a short lesson

I took Clyde with me this morning as I went on my walk down Blair Road. He was so excited he kept pulling ahead of me and pulling against the leash. He’d move off the sidewalk to the left. He’d see a squirrel and try to run. He’d want to stop suddenly and well do what dogs do. I just wanted to move forward. I had a plan and didn’t want to deviate from it. Keep moving! That reminds me…
Am I walking along God’s path or my own? Am I easily distracted by the shiny things that catch my eye? Am I pulling ahead of God? Does God have to drag you a bit because you’ve lost your zeal? (Here’s a quick test…that friend that you have shed tears over because they are without the Savior…still fervent in your prayers?)
Father, I pray Lord that you keep me on a short chain. I’m so easily beset by distractions. I can easily chase after things that in the end mean nothing. Help me stay behind you where I am led and protected. When I’m ahead of you I face dangers and pitfalls. Thank you God for your lesson to me as I walk the mutt. I’m still amazed that you care so much for me to spend time with me this morning.

It has a purpose

It is foggy here in Jax this morning. Taking the kids to school, I really had to focus on the road ahead-it was hard to see. Today it’s supposed to reach 80 degrees (Dec ember 16th?!) so I know when it heat up, the fog will burn off. That reminds me…
When things in our life are foggy, we’re unsure of the road ahead, we should intensify our focus. All of our senses should be heightened so we don’t miss a word from God, miss a divine moment; miss hearing an answer that we’ve been waiting to hear. When you’re feeling the heat..keep focused! The heat has a purpose - it can be a good thing…just like the heat burning off the fog.

Father, thank you for the fog and the heat. Although at its peak I’m not jumping for joy, I know it’s for my good. I know in my own life that it is during those times I focus harder on you and my faith grows.

My friend Dawn

Yesterday there was a series of emails passed around whose basis was the topic of friendship, they were so funny..it was initiated by my friend Dawn. One of those 'you know a true friend when they...' type things and it was true and hilarious.

But today I began to seriously consider my blessing of having a friend in Dawn Burns. We met when Promise Land BC was a small group of believers meeting in a stinky school(of which we were thankful!). Our kids are similar in age and share friendships. Our families enjoy vacationing together and camping together. Actually, her parents love me! I even knew that Brad, her husband would soon be the loving owner of a dog. Not because she told me but because he loves his wife and kids and wanted to make them happy. Cooper, welcome to the Burns clan.

Dawn and I have shopped together, been workers at childrens camps, youth camps and ladies retreats. We've created legendary stories that had to do with us being singing chickens AND she washing my butt- I did warn you its legendary stuff! We have had a ton of fun.

What you may not know about Dawn is that in addition to her gift of teaching, she has a spiritual gift of prophecy - her discernment is indeed God given. Her insight into situations can at times be beyond her not-yet-40 years. She does not have the gift of mercy (nor pretends to) but does display love, concern and empathy.

Dawn has been a true friend. What's a true friend you ask? Let me give you my own personal definition. Open in communication, able to take a joke, as well as give one. Listens more than speaks, loves even when she has been wronged and tells you 'get over it' when you need to hear it. Disagrees with you even when it could be unpleasant, holds her tongue when you've gained your weight back, doesn't condemn or avoid when I'm not on the path anymore. ..but doesn't let me flounder there either. These are some of the qualities important to me in our friendship. More importantly, this isn't a churchy friendship. You know the kind...all smiles, all is well, nope, everything in my life is A-OK. That drives me crazy because it leads people to think, maybe I'm the only one in which xyz isn't great all the time!

Dawn has seen me bawl over major issues and heartaches. She has heard me confess errors and repentance for things said or implied. She has prayed over me, cried over me and confronted me. That's my kind of friend. We are, I hope, this to each other. Our friendship is based first on our love of Jesus. Why because we both know from what he has saved us! Doesn't He just bind hearts together!

God, I thank you for having me reflect today on my blessing of Dawn being my friend. Many times we dont share our thoughts (certainly not this way Dawn will think!!) of our blessings of friendships. So today i want to say I'm glad we're friends Dawn!

A ditch

I’m reading II Kings these days. In chapter 3, three kings (of Judah, Edom, and Israel) made an alliance to go fight the Moabites. While the BIG 3 were staged in the valley, they were instructed by a prophet to dig ditches. Then God would fill the ditches with water that the armies desperately needed. Had a need, sought out God to provide, they did their part (digging) and God provided.
Interesting. My point of the blog this morning was to get to the part about what the Moabites saw when they looked into the valley and saw the water filled ditches. But I just need to stop right here because I was about to miss something very important- for me?
The people had a need. They turned to God (via the prophet) to provide. The prophet said DIG DITCHES. I don’t want to get lost in the simplicity here. Seems to me God many times answers our prayers, but it isn’t what we want to hear; directs us to do something we don’t want to do. His order of things isn’t clear to us, so we circumvent them. In essence, we say God do what I want you to do for me, instead of Father, conform me in this matter until it is what You want. Is there a matter in your life that He is answering but we’re not recognizing because it’s not what we want to hear? Peace out- gotta go find my shovel.

Hymn:Be Still My Soul

When I am shaken, I cry and sing.
When I am thankful, I bless His name and sing.
When I am angry I shout, cry and then sing.
Mostly I sing hymns. This hymn was written in the 1700's yet today makes me worship God.


Be still, my soul--The Lord is on thy side!
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide.In ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul--Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul! thy God doth undertake To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul! the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul! the hour is hastening on When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul! when change and tears are past,All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

" Be Still, My Soul" is a hymn originally written in German during the latter half of the 17th century. This period of time marked by a revival that broke out across Germany. Lutherans as this time were practicing Pietism. This doctrine was composed of religious devotion, ethical purity, and charitable activity. The newest hymn at these revival meeting was "Be Still, My Soul."
Three different composers worked to create "Be Still, My Soul." A woman involved in the Pietism Movement, Katharina von Schlegel wrote the lyrics. A century later, Jane Borthwick, a Scottish-born composer, translated the hymn into English. The last contributor was Jean Sibelius, Finland's finest composer. The music from "Finlandia" is used as the tune for this hymn. God used three people with three different languages to give us this wonderful example of Christian patience.

I Kings...(that would be in the Bible)

I just finished reading chapters 15- 18. Action packed! Intrigue! Mystery! I bet they’re gonna make a movie of these chapters! It should be on the New York Times Best Sellers list by next week, latest.

PLBC Military Honor Day

Can I just shout out WOW!!!

Amazed. Humbled. Thankful.
These are words that come to mind as I think of the effort of those at our church that participated in making tomorrow's Military Honor Day memorable. Are you ready for this? 48 people have served to make this ceremony nice. We want those being honored to feel we have done our very best for them...(actually it's for Jesus but thats just between us!). Shopping, cleaning,cooking, decorations, garbage detail, baking, ironing and crafting...you name it. I am amazed at what God can do with willing hands. I am humbled to be surrounded by such people. I am thankful to be surrounded by such people.
God, there are many folks that will be in your house tomorrow who don't know you. Help us to show genuine love to them all.

The Lyons family - faithfulness

Recently through facebook I re-connected with Teresa and Philip Lyons. I went to high school with Philip. Grew to love his family, because they showed love to me. This was my first introduction to Jesus. Didn't hear of Jesus before then (isnt that crazy?!). The two married sometime during his college/seminary years and went to the mission field of West Africa and grew in family and in the Lord.
So much time has passed. 15 years? More? Their young boy Zac, is in college! So whats my point? Guess where they are and guess wha they are doing? In West Africa ( Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso) still serving the Lord.
I'm near tears as I reflect on the huge amount of time that has passed. How many lives has God touched through them? Their faithfulness to their mission is what touches me. Remember when you struggled at the point of surrender? (I just don't want God to send me to Africa!) [maybe a bad example here] Afraid of what it was He'd want from you?
How have you shown God faithfulness in the last week? Month? Year?
Don't give up or grow weary in well-doing. Haven't done such a great job? Ask God to ignite your heart for those around you. You don't have to be in West Africa to be serving. God has you where you are for a purpose. Be faithful in Ed White High School. Be faithful @ Baldwin, Trinity, Stillwell. Be found true where ever you are.....and parents..be faithful to your ministry with, in front of and around your kids. It'll make a HUGE impact!

Veteran's Day

November 11, 1918 World War I, then normally referred to simply as The Great War ended with the implementation of an temporary armistice [the final peace treaty being signed in 1919 at the infamous Treaty of Versailles] between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November, 1918.

November 11, 1919: President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

To the MANY men and women who have served or are serving in the armed forces, thank you so much.

Reason # 3

...why christians don't feel like their prayers are heard....

Wednesday night Pastor Kevin taught on two reason as to why we as Christians at times can’t seem to get God’s ear..why our prayers don’t seem to get anywhere. He said there were many reasons, but he focused on two 1. I have sin in my life and 2. I’m not serious enough (on the issue in which I pray for)..no action to show God how serious I am.
In meditating on Acts 4:32 this morning, I found another reason. We live with our hands closed.

Acts 4:32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

Believers understood that everything they had belonged to God, so they gave freely and with gratitude. This was a powerful testimony of the change (resurrected life) that Jesus made in their life. Because of their open-handed living and meeting the needs of others they gave testimony of their new life…their new heart and soul became evident to others. And last, as a result of open handed living, GREAT grace..not just some grace (although awesome enough!!) but GREAT grace was upon them all.
Want some grace in your life? Want a powerful witness? Want to have all things in common with other believers? Then live open-handedly.
I’d love to hear of your additional reasons as to why believers feel they don’t have their prayers answered. Please leave a comment and pass this along…share reason #4, #5...

your life story

Have you ever studied people in the Bible and noticed certain life issue defines them? Maybe it was their circumstances or maybe it was their response to a trial. To clarify where I am going with this, I’ll name a life issue and you think of a Biblical person; the first one is an example. A) suffering ….did you think of Job? B) Abandoned…… C)A life of persecution…. D) The doubting one…

You get the idea. I got to thinking about this after David Smith taught our Sr. High Sunday school lesson . He taught on the sovereignty of God. As part of the lesson, David gave his testimony. So now when I think of the “why me?” or the sovereignty of God, I’ll also think of David Smith. Ordinary guy with an extraordinary personal account of why things happen and God’s sovereignty. If you’re curious, his blog is http://brotherdav.blogspot.com/

What life lesson or God’s touch on you do people refer to? Ester..”she was a wise woman”. Karen Ketchie? “She is a ___________ woman. “ There are many words that I pray that people would use, but frankly, there are a few that I’m afraid people might use. (I’m working on those and that’s a different story! )
What about you? Girls, what description will your friends use to describe you? That Katie, she’s a girl that_________! Ashton? God has really_______. That Mckenzie is _________. Mom, how would your kids describe you? What about you Dad?
What story are you telling with your life?

Being Deceived – now THAT’s scary!

James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when by his own evil desire; he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin when full grown gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived my dear brothers.

Deceived: The act of being misled. Entice: Lure, tempt, snare, hook, seduce

James, the writer uses ‘my dear brothers’ in the verse. That means he’s speaking to fellow believers. Yes, believers in Jesus can be deceived…by their own (evil) desire. What has so enticed you that it has dragged you away from your sweet fellowship you had with Jesus? Maybe you have fed that enticement and it now has a stronghold on you? Can’t you smell it? The stench of decay? It is a slow death to your commitment to grow closer to your Lord. Death of a promise to your children. Death of your peace. Death of your "I'm going to live christ-like at school this year". Birth to anger, tension and frustration. Birth to a walk of laziness and self-focus. Can’t you see where it has or will lead to? The Bible tells us to run from sin. God has warned us of that snare.
I got good news for you my dear friend. The good news of the gospel. Jesus is in the soul resurrection business. He’s the light we’re to follow. We’re not to walk blindly as others walk. Take off the blindfold of deception and return in repentance and obedience to Jesus. Hey, he’s calling for you now...

Father, there have been many times when I willfully, not blindly, ran to sin. Thank you Lord for the forgiveness you extend. Thank you for the chastisement…it has let me know you love me. Thank you for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Thank you I am not who I was and for molding me into being who you want me to be.

Woods Reality

Tim and I went for a hike before we went to work this morning. We live beside Jenning State Forest. God has truly blessed us as it gives us great pleasure to walk in the forest beauty. As we walked this morning I learned a few things. God used them to speak to me in their application of areas in my life but use your own imagination.

When you are following someone too closely, you can get slapped by the branches recoiling.
When you’re staring at your footpath, you can walk into big ol’ honkin spiderwebs.
When you’re focusing ahead, your feet can get tangled in the vines and cause you to trip.
As I tripped, I reached out for support. The support had thorns that hurt.
Turkey tracks are best seen in sand. Deer tracks are best seen in the mud.
My neck itches!
Purple mushrooms?
God is amazing in His detail.
I love hiking with my husband. I'm ready for some hot coffee - again!

A great weekend!

My family and I had a great camping weekend, so much so we played hookie on Monday and spent another quiet family day together camping. Friday-Sunday we had at least 75 people there @ Yogi by my count. Lots of fun, games and fellowship. Sunday, Tyler Denmark (sorry, Taylor?) Kelsey B and Trey led our service in worship then CJ taught our adult Sunday School lesson. Awersome. Sitting there under the oak trees, Bibles open, listening to the word of God being taught. Just as in the days of old....
Sunday was so pretty Tim said we were going to have another day, just us to enjoy some family time. Ping pong (2 games!) swimming in the beachfront - yes with Clyde! He loved it. Dinner was a mix of leftovers...it was edible... and then a trip to DQ for some ice cream. What a great day! Making family memories...I love it.
p.s. Thanks Edwards and Gandys for the firewood and thanks Kalinas and Edwards for the offer of groceries for our unexpected night..it was SO sweet of you to offer...I think my family thinks I should have taken the chops!! :)

B A GLOWSTICK! (& girl's prayer requests)

Tonight in Sunday worship we had some prayer time. One of the men in our church, Sean, asked the Lord to shake him up - shake up his faith to serve Him more. It reminded me of a glow stick. A glowstick that isn’t activated simply isn’t a glowstick.It’s just a stick. When first placed in the hand the stick is rigid and colorless. It must first be broken and then shaken for it to glows and fulfill its purpose.
Are you willing to be broken and shaken? Ask God to mold you and shake you. Father, mold me into your image so your light may shine before men! Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Sr High School Prayer Requests 9/21
Patty: foot injury
Alex: US; friend w/ mini-strokes
Jenny: US
Karen: Monica (singles) ships out today to Afghanistan
Heather:Praise of answered PR, US, brother Justin
Kaitlynn: friendship restored; US, school
Jamie: got saved @ FNL!!! 2US,brother Sean to Iraq in spring
Mary: cousin, sister Annie serving in Japan, mom, pop’s back
Ashley & Claren: US’s
Marina: Lisa’ children (Lisa died of breast ca)
Darcy: shoulder, friend Drew’s injury,friend

Sr High Girls Prayer Requests 9/14/08

Sunday we had a lesson on how the external influences in our lives can make an impression on out heart. us...impact who we are. We did a case study, if you will, of the lives of two girls. We reviewed how their childhood environment ( illnesses, finances, addictions) and their relationships (father, family) shaped their emotions as well as the choices in their lives. Not only does God our father absolutely cherish and adore His daughters; when we fail Him, he offers complete forgiveness as well. How amazing is that. Remeber the 3 points?
1. God is faithful and good DEUTERONOMY 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
2. God cares for you. 1 peter 5:7 (Cast all your cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you.) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. New Liv Test. Lamentations 3:22-25 NIV 22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." 25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him
3. God has good plans for you. Jeremiah 29: 11.For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12.Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "
What happened in our lives can be used for our good and His glory.
AL: US, dad traveling, friend Chelsea
KA: Lori’s family
PA: school, work, US
CA: friends, family, praise, ankle
CL: brother’s ankle, US
AS: friend Shannon, US
HE: school, Justin, US
KA: papa (cancer) US, AP W History- hard, FNL, Chelsea R travel
DA: volleyball team- playing (shoulder) US, school Bible club
MA-KA- none
MA: grandpa (cancer) uncle moving to Jax
JA: 2 US, brother in TX before Afghanistan, need job
MI: grandma to Mexico
Mc: Dad, US

Girls, I commit to praying for your requests this week! I love you. Mrs. Karen

Ketchie GameCam

Ketchie GameCam

Several months ago in our backyard, my husband Tim mounted a trail or “GameCam”. It is a motion- activated camera. As the wildlife cross its sensors, it takes a picture and as long as there is activity it will snap a picture every 2-3 minutes. Tim has been watching this particular deer “Bucky” for a long time and is watching him grow. It’s pretty cool to catch all the wildlife by surprise in their habitat acting like, well, wildlife. Over a weekend there can be up to 70 pictures that include fox, turkey and deer (including an hours old fawn).

God GameCam
Several months ago I decided to closely watch my disciple in the area I placed her. I mounted hidden cameras in her home, school, workplace, and areas she frequented. Every time she made a motion the camera clicked. I have been watching this particular child for sometime as I’m preparing her for something special. I wanted to see how she was living for me, so I placed people in her path so she could witness and to my astonishment, she didn’t. I sent someone her way to serve, and she was selfish. She has a chance to encourage and instead she was prideful. I have pictures of her religiousness at my house of worship, but none of her entering our secret meeting place. There is no motion for Me to detected. She isn’t living for me. I wanted to show many pictures of her living for Me when in Heaven, but for now we'll be saddened by what we see.

If I told her I was watching her every move and had her on film I wonder if she’d live differently. I wonder if then the motion detector would snap hundreds of pictures as she lived for me.

How about you? Would you live differently if you knew your every motion was recorded for all to see? Will you offer your life as a gift to God for His glory?

Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 1 Peter 4:5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. Romans 14:12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

Crazy Love, Crazy Inheritance

Crazy Love, Francis Chan, page 59
A strange Inheritance

The very fact that a holy, eternal, all-knowing, merciful, fair, and just God loves you and me is nothing short of astonishing. The wildest part is that Jesus doesn’t have to love us. His being is utterly complete and perfect, apart from me. He doesn’t need me or you. Yet He wants us, chooses us, even considers us His inheritance (Eph 1:18). The greatest knowledge we can ever have is knowing God treasures us. That really is amazing beyond description. The holy Creator sees you as His “glorious inheritance.”

This was an excerpt from his book and it really speaks to me. I am His inheritance. Definition: Property that is inherited; Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition; The status acquired by a person through birth; a birthright.
Surely, Jesus, there’s got to be more to your inheritance than me!!! You’re King of Kings and Lord of Lords…and I’m all You get? What a mistake! Don’t you feel short-changed, jipped, ripped off?!!!

No, He doesn’t. He treasures us. I can’t see that right now, because I can’t grasp the one who knows me most intimately, loves me the most- in spite of myself. In spite of my failures, broken promises and all that I am not, He sees me as a precious jewel, his child, His bride, His…..love.

Lord, help me to live in the realm of who you say I am and as you see me…I sure would live differently! Help me Father to treat those around me as your inheritance. ... I sure would love and serve differently. Thank you Father for loving me this way!! Kind of makes me feel good!!

Guest Blogger: Caddi Locke

(Caddi is a high school student that serves and fellowships at Promise Land Baptist Church. Thanks Caddi for guest bloggin..I love you - you're a true blessing to me!)

1. "Be Still and Know I'm Here"
2. "Cuz you are not alone, I'm always there with you"
3. "Emanuel....God With Us"
4. "I Know Your There"
Last year I had been struggling with wondering if God was here with me. It was really hard for me because I knew that God loved me and that He was "there". Its hard to explain really, but I'm sure many people have felt this way. I just felt alone. At camp last year, I just broke down and told God that I needed to know He was there with me. It was amazing, that verse that says "Ask and you shall receive" became real to me. That whole week at camp, the weeks to follow, and even now God keeps showing himself to me. It's incredible. Since that week at camp, I have not doubted that God is here with me. Those four lines listed are different songs that talk about God being with us. This summer in Sunday school lessons, concerts/songs, in quiet times I have been reminded numerous times that God is with us. In June my brother, Chelsea, my friend Dee, and I went to Wild Adventures and heard Story Side B and Mercy Me in concert. I can't describe that night. It was incredible. SSB sings a song called Be Still. Its hard in our every day lives to be still. For me it means, even when life is tough and we don't see God working through it or understand why we are going through something, we need to hold up (be still) and know God is here and that He has it covered. One of my favorite singers is Michael Buble, he sings a song called, "Lost". The meaning of the song probably has not one thing to do with God but when I have heard lessons recently about knowing He is here I remember that line. Its a goodie! MercyMe is just amazing!!! I love them. Their music has gotten me through some hard times. A song they sing is God With Us. Most of us know that Emanuel is one of Jesus' names which means God With Us. Not much more I can say about that. Casting Crowns has a song called "I Know Your There". Again speaks for itself. Psalms 139 is a very reassuring chapter about how we can't get away from God. I feel like I have gone on and on but it has been amazing to me how I keep getting reassurances of God's presence. I don't know really how to end this blog other than just saying thank you for reading it.
-Caddi

A beautiful rose?

Our pastor Tommy has said that he likes to look at people as to who they can be..their potential. If we're honest ,we can say we often look at people and make a snapshot judgement. Perhaps we simply need to not judge. At times we've seen someone when they are going through a storm and they're battered. Maybe they are struggling with an issue in their life and it has affected their walk or witness. What you see at that moment in that person's life, well, it just wasn't a pretty picture. Instead of being so quick to prune them, lift them up in prayer and encourage them. There have been times in my life when my bloom was looking pretty shabby and the fragrance of my life wasn't so sweet. But you know what? I asked forgiveness, repented and am trying to root myself even deeper into my source of life, Jesus.

These are pictures of roses in my front yard. One picture..they are battered after a hard storm. I had to tie the stem to the railing for support. The next, is still a rose, although no bloom because of disease. Had to pull off dead leaves and apply disease killer and let it rest some. The last is a rose as it is intended to be; a beautiful bloom.

Sr Hi Small Group Study

Today Jenny taught about God, being in us, is everywhere we are. The Holy Spirit can't be dropped off and reclaimed when we're ready. We are to be and live the Christ filled life.The scripture was Col 2:5; Acts 17: 27-28;Eph 1:13, 2:13; 3:16-17, Joshua 1:5
The prayer requests today are:
H: Brother entering the service
K: Emily, the 6 year old we have been praying fory. She died yesterday. Please be in prayer for her family; camp and US
C: b
P: The Davis family -father has a brain tumor.
J: 2 US; praise: bro finished boot camp; G-ma
M: b C exam, sB alot of responsibility
L: US
C:J makes me grasp 'why' i believe what i believe;Kaylee returns home 7/31
M: relatives now missionaries in Ukraine children: 4,2 and 1 on the way
Lets be in prayer for these, girls! Mrs. K

Cool Pix of students

I sent out a mayday over the weekend to some ladies to find me a crew for a job this past Monday. Check out some fun pictures on the album ...

I heard alot today from the Sr. High girls

Today in Sunday school I taught a lesson of obedience being the foundation of abiding in Chirst.
John 15: 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

There was a good discussion on obedience. If your parents ask you to clean your room on Monday, and you don't do it until Friday are you being obedient? We looked at 1 Samual when Saul was partially obedient..bad results! What I found striking was when I asked each girl (about 15 students) what percent of the Sr. Hi ministry students do you consider "resting in/ abiding in Christ? In other words are living Jesus? The resounding answer was 5%. Wow. Adults, don't be shocked at that number because their percent of adults in their lives they perceived abiding in Christ..a resounding 10%. Impressive huh? We as the body of Christ have alot more abding and loving to do.

Prayer requests: several brothers and friends either in Iraq or heading there, several children with cancer need prayer and their families, many papas that are sick, travel mercies, Da's papa died, travel to PA for service, family going to mission field (Russia), friends and family and camp.

I heard alot today CHURCH SERVICE

Ever hear so much that you just need time to absorb it all? I need time to breathe what I learned today from my student Pastor Kevin. He preached about the pictures we as christians, paint of who God is. Others are looking. What picture are we painting of God? It is this picture that others see (thus the word "Christ-Like") of Christ. Is it accurate? Have I recently checked if my life's activities are grounded and covered with unselfish love? I have to confess, the easiest group I tend to lapse from showing unselfish love to is...I'm ashamed to type it..is my family. Can I confess that? It is in my home that I am more selfish, self-centered and have expectations.
Kevin, I'll take your challenge and ask God to make these words for ME true in my home.
1 Corinthians 13:
4 Karen is patient and kind. Karen is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. Karen does not demand her own way. Karen is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged. 6 Karen does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Karen never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance..

Learning to be Still

This lesson is from my quiet time book, DeVo's For Teens.
We live in a fast-paced society don't we? We want everything and we want it now. We drive, eat, talk and walk fast. Our internet has to be high-speed AND wireless. Bigger. Better. Faster.
But as we study the life of Jesus, we notice he was never in a hurry AND he always had a time alone, in prayer with his Father.
If the son of God made time to be still, shouldn't we ? As we make a little time to be still on a daily basis, here's what happens:
1. We become more AWARE of God. When we choose to focus on Him during the still moments, its easier to see Him at work during the rushed times.
2. We learn wht His voice sounds like. When we shut out all the distraction (tv, music, phone...) we can hear Him respond. Turn off the TV, the music, the noises of life. Shut your door. Get alone. Listen for God's voice.
3. We get in the habit of waiting for God. Sometimes God acts quickly, and other times he asks us to wait for him. We we establish a time of stillness, we get in the habit of slowing down, of waiting...to hear from him.
Haven't heard from God lately? Go into a quiet place to meet with him, and sit with your Father for a bit.

1 Chronicles 28: 9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

6/22 High school girls SS prayer requests:
Unspoken: La, He, Da, Ca, Ja
master's ?, family illnesses - Je
sell house, Mimi while we're gone - Ka
brother S @ Navy BC, friend (Ryan & his friend) shot -Ja
mom post-op;feel ill today, Kaylee D(Phillipines & typhoon); youth camp - Ca
post-op shoulder; mom's knees; relatives in car crash -doing poor; Wesley cut fingers - Da
brother J & his future;mom's ankles, WA to DC with patrol - He
brother C college; brother J marriage?; mom, sister B allergies - Ma
Fozzie is camping; family while traveling, bro C and his gf - Ka

Re-subscribe to The FiveOneGal Karen Ketchie Blog

ok, so I'm slow at trying to understand blogs and feeds and URL's. In wanting to spruce up my blog when it is viewed by you in your email, I had to change ...something. I dont know. So if you want to continue to receive the email updates, I'm sorry but you'll have to do the one minute email subscribe, then confirm to redirect it. On the right is a sidebar with a spot to "Email Subscription... Delivered by FeedBurner" (not feedblitz) . Put your email in there and then confirm in your inbox and all is well. Sorry for the inconvenience..I'm sure there's a better way, but as i said in my opening sentence...

Are you a bit warm today?

7-Day Forecast for
Baghdad,Iraq
Fri 88 -115
Sat 89 - 117
Sun 90 - 120
Mon 92 - 122
Tue 89 - 115
Wed 89 - 115
Thu 89 - 115

As you feel the heat and humidity this summer, let it be a reminder of the conditions in which the armed forces men and women serve. Take that moment to pray for them as they serve in theses conditions.
Father, I ask right now, for your love, comfort and protection to surround every soldier, sailor, airman and marine. Lord, please provide them endurance and strength. Let them have comfort in knowing that love and honor is being shown to their families as they too sacrifice. Amen

GOSSIP - THE FELLOWSHIP KILLER

Yesterday in Sunday's Hi School girls small group, we studied the topic of gossip. It is a paradox! The girls claim the ‘bad habit’ that girls have most is gossip and yet it is gossip that is most hurtful to them. The letter to the Colossians exhorts living the holy life and much of the text deals with attitude and language (Col 3: 8-10) and their source, the heart. Be assured that who you hang out with, what you listen to on the tv and your music GREATLY influence your thought life. Garbage in – Garbage out. Having trouble bridling your tongue? You’re not alone. Let these 3 tips offer assistance (source Teens DEVO book):
1. Accountability: Find a partner that you trust for confidence and prayer to keep you accountable with your words. Ever week,until you have a better control, have them ask you if you belittled, tore down or talked about anyone in the last week. Also, if you were feeling insecure at the time…as this is a dominant reason for gossip.
2. Before you speak, answer the “3 Box” questions before you speak.

• First, is what you are about to say TRUE? (if not, zip it.)


• Second, is what you are going to say KIND? (If it is true, then ask yourself, is it kind? If not, keep it to yourself.)


• Third, is it NECESSARY? (If true, then if it is kind, is it necessary?)

3. Last, pause and pray. James (James 1:19) advises us to be slow to speak. Why? Give the Holy Spirit a moment to intervene to guard your mouth or change your words.If this is an area in which you struggle, ask God to give you a repentant heart, confess it as sin, and then spend time in prayer for guidance on this serious matter. If I can pray for you, send me a note and in confidence, I’ll do just that…pray for you.

Children's Camp Day 4 (it's after midnight)

I'm here with Lauren Kaye @ Children's camp for the week, somewhere in Ocala. Nice place! The theme is Knight or Knot? This year I'm the camp nurse for this group of 1st-7th graders. So far the tally is:
headaches: 5, fever: 1, bellyaches: 5 somekindofbite:3 my leg/knee hurts: 2, rash: 2, ear ache:2, cut:2 boo-boo: 3 ....and now for the children:..nah, just kiddin... the counselors are great!
Just some quick thoughts: Ken's cabins' boys are dropin like flys tonight! Laury, I think Jared and the boys are the ones who TP'd your car...Alex and Judy: wow what awesome food! I can easily see (and taste) that you do this for the Lord! My, what intersting stories these kids tell about you parents! Justin, you're turning into a man after God's own heart. A little white mouse was captured in our cabin hallway tonight by a brave knight. Another one appeared about 1 hr later. They look suspiciously like store-bought mice....I still get lost getting to my cabin! Counselor's Night Out looked as exciting as the old folks home ho-down. To the teenagers on the puppet team..how awesome you are!
Peace Out! KK
Psalm 118: 28-29 You are my God and I will give you thanks. You are my God and I will exhalt you. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.

My faith is _____________ .

Today in High School Girls Small group, we studied about our faith. What kind of faith do you have? If Jesus got in your face at eye level and asked you to use one word to describe your faith you would say....?

weak-full-none-huge-limited-lukewarm-alive....

I'm sure there are specific terms for faith types, but off the top of my head, here's some I think of:
1. Generational faith- you got your momma's faith; or a religious background.

2. Relational faith - you have a rub-off faith from a friend. If your friend quit going to church, you probably would too.

3. Intellectual faith - head knowledge. Know the church lingo..

4. Experential faith. ..you don't know about God, you know God. You've met him. This isn't exclusive of the 5th type of faith...

5. Personal faith. Not only did you have an encounter with Jesus, you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior..He is now personal to you.

I gave the example of saying to the class that Katie and I are BEST FRIENDS. Then I asked her how many times in the last week did I call her, this best friend of mine. She said, of course, "none". So despite my claim to be best friends w/ Katie, it isn't true due to evidence. I asked her how many times she and Ashley talked.."lots". Right. This is evidence of a good friendship.



So despite what you claim (I'm a christian) it is the evidence that proves the truth( my faith is____) . So be truthful..what does your faith look like? God knows your heart. He knows your real relationship. So girls, I encourage you to GET REAL with Him. Even if you don't know Him personally..tell Him so and why. If you're angry or saddened - be real with God. He wants to hear from you. But be honest...for if you knew the Jesus I know, you'd have no doubt.

So, what's it going to be? My faith is___________. If you truely want to grow your relationship w/ Jesus, thell Him that too and well....hang on! He'll touch you fresh and anew!



Remember to pray for:

Darcy, for her surgery tomorrow; neighbor

He, former teacher's little boy and her bro

Ch, cousin & uncle...(I'll miss you girl!!) ; Pa, work

Ma, brother and mom; Je, friend's family, Kaylee D, camps, aunt

Br, brother going to Iraq Ja, brother in bootcamp

Ma, g/mother Ta, family

And many unspokens

Lessons from the Old Testament

I have been reading the OT for a bit and am in the book of Judges. Moses has died, as well as his successor, Joshua. The Israelites asked the Lord for guidance when fighting the Canaanites, the first people they were to fight without a leader. God told them how to fight and what to do. They didn’t comply completely with is directions which lead them into worshiping and serving idols. In the upcoming chapters- which were actual living years to these folks, we see the result of this disobedience (more on that another day) but a KEY set of verses jumped out at me:
JUDGES CHAPTER 2: 10 After that (the death of Joshua) the whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals. 12 They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the LORD to anger 13 because they forsook him and served Baal…

Key words: did evil, forsook, followed, provoked

Because of this God handed them over to raiders who plundered and sold them and…”they were in great distress”. Are you in distress? Then consider their story and see if it looks like, well..you…or me…any of us.

How many times in our own lives do we forsake what the Lord is plainly telling us? DO any of these look familiar?
· He says NO to something we want to buy, and we do it anyway.
· He says ‘Be my hands and give to that person’, and we withhold because “I worked hard for that”!
· He says I miss your fellowship and you say, ‘Yeah but I’m too busy with this new job you provided to me’.
· He says do this in my name and you think…not glamorous enough?...somebody else should do it? …fill in the blank...

God, may you find me on my knees with an open heart and open hands. You, O God are the One that I worship!

Tomorow night - Wednesday - mission trip testimony

Tomorrow night, Wednesday, the team from Promise Land Baptist Church will be sharing our testimonies of our adventures while on a mission trip in Panama. Please come and join us @ 7 pm at PLBC Promise Land Baptist Church
(www.plbcjax.org 2197 Blair RdJacksonville, FL 32221(904) 783-9980 Get directionsMore information »)
Tommy Rosalee has to work so hear what we have to say about him....I mean for him!!
Also be in prayer for Seth Mallard as he has surgery Wed and for the healing process of Danny Green. See you then.. Karen

Kirk Cameron with Gang Bangers...amazing video...

Go to You-Tube and google Kirk Cameron and gang bangers...

It is amazing that at the start of the video Kirk was interrupted and laughed at. Notice how quiet it got? The word of God is powerful!

PURGE

I am Deuteronomy in my QT right now and this morning I’m reading Chs. 19-21. The text is talking about the law of God, governing laws for the cities as well as behavioral law. A certain phrase just jumped off the page at me. It is a condemning phrase of ‘you must purge’, and ‘show no pity’. When a man intentionally kills another “show him no pity. You must purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood”.
If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse a man of a crime, and is caught lying “then do to him as we was intending to do to his brother. You must purge the evil from among you… show no pity”.
If your son is rebellious and does not obey when disciplined by his parents…take him to the priests and "all the men will stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you."
In this sense the word purge is defined as the verb to wash out, rid, cleanse and eliminate. The people of Israel lived under the laws of God and were instructed and expected to live under those laws.
Another definition of PURGE is to pardon, exonerate, and forgive. An example of this type of purge would be for a convicted criminals’ record to be pardoned: to free someone from blame or guilt to declare officially that somebody is not to blame or is not guilty of wrongdoing; to relieve somebody from an obligation or responsibility.

One word. Such diverse consequences yet both with the same end result: to make clean and pure. I am so glad I live under the grace of God’s mercy. See before I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior, I personally would have to live under the law - the first example of purge. I would be found guilty and have to take the punishment of breaking the law and would receive 'no pity'.

In 2004 I placed my faith and trust in Jesus, he who knew no sin – yet bore all my sin and took my punishment under the law. He received 'no pity' in place of me. Because of His sacrifice on the cross, my previously guilty record – past –present- and future is purged – the second type of example. I have been found free of guilt or blame.
I am so thankful for the mercy of God.
Titus 3:4-6 (NIV) 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Panama Mission Trip Guest Blogger: Thomas Holden

Thomas is a husband and a father. He works in the construction/restoration business. He was part of the Panama mission trip and is today's guest blogger.

"Wow, what great time we had in Panama. We serve an awesome God. This was my 2nd time going to Panama ministering to the Guayami Indians. My wife, Rachel and I had blast working along side Tommy Rosalee, Tim and Karen Ketchie during this medical/ evangelistic mission trip. We also were blessed to meet other pastors who came from West Virginia, and a pastor from Kentucky. I’m sure these gentlemen will be leaving their own blog soon. Because this was such a great trip, we all were blessed just to be apart of it. One morning when all the Guayami ladies were in their service, 9 ladies got saved. Listening to the preaching from God's word. On Saturday we witnessed 24 Indians getting baptized down at the river, while 160 people were there watching. My wife, Rachel was able to give out over 100 reading glasses and about 35 pairs of prescription glasses. I had no idea she was an optometrist. She also was able to give out 20 purses filled with all kinds of little goodies for 20 different Indians ladies. For some of you that don’t know, God has called Rachel and me to be full time missionaries, to go and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please be in prayer for us, to where will be serving Him. Thanks to everyone who supported us and also the ones who helped watch our kids while we were gone. I've got another chance to go back to Panama April 28th with my son Josh ( who is 15 years old) and help Bro. Mike Lewis and 6 other men to build a church much, much further up the mountains for the Guayami Indians. Please pray for us we will be camping up there for 5 days until the church is built. Thanks again, May God Bless you as He has blessed me." Thomas Holden

We have a teenager!!!!

There are many firsts in life. Your first bike ride without training wheels. Your first date. Your first kiss. Your first patch of gray hair. This month I have reached another first. I now have a teenager living in my house. wow. That totally blows my mind. We started PLBC when Steven was about 4. My how time has gone by...

I think to myself., wow, we have been fellowshiping @ PLBC for 9 - 10 years. What have we done there? What have we to show evidence of our love for our Lord there? Am I reaching others? What legacy am I creating for Jesus- not myself - there? Time flies by! Lets be accountable for our time.

I want to say thank you to those who have ministered to my son as he has grown from a little boy into a teenager. Those in the nursery, those teaching sunday school, Word of Life workers, and the all the camp workers, examples for him....on and on. Thanks for your ministry for Jesus!

Meet: David, a seminary student in Costa Rica

Note from the videography staff: “I thought you could simply fix the viewing to 'landscape' as you can a picture..I’m such a ditz! So tilt your head and listen close…it's so worth it." kk

Please meet David. He is a first year student at the Seminary in Costa Rica. He wants to go to Ethiopia as a missionary. On this trip, he ministered to the Indians, taught the children, played the guitar and worked in the clinic. I asked him his most exciting moment so far on the trip and this is what he said:

“I take a man and show Jesus to him. He got Jesus. He was sav-ed. I was emocionado (excited). I also was a translator for the medical staff for the patients. I want to do something like that in Africa when I go there.”

When you think of David, please keep him in your prayers as he continues in his studies to serve the Lord.

Panama Mission Trip Guest Blogger: Tommy Rosalee

Tommy works in a hospital at registration and is a full-time radiology technician student. He worships at Promise Land Baptist Church Jacksonville, Florida. Here is is blog:

Well, since Javier is not staring at me (like when we gave our testimonies) this should be a little easier to accomplish. As I stated in my testimony to the Guaymi’s I was a little reluctant about the trip at first because I had heard that they never measure up to the emotional attachment or feeling you get from your first trip, mine being Mexico. I am so glad God does not confine Himself to our limited worries and anxieties. I was able to feel completely disconnected from our “Rat Race” world and devote myself to just doing the Lords work. That was my sole reason for going in the first place and once I reminded myself of that all the little inconveniences became insignificant. God showed me that when I let Him control my thoughts and direction the end result is always going to be peace and joy (despite the trials along the way). I have been showing the pictures to my co workers and the always love the little girl you have posted on your blog. Another one they like is one of my favorites too. This little girl always had a smile on her face any time I saw her.

I have been thinking, by our “American” standards we are taught that she doesn’t have much chance for a happy life. I am so glad someone forgot to tell her. It is a reminder that we can be happy with nothing but God in our lives.

Meet: Baby Girl, 14 day old

This is a 14 day old girl in Panama that I evaluated while the on a medical missions. The baby's mom is a young girl and this is her first child. Baby doesn't have a name yet.

God so intimately knows this child. He loves her. He knows how may hairs are on her head. Right now her mom is still thinking of a name for her, but it is my prayer that our Heavenly Father will one day have sealed her name in the Lambs Book if Life. Will you take a moment and pray that this mom and community will raise her to seek a personal relationship with Jesus? Will you pray for her health and her parent's ability to provide her what she needs?

As I blog this month, I'm going to introduce you to specific children and people I met while on this mission trip and ask you to pray for them. Some are children, some minister there to the indians, some journeyed there as we did to minister. I've also asked some of my fellow missionaries to be guest bloggers about their experiences. I can't wait to read them myself!!

We're home from Panama!

Back Home! It's great to go off and do something totally cool but also great to be home! Now, I'm warning you that your going to tire of the Costa Rica/Panama Mission trip references for a bit - so I'll try to minimize it to just a month's worth of bloggin, deal? God showed me a lot personally and I'll need some time to sort things out. I just wanted to say Tim and I made it home safe and sou..well, we're home!! The Holden's and Tommy R should be home anytime tonite (but if their planes are like ours were, maybe sometime this week!!)

I'll post a couple of video clips once I figure out how and maybe if Kevin hooks me up a slideshow of my favorite pixs from Panama. So for now, here are the Panama 5 and a pix of me with some indians (that's me smiling).

Buenas tardes from Panama

Hey everybody,
just a short note to say ola´. It is Saturday Panama time 1:45 pm. We´re having a great time here in the Lord. I smell stinky, my feet are dirty (I actually thought I got sun on my feet because when I took my flip flops off it was pale...nope just dirt!) but its the same for all. The day starts with the rooster at 5:30 but we get up at 6:30 and eat at 7, leave for the reservation by 8 and service starts at 8:30, and so does the clinic. Knock a few zeros off the expected crowd..there´s about 150 here a day for the conference. we have seen 110 in the clinic. the youngest a 14 day old to a 90 something..she didnt know her age and had never left the reservation. we are all well..not sick. our day ends at 1030 pm and repeats again. very rewarding work..alot of education needed. biggest issues: diarrhea, parasites, bronchitis and fevers. We purchased the meds here and feel we made wise choices. i thank God for the health of my family (although Steven has been home with a fever ever since we´ve been gone!)
more later...
love tim and karen

Can you get this log out of my eye?

So last week I was a bit hard on the Israelites. I realize this now because I became just like them!!! To re-cap, God made it clear that that He was going to care for them and lead them to a huge promise - a land just for them. Along the route there they constantly moaned and complained that God wasn't capable ("we're going to die here in the desert!!") or could be all-sufficient for them. If God had a plan for them to be in the Promise land then certainly he was capable of getting them there and was soverign to meet their needs along the way.

So fast forward to yesterday. As you know, Tim and I, the Holden's and Tommy Rosalee are heading to Panama tomorrow for a mission trip. Mine and Tim's purpose on this trip was to be part of a large medical ministry to the Guayama Indians. The team of 30 medical personnel dwindled down to, as of yesterday, just the two of us (and yes I do hear the tune in my head :). Talk about temporary insanity. I thought God, if you didn't want us to go in the first place..God how can we do this without even a physician with us...God we don't even speak the language(s)...God I have to wear skirts and pants in the 90+ degree weather (oops, did I say that one out loud???).
Thanks Stephanie for the reality check. Was I sure that God called us to go inthe first place? yes. Then be sure He isn't surprised by the turn of events and that He is SO IN CONTROL.

So for our trip here is what we ask you to pray for:
1. Tim would be symptom free from his medications on this trip
2. God would so be about this trip
3. All our households while we are gone
4. The Holden's clarity of their mission field work
5. We would surender every fiber of our being to Him and give Him every bit of glory
6. flexibility
I'll try to blog whilw out in the field, but doubt it can happen - we'll see.
John 3:16 - Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo, que dio a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo el que cree en él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna.
Thanks! Karen

“God, I’ll take your second best, please”

Reading the book of Numbers is wearing me out! Whew! I want to be so quick to scold the Israelites for all their moaning and groaning. They constantly doubt that God is leading them to a HUGE promise. They complain all the time (well, in every chapter anyway) of the way God is caring for them. He mercifully replies to their grumbling graciously and displays yet again, a means of provision.

They travelled for years and were finally in sight of the promise land. He even provided physical proof that the land was flowing with milk and honey – yet they were too fearful to enter into His promise. How that must have hurt God. God had enough of their “why isn’t the Lord…” and thereafter refused that particular generation from ever entering the promise He had for them…they chose to live in the hood called “Second Best”.

Is God taking you through a trial so you can enter His best? Is He teaching you the word ‘trust’ so He can use you in a HUGE way? Has He been asking for your obedience in a situation that you simply can’t understand? Don’t give in when you feel the grumblin’ coming on. Hold tight and be faithful, patient and obedient! Just when you think you can’t stand it another minute – share that honesty with your Father. God is using your situation to prepare you to receive His best! I can’t wait to hear a testimony of what His best and His promise is for you!

Will you share it with me?

Jeremiah 29 (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

River Run 08

I started this blog October 9 2007 and the first one was “Running the Good Race”. My goals were 2-fold, to increase my faith – dig deeper – grow closer to Jesus and secondly, improve my time and distance at the 08 River Run. Here is a small excerpt from that first blog “Last year at the beginning of the training I could run for 1 minute before I had to stop. Then after 12 weeks I could actually run a mile without stopping. This year, that is my start point. One mile, 17 minutes. Hey, it’s a start!! I have consistently worked out 3 days a week and two of those times being jogging. My goal is to run for 30 minutes without stopping. I’ve reached 22 minutes before. But I want a consistent pace. Building upon an already established work..moving forward, same with my faith..moving forward going deeper.”
Well it is now March and last weekend I did complete the RRun..all 9.23 miles. My personal goal was to be able to run 3 miles without stopping..and I did 6!! I was so excited and pumped. I ran probably total of 8 miles altogether. Walked up the Hart Bridge, as was my plan see this FL Times Union photo: http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?userphoto=0&image=18072230&thispage=2
The wind was so bad my hair was standing up on end! 40 mph winds! Anyway my time was 2 hrs and 7 mins. I started in Oct at 17 min mile run and improved to 12 min mile run and on the course I ran 14 min miles. Before I get too proud sounding, Jackson de’ Ville way beat me..in full costume!! Ugh! Not right.
As for the spiritual growing part – wow. If I could only tell you some stories!! I will say this – the end result – I’ve had to talk to Jesus more, trust God more and depend on Him more..guess I have begun to reach my Oct 07 goal of growing more, huh.

You Might Be A Nurse If . . .

Subject: You Might Be A Nurse If . . .
1. You have the bladder capacity of 5 people.
2. You have your weekends off planned for a year in advance.
3. You believe that "ask a nurse" is an evil plot.
4. You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if the phrase "wow, it's really quiet" is uttered.
5. You mutter, "great veins" when being introduced to a stranger.
6. You believe chocolate is a food group.
7. Your favorite sedative is exhaustion.
8. You think that caffeine should be available in IV form.
9. You have ever had a patient look you straight in the eye and say, "I have no idea how that got stuck in there..
10. You have been exposed to so many x-rays that you consider radiation a form of birth control.
11. You have ever had a patient say, "but I'm not pregnant; I can't be pregnant, how can I be having a baby?"
12. You have ever had a patient control his seizures when offered some food.
13. Your feet are flatter and tougher than Fred Flinstone's..
14. Your alcoholically challenged patients know you by your first name, and can point to "their room".
15. The hems in your scrub pants are held in with steristrips.
16. You refer to motorcyclists as "organ donors."
17. You are the only one at the dinner table NOT allowed to talk about your day at work.
18. You've ever had a patient with a nose-ring tell you, "I'm afraid of shots."
19. You believe that the sight of a full moon can ruin a perfectly good day.
20. You stare at someone in utter disbelief when he or she actually covers his or her mouth when coughing.
21. You think of chocolates, coffee, Coca-Cola and the cafeteria's frozen yogurt when anyone mentions the 4 food groups.
22. You've ever sworn you are going to have "NO CODE" tatooed on your chest.

15th anniversary!

A big thanks to Brad and Dawn Burns for letting our kids hang out with their family and friends this weekend while Tim and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary.
We went camping, just the two of us, to Gordonia-Alatamaha, a Georgia state park. Our campsite was right on the lake, it was beautiful. It was great to get re-charged by adoring God's beautiful creation....my husband Tim. I enjoyed God's scenic outdoors beauty too.

The origin of “hook me up”

The slang today of “hookin’ me up” or being “hooked up” isn’t the brainchild of some young urban linguistician. It is a biblical term..just slightly modified.
Webster’s definitions:
* an agency of oppression, subjection, servitude, etc.
* an emblem or symbol of subjection, servitude, slavery, etc., as an archway under which prisoners of war were compelled to pass by the ancient Romans and others.
* something that couples or binds together; a bond or tie.
* something that couples or binds together; a bond or tie; a viselike piece gripping two parts firmly together

Matthew 11:28-30
NKJV : Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
(Amplified Bible) 28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] 29Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. 30For My yoke is wholesome (useful,good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Feeling overwhelmed? Unsure of your path? Direction not clear? Then accept the invitation of Jesus to yoke with Him. It isn’t natural for you to bend yourself into a submissive posture and be placed into a yoke. Words such as restricting come to mind. But when you willingly choose to yoke with Jesus it isn’t restrictive at all. He is telling us, our burdens will lighten and we’ll find rest, regardless of our current situation, if we rest in Him. How do we do that? Submit to His will. How to do that? He says to learn of Him. Become more like Him for He is gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart.
Jesus is the ultimate hookup..so yoke up!

Walk the Talk

In David Jeremiah's book Signs of Life, he referenced two authors's work that I thought great to pass along: (one in previous blog)

The poet Edgar Guest once wrote:

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.
I'd rather one would walk with me than merely show the way.
The eye's a better pupil and much sharper than the ear.
Fine counsel can confuse me, but example's always clear.
The lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

The Power of a Consistent Life

In David Jeremiah's book Signs of Life, he referenced two authors's work that I thought great to pass along: (one below, the other to follow)
First, in his book Ten mistakes Parents Make with Teenagers, Jay Kesler describes a conversation he had with a young lady at a youth camp. She told him of long-term abuse and a dysfunctional home life. As they talked he noticed scars on her wrists. She admitted she had tried to kill herself. "Why didn't you do it?" Jay asked. "Well, I got to thinking," said the girl. "We have a youth pastor at our church--". At first Jay thought he was going to hear some ugly story about her involvement with a youth pastor. But that wasn't it at all. She said of the youth pastor, "He'd just gotten married before he came to our church and I've been watching him. When he is standing in line with his wife, he squeezes her hand. They look at each other and they hug..right there in church! One day I was sitting in the pastor's study and looked out the window, and the youth pastor was walking his wife out to the parking lot. Now there were no others cars around, no one was nearby, nobody was looking. And that guy walked all the way around the car and opened the door and let her in. And then he went around the car and got in himself. He did that and nobody was around to see."
Jay, thought that was a nice story, but he couldn't make the connection between that, her problems at home, or her attempted suicide. So he asked why this was so significant. She replied" I just got to thinking that all men must not be like my dad, huh?" Then she said, "Jay do you suppose our youth pastor is a Christian?"
I told her yes. "Well, that's why I came here tonight", she said. "I want to be a Christian too." She wanted to be a Christian simply because she saw a man being respectful to his wife even when no one was looking. Thats the power of a consistent life.

Lesson NOT learned

Archery is a new thing for the fellas here at the Ketchie house. We have a shooting range out back with hay bales, targets and bows and arrows. It looks like a lot of fun. But not for me. The first time I shot, I somehow got my upper arm in the way and I thought I would scream it hurt so badly. I was wearing the armguard but on the forearm (where it belongs!) but not a lot of good it did there.

After the icepack melted, I braved it again and shot again. I did it again! This time the lower arm got hit by the bowstring. This time I had worn the arm guard on my upper arm to protect it as it was already injured.
Tim says he has shot for years and NEVER has this happened to him! I sure didn’t learn my lesson did I?!
I’m that way sometimes spiritually too. I ask God,’ why am I going through a particular situation again’?! And when I am done fussing, or confessing and am ready to listen he answers me. It could be because I didn’t learn His lesson the first time or I need to …really listen and didn’t, show mercy and wouldn’t, be gracious and wasn’t or trust Him and couldn’t or extend love and refused to…or whatever.
I don’t always understand the “why” we go through painful lessons. But these three things I know for sure
* It is for my best and for His Glory
* He carries me through the process
* I learn from it

If I get bruised, it will more readily remind me “Hey I need to remember something here”. God, help me to “hit the mark” and learn from you what it is you have for me to learn.

Slow but steady

The Gate River Run is 3 weeks away and I’m excited to keep preparing for it. Saturday I decided to change my routine a bit and run the Baldwin trail, and extend my distance to run for 3 miles and then walk for 3 . My current disatance is 2.5. I ran for 3 miles without stopping!! The remaining 3 miles were a mix of run, walk and bike. That is HUGE for me and even more unbelievable is that he 3 miles were done in 36 minutes. I look back at my first blog entry in October in which I started charting my running: “Last year at the beginning of the training (Jan 07) I could run for 1 minute before I had to stop. Then after 12 weeks I could actually run a mile without stopping. This year, that is my start point. One mile, 17 minutes. Hey, it’s a start!! I have consistently worked out 3 days a week and two of those times being jogging. My goal is to run for 30 minutes without stopping. I’ve reached 22 minutes before. But I want a consistent pace. Building upon an already established work..moving forward, same with my faith..moving forward going deeper”.
Blogging is a type of journal and it helps me see progress in my goals in moving forward both in my faith, as well as my training progress. Seeing progress keeps me encouraged. Encouragement to one another is so necessary..a kind word, a note (by the way, thank you sister!), knowing someone is praying for you..how cool is that.

"Go outside and play"

We did crazy things when I was a kid, such as woppin' in the ditches after it rained. Or jumping in the top of a open rail car to see how far down you sink in the grain or sand..(deep by the way). Kids will be kids. So Valerie Sawyer, our neighbor and I tell the kids to go out and play..and this was their interpretation of our instructions. Our idea of play in no way included helmets, a rope, a motorized vehicle and the septic tank. Just because we didn't think it, doesn't mean it didn't work..and fit their category of "play". I'm not a kid anymore. I think more adult-like and therefore can reach more adults. Students, you think...well, young-like therefore YOU can reach more kids than I can. Reach out to those around you..those similar to you and those not! You never know what common ground you can find and once you do, you can reach them in a way that no other can..so...go out and play!

Dog lesson - wallering

This is my dog Clyde. One time after our morning jog he zeroed in on a scent he found in our yard. I couldn't see anything in particular, didn't smell anything either but that crazy dog wallered (is that a word?) around in that area until he was fully satisfied that he had "it" all over him..every inch. It was the craziest thing to see. You just know it had to remind me of something.
Wouldn't God be pleased if we wallered and submerged ourselves completely into Him just like the dog did in the scent he found? Imagine being so completely covered in His Word..we are already covered -filled - with the Holy Spirit..I can't get any more Holy Spirit in me, I have all I need. I need to dive in, cover myself completely until He is what people see in me.
Wow, a lesson from a dog.
Ephesians 3:19
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

February Senior Leadership month

February in the student ministry is a month for our graduating Seniors to function in leadership roles. Yesterday was the first day and Chelsey R. taught the middle school girls their lesson, on the 3 aspects of salvation. The middle school ministry leaders are doing an awesome study of the Survival Kit. For all of the Sr. High, Justin L. taught a lesson of which two points were prayer and persecution (sorry I came in late). Hearing what I did I took home a few thoughts from my brother Justin.

Prayer charges you up. It is a time to rest in Him. It connects us to the One with the Power to change..Jesus. Prayer is the time in which you are calling out to God, seeking His face. In time of desperation, need, joy and pain. He is always there.
The next is persecution. Being alientated, laughed at, mocked or hurt for what you believe.
But I got to wondering...have I ever really been persecuted in which I was affected in any of these ways? If the answer is no then my next logical question would be...WHY NOT? Perhaps I should consider the following:
* I'm only hanging with people that are just like me (what a boring crowd!!)Not bold!
* I act no differently from those that I should be different
* I don't stand up for what I believe
* I don't know what I believe
* I don't share my beliefs nor convictions, therefore there isn't a door for discussion
* I look, act, speak, react, just like the non-believer...beloved student..if you're classmates don't ridicule you at all then do a reality check and make sure you are in the world, but not of it!

Genesis 18

Modern version of chapter 18:
After being in the sun, Old man Abe was sitting on his front porch in the shade cooling off. He saw three church fellows coming for a visit. He ran ahead to meet them and invited them to stay at their house to rest and eat. They said sure. Abe was excited for the manfolk company! He ran into his house and told his wife, "Sarah, I invited 3 men from church to come rest and eat. Get three meals ready for them..don't forget the dessert and make it snappy!" Sarah worked in the kitchen while Abe did the BBQ, hanging with the fellas under the shade trees.
Then they asked Abe where was Sarah? "In the house". With her not being near them, one guy begins to tell ol'man Abe that on one of his next visits, Sarah, his elderly wife will of had a son.

All along Sarah was eavesdropping from behind the door as the menfolk were outside talking!! Upon hearing this declaration of her bearing a son, she laughed in her heart..sort of one of those "yeah, right, when pigs fly" kind of snickers inside your heart. (Ketchie translation)

Then the Lord (who was one of the visitors)-still outside- asked Abe why his wife Sarah laughed (in her heart). Was there anything too hard for the Lord? Sarah, STILL EAVESDROPPING busts into their conversation and says "I didn't laugh". God said, "yes you did".

WOW! First, the Bible does not offer a conversation between the two at the time he tells her to hop-to for the guests' meal. In modern-day times..oh I think there would of been a husband-wife discussion!!! Second, Sarah never speaks aloud of her disbelief. God, knew Sarah's heart. Knowing her heart, he also knew of her disbelief and lie. God caught her in a lie - and now she was afraid.

Have you ever lied to God? Feeble excuses at our disobedience is a lie. Try this one next time: God I lied to you and myself. What I did was...sin. And then restore that fellowship. God isn't looking for us to PERFORM for Him. He is looking at our heart, our motives, our actions because of love. He knows all about you - He made you. Just as Sarah, we sometimes make mistakes. Coming clean before God and restoring that fellowship with Him...now that is showing the desire of the heart.