One of the young folks at church Sunday was wearing a T shirt that said, “I’M NOT NORMAL.” I can relate. There are so many times and situations when I feel the same way. What IS normal, anyway? It is defined as: “conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected. the usual, average, or typical state or condition.”

If the condition I am to be compared to is the world, than I am quite sure I am not normal. I am quite sure I do not WANT to be normal. The world's standards are not the ones I wish to conform to. The only standard I want to conform to is that of the Lord Jesus.

It seems OK for many these days to complain a lot. I have not found that to be very helpful. I try to be positive and count my blessings. So, another strike against me for “normalcy!” It seems normal these days to use a lot of bad language – especially the “F” word. I do not do that. I consider it to be rude, un-Christlike and vulgar. It seems that many people struggle with fear. They worry constantly about the job, the kids, finances, neighbors, appearance, health, the future, you name it. Nothing constructive or useful comes from worrying. I used to be really good at it, but it wasn’t worth it, so I try to avoid it and trust God instead. WOW! I keep sounding more and more weird, don’t I?

Perhaps the biggest reason I am not normal is because I passionately, sincerely want what Jesus wants. I do. Oh sure, I have my moments of wishing this or that could be different, but my highest desire is that my life would be glorifying to God, and that His will should be done in my life and the world. I am convinced that knowing Jesus is the cure for the ills of mankind. Loving Him is my purpose. Sharing Him with others is my delight. I pray for God’s Kingdom to come, and for His will to be done.

Because of this, when others hurt me, I forgive. I choose not to be offended. I choose not to get even. I choose to live simply. I do not need possessions to make me happy. I appreciate what I have, of course, and God is good to supply all my needs and also to spoil me with His goodness! That’s good enough for me.

I value peace. I value joy. I value God’s goodness and wisdom in my life more than anything money could buy. I know I am not perfect, but I want to be as close to Him as I can.

So, it is OK if I am not normal, as the world sees normal. Are you with me?

(1Peter 2:9 NLT) “ ...You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.

The experts say most of us do not drink enough water. Some say that by the time you start to feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Water is important to maintain life. It cleanses and balances the body. It boosts the immune system. It helps relieve fatigue, and can prevent headaches. It's just a good idea to make sure you get enough water. My husband always gets a headache when he gets dehydrated, so we always have water with us when we travel. Did you know that in really severe cases of dehydration you can even experience delirium? You can imagine things are there which are not there at all. You lose touch with reality and your mind can go all wonky!

(Jer. 2:13 NLT) "For My people have done two evil things: They have abandoned Me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!

(John 7:37-38 AMP.) Now on the final and most important day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.

I think some of you don't feel right in your spiritual life. Some of you have been living in confusion and distress. Some of you may even be imagining things that are not actually true. Your emotions are all over the place. Why is that? You have not been drinking enough of the LIVING water!

Just like our physical body needs water every day to function well, our SPIRITUAL life need the living water. When did you last spend time with Jesus? When did you last sit with Him and tell Him how much you love Him? Sometimes after I pray a while, I just like to sit and be still. It is often then that God will speak to my heart, and it is such a blessing! Time with Him deal with spiritual dehydration! As spiritual beings, we NEED communion with Him every day!

Are you spiritually dehydrated?

Hello, Folks!

Sorry I have been AWOL for so long. Does it count that I was thinking of you?

Our church is having a flea market August 23 to raise money for our relief organization to Romania. (NTC) I have been sewing, painting, crocheting and crafting away to make stuff to sell. There will be other vendors there as well. Please pray the weather is perfect, and that we sell LOTS!

Here are a few pics of some of the things I have made. The hats and rag rugs are all made from yarn and fabric I scored at the second hand shops. I also get thread, elastic, buttons, ribbon, seam binding and no end of other bargains there. The signs are made from old, wooden cutting boards, or the ends of little crates you buy fruit in. I have no idea what prices to put on things, so I have asked a few friends to help me with that. I have 24 rugs, beaded rag bracelets, pot holders, hair bows and headbands for little girls, circle skirts for girls with matching head bands, bow ties for men and boys, wreaths and signs. I also make play food sets for Barbie dolls from clay that you can bake and paint. The clay and paint are the only things I couldn't find at the second hand shops!

Here are just a few pics of some of the stuff I make.

I love crafting from second hand goods. I feel like I am rescuing them and giving them a new purpose ... kind of what God did with me! There's a song I like that says, "He saved me. Rescued me. Just a moment there set me free..." I celebrate His love and my freedom every day! He is so good.

Once this sale is over, I will have a lot more free time! Of course, then it will be time to start making Christmas presents!

Here in Denmark, school has started, and the days are getting chilly. We had a lovely summer, though, and it had to end eventually. I hope all of you have had a nice summer. Did you make some lovely memories?

Blessings!