Random Dozen #7

1. I've always wondered why we were taught both printing and cursive. Do you prefer to print or write cursive? (Keyboard is not a choice.)

Actually, most of the time I do a combination of the two! Maybe I need therapy ...

2. Are you a dreamer or a realist?

Totally a dreamer. Living in a dreamworld was how I coped with the reality of living around an alcoholic father.

3. Billy Joel or Elton John?

Sorry, neither.

4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not limited to horror flicks but also includes ones where the tension or suspense is killer, for example, Flightplan (2005): A bereaved woman and her daughter are flying home from Berlin to America. At 30,000 feet the child vanishes and nobody admits she was ever on that plan.

I've always tried to stay away from scary movies. Believe it or not, I had to sleep with my sister after I saw the movie "Ghostbusters." If it's a suspenseful movie (I did see Flightplan) I sit on the edge of my chair wringing my hands.

5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had?

When my daughter was missing. I haven't got over it yet. (It's a long story ...)

6. What word do you misspell without fail?

I have trouble spelling wierd... or is it weird?

7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at.

I only like to do things that I'm good at! No, wait, I just remembered that I like to go bowling but I'm a lousy bowler. If I break 100 I feel good about it. I keep believing that I will figure out the secret to making strikes all the time.

8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?

Alone time - that's how I get into my dreamworld!

9. Have you ever been on TV?

No. Since I've heard that being on TV adds 10 lbs. to the way you look, I sure don't want to be on TV ever.

10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.)

Pumpkin

11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have?

None

12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning?

I learn over and over again how dangerous it is to procrastinate.

If you'd like to see how others answered these questions, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Prayer - Don't Give Up!

The topic for this month's What's On Your Mind, '09, is prayer. I'm linking this post at Shane's Heart Reflections. Please visit her to read more on this subject.

I hesitate to share the following because I do not want any credit for doing what God told me to do, but I think this kind of thing happens all the time. I want to encourage my sisters in the Lord to pray and not give up when it seems nothing is happening, or it seems too hard.

Recently, our church has been talking about the need for prayer. We feel that our church really needs a move of God and that requires prayer.

I felt that the time for talking about it was past; now, it was time to start praying! I felt that God wanted me to start coming about 45 minutes early to evening church on Sundays to pray.

Let me be honest. I didn't want to do that. Sunday afternoons are sacred to me - it's my one opportunity to take a nap. If things went well, by that I mean if I got dinner on the table at a reasonable time and got the kitchen cleaned up quickly, I might have an hour on Sundays to nap. If I have to leave early to pray, there goes my nap.

But I have needs. My family has needs. My church has needs. I have all these things that I want to see God do and yet I can't give up a nap to seek His face?

So, the first week, I went early and prayed. I had invited others to come but things happened and I was the only one there. I felt good about it, though, and even though I didn't see any change yet, I felt groundwork had been laid.

Let me tell you, that all hell broke loose that week. Some of these things I had discussed in earlier posts, some I haven't shared.

I thought about quitting. But no, I am not a quitter, and I had made a commitment to PUSH - pray until something happens.

The next week, a lady joined me in coming early to pray. You're not going to believe this, but the next day, that lady found out her brother was murdered! Later on in the week, I got stung by a wasp and my leg swelled up and made life miserable. (I'm highly allergic to wasps.) Our ladies retreat had to be postponed due to bad weather and several of the ladies having emergencies in their families.

I hesitated to share this with you because I'm sure you're thinking, "well, what good did that praying do?"

Of course, I've been asking God the same thing. Here is a scripture that the Holy Spirit brought to mind:

"Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia." Daniel 10:12-13 NIV

The prince of the Persian kingdom is a demonic spirit trying to keep God's answer to prayer from getting through.

I take comfort from this. Even though it may not feel like it, my call to prayer was from God. Even though it may not feel like it, God does hear my prayer. Even though it may not feel like it, an answer is on its way.

Is this the time to quit praying? NO!

Do I pray even though evidence against it seems overwhelming? YES!

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

This past Sunday, I was at it again. I know the answer is coming.

I hope you'll continue to check in here at Jerri's Journey, because when the answers start coming in, I'll be sharing about it!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - October 12, 2009

FOR TODAY...October 12th from Jerri's Daybook

Outside my window... a cool fall morning.

I am thinking... about what it means to be a worshipper.

I am thankful for... health. Last week, I was stung on my leg by a wasp. I am highly allergic to wasps. My leg swelled and turned red and I was sooo uncomfortable for two days. But on the third day, I was back to normal. I'm telling you, you don't realize how great it is just to feel normal until you've had some part of your body give you trouble!

I am wearing... gray slacks, black top, and black shoes and socks.

I am remembering... my granny and how much I miss her.

I am going... to make this week count!

I am reading... Philippians.

I am hoping... to be a positive influence.

On my mind... responsibilities of leadership. May I not take them lightly!

Noticing that... mums are everywhere now that fall is here! My favorite mums are the yellow ones. What is your favorite color of mums?

Pondering these words... "Our God is Bigger than Our Circumstances."

From the kitchen... chili or spaghetti, I haven't decided yet.

Around the house... I need to change the summer clothes to fall clothes ...

One of my favorite things... new clothes! (Just keepin' it real ...)

From my picture journal...

I took this picture last spring of my friend Brenda standing beneath one of the prettiest flowering trees I've ever seen. The tree was all blossoms!

Would you like to read other daybooks? Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Random Dozen #5

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself?

Unfortunately, every time I go into Penney's so I try to stay out of there!

2. Are you more like Hall or Oates? Just kidding. Real question: What is the last creative project you began/finished? Feel free to post a pic of it.

A wall arrangment made out of items I bought at a yard sale and then my hubby spray painted them.

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right?

Too little. We have 4 females and one bathroom. Enough said.

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore?

Ummm... well, I'm not an outdoor person. My hubby and I kind of follow the pattern my parents established - Mom does the inside chores, Dad does the outside.

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not?

No, I would never use cigarettes, I think it's a bad witness, and also I can't afford them!

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride?

Definitely ride, I like to look at the scenery more than pay attention to the road!

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit?

Trying to please everyone - it will never happen!

8. This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it?

I'll try to read a book at least half way through to see if it will finally get better (ususally it does!) but my attention span for movies is not very long at all, so I give up after 10 minutes or so.


9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates?

I love songs from the Sound of Music - Doe A Deer, and These Are a Few of My Favorite Things. I also like "Just a Spoonful of Sugar" from Mary Poppins. Oh no! I've quoted songs from MUSICALS. LOL.


10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you?

Umm.. 2.


11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob?

Nope, I eat it all ... unfortunately.


12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life?

This is an interesting question. My first thought was to say my kids, but they're nearly grown. Really, trying to control myself is a full time occupation!


Would you like to see other bloggers answers to the Random Dozen? Visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - October 5, 2009

FOR TODAY, MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH EDITION...

Outside my window... a cool, fall morning.

I am thinking... of yesterday's sermon regarding Caleb and Joshua who believed and the ten spies who didn't. Did you know the spies were all leaders from each tribe? So, sometimes leadership is wrong!

I am thankful for... health and safety. My boss had a mild stroke this week, and two ladies just up the road from me were attacked and beaten.

From the kitchen... hot dog roll ups tonight, crockpot rotisserie chicken tomorrow.

I am wearing... gray slacks, black cami and a red blazer. And shoes and socks, not sandals, for the first time this year!

I am creating... some essays in my mind that will hopefully become a blog post later on.

I am going... to direct more effort into finding time for prayer. It's vital!

I am reading... the new Karen Kingsbury novel, "Take Two."

I am hoping... and praying that my boss heals quickly from his stoke and is able to come back to the office (and pulpit) SOON.

I am hearing... the clock ticking.

Around the house... my refrigerator needs to be cleaned out. :(

One of my favorite things... candles and candlesticks. It's finally cool enough to start using them again!

A few plans for the rest of the week: planning the songs for worship at our Ladies Retreat this Friday, figuring out what food to take to the Retreat, and I need to send some cards to several people. I must call my brother tonight - it's his birthday!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The mighty Mississippi!

If you'd like to read other daybooks, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Random Dozen #4

1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie. I like to watch DVDs at home, in my comfy clothes, on my couch with my feet propped up. I like my whole family to be there watching with me to hear all my lame comments about the movie. I also like to have my iced tea and a snack of some kind to munch on while watching.

2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be? Sadly enough, yes, I do think about my own funeral. I would like eulogies. I would like a video montage of my life hopefully using pictures that always showed me at my best (okay, I'm asking for the impossible here). I would like some of my favorite songs sung like "Come Morning" by the Nelons. There is one by Mercy Me I really like - the title escapes me at the moment. I used to want "Go Rest High on That Mountain" but it's been done to death. Seriously, I'd like the gospel message to be preached. Wouldn't it be awesome to have someone accept Christ at my home-going?

3. Are you more of a giver or a taker? Over all, I think it's about equal ...

4. Vacations: planned activities and schedules, or play it by ear? Oh, I always want to play it by ear. My everyday life is scheduled to the max, so it's a relief to not have to do something at a certain time. Of course, since I don't schedule vacation time, a lot of times things I wanted to do or see didn't get done because I ran out of time ...

5. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly? Ceilings - I always forget about cobwebs.

6. Name a cause that means a lot to you. Abortion. I'm firmly anti-abortion. If you don't want your baby, be unselfish enough to carry the baby to term and then let someone who is aching for a child adopt the baby.

7. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly? How could a sandwich be a pbj without jelly? I like to use blueberry jelly instead of plain old grape. I'm refined like that.

8. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous? If nervous, I run out of breath, or my voice gets shaky. Oh wait, that's when I sing. I guess, if just talking and I get nervous, I say lame things.

9. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies? I must read a little something every night before I fall asleep.

10. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog? Not so far ...

11. Has anyone ever told you that you look like a famous person or celebrity? Did you agree? No ....

12. If you were going to dedicate a song to a loved one or friend, what would the song be and to whom would it be dedicated? "You Light Up My Life" to my hubby and daughters because my life without them would be very dark ...

If you'd like to read how others answered these questions, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Photo of the Month

The cross you see in the picture above is built on top of a hill called Bald Knob. This cross can be seen from miles around. While driving the hilly winding roads below the cross, you can catch glimpses of it periodically. It shines brightly amongst the green trees. A silent witness.

When I snapped this picture, some of the tiles were taken off the cross to be replaced with new gleaming tiles. I do like this picture though, because even though there is damage to the cross, it still stands. It still proclaims the message. It makes all who pass nearby acknowledge the cross. If ever a person had heard the gospel message, a Bald Knob Cross sighting reminds them of the story.

If a person saw that cross, and didn't know of Christ's sacrifice, he might wonder what was so special about a cross that someone would go to all the trouble and expense of erecting such a structure. Maybe he would ask someone ... I pray there would be a person prepared to share what that cross means to God's children.

How special the image of a cross is to us because it makes us remember the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us. The perfect sinless Son took all the wrong-doing that wretched man could dish out and put it on His account. He paid the price so that we could go free. Talk about the deal of the century -- this was the bargain for all time! You could never get a sweeter offer than that!

All He asks is that you believe He did it and that He is who He says He is. Ask Him to add your name to the list of those who have admitted their wrong-doing and asked Him to be the Lord of their lives. Then follow Him.

Be a witness for Him. Sometimes like the Bald Knob Cross, just looking at you and where you stand can be a witness. Unlike the Cross, you may have opportunity to be a vocal witness.

Either way, be ready.

This post is submitted to Shane's What's On Your Mind '09 meme at Heart Reflections. You can read about other photos of the month here.