray for them & for yourself that these events don't cause you or anyone else to sacrifice their witness. We are called to be different. A light to a dark & dying world. Just something to think about! Love y'all!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
How Is Your Tuesday?
Today is Tuesday & I'm trying to catch up on everything that has fallen by the wayside due to other more important things (i.e. time w/HD, sick children, plant sale, work, meals, medicines & etc.)! Laundry is a never ending battle!!! I know that y'all can relate!! I vow (with HD's help) to be victorious over it every day! FYI - I hate stinky dirty clothes! Dirty dishes need to go in the dishwasher! Floors need to be vaccumed &/or mopped. Furniture needs to be dusted & polished. But guess what? Most of those things won't get done today!! Not a good thing or bad thing-just reality! Gary is working 12-14 hours a day all this week (INVENTORY)! I will be working, ball games & practice (maybe-weather permitting), groceries, meals (two down & one to go), beds to make, 5 dogs to handle, & follow-up on several misc items! The GREAT thing about today even though I won't get everything done today that needs to be done---------HD LOVES ME!!! He sees my efforts, knows my heart & I spent time with him this morning. He gave me peace to start my day!!! He doesn't want me to stress or have anxiety over all the things that need to be accomplished today! Enjoy the day, EVEN THE RAIN or STORMS! The storms today are similar to the ones we face in life. You can sit back & watch. You can allow HD to give you strength by walking through them. OR You can be anxious & stress yourself & everyone around you out over them? Enjoy today --- ALL of it! Let me know how Tuesday turns out for you! Love to y'all! Joannie
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Explanation of Absence
Hey Friends!
Its been a Roller Coaster at our house recently. This information is explained in detail on my other blog: joannie-wordstoponder.blogspot.com Catch up on the Spates family & our recent struggles. The good news is that HD has not given up on us & we are having our faith stretched as we grow & experience new things to share with others later on. Be back regularly soon--maybe after Spring Break! Enjoy this awesome weather & play outdoors, plant things & soak up some rays for us!!! Love to y'all! Joannie
Its been a Roller Coaster at our house recently. This information is explained in detail on my other blog: joannie-wordstoponder.blogspot.com Catch up on the Spates family & our recent struggles. The good news is that HD has not given up on us & we are having our faith stretched as we grow & experience new things to share with others later on. Be back regularly soon--maybe after Spring Break! Enjoy this awesome weather & play outdoors, plant things & soak up some rays for us!!! Love to y'all! Joannie
Saturday, March 7, 2009
A Day of Catching Up!
Good Morning Friends!
It has been a very busy week for our family. I want to apologize for not giving an update on how everything went at the VA with my Dad Tuesday. He saw the specialist who still can't give a definite diagnosis either but he feels that the current treatment plan may be working. (I don't understand how that works ...but...) He wants to see my Dad back in a month to see if things are still the same. The bright spot was they are going to slowly take him off some of the meds(which he is taking 5 different ones at 2 hour intervals). This has made it hard for my Momma to get any complete rest!!! I do want to THANK each of you for your prayers & please continue to remember them!!!
We had two softball games this week for Kirsten & a team meeting for Douglas' team. He starts baseball practice next week. There was church Wednesday night. Thursday was spent at Montevallo with Kirsten for a day of ART! She got to go to two free art workshops (they let me tag along too)! It was a very fun Mother/Daughter day. We don't get many of those anymore & I enjoyed laughing & talking with her. When your children are teenagers, sometimes it seems that you are fussing with them more than talking. I know that its just the age & their fight for independence! But let me just say that it was nice to have a day that I could spend with my daughter & not that independent fighter that I usually deal with! She is awesome in so many ways & yes I'm proud of her as I am ALL my children. They each have different strengths & abilities & its been a real blessing to be their Momma!!!! We also got to see Montevallo where Kirsten will be going to school in the fall. I really liked it. We even met some of the Art teachers & they were extremely nice too. After our Montevallo visit, we went to see Joseph & Emily. Joseph was off from the police department & was working for his landscaping business. Emily only worked a half day due to having to travel out of town on Friday. It was great to get to see them & all the things that they've done to the new house! It was beautiful!!!! We then went for a great lunch at O'Charley's (I miss not having them on 280)! It would have been perfect if Gary & Douglas could have been there too -- but there was school & work!
I was reading a verse this morning that touched me but only after I read it in the Message bible.
The NIV Psalms 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
The MSG Psalms 34:7 God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.
I'm praying that your weekend is enjoyable even if its busy, that you get to spend quality time with your loved ones, & that through your prayers HD's protection is around you & your family.
Remember to top off your weekend with a trip to your church for Sunday services! See you there!
Love to y'all!
Joannie
It has been a very busy week for our family. I want to apologize for not giving an update on how everything went at the VA with my Dad Tuesday. He saw the specialist who still can't give a definite diagnosis either but he feels that the current treatment plan may be working. (I don't understand how that works ...but...) He wants to see my Dad back in a month to see if things are still the same. The bright spot was they are going to slowly take him off some of the meds(which he is taking 5 different ones at 2 hour intervals). This has made it hard for my Momma to get any complete rest!!! I do want to THANK each of you for your prayers & please continue to remember them!!!
We had two softball games this week for Kirsten & a team meeting for Douglas' team. He starts baseball practice next week. There was church Wednesday night. Thursday was spent at Montevallo with Kirsten for a day of ART! She got to go to two free art workshops (they let me tag along too)! It was a very fun Mother/Daughter day. We don't get many of those anymore & I enjoyed laughing & talking with her. When your children are teenagers, sometimes it seems that you are fussing with them more than talking. I know that its just the age & their fight for independence! But let me just say that it was nice to have a day that I could spend with my daughter & not that independent fighter that I usually deal with! She is awesome in so many ways & yes I'm proud of her as I am ALL my children. They each have different strengths & abilities & its been a real blessing to be their Momma!!!! We also got to see Montevallo where Kirsten will be going to school in the fall. I really liked it. We even met some of the Art teachers & they were extremely nice too. After our Montevallo visit, we went to see Joseph & Emily. Joseph was off from the police department & was working for his landscaping business. Emily only worked a half day due to having to travel out of town on Friday. It was great to get to see them & all the things that they've done to the new house! It was beautiful!!!! We then went for a great lunch at O'Charley's (I miss not having them on 280)! It would have been perfect if Gary & Douglas could have been there too -- but there was school & work!
I was reading a verse this morning that touched me but only after I read it in the Message bible.
The NIV Psalms 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
The MSG Psalms 34:7 God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.
I'm praying that your weekend is enjoyable even if its busy, that you get to spend quality time with your loved ones, & that through your prayers HD's protection is around you & your family.
Remember to top off your weekend with a trip to your church for Sunday services! See you there!
Love to y'all!
Joannie
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Request
Good Morning!
I have a request this morning of my fellow bloggers. Please pray for my Daddy, my Momma & myself today. My Daddy has to go back to the VA hospital today. This will be our 5th trip in 3 weeks. They are having a hard time diagnosing & treating him. He has a deep infection in his eye that he's seeing another specialist about today. He has the early stages of dementia also besides just being old, set in his ways & most days just stubborn. Don't get me wrong---I LOVE MY DADDY! The problem is the man he is now is not my Daddy. Its been extremely hard on my Momma. They have been married going on 61 years!! She definitely loves him!!! He has numerous other health issues going on other than the ones I listed. Please pray that today I can REALLY have my Heavenly Daddy's love shining through in all I say or do. I run out of patience very quickly with my Dad. I hurt for my Momma & all she goes through with him. The days when I have to take them to Drs appointments are hard for me & sometimes it seems almost impossible keep a positive attitude. Ask HD to help me focus on the fact that I still have them in my life!!!! I'm praying that HD blesses each of you today with just what you need to be a light to others! Thanks for the prayers!! Love to y'all!
I have a request this morning of my fellow bloggers. Please pray for my Daddy, my Momma & myself today. My Daddy has to go back to the VA hospital today. This will be our 5th trip in 3 weeks. They are having a hard time diagnosing & treating him. He has a deep infection in his eye that he's seeing another specialist about today. He has the early stages of dementia also besides just being old, set in his ways & most days just stubborn. Don't get me wrong---I LOVE MY DADDY! The problem is the man he is now is not my Daddy. Its been extremely hard on my Momma. They have been married going on 61 years!! She definitely loves him!!! He has numerous other health issues going on other than the ones I listed. Please pray that today I can REALLY have my Heavenly Daddy's love shining through in all I say or do. I run out of patience very quickly with my Dad. I hurt for my Momma & all she goes through with him. The days when I have to take them to Drs appointments are hard for me & sometimes it seems almost impossible keep a positive attitude. Ask HD to help me focus on the fact that I still have them in my life!!!! I'm praying that HD blesses each of you today with just what you need to be a light to others! Thanks for the prayers!! Love to y'all!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Monday - Cold yet Warm
Good Morning my fellow bloggers. Its a beautiful day outside --- cold, windy, but with the sun shining anyway. It reminds me of how its supposed to be. We can be in the midst of a storm/problem/etc (the cold & wind) but our Heavenly Daddy (HD) is there to make everything better (the sunshine). He gives us everything we need if will just listen to him & enjoy the love notes that he sends us. Yesterday was beautiful with the postcard/Christmas card scenes with snow. It was a wonderful way to get our attention to stop & look at the beauty he created for us to enjoy! As we go back to our normal routine today, don't forget to look around and enjoy the love notes that HD is sending to us. BTW maybe you could even send up a Thank you prayer! Have a Blessed day & enjoy ALL of it!
Love to y'all! Joannie
Love to y'all! Joannie
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