Wednesday, April 21, 2004 :::
Wow. Haven't written on this baby in a long time. And the last entry was BORING! sheesh!
Read some others blog sites...also rated boring...so, I am not too embarrassed. Though, I probably should be. ;)
::: posted by Sheree at 1:06 PM
Friday, July 11, 2003 :::
Opportunity Knocks
Well ~ my doc. appt. went well yesterday. Plan of attack: 1st do a quick check for ulcer - 2nd check for residual gall stones in a tube causing my pancreas some trouble. Sort of scary procedure on that second one (have to be hospitalized) but - I feel great just to know someone actually HAS a plan of attack! Get this figured out and over and done with already!!
Yesterday - a small bomb dropped onto this pleasant little family - plucking along lifes curvy paths. At times, enjoying moments of stopping to smell the roses and endless lazy hours spent searching for four leaf clovers. As well as rushing along like the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, "I'm late! I'm late for a very important date! I'm late! I'm late! I'm late!"
So, it wasn't a bomb. That is not the best definition. More like a fork in the road.
And we have come up to that sign (you know the one...its always right between the two roads) and we begin to read the little arrow shaped, aged wood, signs pointing towards the left...and some pointing to the right. Each one bears some sort of significance of what we could expect to encounter - depending on which way we choose. Sort of like a pros and cons list for each direction.
But, those are all man made signs...human thoughts of what is a pro verses a con. We need something much more powerful than this simple sign.
We need a Divine sign! A sign from God Himself!
It is said in Matt. 6:31-34 "Don't ever worry and say, 'What are we going to eat? or 'What are we going to drink?' or 'What are we going to wear?' Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about His kingdom and what has His approval. Then all these things will be provided for you. So, don't ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." And that is what this little family desires most...His will for our lives!
So, how do we decide? Well, I opened up to this...very reassuring verse in Romans 8:26, "At the same time the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we don't know how to pray for what we need. But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words."
And that sums it up for me...so, I rely on Him to intercede along with me...with us...this pleasant little family.
::: posted by Sheree at 10:20 AM
Monday, July 07, 2003 :::
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure.
Romans 5:3, NLT
I include this verse again...because I need it. I have been offline for a while now due to being ill.
I have had the most intensely excruciating burning pain in my abdomen for nearing on three weeks now. It progressively worsened. I visited the M.D. and recieved a shot in my hip for pain...ouch! That was on June 30th.
But, all this is boring so to make it short and sweet...I spent my 30th birthday in the emergency room, as well as the next day & the day after that at the docs office getting another pain shot. They were treating me for something else...then decided it was an ulcer and got me on a med that has me teetering between 'ok'ness and mediocre pain...which is way way way better than needing to go in to get relief from pain.
I have felt like such a fool because the pain was so intense all I could do was sit and cry and cry and moan. It's so embarrassing to behave that way but, was truly not a choice. And even worse...my families life has been totally absorbed by this. Mikey missing allot of work...the kids spending way too much time in hospitals and Docs offices. My extended family has also been worried sick. Well, thank you to all for your love and your patience! I am terribly sorry for all this!
But, I read wonderful encouraging words this morning from Mr. Pat Robertsons book entitled "Six Steps to Spiritual Revival", about going to God - unceasingly. He explained the parable that Jesus tells in Luke chapter 11 of the persistent neighbor who came in the middle of the night banging on the door to borrow bread. Jesus ends the parable with "I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs." (Luke 11:8)
It was not the neighbors need, nor was it that neighborly friendship prevailed. It was desperation - importunity - that won the day. The brazen nerve of a neighbor who simply refused to take no for an answer.
The bottom line? He created a tremendous ruckus and ruffled a lot of feathers...but he went home with loaves of bread tucked under each arm. Jesus went on to make this point. He said, literally, "Keep on asking and you will receive. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened" (Matthew 7:7-8).
And...I will keep on asking, seeking and knocking...without ceasing because I know He will answer me!
P.S. Turning 30 is quite allright with me! I am enjoying my Big ass tin of Godiva chocolates (thank you hubby!) and my choco chop mint Baskin Robbins ice cream cake with Strawberry Shortcake decorations atop- very, VERY much!!!
::: posted by Sheree at 11:04 AM
Wednesday, June 25, 2003 :::
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure.
Romans 5:3, NLT
I put this on my shout out to Mel also. It is a good reminder for all of us...in our trials...to persevere.
I thank God that Paul and the many other Biblical authors never stifled their writing to portray a certain expected 'image' of theirselves as leaders and Christians. They were free, open, real, raw and much of the things they share are bold in ways we see today as 'rude' or 'judgemental'.
Like Job, for instance...broken, angry, pitiful, sorrowful, righteous. Sometimes - I need to see that the people God loved in those days - were real too. David - a man after God's heart...experienced grief, pain...failed...and succeeded.
I can't even listen to the 'front' of people. I listened all my life to 'the message from the pulpit'. I used to be bitter and angry because of the reality of the failures of those people preaching on the pulpit...not even abiding by the things they preach. But, I realize, it isn't just those preachers...it's those claiming not to be 'preachers', it is those leading TV talk shows, managers of supermarkets, CEO's, street sweepers, Presidents...me.
It seems to me that the minute I spout off about being so 'capable' of this or that...God will reign me in. And I love it! Maybe not at first...but, I am thankful I get 'caught'. Like the time my husband got a speeding ticket (and this is yet another example...I swear this is an area God will just not let slip by for Mikey - the minute he speeds there is a cop inevitably around the corner! And thank God he gives us grace because he doesn't always get a ticket! whew!!) anyways - so - Mike received a small speeding ticket and I thought in my head as I was driving alone the next day (going over the speed limit just a bit) 'My goodness!! Why does that man not watch! I am so good at this! When I deem it necessary to speed I am always and I mean ALWAYS on the lookout!! Checking every mirror! Left and right...rearview!! Watching every blind corner! Freeway entrances!! For a possible cop!!!' and I swear to you...right in the MIDDLE of my arrogant thoughts - I glanced up into the rearview mirror and BAM there was a cop RIGHT stinking ON MY TAIL!!!
I tell ya...God is gracious! I did not get pulled over...but, I am surprised that he didn't pull me over! I began to laugh so hard at the situation that just occurred I HAD to look like a crazy woman! If that is not a 'slap your butt right back into reality' check from God...then I don't know what is!
::: posted by Sheree at 9:45 AM
Friday, June 20, 2003 :::
Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses . . .
2 Corinthians 12:10
How great a way to show me His power and mercy...for it is in my weakness that I find my strength in God!!
You know...the other day my mother was sharing with me her prayer that day. She is on her vacation, and a mulitude of things went wrong...this put her in such a bad mood that she couldn't even talk. So, she prayed. She said. "God - I don't feel joy right now but, since I know that joy is a gift from You, then I am asking that you would fill me with Your joy. So that I can enjoy this vacation Youv'e given us". And He did.
So, for the last few days (since I spoke to her) the first thing I have done when I woke was to ask Him for that joy in me...and in my family. And it has worked! Even though I have battled a migraine every day...I am filled with His joy!
Depression may be the lurking vulture - waiting patiently somewhere above me...for my guard to be let down...to reach the point where I can no longer fight the fight. But, I now realize...its ok. Yes...I have a weakness...but, guess what - in my weakness I have Superman (Wonder Woman!!) strength in my King! My Daddy! My God!!
::: posted by Sheree at 10:03 AM
Wednesday, June 18, 2003 :::
I was very happy to be able to talk to my neice yesterday and today. She is 13 and has such a great personality...very sweet, funny. A charming young lady with an incredible voice. :0) I used to love how my Aunt Mary would gush over Mel and I's little impromptu performances...singing and modeling our latest pajamas (which were usually Dad's old white t-shirts - long like a dress on either of us!). And now, I understand how she felt (and feels still today)!
I remember holding that little tiny baby girl...so beautiful...and being so proud to be her Aunt. I have felt an immediate connection like this, with each of my sisters children.
Knowing that I will forever be a part of their lives...is something I feel is an honor.
One time...a few years back, I was washing dishes in my kitchen when through the window I heard voices of many children. When I glanced up, I saw my neice walking by with her grade school class. She was meandering towards the back of the group. Slowly walking past my house...catching little peeks towards my way but, didn't ever see me. I wondered what she was thinking of me...of everything. I wanted to run out the door and scoop her into my arms and hug and squeeze her. But, instead...I sat on the kitchen floor and sobbed...blowing my nose in the dirty, wet dish towel.
Just reliving the memory is making me cry just as hard.
I cannot express to you how much I thank God for allowing me to be part of her life...and Mels and all the children. I can't put into words how much it means to me. Words are too stale and insignificant to fully impart the emotion that are pouring out of me.
It breaks my heart to know the turmoils they have gone through...but, I know that Gods hand is on each one them.
For Fathers Day...we gave Mikey an awesome electric shaver...coolest one I have ever seen and, of course, a talking Spongebob. We relaxed. We ate Mikeys fave meal (Sloppy Joes and Cheetoes - ug.) We had apple pie (with Spongebob and Patrick and Gary - cake decorations all over it). And we bought a 2003 Durango...leather -- the whole shmole...it is pretty...i like it. He says...it's my Fathers Day gift...but, I know that secretly - he loves it too!
And so I tell my neice about the new rig...her response "you suck". SEE!!! SEE why I love her sooo much!!! ;0) heeheehee!!
::: posted by Sheree at 2:16 PM
Tuesday, June 17, 2003 :::
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...
Philippians 3:8, NLT
Sometimes I have to remind myself not to forget the very important fact that is pointed out by this verse.
Give Us Daily Awareness
On life's busy thoroughfares
We meet with angels unawares -
So, Father, make us kind and wise
So we may always recognize
The blessings that are ours to take,
The friendships that are ours to make
If we but open our heart's door wide
To let the sunshine of love inside.
Helen Steiner Rice
::: posted by Sheree at 10:21 AM
