See the beauty of Christmas

he air was cold and it had been a
> > > very busy and rainy weekend. I had just
> finished
> > four
> > > performances of a play I was involved in and I
> was
> > very
> > > tired. I went to work with my special needs
> > students
> > > and took some of them on a walk. I was pushing
> one
> > man
> > > in a wheelchair and holding a blind man's arm in
> > mine.
> > > All of a sudden, I sang out a Christmas
> > carol....softly...
> > > sincerely.....giving my day....which also
> happened to
> > be my
> > > son's 14th birthday, to the Lord. I was so
> > overwhelmed
> > > with His goodness and glory and beauty, having
> > experienced
> > > the manger scene on stage many times. It
> wasn't
> > > acting...it was real worship. I wanted to make
> my
> > son's day
> > > special, there was a lot to do and I was weary.
> > > The blind man named Bill spoke up,
> > > "I'll never forget the night of December
> ninth!" He
> > > recalled with enthusiasm. Then I replied, "What
> was
> > > December ninth?" "That's when you all came
> caroling
> > > for us at our home." he stated. Then I
> > > remembered. The Lord had burdened my heart to
> do
> > just
> > > that. A few of my friends and I went to the
> group
> > home
> > > where three of my blind students live and we
> shared a
> > > Christmas memory. It was blessed by Jesus.
> These
> > blind friends of mine are able to
> > > see so much with their spiritual eyes and I thank
> God
> > for
> > > them every day.
> > > Patsy Ledbetter
> > >
> >
>

Broadway Comes to Castro Valley

For over forty years, a special Broadway style production has been produced every December at the Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley. Many people don't know how magnificent this show really is. Complete with a full sized stage, costumes, make-up, a complete orchestra, live animals and even dry ice, you and your family are in for a marvelous Holiday treat. Between the cast and the orchestra, about one hundred and fifty people are involved. The backstage crew directed by Pat Brandon is top of the line. The sets are beautiful and the lighting design is always breathtaking. Musical conductor Kevin Ledbetter, begins preparing the music in September. Artistic Faith Blevens spends countless hours casting and directing the show along with teaching all the numerous dance numbers. This year, the types of dancing will include waltz, swing, Rennaissance, celtic and jazz. Many people who have never seen this production come away amazed it is so glorious and professional. It is the desire of everyone involved to give a gift to the community representing the true Biblical meaning of Christmas. Pastor Larry Vold gives a wrap-up sermon at the end which is guarenteed to inspire you. This year's schedule will include back-to-back double performances on Sat and Sun Dec 18 and 10 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. The other shows will be Dec 22, 23 at 7:30 and a special Christmas Eve production at 9pm. Free tickets are required for this event and can be obtained by calling the church office at 537-4690 or online at www.3crosses.org.

My Favorite Thanksgiving Memory

My favorite Thanksgiving memory is of an outing our family had with my nephew before he passed away. He was about eighteen and my children were a bit younger. The seven of us piled into two cars and went to a Thanksgiving Dinner held at our church. While in the building, someone came over to our car, broke the window and took my purse out of the back seat! I never leave my purse in the car, but this time I just happened to do that. We had to call the police and waited quite a long time. In the meantime, my nephew and my oldest son left in his car and returned a while later with seven bowls of ice cream!! I thought is was so funny! I asked him why he didn't just bring something easy like ice cream sandwiches. He said he knew we were experiencing a difficult time and he wanted to cheer us up!! It was his unique way of showing us he loved us. We all laughed and joked, but most of all, we shared a special Holiday memory. About two years later, Elijah passed away and he is no longer at our Holiday gatherings, but his love for us and his spirit remain.

I Can See

I work at a Recreation Center with four blind students. I am really enjoying getting to know them. They are teaching me so much. The folks accept you as you are, no questions asked. I love that I don't have to worry if my hair or clothing are a little out of style. I appreciate how they struggle to make it through each day and just like me, they have their frustrations. I see so much beauty that God has placed into their hearts.

Little Ones Praise Him

One day I stopped into Children's Church to watch my son play the drums. A little girl I know was raising her hands and singing praises to the Lord. I stood in awe and watched, mesmerized with the innocent display of humble worship. I gasped. I could barely breathe as I realized this was the first time I had ever seen this child worship the Lord! At the end of the song, I greeted her and my heart smiled. It was one of those special moments when I realized her faith had been caught by her parents and grandparents. It was real. It was special. It was a moments to be remembered. His Angels watch over His children.

Lord show your mercy

There are times when we can not figure out why something has happened or why someone has been placed in a difficult situation. I was parking downtown today, ready to get out of the car, when I looked up and saw a lady with a deformed face walk right passed me. I immediately burst into tears and tried not to ask the question, "Why?" I looked at her for a moment and prayed, "Oh Lord, have mercy on this lady." I wondered what her life must be like. I prayed for her and tried to focus on God's Amazing greatness and power. He can do anything in that precious woman's life. He can transform her and her family and bring beauty out of ashes. Still, something in my heart was breaking for her loss. I just know that He can make all things new for her and that is what I am praying for. All our hope is in Him a lone.

Some things never change

This morning I was praying as I was sorting laundry. I heard a fmiliar sound in my husband's pants pocket and prayed, "Oh Lord give my husband wisdom today.!" As the words came out of my mouth, I pulled out a potato chip wrapper from his right pocket. I looked at it in wonder and prayed again, "Lord, guide my husband today." Next I found a snickers bar wrapper in the other pocket." Finally, I prayed, "Lord, keep us all from temptation!" Then I looked above the washer and spotted a hidden piece of Almond Rocca! Some days are like that. Just as the prayerful words leave your lips, an unkind thought or word will proceed. This is the Christian life. Goodness and the negative all rolled into one imperfect human being looking to the Lord for his mercy and grace. I thank Him every day for my faith, husband, kids and all the chances He gives me to serve Him......snicker bar wrappers and all!

Mother of the Queen or Queen Mother?

This summer I was able to experience something wonderful! I was the mother of a Queen for several months. My daughter landed a role in a the musical, Prince of Egypt where she played the Queen, the wife of Pharaoh. It was really fun being related to royalty. She wore a beautiful gown, a wig, a crown and she did a beautiful job. It was a lot of fun and very enjoyable watching her perform. We all want to be the queen of our domain so when people sometimes treat us like we don't matter, it is hard. Then we realize once again that in God's eyes, we are all equal. No one is better than anyone else or considered more worthy. He is the only one to be adored and considered worthy. We worship and honor Him alone. Still, it is an honor to serve Jesus as our King and feel the glory of His presence. I thank Him that even though I did not deserve it, He chose me to be a part of Him forever family.

Morning at Lake Chabot.

I woke up this morning determined to walk at the beautiful lake close to where we live. I arrived early and noticed that the water was so still it seemed to mirror the shore perfectly. The sky was blue and cloudless. Birds sang and a gentle breeze enveloped me as I briskly walked through the forest like surroundings. I was loving every minute of my time here at Lake Chabot and I was reminded once again of God's greatness. Even though we are so imperfect, He stays the same and created us to be loved perfectly by Him. Our lives change but Jesus and Lakes do not. I could not have asked for a more perfect day. My Savior is perfect in every way!

A Paper Hat and Sunglasses

My husband and I seldom frequent fancy hotels for numerous reasons. The main reason being that I would have a hard time relaxing and enjoying myself knowing I had splurged so much while people in the world are starving. One day we went to Half Moon Bay to enjoy the beach and the scenery. We visited the Ritz Carlton Hotel, which is very fancy and very beautiful. The caretaker said we could go out to the back patio, sit on the chairs and enjoy the view of the beach. It was breathtakingly beautiful. As the sun rested upon my husband's bald head, he decided it was not time to leave yet, but that he must have a head covering. He asked me to retrieve a piece of paper from my purse. I did so, he placed it on his head with his sunglasses on, holding it in place. I must admit it looked very silly and as I was thinking that thought, a man passed us, snickering to himself. Here we were, Plain Jane and Plain Jim in a really expensive and stately place. A man with paper on his head and sunglasses must have looked very out of place to the suave, golfing man of the world. I chucked to myself and thought of the Bible verse, "Man looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart." In that moment, I realized once again that I would rather have Jesus and our wonderful believing family than all the mansions of the world. I praise God for beauty and nice hotels, but even more for His love for me and the fellowship we have in Him when we love one another.

Just throuw the garbage out the window

I went to visit a friend I had not seen in awhile and a few hours into our time together, she opened her kitchen window and threw an empty cereal box out! I was a little stunned and looked at her like I was expecting an explanation. She said that for many years she used to tell her husband to take the garbage out and he might or he might not. If he did, it was often too late so she told him if he didn't start taking the trash out, she would toss it out the window. She put her recycle container outside the window so it would catch what was being thrown. I found the whole story to be very amusing and it reminded me of my prayers sometimes. I tell God I need the answer right now or I will toss my faith out for awhile. Sometimes I do toss my faith out for a few days and then I realize that I'm the one who needs to check my attitude and realize that God always does what is right and best for me whether I understand it or not. He is able to recycle my attitude and toss out the bad, while keeping the good.

Tennis Anyone?

I love to play tennis but have found it impossible to find anyone to play with. I keep telling myself I'm going to join a class, but somehow, I always am too busy. If I try to get my son to play with me, he may do it but dislike it the entire time, which isn't always fun. I keep thinking if I wait long enough, the perfect tennis partner will fall out of the sky and be thrilled and joyful to spend some time with me playing tennis. My faults she wont even notice and she will have the best day of her life! Well, it is a nice thought.

A Work Day of Leisure

My daughter needed me to drive her to a day of community service at a local park. I started out the day by getting lost until my memory kicked in. She reminded me if she was late, she would have to leave and come back on another day. I finally found the park and took her to the work station. She had visions of eight hours of back-breaking labor. I returned at noon for her lunch break and asked her how it went. She said she was the only girl in the midst of seven men. She said the man in charge had her scatter a little fertilizer on the lawn but mainly, he was escorting her around on his motor-driven cart. Wow, I thought, pays to be the only girl there. She said in exchange, she had to listen to three men giving her their life stories and it is funny how much of what they said centered on the Lord and church. She told them her dad works at a church in Castro Valley. Some of them had past connections there. All in all, it was a fairly work-free day and when I picked her up at 2:30, I couldn't find a drop of sweat on her. She expected the worst and got the best and a cool day to top it off. Our God often surprises us with the opposite of what we fear.

After a very inspirational church service and sunday school message, I wanted to go right out and serve God. I met my mom at McDonald's, used the restroom and met an employee in there who went on about my purple shawl. She loved it and said it was her favorite color. I took it off and gave it to her with a church flier and an invite to church. I absolutely loved the outfit my mom gave me for my birthday, but what I loved more was being able to share the wonderful joy of Jesus and the church He has put me in with someone else. Her name is Laura. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

Sounds Fishy to Me

My husband took me on a surprise date for my birthday. He took me to my favorite place...the ocean. We had a wonderful time at Half-Moon Bay and the day was perfect...not too hot or too cold. He took me to a famous fish restaurant that had been in town for almost a century. We ate the amazing food and watched the ocean. As we were finishing our meal, we noticed that two older gentlemen had sat at the table next to us and had both ordered large bowls of boiled clams. I was thinking to myself that they were very brave because clams in the shell are not something I would ever order. The waitress came along and said to one of the men, "He wants one of your clams!" She was referring to my husband and we both looked at each other like she was crazy. He was willing to give Kevin one and then we said that it was just a joke. The waitress then came with a dish so the man could put a clam on it! We again said that we would decline as we were indeed very full. We left the restaurant and laughed about it. I got to thinking that God always knows what we need as as a good parent he wants to give us the things we need. He never has to guess if He has a plan and a calling on our lives. If we trust Him each moment He will guide us. We wont have to fish around. His gifts of peace, love, joy and satisfying work are all part of His plan. I thank Him that He always knows best.

Impressions

Sometimes we can come away from a situation or a person with the wrong impression and sometimes it is funny what a person can assume about something. My brother took me out to a fancy restaurant in Jack London Square for my birthday. After dinner, my brother went to the restaurant and the waiter asked me if I wanted a desert menu. I asked if the restaurant gives out any deserts on birthdays. Somehow the waiter got the impression my brother and I were married and that it was his birthday I was referring to. He thought I should surprise my husband and order him a desert. When my brother returned, we both decided we were too full after all and began preparations to leave. All of a sudden, three waiters brought my brother Jim a scoop of ice cream and began singing to him. I went a long with the fun and joined in. He was wondering what it was all about and I explained to him. I also told him that I thought we looked way too much a like for anyone to think we were married. It was a special moment and one we will remember. It just proves that our impressions of situations and people are often so wrong. God always sees things as they truly are. He knows us inside and out yet He loves us anyway. His impressions are always correct. When He sees that we are often mistreated and tells us to show love and kindness anyway, He has a reason for it. He knows a situation or a person may not always be what they seem on the outside and He always tries to draw us back to Himself when we feel unworthy, afraid or are lacking in confidence. We need to trust His plans never fail.

Delays

Everytime I feel lifted up into the heavenlies with an amazing sense of joy in the Lord, something brings me down. I have learned to thank God for obstacles as they are God's tools of learning.

This weekend is Father's Day weekend and I was trying to honor my husband's request for some alone time. I just happened to learn my niece and nephew would be in town for the weekend so I was very excited. They were expected at my siter's house early on Saturday morning. The day was warm, my son and I were excited to see the baby and the world seemed like an amazingly euphoric place. I was flying high and all of a sudden....it happened!!! A huge delay. A delay I never would have expected on such a cheerful, vibrant day, a day before Father's Day, no less!! A mere two hundred feet from my sister's house on a Canyon Road, the street was blocked and not expected to be open for several hours.....But we're almost to her house, I thought exasperatedly. After fifteen minutes of waiting slightly uphill, I decided to turn around and make some call. How did people exist before cell phones?

I called my husband and he told me I could get there another way....take awhile, but still it would work. The only issue I had is that I had another engagement that very day, that was a mere several hours a way. I called my niece and she said she was going the other way and would arrive at my sister's house in half an hour. I finally decided to go anyway and took the long route. I waited for my niece and the baby for two hours and they never came. More frustration, but like I said, I have learned to see these things as opportunities. Finally, I had to leave for the other event and went back to see if the road had opened. It was still blocked and a trip that would have taken 20 minutes took forty-five. I learned that five minutes after I left, my niece arrived happily with the baby, knowing nothing of my frustration and following hopeful spirit in spite of it all. To top it off, the last person arriving at the next event was about an hour late, so I didn't have to rush after all. I could have arrived later, lunch was postponed and I didn't get to see my little Geovanni who I had been longing to see. Yet, as I always thing.....I reasoned....Well, I could have cancer or a close family member who had died or was near death. Yet, I am a living, breathing, grateful child of God, who not only has salvation in Christ, but a wonderful husband (a little reclusive, but wonderful no less) five beautiful children and numerous nieces and nephews......These things on Father's Day and every day are what is most important.....I thank God I am alive in Him. What would I ever do without His grace?

Perspective

this morning I got up early and threw on my sweat pants ready to take my daily bike ride. They seemed more snug than usual. I thought...Oh dear, now I have to come up with more ways to loose weight. I got on the bike and started riding. All of a sudden I saw the color of the pants in the light and they weren't mine at all. Mine are black and these were navy blue. They are my daughters! I laughed gleefully, thankful that I had not gained weight overnight afterall!!! It sounds a little silly, but that is often how we view our life until we see things from God's perspective. The wonderful words He says about Himself and us in His Word really are true. They never change and we can take joy in believing He cares for us and loves us more than we'll ever know.

Suncreen and sympthy

I am a sunscreen fanatic. Four of my children tan easily and my oldest daughter and her father do not. They have gotten burned enough times for me to insist they use sunscreen. My husband who usually cooperates decided against being sympathetic to my phobia and refused it. He was about to play an instrument in a Memorial Day Concert and he kept saying that when he arrived, he would be given a hat and would not need the sunscreen. I reluctantly accepted his explanation and vowed to dismiss it in my mind. When he arrived, unbeknown to him, the concert started earlier than he thought so he was late. There was no hat in sight and there he was, unprotected bald head in the sun for two very long hours. I kept trying not to look at his head until my mom arrived and spoke of nothing else.....She was full of "whys?"
I just said, "I tried!" In our discussions following the concert and his sunburn the next day, he kept informing me that at least the news station supported him and his hatless head as he was on TV that very evening!!! We all got a good laugh out of it and I have vowed to continue my fanatical approach to sunscreen in the future.

God Stays the Same

I lost the job that I loved. The job I poured my heart and soul into for six years was suddenly gone. It was the perfect job for me because I was able to choose the days I worked, the schools I would go to and my life was fun, exciting and adventurous. Then there were some minor complaints and all of a sudden I was gone, with no recourse or chance to explain what had happened. Each day since, I have realized that God has not gone anywhere. His calling remains the same whether I am on the job or off the job. He never changes. He is my rock and my fortress and my deliver and everyday I have to remember that.

Lorinda

I spend a lot of my time worrying about things I have no control over. Because I think in a certain pattern, I assume others are like me and naturally are interested in the things I am. This is often not the case and I wonder why I try to change things I can't change. I do know someone though who is all powerful and in complete control and if He thinks it is necessary, there will be a change. My God can help others I cannot help. He can improve situations and change attitudes so I pray to Him often. Yesterday, I had just finished a Bible Study with some delightful women and stopped at the mall. As I was leaving a young woman approached me and told me her story. She had been battered and abused and the police stepped in and said she should leave her home so she and her daughter were living on the streets. My heart went out to her and I gave her some food, money, clothes, a bible and a few other seems. It seemed so small compared to her need. I prayed with Lorinda and told her I would have others pray. She said a shelter would be opening up in a few weeks, but until then, she was desperate to find some housing. I gave her some references and left, saddened about how little I rejoice in the fact that I sleep in a warm bed every night. I have God, church, family, friends and yet I find the most minute issues to complain about. What would I do if I really had to spend a cold night on the street? "Oh Lord, I prayed, Help me in my struggle to overcome frustration over these little tiny inconveniences and spend more time praying for folks like Lorinda."

An Important Question

Today a student asked me what I would do if my daughter got pregnant and was not married. I was a bit elated about that question because I could tell the group of kids around him about God. I said I would pray about it and support her and encourage her to keep the baby or put him up for adoption. This led to a long discussion with one student about faith. He also was a Christian and an actor. It was a blessed time and I was thankful for the opportunity.

Being led by God

It really takes a lot of peace and patience to be led by God moment by moment. It takes courage because God may lead you to places you never dreamed you would be. Most people go to the same job every day and they see the same people every day. Not true for a substitute teacher. I see different kids each day and a lot of the time I am in survival mode....knowing the lesson plan will be sketchy at best and the natives may get very restless, turning on me or each other. The other morning I was in a science class and a girl walked in late. I felt I should speak to her for some reason and when that happens, I know God has a plan for the conversation. I asked her a few questions but the conversation didn't flow naturally so I quietly began to read. I was reading my Christian literature and all of a sudden she said, "Are you a Christian?" I said I was and told her I had intended to ask the same question of her, but as a teacher I'm not really free to do that. She was impressed and I had a chance to discuss the Lord with her and my church. It was a wonderful opportunity and I felt like I could be of some help to her. Later in the day when I felt really discouraged, a boy in my class began singing about Jesus and it lifted my spirit. I want to help these kids and I know they need the Lord, but I have to wait on Him and listen before I do so.

Subbing

I subbed at a school two years ago and was in some turmoil over a friend. I remember praying for about six hours that someday the children at that school would hear the gospel spoken to them. Now, a door has opened for a bible club to be held on that particular school campus. This is a huge answer to prayer and I realized that sometimes, out of our deepest sorrows come our greatest joys.

Hidden Easter Lillies

As I was walking to my car last week after teaching junior high school, I noticed a rectangular bush with two Easter Lilies hiding in it. I started thinking about Easter approaching and how there can be such anguish and such joy all wrapped up in one Holiday. Life is like that. Sometimes the sunshine and the joy is hidden for a season. Sometimes all we see in front of us is a cruel cross. Yet, if we believe that He has risen indeed and He is alive, all things in our lives have the potential to become joyful and new. As we realize He did something for us we could never do for ourselves, we rejoice in His love and we want to share it with others. We want them to know His power to raise them up to new heights of joy and belief. When all I see in front of me is confusion, I begin to praise the one who is all powerful and all knowing. Often, the greatest joys in our lives are hidden in Christ.

It's Not the End of th World

So often we tell our children, "It's not the end of the world." Yet, so many times, we need to be reminded of that also. My son had his hair cut, and because I wanted it shorter than he did, he was angry. He did not like the way his hair turned out and he was very upset. He could not see past his immediate discouragement. I decided to pray with him and explain that it would look better to him after a few days. As I told him, "It's not the end of the world," God spoke to me..."See, that is how I want you to trust me...as if these small imperfections are not the end of the world." I told the Lord I wanted to please Him with my thoughts and attitudes. I asked Him to please help me. Sometimes, I love so deeply and get hurt when others don't have the desire or capacity to love me in return. At those times, I have to release them to God and let them go, trusting my Heavenly Father to do what is best in their lives. It is not easy, but with God all things are possible.

The Spider Made Me Do It

My son who is extremely talented and energetic was in a tizzy. He is thirteen and his hormones are a little whacky right now. He came out into the living room complaining that he had just knocked half the books off his shelf and broke his earphones and another item in his room trying to kill a spider. He felt the spider made him mad and therfore he must find it and kill it!! The only problem is that the spider did not want to be found. He was frustrated and said he would not rest until the spider was dead. He was on the verge of tears.
I spoke soothingly to him. "Honey," I said..."This isn't worth it for a spider!"
Right away I heard my words and realized that I often stress over the smallest things. I am ready to give up over one little night of missed sleep. Crazy how we can be so strong at times and so weak at other times. All of a sudden, we get our perspective back and realize there never was a spider after all.

Cindy and Walt

I had just lost a job through no fault of my own and was feeling grief over that situation. I was bike riding in the neighborhood when all of a sudden the name "Cindy" came to mind. Cindy is a neighbor who I have been in contact with off and on through the years. I went to see her and found out her son Walt is in the hospital in very critical condition. I told her I would pray and was thankful I had the chance to encourage her. It was a blessing.

Linda

I went to the Farmer's Market one Saturday, deliriously happy that we had a break in the rain, and that the sun and the clouds were high overhead. I was sampling the cheese when she passed me....A lady in a wheelchair, without a leg. "Lord have mercy," I whispered, and prayed I would have a chance to meet her and tell her I would pray.
As I rounded a corner and then stopped by the kettle corn vender, there she was. She was right in front of me. Her name was Linda, she was missing one of her arms and one of her legs and she had a motorized wheelchair. Her other arm was burned as if she had been in a fire. I prayed and asked her a few questions about herself. She stays at a county hospital. She has a roommate. I told her to have a good day and that I would be praying for her. As I walked away, I do what I always do. I cried and aked the Lord to please take this burden from me, for it was too much to bear. Then I heard his still, small voice...."I know all about it," He seemed to say. I knew the matter was ended and I could leave it in His all-powerful hands. We have so much and others often have so little, yet if they have the creator of the universe on their side, there is no limit as to what can be done in and through them.

Be Free!

The Bible says that if Jesus sets us free, we are free indeed. Often, when we just surrender our will and give into Him, He sets us free and we can live without holding on too tightly to anything. It is very hard to do, but so worth it. It is like riding a bike in the sunshine....glorious and free. To think that we are in a relationship with the God of the entire universe. That is mind boggling and so amazing. Praise God!!

A Warm Welcome

I was visiting my daughter's church when all of my family was attending. I was late so I had to find a seat in the back and hard as I tried, I could not find them anywhere. About twenty minutes into to service, I felt a tap on my shoulder. My son in law, Tim had made his way over to where I was and quietly whispered, "Follow me Mom." Everytime he calls me "Mom" I realize that I have an amazingly wonderful extra son. I'm proud of him and he is always so thoughtful. I followed my son and sat with the rest of the family. My husband is a choir director at another church so I normally don't get to sit in church with the family. It was a tremendous blessing and I always cherish those moments when we can all hear God's Word together and rejoice in the promises God has given us.

The Iron Horse Trail on a Foggy Night

In the area where I live, there is a somewhat deserted walking area called The Iron Horse Trail. A friend of mine told the story of coming home from an event late one foggy evening to her home which is somewhat secluded. All of a sudden, a lone woman walked out into the street near my friend's car and then turned around and disappeared into the fog. My friend Jan was concerned and got out of her car and asked if anyone was there and needed help. The woman replied and then emerged again. Jan asked her if she could give her a ride somewhere and the woman was overcome with gratitude. It turns out that her car had broken down at the bart station and her cell phone's battery died Her only option was to walk for several miles to get closer to her destination. She couldn't believe that someone would stop to help her. My friend mentioned that God had directed their paths and that she was happy to help. She asked the woman how on earth she had the boldness to walk in the fog at night, not knowing where she was going. The woman said that she knew the path was straight and that if she just kept putting one foot in front of the other, she hoped she would come out on the other side. That is how it is when we walk the Christian path. It is often frightening and unsure, yet if we believe He has promised sucess, we can be confident in Him. God's Word is always true and He promises He will be with us whatever we do and wherever we go.

Peppermint oil

All my life I have been plagued with various ailments. You name it.. Stomach trouble, varicose veins, sleep issues, hormone problems, ulcers, weight issues. After researching and finding out natural cures to most of these ailments I can branch out and help others with some of their problems.....I have discovered that the products that have helped me the most are things that have been around for hundreds of years. I have taken garlic capsules for several years now and I know that they have really improved my immune system. I also use lots of peppermint oil...especially for relief of headaches and stomache issues. I put peppermint drops in my water. I have also discovered that clove oil is very helpful to the immune system and can keep you healthy and heal toothaches and gum problems. Oregano oil is good for shingles, eucalyptus oil and Roman chamomile are great for relieving breathing problems. Cinnamon is great in helping one to metabolize sugar and it is also great for diabetes. Ginger helps the joints and stomach and salmon oil is great for joint pain as is calcium. For help with sleep, valerian root is helpful as is tryptophan. Melatonin is also helpful. I just want you all to know that I am writing this article to help others overcome some of the same ailments I have struggled with.

Rain in New York City

Last June my two daughters and I traveled to New York City. It was a wonderful trip. We saw shows and landmarks we had heard about all our lives It was a wonderful trip. I can remember the day we chose to visit Central Park. It was pouring down rain and I bought three umbrellas for us....Off we walked in the rain towards Central Park. I can remember thinking.....Here I am in New York with my girls for the first time....I'll cherish this moment always. I can describe to you everything I saw that day....The horse and carriage on the side of the street....The lovely green lawn and massive trees...the playground....the high rise buildings on the streets...Patsy's Restaurant looking so elegant and inviting. But most of all I knew I was offering my girls a chance to experience something they will never forget.

Words

We have all heard the saying..."Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurts me." We also know how untrue that is. Words do hurt..Even if words are nice, they can be delivered with a cutting edge in a tone of voice that may cause injury. God helps us to heal from these words hurled at us that hurt us. I was in a large fifth grade class room last week and a girl raised her hand and said, "My friend said you look like a man with a wig on." I thought quickly and told her what is really important is how someone looks like on the inside. I could tell she felt a little bad about saying it. Next, I felt myself asking me..."Do you really look like a man with a wig on?" When I got home, I told my husband and he said, "Why didn't you just tell her..."I am a man?" That got me to laughing hysterically and I was so thankful that when we start taking ourselves too seriously, God sends laughter. God's Word speaks what is true about God and about us. I thank Him for His constant love and assurance. I also thank Him for his encouraging words.

Chased by a car

Sometimes I get so annoyed with myself that I am so skeptical and judgemental of other people's motives. I really struggle with analyzing what someone says or what I say to someone else instead of just being joyful. God knows I don't like this about myself and I keep finding ways to change. He mentions to me that I need to be this way to teach autistic children. The other night I was coming home from a gathering and a car decided to chase me because I got too close to his car. I tried to avoid him and all of a sudden I found him stopping in front of me on the road and trying to chase me again. I prayed and thought fast and avoided him. The Lord showed me that He has given me a cautious questioning mind for a reason. Praise God for His protection.

Dear Colleen....

I have a group of wonderful, supportive friends who are always there to listen after I have had a tempestuous day teaching....One of them is Colleen and here is the letter I wrote to her recently...Colleen, Hi my dear...I had a most interesting day teaching Art. It started out well...Then when I got to the classes with 30 fifth graders, it was tough. At the beginning of the class, A timid girl raised her hand and said, " My friend over there said that you look like a man wearing a wig!" It was dead silent and I thought, "Now what do I say?" I just said how what is important is what people look like on the inside. I was tempted to have a pity party, then started laughing hysterically and thought it was funny. I came home and Kev said, "Why didn't you just say....I am a man!" Can you imagine the reaction their teacher would have? Time to send this one to the funny farm!!!It's a zoo in those huge middle school classes....hormones flying off the walls. You gotta laugh....Can't cry all the time. Love ya lots my friend. Patsy

Mariella

Over the holidays, my adrenaline was way too high....Between practicing for a large production at a large church, substitute teaching and family gatherings, I found myself running a red light before I even realized what I had done. I breathed a sigh of relief that not a single person was around when I did it. About two weeks later, I got an electronic ticket in the mail with the request to pay 440 dollars or go to traffic court. So on a very cold December morning at 5am, I waited in line for three hours for traffic court. Once I got there, I waited two more hours to get my 32 hours of community service, traffic school and some fines assigned to me. I began working off my community service hours at a church thrift store and was frustrated when no one could decide what they wanted me to do. I did what I could for a few days, but my attitude needed some adjustment. The next day, I met Mariella, a young mother from Argentina and in three hours she transformed the linen section to an area of beauty. What she said I will always remember...."God wants us to do whatever job He gives us for His glory. It doesn't matter what the job is, we are to do it with excellence, and that is what I am here to do today." She did and I will never forget the beautiful young girl who inspired me to be all I can be for God's glory.