Appreciation Empowers Everyone

A couple of weeks ago - 

We had a precious group of ladies here from our Church, to watch "THE WAR ROOM” movie in our theater room.

I only knew a couple of these women well, before that night. 

But I was so blessed by how gracious and kind they ALL were! 

 

 

I was reminded of the quote, “ A stranger is just a friend I haven’t met yet!” 

And I felt as tho I had just gained another batch of new friends!

The act of friendship is not measured by the frequency, the length or duration of time together, but on how we APPRECIATE each other!

TODAY'S SUGGESTION: Surround yourself with good people who appreciate, encourage and love you! They will change your life!

*Thank You - to all who came that night!!!  

A WEEK OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS.......

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS THE PERFECT TIME 

To take a step back from our busy lives and enjoy time with our friends and family!!

"If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. 

If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere."

Today was just the 1st of four Christmas Party's here, this week!

Mom had one of her new Card Groups over, and the laughter was contagious!!!

As I watched Mom prepare the food and serve her new friends, it warmed my heart to see the joy she brought to their day! Once again I was reminded of the impact we can all make, in the lives of others! 

THANK YOU, MOM!!!!

"To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world."

Too Busy for a Friend...

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.


Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.


It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.


That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.


On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments.


No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.


Several years later, one of the students was killed in


Vietnam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.


The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.


As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. 'Were you Mark's math teacher?' he asked. She nodded: 'yes.' Then he said: 'Mark talked about you a lot.'


After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.


'We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket 'They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.'


Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.


'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said. 'As you can see, Mark treasured it.'


All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home.'


Chuck's wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.'


'I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary'


Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. 'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: 'I think we all saved our lists'


That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.


The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.


So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.

Life may not be the party we hoped for!

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but WHILE we are here…

Like my dear friend Deb - We might as well dance!

Because we women cram so much into their lives, we tend to rush through life. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect!


Ours Delays-
We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get our child toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet.... We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.

Do you run through each day on the fly-

Have you ever watched kids playing in a park or listened to the rain hitting the ground? Ever followed a butter fly's flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Spend several hours in God’s word or in prayer?

When we worry or hurry through our days, it’s like an unopened gift....Thrown away..... Life is not a race, take it slower.

Like my sweet friend Elizabeth - Hear the music before the song is over!

Donate to Mercy Ministries- NYC Marathon

Pam's Page 38 - "Friendship"
Hello Sweet Blogging Friends-

I have a very special mentor, Pam Winters!

Pam (Winters) is walking the NYC Marathon November 1,2009....in honor of Mercy Ministries.


If you would like to make a donation or find out more about Mercy Ministries, check out her personal page at Mercy. Click here and visit - Pam Winters Donations for Mercy

Thank you for your support and prayers.

Fall Guest Speaker - Alana Grotewold

Pam's Page 37 - "Friendship"
EXCITING NEWS TODAY:
Our Fall Retreat Speaker was just announced!
Back By Popular Demand - ALANA GROTEWOLD


"Alana is not only a wonderful friend of mine, but one of my favorite role models of Biblical Womanhood. She communicates biblical principles with clarity, passion, humor and grace. It is clearly evident that she loves people and wants to see them walk in spiritual freedom."

Alana’s significance to our Fall Retreat can not be overstated. She proclaims the Word of God. She is the model of what Jesus can do in women’s lives. In a sense, she is the Lord’s representative, speaking on His behalf to woo women into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to build up those who already know Him. The speaker sets the tone of our Fall Retreat, making it an inspiring God-glorifying experience!

Alana is very successful in business so people from all across America….seek her financial council. However, her most treasured ministry is in her home where she and her husband Matt are rearing their four children – Mason, Pearla, Gabriella and Lilyana. Alana is passionate about the Word of God and considers it her calling and privilege to teach women how to study the Bible and grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
*We are all blessed that Alana has committed to spend this weekend with us!!!

The story - "Take My Son"

Pam's Page 36 - "Friendship"This is great. Take a moment to read it; it will make your day!
The ending will surprise you......

"Take my Son"


A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.

He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.


On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'

There was silence.


Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'


But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'


Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the
real bids!'

But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son.. 'I'll give $10 for the painting..' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

'We have $10, who will bid $20?'
'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'

The crowd was becoming angry.. They didn't want the picture of the son.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'

A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'


The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'


'What about the paintings?'

'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.


The man who took the son gets everything!'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God gave His Son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is:

'The Son, the Son, who'll take the Son?'

Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.


FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE

What would you do if you had no FEAR?

Pam's Page 35 - "Friendship"

Let's proclaim the truth over FEAR. Take biblical verses that say......

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."

Psalm 3:6 I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.

Psalm 9:10 Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.

Psalm 13:5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Ps 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

Psalm 31:14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."

Psalm 40:3-4 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Psalm 46:2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Psalm 91:5 you will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

Psalm 112:6-8 Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.

Psalm 115:11 You who fear him, trust in the LORD- He is their help and shield.

Psalm 118:6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 125:1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight

Proverbs 3:25 have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation."

Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.

Isaiah 51:7 Hear Me, you who know what is right, you people who have My law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults.

Isaiah 51:12 "I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass,

Isaiah 54:4 "Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.

Isaiah 54:14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.

Jeremiah 39:17 But I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear.

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him,

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father."

1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."

I John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Revelation 1:17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.

Do YOU have another scripture (not mentioned above) that you stand on, one that helps you over come FEAR?

Faaaaabulas recipes below....

Pam's Page 34 - "Friendship"

Don't be shocked: I have never placed any recipes on my Blog, but I am today!

No worries: I'm still not a "gifted" Susie Homemaker in my kitchen! I just happened to hit two home runs and wanted to pass them on to YOU!

SALTED-NUT-ROLL BARS

1 lb. peanut-butter sandwich cookies, finely crumbled
1 stick unsalted butter, melted

FOR THE TOPPING---------

2 cups peanut-butter chips (Reece’s)
2/3 c. light corn syrup
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 cups dry-roasted peanuts
2 cups rice crispy cereal (rice krispies)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; coat a 13x9 inch baking dish or pan with
nonstick spray.

Pulverize cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter;
process until crumbs clump together. Press crumbs into prepared pan. Bake 15
minutes or until golden.

Melt peanut-butter chips, corn syrup, butter and vanilla in a saucepan over medium
heat, stirring until smooth, about 5 minutes. Spread 1/2 cup of the peanut mixture
over crumb base.(Keep it to 1/2 c., as you will need the rest of mixture, later.)

Top with marshmallows and return bars to the oven. Bake until marshmallows puff,
about 2 minutes, then remove from oven. Don't let marshmallows brown or they'll
turn crunchy.

ALOHA BLISS SMOOTHIE

½ banana, sliced
½ cup pineapple sherbet
½ cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
1 scoop Protein Powder
1 can Citrus Blast flavor XS Energy Drink
1 cup ice cubes
*Combine all ingredients in blender! Enjoy!

Spring Retreat Dinner was like every Little Girls Dream!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Spring Retreat Pajama Party, crazy fun....

Pam's Page 33 - "Friendship"

You missed the fun last Saturday, but no worries!

We'll probably be this crazy (tee-hee) at the FALL RETREAT....too!

Oh yeah, we girls know how to have FUN (tee-hee)!

Get ready. Easter Sunday is Comin!!

Pam's Page 32 - "Friendship"

Last Easter, a friend sent me a video link called "Sunday's Comin."

This year, I want to share it with YOU!
The story of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion is one of betrayal, brutality, despair, and pain. Yet we know even before His death that redemption was promised to be coming soon. We know that the story does not end at the cross. We know what many did not realize – that Sunday’s comin’.
Celebrating Easter - means rejoicing in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and recognizing what each of those events can teach us about the character of God. Be reminded of this truth during Easter: God has worked, is working, and will work through all things, even now as we find ourselves awaiting his return.
Watch this power video link and celebrate Sunday...Christ resurrection-Sunday is Comin!!

Sexually Pure before Marriage? SURE!

Pam's Page 31 - "Friendship"Dear sweet blogging girlfriends-
I love to share stories about people-of-excellence and today's post.....is a tribute to a very special young couple! The world would never believe that it is possible to stay sexually pure until marriage, especially if you are in your mid-to-late 20's!

Newlyweds Dave & Jackie DeVries would say, "It is possible....if God is the center of your life and your relationships!"
David has been special to our family for many years, we love him like a son! We have watched him grow into such a Godly Leader.....sharing his passion for the Lord, in many arenas!
We were blessed to attend his wedding this past Saturday! Every part of that event, was dedicated to the Lord.
Even more memorable.....is the "Life-Long Commitment" he and Jackie have to the Lord! They took each letter from their last name (DeVries) and created a Mission Statement for their lives!

Mission Statement

~ Dave & Jackie DeVries ~
Dreamers ~ We always keep our eyes on what is most important in our lives. We know that God has placed no limits on what we can accomplish and for that reason we will always DREAM BIG!

Evangelize ~ We evangelize to others in all that we do…sometimes we have to use words.

Virgins ~ We remained sexually pure before marriage. During our marriage we will be faithful to each other through our actions, what we watch, listen to, and what comes from our mouths.

Rights ~ We always strive to do what is right. We don’t do things to be popular, but we do what is right according to God’s word.

Integrity ~ We are people of integrity. What we say and do in public is what we do in private.

Encouragers ~ We always speak positive words to each other and to those around us. We understand that words can lift others up or tear them down. We strive to always speak positive words of affirmation to everyone so that we may show Christ’s love through what we speak.

Spiritually Strong ~ We spend time daily with God seeking His wisdom. We spend time in prayer daily, taking our requests to Him and understanding that ALL of our strength comes from God.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook Today’s Prayer-Dear God, Please take care of Dave & Jackie as their paths now join in marriage. Bless their every step! May angels surround them, and may they find their way. May your love for them be as a light that surrounds them, for all their living days. Amen

Thank you Asha, my dear friend!

Pam’s Page 30 “Friendships”

I hold on to good friends….

….like dear Asha, who just surprised me with a “heart-felt” gift on Saturday. She blessed me with a beautiful multi-colored Scarf from India, her home country!

Our relationship originally started over business, and blossomed into….huge respect for each other! Now we celebrate a special friendship!

We help each other to see the champion, from within!
Are YOU spending time with friends that bring out the best in you? Friends that inspire YOU? Friends that love you exactly the way you are; and yet see your full potential?

Those kinds of friends are few and far between!

Cherish them!
Seek them!
You deserve them too!

Cindy Lemley's Health & Weight Loss Victory Story!

Pam's Page 29 - "Friendship"Dear sweet blogging girlfriends-

Healing and divine health are God’s perfect will for mankind! God expects us to care for the physical bodies with which He has blessed us and not neglect or abuse them in any way!
*Unfortunately, I know that He never meant for me to eat soooo much chocolate (tee-hee)!

Healthy lifestyle is birthed from a DECISION and is accelerated by ACCOUNTABILITY!There are many great stories about "PROGRAMS" that help you loose weight and no one program is the magic! So I am not endorsing the “Program” listed below, nor am I against it. Life’s disciplines are about a DECISION – and ACCOUNTABILTY is healthy in all areas of our life! The testimony below…is a tribute to right choices! Taking care of the physical body God blessed us with!

This testimony is from my dear friend Cindy Lemley. I am so proud of her, she is an inspiration to us all. This story is about HER journey and her discipline!
Her BEFORE and her AFTER…..

After many years of talking, attempting and a little complaining, I finally
made a decision that its time to become healthy and lose weight. That was
January of 2008. I started on my own in this journey until my husband
talked with someone he works with about my commitment. She suggested that I
go with her to a Weight Watchers meeting. I was really surprised by what I
learned and decided to try it out. I am so glad I did!! Just one year
later, I have met my goal and become a lifetime member with Weight Watchers.
I am now 96lbs lighter and went from a size 26 to a 12-14!!!

The 2 main ideas that got me started was first of all making a decision to
do it and second, admitting I needed help doing it. If I didn't have the
Weight Watchers program and the group I went with, I don't think I would
have been able to get to my goal. Changing my eating and exercising habits 1
at a time helped keep me going along with the results I was seeing. Once I
had lost about 30lbs, I let my family in on what I was doing. When I told
my sister, Tina, we made a commitment to running a 1/2 marathon together.
She has ran many races - full & 1/2 marathons and smaller races. So I began
exercising to get my body ready for training. With Tina's help, I am now on
a training schedule to prepare for a 1/2 marathon at the end of April inNashville.

Hope this help inspire others that you can do what you put your mind to. So
make a decision and do it!!! Hiccups, as I like to call them, become much
easier to work through if you know what and why your doing something!!!

Cindy
-3 John 2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Blessings to YOU...

Pam's Page 28 - "Friendship"

Dear God:

The lady reading this is beautiful,

classy and strong,

and I love her.

Help her live her life to the fullest.

Please promote her and cause her to excel above her expectations.

Help her shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love.

Protect her at all times,

lift her up when she needs you the most,

and let her know when she walks with you,

She will always be safe...

Book - Living in Divine Health - a life giving approach to optimal health!

Pam's Page 27 - "Friendships"
Hello sweet blogging girlfriends-

I'm so excited to share another amazing book with you!

My dear friend Alana recommended a group of us business partners take the month of February to fast in prayer over taking better care of the temples God gave us, our bodies!

She also recommended we bought the book - "Living in Divine Health ". (Now placed on my Blog Bookshelf)

This is an amazing book! Dr. Colbert is a faith-filled man who offers so much motivating perspective on how to live healthy and take a proactive approach to our future by revealing seven principles on how to live the life God intended. He takes you on a fascinating journey into the world of disease-preventing nutrition. Most diseases are due to a lack of hydration, stress, fatigue, and an unhealthy lifestyle. We no longer have to plead ignorance to our health!!! Learn how to eliminate the cancer-producing toxins already built up in your system and tell the difference between the foods that generate health...and those that can hurt your heart. We have all the knowledge we need to take a daily approach to being healthy, in shape, and happy about ourselves. Dr. Don Colbert provides a non-condemning, life giving approach to optimal health. God Bless!

Jesus is Better than Santa

Pam's Page 26 - "Friendships"

Jesus is Better than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.JESUS is everywhere.Santa rides in a sleighJESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a yearJESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodiesJESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvitedJESUS stands at your door and knocks.. And then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see SantaJESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jellyJESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison-We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.
May The Lord Bless & Watch Over You & Your Loved Ones This Christmas 2008 And May He Prosper & Bless The Work Of Your Hands In The New Year
GOD BLESS

The Pink Ribbon symbol means even more to me after this week!

Pam’s Page 24 – “Friendship”

Dearest Blogging Sisters-It’s amazing how an adversity in our life can grab our attention, and almost stop our world! From that tuff event forward – our lives are never the same! Our sustaining faith is what gets us through those dark times in life - when we don’t know where to go or what to do, and it seems that you can’t last another day…..but because of your faith in God, you do. You know He can bring victory out of any circumstance and “make all things work together for good.”

I HAD TWO TUFF EVENTS THIS WEEK-One of the events is very personal and I’m holding off….to share that with you next.This week I want to tell you about a very special lady, my dear friend Rickee. She is an incredible woman who I respect and admire. I’m inspired every time we are together! She loves the Lord and shows passionate love for His people, truly a woman of excellence!
We took this picture two months ago and Rickee is wearing a pink top, just a random outfit choice for her day. As of 4:00pm last Friday I think the color pink will have a different meaning in her life, since it is the symbol for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Friday afternoon Rickee said, “The doctors have come to the conclusion that I have Stage 4 breast cancer in my left breast and right lung!” (The lump was only discovered a week ago, no warning signs!)

The National Breast Cancer Foundation says, “Each year over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime! If detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 96%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.” Click on this link and support FREE mammograms! – Breast Cancer Site.Com

The Scriptures say, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb.11:1 (Things beyond a medical report!)


SO LET US STAND IN FAITH TOGETHER:Father I pray health over Rickee right now. You are the God of healing, of miracles, and we claim that healing for Rickee. It is not in your will for your children to suffer. So please give wisdom to every Doctor and Nurse that comes in contact with Rickee. We claim a healing miracle for Rickee’s body - in Jesus name, and for Your glory. You know Rickee will give you the credit and the glory for her improvement in health. Yours is all the glory in this situation, Lord. Thank you Father for health, and for answered prayer. AMEN!

OTHER PRAYER & PRAISE REPORTS?
Please leave a comment with a prayer request and/or tell us about any Breast Cancer Survivor you know! Let us all pray together! Let us all celebrate the victories and praise God together!

Surprising - Blessing a friend is always fun!

Pam’s Page 23 - “Friendship”

There are lots of things I love. In addition to the obvious - family, friends, meaningful conversations, eating, swimming, and eating some more……I also love to surprise people on their Birthdays. It’s fun to do these simple acts of kindness!

Friday night Scott and I went out to Bennigan’s Restaurant with dear friends and business associates. We had just missed one of their Birthdays……so I had Birthday Napkins and a Musical Card hidden in my purse!

After a fabulous supper, the waitress brought out a Special Bakers Square Pie…..I had dropped off earlier in the day. Our dear friend Tim (the Birthday Boy) was so surprised, he grinned ear-to-ear. Yummmmmmmmmy!

However, the real fun surprise was when all the staff filed out of the kitchen singing “Happy, Happy Birthday!”

Hmmm...as I recall we all watched Tim turn about 7 shades of red (tee-hee)! It was the perfect ending to a perfect day……blessing a dear friend!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:I know that Jesus asks us to do random acts of kindness in secret...so...let's think about those sweet times someone randomly did something special for us.

Oh how these seemingly small tasks have touched me more than I could ever totally express.

I've had friends randomly:

-buy me a book

-call me just to say 'hi' and hear my voice, then do it again the next day
-tell me that, “You inspire me!

-help me carry things to my car

-listen to me ramble and ramble some more (tee-hee)

-help me organize a function, with out being asked

AND... I even had one friend who told me that I was beautiful in a birthday card. That's all she wrote – “Pam, you are beautiful, inside and out.” Her random act of kindness through her written words stayed in my heart for months. Months I tell you! Imagine that. I am beautiful inside and out! That was back in March, and I'm still feeling pretty!

So why wait. I think that today is a good day for us to do something very random and very kind.

For someone. For anyone. Just because.

It's the perfect way to spread the light and love of Jesus.