tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69709091772092151412012-01-14T13:17:00.076-08:00But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:14Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-9360923937000690452012-01-14T13:17:00.000-08:002012-01-14T13:17:00.080-08:00

I drew this picture of a mailbox covered in a blue, flowering vine one nice, sunny day when I lived in Hopkinton, New Hampshire.  I remember sitting outside, facing the little pond next to the house I was renting, with all my pencils, pens and paper. I can't remember why I decided to draw a mailbox.  Maybe I was hoping for a nice letter to arrive.  I usually begin drawing with an idea and the

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-54457886221511123492012-01-13T13:03:00.000-08:002012-01-13T13:04:02.775-08:00

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you."  This is a beautiful line of scripture to hold onto throughout life. My son learned this as a memory verse when he was very young in Sunday school, and he remembers it to this day - he's 14. In Psalm 56 the writer is pleading for God's help against those who are attacking, pursuing, and conspiring.  Although his very life is in danger "they watch my

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-45928847662827562752012-01-12T06:06:00.000-08:002012-01-12T06:06:00.203-08:00

My discontent lasted longer than a year, but in 2008 the full nature of my dilemma became apparent, and then more unfortunate events were piled upon my already incomprehensible situation. We had lost our home and had been renting a house for 6 months.  We were in a new town with no friends, no family and for me, no job.  Our income had been slashed and our credit was ruined.  Even so, my

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-21931963656007562452012-01-11T05:22:00.000-08:002012-01-11T05:23:52.385-08:00

It's true that when things are going along okay or even good in life, I tend to not open my Bible as often. I was regularly writing in my journal and referencing verses when I felt a greater need for God's help in my life. I still talk with God daily and pray continually in all situations- for my son when he leaves for school each day, for direction in my life and for financial security and

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-84764098072036629502011-12-16T06:08:00.000-08:002011-12-16T06:08:01.341-08:00

We don't know what lies ahead. This is a true story of the way a stranger did something very small to lift my spirits on a day when I needed it.  I keep a journal and May 1, 2010 I wrote that "Yesterday was a day full of blessings."  I went on to say that my car had been giving me trouble so I stopped at my garage just before lunch time and the mechanic and his wife fixed the problem and

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-84362744291378470462011-12-15T06:30:00.000-08:002011-12-15T06:30:04.858-08:00

By February 2008 I was living in my first rental house since I'd lost my home and things were not going very well.  My marriage was over and my husband still lived with us - but he had a girlfriend (I had recently discovered) and he was moving out.  The more I saw the real side of him, the more disappointed I became in myself for wasting so much of my life with someone so uncaring and

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-79353527462209815452011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-14T06:00:12.951-08:00

 Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink... Psalm 69:14 (Unpublished post - written in 2007.  The way it was.) I have had the most terrible year of my life in 2007. And I can see no end. I have learned to pray -with belief- to "ask, seek, knock" and "wait in expectation". Thank you God that I learned that or I don't know how I would have made it through all this. I no longer

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-15372737453758818932011-12-14T05:30:00.000-08:002011-12-14T05:30:04.163-08:00

Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of Christ risen. (Women's Devotional Bible, p.1309) I keep a journal and have been doing so since January 2007.  I began writing because talking to myself was one way to say things I couldn't say to others.  They didn't want to hear it anyway.  Now, I can look back and read about how it was - not that I have

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-31217739391546386052011-12-13T01:09:00.000-08:002011-12-13T02:03:14.469-08:00

When I lived in Florida I would sit in church and listen to the testimonies of some of the people who attended - my church was big on that - and wonder what kind of testimony I had?  At the time I really didn't have much to say.  God kept me strong while I dealt with the major issues of my life, and I loved knowing Him better than I ever had, but no real big change in me had taken place.  I

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-70564636634026094202011-12-12T01:30:00.000-08:002011-12-13T02:05:27.192-08:00

This kitchen said "home" to me after a long search. The Book of Joshua tells of the way the Lord can make a man strong and courageous to do things he would not have had the guts to do without God by his side.  Moses was not allowed to see the land he was leading his people to, and Joshua (named by Moses - his name means "The Lord saves") was to take his place.  It was a big job and God tells

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-9682657508814241142011-12-08T11:05:00.000-08:002011-12-08T11:05:49.061-08:00

I know that title doesn't say much, but I've been neglecting this depressing blog. It was where I voiced my unhappiness with life while I waited to be re-born. One day I will tell my story, but for now just believe me when I say that from January 2007 until July 2011 I had sunken into a dark pit where I was alone except for the hand of God that would not let go. It took a long time but he has

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-51194254989852214312011-02-14T01:11:00.000-08:002011-02-14T01:11:08.007-08:00

It's February and there are a few feet of snow on the ground, but I know that Spring is coming.  People are glad of it too.  Personally I like being shut in and enjoy the quiet and peace that winter brings. Yes, we had our winter all at once up here in the northeast.  Just as we were thinking it might be a mild one, storm after storm approached and the snow was almost too much to keep up with. 

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-18918858159662996832011-01-24T11:02:00.000-08:002011-01-24T11:02:54.355-08:00

 I believe I would be working in the school system since I had just finished a year long volunteering stint in my son's school with hopes of being hired for an assistant's job or maybe as a sub for a while.  I would still be living in my big house with the wonderful gardens that I had spent almost 2 years expanding and planting.  I loved my beautiful yard.  At this time of year I would have been

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-3257249297070875902010-11-19T04:30:00.000-08:002010-11-19T04:30:05.587-08:00

I view myself as a negative person.  I've been trying my entire adult life to overcome the feeling that everything will most likely always go wrong for me.  It hasn't helped that many events in my life have reinforced that feeling, so the struggle to see the "glass half full" is constant. My mother was the most negative person I ever knew. Without even realizing it, I'm sure, she instilled this

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-51151788706108789142010-11-14T02:44:00.000-08:002010-11-14T02:50:06.227-08:00

Listening to Christian music is the way I get through life.  The lyrics are uplifting and inclusive of all the ones who have that heavenly hope like I do.  I can't feel alone when I'm reminded that I am part of a huge family of believers.  I am so thankful for the talented musicians and singers who can expertly express what we all feel and bring us together with their music. David Crowder is one

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-83425046451878153012010-11-11T11:16:00.000-08:002010-11-11T11:17:59.368-08:00

 A while ago I signed up to get Tammy Trent's newsletter and sometimes I read it and sometimes I don't.  She can be a little too upbeat for a depressed person, but she does know her stuff.  This week she wrote a sentence or two that particularly touched me.  The title of her post was, "God is Preparing You Today" and within her writing I came upon a sentence telling me that God is doing a work in

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-49031710468999274632010-11-09T03:03:00.000-08:002010-11-09T04:39:02.910-08:00

I mentioned in my previous post that I'd direct you to a way of helping others without it costing you a thing.  So here you go. I write at a site called "Squidoo" where I write about many things that interest me and a recent page - or lens as they are called - was about my adopted shelter cats. The money generated from that page (from ads) will all be given to the ASPCA or the Humane Society.

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-25999263495634215262010-11-07T01:25:00.000-07:002010-11-07T01:27:23.010-07:00

I love the Fall, but it also means that the holiday season is coming and I don't enjoy that time of year. Holidays and families go hand in hand and when you don't have much family and spend holidays alone they are only a reminder of what you don't have. All over the internet are stories of gatherings and meals and as women we have to gather up the latest stuffing recipes and learn how to bake a

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-34413921683505539902010-11-01T05:28:00.000-07:002010-11-01T06:57:27.375-07:00

I am disappointed that so many people fall for the tricks of this world. Have we all lost our common sense? Is it possible that the great minds God gave us are sleeping while we mindlessly follow what the people of the world say to do? Do you believe that you must join a gym or a weight loss program to be thin? Yes, those things can be helpful, but you CAN do it on your own. You must believe

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-83186489246868077882010-05-17T04:46:00.000-07:002010-11-01T06:57:58.464-07:00

I see the puzzle that fell on the floor. It was never a good puzzle. Not colorful, just shades of brown. Very dull and lifeless. I can't decide if I should pick it up and try to put it back together, or box it up and forget about it. Maybe I should just sweep it up and throw it away. It's really not worth doing anything with. It's not worth the effort because it's not much of a puzzle

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-7410313235758459082010-05-14T04:14:00.000-07:002010-11-01T07:06:42.798-07:00

I saw a bald eagle at the lake the other day. It was circling over the water and I could make out the white head and tail feathers. The wings were huge and squarish and I watched it ride the air current up and up, soaring high until it turned and flew away. (Photography poster by tompurse of Northwest Scenescapes.) I was writing in my journal this morning about how God is blessing me with

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-37891256274082600742010-04-24T02:40:00.000-07:002010-11-01T07:04:08.661-07:00

Many times I feel so small.  The world is so big and busy going about it's business day after day without me.  I always feel left behind.  Stuck in a place I'd rather not be without the means to change anything. Do you not know?  Have you not heard? Yes, I do know and I have heard.  So why do I keep forgetting and slipping into despair when I know that he gives strength to the weary and power to

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-77877416399656097372010-04-02T04:12:00.000-07:002010-11-01T07:05:45.669-07:00

Most people think of miracles in the big sense, such as the parting of the Red Sea. Some also believe that miracles were only done long ago when God seemed to have a more direct connection with the people he chose to lead. I am talking about the small miracles that happen every day and they are easy to miss if we don't pay attention. I pray always for God to not let me miss his guidance. Whether

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-59856489743567447242010-03-16T05:48:00.000-07:002010-11-01T07:07:18.437-07:00

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1: 1-3

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-68021629633013026382010-03-15T04:51:00.000-07:002010-03-15T04:51:00.498-07:00

Dear Reader, This is how I chose my name, "DustyToes". When I began my online Christian store I needed a name to use.  I was looking for a name to fit my personality that was based on something biblical. At the time, I was tired of people.  The people I'd always thought I could count on most had all turned their back on me when I was facing desperation and despair.  I felt like leaving the world

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-84414111213684053052010-03-14T04:14:00.000-07:002010-03-14T04:21:13.390-07:00

There are some people in my life who are always wanting.  I cannot carry on a conversation with them without them saying something about what they want. "I love your jacket" they will say, "I want one like that, where did you get it?" Or they will say they love the pictures on my wall or curtains or anything... not just to compliment, but always stating they would like some just like it.

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-64225314662209096122010-02-09T05:20:00.000-08:002010-02-09T05:31:56.305-08:00

"There is always hope" "It'll be alright" "dreams do come true" "help is on the way" "just call and God will answer" There have been a few times in my life when I have stopped dreaming.  I hit a wall in life and it seemed I should just accept it since I had no choice. At the age of 40 I was very unexpectedly pregnant.  I had been in a lousy marriage for many years and stuck it out for the sake

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-50223852116523221132010-01-27T06:10:00.000-08:002010-01-27T06:10:33.818-08:00

My bible reading today brought me to Romans 8 and the first verse I read was "Who hopes for what he already has?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (v. 8: 24, 25 NIV) After losing my home 3 years ago, due to nothing I did except to marry a deceitful man, I have struggled with not living in my own home.  For the first couple of years I couldn't drive

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-88192764196128933412010-01-23T04:35:00.000-08:002010-01-23T04:35:00.654-08:00

I love to visit the blog "Get up With God" for encouragement.  If you need a reason to keep going, please read this story.  Sometimes, in fact most times, we have to face great difficulty to have the best in us show up. 

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-73785527664573474102010-01-22T04:07:00.000-08:002010-01-22T04:07:53.295-08:00

Parents are the people we have in life who will never leave us or turn us away.  They are our comfort and "home".  A place we are always welcome and the ones we can always ask for to help us in times of trouble. They love their grandkids and enjoy spending money on them and spending time with them.  Parents are the stronghold of our lives. At least that is how I believe it should be. I've seen

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-88282365078727680992010-01-15T06:13:00.000-08:002010-01-15T06:13:44.437-08:00

"I pray that fear and despair would be removed from your heart as you remember the power of the One who loves you with an everlasting love." I have a busy day ahead.

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-10160566313914909962010-01-14T05:56:00.000-08:002010-01-14T05:59:59.807-08:00

Surely many will point to Haiti's disaster and say "there is no God" or wonder why a loving God would let something so horrible happen in an already struggling area of the world.  I don't know what God's reasons are for allowing it to be, but my thought on the subject is that we are called to be compassionate, loving (love your neighbor) and to take action (faith without action is worthless)

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-78679056397262753502010-01-13T06:13:00.000-08:002010-01-13T06:14:54.488-08:00

Children hear everything and the way they interpret what they hear might not be what was meant. When I said "my life is such a nightmare" it was at a low time in my day...probably much was going on and going wrong, I don't remember specifically, but most likely it was around 4pm which is about the time of day I can begin to lose it. As a single parent everything rides on my shoulders and often I

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-6181116978719675452010-01-12T11:12:00.000-08:002010-01-12T11:20:15.118-08:00

When I collected my shells from the Florida beaches I really didn't give any thought to their names, but when I made the photos of them into postcards and they began to sell, I began to realize how popular seashells are. It's hard for me to believe that there are actually people who have never seen the ocean in person or walked in the surf! The more I study shells and the creatures who live

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-68432646243096579632010-01-10T03:23:00.000-08:002010-01-10T04:08:59.167-08:00

I heard a line in a song once that said "I can't make myself go away" and thought how true that was of the way I felt. I have never liked myself much and ever since I was a kid always wanted to be someone else. I envied the girl in my gymnastics class who could do back flips, and my neighborhood friend who had lots of siblings, and I always wanted to be one of the girls who were considered

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-53122964388559616752010-01-06T12:25:00.000-08:002010-01-06T12:52:44.962-08:00

I love Pastor Dave. I use his name on my Christian cards because he led me to the truth when I attended "his" church in Florida.Oh... this blog post is not a note from a pastor, just the advertising of a card that can be used as a note from the pastor. Customize with your own name or your pastor's name and give some to him/her as a gift.I took this photo at Flagler Ave. in New Smyrna Beach,

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-9891732378340244512010-01-04T05:16:00.000-08:002010-01-06T12:46:22.173-08:00

I finally learned how to figure out twitter for the sake of business advertising, and found Big is the New Small , a blog by Scott Williams.In his "about" section I read that he was a prison warden and is the 'Campus Pastor for the Northwest Oklahoma City Campus of LifeChurch.tv.'He poses some interesting questions and the answers are as good to read as his posts are.Today I read Criticize Me!

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-36404850924662780262009-12-30T02:53:00.001-08:002009-12-30T02:56:38.956-08:00

Trust Christian Poster by dustytoes

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-17341901213622944442009-02-13T04:58:00.000-08:002009-02-16T07:22:25.992-08:00

During the years of my despair, I began to read the book of Job. It was a tiny bit of comfort to know that someone was worse off than I was, even though he lived long ago. I found that I could relate to a lot of what he was saying.Job questioned why the ones who don't even acknowledge God go about their merry ways oblivious to the suffering of the needy and then said, "Men at ease have contempt

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-3815596371669634052009-01-30T04:39:00.000-08:002009-01-30T05:36:44.279-08:00

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?...let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.1 John 3:17 & 18I've been in a position where I have lost everything. Two people, and they were not related to me, just very dear and kind friends, opened their hearts, mouths and hands, and offered real

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-16523911582707827562009-01-14T06:29:00.000-08:002009-01-14T06:40:50.340-08:00

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-23493395277333105812009-01-14T04:00:00.000-08:002009-01-14T04:04:10.467-08:00

Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock." "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-8251950043702381822008-12-05T04:14:00.000-08:002008-12-05T04:26:10.805-08:00

Advent is the time -4 weeks- leading up to Christmas when Christians celebrate the coming of Christ.Can Someone Please Explain ADVENT?Advent is a period of spiritual preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming, or birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. During this time, we observe a season of prayer, fasting and repentance, followed by anticipation, hope and joy. Many

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-85543403195318601882008-11-26T16:05:00.000-08:002008-11-26T17:28:05.684-08:00

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!Serve the Lord with gladness!Come into God's presence with singing!Know that the Lord is God!It is he that made us, and we are his;we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!Give thanks to him, bless his name!For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-53389730200338004702008-07-29T14:50:00.000-07:002009-01-14T06:28:50.451-08:00

Moses in a Basket Print by SherryHolderHunt

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-24002956667015405632008-05-18T05:26:00.000-07:002008-05-29T12:47:29.434-07:00

Now that the new Indiana Jones movie is about to be released all of the old Indie movies are constantly being shown on television. The first in the series, and the best one in my humble opinion, is about the quest for the ark of the covenant.The Ark is mentioned a lot in the book of Joshua as being the power of God which was carried from place to place. The NIV Study Bible calls it the Lord's

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-73377056997752650292008-04-17T04:33:00.000-07:002008-04-17T07:09:22.650-07:00

My son's new friend lived next door to us. This boy, who I will call Jason, seemed thrilled to have a new playmate. I soon realized that he had ADHD (according to his dad) and problems in school, on the bus and at my house! The boys would play together pretty well for a while, and then I'd have to send Jason home. He was very high strung and had trouble with authority, but a very interesting

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-60657168491034517712008-04-04T07:08:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:51:26.613-08:00

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now: rather we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-8870582230159809072008-03-07T16:43:00.000-08:002008-05-29T12:20:49.036-07:00

I often hear it said that loved ones are "looking down" on us from Heaven. When something good happens in our lives don't we feel better thinking that Mom or Grandma sees us and joins in the celebrating up there in Heaven? How about when you are in the bathroom or doing some other "private" things. Would you really like to think that all the relatives are watching that too? Well, I don't see how

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-12483305887722824442008-03-05T07:14:00.000-08:002008-12-29T19:46:18.192-08:00

Today the encouraging words are hard to find. "Don't let the world get so dark that I cannot find my way to the pinpoint of hope that you hold out. Your light is bright and can shine through all darkness- there is no where I can be that it won't reach. But will I see it? Is it just the grayness of the rainy day in mid-winter that makes today so much more ugly and hopeless than usual or am I

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-9415075654039920032008-02-27T07:13:00.000-08:002008-02-28T07:54:51.008-08:00

Whenever I read a good book, meaning one that is full of information that I need to know, I highlight the parts I like. I know that I probably won't read that book over again, but if I remember getting some important help from it, I can thumb through the pages and find the sentences that clicked for me.The one book that I do read over and over is the Bible and no matter how many times I open it,

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-1909509147588626722008-02-14T18:35:00.000-08:002008-02-14T18:41:42.757-08:00

...before the Lord and wait patiently for him.Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.Psalm 37:4 & 7

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-36082958404833880842008-02-10T16:37:00.000-08:002008-02-27T08:29:58.267-08:00

I believe that God talks with us and intervenes in our lives daily if not constantly. He is there, but we are too caught up in ourselves and the mundane to notice most of the time. Every now and then, if you are looking with an open mind, you will notice Him. Maybe you "see" him more often, I don't know, but I spent most of my life not even thinking that he might be right there in front of me.Oh,

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-43233174100492284712008-02-02T09:27:00.000-08:002008-02-02T11:07:31.504-08:00

For Christians, or believers in Christ, the celebration of Easter has great meaning and hope. (If you don't know what to believe, then click on the link I just provided and get more info!) For me Easter Sunday is much more than a chance to dress up fancy and go to church to impress your friends, family and church leaders. It's more than a day to introduce your children to "church" because you

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-22993192122702905182008-01-10T06:49:00.000-08:002008-01-10T07:31:23.986-08:00

I don't remember the first time I saw Ben Glenn do his chalk drawing...well, I don't remember where I was, but I do remember the impact it had on me.I believe I might have been at one of the Acquire the Fire events with the Pine Ridge Fellowship Youth Group when I first saw his presentation.Briefly, let me explain; This man, Ben Glenn, "paints" a huge picture using only huge pieces of chalk. He

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-83247247086069592702008-01-03T07:47:00.000-08:002008-01-03T07:59:54.822-08:00

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.Search me , O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-1470776113271319032007-12-28T06:32:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:51:27.097-08:00

Gregg Lake, NHMy hope and inspiration. Sept. 13, 2008: Thought for the day: "I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy (O LORD), for You have considered my trouble; you have known my soul in adversities, And have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a wide place." Psalm 31:7-8 (NKJ) Luke 15:11-32 Today I move my things into my new home-a duplex with 13 acres of land

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-64563416942542926482007-12-21T07:46:00.000-08:002007-12-27T10:46:16.803-08:00

There will be terrible times in the last days.Not my prophecy, but a biblical warning in 2 Timothy 3 about the signs of the end times here on earth before the return of Jesus.I am certainly not a Bible scholar, but in many places Jesus told of the signs that would mean the end is near. It actually scares me a little but gives me hope at the same time when I read the verses that seem to be talking

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-80864424895761245152007-12-19T06:28:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:51:27.288-08:00

I am just thinking today of all the money being spent this time of year and I believe that it is mostly being wasted. I know that in my own home I have gone to the store and bought toys for my son that he doesn't need and probably won't play with after Christmas vacation week. I have also bought clothes for my daughter who has a closet so full that she just took boxes of shirts and pants to

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-52596870846921974482007-12-14T17:22:00.000-08:002008-02-02T09:15:52.568-08:00

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in Heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. John 12:33Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.Ecclesiastes 5:8-12We brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out. Money is the

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-58556709194276610042007-12-12T06:08:00.000-08:002007-12-12T07:27:27.540-08:00

Sometimes, usually on my worst days, I tell myself that the Bible will have nothing new to show me. I have read and highlighted (I am a big highlighter freak) so much in Psalms and recorded my favorite verses in my little journal. I feel lousy and nothing is going to change that.But those are the days that I make myself open and read something, anything, and I am always surprised at what I find

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-90756911616217233762007-12-03T10:38:00.000-08:002007-12-03T11:02:41.107-08:00

In the month of December Christians celebrate Advent- or the coming of Christ- leading up to Christmas and celebrating his birth.I was sent this excellent download explaining the celebration and candle lighting and what it all means. It was a perfect reminder for me and suggests Bible verses also.Thought I'd post it here for anyone else interested.

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-32309405195469064622007-11-26T08:57:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:51:27.413-08:00

I have read some astonishing things since I began opening the Bible on a regular basis and one verse that stands out to me, is 1 Corinthians 1:18."The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God."Up until a few years ago I didn't even know that verse existed and I'll bet there are many people alive today who don't know it

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970909177209215141.post-64958214149088967732007-11-24T13:25:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:51:27.552-08:00

My life began to change in a big way when I found a fabulous church. My best friend stopped by my house one morning and said she had just come from a service at a brand new church that was meeting at the high school. Her friend had invited her to go check it out and she was very impressed. She also had picked up a give-away bible for me called "The Journey". She said that the pastor was fabulous

Dustytoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302895497028230468noreply@blogger.com0