The Simple Woman's Daybook ~November 9th Edition

Outside My Window...

I see an empty parking lot with no cars parked with eager-to-buy customers. Sigh.

I Am Thinking...

I have been unsuccessful finding a used baby crib at the thrift stores and garage sales.

I Am Thankful For...

The prayer time with my DH this morning using Stormie Omartian's books praying for your spouse.

I Am Wearing...

Tan slacks and a black top and a beige sweater.

I Am Remembering...

all the exercise I got stacking firewood that my DH cut yesterday afternoon. The joy of country living.

I Am Going...

To the beauty shop tomorrow to get my hair cut and colored! Yippe.

I Am Reading...

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper

I Am Hoping...

for a big cash sale this week. Can you tell?

On My Mind...

my family in the midwest and all the pretty colors of fall at this time of year.

From the Learning Rooms...

realizing again the significance of my faith as I ask Jesus to heal many I'm praying for and do miracles for my family and friends just like in the gospel of Mark today where I read He required faith in their asking.

Noticing That...

many stores in town are closed and not as many people seem to be shopping.

Pondering These Words...

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:5-7

From The Kitchen...

homemade chicken noodle soup and homemade pumpkin bread for supper when I get home from work tonight.

Around The House...

realizing my pantry needs organizing.

One of My Favorite Things...

is planning my Thanksgiving menu and writing out my shopping list.

From My Picture Journal...

Other Daybook writers can be found at A Simple Woman's Daybook.

Spiritual Sundays ~Thanksgiving Prayer

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven

Please lend me Your ear

'Cause I've got a prayer

You'll be happy to hear.

Lord, there's no request list

This time when I pray

I just want to give thanks

This Thanksgiving Day.

First, I want to thank You

For gifts from above:

Your unending mercy,

Your undeserved love.

And thank You for sending

Your Son down to earth,

For now those in Jesus

Can have second birth.

Lord, thank You for saving

Your children from Hell,

And giving Your Spirit

Who comes to indwell.

And thank You for choosing me

To be Your own,

For now that You're in me

I'm never alone.

Lord, thanks for forgiving me

When I'm untrue,

And last, but not least, Father,

Thank You for You!

--Connie Cook

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."(I Peter 1:4 NASB)

My attempt at capturing fall this year is weak in comparison to some of the hues I’ve seen on blogs in the east! I tried!

Thank you for stopping by and visiting me! I wish you a love-filled Sunday. For more inspiration this day, log on to Spiritual Sundays, with Charlotte & Ginger.

Friday Funnies

Two tourists were driving through Louisiana. As they were approaching Natchitoches, they started arguing about the pronunciation of the town. They argued back and forth until they stopped for lunch. As they stood at the counter, one tourist asked the employee, "Before we order, could you please settle an argument for us? Would you please pronounce where we are...very slowly? The cashier leaned over the counter and said, "Burrrrrr, gerrrrr, Kiiinnnggg."

To enjoy more humor, visit Kim at Homesteader’s Heart.

Let me also mention that Kim will be hosting a recipe exchange on her cooking blog next week for those of you who like to try new recipes for Thanksgiving. Should be fun! I'm looking forward to participating with my cooking blog.

Thankful Thursday ~ Trials

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2,3

Being a thankful person did not come easy to me. I can remember when I was a young girl and my mom would tell me to smile more and not take life so seriously. It seemed like everything frustrated me. Things didn’t change until I met Jesus. I was set free and thankfulness took on a whole new meaning. I felt thankful for everything. I saw the world in a whole new way.

I named my blog Pile of Smiles because Jesus gave me my smile back. I hoped this place would be a place of encouragement for others to stop by and be refreshed. But I’ll tell you, it’s been the other way around as well! I’m very thankful for the wonderful Christian friends I’ve met on line who inspire me with their heartfelt writings. I am thankful for the way people care about one another offering uplifting words and prayers. I’ve been going through a difficult trial of late. I thought about changing Pile of Smiles to Morose Moorings. However, I have found writers who write about the blessings of similar pain and share the victory that I believe in faith for every day! You can’t place a price tag on this kind of friendship. I’m thankful for each person placed strategically in my life.

I’m thankful this week for a sale! That is a big praise in this economy!

I’m thankful for my kids. My daughter, Amy, rejoices in God’s blessings. Her husband needed back surgery since last March. Finally the insurance company authorized it and he is now recovering beautifully. It does make you thankful when you are pain free. Thank God for answered prayer!

I can’t end my list of thanksgiving without talking about my plumbing problems over last weekend. It took my husband and I two days to resolve everything, but I am most thankful for showers that flow and toilets that flush! And I am thankful that we could fix the repairs ourselves avoiding expensive plumbing costs.

I close with a “plumber joke”. Did you hear that someone broke into our local police station and stole the toilet? Right now the cops have nothing to go on.

Thankful Thursday is hosted by Grace Alone.

Covered With Protection

I understand how people get hit head on while driving into the glare of the morning sun. We had to leave an hour earlier to get to the office and prepare for a closing on a sale yesterday. I was the driver and I did not see the semi coming because of the bright early morning sun and I hesitated upon entering the highway because my vision was impaired. My husband was able to see better on the passenger’s side and he warned me.

Today and tomorrow are two feast days celebrated by the Occult World. As a Christian, I’m taking precaution. This is a great time to reflect on the blood of Jesus and pray protection over our family members.

Perry Stone taught an interesting teaching this week. He listed occult feast days: February 2, May 1, August 1, September 21, October 31 and November 1. Perry noticed an increase against Christians during these times of physical attacks, hindrances, accidents, depression, and spiritual warfare. He suggested we pray a covering over our families referring to the blood of Jesus and also bind and loose in the Name of Jesus. The demons cannot curse what God has blessed.

Not only in this fall season, but it is always worthwhile to reflect on Ephesians 3: 3-10 which talks about the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross which was hidden to previous generations. If Satan had known just how powerful the blood sacrifice of Jesus was, he would have tried to prevent it. For a short time, he thought he was the victorious one, but oh, our savior rose from the dead! I’m so grateful for the power and protection of the blood of Jesus today!

A special thank you to Charlotte and Ginger for their faithfulness to host Spiritual Sundays, a great place to be inspired by Christian bloggers.

Friday Funnies

Happy Friday, everyone! For more funnies, check out Kim's Blog!

Right On Target

As a Christian, it’s easy to look around and see spiritual significance in everything we do!

Here is a photo of my target. I went shooting in the desert with my DH a few days ago. I missed the bull’s eye a time or two! On the drive home, I thought of how target shooting is significant to the definition of sin: missing the mark.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8,9

We all miss the mark. I’m so grateful for a savior. He never gives up on me. I stumbled across an old journal entry dating back to January. I wrote about some goals I hoped that I would accomplish this year. I forgot I journaled this, but Jesus didn’t! I wrote that I wanted to lose 15 lbs. I need self control. I lost 10 and have 5 more to go; will I make it by the end of the year? I think so.

I also wrote about some fears that I wanted to overcome such as gaining confidence in traveling alone. That sure happened! Never did I think I would be traveling alone so much like I have had to do this past year.

What is the significance of all this? Looking back I see His faithfulness. Jesus is my “significant other”, of course! What a savior. To trust Him in all things, now that’s for what I’m aiming.

Spiritual Sundays

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine Lab had been found in an oldfarmhouse, and he asked me a rhetorical question,''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?''

I replied: "I had a drug problem when I was young: Iwas drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed myparents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and pick bales out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, this country of ours would be a better place.

God bless the parents who drugged us."

My pastor shared this article at church last Sunday to make his point that we need fellowship, church and community in our families. The whole place cheered after he read it!

Be encouraged at Spiritual Sundays hosted by Ginger and Charlotte and have a wonderful Sunday, everybody.

Men Just Don't Listen!

Don't talk to my parrot!

Wanda's dishwasher quit working so she called in a repairman. Since she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, "I'll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you a check".'

"Oh, by the way don't worry about my dog Spike. He won't bother you.
But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot!"

"I MUST STRESS TO YOU: DO NOT TALK TO MY PARROT!!!"

When the repairman arrived at Wanda's apartment the following day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking dog he has ever seen. But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his work. The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with his incessant yelling, cursing and name calling. Finally the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer and yelled, 'Shut up, you stupid, ugly bird!' To which the parrot replied,

'Get him Spike!' See - Men just don't listen!

Stop by Homesteader's Heart today and enjoy more Friday fun!

Toni, Susie and Rebecca

I can think of two women right off the top of my head that are examples of The Rebecca Principle: Toni and Susie.

Toni works at the post office. Most of us who live in Dodge have to pick up our mail and Toni is consistently cheerful to serve us in the post office. She goes the extra mile. One Saturday morning I knew I would not be able to retrieve my ticket for a package since the window just closed. But as I walked back to my car, Toni was driving off. She parked her vehicle, jumped out and went back in with me to get that package. And she never stopped smiling!

Susie works in the Production Department of the company which manufacturers the product that we sell. Again another cheerful gal, Susie can always be counted on to pick up slack when the coordinators are not around to receive our calls. I will never forget the business meeting I attended in Phoenix followed by a fancy awards dinner. Several of the managers received well deserved awards. One of them gave Susie accolades in his acceptance speech, remarking that her support and help allowed him to increase sales that year. As he finished his remarks, the whole audience stood up and gave Susie a standing ovation. Everybody expressed just the way I felt about my coworker.

In Genesis, Chapter 24, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son, Isaac.

^10-14 The servant took ten of his master's camels and, loaded with gifts from his master, traveled to Aram Naharaim and the city of Nahor. Outside the city, he made the camels kneel at a well. It was evening, the time when the women came to draw water. He prayed, "O God, God of my master Abraham, make things go smoothly this day; treat my master Abraham well! As I stand here by the spring while the young women of the town come out to get water, let the girl to whom I say, 'Lower your jug and give me a drink,' and who answers, 'Drink, and let me also water your camels'—let her be the woman you have picked out for your servant Isaac. Then I'll know that you're working graciously behind the scenes for my master."

Rebecca was the young woman who gave a drink to Abraham’s servant and then offered to provide water for his camels which was no easy task! This woman of integrity was hard working, going the extra mile in her service. Only Rebecca would fill the requirement to be Isaac’s wife. She received her reward.

We learn from the Rebecca Principle that hard work and integrity obtains the promotion. Not only that, it pleases the Lord.

F.O.G.

The fog from the Pacific Ocean front started rolling in early Saturday evening so when I woke in the middle of the night and peeked out the window, I wondered if my trip back to Arizona would be delayed a few hours due to the thick fog. I whispered a short prayer asking God to lift the fog and also the headache that pounded my temples. I fell back asleep. By 5:00 a.m. I got up to start the coffee and noticed I could see across the street just fine with only a mist in the air. By the time I took my shower, the headache was gone!

Thank you, my friends, for covering my drive home in prayer. It was a smooth ride and I was able to navigate safely! I felt drenched in confidence because of your prayers. I want you to know I prayed for you, too. It was a great time to ask the Lord to bless you and meet your every need.

I praise God today for lifting the fog and replacing it with F.O.G., the favor of God!

Spiritual Sundays

Psalm 121

1-2 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?

No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

3-4 He won't let you stumble, your Guardian God won't fall asleep. Not on your life!

Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep.

5-6 God's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you— Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke.

7-8 God guards you from every evil, He guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.

I'm reflecting on this psalm today as I pack for my drive home early tomorrow morning. Thank you for your loving prayers for my visit. We are grateful for all the safety that has surrounded us as we have been out so much all around San Diego. As I drive home alone, I'm trusting in God's protection!

May you enjoy your Sunday and a special thanks to Ginger and Charlotte for hosting Spiritual Sundays.

Friday Funnies

Sometimes pictures need no captions! Thanks, Kim, for hosting Friday Funnies!

Smiles From San Diego

I've seen as many cloudy days in San Diego as sunny ones this trip. It hasn't dappened our plans, though. Here we are in the Botanical Gardens. This plant speaks to me of this autumn season!

Mysterious!

We took Susanna to the pediatrican last Friday. She got a vaccine and we took her to IHOP afterwards (so that we would feel better.) This was a first for her. Pumpkin pancakes...yum!

We visited the ocean and enjoyed eating our lunch on the beach, watching the surfers. Today it's suppose to rain. We're heading for the zoo. Hopefully, we'll see the elephants this time!

Visiting The Rock

I've been curious about Rock Church in San Diego since I watched Mike Huckabee feature it on his show last July.

My daughter attends this mega church, Rock Church, and I was amazed at the 3500 seat auditorium that fills up for five services on Sundays. This multi-ethnic sea of people congregate around the vision of Pastor Miles McPherson, the former professional football player turned pastor. I counted 73 outreach ministries in the church bulletin that you can choose from to reach the city of San Diego!

Yesterday, Pastor Miles spoke about The Spoken Word, Rhema. My favorite point that he made was that God is never separated from His Word, unlike we humans who may say something false or even half true and then deny it when confronted. God, on the other hand, always backs up what He says and it is the truth. Also, we were reminded that He is always present in it when His Word is spoken or read!

My favorite scripture was Ezekiel 12:25:
For I am the Lord. I speak and the word which I speak will come to pass. It will no more be postponed for in your days, O rebellious house, I will say the Word and perform it."

Imagine God, who cannot lie, agreeing to perform His Word to those of us who dare to believe it! Awesome.

Rock Church was a great experience for me as the website beckons. And the frosting on the cake was that Susanna loved the nursery!

Spiritual Sunday

I heard a neat teaching on difficult seasons (trials) the other day given by Mike Hayes. Only God can change a difficult season in our lives and He can do it in a Kairos moment and our breakthrough comes. Kairos is Greek for the “opportune” moment!

But what can we do while we wait for our breakthrough? Two things are pertinent: 1) protect our head and 2) protect our heart. We need the helmet of salvation to keep our mind pure and the breastplate to protect our heart. You know how the enemy likes to poison our thoughts and hit us in the vital areas.

Acts 3:19 is the key that moves the hand of God to turn things around for us. Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before.

Metanoia is Greek for repentance. It means to change your mind and turn around. I love to think of the refreshing that follows the obedience of repentance. The metamorphism of the butterfly was the illustration I liked.

Notice this life cycle: In April, butterflies lay eggs on leaves that change to larvae. The caterpillar or worm attaches to a limb and a cocoon is formed. The worm hangs upside down in darkness for about a week and a half. In this stage, the worm melts and a liquid is formed from what was the worm. After this stage the mass stretches out of the cocoon and spreads its wings and a butterfly flies off. It was noted that a butterfly is not a worm with wings, but a whole new creation.

Here’s the lesson for those of us that are hanging upside down in the dark. God is, indeed, changing us. His Spirit is leading us, and cleaning us up and times of refreshing are on the way. The bottom line is “change your mind; God will change your season!”

Thank you, Charlotte and Ginger, for hosting Spiritual Sundays, a place where we are inspired to stay close to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Friday Funnies

Thanks to Kim for hosting Friday Funnies so we can all have a few laughs! Today's entry is a video of my family. Aunty Amy is playing Patty Cake with Susanna. Watch what happens. We cracked up! Have a great Friday, everyone.

Susanna's First Birthday

Spiritual Sunday

Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

A big thank you to you friends who prayed for me today. I arrived safely in San Diego. Your prayers were strengthening, I'll tell you, when I got into the city and four lanes of traffic merged into another four lanes and I had to make sure I was on the correct route. I couldn't have done it without the Lord's help through your prayers and Amy's calm co-piloting!

When we began our road trip this morning and entered our first interstate at about 4:45 a.m. it was pitch black out. We followed a big semi with the back panel of his truck lit up with these words: Jesus is Lord. I thought this was worthy of a Spiritual Sunday post!

You can read inspirational blog posts by dropping by Spiritual Sundays hosted by Ginger and Charlotte.

Friday Funnies

It's Friday and time to encourage each other with some laughs. Kim, the Queen of Fun, hosts Friday Funnies so be sure to laugh a little with her today. Here's my joke:

How I learned to mind my own business:

I was walking past the mental hospital the other day, and all the patients were shouting, '13....13....13.' The fence was too high to see over, but I saw a little gap in the planks, so I looked through to see what was going on..... Some idiot poked me in the eye with a stick! Then they all started shouting '14....14....14'...