Thursday, July 31, 2008

Thought for the Day!

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning & a sunset every evening.
Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Grateful Journal

My oldest daughter gave me a journal and pen for Christmas. Since then, I've been trying to jot down several things I'm thankful for every day (okay, maybe not every day). I'm calling it my "Gratefulness Journal." Try it some time. Try to come up with 2 or 3 things every day that you are thankful for and express your appreciation to the Lord. Here's a few from my list over the past 6 or 7 months. They aren't in any particular order.

liquid advil (it goes to work faster!)
sunshine on a cloudy day (hey, that would make a great song :)
technology (without it I wouldn't be blogging right now)
good health
sunrises in the morning
sunsets in the evening
date nights with hubby
Wendy's chili
Taco Bell
hair dye
eye-brow waxing (it beats plucking!)
medical advances
beautiful weather
church family
worship services
friends
chocolate (the darker the better!)
traveling
falling leaves
cool, crisp weather
football
basketball
direct access to God
the atoning work of Christ
the filling of the Holy Spirit
a good education
God's word
eternal life
salvation
praise music
chocolate
Beth Moore bible studies
God's creativity
dishwashers
gardens (especially other people's)
pets (especially other people's!)
memories of my sister, Pam
a terrific grandson
3 wonderful daughters
one handsome man
Godly parents & in-laws
sisters
extended family
peace
comfort
eternity in heaven
abundant life with Jesus
eternal reunions
the presence of the Holy Spirit
revelations from God
someday seeing Jesus face to face
The Tabernacle
The Mercy Seat
The Blood of Jesus
Krispy Kreme Donuts
did I mention chocolate?

Monday, July 28, 2008

What does it mean?

It just occured to me that some people may not know what "Serendipity Epiphanies" means, so I am copying the definitions of the two words in my blog name to give you a little insight.

Serendipity: An unsought, unintended, or unexpected discovery or occurrence, made by accident or surprise.

Epiphany (feeling): the sudden realization or comprehension of the essence or meaning of something.

Some people blog every day, some people blog every week, I blog when I stumble onto a "surprise revelation!" (in laymen's terms: when a light bulb goes on over my head! :)

Saturday, July 26, 2008

28 = Joy!

Yesterday, my husband and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary. It seems impossible that it was 28 years ago when we started this journey called marriage. Sometimes I think to myself: "What happened to that young bride?"

I'll tell you what happened - she grew up (okay, she got older!) Seriously, though, when I think about the journey of the past 28 years I have lots of fond memories and realize that the rewarding times far out-weigh the hard times.

So, here's to all you brides and future brides out there - the journey is full of joy, mixed with a little bit of pain, but rewarding and fulfilling, especially when you go with God!

(P.S...If you want a really cool date night, try what we did. We called it a "Progressive Dinner Date." We started at one restaurant and had an appetizer (we split one). Then we headed to another restaurant and had our main course (again, we split one). Lastly, we had our dessert at a different restaurant. It was a lot of fun!)

Friday, July 25, 2008

VBS

Our Vacation Bible School for 2008 will end today. I'm always a little sad when it ends (and a lot tired!) We had a record crowd at our Family Night. I pray that all of these families will be drawn closer to Christ as a result of this wonderful blessing we call VBS.

The other day I was reflecting on past Vacation Bible Schools and I realized I have been a VBS director for over 15 years now. What an incredible calling to watch children learn God's word. Many lives have begun their journey of following Christ as a result of VBS. My middle daughter came to Christ at Vacation Bible School many years ago. Others have become Christ followers, as well. This year, 15 children at our church made the decision to follow Christ. For me, that's what it is all about.

I'm so exhausted that I can't even sleep. I'm writing this post at 3:30 in the morning. I'm going to be tired later today, but it will be a good tired. When we take all the decorations down from this year's VBS, I will already be thinking about next year!

Monday, July 14, 2008

He loves me!!!

Tonight, my 4 year old grandson, Jake, saw that I was about to get on the computer. He's figured out that I "say" things on my "blog" so he said: "Nana, tell them I love you."

I tell you what - he is the smartest, cutest, most lovable character I have ever known.

Well, Jake - Nana loves you, too~

Good night....and sweet dreams!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Thought for the Day

I used to be hot.....
.....now it just comes in flashes!!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Esther Bible Study

Anyone else as excited as I am about the Esther Bible study by Beth Moore coming out soon? I can hardly wait!! Can't believe it's still 4 months away....oh, well, I'm sure it will be worth the wait. I'm praying that Beth makes her deadline so that we can have the bible study in hand some time in November. Can't wait for fall!!!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Summer Bible Study

I am really enjoying the Bible Study: "No Other gods," by Kelly Minter. Her insights are really hitting home. Ouch!!

Are any other siesta's out there having a hard time narrowing their "gods" to just one?????

We are getting fortified through The Word. I just keep repeating Jude 1:24-25 to myself, over and over.

Also, another good verse is Psalm 86:11 (which is the Lifeway VBS theme verse this year.) It's one of my favorites: "Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name."

Memorizing scripture is a great way to renew our minds.

Good night for now! Sweet dreams!!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

My First Blog

It's funny how a whole world can exist out here in "cyber-space" and while I've been reading blogs for a while I'm just now entering into this exciting, fun, new experience of writing blogs.....let me know how I do! So for now, "Nanikins" (what my 4 year old grandson calls me) is signing off!