tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871887448432509092024-03-18T20:38:47.918-07:00Room in this InnEllenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-41812537722367720322011-10-05T02:30:00.000-07:002011-10-05T02:30:03.606-07:00Joy in the Journey What a terrible blogger I am!! I maybe a twice a year blogger, not a daily or weekly blogger. But, I think I'm finally getting around to it again. <br />
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Why don't I blog more? Well, I usually think I don't have anything to say that anyone would spend their time on, no little ones living in my household, and then there's the time factor. So why blog today because none of these things have changed? I want to write about this journey of life I'm on and the things God is teaching me on this journey.<br />
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One, He's teaching me that He is my joy. I have spent a year reading and journaling from Hab. 3:17-19. The Lord won't let me leave this place. I find those scriptures everywhere I look-in my devotions and it seems in every book I'm reading. The Lord is shouting these words to me saying, "Your joy is found in living a life of praise to me, not in circumstances, situations, people, or plans. <br />
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Two. I began this year making a list of 1000 blessings. I read Ann Voscamp's book in December and the Lord really laid on my heart to write down my daily blessings. Some days it was an easy task, some days very hard. But I kept going. It took me from Jan. 1 to Oct. 2 to write down 1000 blessings but I arrived at that point on Sunday morning and God was there. He flooded my soul with rejoicing in a way that I have not known. I wrote this verse down because it expresses how I felt on Sunday morning. Rom. 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow." What a powerful verse this is. <br />
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Three. God is reminding me of a goal I wrote in the fly leaf of my Bible when I was a young mother. A godly woman had adopted it for her goal and it spoke to my heart then and now. This is what it said: " My goal is God Himself. Not joy or peace or any other blessing. But Himself - my God." Today, I want to recommit myself to just knowing Him. Because "in His presence is fullness of joy."Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-23562981458827459852011-07-22T04:23:00.000-07:002011-07-22T04:23:23.847-07:00"Happily Ever After" As woman, we all love the stories that end with these words, "and they all lived happily ever after." We long to live in the happily ever after time and somehow we expect that to happen on earth in our everyday life. But, often we fail to see it.<br />
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I've been studying the life of Abigail in I Sam. 25. What an amazing woman! She was married to a foolish man, Nabal, and encountered David acting foolishly in a situation. I just wonder how many times she may have asked herself, "Where is the happily ever after?'<br />
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These last 6 months have been trying times for our family - our daughters and their husbands. Difficult diagnosis, job situations, house to sell, relocation, more job situations and on and on it has seemed to go. Honestly, I have felt a lots like Habakkuk. He asked the Lord lots of questions and he really just didn't understand what God was doing in his life. But God replied and said, "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." Even if God explained all He is doing in my life and in the lives of my daughters, I doubt I would understand it all. Habakkuk didn't. The Bible says that God's ways aren't our ways and His thoughts aren't our thoughts. So what am I doing and what must I do in my current situation that surely isn't "happily ever after."<br />
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Well, the answer is in Habakkuk - I've learned to love this book. In Chap. 3:17-19 he gives the answer to what I must do in the meantime.<br />
<em> Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,</em><br />
<em> though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,</em><br />
<em> though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,</em><br />
<em> yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.</em><br />
<em> The Sovereign LORD is my strength, He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,</em><br />
<em> He enables me to go on the heights.</em><br />
<em> </em>So, I will rejoice! He is an ever present God. Emmanuel. My Shield and Strong Tower. He also reminds me that this is not our home. "Happily ever after" is coming. In the meantime I am to rejoice. Count my blessings. Rejoice over each victory. Glance at my problems and gaze on Jesus. I must give Him my disappointments, difficulties, trials and triumphs and KNOW that Romans 8:28 is more than just words in the Bible. I MUST "KNOW that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." <br />
Do I live this way every moment of the day? Sure wish I could answer "yes" but I'm afraid that's not the case. I have times of being overwhelmed and wishing for some "happily ever after" right now. I do know this, God has been present, close, intimate, my Father Abba during this hard season and often "His blessings come as raindrops." Listen to the song, <em>Blessing, </em>by Laura Story and let God bless you as He has blessed me with the beautiful words of this song. "Happily ever after" is coming and it will be out of this world.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-32892198410205762412011-04-04T13:30:00.000-07:002011-04-04T13:30:32.535-07:00new blogshare the love and welcome Mimi back to the blog world!!<br />
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love you Mom!<br />
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Hijacked from her youngest and expecting posts now! :)Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-54375056247506323592010-11-26T12:26:00.001-08:002010-11-26T12:26:55.170-08:00christmas card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0CcMWTNyxbsy/0CcMWTNyxbsycW/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1290803187000/0/"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Three Wise Men Religious Christmas Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Make a statement with custom <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">Christmas cards</a> at Shutterfly.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-22891008093796905392010-11-23T16:32:00.000-08:002010-11-23T16:49:38.014-08:00Shutterfly Christmas cards<div style="text-align: left;"> Christmas cards in the Moore family have come in many different forms. Sometimes it was a Christmas letter explaining what our year looked like. Others times a poem, picture or a simple Merry Christmas Hello. Sometimes they came a bit early, while other years they came a little late. I think as long as I can remember.. they came!</div><div><br /></div><div> This year, shutterfly's adorable cards peeked my interest. Their quality is great and the fact that they can come right to my door ensures they may actually make it out this year. There are so many different styles and I did not have a hard time finding multiple ones I liked. I think so many are cute, but here are my favorites. Can you imagine a slew of grandkids on the front of this card with their Mimi and Papa on the end? I can!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Here are the favorites..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/christ-wishes-religious-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=60217">Here's one..</a></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6091vXgcPxPUFdBKUmzmsB54hw9cYCx0zGJG7JdJXr-LJF0Xd6YR_t8EeT5H2Slyo_7s06t4XlEDzhs7CJ0E8PnFEA7jucUkw7r5dqX4cerrbA_KUk9PJzkNH_IHmUcN0BX70IwQISGU/s400/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23052-2326-MERCHTHUMB-v128104002100020511.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542909522146247266" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/rejoice-lord-king-religious-christmas-5x7-folded-card?sortType=1&storeNode=60217">Here another..</a></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IrRr3NZkjrF_vkkuLFdnbnFM_jOeJLg2zrCLhWJABo8RGBZNVG0GkLdhNKzsK87ionmUvQ9KR3OT5Hh6FLVgLe4Aw_EfGP66xuWOIj3ypADrgVq4tKesCQZJibbcr_MnHYysA_X66A8k/s400/STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27142-2630-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v128096299300084295.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542910101659081090" /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/three-wise-men-religious-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=60217"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/three-wise-men-religious-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=60217"><br /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/three-wise-men-religious-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=60217">But this wins...</a></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFhbO66eyLm-HPL1d55o7eY1Sa24TOWHoSRAQeBmGGoaUkyudwL3rkEBhzh7fl_28y9B-Sd0zNkS4_uS4s2HV4BJMzRxoskRpVVCjWroUMomgwbMjxC_XuvXI1VvRB4Bm_Xdy8Acm_b6w/s400/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23052-2740-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v128104005600081309.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542910588572751778" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas! </div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-13281019222155570562010-09-23T12:19:00.000-07:002010-09-23T12:52:50.191-07:00The Mountains<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U5TeooKJvH9izSkjF5NYMGojjw9EkjJlh4VujeAGZEBx-t6WvC-N4MG71b31ifmmOVirDv559uRey0VauTkgtZhH8DeXgcpIKp33o5L4k1vtVRgVSD8RAdLpPoiYz77wWvRUZjeNCTom/s1600/277.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520194222205465586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U5TeooKJvH9izSkjF5NYMGojjw9EkjJlh4VujeAGZEBx-t6WvC-N4MG71b31ifmmOVirDv559uRey0VauTkgtZhH8DeXgcpIKp33o5L4k1vtVRgVSD8RAdLpPoiYz77wWvRUZjeNCTom/s400/277.JPG" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> During the past three months I have been able to spend some time at the mountains. It all begin in July when I went on a mission trip to Nicaragua(first picture). We will able to observe beautiful mountain ranges all over the area where we were serving.</div><div> Then a week after I returned, Jack and I headed up to Ridgecrest, NC(picture 2). I<strong> LOVE</strong> Ridgecrest. My favorite part of being there is to get up early and head to the prayer garden. I love the waterfalls, flowers, and beauty of the area.</div><div> My last trip was to Portland, OR, to visit Jessica, Ryan, and Titus. Jessica and I went to Multnomah Falls and hiked up part of the mountain. What an amazing site! </div><div> I have developed such a love for the mountains. The fresh air and beauty of the mountains reminds me of our Creator. If earth is this beautiful under the curse of sin, HEAVEN MUST BE OUT OF THIS WORLD!!<br /> <img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520193565029350146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEY1KtDuYNrv7TRUwctAVLr35vaAFc2kMkHZFS1scZiWGSzpNcbp5wJLSVdEnAY5A8SOwaXXCtfJ4c3uV7z2eGkfe8asmKF2IQAiRhPDgtx_eU0IhHDHLBSDTsNmhjADCaFcVcovxF-Oi/s400/364.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt6O9bbwljR5NfGy4v2k8p0oYadt6G-V7G_THBfESvHWK-4bWIkdYBp1aVLqeaj1XkKrIZjSjcqrXcO-FZP34VVcSbC0KB_ivyAC-mUga2o7ysbQGgDHwrliFYBYGInzGCnGxtpyn3_Hw/s1600/DSC_0833.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520191141754907522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt6O9bbwljR5NfGy4v2k8p0oYadt6G-V7G_THBfESvHWK-4bWIkdYBp1aVLqeaj1XkKrIZjSjcqrXcO-FZP34VVcSbC0KB_ivyAC-mUga2o7ysbQGgDHwrliFYBYGInzGCnGxtpyn3_Hw/s400/DSC_0833.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-48147608296281360852010-07-28T13:35:00.000-07:002010-07-28T14:03:03.117-07:00A Right PerspectiveWhy do I not blog more often? Well, I could say I'm too busy; but that's really not the truth. I could make time to blog. I usually think I won't blog because I don't have young children to write about. Most bloggers do. But I decided to blog as a place to record my thoughts and write about what the Lord has been speaking to me about for the last few months.<br /><br /> Perspective - my head has been trying to get the right perspective on life. After spending a week in Nicaragua, it changes your perspective. Bigger isn't better. Newer isn't nicer. Things don't really matter a whole lots. What really matters is living life with an eternal perspective. I now am friends with some precious Nicaraguan people who have NEVER had a warm bath, never had indoor plumbing, never had a car to drive and live from day to day. But, the believers that I met love the Lord, seek to serve Him, love people and warmly welcome you into their modest homes. They live with an eternal perspective. <br /><br /> So, I ask myself this question - do I? Do I really live with an eternal perspective? Is my focus on Christ and Christ alone and the things that matter to Him? As you can see, a week in another country changes your focus.<br /><br /> So how has my focus changed? Again, I am reminded of my love for my family. It was hard not talking with my husband or children for a week. The Lord has given me a genuine love for the Nicaraguan people. I am praying that the Bibles that were passed out with change the lives of the readers. But most of all I am reminded again that Christ must be my life, His Kingdom must be my focus, reaching the world with the gospel must be my service and loving all people must be my passion. I pray this will be my perspective as long as I have life within me. Only with the enabling of the Holy Spirit can I EVER reach these goals but as Paul wrote, "I press on to win the prize......"Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-42263151265927219882010-03-11T02:42:00.000-08:002010-03-11T02:54:08.203-08:00Birthday BoyHappy Birthday, Titus,<br />Since I haven't blogged for each grandchild's birthday, I figure I will blog for those away and then start trying to catch up with a blog for each grandchild.<br /><br />I am so thankful that I was able to be present at your birth. I haven't missed being at any grandchild's birth and I surely didn't want to miss yours, even though many, many miles separate. <br /><br />It was love at first sight. Really I loved you before I even saw you and had prayed many prayers for you before you were born. I'm so glad I could be there to hold and cuddle you for a few days after you were born and even get up with you some in the middle of the night.<br /><br />Now I sit longing to celebrate your first birthday with you. But, that is not possible. So I will just plan your next arrival on the east coast and maybe even have an east coast party when you arrive. We'll celebrate your birthday, along with your mom's, your dad's and your uncle Chad. We'll just make it one big party. And we'll just have to have you a cake to eat and smash then.<br /><br />Can't wait to see all the pictures from your monster party. Maybe we can do SKYPE on your party day.<br /><br />We love you, little one. I pray that with each passing year you will "grow in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man."<br /><br />Love,<br />MimiEllenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-14560371700674190052010-01-31T04:41:00.000-08:002010-01-31T05:03:45.212-08:00Happy Birthday, SamuelHappy Birthday, Samuel,<br /> Well, others in the family have beat me to writing you birthday wishes but I want to add my wishes with the rest. I woke up this morning remembering your birth day. That day ushered you into earth but only for a moment and then right into Heaven.<br /><br />That was such a special day, Samuel. I have never felt that I was standing on such holy ground - not in church, not in my quiet time, not even in Jerusalem itself. That hospital room was literally full of the presence of the Lord. I kept looking so hard to see an angel. I thought maybe I could just get a little glimpse of one. I knew they were there to usher you to God's Throne. I never saw one that day but I saw so much more.<br /><br /> I saw God's faithfulness, His Presence, His pomise to walk with us through every valley. I saw these things in ways I had never seen them before. I saw these things take place right before me and I knew some things as well. <br /><br /> I knew you were safe, well, happy, and more alive than any of us. I knew you were in your forever home. <br /><br /> Four years have come and gone, Samuel. But you will always remain a special part of our lives until we get to meet you again in our forever home. Until then - Happy Birthday, sweet boy.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-28900812033818418142010-01-03T11:20:00.000-08:002010-01-03T11:41:21.719-08:00Sweet Blessings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qL72VvWtMLKYKfjRjH0r2Q4_OeLj7c_FXTEhQBWi0AAnfvlJLkJZ90LIOc4hVf7oTKSv8szPUhyzVuSuh8SrlM-ma0Rx8BGRQeO57AyedZCd6PjT3UrdA5k89FHLbXNPgV0W1SE3zCwZ/s1600-h/DSC_0371.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422596675265277362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qL72VvWtMLKYKfjRjH0r2Q4_OeLj7c_FXTEhQBWi0AAnfvlJLkJZ90LIOc4hVf7oTKSv8szPUhyzVuSuh8SrlM-ma0Rx8BGRQeO57AyedZCd6PjT3UrdA5k89FHLbXNPgV0W1SE3zCwZ/s400/DSC_0371.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We were able to be together. I am so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">incredibly</span> thankful that everyone was well and we were able to have Christmas together. </div><div> </div><div>As we sat around the living room and listened as Ryan read the Christmas story, I was moved to tears.(That doesn't happen often but when it does it is long, loud, and ugly.) Everyone started saying, "What's wrong?" I was moved by God's blessing of family-daughters, sons-in law, and precious grandchildren that Jack and I have been given.</div><div> </div><div>I was also reminded of the Pakistani people who are living in tents because they have been uprooted from their homes and who faced persecution for attending Christmas services. They put worship over their own <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">personal</span> safety. As I sat in my warm home on Christmas, I felt so blessed but so burdened for the people of the world- people without Christ, people suffering for Christ, children without parents, children without food. </div><div> </div><div>What can I do? Not a lots but what I can do I will. I can pray-God hears. I can give-God multiplies. I can go-God sends. </div><div> </div><div>In 2010 I want to be living for the things that matter to the Lord. People matter to Jesus. That's why He came and died. I want to serve Him by serving others this year.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UK2OM3he2AQ6on7iSV4kx2Q801Lgm8cVWh_kxb1MDfzAH2rdlJxSjvRcRkBA2NK0nkFDjw6iSfcg6DI84NB1dW3hCMCgXPptlf6lvUAHjmzypzzreGej71lMUtlIfnWHi5QN7Lf3xKpt/s1600-h/Christmas+2009-+Mom+003.JPG"></a> </div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-61734595242567037242009-10-06T03:38:00.000-07:002009-10-06T03:49:34.012-07:00What am I waiting for?It has been forever since I have blogged, 5 months. Why haven't I written? Too many excuses but the biggest one is nothing major to write about. Is that true? Oh No. There is much to write about.<br /><br />I often wait on the earthshaking things when all around me God is working. So here goes:<br /><br />I had an awesome time in Nicaragua. It was a mountain-top experience for me. God allowed me to hand out Bibles on top of a mountain. I got to hand a Bible to a lady who may never have held one before. That was such a thrill to my heart.<br /><br />I was able to get away for a few days with my husband and just have some time together. I got to sit by some mountain streams and just "be still and know He is God."<br /><br />I just got to welcome another precious grandchild into this world. Even though this is number 8, each is so dear and special. God has been so gracious to give precious children to my daughters. <br /><br />I have the privilege of teaching a precious group of ladies in Sunday School. They allow this imperfect teacher to share what God is teaching me and they teach me more than I could ever teach them.<br /><br />I am blessed with the ability to be able to see and hear, I have more food to eat than I need and I have a car to drive.<br /><br />I have a family to love, a house to live in but most of all a God to live for.<br /><br />Today I am thankful.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-1828750252387009162009-04-13T11:42:00.000-07:002009-04-13T12:09:09.861-07:00Time is flying byWhen I posted last, I was awaiting the birth of a new grandson. Now he is one month old and I'm sitting here wondering, "Where did the time go?" I<br /><br />This last week has been such a nice week for me. I love Easter. I told my Sunday School class a few weeks ago not to miss Easter; meaning don't get so caught up with life you miss celebrating our Risen Lord. It is so easy to do that. When I look around and see so many people hurting, it is easy for my thoughts to focus on all the hurts of life that I miss seeing the One who came to heal our hurts and bring peace to our hearts.<br /><br />This past week I was studying again about the two on the road to Emmanus. They were a sad dejected pair walking back to their home. They felt all was hopeless because their Savior was dead. Jesus joined them on their walk and they didn't even recognize Him. He went home to dinner with them and took the bread, gave thanks and broke it and then they knew - "It's Him, It's Him." <br /><br />He reveals Himself to me again and again but sometimes I am so focused on the cares, concerns and worries of this world that I miss Him. I don't want to do that. Each day can be a celebration day when I remember He is alive and He is here.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-19378322922433937562009-03-07T11:24:00.000-08:002009-03-07T11:33:16.020-08:00Packed BagsMy bags are packed, my classroom at school is ready, my house is clean but no baby yet so I sit waiting on ready on the East Coast. I think I understand more about the parable that our Lord told about the virgins who had the oil for their lamps and was waiting on the bridegroom's return. I feel like one of those who has everything ready for the phone call that the baby is coming but I just don't know the day or hour.<br /><br /> As I wait, I am enjoying the weather here. After such cold days this week, warm weather certainly makes me feel more alive.<br /><br /> My heart has been heavy the last two weeks for a precious family in the school where I teach. I taught this little boy last year and his mother was my room mother. He has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Boy, does that ever remind me that we live in a fallen world. If you are reading this, please pray for Forester and his family.<br /><br /> Well, that's about all the news I have today. I don't have anything too exciting to write at this point unless you want this grandmother to tell you about her grandchildren. Then I'd have to say, "They're wonderful!" I'm sure I'll soon have some exciting news about our West Coast little grandson. Until then, I wait.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-43420125129547333592009-01-19T11:00:00.000-08:002009-01-19T11:10:36.181-08:00Lessons from Simple ThingsYesterday morning as I got ready for church the Lord used something very simple to speak to my heart. He used toilet paper. (Remember I teach Kindergarten so the I think in simple terms).<br /><br />My bathroom was out of toilet paper and I walked to our other upstairs bathroom and it to was out of toilet paper. I thought to myself, "There has to be some somewhere in this house." I went downstairs and out into the garage and there was a new package from Costco. In other words, we had tons of toilet paper.<br /><br />I took it upstairs and distributed it to all the bathrooms and filled each room with plenty of paper. It was then the Lord used this simple thing to remind me of His Truth.<br /><br />He told me that often my life seemed to be void of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I seem to be running on empty. But the truth is when I was saved the Holy Spirit came into my life. Often I'm afraid I've left Him in the garage of my life and not kept each room of my life filled with His presence.<br /><br />I left for church after asking that He fill every area of my heart with His presence and to forgive me for often leaving Him in the garage of my life. After doing that, I was ready for worship.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-2314783249826801362009-01-16T12:18:00.000-08:002009-01-16T12:28:03.709-08:00Tagged<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nf7iITHr_tWcPSOYPekHo16C8IicZLZQZyXFZYKvpxUOsd6OtW_8V-As8XYhUxAiYyD6eMjKY279ZsHCQXobHrb6auV5fi7ENUT46YU0jAH6_FyclsaK1YIpLycBE4uhFdRG3LcXhDSy/s1600-h/all+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291990016007256546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nf7iITHr_tWcPSOYPekHo16C8IicZLZQZyXFZYKvpxUOsd6OtW_8V-As8XYhUxAiYyD6eMjKY279ZsHCQXobHrb6auV5fi7ENUT46YU0jAH6_FyclsaK1YIpLycBE4uhFdRG3LcXhDSy/s320/all+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I was tagged and with HELP I finally found my fourth picture. This is a picture of Haifa, Israel. I made this picture when we were in Israel. This was a beautiful city on the Mediterranean Sea. </div><div>This was a trip of a lifetime and I am thankful that we had the opportunity to go. Well, this is my fourth picture and I did respond to being tagged. Now I don't have a clue who I can tag. If you would like to be tagged, consider it done. You are tagged.</div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-85878309134620299702009-01-16T03:41:00.000-08:002009-01-16T03:43:26.892-08:00I AM THANKFUL CONTINUEDI knew I would leave out a bunch. I am so thankful for the 3 godly men that the Lord has given to my daughters to be their husbands. Each one of them is such a blessing and God has uniquely gifted each one. I would never want to leave them out of my thankful list because I thank the Lord for them each day.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-40359786078936579982009-01-16T03:09:00.000-08:002009-01-16T03:21:46.443-08:00I AM THANKFULToday I really want to focus on all the blessing the Lord has given to me. It helps me to not moan about the things that may not be going like I would like them to.<br /><br />I am thankful for my husband. Yesterday I was having leg problems and he brought me tylenol and a heating pad and drink and was so attentive. I am so thankful that he cares for me. He is a man who loves the Lord, his family, and his people.<br /><br />I am thankful for my 3 daughters. I surely love all those girls. They are each unique and gifted - great wives and mothers(Jess almost a mother). They haven't had the perfect mother, that's a fact, but God has certainly blessed all these daughters with His blessings and given them all they need to live for Him.<br /><br />I am thankful for my church. I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to be there for almost 20 years. That is such a blessing. What precious people worship there every Sunday.<br /><br />I am thankful for friendships. We all need them and the Lord has given me wonderful prayer partners and friends.<br /><br />I am thankful for my Sunday School class. I love those ladies. They bless my heart and allow me to be their teacher. They help me grow in Christ.<br /><br />I am thankful to teach K-5 kids. They keep me young.<br /><br />I am so thankful, last but oh not least, for my grandchildren. They are such a blessing from the Lord. Their warm hugs, when they say, "MIMI", the fact they seem to like to come and see me...They bring joy to my heart. The Lord has certainly blessed us with each precious one from the oldest to the one on his way.<br /><br />Most of all, I am thankful that a young girl knew she desperately needed a Saviour and for my need, I found one. It is no telling where I would be had Jesus not saved me. None of the blessings that I listed would have been mine without a Saviour. I still need that Saviour today.<br />For all of these blessings and more....I AM THANKFUL!!Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-23376902553708026702009-01-06T03:15:00.000-08:002009-01-06T03:19:44.128-08:00Monday School and HotdogsYestereday was back to school day for me. I must admit, I had to literally push myself out the door. How I yearned for one more day to stop and smell the roses but that was just not to be. But, I found out that the Lord was at school. The children came in with their excited faces ready to share and ready to get back to work. The day went smoothly and at the car pick up I had a parent tell me, "I prayed for your day this morning." What a blessing!! Thank you Lord for praying parents. The Lord was present at school.<br /><br />Then later that evening my husband and I had a date. We went and did hospital visitation and made a Costco run. We finished our date with a yummy hotdog from Costco. Does it get any better than this?Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-43441870409049906612009-01-04T05:33:00.000-08:002009-01-04T05:40:38.061-08:00GoodbyesI HATE goodbyes. I don't do them well. I just had to say goodbye again to my west coast daughter and son-in-law. On this side, it seems we're always having to say goodbye to someone. I am so thankful for cell phones and modern technology, but it still is hard to say goodbye.<br /><br />It reminded me again that we're on this side(not that I need a reminder). When we're on that side the Bible says, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." I'm sure this also includes no more goodbyes.<br /><br />But for now, I'll busy myself, dry my tears and finish getting ready for church. Life goes on for each of us, but a piece of my heart is enroute to the west coast.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787188744843250909.post-55884403179400741372009-01-02T03:42:00.000-08:002009-01-02T03:52:55.688-08:00A New Post on a New Blog. That seems to be a good way to start the New Year. What a wonderful New Year's Day we had. Even if Clemson got beat, it was still a wonderful day. All of my daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, husband and 2 dear friends were with us to eat and watch the big game. I don't take those times for granted. With a daughter and husband on the west coast, those times are rare. I thank the Lord for days like that.<br /><br />I haven't made very many resolutions this year. Really, only one. I really, really want to live each day for THAT DAY. That Day is the day I will stand before Christ. I want my life to be used to influence others for Him. <br /><br />I just read a book called THE LISTERNER. It reminded me again that everywhere I go there are hurting, struggling people. I want to hear their hearts and see their pain and offer them Jesus. It's not easy for me to talk to strangers but as the Lord speaks, I want to listen.<br /><br />For today, I want to make the most of spending time with my Portland daughter. They fly out on early Sunday. I want to make our minutes together count. <br /><br />One other thing, I want to do this year(I'm rambling now) is to be on a God watch. Instead of worrying about situations that look difficult(which I am prone to do) I want to watch each day to see how God is going to work out the situation. I know He is faithful to do that. Ok. This is enough for today. God Bless and Happy New Year!!Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625997319171543619noreply@blogger.com1