Before The Throne of God Above

I feel the need to worship today. Who is with me? Take this in today....absorb it. Know its truth in your soul. Let Christ speak to you through this song...the words are beneath the video. Let me hear from you today, how the Lord has spoken to you.




Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in Heaven, He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I Am
The King of glory and of grace
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased with His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God
With Christ my Savior and my God

Jayden

I love this picture of my great-nephew! I think my niece should have entered this into a photo contest

Which Presidential Candidate Do You Align With?

This is an interesting way to see who your values align with among the 2008 Presidential Candidates. Just answer the questions, and it will tell you whose values are most in line with yours....pretty interesting!  Presidential Candidate Selector

Handbell Hero

Heard of Guitar Hero? Well, not even close....but this is Handbell Hero....there are only 4 notes you have to deal with, but good luck! The other handbell players even make faces at you when you mess up - enjoy!

Handbell Hero

Painted Cats

OK, these people have waaaaay too much money on their hands...wonder if any of them would adopt me?? It is my understanding that painting a cat costs 15,000 dollars and must be repeated every 3 months as the cat's hair grows out. Really, I'm open for adoption.....seriously....

"No Dogs In Heaven"

(Now, before I start getting mail from biblical scholars correcting me about my "pets in heaven" philosophy, this is NOT the moral of this story....I hope they will look past that to what this little story is really about. Also, fyi, it is my understanding that this story is based on an episode of The Twilight Zone by Rod Serling, so enjoy!)

An old man and his dog were walking down a hot, dusty road lined with a beautiful white fence on both sides. As they walked along, the old man and his dog became very thirsty and tired.

Soon, they came to a gate in the fence where, on the other side, they saw a nice grassy, wooded area surrounding a cool clear pool of fresh water. "Just where a thirsty 'huntin' dog and a man would like to rest!" thought the old man. But there was a sign over the gate that read "No Dogs" so they walked on.

Further on, they came upon a man in flowing white robes standing just inside a strong iron gate across a path that led to a beautiful, sunny meadow with a cool clear stream running through it.

"'Scuse me Sir," said the old man, "My dog and I have been on this road all day. Mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?" "Of course!" The man said. "Come on in and rest. You look thirsty and tired." The old man said, "We sure are!" and started through the gate with his dog.

The gatekeeper stopped him. "Sorry, you can come in but your dog can't come with you. "You see, this is Heaven, and dogs aren't allowed here. He has to stay out here on the road." "What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs?" said the old man. "Well, if he can't come in, then I'll stay out here on the road with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life and I won't desert him now."

"Suit yourself," said the gatekeeper, "but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his place. He'll promise you anything, but dogs can't go there either. If you won't leave that dog on the road, you'll spend all Eternity on the road with him. Better if you stay here."

"Well, I'm stayin' with my dog," replied the man and he and the dog walked on. Gradually, the fence became more and more faded and rundown until they finally reached a spot where the boards fell away completely leaving a gap. Another man dressed in old, ragged clothes sat just inside the broken fence under a shady tree.

"'Scuse me Sir," said the old man, "My dog and I have been on this road all day. Mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?" "Of course!" The man said. "Come on in and rest. There's some cold water here under the tree. Make yourself comfortable."

The old man paused, "but what about my dog? Can he can come in, too? The man up the road said dogs weren't allowed here, and they had to stay on the road." The other man answered, "Well, you look pretty tired and thirsty. Would you come in here and rest if you had to leave that dog?"

"No sir!" the old man replied, "A glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now but I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too. I didn't go to Heaven because my dog couldn't come with me, so I sure as how ain't about to go to Hell without him neither."

The man smiled and said, "Welcome to Heaven, and bring your dog!" The old man exclaimed, "You mean this is Heaven? And my dog can come with me? Then why did that fellow down the road say they weren't allowed in Heaven?" The man replied, "That was the Devil and he gets all the souls who are willing to give up a life-long companion for small comfort because they think it will make their lives a little easier."

The man continued, "They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. God wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, He created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?"

Tribute to Women in Film

This is just terribly cool. Someone did a really beautiful job. Be sure and watch the eyes.

Two Horses

Just up the road a bit is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When
she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.

Good friends are like this .........You don't always see them, but you always know where they are.

Please listen for my bell......and I'll listen for yours.

The Quiet, Fiery Sermon

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preacher's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.

The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.

The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's' flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday."

We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.

Stopping Time in Grand Central Station

This is, like, one of the greatest pranks ever! Imagine walking into Grand Central Station and finding out that time has stopped! Well, these people did and check out their expressions!

Grand Central Station Prank

Bill Gaither & His Homecoming Friends

Every year my friend Diann and I travel to Dallas/Fort Worth for the annual Bill Gaither & Homecoming Friends Concert weekend. We have been going for the past 10 years and we always have a wonderful time! We get to stay in a fancy hotel and just enjoy the weekend. My family makes fun of me every year - my sister called it the Hallelujah Hoe-Down last year. This year it's the Holy Hootenanny. I'm not sure how you can turn your nose up at Southern Gospel music, but it's a wonderful time, and as soon as this weekend is over, we'll start planning for next year's Gaither Homecoming weekend!

The Other Sherree

Once upon a time my Aunt and my Brother-in-Law began sending emails to me that they then accused me of not responding to. Being severely ADD, I couldn't even argue with them because, heck, I can't remember what I've read today!

This went on for some time, until, one day the real recipient of these emails responded to both of them....I'm really enjoy these emails....who are you people????

Once the mystery was solved, my Aunt contacted me and told me this story and we had a good laugh about it. She then said, "You should contact her!" So, I did and that was two years ago!

Meet "the other Sherree!!" Yep, there's two Sherree's who both spell their name the same way. The other Sherree lives in Ruston, LA and I met her for the first time yesterday. Was on my way to Marshall, Texas and made a stop in Ruston (That will be funny to those who know the geography of that area). We both look very serious in this picture....it was hard to smile when Sherree's volunteer fire department pager went off...very loud and very insistant! But we really were having a good time together!

Here are some things I know about the other Sherree. The other Sherree is very funny and makes me laugh all the time! The other Sherree has been through some really tough times with me and has always stood steadfast...all 5 feet of her. The other Sherree is a believer like me. The other Sherree just became a grandma! The other Sherree has quite the testimony and evidence of God's presence in her life. The other Sherree is a volunteer fireman along with her husband. The other Sherree is a blessing in my life!

I asked her how her family refers to me and she said, you guessed it, as "the other Sherree!"

Happy Birthday, Lacey!

This is my niece, Lacey - isn't she beautiful? She's also very smart, is a loving wife to great hubby, Joe, and is a great mom to two beautiful boys, Keaton and Jayden!

Used Engine with an intact Timing Chain - $1000.00

Engine Installation and Labor - $1200.00

Getting your car back the very day you're leaving for your 10th annual trek to the Gaither Homecoming Concert Weekend with the same wonderful friend - Priceless

Emma

Needs no introduction or description....she speaks for herself!

God's Glory in Rainbows

Just had to tell you about the rainbow I saw on the way home from work today. I took picures but they didn't come out very well...I was too excited I guess! I thank God for my rainbow today. I know it was mine because before I could get back in the car after I snapped the last picture, it was gone. It didn't fade away.....it was just gone. I'm not saying that others did not enjoy it....I certainly don't mind sharing, but I know it was my Daddy God connecting with me today. I think I'm God's biggest fan in His artistry....I tell Him constantly that He is my very favorite Artist. I don't really see many of his sunrises as I'm not really a morning person, but MAN, I LOVE His sunsets! Sometimes, I just stare (which is usually not a good idea while I'm driving....) And, sometimes, His Glory is displayed so loudly and beautifully, I wonder how everyone cannot hear Him. The Bible reminds me in Psalm 19:

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,and their words to all the world.

My favorite sunsets are the ones where He picks up 4 or 5 paintbrushes at once, all soaked in different colors and justs slings paint all across the sky. Wow, it is so beautiful! Pinks, purples, blues, grays, yellows, reds....just so many colors. If you have not really checked out God's artwork in His sunsets, take the time to look. He is showing off just to get your attention. He sure has mine.

Damon Scott & His Monkey, Bubbles

This is from the show "Brittain's Got Talent" and this guy is just heeeeeeelarious! And, yes, he definitely has talent - enjoy!

Hey, Are Those Freckles On Your Nose?

Nope, look below to see what it is!

You know, there really are no words for this........ makes your eyes water, don't it? I know the Bible tells us to take the plank out of our eye, but I'm not familiar with the scripture that tells us to take the fork out of our noses!

Game Night With My Peeps

Last night I taught the kids to play "Sweat" which is played with Dominos. You want to get rid of your dominos first, but if you can't play, you must pass which is not a happy thing! The object of this game is to get the lowest score. It's a very addicting game and we played Sweat for 6 straight hours....we were all slap happy by the end, but it was a blast!

My Request For 2008

To all my friends who in 2007 sent me best "wishes", chain letters, "angel" letters or other promises of good luck if I forwarded something to 15 friends (because if I didn't forward, I clearly did not love Jesus) - NONE OF THEM WORKED!

For 2008, would you please just send money, chocolate, Starbucks gift certificates or gasoline vouchers? Thank you!

How to Put Your Kid In Time-Out

HilBilly

Men's Survival Guide to the Woman's Lingo

1. Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

2. Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

4. Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

5. Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6. That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7. Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome.

8. Whatever: Is a women's way of saying "You are too stupid to live and your presence in this conversation is pointless."

9. Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response refer to #3.

HEMA Dutch Department Store

HEMA is a Dutch department store. The first store opened on November 4, 1926, in Amsterdam. Now there are 150 stores all over the Netherlands. HEMA also has stores in Belgium, Luxemburg and Germany. In June of this year, HEMA was sold to British investment company Lion Capital.

Take a look at HEMA's product page. You can't order anything and it's in Dutch but just wait a couple of seconds and watch what happens. Don't worry, nothing will pop up and scare you! If you have kids, they'll love it!

This company has a sense of humor and a great computer programmer.

Grandma's Hands (Author Unkown)

Get a hanky.....

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time,
I asked her if she was OK.

She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear strong voice.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her.

"Have you ever looked at your hands?" she asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?" I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related the following story: "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years.

"These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

"They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.

"They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

"They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.

"They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

"These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."

I will never look at my hands the same again. God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of Grandma. I know she has been held by the hands of God. And I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

Future Sumsing Turbo 3000

This kicks iPhone's butt!! I'm gonna wait until it cleans my whole house and get one!