Wednesday, March 31, Confidence

Confidence in the resurrection of Jesus and ultimately of my spirit is a choice I make. I either choose to believe or not to believe. I choose to believe the word of God and His Word tells me that I will die, but will live again with Him, therefore I can be confident of my future. My daily time in the Word and in communication with the Father builds that confidence. When I continually choose to believe, it becomes a habit and lifestyle. Father, help me live daily with the confidence given by the Hope you give in your Word. Thank you.

Tuesday, March 30

Quiet day at work. Worked on the 4 new pc's and will probably install them tomorrow. Home for lunch. Ate Senor Salsa leftovers and finished preparing chili for the dinner this evening. Picked up the boy, home to change, grab food and to the church. About 20 there to see and visit with Don. Good food, and Don had photos from St. Louis church. Pretty interesting. Hard to imagine the photos were 40 or so years old. Hard to believe Jan is gone. Home to rest and then to bed.

Tuesday, March 30, Newness

I am constantly reminded that my body is imperfect. I ache and various parts don't seem to work as well as they used to. The funny saying, "Help me!, I've fallen and can't get up!" isn't so funny when you fall and can't get up. Just don't bounce like I used to. TV, newspaper, and magazine ads tell me I am over weight and out of shape, then bombard me with temptation of all kind of wonderful things to continue getting over weight and out of shape. Satan uses information from my rebellious years to flood my mind with evil thoughts. My daily time in the Word and in communication with Him helps me battle against all this. What will my new body be like in Heaven? I don't know and I don't much care because that is in my Father's hands. He has promised it will be new, with no pain, or suffering or mental anguish and struggle. I will be able to praise and worship Him for eternity completely free from this old imperfect world. Hallelujah.

Monday, March 29

Busy but full Monday. Terri went to work. probably shouldn't have but well, what can I say. I worked on new systems most of the day getting them ready and worked on my new/old system getting it back up to speed for my needs. Home for lunch, then back to it. Terri was feeling better so we went to Hobby Lobby and found the Hematite magnetic beads I need for cat fishing. Then to atwoods and got some onions and garlic to plant and several cucumber plants. Got to have cukes this year. We are about out of Terri's pickles. Will get Tomato plants later. Then to Walmart for some shopping. Got ingredients for my Chili # 3 for the potluck dinner Tuesday evening for old friend Don from Missouri here for a visit. Worked on chili, Terri fixed a cherry cake for dessert. I then worked on the HTPC and got my new video with TV out card installed and working. Getting there. Rested and to bed. Full day but got a lot done.

Monday, March 29, Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus gives me hope of eternal life with Him. I don't have to worry about this old world and all it can bring to me. My life here is but a brief moment compared to my life with Him. Talk about peace of mind. No matter what comes my way, if I trust His word and promises, I can make it through. Father, help me to put my trust in you and not in the things of this world. I pray that my life will be a witness to others so that they will put their faith and trust in the resurrection of Jesus. What a gift to us.

Sunday, March28

Up and to church for choir concert. Ward robe malfunction. Had to make emergency repairs. Concerts went very well. Had some foobars, but no one noticed. Both services were quite full. Lost my voice about half way through the 1020 concert. The songs were wonderful. Pray someone gave their heart to Jesus because of the concert. Home to check on Terri. Fixed her some bean soup for lunch. I ate some left over vegetable soup and a piece of stuffed pizza. Oh YUM. rested all afternoon and in fact took a good nap. She slept quite a bit. Was good for her. Picked up a couple of coney's from Sonic and we doctored them up at home. Just visited and rested until to bed. Good day and maybe a little improvement in her bronchitis.

Sunday, March 28, Death

Death is something a lot of people prefer to ignore unless it is something they are watching in a movie. They tend to think it happens to other people but not to them. Terri and my headstone is already in place and I joke about stopping by once in a while to make sure the end date hasn't been put on already.. However, I do not joke about real death, which would be separation from the Father for eternity. It was that thought that brought me back from my rebellion. I could not stand the thought of being separated from God forever. It was a healthy fear for me. Now, I look forward to the freedom from this old world. I don't care whether I have a huge mansion in heaven or a small tent as long as I am with Jesus and can spend eternity worshiping and praising Him. Father, help me to do your work here on earth until it is your time to take me home.

Saturday, March 27

Up and at it. Choir practice at 9. Went through the entire musical and it went well. Good practice. Home to check on Terri. Her mom had tickets to a chicken noodle lunch at the Nazarene church, so met her there. Figured it would be good for Terri. Was very good. Yum.
Took Terri back home and put her to bed. Worked on computer until time to leave for Ron and Tammy's recommittment ceremonty. It was very nicely done. Got to visit with Rob & Lori again and got to see and talk to Trent, Krystyn and Ryan. Bryanna was entertaining as always and Kaitylyn was smiling a lot. Was a really nice time. Home and worked on photos on the computer and then took a nap. Ordered a stuffed pizza from Papa Murphy's. Another YUM. Watched The Blind Side movie. Awesome story. Worth taking the time to watch. Then to bed.

Saturday, March 27, The Cross

The cross has been symbolized so much I fear it has become just an object of religion. When I watched the movie about Jesus' last few days and it showed the incredible amount of suffering He went through and the way he was nailed (spiked really) to those wooden beams, it made it much more real for me. I cannot imagine what it was like. Yet, He tells us that separation from HIm for eternity will be worse than what He suffered. When I think of what He went through for me, it is very humbling. I really don't have much of a cross to bear in this old world. Father, keep me focused on the eternal life you have promised and help me keep this old world in perspective. Thank you for loving me so very much.

Friday, March 26

Working on rebuilding my work system. My backup system needed work too so was out of pocket most of the day. Left cell phones at home too. what a day. Terri to Dr and he gave her medicine and instructions. sinusitis and bronchitis. Will get worse before it gets better. At least she went to the Dr before it got too bad this time. Ate at Braums. She had a chocolate malt and a few fries. I had a jalepeno burger. YUM. Home to go fishing and couldn't find keys to the mariner. Have lost them before but not both sets. Called Allyson and she had a set in her purse. Wonder where the other set is..hmm. Terri to rest I thought and me to fish. Below Copan Dam. Cold and windy. 3 gates open, but I think the fish are still lethargic and moving around yet. No bites on cut bait. Oh well. Part of the fishing game. Terri had gone to get some medicine the Dr told her to use and got some groceries while out. Some rest. She did rest the rest of the evening after we cooked a hamburger and I ate a bowl of my soup. Both were very good.

Friday, March 26, Rememberance

Good devotional today. Emphasizes daily devotions, but also points out that my communication with the Father is not restricted to a set time and place. When I include Him in every aspect of my life, He becomes the focus, my support and gives a better perspective on life. Good stuff and bad stuff happens because we live in an imperfect world, but through it all, He is with me and if I cling to Him and trust Him, He has promised to take me home to be with Him. Father, help me to include you in every thing I do and say.

Thursday, March 25

another busy day at work. Terri is suffering from a bad cold brought on by working in the yard. Got to get it to the point she/we don't have to do much. Ate at Taco Village for lunch. Picked the boy up and took him to McDonalds. Ally and Nathan met us there, then to Mema's. Took him home and treated Terri to Braums. Home to rest and bed. Bradford Pears and Dogwoods are about to bloom. Almost time to go fishing for Sand Bass..

Thursday, March 25, Substitution

Amazing Grace. How can I expound on today's devotional. I sit here and choke up and am brought to tears at what He did for me. Thank you Father for loving me so much. Help me return that love to you and to share it with others that they might understand what you did for them.

Wednesday, March 24

Busy day. took terri to Luigi's for lunch. YUM. good stuff. She had lasagna and I had manicotti. Sleepy all afternoon..LOL. Beef strogonoff for supper at the school was less than desirable, then to choir practice. Went through the contata. A couple rough spots but all in all sounded good. Will be a good concert. Songs are really pretty awesome. Then home to rest. Ally brought us a couple McD burgers to help ease the less than desirable supper..LOL. Terri not feeling very good. Hope her meds kick in quick and she sleeps good. Went a week without her heart pills. not a good thing.

Wednesday, March 24, Servant

Jesus was an example of a servant leader. I read that He did not ask His followers to do anything that He had not done or was willing to do along side them. In a supervisor's class I took, we were taught that as supervisors we should be working for our employees. It is a concept that many in leadership today have forgotten. Father, help me to serve others whether or not I am in a leadership position.

Tuesday, March 23

I will add comments later.

Tuesday, March 23, Motivation

Good leadership motivates me. By reading God's word daily, I am motivated to stay the course and try to lead and motivate others to follow Him. Good speakers on subjects I am interested in motivate me, sometimes to take action and sometimes it just uplifts me. Part of my devotional time is listening to good gospel music. This not only enhances my worship time but up lifts me and motivates me to be a positive person for the day.

Monday, March 22

Busy day. Took Cinnamon to groomers. Wrong day..sigh. back home, then to work. Picked Terri up at 1000 and we took Cinnamon and Wiggles to Vet for shots. Took Rags on his last ride. He went to sleep quickly and easily. Will bury him next to snickers and the other dogs from past years. Tough to do, but part of being responsible for him. Rest of day went well. Went to Walmart on way home and picked up new dog beds. Then to KFC for some good old FRIED CHICKEN. YUM...Then home. Threw out all the old dog blankets and beds and Terri gave the dogs a bath. Starting off all clean now. Went to dad's to work on his new computer. Got quite a bit done for him. He ran his "wand" thingy over my knee. No sign of improvement. Home and worked on the HTPC. No luck on drivers for the TV card yet. emailed Hauppauge. Will see. To bed.

Monday, March 22, Rationalization

It is so easy to use rationalization to do or not do something. I want something or want to do something, so I rationalize until I have convince myself to buy or do. Not always is this wrong, but it can be a trap to sin. It still comes down to a choice whether I rationalize or not, I choose to do or not do. Daily communication with the Father, and reading His Word, helps me stop this mental game and simply make right choices. It can be tough, but God is faithful. Thank you Father for being with me in all my choices. Help me to ask you for guidance in all things.

Sunday, March 21, example

I am an example to others whether or not I want to be. I am either a good example or a bad example. It is my choice on a moment by moment basis. By spending daily time in the Word and communicationg with the Father, I give myself a better start on being a good example each day. Father, help me to Man Up on a daily basis, and apply your word to my daily choices, actions and words.

Saturday and Sunday, March20 & 21.

Snow. Lots of it. Fortunately the ground is warm and the 5+ inches is melting fast. Did not go to church but found out they had the 1020 service. Hate missing. I worked on finances most of the day Saturday. Went to mom and dads and worked on his computer. Again on Sunday afternoon. I worked on a HTPC. need to find drivers for the old TV card Nathan gave me. Fixed home made vegetable soup sunday. Was good. Terri went shopping with her mom and got some nice clothes. Happy for her. Mom fixed sloppy joes for supper. Home to rest. I worked on computer some more. Making progress. Burned lots of wood this weekend.

Saturday, March 20, Delegation

I have a strong tendency to do things myself because no one can do them as good as I can. A good way to get burned out or shut down. God tells me in His word to delegate. By delegating to others, I teach them how to do something, help them grow in confidence, and develope their own leadership ability. I will not be around forever, so training my replacement is crucial. It is also God's plan to keep me from being overwhelmed. He knows my limitations. Father, help me to delegate and to accept a lesser role when someone delegates to me.

Friday, March 19, Example

Jesus' taught his followers, led his followers, and served his followers. What an example to us as individuals. No matter my circumstance I am a leader. Whether a leader in the church, at work, or at home, I must follow Jesus' example to be the best leader I can be. I have to leave the mistakes of the past in Jesus' hands and strive to be the best I can be today.

Thursday, March 18, Decisions

Making daily decisions can be tough. Having daily devotions and communicating with the Father is one way of helping to make those decisions easier. Having good Christian friends to bounce things off is also biblical. I am still learning how to take decisions to Him. Doing things my way is not an easy habit to break. God is teaching me. Father help me to listen to your word and apply it to my life regarding decision making. Thank you.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, March 17, 18, 19

Sure slept in these three days. Going to be hard to remember what all went on. Let's see now. Wednesday, another day at work, then choir practice that evening. Going pretty good for the Easter Contata. Home to rest and then to bed. Thursday, up and at it again. Allyson picked up the boy and they played until we got home. Had supper...squid dogs.. then over to see Mema. Took him home and we went shopping at Walmart. home to rest and bed. Friday is another beautiful day in the mid 70s. Hard to stay at work. should be fishing..so after work we loaded up and went fishing. Nathan and his dad went with us. Ran into a couple guys from work at the same place. Nathan caught a nice crappie, then Terri caught one and then Nathan's dad caught one. Guy from work gave us their basket of fish. Nathan caught another one. I got nothing. Skunked again..LOL. Cold front moved in fast and wind changed from the south to the north and hit us head on. Time to leave. Took Terri to the Copan truck stop for supper. We shared Prime Rib. YUM. Home to rest and to bed. Been a pretty good week.

Wednesday, March 17, Character

Character matters. I can say this from past experience. I failed as a leader in the church because of my sinful and rebellious actions. By meeting with God in my daily devotions, He teaches me about His character and that is what I want to emulate. As we have seen in the political news far too often, private life directly affects public life. Father teach me daily how to reflect the character of God in my life.

Tuesday, March 16

Another rough night. Woke up and couldn't breathe. Back to the recliner and finally to sleep. Got Terri up at 600 so she could get around. She had to be at Colonial by 700 to cover for the manager who had a meeting. I headed to Nowata to work on a broke pc. Back to Bartlesville to build a new hard drive. decommissioned several old computers. Worked in the office the rest of the day. Met Ron, Tammy and 2 babies, Rob and Lori, Allyson and Nathan at Mazzio's for buffet supper. Had a good visit with the kids. Brad's dad was at their place so he and Meg couldn't come up. Home to rest and to bed.

Tuesday, March 16, Change

I am in the computer business and nothing changes faster than that it seems, yet I find I am resistant to change in many ways. I like things to stay the same and not rock the boat so to speak. Change is all around me and I have to learn to adapt to it. Most importantly, God is in the change business and I need to let Him work change in my life. Father, continue to work in my life. Help me to be open to needed changes and to learn to trust you daily.

Monday, March 15, Challenges

Life is a challenge. I cannot face or take on these challenges without God. Alone, it becomes frustrating and defeating. With God, we have a purpose and a goal. Every challenge has risk. By daily feeding on His Word and communicating with Him, I gain wisdom and understanding about those risks and can prepare. Daily preparation helps me face each challenge and avoid the risks involved. By successfully meeting challenges, I grow in knowledge, strength, and wisdom. Thank you Father for teaching me. Help me to listen and apply your lessons to my life.

Monday, March 15

Rough night. Woke up around 3am and couldn't breathe. Fought it and finally went and slept in the recliner. Don't know what is going on. Made it through the day. Got home and Terri and I walked to homeland about a mile round trip, then fixed supper and rested for the evening. To bed.

Sunday, March 14

Slept in. Missed my devotion time. bummer. Off to church, choir practice, then service. Song went great. Good meaning. Good message on Patience. ouch. need to practice it more and more. Took Terri to the new restaurant next to Goldies. had a good breakfast. She had a waffle and I had a skillet breakfast. Cowboy potatoes with ham and scrambled eggs, peppers, onions and mushrooms. Was good. Home to work on taxes. Have Allyson's ready for her to sign and mail. Worked on ours. Refund from Fed but have to pay State. Lost our last dependent. the baby has grown up. bummer. We are going to have to adjust some deductions on payroll to make sure we are covered good enough next year. Watched tv a bit, then to bed. Time change last night and now we have enough light in the evenings to go fishing after work as soon as Terri's license comes.

Saturday, March 13 & Sunday March 14, Leadership

Having been in a position of leadership, it is a tough assignment. One has to balance the relationship between those in authority over you and those you are responsible for. As the Bible teaches us, leadership is servant hood, and a leader should serve those they lead. Both in leading them with character and integrity and in leading them in the direction higher authority wants. A supervisor class I took taught that a supervisor should actually work for their employees. Unfortunately, many times in this age, leadership is taken as an opportunity to take advantage of those under the leader. There is either a lack of responsibility for those to be led or an assumption of power over them. I come back to the daily communication with my Father who teaches me to be humble before him and a representative of Him. Seeking His guidance through the Word, leads me to be a true leader for Him. Now that I am no longer a supervisor or manager of people, this does not let me off the hook to strive for the principles of leadership in the Bible. I have family, children and grandchildren who look to me for leadership, sometimes whether they think they do or not. And regardless if they look to me or not, I still must portray Godly leadership. It is a tough assignment, but God teaches us how to do it. Father help me pay attention to your leadership role and to emulate it for others.

Saturday, March 13

Up at 445am, got ready, met Nathan at his grandpa's, loaded up the boat and headed up to the lake. Got in line and got checked in. John got there and we loaded his gear. Launched by 630am and on the water. Windy. Headed up to a spot John recommended. Boats there, so went on up to some others. Caught three crappie between 700am and 730am. No more hits. Wind kicking up pretty badly, so decided to move. Pulled the basket up and both of the larger crappie were gone. Guess the water bounced the bottom open and they swam out. Put the little one in the live well in case we wanted to use it for catfish bait. Found a couple good spots out of the wind but no hits. Snagged up a few times so thought we were over brush, but no fish. Fought the wind all day and it wore us out. Released the dink we caught, loaded the boat and left. Talked to the tournament director and there were some good stringers turned in. One was 8lbs 7oz, so some good crappie taken. We think they were up in the river channel. Got back in time to watch Allyson run in a 5K run. She did well, but she felt she should have done better. Always cheer her on and think she does awesome. Took Allyson and Nathan to La Fiesta and then home to rest and to bed. Long day. Very tired.

Friday, March 12, Leadership

Wow. tough one. How can anyone fill those requirements, but by God's grace and help. I particularly like how God points out the servant part of leadership. I have been a leader in the past and am looking back to see how I measure up to the devotional's criteria. Did I do it for myself or to serve. It is a good point. Father, if I am ever in a leadership role again, help me to have a servant's heart and to show Christ in my actions.

Thursday, March 11

Busy day again. Makes them go faster I guess. Terri, her boss and I ate at a downtown church. Beans and corn bread. was very good. Got the boy and to Mema's for supper. He had corndogs and cottage cheese. We had Salmon patties and fried potatoes. YUM. He was onery this evening. Took him home and then to walmart for some shopping. Home to rest. Meg came up and got some things, then back home. Us to bed.

Thursday, March 11, Selfish ambition

How do I guard against selfish ambition. The devotional indicates that by focusing more on serving Jesus, selfish ambition fades and becomes less and less. I have to agree. As I get older, the things I used to count as important, house, cars, and in general owning things, is becoming less important. I am becoming more interested in getting to heaven and seeing that those I love and come in contact with see Christ in me and will choose to go His way, too. Father help me see what is truly important and keep me focused on accomplishing your work.

Wednesday, March 10

I actually got to work from my office today. Got quite a bit done. Got to get it cleaned up and out, so have been working on that. Taco Village with my sweetie, then back to the office. Taco salad for supper at the church and enjoyed visiting with Mom and Dad and others. Then choir practice. Tough music but very beautiful with a wonderful message. Home to rest and then to bed.

Wednesday, March 10, Ambition

Today's devotional is on when ambition is harmful. It quickly points out that when my goal is for my own personal edification, then I need to take a good careful look at my ambition. I think this is a good daily guide to follow in anything I do. A good double check. Daily communication with the Father helps me keep my ambition focused on Him and not myself. Not being an overly ambitious person, these two days have been interesting and thought provoking. Father keep me focused on being properly ambitious for You and what You want me to accomplish.

Tuesday, March 9

Up and Terri to Nowata and me back to Dewey. Got a lot done. One more ticket item there. Finally landed in my office for the rest of the day. Poached a ticket in Tulsa and helped Level 2 Help desk fix a printer issue in Siloam. Got to branch out a bit today. Terri and I ate at Pizza Hut on Madison. Taco pizza was good. Service was not. Will not go back. Home to just rest. Both tired. Working on a HTPC for the Sun Room. Can't get my head wrapped around it. To bed and dreamt about it and maybe got it figured out. Now that is bizarre.

Tuesday, March 9, Ambition

I think God gave me some insight during the missions conference that I have never had before. He has a work for me to do. It is not to be considered nor analyzed by this world's standards. I have for too many years compared myself to others and in my mind fallen short. God opened my eyes to what He wants me to do for Him. Simply live for Him, work hard using the skills He has given me, Serve Him with the talents He has given me(park cars, setup for Ten20, and sing in the choir), give what He leads me to give, Pray diligently for those serving Him in other capacities. The scripture that He put in my mind was Mark 12:42 & 43, when Jesus talked about the two mites the widow gave. and then the song "Little is Much When God Is In It". He has given me new ambition to do my part and trust Him with the results. Father, thank you for giving me your Word.

Monday, March 8

Worked all day in Dewey. Terri took me to the church at 5pm to work the parking lot for the upward basketball program this evening. filled the parking lot. Had three adults and three teenagers to do the work..whew. were busy. Got them all parked, then had a scout program going on and the school board meeting, so had to find spaces for all those people. We were busy. Glad for the two golf cart limos to haul people. was windy and rainy. Police reserve helped with traffic and we had the lot emptied in about 40 min or so. Terri and I to Taco Bueno for a late supper, then home to bed. Tired.

Monday, March 8, Hiding Sin

Why do we think we can hide from God. In my rebellion I wasn't trying to hide from God but was simply exerting my own will over His. I wanted to do my own thing. Unfortunately my choices led to some actions that I hope and pray are buried in the deepest sea, never to be remembered against me again. When I stand before God, nothing will be hidden. All will be revealed. Thank God for his forgiveness and redemption plan that will cover all my sins on that day...IF I continue to live for Him. Daily communication with my Father helps me make right choices and to live for Him.

Sunday, March 7

Up and to church. Choir sounded great today. Wonderful song "Preach the Word" for Missions Sunday. Fred spoke on how we are participators in the Mission field because we pray and financially support the missionaries. Took Terri to the recently opened restaraunt for breakfast after church. Good food, quick and service was good. Will go back. Worked on the East yard cleaning it up. getting ready to go back to grass. lower the maintenance needs there. Wore out and took a nap. Worked on computer for Nathan's friend Justin. Got it going. Had good visit with the kids. To bed.

Sunday, March 7, Blessing

I believe it is ok to try and become wealthy, but the key to that is my reason for wanting that wealth. What do I wish to do with what I gain. Buy bigger houses, more expensive cars, bigger and better computers, fancier clothes, and on and on. God has given me examples in the Bible of wealth that was used for Him. There are also examples of those who had much and squandered it mindlessly. There will always be consequences for the choices I make with my wealth. Daily communication with God will open my heart and mind to making Godly choices. I sometimes pray this scripture from Proverbs 30: 8 and 9. "...give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." Not that I don't want to obtain wealth, but because I do not want to succumb to greed. As I get older, I have become less enchanted with all the things of this world. Deaccumulate is a new word that I am trying to implement. It is very difficult to do. Father help me to deaccumulate all the extra and frills in my life that I might be more able to respond to you. Help me to use the wealth you have given me wisely and to help build your kingdom. Keep the real definition of wealth clearly focused in my mind.

Saturday, March 6

Up at 4am, picked Nathan up at 435, Left mom's at 5am for Kaw lake. On the water by 630 and off to find brush piles and what might be lurking in them. Beautiful day and saw one mature bald eagle hanging around. Great sight. God has sure created a magnificent world. Heaven will be so much better. Anyway, we caught fish all morning. Some we had to work for and some were easier. Probably around 50 keepers or so. Left for home around 2pm. Nathan and I cleaned fish and Mike uncovered the new strawberry bed. Terri and I went to the final game of the Lonestar basketball tournament and Mike fried fish for Mom, Allyson and Nathan. We stopped by after our Monterey date on the way to the game and I got to taste some of the fish. YUM. Game was fun and very good. Home to rest and bed.

Friday, March 5

Another busy day. My brother in law Mike came up and we went fishing Friday afternoon. He caught a few and I had a zero for the day. He cooked steaks for us that evening. Mom, Terri, myself and Nathan were the partakers of awesome food. Mike, you spoil us.

Saturday, March 6, Success

I am constantly bombarded with the world's view on success. It is difficult for me to ignore it but I must focus on God's view of success. As I get older it becomes a constant battle to succeed financially so I don't have to worry about retirement years, yet God has done some wonderful things. It has to have been His hand. Yet, I also worry about my family's salvation and them serving the Lord. I feel that if I had concentrated on serving the Lord instead of rebelling and going my own way for so many years, more of my family would choose to serve Him. I understand it is their choice, but still if I had been a good example...Father, help me live for your success today and redeem the lost time. I do see you moving in people. Thank you.

Friday, March 5, Success

God wants me to be a success His way. The only way I can do that is read His Word daily and be in daily communication with Him, opening my heart and mind to what He is telling and instructing me. Then, because He has given me complete freedom of will, I must make the choice to follow His instruction. This wonderful devotional book just keeps coming back to my choosing to spend daily time in His Word and Prayer. Father, continue to work in my life, changing my perception of success from the world's view to Your view.

Thursday, March 4

Another good day at work. Actually got to stay in my office most of the day and work remote. Was kind of nice. Home for lunch, dropped Terri's application for lifetime fishing license off at WalMart for the Game Warden to sign. Picked up Ryan after work and it was light enough for him to play outside for a while. I cleaned up the back yard since the yard treatment people will be here on Friday. Went to Mema's and Mike was there. nice surprise to see him. Home to rest a while and then to bed.

Thursday, March 4, Success

My failures have turned into success by being an example to me of what I don't want to happen. They show me what to avoid, choices not to make, consequences I don't want. They also show me God's great love and forgiveness. Sometimes those failures can be an example to help someone else. Now that I am no longer in rebellion, I can live each day knowing He is with me helping me to succeed in my daily life. I still fail, but my failures are not a result of my willful rebellion. Thank you Father for your love and Grace and your great plan that gives us the right to choose. Choosing to live for you gives freedom from the fear of failure.

Wednesday, March 3

Terri to work and me to Vinita. Long day. Stopped at Nowata on the way back and knocked out some more tickets. Instead of regular supper at the church, it was the taste of nations for missions week. Lots of good stuff. Terri didn't like much of it, but I enjoyed most of it. The South Africa stew on rice cleared sinus' and pipes. Great taste but spicy hot. whew. Choir practice was good. worked hard on the Easter program. Home to rest then bed.

Wednesday, March 3, Failure

As I read the Bible, I see how the great men of God failed at times. Yet most of them fell before God, asked for forgiveness and then got up and kept on doing their best for Him. In reading the Old Testament accounts, it amazes me how some who had seen the mighty power of God in their lives and country, turned away and did not repent. By reading the word daily, God shows me how to live. He shows me that when I fail, I can ask for forgiveness, receive it, and continue on walking with Him. What a wonderful God. Father, help me to keep on keeping on and leave the past failures behind. Thank you for your continuing forgiveness and patience.

Tuesday, March 2

What a day. Took Ryan to school. busy for both me and Terri. Then a family crisis. Asked God to be with us and He was. Continuing to pray and support. Took the kids to Meg's restaurant in Tulsa for a late dinner. was good. Our family, like all, need daily prayer.

Tueday, March 2, Failure

One of Satan's best tools to hammer me with. It seems all I can see when I look back is failure in my walk with God. Selfish rebellion, wanting my own way, going my own way. Satan continually tells me I can't make it. It is so important that I spend daily time in His Word reading how He continually forgives and walks with me. He is faithful and I am trusting Him to be with me to the end. I have to make that choice to accept His forgiveness, forgive myself, and move on. My daily communication with Him helps me overcome Satan's attacks about failure.

Monday, March 1

Early call from Bec. She and Bill are sick. Would we..of course. Picked Ryan up and took him to school. Had a busy day again. Home for lunch with leftovers. Good stuff. Terri had manwich and I had home made veg soup. Yum..Back to work. I left early to get papers for Terri and her mom so they could join an aquasize class, then to get Ryan and then Terri from work. Met Grandpa Marvin and Grandma Grace at Ocean China. Ryan entertained us all. Then to see Mema for a few minutes and home to bed. Had to have some corn dogs for a snack. Watching Lilo and Stitch falling asleep.

Monday, March 1, Forgiveness

All the years of my rebellion, Satan hammered me with the thought that God would not forgive me. He has and now is working in me to forgive myself and go on. Being in His Word on a daily basis feeds me with His promises and Love. Spending daily time in communication with Him strenghtens me. He remembers my past no more, and I need to put it behind me and go forward with Him.

Sunday, February 28

Slept a little later this morning. Had devotions. Terri not feeling well. Running temperature. Probably infection in her eyelid. I went to church. Song was awesome and went well. Missionary Jim Eckert spoke. God is working. Picked up antibiotics on the way home. Came home and worked on finances and taxes, watched tv with Terri. Fixed manwich and charro beans for lunch. Nathan and Allyson brought pizza over for supper and brought Terri a chocolate malt. All she wanted. Put the pork roast out of the crock pot in the fridge for another day. Fire in stove was wonderful this evening.