The Road Less Traveled

Sheldon's Walk,
originally uploaded by Debbie Pryor.

Today, I simply want to share a favorite poem of mine.

ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth

Then took the other as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads onto way
I doubted if I should ever come back

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference


Robert Frost

I Will Bless You Lord

Psa. 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

I just cannot help but to express my adoration for the Lord. My life is blessed because He holds my life in His hands. No, these are not idle words, I sincerely believe that the Lord is guiding and directing my life. Sometimes I cannot see the outcome, but I know that He is near. I have hope, "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth." (Psa. 71:5)

A Picture Perfect Day

Sheldon at the Beach,
originally uploaded by Debbie Pryor.

Happiness is spending a day at the beach with your family and friends. We had an awesome time at the beach. Sheldon has not spent too much time at the beach, and he is somewhat cautious when it comes to playing in the ocean water. His friend, Laycee, kept encouraging him to come out a little deeper, and he finally did.

After swimming in the picturesque ocean water, we were all sitting on the beach. Laycee and Sheldon were beginning to build a sand castle, when all of the sudden, the tide came up higher than we expected, and got us all wet. We then proceeded back to the picnic and had a marvelous dinner of steak, hot dogs and corn on the cob! All of this was so yummy.

We also celebrated Jessie's birthday. We had birthday cake or maybe I should say, cookies smothered in frosting. When you are out at the beach anything is possible. A day with Bro. and Sis. David would not be complete if we did not have cup of coffee. Unfortunately, there was no Starbucks to be found. So, Bro. and Sis. David graciously brought coffee to us!

After dinner, we once again walked to the beach. Thanks Babe, for the lovely stroll. The sunset was beautiful. We have some great pictures of everyone.

Resa David saved the best for last, cheesecake, and it was delicious! I wish the day never had to end, but it did. Whenever we go to Dana Point, I will fondly remember this "Picture Perfect Day".

God's Masterpiece

Sheldon's Reflection,
originally uploaded by Debbie Pryor.

As a mom, I love those quite moments when my child is still fast asleep. He looks so peaceful. It is only a matter of time before he awakes, and his day begins. I might add that when he wakes up, he immediately wants to get dressed and head out the door to begin his play day. I am, therefore, utilizing this time to write my reflection for the day which is taken from Psalms 139:14: "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

As ladies, we should rest assured that in our Heavenly Father's eyes we are wonderfully made. Too often we want to look in the mirror and focus on every flaw. We want to compare ourselves to someone else. We may rehearse such phrases as "well, if I looked like so and so, or if I had her talents, her personality," on and on our rampant thoughts run. Well, guess what, we will never be like someone else. We are unique and fashioned by a Maker who does not make mistakes! Hence, we need to quit coveting what another possesses and realize that the Lord has equipped us with every talent we need to effectively be His servant. March on and be encouraged for you are like no other!

Inspirational quote: "There are only two ways to live your life. 
One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is."  
(Albert Einstein)

Debbie+Mark

Debbie+Mark,
originally uploaded by Debbie Pryor.

I give God the glory and thank Him everyday for blessing me with an AMAZING husband. Not too long ago, we faced what I can only term the "greatest disappointment" of lives. When I was discouraged, he helped me to understand that sometimes you have to simply trust God and realize that He alone unfolds the pages of lives. Through this stormy trial, Mark truly was a pillar of faith. Like Aaron and Hur in the Old Testament, he held my "arms upright" so that I would be encouraged. Never once did he allow me to falter; instead, he always offered sound advice and lovely words of inspiration. Because of his unwavering faith, we experienced great victory!

Letting Go One Milestone At A Time

No Training Wheels
Originally uploaded by MAPryor.

Yesterday, we had the privilege of watching our son ride his bike without the training wheels. When his daddy let go of the bike, I was not sure if he would immediately fall or if he would stay upright. Well, Sheldon held his balance and rode his bike. He experienced many falls, but he was determined to learn to ride his bike. By the end of the day, he was one jubilant child. He was proud of his accomplishment, and we were too! For you see, we joyfully celebrated another milestone in Sheldon's life.

Sheldon is growing up so fast, but we are thankful to be raising him in a Godly home where love abounds. He is a precious gift from God, and we are striving to raise him according to Biblical principles. Someday, he will be riding off into manhood, but we know that the Bible promises us that if we "train up a child in the way he should go", when he is grown and on his own, he will not depart from this precious truth!

No One Can Make You Inferior Without Your Consent

"No one can make you inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt) If you have lived long enough, you may have experienced the feeling of inferiority. Most individuals are able to shake off such a feeling. However, there are those who are incessantly bombarded with hurtful remarks that cause them to sink in the gloomy pit of "inferiority".

Inferiority will then breed an inferiority complex. The term "inferiority complex" is defined as "an unrealistic feeling of general inadequacy." The burden of inferiority will rob you of your joy and self worth. It will cause you to look in the mirror and see a negative reflection of yourself. Do not spend another vital moment believing the hurtful words or pious looks of those who want to make you feel inferior. You are a "pearl of great price." In Serita Ann Jakes book, The Princess Within, she states, "I have looked into mirrors and out through windows, and I have found that it is better to look for windows of opportunity to help others than to grasp for glimpses of my own reflection."

Sheldon's Lost Tooth

Here is a short note as to what is going on in the Pryor household. Sheldon lost another tooth! Now he is missing three teeth. For most of the day, he kept asking me who could pull his tooth. He was considering Bro. Ken, Bro. Ferman and Sis. Magda. (Members at the Higher Ground Church. Colton, CA, Pastor: Ted David) Mom tried, but I just could not muster up the courage to yank it out. Can you guess who the tooth puller was? Daddy, of course!

Thank God for a brave dad who always steps to the plate in times of need. He is courageous and the best dad around! You are our hero. We love you, Mark. Because of you, our lives are blessed. You are amazing, and we are behind you 110 percent. Keep preaching the Word!

You Must be Bold

As I was reading my husband's notes, the following quote caught my attention: "You must be bolder than the boulder that stands in your way." (Mark Pryor) What is standing in your way? Do you lack faith to believe that the Lord is your provider? Perhaps you are facing loneliness and you feel that no one cares. The Lord is a friend to the friendless. He cares and understands. You can speak to the "boulder" that is in your pathway and not just believe but expect it to be removed.

Mark 11:23, states: for verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Are you ready to become an overcomer? It takes true boldness and courage to overcome an obstacle that is in your pathway.

If you are to become an obstacle conqueror, you cannot make an about face and run from what is troubling you. You must be brave and face what is concerning you. Also, you must not allow your frail mentality of doubt to dictate to you any longer. Your obstacle will dissipate if you will have the faith to believe that Lord truly can do all things. The Lord is not limited by what you are experiencing today. The Lord will give you the strength and guidance that you are seeking after. You must take the first step and the Lord will take you to the next level. We serve an awesome God who is able to provide your every need!