Okay, I have another story from the Donovan clan. I sure hope my stories don't bore you but sometimes I just can't hold them in. I see Jesus all over place pursuing my man in amazing ways. You should have heard him earlier in the week when I was telling him about some of stuff going on in ministry. He looked at me and said, "The Bible is the basis of all Christianity, it is not up for debate or sideways interpretation…. Period… The end."

I stood and stared at him completely speechless. And you all know that is a rare thing for me to be speechless!!

I finally closed my mouth and said to him, "I can't wait until you become a Christian because you are really going to be good at it." We both grinned.

Okay but that is not the story. Today at lunch I was telling him about a little prank my teen daughter wants to play on our neighbors. It's all in good fun and harmless. However, my husband surprised me and said, "I don't like this idea and I don't want you to give her permission."

He left me sitting there feeling a tad more than sheepish as he went to the salsa bar for a refill of the hottest stuff on the planet. (If his nose is runnin', he's a happy man).

He comes back to the table and before I can say, You are right and I am sorry. He says to me, "What's that scripture verse that says women should obey their husbands."

Okay, I had to laugh out loud!

This is so unlike my husband to object to something so strongly and secondly, he was quoting scripture. Hilarious!

We both started to giggle and I can tell you my daughter will not be toilet papering the neighbors. ( now my nose was running. *giggle*)

We laughed about it all the way home from Rubios.

Anyway, every week in all kinds of ways, God pushes at the door of my husband's soul. What an amazing God we serve. I am so fortunate to watch it all play out. What a ride.

Hope you are seeing our Lord at work in your life this very day. Praying for many of you and especially our community as a whole. Love you bunches, Lynn

Happy Friday!

I am away this weekend, traveling with my daughter and her Middle School Band. We are competing in San Francisco. I am one of about 10 chaperones who will be on a buss for a total of 16 hours with about 60 middle school boys and girls. I am scared!!! Can any one say a prayer??? *grin*

I want to share a post with you today that I originally shared at Christian Women Online about a year ago. Our family goes camping a few times a year. Each time I am delighted that God travels with us and never fails to provide me with a life message. To follow is one experience I will never forget. I hope you enjoy,

Better Than Reality TV

Friday afternoon we arrived at the campground. We bailed out of the car and began to unload the gear; sleeping bags, cook stove, food bins, and the most dreaded piece of camping equipment known to marriage, the tent.

This year we brought with us a brand new tent, still in the box. I spied the beast lying on the ground, knowing what must ensue. Looking around I was relived to see the campground was empty with the exception of a retired couple sitting quietly in their lawn chairs in front of their trailer about 100 feet away.

I approached the box, cut the tape and out slid the biggest pile of nylon and connect-the-sticks I have ever seen. The contraption sleeps ten. Why a family of three needs a tent this size, I still cannot explain.

Dragging the tent around on the site, I called to my husband for help. Thus the event commenced; the raising of the tent. This is a hotly contested battle of wit and patience between a husband and a wife. If television wanted a truly unrefined reality show, Raise the Tent, would win hands down. Two minutes into the set up, orders were shouted, my husband was obviously blind to the logic of my instructions. This became readily apparent from the look on his face.

A retort from my frustrated spouse was foreseeable. The sound level increased. I glanced over at older couple who sat smiling at their reading materials, afraid to look up for fear they would break into hysterics.

Precisely at this moment in all tent-raising events, children mysteriously disappear. My daughter retreated to the creek, suddenly captivated with the rocks at the bottom.

I lowered my voice but the yelling continued in what I call, snake whisper. It is still yelling just at a hissing level. I am sure some of you can relate. The older couple is no longer watching covertly, they sit mesmerized by our show activity.

Finally the Holy Spirit became fed up and tapped upon my heart. He reminded me I no longer needed to be in control. In the midst of our squabbling I saw my husband, a gift from God. I saw a man who has made me a better woman. The bickering diminished and the tent went up quickly.

My husband and I are spiritually mismatched in our marriage and although my husband has yet to discover the truth of Christ for himself, Christ is alive and active in our marriage. Christ’s supernatural power brings us through the arguing, disagreements, and tent construction. I look back upon my marriage journey and see Christ standing with us. He has been working through my nonbelieving husband to smooth my rough edges of selfishness and desire to control.

My spouse and I are the ultimate odd couple. Our back grounds and beliefs are vastly different, which makes our marriage, our happy and fulfilling marriage, a miracle.

An hour later, I sat at the picnic table waiting for our friends who were joining us to settle into their campsite. Their daughter wandered over for a chat. I asked her, “Did your mom and dad getting everything set up?”

She replied, “Yes, but yelling was involved.”

I laughed out loud knowing God was alive and well in the next campsite!

1 Peter 3:1-4 (The Message) The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition.

May the God of the Universe be with you this weekend and at every campsight you visit this summer. Be blessed, Lynn

If you’re like me, you most likely get pulled in multiple directions on a daily basis. Interruptions abound and your self-identity is as apparent and flittering as the steam on the bathroom mirror. And that’s if you even got a shower that day. You’re a mother, a wife, someone’s assistant-boss-you fill in the blank, the maid, the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker. My job changes according to what time of day it is. Yes, I can see the bobbing heads already. You know exactly what I mean.

So often our lives become more about what’s going wrong than what’s going right. How can it not when we are barraged moment by moment by the same circumstances or new ones compounding the old? By the end of the day, our brains feel like a battlefield and our hearts have the holes to show for it.

How much longer can we continue, we wonder? What would happen if we just stopped? Or maybe you’re standing there having one of those “Christmas Story” daydreams where your family falls weeping at your feet when they realize your current death sentence is due to their lack of help, understanding, and appreciation. (I’m laughing as I type this because I did this very thing as I emptied the dryer last night.)

During this briefest of pity parties, I realized it was time to step back, time to retreat and find shelter in the only One who can bring relief to our war-weary hearts and restore our strength for the next battle. And to do all this, we need our armor. And boy, do I need my armor.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.—Ephesians 6:12-17

There are two parts to this that I seem to continually forget. The first is that very first verse about what or whom we’re battling. It’s hard to fight something we can’t outright see. You swing a baseball bat at me, I’m gonna duck. You insult me, I’m gonna get mad. But how do we battle an enemy we can’t see, touch, or just kick? (Now there’s a great mental image. Come here, Satan, and meet my foot.)

The second is the standing part. Did you miss that like I did? These verses don’t tell us to don our armor and rush into battle. They don’t tell us to slash wildly and leave a wake of destruction. No, God tells us to stand firm. In fact, the word “stand” is used three times and in close proximity.

Why?

I did some searching, and this is what I think. God is our commander. He’s the one directing the battle, our lives, everything. If we’re racing into battle with only the sound of our raging voices in our ears, how on earth will we hear him tell us when to strike and when to fall back? He has the big picture. He knows the lay of the land. He’s the one who’s going to get us through the war alive. And kicking I might add.

Of all the calls to the Christian life, I think this is the most challenging. It falls into that faith and trusting area. We have to trust God is there, and we have to believe the battle is all around us. We can walk blindly through and let the repercussions knock us off our feet, or we can go into battle prepared and armored.

And with that final note (or should I say explosion?), I gotta ask. Anybody got any silver polish?

Jehovah-Jireh - The Lord Will Provide

As I have watched the developing economic news over the past week, I have grieved for the many who will suffer financially in the months ahead.

In the county where I live, home foreclosures hit a record 300% increase over the prior year. Yes, you did you read that right?
-300 percent-
I know many families who are affected by this economic upheaval.

For women, financial insecurity is particularly scary. So as I sat and watched the news last night, I was moved to pray for friends and for our nation. I know many of the readers who stop here have received bad news such as layoffs and repossession notices.

So how can we be thankful when it appears our life is ruined? We can be thankful because we serve Jehovah-Jireh.

Our Lord will provide. Sometimes He must take us to poverty of finances to see our poverty of spirit. It is in these desolate and desperate places where our deep need for a Savior is revealed. For those of us in unequally yoked marriages, this is especially true of our spouses.

I know a difficult road lies ahead for many of us including possibly me. But, we must cling to the God of our ancestors. The LORD, God is our provider. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (New International Version) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Psalm 84:11 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Psalm 34:10 NLT 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Be Blessed, Lynn

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Hope you are intrigued by this interesting optical illusion.

The first time I looked at this picture I was only able to see the young woman. Do you see the old woman or the young woman? Look carefully. Things are not always as they appear. I find this is so true in the work of our Lord. Often, we can't see what is really going on, however, the Lord sees.

1 Samuel 16:7 (New International Version) But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Join in the fun today. Place a fun post on your site and link up so we can smile together. Have a blessed and joyful Sunday! Lynn

Let me tell you about my husband. He’s around six foot, salt and pepper hair, wears rectangular, black-rimmed glasses, and has a near genious IQ. (Yes, we are talking Mensa here.)

He’s the kindest, most loving man I have ever met. I’ve always felt cherished in our marriage. He’s a great dad, provider, and all around great guy. He’s affectionate, loves his girls to pieces, enjoys hanging out with his family, and actually saved a binky (a pacifier) from each of our girls as a memento.

He’s generous, quick to give of his resources, and wants only the best for not only us but for his extended family as well. Part of the reason I fell in love with this guy was because of his big and wonderful family.

He’s patient, never loses his temper. In twenty years of marriage, I can honestly say I’ve only seen him get really mad a few times, and even then it’s hard to tell. He’s even-keeled, passionate about his interests, loves his work, and is constantly stretching his mind.

In a nutshell, the guy has it all together. He's not perfect, but he's pretty wonderful.

Why am I telling in you this? Because I’ve started pondering how God plans to reach a man who doesn’t seem to need anything but himself. He’s the most stable person I know. I’ve heard some fabulous and miraculous stories of people coming to Christ. Most of them usually have a common theme of some life-shaking crisis. And that’s enough to scare a girl out of her chair.

But when I think about these things and doubts creep in, I remember we have a great big God who can do anything. My “near-perfect” hubby won’t be able to resist when God says it’s time.

I just can’t help but wonder how the Big Guy’s going to do it. Should be “perfectly” spectacular.

Praying and believing,
Dineen

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

After the service a young couple talked to me about joining the church. I hadn't met the husband before, and I asked what church he was transferring from. After a short hesitation, he replied, "I am transferring from the Municipal Golf Course."

Praise the LORD and laugh out loud today!

Join in the fun today. Place a fun post on your site and link up so we can all laugh together. Have a blessed and joyful Sunday! Lynn

You’re not going to believe this. Or maybe you will. Saturday evening I heard a still soft voice.

“Invite him to church.”

I paused. Or should I say, I froze. “Huh? Lord, is that you?”

“Invite him to church.”

“But why? He’ll just say no. Or laugh at me.”

“Invite him to church.”

“Well, okay. Whatever you want.” I laughed. Like Sarah when she heard God (appearing as the trinity) tell Abraham that by the time next year she would bear him a son.

Can you still hear me laughing?

I did exactly as God asked. I was happy too. I like being obedient. I like being in God’s will. And I like the idea that one day my dear hubby will actually say “yes” to this question.

Not this time though. And he did laugh. Maybe because I made a little game of it. Or because we both know how ludicrous the idea is at the moment.

But he doesn’t know what I know. That’s what really has me laughing. For joy. The day is coming, and soon. I know. I. Just. Know. And I believe God’s promises.

Now I realize this was more for me than my hubby. God asked me to do something a bit uncomfortable. And I’m glad I did. I have no idea what God’s up to at the moment, but I’m determined to be obedient in whatever he asks me to do. Even if it sounds ridiculous.

Sarah laughed but wound up a mother in her old age. God proved faithful. I laughed when God told me to invite my hubby to church. Wonder what’s going to happen next?

I’ll keep you posted.

Praying and believing,
Dineen

(Special note: The picture is of the front entrance of the Miller Prayer Chapel on Indiana Wesleyan University campus in Marion, Indiana. Since my last name is Miller, I thought it a rather appropriate for this post. And good for a giggle.)

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Albert

An old man was shopping with his grandson. The boy was crying and at times screaming at the top of his lungs.

As the old gentleman walked up and down the aisles, people could hear him speaking in a soft voice...

"We are almost done, Albert... Try not to cry, Albert... Life will get better, Albert..."

As he approached the checkout stand, he carefully brushed the boy's tears from his eyes and said again, “try not to cry, Albert... We will be home soon, Albert...”

As he was paying the cashier, his grandson continued to cry. A young woman in line behind him said, "Sir, I think it is wonderful how sweet you are being to little Albert."

The old gentleman blinked his eyes a couple of times before saying, "Miss, my grandson's name is Hunter...

I'm Albert......................................."

Join in the fun today. Place a fun post on your site and link up so we can all laugh together. Have a blessed and joyful Sunday! Lynn

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

The Church Gossip

Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose in to other people's business.

Several members did not approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon.

She emphatically told George (and several others) that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away.

He didn't explain, defend, or deny... he said nothing.

Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house... walked home... and left it there all night.

Ya gotta love George.

Proverbs 11:13 (NIV) A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

Proverbs 16:28
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

Proverbs 26:20
Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.

Proverbs 26:22
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

Join in the fun today. Place a fun post on your site and link up so we can all laugh together. Have a blessed and joyful Sunday! Lynn

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

EVER WONDER?

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?

Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Join in the fun today. Place a fun post on your site and link up so we can all laugh together. Have a blessed and joyful Sunday! Lynn

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

I received the following email this week and had to grin. Enjoy!

A Little Accident

To my darling husband,

Before you return from your business trip I just want to let
You know about the small accident I had with the pick up
Truck when I turned into the driveway. Fortunately not too
Bad and I really didn't get hurt, so please don't worry too
Much about me.

I was coming home from Wal-Mart, and when I turned into
The driveway I accidentally pushed down on the accelerator
Instead of the brake. The garage door is slightly bent but the
Pick up fortunately came to a halt when it bumped into your car.

I am really sorry, but I know with your kindhearted personality
You will forgive me. You know how much I love you and care
For you my sweetheart. I am enclosing a picture for you.

I cannot wait to hold you in my arms again. Your loving wife.

(photo below)

Oops!

Have a fantastic Sunday and laugh heartily. This is the day that the Lord has made!

Join in the fun today. Place a fun post on your site and link up so we can all laugh together.

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

A man: God, how much is a million dollars to you?
God: It is but a penny.
A man: God, how long is a million years to you?
God: It is but a second.
A man: God, could you please give me a penny?
God: Sure, just a second.

Join in the fun today. Place a fun post on your site and link up so we can all laugh together.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day and a blessed week. Lynn

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Odd Newspaper Headlines From Around the World:

Include your children when baking cookies

Something went wrong in jet crash

Experts says police begin campaign to run down jaywalkers

Safety experts say that school bus passengers should be belted

Drunk gets nine months in violin case

Survivor of Siamese twins joins parents

Miners refuse to work after death

Juvenile Court to try shooting defendant

Two Soviet ships collide, one dies

Red tape holds up new bridge

Astronaut takes blame for gas in spacecraft

Kids make nutritious snacks

Man minus ear waives hearing

This hilarity, complements of the Jesus Site. Join in the fun today. Place a fun post on your site and link up so we can all laugh together.

Be Blessed, Lynn

Join Guest Writer, Tami Boesiger, here Monday. Tami shares her thoughts; ....."sometimes I just don't get him." It's a great article, filled with encouragement.

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

What She Really Means At long last... The Men's Guide to what a woman really means when she says something. Pay close attention (there might be a quiz later).

You want = You want

We need = I want

It's your decision = The correct decision should be obvious by now.

Do what you want = You'll pay for this later.

We need to talk = I need to complain

Sure... go ahead = I don't want you to.

I'm not upset = Of course I'm upset, you moron!

You're so manly = You need a shave and you sweat a lot.

You're certainly attentive tonight. = Is sex all you ever think about?

I'm not emotional! And I'm not overreacting! = I'm on my period.

Be romantic, turn out the lights. = I have flabby thighs.

This kitchen is so inconvenient = I want a new house.

I want new curtains = and carpeting, and furniture, and wallpaper.....

I need wedding shoes = the other 40 pairs are the wrong shade of white.

Hang the picture there = NO, I mean hang it there!

I heard a noise = I noticed you were almost asleep.

Do you love me? = I'm going to ask for something expensive.

How much do you love me? = I did something today you're really not going to like.

I'll be ready in a minute. = Kick off your shoes and find a good game on T.V.

Is my butt fat? = Tell me I'm beautiful.

You have to learn to communicate. = Just agree with me.

Are you listening to me!? = [Too late, you're dead.]

Yes = No

No = No

Maybe = No

I'm sorry. = You'll be sorry.

Do you like this recipe? = It's easy to fix, so you'd better get used to it.

Was that the baby? = Why don't you get out of bed and walk him until he goes to sleep.

I'm not yelling! = Yes I am yelling because I think this is important.

This hilarity, complements of the Jesus Site. Join in the fun today. Place a fun post on your site and link up so we can all laugh together.

Have a blessed Sunday and laugh out loud. Lynn

Also, my daughter (I helped some) wrote an acrostic poem about Sunday. I love her heart. Pop over to Laced With Grace for a one minute poem appropriately named, Sunday.

Follow me to Christian Women Online.

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Excerpt:

.....Now let me remind you I was with my daughter, my twelve-year-old daughter. Do you think she wanted to ride the Teacups or leisurely sail through, It’s a Small World? Oh no, it was a fast-paced, head-jerking, bouncing, weaving, convulsing, scream your head off, dawn-to-dusk, thrill-ride, marathon.

Come see what it’s all about. Join me at
Christian Women Online for, Where's the Asprin?

Be blessed, Lynn

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Enjoy and have a blessed Sunday!

Yesterday I received this picture via e-mail. This poor cat is determined not to have a bath. She is desperately clutching the faucet for dear life even though a bath would make her smell and feel better.

I had to chuckle and consider myself not all that different. I have held tight to things Jesus has told me to let go. I refused to listen because I was afraid of the deep water. I was afraid to trust.

Oh, but when I finally stepped in with Jesus at my side, the water wasn’t all that bad. I emerged with Jesus toweling my hair. I am a better person for the experience I mean the bath. Bet you have been there too!

Have a great Sunday. See you here on Monday for my next post on Spiritual Warfare.

Be Blessed, Lynn

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Enjoy and have a blessed Sunday, Lynn

All I Really Need To Know I Learned from Noah and the Ark:

1. Don't miss the boat.
2. Try to remember that we're all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark, you know.
4. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something REALLY big.
5. Don't listen to critics, just get on with what has to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
8. Two heads are better than one.
9. Speed isn't always an advantage; after all, the snails were on board with the cheetahs.
10. When you're stressed, try floating awhile.
11. Remember that the ark was built by amateurs; it was the Titanic that was built by professionals.
12. Remember that woodpeckers inside are a larger threat than storms outside.
13. No matter what the difficulty, trust in the Almighty: There'll be a rainbow at the end of the storm.

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Enjoy and have a blessed Sunday, Lynn

ACTUAL Announcements Taken from Church Bulletins:
________________________________________
1) Don't let worry kill you. Let the Church help.

2) Thursday night-Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow.

3) Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

4) For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

5) The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev and Mrs. Julius Belzer.

6) This afternoon there will be a meeting in the south and north ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

7) Tuesday at 4PM there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.

8) Wednesday, the Ladies Liturgy Society will meet. Mrs. Jones will sing "Put Me In My Little Bed" accompanied by the pastor.

9) Thursday at 5PM there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All wishing to become Little Mothers, please see the minister in his private study.

10) This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

11) The service will close with "Little Drops of Water". One of the ladies will start (quietly) and the rest of the congregation will join in.

12) Next Sunday, a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and get a piece of paper.

Be Blessed and God bless every church secretary. Love ya!!! Lynn

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Enjoy and have a blessed Sunday, Lynn

Just a few nights ago, I went out to dinner with my husband. And as I’m sitting there, I suddenly have this deep desire to confess something to him. Ever been in that place where the words are coming out and, in your mind, you’re wondering what in the world is going on. What possessed you to even bring up such a thing?

So there I am, sitting in this really nice restaurant, enjoying an evening of peace, and I proceed to tell my husband how I was rude to one of the “receptionists” (not sure what her title was, to be honest) at the doctor’s office.

I even tell him, “I can make all kind of excuses. I didn’t want to be there. Was dreading it, in fact. Her greeting lacked any friendliness. Most likely due the fact that she was flustered at the moment. She made me wait, then proceeded to help the next person who walked in.” Ya-da, ya-da, ya-da…

But still, she didn’t deserve my attitude. That’s it, right there. My attitude.

Funny thing is, the situation at the doctor’s office reminded me of something, or I should say of someone else’s rudeness. And to think I had treated someone in that manner mortified me. I’d witnessed this in the past. How could I do it to someone else? (Isn’t it just like God to use stuff like that to point out our own flaws?)

I shared this with my husband. All of it. Why? I have no idea, but I did. Me, the Christian, mistreated a stranger. And I’m telling my unbelieving spouse all about it. What’s he going to think of my faith now? What’s he going to think of the Jesus I profess to follow?

Wait. It gets better. I go on to tell him how I prayed silently, asking God for an opportunity to apologize. (Yeah, I know. What was I thinking?) And I continued the share that, before I could even say “amen,” this young woman was standing in front of me. Right in front of me.

I continued my story to him, “I told her flat out, I was sorry. That she didn’t deserve my attitude. She said she understood the circumstances, but I told her I still shouldn’t have treated her that way.”

Had to be the Holy Spirit sitting at the dinner table that night. I finished my story, and looked at my husband. I saw pride in his eyes. He smiled and said, “I bet she really appreciated that.” But what gets me is the subtext. The pleasure I saw in his eyes. I screwed up, and he’s proud of me.

I still have no idea why I told him about what happened, but I do believe the Holy Spirit was at work. Amazingly, this is the kind of thing that’s happening more and more lately. Here I thought all along I had to be this perfect representation of what a Christian should be, but God’s bringing out all my flaws and pride and pruning them away. He doesn’t want perfection. He wants authenticity.

My husband wants to take me out for our 20th wedding anniversary next month. There’s no telling what might pass across the tablecloth next time.

Praying and believing,
Dineen

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Hope you are tickled by this silly joke, lost chapter in Genesis.

Here is the LOST CHAPTER IN GENESIS....

Adam was walking around the garden of Eden feeling very lonely, so God asked him, "What is wrong with you?"

Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to.

God said that He was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman.

He said, "This person will gather food for you, cook for you, and when you discover clothing she'll wash it for you. She will always agree with every decision you make. She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. She will not nag you and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you've had a disagreement. She will never have a headache and will freely give you love and passion whenever you need it.

Adam asked God, "What will a woman like this cost?"

God replied, "An arm and a leg."

Then Adam asked, "What can I get for a rib?" The rest is history..

Have a blessed Sunday. Love you much, Lynn

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

Without further ado, let's laugh. Please join me this week and share God's love and laughter. Looking forward to your funny stories, jokes and one-liners. Be Blessed, Lynn

The Sunday School Teacher asks, "Now, tell me Cindy, do you say prayers before eating?"

"No sir," Little Cindy replies, "I don't have to. My Mom is a good cook."

I thought this was hilarious since last week was a crazy week in my life. Hope you appreciate it as well.

Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

At Spiritually Unequal Marriage we explore many difficult and serious topics. We can feel overwhelmed with the seriousness of life because our struggles are sometimes enormous. Because of this fact, I want to share the joy of the Lord with you as well.

I love to giggle, smile, grin and especially laugh out loud (too loudly, if you ask my daughter). Laughter is medicine for our souls and a gift from God who has a vast and wonderful sense of humor.

Laughter can change a foul mood, lift a heavy spirit and make the day light. So beginning today and every Sunday, let’s share a smile.

It is not my intention in any way to diminish the importance or focus of the Sabbath. It is my intention to share a laugh or a funny story to delight your heart on the Lord's Day. It is my prayer that your joy will overflow into your marriage and family every Sunday.

Welcome to Sunday Smiles:

A few months ago I stumbled across this bumper sticker. It is a hoot. Enjoy!

Also, I crack up over our children and their honest approaches. Smile!

The preacher was wired for sound with a lapel mike, and as he preached he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again. After several circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her mother and whispered, "If he gets loose, will he hurt us?"

A little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination, looking at the old pages as he turned them. Then something fell out of the Bible and he picked it up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from a tree that had been pressed in between the pages. "Momma, look what I found," the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear; his mother asked. With astonishment in the young boy's voice he answered, "It's Adam's suit!!

A 4-year-old boy was nosily squirming all through the church service. His father tried several times to quiet him, but to no avail. Just as I was asking for prayer requests, the boy let out a loud yell. His father, obviously at the end of his rope, picked up the boy, tossed him over his shoulder and headed out of the sanctuary. When he was nearly out the door, I continued asking if there were any more requests when this little voice yelled desperately from across the threshold, "Oh, please pray for me!"

From: Javacasa.com

Be blessed, Lynn

If you have a smile to share, please link up and let's laugh together.

I originally prepared this post for Christian Women Online. Yesterday however, God decided I needed to write on a different subject. He woke me up at 12:30 a.m. and I wrote. That short story will post tonight later at Jehovah Java. I hope you have a chance to read it.

Today I am going to share a crazy story about our trip. God uses these experiences to change my heart and prayer life.

Many of you know our family vacationed last week in Yellowstone National Park. We spent a week walking about on an active volcano. This thought still freaks me out!

We stayed in a rustic cabin on the north side of the park. To reach our cabin we drove through a valley where wild life lives in abundance. We called the valley the Valley of the Bison Buffalo. This valley is where the buffalo roam and I MEAN roam.

These guys are built like mini-tanks. The are stocky, 2,000 pounds of attitude. They own the park and they know it.

So, I bet you know where this story is headed.

It was 11:45 p.m. and my daughter, husband, and I were returning to our cabin after visiting with friends who were staying several miles away in a campground. It is pitch black outside with the exception of the brilliant stars winking. As we are driving, I suddenly see something reflected in the car headlights off to the right of the road. It’s an animal about to jump out in front of the car. I scream, “STOP.”

Hubby slams on the brakes, we stare, now on the roadway, directly in front of us, is Mr. Buffalo. He is sauntering along in a casual pace and heads straight for the yellow line in the center of the road. The road is narrow and lined with trees. There is no way to get around him.

As he is walking the yellow line and glancing back at us, I remember an earlier encounter with the Buffs. Two days ago we watched a buffalo charge two cars on the opposite side of the road. I AM SCARED! I begin to mumble a prayer, my husband is white knuckled and my daughter has taken cover somewhere in the back seat.

Minutes pass. The beast keeps walking and glancing as we inch along at a respectable distance. I pray louder. I begin to wonder if the authorities will find us in the morning out of gas and asleep on the roadway.

Finally the brute moves to the left lane of traffic. I yell, “gun it.” The tires squeal, we jet up to pass the beedy-eyed, beast but he is having none of it. The hulking black tank moves toward our car.

Breaks screech as they lock up. The people in the car behind are laughing, I am sure of it. Now the adrenaline is flowing. Thus the bizarre game of buffalo chicken ensues.

At this point, a heated argument discussion erupts as to how we should get around the armored truck.

Buff, again moves toward the side of the road.

“Let’s hightail it out of here,” I scream. Wheels screech, fear rises, and we race by the beast with his shaggy dreadlocks blowing in our dust.

I collapse in the front seat, my husband relaxes, and my daughter crawls out from under her coat to peek back at the poor folks behind us who are now trapped in their own game of Buffalo Chicken.

A minute later, an entire heard of elk spring from the bush and once again the brakes screech. What a ride!

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Although I tell this story of our valley of the shadow of death, I know there are truly people who live in a real valley with the shadow hanging overhead.

They are people like my brother, age 41, who is facing certain death this year from Metastatic Melanoma.

Facing our buffalo has reminded me of those who are in desperate need of our prayers and the comforting hand of Jesus upon them.

Lord Jesus, I pray for my brother and for every person who stops in here today who is living in their own valley. Lord, I ask for your power of deliverance in their lives. You have a perfect plan for many who live in this valley. Comfort them as they struggle, give them hope and courage to face the beast in the roadway. In Jesus name, Amen.

I am praying a blessing over you today my friends. Rejoice, our God is good! Love, Lynn