Jesus, our comforter~~

If you are a fairly regular reader of my blog, you've probably been wondering where I've been for the past few months. I know I haven't written too often and I'm sorry about that, but there's a reason.

This whole year has been a tough one for me. It started out last December, losing my beloved Mom, then shortly followed up by my sweet Dad's passing only 2 months later. We closed up our home in the beautiful mountains of NC and put it up for sale, and starting and following through the summer, I've had orthopedic issues with my feet, back and now both knees. I'm heading in for arthroscopic knee surgery in a little over a week, hoping that will get me moving again.

Me and my multiple sclerosis have had a tough time dealing with the Florida heat probably because I'm just not used to it. This is the first summer I've spent the entire summer months down here, I'm used to spending a good deal of my summer months in the cool mountain air of NC. Physically it was tough to be in this heat, but emotionally it was wonderful because my husband and I re-connected after spending way too much time apart these past few years. Everything is a trade off, right?

I've also had some family challenges too. Add all that up and you can see that things have been a bit off kilter here at the Watts House for a while. When I take time to think back on what I've been through and my family has been through this year, it's no wonder I'm worn out.

But here's the thing: we all go through tough times! Every one of us faces challenges in our lives, it how we bare under the weight of those challenges that will make the difference in our lives. I'm sure we've all felt like we've carried the weight of the world on our shoulders from one time or another.

I have to admit, I've had real times of depression these past months, which isn't like me. It seems like when you roll from one crisis to another it can really take the wind out of your sails. I've found it's hard to regroup when you are done with one thing, and right behind it, there is another issue ready to take over and stay there for a long period of time. I've learned from my years of living with MS and the challenges of dealing with the ups and downs of a chronic disease, that the only place I can ever find solace is in the arms of the great comforter, Jesus, my savior. Matthew 11:28-30 says "“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

                                                  There is peace and comfort in the loving arms of Jesus Christ. 

What a wonderful promise that is from God's Holy Word. Oh, why do we not look to Him first when things go awry in our lives? Why do we think we can ever handle our troubles in our own strength? We simply are not equipped to do it. That is NOT the way God made us. He wants us to draw close to Him. He's waiting with open arms to comfort us in our times of need. But, how many of us turn away and run to other things to help us deal with the crisis' in our life: drugs, alcohol, food, TV, sports,  shopping, and all kinds of other idolatry. We will do anything but go to the one who can and will help us! Why are we so stubborn? It's our human condition I guess..... it's called sin. We foolishly think we have a better idea, we have a better way and we've got it all figured out. WRONG! 

I'm just as stubborn as you are, I've just learned from years of experience that He is the only answer to any of my problems. Simple as that. Trials are just a part of life. We all have them and we ALL go through them. James 1:2-4 tells us about suffering: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

It's hard to think of trials as perfecting your faith, but that is exactly what they do if you will learn from them and grow in your faith from them. Your faith will grow through your suffering, and you can shine for Jesus and bring Him glory through your suffering. How do you do that? By taking the trial and leaning on God through prayer and reading His word during that time. Spend time with your Creator, seek His Face and He will lighten your load. Look for your answers not from yourself, but from the one who can really help. 1 Peter 1:7 says "These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

The Comforter © Greg Olsen ~~

 I've felt like this young lady many times this year because I have been confined to bed because of

physical problems, yet I knew that Jesus was right there with me. He truly is the comforter for us all!

As you get through the trial through your complete devotion to God, praise Him and share with others how He delivered you from your pain and suffering. It's a win~win situation for both of you.Why not give it a try? You get the comfort, He gets the Glory! He will never let you down. He will always be by your side, no matter what. Jesus is the friend that never goes away. Your friends, your spouse, your parents, your children. even your grandchildren ~~ they will all let you down at one time or another because they are human beings, but the Creator of the Universe promises to never leave your side, EVER. Deuteronomy 3l: 8 tells us "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Believe that and your comfort will come full circle in the loving arms of Jesus Christ. 

My verses for today are above in red.

My prayer for today:

Dearest Heavenly Father:

We don't know the ways of Providence. We don't know why we go through the trials of life or what purpose they serve for us, but you do. Help us Lord, to always turn to you when we face difficulties in our lives. Help us to seek your face and not to lean on our own understanding because we don't know what's best for us, YOU DO!

Forgive me Lord for times this past year when I haven't turned to you, when I've tried to figure it out on my own. Thank you that I can come to you in all circumstances and for all things. Thank you for your unending love.

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Time marches on~

A few weeks ago, my nephew Matt and his wife Abby welcomed their second son, Asher Lincoln Beagle, into the world. As I was gazing at the beautiful pictures being sent through the internet, I was thinking about the circle of life and the change of generations and how quickly our existence goes by.

Seems like my husband and I were just welcoming our second son into the world, but that was over 23 years ago now, and now it's my nephew whose adding to our family. This will be the 4th grandchild for my older brother Mike and his wife Linda. Wow - are they blessed!

                              Asher Lincoln Beagle - born 9/2/12, 6 lb. 14 oz. 19 3/4" long

                                      Here's the 3 other great grandchildren of the next generation
                                                      left to right - Ava, Blake and Mason

This is going to be the first great grandchild my parents won't be able to meet, cause Mom and Dad have both gone home to heaven now. The torch has officially been passed to the next generation of Beagles. There's a hole in my heart, knowing that Mom and Dad won't get to meet little Asher, but they were very blessed to have met their 3 other great grandchildren and spend time with them. They both loved to snuggle up and cuddle them, love them and brag on them, like any grandparent does. But I guess when you're holding your great grandchild, it must be especially poignant and it was for them also.

                           My Dad with Blake when he was little, he just adored that little guy

Great -Grandma Sue with Blake

                                  Grandma and Grandpa Beagle with granddaughter Stephanie

                                              Christmas 2007 in Tennessee with the family

Life goes on. The next generation is being born and will pass on the traditions and lore of our family. My Dad had so many wonderful sayings and "isms" that only Pop would say. My brother Mike has written down alot of the sayings my Dad coined and has passed those on to his son Matt, in the hopes of keeping my Dad alive in the memories of his kids, grand kids and great grandchildren. It's a great idea, but we know that nobody could say those things like my Dad. We will always remember the fun way that he would deliver them. He would say them and then get this little grin on his face and chuckle until you said something. I can still see him now. I miss my Daddy every day.

My sweet Mom and her penchant for jewelry, clothes and fingernails has skipped a generation I think, but will continue on with me (just a little bit) and my niece Stephanie. To my Mom's lifelong frustration, I was always more of a tomboy when I was growing up and even into adulthood. I remember clearly when my husband had my diamond ring re mounted for our 15th anniversary into an updated gorgeous setting. I wore it for the first time down to my folks house in my casual jeans and a top and I thought my Mom was gonna pass out. "Nicki, you do not wear a diamond like that with a pair of blue jeans!" she told me. I said "Ma, this is what I wear on the weekends, I look fine, it's ok." She never understood, but that was my Mama. She was always striving to be the belle of the ball, and most of the time, she achieved her mission.

My Mom got a big kick out of little Stephanie, her only granddaughter, when she was growing up because she was definitely a "little Sue," - she was always into my Mom's jewelry and makeup to my Mom's delight. When Mom and Dad moved to Tennessee to be near their youngest grandchildren, that was a great decision for them and for my youngest brother Rob and his wife and kids. Being there, living right next door to them and having the interaction with that young family while they were growing up was such a blessing for Mom and Dad. Little Michael, his youngest grandchild was always hanging out with Papa, my Dad. The kids could just take the sidewalk right over to their house and would usually come their first thing in the morning, often in their pajamas. After my Mom passed away in December 2011, Michael went over and spent the night with Papa to keep him company. I thought that was so sweet and a testament to their great relationship.

Though Mom and Dad are now gone, their legacy now lives on in each of us; our children, grandchildren and even their great grandchildren. You'll see it in the way we think, our values, our smiles, a certain smirk, a laugh, a posture or way someone holds turns their head just the same way that Grandma or Grandpa used to do. "Time marches on" as my Dad used to say. The generations change and shift, the older generation leaves us and the new one emerges. But in everything, the Beagle legacy will live on and all of us will make sure of that, I know for sure.

For me, I pledge to make sure that my Dad tremendous faith in God lives on in me. That was the most endearing thing about my relationship with my Dad, I will always remember him for his love of the Lord. I love Jesus with all my heart. He is my everything, every day, all day. I got that from my Dad. He planted that seed of faith in me years ago, and watched as it blossomed and grew into a my deep relationship with the Lord.

For Mom, her legacy was her sweet smile and generally great attitude about life. That helps me get through the increasingly difficult days in my own life. She never complained about being in a nursing home but I know she had a miserable existence those last few years. I cried when I went in there and saw how she had to spend those days. She was blessed to have my brothers so close and they rest of the family. Everyone visited her alot, but she was still in there by herself. When Dad was still up and able, he went in there to see her every single day, God rest his soul.

Mom had a stiff upper lip and rarely complained, although I know that in the later days of her life she was in pain most days. She was still always glad to hear from you or see you. She was a sweetheart in so many ways. You can never go back in life, but I sure wish I had more time with my Mom. Isn't that the way it always is? Time marches on as Dad always said. We can't go back, we can only go forward.

I'm so thankful that God Bless me with such wonderful parents. I've been reading through some of the items left by my parents and found that my Grandmother Ada, who died when I was 14 was a very spiritual lady, which I knew little about. I have her Bible with her notes in it and found that many of the same Bible verses that I love so much were also her favorites. It made me think about the wonderful verse from Psalm 100:5 "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.' 

Indeed the Lord has been good to our family and I pray that as time continues to march on that He will continue to shower His blessings on all of this next Beagle family generation and their descendents for years to come. What will the legacies of this new generation of Beagle men and women be? That is something that only the good Lord knows, but I pray that His mighty Hand will guide them all on their way and that they will have the good sense to lean on Him throughout their lives. As long as they have the Creator of the Universe on their side, they can't go wrong!

My verse for today is above in red.

My prayer for today:

Lord, thank you for my parents. Thank you for their legacy and the many lessons they instilled in us over the years. I pray for this new generation of young Beagle men and women that are growing up. I pray you will bless them, watch over them, give them wisdom, strength and courage to face this increasingly difficult word we live in. Be by their side each and every day.

I pray this in Jesus Name,

Amen

Finding the courage to "Vote the Bible"

There has been a tremendous amount of chatter on the social networks about the upcoming Presidential Elections. The TV media rightly says the commercials, social media posts, tweets, and Youtube broadcasts are showing that there is a lot of bitterness between the opposing campaigns. I think that is putting it mildly to say the least.

I believe that this election is a pivotal one for our country. There is a lot at stake. Our precious country hangs in the balance. It appears that many of the truths we once held dear as a nation are being thrown aside without much thought these days, by our political officials and by many of our fellow citizens as well. It's very discouraging. It seems that this great nation of ours and our values and moral systems are going down the tubes, real fast. Anything goes now a days, and our increasingly liberal society wants you to believe that it's ok to do just about anything you want to with little to no consequences. And they want all of us to buy into that theory or we are labeled as being out of touch. I'm scared by what's happening in our country and you should be too.

I still follow the Ten Commandments and live by God's law, not by man's law. Unfortunately, more and more people today think they can make God into anything they want and that's just not the way the Lord works. He has been the same from the beginning of time, He changes NOT and His Word changes not either. What is true 2,000 years ago is still true today regardless of how society has advanced. "For I am the Lord. I do not change," Malachi 3:6. He and His Word are the same, now and forever. There is great comfort in that, isn't there?

I've never really talked much about my political affiliation on my blog, but now, at this particular time in my life, I feel it is my duty to talk about my beliefs and how they will affect my vote this November. My prayer is that I can convince you to take take a hard look at your belief system and possibly re-evaluate the way you've been thinking too.

First off, let me say I'm not really "ga-ga" for either one of the candidates running for the office of President in 2012. I don't believe that the current President has earned re-election. Unemployment is at an all time high. During the Bush years the unemployment rates ran in the 5.3 to 6.6% range. The Obama Administration has set a new record with his rates going as high as 10.1 and then down to 9.4%. Even though the rates are dropping, those are still out of this world numbers, and many, many families are suffering the consequences of those high unemployment rates.

Our national debt will be on the backs of our children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren for years to come. The problem lies with both parties: President Bush took our national debt from 5 trillion to 10 trillion in 8 years  And, if you think that's bad, take a look at what our current leader has done. President Obama has taken it from was at 10,000 trillion dollars when he took office in 2008 to an astonishing 16 trillion in less than 4 years. Of course, that's not what he said he was going to do. Here is a video of President Obama saying he would reduce the deficit by 1/2 by the end of his first term. Listen to his un-kept promises:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaQUU2ZL6D8

Unfortunately, our current leader has added more to the deficit that any other President in the history of our union. That alone should convince every single citizen to fire him. Clearly we are spending a lot more than we are taking in. It's called balancing a checkbook, didn't anybody in our government take that simple class? DUH?? I believe that politically, the President just hasn't earned to be re-elected based on his terrible lack of performance.

Aside from that and much more importantly for me, I totally disagree with Obama's ideology of approving gay marriage and abortion. He also has not been a strong supporter of the state of Israel and for me, that is another deal breaker.The Bible is clear about protecting His people, the Nation of Israel.

Psalm 121: 4-8

"Behold, He who keeps Israel
         Will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;
         The LORD is your shade on your right hand.

The sun will not smite you by day,
         Nor the moon by night.

The LORD will protect you from all evil;
         He will keep your soul.

The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in

         From this time forth and forever."

I want the Lord to continue to shine on our nation and guard us, don't you? Romney is For supporting
Israel.

We need to stand firmly behind the Nation of Israel. God's Word is also clear about marriage being between one man and one woman: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24.  The Bible also talks about homosexuality as being a detestable sin."You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination." Leviticus 18:22

If God's Word is loud and clear about marriage being between one man and one woman, why would the President of the United States say he supported gay marriage? To me, THAT is an abomination. This country was built on Christian principles and that is clearly NOT Christian.

As far as abortion, since Roe V Wade was upheld on January 22, 1973, almost 40 years ago, we have legally killed over 50 million babies in this country. Every life is created by God Almighty. What gives us the right to kill anyone? Exodus 20:13 says "Thou shalt not kill."  It's the 6th commandment from the Word of God. God doesn't want us to kill another human being, and that includes a precious embryo growing in the womb, who He has created. Seems that now a days we are more concerned with protected endangered species than human beings. What a tragedy that is.

When I put everything together it's clear as a bell to me. I'm not going against God's Holy Word. Clearly, the Obama ticket is against the Word of God. Unfortunately, President Obama stands for everything that I am against as a follower of Jesus Christ and I cannot reconcile the two. My beliefs as a Christian far outweigh any other thoughts or opinions I have.

I'm not totally convinced about the Romney/Ryan ticket either, but here's the really important thing: as an American citizen, it is my right and my responsibility to vote. That is a right that was earned by the blood of many soldiers who have died for our freedom to do just that over the course of our 236 year history. It is something I don't take lightly, and neither should you if you are a citizen of the U.S.A.

I've heard some Christians talking about not voting at all this year because Mitt Romney is a Mormon. That is SO wrong! I don't agree with the Mormon ideaology at all, but Mitt Romney as a man has political and ideological views which more closely align with God's Word than President Obama. Romney is against gay marriage, he's against abortion, and politically he's against bigger government and FOR Religious Freedom. 

If you look at the two tickets running for President and compare where they stand politically and ideologically, the clear choice if you are interested in voting the Word of God is Mitt Romney. I am praying that America will wake up and see what's happening in our country before it's too late. We have turned our backs on God for too long. How long can we continue to test His patience?

So I urge you, if you are a believer of God's Holy Word, do the right thing and vote for the candidate who aligns his opinions most closely with the Bible and leave the rest to God Almighty. The Lord will not leave you. He will take care of you. You can count on the Creator of the Universe, it's a promise. Deuteronomy 31:8 tells us "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you.”

This song just came to mind as I was winding this up:

 ♫ Trust and Obey,Trust and Obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus than to Trust and Obey ♫

Trust and Obey and leave the consequences to Him. He will not let you down or desert you, ever. Find the courage to do the right thing. Believe me when I say that if you vote FOR the Word of God, you can't lose!

My verses for today are above in red.

My prayer for today:

Dear Heavenly Father:

This is a crucial time for the country we love so much. We have turned our backs on you for too long, forcing you out of our schools, judiciary system and in many of our homes. 

You have blessed this nation since it's inception in 1776 when our founding fathers gathered together in Your Holy Name and founded the U.S.A. I pray for this election Lord, I pray that eyes will be opened to the truth.
Many have run a muck following their own selfish ways and not listening to your Word, Lord. Please forgive us our sins and give us the courage to vote in accordance with your Word, not our wishes and hopes. Help us to Trust and Obey and leave the consequences to you Lord, for you are Worthy of all our Love and Praise.

In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen and Amen