No Title Here ~

I want to share something that is close to my heart.  Actually, a couple + ~ 😊 

We at The River (Safford AZ) had the opportunity to be ministered to from Jerry and Donna Williams sometime last year however, “hard to believe” now heading into Spring.  It was an awesome time that many of us were hoping and praying for.  Jerry true minister of the Word and psalmist was sharing the importance as followers of Christ to move into a higher level of our praise and worship.  The River is not the only fellowship that God is drawing out, calling if you will to enter into a new elevation of Worship. 

God inhabits the praises of His people!! Psalm 22:3 - Think of that for a moment.  He is worthy of all praise!! Psalm 145:3 - And from us. 

If you are serious about your walk and growth, I encourage you to push through the barriers that keep you, us all, from where we should be; need to be.

As some of you are aware Jim and I both followed the ministry of Kim Clement for years.  Kim was, we believe, a true worshipper, psalmist -a prophet.  I believe the Lord enjoyed their time together and through that blessings followed.  We were blessed by the ministry and specifically from the Lord.  Sadly, Kim passed away a couple months before Jim.  I love this quote it ministered to me when Kim’s wife Jane shared it from Kim, “It will be different – but it will be good.”  Amen

God NEVER changes – He ALWAYS remains the same – yesterday, today and forever, Hebrews 13:8; it is as He says.  It's true He doesn’t change; however, I believe He allows and changes things in and around us to move us where we need to be in our walk (our journey).  Where He is taking us, you could say to the next level as a body of believers.  I’m speaking frankly to His church, we are members of one body, that is if we are followers of the one true God, though we might meet in different fellowships that have some doctrinal difference.  (for another time). 

I saw this very change in Kim’s ministry of most recent.  We are walking in a new season and we need to address it.  God is moving His church body to a new level, we need to get serious about our walk and who you/we are in the Lord, no longer to be passive on this walk we are called on.  We are to be filled and walking in the Spirit of the Lord.  Are you ready? Do you even want to?

An example I recently thought of from a study I'm doing on learning to agree with God, by Derek Prince.  He shared how Enoch walked together with God in agreement.  He walked with God for 365 years, let us consider our 365 days a year? 

For a taste of what I’m sharing  above I encourage you to listen to link below while enjoying - be apart of worship and praise. Years ago I had been told on a number of occasions praise and worship is a sing song and just didn't get into it.  Don't kid yourself for one moment the importance of praise and worship.  Even believers are being led further away from what God has for them through that time of praise and worship.  To not enter into such you are being fed a lie.  

 As stated – two part here.  

For such a time as this the importance of praise and worship moving oneself into a higher level, a role of battling the darkness that is affecting us and our children in the world.  Satan is a very real and a created being of old waging war with his time running short.  We as believers have a job to do and we need to be where God is moving us - to be effective in this battle.  In a recent broadcast of KC – House of Destiny, Pastor Anthony shared something you may have already seen and are aware of.  We know the subtleness of an enemy – the hidden things and dangers; but this is twofold. Anthony shared from CBS and interview they had with a mother and her son of 7.  It was about a 7-year-old that was so afraid of sleeping she had to take him for counseling.  They soon found out his fear had a name; Momo.   As a parent her concern is one that should be on the hearts of every parent, grandparent and caregiver.  To make it easy I’ve posted two separate links; full broadcast with praise and worship with second being only the interview.   I highly recommend full broadcast for all you warriors out there, the praise and worship is what I'm I've be sharing about.  I will say the interview is NOT FOR children and recommend adults watch first.

Yes, this is a long post –  bear with me please; and hoping I have your attention?  Sadly, many of us over the years would blow this off, and still do – not to by bothered.  From what I understand children have either enticed to commit suicide and others have wanted to harm or kill someone else.  This evil is showing up while children are watching, and no specific program on Kids YouTube such as Peppa the Pig - programs geared for very young – up.

On EVIL - - We are NOT to be UNAWARE or INGNORANT of the evils that are at work behind the scenes to destroy our children.  The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. . . John 10:10.   A good example of such a presence would be how an actor portrayed evil on The Passion of Christ by Mel Gibson. 

The last children’s ministry meeting I attended at The River – safety was one concern that was brought up while for when children were attending church, very true I also believe a bigger concern is making sure children are safe, mentally and spiritually as well.  Again, kids aren’t necessarily tuning on looking for Momo it just comes on through whatever they are  viewing through a children’s program.  I have to say I had seen a glimpse myself months back went yuck and moved it off with no ideal that it was seen by kids of all ages.

This is close to home for me.

We have become a people desensitized over the years you could even go as for as saying a dumbing down.  No longer do people get upset over things happening.  Anywhere from the subtleness of hidden evil to blatant in your face atrocities of most recent with new abortion laws signed into place where evil showed up in its true colors with on looking smiles and claps of joy. 

For the child still here their innocence is continuing to be stripped away by political correctness and the stupidity of how we've been trained and have allowed ourselves to think over the years.  Thinking any bad things not close to home won’t affect us is a lie.  Or there’s no harm, its pretend - not real -only for fun; part of that ongoing list of excuses harmful to young and old alike.  Momo is just one evil hidden - to in your child’s face which could have been already viewed by your child. And,  if they’ve already encountered this unbeknownst to you they aren't sharing.  Don’t kid yourself they don’t share everything with you.  Your children need to understand, The eye is the lamp of the body. Matthew 6:22  All that they see, influences them. Teach them how to be watchful of what they what. In part from Derek Prince Youth Proclamations.

As I close, I’m prayerfully hoping everyone will take the initiative and time to see what your children are seeing and doing.  Ask them, spent time with them, love them enough to not be afraid to do what’s right with discipline, teach them, train them, and help keep them safe. 

It’s been said, “to bad kids don’t come with instructions!”  They do it’s called God’s Word the Bible.  You can believe it or not – it’s another one of those many choices.  And, for you followers of Christ out there, laying up a solid foundation is so important.  Even if they were to stray Gods Word is living and does not return void without doing what He sets it out to do.  

Yes, praise and worship are very important indeed.  VB

House of Destiny March 2, 2019 Full broadcast Jump Into The Rivers Of Glory

CBS interview February 27, 2019 Momo challenge frightens kids, worries parents.

~

I haven't posted in a long time and I miss doing so.  I've been busy and have been pre-occupied since Jim passed away.  I miss all of my time with Jim we shared our lives together this would have been 40 years.  Jim pray about many things and for things as I've shared above.  It's truly with love in my heart that I share.  On a funny side I wrote this post out on paper very quietly, then was decided to post or not.  It took much longer putting it to post! ARGH!  We shouldn't be frighten by what we are witnessing in the world, it has been told of long ago.  Take courage God doesn't slumber nor sleep ~

I've also been dubbed Ramblen Vik from a dear friend.  Perhaps sometimes long winded at least from paper to post. ha

What Could Be Better Than This?!

Well, there is a lot that could be - but I'm excited!  I'm truly hoping that this Tractor Supply will be as great as the one we shopped at in Ohio.  It was where I purchased my last couple pairs of 550 Levis and ladies - without stretch!  I'm not a stretch type of gal and it's very hard to find jeans that I like without having to look at mens.  So I'm excited and I'm hoping!  Tractor Supply also has other wonderful things and best of all - - - it's not Walmart!  Yippee!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV 

Or the world might say "All good things come to those who what!"  Patience ~ Yes?  

I like the scripture verse better and the best part is that God NEVER changes.

I'm excited!

Projects ~

The Concern ~

Dad's riding mower!  You wouldn't think that a riding mower would require all the thought that is in this "new" project.
It all started, when?  I'm not quite sure, though the concern was storing it for the winter.  You have to admit that it can be tiresome - always covering and uncovering something you use with tarp and when you'd like to use it - you quickly change your mind; you understand.  :)
So for serval winters and rainy seasons (we do have a few) this has been going on.

Another concern was to put to use a stack of Trusses we purchase for a "that good price" a couple years back.
The solution?  Think big!
Like a 19' x 21' something shed.  I didn't get pictures of every stage, but will say that being apart of the project when you have your own "projects" going on makes it quite interesting to say the least.

The Stages:
First of course, is coming up with the solution.
Second, planning process.
Third, sharing and reserving the right to change ones mind many times. :)
Four, getting started.  (You of course more or less get more involved).
Five measuring - staking - remeasuring - moving stakes - remeasuring - grumble.  .  . LOL - long process.  A good friend came over and checked measurements on a day that NOAA issued warnings - "very windy conditions with gusts up to 35 - 40 mph."  They measured and remeasured jiggling!  I can't remember at this point what my project(s) was - maybe finishing up the cart seat cover or working on the quilt.  Something important though!
Six, Dad by hand dug the footer!  Lousy weather happened off and on through all of this to get us to next phase rebar placement.  We remeasured to be on the safe side and the previous windy conditions didn't help!  My words "your kidding me! remeasure!" grumble. .
Seven, another good friend came with his girlfriend to help with the rebar and worked hard.  They checked the measurements, did some "jiggling" and started placing the rebar for concrete work.

Of course this was NOT a good day for me to help since I was baking a half sheet cake as a surprise for the pastors birthday that Sunday!  Originally, the cake was for the following Sunday, but the plans had changed and left me with doing it all in one day.  So I remember saying something like - Dad I will be busy (I think) baking and decorating a cake for the pastors birthday.  From that time on the phone didn't quit! I finally got the cake in the oven (making it from scratch - thinking no interruptions).  LOL  The phone rang - Vik run down to Ace and get - as he's rattling off the cut amounts of rebar - I had to cut in - I just put the cake in the oven and can't leave!  Off he went Ace.

Now, it's usually good to have time on your side doing a cake like this - It was NOT a pleasant experience and I wasn't happy!  I was stressing :/  This is the shortened version of the day - the rebar got placed nicely and the cake?  Well it didn't get done until the next day.  Yep we delivered the cake after making a trip for more powered sugar - the first icing was difficult an wasn't working so I had to redo the top icing over the first to then decorate!!  OH MY GOODNESS! What a time.  I was stressing to the sound of "Aren't you done with that cake yet?" That kept echoing in my mind.  Funny though Dad finally realized the type of cake I was doing and couldn't believe it.  I guess both our minds were preoccupied on our projects.  Over all I added to my frustration and wasn't following sound advice I share with others.  :(

Rebar in footer ~

Stages (con):
Eight, good friends come on a really lousy day and mixed and poured all the concrete.  I'm so happy Dad has made such wonderful friends - he is more blessed than he might realize.  I was also happy that I didn't have something huge happening and planned food that I started a couple days in advance.   We had homemade Ranch style beans - potato salad and T-bones on the grill.  I did make a cake -the same recipe as the pastors - however, a much smaller version and not decorated; just good.  All for a thank you to good friends.

Tripp supervising his boys ~ all worked hard!

There's plenty more that will need to be done coming up and Dad has the metal studs all ready to go.  But first some block work will need to be done.  Again friends will be here to help.  Dad at 79 has finally acknowledged he does have some limitations, he still can work around most.  I'm hoping he'll relax when it's all done - he told me this is it - NO more projects!  Or at least none so big.  :D

Jiggling - adjusting the line for accurately squaring an area for your foundation.
Stressed/Anxious - hummm everything I shouldn't have been.  And, not really the best word to have used - maybe frustrated.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Philippians 4:6
I did and He answered.  There was NO need for me to be anything but patient and trusting.  Sometimes a hard listen but one worth learning.

Happy New Year 2013!

I thought I'd re-cap a few highlights from the past year.  The best and biggest was the birth of our first grandchild Logan Michael.

He's already changed so much since he was born.  And is still the sweetest!

Another was following through on things I made.  That might not sound like a highlight to share but for me it's a BIG DEAL!

I had this Shopping Cart Seat Cover pattern for several years (making it for my nephew) and was happy I could find it.  This time I personalized it for our Logan and made a nifty tote to keep it in.  "It's in the mail!"  No joke sent yesterday!
 

Logan Michael

My husband was happy seeing me sewing again it's been a long time.  I made a couple pairs of little shoes and will be finishing up a baby quilt - hopefully before he's a teen.  :D

Reilly Charlotte

The little shoes on the left were made for the soon newest addition to the family. Our niece is due this month with a little girl.  That is of course, a highlight for this year.


December was her shower and I was able to do two things that were highlights.  I got to be creative in the baking department and travel a bit further than Tucson!  Our niece has an intolerance to wheat/gluten so I made gluten free cookies and cupcakes.

I was pleased with how they turned out - you wouldn't have known they were gluten free.
Visually they looked decent for being so out of practice making me happy.  Oh there was some complaining - okay more than some.   I'm smiling now! :D


My gardening was at a STAND STILL - a noda in fact; being happy for the break I'm sad - no fresh goodies.  The break was filled with other things - some for the above - some trying to organize and downsize.  I'll let you know how that goes this year; LOL.  It was still a busy year overall filled with things that aren't necessarily important to anyone but me, but things that I've missed and thankful for having a chance to enjoy again.
More highlights were meeting and making new friends - while having an opportunity to get to know old friends better.  Sadly, we had to say goodbye to dear friends as well - though optimistically looking forward to seeing them one day again. 
Last year with all its "brouhahas" (being kind) left many of us feeling - with many words are coming to mind - I'll just say uncertain of what to expect of our future.  What I can be certain of is that I'm a child of God's and He never changes (Hebrews 13:8)- my future is in His care and He never disappoints.  I hoping you can say the same.
I'm not one for making resolutions - but I've always liked this verse:  Philippians 3:12-14  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Well I'm adding this one also for this year:  Hebrews 12:1-3  Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Here's hoping your New Year is blessed as you focus on what God has for you through His son Jesus~

The Leather Vest

Many of you maybe familiar with the Way Of The Master ministry but not know to much about Ray Comfort - other than he loves the Lord and has a genuine desire to save souls.  I thought I'd share this clip - I think it's wonderful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvitmq7KkPE

Atheist Central

Finally!

It's been a long haul - no pun intended - I thought I'd never see this day.  We will be saying goodbye to Ohio this week; in just a few days!  I'm excited and bit sad (when I think about it) - Nope I'm excited!  I will miss some things that I was able to do - but there will be new adventures out there. 

Yesterday, I went next door to my dear friend and neighbor, that I will truly miss.  Monica said they finally got the pancake recipe figured out and they turned out wonderful.  I said I'm no longer needed "my job was done" ha - I happy to say they said that wasn't so.  I'm glad we have phones and internet to keep in touch.  I'm holding back my tears :(

Anyway, I know there will be other things I think of but for now I have to keep moving.  I'll try to post here and there along the way - more likely when I get to our destination. 

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.  Psalm 37: 3-5  Amen


 

TEST DUMMY MODE!

Hello out there!
I am trying something new to me, it's called Frock. It's supposed to make all the things you do on your blog or other web links you might have, easier. The key word easier. I'm a bit afraid of trying it but trying it non the less. In this endeavor I am to report back to my husband who wants me to check this out. So far so good. The photo below was a simple grab, drag and drop onto the work area that I'm typing in. The area I'm typing in also seems more user friendly. As blogger s know the small box that you work out of when you post is can be tedious at times, of course that could just be me. It seems to take me longer than it should to post at times. especially when adding pictures.

As for the picture below my heart goes out to all those in Australia that are going through this time. The picture was taken from a news link.



I'm still learning and working out the bugs, wish me luck.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

A New Blog Spot!

Today after much consideration, I decided I would go ahead a start a new blog. I'm hoping it will work well coinciding with Refracted Lite. The name is: Savoring Flavors. I had many names liked but many like them also and they were already being used. The blog will be just for recipes etc. So we'll see how it all pans out, no pun intended. I'm hoping this will be a plus not a minus to my blogging. There are time when I do a lot of cooking and I always love trying new recipes as well as, creating my own. and, if it all works together it will be a miracle. Much like the pic below. Well maybe not like potatoes but a miracle non the less.

Now about this picture. . .


My husband and I started recycling quite some time ago and during that time we talked off and on about starting a compost pile. So Jim, made a small compost area way out back. We recycled materials we had lying around to construct a box. We figure we'd see just how well this would work out before making a better with better materials.

We kept taking compost stuff from the kitchen like, peels, vege's on there way out, etc, even coffee grounds. Then we tried to follow the "composting recipe." Well it filled up. Then we didn't take stuff out. We noticed there were plants growing on the top. Jim thought they might be tomatoes. That didn't surprise me for we seem to have them growing around other places. They started on there own from seeds that dropped from previous plants.

So to make what seems to be a long story shorter. As I was out mowing, I thought I'd check. I looked at the plants and they did have some little flowers on them (similar to tomato) but, they weren't tomato plants. At this point thinking they are now weeds I started pulling them up. Out came potatoes. Awesome. . I then started putting the plants back. The dirt was great and I'm hoping the potatoes will make it.

God gives us miracles everyday. We need to start recognizing them for the real blessing they are.

It's Been Awhile

Well, what can I say? I've been sitting here trying to think of something creative or witty to write about, but keep drawing a blank. So, since I don't have anything particularly creative or witty to say, I'll use this post to bring everyone up to date on some of the things that have been going on in my life.

As I'm sure everyone has noticed, I've not posted anything in awhile as I've been to busy to write for a couple of reasons. About three weeks ago I started a job working in the produce department of a local grocery store. I've already had my fill of it, so last Sunday was to be my last day. However, on Saturday I slipped on the floor as I was walking through a doorway; I was able to break my fall by swinging my right forearm and left leg into the doorjamb -- this prevented me from going down to floor. But needless to say, I was still badly bunged up (my grams words), because of how I was angled in the door frame and by the force of my forearm hitting the jamb. This happened because a co-worker was mopping and left the floor wet and without warning - end of story. By Sunday morning I was at a crawl, so I called off my last day. . .but, wasn't so bad that I couldn't make it to church.

Reasons for quitting? Well, the biggest reason is we are putting our house up for sale. As much as we may like the house, it's way too large for the two of us to take care of by ourselves. Also, and perhaps the biggest reason, without a steady income the mortgage is way to expensive. So after much prayer for God's guidance and direction, we decided to place it on the block. What this means in the short term is down sizing -- getting rid of all the stuff we don't need or want by giving it to our kids or selling it. In addition we've got a ton of minor repairs to make before we can let anyone see the place. This means painting, cleaning, and yard work -- the whole enchilada. Whatever it takes to sale! There's too much work for Jim to do by himself, and I can't do all that work and work at the grocery store, especially given the schedule they had me on. I have to admit though, that was the most physically challenging job I've ever had -- and I've had many challenging jobs in my life. Whew!

The most exciting news to report is our eldest son, Matt, finally proposed to his girl. Mathew and Dannielle are finally and officially engaged. They both love the Lord and each other. It's Awesome!
Unfortunately, there is a sad bit to it all this as Matt leaves today or tomorrow a for a six month deployment around world, or at least most of it. Following an old tradition, Matt asked her father for permission to ask Dannielle to marry him -- and that was very sweet. Dannielle snapped this picture and labeled it the Shotgun Talk June 8, 2008. ha Of course we don't know when the big day will occur, and since Matt will be out to sea for the next six months it may be awhile before a date will be set. But, nevertheless we're excited with anticipation whenever it takes place. Dannielle told me she's been planning this day ever since she was a little girl. We now just have one son left to tie the knot. hehe
I've been reading in Ephesians; my favorite New Testament book. We're also studying the entire book of Ephesians in Church. Our pastor came over yesterday for lunch, we were truly blessed to have him for a visit, he has a pastors heart with a genuine love for his flock. We were able to share with him how awesome and meaningful Ephesians is because it can easily be personalized when read. I learned this years ago when I was listening to Kenneth Hagen on TV, he shared how to replace many of the words Paul used with your own name or the name of someone you're praying for. I was reading verses to my husband and personalized them with his name -- it was powerful -- as is all of God's Word, we're very blessed to have His Word in our lives. You should try reading Ephesians in this way. For example: Ephesians 1:1-14, 2:4-6, 3:14-21 personalize with yourself and use the name of someone you're praying for when reading Ephesians 1:17-19. You can place yourself there as well.

I found a cool web site the other day and thought you might like it too http://www.studylight.org/ . I found it when I was researching the word "fear" and how it was used in Psalm 130:4. This came about as I've sign up for daily scripture verses on FaceBook.com. Anyone who receives the daily verse is able to discuss it in a blog. Fear is just one of many words used that can have a different meaning depending on how it's applied in the particular verse. The meaning in this case meant reverence. It may not be best site's out there, but it's worth taking a look. It has Hebrew and Greek applications. If you are one of the millions of people on Facebook, be sure to sign up for daily scripture verses. It's interesting to discuss the verses with others; and its an opportunity to witness to others and to pray for them as not all who receive the daily verse are believers.

On the fun side, my husband and I had pre-paid tickets to the movies. So we were tossing around Indiana Jones or Narnia Prince Caspian. It was Narnia, voted for its showing time. We are happy we did as we really enjoyed the movie. (We would have seen it anyway sooner or later.)

A couple of people that I spoken to said that it wasn't exactly like the written version or true to it. Another was a bit disappointed and thought she wouldn't care for it. The other liked the movie, but loved the book. I haven't read the Narnia Chronicles but have loved the books I have read by C.S.Lewis. The recent movie was wonderful as the analogies presented between man and his relationship with God were dead on, and easy to relate. For instance, at one point King Peter decided that he had waited for long enough Aslan (God) to help defeat the enemy and stepped out on his own. The result was a complete failure with many more dieing then necessary. The message was clear, when we act on our own without waiting for the Lords direction the result is usually bad. Another analogy presented, was that we can only see God when we seek God -- the only one who could see Aslan was Lucy, but when she took her eyes off of him to look or listend to the others, she would lose sight of him. It would take more of an effort for her to see him each time she sought him. When she had finally found him near the the end of the movie, she ask him why he had left her as she couldn't she couldn't see him. He said her that he was always there and it was her who looked away by listening to the others. Even though she believed in Aslan she was afraid she'd be alone on the journey to him. It all turned out well as Aslan was always ready to help, he just needed to be asked, which was what Lucy did -- she asked for help. If you haven't seen it go. I think I'd like to see it again. I thought it was better than the first.

And lastly, I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you (all who read) a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us (all) who believe. Ephesians 2:17-19 NAS

The Visit

Its wonderful to get visits from those you love. Our son Mat was blessed to get the leave; and that in turn was a blessing to us. Things worked out perfect. It's his girlfriend's, (Dannielle) senior year at Cedarville College, and as part of one of her classes she selected, directed and stared in a play called "Kindertransport." It tells the heart-wrenching story of a Jewish mother who sends her 9-year-old daughter "Eva"on a train to England in order to save her from the Nazis. I think it was written by Diane Samuels. "Kindertransport" was inspired by the real-life evacuation of 10,000 Jewish children from prewar Nazi Germany and their subsequent placement in English foster homes. Dannielle played Eva. She had to speak in German - English with all the accents. From 9 years old to teen. Mat said it was excellent. My husband and I weren't able to attend the play, but we loved seeing the pictures of Dannielle and Mat which were taken after the show.

Visits don't always seem long enough, but I love whatever I'm able to get. Even for just a little while we are happy. Below are 2 link of interest.

Link to brief history: http://www.kindertransport.org/history.html
And out on DVD:http://www2.warnerbros.com/intothearmsofstrangers/