Know your Neighbors

When I was 9 years old I experienced one of the scariest things in my life. I was at home with my mom. My mom told me that she was going to go and take a shower and told me that I was to stay inside.

Did I? No, of course not. I was the type of kid that (even though I was quiet) thought I could take care of myself. Thought I knew it all.

So I went outside and was sitting on the front of my mom's car in the driveway waiting for my friend to get home. I saw a brown van coming down the street. It was similar to the one that her mom drove, so I got off the car and stood up in the driveway. The van stopped in front of my driveway. To my surprise, It WAS NOT my neighbor.

There were two men in this van. The passenger got out of the van wearing medical type gloves and he held a handful of what looked like white powder. To this day I don't understand what that could have been. I got scared and began to run back towards my house. That man bolted after me.

I had an open yard (meaning no fence around my house) and I began to run to the back of my house screaming for my mom. Why I went running to the back, I don't know. I had come out of the front door to my house. I know now, if I would have attempted to run for the front door, he would have caught me for sure.

When I was about three quarters of the way to the back of my house, the man stopped chasing me. I got to the back and began to bang on the back door screaming for my mom. I remember hearing the van screech away. He must have thought that my mom was in fact in the back yard. She opened the door for me and I began to try to tell her what was wrong but I was frozen in fear and couldn't get the words out. It wasn't until a while later that I had calmed down enough to explain to her what had just happened. LESSON LEARNED.

So I tell this story today because I re-lived this experience in my dream last night. This has happened to me before. Actually quite a few times. I can see their faces and everything.

I am today a very cautious person. My children DO NOT play outside alone.

Last year, a house that is two down from mine, had some renters living in it. I began to see some strange activity. I was able to obtain the names of the men living there. To my surprise they were both sex offenders. One was supposed to be registered but was not listed as one in our state directory. I found this man on the site http://www.familywatchdog.us/ . He had been convicted of aggravated sexual assault of an eight year old little girl. I almost fell out of my chair when I read this info. I made sure that our local police dept. obtained his info and had him placed on our state site as well.

This man did move away a few months ago and while I feel a bit relieved, I know that he is now in a neighborhood that probably has no clue he is even there.

I encourage everyone to check out the site listed above and just know your neighbors. I understand that these offenders have rights too and I don't want anyone to try to harm anyone that they find lives next to them but I write this so that you can be aware and stay safe.

Please take a minute to search your area and always walk with your head held high. Predators look for ones who appear vulnerable.


Amy

My mini Garden

So while I'm sure that there are many other blog readers with gardens that would blow mine away, I am so thankful for the one I have. In the past I have not been very successful in growing a vegetable garden.

My husband has actually asked me, "Wouldn't it have probably been cheaper to go buy the vegetables at the store?" Of course I replied with "No". I have in the past tried many different soils and organic fertilizers but never had that much success.

In March I attempted Again, but this time I prayed over my little 50 square foot garden and yes, over planted seeds like I usually do.

To my surprise everything has been growing. Wow, the power of prayer! I have yellow squash, cucumbers, chives, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, eggplant, carrots, and basil all growing in this small corner of my yard.


I'm actually afraid that all my plants will soon grow together and choke each other. Maybe I should only pray every other time I water. =-) just kidding.


Here's a look at what I picked today.




And here are a few other pics of the garden.


Basil



Bell Pepper, hiding in the middle



Egg Plant



There are actually 25 growing on this one little plant right now!

I am in need of some recipes using Basil. I've made pesto and turkey basil burgers but could use some other good ideas.


Amy

Wishy Washy

I have had a few wonderful days since I last posted. I honestly was anticipating being attacked by Satin since I've been outwardly following the Lord, but I have had a sense of calm come over me.

I wore a tee shirt the other day that reads,"I love my husband because God first loved me" (1 John 4:19) My mom sent it to me along with the movie "Fireproof". I was honestly shocked by the response I got. I expected to be ridiculed but instead I had been told what a great shirt it was and asked where they could buy one.

I don't want anyone to think that I am a new believer but I have (until recently) been what I would call, Wishy Washy. Only spending time with the Lord when it has been convenient for me. Not wanting to get into any debates about certain topics because I don't want any conflict. I know that there are a lot of people in this same boat today.

People are afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Well, because of this, look at where this country stands today.

Each Day, I want to do things that will help me grow and flourish spiritually while avoiding things that will tear me down and hurt me spiritually.

Wishy Washy, No More!

"And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever". 1 John 2:17

Finding My Purpose

I never used to be one to spend much time on the computer (let alone) reading any blogs, until one day a friend asked me to pray for a friend of hers. She briefly told me about her friend but said I needed to visit this family's blog. The blog is http://www.cfhusband.blogspot.com/. I began to follow this blog on a daily basis and eventually landed on other blogs that captured my heart as well. I encourage anyone to visit this blog and witness how the Lord has been with this family.

Over the past month I have felt that a big change is coming my way but not exactly knowing WHAT? I have had the book "Purpose Driven Life" for over two years now but have never managed to pass the first chapter. I have gotten sucked into life's interruptions and not stayed focused on the Lord and in finding out what exactly my purpose is. I am once again going to pick up this book, and finish reading it this time!

This brings me to why I've started this blog. A way to organize my thoughts. I find that my mind is running in many directions these days and it's so hard for me to stay focused on what truly matters the most.

I recently was viewing one of the blogs I follow named http://www.followthejoyfuljourney.blogspot.com/ and she wrote of a song that meant so much to her. It's titled "If You Want Me To". This song, Written by "Ginny Owens", really spoke to me.

I've been experiencing many difficulties lately and I know that this is all Gods plan. What I also need to know is that I am walking down the right road.

Which brings me to why I titled my blog Interpreting Today.

Over the last couple years, I wished that I knew what the future held for me. I've felt overwhelmed and wanted immediate answers. I've been left feeling frustrated in life.

I have a sign hanging in my house that reads: "God blesses us every day but it's up to us to notice". I AM guilty of not interpreting every day. I want to be able to see Gods leading and gain that daily understanding of where he is taking me.

More often then not, people end up somewhere in life that they never expected to be. I won't even begin to predict what ride I'm about to be taken on but rather, document where I've been taken. This way I can reflect back and see all of the Lord's blessings and be thankful for Each And Every day.

So here is where my journey begins........

Amy