Has anyone ever said this to you? “Just have faith.” Well, it has been said to me many times and I confess I have said it to others also. I posted about a wonderful book in the comments of a dear friend’s blog today, and I just felt that maybe I should share this with all of you.

I have faith in God. I believe in God. I trust Jesus, and have accepted Him as my personal Savior and Redeemer. I believe God is who He says He is, and I believe He has my life in His hands. I believe I will live with Him in Heaven one day. But, all this being said…it is sometimes hard to have faith. There I said it. It is not always easy for me to remember all the things I know and believe. But, having faith is not about the way I feel. It is a matter of trusting God to do what He says He will do…regardless of how I feel. It is choosing to believe God’s promises over my personal feelings.

I recommended this book to my friend, and I would like for you to know about it as well. This is one of those life changing books…and I consider it to be one of the most important books in my Christian life. Now, there is nothing controversial in it at all. It will not challenge what you believe. Nor will it cause you to doubt your convictions. But, it will help you to realize that His Word is truer than anything we may be feeling at the moment.

The book is titled FAITH IS NOT A FEELING. Sub-titled: Choosing To Take God At His Word. The author is Ney Bailey. It is published by Waterbrook Press, a division of Random House…copywright 2002. I purchased my copy from Lifeway Bookstore several years ago. I have not seen it there in a while, but I do know they will order it for you. It is available on Amazon.com for $13.99…I just checked. If you put the title and author in the search bar at the top on Amazon, it will take you right to it.

I have personally dealt with many things in my life where the outcome has looked bleak and trusting was not always easy. One of the things I pray for is that my faith will remain strong. I never want to doubt what I believe. And I know satan would like nothing better. A Christian song that I can not remember title or author has some words in it that resonate with me often.”…give us faith to be strong and strength to be faithful…”. We are fighting a battle with the enemy daily, and I want my faith to be strong and unwavering. This book has helped me to see that it can be…even if I don’t feel like it is. Let’s be real, friends, we would all like for others to think we have that most perfect relationship with God that never doubts or never gets hard. We would like others to think we can quote the Bible verse for verse and always be able to recall a verse to go with each situation. Well, I am here to say to you…I can’t. It is hard for me sometimes. And there are times I can only recall the feeling of a verse and a few words of it. I know I am a sinner saved by the grace of God, but my walk with Him is not perfect…and at times, I falter. But, I know He loves me and is ready to help me be the person He created me to be.

I think you will enjoy reading this book. It starts off with a disaster the author went through, and goes on to explain what I feel are great truths. If you choose to read this, please let me know what you think. God bless you.

I stopped by Mom’s yesterday, and she took me on a tour of her garden. These flowers were just so glorious that I wanted to share them with you. It reminded me of a song Mama taught me when I was a little girl…the words were:

Oh, who can make a flower?
I’m sure I can’t, can you?
Oh, who can make a flower?
No one but God, it’s true!

These are beautiful examples of God’s handiwork! Enjoy!




This Zinnia plant had 16 blooms on it!

We spent the 4th at the Lake, and Praise the Lord, Alex was able to go with us. Mom and Dad came, Ian was there and our friends Buddy and Tina and Jim and Willene were with us too.
Alex decided to take a drive on the golf cart. Remember now, he has VERY poor vision and sees double at a distance of about 8 feet. But, will you look at this? His Granny and Pop are right on there with him…going where he goes…whether he knows where he’s going or not! I’d call that love and devotion, wouldn’t you?

FYI: They made it to the Lake, and all returned safely!

My sweet friend, Sherrie, who has been navigating the road to adoption in China, has finally gotten the news she has been waiting for! I am so happy, I could sing…I could dance…I could turn back flips…well, maybe not the last one, BUT…I am really happy. She should be able to go and get Sweet Sophie in a few weeks! Isn’t that sooo exciting! OOPS! there go my feet again…trying to dance:-).

Hang in there family, you’ll be travelling soon! Wish I could tag along!

We tend to do our special days all in a wad in this family! the 8th was Mom and Pop’s anniversary…they have been married…..I don’t know…close to 60 years, I think! Then Pop’s birthday is the 9th and Ian’s is the 10th…which is today!

I just have to tell you that this is a very special young man. I have seen God’s hand on him throughout his life. He loves to have fun, works hard, loves his grandparents, and is always willing to lend a helping hand…well, unless he has a more pressing engagement…or if he’s sleeping in…but, he will get around to it eventually! 😉 Most importantly, he loves the Lord. He lives true to himself in all situations, and follows a stict moral code. I never worry about his behavior, or actions when he is away from us…he has proved himself too many times.
He is the last of my children…and a surprise blessing from the Lord! He is adored and treasured by all those who know and love him!

Happy Birthday, my son!