RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions

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DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (12/27/2008 10:47:34 PM)
The last few days have been very busy, I've probably worked harder than I ever had on the job. I've cleaned 2 refrigerators and 3 freezers - organizing the food and throwing away a lot of things that my mom never labeled when she put them in the freezer. I now know that we could live at least a month out of our freezer if we had too. I also 'freed up' one freezer on the carport refrigerator to keep 'lunch/supper' leftovers that could quickly be used for a meal or lunch at work without searching through multiple locations trying to find something. I got the Christmas decorations put up, wrapping the breakables carefully and making sure that we would have them again next year. I prepared and delivered trays of cookies to some of our neighbors, leaving enough to take to my employees on Monday for their annual 'cookie fix'. I scrubbed and cleaned my bathroom and closet like it was spring cleaning and in a way I think it was. I've been reading a book that has identified some of the issues I've dealt with for years. I thought many of them were normal or at least not unusual. But then if I truly thought that why did I never talk about it? It seems that while they may not be unusual, they are not healthy! And I want to get healthy, not just physically but mentally and spiritually and emotionally as well. In scrubbing and cleaning and organizing, I've given myself the time to think and hopefully do inward cleaning and organizing as well. But I wondered as I cleaned and organized, what does the Lord think when He sees how long it took me to look for help? What does He think when some changes are so easy but I drag my feet and don't do them? How disappointed and frustrated He must be. Many things impact our lives but nothing impacts the way grief does. How does the belief that God is in control interact with the anger and questions when a death takes away someone we truly need in our lives? How do you reconcile the two? Do you just accept it and admit you will never understand? Do you try to push the questions and anger away fearing it will put even more distance between you and God? Do you rail at God and ask Him why? Are any of these the right answer? Or do we just keep putting one foot in front of the other and hope that someday it will get better? How long do we wait for that delusion to happen? How many times do we try to find our way only to have grief and depression overtake us? I don't know the answers but I'm no longer afraid of the questions. God knows I'm human and He loves me anyway. Some of the greatest people in the Bible at times questioned God, accepting because we are afraid to question is not faith, it is blind obedience or fear. God doesn't want robots, He wants family. Family isn't always pretty but a family is there for you when you need them. Some family is blood related and some is born of your journey along the way but regardless, family is there. I'm so glad that God is my Father and His Son is my Savior. I'm excited that the Holy Spirit is here with me everyday to guide me and help me if I'm willing to allow Him to. That family is more important than any but then there is the family of church and friends as well as physical family and they may throw up roadblocks, they may offer help, they may be able to help you make it through the night. Regardless of the role they play, each has a role. Some roles challenge us and others encourage us but each one is important. As 2009 is just around the corner, I want to turn that corner with my face toward the Son and my heart in line with God's Word. My prayer today is that I keep that tought in front of me every day.

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (12/29/2008 8:36:36 AM)
Monday - 12/29/08 - the year is almost over. We have our New Years plans - we plan to go to Tennessee for New Years and hear some of our favorite singers. A great way to start the year. But I dread the trip, I don't know who I'll be traveling with, my favorite daughter of the person that takes her body some times. I hope my favorite daughter shows up, the weeks and days ahead may not be easy but I love her and hope that we both will allow God to work things out. It's back to work this week, actually I've already worked a while this morning. I got up and fixed breakfast, pancakes, bacon and coffee. Now I'm not a coffee person but the last few days I've wanted coffee in the morning. I'm not sure where or how but it seems like a light has switched on and I've seen the person that I know is inside and they are working to get out. Sounds like a creepy science fiction movie doesn't - 'it's in there and it's going to come out'! But truly God has lifted so much of my burdens the last few days. That doesn't mean that life is rosy and nothing is going wrong, it just means that God has given my joy back in the midst of it all. I know I can't fix anything, I can't make it better, my being in control doesn't mean it will work, in fact it may guarantee failure. That's actually a stress reliever. I don't have to be in charge, I don't have to be responsible at least not for everything. God is in control and while He can and does at times use me, He doesn't need me to make the world go around. And He doesn't need you either, He is in control. Why do we take so much responsibility and stress on ourselves and then complain that we have too much on us? God doesn't want us stressed out - you can never be the witness for Christ you should be when you are stressed, the two just don't jive! He wants us to rest in Him, He wants us to trust Him, He wants us to be ready to follow His lead. Jan. 1, 2009 is just around the corner, none of us know what it will bring or how the current economy will affect us. But God does. He gave manna to the children of Isreal, He reached into the waves to save Peter, He is not going to forsake us no matter how dark it may seem!

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (12/30/2008 12:59:08 PM)
Today I'm heading for a funeral, I'm so sorry to see this friend go even though recently we haven't seen each other often, she was a fine Christian lady and she will be missed. What a blessed hope that we know we will see her again. I feel for the family, they are close and this is hard on them. But I know that God is gracious and He will keep and sustain them. What a precious promise we have that God will always be there for us. There is no valley that He won't go through or mountain too high for Him to climb. He can move the mountains and make the valley level ground. Two more days until the new year, do you wonder what 2009 holds? Are you worried about the economy? Are you or a family member out of worK? Are you looking a budget that the money isn't reaching as far as the bills? How quickly we forget that our Father owns everything. Now I know we should budget and not waste but I also know that God isn't in an economic crunch! Our faith is so slight most of the time. I know mine is. What on earth are we going to do? How will we manage? There is no promise of tomorrow, so why are worried about tomorrow? Today, what have we done for God today? Who did you leave a witness with? Who's life is better because you are in it? How will your friends and neighbors remember you? My friend Shirley kept the nursery at church, she was never up front, she never wanted attention, she kept and loved on the little children. She told them Bible stories and rocked them when they were hurt or upset. Yet she probably impacted more lifes than many preachers. She prayed for people, she cared when they hurt. She wasn't too busy to let you know she loved you. She always had a smile when I saw her, she didn't complain even when there was sickness or hardship. She had learned to be content. That's a lesson more of us could learn. I know I need to learn it, it's a hard one for me. But I'm thankful for Godly examples. I know today as I head to the church many of the people I see there will be friends I haven't seen in a while, they will be there to love and comfort the family and each other. Many of them have also been Godly examples in my life and I'm thankful for them. I need to learn from her and let them know, encouragement cost so very little but the value is priceless!

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/1/2009 6:39:26 PM)
Happy New Year!!!! I hope your 2009 has started off in wonderful fashion. I certainly enjoyed bringing mine in! Last night we were in Gallatin TN for a watch night service. I'd done a bit of a 'make-over' and not told anyone. It was so much fun watching folks look straight at me and not have any idea who I was!!!! WOW!!! Bryan, the pianist for the Perrys even spoke and 'hugged' me - that 'nice to see you, who the heck are you' kinda hug and didn't recognize me! I was having a blast!!! For some who had not seen me in some time while it was a bit of shock, it wasn't as much as for those who had seen me in recent weeks because the ones who had not seen me in a while didn't know how long I'd had the 'new look'. Now I hope to be at several other concerts in the coming weeks and I hope those of you that I know will get a chance to see my 2009 look! I'm not saying any more than that because I don't want to give hints! I'll put up a new picture in a week or two but for now, I'll just leave the old one and not give any more hints! [:D] Alicia and I traveled to Gallatin and it was such a fun trip! We laughed, about everything, anything and nothing. Not a single disagreement or cross word - after all the tension and 'stuff' of 2008 what a joyful and fitting ending. On the way home, it wasn't quite as much fun but still it was a pleasant trip. God is so good, He does restore if we allow Him to. I know all the problems aren't over, we are human but we certainly had a great start to 2008. Now, those of you who know me, know that every trip has an adventure and this one was no different. We started a little later than I wanted to (stresser 1 but I refused to be stressed!) but we were making great time until we got to Knoxville. There must have been an accident or something because all of sudden traffic just stopped!! We're looking at the clock, trying to figure what time we need to get to Lebanon and we know this could be a problem. Well instead of sitting forever in traffic, as soon as we got to the exit we took it so we could eat. We figured if it was an accident it might clear by the time we finished eating. After we placed our order I went to the restroom. Coming out of the restroom a woman came around the corner at full speed (not a small woman, we're talking female lumber jack) coming at me at warp speed. I have two choices, get run over by the steam rolloer or climb up the shelves and cabinet beside me. I started climbing!!! As she went on around me she pushed into me, I hadn't gotten far enough out of the way. As she rammed me, my right ankle slammed HARD into the sharp wooden corner of the cabinet. Again if you know me, you know that's the ankle I broke in April when I fell down the stairs. Well, as this woman kept going I slid down the cabinet until weight hit my ankle then tears welled up and I saw stars! I limbed back to my table literally trying not to scream, it hurt BAD!!! Alicia gave me some Excedrin and I waited for my food but could feel my foot beginning to swell. I asked my waitress for a bag of ice (try ordering that at a restaurant if you want to get a strange look!) to put on my foot as we traveled up the road and I spend the rest of the trip to Lebanon with my foot in the window with ice on it. Well that's not totally accurate, just as we started to back out my window went down and my foot nearly fell out the window, I jerked and looked at Alicia, I thought she had done it but I had hit the button accidently and had my foot hanging out the side! [:)] The accident had cleared and we made good time the rest of the way in. We rushed in to get ready when we got to the motel. Two women, one bathroom! An accident waiting to happen right? Well, we got dressed, I was managing to walk ok, with a little more pain meds I wasn't in a lot of pain. I was finishing up my makeup and Alicia was brushing her teeth. I saw her elbow hit the can, I tried to move but I wasn't fast enough! The LARGE METAL hairspracy can hit my ankle dead in the same place. I thought I'd die!!!!! Thankfully I didn't die, my foot still hurts but we laughed until we had tears running down our face! Things like this just happen to me, I'm a magnet for them!!! Well, I hope if before now, you haven't laughed in 2009, you got the picture and had a good laugh. Do pray for my foot that I won't have more trouble with it but also remember even in pain, there can be humor!

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/3/2009 12:11:43 AM)
I'd looked forward to tonight - I'd had a great day, got some rest, got some things done, we went out for Alicia's birthday dinner - I settled in for some 'bama football! It was the Sugar Bowl, of course it would be a good game! Yeah, right! Nick, where did you leave our team???? They sure didn't show up at the bowl game! I wish I'd driven to Atlanta for the concert - I'd be getting home in about an hour and would have at least had a blessing!!! So far no one I've pulled for in any bowl game has won this year! Maybe it is time for me to pick another sport!!! I think Super Bowl Sunday I may skip the game completely, especially if any one like is playing! I may be having a good time personally but sports wise I'm not a good luck charm! Tomorrow I plan to get back in 'clean' mode, I didn't finish everything last week and I want to get my room reorganized and furniture moved. Then I plan to go through the closet and 'clean house'! Too much stuff I have hung on to that needs to go to someone who can use it. Do you do that? Hang on to things for the 'what ifs'? What if I get invited somewhere or what if I gain weight or lose weight? Or what if the weather changes unexpectedly? As I've worked to clean house physically, I've tried to work on spiritually, mentally and emotionally too. I've hung on to things for the what ifs and they need to go somewhere. Life is too short to hang on to the small hurts that often were done without the person even realizing, you are the only one suffering when you hang on to those. And even if the other person did realize, is it really important enough to be impacting your life now? Things we are taught as children often bring us pain as adults, many times in some situations a child is taught to do whatever it takes to 'keep the peace' or 'make a parent happy'. That child often grows up to be the person who allows relationships to damage them because they must 'make someone happy'. Or they may be taught that it's ok to lie if that lie keeps the growups from fighting. How does that child learn to be honest in their own relationships when that happens? Often they find themselves going from one dead end relationship to another. And as Christians one of the worse things that often can happen is we don't realize that sometimes Christians need help too. Not just a friend but someone who understand our mental pain, in many circles this is seen as a lack of faith or as not believing the Bible and God has the answers. Just as God allows doctors to treat us physically, He has prepared those that can help us with mental and emotional pain if we are willing to accept help. God will direct us and help us but often we need to have His help as well as that of others. If we don't allow pride to get in our way, we can see lives changed but we must be willing to say 'help me, I can't do this alone'. As 2009 progresses I pray that God will move on His people as never before, that we will listen to His direction and follow His leading. I pray that we will reach out to others in 2009, to see the needs of those around us. To recognize when those around us are in trouble and to care enough to make the first move to help or get them help. We are in this together and we must work to help each other.

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/6/2009 1:11:14 PM)
21 years ago today I was in labor and the evening would bring a 'freak' 14 inch snow storm to South Carolina. Today I'm a proud mom and nana watching my daughter and granddaughter as they grow and learn. I want to be a better nana than I was a mom. As a mom I was overwhelmed, dealing with post-partum and not understanding what it was and at the end of my rope many days. I'm glad that folks now can be honest about those feelings and people recognize many of the physical causes for them and how to relieve them. As a nana, I'm dealing with stress, feeling overwhelmed and many days at the end of my rope - some things don't change. But I'm thankful that God can change things! Even in those times, I know His comfort and peace. I also know that He loves me even when I fail. Today I'm watching my daugther make plans to go back to school to study paralegal/pre-law. What a difference from this time last year! 21 years ago I never imagined I'd be a Nana now but I can't imagine life without Erin! I've been readling questions and answers on Spiritual growth and one thing I realize while all of us are seeking for something, there are many ideas of how to get it. So I went back to the basics and looked at what is really important. God's Word tells us to study to show ourselves approved - study isn't just reading - it is learning to understand what we read. It tells us to pray without ceasing - that means a prayer should never be far from lips no matter what we are doing. I had someone tell me once about an activity they were doing "I can't pray while doing that" well, maybe you shouldn't be doing that. We are to assemble together with other believers, now Jesus ate with publicans and sinners and I believe we are to reach out to the lost but our much of our time should be spent with those who can encourage our faith and help us to learn. If as a Christian, you don't han out with Christian friends, more times than not, you are going to find yourself living in the pig stye rather than enjoying the fellowship around the table. There are many books we can read and many people we can learn from but if we start with these basics, we are on the right track. I pray that in 2009, we find oursleves back on track and ready to learn more about God, ready to depend on His faithfulness and ready to study His Word and talk to Him. Most importantly I pray we are ready to listen and obey Him. Whatever 2009 may hold, I'm so glad to know who holds 2009!

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/8/2009 4:32:56 PM)
Things at work have been hectic. Changes in departments and some changes that seem to not be 'the best' but I fought the battle for the right answer, if the one chosen is right, it will be a blessing. If it isn't, I will deal with what we have and move from there.' I'm reading the Secret - it was recommended by my therapist. Up to this point it seems very 'self' centered yet I can see where taking some of the info in it and applying Biblical principles to them could be effective. It says we 'bring on ourselves what we think' - the Bible tells us to think on 'good things' and we 'reap what we sow'. So even though I'm not overly impressed with what it has to offer so far, I'm going to finish reading it and reserve judgment. I've heard a lot of negative and a lot of positive about the book. So far I'd say that I understand the concept and if you take that concept and apply some Biblical principles with it, it can make some sense. I haven't had a lot of spare time this week, things have been busy both at home and work. Some days I don't feel that I get much accomplished and that's a bummer but other days I feel like I'm on top of the world! But at least that's not cover your head the world is ending depression! Been there, wore the shirt - no fun!!! I hope to get some work at home accomplished Friday and Saturday. Erin is with her dad's family- and it's just easier to work when she isn't right underfoot. But I miss her when she isn't there. Her laugh makes me smile! She is so precious and she smiles most of the time. And the look she gets when she is about to do something that she knows you don't want her to do is priceless! I'm thankful for the time I get to spend with her. My daughter is excited about starting school on Monday but not excited that her car has died a slow and miserable death!!! Right now she is driving my van and I'm driving my mom's Durango but hey at least we have an extra car to drive!! I'm looking forward to my cruise in February. Time to enjoy life, now I know there will be lots of rushing trying to make concerts and there will be some late nights and a few early mornings but it is going to be fun. I pray that Erin does well on the ship and that the patches work for Alicia and I. I don't want to be seasick!!! I think this may be the last cruise for a while. I think I may try something different next year for vacation. Hopefully something cheaper but definitely if I get my way there will be water involved somewhere! I actually considered going on vacation by myself somewhere. Just taking a flight, having a stuttle pick me up and just spending a few days laying by a pool with no interuptions. Not sure to where but the idea seems like a good one. A few good books, a pool and I'm set! Maybe I need to look into that a little more. Someplace I've never been. Not sure how $$ will work but the more I think about that, the more I love the idea!! I may need to look into some cheap flights for the late spring or early summer!

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/8/2009 9:56:15 PM)
Ok when you bath small children, it is a rule you have to get as wet as they do??? [:D] Erin has become a champion splasher!!!! She loves to splash and when the water hits me, she thinks that is hilarious!!! Tonight I just let her play and splash to her hearts content. Her mom was loading stuff on her computer for school so we just had 'water time'. I'm glad she loves playing in the water, I can't wait to get her in a tube to float on the lazy river! Or see her coming down the slide at the water park! I know she is only one and I don't want to wish her time away, this time is so precious but she is so much fun and I know as she grows she will be even more so. But as much fun as she can be and as much as I love watching her grow, I pray daily that God will protect her and keep her safe and in His will. That is far more important than any other prayer I can pray. I know God has a plan and I understand that. I pray that God will give her mom wisdom and me wisdom as we watch her grow. I know that we are human and will make mistakes but I pray that God will always protect her from anything that could hurt her including our mistakes.

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/9/2009 9:07:34 AM)
This morning I'm a little sad, it seems that often things happen that we don't understand. We may question why? We may think we know why and are angry at injustice both real and perceived. One thing I've realized over the last 24 hours, when this happens satan is involved. He may cause the 'hurt' or he may cause confusion surrounding it but he is involved. Knowing that how do we fight this? Do we let things go when we feel a wrong has been done? Or do we stand up and fight? Every situation is different but I think the most important thing is to find how was that truly the intent. It if was, the battle lines for your fight are clearly drawn. If it wasn't then things are a little 'trickier'. If the intent was for good but it caused hurt, how do you 'fix' the problem? That's only going to come when folks are mature Christians and realize we all make mistakes. I sent an email one day to a recruiter from my company asking when things were being done a certain way concerning one of my employees. The recruiter and the staff member had the same last name and first initital, because of a typo my email went to the staff member instead of the recruiter. Now I was questioning why procedure had not been followed with this staff member. The staff member thought it meant I was trying to keep her from getting the job. In fact, I wanted to make sure that the recruiters failure to follow procedure would not cost her the job. Some so simple but it took some explaing to get everyone on the same page. Now I could have said 'I have the right to ask anything of the recruiter' to the staff member and not explained where I stood. I would have been right but it would have made things more difficult. Or the staff member could have taken the attitude, I don't care why you did it or even what you meant and nothing would have been resolved. She had the right to do that but because she didn't we restored a good relationship and all misunderstandings were put in the past. Just as God understands that we are human and often make mistakes in judgment, it is important that we recognize that in ourselves and others as well. Rushing to judgment is often a trip regretted. And it's so hard once you rushed there to back up - because as humans we don't want to ever admit we screwed up. It becomes a pride issue. But the Bible warns us that pride comes before a fall. So if we are mindful of the cause and the consequences, we are better equiped to serve Him.

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/10/2009 12:02:55 PM)
Saturday - Erin's with her dad's family, Alicia spent the night with a couple of girl friends and came in and collapsed, I'm not in the mood to do anything I need to do. I guess I should feel bad that I'm not making some progress on things that need to be done here but I'm just tired today and not in the mood to be productive. I've been reading again - I left the Secret because I just couldn't get into it. I'll try it again later. So I moved to the Feeling Good Handbook. Some of the things in there I agree with already. Funny, when you agree or relate to what you are reading, it makes it easier to stick with but this is a BIG book! But it deals with the part we play in our moods and the swings they take. Right now it's taking about the various ways we can trick ourselves in what we think. Funny I should read that right after I wrote the previous post because I saw immediately what was being said in what I had written. Many times our moods and things are caused by others - however, how we choice to react to any situation is our choice. Our immediate reaction is emotion, frustration or a variety of things but we choose whether we step back and really look at the situation or if we stay in the puddle we have created for ourselves. The thing now is seeing this clear doesn't mean that others see it clearly so my understanding doesn't mean that will change the reactions of those around me when they have these times. Now that's frustrating. You want to fix it, you found something that helps you be better and you want to help them be better too. Where is that magic wand when you need it? [:D] But if you realize all of this you do have one advantage, you may not change the way those around you react to moods and/or circumstances but you can change the way you react to their reaction. So take a deep breath, there is nothing that can happend today that you can't handle with God's help!

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/12/2009 8:58:15 AM)
My post yesterday was great! But the forums kept refusing to take the golden words of wisdom that I had so eloquently put together. The universe conspired against me if you will. What a bummer! Ever feel like the world is conspiring against you? Everyone has some reason they want to see you fail? Or they are just waiting for you to screw up so they can laugh at you? Or do you feel like everyone feels sorry for you because you've had a hard time? Chances are you haven't crossed most of their minds, in this large universe you are only important to a few people. Now that's not a put down, it's a reality check. How in the world can you really think that with all the things going on in the world folks have time to plot against you? Now sure, there are a few folks that might be guilty but most of us tend to overmagnify any bad thing that happens. We tend to see things from a cloudy perspective. Not sure where those thoughts came from but maybe someone who is reading today needed that reality check or maybe the Lord is choosing to remind me before I face the rest of my day. Now back to yesterday's post, we had a great church service, our pastor preached on Eph. 5. Not necessarily a popular message these days, no one wants to submit to anyone. Children don't believe they have to mind or listen to parents, wives believe their husbands are clueless and husbands are 'the man' so why should they listen to God? It's sad how far from Biblical principles we have come. If a man truly loves his wife the way Christ loved the church, then a wife is going to WANT to please her husband. If they get in one accord on that, then they can be better parents to their children. But todays world is far to self involved, we are concerned about what it has in it for me. If I don't see a profit, what is the point? I pray that in 2009 we all seek to return to what the Bible says. As one of favorite artist says in a song 'The Bible Means Just What It Says'. It's not difficult to understand. It's just difficult for us to give up control.

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/20/2009 8:45:24 AM)
I enjoy watching movies but I've never been much to go to a theater and watch them, usually I wait for the DVD or them to come on TV. However the last few weeks I've been to several movies and I've laughed a lot. Laugther truly is like a medicine. The first week we went to see Marley and Me, I don't want to spoil it for those that haven't gone but I laughed until I cried until the last 10-15 and then I really cried but I'd watch that movie again. I thought of the various dogs we've had and some of the 'problems' we have encountered with them. I love dogs and I tend to see things as funny that others might not. A dog suddenly being too big to walk under the table and getting stuck there. Or the folding door that is no longer in one piece because an 80 lb German Shepard wanted to get to the other side. A dog letting you know when you child is waking up or crying. Those are special memories. The times you have put your head in their fur and cried because no one else seems to care or understand. You can't replace those times. Our pets are true blue and they love us no matter what. Then we went to see Bride Wars - wow- a great example how personal egos can ruin a life long friendship but it's great to see friendship win out in the end. I have to tell you though, for this person with a warped sense of humor and at times a will to 'strike back' the scenes of what they did to each other was hilarious! I thought I was twisted until I saw this movie, now I know what twisted really is. Then Saturday we went to see Hotel for Dogs - what a great family movie. Those kids are inventive, smart and way too good for the foster family they are in and their love for each other and the dogs is amazing. Again it's great to see the good guys win at the end! I've watched and wondered where do these plots come from, do these things happen in real life and the answer is yes they do. We forget the past because we thing we have something better in the future, we forsake friends for frills and splash. Sometimes they are there for us to repair it but sometimes they have been hurt too much and they want no part of us. How can you blame them. In 2009 I'm looking to find out what is truly important to me, not what I'm doing because I'm supposed to. It seems sometimes we do things that are good things but even good things that keep us from God's best are not the things we need to be doing. I don't want to miss His direction and I don't want to walk away from something that I'm supposed to do. So pray that I'll listen to His voice.

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/21/2009 11:18:56 AM)
I watched a little TV yesterday and saw our new president getting sworn in, I didn't watch many other parts of the day but saw part of the parade. I pray for him, I pray that God will continue to bless our nation. But one thing was very clear to me yesterday. Our world is ready for the anti-christ. Now I'm not saying that President Obama is the anti-christ because I don't believe he is but I am saying that the world is looking for someone to be the answer to all their problems. They want a world leader that can cure world hunger and bring peace. The stage is set, I'm waiting for the trumpet to sound. But as I look around me at so many people that aren't ready and have no idea they need to get ready, it breaks my heart. But as a Christian I can't help but say 'can it be today?' What a conflict we as Christians face, we know what lies ahead and I for one am longing to see the friends and loved ones I know are there. I want to see the One who loves me even when I'm unloveable. I want to say thank you! I want to praise His name. But I don't want co-workers, friends and family to go to hell if they aren't ready. I believ the day is close and we need to try to reach those around us because we have no promise of tomorrow. I'd love to see Erin grow up but on the other side with the wickedness in today's world chances are she would suffer some type of trama before she is grown and I don't want that to happen. I'd love to see my daughter get her life completely straightened out and living for the Lord, I see the baby steps there but I want to see that smile that she has when she is truly where she should be. But I have to trust and know that God is in control, it may be morning, it may be noon, it may be evening but will be soon - coming again, coming again - Jesus is coming again!

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/27/2009 3:59:38 PM)
I can't believe how time is moving so fast. It seems just yesterday instead of last week that I watched the President being sworn in. Things at work and at home have been busy and I'm studying because I'm going to be teaching in April. A class on Finances, now I'm not an expert on finances, I've had my own problems with keeping things in line. But I've learned some valuable lessons, if we realize that everything, our family, our home, our money, everything is God's. It's not ours, we have no real claim to it. But God allows us to use it and He knows how we use it. He knows when we are good stewards and He knows when we aren't. Those around us may think, this isn't a good example of a good steward or they may think you are doing everything right. But it doesn't matter what they think, they are not the deciding factor, God is. I want to put together a good lesson that will help people, I want folks to be able to manage their money better after the class, I want folks to know how to trust God even for their finances but that should not be real goal. My real goal should be that I use the information that I have before me, the knowledge that God has given me and the resources He allows me to have for His honor and glory. If I do that, then these other things will happen because God will bless it. Just as Jabez cried for the Lord to enlarge his territory, God will enlarge the ways you can be used if you are willing to follow His direction.

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (1/29/2009 11:07:01 AM)
How big is God, our big and wide our vast domain? Have you ever sung that song or at least heard it? I have time and time again. But none of us have the ability to truly fathom how big God is. He spoke and the universe was - not just the earth but the universe! All the galaxies and all the stars, all the planets and all the moons, He spoke and they were! Do you realize how big some of the planets and stars are? Last night I heard a gentleman explain some of the truths about the size of our universe and how that equates to the magnitude and majesty of our God. Several of his illustrations included 'if the earth were the size of a golf ball'. Now that's hard to imagine, to us our world (earth) seems so big, it is really small in comparision to many things found in our universe. Then he showed us some pictures taken from the Humel (sp?) telescope of a new glaxay. It seems that scientist have discovered a black hole in it. As the picture of the glaxay and the black hole were shown, you heard some gasps and others going 'wow'. The black hole was in the shape of a cross. Even in space the message of God's love and forgiveness are there. Going on he discussed the intricate balance our bodies are and how 'fearfully and wonderfully made' they are. Each cell carries DNA and if my memory serves me correct there are over 3 million charactors that make up the DNA make up of a cell. If you put each of the character's side by side they ould string out 6 feet long. That is just amazing to me. But then as he explained the protein that kept every cell together and in the right place, I learned something more amazing. Laminin - have you heard of it? Do you know what it does? It is what holds you together. This protein molecule is the adhesive that makes all your cells be where they are supposed to be and stay there. Then he showed up a picture of the Laminin structure -it is a cross. Even our DNA made up testifies to the cross of calvary! Lost or saved your DNA reveals the cross. Those that do not believe in God believe this is just a conicidence. Well, that is their opinion and they are entitled to it. But my opinion is that God loved me enough that he put reminders all around the universe so that I could be shown as often as necessary His love and forgiveness of my sins. If you want to look at Laminin because you think this is crazy, go google it. Look at the "cross" that daily holds you together. When you feel like giving up, remember you have Jesus, you have the cross and your body is a reminder of that. Know that the same God that spoke the universe into place, is the same God that said 'I will put them into my hand and no man can pluck them out'. No matter what you are going through, God is holding you!

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (2/5/2009 11:22:24 AM)
Every day this week I've said 'I've got to post something' and finally on Thursday I am posting. First, a recap of last weekend! WOW!!!! Great time. On Friday evening my daughter and I went to Victory Baptist Church in Augusta, GA to hear the Perrys. We love the Perrys!!! We got out of town later than we planned so we were rushing down the road and when we got there you could not find a park. I mean seriously, there were no parking places left, folks were parking on the grass, in little spaces not meant for cars, anywhere you could find. The church is large and it took a few minutes to get our bearings when we got in but Alicia insisted 'we can find a seat downstairs'. We did, on each side of Troy who was running the sound. Don't think folks are supposed to sit there but we did. The choir started off and they were AWESOME!!!! There is some great talent in that church! After doing several numbers they had Brenda Ruppe come up and do 'Under His Wings'. That was great too! Then the Perrys hit the stage and we continued to have church! They did "The Potter Knows The Clay" twice with Libbie bringing up a lady to sing it with her the second time. I don't think there were many dry eyes by the time they finished. They didn't do "Holy Shore" and I hate that but it was a great concert. We got home late or should I say early - it was about 1:30 am. I knew we had a full day the next day so we hit the bed quickly. The next morning started at a dead run and didn't slow up. We had to get our manicures and pedicures before we left for the cruise, we had shopping to do and we had to be in Gainesville, GA by 5:30. We didn't make it to Gainesville until about 6:00 but thankfully the concert didn't start until 7:00. We spent time laughing with friends before hand. And the Kingsmen, Kingdom Heirs and Gold City all did a tremendous job. Gold City had the band with them!!!! I love a full band and if I had lots of $$ I'd pay them to go along. There is something about a full band that can't be beat!! And it has been forever since I've seen Gold City and the Kingsmen together so I LOVED seeing KingsGold!!! I know we are going to see GC and KM next week on the cruise but I'm so glad we got to go to the concert too! This week has been hectic, I'm not packed and we leave tomorrow. I don't even have my hair trimmed yet! I can't stand being this far behind but once I get packed, I'm going to take a deep breath and relax and enjoy the rest of the time. I doubt I'll have much time on the internet between now and 2/16 so I want to tell those reading this to be sure and tell someone you love them this Valentine's. It may be your spouse or your child, it may be a good friend but remember we are to love each other. As Christians we often attack each other as the messagers when we have to say something that the other person doesn't like but that's not God's message to us. We are to love. Only when we love can others see Jesus in us.

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (2/23/2009 2:34:59 PM)
I don't understand where time goes these days! It seems to fly by. The last several weeks have been so busy. First we went to Disney World, the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood, what a great time we had! Erin may be young but she had a great time and go her picture made with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, The Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Pluto, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Pluto as well as some of the Eistein kids and Handy Manny. Then we headed for Tampa to leave out on our cruise. We checked into the motel and got to see folks we had not seen since the last year and others that we see often. We had a chance to visit with Carolyn Reese (wife of Ray Dean) and Shannon Reese (wife of Brandon). Carolyn was looking great and it was so good to see both of them. We didn't run into Ray and Brandon until Monday abroad the boat but we did see them several times during the week. I'm glad to see her up and moving around so well. Our wait to preregister was somewhat long but it certainly beat having to be in those long lines at the ship. We got there and were passed through and told to wait for them to all our group to get on board. We were in group 12. A wonderful gentleman that worked for Carnival and was handling loading by group number saw precious baby Erin and said 'that's too long to wait with a baby' and moved us to group 2 which was just about to board. Of course when we got on board we couldn't go to our cabin yet but we got to visit with most of the Mark Trammell Trio and their wives as well as seeing Ray and Carolyn again. We looked around the boat and loved the new boat we had this year until it was time to go to our cabin. I love the little crib they put in the rooms, they are so cute!!! And after we got Erin's made (by the steward of course) each day they would take some of her stuffed animals and put them on the little pillow and then cover them up with her favorite blanket! It was so precious. We wondered how traveling with a 14 month old would be and there were ups and downs. She was teething so not as 'sweet' some times but she was also friendly and spoke to everyone so we met some folks we might not have met otherwise. Two of her new favorite people are Wesley Pritchard and Jeff Easter, she really took to them. We shared a table at dinner with Dustin & Jennifer Sweatman, Jo & CL fromGA, Eric & Lauren Phillips and Beverly from NC. Since we knew all of them it was great spending time catching up with folks and what is going on with them. I didn't make as many of the concerts and preaching services as I have previous years but I heard a LOT. And I ordered the highlights DVD with all the preaching services so I can catch up on any I missed. We rested and just took things slower and it was really fun. I loved Cozumel and Grand Caymen, the ship was AWESOME but seeing friends was the most fun!!! I got to read a Karen Kingsbury book too and that was GREAT!!! Alicia, Erin and I had a good time, good family time. Now the ride back from time got a little testy as about an hour and a half from home Erin decided she was ready to be home NOW!!! But otherwise she did great. If she should go with us next time she would be old enough for Camp Carnival and the kids we saw a LOVED that. I had said I wasn't going next year but they are going back to the Bahamas on a BIG ship again so I've sent my reservation in, only sorry I didn't get it in in time to get a suite! Shucks!!! I'm so thankful to the Lord for the time I got to spend with my family and with my friends. God at times allows us a time for refreshing and I'm thankful for those times.

DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Dee's Delights and Delusions (2/25/2009 12:46:24 PM)
A friend wrote a blog that I wish I could have written but his position and knowledge makes him a more ideal person to give this knowledge so I'm just going to post a link and encourage you all to read it! Gerald's blog

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