Are you sure Room 12 is ready?

What a beautiful day! I think it got up to 80 outside this afternoon. The kids actually were able to play outside after we got home. They really enjoyed playing catch with their Daddy, swinging and finally eating supper outside on the deck. I don't know about you but I'm ready to wear some shorts and flip flops. The question is,are YOU ready for me to wear shorts and flip flops? I am told, sunglasses are required in order to look at my legs! I am working on my tan at the 'fake and bake'. For all you who need a translation that's a tanning bed. I am so white, I've been twice and I've only used 11 minutes. I know right now you're thinking , "Where did I put my sunglasses?". Don't worry, I will not reveal them until they're ready. I was traumatized last year as I was trying to cover-up my whiteness at the "fake and bake". It was an ordinary day. I got off work and went to the tanning salon. When I arrived a little blonde girl took my number and marked my card. She said room 12 was available. As I approached the door to Room 12, I noticed it was closed. Now the first thing I'm thinkin' is "Somebody's in that room". I conveyed my concern to the young lady. She walked back to where I was and said "Oh, the air sometimes slams the doors shut on this side of the room". Right after she says that, she turns the door knob and pushes the door all the way open. SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE. The bed was empty but the room was not. I never did see her face. Believe me, I would have rather seen her face. She was facing the wall in the 'buff' and I'm not through. She was bent over. At this point, the little girl ran back to the front of the place, in a panic, leaving the door wide open and me standing there with that "oh my goodness" look on my face. So at this point, this big girl, "me", runs to the back of the place. I guess the 'nude tanned lady' felt a draft because she turned around and slammed the door. Bless her heart. Judging by her skin tone, she was an experienced tanner and maybe even a charter member of this salon. Even in all her experience, I'm sure this day would be one she would not soon forget. I would say I haven't seen the lady since then, but I wouldn't know that now would I? But if I did and could ask her what she had learned from that experience I'm sure this would be her advice to us. 1. When you enter the tanning bed room, shut the door and push your entire body weight against it to make sure it is closed. 2. Then push the lock button really really hard. This step should leave the an impression in your finger tip (you don't want to take any chances) 3. Right before you get in the tanning bed, repeat 1 & 2. This has really helped in my recovery. After I complete all "3 steps", I can know that unless a fire breaks out in the next 5 minutes, I'm good!!

I know you are thankful that I do not have any photos to attach to this story. I think the picture you have in your head is enough.

God To Our Rescue

Last week one of my devotions took me to Romans 8:28. It was really good, so I wanted to share it with you.

When Satan thinks he's done a terrible thing to us and that it will finish us off, God has another plan altogether. He'll take what Satan meant for harm and work it out not only for our good, but for the good of the many to whom we will minister

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

We need to remember that we are valuable. God sent His Son, Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and then rise again on the third day. He would not have done all that just to leave us to fend for ourselves day to day. He is in it for the long haul. There's nothing we will face that He will not be right there with us. When just need to seek Him and find our strength in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Birthday Surprise

Tonight I had a nice surprise for my birthday. My friend, Jenni (my sister-in-law's sister) told me a couple of weeks ago she wanted to take me out to supper and bowling for my birthday. Well tonight was the night. Little did I know more of my friends were invited. When Jenni and I arrived at Rockola, my sister-in-law (and friend) Juli and my friend Susan were there. After we sat down, Penney and Traci (friends from High School) came in. We had a great time there, then we went bowling. My friend Lisa met us there. We had a great time and we have pictures to prove it. I am thankful to my friends for giving me this special night. They will never know how much it meant to me. I will never forget it. The only other time I was surprised for my birthday was when I was 17 years old. My friend, Candy surprised me with a cake and a small party at the skating rink. I LOVE TO SKATE! That was 20 years ago and I still LOVE TO SKATE! I will never forget that either. I had a great time making memories! This is a special SHOUT out to all friends. I Love you all!!!

A New Song

About a month and a half ago, the Lord revealed Himself to me in such a powerful way. A sat down with the Lord for 3 hours. This is something I had never done. I was saved many years ago, but it was January 18th, that the Lord got my attention. I felt His presence so strong. I was the only one at home at the time. When I 'finally' sat down with him, I wept. I was so ashamed at how I had treated my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Lord led me to so many scriptures. I went to Matthew 27:34 where the scriptures says Jesus was offered 'wine mingled with gall'. He spat it out and refused to drink it. You see, this drink would have eased His suffering. He wanted to feel the full punishment of my sin for ME. He went all the way for me and I hadn't even been going half way for Him. Each day I would pass Him by. I thought of how I would feel if my children would come in the house and walk past me, not even acknowledging that I was there. How that would break my heart. Well, that was just what I was doing to my Father. I realized that I couldn't pass Him by any longer. I fell back in love with Jesus. I never lost my salvation (I never can), but I had lost my passion for Christ. The Holy Spirit gently reminded me of the beatings, mocking and finally the crucifixion that Jesus went through for me. I realized just how much He loved me. Realizing that fact made my love for Him stronger than ever. He went all the way for me. He didn't have to, but He did. He led me to Isiah 53, Luke 23:34, Matthew 5:24, 1 John 1:5-10 and Matthew 7:3-5. The Lord opened my eyes that night. In the past, I've made a lot of empty promises that were unkept, but this time is different. I am enjoying such sweet fellowship with the Lord, like never before. I don't want to miss anything God has in store for me. Since then, I have been able to resolve situations in my life. I've been able to truly forgive others. The Lord is working in my life and in the lives of my family. I can't wait to see what He has in store. About a week later, I was going over some chords on my guitar (G,C,D). These words came to me. I titled the song, 'Passing Him By'. If you've been passing Him by, I pray that today, you too will fall back in love with Jesus!

He was beaten and bruised.

Relief for the pain, He refused.

He died to pay your debt.

He went all the way

up Calvary that day.

Why do you pass Him by?

The Holy Spirit spoke to me.

I realized where I was

and where God wanted me.

Oh how I'd let sin reign.

I cried to the Lord in shame.

I cried 'Oh Lord, forgive me!

For passing you by.'

Cause you were beaten and bruised.

Relief for the pain you refused.

You died to pay my debt.

You went all the way

Up Calvary that day.

I will not pass you by.

No more just going through the drill.

Cause what we have Lord, it's for real.

In my heart you do abide,

and I will not pass you by.