July 7

July 7, 2011~

“So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” ~Galatians 3:9, NIV

Lord, today let me see Your hand in everything that happens to, and around me, both in the good and the bad, the pleasant and unpleasant. Help me see them as gifts from You that are helping me grow into the person You know I can be in You. Help my faith grow stronger because I have spent this day with You.

 

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.      The joyful blessings that come from Heaven above!

2.      The little glimpses of hope that come my way!

3.      Sunshine peeking through the clouds!

4.      I’m enjoying my day off… oh, how the time goes by so quickly.

5.      Pretty little bird eggs in one of our birdhouses.

July 6

July 6, 2011 ~

Laughter is Good Medicine!

 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” ~Proverbs 17:22, NIV

As I worked last night, I kept remembering that it was my “Friday!” We were swamped at first and then things really slowed to a crawl. I had time to do some of the downtime chores and enjoy some fun, coworker bonding time, and laugh with my co-workers, who were laughing with me as opposed to at me, even though they had good reason too!  And with that happy note, I am off to enjoy my next few days off!

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.      The ability to laugh at myself!

2.      Beautiful mile walk!

3.      Air conditioner! Makes for an easier time to get the rest I need! I just don’t do well when it is hot!

4.      Good Christian friends for my daughter Alissa!

5.      The anticipation of enjoying the next few days off!

July 5

 July 5, 2011~

As I was on my way in to work last night, the closer I got to town, the more smoke I drove through and the more it sounded like a war zone as people were already starting their firework fun! Flashes were going off all over town. Once at work, it was a very interesting night to say the least! To start with, being July 4th, everyone was at the fireworks, so it was very quiet. Since it was quiet, several of us decided it was a good time to take one of our breaks, and we each took turns going out to watch the fireworks. When it was my turn, I was able to see 5 different displays! It was beautiful! Though, I have to say that it sounded like a war zone. Our breaks came to an end quickly as we got several ambulances at once with firework related injuries, scary stuff when they are not used in the correct way or one of them malfunctions. …and so the rest of the night went!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      The chance to watch a few fireworks! Great views from the top of the garage and helipad!

2.      Time to work in the garden! Weeds are coming along very nicely! ~Smile

3.      Picked my first real picking of strawberries!

4.      Talked to La’Quon today!

5.      Surprise pictures in the mail box of La’Quon!

July 4

July 4, 2011~        

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” ~Psalm 16:11

“There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.” ~Charles Kingsley

“Freedom is that instant between when someone tells you to do something and when you decide how to respond.” ~Jeffrey Borenstein

“We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” ~William Faulkner

“No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.” ~Frederick Douglass, speech, Civil Rights Mass Meeting, Washington, D.C., 1883

When I think of the Fourth of July, immediately my mind thinks: Freedom, United States of America, Religious Freedom, Independence, The Declaration of Independence, Fireworks (and what comes with them…oh, OK, I just work in an emergency room,) barbeques, family fun, and parades. Yet, there is another freedom that comes to my mind today. This freedom is the freedom that I get from my dependence upon the Lord.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free... Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:32 & 36

Oh, may I never forget that dependence upon the Lord is what brings true freedom into my life, freedom of mind, freedom to be who I am meant to be!

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” ~1 Chronicles 16:8

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      I live in the United States of America!

2.      Religious Freedom. This is not something that everyone has.

3.      The courage of the Forefathers of our country who had the courage to fight for the freedom that I now enjoy.

4.      A special day to remember the history of my country.

5.      Most of all for the freedom I have in Jesus, for who He has set free, “Is free, indeed!”

Happy 4^th!

May the Lord continually bless you with the blessings from heaven as well as human joys!

Smiles,

Barbara

July 3

July 3, 2011 ~

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps” ~ Proverbs 16:9

For some reason I am still thinking about yesterday when I was able to visit another church and I enjoyed a Bible class and church service. I went away blessed and encouraged. After church Ron and I had headed to Judy’s for a family dinner and visit with Bill before he heads back home today. We started going back the direction we had come and realized that it was longer than if we choose to take a different highway. So we started a “long” journey to the shortest way. It is rather amusing, thinking back on it now, but our “short cut” turned into a long cut! Since it was a beautiful day I think everyone and their brother were out for a drive on I-5, but then again, maybe it is like that all the time and I just don’t know it.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      Another beautiful day!

2.      Churches I can visit.

3.      My garden is growing

4.      A busy but very enjoyable night at work.

5.      Peter and Candice stopped by right before I was off to work. They had a very nice dog with them!

July 2

July 2, 2011 ~

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” ~Psalms 37:4

I never cease to be amazed at the little details in my life that God works out. Sometimes it’s the “little” things that are not necessarily needs, but little things that just let me know, God really does care and He loves me a whole bunch! I remember a time when Ron and I took the kids up on Mount Hood. We hiked up to Burnt Lake, one of our favorite hiking and backpacking places. The weather was damp and dreary with not much hope of seeing the mountain peek out from behind the thick foreboding clouds. I remember talking with God as I was walking up the path and just mentioning that it would be nice if we could get a peek of the mountain when we got up to the lake. I continued on not giving that another thought. When we got to the lake, there was no beautiful reflections of the mountain on the lake, no blue sky, nothing but clouds. We ate our lunch and got ready for the three mile trek down the trail to the car. Peter and I were the last ones at the lake and all of a sudden a hole began to open up in the sky and to our amazement we could see the snow capped mountain and yes, there was even a reflection of it on the lake. I called to the rest of the family and they quickly came back to see the mountain! And as quickly as it came, it disappeared. Needless to say, I felt very blessed and my steps were much lighter as I walked down the mountain trail to the car. I realized, God does care about my wants as well as my needs! Did I “need” the view of the mountain to survive? No, but He loves me so much He even gave me the desire of my heart that day.  

Today, was my scheduled day to work but due to an unplanned trade with a coworker I was able to have the day off and spend time with my family while one of my brother was here for a visit! Maybe just a little thing but it was something I hadn’t planned, yet God tucked in another little surprise!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      Had the day (night) off! I traded earlier in the week with a coworker who needed Tuesday off not knowing that I’d want today off so I could spend it with family!

2.      An absolutely beautiful day   

3.      Family

4.      Fun and enjoyable time visiting with Bill. It has been at least a couple of years since I saw him.

5.      God cares about even the “little” things in my life!

July 1

July 1, 2011 ~

“In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” Ephesians 1:11, NIV  

As I read this verse today, I asked myself, what does the “purpose of His will” mean?  I believe this is talking about what His ultimate plan is for His children.

His plan is for each and every person on this earth, who is living, or has lived, to have the opportunity to have salvation. Everyone was, and is included in this plan, and everyone will have an opportunity to take a hold of this gift. The final choice is up to us.

Because of Christ we are able to find out who we are and what our purpose is for living. He had a plan for our lives before we were even born, before we even knew the hope of Salvation, yes He had His eye on us! He had, and still has plans for us for glorious living, this is part of His overall purpose and He is continuing to fulfill this purpose in everything and everyone, each and every day.

Even when Satan makes “bad” things happen to us, God can and will use it to accomplish His purpose in our lives and the lives of those around us. He will make everything work out according to His plan. In the end as many as choose Him may enjoy His glorious Salvation. This is His ultimate will.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.      God is sovereignty over all things! He has the final say! Yes, He broke Satan’s power at the cross and now all authority has been given to His Son! (Matthew 28:18)

2.      God is all knowing!

3.      God provides for all my needs.

4.      God is my strong tower! “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 This means there is no temptation or difficulty that I am unable to stand, with Him by my side!

5.      God is everlasting!