On This Day In History . . .

July 17, 1973 found me getting off a Greyhound bus in Mesa, Arizona to begin a new life.  In tow was my 2 1/2 year old red headed little boy who the kids at Sunshine Acres Children's Home would come to nickname, "Fireball" for that red hair.

The bus made its' destination from Visalia, California where two years earlier I had been the first single person to adopt a child.  The Lord gave me my son June 4, 1971 and I spent two years praying for a place where I could make a living for our newly formed family and yet be a full time mother.  The opportunity came when Carol Whitworth, CEO answered the phone at Sunshine Acres Children's Home and told us they normally did not hire single people but at this time they did need someone to help the nurse take care of any children that might become sick and need temporary extra care away from the dorm and other children.

"Fireball" and I lived and worked at the home and it did completely answer my prayer for a place that I could provide for our needs and yet be a full time mother to my son.  In December of 1979 Jason and I adopted Anthony who was just barely 3 years old.  If you know the rest of the story you know that Anthony found a father for he and his brother and a Precious Husband for me.  Precious Husband and I were married in the Sunshine Acres Chapel with all the Acres kids in attendance nearly 30 years ago.

All in all I lived and worked at this amazing ministry called Sunshine Acres Children's Home for 12 years.  It was nothing like it is today but still no one can tell me those weren't the best years of my life. 

On this day in history 40 years ago I came to live in the desert at a place lovingly called, Miracle in the Desert.  It provided a miracle for me as an adult just like it has provided for hundreds of children all these years later.  

I hope you will take a few minutes and watch the You Tube about the home and see for yourself what an amazing place it is. 

Latest Fav!

I Lift My Hands

Chris Tomlin | Myspace Video

Another amazing song by Chris Tomlin.  Love his music.

Precious Husband and I are looking forward to quality time on the beach in California this week.  We are leaving here on Wednesday early.  First stop will be Tony Roma's so Precious Husband can get his beef rib fix. This will be my third birthday in a row that we will celebrate with clam chowder at Duckie's in Cayucus.  Love to create memories and traditions.  After the coast we will head inland for family reunion at my brother's ranch in Tulare on Saturday.  Should be a great week.

Trust in the Lord

Tomorrow marks an anniversary for me.  Forty years ago God in an amazing way presented me with an eight month old baby boy.  Jason Thomas, often referred to at Sunshine Acres Children's Home as "Fireball" for his red hair.  Yes, June 4, 1971 was a very critical life changing day for me.  A day that would teach me love, patience, and most of all faith.  I am thankful to God this morning for a most precious gift - the gift of faith and the gift of Jason Thomas.

The following story was emailed to me this morning by my cousin Frani and I have read it before but in light of my special date tomorrow I thought I would share it here. 

You see the boy in the story could very possibly be Jason.  Anthony Joseph is a very fortunate young man to be blessed with a brother that loves him to this same degree.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.  Proverbs 3:5  This is the verse God gave me 9 months after he brought Jason into my life.  Along with the verse He gave me an amazing heart of faith to go along with it. 

THE BRICK

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something.

As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.

The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money.. Why did you do it?' The young boy was apologetic.

'Please, mister....please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my  brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat.. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took
out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts.. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay.

'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home..

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to
remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!'

God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

Delight Yourself . . .

 

It has always been my desire - this concept of open heart - open home.  Concept is one thing.  Bringing a concept to fruition is quite another.  My heart is open.  My home is open.  But pride raises it ugly head and makes this whole delight of my heart quite a challenge.

Anthony had been here since his surgery on Thursday and Jason came down on Friday for the weekend.  The brothers had a good time together doing what they do best.   I spent Saturday in the kitchen most of the day putting together a dinner for Easter afternoon.  

Needless to say the house - our home - became a little messy.  Bird seed covered the floor in the family room.  Dust covered most everything else - hey, just being honest here.

Sunday usually is relaxed because till now our service had been 3 PM.  I loved this time because it meant a little sleeping in and a leisurely morning and lunch before leaving for church at 2.  But yesterday we changed service time now starting at 10 AM which meant we had to be on the road by 9:00 AM. 

I did not hustle my little self quite fast enough and the house was left in some disarray to be sure.  

This disarray was the first thought in my mind when Precious Husband told me we were bringing home someone who would have otherwise been alone for Easter.  Immediately PRIDE kicked its ugly head up and all I could think of was 2 guest rooms with beds not made and bird seed all over the floor. What would he think?

Praise God I am growing and my heart's desire is greater than my pride which I took a big gulp of and swallowed hard.  We had a lovely day getting to better know a member of our church and share our family with.  Our guest got quite a kick out of watching me attempt to get a picture of our 4 TLCs in their matching summer outfits they got for Easter.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

Yes, I desire to have a home that is open and enough love to conquer the pride that would challenge me in this area.  God is good.

Mom's Confidence Today

 

My kids hear this comment from me more than anything else, "life happens."  It is true, but no need to worry, no need to get anxious, no need because the Lord is in control.  

Just sat down after seeing Anthony off to surgery and when I opened my computer I came to this verse:

The LORD of hosts has sworn saying, 

"Surely , just as I have intended so it has happened, 

and just as I have planned so it will stand"

Isiah 14:24

I love the fact that God knows exactly what is happening and nothing surprises Him.  Our lives have been mapped out perfectly before time began. This fact gives this mom great confidence.

The picture above is Anthony watching dad's Ipad after we are told the surgeon will be 40 minutes late.  Dad to the rescue - always there for us.  

Just ready to push the publish button and the surgeon came out to say all is well and Anthony is in recovery.  Thank you Jesus.

Remembering What Mary Chose

This morning my mind is a whirl as I contemplate a full week and many things in our family that would in the natural cause me to worry.  With 5 children there is always something for sure BUT then I come back to what I know: God is more than sufficient for all my needs and more than capable to take care of all my situations.  

Martha was busy with her to-do list.  Oh how I love Martha!  I can so relate.  I cope best with my to-do list.  I like my ducks in order and I don't like surprises.  But Mary!  She chose the best and I am heading the Lord's advice this morning and letting Mary be my role model for the day.

Luke 10:38-42

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he said. 10:40 But Martha was distracted with all the preparations she had to make, so she came up to him and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work alone? Tell her to help me.” 10:41 But the Lord  answered her,   “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things,  but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her.”

Still My SuperMan!

Look what I found while cleaning my little sanctuary (my office).  Precious Husband is still my SuperMan after nearly 30 years!

. . . . . how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  Luke 7:11b

Allow Me To Brag

This is a long over-due post.  My Precious Husband is what causes the sun to rise each day for me.  How can I begin to tell anyone, let alone someone who has never met him, what an extremely special man I am married to?

This man with the big heart is the most unselfish person I have ever known.  It amazes me how giving one person can be with no thought of anything in return.

Our family most certainly would not be what it is if it were not for this husband and father that gives us all our stability.   Last night as we spoke to our daughter Michelle in Kentucky she remarked that she is a "daddy's girl" and proud of it.  Truly 5 children could not have a better father.

This month began a new season in our life.  Precious Husband is now retired and I am happy to report he is loving his new status.  I am thankful to the Lord that Precious Husband now has time to give of himself and get involved with our church family in ways he could not before.  It thrills my heart to see him take his Bible and study books out to the pond to ready himself for Tuesday night Bible study with the men.

I have waited a long time for this season and yes, I give thanks to the Lord for the season and for my Precious Husband to share it with.

Life will always hold challenges but I am thankful that God in His mercy and grace brought my Precious Husband into my life nearly 30 years ago to truly complete me.

Thinking About JOY Again

 

I started the new year off with new excitement.  I am the new Women's Ministry Director for our church.  Once again I must refer back to one of my two life verses:

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

  

My desire was to see more organization and ministry and so the Lord is giving me the honor to help bring that to pass.

It all happened very quickly but God blessed me with ideas and material to give our kick off night last Tuesday a great start.  Normally things would be done as a group and plans and decisions made as a group but to start I just jumped in and did it : )

It was all so good.  Thank you Jesus!

 

Little note cards folded over couple of packages of tea.

Back of the card had our theme verse of Psalms 126:3 The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with JOY.

 

Each lady received a gift bag that included a teapot and teacup with the verse on it.  I had bought 12 of these a few years ago with other intentions but God put it all together as I said.

 

We will use Elizabeth George's book to study and share each week and it was in the gift bag.  One of Precious Husband's customers gave him a check for the ministry when he shared with her about our church.  It was exactly enough to pay for the books : )

 

A note book was in their gift bag with special tabs for:

Bible Study, Prayer, Family, Encouragement and Notes

Precious Husband has been very encouraging and I am so thankful for that encouragement.  I couldn't do this without him.  Now he wants me to bake enough "goodies" so he can take them to Men's Ministry too.  I think I can handle that request.

Truly:

The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with JOY

Psalms 126:3

Wordless Wednesday - Double Feature

Stayed on Jesus

This morning I was faced with a situation that usually causes me to yield to a very bad attitude and my mind takes me in directions I truly don't want to go.  Because of what the Lord has been reminding me lately about keeping my mind stayed on Him I began to sing the old Negro spiritual that says, " I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus".  My face turned into a large smile as I began to sing.  That smile totally encouraged my spirit and confirmed to me how important it is to keep our mind on Jesus. 


So how do we keep our mind stayed on Jesus?  Meditating on God's Word and praying without ceasing are the two things that probably are the most beneficial.  

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.  Isaiah 26:3

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:21-24

Jesus replied: " 'Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' Matthew 22:37

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; Romans 8:6

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous , and then thou shalt have good success . Joshua 1:8

Sing with me:

Gift of Curtains

Just a year or so before we moved into our new home I purchased a set of curtains for my family room.  I really liked the curtains and especially since they were relatively new I wanted to use them in the new family room too but with several more windows here I did not have enough.  I checked Target where I bought them even though I doubted they would still carry them and I was right - no curtains.  Well, here is the point of my blog today to give the Lord praise for one of the little things that He delights my heart with.

I was out junking in one of my favorite thrift stores when I found them.  My curtains!  Like new too! I was so excited and gathered up the panels I found.  Counting them I found that I was short 2 panels.  My first thought was I will take these and just put a coordinating curtain in my adjoining kitchen but then I decided to walk back over to the domestic area of the store and look again.  Sure enough on another shelf I found 2 more panels. 

May not seem like a big deal but it is these little things that touch my heart and make me say, "Thank You Jesus!"  God loves to bless His children and He is interested in the little things too.

The Kitchen Window

Our previous home of nearly 25 years did not have a window in the kitchen and I always missed that detail.  Our new home on the contrary has a big window above my kitchen sink and I so enjoy it.  There is a plant growing well that I started from cuttings and it threatens to take over the wide sill.  My African Violet seems healthy enough but so far is refusing to flower.  Then in the middle of the window is my little oil lamp.  This is another one of my objects with a story.  A special story.

When Jason was young (before we adopted Anthony and added Precious Husband to the mix) we invited another single mother and her daughter to join us for a Saturday road trip.  We headed to Oak Creek Canyon to picnic and see the colors of fall.  We also went into the crafty town of Jerome.  While driving to Jerome I shared with my friend Nancy about a special sermon I had heard based on Isaiah 64:8 and we chatted back and forth about the verse.  Jerome is an old ghost town that is now a tourist attraction for arts and crafts.  As we walked through one large two story building Jason ran ahead of us.  All of a sudden he came running back to us all excited and telling us to hurry we had to see something.  There was a young man sitting at the potter's wheel making oil lamps.  Jason was so excited because he had listened to my friend and I sharing about the potter's wheel and there it was for him to actually see.  Needless to say I had to purchase an oil lamp from the young artist at the potter's wheel. 

My oil lamp sits in my kitchen window and flickers brightly as I wash dishes in the evening and always brings fond memories of when God so perfectly put together a wonderful road trip with a precious souvenir as a reminder of His delightful goodness to me.

My Famous Muffins

When the Lord gave me my first son, Jason more than anything I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom.  Being a single woman I had to make a living for us though and the Lord made that possible by taking me to Sunshine Arcres Children's Home.  While there I adopted my second son, Anthony and two years later I met the man who would become my Precious Husband.

During my years at "The Acres" I would often invite some of the other single ladies and grandmas on the place over for coffee and muffins.  Today I am sharing a recipe that has been around for years but worth repeating here.  Grandma Merle was the grandmother of Judy Dingman who was the founders of "The Acres" daughter-in-law.  Are you still with me : )  Anyway, Grandma Merle would always say, "Oh boy, we get to go to Dorothy's for her famous muffins!"   Such special memories I have of all the people and especially the children of Sunshine Acres.

Dorothy's Famous Muffins

(Better known as 6 Week Muffins)

5 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups boiling water
2 cups All Bran Cereal
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter or margarine
4 eggs, beaten well
1 quart buttermilk
4 cups All Bran Cereal
2 cups raisins

Mix 2 cups All Bran with boiling water and set aside.  In large bowl with lid mix margarine and sugar and add eggs, beating well.  Combine dry ingredients and mix in.  Add buttermilk and the other 4 cups All Bran along with wet All Bran.  Mix well and stir in raisins.  Bake 20 minutes in greased muffin tins at 400’.  This mix keeps in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.  Make as many or as few at a time as you want to.

Try this recipe out and invite a neighbor that needs a lift.  In no time people will be talking about your "famous muffins" too.

Still God's Best Advice

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. That commandment, that wisdom, that Godly advice is found in the Proverbs. It is what God spoke to my heart when I was a young woman of 22, living again in my parents home and never married. It was God's commandment to my heart as He gave me a red-headed baby boy to raise as my own. Wow, did I have lots of doubts and questions but what amazing advice He gave me that filled my heart with faith to believe.

All Because . . .

All because two people fell in love -- that's what the board says in the middle of our picture gallery in the dining room. The various pictures are of our seven grandchildren and other members of the family.

As a single person God put it on my heart to adopt my children. Long story short is that He gave me two boys and then He brought a husband and father to us and 3 more children. So that is how I came to have five children born of love not blood. Jason is our oldest, followed in age by another Jason, then Anthony, and then two daughters, Michelle and Danielle the youngest.

Michelle and her husband, Dallas have 3 children and live in Kentucky. Danielle and her husband, Robert have blessed us with 4 children and live in Phoenix.

All that because two people fell in love and proving once again God gives us the desires of our heart when we delight in Him and put our trust in Him no matter how things look.

Trust in the Lord and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5