Back Home Again in Indiana!

They say, don't be said because you have to leave a great memory or experience, just be glad you did it!

And, that is how I view our trip to Burbank, California.

If you want to read the particulars, I have copied and pasted a Thank You letter to the ACD Festival on www.soudersentinel.blogspot.com.  The Star will be putting an article in as well.  We did get our picture taken with Jay Leno in the Green Room and talked with him.  They promise to email that.  I am praying for that.  They had let go 20 people from NBC Leno and now I wonder if we will see it.
The tour of his garage is mouth dropping and what a memory of that, but only fleeting.  Since they won't let you tape or take pictures.  What a gift from God.  I do recommend you go in and read it.

Jet lag was worse going out then coming home.  Pretty much caught up now and preparing for all the events of ACD for next week.  What we did miss very much was all the birds, little animals, even insects, and flowers.  We saw one monarch butterfly.  They replace their flowers every six months, and they were in the process of tearing them all out and replacing while we were there.  We saw some flowered trees.  Meanwhile our house sitter/ dog sitter was going on about the big black snake, two fawns, our visiting for food cat, squirrels, and all kinds of things going on back here.  Pretty cute.
She must be a dog whisperer, because she taught Dakota how to eat off a plate.  For 12 years she and I have gone round and round about eating.  Boy am I stupid.  So - if you want to see other pictures, go to my facebook page.  Faith Souder.

Until we Meet Again!

By next weekend I hope to have pictures of our trip to Burbank, California and where we see Jay Leno.

Until then pray for us a safe trip.  I am sure we will have some amusing stories to tell.  Two older people getting on and off airplanes.

GOD'S APPOINTMENT. . .

With our Circumstances!

Proverbs 16: 9

A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.

Reading on into Proverbs 16: 25 - His Word indicates we want Him to be quick about a circumstance that we are currently involved in, but He has His timing and it is, of course,  better.

I like thinking and preparing for  the idea that God has appointment with our circumstances.  It is after all another opportunity to utilize that "P" word.  Patience!

How many different circumstances can I name here for everyone I know.  I couldn't handle what Anna Bell is dealing with.  12 days of a temperature over 101.   Nor the people that are still rebuilding their homes, down south, out west. . .pick a direction. 

Let us take some time today and every day to thank Him for showing up when we need Him.  Whether we like the timing or not.  Another old time friend is watching her daughter go from hospital to hospital, to nursing home.  Nine months now!  And, yet, we know in our heart and spirit that Deut. 31: 8 is true.  He goes before us, He goes with us, we need not be unnerved for He never fails or forsakes us.  So, today, I too, wait for a physical healing, and know He will show me the way.

CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART!

Besides delighting myself in the Lord, it also stems from needing that clean heart, and a good attitude.

Psalms 51: 10,11, and 12

Ps 10:  Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.

This is a very clear cut, upfront written commandment from the Lord.  If He says create in me a clean heart, then He must know it is possible.  Chew on that for a minute.  Is that not fantastic that He knows it is possible for us to have a clean heart.  All we have to do is ask for for HELP.    I sure wish I knew was it the never-ending heat or what made me lose my temper two days running with my beloved Dakota.  She is my buddy as most of you know.  I was in a hurry and had things to do, and she just would not go to the bathroom.  And, then the storms came.  Well, that did not add to my mood.  Poor little girl.  And, of course it played out in other areas of my life until I realized what was happening.  After a zillion "I am sorry" sob stories to the Lord, John, and Dakota, of course my devotions this morning were Psalm 51. 10, 11, and 12.  I can not tell you how many times that has happened and I am so thankful to God there are no coincidences in life. 

I so needed a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit.  We need to check ourselves into the Hotel Bible every night.  We need to evaluate our day and not let irritations, distractions, and the enemy trip us up.

Ps: 11  Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Enough said there!

Ps: 12  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.

And, then the best part!  Restore my JOY, Take Me Back Lord, and Help me be willing to not only give into those daily pesty nothings, but be willing to always want Your spirit within me.  He knows it is difficult, but He still knows we can do it.  Thank you God for the awesome reconciliation and forgiveness you always have for us.

Are you checking yourself out daily?  Are you evaluating how you handle those daily distractions?