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1月2日 HE SAW ME!Proverbs 15:3- The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
While on my plane flight home from FL to TN...I was blessed to be in the front of the plane. Across the isle from me sat an elderly couple.
Due to the fact they were the last to board, most of the overhead storage bins were full, with exception of a few about 10-15 rows back.
The flight attendants seemed busy doing other things and the Lord led me to help this couple secure their bags in the open overhead storage bins.
While in route to TN, our flight was re-routed back to FL due to mechanical problems. We then had to de-board and wait, and wait, and you guessed it...
WAIT for a new plane! When beginning to de-board, everyone of course jumped to their feet to grab their belongings in the overheads...and myself & the elderly couple next to me had to wait for everyone to leave to finally get our bags, because they were so far back in the overheads. (So much for a quick departure, sitting in the front seats)
The announcement finally came after hours of waiting in the terminal..."We are now ready to board"
Yeah! Back on the plane we go. Everyone jumped to the front of the line. Of course, myself and the elderly couple were among the last to board, and again had to place our bags this time even farther back in the overheads...I assured the couple I would take care of their bags.
Upon a safe landing in TN, everyone again jumped to their feet grabbing their belongings, I told the couple we would just have to wait on everyone to get off before collecting our belongings.
After several rows had passed us by, a gentleman arose and blocked the aisle way, causing everyone to hault. He said to me, "I've been watching you help this couple, where are your bags and I will get them". He proceeded to get our bags, while holding back the line of anxious people waiting to get off.
We thanked him and exited the plane immediatley.
All I could think of was- that was God....He saw me, He was watching, He met the need as He always does when we are busy about His service.
His eyes are in every place!
12月5日 Human TouchThe college I attended had a theme...it was, "Touching lives that they may touch others".
Yesterday, I was talking with my neighbor Jimbo (he's in his sixties) we call him the neighborhood
patrol. He likes to drive around and keep an eye on things.
 He said, "I'll never forget when I first met you, I knew you were a "good person", because
after talking you reached up and patted my shoulder."
Now I know patting a shoulder does'nt make a person good...but it did make a difference to Jimbo.
Since then, I've come to learn Jimbo is a Christian, he did come to church with us once.
His wife died years ago and he now has Parkinson's Disease. But he never ceases to make his neighborhood
rounds and talk about "the good Lord". He is a blessing to know.
It is a joy to encourage others, even if it's only by a simple touch.
Jesus changed many lives through his touch....may we reach out and
"Touch lives that they may touch others".
8月24日 We're Back!!! OK.....I know, it's been way to long!
The weather is 100 degrees today, whew, it is so hot....and the poor dog is stuck on the deck all day! We are in desperate need of rain.
The lake is extremely low, we are there just about every weekend regardless.
We just finished helping at our church's youth camp last week, and what a blessing it was! God is so good, we were able to send
3 of our neighborhood kids to camp and one was saved. Praise the Lord! Pray with us that their families might start coming with us to church.
Another blessing, Bethanne & I invited our whole neighborhood to church 3 weeks ago and we had 10 people show up..it was so exciting.
It is a joy & encouragement to be able to tell people about the Lord and invite them to church. We have realy been striving to do our part
in reaching "our Jerusalem" so to speak. Pray that we would continue to share the good news and be a good testimony to our neighborhood.
We recently returned from our summer vacation to Harbor Island, SC. We spent the week on the beach, and took a few day trips, one to Charleston and one to Hilton Head where we enjoyed sailing on a catamaran for the first time. It was a welcome and refreshing break.
Bethanne started back to school Monday, Aug. 20th, she said she has a great class so far this year. A really good spirit in the classroom.
She begins basketball in October....she's in for a busy season.
I'm so looking forward to fall this year, a break from the heat, I just pray we get the rain we need so that the leaf change will be colorful.
We pray all is well with our friends and family! I pray you will be encouraged to reach "your Jerusalem" with the love of Christ!
Who will you invite to church this Sunday????????????????????????
3月30日 Rise above those circumstances!Psalm 77:3-15 Depression is the subject of many book, tapes, studies, etc... look with me at the Biblical perspective (the only perspective) of recognizing and dealing with depression. It is so easy to become discouraged, even depressed when we are weighted down with needs in our lives, especially when we continually pray and it does'nt seem God is responding. Our needs may be physical, spiritual, finacial, emotional...."Why are'nt you answering Lord? I needed that bill paid last week!" we so often ask. Then discouragement and doubt in His promises begin to set in. There's an old story of the devil selling off his old tools. As people were milling around looking over all of the items for sale, they noticed that the item with the highest price tag was an old, battered wedge. Attached to the wedge was a sticker that said "Discouragement". A man picked it up and asked the devil why was this old, battered wedge so expensive. He replied, "If I can drive the wedge of discouragement between a believer and his Lord, I win the victory every time". As we compare with the verses in Ps. 77...let's look at a few major: CHARACTERISTICS OF DEPRESSION 1) Inability to sleep (Ps.77:4) "Thou holdest mine eyes waking" Not being able to sleep does'nt necessarily mean you are depressed, but it is a common problem for depressed people. So worried about their problelms, that they can't go to sleep. GOD CAN SOLVE ANY PROBLEM! BUT IF WE ARE NOT RELYING ON HIM, it is common that a problem will keep us from sleep. 2) Inarticulate Speech (Ps. 77:4) "I am so troubled that I cannot speak" Those who are depressed often find it difficult to explain a problem. Sometimes it's hard to find words to express our emotions. 3) Incorrect Sight (Ps.77:5) "I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times" The Psalmist was focused on "the good old days". Things used to be more exciting and enjoyable. The truth is, things were'nt all that great. There have always been problems. If you are living for God, He has good things for you in the days ahead. 4) Inward Searching (Ps. 77:5) "I commune with mine own heart" Depressed people often turn inward and ask counsel of themselves. The only time in scripture we are told search inward or "examine ourselves" is to see if we're right with God. OUR FOCUS IS TO BE ON GOD, NOT OURSELVES. Heb. 12:2 says, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" 5) Hopeless Sorrow (Ps.77:8) "Is His mercy clean gone forever? Doth His promise fail for evermore?" Overwhelmed with burdens, the Psalmist felt no hope for the day or any other day. While focusing on himself, he saw no hope for the future. WHEN YOU FEEL AS IF YOU'RE ABOUT TO DROWN, LOOK UP. GOD IS THERE TO HELP. CURE FOR DEPRESSION 1) Realize your to blame (Ps.77:10) "This is my infirmity" As long as we're blaming others or God for our problem, there is no way to solve it. We have to acknowledge where the problem really is. We need to pray saying, "God, I acknowledge this problem is my problem. It may be the way I'm responding, or it may be I'm not exercising faith, or it may be I'm not learning. But I do acknowledge the problem as mine, and I'm asking You for help." 2) Recall God's Blessing (Ps.77:10,11) "I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High...I will remember the works of the Lord." The right hand is the hand of power, of deliverance, of blessing. It is the hand of strength and salvation. It is the hand that guides us through our difficulties. When we're depressed we often look at God as the God of sorrow, rather than as strength that sustains us and cares for us. When you feel hopeless and helpless recall past blessings of God, answered prayers. Encourage yourself in the Lord! 3) Refocus your mind (Ps.77:12) "I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings" Meditation is a key step in overcoming depression. Chew on the good things God has done for you instead of your problems. What we think about determines our outlook on life. Where is your focus? When we meditate on God, His word, His goodness it brings our attention back to Him. It will change our attitude toward our problems. 4) Rejoice in the Lord (Ps.77:13-15) No matter how things look, we can always rejoice in how good God has been to us! We can rejoice in His power, His goodness, His strength, His redemption. The answer to our doubts is to review His goodness, His redemption! We can and should live in victory no matter what problems may come. He is with us (Heb. 13:5) "He will never leave you nor forsake you" Just because we can't physically see God does'nt mean He is not at work. Rejoice in the Lord always...and rise above those circumstances! 1月5日 Believe!!!
12月16日 My help cometh from the Lord!Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sings a song entitled, "My Help cometh from the Lord".
I was getting ready for work while listening to their CD when this song began to play...
tears of joy for the goodness of our Lord came streaming down my face.
I was reminded of the many times the Lord has helped me...sought me out...captured me by His grace.
Music plays a large part in preparing my heart & thoughts for special time alone with my Savior.
As with any relationship, we communicate during the day, but then there are those tender
moments...when we spend time with no distractions...just the two of us.
What do you need to prepare your heart for those special moments alone with your Savior???
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which
made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1,2
9月11日 Harbor Island!!!As I sit here at work, I can't help but wish I were sitting along the beach in Harbor Island, SC, under a big umbrella with a good book and a glass of sweet tea! Oh yes!
Last weekend, we spent at beautiful Harbor Island...Fri-Mon. We found a condo directly on the beach from vrbo.com...check it out! Great deals for vacation rentals, it was much nicer and less costly than a hotel or resort.
Harbor is a privately owned island, you must obtain a pass to go on or off. It is close to Beaufort, SC. Pristine beaches, no crowds, resort amenities (pools, club houses, tennis, fishing, bike rentals, etc...). On the beach evey morning you could see the shrimp boats going out across the Atlantic for a days work. Talk about some good seafood, there was one local restaurant on the island. For more you had to travel about 30-40 minutes to Beaufort. We ate some of the biggest shrimp I've ever seen.
The first day there we enjoyed getting some sun on the beach and pool, then went into Beaufort to eat.
Day 2 we enjoyed a brisk walk on the beach in the morning, went to hunting island to walk through an old lighthouse, spent the rest of the day on the beach...sunning, reading, playing in the water. Then went to the island restaurant for a good seafood dinner! That evening we bought a kite at the local beach shop. Took a walk on the beach and flew our kite. The weather was perfect.
Anyhow, we highly recommend Harbor Island or Fripp Island for a private beach getaway!!!
This past Saturday night, we had a football party at our house with some of the singles from our church.
YES, Ohio State whooped up on Texas!!! Go Buckeyes! Enough said! (that was for you Chad)
 The weather is changing a bit...Boo-hoo...I'm just not ready to give up summer yet!!!
I just finished the book "Dry Bones Dancing", great read! Now I'm starting "Grace Walk" by Steve McVey. Any one read it???
THE PICS OF OUR TRIP ARE'NT THAT GREAT. I FORGOT THE DIGITAL CAMERA, SO JUST BOUGHT A DISPOSABLE. 8月30日 Way over due!!!Wow! I know it's been forever! All is well here in beautiful TN.
The store is continuing to grow! We've added on and now it's about time for a new
place with more room. So pray the Lord would give exact direction there, when the
time is right.
Bethanne has begun her first year as a fourth grade teacher at Covenant Christian Academy.
She is also the girls basketball coach. Pray for her as she has a busy season ahead.
She's very excited about football season starting this Saturday!!!
This summer we vacationed in NY at Bethanne's parents. We had a wonderful, relaxing time.
We spent most of the days on the lake, boating, skiing, cooking out. A much needed break!
We'll post those pics soon.
We're in the process of home improvement...new carpet, flooring, etc...you know the mess that comes with
all that...so we're under construction!!!
Bethanne & I are now in charge of the teen youth choir at our church on Wednesday nights. We just started last Wednesday,
August 23. We have about 14 in the choir, it sure is fun. Let me know if you have any really good songs
for them. I have many, but you always need more.
I'm reading an excellent book entitled, Dry Bones Dancing by Tony Evans. It's about renewing your spiritual
passion, based from the Ex. 37 text. What an encouragement it is!
4月24日 Show it off!!!This past Sunday at church, our pastor's daughter Brooke (3yrs. old) had on a new dress and new shoes. She was so proud of that beautiful new dress. Someone would say," Hi Brooke", Without saying a word, she instantly held out her dress for them to see and of course held the shoes up too! Both morning and night services she was showing off her new dress and shoes to any one who would glance her way!!! She was so excited!
God reminded me of his mercy and grace! New every morning!!! How exciting is that! Who am I showing off his mercy and grace to today??????????????????
Lam. 3:21-23
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.
4月8日 Stepping OutRecently, a friend of mine mentioned a quote from C.S. Lewis' book "The Weight of Glory." One of Lewis' characters, Law, said "If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God, it will make no difference what you have chosen instead." Lewis continued by saying, "What matters, what Heaven desires and Hell fears, is precisely that further step, out of our depth, out of our own control."
Some of you may be aware of the recent option set before me concerning my future career. The school at which I am currently employed offered me a fourth grade teaching position for the 2006-2007 school year. I was both surprised and apprehensive. What do I know about teaching? Sure, I "teach" 4-5 year olds right now, but 10 year olds on the verge of dramatic emotional and physical changes...whoa. As I prayed and sought council about this decision, I really felt led to take "that further step." Yes, there is still fear and unknown circumstances, but I am amazed at how God graciously affirms His will when we have sought His direction.
This week while I was at school teaching P.E., the principal asked me if I had heard what had happened. I didn't know what he was referring to. He told me that the current 4th grade teacher just found out that her family was not going to be moving away after all. Her husband is a pastor in the United Methodist church and every so many years they rotate their pastors. They assumed that they would be moving quite a distant from the school, so she put her resignation in at the school. Well, come to find out, her husband's new church is 10 minutes from the school. When the principal told me this, I wasn't sure how this information would effect my future. He continued to say how he and his wife were praying about the situation and they had decided that they would meet with the current 4th grade teacher to discuss the circumstances. Before they even asked to meet with her, she went to them and said that it was perfect that I would be taking over her class, because she actually wanted to work in the pre-school to be closer to her toddler. I don't think God could've been any clearer in His affirmation of my decision. It was if He was saying, "This is right for you, Bethanne." His goodness never ceases to amaze me!
I don't know what decisions you may have laid before you, but as a good friend told me, "Go ahead--jump in confidence, knowing that He has never let anyone fall."
Live strong,
Bethanne 1月16日 One good deed deserves another!Just a thought...
A few weekends ago, Bethanne and I went to the community center to play some raquetball, on our way, we stopped at McDonalds to grab a bite to eat...(I know...it's not part of the New Year's resolution!) As I was proceeding to take my place in line, an older gentleman insisted I go before him...I placed my order, as the cashier was filling my order...she asked the gentleman what he needed, he said 2 apple pies! I immediatley felt led by the Holy Spirit to pay for his pies. The gentleman was shocked and very grateful. "One good deed deserves another!", I said. He said, Thank you, took his pies and left.
As the cashier gave me my food, she had an awkard stare and smile at me... I got back to the car, drove to the community center, Bethanne opened the McDonalds bag and we began to eat our dinner sitting in the parking lot. I reached in the bag to get a napkin...and to my surprise there was a box...2 boxes...They were apple pies! The Holy Spirit said to me..."One good deed deserves another!"
The next morning, On my way to church I stopped at the gas station to get a cup of coffee, they happened to be brewing a fresh pot (mmm!) The store clerk took my mug, filled it with the fresh coffee, and said, it's on me! The Holy Spirit once again said, "One good deed deserves another!"
Before even arriving at the House of the Lord, that beautiful Sunday morning...My cup runneth over! Thank you Jesus!
May we all be encouraged to minister as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1月7日 Happy New Year!!!Wow! What happened to 2005! GONE!!! What a year for change, growth, and exciting times!! We anticipate all that the Lord has for us in 2006!
We hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Everything is back in full swing after a short pause for the Christmas season. Basketball games resume in full swing next week, the preschoolers are reenergized (I don't think they every really lost any energy), and the store is starting to see improved sales!!
Ronda and I both enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with our families! Ronda spent Christmas in Ohio with her oldest brother and her parents and I was able to go to New York to be with my family! It was wonderful to be able to spend time with my new sister-in-laws and of course my brothers and parents!! I was able to see the snow before it warmed up and melted!! We didn't have a white Christmas!! Oh well!! I also enjoyed seeing my new baby cousin Maya...she's adorable (even after she threw up all over me!) Family is wonderful!!
GO BUCKEYES!!! We have been watching the BCS Bowl games recently and thoroughly enjoyed the Buckeye's demolition of the Irish!! It was a sweet victory!! Ronda has even become a Buckeye fan!! How couldn't she? I wasn't able to stay up for the Penn State game, but I did watch Texas pull it out over USC!! That was nice!
We look forward to all of the events, adventures, and experiences that 2006 will bring our way!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! 12月13日 Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas Friends! We're finally getting around to updating our space.
It's been busy with visitors, ball games, sickness, etc.....
All is well here! We both finished up our Christmas shopping last night in Gatlinburg. On the way home it began to rain and sleet but no snow yet!
 We want snow!!!!!!!!This weekend our church is putting on their Christmas program! We're helping by promting the little actors during the play. After the program, we're hosting a "white elephant" Christmas party at our house.
We finally put up our Christmas lights and decor, it sure puts you in that holiday spirit...listening to Christmas music (love the Carpenters), enjoying the fire place, and watching the lights twinkle. Oh what a wonderful time of year!!!
We're contemplating getting a season pass for snow skiing in January...it's a good work out on the weekends!
(better check the health insurance plan....before deciding on this adventure)
I must go,to be continued.......
Ronda
10月24日 Fall is in the air!Finally, it feels like fall...today's high is 44 degrees! Crock pot meals here we come.
The leaves are beginning their change.
This past weekend we went to see and hear Dr. Tim LaHaye author of the Left Behind series.
It was a very exciting service. We forgot the camera!!!
All is well here, Bethanne begins basketball season this week. The store is continuing to do well for this
time of year. Tonight our big plans are to caulk our windows inside and out and spray the house in efforts
to detour lady bugs. Yes, lady bug a.k.a. Japenese Beetles season is soon to be here. They are annoining little
critters.
I hear the coffee pot calling...I must go! 10月10日 Weekend in AtlantaHello friends and family...we just got back from a relaxing weekend trip in Atlanta. I am now a price line fan!
We were able to get a 4 star hotel for just $55 a night, it was deluxe. We spent Saturday at Six Flags, Sunday we visited Charles Stanley's church...what a wonderful servicce!
We are finally having beautiful fall weather! The leaves should be at their peak in mid to late October. Wow, I never knew seasons till we moved here! It's wonderful!
Bethanne & I are taking steps towards getting into Grad school, to work on our Master's through Liberty university's distance learning program. I will be working on my Masters in Professional counseling, and Bethanne
will be working on her masters in special education. Continue to pray the Lord works out all the details for this venture in continuing our education. We would like to begin classes in Dec. or Jan.
I must close for now...Ronda 10月1日 What Happened to September?WOW! Time is flying by!! I can't believe that October is here...however, I am ready for the cooler weather to arrive!!
Somewhere between school, volleyball, the store, sickness, and company, the month of September passed us by! Teaching is going well. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not, but I'm starting to level with 4 and 5 year olds!! They really are cute and intelligent, but of course a bit mischevious! Teaching PE to elementary kids is a lot of fun. I consider it a successful PE class if there were no tears (I don't know that this has happened yet!), blood, or bruises!!
Volleyball has been a great learning experience and a patience builder! I have a very young team. Most of my girls are in 7th and 8th grade! If I can keep them together for a few more years, the team will be extremely good. Overall, I think our record is 4-3. I can't complain! Since the school is so small, most of the volleyball team is also the basketball team. I hope to be able to help with basketball as well.
Ronda continues to stay busy with the store. Business has slowed down quite a bit since school started, but she has great connections with most of the schools in the county. She is constantly thinking of new marketing ideas for the store and other entrepeneur ideas!
I think summer is finally coming to an end!! Although, next week we are supposed to be in the mid 80s all week. We pulled the jet ski out of the water last week. I don't think it will see any more action this year! It was a summer filled with fun, change, and challenge! In the end, we just have to remember to trust God in the great adventure of life!
8月22日 Still Living!!We sincerely apologize for our lack of blogging recently!! There probably isn't an excuse for not updating our website for over a month, but we can try...
The Teacher's Pet has been thriving since the school year began this week. Ronda has been staying extremely busy serving customers and placing orders!! We are very grateful for how the store has taken off!! Hopefully business will continue and grow as word spreads about the store. Teachers here are so excited to have a store so close...many teachers have vowed their loyalty!!!
I actually became a Teacher's Pet customer!! As most of you have probably heard by now, I am know teaching K-4, physical education and coaching volleyball at Covenant Christian Academy. After much prayer and seeking advice, I realized that God had given me this opportunity and decided to whole-heartedly pursue it. I'm sure it will be crazy until a routine is developed, but I know it will be rewarding. I'm excited about this adventure and a little apprehensive... 4 and 5 year olds (probably not my first choice!) I must say that I'm quickly learning patience...or I'm discovering my lack of patience!!!
So you see...trying to keep a business up and running plus a complete change of jobs over a weekend plus moving classrooms the week before school starts plus entertaining 15-20 family members (Ronda's) for a week and all the other tasks that must be accomplished!! It has been just a little busy around here...but... I know no excuse!!! P.S. Ronda will add new pics soon!! 7月19日 Jet Skiing!What an awesome weekend we had on the lake, even though we are totally burnt! OUCH!
We used our jet ski for the first time, and wow does it fly. It's almost scary!
Bethanne flew off once, she says you have'nt ridden till you fly off! It's fun!
Anyhoo, nothing much new here, the store is doing well...teacher's are getting ready to go back to school.
We will post more later this week! 7月6日 What to say!!!As you all know, Ronda keeps everyone posted on what is happening with us!! I must admit she does a pretty good job!!!! I don't know what else can be said...she already wrote about all the fun stuff!!!
Lately, I've been reminded about being grateful for everything that God has blessed me with. As the Fourth of July came and went, I thought about how much I take for granted the freedoms in this country and the everyday blessings that God gives! God has been so good to us! When you look at the pictures of our family, friends, and good times, stop and take a moment to thank God for all that He has given to you and done for you!!
By the way, we don't just have fun on the weekends!! The Teacher's Pet is doing well. Ronda has been marketing the store by making goodie bags to hand out at teacher's conferences. This seems to be working very well! Hopefully we will see even more teachers come in as the school year approaches. I personally think she is going to be swamped!!!
The go-cart business is....crazy!!!! I can't believe how busy it has been these last couple of weeks! I was warned, but I had no idea! Let's just say I don't lack for work!!! Keep praying about the school opportunity. I talked to the vice principal last week and she said that they are making their final decision by July 18, a few more days to hurry up and....wait!!
Stay tuned for further adventures, mishaps, and Tucker tales from the Mountain Mamas!!
To God be the glory for it all!!!
7月5日 Fourth of JulyWe hope everyone had an enjoyable Fourth of July!
We hit the lake...literally...right off the tube, head first into the water...OUCH!
Saturday we enjoyed boating and tubing. Sunday we had a cook out and huge fire works
display at our church. Monday we spent the day at the lake and in the evening went
to Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge to see the fire works and enjoy the patriotic music and festivities.
Praise the Lord for our freedoms!
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