Today my amazing husband gave an enlightening devotion on the subject of why getting into heaven doesn't depend on a person's ability to be "good".  How many times have you heard individuals say, "If anyone is going to heaven it will be ______ because he/she is good."  Gary brought up a few points that I want to share on my blog today in case this has happened to you as a Christian when you are trying to witness to someone who is convinced all they need to be is....good.

First, if being good were a requirement for admission into heaven, would there be a definition of the word somewhere for all to see, read and be able to obey?  After all, we have the Ten Commandments written, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States written for individuals to read and understand.  Doesn't it make sense that the God of the Universe would place the instructions for living a good life and being a good person somewhere for us all to read; a unified description so that we wouldn't have to guess as to what being good entails?

Secondly, our human concept of good changes as we age.  Look at the history books.  The laws that seemed to be good in days gone by have been altered and improved....just look at the issue of race and how we have changed our thought processes concerning where we are allowed to sit on a bus or eat in a public restaurant.

Third, even if you knew a good definition for good, what would be the passing grade?  Could you be 20% good?  Maybe you could pass at 50%?  Would it require 100% of being good all the time and how in the world would that be possible?

Bottom line....being good isn't what is required to enter heaven.  Remember the thief hanging on the cross beside Jesus?  Think he was a good person?  Did he have a chance to do good deeds?  When the thief asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into glory, Jesus quoted that "TODAY" you will be with me in paradise.  No past percentages, no deeds, no actions of a good Samaritan.....only the change of heart that Jesus was the Son of God and the thief's recognition that he was a sinner and needed a Savior. 

We make it hard and it's easy.....we are lost, Jesus saves, we need only ask and He enters and the eternal gates of heaven will swing open wide.  God bless, my friends!

I heard a really good sermon this morning on the duties of a leader.  I thought they were rather point worthy, so I want to pass them on.  The scripture was taken from Acts, 6 and here are a few points brought to our attention concerning leaders.  These have been put in my own unique words, not necessarily the way I heard them this morning.  First, leaders need to define their ministry goals.  With God's assistance and guidance goals need to be identified with clarity and duties defined. If not, sometimes leaders spread themselves too thin without doing justice to any of their responsibilities. Secondly, the leader's characteristics need to be consistent with Jesus' teachings.  Third, leaders should be men and women looked up to and obedient to God's calling.  Fourth, a leader needs to be wise, have common sense and make good judgement calls even if an unpopular decision is the right thing to do.

But the sermon didn't end here.  In order to be a leader, you need followers.  Those that follow have responsibilities to the leader.  First, work in harmony with God's chosen.  Secondly, pray for your leaders and that they will experience spiritual freedom in making decisions.  Third, support your leaders and if you need to correct something they do or say, use positive criticism.  Fourth, trust their decisions and plans.  Fifth, love your leaders, believing the best about them.

Something about this sermon stayed with me throughout the rest of the day.  As a writer of this website, I need to focus on defining the ministry goals for The Sounding Board Teaching Ministries for this new year.  I pray that I won't spread myself too thin and not adequately do the job set before me.  I desire to be consistent with the teachings of Christ in my thoughts and Bible study and always obedient to what God calls me to do.  Making good judgement calls in the face of unpopular decisions will evitably happen.  I pray for strength to stand when that occurs.  And I also pray that I will follow those in leadership positions over me.  To love them, pray and support them and tighten my mouth when the human side of me thinks it needs to open.

What a great way to evaluate our connections with leaders and followers.  Which ever one you are, may God grant you willingness to be obedient to use your gifts and talents for His glory this year!  God bless, my friends.

Although this isn't one of my scrapbooks, this gives you an idea of what scrapbooking entails.  However, for someone who loves the artist side of showcasing her photos, this is a very relaxing way to spend a few hours.  Needless to say, I love to scrapbook.  My only problem is finding time to accomplish putting all my adventures and thoughts into a book plus adding all the little details and beautiful stickers. 

But today I started anew....scrapbooking little Lucy's arrival.  I figured if I try and stay ahead of the game (scrapbooking the latest pictures of her) I might be able to keep my memories correctly recorded.  Besides, if I don't pen the information now I'll forget the finer details later! 

Scrapbooking is only one of the artistic interests I enjoy.  I learned how to paint with oils when we lived in Idaho Falls, ID and regrettably I haven't had much opportunity to continue that outlet since my kids were born.  But now I write, crochet, scrapbook and maybe someday I'll paint again.  I owe a painting to Miss Sally Bette and I'd better get crackin' to repay a painting for a painting!  God bless, my friends.  I hope you have hobbies and interests that you are able to enjoy from time to time.  The winter weekends are perfect for whatever you like to do.....cook, read, woodwork....the options are limitless!  Have a great Sunday and find a place of worship to sing, praise and be  

It has been a very blustery Friday in Pittsburgh.  The snow accumulation wasn't as high as predicted, however, the winds are making it seem as though the snow has picked up speed as the flurries are flying.  The wind chill is quite cold as Gary and I were out this morning running errands and gathering groceries.  We are now snuggled down in the house for the evening and I'm in the office typing and watching January weather outside my window.
 
I liked the picture to the left and know if we had a squirrel hanging presently on our feeder he'd probably be swinging back and forth as this one seems to be doing.  But it's winter and we'll just have to grin and bear the cold, the snow, the wind and the chilly temps for a couple of months.  I broke out my boots this morning (they haven't seen a lot of action for two winters) and they felt so good keeping my toes as warm as a bug in a rug!  I hope each of you are staying warm and looking forward to possibly sleeping in and having a leisurely second cup of coffee in the morning.

For those of you who might not be on Facebook, I'm leading a body sculpting class at Fineline Fitness Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m.  It will run for approximately an hour and the first class is absolutely FREE!  The subsequent classes are only $5 and you don't have to make a commitment.  You only pay if you attend the class.  It's a great workout with weights (weights and mats are provided, but I like to bring my own mat) and aids us in the aging process to keep those muscles toned! 

Additionally, a Bible study on "Esther. it's Tough Being a Woman" will begin the week of January 22nd through the link, The Bucket List Bible Study.  The study book is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and any Christian bookstore.  More information is written on the link.  Why not give us a try!

God bless, my friends....have an awesome weekend!

Want to hear something funny?  I went to the doctor today and found out I possibly have acid reflux....isn't that a kicker?  Can you say "getting older" and "becoming a gramma" in a sentence together?  I don't feel old, but my body keeps pulling these little tidbits of aging on me.  Yes, it could be a lot worse and I'm thankful it's not, but really....acid reflux?

I know this isn't very entertaining in the way of blogs, but I think every once in a while it's good for you to know that I have quirks....and this is one of them!  Praise God that I have the hope of an eternity with Him one day when there will be no more aging....no sagging chins, to broken veins, no yearly mammograms, no scales for weighing and no desires for shopping trips.....just a perfect body made in the image of God!  God bless, my friends....have an awesome Friday!

After being in Concord, Ohio for the past three days for the birth of little Lucy, she and her mom and dad came home from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon.  Her grandparents (that's us) were ready with cameras and videos as she made her way home. 

After a nice lunch, mom, dad and grandpa all took a nap and Lucy and her grandma had some quality time together.  We snuggled and I sang all the little children's tunes I used to sing to her mom and uncle.  We had a great afternoon together because grandma and grandpa had to return to Pittsburgh.  But, never fear, little Lucy....we'll be back....next week!  For all of you that have written and shared how awesome it is to be grandparents, you're right.  This is beyond words.....now for getting them to move just a tad bit closer.....

God bless, my friends.....

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  Psalm 139:14-16

These words have always been precious to me, but they took on new meaning this past Monday morning when I held in my arms my first grandchild.  Looking into the face of little Lucy Anne I was reminded once again of how awesome and incredible is the God I serve.  Thank you, Jesus, for this bundle of perfect joy!  God bless, my friends!

This is one of the biggest events that have ever happened to Gary and I.....we became grandparents at 9:50 a.m. yesterday!  Little Lucy Anne Adkins entered this world at 5 lbs. 8 oz., 19 1/2 inches long and she's absolutely perfect! 

God is so good and we praise His holy name to allow Lucy to be a part of our family.  We pray that her life will bring honor and glory to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  I can't wait to begin teaching her about Jesus!

God bless, my friends!

My parents, Dick and Julese Garbee, have been married 68 years today!  Imagine that, a marriage that has lasted over six decades!  I have to share that they eloped on January 9, 1944 and went to North Carolina to wed with my mom's sister, Ruby and her new husband, Terrell Elliott, as witnesses.  They tell me it was snowing and they had quite a "time" getting there.

Mom and Dad have weathered many storms and enjoyed many celebrations while they still continue to live in their home and have a daily time of praying together.  In fact, they name each one of us kids, our spouses and all their grandchildren and great-grandchildren by name and then they add all the other people they know that need prayer.  Prayer time goes on for a while!  So, I want to lift them up to the Lord today and say, "Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to have my folks all these years and may we continue to enjoy many more memories together.  In Jesus' name, Amen!"  God bless, my friends and Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad....(the card is in the mail!)  Love you both!

I usually read my devotions first thing in the morning; however, today I slept in a little later and my schedule changed a bit.  I found myself in my designated "prayer chair" late this afternoon as the sun was beginning to set.  As I began to pray my eyes got so heavy that I closed them and momentarily "snoozed".  When I opened my eyes, the sun was almost completely hidden by a line of trees across from the front room where I was sitting.  Wow, I was surprised that I closed my eyes and was equally surprised that the sun was almost gone when I reopened them!

As always, it seemed the Holy Spirit was in my ear saying, "You need to remember, Cookie, the blessings of God are waiting to be given, but you must be paying attention.  That beautiful sunset appeared for a little while and then it was gone, don't miss out on what I have for you to experience by closing your eyes to your current situation."  Thank you, Lord, for speaking through the sunset.  It was a lesson well worth listening to and pondering in my heart!  God bless, my friends!