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Prince Of Peace

Praise His Holy Name

All this week, I have awoken and gone to bed with the song, “In His Presence,” in my spirit.  The words are as follows:

In the Presence of Jehovah
God almighty, Prince of Peace,
Troubles vanish,
Hearts are mended,
In the presence of the King.

You may know this song, if so, then sing it, and listen to the words.  If you do not know it, just read the words and realize what it is saying.

When you are praising God, or even on your knees in prayer, when you are in His presence, everything will be alright. All your cares, brokenness, troubles and trials will disappear.

Why? Because when you are in the arms of God, you are not trying to deal with these circumstances yourself.  You are letting God do His job.

(Psalm 91:1) says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

This is the simple answer, God keeps ALL of His promises.  His word does not lie.  God is willing and ready to do His part.  And that is to take care of us.  Watch over us and as His children, mend our brokenness and make all of our troubles vanish.

So write now, jump into the arms of God.  Go into His presence, and let Him love and take care of you.
Love and Prayers
Pat.

Devotion Written By: Pat Aman​
September 10, 2004
Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”
Study Notes: The New King James Bible

Servants Heart

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If You Cannot Serve, You Cannot Lead!

When two disciples of Jesus requested a place of prominence in Jesus’ kingdom, Jesus instructed the disciples on the true meaning of leadership—not “lord-leadership,” but servant leadership.

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory. … ”

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

So, You May Ask, ” Why Am I Serving?”
How do my actions prevent me from servant leadership?
Often we announce a destination: “Here’s a vision; here’s what I want to do.” Then we use a delegating leadership style and don’t roll up our sleeves and get in there.

That’s what managing the journey is. Sure, it’s coming up with the vision and the direction, but then the vision must be implemented: coaching, supporting, giving directions, praising progress, and redirecting. Jesus did this well. I

Jesus wandered from one little town to another, and people would say, “How do you become first?” Jesus said, “By being last.”

People would ask him, “How do you lead?” “By following.”

Managing the journey of change is servant leadership. We must get our own personal accomplishments out of the way and praise, redirect, reprimand-anything it takes to help people win.

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pat

Devotion Written March 30, 2011- By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”
Study Notes: The New King James Bible

Spiritual Gifts

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The Spiritual Gifts for Believers

Author: Pastor Pat Aman

I am reviewing and studying the Gifts of the Spirit for the thousandth time, so I thought I would share my study with you. AND, several have asked me about Cali stories. As a writer it has to hit you to write. I started another Adventures With Cali, but, right now to busy to work on it. I promise I will get back to it.  God bless each of you

I truly believe the church is in the last days. This world is worst than Sodom and Gomorrah. I have said many times, that if God does not come soon, He will need to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Word of God tells us that in the last days there will be an outbreak of Revival in the world, but, there will also be a faster an stronger work of satan because he knows his time is short.

As a people of God, we must be ready and willing to grow the church. We must be about our Father’s Business.

Yes, there will be more manifestation of the Spirit in the church which are the disciples of God. Get ready! Our work has just begun.

1 Corinthians 12:7, “But, the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” The Holy Spirit is namifested through a variety of spiritual gifts given to believers. These manifestations of the Spirit are intended for the upbuilding  and sanctification of the church. They are not the same as the gifts and ministries mentioned in Romans 12:6-8, whereby a believer receives the power and ability to minister in a more permanent manner in the church.

Romans 12:6-8 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

The manifestations of the Spirit are given according to the will of the Spirit when need arises and according to the earnest desire of the believer.

Some gifts may be manifested through an individual on a regular basis, and a believer may have more than  one gift to minister to particular needs. The believer ought to desire “gifts,” not just one gift.

1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 31

Concerning Spiritual Gifts

12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Unity and Diversity in the Body

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

It is unscriptural and unwise to assume that because someone exercises a spectacular gifts, that person in more spiritual then one who has less spectacular gifts. Furthermore, possessing a gift does not mean that God approves of all a person does or teaches. Spiritual gifts must not be confused with the fruit of the spirit that relates more directly to Christian character and sanctification.

The Spirit’s manifestation through gifts may be counterfeited by Satan or false workers disgustising themselves  as servants of Christ. The believer must not believe every spiritual manifestation, but ought to “try the spirits whether thay are of God; because many false propherts are gone out into the world.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”

Bible Verses: The New King James Bible

Unless otherwise stated, all content on this site is © 2006 – 2015 by Coffee With Pat, and/or their Respected Authors
Please do not take any of the graphics or written content without written permission. Thank you for being kind and honest, and for respecting copyright laws.

Pat’s Vidalia Onion Relish

4 large Vidalia onions, skins removed and finely chopped
2 cups green cabbage, approximately 1/4 head finely shredded
1/4 cup kosher salt
4 1/2 cups water, divided
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon dried mustard powder
3/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon mustard seed
2 teaspoons celery seed
3 (1 pint) canning jars and lids, sterilized

Can Pastors Have Friends?

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I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Can a Minister have close friends?

See, as a Minister myself, there are times we need to talk to someone besides just God.

But, who can we trust with our private thoughts, emotions and personal lives?

Yes, we have our spouse, but, even our spouse needs a confident person to vent their feelings.

Still if I talk to someone in the church about things, what will happen?

I read an article and it had a startling quote in there from H.B. London, head of pastoral ministries for Focus on the Family. He disclosed that “at least 70 percent of pastors in the United States claim they have no friends.”

This is absolutely heartbreaking and unacceptable to me. No wonder most pastors don’t make it in ministry long. So why don’t they develop friends?

There’s tons of reason but here’s a few that come to my mind.

1) False Expectations: Many want their pastor to be friendly to everyone but close to no one!

2) False Assumptions: Many pastors have been told “You can’t EVER, EVER, trust people because they’ll use things you share with them against you one day.” (Side Note: Didn’t seem to stop Jesus.)

3) False Accusations: Many pastors will be criticized if they have close friends. If a normal person has close friends we call it healthy. If a pastor has close friends we call it a “clique.”

Pastors, don’t fall for it. You’ve been created for deep connectedness like everyone else. Develop and cultivate your close friendships (and encourage your spouse to do the same). You’ll need them. Every single one of them!“

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.”John 15:13-17

According to the New Testament Bible, Jesus said that His friends were those who kept His word, His sayings, and obeyed the things that He commanded (see the Gospel of John chapter 15). He also stated that His disciples, followers, were His friends. This includes the twelve disciples closest to Him, and those who were not included in that twelve such as Martha, Mary, Lazarus. Several women were also His friends in a sisterly way and they ministered to Him i.e. they would have helped Him with meals, sowing needs and such like. Their names were Susanna, Joanna, Mary (We see this in Luke 8:3). Those who follow Jesus are His friends—and the New Testament makes it clear that this includes those who follow Him today by obeying Him.

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat Aman

Also, please know that:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with Joy.
Philippians 1: 3-4

I end each message with “My Blessings, Love & Prayers,” I truly mean that, and I pray for each

The Guest Minister

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For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;
and the government will be upon His shoulder.
and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
( Isaiah 9:6 )
The Guest Minister
Author: Unknown

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING

THE CHURCH’S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP,

WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND,

BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING,

BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER

WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.

IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION

THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST

CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW

MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER

HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE. WITH

THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND

BEGAN TO SPEAK.

“A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE

SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST .” HE BEGAN.

“WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT TO

GET BACK TO THE SHORE. THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT

EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE

COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE

SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED.”

THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT,

MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE,

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN,

LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.

THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY,

“GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE

MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY

WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE.

HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION.

THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE,

ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON’S FRIEND WAS NOT.

THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE

TORRENT OF WAVES.

AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, ‘I LOVE YOU, SON!’

HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON’S FRIEND.

BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO

THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE

RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT.

HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.

BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP

STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT

WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER’S MOUTH.

“THE FATHER,” HE CONTINUED, “KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP

INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE

THOUGHT OF HIS SON’S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY

“WITHOUT JESUS.. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO

SAVE THE SON’S FRIEND. ”

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE

SAME FOR US. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY

BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO

ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE

LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE.”

WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS

CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM.

THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND

DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE
END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL.

WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS

WERE AT THE OLD MAN’S SIDE.

“THAT WAS A NICE STORY,” POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM,

“BUT I DON’T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER

TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON’S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER

BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN.”

“WELL, YOU ‘VE GOT A POINT THERE,” THE OLD MAN REPLIED

GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED

HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS

AND SAID, “IT SURE ISN’T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT

I’M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES

ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD TO

GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME. YOU SEE…

I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR WAS MY SON BEST FRIEND.

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat Aman

Also, please know that:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with Joy.
Philippians 1: 3-4

I end each message with “My Blessings, Love & Prayers,” I truly mean that, and I pray for each of you every morning and evening.

Click Here to Contact Pastor Pat

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2013 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”

Bible Verses: The New King James Bible
Unless otherwise stated, all content on this site is © 2006 – 2015 by Coffee With Pat, and/or their Respected Authors
Please do not take any of the graphics or written content without written permission. Thank you for being kind and honest, and for respecting copyright laws.

The Woodpecker

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“The Woodpecker (satan) Never Gives Up”
Written By: Pat Aman
June 26, 2003

Well, have you ever watched a Woodpecker? They never give up. They will constantly peck away at a tree branch until it is destroyed. They have even pecked at the wood on houses, until the wood on the house had to be replaced. You also can hardly get rid of a Woodpecker. The only way some people have gotten rid of one is to destroy it, which is a federal offense.

Now I am going to share some facts about the Woodpecker. Please read the facts, then you will understand the devotion. ** Woodpeckers are seldom seen in flocks. Most of them are solitary or in pairs. Their lives are lived mostly on tree trunks and branches, head up and tails down. They perch on or move up tree trunks, searching for insects or digging holes for roosting and nesting spots. They have pointed beaks that are straight and very hard, and they use their beaks rather like chisels. They also use their beaks to hammer or drum and tap to communicate with one another, and to court. There are three-toed woodpeckers and four-toed woodpeckers, but all woodpeckers have short legs and long, strong toes with curved, sharp nails so that they can cling to trees.

First try to get rid of the Woodpecker: Cover all holes as soon as possible. Place a metal sheathing or plastic sheeting over the pecked areas on building siding to offer permanent protection from continued damage. Occasionally, the birds will move over to an unprotected spot and the protected area must be expanded. Aluminum flashing is easy to work with to cover damaged sites. Woodpeckers will sometimes peck through aluminum flashing. Metal sheathing can be disguised with paint or stimulated wood grain to match the siding. ** Just make sure that the woodpecker is not living in your home. Disturbing a woodpecker den or killing one is a federal offense.

Second: Harass and scare the woodpecker causing damage using one or more of the following techniques. Remember no harassment technique works all the time or in every situation. It may take a variety of techniques and repeated prevention methods to effectively solve the problem. Woodpeckers can be very persistent and are not easily driven from their territories or selected pecking sites. In any event, once a woodpecker problem has been noted, you should act quickly to discourage him before the woodpecker decides your home is a nice place to live!!**

“Pat’s Opinion” Well, do you know what I am going to talk about? Yes, The devil and his team of demons.

When you ask Jesus to come into your heart and you are delivered of your past, I can guarantee that satan will come back and try to tempt you of the things you did in the past. He will see if you are strong in the Lord, or if you are straddling the fence. He will keep hammering away, until he can find a place where he will perch himself on you, and go up and down, trying to find your weak spot.

The best way to prevent the devil from taking up residence in your life, is to GET IN THE WORD. Then you will know that you know, that the devil is not living in your life.

(Luke 7: 24-26) 24. “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’

25. And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.

26. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

Jesus is talking about the empty place left in your life, after you have been delivered. If you do not fill it with the God’s Word, Prayer, and fellowship with other Christians, you are opening yourself up to be drawn back into that sinful nature. Then your state will be seven times worse then before.

And do not depend on your wife, husband, children, preacher, etc. to do the studying and the praying for you, to keep you covered. It does not work that way. You have to do it yourself.

When others pray for you, it is them just asking God to protect you and watch over you until you get some sense in your head. You cannot get to Heaven on someone else’s coat tail.

I really do not want to get into the next statement at this time, but I feel I need to share what the scripture is really talking about, then I will go on with the devotion. (I will let you know that Jesus was mainly talking in the verse about a person being delivered from demons and not being saved. The vacuum left by the departure of an evil spirit must be filled with the Holy Spirit, or else the individual is open to worse demonic activity. Jesus is warning that when a situation like this happens before a fundamental reform happens, the person’s state can be worse than before the deliverance. In other words, when a person lacks the spiritual discernment to recognize Jesus as the Savior.)

When you are saved, you need to get into the Word of God. That is so important. You need to dress daily in the armor of God. You need to keep yourself covered from the attacks of satan and his demons. You need to make sure that you do not let your armor down.

Ephesians 6:10-18 10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15. and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16. above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18. praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Just like when they tell you to put up metal sheathing to keep the Woodpecker away, they also tell you that the Woodpecker will move to another spot, and while looking for food he will destroy that portion of the wood. Satan will also do the same thing. He tries to feed on you and destroy you. If you do not stay covered he will slip in, just like the Woodpecker, trying to find another weak spot, a place in your life that you have not completely turned over to God. Hidden sin in your life, that you have not asked God to forgive you of…

Remember the people around you may not see or know it, but God does.

And please remember, when you ask for forgiveness of your sins, God removed them from the pages of your life. He remembers them no more. So do not let satan throw old sins up in your face that God has forgiven you of. If God remembers them NO more, why should you constantly dwell on them or the passed. You just need to dwell on doing the assignment God put you on earth to do. And I promise you, you do have a work to do for God.

We are all sinners saved by the blood and grace of Jesus.

The Armor of God does not cover a sinful nature. The devil will try to find out where you are the weakest. He is persistent, just like the Woodpecker. I will say, that when dealing with satan, you have to be strong in the Lord. You cannot play church on Sunday and Wednesdays, and think you have the strength to tell satan where to go. You cannot scare the devil away on your own.

How much can I emphasize that you have to study God’s Word and pray, to be strong in the Lord. The devil does not play fair, and the only way you can get rid of that persistent devil is to defeat him with the Word of God and be covered with the Armor of God.

Jesus defeated satan in the wilderness by saying, “It is written” He was talking about the Word of God. And satan who also knows the Word of God, and was stupid enough to try to temp Jesus with the Word.

Matthew 4:1-11 1. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

2. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.

3. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

4. But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

5. Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,

6. and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,’and, In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”

7. Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”

8. Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

10. Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

11. Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Just as the Woodpeckers can be very persistent and are not easily driven from their territories or selected pecking sites, Satan is persistent and cannot be driven away with just a little, “devil get out of my life.”

You need to realize that when Jesus died on the cross, He then gave you the authority to stomp the devil into the ground. When Jesus died on the cross, He put the devil under your feet.

I cannot understand why people who know God’s Word, just like the devil knows God’s Word, let the devil run over them. Even the demons know God and fear Him. And when you have Jesus in your heart and know you are in Christ, the devil and demons should fear you when you walk into the room.

In any event, once a woodpecker (The devil and his demons) problem has been noted, you should act quickly to discourage him (The devil and his demons) before the woodpecker (the devil and his demons) decides your home is a nice place to live.

Do you have any Woodpeckers (habits or sins) in your life today?

Has the devil and his demons taken up residence at your house? If so, get rid of them now. Get down on your knees and repent of those sinful habits. Ask God to forgive you, then get in God’s Word, Pray, and get into a church where you can be in fellowship with other Christians. Being in fellowship with other Christians will help you. For sometimes you need someone to help hold your hands up. You may be saying, but the church is full of hypocrites. Well, one more won’t hurt. If you are judging the people in the church you are just as bad as they are.

You just get in there, and do what God wants you to do. Do not worry about what the other church people are doing. God will take care of them.

And again, please remember, when you ask for forgiveness of your sins, God removed them from the pages of your life. He remembers them no more.

So, today, ask God to forgive you of your sins. Then keep yourself bathed in the Word if God and Prayer.

Joyfully, In The Master’s Service Blessings, Prayers and Love,

Pastor Pat Aman/©1996/2015
CWPM1996/2015

All rights belong to Pastor Pat Aman
First Rights

One Book, Three Pages, No Words

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John 3: 16 – 17, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but the world through Him might be saved.”

Nehemiah 9:17, “But Thou art a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness.”

A certain man was reported to have carried this book with him everywhere he went. Sadly, I do not know his name. As the title says, this book had only three pages in it, and yet none of those pages had a single word on them. Still, he carried this book with him everywhere he went. The first page was pure black. The second was red like scarlet. The third was white as snow. He not only carried the book, but he would take it out and show it to people. No one knew what it was or what it meant. One day, he told someone the meaning of his book.

Page One: The black page. He said that this page was his sin, which rightly deserved the wrath of God. “I look, and look, and think it is not black enough, though it is black as black can be.” Like the tax-gatherer in Luke 18:13, this man knew his sin. “But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'”

sinwilltakeyoufurther

Page Two: The red page. This page is the page of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It remembers His atonement for sin by His blood. “How do I delight to look at that, and look, and look again.” This man knew what 1 Peter 1:18,19 says, “Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

cross3nailsforgtiven

Page Three: The white page. He called the white leaf his soul, which was washed in Christ’s blood. Through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, the red page is made white as snow. “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the Lord, ‘though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool,'” Isaiah 1:18.

jesusloves76

So here we have the three-page book. It is a book we should all carry around, at least mentally. There really are three pages in our book. Before Christ, there is only one page, the black one. When we come to faith in the atonement of Christ for our sin, we experience the red page, which cleanses us and makes us like the white page, spotless and pure, owning for ourselves Christ’s sacrifice, and saved from our sin through the shedding of His innocent blood.

When I Say

Author Unknown

When I say…. ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not shouting ‘I’m clean living,’
I’m whispering ‘I was lost, Now I’m found and forgiven.’

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say…. ‘I am a Christian’ I still feel the sting of pain…
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner Who received God’s good grace, somehow!

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”
Study Notes: The New King James Bible
Unless otherwise stated, all content in this mail is © 1996 through 2009 by Coffee With Pat, and the Respected Authors.

Blessing, Love and Prayers,

Pastor Pat

The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength
patcopyright cow
Laughter Is Good For The Soul

Cali Leaving for California Part 10

 Cali Leaving for California Part 10

 Hey, where are we going? What kind of place is this? Is that man nice?

Hey, where are we going? What kind of place is this? Is that man nice?

Folks, I know you have been wondering when Cali would get to go to California, well after 4 months Cali is now going to California. Her mom, Anna Aman, DVM,DACVS flew to North Carolina and they met for the first time and fell in love with each other.  It took Cali no time at all to realize that Anna was going to be the best mom in the world.

 

So, you are my new mom?
So, you are my new mom?

 

I am pretty sure I am going to like you!
I am pretty sure I am going to like you!

 

No doubt about it, I like you!
No doubt about it, I like you!

Yes, after Cali spent the first few months of her life with Joe and myself, she finally made it to California.  She and Anna bonded from the time Anna got off the airplane. But Cali began to wonder what was going on around the house. Yes, this new person had shown up and started taking the place of her human grandma. But, Cali thought, well this person seem to be alright so I will listen to her and be very nice.

But then one morning things started to change for Cali. This new person was packing her suitcase, and also putting Cali’s doggie toys in that suitcase.  Cali began to wonder what was happening here. She started thinking, I do not see my grandma Pat packing, but she is helping this new person that says she is my human mom pack food, clothes and all of my toys.  I must be going somewhere! They have even put a pretty red vest on me, but I think I will go to my kennel and think about this situation.

They have even put a pretty red vest on me, but I think I will go to my kennel and think about this situation.
They have even put a pretty red vest on me, but I think I will go to my kennel and think about this situation…

 

Has God ever told you to do something, and you knew it was exactly the right thing to do, but you thought you needed to pray and think about it a little more?  I think sometimes we use prayer to prolong the event.

We need to be more like Abraham and Moses. When God tells us to go, just pack our bags and go. Stop using the excuse, I need to pray a little more, to put off the evident.

We at times cause ourselves pain and hardship because we want to do it our way and not God’s way. When if we had just listened to God the first time, we would have already received the blessings that God had for us.

Exodus 33:1

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’

Genesis 12: 1- 3

1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.

 2 “I will make you into a great nation        and I will bless you;        I will make your name great,        and you will be a blessing.

 3 I will bless those who bless you,        and whoever curses you I will curse;        and all peoples on earth        will be blessed through you.”

As Cali wondered what was happening, she soon realized that she was in fact going somewhere today. So she decided, you know I better get ready. I better make sure that my new mom Anna packed all my things, including my food and treats.

If they are packing, I need to make sure they have all my toys. Let me look around my kennel...
If they are packing, I need to make sure they have all my toys. Let me look around my kennel…

 

Oh, please don't forget my chew treats...
Oh, please don’t forget my chew treats…

After they packed, we loaded the car to go to the airport. We prayed for Anna and Cali’s safe trip and that Cali would be a good puppy on the plane and remember all of her commands as a service dog. 

See, Cali was going to get to ride on the inside of the plane with Anna. She would sit at Anna’s feet, or in the seat next to Anna, if a seat was available.  Folks, this doggie was not going cargo, but as a service dog, she would be right beside her mom.

We arrived at the airport and Joe decided to go in and help Anna with her bag and Cali.  Because this was Cali’s first flight, we did not know how she would react.  We soon found out that Cali was a pro at this, or at less she was putting on a good show, making us believe she was.

I am okay, there is my bag with my toys.
I am okay, there is my bag with my toys.

 

 

 Is that a nice woman?

Is that a nice woman? Why is she taking my bag? Oh, she is telling me it is okay. She is putting it in a safe place for me.

 

Well, Cali did well, and even walked through security passing all the tests. So far, so good. Because she had her service vest on, people knew not to go up to her, but first ask Anna if they could pet her. Everyone did want to pet her, because she is such a sweet puppy.

This has a nice shiny floor. Can I potty?
This has a nice shiny floor. Can I potty?

 

 

Who is this man? Does he have my bag? What are you giving him? Is he going to drive the plane? Sir, may I see your pilot's license?
Who is this man? Does he have my bag? What are you giving him? Is he going to drive the plane? Sir, may I see your pilot’s license?

 

Now they made it on the plane.  At this point Cali is beginning to wonder again, what is this, and am I in the right place?  Are you sure I am supposed to get on this thing?  Where is my grandma. Help me!

Hey mom, is the a good place? Where is my grandma Pat?
Hey mom, is the a good place? Where is my grandma Pat?

Yes, there are times in all of our lives that we wonder, God, are you sure I was supposed to do this thing? Did I listen and go in the right direction? See, satan will continue to work to try to stop us from doing what God wants us to do. Even when we are in the right place, he will try to put confusion or questions in our mind.  This is when we need to sit at the feet of God, and know that we are right where we need to be. Satan only tells lies.  So if he is telling us that we are not doing right, that is the first sign that we should know, without a doubt, that we are right where we belong. If not, satan would not continue to put doubt and confusion in our minds.

We should have the faith to know that we are right where we belong, and settle down and do the work God has for us to do.

Cali finally settled down after Anna talked to her. Anna let her know that they were alright, and she was safe and secure.

 

Okay, I will sleep now. My mom told me everything is okay.
Okay, I will sleep now. My mom told me everything is okay.

 

Cali and Anna's airplane taking off.
Cali and Anna’s airplane taking off.

Cali and Anna changed planes in Dallas. Cali thought they were in California, but Anna explained they had to change planes.  By now Cali had settled in and really become a pro at this flying thing.

Hey, this thing is moving while I am walking!
Hey, this thing is moving while I am walking!  Did you say we are getting on another plane?

 

Oh, I like this plane better. I have my own seat beside my mom...
Oh, I like this plane better. I have my own seat beside my mom…
 I think I will curl up and go to sleep. Oh, how sweet it is, my toy, my blanket, and my mom.
I think I will curl up and go to sleep. Oh, how sweet it is, my toy, my blanket, and my mom.

Anyway, Cali and Anna arrived in California, and they are settling in as a family. Oh, Cali made sure she got her bag back. She was not going to lose her toys.

Where is my bag?
Where is my bag? They had better not lost my toys, treats and clothes!!!!!!

 

. Oh man, I have jet lag! My legs feel funny now that we are on the ground.
. Oh man, I have jet lag! My legs feel funny now that we are on the ground.
 This is California? I am not impressed!

This is California? I am not impressed! I thought they said the movie stars lived here?
 Okay, where is the grass?
Okay, where is the grass?

 

Where are we going now?
Where are we going now?

 

Oh, I think I like it here. The accommodations are so nice.
Oh, I think I like it here. The accommodations are so nice.

See, when we listen to God, as Cali listened to Anna, we soon find out that everything will be okay. If we put our lives in God’s hands, as Cali put her life in Anna’s hands, we will soon find out that we can rest in the peace of knowing that everything will always work out as God has planned for us. We will rest in the comfort of God’s love and peace.

Joyfully, In The Master’s Service
Blessings, Prayers and Love,
Pastor Pat

Pastor Pat Aman/©1996/2015
CWPM1996/2015

The Adventures of Cali is written by: Pastor Pat Aman

All rights belong to Pastor Pat Aman

First Rights

 

Home, Doctor and Tick Part 9

 

Home, Doctor and Tick Part 9

Oh, I am so very worn out. Just let me rest then we will talk about traveling again in a year or two.
Oh, I am so very worn out. Just let me rest then we will talk about traveling again in a year or two.

Tonight’s story is a little long, but please read every word. You will see that God is still in the miracle working business. But, Cali, is worn out. The 3000 mile trip took a told on all of us. Cali had be best Idea, take a long nap.

Cali also reminded me that I should of used a tube of her Frontline Plus…

 Grandma, you know I use it once a month... Don't people have frontline too...? Grandma you did not listen to me and you got a tick bite....
Grandma, you know I use it once a month… Don’t people have frontline too…? Grandma you did not listen to me and you got a tick bite….

Thank goodness we are home for a while, but I am still hurting at the back of my neck, just under the edge of my hair, and now a sore has come up where the tick was on my neck. You know, I think I better go to the doctor, because the head of the tick may still be in the place on my neck.

Bright and early on Wednesday I called and made an appointment to go to see my regular Family Physician, and of course they said come right on in, because you do not play with tick bites. So when I went in, the doctor looked at the place on my neck, and told me there was nothing in the sore, but he wanted to put me on an antibiotic anyway for precaution. He also did a complete blood workup on me to check for Lyme disease, and other infections that can be caused by a tick bite. They told me that they would call when the blood work was back, so I left the doctor’s office and went to the drug store, and got my prescription filled, and started taking it immediately. The next day, when I got up, I had two huge nodules that had appeared about an inch away from the bite, and they were really painful. So I decided to call my Surgeon, and let him look at the places, because if there was something still in the bite he would be the one to remove it. I went to my iPhone where my contacts are stored, and called the number for my surgeon. Boy, was I surprised when he answered the phone. I said, “you have surprised me because I did not expect you to answer your phone.” He replied, “this is my cell phone number.” I apologized, and then remembered when I was sick a few years ago, he gave me his number to call him at home, if I had to go to the emergency room. He was the one who wanted to see me, because he knew about all of my surgeries, since he performed all but two of them that I had experienced in the 4 year span, and he did not want me to deal with just anyone. I went ahead and explained why I was calling, and he told me to call his office and tell them he wanted to see me today. So I did, and they gave me an appointment for 2:00 pm. When I arrived, he looked at the place, and said it did not look like anything was still there, but it looked like I may have a bad infection, mostly because of the nodules that were swollen in the back of my neck. He agreed I needed to be put on an antibiotic, and I told him that my Family Physician from yesterday and already put me on one. He told me to continue to take it, and come back in a week for a recheck. He wanted to keep a close eye on it. He also told me that I had probably had the bite for about two weeks.

Why I did not find the tick before then beats me. See, I wash my hair everyday. Anyway, everything is in God’s timing.

Now remember, I just got home from a long trip, and now I have been to see two doctors in two days. I was so tired that when I left the surgeon’s office I went straight home, instead of going by the grocery store, which I had planned to do. Around 3:10 my phone rang, and it was my Family Physician’s office, calling me to tell me that my doctor wanted me to come back in the next day. I said, “okay, has my blood work come back?” She said, “he wants to recheck your tick bite, so can you come in at 10:20 am or 2:30 pm?” I told her I would be there for the 10:20 appointment. So again, I get up the third day in a row to go to the doctor’s office. When I arrived, I signed in, and the receptionist asked me what I was doing there. I told her it beats me, that they had called me to come back in to have my tick bite rechecked is all I know. Anyway, she checks me in, and then they call me back for the doctor to see me. When I got back, I had to sit in the hall, because all the rooms were full. Everyone around me was coughing, so I got up and walked away from them to the end of the row of chairs.

I noticed that a lady kept staring at me, so to be polite, I said, “it is a beautiful day today.” Bless her heart, she did not feel that way. She answered that she was tired of being sick. I told her that I had experienced a lot of surgeries in the last few years, and was bedridden for almost two years, but God touched and healed my body. Then I asked her if I could pray for her. She said, “oh yes,” so I went over, laid my hand on her shoulder, and said a simple, short prayer, asking God to touch her and heal her body. The second I said amen, the nurse called me into a room. When the doctor came in, he said, “why are you here?” I told him, “your office called me yesterday afternoon and told me you wanted to recheck my tick bite.” His answer was, ” I did not work yesterday afternoon.” By then I am wondering what is going on. I said, “maybe my blood work is in and the lab saw something.” He looked in my chart and informed me that the blood work was not back yet. Then he asked me to follow him to the lab, where he asked the lab technician if my blood work was back yet. They said they would look, so he told me to go wait in the lab waiting room, and he would come get me when they gave him the results.

I choose not to sit in that waiting room where everyone was coughing, but to sit around the corner on a bench. I picked up the book that I was reading, and all of a sudden I heard a voice say, “do you not know why you are here?” Oh my gracious! It was God talking to me! He told me to take my book mark, which had Women of God written on it, and to write my phone number and name on it, and give it to the lady I had prayed for earlier. So I asked the receptionist for a permanent marker, and did exactly what God was telling me to do. Then I walked around the corner, but did not see the lady, so I asked the nurse if the lady I prayed for was still in the building, and she said yes, so I asked her to give the lady the book mark as a prayer cloth. Then I went and sat back down and started reading my book again. I heard God say, “your time here today was appointed by me.” I thought, “oh my gracious!” Then I looked up, and the lady I prayed for and her daughter-in-law were walking to where I was sitting. I looked at her and said, “God told me to tell you that today was appointed by Him just for you. I told her everything about being called to come back to the doctor, then getting here and no one knows why I am here, including the doctor. I laughed and said, “They offered a morning appointment at 10:20 am, or an afternoon appointment at 2:30 pm, but I chose the morning appointment, which was odd, because I usually always make appointments for the afternoon.” Her daughter-in-law looked at me and said, “her appointment was for 2:30 this afternoon, but we called and changed it to 10:30 this morning. I just sat there. God never ceases to amaze me. Again, God said, “tell her this time was appointed by Him.” I said sweetie, I do not know why I am here. The doctor does not know why I am here. I choose an early appointment over an afternoon appointment. You called and changed your appointment from the afternoon to morning, so all I can tell you is God said to tell you this time was appointed by Him, for you. So, I want you to accept your healing from God now, In Jesus Name. She cried, her daughter-in-law cried, I cried, and we all were amazed at how God had used a tick bite to get me to the doctor to pray for her. I stressed to her over again how God had worked to get me back in the office to just pray for her. My doctor came around the corner and told me my blood work was fine. No problems. I said well, all I know is your office called me to come back in for you to check my tick bite again, and here I am. He just shook his head, and said make an appointment for a recheck in two weeks, and walked away. Now you ask, “how could all of this take place?” Only God knows. But for some reason, my chart got put in with the charts to call people back into the office. And when she called, I asked if my blood work back in, and all she could say is what she read on my chart that I had a tick bite. So I guess she figured that the doctor wanted to recheck the bite.

Yes, the doctor who did not even work the afternoon before. Another note; I probably got the tick while in Georgia. And the friends that I stayed over night with in Georgia, his wife has been sick for some time now, and she has been to several doctors, and they cannot find out what is wrong with her. When the doctor told me symptoms of tick bites, it was the exact symptoms she is having. I called her and asked her if she had been bitten by a tick recently, she informed me that she had had several tick bites. So now she is hopefully seeing a doctor who can help her now, and see if it is a tick bite that is causing her problems. So this tick bite story is two-fold.

Now folks, tell me that God is not still in the miracle working business. God still speaks to us, and all He wants is for us to be a willing vessel to do His work. So, I ask you today, “are you that vessel?” Important information: If you are bitten by a tick, please see your doctor. I also would like to let you know that the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine is now doing research on tick bites and humans. So, if your doctor needs any new information about the research they may call the College of Veterinary Medicine, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their web site is: www.cvm.ncsu.edu My local Veterinarian has informed me that that are more diseases from tick bites than just Lyme disease, and a lot of Physicians do not know this information.

Oh, yeah, I am spoiled
Oh, yeah, I am spoiled

“Heading Home”

“Heading Home” Part 8

Did I hear you say we are traveling today? Am I going to Atlanta to get on a plane to California.
Did I hear you say we are traveling today? Am I going to Atlanta to get on a plane to California.

Well, I really do not want to tell Cali that her trip to California has been delayed.  But, from her looks, I am afraid she knows sometime is not right. But, she had decided that if Grandma is packing, well, I better pack also.

Here is my bowl. Please pack in the back seat. I will need food and water, wherever we are going.
Here is my bowl. Please pack in the back seat. I will need food and water, wherever we are going.
Oh, and please do not forget my toys. I have earned everyone of them. I have been a pretty good girl. And my Aunt Ruby told me so. She has even invited me back.
Oh, and please do not forget my toys. I have earned everyone of them. I have been a pretty good girl. And my Aunt Ruby told me so. She has even invited me back.

 

Well, it is time to head back to North Carolina after over so far 2,200 miles. And I am afraid that Cali is going back with me.  Yes, it seems, Pet Airways has been bought out. So, anyway, back to North Carolina we go, Pat, Cali and Iris. The three Amigo’s.

We left North Carolina now going on four weeks ago, making stops in Florida,  Georgia, and Louisiana. When we arrive home we will have traveled over 3000 miles. And yes, I, Pastor Pat will have driven the entire time.  I do not mind driving, but whoever is traveling with me probably gets bored. Why? Because I do not talk much when I am driving. I listen to Scripture, Music, pray, and of course keep my eyes on the road. There are so many crazy drivers out there on the roads these days. If someone is traveling with me, about the only voice they hear is Samantha, the women on my GPS.  Now when the person traveling with me, does talk to me I listen, but respond only when deemed necessary.

Now, Iris did read  a lot, or work puzzles in a puzzle book, and sometimes she read some interesting and funny stories from a devotional book out loud to me, but other times we just headed on down the road. As my husband Joe says, when the company calls him and tells him he is going out of town to work, he will call me and say, “Guess what? As Willie Nelson sings, “I’m on the road again.”

We had a good time visiting with Friends and Family, and of course being honored to preach God’s Word through Sunday Services and Revivals. What a blessing to be able to share God’s Word.

I had decided to pack the car the night before we left, but again, the back of my neck and head hurt, so I took some ibuprofen and went to bed.  The next morning I told Iris to just put her bags at the front door and I would load the car.  Of course loading Cali’s portable kennel in the back seat was all the sign that Cali needed to realize that we were going somewhere, and yes, she was going along for the ride this time. 

It was so funny, when my sister Ruby called me into the living room to see what Cali was doing, and to my amazement, she was getting all her toys in a pile, and when she saw me she bought me her water bowl. Hey, I am not joking.  Call my sister Ruby and ask her, she will tell you exactly what happened. Yes, I promise it is the whole truth, with my hand in the air.

Anyway, we got the car loaded, said our goodbyes, and headed toward North Carolina. I figured that we would get in about 12:30 am if we only stopped to get gas, grab a bite to eat, potty, and stretch our legs a bit.

Wrong, Cali seemed to want to potty more this day, so I had to stop along the side of the road a couple of times. As a matter of fact, after one of the times in Alabama the only place I could stop was in the median where the Highway Patrol sits and emergency vehicles turn around. After I got back into the car and was headed back down the road, I reached up and was rubbing my neck. I felt a bump. I thought is was a sore and I scratched at it, and then pulled at what I thought was a scab, and I soon found out it was a tick. I put it in a piece of paper and handed it to Iris, and she also agreed, yes it was a tick. Well, it did not take me long to find a place to stop and go in the bathroom and check myself good all over. Then I came back out to the car, took Cali, her bed and bedding out, and checked everything twice. There were no ticks on Cali, nor in her bed, just the one I found on me.  I should have known Cali would not have a tick, because she had been treated with Frontline three times.  Maybe I should have been treated with Frontline also.

Grandma, Did you forget to take your Heart Guard and put your Frontline Plus on?
Grandma, Did you forget to take your Heart Guard and put your Frontline Plus on?

Now, back in the car we get again, and we were not even halfway home yet, but still determined to not stop and spend the night anywhere. I had my eyes on North Carolina, and I was ready to sleep in my own bed.  I was very tired. I will tell you that taking care of a puppy while trying to study, and preach is a full time job. But again, I figured God was just showing me He has a sense of humor, even though my sense of humor was kinda running short by now.

We arrived in Dunn, North Carolina, around 1:30 am, where Iris’s daughter met me to pick Iris up to keep me from having to drive all the way to Faison, North Carolina, then back to Raleigh, North Carolina. This would have added an extra 125 miles to my trip, so this was so sweet of them to help me out, and of course Janice was ready to see her mama.

When Cali and I left Dunn, I told Cali, “girl it won’t be too long now, we are almost home.” When I arrived home, I decided to put Cali in the guest bathroom with her travel kennel, yes, the one she had happily used over the pasted four weeks, and this  was not a good idea. 

Hey, I was so worn out by the time we out home, I did not take the time to put her old kennel back up. I thought, I will get Joe to get it down and put it together tomorrow.

Remember, I did not think I would be using it anymore. Cali was supposed to be in California by now.

So she thought, hummmm, I will show her, and she did.

I am back home. If I cannot go to California I want my old kennel back. I am very mad.
I am back home. If I cannot go to California I want my old kennel back. I am very mad.

Yes, Joe did put her original kennel back up. She was now a happy camper.

I am happy, but not sure that Grandma is!
I am happy, but not sure that Grandma is! Hey, I do not want in that old bathroom. I want to be in the living room with everyone else.

 

When we first got her and I put her in the bathroom she chewed a place in the dry wall. Well, I now we will have to fix the  dry wall again. Plus buy toilet paper and just throw the travel kennel away.

Now you may say, “did that upset you?” Hey, listen, after you have had to wear a colostomy bag because you let stress mess your colon up, you start to see things in a different perspective. After I had the reversal and now I do not have a colostomy bag, I never want one again. I now just take things in stride and know it either can be fixed or it will work out, if you leave it in God’s hands.

I just remember the two Bible verses below, and “keep my eyes on the goal that is set before me” as Paul said, and everything works out, even tick bites.

Yes, God can even use tick bites to get you to do His work. Just wait until tomorrow’s devotion and you will see exactly what I mean.  God never stops amazing me. Oh, and the question pending. Does Cali every make it to California?

Philippians 4: 13 and 19

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Below  are some pictures for you to enjoy.

 

My precious sister, Ruby Ratcliff at the church.
My precious sister, Ruby Ratcliff at the church.
Warden Baptist Church. The first church I ever attended in my life. I was six weeks ago.
Warden Baptist Church. The first church I ever attended in my life. I was six weeks ago.
Property Point, and yes, Ducks. Gotcha! The Duck Commanders were not even known about back when we took this trip. But, just wait.
Poverty Point, and yes, Ducks. Gotcha!
The Duck Commanders were not even known about back when we took this trip. But, just wait.

 

More Ducks
More Ducks
Just Laugh. It is good for you.
Just Laugh. It is good for you.

We did take Iris to Poverty Point. It was actually old stomping grounds for my sister Ruby. Daddy, Mama and the gang lived there at one time.

 

 

Poverty Point A man made lake

The 2,700-acre, man-made lake that is the center piece for Poverty Point Reservoir State Park offers visitors an outlet for a variety of water sport activities and a scenic backdrop for waterfowl migration each spring and fall. The reservoir, just three miles north of Delhi in Richland Parish, was created in 2001 as a water resource for the area and outdoor recreation outlet. The site name is derived from a nearby Native American site consisting of complex earthworks and artifacts. Dubbed the Poverty Point culture, its people settled on the banks of Bayou Macon, near what is now the community of Epps, between 1,400 and 700 B.C. Park guests are only 20 minutes away from Poverty Point State Historic Site for day trips to what has become a focal point for archaeological research since the mid 20th century. The fish and wildlife species inhabiting or migrating through the reservoir are numerous. Anglers can fish the lake year round for largemouth bass, black crappie, blue gill and channel catfish. The region falls within the Mississippi Flyway for many winged species. Depending on the season, visitors will see cormorants, ducks, geese and pelicans. Special attention should be given to any Louisiana black bear sightings on or near the reservoir. The eastern edge of the park, along Bayou Macon, contains attractive bear habitat and visitors are cautioned to keep all exterior cabin areas and day-use areas cleared of accessible food products and refuse. Bear-proof containers are provided for waste disposal throughout the park. Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. All park sites close at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.