Turtle Tuesdays: B's PILOT

Meet B, the Turtle With A PILOT.
If you're thinkin' the B log might be an advertisement, ease your finger off that mouse. Today on Turtle Tuesday B wants to share one of her traveling stories with you:
How B the Turtle Got 'Stuck' On A PILOT

It was a bright and sunny day. All was well in the land of Florida. B was talking to the Big BOX turtle in her household. She's quite fond of him, despite his little bit of 'snapping' .( Just checking to see if you read the B log, baby. You don't really snap.) He made a comment about B's transportation and that's how this can of worms opened. It was a 'sticky' situation.

You need to know this about B. She has never been the kind of turtle to pay a lot of attention to her wheels. As long as she was going places and not getting stuck in the middle of the road, she was content with whatever vehicle she drove. That's all true, at least until the day the Big BOX turtle called her wheels a 'clunker'. Yes, a clunker. That's exactly what He said. B looked up 'clunker' in the dictionary. It is an old, worn-out vehicle or machine. Now B was fully aware her van had a slight patina finish. The new car smell had long been replaced by Mcfries. But now her 'older vehicle' had turned into a clunker in the eyes of the Big BOX turtle and HERS. What was she going to do?

The B's began shopping around for a replacement, checking out the features and benefits of several cars. One day B sat in a PILOT. Her search ended when her hands gripped the wheel. This was it. She wanted this SUV badly, but the shell price was a little hefty for her budget. Being a good shopper, she decided to buy a slightly used model to help with the cost. She knew exactly what she wanted. A 2007 white PILOT with tan leather, a sun roof, and a DVD player would be nice for the younger turtles, but not necessary.

That was a tall order evidently because the turtle dealership couldn't find one. B became obsessed. She was doing some major googling over a PILOT. It became the focus in B's days. Where was her PILOT?

There is another important part of B's story you need to know today. She loves Jesus. Eight years ago He rescued her from the murky waters of her pond. Her life's focus has been about Him ever since. One day between googling and thinking about her PILOT, B was reading her daily devotional. The first line in her devotional said, "I AM your pilot." B was stunned as those words pierced her heart. The focus on a 'shell' that would one day rust was trying to take the #1 spot in B's heart.

B was crushed. She repented immediately. She knew she had to let go of the wheel because it had a grip on her heart. B talked to the Lord about this shell issue. She decided she would stick to her old white van. Months went by and she knew she had made the right decision. B really didn't want anything the Lord did not order. Then one day, out of the blue, B felt a nudge to look at a turtle dealer's web site a couple of hours from her pad. She had never thought of stopping by this place. She typed in the word "PILOT". A 2007 white PILOT with tan leather, sun roof, and a DVD popped up on the screen with a great shell price. The dealer had just gotten in this car. She knew who directed her to this site. Her footsteps were being ordered by 'THE PILOT'. B called the Big Box turtle on his cell. Would you believe the Big Box turtle was traveling through this town in less than 30 minutes?

B's photo tells the ending of this story today. B is stuck on THE PILOT, not the shell. She learned a lot from this clunker story. She never wants to trade in THE PILOT for another way to go. He is the only way. Yesterday she thought it was verrrry interesting when Chatty Kelly asked the question in her post, "Who's Your Pilot?" It confirmed the post B was considering sharing today. Kelly and I have the same PILOT!

Take time with that question today. "Who's Your Pilot?" If Jesus is your PILOT, you are sure to land in a heavenly place. Oh....B almost forgot to add a bumper sticker to this post 'Honk if you LOVE JESUS'!!!!!!

B His Girl

Headline News for the B Log

Do you ever have a post in your mind, that will not leave you alone until your fingers start tapping those ivory keys? This is one of those for me. Last week's headline stated,
'ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.'

The words quickened my spirit as I read them during my phone conversation with my friend B. I have to tell you about the BB's (Barbara and Betty). We talk about the Lord ALL the time. As we were attempting to put all the puzzle pieces He has given us together, it was clear the Lord was adding to our conversation. 'Anything is Possible' .

Now , I know the Lord is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, but sometimes we can't help imagining, can we? I believe the Lord was having fun with us on the phone. He was the third party in our conversation because we were definitely gathered in His name. He had to throw 'Anything is Possible' in the mix so we would not box Him in. Jesus said it like this in His news journal, "Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23

A statement like that demands a response. WE BELIEVE LORD! The BB's believe! We were using our little bb's (bird brains) to try to figure out what He is doing and where we are going next. I think we got a new feather for our wings because we are determined to live out God's purpose for our lives before we fly away!

Two days later as I left my house for Bible Study, I saw my neighbor's newspaper in her driveway. The paper was positioned perfectly for me to be able to read the headline.

Dream Fulfilled

My heart leaped! The things God has spoken to me flooded my mind. I have a dream from the Dream Giver that I can't make happen. It is beyond my reach. BUT with God, all things are possible. He reminded me the words 'Dream Fulfilled' would one day be the headline in my life. I believe that. I believe Him.

What has the Lord spoken into your heart that you have not seen come to fruition? Don't give up on your dream if it is from the Lord. It will be your greatest regret if you do. His news is trustworthy. Jesus is the Faithful and True Witness. One of my favorite verses highlighted in my heart is Luke 1:45

"Blessed is she who has believed
that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!

Are you believing Him today?

B His Girl
P.S. Look at the football players in the top photo. Do you think the one on the left is praising God and the other is doing a John the Baptist move...pointing to Jesus? Maybe? Anything is Possible!

Turtle Tuesday: The B Log

Welcome to the B Log on this Turtle Tuesday! The Lord keeps talking to B about the Log. Evidently, there is MORE to log work than simply writing down where you have been and recording your connections. I thought I should share my notes with you.
Today the Lord wants you to check your position. Don't worry if you haven't taken turtle ballet. For turtles, it is not the feet we check. It is our neck. You know a turtle never makes progress without sticking out his neck.

Here you see B with her neck out ready to walk the log wherever it leads her. Here is a good verse to refer to in this position when the log gets bumpy and you want to tuck your head in your shell.

But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. "Heb 10:38


B is now showing you what you do not want to do. Stay in the 'looking back' postion.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:3-5

His mercy is new every day. Don't miss what God has for today. Adjust your neck.

This position can B good or not so good.

If you are feeling down and stuck looking at yourself in the pond, you need to reconsider this look. It is not Becoming to your family line. The Lord has done great things for you and B. Read your log book. Remember His promises.
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.' Acts 2:28

If your neck is bowed in prayer, this is a very good position. B's prayer for you today:

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Eph 3:16-17

The 4th position really needs no explanation. It is the gazing position.

Are your eyes on Him? His are on you.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chron 16:9

Check your position on the B Log. It makes all the difference in your dance!

B His Girl

THE NOTE

Not all notes are found in a bottle.

This one came from a Doctor's office two years ago. As I waited for Justin's name to be called for his appointment, he picked up this paper and handed it to me. It said,

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "Plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. When you pray to me, I will answer you. You will seek me and you will find me because you seek me with all
your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
Jesus heals and forgives

Isn't it just like the Great Physician to leave a prescription for all you need to know about your situation in the Dr.'s office? I had to smile when I realized the symbolism of that. God was having fun with me. I saved my note.

The interesting thing is my turtle friend Laura got a note just like it when she stopped at the drugstore four years ago to get some toilet tissue. She was going through a difficult time and the Lord had these words waiting for her on the Charmin . She knew God was talking to her and The Note is her toilet paper story.

In December, I was thinking about blogging this God story. I couldn't stop thinking about it. While I was preparing to post this story, I went to my weekly Toastmaster Club meeting. I never go in the bathroom of the facility where we meet. That day I made a pit stop there. As I was washing my hands, I noticed a familiar piece of paper next to the sink.

It was The Note. The Lord knew exactly where I was going to b that day. He wanted me to read The Note again. It wasn't really about writing something for my B Log. He wanted to speak to my anxious thoughts about the future. 'Barbara....Hello, my plans for you are good!'

Sometimes we are in a place where we need to hear a word from the Lord for our situation. Today Luanne wrote in her blog she wanted God to write her an email or a note in the sky. I know how she feels. I think we all do. You may not see The Note in a Dr.'s office or on your brand of toilet tissue. But you did see it on the B Log. Maybe The Note is for you today. It is a word for some bloggy girl or guy. Hello...

B His Girl

Picture Tag

Using the 4th photo from my 4th file would be a repeat for my bloggy friends . These are random photos from B's unorganized files. So I guess I will horse around on this tag.



I had fun with this, but Justin wasn't so sure. This was taken at a birthday party.

Edie has a menagerie in her files, but I'm just a turtle girl. Oh the turtles yet to be seen on my blog!

Not everyone in the family is this coordinated. Megan is taking the photo as she jumps.

More branches in the tree. This photo was on a Christmas card years ago.

There always a short cut to beating the heat when taking photos in the Florida heat. ( I told Shari from P31 I needed some fashion help. She will believe me now! Flip flops are an essential in building a wardrobe.)

God is serious about what He said to me. "Just B." He sent me this jacket as a reminder. One day I will share the story how all of this came to B on the B log.

Ok, the picture tag is over, but Jesus is still it...always and forever!

B His Girl

Checking The Log Book

Have you ever gone back and checked your records on something? Today's photo is of my dad on the right (88 yrs. old next month) and Conrad on the left( 86 yrs old). They were both pilots in WWII.

My dad read an old article about Conrad last fall. Conrad was the pilot of the plane,"Que Sera Sera" (What will be will be). Did anyone catch the significance of that??? That plane made History by becoming the first aircraft to land on the South Pole on October 31st, 1956. You can see this plane at the Pensacola Naval Air Museum in Florida.

My dad read Conrad lived near his baby girl (me). I contacted him and my dad came to visit. They were reunited last week, sitting in aircraft seats with their log books after 63 years. You see, Conrad and my dad flew together to Japan one time to pick up POW'S 63 years ago. Both of them have a record of this flight in their log book and each other's name listed. How cool is that!

All of this has me pondering about log books, keeping a record of where I've been. You never know when God is going to connect something old with something new. Are you keeping a log book of your flights with God? Have you missed your connections along the way?

I know many of you have earned your wings. God wants to use you to make HIS-story known. He wants His people to be free from the enemies' clutch.

Check your log book.

Look for flight patterns.

It might give you a clue where you are flying next and your mission there. With Him, there is no mission impossible! What will b will b!

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: The Raku Turtle

Going through a fiery trial in your life? Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. (1Peter 4:12) All of us go through trials throughout our lifespan. We were destined for them. Today's turtle has certainly been through her share. She has the marks to prove it.

Meet B, the Raku Turtle. Her name sounds like a character out of Lion King, but the origins of Raku are from the Japanese. "Raku pottery is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses both fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs" according to Wise Geek.com. The kiln used in the firing process reaches up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. What kind of clay could handle those kind of temperatures? A specially designed one of course.

Are you starting to get the picture? Like B, the Raku Turtle, we will all feel the furnace turned up at various times in our life. How do you view your trials? Remember, we are never in the furnace alone. Ask Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Their furnace story is pretty incredible in Daniel Chapter 3. The heat was really turned up. The three handled their truly fiery trial with a boldness and confidence in their God that made others watch to see what happened. King Nebuchadnezzar was an eye witness to what they were experiencing. In fact, he was the one who caused the fiery trial for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Through their trial Nebuchadnezzar was able to see something MORE, something BIGGER than himself. He saw the treasure inside their fired up clay pots and God got the glory.

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." Dan 3:28-29

God wants to use us in our trials; For others to see this all-surpassing power in our jars of clay is from Him and not from us. The Lord wants to show Himself strong in your life and mine. B, the Raku turtle hasn't always noticed the good that came out of her trials, but it's there. God's Presence with us always leaves a mark. Look what He showed B after she was pulled from fire.
A smile of favor on her life. He does that for ordinary turtles and even regular ones. It gives B a whole new perspective on future furnace visits ;) I pray it does for you too. You are very loved by your Father. Look up and smile back.

B His Girl

Thankful Thursday

Thank you Lord for the great mercy you have shown me. Your Presence in my life has given me great JOY to share. I will always praise you.

Thank you for Mike and his patience with me.




Thank you for Megan and her heart for Helping Honduras Kids. I pray you are always first on her dance card.

Thank you for William, Lord. I pray his heart would reach for you and you would raise him up to do mighty things in your name.

















Jesus, thank you for Justin. May he always seek you in his life and look to you for wisdom.






Lord, thank you for Bandit who loves his family and shows it at all times.

AND B ONE!

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: The Sign

Last Saturday, my husband and I visited a new gift shop, The Emerald Turtle. The name makes me think of the land of Oz. B' ing a turtle girl, I was excited to check it out. If you scroll through my blog, you can see a small portion of my collection. Some people in my family think I should B turtled out. I thought my husband may be leaning in that direction too. Imagine my surprise when he told me to buy this sign. It was totally his idea, not mine. I promise : )

Meet B, the crossing turtle. She is a sign, a REAL sign. Look at her colors. Noboby could miss the meaning behind this sign, or could they? Most of my silly little turtle stories come to me immediately, but not this one. I wondered what this B would say on Turtle Tuesday. The Lord heard my pondering thoughts and He set the stage for the story to B told. Yes, B, the crossing turtle had a story. We all do. Here's a recap of what happened.

I lead a Sunday School class at my church. We are in between studies, so I prayed about our lesson. Studying on leadership from Joshua 3 seemed to be my answer. This passage is about the Israelites following the Ark of the Covenant, going a way they had never been before. They had to consecrate themselves for this trip because the Lord was going to do amazing things among them. Just hearing that makes you want to clean up, doesn't it!

The way they had to go looked difficult. Crossing the Jordan River at flood stage must have seemed virtually impossible, but the Lord told them He was going ahead of them. That's always the key to get where you are supposed to go. As the priests carrying the ark touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. All the people crossed on dry ground into the promised land. Then Joshua told the twelve men he selected earlier to gather stones from the Jordan as a sign of what the Lord did when the waters of the Jordan were cut off.

Our class had great discussion and prayer time. When I got home from church, I knew God was speaking to me as I placed the folders in my office. I was simply amazed. He is totally engaged in my life and yours...and why wouldn't he b. After all there is a wedding feast planned. This relationship is serious! My thoughts turned to my post for today. What was the crossing turtle sign going to B about? Then, just like the scene from Oz, except He pulled the curtain from my eyes. I knew what He was saying to B. I saw the sign. The sign was for me.

What I am facing in my ministry looks difficult. I am looking at a heap of obstacles trying to keep me from my promised land. It is time to step my foot into the place He is calling me. Turtle, cross over! Do the study in the village. Take a step in the all the creative ideas He floods inside my mind. Never mind all the 'ites' there. (see Joshua 3:10)

Maybe you are facing mountains in what God has called you to do. We can't always see what is ahead in our journey. We are to walk by faith, not sight. It will require us to take steps in places that are new to us. I know the Lord has AMAZING things planned for you and B. The Living God is among us. Read the signs along the path. You could be at a crossing like B. I can feel the water on my toes now. I am crossing. See you on the other side.

B His Girl

Special Delivery For B

I don't usually blog on Sundays but I have to tell on God today : ) He's stunned me, knocked my socks off, blew me away and all of this happened before lunch!

At Tea for Two , eight ladies checked the information card at their table saying they were interested in Bible Study and nine others indicated they wanted to know MORE about Jesus in their life. I concealed the tea girl's personal information on the card above. It was filled out completely in pencil except for the red mark by knowing Jesus in her life. I believe she added that red mark later in the tea. Praise God! These women are hungry and we are called to feed them.

This morning, as I was getting ready for church, I questioned what to do for the Tea for Two ladies. How were we going to do Bible Study in the village? What did the Lord want for them? I thought about possibly downloading study material and making folders for the ladies. Tea for Two is not an official ministry funded by my church, which means resources are on us or so I thought.

At church today, my friend Leslie, sat beside me. She showed me the folders you see in the photo. She wondered if Kathy, a ministry leader sitting in front of us might need them for spiritual retreats or maybe I could use them? I knew the answer to that question immediately. (Sorry Kathy.)

Tell me.... who brings a school supply box with folders into a church service!!! God's messenger, that's who. The folders had been in her car for three months but today the timing was perfect for delivery. They found their purpose and the Lord answered many questions I have been asking in a bouquet of flower folders.

Yes, He speaks in all kinds of ways. This is not really about the cost of the folders. He is confirming my path to continue in the village. I thought the village was on the way to my promise land and now I am sure of it. Thank you for the flowers.

"Lord, they are beautiful!!!! You didn't have to do that, but I love them and You" said B His Girl. You make my heart sing!

Birds-Eye View for 2009

I want to share a couple of gifts I received for Christmas.

My friend B gave me this highly feathered* bird ornament before Christmas for my tree. (Last year she gave me feathers, so I must be moving up on her list to get the whole bird ;)

As she handed it to me, she said she thought my bird was defective at first glance. (She bought me a flawed bird???) Then, she told me she bought a twin bird for her tree. They had the same 'issues'. Check out the next picture.

Look closely. This bird only has one eye. A Highly feathered bird with one eye.....Hmmmm. Could there be a message in that for the BB's? This B thought so.

Check out my next gift in the photo below.

A couple of doves by Lladro. I love the person who gave me this very nice gift, but it seemed a little odd. I thought it looked like a wedding gift and I have been married for years. Highly feathered*, holy spirit, love birds. They seem to only have eyes for each other. ( FYI: The person who gave me these birds has no idea about my other bird or feather stories. )

I have pondered the meaning of these gifts. I know there is no coincidence I received three white birds. Here is what I see in this. God is giving me a birds-eye view on what He wants me to do.

FOCUS. FOCUS.FOCUS...ONLY ON HIM. No other gods before Him.

He wants my gaze to be upon Him. He wants my undivided attention.

I would love to hear what the Lord is saying to you as you begin 2009.

B His Girl
* Love the term 'highly feathered.' I read this term on the famous B's blog. (siesta Beth Moore). She is loved by many and most definitely highly feathered. Check out her post on the birds.
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2008/12/this-ones-for-birds.html