Leadership and Child Training Thoughts

Why do kids react to parenting or leadership with sarcasm? Why must they make backtalk or roll their eyes? I believe it is a lack of parenting or leadership skills. I’ve come up with some key words that if you will implement into your life I guarantee you will see some major changes in the way your children treat you.

Key Word - Gentleness
Yelling is NOT gentle. Sarcasm is NOT gentle. Grabbing, slapping, nor pinching is NOT gentle.

Dictionary definition:
1. Mild; meek; soft; bland; not rough, harsh or severe; as a gentle nature, temper or disposition; a gentle manner; a gentle address; a gentle voice.
2. Tame; peaceable; not wild, turbulent or refractory; as a gentle horse or beast.
3. Soothing; pacific.
4. Treating with mildness; not violent.

Verses better explaining the key word:
Psa 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
2Sa 22:36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.
2Co 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
1Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
2Ti 2:24-25 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Key Word - Softly
Yelling and screaming is hardly soft. How do you remember responding to a yeller? Well the children in your life will respond about the same way. Try lowering your voice instead of raising it.

Dictionary definition:
1. Without hardness.
2. Not with force or violence; gently; as, he softly pressed my hand.
3. Not loudly; without noise; as, speak softly; walk softly.
4. Gently; placidly.
5. Mildly; tenderly.

Verses better explaining the key word:
Gen 33:14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.
Pro 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Pro 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

Key Word - Sweetness
The kids when asked why they obey Mrs. Lisa and no one else: “Mrs. Lisa is sweet to us.” The old adage “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar” is absolutely true!

Dictionary definition:
1. Pleasing to the ear; soft; melodious; harmonious;
2. Mild; soft; gentle.
3. Grateful; pleasing.
4. A word of endearment.

Verses better explaining the key word:
Pro 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Pro 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Ecc 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
Luk 4:22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

Key Word - Kindness
Shouldn’t adults be restricted to good manners also?

Dictionary definition:
1. Good will; benevolence;
2. that temper or disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses.

Pro 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
1Co 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
1Pe 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
2Pe 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Key Word - Slow
Our life shouldn’t be filled with reactions. Be slow to make decisions. Be thoughtful and PRAYERFUL before you react. Determine beforehand how you will react to certain situations and then don’t deviate. And, should a new situation come up.....walk away and come back to it after you have thought it over.

Must we really have a bicker battle with a kid. Determine to refuse to argue, get sassy, or snap back at a kid.

Dictionary definition:
1. With moderate motion; not rapidly; not with velocity or celerity; as, to walk slowly.
2. Not soon; not early; not in a little time; not with hasty advance;
3. Not hastily; not rashly; not with precipitation;

Verses better explaining the key word:
Pro 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Mat 27:14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
Luk 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
Jas 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Building Character in Toddlers

Many mothers are worn out & weary -- you get that way after 10 hours of -
--listening to screaming & fussing kids
--screaming & fussing at the kids
--cleaning house
--picking up after kids
--trying to repair things the kids broke
--chasing kids
--feeling like nothing productive came out of the day

Toddlers are at a wonderful age. They are at an age of learning & exploring. Your day shouldn't be work, work, work. It should have victories & fun. Not everyday is going to be perfect but you should have more victories than failures. We know it can be done because God commands us to teach our children. Every minute of every day should be for learning! Here is the main problem:

CHILDREN ARE LET LOOSE IN THE HOUSE!
--they tear things up
--they are noisy
--they fight with one another
--they make messes
--they are discontented and bored

Thus......mother becomes a nervous wreck. I'm going to give you lots of advice today but I want to first say that your personal devotion is of utmost importance. It is that devotion that's going to keep you from going insane. It is that devotion that is going to keep you from abusing your children either verbally or physically.

What do you do with your children all day? Good question. I am going to give some advice that worked for me.

1. Wake kids up at a certain time every morning, Never say "I'll let the kids sleep in today so I can get some housework done." It won't work. They kids will be grumpy and they are being trained that they are in the way. They are being denied the opportunity to do chores and learn to work.

Proverbs 6:9 - How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

2. Keep a big clock in the room that is easily seen by you and the toddlers. This clock is there so they can know when their time is up to do a certain activity. Keep the kid's activities in an area of the house that you can see well. Sometimes that may be the living room floor. (This also teaches them to tell time without any effort at all.)

Proverbs 29:15 - The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

3. Make the children sit at a meal time for 30 minutes. That gives you time to eat and pick up. It also gives you time to teach meal manners.

4. Give the kids chores and insist that they are completed within 1 hour of waking (or completion of breakfast). Anytime they have after doing their chores is free time. Write these chores down and never budge. I always had chores done before breakfast. No chores....no breakfast.

5. Get rid of 90% of all their toys. With structured time they don't need them. Toys are not always good for children. Have maybe 4 or 5 toys they can play with during "free" time but the rest of structured items are kept put away. This makes them special.

6. Each structured activity should last about 30 minutes. This gives you 5 minutes to show them what they are supposed to be doing and 5 minutes clean-up. That gives them 20 minutes to sit or stand to do that activity. The 20 minutes is yours. Set the time limit. They must complete the full time even if they are bored. And they must put that activity away even if they are having a wonderful time. Use activities they really love as rewards.

7. At first you will be disciplining a lot to keep the kids seated and contented. Especially if they are used to going from toy to toy and have had many toys. But it won't take long and they will learn to enjoy that activity. Once you know you have no choice you become content and then you even learn to enjoy your work.

8. Use variety in the activities. Every day the children should wonder what they will learn or do. Some activities they will like, some they won't. They must participate in all activities. (Like life) They should never be allowed to say "I don't want to." These activities will gradually switch to schoolwork. The kids will hardly notice they are doing school because of the gradual change.

9. A one hour rest time should be required ever day. This time is your free time. Please don't let the children sleep for a long time because you are being selfish. And don't let the kids get up. They need to learn to rest quietly. This is training them for their future prayer life. How many adults can't pray 10 minutes with out becoming restless and bored! Had they learned to rest for one hour as a child they might could pray.

10. Outside time should be required. Outside time is better if you have activities (e.g. gardening, swimming, picnic, etc.) But at least 30 minutes a day the children should be required to go outside. Yes, even in winter. Even rainy days can be fun. If you have a porch they can play on the porch. Set boundaries in the yard. Teach the children where they can go from the beginning. Take the time and walk the yard saying no to the areas outside the boundaries. However, children shouldn't be put outside all day just to get them out of your hair.

11. Thirty minutes should be spent each morning learning Scripture and singing. Make this a very fun and happy time. Use puppets, dolls, books, pictures and music to help the children learn the Bible. At the end of the time, pray.

12. Spend lots of time with them. When your kids are doing something....be there. Don't every go shopping or have a “family time” when one of your children are singing or preaching somewhere! Why make your kids angry because they “have to” go sing while there rest of the family gets to go play.

13. Training is more than spanking....it is time. It takes time to teach character. To teach a kid to sit still in church takes the same amount of time as it takes to teach them their ABC's. Take one 30 minute period and have the kids practice sitting in church, standing straight and tall, holding a songbook, etc.

14. Be consistent. Don't be a lying mother. Let your “Yeas be yeas” and your “nays be nays.”

15. Teach the kids boundaries (like sitting alone (reading or looking at a book) on a couch for a few minutes) so you can safely get things done. This gives you time to take a bath or cut up a chicken.

16. Self-control. Teach the kids to be quiet. No fighting should be allowed. Don't allow your children to fall in the floor and pitch a fit.

1 Thes. 4:11 - And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

17. Quit running the roads. If you do these things you will be able to carry your children anywhere. They will be able to sit in church. They will be a blessing to your home instead of a burden. It takes work at first to get their little spoiled selves satisfied but lots of firm consistency is the key. And, some mothers will have to quit running the roads and leaving the baby home with sister or brother. Why have children if you aren't planning on raising them?

And, yea, ladies, Daddy comes first. But why not ask him if you can have three days a week in which you can make a very structured life for the children? Most people just decide to let the public school give the kids the structure and don't even bother trying. "Well, they learn that in school." How terrible! You are their mother. STAY HOME and teach your children!

Titus 2:5 - To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

18. Go to all Church Activities. You want your children to be spiritual but yet you choose to stay home instead of go to preaching meetings. Teach your kids that to work for God you have to sacrifice at times.

Keeping Toddlers Busy

Every weekend I keep 8 granchildren at my house. They spend EVERY Saturday night and go to church with me on Sunday. After church they go home with their mother. I love this time with my grandchildren. What fun we have! I would guess that 95% of our Saturdays are spent outside. I put babies in strollers or swings. The big kids play while I do yard work or swing on the porch.

My older grandchildren love to gather sticks so they can have a bon fire before bedtime. My younger grandchildren chase ducks or chickens. We rake, we swing, we gather eggs, we push the babies in the strollers, we go for walks. I never have a shortage of ideas. I thought I'd share my ideas of keeping little ones busy. Idle children complain and fight. I always kept my children busy and now I keep my grandchildren busy. (By the way, I have NEVER had a TV in my home!)

30 minute activity ideas for ages 1-5:

(Don't start a new activity until the first one is completely cleaned and put away. Clean up immediately when the 30 minutes is up. The children should help clean or the next activity will be 30 minutes sitting on the couch. These activities may seem like a mess but it is easier to clean up after 30 minutes of activity that it is after 30 minutes of run loose in the house!)

-- Reading books
-- Cutting pictures out of old magazines or calendars
-- Gluing.
-- Paper sack puppets
-- Painting (food painting is fun and tasty)
-- Puppets
-- Paper folding (Making snowflakes, etc.)
-- Shapes (Use cut out shapes and have kids make things)
-- Blocks
-- Legos (put a sheet down and teach them to play on the sheet for easy clean-up)
-- Making necklaces out of different things (buttons, cereal, macaroni, paper, beands, etc)
-- Play dough
-- Make a paper chain
-- Peel potatoes (you can store them in a bowl of water for future use)
-- Roll & cut out cookies
-- Make money rubbings, etc.
-- Play store with money and a few items from the cabinets
-- Play church
-- Use a piano or tape player and sing.
-- Plant flowers
-- Shaving Cream
-- Decorate a cake
-- ABC magnets
-- Flash Cards
-- Puzzles
-- Water play
-- Roll balls
-- Hide and Seek
-- Dress up
-- Music
-- Chalk on sidewalk
-- Nature Walk

Dealing with Unsaved Relatives

Sometimes it seems your family is more proud of you when you are in sin....or at least lukewarm with sin. There are people in the Bible whose family wanted them in sin:

Joseph - Ge 37:20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Abraham - Jos 24:2 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

Moses’ Sister - Number’s 12 - The Lord fought for them.

What to do about family and friends who would rather see you in bondage:

Abraham had to separate from his family- Ge 12:1 ¶ Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Abraham & Lot had to separate - Ge 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Abraham was determined to do right.
Lot was given the option.
Lot chose to separate.
Abraham still prayed for Lot (Sodom).
Abraham still helped Lot (Ge 14:16).
But there was no fellowship. When Lot left Sodom he never went to Abram. But had he done that....Abram would have accepted him.

Here is my personal counsel:
1. Be very kind always. Always strive to be close and friendly.

2. Don’t discuss religion with them. There is so much that we CAN agree on that we needn't focus on that which we do not. Keep conversation positive and when it gets negative, leave. Don’t even discuss why you left. If the other person seems the tiniest bit upset, tell then you must go but you’ll talk to them again really soon. This isn’t sweeping it under the rug....this is putting a stop to future fights.

3. Know what you believe and have a Biblical reason (not so you can argue but so that you have a foundation for your own walk.) (Don’t be tossed to and fro or it will not be looked on as convictions.)

4. Walk with God. Pray! Keep your soul right with God. This keeps you from feeling guilty.

5. Work on helping people who will respond positively to your help.

6. Have friends who believe like you. Search it out. Not to argue....but to know who I can have good conversation with. Enjoy your times with those people.

7. Get close to your spouse. At times he will be all you have.

8. Always respect the other person(s) as if they were right and you were wrong.

9. Read your Bible for encouragement. My Bible always encouraged me.

10. Determine to be lonely. The road for a Christian is a narrow one. Not too many walk side by side in a narrow path. Usually you are right in front of someone or right behind someone. But keep walking! Those in front of you help you. Those behind you, you get to help. Its lonely...but the end result will be worth it.

11. Make your mother, father, sister, and brother to be those who do the Father’s will!

Mt 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. I am not saying forsake them. No! Definitely do all you can to keep fellowship. But when it is not possible for their constantly arguing.....let your church family be enough. Christ is All I Need!

Trusting in Your Heart

Feelings
Many people make decisions based upon feelings. Only one person did that in the Bible...Gen 27. And he messed up!

You can not trust your feelings or "heart".
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Pr 28:26 ¶ He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
Nu 15:39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

If you let your eyes chose your mate for life....you are like a whore. Your eyes will tell you that you love them with all your heart! This is foolish.

When you say that it won’t happen to me. God won’t destroy me for following my heart...you are a fool!

De 29:19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: 20 The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.

How do I know God’s will?
Okay, if I shouldn't trust my heart....how do I make a decision?

1. Is it contrary to the Bible?
2. Decide that "your will" isn’t what’s important....but God's will.
3. How do the most godly people I know counsel me?
4. Continue doing what you were going to do until God changes you
5. Ask for wisdom and guidance

I personally like the idea of being "led" When Paul didn’t know what to do he DID NOT follow his heart! Read what he did:
Ac 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

If you get your eyes on man then you will NOT follow God’s will. If Paul, a grown man, allowed people to lead him... Do we think we are more spiritual than that?

I always tell people to "obey first" and "understand later." Paul didn’t understand why he was being led the way he was. He was afraid because he was being taken to the home of people he didn’t treat well in the past. He was blinded to the truth. There were scales on his eyes. However, he acted on faith, believing his guide and God. Look what happened:
Ac 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

How I've Kept Myself Right With God

Things that’s kept me right.

I truly do love Christ!
2 Cor. 5:14 - For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

I didn’t want to be a shame to my parents.
Proverbs 19:26 - He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

I believe those in heaven can see us.
Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

God could come back anytime.
Matthew 24:42 - Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

He records all our deeds.
Matthew 12:36 - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Our blessings are determined by our obedience.
Deut. 28:1-2 - And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: [2] And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

I want my children to serve the Lord.
Job 4:8 - Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
Galatians 6:7 - Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

I want people to go to heaven! (Hell is real!)
Genesis 13:8-9 - And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. [9] Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
Genesis 19:14 - And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.


I fear God!
Matthew 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Psalm 111:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

My Opinion on Old Age

When does quality life end? Recently, after talking to a man about his mother, I began to think about this thing of "quality life." He said that when his mother reached the point that her life was no longer "quality" he would rather see her "go on." Though at the time I couldn’t pin point the reason why, these words greatly bothered me. Mercy killing is what I often hear it called but I still call it premeditated murder. The truth is . . . old people are inconvenient. They are a bother. They have nothing left to live for so we want to rid ourselves of this little problem. One way we easy our conscience is by saying "It’s better that they die than suffer."

I think taking care of the elderly is like being a parent. Remember what your parents did for you. You have to sacrifice in much the same way. Here are some things I’ve heard children of elderly say and beneath them are my comments.

He can't walk / We have to haul a wheel chair everywhere we go
I imagine there was a time when you couldn’t walk and your parents had to haul car seats and strollers around with them.

She cries all the time
As a baby you cried continuously. Some babies cry more than others. Many babies babble continuously. One of my children cried so often that it kept me up and down all day and night.

She always spits up
Seems like I remember my children spitting up and many times spitting up on me.

She just lays there
Is it just me or don’t most babies just lay there?

She is always sick
Most mothers spend the first fifteen years of each kids life being a doctor and a nurse.

She is just suffering
First of all, is SHE really suffering or do you think YOU are suffering. But regardless, lots of children suffer. Kids get the flu, cholic, bike wrecks, broken arms, etc. Is that a reason to wish they were dead, so they won’t suffer any more?

She can't talk anymore
I bet there were about 7 or 8 months of your early life when you didn’t say much either.

You have to change her diaper
I understand, I mean after all, my mother only changed my diaper for two years. I should never return the favor.

She walks so slow
Yes, and so did my kids.

She is so cantankerous
Kind of like children who don’t get their way. Think back to how you acted as a teenager!

I am tired of taking care of her
Do you think your mom spent 18 years of her life enjoying every minute of her lost freedom.

I don’t have a life anymore
To live is Christ. I remember giving my life up for 18 years while I raised my children.

Twelve Days of Christmas

Here's a cute video:

100 Reasons to lose weight

Why Lose Weight?

1. The mirror had become offensive.
2. The camera told the truth and it hurt.
3. To correct high blood pressure.
4. To prevent heart problems.
5. To correct the pain in my legs.
6. To stop back pain.
7. To get my menstrual cycle back to normal.
8. So I could be in control of my flesh! I am the boss of my body! When we cannot control our appetite, we literally are putting a knife to our throats (the ancient symbolism for killing yourself).
9. Saves tons of money on food!
10. I don't get as hot in the summer so I need less air conditioning.
11. Stair climbing is not out of the question anymore.
12. Clothes fit better. (Your skirt sits lower than under your bra!)
13. I no longer worry about whether a store will carry a size 28.
14. I can buy clothes from Wal-mart if I wish.
15. I can wear panty hose again.
16. I am no longer the largest person in a crowd of people.
17. I am no longer ashamed to announce my weight.
18. More energy. I no longer collapse at the end of the day.
19. I don't need to nap anymore.
20. Visitation is no longer hard on the body. I can get in and out of a car easily. I can walk door to door without having to catch my breath before knocking.
21. I can wear socks again.
22. I can wear shoes for more than an hour without them killing my feed.
23. I dropped a shoe size.
24. No longer have to have "sneaky food".
25. No longer embarrassed to see old friends.
26. I have a lap!
27. My eyes don't disappear in my cheeks when I smile.
28. Sex is better.
29. Vacation is more fun because I can do more and I travel more comfortable.
30. Can use an airplane seatbelt without an extension!
31. I fit in an airplane seat instead of spilling over.
32. I can sit cross legged on the ground.
33. Husband can pick me up.
34. I can taste food better and enjoy a wider variety.
35. Can fit in a turn stile without turning sideways.
36. Can fit into a restaurant booth without having a "shelf" over the table.
37. I don't spill food all over my chest because I can't get my head over my plate.
38. I can go to a bathroom stall other than the handicapped.
39. I sleep better.
40. I don't snore as much.
41. I can cross one leg over the other when seated
42. I don't have as many chins.
43. I feel stronger.
44. No more thigh rub.
45. No more rashes under my breast or stomach.
46. I don't need a beach towel to dry off with.
47. I feel better about myself.
48. I can go swimming again.
49. I can run with my grandchildren.
50. I can wear a bra that actually fits.
51. I no longer worry about lawn chairs breaking when I sit in them.
52. My ankles don't puff up and look like there's half a tennis ball on each side.53. I am able to wear something that doesn't say PLUS on it.54. I can fit in a bathtub again.
55. So my husband can have a wife who isn't constantly complaining over her weight.
56. So my husband can enjoy sex more.
57. I can drive a car and not feel cramped.
58. So I can go on rides at amusement parks again, without stuffing myself into the seat shamefully.
59. So I can buy lingerie that fits, and looks good.
60. So when I'm with people who start talking about weight loss , I don't feel they mean me.
61. A preacher can preach on gluttony all he wants!
62. So I can get up from the floor in one smooth move and not a grab and hold on to something move.
63. So no one will ever again ask me "when is your baby due", and I'm not pregnant.
64. So I can say to other people who are overweight, hey, I was there once too, and maybe help them get to where they want to be.
65. So I don't have to worry about my bathroom scales breaking. (I have broken several scales.)
66. So I don't have to give excuses for being over weight.
67. So I can go canoeing again. (And so that my end doesn't almost sink while their end flys.)
68. So I don't have to worry about arthritis or joint replacement when I get older.
69. So furniture doesn't groan when I sit on it, or wear out long before it should because I'm too heavy.
70. I can tie my shoes again.
71. So I won't think people are laughing or talking about me.72. I can paint my toenails.
73. So I don't take up and entire aisle and get in people's way.
74. To not have to listen to "caring" people ask why you don't diet or worse still... "gee you have such a pretty face"
75. I no longer have to call a taxi when sight seeing in a city with a group.
76. I can keep up with people.
77. I never have to worry about weight limits again.
78. I can wear my wedding ring again.
79. To be able to get close to sink and not come away with a wet belly!
80. Don't tear up car seats and arm rest.
81. I can sleep on the floor again.
82. To be able to walk any distance without looking for a bench to sit on.
83. I can witness without feeling like a hypocrite.
84. I feel as if I have accomplished something.
85. People can't use my weight as an excuse to sin.
86. So I never see another fat woman and ask my husband, "Am I That Big?"
87. So I can sit on a porch swing and not worry about it breaking.
88. To not be ashamed to go to the doctor should I have to.
89. To reduce my chances of having a heart attack at an early age.
90. So I won't worry that everyone one thinks, "I'm fat."
91. So I won't be depressed every time I shop for clothes.
92. Cleaning house isn't such a chore. (Eg. Bathtub)
93. So I don't feel like I'm always leaning back while sitting in a chair, because of my rear.
94. So I can go hiking again,.
95. My number 1 topic of conversation isn't myself and how fat I am.
96. I no longer get mad if my husband doesn't want to eat out.
97. I no longer get gas.
98. I have fewer headaches.
99. My pantyhose don't make noise when I walk in them.
100. No more yeast infections.
101. Less likely to get diabetes
102. Protect my gall bladder.
103. I breathe easier.
104. I no longer experience the prejudice I had against me due to obesity.105. My hands no longer swell when I go walking.

Biblical Reasons to Lose Weight:
I Cor. 6:19 What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Prov. 23:20-21. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
Matt. 6:31 Take no thought (worry) ... What shall we eat...or drink...Your heavenly Father knoweth ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.
I Cor. 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection (I discipline my body): lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Phil.3:18-19 ...enemies of the cross of Christ ...whose God is their belly...who mind earthly things.
Eph. 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the church:
Num. 11:4-6, 18-20, 31-34. the multitude...fell a lusting (after flesh)... and the Lord gave them
quails...they buried the people that lusted. God designed us with a marvelous capacity to enjoy
eating (that necessary function which supplies the fuel our bodies need to function) by providing us with the senses of taste, smell, and sight with which to enjoy our food. These senses are also useful in detecting when food is spoiled.
However as with many other God-designed fleshly desires, Satan can use a legitimate appetite to
cause us to hurt the temple of the Holy Spirit and thereby to sin. Overeating - eating more than is
needed to provide needed metabolic fuel- is a waste of money, and in most people, leads to
deposits of fat which causes increased weight which can cause a strain on the heart, cause diabetes, or lead to high blood pressure.

A Poem to My Daughter

April

As our adult daughter
You’ve been a real joy,
And Tim, he’s the best,
He’s a good-ole boy.

Your life seems so godly,
So faithful and true.
You’re part of the core,
You’re one of the few!

The core of the church
Is what I do mean
You’re the part of GIBC
That works behind the scene!

You never complain
For all you’re asked to do
Whether it’s bus work or nursery,
Teaching, singing or filling a pew.

You don’t ask for praise
And have nothing to prove,
You just love the Lord
And that’s enough for you.

Your name is a good one
And your blessings are many
Your life is a reflection
Of a life with plenty.

I know you have joy
But you deserve so much more
Not just a "thank you, my dear"
No, you deserve gifts galore!

Your reward will soon come
And it’s not far away...
It will be revealed to you
In son Isaac and sweet Desiree.

Tilly and Melody are two so cute
And then there's Precious Grace,
The youngest of seven is Glory
And the funniest child is Chase.

My own children are special to me
And the grandkids... just adored
Remember, children are an heritage
The fruit of the womb is YOUR reward.

Meals you can feed your family for under $5

As a pastor's wife I know what it like to:

1) live on a budget

2) raise a large family

3) have lots and lots of company.

Through the years I've learned to cook cheap. My daughter and I got together some time ago to prepare some menu ideas for friends who just couldn't seem to feed their family on what their husbands make. This can create a lot of friction in the home and a wise, prudent wife can solve that problem for little more than $35 - $40 a week.

For Breakfast:
Three loaves of bread are about $5 and the bread can be served for breakfast in a variety of ways. Also, great additions to breakfast are eggs. If you have the room raise a few yard birds (chickens) and have some fresh eggs every morning and rid your yard of some bugs at the same time. I love my chickens!

• French toast - 5 pieces of bread and 2 eggs ($1)
• Peanut butter & Jelly toast ($1)
• Cheese toast ($1)
• Egg Toast - Cut hole in center of toast and fry with 1 egg in hole ($1)
• Cinnamon Toast
• Grits (Cheap!!!)
• Pancakes are very cheap!
• Leftover rice with some milk, sugar, and cinnamon

Lunch Ideas:
• Lunch is always left overs prepared from the day before’s meal. Use bread to help you.
• Other lunch ideas: Ramen noodles, Macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, egg salad, fried weenies, rice and gravy, baked potato, and beans.

Other ideas -
• NEVER turn down a meal if someone offers. You can make it into something!
• Don't eat out or buy takeaways. You can eat so much cheaper by cooking at home.
• Get dry milk for use in recipes, which keeps longer and costs less. Once reconstituted, it can substitute for fresh milk.
• Make a list before you go to the store. Stick to your hopping list and only allow yourself X amount of impulse buys each trip. The less people you bring on your trip the less money you will spend.
• Beans are one of the main food staples of our home. My kids are all grown and I still serve bean based meals 2 to 3 times weekly. Beans are a very nutritious and cheap food for your family. They are a good source of soluble fiber, the kind that helps lower cholesterol. Beans in general, are good sources of things like, folate, potassium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and they are low in fat.
• Fix your kids plates and don’t give them a choice of what they eat. If they don’t like what’s on their plate then they can wait until the next meal or buy their own food. I did this with my kids and my kids will literally eat ANYTHING! My daughter does this and her kids will literally eat ANYTHING....and it hasn't killed a one! Amazing!
• Do you have boys? Do they eat a lot. Then add rice and gravy to EVERY meal. Add bread to every meal. They will get plenty of nutrition from small servings of the main dish and then let them fill up on the side of bread and rice and gravy.

Main meal a day to serve 6:
Assuming you have the following staples: Flour, sugar, a few canned foods, butter, powdered milk, onions, pickle relish, cooking oil, ketch-up, mustard, barbeque sauce, spices. Eventually your food supply will build up because you won’t use everything you buy every week.

----------------------------- Week 1
• 3 Bread Loaves - $4
• 10 # bag potatoes - $4
• 1 family pack 10# hamburger meat - $15 (rewrap in 10 packages at home)
• 1 dozen eggs ($1)
• 1 bag chicken thighs - $5 (rewrap 2 thighs to a package at home)
• 1 pkg rice ($1)
• 1 jar mayo ($2)
• 1 pkg Velveeta cheese ($5)

Meal #1 - Shepherds pie
Brown 1 pkg ham meat, add a can of corn, and top with 2 potatoes mashed and whipped with a bit of prepared powdered milk. Serve over a slice of toast.
Meal #2 - Chicken and Rice
Boil 2 chicken thighs. Cook rice in juice from thighs. Add chicken meat. Add onions if desired.
Meal #3 - Meatball subs
Make balls from one pkg of hamburger meat. Add 1 egg and ½ cup flour to help it hold its shape. Pan fry. Fold bread in half and place 3 meatballs in bread.
Meal #4 - Grill cheese Sandwiches & Fries
Use Velveeta cheese and bread. Grill in a bit of butter. Cut up 2 or 3 potatoes and fry french fries.
Meal #5 - Cow Dookey
Brown some cooked rice with chunks of hamburger (1 pkg) and diced bell peppers (?) and onions. Add spices to the meat while it cooks as well. Add a bottle of soy sauce to the table and presto, you got a nice tasty meal.
Meal #6 - Hamburger steaks
(1 pkg) with onions and gravy, mashed potatoes served over bread. ( fry the meat, use the juice to make gravy, and then put the meat back in the gravy.
Meal #7 - Fried chicken thighs and rice and gravy
Flour 4 or 5 pieces of meat. Fry in small amount of oil. Cook rice. Make gravy from pan drippings.

----------------------------- Week #2
Assuming you still have your stables and the following leftover foods from last week: Left over food to be used with next week’s meal: Potatoes, Rice, Hamburger meat (6 pkgs) chicken ( 4 pkgs), Velveeta cheese, eggs
• 3 loaves bread ($4)
• Grits ($1)
• canned vegetables (green beans, corn, mixed) ($5)
• 4 cans Tuna ($4)
• 6 boxes of mac and cheese ($6)
• Spaghetti pasta ($1)
• 4 Can tomatoes ($4)
• 4 Can tomato sauce ($3)
• 4 Can spaghetti sauce ($4)
• 2 pkg Weenies ($2)
• 1 pkg sausage ($3)
• 1 box eggs ($1)
• 3 cans pork and beans ($3)

Meal #1 - Tuna patties
Mix tuna with 2 eggs and ½ cup flour. Fry in a little oil. Serve with mac&cheese.
Meal #2 - Spaghetti, garlic bread
Brown 1 pgk ham meat. Cook noodles and add to meat. Add sauce.
Meal #3 - Chicken pot pie
Boil chicken (1 pkg). Chop up 2 potatoes in small squares. Add 1 can vegetables. Make a white gravy from powdered milk and flour. Make a crust from flour and water. Drizzle crust over the top and bake.
Meal #4 - Beenie Weenies
Cut 1 pkg weenies up into some pork and beans. Add some BarBQue sauce.
Meal #5 - Tuna & Pasta
Use 1 pkg of mac and cheese and 1 can tuna. Serve with toast.
Meal #6 - Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Boil rice. Boil 1 pkg chicken. Melt butter. Fry 2 eggs in butter. Stir in rice and meat. Add 1 can vegetables.
Meal #7 - Chili dogs
Make chili from 1 pkg of meat and 1 can tomatoes. Serve over weenies and bread.

----------------------------- Week #3
• 3 loaves of bread - $4
• 10 lbs family pack Hamburger Meat - $15
• Lettuce - $2
• Tomatoes - $2
• Cheddar cheese - $3
• Velveeta Cheese - $4
• Potatoes - $4

• Sausage - $4
• 3 Boxes Rice a Roni - $3
• Chicken Thighs - $5
• Dried Pinto beans - $1 (will make 3 meals)

Meal #1 - Hamburgers, lettuce, tomato, cheese, fried potatoes
Meal #2 - Baked Chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy
Meal #3 - Hamburger mac made with Macaroni and Cheese
Meal #4- Sausage dogs, pan-fried potatoes
Meal #5 - BarBQue Chicken, rice stir fried with eggs

----------------------------- Week 4
• Can biscuits - $2 (4 packs)
• Stew Meat - $2
• 1 pk frozen stew vegetables - $2
• Eggs - $1
• Crackers - $1
• 5 frozen pizza - $5
• Tomato sauce - $2
• Elbow macaroni - $2
• Cheese - $4
• Syrup - $3
• Bisquick Mix (Cheap brand) $2
• Butter - $2
• 2 big jars Baked Beans - $3
• Barbque sauce - $1
• Eggs - $1
• Weenies - $2

Meal #1 - Beef Stew, potatoes
Meal #2- Hot dogs, baked beans, sauerkraut
Meal #3- Omelets and pan-fried potatoes
Meal #4 - Meatloaf
(Use crackers and eggs to make bigger), potatoes
Meal #5 - Homemade Pizza -
Use 1 per 2 people and doctor up with hamburger meat and cheese
Meal # 6 - Chili & Crackers
Meal #7 - Goulash
(Hamburger, Tomato sauce and noodles)

----------------------------- Week 5
• Bread - $4
• Hamburger meat - $15
• Manwich - $2
• Frozen broccoli - $5
• Canned beans - $3
• Rice - $2
• Spaghetti - $2
• Chicken Breast - $7

Meal #1 - sloppy joes
Meal #2 - Rice-A-Roni
jazzed up with hamburger and some frozen broccoli.
Meal #3 - Pancakes
Meal #4 - Red beans and rice
... cook some rice..Onion - chopped and fried with 1 pkg hamburger meat. Can of kidney beans, Chilli powder to taste. Can chopped tomatoes or fresh tomatoes skinned and chopped - add to softened onion.
Meal #5 - Chicken spaghetti
Meal #6 - Baked potatoes.
Top with cheese and hamburger meat fried.
Meal # 7 - Tuna sandwiches.

----------------------------- Week 6
• Flour tortillas - $2
• 3 loaves Bread - $4
• Velveeta cheese - $5
• Corn dogs - $8
• Chicken thighs - $5
• Powdered Milk - $6
• Bell Pepper - $5
• Burritos - $3
• Small ham (canned or turkey ham is cheaper) - $5

Meal # 1. Cheese quesadillas.
Make these with flour tortillas. Heat two tortillas in a skillet and remove one to a plate. Top the remaining tortilla with shredded cheese. When melted, about 1-2 minutes, place the other tortilla on top. Allow to cook for a minute or so, flip the whole thing over and cook the other side for another minute. Dump onto a plate, slice with a pizza cutter. If you have it: Add shredded cooked chicken to the cheese. Serve with salsa.
Meal #2 - Corn dogs!
Meal #3 - Easy chicken and dumplings
(debone chicken. Use broth to boil dumplings made from frozen biscuits. Add a cup of milk in which 4 tablespoons of cornstarch has been added. Put chicken back in broth.)
Meal #4 - Stuffed Bell Pepper -
Cooked Rice with tomato paste and ground beef, (mix together) topped with mozzarella and if desired, stuffed in a green pepper, baked until the cheese melts (I promise this is good)
Meal #5 - Burritos
Meal #6 - Cheese burger pie -
1 pkg ham meat, 1 c cheddar cheese, topping made from Bisquick.
Meal # 7 - Ham pot pie -
Mix with a gravy, vegetables and top with biscuits.
Meal #8 - Fried weenies in ketchup with fries

Food Stamp Program

We have a program in our county that requires people getting food stamps to work for a non-profit organization. I like this program a whole lot because our church sponsers many such people. The ones who have worked at GIBC are very kind and do a great job. I have 3 currently working in our school. They make wonderful helpers because I can break kids off into groups and let these helpers do such things as:
1) listen to kids read
2) call out flash cards
3) help with simple school work

It frees me up to work with more difficult subjects such as math.

I also think that our helpers feel important, special, and loved by the kids and me. One lady has started coming to church and has even been saved and baptized. What a blessing!

These workers don't feel like they are just "taking" a handout but that they are working for their food. And they are.

Why Keep A Clean House

I've been a pastor's wife for 20 years. I have a steady stream of people in my home. At this writing I have 2 friends from England staying with me. I love feeding people and have at least 20 different people in my home each week. People constantly "drop by" and visit....unexpected. I have no problems with this (except that I adore my private time). Now, having said that....I can not remember the last time I was invited into a home. I've noticed that people keep their homes a wreck and are ashamed for people to come in. I am certain that hospitality is not dictated by the size or type of home because I have lived in broken down single wide trailers and itty bitty homes for the first 15 years of my marriage. I think it is directly related to the cleanliness of the home.

Here are my reason for keeping a clean house.
(Clean need not be spotless...but clean enough that you are not ashamed of your house.)
Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

1. God commands us to be hospitable.
Ro 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Tit 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
1Pe 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

2. Messy houses make a woman feel stressed.
Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

3. Messy houses causes sicknesses. (Mold, mildew, roaches, dust mites)

4. It is good stewardship of what God has given you.
1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

6. It shows appreciation.
1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

7. Cleanliness creates a more loving atmosphere.
Lu 11:24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

8. Makes keeping up with things easier.
Le 10:10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

9. Makes your life more organized.
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

10. God commands a woman to keep the house.
Tit 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

11. It is a good testimony.
1Ti 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Abortion

Sunday was a nice day. We had a special treat....Elkin and Karen Harnage re-joined after being away for 3 years. We sure missed them. They have been great friends to our ministry and to us personally over the years.

My daughter, April, is pregnant with baby number 8!!!! Yes, I am very happy!

We had several visitors in the both Sunday services. At least one lady was saved in the morning service. The Jr. Churches were full. We had 4 pregnant women in the service (ha ha).

Here is a video I recently found condemning abortion. I wept like a baby during this video.

AT DAYS END

AT DAYS END

Is anyone happier because you passed his way?

Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?

The day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;

Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?

Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast,

That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?

Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;

Does the man who's hopes were fading, now with courage look ahead?

Did you waste the day or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?

Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?

As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say:

"You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today."

---John Hall

Blond Brownies

I just made a wonderful batch of brownies that have always been a hit around my house. My husband and four children were raised on these cheap little brownies.

Blond Brownies

1 stick butter melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup self-rising flour
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour in a pan. It doesn't stick to the pan! Cook for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Now, that is easy, cheap, quick, and delicious!

Desiree's Toe

Today Desiree had her ingrown toenail cut out. She was a nervous wreck since it was her first time to:

#1 Get a shot
#2 Go to a doctor

But she was awesome. She never cried and I know it must have hurt her really badly!

My friend, Kristin McPherson, recently published an e-book that is worth a read. I laughed and laughed as I read it. It is about parenting young children and is full of extremely useful information. This book could be a life-saver for a young mother. Here is the web addres: http://www.childrens-church-ministry.com/soaring-through-the-toddler-and-preschool-years.html

Obama

Ezr 3:12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

I wept last night when America voted for socialism.....abortion....and gay rights. I am in a great depression right now.

"Spread the Wealth"....my husband already spreads the wealth....but when his small business is taxed to death then Obama gets to spread our wealth for us. Those who benefit from our success will lose out tremendously.

However, I believe that God is in control.

And one last thing....I wanted to tell the world that my favorite blog is: Ray Comfort's Blog. Google it and read it! Awesome. This is a smart man.

Things I'm Thankful For

1. My husband!! He works hard, is very kind to me and to others, and has a giving spirit.

2. My husband's good health.

3. My good health.

4. The Bible.

5. My great marriage.

6. My 4 children (April, Allen, Len, Jim).

7. My 8 grandchildren

- Being able to watch them be born

- Spending every Saturday with them

- Their good health

- Parents raising them in church

8. April's good husband, Tim.

9. Jim's good wife, Candace.

10. Allen's good wife, Rebekah.

11. My salvation and the salvation of my family.

12. My travel experiences (I've been to 49 states and 7 countries).

13. My Christian parents (and heritage).

14. I still have my grandmother alive.

15. God healing Jim's teeth.

16. All physical needs are daily taken care of.

17. Nice clothes to wear.

18. Our Wal-mart doesn't sell liquer.

19. I'm part of a great country, America!

20. I was raised with character and good manners.

21. My chickens and cat and dog.

22. My visitors I had this morning in church.

23. I have a big, roomy house.

24. Jesus' precious blood.

25. Good vehicles and a nice camper.

26. Lot's of great friends who I love and they love me.

27. Miss Amy.

28. A great church.

- a great pastor

- a great church family

- ministries to give me a place to serve

29. Our school at the church

- a place for me to serve

- kids I love

- all my volunteers

30. Learning to play the piano as an adult.

My Grandmother

Here's a little poem I wrote about my grandmother, Momma D. I think I had the best grandmother (both sides) in the world. I've written many tributes about my grandmother. She is one of the most well-loved and well-know ladies I have ever met.

One Of A Kind

The sweet and beautiful lady

That means so much to me

May be far from me in miles

But with me she will always be

I have so many memories

And thoughts of my childhood

When Momma D made our families

Get together when we could

And my heart recalls her ways

And most of all I love her

A love that always stays

A love that last forever

A lady like my Momma D

Is rare and hard to find

She's as funny as can be

And very, very kind!

Building the Bridge for Him

I was reading poetry today and remembered a poem my children memorized. I thought I'd share it here.

Building the Bridge for Him

An old man going a lone highway,

Came at the evening, cold and gray

To a chasm vast and wide and steep,

With waters rolling cold and deep.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim,

The sullen stream had no fears for him;

But he turned when safe on the other side,

And built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,

"You are wasting your strength with building here.

Your journey will end with the ending day,

You never again will pass this way,

You've crossed the chasm, deep and wide

Why build you a bridge at eventide?"

The builder lifted his old gray head.

"Good friend, in the path I have come, "

he said,"There followeth after me today

A youth whose feet must pass this way.

The chasm that was as naught to me

To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be;

He, too, must cross in the twilight dim--Good friend,

I am building this bridge for him!"

--Will Allen Dromgoole(1860-1934)

I've also had the kids in my class at school commit this to memory.

Paula Baptised

Last Sunday we had a wonderful day at GIBC. The church was full with over 250 attending. We had several saved and at least 4 baptised. The spirit was uplifting and happy. Here is a picture of Paula being baptised. I appreciate Paula....she has really changed drastically since she was saved. She has been helping in our school and around the church.