QUESTIONS~ANSWERS

Do you wonder?
I wonder...
Seek Him
Do you hope?
I hope
Hope in HIM!
Do you yearn?
I yearn
Find fulfillment in HIM!
Would you like to?
I'd like to
Believe in HIM!
What if...
I question...Will He?
HE Will!
What if He's real?
Could He be Real?...
HE is REAL!
Do you Need?
I need
HE SUPPLIES!
Do you want?
I want
HE GIVES!
Do you lack?
I lack
He PROVIDES!
Is it possible?
Possible to?...
HIS POSSIBILITIES ARE INFINITE!
If you could...
What if I could?...
Ask Him to Love Me?
Can you be sure?
I'd like to be sure
HE will forgive me!
Can you trust?
I need someone to trust
He is TRUSTWORTHY!
Can you be sure?
I'd like to be sure...
HE IS ALL KNOWING, ALL COMPASSIONATE,ALL LOVING, SLOW TO ANGER AND WAITING WITH OPEN ARMS...  (you have the questions.  HE has the answers!)

Where I'm meant to be!

    
We've had our house on the market for almost a year now.  Wanting to move closer to work, friends and other activities.  Maybe save some money on gas and get more involved with the groups at Church of the Rock.  I have prayed many times for the house to sell but always asking for God's will in the situation and not mine.  I think I know what I want for convenience sake.  I think I'd like a home thats newer and needs less upkeep and repair.  To be able to get to Burlington quicker.  To get the kids to movies, youth group, the mall without the hour long drive.
                          A view from our living room window.

      But sometimes God's answer is not what we think we want.  Sometimes the answer is NO.  Maybe HE wants the Wells/Parker family to be in Enosburg Falls a little longer.  For what reasons?  I don't know, but he knows because he says in his word that:  "He knows the plans he has for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us.  Plans for a hope and a future.  In Acts 17:26-28 it says "From one man God made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the EXACT places where they should live.  God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though he is not far from each one of us.  For in Him, we live and move and have our being."

     So, where I am in my little world of Enosburg Falls, Vermont is exactly where God has place me and my family.  Me, here in this little town, working in dialysis is the the place that He has placed me.  For His reasons, to do His work through me.  I am His vessel.  So even when I want to change or move or live in a different place, it is ultimately up to Him.  Here I am, seeking Him and in His will and in His word until He shows me otherwise.  And if He wants me to change, He will gently nudge me in the direction He wants me to go. 

     My job is to live life to the fullest and pray for all those around me.  Especially for those who do not know Him. For me to show His love to all those around me.   For me to be an example to people, so that they too will reach out to the Almighty Father!  So if you're wondering if you are in the right place, just ask.  He will gently guide you and give you a feeling of peace if you are!

Your Will: Instructions for life!

I wrote this poem a few years ago and as I did my devotions this morning I was praying.  I love to pray for family and friends.  It is a privilege to lay them all at your feet Lord.  Sometimes I focus so much on the problems and stuff of this world that I forget HIM.  I list them all and worry and ask you to heal them but what I need to do is get back to basics.  I need to focus on all the wonderful attributes of God.  I remembered the words specifically, what is your will? Let me concentrate on YOUR goodness, that goodness may flow out of me.  HE is good, HE is compassionate, He understands that pain you are going through today.  Whether it is the pain of some physical ailment, the lack of money to pay bills, the loss of someone you really loved.  Don't you realize that HE is aware?  I was reminded of that today. HE is merciful,  Mighty Counselor, Prince of Peace.  HE is I AM!  HE knows!  Focus on that!~

Be Joyful Always

Pray Continually

Give thanks in all circumstances. 

For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:16

I love this verse and it inspired this poem>

What is your will God?

This is your will

Fill me with joy

Fill me with peace

Let me concentrate on your

Goodness

That Goodness will flow out of me

Let me concentrate on your love

That peace may dwell in my heart

Let me thank you for every gift of life

Large and small

That I may have a grateful heart

This is your will

This is your will

Let me lift up in prayer my loved ones

For protection, for needs and all

Let me thank you always for them

This is your will for me

Fill me with Joy

How Lord?

Sing to you in my heart?

Look at the sun

The mountains around me

Feel the joy in that

Fill me with Joy

How Lord?

Look at the Sun

"My morning star"

It is in the face of my child

The grass beneath my feet

The sand upon the Beach

The robins in my yard

The gifts they do abound.

Fill me with Joy

How Lord?

Think upon these things

Nature Trail Enosburg Vermont

   Sunday afternoon was overcast and drizzly.  We left Grandma's house after having our chicken dinner.  Yummy as always.   The girls wanted to "do" something.  Of course not enough money for the movies.  How about a hike?
Faith had been asking me to bring her out on the new nature trail that had been created across the street from the Elementary school.  Audrey wasn't too thrilled but she agreed to join Faith and I.  Holly chose to stay home.  It was a nice little adventure. Hiking along; our sneakers were very quickly soaked through in the wet grass.  Grover's whiskers were wet and drippy but he happily bounded along the grassy trail.  He looks like a bunny bouncing along!

     The girls were grumpy and arguing at first but soon got into the groove and began running ahead to see what was next around each bend in the path.  There is a story book about a beaver and a moose, with pages posted a long the way.  They read the story as we went along. 
     Soon we heard lots of noise and when we came upon the river, we found hundreds of geese swimming and honking happily.  When they heard our voices they quickly started flapping and rose up into the air.  What a fuss they made!  A sight to see.  I didn't even take a picture cause they were to fascinating to watch.
     Then we discovered wildflowers.  Tall, tall yellow wildflowers.  Audrey went to pick one and pulled it right out of the ground roots and all.  Faith pouted because her flowers stem wasn't quite as long as Audreys.  She gets mad but gets over it quite quickly.

                                                                                        LOVE THIS TREE!

     The best part though was along the end of the trail where we found some very large and unusually shaped maple trees.  They had low branches that were easy to climb upon and soon all three of us were crawling along the branches.  So that was our little Sunday adventure.  We were wet and tired but we got a lot of great pictures.

Apple Picking

  

 Faith. I thank God for this little girl He gave to me.  I love her of course as a daughter but she is so much more than that.  She is my buddy, my playmate and my prayer partner even.  One day recently, as I was putting on my sneakers to go running, first she asked me if I had my phone in my pocket and then she told me to "BE SAFE!"  Hows that for a caring little girl?   While my teenage children are busy and out and about I still have my little 8 year old to hang out with. 

      Faith and I went apple picking at my friend Sharon's home in Enosburg.  A little piece of paradise we found there.  So quiet and full of fall colors and warm sunshine. 

 I'll always remember this day of gathering apples, climbing trees, exploring, talking, running laughing together. 

Of course Grover was there too and he just adds to the fun. 

 Around every corner, Faith would find something new.  A park bench, a flag, a fountain, a path, another tree to climb, a treehouse, a brook, even a little cabin in the woods. One of my favorite days this fall.

Even the Sunflowers Bow in His Presence

The sunflowers I planted by our mailbox are magnificent.  I planted them but God created them and grew them tall and strong.  They are mature and full grown.    Doing as they are supposed to do.  Reaching their roots deep into the soil to receive all the nutrients the earth has to offer.  And then lifting their faces towards the Sun to absorb it and get the full benefit of its powerful rays! 

And then:

They bow their heads in the presence of the sun.  So mature.  As if in awe.  I can't help but think that it will be the same way with us.  God is growing us too.  We need to reach down deep into the roots of God's word and be fed.   Psalm 1:3 says:   "He is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers."  We need to mature and grow by staying in the word.   And then some day, we too can stand before the SON, and bow our heads, fully mature.  The work in us complete.  We will be a reflection of the SON.   Just like him.  1 Corinthians 13:12  says, Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.   Yes, I will be able to see him clearly but just as the sunflower does, it will be my joy to bow in his presence.!

What's in a Word?

     Words that bring a smile to my lips and hope to my heart.  Some words have so much power and evoke so much feeling with in me.  Words like:
   Beautiful        MIGHTY         
 VICTORIOUS!  Morning   Forever           
        ROCK
Author   SALVATION  redeemed
Star                  Wings                          Faith        Word   
 Just standing alone.   Or within verses - they are enough for me.  More than enough to fill me up, to comfort me, to help me remember what is important.  It has always been that way for me.  The gift of a word, a handwritten note, a card, a book.  They are the gift that blesses me the most.
     It's no wonder, considering that in the beginning was God and the word and they are one and the same.  (John 1: 1&2)  So powerful is the word that it can cut you down or build you up.  Depending on how you use the words in your mind.  So remember, the words that cut, and hurt and destroy are just as powerful! 
I choose the ones that will build and heal and keep me strong.  Words like the ones above that fill and heal.  What words do you choose to focus on?
     "For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight."  Hebrews 4:12

Two People who have blessed many!

     What can I say about my parents? They are amazing. Fred and Audrey FitzSimmons.  Here they are. Then July 7 1950.

Daddy is strong, smart, all American and more.   Mama is faithful, loving, thoughtful.  Both of them are ALWAYS  there for eachother and each one of us 9 children, 40 plus grandchildren and more!  We had the privilege of celebrating their 60 anniversary in July!  I remember when it was 25 years.  I was only 10.  It seemed an enormous milestone.  But 60!  And going strong. 

And now: July 7, 2010:

     We had a great time at Joe and Jens annual family reunion and barbecue.  A big cake and gifts.
But best of all were two moments. Cutting their cake:

                            and dancing with each other surrounded by this extra large, crazy family!

It brought tears to my eyes and such a feeling of pride to be a part of something so strong and lasting.  I can only hope and pray that my family will be so blessed after so many years.  Psalm 112 1&2 says:  Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands.  His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed."  I can not think of 2 people more loving and giving than my parents.  God has truly blessed them with a tremendous family and lots of love.
I love you Mumma and Daddy!  Thank you!

                                                   Enjoying a new photo album together.

The Lord is my rock! (2 Sam 22:2)

  

 For the last year I have found myself drawn to rocks, ledges, stone walls, pictures of castles, stained glass.  Actually anything that had to do with castles.  I love them.  They represent strength, fortitude, things that last, protection, royalty.    I kept questioning it and wondering why I was suddenly so attracted to them.  I went to a conference on prophesy and learned that when God starts showing you things like this;  Pay attention!  He is talking to you!  Not in a burning bush but in a quiet way as only the holy spirit can do. 

      So I paid attention.  I put lots of rocks in my garden to remind me of Gods strength.  My sister found me a lego castle at a yard sale which my step son Adam put together for me.  Another reminder.  I keep on my desk.  Even hot glued it together so the kids can't take it apart.  Stronger that way. 

     And of course I began to write down verses that spoke of rocks.  Here is one of my favorites.  2 Samuel 22:2  "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.  He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior."

     I've had dreams of being in castle like structures.  He says in Numbers 12:6 "I reveal myself to him in visions. I speak to him in dreams."  So I write the dreams down.  I pay attention.  I don't want to miss a thing that he reveals to me.

      Well, kings live in castles and I am the daughter of a King.  So maybe God just wants me to keep that in my mind.  All things that have to do with a King. He gave me the poem to write.  He encouraged me to name my blog that.  Maybe He wants me to let others know that they are royalty too.  They just need to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus and they will be saved.  You too are sons and daughters of a king.  Claim your inheritance!

    " Look to the ROCK from which your were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn."  Isaiah51:1 

The dog I ended up with...

This is my idea of a real dog!! The kids have been asking for Paul and I to get a dog for them for years.  Especially, Audrey and Faith.  Begging, asking, coercing, guilting, even.  Audrey even wrote a persuasive essay for English class last year to try to talk us into it.  We weren't interested.  Holly told me that pets are used in hospitals and other places to comfort people and that it would just feel good to hold a dog.  Faith always asked for a puppy too.  A little tiny chihuaha or other such lap dog or one she could carry in her purse.  She also only wanted stuffed dogs and toys for Christmas.  That was easy cuz I would buy those for her.  They don't shed and they don't eat and most importantly they don't do their business on the carpet!

 So needless to say; they kept asking and I continued to say no.  one day Faith told me to list the reasons why we couldn't have a dog.  So I carefully explained #1 dogs are a big responsiblity!  She said said I'll take care of it.  #2 dogs cost money.  She said I'll give you the money in my piggy bank!  #3  Dogs poop and pee on the floor.  She said I'll clean it up!  #4  Dogs have to be trained, they cry at night to go out!  She said I'll sleep with him and I'll bring him out.  #5 Dogs shed all over the place.  She said "I'll vacuum.  And after each one she woud say "check"   and Next excuse!  Boy talk about persuasive! 

     However, underneath I was kind of wondering about myself and why I had such a lack of interest in dogs.  Everyone else loves their dogs.  They talk about them, bring pictures of them to work and tell endless pet stories which, frankly bored me to tears!  I grew up with dogs as pets all my life but they weren't mine.  They were my moms dogs.  Often times our german sheperd Lady would get loose and run all over the neighborhood.  I would have to chase her down and bring her home.  I swear she would look back at me as I was chasing her down Packard Street; laugh at me and then keep running.  It was maddening.  I did not like her.  I guess they were just a nuisance to me. 
     However, since moving to Enosburg, I have been surrounded by neighbors with pets.  The beagle Freckles from across the street who would come begging at our door for food and then follow me all the way into town when I would take Faith for a walk in her carriage.  The grey hound Ollie out back who is completely timid.  He doesn't even come close enough to pet him.   Then along came Leia;  the bulldog.  One of the first times she came over, she leaned over the pool edge and fell in.  She proceeded to sink quickly and I had to jump in and save her!  She is fat and clumsy and really quite funny to watch.  Then Ezra came along.   I was drinking my morning coffee one day and into my living room walked the cutest little boxer puppy you ever saw.  Jakes new dog that he snuck in! 
     So needless to say; I have been slowly exposed to dogs and they have been growing on me.   Enough so that I was finally considering letting Faith and Audrey have one.   But I was going to think about it long and hard.  Get a dog book and research just the right one for us.  Maybe a basset hound I thought.  One that lays by the fireplace all day and looks at you with sad eyes.  Or a real dog!  Key word _REAL!   A german sheperd or mastiff.  One that will protect Us.  Definitely can't have one of those yapping, tiny lap dogs.  No sirree bob! 
     Well; as usual God has everything all planned out.   I think he had our dog handpicked for us even before he was born.  He kind of knows what we need before we know.  So Audrey went with her Dad to Massachusettes to visit her uncle and found out that they were having puppies in a few months.  She called me to tell me that she was getting one.  He was going to live at her Dads house and she already had a name for this unborn puppy!  "Grover Sanchez".  I figured, oh good.  That solves that problem.  The dog can live at her Dads and we can see it once in a while.  That way the girls will be happy and I don't have to deal with a dog. 
     In June, Audrey went back to Mass to get her dog>  On the way home, she called to let me know that her fathers landlord won't allow him to keep him.  So guess what?  Dog in hand;  Audrey walks into my work with the cutest of all puppies!  A tiny, one pound chihuaha, schnauzer mix.  So adorable.  He looks just like Benji!  I must say we all fell in love with him immediately!   He became a part of our household so quickly and got into a routine.  He listens, he doesn't bark alot.  He's playful and gentle and doesn't sniff at me too much.  "REAL"  dog.  I guess he's a REAL dog.  He is not giant and vicious.  He probably couldn't hurt a flea.  He's kind of a lap dog.  He won't be much more than 15 pounds.  Ya, he's REAL!   He runs with me.  He's devoted.  He sits at my feet while I drink my coffee.  He lays at my feet when I relax on the couch at night.  He follows me wherever I go but not in an annoying way.  He's real and he's ours and I love him!   

First Day of School 8/23/10

     I can't believe that summer vacation has come to an end.  I hope that doesn't mean that summer weather has come to an end quite yet.  Cuz, boy this has been the warmest, sunniest summer that I can remember!  But yes, my little girls were up bright and early;  Audrey at 5:30 and Faith at 6:30 and eager to get back to their friends at Enosburg!  I too really enjoy seeing that big yellow bus!!   Now I can get organized, get some housework done, have some much needed quiet time and maybe make them a special snack (like whoopie pies) for when they get home! 
     So glad I got a new camera for the first day!  Ritual is to take a picture of each kid at the door and then some more pics outside.  Of course I must get all my shots in before the bus gets there.  Mom is forbidden to be outside when the bus gets there:  I might embarrass somebody wearing my pajamas!  horrors!

Audrey Rose

 

Faifer

So after so many years of getting 5 kids out on that bus; Jake, Nolan, Holly, Audrey and Faith; now we are down to two!  It is still so busy around here and I continue to wonder how I ever got all of them out there on time!??  I guess God gives you the strength and energy to do what you need to do!

    So now, I have only two children to get off to school.  It seems so lonely.  But the others are grown and moving on.  That must be why he brought us Grover!  A new puppy to fill in the empty spaces left by Holly, Nolan and Jake.  God must have known I'd need a buddy now that my nest is emptying out.  He always knows just what we need even though I thought I didn't want or need a dog. He gives and takes away, my heart will choose to say Blessed be His Name!  Thanks to God for giving me a beautiful family, a wonderful loving husband and even a new puppy that I didn't know I needed!