Here's hoping NEVER to see this again!

Snow and an RV just do not mix!!
We went south to get out of this mess. Not far enough south, I guess. Next January and February we are heading for the Florida Keys!!!

Joy?

My current Bible memory verse is "stretching" me.
James 1:2-3
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds for the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
I am to experience joy when it continues to rain and we have another leak in the roof (fixed only a year ago)?
I am to experience joy when my stomach feels "onfire" for no apparent reason?
I am to experience joy when it is 25 degrees outside and we thought we were going south for the winter?
I am to experience joy when the arthritis in my right hand is so painful I can't write with a pen, use the scissors, or hold my curling brush?
I am to experience joy when I can't get on the internet and the TV reception cuts off?

The answer to each question is a resounding YES. This is possible only as I sit daily under the refreshing waterfall of the Holy Spirit. He is teaching me to persevere and to look at life with the "cup at least half full".

Check out two more verses that follow this same theme:
Romans 12:12 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be filled with joy today!!

From one state to another

This past week we left Starke, Florida (Montgomery Camp) with its lovely woods and peaceful lake, and have landed in Flovilla, Georgia where it is cold and no visible lake or pretty woods. So far, I am not impressed BUT I must remember God sends us where He wants us to serve Him. We are in his hands even here in rainy, dreary Indian Springs Holiness Camp.
I am reminded of a Bible verse in Philippians 2:14-16. "Do everything without COMPLAINING or arguing so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation where you shine like stars in the universe holding out the word of life."
OK! So what are the positives of our current location?-good TV reception for abc so I can watch the upcoming episodes of Lost-and good reception on Fox so I can catch some of the American Idol telecasts-internet access from our RV, weak but can read my mail (sometimes)-within driving distance of a big city-ATLANTA, where we plan to go to the biggest aquarium in the world, check out the Coca-Cola headquarters and shop in the underground. So all in all it is a good location.
Tomorrow we learn more details about the project. Hopefully, there will be service opportunities for the women as well as the men but if not God will direct my time and efforts.
Oh and one more perk-a Curves just around the corner!

Granny Mae

The bike rolled slowly along covering every corner of the parking lot pushed by an elderly lady who had to be in his 80s. Early every morning she is seen picking up change, every dime, nickel, and penny people drop to and from the grocery store and other establishments in the mall. Why? Is she propelled by hunger, greed, boredom? Logical conclusions but the answer is a resounding NO. She collects change to roll and deposit in the bank eventually sending it to her daughter who is a missionary in Africa. From a distance I watched her one day while exercising at Curves and after inquiring about her I learned the details I just shared. Now, I wanted very much to actually talk to her myself so that became one of my prayer items each day. "Lord, if You will, please help me have an opportunity to talk with the 'bicycle lady' ". Know for sure that He always answers, sometimes in surprising ways!
Two days after I made this specific request I came face to face with the 'bicycle lady' as I came out of the grocery story. I quickly introduced myself and we began a delightful conversation. She said people call her Granny Mae and yes, indeed, she was picking up dropped change for her daughter. Various people now and then donate to her cause, so added to her change she is able to send $400 a month to the mission field!!
I was humbled as I listened to her impassioned story and felt the love she had for missionaries. It was a privilege to share my sister's story of mission work in Tanzania and to add a little bit to her mission 'project'. Driving away from Granny Mae I asked myself the question: What would I be willing to do to raise money for missionaries? I need to spend some serious time thinking about my answer and then putting the answer into action!

"Fast" Exercise On The Run

I've just discovered the answer to one of life's questions (or at least one of MY recent life questions): How can you stay in shape living full time in an RV traveling to new places about every month? Of course there is race walking, hiking, and occasional biking and scuba diving but on a regular basis there is no weight program or fitness center which will accept "gypsies". How about a women's club that is 30 minutes of heart pounding, weight bearing, fast paced fun? CURVES
I learned I can sign up for just a month so I've been going every morning and loving it. Now when we move to our next spot I will search out a local Curves and hopefully they, like the one in Keystone, Florida will allow me access to their facility a month at a time. Check it out if you are looking for some good, quick exercise.
Keeping my body in shape physically honors God and that is my goal for 2010.

Therefore I have chosen the following verses to keep foremost in my mind this year.

1. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, who you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

2. Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Spiritual Growth "tips" for 2010

1. Repent daily! (Matthew 3:2)

2. Get caught serving! (Matthew 25:14-30)

3. Be quick to forgive! (Matthew 18:23-32

4. Never let the sun go down on your anger! (Ephesians 4::25-27)

5. Pray always! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

6. Give thanks in ALL circumstances! (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

7. Be generous to the poor! (Luke 12:33-34)

8. Remember, no matter what, that God is faithful! (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

9. Link your life with other believers! (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

(Taken from the book: Praying the Names of Jesus by Ann Spangler

Some more photos & a video

Logan is definitely a blue-eyed blonde!!


Snowman "Bob Thorpe" was such fun to build!


Aiden is "on the move"!