tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70680452444188631752024-03-05T18:09:56.886-05:00Mountain HomeA Christian family's journey out of civilized chaos back to living simple.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-51059848920460269182010-07-24T08:33:00.003-04:002010-07-24T08:44:12.235-04:00Muddled MindIt’s early in the morning here at the cabin. Everyone is still sleeping as I close myself into my little room with only my faithful dog and my cup of coffee. I try to focus on the task at hand, but so many thoughts are crowding my mind for attention. I pick up the dulcimer and begin to strum. Many times that will quiet my racing mind and help me to focus on the Lord. <br /><br />“Just a Closer Walk With Thee”<br />“Just As I Am”<br />“Sweet Hour of Prayer”<br /><br />Sometimes the mind clears by now. Not today. I move to “In The Pines” and “Amazing Grace”. Things are beginning to fall into order. <br /><br />What do you do when things are all jumbled? Even when I try to live right and keep my mind clean, I get assaulted. Strangely it’s not always with ‘worldly’ thoughts. Instead, prayer concerns of family & friends … our own household concerns … thoughts of the coming days … you name it. When I am praying, little thoughts of what I should be “doing” keep trying to distract me; and when I’m “doing”, thoughts of how I should be more focused on my Spiritual growth and outreach hound me. Please tell me that I’m not alone in this. I guess the distractions are the worst when I am trying to write. A simple post may take only a few hours and some take days. I can’t count the number that were started and ended up in the computer trashcan. <br /><br />I have found that sorting through the muddled mess in my mind can be awful time consuming. Personally, I think that’s where satan hits us the hardest – in the mind. If he can keep us preoccupied and focused on self, we can’t be effective for God. I have to choose each day not to allow myself to get caught up in the ‘self’-awareness bog. I take everything to God. I pray for the family & friends who are concerning me instead of holding onto their problems as my own. I have to give them to God or the weight of their issues would smother me. I give our own family concerns to Him as well. If I can’t “fix” it … He can.<br /><br />Often a long walk with Bandit gives me time to pray and sort out my priorities. Time is so short. <br /><br />What is the most important thing? Serving God. <br /><br />How can I best do that today? Get close to Him and reach out to others.<br /><br />What is stopping me from doing this? I list these issues to God one by one and give them to Him to deal with.<br /><br />Now, what can I do today/right now to best serve God? My priorities start to line up.<br /><br />I would like to say that I am such a mighty Christian that I am on track 24/7. But that would be lying. I struggle with ‘self’ every day of the week. I have to choose God’s Will every day. With all the distractions in this world & in my own mind … that’s tough. I figure that when satan’s minions are smacking us the hardest, it must mean that we are getting closer to winning a victory for the Lord. That gets the adrenaline pumping. It gives me a deep-down determination to push harder. I can’t let ‘stuff’ distract me … we are too close. <br /><br />Whenever we come to mind … a fleeting thought … whisper a little prayer for us. God has given us a work to do, and the devil is throwing everything in the book at us right now. That encourages me. We must be on the right track. There’s a victory right around the corner if we can just stay focused and not surrender to distractions. <br /><br />Right now, I hear footsteps upstairs so that means it’s time to move on to the ‘doing’ part of the day. Before I close, I want to thank everyone who have been praying for and encouraging us. You will never truly know how much you help us stay on track. I pray for you as well. Soon, very soon, we will be praising God together in His presence! Until then … <br /><br />Have a great day & may the Lord bless you.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-8352273174293666982010-07-14T15:18:00.002-04:002010-07-14T15:23:01.647-04:00Another Random QuestionI’ve been doing some reading lately, and a thought started tickling my mind. It may sound a bit crazy to most, but let your imagination go a little crazy for a moment. <br /><br />Question: <em>What if the Apostles would have had access to our modern technology?</em> <br /><br />I don’t know where these thoughts come from. Some tell me that I have too much time on my hands. Others simply think I spend too much time alone. To be truthful, this kind of thinking is more pronounced when I am around other people on a regular basis. But back to the question, What if the Apostles of the New Testament had access to our modern technology? <br /><br />Just imagine the emails. Paul could have zipped off a couple dozen epistles, by email, to the Thessalonian church in just a matter of hours; and then the church could have forward them along to each of the members. He could have saved himself a lot of walking and maybe even some prison time by simply setting up an office in a little village or cave. With the electronic devices we have today, such as cell phones & the ever-intrusive IM, he could have easily eluded capture before the Romans even approached the outskirts of town. <br /><br />Just think of how the Psalms and prophecies would have circulated around the globe in Forwards. I’m sure they would have been complete with the cute little pictures & animation. <br /><br />I personally don’t Twitter, thus don’t really understand it … but Peter could have broadcast his epistles to the world a sentence at a time. Do you suppose that he would have used the standard LOL, or ROFL? How about TTYL? <br /><br />John the Revelator would have become youtube’s biggest hit. The only drawback would be that the contents would have been in little 5-minute segments. Don’t you know that the comment sections under the videos would be full! There are programs where a person can stream “live”. As a matter of fact, we can watch the folks praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem 24 hours a day. (I wonder if that’ll be the technology used when the two Witnesses testify during the Tribulation.) <br /><br />All of this information could then be compiled in a multimedia website, with each taking turns manning the interactive bulletin boards.<br /><br />Technology is truly amazing. Most of it became daily living essentials during my lifetime. There are some really great folks using all of the above to spread God’s Word and encourage the Saints. But somehow I can’t help but think that sharing the Good News is loosing its personal touch. Remember the good old days where two folks would sit at the kitchen table and talk about God and His mercy over a danish and a cup of coffee? Once upon a time, when I was constantly on the go, I kept a Bible in the car. I never knew when I would need it to share with others. There would be bookmarks and highlights marking the Roman Road passages. <br /><br />You know, Paul could never have reached that jailer for the Lord if he wasn’t in that jail. It was an up-close and personal moment that led the Ethiopian to the Lord as well. I want to encourage you to keep your Bibles handy, and <em>always</em> look for an opportunity to share Jesus on a personal level. There is absolutely no part of life that Jesus and God’s plan for us doesn’t fit in. And in the meantime, keep those fwds, emails, and text messages going out! ROFL!<br /><br />Have a great day, and may the Lord bless you.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-75578145477313461302010-07-09T13:16:00.002-04:002010-07-09T13:24:15.210-04:00While There Was SilenceI’m sorry for the long silence. It’s been a busy time here at the cabin. An update on the latest events …<br /><br />Meja has moved back home. She and her kitten “Moina” have settled in nicely. They brought youth & excitement back into the ‘old folks home’ and are adding a refreshing breeze of life. Welcome home Sweetheart! Bandit & Moina keep me entertained during the day while everyone is away at work. I’ll add pictures of the two ruffians in the sidebar from time to time. <br /><br />On July 4th, I became a grandma! Due to complications in my future daughter-in-law’s health, my little granddaughter had to be taken by C-section two months early. It was & is a very exciting, yet turbulent time. But thanks to the many prayer warriors and the amazing grace of God, the delivery went smoothly and Savannah Elizabeth was born. I was told that she came out kicking and screaming. Sounds like she is going to be a real fighter. She will be in the neonatal unit for several weeks yet. The last update is that she’s had a set back, but she is progressing quickly. My future daughter-in-law has experienced some complications, but she is on the road to recovery and is expected to leave the hospital within the next few days. My son, well he is holding up like a trooper as he juggles work, trips to the hospital, and spending time at home with his soon-to-be son. <br /><br />My youngest son, with the help of his wife, has become a youth minister at their local IHOP (International House of Prayer). It’s a big challenge, but I am excited for him/them. Today’s youth are in strong need of men & women of God who are called to step up to the plate. Folks, today’s youth are in trouble. Most have never entered the doors of a church. They have never had the sound Biblical teaching that was so common when I was a child. <br /><br />A couple of weeks ago, I received the movie “Saint John in Exile” from Netflix. A lot of the “Christian” movies today aren’t Biblically accurate and have to be viewed with a prayer for discernment. This particular film is a one-man play with Dean Jones portraying John the Revelator during his time on Patmos. It was filmed back in the 1990s, and if you haven’t seen it … <em>I strongly recommend it</em>! I have never seen anything quite like it. I guess the best way I can describe it is that it made Jesus even more real to me. I truly saw a picture of Jesus in that performance. <br /><br />While I was previewing this film, a certain friend of Meja’s came to mind. I had introduced him to Jesus a few weeks before and felt certain that the film would give him a better picture of the Jesus of the Bible … not just the Jesus in the history books. I had been praying for this young man for months, and have been concerned that once he left for college this fall, he would drift out of our lives before the introduction to Jesus could be complete. As the film ended, I found myself weeping and asking God for just one more opportunity to share Jesus with this young man. I was very specific in my prayer … I asked the Lord to bring him to the house and have him watch the movie with me. Call me crazy if you want, but when I finished praying, I felt sure that my prayer would be answered. I told God that because of that feeling of assurance, I was going to hang onto the movie until the young man showed up. You know, satan’s minions began attacking me immediately with thoughts like … ‘What makes you think that this young man is just going to show up at your door?’ … ‘If this fellow does show up, why would he possibly want to waste his time watching a video with an old woman?’ … ‘All this continuous talk of Jesus is going to turn him off to Christianity.’ … the list goes on. As the thoughts came, I’d push them aside. I just kept praying. I knew that this was not a spontaneous young man; but I also know that he gives careful thought to all that he sees & hears. I knew that if he could just see what Christ & Christianity was truly about, he would consider it careful and come to the right conclusion. I kept on praying and impatiently waiting on him to show up. <br /><br />Just a few days later, I get a call late one morning from this fella. He wanted to know if he could stop by to drop off some things that Meja & I had loaned him. (normally, he would have just given them to Meja at work.) The timing of this call was terrible! There was a full day of chores left to do … I was hot & sweaty … and I needed a shower desperately! So, I told him to come right over. I wasn’t going to give satan even an extra minute to cause this young man to change his mind. The attacks began coming like a flood. I started praying intently! God was going to get him here, I was going to keep my word, stinky or not! Within minutes he was here. Just so happens he didn’t have to go to work for a few hours yet. And when I asked him to watch the video with me, he didn’t look at me like I was crazy. Instead, and without hesitation, he said “sure”. <br /><br />Satan wasn’t through trying to stop the message from getting to him. As the movie began, the kitten he had given Meja pounced on him and tried to distract him with her antics. I started praying with all my might that God would settle the kitten down and not let him get distracted. You know, that kitten stopped playing and laid at our feet. She didn’t move again until the video was over. The phone started ringing. I deflected the callers and kept praying. Because the Lord answered each and every one of my prayers specifically, I knew that this message was meant for this young man. Deep in me, I know that this fella has a purpose in God’s plan. He watched intently and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the intended message went deep. As he was leaving, I told him that God has a purpose for his life and to seek the Lord. With a look of consideration, he nodded his head. After he left, I felt a deep sense of peace. The job that God had given me to do was done. Now, I continue to pray for him. I may or may not know the final outcome until I reach heaven’s gates. But that’s not what counts. What matters is that God answered all my prayers, (down to the smallest detail), and put me in the battle one more time. <br /><br />Folks, God answers prayer! Not just my prayers – There is not a prayer uttered or thought that God does not answer. The answers are usually “Yes”, “No”, or “Wait”. If He didn’t give you the shiny red convertible that you were praying for … you may want to reconsider your prayer life. Ask God to put someone on your heart. Then start praying. We are all called, first & foremost, to be prayer warriors! <br /><br />You know, when I first started writing this … I had something else in mind for today. Over the past few weeks, I have started dozens of topics. I couldn’t write. I was feeling a lot like Zacharias. It seems that God uses these ‘silent’ times to teach me. Then He opens the floodgates. As I continue to learn the most recent lesson, I’ll be passing it along. God is so very good! <br /><br />Have a great day & may the Lord bless you!Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-17126347342863934062010-06-11T17:42:00.000-04:002010-06-11T17:44:13.266-04:00Moving DayToday starts the beginning of another chapter in our lives. Today is moving day for our daughter. Two jobs, seven days a week, and the economy was a bit much for her at this time. With much discussion, we’ve decided to circle the wagons for a spell and see what our family’s options are. It’ll be an adjustment for her to be back home. She’s been out of the house for about two years now. She left when she wasn’t much older than a child, and now she’s coming back a young lady. We can’t just slide back into the parent/teenager roles of the past. That will be a challenge for Honey & I … in turn, she will discover that us old folks haven’t been sitting stagnant in the pool either. We’ve changed, grown, and our quirks aren’t quite the same as when she left. She has to see us in a new light too. <br /><br />I guess we don’t always stop to see our personal changes very often. The changes are rarely overnight. That may explain why the people who raised me aren’t the same people I know today. I’ve loved the changes they have gone through as they’ve gotten older; and I love the way our relationships have changed as well. I talked with my youngest son today for quite a while and I guess this “change” thing was on my mind, because I really listened to his thoughts and ideas. I take joy in the man he has grown up to be. Just like I am enjoying the ever-evolving relationships with all the kids. I feel pretty sure that the adjustments of Meja’s returning home will have it’s share of trials … it will also have it’s rewards. I look forward to rediscovering the woman that she is becoming.<br /><br />Well the moving crew should be here any minute. I’d better get things moved around to accommodate her and her new kitten. Have a great day & may the Lord bless you!Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-46050156754244798732010-06-06T18:10:00.000-04:002010-06-06T18:15:09.826-04:00God ProvidesWell, we made it through the week of layoff in pretty good shape. Honey spent the week working around the house and gathering up scrap metal to haul off. This was a task that he has been wanting and needing to do for quite some time, but the collection place wasn’t open on Saturdays and it was impossible to work a full day and go the 40 plus miles to unload before they closed for the day. So, with a lot of effort, he and his Dad took advantage of the week, stayed at it, and a load of stuff rolled out of here about 5 AM Friday morning. I would have done a snoopy dance if it wouldn’t have been so early in the morning. I have been waiting a long time to see that stuff go away. Later he called from his folks’ house and said that the front end of his truck had gone out on the way home. Now isn’t that how things work? He and his Dad spent the rest of the day fixing the truck. All in all, the truck repairs came to about $5 more than the amount the scrap metal sold for. <em>Is God good or what!?!</em> We haven’t scrimped any more than we usually do, and God has gotten us through the week just fine. The last word Honey got was he goes back to work Monday morning. It’s been nice having him around this past week, and the best part has been the “peace”. No anxious moments, and no worries. <br /><br />Across the road, our neighbors are feeling the pinch from the economy as bad, if not worse, than we are. We are hearing tempers flair more and more as the stress wears them down. The general mood around town is one of mounting anger. People are becoming overwhelmed with stress as the cost of living shoots up and the work hours are reduced. Whenever I hear folks say that the legislation that’s been passed in the federal & state governments won’t affect the people negatively, I look around and figure someone is lying. Unemployment is climbing, price of living is climbing, and people are working two jobs - and still not making ends meet. <br /><br />We live very simply here at the cabin. Our only real extravagance is the internet. It’s an $8 dial-up connection through the phone company. That’s all we can get here in the meadow; and to be honest, that’s all we really need. We are simple folks and God provides all our needs, quite a few of our wants, and it’s becoming easier and easier to trust in Him completely. When the world continues to get scarier, we will be ready to rely on God for everything while the world around us will be in a panic. They have put their trust in the gods of education & money. Those gods will fail, and then what? Learning faith is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do, and we’ve still got a long ways to go – but as God leads us, we have discovered a peace that we had only heard about. <strong>God will provide</strong>. I become more certain of that truth with each step we take in faith.<br /><br />Walk in faith, have a great day & may the Lord bless you!Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-15180879995533513112010-05-27T17:18:00.000-04:002010-05-27T17:19:54.036-04:00Looks Like RainLooks like rain. We apparently got a pretty good thunderstorm last night. After several days of record-breaking heat and overpowering humidity, the rain was more than welcome. This morning we woke to a soft breeze and cooler temperatures. It sure acts like we may get a real summer this year. We have already seen more warm days this season than we did all last summer. And as today progresses, the humidity is rising and it is looking like there may be more rain tonight. Will this be a gentle soaker or a gully-washer? Time will tell.<br /><br />There seems to be another storm on the horizon for us as well. Honey went back to work about three weeks ago. There has been a question as to how the local construction industry will fare in these uncertain times. The general consensus has been that the bottom would eventually drop out; the question of ‘when?’ has been the unknown. Well, “when” seems to be coming sooner rather than later. Honey said that materials have been going out in pickups instead of dump trucks these past few weeks. The added federal taxes, and New Hampshire’s own ‘stimulus-type’ taxes, are becoming the nails in the coffin. Hours are being cut and businesses are teetering on the collapsing edge. Honey started looking for part-time work to supplement while we seek God’s guidance. Out of only two jobs available, he found a possible evening/weekend position with a trucking company that hauls linen to area hospitals. The owner told him that the position will hopefully expand to full-time in the coming months. If the dump trucks go silent, the transition to full-time with this other company may be an option. Right now, we are spending time together seeking God’s will & provision. We’ve learned not to fear. God has shown over and over that He hears our prayers and will lead us if we seek Him. <br /><br />There are so many people out of work that we have been fortunate. Unlike the weather, we don’t have to question the intensity of the economic storm. The Bible has done what weather forecasters can’t seem to do … It tells us with complete certainty what the coming days will bring. The storm clouds cropping up around the country and around the world are going to bring a real devastating gully-washer. There is no question that we are living in the last days and things will progress as God said they would, no matter what man tries to do. It isn’t my intention to be the voice of doom. God knew how it was all going to progress to an end before He ever breathed life into man’s beginning. He gave us His Holy Word to help us know Him and to help us prepare. God didn’t instruct Honey and me to build a bunker in the middle of the desert so we could hide. He instructs us to get up close to Him, seek Him and pray. <br /><br /><blockquote>“Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12</blockquote><br /><br />When I opened my Bible just now to find a particular Scripture that talks about the promise of God’s provision, I saw this:<br /><br /><blockquote>“For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.” Isaiah 25:4</blockquote><br /><br />This wasn’t the one I had been looking for, but it just seems to fit perfectly. If you are facing challenges that seem too big – seek God. He will be everything Isaiah described and so much more. <br /><br />Remember, fear & faith can’t be maintained at the same time. It’s either one or the other. If you are afraid, seek God. Ask Him to build your faith. God is always in control and He always keeps His promises. With His help & guidance, we will get through the coming storms. <br /><br />Have a great day, and may the Lord bless you!Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-14965349527174877362010-05-20T16:12:00.002-04:002010-05-20T16:20:53.917-04:00BanditIt’s been busy here at the cabin the past few weeks. If I didn’t know any better, I would almost think that the world is spinning faster. I just don’t know where the days are going. It seems I don’t get started good before it’s time to turn out the lights and call it quits. <br /><br />After Honey started back to work, the cabin started getting awful quiet. So about a week ago we added a new member to our family. His name is Bandit. He’s a 14-month-old chow mix. We had chows back when I was younger, so I took to him right off. Bandit has the look & protectiveness of a chow, and the personality of a lab. Unlike the full-blood chow, he’s very social and playful. And he has been great company for me while Honey is away. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Cn3dtuPwgOgo3RgQcXe2cU_WgA3pexcP0d4iq-P6fxAcnWFZCTmYlFV94vYOFFAYf9iF1hbfB0cu2MZKORXcKoAeip1qKPeL-M6nd4qflIySBf-wRTVL7H8Ih9DZqpOGI0CwndnEB4w/s1600/BANDIT+051010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Cn3dtuPwgOgo3RgQcXe2cU_WgA3pexcP0d4iq-P6fxAcnWFZCTmYlFV94vYOFFAYf9iF1hbfB0cu2MZKORXcKoAeip1qKPeL-M6nd4qflIySBf-wRTVL7H8Ih9DZqpOGI0CwndnEB4w/s320/BANDIT+051010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473449237468885554" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeTHIPMq-p4_vGdpf0O5Oyol97OsrwoCte7y5OZLVzGV1EOEFiE9tQb_GGsAZLUjvlsSPMGWM1GB7fUWeVgj6fecTHE5LVgrgS16OJocviTuObXaesbTxTPo6z2KCfx8Bo1U4DoQUShA/s1600/BANDIT+050810+fb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeTHIPMq-p4_vGdpf0O5Oyol97OsrwoCte7y5OZLVzGV1EOEFiE9tQb_GGsAZLUjvlsSPMGWM1GB7fUWeVgj6fecTHE5LVgrgS16OJocviTuObXaesbTxTPo6z2KCfx8Bo1U4DoQUShA/s320/BANDIT+050810+fb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473449226417384290" /></a><br /><br />We’ve had quite a time getting to know each other. I suspect that he earned the name Bandit for a reason. The dog steals socks and towels every chance he can. He doesn’t chew on them; he just sort of wads them up and lays on them. Oddly enough that’s about the only thing he doesn’t chew on. <br /><br />Leash training has been a real challenge. The whole concept was new to him. In the beginning, he would fight the leash whenever I was leading him somewhere that he had no intention of going. As I watched him, I thought about how much he resembles me whenever God tries to direct my steps and I would get headstrong, wanting things my way. Bandit would often take the leash in his teeth and try to ‘lead’ me in the direction that he wanted to go. Haven’t I done similar things with God? Don’t I try to tell God through prayer how I want Him to respond to my needs? How many times have I cried out to God because events occurred that kept me from taking the path that ‘I’ wanted to take? God patiently teaches me that if I will just settle down and follow Him, my life could be so much better. <br /><br />I’ve often heard it said that people choose pets that best reflect their own personalities. In learning Bandit’s personality, I guess there might be something to that. He is overly curious, very headstrong, and if left to his own devices for too long … very prone to getting into something he shouldn’t. Yep, that sounds like me all right. <br /><br />Time’s up. Honey will be home soon and I still need to finish my chores & start supper. Have a great day & may the Lord bless you!Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-54560534419513451152010-04-29T20:51:00.001-04:002010-04-29T20:55:27.311-04:00Put Your Name In ItIt’s been quite a week here at the cabin. For a day or so we had rain; then it turned into snow for a couple of days. Today the sun came out and the wind started blowing again. Springtime is never very predictable. I just wait to see what’s going to happen next. I’m finding that it doesn’t do any good to fuss about the weather. Just wait a little while and it’ll change.<br /><br />This afternoon I had gone outside to spend some time with God in prayer and when I came back in to write, the house was dark. It wasn’t a major inconvenience. The house was holding the warmth from the west sun. We had a simple meal before it started getting dark, and the power came back on just in time for me to do dishes. Am I blessed or what!<br /><br />While I was making the bed this morning, I happened to turn the radio on. I don’t generally listen to it and hardly ever tune it to the Christian station. (I don’t care for their formula songs, and a lot of the preaching had gotten a bit too ‘fluffy’ and off-base) But Alister Begg was finishing up his broadcast and said something that really stuck in my mind. The concept isn’t new. As a matter of fact, he said that it was something his Sunday school teacher had told them back when he was a boy – but it is as true now as it’s ever been.<br /><br />When you read Scriptures like,<br />“<span style="color:#ff0000;">For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life</span>.” (John 3:16), put your name in it. Read it aloud and when you get to the word whosoever, insert your name instead. The word whosoever is a place-keeper. It’s like the (____) in a letter or book. The word whosoever is me, it’s you, and it’s the folks down the road.<br /><br />“<span style="color:#ff0000;">For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (Lee Ann) believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life</span>.”<br />And the Scripture Mark 8:35,<br />“<span style="color:#ff0000;">For whoever (Lee Ann) wants to save his (her) life will lose it, but whoever (Lee Ann) loses his (her) life for me and for the gospel will save it</span>.”<br /><br />Now it’s your turn. Put your name in it,<br /><br />“<span style="color:#ff0000;">For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (_____) believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.</span>” John 3:16<br /><br />“<span style="color:#ff0000;">For whoever (______) wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever (____) loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it</span>.” Mark 8:35<br /><br />This seems like a simple little concept. But if you think about it for a minute you’ll see that this is actually really profound.<br /><br />This is just a little food for thought. Chew on it awhile. I found it to be beyond satisfying. It is a reminder that God chose <em>me</em>. He loves <em>me</em> enough to send Jesus to pay my debt. He chose <em>you</em> too. He loves <em>you</em> so much that He sent Jesus to pay your debt too! That kind of love still takes my breath away.<br /><br />My time is up. Our schedule now requires me to be finished up and in bed very soon. But have a great night & may the Lord bless you!Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-43302449648807912802010-04-25T20:11:00.003-04:002010-04-25T20:18:35.451-04:00It's TimeIt’s been a wonderful weekend here at the cabin. Now that spring has arrived, the ‘to do’ list just keeps growing. The seedlings in the mudroom are coming along nicely, the green house will be going up in about a week, and the section of the yard that will be used for the colder climate plants is cleared and ready for Honey to till. Most gardens aren’t planted until Memorial Day, so the transplants have a little more time to grow. <br /><br />Honey starts back to work tomorrow! The seasonal layoff is finally over and we begin our regular schedule once again. I’m going to miss having him around, but it’s going to be good to be back to normal. He spent his last afternoon of ‘freedom’ writing for <a href="http://www.sojourner2heaven.blogspot.com">Sojourner</a>. If you have a minute, stop by and check it out. God has done some really wonderful things with Honey over the course of the winter. The more he hungers for the Lord, the more the Lord is glorified in my husband’s words & deeds. It does my heart good to watch him grow in the Lord.<br /><br />Ladies, if you aren’t married … never settle for less than a man who is 100% committed to the Lord. When a husband is following the Lord, trust issues don’t happen. When a husband is following the Lord, there is an enormous sense of security in the home. And when a husband is following the Lord, all disagreements are usually settled with a prayer much like mine “Lord, you know that man you gave me…” It always ends with, “Lord, if he’s wrong … please tell him. But if I’m wrong, could you tell me?” I have yet to see that prayer go unanswered. And ladies, if you are married to a man who isn’t walking very close to God … keep praying for him; and treat him with all the love and respect that you can give. The prayers of a godly wife are <em>always</em> heard! Just be careful if you get the urge to ask God to smack your husband. When the husband gets smacked, we suffer the results too. <br /><br />We need to pray for our husbands frequently. There’s not a day that goes by when he walks out the door to go to work that I don’t pray for him as he leaves. Then I rest assured that God’s going to be right there watching over him all day long. It’s a dangerous world out there. God’s protection is so vital no matter what job they do. <br /><br />Oh and husbands, your wife not only needs a man who is absolutely sold out to the Lord, she also needs a man who prays for her daily as well. She needs to know that she is loved & cherished every minute of the day and nothing will convey this to her like you taking her hand and praying for her safety & her concerns with her. Women like to hear their men talk to God on their behalf! <br /><br />There is so much more I could say, but it’s time to finish the day; 4:30 is going to come awful early tomorrow. Have a great night, and may the Lord bless you.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-84907869956618617062010-04-20T17:51:00.001-04:002010-04-20T17:54:10.225-04:00Old HymnsIt is a beautiful spring day here at the cabin. The sun is shinning and there’s a little bit of a nip in the breeze. After the rain and snow that we were having over the weekend, this is a welcome change! Honey has taken his brother-in-law out for day of ‘guy shopping’. Since his last brain surgery, Allan hasn’t gotten out much. So we were excited to see him take interest in getting out today. <br /><br />As for me, being home alone has been productive. There’s a pot of red beans on the stove, a loaf of fresh bread cooling on the counter and all is right with the world. I’ve still got a mound of dishes to finish and a few clothes to fold, but I don’t think I can resist the urge to take my little dulcimer out on the porch for a little music practice before the sun goes down and the night chill settles over the meadow. <br /><br />I’ve been learning the old hymn “At Calvary”. I have found that songs come easiest to me if I can associate the musical notes with the words of the songs. In learning this way, I have really come to appreciate the lyrics of these songs so much more. I grew up in the Baptist church. These hymns were sung repeatedly Sunday after Sunday, but I never really stopped to look closely at the messages that they were conveying … until now. “At Calvary” speaks to my heart and tells my story. It’s kind of funny; the one verse that speaks the loudest is the one that is often skipped over,<br /><br /><blockquote>“Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus everything; Now I gladly own Him as my King; Now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary. Mercy there was great, and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to me; There my burdened soul found liberty, At Calvary.”</blockquote><br /><br />I love the new praise and worship songs that are being adopted by the churches today. I think we all need to really seek that close personal relationship with the Lord; but I hate to see the old hymns being shoved aside. There is power in those old hymns. They talk about hardship, grief, and the sinfulness of mankind. And they talk about the power of the Blood of Jesus! The Blood of Jesus can make us new! The Blood of Jesus can change our lives! The Blood of Jesus was/is for everyone – <em>no exception</em>! So the next time you go to church. Get there a little early and spend a few minutes reading through the hymnbook. You just might find that the Jesus you sing adoration to is also the Jesus whose Blood is powerful enough to make your stained life clean and new again.<br /><br />The sun will be setting soon. Have a great day & may the Lord bless you!Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-49664687106803635062010-04-18T13:51:00.003-04:002010-04-18T14:09:36.387-04:00Stopping to PrayI’m a very impulsive person. I have found over the years that I drive people crazy, especially when they try to give me directions or instructions. Before they can get the completed instructions out of their mouths, I have already supposed the task at hand and have taken off of my own course of action. Just ask Honey. That’s been his biggest frustration with me during the ten years of our marriage. I do the same thing with God more often than not. He starts to show me something that I need to write about in the future, and before I have been given the complete picture, I’m off on my own gathering notes on the topic, starting my rough drafts, etc. He usually stalls me out after a short period of time and I can almost hear Him audibly say “Wait! I’m not through yet.” I suspect that I know why writing is such a challenge for me. Maybe He uses my deficits to slow me down where I have to wait on Him. The things that God has been putting on my heart lately haven’t completely formulated yet. Instead I want to share something that came to mind today.<br /><br />Early this morning while I was browsing the news, I was reading how the terrorist groups are forming coalitions against Israel. The Scriptures talk about how in the last days the nations will join forces to attack the country of Israel. (Sadly, the U.S. administration has taken the formal stance to turn its back on Israel recently as well.) As I was reading about this coalition of sorts, the following Scripture came to mind,<br /><br /><blockquote>“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my breathren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God will I seek thy good.” Psalm 122:6-9</blockquote><br /><br />I paused for a moment and told the Lord that I try to pray for Israel, but it’s difficult for me to pray, with passion, for a country. When I pray for Israel, the image that comes to mind is an outline on a map. Then I was reminded of the blog <a href="http://israelisoldiersmother.blogspot.com">A Soldier’s Mother</a>. I have the link in my favorites file so I opened it up. The writer and her family live in Israel, and she writes about having sons in the military there. She also writes of other things like what it’s like to live in Israel, some of the Jewish customs, life in a country that is always under the threat of war & terror, and about raising a family in these troubling times. The woman who writes this is a very gifted writer. She gives faces to the people that live there. When I read her accounts, Israel stops being a place on a map. It becomes a country filled with people. People with hopes and dreams. Families with love and concern for each other and their country. People who want nothing more in this world than to live in the same peace that we all take for granted.<br /><br />After reading the account about her little girl learning the ABC’s of first aid in school, I knew without any hesitation that I could now pray in total earnest for the people of Israel. I don’t pray for them in an attempt to seek God’s blessings, as He promised. I pray because He said we should. And whenever I read about the people who live there, I know it’s simply the right thing to do. I am always amazed that even though they are a tiny country whom the entire world has turned against; they don’t live in fear. God promised them that He would give them their land back; He did. They live in the assurance that God will protect them. Maybe we could take some lessons from them. <br /><br />Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Then stand and watch God’s mighty hand protect them; and know that with total assurance that the same God who watches over them is the same God who watches over you. <br /><br />Have a great day & may the Lord bless you.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-86208773721554514892010-04-10T17:57:00.002-04:002010-04-10T18:08:24.128-04:00Just Hang OnI’m going to break away from my original plan for today. I will get back on topic soon. But for some reason this has become more urgent. My cousin made a couple of comments yesterday morning that really began to work in my spirit. She talked about a young woman who she had known in the past. The young woman overdosed on pills in an attempt to commit suicide. The doctors tried to save her, but inevitably they and the family could do little more than stand by and watch this girl cry “I don’t want to die” while her organs began to shut down one by one as the pills overloaded her system. I gather that the process wasn’t the painless ‘quick fix’ that the girl had intended. <br /><br />Why suicide? <br /><br />I know that this is a touchy subject for many. And maybe I should apologize in advance. But I really feel that this is important. The consensus among many is that suicide is an act of complete selfishness. I guess that the reasons vary. To a degree, selfishness plays into most cases. I’m not taking the haughty selfishness necessarily, but an inability to see past ‘self’. <em>‘My worries’, ‘My shame’, ‘My confusion’, ‘My pain’</em>. I suspect that the pain in a person’s spirit can get so bad that even death seems to be a welcome alternative. <br /><br />I’ve been working this over & over. I’ve tried to write wonderful examples, with eloquent words to better portray my thoughts. But the words simply didn’t work. Earlier today I was praying about it and God told me that I didn’t need those fancy words … just keep it simple and say it straight. So, here’s the not-so-nutshell version:<br /><br />There are very few people alive today that at one point in their lives didn’t contemplate, even for a split second, the ending of their life. For some, it was the shame of a misdeed or misspoken word; for others it may have been worries about a situation that looked too overwhelming and scary. Drugs and alcohol tend to fuddle the brain and add to an already confused mind. Pain is probably the biggest contributor to attempted suicide, or at least the fear of pain – both physical and/or emotional. You often hear of someone who’s been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness taking their life because they fear the painful effects of the disease. I’m going to be real honest here, when my illness first started about nine years ago and the pain was unbearable … I asked God more than once to take me home. I wouldn’t have considered suicide, but I was sure hoping He would have decided that my work was done and it was time for me to go home. I didn’t want to think about a long life if it was going to be consumed with that level of pain. For a few years, doctors discounted me, the pain increased, and I found that the only way to endure it was to put my focus on something other than myself. The long, sleepless & painful nights soon evolved around the internet. I discovered blogs. Northern Farmer & KS Milkmaid kept me company and encouraged me with their love for God and for the farm life He had given them. My love for my (truck driver) husband and compassion for the men & women on the road led me to develop <a href="http://www.sojourner2heaven.net">Sojourner2heaven</a>. Eventually God led me to a doctor that found a medication for my nerve damage and now the pain is bearable. God has shown me how to function and be used by Him in spite of my circumstances. Am I an isolated case? Not hardly. Through the ages, men and women have survived much greater problems than mine, and served God in tremendous ways. The real key is to tear your thoughts off your problems and put all your energy into focusing on God. I can tell you from experience … it’s really hard at first. <em>“My worries, My shame, My fear, and My pain”</em> seem so insurmountable. But, God is always right there to embrace you. God is always right there to hear your cries and wipe your tears. God is always right there to walk through the trials with you. He said that He will never leave you or forsake you. I can tell you first hand just how true that really is!<br /><br />I want to give you a better example than me. Peter. Peter walked the dusty roads with Jesus. He slept under the same stars. He shared the same meals. Not only was Jesus his teacher, but He was also Peter’s best friend. Peter was there when the soldiers went to the garden to arrest Jesus. Peter was there when Jesus was tried & falsely convicted. Peter was there when Jesus was beaten. And as Jesus foretold, Peter denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed. I’ve often thought about how Peter must have felt. <br /><br />Worried? His Lord and his friend was beaten just short of the point of death and then nailed to a cross. If that wasn’t enough, Peter and the others were known as Jesus’ disciples. Would they be searched for next? <br /><br />Shame? The Bible states that Peter was ashamed of himself. But I suspect it was a shame deeper than any we could imagine. I’m sure that satan’s minions did a real number on Peter’s mind. How could he possibly go back home and tell the neighbors that the man he had been telling everyone was the Messiah is now dying on a cross among common criminals? <br /><br />Fear? What about the ‘tomorrow” that Jesus had promised? Peter staked his entire life on that promise. How could he possibly go back to just being a fisherman after walking in the footsteps of Jesus for the past three years? <br /><br />Pain? The pain of heartbreak can be so bad that it actually results in physical pain. In reading the Scriptures, I often try to put myself in Peter’s place. How would I have felt in his circumstance? I imagine the pain of his broken heart was enough to make him double over with gut-wrenching pain. The uncontrollable sobs that he surely endured must have left him aching and weak. I don’t doubt for a minute that there was tremendous pain in watching the friend that he called ‘Master’ suffer and die.<br /><br />The fact is, Peter did hang on. When Jesus was resurrected, Peter recommitted himself to the Lord and went on with rock-like faith, which is the foundation of our belief in Christ. (Matthew 16:17-18)<br /><br />This brings to mind another man that walked with Jesus, as Peter did. He too betrayed Christ and felt the same <em>“Worry, Shame, Fear, and Pain”</em> that Peter felt. The difference being that Judas gave in to these emotions. Judas wouldn’t allow himself to hang on. Judas had only to ask for forgiveness and be restored in fellowship with Christ. Some say that maybe Judas was an impostor from the very beginning and didn’t truly believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Maybe so. But if that were the case, why did Judas stay with Jesus during His ministry? And why did Judas become so remorseful that he tried to return the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests & elders, (as described in Matthew 27:3-5), stating “I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood”? Judas just needed to hang on a little bit longer. I suspect that many people today are in the ‘Judas condition’. They knew, or knew of, Jesus but wouldn’t submit to Him as Lord. They just can’t seem to get ‘me’ pushed out of the way long enough to get their eyes on Jesus. <br /><br />Folks, I didn’t intend for this to get so long. But, like I said earlier, God has really put this on my heart and for some reason it’s very important. If all you hear today is <em>“THERE IS HOPE IN JESUS!”</em> Then you’ve heard all there is. When it all seems to be too much, <em>THERE IS HOPE IN JESUS!</em> When you can’t see a reason to live, <em>THERE IS HOPE IN JESUS!</em> When tomorrow looks like a black tunnel with no light in sight, hang on <em>THERE IS HOPE IN JESUS!</em> When you feel that you are too tired and too weak to go on, <em>THERE IS STRENGTH AND HOPE IN JESUS</em>. Talk to Him. Better still, cry out to Him! Don’t stop calling until He answers you! He will. I know this first hand. God knew you before you were ever born. He created you special and has a purpose for your life. It’s a big purpose. It has to be … the miracle of childbirth isn’t a small feat. You are the result of that miracle. Seek Him. Submit your life to Him. Then allow Him to lead you. Jesus has died and risen to give you eternal life with Him. He has a beautiful future waiting for you. Just hang on.<br /><br />My prayer is that this reaches the one God has intended it for. Know that you are loved and that I am praying for you. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His care.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-4304194660174900742010-04-05T08:02:00.000-04:002010-04-05T08:05:09.165-04:00In These Final HoursI want to share an article that Honey found over the weekend. After discussing it, we contacted the author and received permission to post it here and on <a href="http://www.sojourner2heaven.blogspot.com">Sojourner2heaven</a>. We encourage you to read & ponder this. Feel free to print, forward, or email this as you wish, the author asked only that the words remain unchanged. <br /><br /><blockquote>In These Final Hours <br />Matthew 25:1-5<br /><br />1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. As I was praying for us all this morning, the Parable Of The Ten Virgins came to mind; half of them were prepared, half were not, but all of them were asleep. Every time I read those words over the years, I wondered how that applied. Serious Christians make genuine efforts to be paying attention, and that shows. For all that, Scripture cannot be broken, so there is something there that isn't obvious. In that way, the Parable Of The Ten Virgins is rather like a plant of some kind coming up, but the gardener won't know exactly what it will be until it gets big enough to recognize...<br /><br />The people of Rapture Ready, and this does fully include myself, agree that the Rapture will be the definitive announcement of the beginning of the Tribulation. Yet we are seeing the world around us sliding into a sink of depravity, confusion and a shocking failure of leadership that we didn't honestly think could happen, especially in America. We just didn't think that lawlessness could become as widespread as we are actually seeing it unfold before our very eyes! From the climate to the crime rate to our political and church leadership, we are absolutely stunned at how fast things have gotten so weird. We honestly thought we had been building a better society than we see around us. How could we all have possibly been so mistaken??? I think, right about now, we are all at least somewhat numb with shock, wondering how so much effort to build this nation under God seems to have become anything but...<br /><br />If we look carefully at the whole Parable Of The Ten Virgins, the Lord is clearly not disappointed that any of them were asleep, so the five wise virgins with oil in their lamps didn't disappoint Him. So the Christians who have been taking the Bible, prayer and serving the Lord seriously haven't failed. The fact that the five wise virgins were called wise in the first place illustrates that this group had been doing their job. So we are not failing, even though that might not be how it looks this morning... Yet some very strange teaching has been creeping into the church at large, and leaders who it seems should have known better, seem instead to be falling for some very strange deceptions. How and why is this happening?<br /><br />Christians, by nature, don't go poking their noses into pagan practices, therefore Christians, by nature wouldn't know a whole lot about those things. No sane person, let alone a Christian person, would go into the bars and private clubs my homosexual late best friend blundered into when he "came out". So Christians, by default, had no idea what could possibly go wrong if a lesbian got elected Mayor of Houston for example. Christians had no idea how much could possibly go wrong when, in an effort to love our enemies as instructed in Scripture, decided to try tolerating homosexual behavior and other inadvisable lifestyle practices, we tried to love others... Many, many well-meaning people tried to give peace a real chance by permitting others around us to live in peace, rather than batter them with condemnation as was once done in the first half of the 20th century. It seemed like a good idea to some people back in the 1970's and 1980's when enough of the real depravity was still restrained, and nobody guessed what the depraved were actually capable of. But the Lord knew... He knew the whole time... I think He had to let all this happen, so that when the time comes, no one will be able to get in His Face and accuse Him of being unjust in judgment. What we are seeing in these bizarre new age and gay pride agendas, and in the Muslim militantism as well is the fulfillment of Romans 1:25-27 while the Holy Spirit is not only still active on Earth, but being poured out as never before, exactly as God promised He would.<br /><br />So, dear brothers and sisters, and be of strong heart and bold faith. Yes, we were all sleeping, and we were all taken by surprise by the evil that had been hidden until these last hours. That’s OK, we can hear the Bride Groom coming with His friends singing and playing music as He approaches to claim what is His. There is still time to trim our lamps and make sure we are ready. Things are not as out of control as they look, and the Lord God will highly exalt His Son Jesus Christ through the great harvest of all who are truly His! He Will Triumph, His Holy Light will Blaze in these darkest of hours...<br /><br />Behold, He is coming and will not tarry...<br /><br />Amen... Come Lord even so...</blockquote><br /><br />May the Lord bless you as you seek to serve Him.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-89730239883481726592010-04-03T13:05:00.002-04:002010-04-03T13:15:30.627-04:00It's All About JesusIt’s a beautiful day here at the cabin. As I stood outside listening to the songbirds and anticipate the warm day ahead, my spirit is overjoyed. This Scripture came to mind,<br /><br /><blockquote>“And Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands.” Hebrews 1:10</blockquote><br /><br />God loves us so very much! Just as He sustains life around us, He does and will sustain us. That is His promise to us. We need only to draw close to Him and trust Him for all things. Praise God in all circumstances, for He is Jehoviah-jireh. The Lord our provider.<br /><br />I’ve spent a lot of time in thought and prayer these past few days. It’s like the floodgates have opened, and there are so many things coming to mind that I want to share. I wish I could write as fast as the thoughts come.<br /><br />I recently read about a teaching from back in the 90’s by Zane Hodges. He was a Bible scholar who actually taught a great many of the pastors who are now leading churches. Unfortunately these churches are full of baby Christians who don’t have the ability to discern the truth from counterfeit.<br /><br />“The Crossless Gospel”. Have you ever heard of it? In the words of my dear Honey, the term ‘Crossless Gospel’ is a Biblical oxymoron. I looked into Zane Hodges and his teachings. Basically, he has taught scores of Christian leaders that folks can bypass the cross and still get to heaven. According to him, we merely have to acknowledge God and His love. Isn’t that something? If this teaching were true, so much of the events recorded in the New Testament would have been unnecessary … the life & death of John the Baptist, the virgin birth of Jesus, the years Jesus spent traveling the hot dusty lands teaching the people, the horrendous torture & humiliation He endured at the hands of the Roman soldiers, and the cruel death that He experienced on the cross at Golgotha. It would also mean that the resurrection was a waste of time as well.<br /><br /><blockquote>“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; - 1 Timothy 4:1-2</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” – 2 Peter 2:1</blockquote><br /><br />I don’t know how this affects you, but it made me fighting mad! How dare this man make light of the sacrifice Jesus made! How dare he minimize the life, death, and resurrection of my Lord! But before I could start a letter writing campaign to this false prophet, I found that Zane Hodges passed away a couple of years ago. He is forever locked into whatever belief he held the very minute that he passed from this life to the next. Whether or not he came to the clear understanding that he was wrong and confessed his sins before he breathed his final breath is something only he and God know at this point. The Scriptures talk about false teachings and the consequences to those who lead His sheep astray. One warning being,<br /><br /><blockquote>“For I testify unto every man that heareth the Words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19</blockquote><br /><br />After I researched Zane Hodges and saw that he was no longer alive to teach his false beliefs, I thought “Ok, it’s done. Few people have even heard of this teaching. What’s the big deal?” and then it occurred to me … the title “The Crossless Gospel” may have faded to the annuls of history, but the teaching is still alive & well. It is still being taught from pulpits great & small all around the world. These wolves in sheep’s clothing may have dropped the title but they have latched on to one sentence of the Scriptures and developed an entire theology on it, “God is love”. Have you heard it? God is love, so therefore all roads lead to Him. God is love, so how can He possibly send anyone to hell as long as they are behaving themselves, taking care of people that are less fortunate, and being nice to other people? God is love, so we can put down our swords & shields, be a good example to the mean people, they will also put down their swords & shields and we will all live peacefully together in a state of nirvana. Some of these ‘religions’ acknowledge Jesus. Ok, so history says that He lived & died. He may or may not have rose from the grave. That was awful nice of Him, but unnecessary. Because God is love. We obviously didn’t <em>need</em> the sacrifice. They believe in God and to them, that is enough.<br /><br /><blockquote>“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” –James 2:19</blockquote><br /><br />Am I exaggerating this? With few exceptions, that is the primary teaching of every church within 30 miles of where we live right now. And if you listen to some of the more famous ‘preachers’ making the headlines recently, you will see that this is their teaching as well. Some have even written books based on this false teaching. You can find them in Christian bookstores all around the world. It’s the ‘socially acceptable gospel”.<br /><br /><blockquote>“For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” – 2 Peter 2:21</blockquote><br /><br />I have been shouting from the rooftops for so long that we have <em>GOT</em> to seek sound spiritual teaching! I’m not a Bible scholar. But I will share with you the most absolute basics…<br /><br />God Is Love … He loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to be born of a young virgin girl. His Son Jesus lived a sinless life, Jesus taught & ministered to great multitudes. He was wrongly convicted by the courts of the day; He was beaten severely, and nailed to a cross to die the most horrible death imaginable. God is love because He allowed His Son to take our place. He allowed His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins. God is love because, HE RESSURECTED HIS SON JESUS FROM THE GRAVE ON THE 3rd DAY, as prophesied by the Old Testament prophets.<br /><br />Yes, God is love. He loves us so much, and wants us to come to Him. But the only path that leads to the Father is through the Son. Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven and to our loving Father. Period, point-blank, and end of discussion. The Bible is either real or it isn’t. It’s an all or nothing deal. The Bible states:<br /><br /><blockquote>“For God so loved the world, (you and me), that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18</blockquote><br /><br />Folks, I know I get a little wound up sometimes. But time is so short. If the only thing you do today is grab ahold of these Scriptures, ask Jesus to become your Savior & Lord, and accept God’s loving promise that He will be with you in this life, and you will be with Him forever in the next … then the desert I’ve recently gone through will have been worth every dry & thirsty minute.<br /><br />As we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, the true Passover, this weekend, I pray that God draws you close and pours out His blessings on you and your families. Come out of the desert. Jesus is waiting to offer you Living Water.<br /><br />I just glanced at the Bible laying open on my desk. Let me share the absolute first words that I saw ...<br /><br />“<span style="color:#ff0000;">If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water</span>.”<br /><br />Jesus was saying to the woman at the well. He went on to say,<br /><br />“<span style="color:#ff0000;">But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in a well of water springing up into everlasting life.</span>” John 4:10,14<br /><br />Have a wonderful day and May the Lord bless you.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-5651253331815413092010-03-29T20:06:00.000-04:002010-03-29T20:08:40.476-04:00ChoicesGod knows all … the beginning to the end. When He created man, He knew that man was going to fall. He knew that man would need a Savior. He knew how it was all going to end – before He scooped up that first handful of dust. When God created you, He knew you. He knew your likes & dislikes long before you did. He knew the choices you would make in your life and He knew how far you would have to sink in sin before you would reach out to Him.<br /><br />He could have pre-programmed us like little toy robots. But He didn’t. He created us with love and allowed us free will. We were given the ability to choose. Our most important choice is whether to love Him or not.<br /><br />Over the course of the past few weeks, I’ve been in a real spiritual desert. Most of us get to that point in our relationship with God where we feel dried up and thirsting. We know that the Living Water comes from God’s Word, and yet we either don’t seek Him or as in my case, when I would attempt to read the Scriptures, their meaning eluded me. Has this ever happened to you? I would read & read, and if I didn’t know any better, I would have thought my Scofield Study Bible was written in the original Greek. I suspect that my biggest problem was that I was going to God with my head so full of ‘stuff’ that I don’t think I could have heard Him if He were standing right beside me shouting. After awhile, I couldn’t tell if what I thought I heard was from Him or from my own cluttered mind. The frustration would get so bad that I would start to think, ‘what good will it do to read the Bible today, I’ll be just as confused when I’m done as I am right now?’ Let me tell you, those little demons can talk awful loud sometimes. If we’re not careful, we can allow them to drown out God’s still small voice.<br /><br />It occurred to me really early in this desert that I have a choice. I can choose to just go about life and reassure myself with ‘the Bible is too difficult. I just can’t understand it.’ And before long, it would sit on the shelf gathering dust. The crossroads I encountered sounds so small and uneventful. But in a spiritual desert, it can make all the difference between spiritual life & death. I had a choice to make. Every day I had to choose whether to seek God or not. Did I choose to love Him enough to seek Him? Eventually, the fog began to clear and His precious Words started to sink in like much needed water on a dry & thirsty land. <br /><br />God knows my weaknesses. He knows when I wander astray. He patiently calls me to come back to Him and waits for me. He wants to embrace me with His love and pour out His blessings on me. He loves you too. He has so much to give you, but He leaves the choice up to you. Are you seeking Him? Do you thirst after that Living Water? Find a quiet place and get alone with God. Tell Him your difficulties and frustrations. Ask Him to help you. Ask Him to make Himself real to you through His Word. Then get quiet and wait on Him. <br /><br />I love my family. Honey and I make time each day to sit & talk about the things that are important to us. Mama and I talk about once a week, and I can hardly wait for the calls. I anxiously wait to hear what’s going on back at home, and I keep a mental file of all the funny things that have occurred during the past week so I can share them with her. The same with my kids. They check in about once a week, and I enjoy hearing about their lives so much. If you love someone, you want to spend time with him or her. <br /><br />God knew us before the world was ever created, and loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to earth to be the Sacrifice for our sins. That was the choice that He made. Do you love God? Does your Bible reflect that love? It’s His love letter to you. Do you spend time talking with Him each day? Praying is really simple. Just start talking to Him, and then spend time listening as you read His Word. <br /><br />“For God so loved the world, (you & me), that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever, (you & me), believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (parenthesis, mine)<br /><br />Love is a choice. He made the choice to love you. Do you feel Him in your heart, calling you to come closer? If you’ve never accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, now is the time. If you have already accepted Christ, maybe God is calling you to draw closer to Him. He wants to pour His love out on you. Choose to seek Him. Learn what it feels like to say, “My cup runneth over.” <br /><br />Have a great day and may the Lord bless you.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-21292939274938027212010-03-25T20:51:00.001-04:002010-03-25T20:54:21.491-04:00What a wonderful day here at the cabin! The temps were up in the 50’s for the most part. The snow is almost all gone from the yard, and melting at a nice pace. And the sun was shinning to beat the band! It doesn’t get much better than that for a New England March. <br />We’ve been as busy as can be lately. Today we were in spring cleaning mode full force. Honey took a load of stuff to the dump while I stayed busy at the cabin. As I looked out the windows, the sun was entirely too inviting, so whenever I would stop for a break, I would take my little dulcimer out onto the porch and did my version of “pickin’ & grinning”. As I played my simple tunes, I would look up the mountain and around the meadow and be in awe at the mighty hand of God. He created all this by merely speaking Words. The birds were out in force and I think how the most sophisticated instruments designed by the best craftsmen can’t come close in perfection to the simple songbird. Isn’t God’s love for us amazing?! He created all this to share with us. <br /><br />I've been studying the Scriptures. I feel that God has got some things for me to share, just not yet. But until then ...<br /><br />Have a great night and may the Lord bless you.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-2829983112206002742010-03-19T21:28:00.000-04:002010-03-19T21:32:25.113-04:00A Time To PrayIt’s been an absolutely marvelous day here at the cabin. The temperature got up to about 60 degrees today. The sun was shining and as I stood outside, I could literally hear the snow melting. We still have considerable snow in the yard, but as the piles decrease, there are tiny patches of green springing up to start the new season. Granted, the green belongs to weeds … but it’s green none the less. In the seasonal “rock, paper, scissors game” – green weeds beat white snow every time.<br /><br />To even the most ill informed, the talk around the country is buzzing like a beehive. The potential action in congress tomorrow has sent tidal waves of anger and fear throughout the communities in America like a tsunami. I know that I said a year ago that I was going to forgo talking of politics and such. And actually, my focus right now isn’t necessarily on politics. It’s on people. I have been a life-long student of people. I watch & listen to how folks act and interact. Over the past year I have watched and listened to rumors, threats, and name-calling among the various people groups. As the heat would turn up in Washington DC, the squabbling would get worse. But when there would be a lull in the congressional actions, the people would continue to escalate in their arguments. <br /><br />Folks, from everything I have seen and heard over the past year; I have determined that beyond a doubt – the people that we have elected as servants of “the people” (on both sides of the isle) have divided our country more than it has ever been. This time the lines aren’t drawn along a map with some folks wearing blue & others wearing gray. This time it is neighbor against neighbor, parent against child, friend against friend. <br /><br />Back when I was in high school, I was assigned a research project in my Senior Civics class. I was to research and report on mob mentality. At the time there was no internet, merely stacks of books, magazines, and other written accounts by psychologist & sociologist about how a mob forms, grows, and eventually depletes itself. Once a mob starts, it takes on a life of it’s own. It is pure evil at the very core. Fed by anger & frustration, it’s destructive actions and abilities are irrational and irresponsible. As I look around and listen to the people of this great country … we now have all the makings of the mob mentality. Can we stop it? I don’t believe that it can be stopped in our own power. If ever this country needs prayer, it's now. So whether you live in the U.S. or in another country, please let’s join together and seek the Lord’s intervention before someone gets hurt.<br /><br />On a similar note, Honey posted an article on <a href="http://sojourner2heaven.blogspot.com">Sojourner</a> today. He has been researching the information for several days now, and I am really proud of his efforts. When you have a minute, stop by and take a look.<br /><br />Have a good night, and may the Lord bless and keep you in the days to come.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-58865078318338652632010-03-15T20:33:00.001-04:002010-03-15T20:38:19.081-04:00Being a BratThe weather here at the cabin has been wonderful lately. We’ve had rain off and on for several days now and the temperatures are staying above freezing and the snow is melting all around us! That doesn’t mean we won’t have any more snow. But now that the ground is thawing, the snow will come and go much more quickly from here on out. Honey even noticed today that the maple tree by the deck is trying to bud out. Returning geese … budding trees … melting snow … One would think that it just keeps getting better.<br /><br />Why is it that when it looks like everything should be coming up roses, you feel nothing but the thorns? Circumstances both individually and collectively have been such that our patience levels are just about to the snapping point. Have you ever noticed that when you are frustrated and/or irritated with something, you tend to take it out on everyone? <br /><br />I was sitting here in the quiet of my workroom playing a song that tends to draw me closer to God. As I played, I was mentally going through my day and praying for God’s forgiveness in preparation to draw in closer to Him and spend some time with the Lord on a more intimate level. As I prayed, the thought came to me – What if God was as tolerant of me as I have been with others lately? That’s a humbling thought to say the least. As a matter of fact, that thought really snapped me back into sanity. For all the times that I have gotten cross, bit my tongue to the point of sores, and spoken through clenched teeth at others … I wonder how often I must grieve the Lord by my selfish behavior and then turn right around and ask Him to be patient with me. It’s funny how all that frustration that had built up in me has completely subsided at that thought. I was embarrassed to say the least. <br /><br />It is so easy to forget that God wants us to come to Him with all the ‘issues’ that go on in our lives. I’ve found that taking some time each day to spend one-on-one time with the Lord does wonders for my outlook and my ‘temper-ment’. I still tend to lean heavy on the selfish side, but He reminds me frequently that I am to try to be more like Him in my actions <em>AND</em> my thinking. I am so thankful that when we get to Glory, these ‘self’ problems will no longer be an issue. Not only will I have a glorified body, but a glorified spirit as well. Praise God! I continually thank Him for being so patient & forgiving with this bratty little child of His.<br /><br />Have a great night & may the Lord bless you.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-91813109227609941372010-03-07T09:52:00.002-05:002010-03-07T09:57:28.015-05:00Unsettled SpiritMy spirit is so unsettled, and I don’t know why. It has been this way for several days now. I walk outside and look up the mountain as if I’m searching for something. But what could that be? The mountain is still covered with snow. The world around me is still asleep. Soon it will wake up and thrive in the warmth of the sunshine. But for now, it sleeps on. <br /><br />God, I know you’re there. I feel your presence and see the evidence of your hands among the life around me. Despite man’s inhumanity, I feel the hope that you have instilled inside me. There is hope for the coming springtime, and there is hope for tomorrow. But for now, I seek you as a lost child searches for her parent. I turn to the Scriptures for answers, and I find:<br /><br /><blockquote>I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. <br />He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. <br />And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. <br />Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. <br />Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, the are more than can be numbered…<br /><br />… I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.<br />Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. <br />For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.<br />Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me.<br />Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.<br />Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. <br /><strong>Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified.</strong><br />But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make not tarrying, O my God. (Psalm 40)</blockquote><br /><br />Have you ever had this feeling? The unsettled feelings – where you’re not sure if it’s foreboding, or simply a sense that you are lacking something in your life. What do you do? I pace. Inside … outside, I’m back and forth. I search the Scriptures in hopes that God will give me the answers to the unstated question in my spirit. In reading the 40th Chapter of Psalm I find that King David also felt as I do right now. The groaning of my spirit for peace is not new and unique to just me. Others have, and still do, experience what I am feeling right now. The “evil ones” that he talks about aren’t always people. How many times have we been attacked by satan’s minions with hateful thoughts, unclean desires, and selfish temptations? When we choose to follow the Lord and do His will, the demons of hell hate us and go on the attack. <br /><br />What’s the solution? I’ve found that when I get these feelings of unrest and don’t know what to do, it’s time to draw into God. As soon as I can, I find a quiet place, pray, and earnestly seek Him until I find answers and peace. For me, the Lord requires me to take it a step further. I am told to share what I have found with others. Because someone else is going through the very thing I have experienced. If you are experiencing this, God says to come to Him. Draw in close and seek Him. He has comfort, guidance, and peace that He is waiting to give you. <br /><br />Have a wonderful Lord’s day and may the Lord bless you!Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-65374385385804872502010-02-28T17:32:00.002-05:002010-02-28T17:40:55.432-05:00Blacked Out (again)Well we survived another one. This latest blackout lasted about 48 hours. If we were set up to be self-sustaining, it wouldn’t have been a problem. Unfortunately, we haven’t gotten to that point yet. But we were able to maintain better than a lot of others in our area, due to a wood stove in the main part of the house, a pellet stove downstairs, and a generator that is large enough to supply most of our daily living needs. <br /><br />Blackouts are regular occurrences here in the meadow. It’s frustrating that just over the hill, toward town, the folks are served by a different electric company, and rarely loose power. Isn’t it funny how those things work. Winter is always a bad time for a blackout here. We were so thankful that the worst of the winter’s cold has already come and gone. The temperatures stayed in the low 30’s throughout the ordeal. This made our heating efforts slightly less stressful. But it was a good reminder for us to keep working toward becoming more self-sufficient. In all honesty, the experience wasn’t all bad. It was kind of nice to sit in the living room, listening to the crackle of the wood stove, playing old-timey music on the dulcimer. There is something very relaxing about it. We, as a society, have gotten so used to the modern conveniences that we forget how to just sit quietly. I reminded myself many times during the outage that it hasn’t been too many years ago when electricity in the home simply wasn’t an option. People lived without it a lot longer than we’ve lived with it. <br /><br />Isn’t it easy to be lulled into a false sense of security? I look around at the different people I know, and think about how a long-term power outage may affect them. Some are choosing the life of self-sufficiency as farmers & gardeners, and quite a few still live the old way by maintaining food & essentials for basic survival. But many live day-to-day, paycheck-to-paycheck, not giving a thought about what would happen if their lives were to be interrupted. I think it’s odd that we put so much focus on insuring our autos from disaster, our families from illness, and our homes from the ills of nature and/or society, but we don’t stop and think that true insurance is more than writing a monthly check with the promise that a stranger will ‘come to the rescue’ when an emergency happens. I’m not even remotely recommending that people start hoarding food and other items, I simply think we need to consider alternative ways to provide for our families needs before a disaster happens. Conspiracy theory? No. All it takes is a flip of the wrong switch, a well placed bolt of lightning, an unannounced earthquake, or even a little too much snow, and life as we’ve come accustomed would stop. <br /><br />Solomon tells us in Proverbs to look to the ant. As I see it, God wrote the laws of nature. The animals, insects, etc. that survive are equipped for whatever happens. God wrote those same instincts into us. We’ve just stopped listening to Him, and to the instincts that He gave us. We need to seek God’s guidance, as we look around us to evaluate “what if” scenarios. How can we better be prepared for a power outage, a flood, an earthquake, etc.? Can we become mobile in a short amount of time if it were to be unsafe to stay in our homes? Do we have the necessary equipment, items, and food to get through an extended power outage - not just at our homes but in the community as well? <br /><br />We can’t live in worry and dread, but we can better equip ourselves to be more prepared for situations that may occur. The key is to seek God’s guidance. In learning to hear His still small voice, we can get through any storm. What I haven’t told anyone is that for two days before the snowstorm hit, this nagging thought about loosing power kept bothering me. But I had gotten so caught up in other things; I refused to pay attention to it. Fortunately, we made it through not much worse for wear; but I feel some of the hardships could have been avoided if I would have just sought God when the thoughts first started. <br /><br />As for today, it’s 40 degrees and the smell of spring is in the air. Hopefully it will come early this year!<br /><br />Have a wonderful day & may the Lord bless you!Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-6776973513849042692010-02-27T21:07:00.003-05:002010-02-27T21:23:12.855-05:00Feb. Snowstorm pt 2Here are a few action shots! Honey had an awful time with that old snowblower! On more than one occasion there were mutterings of 'target practice' ... but I managed to snap a few pictures before the wrestling match was over. Keep in mind that Honey is 6'6" ... and his pickup is a one-ton. This is important to remember when you look at the picture of him snowblowing aroung the pickup at the foot of the drive. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XV3lkh1sZq-tYNunRCccqs1MIrMLtznUGKMNYmzTmDiUIq1KyYkea72u54v697fA-h6TKuTU4RdZyDeacPgJSusGqLLyHtC_8P5MsLSnavGeLzKbsFEd6uaDA0mogG2GuzFtBwStjhs/s1600-h/Cutting+path+thru+snow+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XV3lkh1sZq-tYNunRCccqs1MIrMLtznUGKMNYmzTmDiUIq1KyYkea72u54v697fA-h6TKuTU4RdZyDeacPgJSusGqLLyHtC_8P5MsLSnavGeLzKbsFEd6uaDA0mogG2GuzFtBwStjhs/s320/Cutting+path+thru+snow+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443112284355600562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AtrDY7SeS3U3hYuJH2o4DopOoYdmQzpMFBuMiuyhXb14xh7iIdyzksYN90MJcM46J1MJPQWBn0o5KbVJWI2a33T0ubtYJQmTlTwhbWRZf6HzLWF3wAezGaS3DKU-U9aJmZKmfSZLshU/s1600-h/Snowblowing+driveway+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AtrDY7SeS3U3hYuJH2o4DopOoYdmQzpMFBuMiuyhXb14xh7iIdyzksYN90MJcM46J1MJPQWBn0o5KbVJWI2a33T0ubtYJQmTlTwhbWRZf6HzLWF3wAezGaS3DKU-U9aJmZKmfSZLshU/s320/Snowblowing+driveway+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443112280679501602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQs3HhSmuRkA3QiMp8yr65oa_RV7VZHVw2TQ17wnyU57d-W8OuT7aewVM89vk3GdHzsu0yUZAcmu0jyndUgGfrqF2pbQOwBd0aw1GvcwU3GN_QxhBuR9y-SgB1vp42tBar9xR3Gip3r0/s1600-h/bottom+of+drive.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQs3HhSmuRkA3QiMp8yr65oa_RV7VZHVw2TQ17wnyU57d-W8OuT7aewVM89vk3GdHzsu0yUZAcmu0jyndUgGfrqF2pbQOwBd0aw1GvcwU3GN_QxhBuR9y-SgB1vp42tBar9xR3Gip3r0/s320/bottom+of+drive.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443112275308875490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkB8pdhUK2NfL3wv6LxmUum-7uUukl2Z6vORg7jAhpIuAfT0XboSFVn1ZhCILWYnvlvjVpM6ZjUq8ch7VDkOTJRUWipzfts-Nh_qzYAkRSC2dmNy6iqHWPA95cI1U122a23NkmbkJUSY/s1600-h/Mountain+Man+mugging+for+camera.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkB8pdhUK2NfL3wv6LxmUum-7uUukl2Z6vORg7jAhpIuAfT0XboSFVn1ZhCILWYnvlvjVpM6ZjUq8ch7VDkOTJRUWipzfts-Nh_qzYAkRSC2dmNy6iqHWPA95cI1U122a23NkmbkJUSY/s320/Mountain+Man+mugging+for+camera.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443112268708793810" /></a><br /><br />To some, this weather is as common as winter. But quite a few folks visit from parts of the world that don't experience life like this; plus in my own sentimental way, this helps me remember that in all the challenges and adventures we go through ... God does provide ... and we can always find something to laugh about.<br /><br />May the Lord bless you and keep you warm.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-65998768238941256682010-02-27T21:02:00.000-05:002010-02-27T21:05:37.438-05:00Feb. Snowstorm pt 1We are back from the dark ages. And the down time has left me with a lot of thoughts to share. But unfortunately, after writing for hours, the post isn't done, but I am. I'll try to get it all together by the end of the weekend. Until then, I want to share some of the pictures we took during this last storm. The last total we had was about 16 inches during the origional storm with another 4-5 yesterday. This wasn't anywhere close to being a major storm here, but it was eventful to say the least. <br /><br />I often talk about the mountain behind the house. A couple of these are shooting toward the mountain. The snow is very deceptive and doesn't show just how steep the ground truly is. The stairs at my back door are also buried in snow and show just how tricky it would be to come & go that way. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZtprordXkUec6n4eQlkrU4judVkFFPE5nTYlTmr4RifuOgXD1237l7FfD0JjaaenAJARxfj6pLcYC63le2_GKPUERbJ4TFQrB9vlhTJgsmCaC5rfJmen1eJBCKv8fgG02VP3C99br0c/s1600-h/Snow+on+back+steps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZtprordXkUec6n4eQlkrU4judVkFFPE5nTYlTmr4RifuOgXD1237l7FfD0JjaaenAJARxfj6pLcYC63le2_GKPUERbJ4TFQrB9vlhTJgsmCaC5rfJmen1eJBCKv8fgG02VP3C99br0c/s320/Snow+on+back+steps.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443107978391154210" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mQUecMa2nCp5UdT_kBPHWDB3n4sLXELBp232wd7wpqV3ZImliVxXMpQ56L8AosPofuziBNb8ARCV5UWUKnDrXaWidV3wNN1B_PQ7nPnJFzIzrkixOhyhwwPeLNnruQxGdqoRHymxi_M/s1600-h/Snow+on+trees+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mQUecMa2nCp5UdT_kBPHWDB3n4sLXELBp232wd7wpqV3ZImliVxXMpQ56L8AosPofuziBNb8ARCV5UWUKnDrXaWidV3wNN1B_PQ7nPnJFzIzrkixOhyhwwPeLNnruQxGdqoRHymxi_M/s320/Snow+on+trees+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443107975012466594" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EQYUVUmRDSFQ2cQUFJKNlIOD6Cl_m3rdDNkYhULIgi06Tk60Y56GtXYCXuiIhDBFuhGA6Aiqd4aanLQYmvaw1Z7QKcjWFWrMoESmf9OA6Kfm_MAZeZeqDjVKe7KDw1y8uJ8_r85J-Ic/s1600-h/Snowy+pines+behind+cabin+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EQYUVUmRDSFQ2cQUFJKNlIOD6Cl_m3rdDNkYhULIgi06Tk60Y56GtXYCXuiIhDBFuhGA6Aiqd4aanLQYmvaw1Z7QKcjWFWrMoESmf9OA6Kfm_MAZeZeqDjVKe7KDw1y8uJ8_r85J-Ic/s320/Snowy+pines+behind+cabin+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443107972065229522" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0qQNUAt5U7rObUSh1zPjdIz016RVLjlqwMvCDrThvCMZsTt49a-cAzjrFqJdz_B0MZPazHKCj7sa6wFHswYoTtd5AnUPduXG9GZUx05kdCEcljv8TOn69ZAFn_c0VeDdLZquMyC2ZQY/s1600-h/Behind+the+house+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0qQNUAt5U7rObUSh1zPjdIz016RVLjlqwMvCDrThvCMZsTt49a-cAzjrFqJdz_B0MZPazHKCj7sa6wFHswYoTtd5AnUPduXG9GZUx05kdCEcljv8TOn69ZAFn_c0VeDdLZquMyC2ZQY/s320/Behind+the+house+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443107961070094514" /></a><br />I have always maintained that snow is the prettiest in pictures and on postcards. This snow was probably the prettiest one I have seen since I've been here. Maybe, just maybe, God has been working on my ungrateful spirit and is showing me that there is beauty in <em>all</em> things created by Him.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-47905692387571519782010-02-21T12:07:00.002-05:002010-02-21T12:14:03.856-05:00War StoriesThe other night our youngest daughter and her boyfriend came for supper. Pot roast and a Boston Cream Pie that he had made from scratch … good food, lots of laughter, and endless stories. He’s a quiet young man, and we took advantage of his willingness to listen to flood him with countless tales of adventures and misdeeds from our collective pasts. Bless his heart, he probably learned more about us than he ever cared to know. But we’re like that when we all get together. With God’s help, we made it through another week. We were together. And that was cause to celebrate. <br /><br />Later as everyone settled down to watch a movie, I started thinking about the kind of impression we must be making on this young man. Every time he sees us together we are laughing and acting a bit crazy. Our laughter over the past must have appeared to him like we go through life not taking anything seriously. Do you ever wonder how the world views you? I don’t generally let other’s opinions alter me too much, but before they left I felt a need to clarify some things for him. <br /><br />With each story there was an event or "adventure” that was more often than not filled with struggles, enormous stress, and plenty of tears. Separately, and together, we’ve fought battles real and imagined, and with God’s help we didn’t just survive the battles, but we came away stronger and maybe a tad bit wiser. As is the custom of soldiers throughout the ages, we have our battle scars and war stories. We share these stories among ourselves as a reminder that God’s grace saw us through and His guidance can be trusted to lead us on. Many people choose to bury their pasts behind walls of mundane normalcy. I call it monotone living. They choose to smooth over or forget the heartbreaks and tragedies as well as make light of the glorious highs that come with victory. When asked to share examples of what Jesus has done for them, many respond with only a monotone “He saved me from hell”. Praise God! That’s a great START! We serve a mighty King. In doing so, this makes us soldiers of Christ. There’s not a one of us who doesn’t fight battles on a regular basis. Folks, there is victory in Jesus! Celebrate His blessings frequently and share your war stories freely. We can learn a lesson from the warriors throughout the ages … in the sharing, we are reminded of not only our purpose here but of the awesomeness of our King. And in the sharing, we are solidifying ourselves together as brothers & sisters in the Lord. There is strength in numbers … the Bible says so “Where two or more are gathered…” <br /><br />In my thinking, trying to be a Christian without the fellowship of other Saints is a lot like playing in the Superbowl and you’re facing off against seasoned professionals all by yourself. Satan and his demons have been around awhile. They’ve had plenty of experience smacking Christians around. We <em>need</em> the Lord and we <em>need</em> each other to win victory. Then we need to celebrate & tell others just how awesome it is to be a child of God!<br /><br />Have a great Lord’s day and may the Lord bless you!Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-58736256799771786782010-02-08T17:27:00.002-05:002010-02-08T17:32:23.817-05:00Questions AnsweredThese past few weeks have been kind of quiet here at the cabin. Honey has spent his time learning what he can about pellet stoves and trying to get this new beast to produce the maximum amount of heat on the least amount of pellets. It’s been a real learning experience for both of us. He has stated more than once that he has learned more about this particular stove than the guy who built it. Just when he was making headway, his boss called him to come back to work. There’s a local project that is in dire need of material and since we haven’t been getting snow and the roads haven’t been posted yet, they are calling all the trucks back in on a day to day basis. I miss having him home, but we are thankful for the work. <br /><br />A few weeks back I mentioned that our winter trip had been canceled and we didn’t understand just why God didn’t open that door for us after we worked so hard toward the goal for so long. I’m starting to see a small fraction of situations and circumstances that would have made the trip disastrous if we had gone. It makes it easier to trust God through the next trial when we are able to look back and see how He has guided and protected us in the past. It’s still awful difficult to accept His way when it doesn’t line up with what we think should happen. But, I’m learning to walk by faith one baby step at a time.<br /><br />For days on end, I spend too much time practicing with the dulcimer. Let me tell you, this is just plain FUN! At night, Honey will read the news on the internet and I’ll sit and strum the old Gospel hymns that I’m learning. For those brief moments in time, all is right with the world. The first song that I actually committed to memory is the old hymn “Farther Along”. As I was learning it, I realized that the song actually answered so many of the questions that I had been asking God. I want to share the words of this tune with you. Read closely and see if God doesn’t answer the “Why” question for you too.<br /><br /><blockquote>1. Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder,<br />Why it should be thus all the day long.<br />While there are others living about us,<br />Never molested, though in the wrong.<br /><br />CHORUS (Same tune as verse)<br /><br />Father along we’ll all know about it;<br />Father along we’ll understand why.<br />Cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine,<br />We’ll understand it all by and by.<br /><br />2. When death has come and taken our loved ones,<br />Leaving our homes so lone and so drear;<br />Then do we wonder why others prosper,<br />Living as sinners year after year.<br /><br />CHORUS<br /><br />3. Often I wonder why I must journey<br />Over a road so rugged and steep;<br />While there are others living in comfort,<br />While with the lost I labor and weep.<br /><br />CHORUS<br /><br />4. “Faithful till death,” saith our loving Master,<br />Only a while to labor and wait;<br />All of our toils will soon be forgotten<br />When we sweep thru the beautiful gate.<br /><br />CHORUS<br /><br />5. Soon with the Lord, our wonderful Savior,<br />We’ll be at home beyond the blue sky;<br />There we shall meet the dear ones awaiting,<br />We’ll understand it all by and by.<br /><br />CHORUS</blockquote><br /><br />I just heard Honey drive up. I guess it’s time to start supper. Have a good night, and May the Lord bless you.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068045244418863175.post-36960555684037414392010-01-20T18:23:00.001-05:002010-01-20T18:29:29.005-05:00A Partridge In An Apple TreeThe snow has stopped and now the wind is beginning to blow. We’ve been enjoying several days of low 30 degree temperatures. I’ve peeked my nose out a few times and can honestly say that after almost 10 years, I’m learning to appreciate the beauty of snow, at lest when it’s still fresh and white. We discovered a few days ago that a pair of partridges have taken up residence here and seem partial to the little apple tree in the front yard. The male is awful skittish when we get to moving around outside; but the female will not give up here treats so readily. She’s smart enough to figure that we can’t reach her, so she greedily continues on with her meal. While Honey was shoveling the deck, he was able to get a picture of her. This picture doesn’t show just how big she is. The branches she is walking around on aren’t much more that twigs. As she happily eats her lunch and watches the cars go by, I get such a sense of peace watching her. The Scriptures say that God knows every sparrow that falls. And although she’s not a sparrow, God watches over her too. If He takes such care to guard over and provide for birds such as her, then I know He is watching over us as we work to get through another winter. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF872BXToiJyZ083FeXrEzoywgYI8medFckrGYLpxDkdphhWH8y52Of-_IBGH89twIm2qduCXO7OmDuf2zq4gZig0EJgP5orLbJZaulqfVUl8P_6JZDOIxaxwZ2SHKmVhyGOVkskip84/s1600-h/PARTRIDGE+007+011810r.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF872BXToiJyZ083FeXrEzoywgYI8medFckrGYLpxDkdphhWH8y52Of-_IBGH89twIm2qduCXO7OmDuf2zq4gZig0EJgP5orLbJZaulqfVUl8P_6JZDOIxaxwZ2SHKmVhyGOVkskip84/s320/PARTRIDGE+007+011810r.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428967938278245010" /></a><br /><br />Winters are hard here, at least to this old Southern girl. I don’t get out much during the winter months. My balance isn’t what it used to be and the snow & ice play havoc with my cane. But I’m learning how to use the time to catch up on overlooked indoor chores and stretch myself to learn something new. I mentioned before how I am learning to play the dulcimer. Let me tell you, I am having a ball! Nothing beats the wintertime blues like old time music. Just in the past two weeks, I’m learning the cords to songs such as: “Down In The Valley”, “Kum Ba Ya” and “When The Saints Go Marching In” and I’m learning to pick out the melodies to “Shall We Gather At The River, “Fairest, Lord Jesus”, and “Rock Of Ages”. This truly is the instrument for the musically challenged, especially if you like the old folksy sound. I leave the dulcimer and the music laid out on the dinning room table and mess with it every time I get a few minutes. It’s kind of fun to be practicing a tune and have Honey look up from his computer and name the song. It makes me feel like I’m actually making progress. Bless his heart, I’m sure he will be hearing “Boil That Cabbage Down” in his sleep for months to come. <br /><br />Spring is still a little ways off, so I challenge you to pick a project, a book you’ve been meaning to read, or a dream to work toward in the months to come. I’m finding out that a little bit, a few minutes here and there, can make a big difference in how much I accomplish toward the goal. I don’t expect to get any phone calls to play the Grand Ol’ Opry any time soon, but there’s nothing like playing God’s music to draw me closer to Him. One day, I hope to get good enough to share that music with others and encourage them to draw closer to the Lord too. The Lord truly does provide … not just for our survival needs, but He also provides for the needs of our heart and spirit as well. <br /><br />Have a great night, and may the Lord bless you.Lee Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07147163305307802662noreply@blogger.com0