Believe Him and All Will Be Well
This is a new post on my personal blog. Just thought I'd share it here too.
Believe Him and All Will Be Well
Life is exhausting, isn't it? I know that sounds silly, but that's how I feel today. I am physically tired and the bad news has just rolled in all day long, it seems:
- Friends just starting their battle with cancer.
- Other friends in the midst of their battle with cancer who are so weakened by the cure that they cannot care for themselves right now.
- Precious friends struggling in their marriages, trying to find relief from the pain of unmet needs and unfulfilled dreams.
- Friends trying to determine God's will for their lives – choosing between ministry or marriage.
- One friend keeping vigil by her sick child's hospital bed, while trying to figure out just what is making her special needs kiddo even sicker than usual right now.
And I have a headache.
Yeah.
I was going to complain on FaceBook about that…
Until I read all the other emails, and statuses, and texts that brought all of the above info…
Now, I'm just counting my blessings and praying for my loved ones.
The best medicine for the "woe-is-me's" is a good dose of reality; and then a spoonful of the tonic of a "gratitude attitude".
God is so good to me! I know He will meet my needs, and that He will be a Mighty God to all of my friends, as well.
It's ok for us to be troubled some days by this life that we are living…as long as that causes us to turn our eyes to our wonderful Saviour…as long as we "look full in His wonderful face". We will find that "the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."*
Blessings to you,
Alesha
Look What I Found
This is especially for my cousin, Joy, and she will totally understand why I am so excited!!! But I think most of you will enjoy this video:
How To Tie A Scarf by Jennifer at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.
Just a note, she promises that this is just Part #1 of scarf tying!!! I can't wait to catch the next video, too!
Blessings,
Alesha
Learning to Read
Do you ever feel inadequate?
I'm not talking about the
"Oh, my! I didn't get the laundry finished today!"
deficiency ;
but the
"I don't even know what thoughts to think today!"
kind of inadequacy.
Some days I just feel overwhelmed with the lack of ability that I exhibit. Inevitably, though, I connect these feelings to my lack of time spent with my Heavenly Father.
When I am in the Word, I get instruction for my daily life; but I also find more than that. I am taught how to deal with emotions; I learn the thought processes of God; I find wisdom in His dealing with others; I see how He leads in ways that aren't always clear to His children; and I find peace knowing that He is in control.
All of these things give me comfort and guidance. The Holy Scriptures sift through my own selfish thoughts, and the Water of the Word washes away the grime of the world that has lodged in my mind.
Oh, how I need the Word! I cannot even think the right thoughts without the wisdom of God.
Do you feel inadequate today?
Run to the Word. Read it. Then read it some more. You will find the thoughts that you need to think. You will find His guidance there.
God bless you as you read!
Alesha
Great Links to Check Out
I ran across these great posts this week, and wanted to share them with you!
Here they are, in no particular order: :o)
Laura shares an idea to learn multiplication facts and counting by sets.
Chinese New Year – Homeschool Lesson Ideas
Cheryl reviews books and gives some fabulously fun ways to celebrate.
Finding Great Clothes at a Thrift Store
Jennifer and her friends make an entertaining video while shopping at Goodwill!
Our church services will be streamed live this week, as usual. If you'd like to watch, you will find the church site here: Landmark Baptist Church. Click "media" and "live services". Service times are Sunday morning at 10 and 11, eastern time; and 7:30 on Sunday evening.
May God bless your weekend,
Alesha
One Busy Week Followed By Another
We had an insanely busy week last week, as did most folks in our church. We had a wonderful Bible conference that went from Sunday through Wednesday, morning and evening sessions. Although I wasn't able to attend the morning sessions, I was able to watch them via our church's website; so I set aside time each morning for that. What a blessing that was to me each day!
I was also able to sing a few times last week; and of course, performances mean practices as well. So any extra time I might have had was swallowed up with practice sessions and then singing.
I have talked before about how much I enjoy singing and how it really feeds my soul, so I enjoyed my time spent preparing for the services. I found out that I have a cousin who can play almost anything I ask her to try. If you are a singer you KNOW how much of a blessing that is!!! I told her she was my new best friend!
Isaac was not able to attend all the services, but enjoyed watching them online with his dad when they had to stay home. We had some bowel issues with him last week, and it took the entire week to resolve them. Somehow, I let it slip passed me that the antibiotic he was taking for his sinus infection could cause constipation. Ack! So, we dealt with that. It was not pretty and it was not enjoyable for any of us; but he feels so much better now that everything is moving along nicely for him. (pun totally intended!)
Both mine and Isaac's sinus infections seem to be healing. I am almost through the antibiotic, and am feeling so much better. Isaac still has a nasty cough, especially in the mornings, but it is not keeping him (and us) awake at night now. Praise the Lord for that!
On the diet front, we did not do very well over the holidays, and Doug and I have both gained a few pounds. My doctor did not seem at all concerned, and said that everybody was having weight issues after the holidays. I did feel a little better when he said that!
We are faithfully continuing with our supplements, and have started back on our regimen of carrot juice every day. Even Isaac is getting carrot juice this week! We are hoping to avoid last week's issues, and thought that carrot juice would certainly be an all-natural alternative for him.
Next Sunday is a big day at our church. We will be celebrating the Pastor's 39th anniversary! That is quite a record for pastors these days, and we are so grateful for the faithful man of God who serves as our pastor.
We try to invite as many folks as possible, and aim to break the previous year's attendance record. The idea is not to brag about the numbers, but to have as many folks as possible under the preaching of the Gospel.
Last year we had over 4,000, with over 1,000 of those riding in on our Sunday school buses. After the preaching services, we have a huge carnival set up on our high school football field with food, games, rides, etc. The young people (and adults, too!!!) have such a great time that afternoon!
As a teenager and young adult, it was always one of the highlights of my year. It's really wonderful fun…well, for almost everybody. The guys that volunteer for the dunk tank sometimes have a rather chilly time of it, depending on the weather!!! :) We are praying for a beautiful, warm day for all the fun activities.
Last year, there were 300 children, teens and adults who made professions of faith in Jesus Christ during our anniversary Sunday service. Those were, of course, followed up by our bus workers and visitation teams. What a joy to think that they came to church to celebrate an anniversary, but they left celebrating their own spiritual birth day! 🙂
Well, I guess that's enough of an update for now. God has been so good to us, and our cups are really filled to overflowing after the great preaching we heard this past week. We look forward to letting some of that spill over now on those who visit on our special Sunday service this week.
It has been said that a sponge that merely soaks up water will eventually sour; it must be squeezed out in order to fulfill its purpose. God blesses us so that we can then bless others. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to "squeeze" us, so that we can minister to those around us.
May God bless you as you pass on your blessings this week,
Alesha
The Big Sleet
This was the extent of our winter precipitation here – a little sleet at our house. However, several of our friends around town reported snow. It was a very exciting morning and afternoon for young people (and adults) here. Facebook was full of snow and sleet sightings! 🙂
Florida Winter Precip from Obtaining Mercy on Vimeo.
This is the only time I have experience sleet in Florida. It was very interesting to me. We do have our fair share of hail in the summers, though, and that is usually much bigger than the sleet that we saw on Saturday.
It is still very cold here, but I have conquered the clothing situation: I am wearing trouser socks and long pjs under my outer clothing. Also two pairs of sock: one pair of mine and one pair of Doug's! I look like I've gained all of those pounds back that I've lost since April, but that doesn't really matter to me as long as I am warm!
Oh, and I think one reason I have been so cold is that I was getting sick again: sore throat, congested sinuses, low grade temp, etc. I am, however, continuing with my supplements and hoping to see the end of this business before long. Be gone, thou foul lurgy!!! (Thanks to Tia for the really great word! It's one we don't hear over here in the States, but I think it's a great example of onomatopoeia!!!)
I pray your week is off to a good start.
Blessings,
Alesha
Obtaining Mercy 