What will your harvest be?

Every life we touch is a field.
Everything we do and all the words we speak are seed.
What will the harvest be??

"Let us not become weary in doing good, ... we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9)

GOOD to be reminded!

Simple Courtesy

Lord, grant that I may see some special joy, some goodness in each person I meet today. And then may I honor each and everyone with love and simple courtesy.

May the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another... (1st Thessalonians 3:12)

GOOD to be Reminded.

If you knew your expiration date, would you really just sit there?

If you knew your expiration date, would you really just sit there?

character,encourage,Life,health,faith

? Are you one who searches for the furtherest expiration date of a milk carton before purchasing it? 

Sure. Yo want the one with the longest life. 

As someone who cared enough to challenge me, I challenge you today... Think about it.

IF you knew your expiration date, what would you do different today? Tomorrow?

- pick up the phone and actually talk with a dear friend

- visit family members and savor every moment with them despite differences 

- hug your kids tight

- uh, work longer hours at the office?

- make time to laugh 

- give your husband/wife your undivided attention 

- share a milkshake with friends

- bake some goodies and visit someone you know that's homebound

- serve at church more passionately

- speak a little softer

- volunteer to serve in your community or mission project as a family 

- read a book out loud to your littlest ones

- enjoy splashing a coloring book with colors

- go to your favorite fishing hole

- share Jesus with someone in your path because you really believe Heaven and hell are real

You don't intentionally buy milk to sit on the shelf and sour. Your plan is for it to be poured out to refresh, nurture, and be enjoyed by those loved ones you choose to share it with.

Go ahead. Get off your shelf, out of your box, and make a positive difference... 

POUR YOUR LIFE INTO OTHERS and share Jesus.

- your friend, 

Pamela Lisemby 

Jesus is my strength!

Take a Leap TODAY

Take a Leap of Faith TODAY ... Follow The Shepherd

Psalms 23 
(Theme: Jehovah God is seen as the caring, Good Shepherd and dependable guide.)

The LORD is my (personal) Shepherd;  I  shall not want. 
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; 
He leads me beside the still waters. 
He restores my soul; 
He leads me in the paths of righteousness 
For His name's sake.
Yea, though  I  walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
 I   will fear no evil;  For You are with me. 
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 
All the days of my life; and  I   will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!

Notice, it is a very personal relationship YOU need to have with The Shepherd.

Ask yourself,
Am I taking today's leap of faith and following the Shepherd (Jesus),
or just leaping fences to self-destruction?

TODAY's gift for you: A brand new start. -Leap wisely. Others are following you.

(baaa) GOOD to be Reminded! 

..everyone you meet is fighting

"Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." unknown

Of all the things you wear...

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful.  Proverbs 15:13

GOOD to be Reminded!

WHO is on 1st! Do not the let the urgent get in front of the important.

"WHO's on first?" 
It is vital you diligently seek to passionately love and honor Jehovah God first.

Jesus said unto him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all you mind. (Matthew 22:37)

?? Are you reading and believing the text messages God has sent you?

 -- ESCAPE to a quiet place and just listen daily, morning and night. READ your Bible. 

"Their strength is to sit still." (Isaiah 30:7)

I know, many times "escape" seems like the best idea of the day. And, I'm very aware Moms are in a constant mode of working 24/7. I remember thinking as a young momma, "If I were God, I'd squeeze in 10 - 16 more hours into each day so that I could get all the must-be-done tasks completed and still have me-be-still time to absorb."  

Reality is... God is perfect. His gift of a 24-hour day is perfect. How I manage and care for the gift He has given me is my responsibility.  I must be creative. I must plan my calendar day or someone else will.

A wise man said:
Do not the let the urgent get in front of the important.

Since I am not promised tomorrow, I must be very intentional.

-- Memorize and Apply = Learn His promises and warnings to you. 

You will gain Godly knowledge if you dig deep into His Word (Bible). Being parents of four, we are called upon to assist with homework which reminds me often that things I don't use, I loose. If I memorized facts just to pass a class, those facts stick for a brief moment but when needed I can't find them anywhere. 

Facts, wisdom, instruction I memorize and apply (for instance multiplication, character choices, good sportsmanship, even the consequences of others mistakes and poor choices), they are much easier to find when needed and very handy when needing to help someone else. 

Proverb 7:1-3 God instructs us to 

"...keep my words 

(uh, to "keep" you do have to read/study/memorize/apply), 

And treasure my commands within you, 

(Let His Words instruct and mold who you are and who you are going to be.)

Keep my commands and live, .... 

(Stand firm on His instruction and promises.)

Bind them on your fingers 

(Don't forget them); 

Write them on the tablet of your heart 

(Cling to every Word; be firmly attached).

also read: Duet 6:7

* Dig Deep: Make a plan for one-on-one personal, private Bible study with God. You must squeeze in me-time to dig deep into His Word. Adding studies with friends is also a great idea; just don't let it be in place of your 1:1.

* Proverb a Day: For the day of the month, read that Proverb to start your day. (April 11: read Proverb 11) The book of Proverbs is filled with instruction, promises and warnings.

* Cup of Praise: Throw on the Praise Music! Fill your cup at lunch. Read a song in the book of Psalms. For the day of the month, read that Psalm. (April 11: read Psalm 11) I also encourage you to fill your home, car, and heart with PRAISE music - the devil has to flee. 
What goes in does come out.

* Bathe Daily in His Presence: Use your shower time to be still in His presence. Share your heart - shed some tears or sing praise.

          My funny Granny's funny-page-wisdom, 
          "If you smell yourself, everyone else has been smelling you for days!" -just sayin'

* Fill your Home with His Promises: Write scripture promises on small cards. Tape them throughout your home (be creative), when you come across them throughout your day READ, BELIEVE, and APPLY those words to your life and home. Here are a few suggestions:

Bathroom mirror
For You formed my inward parts;You covered me in my mother’s womb. 
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14)

You need to know the Bible instructs us to love our neighbor as ourself - James 2:8; the problem is we don't love our self unconditionally.That's a whole different chat... God doesn't make mistakes. Exchange your truth for His truth.

Closet door
Ephesians 6 - list the Armor of God you are to put on daily. 

Laundry room
Do all things without complaining and disputing.. (Phillipians 2:14)
          Lesson from my Saint-of-Saints Grandma: 
               When folding and ironing an item, pray for the one it belongs to.)

Kitchen cabinet door
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.... Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (I Corinthians 13:1-2)

Desk drawer
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

! Share you creative spots to hide the Word! 

And remember, keep WHO on first - blessings will follow...

Your friend,
Pamela

He will carry ME!

He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them. 
Isaiah 40:11

Jesus WILL carry me through - this mess - this storm - this nightmare - this conflict - this moment.
GOOD to be Reminded!

press Pause TODAY, Give my Family My Time and Undivided Attention

FACT: We are not promised tomorrow. 

Give your family the most precious valued gift you have...your UNDIVIDED time. 

Just Press Pause. Watch a movie, play a board game, take a walk, giggle  "together" WITHOUT your phone, computer, or iPad invading. Yep, I'm serious. Really! You will live without those things for a few hours. In exchange, you will plant seeds of value, honor, respect, and great love by giving the gift of your time. 

I promise the next text, Facebook in-box, and email will NOT disappear before you get to it. And, you have voice-mail on your phone FOR A REASON.  

Why is giving your undivided time too great a price to freely give to spouse and kids? We let the urgent get in the way of the important. We fail to plan. Choosing to ignore the fact that our family need to feel valued and cherished DAILY will drastically impact your relationship and their future families. 

You have voice message service for a reason.

Be intentional when you get home this evening... 

Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

(KJV: See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.)

If you don't take charge of your calendar, someone else will. 

YOU are Beautiful!!

Beautiful

music Artist: MercyMe

from the album The Generous Mr. Lovewell

 Play sample

Days will come when you don't have the strength 
When all you hear is you're not worth anything 
Wondering if you ever could be loved 
And if they truly saw your heart they'd see too much 

You're beautiful 
You're beautiful 
You are made for so much more than all of this 
You're beautiful 
You're beautiful 
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His 
You're beautiful 

And praying that you have the heart to find 
Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight 
For all the lies you've held inside so long 
And they are nothing in the shadow of the cross 

You're beautiful 
You're beautiful 
You are made for so much more than all of this 
You're beautiful 
You're beautiful 
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His 
You're beautiful 

Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You're the one He madly loves enough to die

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
In His eyes

You're beautiful 
You are made for so much more than all of this 
You're beautiful 
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His 
You're beautiful 
You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this 
You're beautiful 
You're beautiful 
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His

YOU are Beautiful!

GOOD to be Reminded,

-Pamela

April 4, Would you rather be run over by a truck?

Would you rather be run over by a truck,

or run over by the shadow of a truck??

Psalm 23:4 "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil"

GOOD to be Reminded!

I believe in miracles

Believing is a choice.

GOOD to be Reminded!

HE will REJOICE over YOU with Singing (Zephaniah 3:17)

GOOD to be Reminded!

WARNING: Chocolate is Dangerous!

GOOD to be Reminded!

Hug my kiddos and hubby as much as I do my coffee cup!

GOOD to be reminded!

- Pamela :)

Today's Special: Discouragement

Menu for today reads: "Today's Special: Discouragement"

Me: (Yuk!) "Discouragement, again! Really?!"

"One spoon full is tough enough to swallow, but breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Yesterday, today, and a heaping pile in the warmer for tomorrow?!"

* Root word of discouragement is... Courage: facing difficulty with bravery.

(Hmmm, did you notice that it does not state, "the absence of difficulty"?)

* Merriam-Webster defines dis·cour·age:  
: to make (someone) less determined, hopeful, or confident
: to make (something) less likely to happen
: to try to make people not want to do (something)

Me: "How about some fresh fruit? Uh, would you have any love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 
gentleness and self-control?"

What will you serve in your kitchen today? 
Throw out "discouragement"; Refuse to serve or eat it.
Serve a fresh plate of ENCOURAGEMENT from you kitchen today.
SPEAK LIFE! "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue..." Proverbs 18:21

..............
I am reminded of when the people of Jericho only had HEARD about Joshua and the Israelites, servants of the Most High God. Before God's people march around Jericho and the walls came tumbling down... 
Read how the words they had heard impacted them:

Joshua 2  Rahab Hides the Spies
Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, and said to the men: “I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. 

There is power in words. Speak Life.
GOOD to be reminded!

GOOD to be Reminded! I'm not grouchy by nature. It takes constant effort.

Translation: being grouchy is ... a choice.  

Good to be reminded.

"Ouch!" There is so much raw truth in Maxine’s constant irreverent quips about life which are always highlighted by her crabby character. Unfortunately, her off the cuff quirky commits are usually followed by her unleashed thoughts on inappropriate topics. I intentionally avoid Maxine. I just never know what she is going to say next. 

She obviously has never read the scripture Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Or, Proverbs 10:19, "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise." Hmmm, maybe she has read it and simply chooses to ignore it's instruction.

Guard your thoughts,

They become your words.

Guard your words,

They become your actions.

Guard your actions,

They become your habits.

Guard your habits,

They become your character. 

Guard your character

for it will become your destiny.

Maxine reminds me so much of my own Grandmother, Levella Hamilton, my Daddy's mom. No, "Mawmaw" was not a crabby lady. Just the complete opposite. She was fun. A better description would be FUNNY. And, It really did't matter if anyone else in the room thought her comment was funny or not, she was going to roll over laughing herself. You just couldn't help laughing at her laughing at her own rascally remark. You never knew what she was going to say and I can guarantee she would make me laugh out load when I knew I should not.

Do you remember that TV commercial years ago, "WHERE'S THE BEEF?!"? Take a good look at the lady below on the right. And, be sure to take note of the one in shock in the middle, too.

Well, now imagine going to church on a Sunday morning with my family. The big red LTD is loaded with Daddy, Momma, three kids, Mawmaw (and you). First stop in route Daddy brings us to our Sunday morning big breakfast treat, McD's. :) We arrive at church. Coke, popcorn, donuts, family, and friends all greet us in the fellowship hall. Then, the whole family waddles in like ducks in a row to our pews. Service begins with prelude music and announcements, the choir makes their grand entrance, the entire church is singing hymns of praise, then the totally unexpected happens. 

Mawmaw leans over and loudly whispers, "Look! "Where's the Beef" Lady is singing in our choir!!" Huh? What did you say? (Now Mawmaw is pointing through the couple in the next pew to the choir loft, right side) "Over there. There she is!" My sister Debbie and I finally make since of what Mawmaw just said, we make the mistake at looking at each other, and we both loose it. [Momma is sitting a few family members down the pew and gives all three of us the evil eye as to say without saying, "You three know better to be laughing, much less hysterically, during hymn singing. We know we were in trouble as soon as service ends, Mawmaw included...]. Debbie and I have song books hiding our own face and trying our best to not LOL. It just wasn't working too well. 

My Aunt Lajuan is one pew behind curiously trying to figure out what is soooo funny. Mawmaw is all too anxious to share the news, Ignoring our attempts to hush her. Aunt Lajuan's reply, the same as ours, 

Lajuan: (puzzled) Huh? What'd you say? 

Mawmaw: (Still tickled trying to speak) "Look! "Where's the Beef" Lady is singing in our choir!!"

Lajuan: (not believing what she just heard) Where?

Mawmaw: (pointing): "In the choir!"

Lajuan: "Oh, My! It does look like her!"

Debbie, me, and Momma: (Struggling NOT to look at Mawmaw gawking nor look to the right side of the choir loft, just about choke to death trying to swallow our giggles!)

Bro. Randall did make it to the end of his sermon without calling us all down from the pulpit. I don't actually recall, but I am sure Mawmaw told him about the celebrity in the choir loft. I can hear him respectfully reply, "Hmm. Really? Interesting." No, I don't recall the message that day. But, I will laugh just as hard as if it just happened yesterday. Mawmaw could not wait for the Sundays that followed to see  "Where's the Beef" Lady singing in our choir!!"

Note: Look at the picture, again. Growing up I thought the "Where's the Beef" Lady (on the phone) favored my own FUNNY Mawmaw Hamilton (Daddy's mom) always bringing laughter into our home. Mawmaw could have played her role just as well. The lady (holding her mouth in shock) reminds me so much of "Saint of saints" Granny Faye Landry (Momma's mom). 

SUCH GRAND MEMORIES. I am abundantly blessed to have both characters so involved in my life. 

Which character do you think is most like you? 

[] Funny "Where's the Beef" Lady

[] "Saint of saints" 

[] Clueless

[] Crabby Maxine

Would others agree? 

"I'm not grouchy by nature. It takes constant effort." Being grouchy is ... a choice. Choose your words and character carefully.  

GOOD to be Reminded!

Pamela

p.s. Do you have people that bring laughter into your own life? Do you Know a saint that is a prayer warrior that intentionally encourages you? Are you remembering a particular funny or awkward story? Share it with us! And, be sure to share it with your family. 

http://crossmap.christianpost.com/news/krispy-kreme-offers-free-donuts-sweetens-daylight-saving-time-2014-clock-change-9257

http://crossmap.christianpost.com/news/krispy-kreme-offers-free-donuts-sweetens-daylight-saving-time-2014-clock-change-9257

GOOD to be reminded!

"LIKE!" Facebook.com/GOODtobeReminded

    Hello! We have created a new facebook page to keep in touch with you ... 

    www.facebook.com/GOODtobeReminded

    God's best,
    Pamela

    

True or False? It takes 18 tons of pressure on a piano's strings for it to be tuned.

 TRUE! 

1. That the average medium size piano has about 230 strings, 
2. each string having about 165 pounds of tension,
   with the combined pull of all strings equaling approximately eighteen tons!                                        *Uh, that's 37,950 pounds of tension!
3. The total string tension in a concert grand is close to Thirty Tons!                                                *60,000 pounds of tension!        (source: www.pianoworld.com/facts) my note written in red italics

So, actually ... it depends on the piano. It is TONS of pressure no matter what size of piano you are. Eighteen tons of pressure is applied on a "average medium size" piano.   

"God will tune you to perfect harmony with heaven's theme if you will withstand the strain." "May we fear attempting to remove ourselves from the hands of His loving discipline due to our discouragement and doubt."  ~ L.B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert, daily devotional 

Reflecting back, I have described my own life struggles to cause TONS of pressure and tension. However, when I think about all that pressure applied to very thin strings which is endured by a piano to enable the musician to orchestrate a symphony of songs and realizing an elephant weighs about two-tons, my pressures just got lighter. In my personal stretch of faith, I am still learning to surrender to the pressure of being tuned by God.

Yesterday, March 3rd, a precious friend celebrated another birthday in heaven.  
Lettie Burd Cowman (March 3, 1870 – April 17, 1960) I treasure the letters she penned and left behind. 365 to be exact. Each exposing notes of wisdom and tidbits from various sermons, readings, writings, and poetry she had collected over the years along with personal struggles and triumphs that equipped her to press on. Oh, what encouragement each letter is to me! Lettie B. Cowman was the wife of Rev. Charles Cowman, founder of the Oriental Missionary Society. This organization was founded by Rev. Cowman for the purpose of evangelizing and setting up native ministries in Japan, Korea, China, and Formosa. They served as missionaries for 20 years. 

For almost 26 years now, each morning my husband Darry and I pull out a letter from Lettie written for today. Each letter is always so perfectly fitting for our moment. I am amazed that someone I have not yet met face to face cared enough to leave letters to strengthen my personal daily walk and remind me of Jesus' unconditional love.

Real life gives us so many reasons for giving up. I am writing this note to encourage you, when the pressure seems more than you can stand - throw on the praise music and just stand. 

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

GOOD to be reminded! 

God's best,
Pamela