Saturday, October 25, 2008

Turn Back to What Matters most

Have you ever left an area, school or place of business thinking that you departed on good terms, only to find that isn’t really the case? Have you ever discovered that the friends you thought you had are the very ones that turn on you in your absence? The ones that deny your friendship by blurting lies, are the ones that once in your book, were your closest friends?

Well you are in good company. Even Jesus had to face those facts. On the very night of His final fellowship dinner, His Last Supper, with His disciples, Jesus tells them that one of them will betray Him. Immediately, they question among themselves as to who this will be. They could not believe that either would hurt their best friend and teacher.

Luke 22:31-35
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."

So here Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him (Jesus) three times before the rooster crows. But Peter doesn’t believe Him. Peter loves Jesus. He could never dream of denying his friend.

“Then seizing Him, they led Him away and took Him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with Him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know Him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with Him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown Me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:54-62 NIV

Obviously, Peter was afraid for his life. Sometimes out of fear people defend themselves, maybe it’s the fear of a relationship falling apart or that they might get into trouble, and in his case even killed. Whatever the reason, denying Christ is never right. Jesus was and still is the best friend we could ever ask for. He loves everyone. Why then was He so hated and mistreated? Because, it was in the plan that God had laid out for His life. He really had no choice. Sometimes, we have no choice in the way our lives turn out or in the way people mistreat us either. We lose friendships and relationships because of some miscommunication or lie that someone shares. Somehow through it all, we go on, and things work out for the best in the long run.

I remember when I was young a certain girl told me a story about my boyfriend. I was to marry this guy (or so I thought) and her comment broke my heart, our friendship, as well as my relationship with him. I never really knew the whole truth but I chose to believe what I’d heard, and the cards were drawn. As I look back, I am thankful how it turned out. If it had been different, I would not have given birth to our beautiful children, and my life would not be where it is today. God had His hand on me, even back then.

God knew also, that Peter, after his mistake, would make a turn around and be one of His greatest witnesses. He had to allow him to go through the agony of his failure to bring him where He wanted Him to be.
Oftentimes in life we must go through agony to get to the place where God ultimately wants us to be as well. When our plans are not in line with His, He makes a way and puts us back on track. If you are going through something and don’t understand why, maybe everything was going good and now a hedge of thorns blocks your path; maybe God is trying change your direction. Maybe He is trying to turn your attention back, to what matters most, Himself.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

What Comes to Mind?

When you think of your role as mom, what thoughts come to your mind?
Do you dwell on what you’re not or do you think on what is kind?

When dinner’s burning on the stove and kids are screaming loud
Do you raise your voice in fury or whisper; “Help me Lord?

As you rock at two AM, then at four and six again
Do you mumble under breath or do you coo and smile instead?

As the laundry’s piling up, and the floor’s covered with toys
Are you aware your motherhood calling is filled awesome joys?

Reading books and singing songs and sharing giggles with your child
Are pleasures to enjoy today tomorrow they’ll be gone

You’re a sergeant and a listener, and yes, a referee at times
But remember this is only for a short season in your life


Dishes in the sink, dirty bathrooms, unmade beds
Will all be there tomorrow, why not play with babe instead?

At times it can be frustrating being mom with much to do
You’re everybody’s slave with little extra time for you

It’s your job to clean the house, fold the clothes and tie the shoes
You’re the doctor and the nurse and yes the councilor to boot

While scolding in an effort to train your little child
Mommy don’t forget to hug and share a happy smile

Bathing babies, changing diapers, stacks of bills that must be paid
May be tough but would you really want it any other way?

As you hold your little one up close and snuggle in the night
Take joy dear mom for pretty soon your baby will be grown

Author Terri Otterman 10/08

Saturday, October 18, 2008

He restores sick bodies and broken hearts

He restores our sick bodies and broken hearts

I recently started a new job. You might be thinking, “I thought you just did that 5 months ago?” and I will say, “Yes, you are right.” But I couldn’t pass this opportunity up. As I was looking for a 2nd part-time job I was presented with the offer to work for a good friend of ours; Dr. Keatley Waldron. Obviously, I chose to accept the offer, and here I am.

The past two weeks have been spent learning office procedures such as: how to take care of patients, what we do, and what we stand for. My next step is to proceed in the marketing division. Being a marketer at heart with previous experience in Mary Kay, Real Estate and owning a retail store, I am more than excited about my new adventure. So off I went this week to the wilds of Highlands County. Most of my time was spent learning where the different opportunities exist; and believe me my list is large and growing.

In the world of Chiropractic, at least as far as Waldron Chiropractic is concerned, the rule of thumb is:
“Love” as you would like to be loved,
“Give” as you would like to be given to,
“Serve” as you would like to be served, and
“Do,” as you would like done unto you.
Sort of like the “Golden Rule,” huh? That is what I love; it’s what I stand for, what I believe.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet quite a few people this week; all with similar, but different needs. The best part was getting to share a kind word, a smile and hope with them, something that we at Waldron Chiropractic strives to accomplish.

As Believers in Christ, we are to follow His example, do as He did, and obey His commands. Let’s look at these four acts as they are given in the Bible:

· LOVE – “A new commandment I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

Love is: brotherly concern for others; unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.
Jesus loved everyone, even those who despised and hated Him. He never paid a hurt for a hurt. He always turned the other cheek. Every act was embraced in love.

· GIVE - “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38
Give according to Webster means: to suffer the loss of; to sacrifice.
Jesus didn’t have to give in order to receive; He had everything in the palm of His hand. He gave all He had even His life for you and for me so we could be free from the chains of sin. He gave freely.

· SERVE - “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Luke 10:45
Serve means: to answer the needs of someone else.
Jesus served over and over while He walked this earth. And before His death He even washed His disciples’ dirty feet. Now that is service.

· DO - “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this, sums up the law of the prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Do is translated: to give freely.
Jesus treated everyone in the manner that He would have liked to have been treated, but instead He was mocked, beaten, and hung to die. He bore on Himself every iniquity, every pain and every disease, all so that we might live happily ever after with Him in Eternity.

Jesus was a prime example of all of these acts. No bad thing comes from Him and that He is incapable of inflicting pain on anyone, rather He restores to health our sick bodies and broken hearts.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

In our present state, we are susceptible to sickness and defeat, heartaches and pain, pressures and defeat but Praise God He made a way of escape for us. But these too shall pass. Praise God, Jesus paid the ultimate price for our space in Gloryland.

Monday, October 13, 2008

A Friend Loves at all times


I met my special friend 30 years ago; if I remember correctly, it was on my 18th birthday and what a blessing she has been to me ever since. This past Wednesday she passed on to be with her Maker, but she will forever be in my heart. Gramma Child has taught me that true friendship never dies. She taught that in life we all make mistakes and we just have to let bygones be bygones. Relationships and people are much more valuable than the pain. Life is full of pains and in order to make it through we must get up and go on.
Isn't she beautiful?

I cannot remember a time when Gramma didn’t love me. She was always happy to see me, always excited when I called. She never failed to open her home and arms to me. She never shut me out and for that I am grateful.

I remember the many coffee breaks with homemade muffins and the New Year’s Eve Oyster Casserole and the many dinners we shared on the “farm” as she called it. I’ll never forget the hobo dance night when she and Grampa dressed up with red noses and old clothes and headed for the dance floor. I can still see them riding their 4-wheeled bicycle; built exclusively for the two of them, because of Grampa’s inability to see.

I will never forget the day we beheaded and de-feathered the dozen roosters, in hopes to have extra food to cook for our growing family. Unfortunately, I could not cook our former pets, so guess who did the honors? Likewise, I will never forget “Hot-Rod Gramma” as she chauffeured me all the way to Arcadia pedal to the medal; while I labored, eager to deliver our little Philip 9who decided he wanted out five and a half weeks early!). And the memories go on and on.

I remember the days at Cactus Lane on the porch while the kids rolled across the floor on the footstools Grampa made. And the many at Sunny Hills as well, with Long Johns (in case you didn’t know, these are chocolate iced donuts filled with Bavarian crème, her favorite) and coffee; I on the little stool, her in her chair, sitting and talking for hours. It was fun witnessing her winning cards at bingo and the pile of candy she won but rarely ate. And I remember sitting in the lobby just watching everyone together, few words spoken. What precious memories.

She, just like Grampa loved to talk about the past. Her favorite stories were ones about the kids. In her mind she could still see Marissa running after Alan down the driveway; with Philip and Clay tagging behind, all the way to her house. And yes, she always mentioned their diapers half hanging down their bottoms and their dirty little hands and feet (we lived on 10 acres at the time and the kids loved to run around and play in the mud, what do you expect?).

One of the last things we talked about when she was in the hospital just two weeks before she passed, while she was still coherent, was the fact that time has flown. I asked her if she realized that we’d known each other 30 years and I will never forget what she said to me. She said: “Yes, that’s a long time.” Then she said, “I’m glad I met you” and I responded; “I am glad too Gramma.” That conversation will ring in my memory forever.

She knew I loved her and I knew she loved me too. Occasionally we’d say it but if we didn’t, we still knew.

Proverbs 17:17 states: “A Friend loveth at all times.” True friends don’t have to do extraordinary things for each other to show how much they care. True friends are there when times get rough. I am thankful that I had the privilege of being with Gramma during her rough times, and just the same that she remained with me during many of mine.

The Word of God tells us that our days are numbered and that there is a season for everything; a time to be born as well as a time to die. It’s funny how God works. This week our friends Heidi and Andrew by God’s sovereign grace, brought their third little girl into the world and carried her home with them; likewise, God decided it was time to carry His little girl Edith Lucina Child, at the young age of 94, home with Him this week, as well.
What a wonderful day it was for both of these little girls.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Great to hear his voice!


Today Clay called us. It has been four weeks since he left for the U.S. Army and it seems like a year. We've received three letters since his departure all saying what a great time he was having and that he missed us greatly. While I knew he was ok I longed to hear his voice.Thank God today the phone rang and it was him! As excited as I was to hear his voice, unfortunately the time went by too quickly and our five minutes was up. That's what happens in Basic Training, short, limited phone calls. Thank God we were home to answer the phone. I guess it's all part of making him (and us)Army Strong! Hopefully we will hear from him again real soon. We love you Clay!!!
God loves to hear our voice as well. When we are feeling lonely or need a friend He is always there, waiting to answer our call. Have you called Him today?

Friday, October 10, 2008

Date nights are wonderful ways to get close


Tonight Jim planned a date night for the two of us. I had been wanting to see the movie "FireProof"and guess where we went? Since the movie was playing in Lake Wales we headed there for dinner and yes, a movie. What a great time we had and what a great movie! I recommend that everyone go see it, married or not. Though it is about never leaving your partner behind, the message is one that must be heard by all.

As Jim and I sat in the movie theatre, I desired to move close and lean on him. We made it a point to move the cup holder from between us so that nothing was in our way. Kindof like snuggling in a clean sortof way. As I moved closer to Jim, Jim moved closer to me making sure that nothing came between us. I liked that.

James 4:8 reads: "Come close to God and He will come close to you."

Just as Jim and I made special time for each other concentrating on becoming close; God desires we take time for Him and make every effort to move closer to Him as well. He desires to be so close to us, that nothing gets in between causing our relationship to faulter. He desires to know all about our day and the things we are going through. He longs to be a part of our deepest thoughts.

Is that too much for a Creator to ask of His creation? Why then do we find such difficulty doing so? Why do we regard God as someone out there in the distance whom we cannot really connect with? That is farther than the truth. Scritpure says in Proverbs 18:24 that Jesus sticks closer to us than our own brother! Now that's pretty close.

Is there something in between you and your Savior? Something that has come between the two of you? Why not get rid ot that thing and draw close to the One who loves your soul? As you draw close to Him watch just how close He draws to you!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

A New Way to Look at a Deck of Cards

I got this from a friend the other day and thought I'd pass it on. Enjoy!

A New way to look at a Deck of Cards.

It was quiet that day, the guns and the mortars, and land mines for some reason hadn’t been heard.
The young soldier knew it was Sunday, the holiest day of the week.
As he was sitting there, he found an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk.
Just then an army sergeant came in and said, ‘Why aren’t you with the rest of the platoon?’
The soldier replied, ‘I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord.’
The sergeant said, ‘Looks to me like you’re going to play cards.’
The soldier said, ‘No sir. I’ve decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards.’
The sergeant asked in disbelief, ‘How will you do that?’
‘You see the Ace, Sergeant? It reminds me that there is only one God.
The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, The Old and New Testaments.
The Three represents the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Four stands for the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The Five is for the five virgins, there were ten but only five of them were prepared.
The Six is for the six days it took God to create the Heavens and the Earth.
The Seven is for on the seventh day God rested after making His Creation.
The Eights is for the family of Noah: Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives—the eight people God spared from the flood that destroyed the earth.
The Nine is for the nine ungrateful lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy, He cleansed ten but only one thanked Him.
The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone.
The Jack is a reminder of Satan, one of God’s first angels. He got kicked out of Heaven for his sly, wicked ways and now is the Joker of eternal Hell.
The Queen stands for the Virgin Mary, Jesus’ mother.
The King stands for Jesus, for He is the King of all kings!
When I count the Dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total; one for every day of the year.
The four Suits represent the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Each Suit has thirteen cards—there are exactly 13 weeks in a quarter.
So, when I talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all I have to be thankful for.
The sergeant just stood there. After a minute with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, ‘Soldier, can I borrow the deck of cards?’

*Please let this be a reminder and take time to pray for all of our soldiers who are being sent away, putting their lives on the line; fighting for our freedom! Of all the gifts you could give a Soldier, prayer is the most important!

Prayer for the Military
“Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them. Bless them and their families.
I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen”
God Bless America, and God Bless Our Troops!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Worrying is for worry warts

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
NIV1 Peter 5:6-7

What is anxiety? Anxiety is nervousness, worry, concern, unease, fretfulness, and fear. Are you a worry wart? Do you find yourself fretting over things that you have no control over? What is going on in your life that has you filled with fear?

God’s Word tells us that we are not to worry about anything.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt 6:25-34 NIV)

Easier said than done, I can vouch for that. I am definitely my dad’s daughter. I believe I acquired most of his mother’s genes. I remember as a young girl my grandmother always worrying about everything. She loved her three sons (and their families) so much. She always made sure we had enough to eat and were safe. She watched us like a hawk (but in a good way). When we left to go home, she worried, when we played outside she worried that we’d get hurt, and on and on. Gramma made so much food on Sunday afternoon, we always had leftovers. Now I’m not bad mouthing my grandmother. I loved her just the way she was. In fact, she still inspires me today!

Lately as I am growing older, I catch myself worrying a bit too much. I worry about our children and whether or not they have enough to eat and money to live on. I am concerned whether or not our youngest will make it safely through four years of service in the United States Army. I worry that Gramma Child is comfortable in her sickness and that her time to go home is near. I sometimes fear that my mother’s heart is no longer strong enough to carry her through. And the list goes on and on.

I am a strong believer and I know that God is in control of every area of our lives. I know that He has my best interest in mind because I am His girl. I am certain that nothing will happen to our children that won’t pass through His hands first; because they belong to Him. I know as I give every concern and care I face to Him, He cares for me. It’s black and white. I am so thankful that when my weak side begins to raise its head, He becomes my strength. He is able to lift me out of every difficult circumstance, every struggle and remove every fear. That is why I call Him my Savior! He is the only One who is able to save me from the fiery furnaces of life. I lean on Him, I call on His Name, and I trust Him, with every trial and every struggle.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4 NIV)

I may not always like every situation I am going through, cause quite often they are not very joyful, but I know that as He continues His good work in me, I no longer have to live the life of a worry wart!