Monday, May 25, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Meno-what?
When I came home from work yesterday, I began preparing dinner. Alec had a soccer game and I knew that we had to rush.
Once the chicken strips were in the oven, I asked Alec if he would unload the dishwasher. I then gave the kitchen floor a quick sweep.
Somehow the conversation between he and I turned to him being the youngest. He made mention that he wished that he had a younger brother, especially about Micah's age. Not only do I enjoy having little ones around, but my kids do too.
I told him that I also wished that, but it was too late now.
He didn't miss a beat and asked, "Why, did you have menopause?"
Once the chicken strips were in the oven, I asked Alec if he would unload the dishwasher. I then gave the kitchen floor a quick sweep.
Somehow the conversation between he and I turned to him being the youngest. He made mention that he wished that he had a younger brother, especially about Micah's age. Not only do I enjoy having little ones around, but my kids do too.
I told him that I also wished that, but it was too late now.
He didn't miss a beat and asked, "Why, did you have menopause?"
Truth Tuesday - on Wednesday
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Ten Birthdays Later
This was Alec's 2nd birthday. He was so excited for his party.
That was my little boy. I thought he would be little so much longer than he actually was.
Today he turns 12.
Twelve!
He is growing so fast and will be a young man before I know it, but secretly he still lets me call him my baby boy. My budsy wudsy. My little pooter. Alecky.
Happy Birthday my sweet Alec Michael.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Gidion
Gidion came into our lives in 2004, after listening to one of my favorite christian radio talk show hosts, Bob Dutko, explain how to sponsor a child through Compassion International. I had heard him speak about it many times in that first year of my new found christian walk. I remember the day, but not the date. I had a house cleaning job and was on my hands and knees scrubbing the hardwood floors, listening to Bob's show. When he spoke about how these children's lives are touched, I felt a tug on my heart and immediately dialed the radio station to sponsor a child.
A few weeks later a packet arrived in the mail with all of the information about our newly sponsored child. Gidion was five years old and lives in Tanzania with his family which consists of his father, mother and four siblings. A picture of him was attached to the Child Profile sheet. My heart melted.
We began receiving letters along with pictures that he had drawn for us about three to four times a year. His words are written in his native language and then translated to english. Here is a copy of part of his most recent letter:
In it, he thanks us for the money we sent for his birthday. He turned ten years old on January 1st. When we send gift money, they always take a picture of him with his goods that he was able to buy. Here he is shown with what he was able to purchase this time: shoes, sugar, rice, beans, shoe cream and a pen. He always looks so happy to show us his newly purchased items.
At the end of this most recent letter, like most of his other letters, it says, "He prays for you to have a long and blessed life."
This time, he also added,"Goodbye friend, God bless you a lot." Tears welled up in my eyes as I read that.
Buy sponsoring him, we are blessing his precious life by providing him with: Bible teaching, health screening and education, hygiene care, social and recreational activities, school enrollment and materials and HIV/AIDS prevention programs as well as prayer.
He has blessed our life with his simple love.
*****
"...and whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me."
-Matthew 18:5
*****
Go to Compassion International and sponsor a child today.
A few weeks later a packet arrived in the mail with all of the information about our newly sponsored child. Gidion was five years old and lives in Tanzania with his family which consists of his father, mother and four siblings. A picture of him was attached to the Child Profile sheet. My heart melted.
We began receiving letters along with pictures that he had drawn for us about three to four times a year. His words are written in his native language and then translated to english. Here is a copy of part of his most recent letter:
In it, he thanks us for the money we sent for his birthday. He turned ten years old on January 1st. When we send gift money, they always take a picture of him with his goods that he was able to buy. Here he is shown with what he was able to purchase this time: shoes, sugar, rice, beans, shoe cream and a pen. He always looks so happy to show us his newly purchased items.
At the end of this most recent letter, like most of his other letters, it says, "He prays for you to have a long and blessed life."
This time, he also added,"Goodbye friend, God bless you a lot." Tears welled up in my eyes as I read that.
Buy sponsoring him, we are blessing his precious life by providing him with: Bible teaching, health screening and education, hygiene care, social and recreational activities, school enrollment and materials and HIV/AIDS prevention programs as well as prayer.
He has blessed our life with his simple love.
*****
"...and whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me."
-Matthew 18:5
*****
Go to Compassion International and sponsor a child today.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Artwork by Rachel
These were taken by Rachel today. I love them! Click on each to get the "full effect".
Matt's Wheelz - Done!
He has been driving it for about three weeks now and loves it. We are very proud of all of his hard work.
To see the before pictures, along with his work in progress, visit these posts:
Matt's Wheelz
Hillbilly HQ
Masked Man
Let's Go Krogering
My shopping trip to Kroger today.
Before coupons: around $98. Out the door:$48.
My out the door amount was a little high due to me buying:
Muffin Pan $5.99
Orbit Gum Big Pack $3.29
Here is what I paid for my sale/coupon deals:
(2) Hillshire Farm Sausage Packs
$1.09/ea.
(3) Gallons Kroger Milk
(2) Cinnamon Life Cereal
(2) Boxes True Delights Granola Bars
$6.00/all
*I had a rain check on this mega deal
(4) Pringles Potato Chips
.65/ea.
(2) Nabisco Wheat Thins
$1.10/ea.
(1) Hefty Flex Trash Bags
$2.69
(2) Powerade
.99/ea.
No real "deal" here either, they are Alec's for soccer.
(2) Secret Deodorant
.50/ea.
(1) Extra Large Waterproof Bandaids (pack of 10)
.50
(2) Loreal Pro-Vive Shampoo/Conditioner
.65/ea.
(2) Energizer 4-pack AA Batteries
$1.50/ea.
(2) Lawry's Marinade
.56/ea.
(1) Crest Toothpaste
.49
(1) Wet Ones Travel Canister
.89
(1) Eggo Waffles
.49
(1) Sara Lee Pie
$1.89
(1) Jose Ole Taquitos
$2.99
(1) Hershey Dark Chocolate Kisses
$1.00
(1) Starburst Jelly Beans
$1.00
(1) Skintimate Shaving Gel
.46
My Kroger receipt tells me that I saved $67.11 in manufacturer's coupons, Kroger bonus coupon savings and by also using my Kroger plus card.
Yippee!
Truth Tuesday
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
Philippians 2:5-8
Philippians 2:5-8
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I Once Was Lost - My Story
March 2, 2003, the day I was found. This is the story of my journey to get there.
I remember being invited as a little girl to go with a friend to a church that she attended. The Sunday School Bus drove through our neighborhood and picked us up. I was almost eight years old. I know this, because the inscription inside of the tiny red bible that I was given that day says April 11, 1976. I don't remember a whole lot about what was said when I was at the church, I only remember sitting in a circle in a little room with other same age kids and wanting to go home. I was a momma's girl. Big time. I must have been crying, someone took me to the church secretary's office. I remember dialing home and having my Mom answer. I explained to her that I didn't like it and wanted to go home. To my dismay, she told me that she would not be coming to get me and tried to assure me that I would be alright. I have no recollection of anything that happened afterward.
But I had that little red bible. With my name, address and date inside. To keep forever. Even though I could not fully grasp it on my own, I would open it up to John 3:16 and read it quite often throughout the years. I think I even read it out loud a few times, like a preacher. Probably to Kristie. Deep within my heart, the message was love, but without continuous watering of the seed that had been planted, I would not grow spiritually.
As a young teen, my Mom took Kristie and I to church where our two aunts and their families went. I remember sitting in the pew, passing notes to my cousins and almost constantly looking back at the clock. Pastor Bontrager was extremely passionate about what he was preaching, often crying at the pulpit, and at times it tugged on my heart. We got involved in their small youth group. We would go downstairs and study along with our teacher in a workbook. But still, I have no recollection of really grasping what was being taught.
Somehow, through the course of that time all three of us were baptized, my Mom, Kristie and myself. I remember standing in a small shallow baptismal. Everyone was happy for us. I would still refer to my small red bible now and then.
As a wedding gift, John and I received a bible from my cousin and her husband. I can remember John and I earnestly trying to read it together. We knew we "should". We both had just enough Sunday School teaching in our young lives to know that it was something we should incorporate into our new lives together. In the front of the bible was a format of reading, to help guide us through the scriptures. It was a big flop. Neither of us could understand it. The bible sat on a shelf for years.
In the early to mid 90's, John's Mom and I thought we would look for a church together. We both wanted to go, but our husbands had no interest. We went to a church that a friend of hers belonged to. We were very turned off by the non-instrumental worship and never went back, nor did we search for another one together again.
When Josh was around three and a half, I started searching for a preschool program. There was a large church in town and when I checked it out, I thought it was perfect. Some simple biblical teaching, instruction on ABC's and 123's as well as improved social development. After he had been there a while, the assistant teacher who was probably a little older than my own Mom at the time, asked if my husband and I attended church. When I told her that we did not, she told me about how wonderful that church was and that there were a lot of younger families, like my own. I told her that would be "neat". Never once did we attend and she never brought it up again. I would also send the younger three kids to church preschool programs.
When Josh was probably five or so, he asked me a question while riding in the car. His little mind wanted to know, "where is God?" I responded, "Oh, he is up in the clouds!" That satisfied his little mind, but tugged at me a little. Was that the right answer?
We built our home back in 1997. Alec, our youngest, was just a baby. I was a busy Mom, shuffling kids around to school and playdates. I was also meeting other Moms. Sandy was a mother of four children, all pretty close in age to my own. Her and I would get together quite often for coffee and scrapbooking while our preschool kids played together. She would talk lightly about God and her church, which turned out to be that same church where my kids attended preschool. She even told me the story of how God got her attention one night after drinking as a young adult. She had been driving with a friend and from what she can remember, she probably would've died in a car accident that she believed only God saved her from. A few times she would invite my kids to attend church with her kids on Wednesday nights. Josh and Matthew went a couple of times. When she asked about us possibly going as a family, I responded that I didn't have any "church clothes".
Josh would occasionally ask if we could go to church. I always made excuses, but the desire was beginning to grow.
When invited to another friend's church for vacation bible school, the boys were very excited to go. I took all four of the kids for a few days that week. Everyone was very friendly, but it seemed so foreign. They were actually clapping their hands and shouting for joy during worship. When we left, Josh said he wanted to go back. We never did.
Kristie and I talked about searching for a church together. She choose a church down the street from her. We simply did not know how to go about this search and started there. Every person in there had white hair. All twenty five of them. When it was time for communion, they all lined up, took a wafer from the preacher and DRANK FROM THE SAME CUP. We were horrified. Especially since it was cold and flu season! I don't think either of us moved from our seat. We had Josh and Matthew with us, and bless their hearts, when we walked out into the parking lot they asked, "can we come back again?" We did not.
9/11 happened and it scared me. Really scared me, like the rest of the nation. In a phone conversation with my Mom, I was panicking and telling her that I wasn't so sure about where I would go when I died. I was convinced that the terrorists were going to bomb our small town. We finally came to the conclusion in that conversation that we were "good" people and surely God doesn't send "good" people to Hell.
Easter 2002. My neighbor next door had been attending a local community church and I thought it would be nice for all of us to attend. We went twice, maybe three times. On one occasion, the speaker that day made me question where he was coming from when during his teaching he proclaimed that if he had died as a young man, before such and such, he would've went to Hell. What was he talking about? I didn't agree with him. We never went back.
When Kristie became pregnant with her third child, she was a little surprised but excited. We all love our babies and looked forward to new life once again. Sadly, at a little over half way into that pregnancy the little one that she was carrying no longer had a heart beat. She would deliver a lifeless baby boy in early December 2002. We were stunned, shocked and saddened. Kristie wanted a memorial service but didn't know who and where. My Mom's neighbors just happened to be the pastor and his wife at a church near her, and that is where it was held. I remember going and listening to this pastor during the service and thinking, he is a good speaker!
Christmas Eve 2002. The three of us women, along with a few of the kids went back to that church for their Christmas play. When the pastor gave a call for salvation, I raised my hand. I didn't really realize what was happening, only that when he asked if anyone needed Jesus in their life to please raise their hand. I felt very prompted to do that.
My Mom had begun attending service by herself at that church and would periodically tell me how good the service had been that day and how nice it would be for me to attend sometime. Something inside me would still make excuses. Nothing to wear. It was our day to sleep in. But on March 2, I decided to go. I had taken the two boys with me as well.
It was that day that my life would be forever changed.
I finally got it. I heard his voice. I responded to the call.
I gave my life to the Lord.
And I have not looked back since.
I remember being invited as a little girl to go with a friend to a church that she attended. The Sunday School Bus drove through our neighborhood and picked us up. I was almost eight years old. I know this, because the inscription inside of the tiny red bible that I was given that day says April 11, 1976. I don't remember a whole lot about what was said when I was at the church, I only remember sitting in a circle in a little room with other same age kids and wanting to go home. I was a momma's girl. Big time. I must have been crying, someone took me to the church secretary's office. I remember dialing home and having my Mom answer. I explained to her that I didn't like it and wanted to go home. To my dismay, she told me that she would not be coming to get me and tried to assure me that I would be alright. I have no recollection of anything that happened afterward.
But I had that little red bible. With my name, address and date inside. To keep forever. Even though I could not fully grasp it on my own, I would open it up to John 3:16 and read it quite often throughout the years. I think I even read it out loud a few times, like a preacher. Probably to Kristie. Deep within my heart, the message was love, but without continuous watering of the seed that had been planted, I would not grow spiritually.
As a young teen, my Mom took Kristie and I to church where our two aunts and their families went. I remember sitting in the pew, passing notes to my cousins and almost constantly looking back at the clock. Pastor Bontrager was extremely passionate about what he was preaching, often crying at the pulpit, and at times it tugged on my heart. We got involved in their small youth group. We would go downstairs and study along with our teacher in a workbook. But still, I have no recollection of really grasping what was being taught.
Somehow, through the course of that time all three of us were baptized, my Mom, Kristie and myself. I remember standing in a small shallow baptismal. Everyone was happy for us. I would still refer to my small red bible now and then.
As a wedding gift, John and I received a bible from my cousin and her husband. I can remember John and I earnestly trying to read it together. We knew we "should". We both had just enough Sunday School teaching in our young lives to know that it was something we should incorporate into our new lives together. In the front of the bible was a format of reading, to help guide us through the scriptures. It was a big flop. Neither of us could understand it. The bible sat on a shelf for years.
In the early to mid 90's, John's Mom and I thought we would look for a church together. We both wanted to go, but our husbands had no interest. We went to a church that a friend of hers belonged to. We were very turned off by the non-instrumental worship and never went back, nor did we search for another one together again.
When Josh was around three and a half, I started searching for a preschool program. There was a large church in town and when I checked it out, I thought it was perfect. Some simple biblical teaching, instruction on ABC's and 123's as well as improved social development. After he had been there a while, the assistant teacher who was probably a little older than my own Mom at the time, asked if my husband and I attended church. When I told her that we did not, she told me about how wonderful that church was and that there were a lot of younger families, like my own. I told her that would be "neat". Never once did we attend and she never brought it up again. I would also send the younger three kids to church preschool programs.
When Josh was probably five or so, he asked me a question while riding in the car. His little mind wanted to know, "where is God?" I responded, "Oh, he is up in the clouds!" That satisfied his little mind, but tugged at me a little. Was that the right answer?
We built our home back in 1997. Alec, our youngest, was just a baby. I was a busy Mom, shuffling kids around to school and playdates. I was also meeting other Moms. Sandy was a mother of four children, all pretty close in age to my own. Her and I would get together quite often for coffee and scrapbooking while our preschool kids played together. She would talk lightly about God and her church, which turned out to be that same church where my kids attended preschool. She even told me the story of how God got her attention one night after drinking as a young adult. She had been driving with a friend and from what she can remember, she probably would've died in a car accident that she believed only God saved her from. A few times she would invite my kids to attend church with her kids on Wednesday nights. Josh and Matthew went a couple of times. When she asked about us possibly going as a family, I responded that I didn't have any "church clothes".
Josh would occasionally ask if we could go to church. I always made excuses, but the desire was beginning to grow.
When invited to another friend's church for vacation bible school, the boys were very excited to go. I took all four of the kids for a few days that week. Everyone was very friendly, but it seemed so foreign. They were actually clapping their hands and shouting for joy during worship. When we left, Josh said he wanted to go back. We never did.
Kristie and I talked about searching for a church together. She choose a church down the street from her. We simply did not know how to go about this search and started there. Every person in there had white hair. All twenty five of them. When it was time for communion, they all lined up, took a wafer from the preacher and DRANK FROM THE SAME CUP. We were horrified. Especially since it was cold and flu season! I don't think either of us moved from our seat. We had Josh and Matthew with us, and bless their hearts, when we walked out into the parking lot they asked, "can we come back again?" We did not.
9/11 happened and it scared me. Really scared me, like the rest of the nation. In a phone conversation with my Mom, I was panicking and telling her that I wasn't so sure about where I would go when I died. I was convinced that the terrorists were going to bomb our small town. We finally came to the conclusion in that conversation that we were "good" people and surely God doesn't send "good" people to Hell.
Easter 2002. My neighbor next door had been attending a local community church and I thought it would be nice for all of us to attend. We went twice, maybe three times. On one occasion, the speaker that day made me question where he was coming from when during his teaching he proclaimed that if he had died as a young man, before such and such, he would've went to Hell. What was he talking about? I didn't agree with him. We never went back.
When Kristie became pregnant with her third child, she was a little surprised but excited. We all love our babies and looked forward to new life once again. Sadly, at a little over half way into that pregnancy the little one that she was carrying no longer had a heart beat. She would deliver a lifeless baby boy in early December 2002. We were stunned, shocked and saddened. Kristie wanted a memorial service but didn't know who and where. My Mom's neighbors just happened to be the pastor and his wife at a church near her, and that is where it was held. I remember going and listening to this pastor during the service and thinking, he is a good speaker!
Christmas Eve 2002. The three of us women, along with a few of the kids went back to that church for their Christmas play. When the pastor gave a call for salvation, I raised my hand. I didn't really realize what was happening, only that when he asked if anyone needed Jesus in their life to please raise their hand. I felt very prompted to do that.
My Mom had begun attending service by herself at that church and would periodically tell me how good the service had been that day and how nice it would be for me to attend sometime. Something inside me would still make excuses. Nothing to wear. It was our day to sleep in. But on March 2, I decided to go. I had taken the two boys with me as well.
It was that day that my life would be forever changed.
I finally got it. I heard his voice. I responded to the call.
I gave my life to the Lord.
And I have not looked back since.
(There is however, more to share. Look for the upcoming post "Now I'm Found" soon).
*****
The ROMANS ROAD....is a pathway you can walk.
It is a group of Bible verses from the book of Romans in the New Testament. If you walk down this road you will end up understanding how to be saved.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
We all have sin in our hearts. We all were born with sin.
We were born under the power of sin's control.
- Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 6:23a "...The wages of sin is death..."
Sin has an ending. It results in death. We all face physical death, which is a result of sin. But a worse death is spiritual death that alienates us from God, and will last for all eternity. The Bible teaches that there is a place called the Lake of Fire where lost people will be in torment forever. It is the place where people who are spiritually dead will remain.
- Understand that you deserve death for your sin.
Romans 6:23b "...But the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Salvation is a free gift from God to you! You can't
earn this gift, but you must reach out and receive it.
- Ask God to forgive you and save you.
Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in
that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"
When Jesus died on the cross He paid sin's penalty. He paid the price for all sin, and when He took all the sins of the world on Himself on the cross, He bought us out of slavery to sin and death! The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us, understanding that we are now joined with Him, and that He is our life. He did all this because He loved us and gave Himself for us!
- Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change. His love bought you out of being a slave to sin. His love is what saves you -- not religion, or church membership. God loves you!
Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"
- Call out to God in the name of Jesus!
Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
- If you know that God is knocking on your heart's door,
ask Him to come into your heart.
Jesus said,
Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..."
- Is Jesus knocking on your heart's door?
*****
The ROMANS ROAD....is a pathway you can walk.
It is a group of Bible verses from the book of Romans in the New Testament. If you walk down this road you will end up understanding how to be saved.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
We all have sin in our hearts. We all were born with sin.
We were born under the power of sin's control.
- Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 6:23a "...The wages of sin is death..."
Sin has an ending. It results in death. We all face physical death, which is a result of sin. But a worse death is spiritual death that alienates us from God, and will last for all eternity. The Bible teaches that there is a place called the Lake of Fire where lost people will be in torment forever. It is the place where people who are spiritually dead will remain.
- Understand that you deserve death for your sin.
Romans 6:23b "...But the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Salvation is a free gift from God to you! You can't
earn this gift, but you must reach out and receive it.
- Ask God to forgive you and save you.
Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in
that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"
When Jesus died on the cross He paid sin's penalty. He paid the price for all sin, and when He took all the sins of the world on Himself on the cross, He bought us out of slavery to sin and death! The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us, understanding that we are now joined with Him, and that He is our life. He did all this because He loved us and gave Himself for us!
- Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change. His love bought you out of being a slave to sin. His love is what saves you -- not religion, or church membership. God loves you!
Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"
- Call out to God in the name of Jesus!
Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
- If you know that God is knocking on your heart's door,
ask Him to come into your heart.
Jesus said,
Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..."
- Is Jesus knocking on your heart's door?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
It Happened One Night
Okay, maybe several nights ago.
We have morphed into older, non-technical, yelling at each other (not really), dense people.
John and I.
Friday night we are home alone and decide to watch a movie together. Remember, we are all alone. Which means we have no help from our kids. They are the ones that usually put in the movie and push all the right buttons to get it started on our surround sound dvd player.
So John puts in the movie and waits as the sounds begin and we arrive at a menu. No big deal. Except when he hits play or next, nothing happens. I notice that the out of the six choices given, none really simply say "play". They were "deleted scenes" and "from pages to scenes"...blah blah blah. With background music, playing over and over and over.
So John gets a brilliant idea and suggests we find the remote to the dvd player and maybe have more options with that. I find one and it of course needs new batteries. No big deal. I have been buying up 4 packs at Kroger with the super de-duper coupon/sale matching. And, I found two remotes! We could BOTH work on this. So as he is pushing buttons on his remote and it doesn't work, I begin pushing buttons on mine, moving it to "deleted scenes". No, no, no, that is not what we want. John begins to get frustrated that I am also using a remote. "Would you stop it?" he asks, which was more like an order.
So we go back and forth moving in circles in this movie that we are trying to get started. We are both thinking, "Where are the kids when you need them?" Especially Alec, he would know exactly what to do.
A light bulb finally goes on in my brain and I ask him, "Is there another disc? I think this is the special scenes disc and the movie is on a second disc". John opens the disc jacket and sure enough there it was.
He says, "Ah-ha! There is a trap door and I didn't see it!" I am sure most people have purchased a dvd where there are two discs and there is a "trap door" that separates the two.
We were cracking up, laughing out loud. I loved his description of it as a trap door.
The correct disc was put in and it didn't take too long to find the menu and push "play" when prompted.
It only took us twenty-two minutes to figure all of this out.
We have morphed into older, non-technical, yelling at each other (not really), dense people.
John and I.
Friday night we are home alone and decide to watch a movie together. Remember, we are all alone. Which means we have no help from our kids. They are the ones that usually put in the movie and push all the right buttons to get it started on our surround sound dvd player.
So John puts in the movie and waits as the sounds begin and we arrive at a menu. No big deal. Except when he hits play or next, nothing happens. I notice that the out of the six choices given, none really simply say "play". They were "deleted scenes" and "from pages to scenes"...blah blah blah. With background music, playing over and over and over.
So John gets a brilliant idea and suggests we find the remote to the dvd player and maybe have more options with that. I find one and it of course needs new batteries. No big deal. I have been buying up 4 packs at Kroger with the super de-duper coupon/sale matching. And, I found two remotes! We could BOTH work on this. So as he is pushing buttons on his remote and it doesn't work, I begin pushing buttons on mine, moving it to "deleted scenes". No, no, no, that is not what we want. John begins to get frustrated that I am also using a remote. "Would you stop it?" he asks, which was more like an order.
So we go back and forth moving in circles in this movie that we are trying to get started. We are both thinking, "Where are the kids when you need them?" Especially Alec, he would know exactly what to do.
A light bulb finally goes on in my brain and I ask him, "Is there another disc? I think this is the special scenes disc and the movie is on a second disc". John opens the disc jacket and sure enough there it was.
He says, "Ah-ha! There is a trap door and I didn't see it!" I am sure most people have purchased a dvd where there are two discs and there is a "trap door" that separates the two.
We were cracking up, laughing out loud. I loved his description of it as a trap door.
The correct disc was put in and it didn't take too long to find the menu and push "play" when prompted.
It only took us twenty-two minutes to figure all of this out.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Truth Tuesday
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7
Beginning today, I will start publishing "random" scripture every Tuesday. Truth spoken into our lives is amazing.
Proverbs 1:7
Beginning today, I will start publishing "random" scripture every Tuesday. Truth spoken into our lives is amazing.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Our Junk, Frozen in Time
I don't know what made me think about it. Maybe the camera sitting beside me at the desk here. I snapped these photos this morning and thought I would comment about things in each one, along with where it is in my house. It is messy, but I thought would be fun.
Location: Laundry Room. My dryer always has an interesting collection. Most of the items come from Alec's jeans. When I found the thermometer, it cracked me up. He has always been "into stuff" and it was no surprise that instead of being in my medicine cabinet, I found it in his pockets. Tickets that he has earned from kid's church, candy, the dice, a pencil, chapstick and small tape measure. All from Alec.
Location: Matt's room. His nightstand not only has a half inch of dust, but also some interesting items. Guy stuff. Everyone has a hunting knife on theirs, right? WAREHOUSE sticker from the good old days of the skate park. Cool Mountain Dew decorative pop bottles. They will be worth something someday, right?
Location: Rachel's room. Since finishing up a christian teen girl book that I bought her for Christmas, she has concentrated on reading her Bible nightly and writing in a journal. Her journal reads like her personal prayers. Beautiful. Touches my heart. Cute purple lamp from Grammy for Christmas. Bunch of Kleenex from when she had a slight cold and a ton of hair ties. That is where they are, been looking for them! Her pink Nintendo DS that she really doesn't play with anymore.
Location: Me and John's Room. I always have had an assortment of books on my nightstand. The pink teddy bear was a gift from Rachel that she bought with her own money at a school store several years ago. I can never get rid of it. Always cups of water from nights before on both of our sides of the bed. Have to have chapstick applied before I go to bed everynight. I get to choose from mint or cherry. The purple ceramic like dish is one that Rachel made in art last year. It is also a keeper. The remote control is for Alec's tv. I catch him quite often watching it when it is supposed to be bedtime for him. I started wearing bobbie pins in my hair, especially to pull my bangs back when I get home. So they are everywhere.
Location: Me and John's Room - by our bathroom, "the make-up area". Rachel and I both get ready in this spot. She has her own drawer and I have my own for all of our "stuff". This is what is most often looks like, because we are always getting ready to go somewhere. I'm glad John doesn't complain about it. It is quite a mess!
Location: Alec's room. He doesn't have much of a nightstand, so I took this photo of inside his closet. It is only organized due to him being forced to clean out his room and closet a few weekends ago when John installed the new closet organizer. Looks a ton better. He has a few books, an old plastic deer that for some reason, he still has, even though he doesn't play with it. Hamster food that needs to go elsewhere, since Mr/Ms Hamster died about a month ago. Cars and Legos that will frightfully disappear soon. Mason and Micah go straight to his room when they come over to get them out. I guess I'll keep them for our future grandkids when he tires of them.
Location: Basement stairway. This is where we started taking measurements of the kids' height years ago. When John recently painted it, it was his idea to "frame" that area so not cover it up. It is a treasure. Grammy, Johnny and Brooke S. are even on it!
Location: Josh's room. The calendar that Krista made him is hanging on the wall. Pictures of her, of course are on his desk. He got this desk free from a guy he works with. Receipts, mail and candy litter it. Books from school can be found on the lower shelf. On the right side of the desk you can see part of his gas powered orange rc car.
Location: Kitchen. Josh's lunch box, which he takes only every so often. I wish he would pack his lunch instead of get fast food as much as he does. Poor guy is always so tired though. The black hat is for Alec. His friend let him borrow it for the "Wax Museum" at school tonight. Alec is Henry Ford. I will be so glad when that is over. What a project that has been. Actually, more of a project getting him to do the work that was needed. As always, at the last minute it was completed. The bamboo plant was from Krista's open house last summer. And my sink full of dishes, that goes along with the territory around here.
Location: Laundry Room. John's daily. He has always carried a lunch box, coffee mug and a large containter of water with him to work. I can always tell when it is him coming in the door from work. The sound of him putting all three on my washer is a given.
Location: Laundry Room. With six people in the house, even with the shoe organizer there are so many pairs of shoes parked all over. Someone took their insoles out and left them on the floor.
Location: Kitchen Table. Alec's green binder along with his tablet of construction paper for his project. "Oust" spray, my new favorite for fresh and clean around here. Got two cans really cheap with my coupons. The pile of vacuum bags and filters that I ordered a few weeks back. I was in dire need of the filters when I ordered them, not realizing it would take so long. The filter that was in my vacuum was quite old and full of dust and dirt. When I vacuumed, the whole house smelled of yuck. So last Saturday when I needed to vacuum and didn't have the new filters yet, I took one of Alec's old cotton lightweight shirts, cut a square out of it and used it for a temporary filter. It worked! No more smell. But I'll be glad to fit the new one in today.
Location: Kitchen. The green box was a gift that we received last week. It was unexpected. We found out it was from the lady that we refinanced our house through at the bank. Inside we found the most delicious molasses cookies that I have ever tasted. The bakery was called "The Dancing Deer Bakery". Super duper good. The pan is on the counter from yesterday. The DeClerck family returned it to us. I had made some soup and muffins and took it over after finding out their twenty-six year old son had unexpectedly passed away two weeks ago. I called her this morning to let her know that I was thinking of her and made plans with her to start walking together. My bag of Eight O'Clock coffee beans that I grind fresh every morning. The green box of Mike & Ike candies are from me buying treats for Micah to store in my purse. One of the pictures on the fridge is of my nephew Johnny and I when we went to Chuck E. Cheese in January. I can't forget the priceless picture that hangs on the wall. Matthew painted that for me when he was in first or second grade. I loved it then and love it more now.
Location: Kitchen. The bottle of Miralax. Something that has been and will be in my house for a long time. Alec needs the extra help in that department. Enough said. My small package of new kitchen washclothes that I purchased last night. Once I put them through the wash with bleach they probably won't look so bold and colorful. Medicine bottles that are full of doggie meds. John took Gracie to the vet and found out she has a heart murmur, enlarged heart, fluid in her lungs and low glucose. This was after he and Rachel had a scare with her last week outside. She could barely walk and acted really strange. As much of a pain as our dogs can be, we can't stand the thought of something happening to them. Especially John with Gracie. The bucket of gourmet popcorn is from Kristie. And lastly, my toilet bowl gel stuff that I also love.
Location: Dining Room. Computer Desk. Our Mac computer with a picture of Gracie on the desktop. Pictures of me and John, the kids and one of Krista. There is also a Kroger ad. I love the Kroger ad and look forward to it every week.
Location: Dining Room. BBQ sauce left over from dinner last night. Tupperware Salt and Pepper shakers that I have had for years and years. Bunnies that I have out for spring. I forget where and when I got them, but I remember that in my kitchen at our old house, I had a bunny theme. Someone's straw, which after I picked it up dripped chocolate milk. The Meijer ad with some expired coupons.
Location: Living Room. The dvd Fireproof. Such a great movie. Glue stick from Alec's project. Kristie's Blockbuster dvd rental "Madagascar" that we watched the other night. Gray Rubbermaid tote on the floor is full of home videos. And always a stack of magazines. I don't even want to know how much money I have spent on them throughout my years. I have always enjoyed reading them.
And there you have it. A glimpse into our messy lives.
Location: Laundry Room. My dryer always has an interesting collection. Most of the items come from Alec's jeans. When I found the thermometer, it cracked me up. He has always been "into stuff" and it was no surprise that instead of being in my medicine cabinet, I found it in his pockets. Tickets that he has earned from kid's church, candy, the dice, a pencil, chapstick and small tape measure. All from Alec.
Location: Matt's room. His nightstand not only has a half inch of dust, but also some interesting items. Guy stuff. Everyone has a hunting knife on theirs, right? WAREHOUSE sticker from the good old days of the skate park. Cool Mountain Dew decorative pop bottles. They will be worth something someday, right?
Location: Rachel's room. Since finishing up a christian teen girl book that I bought her for Christmas, she has concentrated on reading her Bible nightly and writing in a journal. Her journal reads like her personal prayers. Beautiful. Touches my heart. Cute purple lamp from Grammy for Christmas. Bunch of Kleenex from when she had a slight cold and a ton of hair ties. That is where they are, been looking for them! Her pink Nintendo DS that she really doesn't play with anymore.
Location: Me and John's Room. I always have had an assortment of books on my nightstand. The pink teddy bear was a gift from Rachel that she bought with her own money at a school store several years ago. I can never get rid of it. Always cups of water from nights before on both of our sides of the bed. Have to have chapstick applied before I go to bed everynight. I get to choose from mint or cherry. The purple ceramic like dish is one that Rachel made in art last year. It is also a keeper. The remote control is for Alec's tv. I catch him quite often watching it when it is supposed to be bedtime for him. I started wearing bobbie pins in my hair, especially to pull my bangs back when I get home. So they are everywhere.
Location: Me and John's Room - by our bathroom, "the make-up area". Rachel and I both get ready in this spot. She has her own drawer and I have my own for all of our "stuff". This is what is most often looks like, because we are always getting ready to go somewhere. I'm glad John doesn't complain about it. It is quite a mess!
Location: Alec's room. He doesn't have much of a nightstand, so I took this photo of inside his closet. It is only organized due to him being forced to clean out his room and closet a few weekends ago when John installed the new closet organizer. Looks a ton better. He has a few books, an old plastic deer that for some reason, he still has, even though he doesn't play with it. Hamster food that needs to go elsewhere, since Mr/Ms Hamster died about a month ago. Cars and Legos that will frightfully disappear soon. Mason and Micah go straight to his room when they come over to get them out. I guess I'll keep them for our future grandkids when he tires of them.
Location: Basement stairway. This is where we started taking measurements of the kids' height years ago. When John recently painted it, it was his idea to "frame" that area so not cover it up. It is a treasure. Grammy, Johnny and Brooke S. are even on it!
Location: Josh's room. The calendar that Krista made him is hanging on the wall. Pictures of her, of course are on his desk. He got this desk free from a guy he works with. Receipts, mail and candy litter it. Books from school can be found on the lower shelf. On the right side of the desk you can see part of his gas powered orange rc car.
Location: Kitchen. Josh's lunch box, which he takes only every so often. I wish he would pack his lunch instead of get fast food as much as he does. Poor guy is always so tired though. The black hat is for Alec. His friend let him borrow it for the "Wax Museum" at school tonight. Alec is Henry Ford. I will be so glad when that is over. What a project that has been. Actually, more of a project getting him to do the work that was needed. As always, at the last minute it was completed. The bamboo plant was from Krista's open house last summer. And my sink full of dishes, that goes along with the territory around here.
Location: Laundry Room. John's daily. He has always carried a lunch box, coffee mug and a large containter of water with him to work. I can always tell when it is him coming in the door from work. The sound of him putting all three on my washer is a given.
Location: Laundry Room. With six people in the house, even with the shoe organizer there are so many pairs of shoes parked all over. Someone took their insoles out and left them on the floor.
Location: Kitchen Table. Alec's green binder along with his tablet of construction paper for his project. "Oust" spray, my new favorite for fresh and clean around here. Got two cans really cheap with my coupons. The pile of vacuum bags and filters that I ordered a few weeks back. I was in dire need of the filters when I ordered them, not realizing it would take so long. The filter that was in my vacuum was quite old and full of dust and dirt. When I vacuumed, the whole house smelled of yuck. So last Saturday when I needed to vacuum and didn't have the new filters yet, I took one of Alec's old cotton lightweight shirts, cut a square out of it and used it for a temporary filter. It worked! No more smell. But I'll be glad to fit the new one in today.
Location: Kitchen. The green box was a gift that we received last week. It was unexpected. We found out it was from the lady that we refinanced our house through at the bank. Inside we found the most delicious molasses cookies that I have ever tasted. The bakery was called "The Dancing Deer Bakery". Super duper good. The pan is on the counter from yesterday. The DeClerck family returned it to us. I had made some soup and muffins and took it over after finding out their twenty-six year old son had unexpectedly passed away two weeks ago. I called her this morning to let her know that I was thinking of her and made plans with her to start walking together. My bag of Eight O'Clock coffee beans that I grind fresh every morning. The green box of Mike & Ike candies are from me buying treats for Micah to store in my purse. One of the pictures on the fridge is of my nephew Johnny and I when we went to Chuck E. Cheese in January. I can't forget the priceless picture that hangs on the wall. Matthew painted that for me when he was in first or second grade. I loved it then and love it more now.
Location: Kitchen. The bottle of Miralax. Something that has been and will be in my house for a long time. Alec needs the extra help in that department. Enough said. My small package of new kitchen washclothes that I purchased last night. Once I put them through the wash with bleach they probably won't look so bold and colorful. Medicine bottles that are full of doggie meds. John took Gracie to the vet and found out she has a heart murmur, enlarged heart, fluid in her lungs and low glucose. This was after he and Rachel had a scare with her last week outside. She could barely walk and acted really strange. As much of a pain as our dogs can be, we can't stand the thought of something happening to them. Especially John with Gracie. The bucket of gourmet popcorn is from Kristie. And lastly, my toilet bowl gel stuff that I also love.
Location: Dining Room. Computer Desk. Our Mac computer with a picture of Gracie on the desktop. Pictures of me and John, the kids and one of Krista. There is also a Kroger ad. I love the Kroger ad and look forward to it every week.
Location: Dining Room. BBQ sauce left over from dinner last night. Tupperware Salt and Pepper shakers that I have had for years and years. Bunnies that I have out for spring. I forget where and when I got them, but I remember that in my kitchen at our old house, I had a bunny theme. Someone's straw, which after I picked it up dripped chocolate milk. The Meijer ad with some expired coupons.
Location: Living Room. The dvd Fireproof. Such a great movie. Glue stick from Alec's project. Kristie's Blockbuster dvd rental "Madagascar" that we watched the other night. Gray Rubbermaid tote on the floor is full of home videos. And always a stack of magazines. I don't even want to know how much money I have spent on them throughout my years. I have always enjoyed reading them.
And there you have it. A glimpse into our messy lives.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
For His Glory
4/22/09 - look for Decemberadio "For Your Glory" on the web. I deleted the image that played the song every time you opened up my blog -
He is so glorious and it's His glory that draws me in. Every time.
I love singing praises to Him.
Beautiful songs of praise and worship.
As you well know, I have a new favorite song often.
It always points to Him.
And I know He loves it.
****
Are you broken and humble, falling at His feet?
Do you believe He is the Maker of all, King of all Kings?
Does He live in you?
I want to be faithful and do everything for His glory.
****
Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV)
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
****
With that said, as much as I do not want to clean my house today because it is a pig sty, I will do it, with hard work and perseverance, for His glory.
And I think I will play this song. A lot.
He is so glorious and it's His glory that draws me in. Every time.
I love singing praises to Him.
Beautiful songs of praise and worship.
As you well know, I have a new favorite song often.
It always points to Him.
And I know He loves it.
****
Are you broken and humble, falling at His feet?
Do you believe He is the Maker of all, King of all Kings?
Does He live in you?
I want to be faithful and do everything for His glory.
****
Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV)
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
****
With that said, as much as I do not want to clean my house today because it is a pig sty, I will do it, with hard work and perseverance, for His glory.
And I think I will play this song. A lot.
Monday, March 23, 2009
1998
This is an AMAZING book written by David Wilkerson in 1998. It is online for free. I encourage you to read it. Do you want to know what is going on? Why the economy is so bad? Don't look for the answers through the media. They are all scrambling to figure this out. They have no clue. Find the truth here, which lines up with scripture.
Remember, this was written in 1998.
http://worldchallenge.edgeboss.net/download/worldchallenge/books/americas_last_call.pdf
Remember, this was written in 1998.
http://worldchallenge.edgeboss.net/download/worldchallenge/books/americas_last_call.pdf
Friday, March 20, 2009
Diaper Duty
Everyone who knows me knows that I love little ones. On most Sundays, I am typically found mauling a baby or toddler at church. I have recently even signed up for nursery duty once a month. Might as well!
There are even times when I take a child or two home with me to enjoy for the afternoon, between services. They bring me great joy. Usually I'm pretty wiped out, but its fun.
Tonight, I will be taking a little baby girl home with me to keep overnight. Her name is Miley and she is just about 10 months old or so. I had told her mother recently that if there was a time here and there when she needed help with her girls, to let me know.
I haven't kept a baby overnight in.....well never. Except my own. So that would be 11 years ago that I had a baby that age. Alec will be twelve in less than two months.
And most people who know me also know that I LOVE to sleep. Naps are a favorite as well as sleeping in on Saturdays.
But it's okay. Change things up a bit for my old self.
When going over the baby's schedule and such the other night she told me, "Oh, and she does sleep all night."
I said, "Good! Because so do I!"
And you can read all about it in my next post.
****
Happy first day of spring everyone.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Blessings & Curses
While a song played in my head this morning, it made me think of the blessings and "curses" that I've received lately.
I was blessed at the grocery store again, by receiving that spectacular $8 coupon from my Dad. FORTY dollars is the total that I have saved in the past 5 weeks, just from him getting those and giving them to me! If you don't know what I'm talking about, see my posts "Show Me The Money" and "Coupons 102".
I was cursed when one of my teeth lost a very big filling and I had to visit the dentist for repair. I do not like going to the dentist. The smell, taste and sounds. Too much ick.
I was blessed when I took little Abraham by the hand Sunday morning and took him down to children's church. What a sweetheart he is.
I was blessed when an online friend of mine told me how uplifting it is to view my profile on FB. She has suffered heartache from the loss of her beautiful thirteen year old daughter almost three years ago. See my post "Remembering Allison". I am certainly no one special, just trying my best to serve the Lord and acknowledge Him in all my ways.
I was blessed when I decided, very spontaneously, to visit an aunt and uncle that I haven't seen in awhile last weekend. They are truly remarkable.
I was cursed, like most of us in this half of the world, when we lost an hour due to daylight savings time. Add to that two very sleepless nights and ugh, not fun.
I was blessed when I bought some Nyquil, took a dose and slept like a baby after those two sleepless nights. Ahhhhh.
I was blessed last Friday when I took off for the afternoon with Alec and walked around downtown Lapeer while he rode his bike. What a gorgeous day it was. And I love spending that one on one time with any of my children.
I was cursed when I woke up last week with that so-not-so-special kink in my shoulder/neck area.
I was blessed to look up from my desk at work last week and see Krista pulling into the parking lot. She had surprised me with a visit along with bringing me my favorite Tim Horton's coffee.
I was blessed when Rachel and I spent the whole day together on Saturday. Craft show, visiting family and going to the movies. Super fun. Just the two of us while John, Matt and Alec went to Autorama.
I was blessed at church when a message was delivered about family and had impacted so many of us. I was able to go and pray with my kids.
I was then cursed while I was lovingly trying to pray for them and they were complaining of being tired and jerking their backs in discomfort. They had spent all day at church for practice with the youth and were turning into whiney three year olds.
I was blessed when I visited a woman's blog and read through her beautiful posts. She in turn visited mine and posted a lovely comment, along with posting a link back to my post about "Always Waiting" on her blog. Someone who is also passionate about the Lord = instant kinship.
I was blessed when Mason and Micah saw me at church, started jumping up and down together and began shouting to me, "I want to go to your house!" Of course Micah then says, "I want a treat!" He knows that I carry treats in my purse for him. The bribery has worked. He loves me.
I was blessed to remember that Hope and I share a "birthday". The day she was born quiet and the day I was born again, both on March 2nd. Her, three years ago and for me, it was six years ago. March 2, 2003 I had hope born into my life. Three years later Kristie named her precious angel Hope.
And I will end on that beautiful note.
I was blessed at the grocery store again, by receiving that spectacular $8 coupon from my Dad. FORTY dollars is the total that I have saved in the past 5 weeks, just from him getting those and giving them to me! If you don't know what I'm talking about, see my posts "Show Me The Money" and "Coupons 102".
I was cursed when one of my teeth lost a very big filling and I had to visit the dentist for repair. I do not like going to the dentist. The smell, taste and sounds. Too much ick.
I was blessed when I took little Abraham by the hand Sunday morning and took him down to children's church. What a sweetheart he is.
I was blessed when an online friend of mine told me how uplifting it is to view my profile on FB. She has suffered heartache from the loss of her beautiful thirteen year old daughter almost three years ago. See my post "Remembering Allison". I am certainly no one special, just trying my best to serve the Lord and acknowledge Him in all my ways.
I was blessed when I decided, very spontaneously, to visit an aunt and uncle that I haven't seen in awhile last weekend. They are truly remarkable.
I was cursed, like most of us in this half of the world, when we lost an hour due to daylight savings time. Add to that two very sleepless nights and ugh, not fun.
I was blessed when I bought some Nyquil, took a dose and slept like a baby after those two sleepless nights. Ahhhhh.
I was blessed last Friday when I took off for the afternoon with Alec and walked around downtown Lapeer while he rode his bike. What a gorgeous day it was. And I love spending that one on one time with any of my children.
I was cursed when I woke up last week with that so-not-so-special kink in my shoulder/neck area.
I was blessed to look up from my desk at work last week and see Krista pulling into the parking lot. She had surprised me with a visit along with bringing me my favorite Tim Horton's coffee.
I was blessed when Rachel and I spent the whole day together on Saturday. Craft show, visiting family and going to the movies. Super fun. Just the two of us while John, Matt and Alec went to Autorama.
I was blessed at church when a message was delivered about family and had impacted so many of us. I was able to go and pray with my kids.
I was then cursed while I was lovingly trying to pray for them and they were complaining of being tired and jerking their backs in discomfort. They had spent all day at church for practice with the youth and were turning into whiney three year olds.
I was blessed when I visited a woman's blog and read through her beautiful posts. She in turn visited mine and posted a lovely comment, along with posting a link back to my post about "Always Waiting" on her blog. Someone who is also passionate about the Lord = instant kinship.
I was blessed when Mason and Micah saw me at church, started jumping up and down together and began shouting to me, "I want to go to your house!" Of course Micah then says, "I want a treat!" He knows that I carry treats in my purse for him. The bribery has worked. He loves me.
I was blessed to remember that Hope and I share a "birthday". The day she was born quiet and the day I was born again, both on March 2nd. Her, three years ago and for me, it was six years ago. March 2, 2003 I had hope born into my life. Three years later Kristie named her precious angel Hope.
And I will end on that beautiful note.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Always Waiting
A sign that I really like a song: When I play it over and over. This is the latest song for me that I love listening to.
I have always been like that though. Even in the days of "Blondie" or "Fleetwood Mac" or "Mariah Carey"....and on and on. Listen loudly and repeatedly. Sometimes I wake up with a song playing in my head. This morning it was "Born to Be Alive", it was a one hit wonder back in 1979. Loved it. Road my bike listening to it on my small portable radio.
But the music that I listen to today and have listened to in the past six years has meaning, substance.
This song, by John Waller titled "While I'm Waiting" says so much about how we live. Mostly, how we are to live.
We are always waiting for something. Even before I came to Christ I was always waiting in expectation for something.
As a young girl, waiting for the tooth fairy to give me money under my pillow, for Christmas morning, for the end of the day at school so that I could go home.
As a teen, waiting for that special someone to call, for my time to finally get my driver's license, get a job and graduate high school.
As a young woman, to get married (okay, a really young woman there), have a home to call our own and of course, babies.
And on and on.
Still, I live waiting.
More often it includes the Lord now. Waiting for Him to show me something. Waiting for Him to do a work in my life and the lives of others around me.
Waiting on Him. Waiting for Him. That Blessed Hope.
I love the words of this song.
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
If you haven't seen the movie "Fireproof" yet, watch this clip. What an amazing movie about marriage. They used this song.
Turn up your speakers!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Coupons 102
To gain a better understanding of (and to keep me hyped up about my coupon/sale savings), I searched for some older sales receipts from Meijer to compare them to the last two trips.
I was very excited last night after my shopping trip. Not only did I have coupons, but Meijer also had their 10 items for $10 and get the 11th item free (I took advantage and got 33 items) AND if you used your Meijer card, you saved 15% off general merchandise. I knew it could mean big savings.
Since the newspapers from last weekend did not have any coupons due to the "holiday", I had to dig into my still very meager supply of coupons. Not for long though ~ I am due to receive 400 coupons in the mail here sometime within the week. I bid on them on ebay. Wa-hoo! I paid $10 for all of them and plan on saving a bundle.
Anyhow. Armed with a serious list of this week's menu, sale items and coupons, I headed out.
When my shopping was near the end, I felt like a hit the jackpot. Two tall stands full of reduced produce came into sight. Strawberries, blueberries, red peppers and mushrooms, even dog bones, all marked anywhere from .23 to $1.29.
Then. Then! My Dad goes through the checkout and GUESS what he got? Go ahead, guess.
You got it, another $8.00 coupon to be redeemed when you spent over $105, and he practically jumped for joy as he handed it to me. That was a large part of our conversation on the way home. Two weeks in a row? Sa-weet.
So all this to say, I am really starting to get a good handle on the "savings today" section at the top of my sales receipt. I gathered a few old receipts to compare. This is what I found:
9/22/08
Total Meijer Promotions 13.14
Total Non-Coupon Savings 17.02
Total Coupon Savings 9.25
Savings Total 39.41
10/07/08
Total Non-Coupon Savings 25.94
Total Coupon Savings 5.10
Savings Total 31.04
12/15/08
Total Meijer Promotions 1.59
Total Non-Coupon Savings 27.11
Total Coupon Savings 8.50
Savings Total 37.20
**You can see the pattern, not much in coupons**
Now here is where it gets fun.
2/09/09
Total Meijer Promotions 8.00 (my coupon from my Dad)
Total Non-Coupon Savings 48.84
Total Coupons Savings 37.13
Savings Total 88.97
2/16/09
Total Meijer Promotions 21.13
Total Non-Coupon Savings 61.37
Total Coupons Savings 27.45
Savings Total 109.95
Now THAT is exciting.
If I could only be as excited about my treadmill, which is hollering for me as we speak.
Crow Happy
You know you are getting older when:
Most all of your kids are the same height or taller than yourself,
The music of your youth is now being labeled as "oldies" or "flashbacks" on VH1,
You either need a nap to get you through the day or you are ready for bed at 9:30 p.m.,
(wait, haven't I been that way since I was like, 12?)
No matter how much makeup or hair color you use, you still look in the mirror and go, "wow, WHO is that?" and not in a good way,
You are old enough to be the latest teen idol's mother,
And lastly, when your youngest son looks at you and out of nowhere says, "Mom, you have crow's feet!" as he stares at your face.
Lovely. As if I didn't already know that. Thanks Alec.
On the up side and just by coincidence, I was reading tidbits in my new magazine I had just picked up at the store and this small article was titled "Why Crow's Feet Make Us Smile." I read on with interest...
It said that research reported that crow's feet on a woman's face are a sign of happiness. In the study, 20 people were shown an image of a young woman's face - first, unmodified; then, with crow's feet digitally added. Then they were asked to rate her happiness. The results: When crow's feet were present, viewers perceived the woman as nearly twice as happy. "Fine lines in the corners of the eyes indicate a broader, more natural smile," so says the female M.D., "People associate this type of smile with greater happiness."
Okay, so I'm really happy!
Most all of your kids are the same height or taller than yourself,
The music of your youth is now being labeled as "oldies" or "flashbacks" on VH1,
You either need a nap to get you through the day or you are ready for bed at 9:30 p.m.,
(wait, haven't I been that way since I was like, 12?)
No matter how much makeup or hair color you use, you still look in the mirror and go, "wow, WHO is that?" and not in a good way,
You are old enough to be the latest teen idol's mother,
And lastly, when your youngest son looks at you and out of nowhere says, "Mom, you have crow's feet!" as he stares at your face.
Lovely. As if I didn't already know that. Thanks Alec.
On the up side and just by coincidence, I was reading tidbits in my new magazine I had just picked up at the store and this small article was titled "Why Crow's Feet Make Us Smile." I read on with interest...
It said that research reported that crow's feet on a woman's face are a sign of happiness. In the study, 20 people were shown an image of a young woman's face - first, unmodified; then, with crow's feet digitally added. Then they were asked to rate her happiness. The results: When crow's feet were present, viewers perceived the woman as nearly twice as happy. "Fine lines in the corners of the eyes indicate a broader, more natural smile," so says the female M.D., "People associate this type of smile with greater happiness."
Okay, so I'm really happy!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Show Me The Money!
We are always looking for ways to save money. Especially in today's tough economic times.
A week ago, we were invited to go have dinner with a couple from church at their home. As we were talking over our scrumptious chicken stir fry, the men talked about men stuff while the woman and I spoke about women stuff. Our discussion somehow lead to grocery savings.
She asked, "do you clip coupons?" I admitted that I do, but don't find that I save a ton by using them.
She went on the explain how much she saves, how much she gets for free and so on.
As Arthur (on the King of Queens, of course) once said to Doug after Doug presented him with his whole water-filter-pyramid-scheme, "This is me leaning in with interest", I too leaned in closer, not missing a word. That and I'm half deaf.
She tells me about a website where you can purchase coupons for a few cents each. She continues telling me about how she purchases Sunday newspapers and goes over all the sale circulars that come out weekly. Meijer, Kroger, even CVS and Rite Aid. By matching up the coupons with all that is on sale, including buy one get one free, there is much to be saved.
Seems like a no brainer. I certainly knew about the whole going to different stores because of their sale items could equal big savings. I just didn't want to take the time to go from one store to another. I'm comfortable with doing my "one-stop shopping, one night a week".
Well, since then, I've spent a lot of time researching different websites that offer a ton of information on this. I'm going to give it a few months and see if it in fact makes a difference.
If you are interested in checking into this yourself, here are a few websites that I have found along with the one that she directed me to:
www.thecouponclippers.com
www.hotcouponworld.com
www.couponmom.com
www.thegrocerygame.com
Here's to big savings!
***
Tonight, I matched up a ton of coupons with the sale ad, mainly at Meijer. I got so many items for practically nothing and several for free! I saved FORTY-FIVE dollars. In coupons. Before, on a typical shopping trip, I might save $3 - maybe $9.
Forty-five! That, was awesome.
I intend on handing a stack of coupons to the cashier each week.
Cha-Ching!
***
Oh, I can't forget to mention these very neat tidbits.
I hadn't shared with anyone of my new interest in coupon savings yet. Two days after that dinner, when I pick up my Dad for our weekly grocery excursion, he hands me a piece of paper with four different websites on how to save big with coupons, that he "just so happened to catch on the news" and had thought about me. (!)
Today, my Mom stops by at work and "just so happened" to have an abundance of coupons that she thought I could use. (!!)
Tonight, while at the check out, my Dad excitedly hands me a coupon that he had received after checking out. Its one of those printed from that little coupon do-hickie at the register. It said, "save $8 of your purchase of $105 or more". Well, he never spends that much and immediately knew that I could benefit from it. "Just so happens" that the computer generated it for him and I was behind him in line? (!!!)
Very. Cool.
A week ago, we were invited to go have dinner with a couple from church at their home. As we were talking over our scrumptious chicken stir fry, the men talked about men stuff while the woman and I spoke about women stuff. Our discussion somehow lead to grocery savings.
She asked, "do you clip coupons?" I admitted that I do, but don't find that I save a ton by using them.
She went on the explain how much she saves, how much she gets for free and so on.
As Arthur (on the King of Queens, of course) once said to Doug after Doug presented him with his whole water-filter-pyramid-scheme, "This is me leaning in with interest", I too leaned in closer, not missing a word. That and I'm half deaf.
She tells me about a website where you can purchase coupons for a few cents each. She continues telling me about how she purchases Sunday newspapers and goes over all the sale circulars that come out weekly. Meijer, Kroger, even CVS and Rite Aid. By matching up the coupons with all that is on sale, including buy one get one free, there is much to be saved.
Seems like a no brainer. I certainly knew about the whole going to different stores because of their sale items could equal big savings. I just didn't want to take the time to go from one store to another. I'm comfortable with doing my "one-stop shopping, one night a week".
Well, since then, I've spent a lot of time researching different websites that offer a ton of information on this. I'm going to give it a few months and see if it in fact makes a difference.
If you are interested in checking into this yourself, here are a few websites that I have found along with the one that she directed me to:
www.thecouponclippers.com
www.hotcouponworld.com
www.couponmom.com
www.thegrocerygame.com
Here's to big savings!
***
Tonight, I matched up a ton of coupons with the sale ad, mainly at Meijer. I got so many items for practically nothing and several for free! I saved FORTY-FIVE dollars. In coupons. Before, on a typical shopping trip, I might save $3 - maybe $9.
Forty-five! That, was awesome.
I intend on handing a stack of coupons to the cashier each week.
Cha-Ching!
***
Oh, I can't forget to mention these very neat tidbits.
I hadn't shared with anyone of my new interest in coupon savings yet. Two days after that dinner, when I pick up my Dad for our weekly grocery excursion, he hands me a piece of paper with four different websites on how to save big with coupons, that he "just so happened to catch on the news" and had thought about me. (!)
Today, my Mom stops by at work and "just so happened" to have an abundance of coupons that she thought I could use. (!!)
Tonight, while at the check out, my Dad excitedly hands me a coupon that he had received after checking out. Its one of those printed from that little coupon do-hickie at the register. It said, "save $8 of your purchase of $105 or more". Well, he never spends that much and immediately knew that I could benefit from it. "Just so happens" that the computer generated it for him and I was behind him in line? (!!!)
Very. Cool.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Vacation For Three Please
Visions of summertime danced in my head.
I know, I'm just like the next person here in northern America. Sick of the cold. Tired of the snow. Sick of being cooped up in the house. Tired of wearing heavy coats. Sick of saying "brrrrrrr!". Tired of complaining about the weather.
February comes and we can't wait until May. I think we should just take February, March and April right off the calendar. Go from snow to 60's, 70's and a little of the 80 degree temps. I'd be cool with that.
So, here I was with my visions of summertime. Warm weather. Green grass. Sounds of the outdoors. I start looking online for a place to vacation. Like we used to. Sweet little cottage on a lake in Somewhere Up North, Michigan. I find a charming little place on a sandy beach in Tawas. One place we've never stayed. Perfect.
Then I start to wonder. Who will actually be going this year? In years past, of course, it was all six of us. What wonderful memories of those vacations. I'm not trying to be all Pollyanna, but it really was great times. Kids taking their bikes, swim suits and fishing poles. They could hardly wait to get to our destination to check out who is sleeping where and then scout out the surrounding area. It was one week away from everything, doing the simple things. No phones. No computers. Only us and the great outdoors. It was my job to read an entire novel and oh yeah, cook. While sitting in a lawn chair outside, I'd hear "Mom, look!", "Mom, watch me!". The kids loved every minute of it. John would take the kids out in the boat, fishing and swimming. Real. Good. Times. I looked so forward to it every year.
Last year we bumped things up a few notches and went to Key Largo. All six of us (well seven ~ Krista). Beautiful vacation. And I certainly hope not our last as a family.
But things are already looking different this summer. As I propose our vacation spot to the family at dinner the other night, I hear immediately, "I'm not going." That would be Mr. Matt. He's got a job and he ain't a missin' a week of the almighty dollar that could be earned. He is working on paying us back for the money he borrowed with his whole truck thing and he is anal about it. He wouldn't dream of paying less or even skipping a month to go with us. In my mind, I'm thinking, "oh, you're going!".
Rachel, due to a cranky mood disorder that struck her not long after I came in the door from work, quickly piped up, "I'm not going either".
And at that, Alec wide-eyed and excited says, "Well, looks like it will just be the three of us!".
The visions that must've run through that kid's head. You can just imagine.
This is all without Josh even knowing about it. He was at school. But I'm sure that I already know the answer. He gets a one week paid vacation and will most likely spend it on some bike trip that he is hoping to do with a friend, or whatever else.
Maybe he'll surprise me and say yes. Maybe.
But I cannot imagine going on vacation with one child. That, my friend, will not happen. Not yet and hopefully, not ever.
I know, I'm just like the next person here in northern America. Sick of the cold. Tired of the snow. Sick of being cooped up in the house. Tired of wearing heavy coats. Sick of saying "brrrrrrr!". Tired of complaining about the weather.
February comes and we can't wait until May. I think we should just take February, March and April right off the calendar. Go from snow to 60's, 70's and a little of the 80 degree temps. I'd be cool with that.
So, here I was with my visions of summertime. Warm weather. Green grass. Sounds of the outdoors. I start looking online for a place to vacation. Like we used to. Sweet little cottage on a lake in Somewhere Up North, Michigan. I find a charming little place on a sandy beach in Tawas. One place we've never stayed. Perfect.
Then I start to wonder. Who will actually be going this year? In years past, of course, it was all six of us. What wonderful memories of those vacations. I'm not trying to be all Pollyanna, but it really was great times. Kids taking their bikes, swim suits and fishing poles. They could hardly wait to get to our destination to check out who is sleeping where and then scout out the surrounding area. It was one week away from everything, doing the simple things. No phones. No computers. Only us and the great outdoors. It was my job to read an entire novel and oh yeah, cook. While sitting in a lawn chair outside, I'd hear "Mom, look!", "Mom, watch me!". The kids loved every minute of it. John would take the kids out in the boat, fishing and swimming. Real. Good. Times. I looked so forward to it every year.
Last year we bumped things up a few notches and went to Key Largo. All six of us (well seven ~ Krista). Beautiful vacation. And I certainly hope not our last as a family.
But things are already looking different this summer. As I propose our vacation spot to the family at dinner the other night, I hear immediately, "I'm not going." That would be Mr. Matt. He's got a job and he ain't a missin' a week of the almighty dollar that could be earned. He is working on paying us back for the money he borrowed with his whole truck thing and he is anal about it. He wouldn't dream of paying less or even skipping a month to go with us. In my mind, I'm thinking, "oh, you're going!".
Rachel, due to a cranky mood disorder that struck her not long after I came in the door from work, quickly piped up, "I'm not going either".
And at that, Alec wide-eyed and excited says, "Well, looks like it will just be the three of us!".
The visions that must've run through that kid's head. You can just imagine.
This is all without Josh even knowing about it. He was at school. But I'm sure that I already know the answer. He gets a one week paid vacation and will most likely spend it on some bike trip that he is hoping to do with a friend, or whatever else.
Maybe he'll surprise me and say yes. Maybe.
But I cannot imagine going on vacation with one child. That, my friend, will not happen. Not yet and hopefully, not ever.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I'll Have a Dose of Laughter With That Truth Please
I was on my way home yesterday after picking up Rachel from school and had Joyce Meyer on the radio. I don't listen to her on a regular basis but had the station on and continued to listen as her fifteen minute radio program came on. I forgot how much I do enjoy listening to her. She sprinkles her messages with humor as she presents truth in our lives.
She was talking about forgiveness and how we as Christians have to forgive. We have to. Whether we want to or not. She was giving out several senarios and when she got to a part that I could very much relate to, I burst out laughing. And kept laughing the whole way home, thinking, how true. Maybe not to that extreme, but close.
I admit. I'm like most people and get very irritated with well, other people. Especially people on the road. The Lord knows I need more patience and forgiveness in that area. And I try. I really do. Some days I am really proud of my response to their ignorance. Patient. Smiling. No big deal.
Then there are other days. And this is where Joyce got me laughing...
She is describing how we can be singing songs of praise as we drive to the store and then as we are creeping up to our spot, WHAM!, someone else parks in that spot and (here is the funny) we get so mad and irritated with that person that we want to get out of our car and BEAT THEIR HEAD OFF! That was her exact words. I was laughing so hard, mostly because of the way she says it. "BEAT THEIR HEAD OFF!". Its a little over the top, but isn't that how we feel sometimes?
We live in a selfish world and I really need to stop being so surprised by people's actions. Its my response/actions that should be so different. Forgive and go on.
Its what Jesus would expect and no less.
Hello? (this is what Joyce says when she wants to hear an "Amen!")
Thank you Joyce for that message and I will try harder. I am especially grateful that I will most likely hear her words and laugh when those situations arise.
She was talking about forgiveness and how we as Christians have to forgive. We have to. Whether we want to or not. She was giving out several senarios and when she got to a part that I could very much relate to, I burst out laughing. And kept laughing the whole way home, thinking, how true. Maybe not to that extreme, but close.
I admit. I'm like most people and get very irritated with well, other people. Especially people on the road. The Lord knows I need more patience and forgiveness in that area. And I try. I really do. Some days I am really proud of my response to their ignorance. Patient. Smiling. No big deal.
Then there are other days. And this is where Joyce got me laughing...
She is describing how we can be singing songs of praise as we drive to the store and then as we are creeping up to our spot, WHAM!, someone else parks in that spot and (here is the funny) we get so mad and irritated with that person that we want to get out of our car and BEAT THEIR HEAD OFF! That was her exact words. I was laughing so hard, mostly because of the way she says it. "BEAT THEIR HEAD OFF!". Its a little over the top, but isn't that how we feel sometimes?
We live in a selfish world and I really need to stop being so surprised by people's actions. Its my response/actions that should be so different. Forgive and go on.
Its what Jesus would expect and no less.
Hello? (this is what Joyce says when she wants to hear an "Amen!")
Thank you Joyce for that message and I will try harder. I am especially grateful that I will most likely hear her words and laugh when those situations arise.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Like Albert
As I have mentioned before, I have always read the obituaries. Even more so now that I work at a monument company.
This is the first one listed in today's Oakland Press and it caught my attention.
If we could all be like "Al".
LANGER, E. ALBERT AL ; formerly of W. Bloomfield; January 15, 2009; age 82. Husband of Barbara; father of Karen Langer of TN and Nancy (Steve) Heussner of Clarkston; Gramp of Brian (Krista) O Grady, Kevin (Vicki) O Grady, Amanda (Kim) Wilson; great grandpa of Kevin Albert, Kyle, Steven, Hunter; brother of Elsa Landry; step-father of Deborah (David) Lange, Kevin (MaryPat) Williams, Geoffrey (Kathryn Markakis) Williams, Stephen (Beth) Williams; also survived by 11 step-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his first wife Betty. Al was an entrepreneur. He loved the outdoors, especially his Double Eagle Ranch, Gladwin. He always had a positive attitude, saying everyday was the best day of his life. Funeral Service Monday 10 a.m. at the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston where friends may visit Sunday 3 to 7 p.m. Interment Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Retrieving Independence Assistance Dogs or O.A.T.S. Online guest book www.wintfuneralhome.com
This is the first one listed in today's Oakland Press and it caught my attention.
If we could all be like "Al".
LANGER, E. ALBERT AL ; formerly of W. Bloomfield; January 15, 2009; age 82. Husband of Barbara; father of Karen Langer of TN and Nancy (Steve) Heussner of Clarkston; Gramp of Brian (Krista) O Grady, Kevin (Vicki) O Grady, Amanda (Kim) Wilson; great grandpa of Kevin Albert, Kyle, Steven, Hunter; brother of Elsa Landry; step-father of Deborah (David) Lange, Kevin (MaryPat) Williams, Geoffrey (Kathryn Markakis) Williams, Stephen (Beth) Williams; also survived by 11 step-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his first wife Betty. Al was an entrepreneur. He loved the outdoors, especially his Double Eagle Ranch, Gladwin. He always had a positive attitude, saying everyday was the best day of his life. Funeral Service Monday 10 a.m. at the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston where friends may visit Sunday 3 to 7 p.m. Interment Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Retrieving Independence Assistance Dogs or O.A.T.S. Online guest book www.wintfuneralhome.com
Armor All
Isn't it amazing how different you can feel from one day to the next?
Happy, uplifted and on top of the world one day. You love life and everyone in it.
Down, beaten up and ready to escape. You aren't "feelin' the love".
The past couple of days, I felt like I was getting darts thrown at me from every direction. And they were hitting me!
So many that I began thinking, "Oh, come on." Like Kristie says, "For real!"
Someone recently reminded me "you must be living right!"
That has brought me much comfort.
This scripture has also constantly come to mind:
Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
I'm putting on my protection today. The kind that we are instructed to put on daily. I admit, I must be lacking.
Ephesians 6:10-19
The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
How can you go wrong with that?
Happy, uplifted and on top of the world one day. You love life and everyone in it.
Down, beaten up and ready to escape. You aren't "feelin' the love".
The past couple of days, I felt like I was getting darts thrown at me from every direction. And they were hitting me!
So many that I began thinking, "Oh, come on." Like Kristie says, "For real!"
Someone recently reminded me "you must be living right!"
That has brought me much comfort.
This scripture has also constantly come to mind:
Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
I'm putting on my protection today. The kind that we are instructed to put on daily. I admit, I must be lacking.
Ephesians 6:10-19
The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
How can you go wrong with that?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
King of Glory
Who is this King of Glory
that persues me with his love
And haunts me with each hearing
of His softly spoken words
My conscience, a reminder
of forgiveness that I need
Who is this King of Glory
who offers it to me
Who is this King of Angels,
O Blessed Prince of Peace
Revealing things of Heaven
and all its mysteries
My spirits ever longing
for His grace in which to stand
Who is this King of Glory,
Son of God and Son of Man
His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty,
The King of my heart
The King of Glory
Who is this King of Glory
with strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure,
the gracious King of kings
the Lord of Earth and Heaven,
the Creator of all things
Who is this King of Glory,
He's everything to me
His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty,
The King of my heart
The King of Glory
The Lord of Earth and Heaven,
the Creator of all things
He is the King of Glory,
He's everything to me
His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty,
The King of my heart
The King of Glory
His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty,
The King of my heart
The King of Glory
Friday, January 9, 2009
I'm a Stripper
Got some projects going on. Projects that I've been putting off for awhile. We all have those. We have lived in our house for eleven years now and are slowly giving each room a make over. That would be getting rid of the old wallpaper and giving the room a fresh look with a coat of paint.
Tuesday I stripped the wallpaper in my master bath. A lot of work, but not too big a deal. Actually, Alec stayed home from school because he wasn't feeling well (the kind where he is sick until just after 9:07 a.m.....that is when school starts), he was a huge help. That kid can work!
Different room, different story yesterday. It was Alec's room and it was only wallpaper border. Shouldn't have been a big deal at all. Was I wrong. Let me just say, I do not swear. And yesterday, there were many, many times that I felt like swearing. Like when I was trying to get the nozzle off of the steamer to fill it with water. Could not get that off to save my life. I wanted to throw it against the wall. And swear. Then I attempted to begin scraping the border off. Now anyone who has done this before can relate to this: if you get big chunks that come off, ya-hoo! Nope. Not this room. Little teeny weeny pieces that I had to really work off. I got 5 square inches off in what seemed like forever. Since I could'nt get the nozzle off to refill the steamer, I decided to put that room on hold until I could have some help and went to get my supplies for washing the walls in my bathroom. You know, switch gears. Something a little easier.
I got my cleaning gloves, which I try to be faithful and use to keep my manicured nails looking fresh, and I needed to "turn them right side out" since John had used them recently. He didn't want to, but I suggested that he use them the other day when he did some bleach water cleaning in our bathrooms. Whole other story. Think mildew on the ceilings. Eww. So, I'm working on trying to get the fingers to come back in the other direction. This is where I want to start swearing again. I throw them on the counter and begin to walk away. Then I go back, thinking, I've got to get this done. Its absolutely ridiculous trying to get those gloves to cooperate.
This, I've decided, is not a fun way to spend my "day off".
After washing the walls, I decide to get online and see if I can find some tips from cyberspace on how-in-the-heck-do-you-remove-hard-to-remove-wallpaper.
I come across this lady's blog. What a scream. Her title of a post about stripping wallpaper summed it up, and I'll leave you with it:
"In Hell, Satan makes you strip wallpaper."
Tuesday I stripped the wallpaper in my master bath. A lot of work, but not too big a deal. Actually, Alec stayed home from school because he wasn't feeling well (the kind where he is sick until just after 9:07 a.m.....that is when school starts), he was a huge help. That kid can work!
Different room, different story yesterday. It was Alec's room and it was only wallpaper border. Shouldn't have been a big deal at all. Was I wrong. Let me just say, I do not swear. And yesterday, there were many, many times that I felt like swearing. Like when I was trying to get the nozzle off of the steamer to fill it with water. Could not get that off to save my life. I wanted to throw it against the wall. And swear. Then I attempted to begin scraping the border off. Now anyone who has done this before can relate to this: if you get big chunks that come off, ya-hoo! Nope. Not this room. Little teeny weeny pieces that I had to really work off. I got 5 square inches off in what seemed like forever. Since I could'nt get the nozzle off to refill the steamer, I decided to put that room on hold until I could have some help and went to get my supplies for washing the walls in my bathroom. You know, switch gears. Something a little easier.
I got my cleaning gloves, which I try to be faithful and use to keep my manicured nails looking fresh, and I needed to "turn them right side out" since John had used them recently. He didn't want to, but I suggested that he use them the other day when he did some bleach water cleaning in our bathrooms. Whole other story. Think mildew on the ceilings. Eww. So, I'm working on trying to get the fingers to come back in the other direction. This is where I want to start swearing again. I throw them on the counter and begin to walk away. Then I go back, thinking, I've got to get this done. Its absolutely ridiculous trying to get those gloves to cooperate.
This, I've decided, is not a fun way to spend my "day off".
After washing the walls, I decide to get online and see if I can find some tips from cyberspace on how-in-the-heck-do-you-remove-hard-to-remove-wallpaper.
I come across this lady's blog. What a scream. Her title of a post about stripping wallpaper summed it up, and I'll leave you with it:
"In Hell, Satan makes you strip wallpaper."
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Groovy Man
Love's Baby Soft, Flash Cubes and Mood Rings....oh my!
In my quest for all things retro this morning, I discovered this cool site. Look back through the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's. From gas prices to the top songs of the day, you will enjoy this trip back in time.
When you enter this site, you will be able to choose the decade. Have fun!
http://www.1970sFlashback.com/1970/Economy.asp
In my quest for all things retro this morning, I discovered this cool site. Look back through the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's. From gas prices to the top songs of the day, you will enjoy this trip back in time.
When you enter this site, you will be able to choose the decade. Have fun!
http://www.1970sFlashback.com/1970/Economy.asp
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Writer's Block
Writer's block is a phenomenon involving temporary loss of ability to begin or continue writing, usually due to lack of inspiration or creativity.
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