Nantahalla National Forest

Russ and I spent last weekend in a cabin at Nantahalla National Forest. We had a very relaxing and wonderful time. There was a beautiful stream that ran down the mountain and beside our cabin. We followed it about 1/2 a mile up the mountain and that is where all the pictures were taken. The pictures do not do it justice. We were definitely glad to get home to the kids. I know Cade was especially glad when we returned because he called us everyday, several times a day while we were gone. He said he doesn't feel good when we are not home. But I think they had a good time without us. Michelle kept them pretty busy.

Now back to the real world with real choices and decisions and life!

God chooses you!

I am so glad that spring has finally arrived! It was a long, cold winter. We have been taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. Basketball in the front yard, trampoline and playing with the dog in the back yard, and a trip to our favorite park - Chau Ram! Isaac found raccoon prints. Mama and baby. That was cool.

I have been reading the bible in large quantities lately. I am reading the bible in 90 days. When I first heard about this, I thought, "why would anyone want to do that?" But I am really enjoying it. Some days it is hard to get all the reading in and I am behind by a day but that is ok. I am learning things I did not know before. I am getting a better understanding of when things took place and God really does speak through His word even when you are reading a lot at one time. Two things that God has been speaking to me about this year. He started saying this to me before I started reading the bible in 90 days but He is reinforcing it now. He said, "I love you and I choose you". That does not sound too thrilling until you stop and think about who said it. God almighty! The maker of heaven and earth! He is all powerful, all consuming, all knowing, always present! What more could I ever want or ask for! God loves me! God chooses me! And the best part is, if He loves and chooses me, He also loves and chooses you! God loves you and God chooses you! If it wasn't so, He would not have put it in His word. God has a plan for your life. All you have to do is ask. God really only asks for one thing from us, and that is to love Him above all else. He just wants a little of your time. He doesn't want you to focus on a long list of does and don'ts. He wants a relationship with you. He already knows that you are going to mess up and make mistakes. He just wants you to spend time with Him daily, just like you do your spouse or children or friends. Anyone who you love and want to have a relationship with. That is what God tells me. Just spend some time with me. And when I do, I always feel much better and have a much better day and a much better attitude. So that is my sermon for the day. God loves you! God chooses you!

Hearing from God

Sometimes I just want to hear what God has to say. I spend so much wasted time worrying about things that never happen or may never happen. I put thought and energy in things that could be better spent on things that matter. All the worrying and lost sleep is for nothing. God says to focus on Him. Worship Him. Love Him. Serve Him. Obey Him. If we put our all into Him, then we don't have time to worry or try to make things happen that we have no business making happen. If we put all our focus on God, He will take care of all the details of our lives. He will tell us what we need to do and when we need to do it. All we have to do is obey. But that is the hard part isn't it. The obeying. Sometimes we are more than willing to obey because it is something we want to do. Other times we do not neccessarily like what He is asking us to do so we don't obey. That's when we get ourselves into trouble and we start complaining that God isn't listening or He doesn't care. When if we had just been obedient in the first place we could have saved ourselves a lot of grief. So, I said all that to say this. God wants me to pray and worship Him. Spend time with Him. That is all He is asking for from me. Not just pray for myself and my family but for other ministries and people as well. So tonight I plan to sleep much better and keep my Heavenly Father on my mind and not problems. So hear is to a good night sleep!