On being hacked...

Yes it's true; on a social media website. Some of you who are my friends will know which one!!!What to say? It's not a pleasant experience that's for sure. It doesn't even have to be on a social website, personal emails are always being hacked.

The English language is pretty mixed-up, you know! In the day, hack meant chop a tree or cough really bad. It also means an old, tired horse. But today it has a whole new meaning.

What does being 'hacked' mean?  Actually the word means breaking into someone else's computer and becoming that person. I looked up "being hacked' on line, there are blogs and different sites that explain it. That doesn't help the feeling I have though, knowing that someone is pretending to be me. The term they use is 'cracking'; like getting into a safe I guess. Either way it's not very nice.

The problem is I have an old account that someone has 'assumed' and is using it to solicit emails and other information from some of my friends. It is a truly creepy feeling knowing my name is being used in this way. I've done everything I can think of at this point (with the help of many good suggestions from friends) other than deleting my profile and starting over.

I know a lot of people have more serious problems than this in regards to having your identity stolen. It has been reported in the news that many of these hacker/cracker types do this just to be malicious (out of a type of hatred). I ask the question, "Why?" What is the point?

Also, many of my friends and family are dealing with very serious life issues and my puny 'hacking' problem is very unimportant. My time can be better spent caring for them by praying, listening, and helping them.

In dealing with all of this and in other issues and problems that come up in life it is good to talk to people that can help us; but even better is to know that our Father in heaven sees ALL of our life's issues and problems as important. If He cares for a small bird He truly cares for our needs and difficulties.

Remember, He came here and knows what it's like! Really! He knows. The idea of Him being some type of god that left us here to fend for ourselves is ridiculous.

Think of it this way. If at any point in your life you had a father or father figure help you, discipline you, or 'be' in your life...that's what the heavenly Father is like...He is in our life if we know Him personally; just like a Dad. My Dad truly was in my life; just ask me sometime about how he was in my life! You would be surprised!!!

Leave it at this, for now! Regardless of our status on a social website, or how many emails we may get, or how many friends we have... all that really counts is what we do in REAL life. How do I handle the bumps, troubles, issues, hard things, and tragedies that may occur. I cannot handle any of that on my own and I don't have to. Neither do you.

We have a heavenly Father that will guide us, lead us, comfort us, and take care of us through all of the hard times. It won't be easy, but that is life on the world.

No matter our age, income bracket, or health God is there and knows.

This is from the Message (by Eugene Peterson).

"Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. " Philippians 2:5-8

Living Life At Our Southern Home!

We have been enjoying our first few weeks at our 'southern home' here in Durant, FL. Our cute little cottage is our home for the next two months. We are busy cleaning, fixing, and doing general house things that we don't have to do for our apartment up north.

Since my last post we traveled to Mount Washington, KY to minister at First AG with Pastor Phil & Dellinda Walton. After traveling over 8 hrs. on Saturday, we settled into our hotel for the weekend. Sunday brought us to the church to do our normal routine of setting up our display and book table, and for me to get a sound check at the piano. Most of the time what I do on a Sunday is sing and play the piano or keyboard. It does bring joy to my heart to have this small part in what God is doing in His Church.

It was so great seeing our friends there, including Pastor Phil & Dellinda. Our story of meeting Phil is really a miracle; sitting down at a random table at a banquet during our General Council (the Assemblies of God national conference held every two years) which "happened" to be the same table as Phil. After introductions and talking he invited us to his church for ministry. We have ministered at First AG for several years now and enjoy each time.

Also that Sunday, my cousin Karen was in the service. She lives not too far from Mt. Washington and came for the morning. It was so great seeing her and having a few minutes to visit. Her dad and my dad are brothers. We had a lot of fun whenever we had the chance to be together as cousins.

We left Kentucky on Monday to travel to Troy, AL for the night; breaking up a 26 hr. drive into thirds (KY-AL-FL). On Tuesday we arrived here, at our cottage about 6 pm. It sure looked great! We were glad to get here. Began unpacking, putting food items in the frig and generally moving in. One of our neighbors here, Leo, had the cottage electric, water, and frig going. We had called him earlier in the day to ask if he could do this for us. We had given him a key to our cottage so he could keep an eye on it for us while we are up north.

During the week I cleaned and even hung up the bed blankets to air in the FL sunshine (sweet). Two of the things we get to do here during the winter season is to use the clothes line and to use our grill. Actually, up north during the summer we grill a lot, but can't hang our clothes outside. Nice to do it here. Also had to take some time to get food and supplies...but oh so much easier here. No freezing temps or snow banks!

Our next ministry was in Crawfordville, FL (in the panhandle, just south of Tallahassee) on Sunday, January 13. That's about a 4.5 hr drive from our cottage. The church we ministered at was Good News AG, with Pastor Jerry & Virginia Fielder. We had an excellent time of ministry there, too. It is truly wonderful how we can connect with pastors and spouses and create lasting friendships. We appreciate each one so much.

Back to our cottage on Monday afternoon, by 1 pm. Had plenty of time to unpack and do some extra cleaning in our bedroom. I love what we do...traveling, meeting people, even hotel living. One thing I do though, if we are going to be somewhere for awhile, is unpack my suitcase, makes it so much easier. At our cottage it took me until this Monday to unpack my suitcase because I had to clean the dresser from dust and bug remains! It felt good to finally put my clothes away.

During that week Bill started a project to repair some rotten wood in the eaves (overhang) area of the cottage. That meant a trip to Lowe's for lumber and supplies. We also had to get more food by then...seems we eat a lot!!! I continued cleaning, doing laundry...you know, just normal house duties. Difference is we also were able to do all this in the warm sunshine, tropical breezes, and sunny days! Sweet!

The following Sunday we were at Northside AG in Lakeland, FL with Pastor Eddie & Joyce Tanner (about 45 mins. from our cottage). It was a great day of ministry and catching up with so many friends there, too. We have ministered at Northside many times over the years. When my parents wintered here this was there church. When we started coming to FL we stayed with my Dad & Mom and attended Northside when we weren't traveling. An added bonus was that my sister, Beckie, and her husband, Al came for the morning service. They are able to spend a couple of months here, too! It was GREAT seeing them both. We had lunch together; then they came over to the cottage for the afternoon. Nice...

That brings you up-to-date. Like I said, it's normal life for us. Just the added bonus of working on a home and being in the warmth during these winter months. And to our freezing family and friends up north...hang in there, it'll get better soon!

In the weeks ahead we'll continue to travel in Florida and also South Carolina. If you are interested, connect with me on Facebook (Beth Ann Murray Juoni); my posts are usually a lot more current than this blog!

That's about it from here...our southern home.

On Our Way!

A quick post today!

We'll be heading to our Florida cottage starting Saturday. Though we won't get there until Tuesday evening, we are really looking forward to it! The temps there are in the upper 70's...can live with that.

We'll be ministering in Mt. Washington, KY on Sunday, then traveling south. We try to schedule a service part way south, then part way north to break up the long travel time.

On Monday we will stop for overnight in Troy, AL; that's why we won't be to our cottage until Tuesday.

If you want to read more about our little cottage read the March 29 post. It's a cute little, thing; just right for us.

We won't have a lot to do to the actual structure this year nor buy appliances, etc.; maybe we'll have more time for entertaining and visiting.

We'll be ministering in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina while we are south returning home the first week of April.

That's it...short and sweet.

The Blessings of 2012!

I'm so blessed...

First of all, whoever reads this post is a true blessing to me; regardless if I 'know' you or we are 'just' acquaintences. I regard  you as a blessing. Second, I want to thank every one of you for being part of my life and the many blessings you have given to me or the blessing you are to me. Third, my husband, Bill, a true friend and companion. Together...a blessing. (And as the post will say...'we' are blessed.)

Each week we interact with the most amazing people, be it the pastoral staff at a church, the church people, our wonderful children & families, or our extended family. All of you have been such a blessing. I'm not trying to sound overly dramatic, but to me, right now...I'm so thankful for each one of you.

The first part of the year we were working very hard on our cottage in Florida that we purchased in 2011. Many of our neighbors at Pleasant Grove helped us a lot to prepare the cottage before we arrived and while we were working on it helped in many ways. A blessing...

Throughout the year we were blessed to meet different people and make new friends. From North Dakota to Illinois, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin (and places yet to come). A blessing...

Our trip to the Philippines this year. It was so perfectly arranged by our missionary friends (Dave & Debbie Johnson). ALL the details and events came together in perfect harmony. A blessing...

And to our families; we want you to know how special you are to us and that each one of you are a blessing to us. We love your smiles and laughter, your jokes and conversations; your tears and heartaches; the times you ask for help and the times you can do it on your own. It's all part of being a family and we are so glad you are 'ours'. You make us smile! A blessing...

And to our Father; to the One who truly blesses. He loves, guides, leads, and forgives. A blessing...

Predictions and Preparation!

Today in Wisconsin we are experiencing something that hasn't happened in almost 300 days. A huge snowstorm, blizzard, whiteout, full on winter storm! It has been predicted for the last 3 days.

Some of us have been anticipating the 'whiteness' of it all. As I type, the snow is falling. Many of us love the idea of a white Christmas; nostalgia I suppose, but also it does make the brown landscape look very pretty.

The trees are filled with boughs of white snow, the kids are making snowmen, sledding or whatever kids do outside. Maybe some parents are taking the day off to be with kids because schools called a 'snow day'...making cookies, catching up on homework (um, yeah), reading, some shopping if they can get out. Or if you don't like the snow you may be grumbling a bit. Having to clean the snow off your car, having to go to work, finding a sitter for the kids, sliding off the road, shoveling the sidewalk, etc.

My main point today though is the prediction of it all. In our scientific world, the people who report weather have told us since Tuesday that this area of the U.S. would get a terrific, winter storm. I think their predictions are amazing. How can they know these things will really occur several days in advance. Like in recent months they predicted the hurricanes, other types of storms, even warnings for tornado's; it's truly an amazing world. We can know these things ahead of time and prepare thanks to the weather reporters.

Preparation is the key when these events are predicted. Yesterday I went shopping knowing that today I would not leave my home. Getting needed items for a dinner, gifts, whatever; I knew it had to be done yesterday...at least for me. I don't like driving in the snowy conditions. So, I prepared; starting Tuesday I knew that Wednesday would be errand day.

Preparation for storms of this type include making sure you have needed items in the house. When the news reports a hurricane or other type of stormy weather is approaching people are seen getting bottled water, generators, food products, baby items, making sure the elderly are okay; things like that. It is really common sense to be prepared. Even having an emergency kit in the car or one for the house. Preparation is the key to surviving the predicted events. I had time to be ready...time to know, in advance.

And yet, some times we can not be prepared for the events that happen in our life. It has been said all it takes is one phone call, letter, or visit and our lives may change forever. The preparation for such an event is having our faith in the One who can help us through. He knows and He is always ready to help.

In preparation for this holiday season with family and friends let's all take time to express our appreciation and love. Be prepared for lots of hugs and kisses; and I predict you will have a great holiday.

An update...finally!!!

Since my last post we have been to the Philippines (and of course returned), been to several different states, and have been working hard at home.

Our missions trip to the Philippines was amazing. We were with our missionary friends Joanne Oftedahl and Dave & Debbie Johnson. We truly appreciate our friends and the opportunity to minister together with them.

The ministry included traveling to several different islands by airplane and boat; on land by car, by taxi (as in a motorcycle with a side car) and by a little walking. The weather was amazing: hot, humid, sunny, wonderful, some rain, some storms, even effects of a typhoon! Of course the scenery is always beautiful and the people are truly beautiful!

All of our ministry included teaching seminars during the day, services in the evening, and ministry on Sunday's at the local church. We met so many wonderful and amazing ministry couples that are putting their heart and soul into all they do; from building churches, running after school programs, feeding programs, maintaining church properties, running businesses to help fund their church, and etc. They are really resourceful and very appreciative of our visits. And we appreciate all the work they are doing.

Our missionary friends are working very hard, too, for the Kingdom. We want to extend a big thank  you to them for their hard work in arranging our trip, and how smoothly it all worked out. We had true adventures, and wonderful times of relaxation.

Now that we are in the month of December we want to extend to all of you a Merry Christmas and a happy, blessed New Year. We appreciate each one of you!

He IS the reason for the season!

Where is our suitcase going this time?

That is a good question! Tonight our suitcases are getting packed pretty full!

Tomorrow (Tue, Aug 7) we begin our journey to southeast Asia. We'll be ministering in the beautiful island country of the Philippines. This trip is different in that it is two weeks longer than most of our missions trips. We'll be there a full month, coming back to the U.S. on September 6.

We'll be working with Missionary Joanne Oftedahl on the island of Palawan for about one week, ministering on the weekend at churches. It'll be great seeing her again. I understand this island is quite beautiful, not sure how much of it we'll see though!

After that week we'll travel to Manila for an overnight rest, then on to our next assignment in Legaspi (Bicol Region) to work with Missionaries Dave & Debbie Johnson. We haven't seen the Johnson's for several years now; it'll be good to see them and work with them again.

While we are with the Johnson's we'll be doing a lot of traveling around the area; having meetings at house churches. It'll be great meeting all the pastors and families, as well as the church people.

My plan is to keep updating my Facebook page as much as possible. Please 'friend' me if you would like to read what is happening!

Two requests! Please pray for us on our travels that God's plan and purposes will be accomplished and we'll stay in good health.