Christian Women's Voice

     Christian Women's Voice has been an unexpected blessing in my life. One that I could never have known to seek or imagine would come to me.

     Debbie Dillon and I met in Patty Wysong's Clearing the Blog Fog class a few years ago and, for reasons I could never explain, the Lord placed me on Debbie's list of contributors as she took this giant step of faith. It is my joy to be included, stretched, and challenged when each semi-monthly deadline rolls around.

     I would be remiss not to take advantage of our "C" week to publicly thank Debbie and to acknowledge her faithfulness to the calling of her amazing ministry to women of all ages, all walks of life. Each issue is lovingly set in place by Debbie, and the results confirm that she has been called to this special outreach. 

     See for yourself at www.christianwomensvoice.org what obedience and God-given ability can produce at  . If you have a business or writing project to promote, you'll find a beautiful place to advertise and at a remarkable value in Christian Women's Voice.

Has God place something bigger than you on your heart?

"In God I have put my trust, 
       I shall not be afraid..."  
       (Psalm 56:11, NASB) 

 "Commit your works to the Lord
  And your plans will be established."  

          (Proverbs 16:3, NASB)

Branson

     This past week’s meme is almost too easy. October is the month that brings me to Beautiful Branson. The second week of this month is pretty phenomenal in the Ozarks, and we’ve been setting this vacation week aside each year for many years.

     The crisp air and beautiful sunshine make for a great place to recharge after a toasty Oklahoma summer. And the foliage is usually reaching its peak, although the leaves were being a little stubborn in giving up their summer green this fall. But, belated fall colors aside, you just can’t spoil the atmosphere there this time of the year. Fall decorations complete with smiling scarecrows and pumpkin patches affirm that fall has definitely arrived. The aroma of cinnamon and fall spices can get a reformed carb addict in serious trouble here.

Sight 'n Sound Theater

     Sight ‘n Sound Theater has such amazing productions. Jonah was the story told in unforgettable fashion this year. The music. The actors. The set. And the special effects? Just … WOW! A new show in town at Hamner’s Theater is a great variety event of talented musicians, acrobats, magicians, and dancers. And the magician is also a minister who leads in Sunday morning services at the theater. It was a little sad to see that Jim Stafford did not return to his theater this year. And the passing of Andy Williams is a huge signal that things just don’t remain the same in our lives.

Bridge at Dogwood Canyon
Built by the Amish

Dogwood Canyon

The highlight of this year’s trip was spending time with family and having the opportunity to introduce some of them to our favorite faces and places. The one that has moved to the top of my list is Dogwood Canyon, a 10,000-acre park with trails for walking, biking, and hiking, streams for trout fishing, waterfalls and stately trees for photographing. And, if you’re in the mood for some up-close-and-personal face time with buffalo, elk, and long-horn steers, a 2-hour tram ride will make that happen. Personally, I prefer walking for that two hours. It's a slice of Heaven on earth to this former country gal. But, next year I may even try the Segway! FYI: It's located about 30 miles south of Branson and you will need a map or Siri to get you there.

Adopted

Candy

          If you had visited our home on any day since 1988, you would have been greeted by at least one Shih Tzu. We’ve recently added our fourth. The first one, Candy, lived to be almost 18 years old. The second one, Abby, left us this year after 10 ½ years of sweet companionship. Our current furry residents are Bailee and Maggie.

         

Abby

          These little gals all came from different places. They are members of the same breed, but the resemblance ends there. One thing they do have in common: Each one was adopted. Maggie is our most recent addition - a rescue dog who had to be shaved almost to the skin to free her from mattes, grass and other assorted tangles. One ear was accidentally “shortened” in the attempt to rid her of the misery. Their gratitude for a safe home and having their needs met each day has been obvious in each one of them. They look forward to their semi-weekly visits to the groomer to be pampered by skilled hands and a nurturing touch.

Maggie and Bailee

          We live with the inconveniences, and “mishaps” because they are now part of our family and because we love them unconditionally. They remind me that I, too, have been adopted, rescued from a dangerous and doomed future and received into a place of safety and hope for the future:

“So also we, while we were children, were held in

 bondage under the elemental things of the world. 

But when the fullness of the time came, 

God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, 

born under the Law, so that He might 

redeem those who were under the Law, 

that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

(Galatians 4:3-7, NASB)

          And, like our four little orphans I, too, am loved unconditionally, being groomed each day by the loving hands of Abba, Father. And...I am eternally grateful!

“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the 

Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 

“Abba! Father!”

(Galatians 4:8, NASB)