Mom of 3 Little Bugs

Christmas Memories

2009-12-11T11:40:00.001-08:00

A gal on FB from my hometown was asking about Christmas memories from there. So I put my list up and thought I'd come share and ask about your Christmas memories.

~ The Goldsmith's in the 'big city' nearby did an Enchanted Forest when I was little and we'd go every year to tour and see Santa

~ putting up and decorating the tree at the Church many years. This was no small project considering our Sanctuary had 20 foot (at least) ceilings. And it had to be done before Advent started which usually meant we were doing it the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

~ Christmas parades in freezing weather, they always seemed to be on the coldest night of the year, I was almost always IN the parade, either with the scouts or later the band. It also never failed that my short legs were always on the wrong end of the row for every turn meaning I had to make the LONG steps to keep the line straight, while our 6'1" section leader was on the short end of the turn.......

~ Christmas concerts, we did portions of Handel's Missiah one year, portions of the Nutcracker one year, and songs from the guy that arranged (and I think wrote) Sleigh Ride one year, Carol of the Bells EVERY YEAR

~ and living on the street I can't forget the lights on the west end of my street every year, totally uncoordinated every body did lights and decorations but no one coordinated anything with any body else. Yet nothing was tacky or gaudy, it was always beautiful every year.

Christmas Goodies

2009-12-03T09:27:00.001-08:00

I am working on some crochet creations for sale for the holidays. Some are for sale in my Etsy Shop. However, when I add Avon products to these creations I can't sell them at Etsy. So I am bringing them here before I take them to Ebay.

My first selection I call "Pretty in Pink"

In the bag you have these products:

contents left to right.
Bath Time Body Paints ~ Bubble Gum scent
Disney Princess Snow White Pink Lip Balm
Mnii Bubble Bath ~ Soft Pink

The bag is made with 100% acrylic yarn and measures approximately five inches across and five inches deep. I closes with a pink drawstring.

Pretty In Pink sells for $ $9.00

The Second Selection is "Little Drummer Boy"

The contents include:

from left to right

Bath Time Body Paints ~ Coconut Custard Scent
Lip Balm ~ Candy Cane flavor
Shower Gel ~ Black Cherry and Nutmeg Scent
Moisture Therapy Intensive Hand Cream ~

The bag is made with 100% acrylic yarn and measures approximately five inches across and five inches deep. I closes with a pink drawstring.

Little Drummer Boy sells for $11.00

If you want either comment and let me know! We will work out shipping and payment.

Long time no talk..........

2009-10-26T18:06:00.001-07:00

Yeah I know, I know. Things have been busy here. Kiddos are doing pretty well with school and we are beginning to establish some routines. Some good and some not so good. But we are working on it. I am praying that we can get something established. Mostly our days have been taken up with getting used to two big changes in our lives.

First of all we are actively working on going to seminary in the near future. This will be a big change for us and will include at least one move in the next two years. Probably more. We are working on cleaning and fixing up the house. We hope to be able to move it for a family member to use (a single wide mobile home), but maybe having to sell it. Right now we just don't know. There are several more issues that must be taken care of as well.

Secondly meet Baby Noah

I am 20 weeks and everything is looking good. He is going to be a charmer. We are still working on a middle name, I have one that I like but Hubby isn't so keen on the idea.

Score!!

2009-10-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Tommy has finally learned to ride his bicycle!!

First Week

2009-08-22T12:55:00.001-07:00

We have finished our first week of school. It went pretty well, I have to say. It sure is a lot different than when we did this 4 years ago. At that time I was only schooling one of the three and because of hubby's works schedule, he was home most of the time we were schooling. This time around he is working days - some LONG days -- and I am schooling all three. Needless to say Bug's isn't as nearly involved as the other two, but he is flying through that. I may start him on first grade work by semester. We are using Alpha Omega, Saxon, and Mystery of History. In another couple of weeks I will add Natural Spelling in as well. The beauty of this is that the oldest two work in their rooms when they can't sit at the kitchen table without sniping at each other constantly.

Today is wonderful weather, we have just finished with lunch. Yes it is 3 pm, we slept late and didn't eat breakfast until almost 10:30.... Anyway, I just got a call hubby is on his way home so after he eats, we are all going to head to the park for the afternoon.

Staph

2009-08-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

Buddy came home from the cabin in the mountains with some bug bites, which he scratched and scratched until they became infected. A newly discovered allergy to band-aid adhesive didn't help matters either. Anyway because we couldn't get it under control, and his arm (lymph nodes) started hurting and he just wasn't acting like Buddy (run down, laying around etc, NOT my hyperactive child) we took him into the doctor this afternoon.

Turns out it is staph -- yuck -- we have anti-biotics and are under super disinfection protocols with him. Please pray it doesn't spread.

Thankfully though no work days missed for me nor schooling for the kiddos. They got all but one lesson done today.

Catch Up Post

2009-08-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

It seems that I have been scattered in my updates and about life in general around here. I guess the bits and pieces have been scattered so far and wide that it has been hard to figure out exactly what is going on.

As announced back in May, I resigned from teaching, to once again stay home and homeschool. And in mid July, I discovered that we were going to be blessed with bug number four. Which means my blog name is now incorrect. But I will work on that in the future. My due date is the same as the birthday of my youngest child , March 13th. But with my history, I won't make it that long anyway. I figure that we will have a late February baby.

That all being said, our first day of school was today. It went well overall. IT finally dawned on Bug this morning that we weren't "going to school" when he came out of his room with his new fluffy blanket saying "I am going to take this for nap time!" Once he figured out he wasn't leaving the house he was a bit more contrary. He is in a hard place, knows quite a bit of the material we are covering, so he gets bored. But isn't quite ready emotionally for the harder stuff. He is all boy. We will figure it out.

Tomorrow

2009-08-16T20:01:00.001-07:00

The long awaited day arrives. We start school. It has been a challenge getting lesson plans in place for 3 grade levels, but I am sure I will adapt to it quickly. We have just got to get into a rhythm of the days and it should flow quite easily. Keep reminding me of that fact as I whine ;-)

I have everything but Buddy's math curriculum. It seems the post office has lost it (and some people want the government to run our health care....). If I have to order it again, can I charge it and the UPS shipping to the Post Office?

I also have a couple of big projects in the works. I have a BUNCH of my dad's old T-shirts, which he can't wear but won't part with nostalgic person that he is (wouldn't have a clue where he gets it from). I am going to attempt to make a T-shirt quilt for him for Christmas.

My MIL has been posting pics of her recent trip on her blog. I have been pestering her to get prints made so I can make a scrapbook for her. I don't know if she will or not, but it is something I want to do for her.

Well to get off of here and enter assignments for the next week. Talk to you later.

Friday Felicities

2009-08-14T10:50:00.001-07:00

*Children who allow me to nap after a virtual sleepless night.

*Steven working today, after not being routed for the second day this week

*Children being home after a week @ Grammy's and Grandda's

*Imagination of my boys ~ who tried to make a pool out of our sandbox

*Great Friends who reach out to those who are hurting ~ and check up on me when I have been quiet.

Interesting Experience

2009-08-02T18:35:00.001-07:00

WE have been getting better and better about using our reusable grocery bags at the stores. I have quite a collection of them from various stores and in various sizes. My absolute favorite are the big tan ones from Krogers. They are sturdy and hold quite a bit in them. They also have a pocket inside for things like magazines etc.

When we go in they are normally folded and stuffed in one bag that makes for easy carrying and the checker or bagger can easily pull out one or two at at time to use.

I have also discovered that Kroger gives you a 3 cent per bag discount on your total. Not much but hey every little bit helps.

Well, I tonight, I had only Alli with me and we needed a few department store things as well as groceries so, I braved it and drove past two other grocery stores to the SuperCenter. When we got to the check out she handed the cashier the bags. I sat there and watched as the cashier picked through all my bags and found my Wal-Mart bags. The only non-WM bag she used was the tan Kroger bags, which I realized later had NO store logo on them whatsoever only "EarthSound" which is their green logo, but it doesn't say Kroger on it.

Friday Felicities

2009-07-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

Sleeping In

Bible Study

Children who love Praise and Worship music as much as I do and know more of the words than I do.

Homeschool planning

Scrapbooking - I made a layout yesterday

Facebook -- catching up with old friends and new ones too.

Thirsty Thursday

2009-07-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

Joy @ Five J's has an educational meme that is right up my alley. I love this idea and hope to participate every week. I also will be learning from the many other ideas that are and will be presented, adapting and making them my own.

Today's submission is a few of my favorite educational links.

ABCTeach.com - I used this both in the classroom and as a homeschooler. It has tons of free stuff. Plus you can pay a small yearly fee and get the paid site with thousands more as well as work sheet and drill generators for math. spelling, and handwriting.

EdHelper - is another site with both free and paid services. Lots of games and worksheets here too

And possibly my favorite site is Carolyn's GuiltFreeHomeschooling. She has tons of ideas and resources available. She has also starated a printing venture with her own books etc also available with more coming.

Quotable Quote

2009-07-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

“In answer to your inquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.” -William Booth- founder of The Salvation Army

Works For Me Wednesday.

2009-07-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Today's WFMW is a themed edition. Summer Recipes.

Here is my favorite summer recipe. It drives my kids nuts but I love it.

Fruit and Nutty Tuna Salad

1 small can of tuna - drained
handful of grapes, halved ( I like red of purple)
handful of nuts (I prefer walnuts)
small handfull of shredded cheese ( I use sharp cheddar)
dash of seasoning ( I use Pampered Chef's Citrus and Basil)
enough mayo or salad dressing to make it as creamy as you would like, ( I use very little)

Mix together and eat. I can eat the entire thing at one sitting if allowed......;-)

For more summer recipe ideas visit We Are THAT Family

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

My daughter and her best friend on the last day of school. Her class was dressed in 80's fashion for the end of the year program.

Tackle-It-Tuesday

2009-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a LONG time since I posted a Tackle-it-Tuesday project. I would go look it up but I won't. It would take too long. But in my effort to get back into this blogging thing. I decided that several memes would get me started. Besides with one of my goals this summer being to clean up and clean out I decided that my book project would be a great place to start.

I needed to move this stack of books away from the side of my bed. You see there is a small space between the books and the bed. That small space is left for the only.air.vent.in.the.room. And as we lay in the stillness of the night my hubby asks, "Is the vent covered?" At least once a night, usually more. I resolved today to do something about that. I needed to get these books out of there.

But there was a small problem. MY bookcase was already full.

This is the bookshelf my grandfather made for a wedding gift to us. It is already packed full, all three shelves are two deep already. And the top of it is out of the question. There is no picture. But trust me, it is packed full of hubby's stuff for work. So I looked around and saw this!

Okay so it wasn't in this shape when I saw it. I thought about "Tackle It" in the middle of the project. I had already cleaned out and straightened the four shelves. The top two are already full and the bottom getting close to it. But notice the middle area. There is a shelf missing. One of the supports holding it is missing so I took it out. But I figured I could stack the books just as easily on that shelf.

So I did. And notice the room left. I could get more books there!! Oh and the original problem........

That is what it looks like now. You can also see my book stacked night stand. And in infamous air vent.

Oh and the added benefit? This stack of books listed on my bookshelf @ Paperbackswap.

Oh and the added benefit

Friday Felicities

2009-06-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Friday Felicities, a meme created by Nattie – now a resident of heaven. This meme is all about creating a list of things that make you happy and Nattie knew that when you concentrate on your blessings your sorrows are not as overwhelming.

In no particular order
*books, books, and more books
*FaceBook -
*McDonald's Sweet Iced Tea
*Boys who sleep past 8 am

Me, Myself, and Lies - Day 1

2009-06-24T07:59:00.001-07:00

I won't promise a post every day or even every week. Heck, I won't even promise another post at all on this study. But what I will say is this, I believe I am going to like Jennifer Rothschild's study and it has a lot to say to me at this point in my life.

Day one deals with descriptors that one uses to describe oneself. After looking at several instances of Biblical characters, we began looking at the words we use our selves. Honestly categorizing these descriptors was hard. However, there were two truths which Jennifer pointed out that I will cling to in the coming hours, days and weeks. The first comes from Scripture 1 Corinthians 15:10 - "But by the grace of God, I am what I a, and His grace is not in vain.....". The second "Who I am and what I struggle with are not the same thing"

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

The Thinker

Sorry it is small but this is what I saw coming down the hallway the other day.

For more go to 5 Minutes for Mom.

Wild Ride

2009-06-17T07:30:00.001-07:00

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations,so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

~ The Book of Common Prayer.

The above comes is quoted in the book I am reading (also noted above). I stated to a friend of mine in a chat the other night that I needed to get back into reading and study of the Word. And as ashamed as I am to admit it, I didn't really know where to start. So I did what I knew I could do. I picked up two different Bible studies that I have around here. Both of these I have because I am supposed to be doing them anyway. The first one is Experiencing God. Steven and I joined a nearby Corps for their young adult Bible Study, though because of holidays, trips and summer schedules, we have only been once, they are doing this study. Because we joined a couple of weeks into the study, I was going to start where they were. However, because I haven't been faithful in even that. I decided to start at the beginning for myself. So I did that earlier this week.

The second book I picked up is Me, Myself and Lies by Jennifer Rosthschild. I am actually going to do this one along with readers of the Living Proof Ministries Blog. Yes, that is a blog written by Beth Moore and her daughters and one son-in-law. Anyway, I haven't actually started this one yet because the kick off has not happened yet. I think it is supposed to happen next week.

I think that both of these studies are timely for me. The last memory verse for my second graders this year was Matthew 5:13-16. I have been drawn repeatedly to verse sixteen. "Let your light before men so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven". That verse, going hand with my personal memory verse for June (Matthew 10:18-20). Though this is talking about Jesus' arrest and trial, the same reassurance, "you will be given what to say, for you will not be speaking, but the Spirit of the Father speaking through you", can be ours as well. However this all can only be achieved by remaining in and with God (John 15:5), through His word, prayer, and meditation. I want to experience God in such a way that He is visible through me all the time. And in order to do that I must work on myself, cleaning up His temple (1 Cor 16:19). And, with the bouts of depression that I have suffered in recent months, caused by listening to the lies of the enemy. I know a study about lies and self talk is in order.

I invite you to join me on this wild ride. Because I know it will be.

Praises

2009-06-12T10:09:00.001-07:00

I have been putting my husband off for weeks on getting a new (to him) work truck - praying his little one would last just a little bit longer. We didn't need to make a new investment right now. Not with the changes we have looming off in the distance.

Anyway He got a call today that there will be a company van available to him on Monday! Praise God.

Friday Felicities

2009-06-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Friday Felicities, a meme created by Nattie– now a resident of heaven. This meme is all about creating a list of things that make you happy and Nattie knew that when you concentrate on your blessings your sorrows are not as overwhelming. If you would like to participate please create your own blog post and come back here to link it with other Friday Felicities participants. If you don’t mind, please include a link on your blog to Becky's so others can also participate with us.\

*Quiet time in the morning
*kids coming home from camp
*reading
*long conversations with good friends

2009-06-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

Joel Rosenberg books review on my book blog

Updates

2009-06-09T14:10:00.001-07:00

I figured it was time for an update. I don't think I have written this out here or anywhere else. FB friends know bits and pieces of it and W@H gals know more but I don't think that anybody really knows all of it.

Next year, I am staying home! I will be homeschooling my three again. I started talking about it with my husband back in the winter. Over the course of the next few months, I pointed out exactly how much of my paycheck was going right back to the school, mostly in tuition, but also other stuff as well. Not to mention things like eating out because I was to tired to cook. And then the amount of training hours it would take to renew my teaching certificate and the money that would cost. The last week of school we talked once again, and he said that he gave me his blessing to stay home next year.

The last time we tried this adventure we were in a much different place. His pay check barely covered our living expenses, and while he didn't outright forbid me to do it, he wasn't whole heartedly into me not working either. We were also only paying for tuition for one child, at the time and had no child care bills as he was staying home days and working nights. The one good thing about me coming home then was the fact that it got me out of a bad school situation with my colleagues. However, halfway through that year. He lost his job and went without work for 10 months. It was during that time that I went back to the classroom.

I have loved my 3 years at my school and left a very good situation and on good terms. I will miss those ladies and all they had to teach me while I was there. However, the time is right. My home and family are suffering. So I am coming home once again. For as long as God allows. We do have other opportunities and possibilities in the not to distant future but I will go more into that as time goes on.

99 Questions

2009-06-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Okay in an effort to get into this writing thing more I have decided I need a jump start. So I am pulling up a link which I bookmarked quite a while ago. 99 Powerful Questions. The title is longer than that but it is enough to satisfy my needs at the moment. I don't know how often I will do these or how many I will do in a blog but, I will start with the top and work my way down for now. So without further ado I will start with number one.

What do I want? That is a very good question indeed. I can give you a laundry list of material wants but I won't go there, it isn't worth my time or yours. I have some very strong emotional wants right now as well, but this is neither the time nor the place to get into those either.

What do I want? I want to more fully understand who I am and who those around me are. I want to be a blessing to those around me. I want my children to grow up and understand themselves and to nuture their dreams and aspirations, not have them fit into my mold of who I think they should be. Or have them feel they have to fit into some mold they think I have for them. I want to be the person God created me to be and allow them the freedom to be the person God created each one of them to be. That is what I want. Now to just figure out what that is.

Busy Busy Busy

2009-06-03T18:48:00.001-07:00

Three days into summer vacation and it seems all I have done is go, go, go. I, personally have been to the chiropractor twice. The oldest two have had physicals for camp, for which they leave on Monday morning. All three have had dentist appointments, 3 kids + no cavities = a MIRACLE. and the icing on the cake? Alli has all of her adult teeth showing in X-Ray's!!! (1 down, 2 to go on that score). I have been to church twice for weekly meetings - last kids program until fall though.

I am now in the midst of washing clothes and linens to get the oldest two ready for camp. And we are all going to my sister's Friday night and Saturday for a scrap booking weekend. I am looking forward to that. I just hope the organizer I ordered gets here in time. It will make things much easier to carry up there.

Oh yeah, I have read one book and have started another one. I have also gotten SIX in the mail from PBS lately. My summer is set on that front.

Mother's Day GiveAway @ 5 minutes for mom!!

2009-05-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

What is your main goal?

2009-04-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

Okay I was just watching the national news -- something I rarely do. And when I do it is usually FoxNews and not one of the big 3 networks, but I digress. Anyway I was watching the national news. I saw the story of Nick Adenhart's death just hours after pitching his best game of his major short major league career. Many people are stunned to say the least.

But, two things struck me as I watched the coverage. His agent, overcome by emotion, said that there was one thing about him, his main goal in life was to play major league baseball. I am happy that he was able to reach that goal. It would not be a goal that I could reach, even if I wanted to. Many people do not achieve their main goal in life. Many others do not even have a goal in life. This young kid, and I can say that because he was quite a bit younger than me, not only had a goal but had direction and persistence to make it happen.

However, it did make me think. Yes I have a goal in life, several in fact. But I would qualify my main goal as being to more completely understand what it means to be a follower of Christ and help as many others as I can to understand this as well. Not just to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ but continue in the disciplining process as well. I am not doing well on this. Which brings me to my other thought.

Adenhart's untimely death points out that none of us, NOT ONE of us is guaranteed tomorrow. Not a single one of us. We may never reach our goal, we may be given more than we ever dreamed we would get. But that is totally out of our hands. I must do all I can to reach my goal now, for tomorrow may be too late.

2009-03-25T20:18:00.001-07:00

I want to say something on this blog not just write about the inane things I do all day. No one wants to read that, and I certainly don't want to type a blow by blow account of my day. But I often find as I sit down to type, that that is exactly the stuff I start to type. I make these resolutions on what I am going to use this blog for and never really keep up with that. But I do not really know what all I am going to say. And what's more I say it in more than one place, as I often copy and paste this to the other blog, since I have changed and gone back and lost readers here and there. I am just trying to make it easier for those that have decided to try and keep up with me.

With this in mind and no I did not have this in mind when I started out this blog - what do you want to know? Ask me something, give me something to talk about, make me think about something. You my loyal reader will give me my next topic.

2009-03-09T20:07:00.001-07:00

Today has been a good one. I have enjoyed it a lot. It hasn't been different, except for the first time since school started back we didn't have basketball practice today. The last game was Saturday and the awards ceremony will be Friday night. Maybe that was the reason I wasn't dreading today all day long. But it hasn't been like other Mondays lately. My friend Dana Twittered that Mondays get a bad rep because it is her most productive day. That statement caused me to look at Mondays differently. And well any other day as well. I want to look at them as an opportunity to accomplish something worthwhile.

As for establishing some better habits my kitchen is clean again. I know my two regular readers are sick of hearing me talk establishing routines again and again and again and..... you get the idea. But this keeps me accountable. And I keep trying. I have a tangible goal now. There are some reasons I have to get better about these things. I can't go into that right now, but remember my theme for the year is Prepare. I will be preparing for big things to come. They will come and I have somewhat of an inkling of some things I can start doing now, so that is what I am going to do.

Catharsis

2009-03-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

My facebook status says it all tonight. I am in a weird mood. I have been doing really stupid stuff, like washing clean clothes etc. and could really go off into a depression over those things and another piece of information which I discovered today/tonight. However, I realize how stupid it would be to do that. But I am not quite ready to laugh it all off yet. That almost feels irresponsibile. I guess I am not quite ready to give my self permission to be that free yet, especially when my house looks like it does on a consistant basis. I think that is part of it. The lack of time and energy I have for the house has left it horrible and my moods reflect my house. But what seems an easy solution really isn't in practicality. But wait, that is an excuse, a cop-out, something just I could use to justify staying in the same cycle of behavior. I know that isn't going to work and only make things worse. So I will have to make some kind of change somewhere and start there.

Taking a look at my goals from the beginning of the year is a good place to start. I know I had a clean kitchen goal on that list. So that is where I am going to start - concentrating on my kitchen - cleaning and training. Training kiddos in responsibilities and chores. They both have them, but I am not consistant in requiring them done. That is my mistake. Also the kitchen needs to be organized in order to ease the care and upkeep of it. So that is going to be a goal as well. I am also going to work on applying some things I am learning in my course work about accountability and assessment. Who knew my master's work would help with household mangement?

Heck who knew that writing would be a catharsis for my weird mood? I feel quite a bit better now, and think my hubby has the air conditioner on.......its 68* people, not AC weather.........

Creativity

2009-02-07T15:03:00.001-08:00

I have just been pondering creativity. I have a creative spark inside me that just wants to, has to, needs to come out. I also identify more with MY Creator, and realize that He created. That is the first thing which we read about Him. "In the beginning God created...." Later it tells us that He created humans in His image. I think that says more about us than we can ever truly understand. However, I realized today another facet of that statement. He gave us that desire to create as well. I have come to believe that everyone has the desire to create, weather they realize it or not. And by create I mean not simply artwork, music, drama, writing, or anything else mentioned as a 'creative art'. But anything that was not here to start with. My grandmother spoke once of tinkering in the flowerbeds, as something which she loved to do and something which I would do once I grew up. Gardening is not my niche and that fact once saddened me. Now I realize that it, however, was one of her creative outlets, one which was not a necessity, but rather an enjoyment. I think that rather she realized it or not she was not speaking of flower gardens but rather creating. Scrapbooking is to me like her flower gardens were to her. I must get that table set up!

Sunday Evening Ramblings

2009-02-01T19:27:00.001-08:00

Had a good Sunday today. We got a call this morning that my SIL's c-section was going to be this afternoon, so we decided to take a trip west to see her and baby, (and BIL) after church. We decided that we really couldn't NOT go to church on such short notice, seeing how we teach half of the Sunday School classes. It turned out to be a good thing because I wound up having the teens in my class as well b/c Capt R. was out sick today. I also actually got to hear the sermon today as well. Capt B. preached on Joshua 7, Achan's sin. That is the third time, in the third different context that I have come across that story since Christmas. I taught it in Bible to my second graders. I read about it in a Charles Swindoll book, and now I have heard it in a sermon. I am trying to figure out what God is trying to tell me in all this.

After that we made the trip to see the baby. She is a precious bundle of joy. Caylee Jordan Johnson, arrived one day before her daddy's birthday and less than a month before her mother's. We also were able to see my nephew ( baby's big brother) and my youngest BIL, my MIL, and her housemate Ms Edna. It was a quick trip but we enjoyed it!

Now I still have to do the paperwork that I was planning on doing today, but it isn't absolutely necessary that it be done before tomorrow. I will get it done sometime probably on Tuesday, since tomorrow is Bball practice. That kills my Monday.

Since I don't want to end this blog on a downer such as that last statement, though it is true. I will leave you with this mini testimony I made while introducing the congregational hymn I was leading in service today. Another reason I am glad that we stayed for church. They hymn was Solid Rock - or My Hope is Built on Nothing Less - whichever name you choose. The chorus goes like this. "On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand" Several years ago God used those lines to impress on me the fact that this not only meant wheat I believed about Him, but also what I believed about myself. Was I believing the words He said about me, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." etc or was I believing the lies that the enemy whispers in my ear. When I start to believe those lies, I sink faster and faster into depression. So I should stand on what He tells me. I know, I know, I don't always but I am trying.

Random post

2009-01-29T19:53:00.001-08:00

I don't know exactly what to post about but I am going to post anyway so we will just comes up.

This week has been weird. We went to school on Monday, were off on Tuesday for the ice storm that never made it this far south, was sure that we'd be off or at least late on Wednesday but wound up trying to get there on time, and had school as usual today. I say as usual, my PE class got bumped for chapel, which we didin't have yesterday because of all the late arrivals. I am not kidding when I say I had half of my class tardy yesterday. Tomorrow I should be able to finish catching my class up from missing Tuesday.

I have started two completely new paragraphs and deleted them both. I just am at a loss at what to say. I keep making these resolutions to blog and then I don't. I sit here and nothing comes to me. I keep hoping for these profound thoughts to strike me, yet nothing is coming. So I sit here and prattle on about my day and family etc. I guess I am looking for a purpose for my blog(s) Yes I do have two, they are usually carbon copies of each other. I keep my Xanga because there are several Xanga friends that don't go else where. I keep my Blogspot because there are readers over there that don't do Xanga. They are both linked so if you are at one you can click to the other one. lol! There is a typepad one as well but I just didn't like typepad's set up like I thought I would so I don't use it.

I bought me a Webkinz the other day. I bought it because it was a red cardinal - to remind me of my grandmother. She loved cardnials. I will probably never activate the account. I just wanted the cardnial. It has been five years since she passed away and not a day goes by that I don't think of her an miss her just a little. I can not believe that it has been that long. She has never seen my youngest son that bears her maiden name as his middle name and is the spitting image of her son, my daddy. She has never seen my neice who bears her name and is the spitting image of her mother, my sister. I haven't been called Angel since Thanksgiving 2003, the last time I saw her. I can't see an iris or a cardinal without thinking of her. Those two items will be forever linked with her.

Okay I can't write about that any more. I will, however, one day get her stacks of scrapbooks and with my sister's help preserve the pictures and her writing in books that will not distroy them. She was a scrapbooker before her time. And her work needs to be showcased. That my friends is one of my next projects. Besides getting my own scrapbooks up to date. I need a scrapping corner in my house. Off to think on that one a bit. See what typing this random blog entry has done for me.

Off to copy and paste!

Prayer Request

2009-01-21T04:45:00.001-08:00

God revealed to me this morning that I have a working relationship in a ministry position that bears careful scrutiny - First of all let me state the is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING INAPPROPRIATE at all about this relationship. And that is the way I want it to stay - I couldn't imagine the other party thinking anything different either. However, God revealed to me that all apperances must be kept above board because even the appearance of wrong doing or a rumor from such appearance rather founded or not - would damage both our ministries badly.

Please pray that we all are conscious of this fact and continue to represent ourselves correctly.

shamelessly stolen from Kathy

2009-01-15T19:28:00.001-08:00

~ You've ever ended a sentance with the word "Psych!"

~ You know the profound meaning of "Wax On - Wax Off".

~ You've ever watched the "Pound Puppies".

~ You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and can do the Carlton.

~ Girls wore bike shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.

~ After you saw "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"

~ You yearned to be a member of the Babysitter's Club and tried to start a club of your own.

~ You remember boom boxes and walking around with them on your shoulders like you were all that.

~ You owned those Strawberry Shortcake dolls that were scented.

~ You wore about EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high-top Reeboks.

~ You know that "Whoa!!" comes from Joey on Blossom.

~ You wanted to be a Goonie.

~ You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talking bout Willis?"

~ You still get the urge to say "Not!" after every sentence.

~ Two words...Hammer Pants.

~ You even wore flourescent clothing...sometimes head-to-toe.

~ You have ever watched Fraggle Rock.

~ You had plastic streamers on your handle bars...and spokey-dokes or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect.

~ You thought He-Man and She-ra should hook up.

~ It was actually worth it to get up on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons.

~ You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose started falling off and his cheek bones shifted.

~ You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.

~ You saw the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the big screen and still remember their names.

~ You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class in school.

~ You took lunch boxes to school...metal ones.

~ You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.

~ You ever wondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.

~ You played the game MASH (mansion, apartment, shack, house).

~ You remember the CRAZE, then the banning of Slap Bracelets.

~ You wore stonewashed Jordache jeans and were proud of it.

~ You ever wore a pair of jelly shoes.

~ You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets and pins.

~ L.A. Gear...need I say more?

~ You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up!!"

~ You remember "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" and all the Ramona books.

~ You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.

~ You have ever played with a Skip-It.

~ You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.

~ You knew all the characters and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell" - the original class.

~ You know all the words to Bon Jovi's "Shot Through The Heart".

~ You remember watching both Gremlins movies.

~ Don't worry...be happy.

~ You remember New Kids On The Block when they were cool.

~ You thought Doogie Howser or Samantha Macelli was hot.

~ You remember Alf, the furry brown alien from Melmac.

~ You remember when mullets were cool...and probably had one yourself.

~ You still sing "We Are The World".

~ You tight rolled your jeans.

~ You owned a banana clip.

~ You had big hair...and you knew how to use it.

~ You remember "Where's the beef?".

~ You're still singing "Shot Through The Heart", aren't you.

2009-01-08T18:59:00.001-08:00

Routines are still happening!

Bible reading -- yeah - I have been up every morning this week and reading. I am about to settle into a routine with it. I am actually ahead in the reading! Right now I am rereading stories I have read before - but that familiarity is comforting and is helping me as I get used to this early morning stuff.

Writing -- I haven't written EVERY day - but I have been doing more of it. Again once I settle into writing more, it won't be this mundane boring day to day stuff. It won't be as good as Dana's - in fact it will probably still be boring and mundane - just not my day to day happenings.

Reading -- I don't know that I will finish a book this week but I will update the book blog this weekend with what I am reading.

Crocheting - I haven't crocheted at all but hey it is still a goal.

Kitchen -- The kitchen has been cleaned every night except last night when we ate out. A has been wonderful helping out and getting into it.

Organizing -- the entertainment center is up for this weekend!

School -- so far so good. I may have to bring grading home this weekend because I have been busy getting report cards ready to go out tomorrow but for the most part I have done well.

Course Work - I started ahead, class was granted an extension for the first week, and so I quit. I need to pick that up tomorrow.

Mourning Routine

2009-01-05T20:18:00.001-08:00

Today was very good. We were out of the house early without any fussing, whining or yelling. And none from the kids either. It took a little to get out of bed but, once I did. It was great. I will work on getting up a little earlier each day or so until I am at my target time of 5 am. I am also showering at night now. That will alieviate some of the morning stress I am sure.

I also have some great stuff to look up from Dana on a question that has plagued both of us for awhile. She has been the active one in looking up the answers though. I am going to use her direction and work from there.

But for now - I have a date with a book

Routines!

2009-01-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

Part of my theme "Prepare" is going to be streamlining and decluttering my life. I am working hard on routines right now. Four days into the new year I have done really well with the nightly kitchen routine. Kiddos are in on the act as well. A even made the comment tonight that the kitchen looks better now that we have been Swiffering the floor every night. Score!! The boys are helping by learning to clean up their places after meals. No more dishes left on the table ~ and I am not the one cleaning the table off either! Score!!

One routine I must change is my morning routine. I there is absolutely no way I can stay in bed and actually get my Bible reading done. So I am going to come to the kitchen and do so. My Grandmother's Bible stayed on her kitchen table or on the counter because that is where she read in the mornings. I am thinking I may do the same thing. Now I don't drink coffee but I am thinking hot cider or hot tea would be nice too in the mornings. So I am going to try that as well. I may even be able to jot notes down as I am reading for my accountability partner.

I will start with the new morning routine in the morning. Now it is off to bed so that I can GET UP in the morning!

Scrapbook Day

2009-01-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

Pics of the layouts I did for my album of the trip my high school band took to Washington DC.


The cover of the album


page one

page two

left side

right side of two page spread of the Dinner Cruise Layout

left side

right side of the two page spread of Museum Day layout


left side

right side of the two page spread of the Washington Monument layout
I am not real happy with this one. I may redo it next time.

Goal check

2009-01-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

I am going to get help on my Bible Reading Goal!! Dana and I have the same Bible. She got hers this year and I got mine 2 years ago. But we are going to read them together and hold each other accountable. (Heather if you are game you can join us too. Maybe with 3 we can actually get it done)

I also forgot to put one of my goals down last night. That one is to scrapbook once a month. Which I also get to do tomorrow. I found my pictures from my trip to Washington DC 17 1/2 years ago. My high school band marched in the national Independence Day parade in 1991. So I got an 8x8 album and some patriotic and band/music stickers and paper. That is my project for tomorrow. To work on that album.

Along with my scrapbooking goal, I have mandated that I have to do it with the paper I already have. The ONLY exception to that rule would be if I have a special project to do ( I also want to tackle my wedding album sometime this year ) such as the one above. But I will have to go through what I already have before I can shop and I will only shop at 1/2 price sales at Hobby Lobby (or Michael's). I made this mandate after working on my organizing goal for this week. When I organized my scrapbook stuff and realized I had SO MUCH PAPER! Did you know Dollar Tree has paper packs with coordinated patterend paper for only $1? I bet I have 50 or so of those packs with only a few duplicates (many of those duplicates were purchased for a purpose too).

So lets see tallying up:

I have help on my Bible Reading Goal.
I have organized something this week.
I will scrapbook tomorrow.
I am writing right now.
I started on my Book Blog last night

That is a good start!

Oh yeah! Kitchen is cleaned as well! That is six!

Goals for 2009

2009-01-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

* Read Bible daily - I have never been good on the daily part but will set aside time for that.

* Write for personal reasons every day, blog entry, journal, or something else. This does not include educational writing. Will get to that in a minute.

* Read one book a week. - note that on my book blog as I am reading. Possibly to include a Sunday Evening post per week on what is in progress and what I have finished etc.

* Crochet some everyday - again it may not be much but I have things I want to do -

* Clean kitchen nightly - I started last year with this and did well to begin with but it didn't continue so well. I will also get kiddos on board with this one.

*Organize one space a week - This will include purging unwanted, unneeded, unused items. The Thrift Store will love me this year!

*Keep school at school - grading and lesson planning done at school when I am working After Care or durning break times

*Work and stay ahead in course work for grad school, have essays ready before the weekend they are due.

The Year End Meme

2008-12-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

1. Where did you begin 2008?
I honestly don't remember. I am thinking it was at home.

2. What was your status by Valentine's Day?
wife, mommy, teacher

3. Were you in school (anytime this year)?
all year long - teaching
I started grad school -- online through Walden University in June

4. Did you have to go to the hospital?
not for me but took Eli to the ER

5. Did you have any encounters with the police?
I don't think so that speeding ticket was in 2007

6. Where did you go on vacation?
Nashville with Cheryl and Holly, Atlanta in June for Congress, TN/KY for family reunion, Mt View with hubby for our anniversary

7. What did you purchase that was over $500?
vehicle repairs

8. Did you know anybody who got married?
I don't think so

9. Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes.

10. Did you move anywhere?
Nope.

11. What sporting events did you attend?
Agape Eagles Basketball games to watch Alli cheer

12. What concerts/shows did you go to?
I don't think so.

13. Where do you live now?
same place I did for the last 8 years :-)~~~ Rhonda

14. What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2008?
Start Grad school

15. What has/have been your favorite moment(s)?
Congress in June - Hubby and I made our recommitment to Officership

16. What's something you learned about yourself?
That it is okay to be me.

17. Any new additions to your family?
New great nephew was born in early Nov

18. What was your best month?
I don't know

19. What music will you remember 2008 by?
Chris Tomlin's worship music

20. Made new friends?
One or two - it's more been a year of getting closer to people I already knew.

21. Favorite Night[s] out?
Nashville, Our anniversary in Mt View

22. Any regrets?
I can't think of any

23. What do you want to change in 2009?
To learn more about myself and being me-

24. Overall, how would you rate this year?
on a scale of 1-10?
8 or 9

25. What would you change about 2008?
Stealing Cheryl's response here: If it all served a purpose in leading me here, nothing.

26. Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
Church. School,

26. Have any life changes in 2008?
yeah

27. Change your hairstyle?
a couple of haircuts and highlights = once I think

28. Get a new job?
No.

29. Do you have a New Year's resolution?
I have a one word theme so far -- prepare

30. Did anything embarrassing?
I can't think of anything

31. Buy anything new from eBay?
always

32. What was/were your favorite purchase[s]?
I don't really know

33. Get married or divorced?
no

34. Get arrested?
no

35. Be honest - did you watch American Idol?
Never seen it!

36. Did you get sick this year?
cold, sinus junk here and there nothing major

37. Start a new hobby?
scrapbooking

38. Been snowboarding?
Nope.

39. Are you happy to see 2008 go?
It's bittersweet.

40. Drank Starbucks in 2008?
For the first time - I don't drink Coffee - still don't - but love their Carmel Apple Cider

What are you wishing for in 2009?
God's will to be done in my life.

EEEEEEEEEEkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-30T15:46:00.000-08:00

I saw the mouse my MIL saw a week and a half ago!!!!

Prepare

2008-12-29T15:28:00.000-08:00

That is the start of my theme for 2009 - Can't say a whole lot more right now but I will as I can.

16 Things

2008-12-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

This is the meme that is going around Facebook and I thought I'd give it a whirl. There is not alot that some of you don't already know about me. Some of you know more than is really good for me for you to know. Lol did that make sense? I guess what I am saying is if you know something that isn't on this list you better keep that wonderful knowledge to yourself.........you know who you are.....

And for that matter why 16 things? Is that some OCD number or something? It sure isn't very round or anything. But any way here goes...........

1. I still have one of the blankets I slept with as a child. It has a nice rough edge to it, much like the hem on your jeans. That rough edge is soothing to me. Don't ask my why but it just is.

2. On that note I have this "thing' about textures. There are several foods that I just can't stand to eat because of the texture - bananas and oranges are two of them.

3. Touch is my primary love language, as well as my primary sense (is there such a thing?) and my primary learning style. I have to be able to manipulate things, physically write them down in order to be able to remember them.

4. I decided I wanted to be a teacher when I was six years old. I decided at that young age that girls could either be nurses or teachers and I didn't want to be a nurse. From that humble beginning the desire to be a teacher was born and I can honestly say that I never wanted to be anything else. I love what I do and am constantly working to improve my craft. Hence

5. I am working on a Master's degree in education. Not earth shattering news by any means. But I am doing it online totally because at this time I can't commit to going to class because of hubby's work schedule.

6. I am married to the most amazing man. He is rough around the edges to many, but I can honestly say that God chose him for me.

7. I have learned more about myself in the last 4 years than in the first 30 combined. Yeah you can add that up to get my age. Who knew that turning 30 would begin and education about myself.

8. Growing up I always thought I would marry and live in my hometown, it never occurred to me that something different might happen.

9. I was and still am to some extent all about tradition. My dad was in the band and played the cornet. So that is what I did. I even played his cornet. for 7 years. I loved band. I loved the camaraderie I felt in band. I wasn't very good, however, I kept the third trumpet section well manned. But that was okay with me.

10. I did however, and I can't believe I am actually writing this now, have a huge crush on the first chair trumpet. I didn't talk about it much to anybody, It was bad enough when people in my class found out about my first big crush on another trumpet player. I wasn't about to let *this* secret escape.

11. Enough about high school, My original major in college was Social Studies w/ History emphasis. And an English minor. I was going for dual certification to teach. The semester I had 14 different papers to write for my classes, I changed my major to Early Childhood Education. That only put me a semester behind in graduating. I also have enough hours to have middle school social studies and English on my certificate.

12. I just realized the my teaching certificate expires in 7 days. Must start on the renewal process after the first of the year.

13. I have 3 children, 2 of which are boys, I never ever dreamed I would have boys, or that I could love them so much. I always thought of having 4 children. We will just have to wait and see on that last one.

14. I collect Nativities. At the moment I have 26 out and that is about half of them. There are also three or four on the tree as ornaments.

15. My favorite Christmas Carol is "O Come All Ye Faithful". I just figured that out this year.

16. I like to write, I discovered this in high school, not in the last 4 years. I have a dream of writing curriculum one day.

Christmas Blessings

2008-12-22T18:51:00.000-08:00

I have been home most of the day and really most of the weekend and have managed to avoid many things including this blog. I worried all Thursday night about things financial - we had tuition payments to make and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to finish up Christmas or keep up on my other bills because of it. However, I did pray and give it all over to God - though I still worried.

I emptied our accounts to make a partial payment - a third of what we owed, knowing that a small bonus check coming in later that day would get us through until payday. I went to school to inservice and a staff luncheon. I talked to my principal and was granted a reprieve from a about a third of what was left, but I still had a hefty amount to pay. I got home later that afternoon to a Christmas Card from my Grandfather, with more Christmas money and checks for the kids education! I was able to put double the amount in the bank than I had thought I would. And I will use half the kids money for tuition payment and put the other half in college fund. I won't have to dip into household funds to finish Christmas or pay tuition. Yeah God!

And on another but no less significant note. I also came home to a spotless kitchen floor and all the laundry done thanks to my wonderful Mother-in-law! She was watching the kids for me and did house work too. I told her I need no other Christmas present than that! My floor was NASTY!

2008-12-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?

Hot Apple Cider

2. Turkey or Ham?

We actually have done both - holiday dinners are not the same without my mom's dressing which requires bird meat, though it is usually chicken. But a ham is usually cooked for the main meat.

3. Do you get a fake or real-you-cut-it-yourself Christmas tree?

We have a fake tree. We have been given several hand me downs over the years for various reasons but we got our own brand new tree last year. As for live trees read THIS to know why I don't want a live one.

4. Decorations on the outside of your house?

No but I love them. We go looking every year, and growing up my neighborhood always won awards for our decorations. I want to get a nativity scene for the yard some time..

5. Snowball fights or sleddin'?

Neither ... I prefer to be on the couch, reading. :)

6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
Without children I love it! With children the internet is my friend.

7. Favorite Christmas song?

O Come All Ye Faithful

8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?

Love.Them. The kids saw the Charlie Brown Christmas for the first time this year.

9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?

any time before November.

10. Stockings before or after presents?

First thing, please! But that isn't a fair answer either. Christmas with my family does family gifts on Christmas Eve so stocking and Santa gifts are the only thing for Christmas morning.

11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?

Um, we don't have any usually. But, I would listen if they came by. :)

12. Go to someone else's house or they come to you?

We typically go, swapping out between my parents and Hubby's mom's

13. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when?

Christmas Eve, if we don't hear it at church that night.

14. What do you do after presents and dinner?

Relax. :)

15. What is your favorite holiday smell?
Apples and Cinnamon

16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?

Neither. See #5 re: curling up on the couch. :)

17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day?

Depends on the family we are with. see #10 for my family, Hubby's family all presents on Christmas Day.

18. Favorite Christmas memory?

I have many

19. Favorite Part about winter?

The cold. I am not a hot-weather person so this extra-cold winter has been WONDERFUL for me. :)

20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?

Not until this year. We have a ball of fake mistletoe hanging from the ceiling fan in the living room. Hubby regularly catches opportune moments. :-)

STOP NOW!

2008-12-17T05:58:00.000-08:00

AND GO READ THIS!

Dec 3.

2008-12-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 35 (New International Version)

Isaiah 35

Joy of the Redeemed

1 The desert and the parched land will be glad;

the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;

it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,

the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;

they will see the glory of the LORD,

the splendor of our God.

3 Strengthen the feeble hands,

steady the knees that give way;

4 say to those with fearful hearts,

"Be strong, do not fear;

your God will come,

he will come with vengeance;

with divine retribution

he will come to save you."

5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened

and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,

and the mute tongue shout for joy.

Water will gush forth in the wilderness

and streams in the desert.

7 The burning sand will become a pool,

the thirsty ground bubbling springs.

In the haunts where jackals once lay,

grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

8 And a highway will be there;

it will be called the Way of Holiness.

The unclean will not journey on it;

it will be for those who walk in that Way;

wicked fools will not go about on it.

9 No lion will be there,

nor will any ferocious beast get up on it;

they will not be found there.

But only the redeemed will walk there,

10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return.

They will enter Zion with singing;

everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them,

and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

~~~~~~

I know the prophesy that this speaks of, to me and many people it is obvious -- However in today's reading, one verse spoke out to me and God told me to send it to a friend of mine. Which I did.

Tuesday December 2

2008-12-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 55 (New International Version)

Isaiah 55
Invitation to the Thirsty
1 "Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.

2 Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

3 Give ear and come to me;
hear me, that your soul may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.

4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander of the peoples.

5 Surely you will summon nations you know not,
and nations that do not know you will hasten to you,
because of the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
for he has endowed you with splendor."

6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.

7 Let the wicked forsake his way
and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD's renown,
for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed."

~~~~~~~~~~

What hit me profoundly today was verses 10 and 11. I was reading this to my class of second graders. As I began to read I wondered why I was reading this to 7 and 8 year olds. They couldn't possibly understand this. Why did you prompt me to do this God? Then I read verses 10. I will teach the water cycle later this year and I can point it out in the Bible. And then verse 11 it hit me. His word will not return void! I may not see it - but He will - He knows why I am reading this to them. They need to hear the Bible verses, not just in admonition, not just for memory work, not just to 'learn something', not to understand everything, but also just to hear, the lilt and cadence of it all, and to hear God speaking to them. That is a small part of why I am doing this,

And secondly - John 1 tells us that Jesusa - Yeshua - is the Word made Flesh - and He didn't return to Heaven without accomplishing His mission - and when He returns He will have another mission to accomplish.

Monday December 1 Reading

2008-12-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

Monday Dec 1.
Psalm 89:1-29 (New International Version)

Psalm 89
A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. [a]
1 I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

3 You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant,

4 'I will establish your line forever
and make your throne firm through all generations.' "
Selah

5 The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

6 For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD ?
Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?

7 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.

8 O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?
You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

9 You rule over the surging sea;
when its waves mount up, you still them.

10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain;
with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.

11 The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;
you founded the world and all that is in it.

12 You created the north and the south;
Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.

13 Your arm is endued with power;
your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.

15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

16 They rejoice in your name all day long;
they exult in your righteousness.

17 For you are their glory and strength,
and by your favor you exalt our horn. [b]

18 Indeed, our shield [c] belongs to the LORD,
our king to the Holy One of Israel.

19 Once you spoke in a vision,
to your faithful people you said:
"I have bestowed strength on a warrior;
I have exalted a young man from among the people.

20 I have found David my servant;
with my sacred oil I have anointed him.

21 My hand will sustain him;
surely my arm will strengthen him.

22 No enemy will subject him to tribute;
no wicked man will oppress him.

23 I will crush his foes before him
and strike down his adversaries.

24 My faithful love will be with him,
and through my name his horn [d] will be exalted.

25 I will set his hand over the sea,
his right hand over the rivers.

26 He will call out to me, 'You are my Father,
my God, the Rock my Savior.'

27 I will also appoint him my firstborn,
the most exalted of the kings of the earth.
28 I will maintain my love to him forever,
and my covenant with him will never fail.

29 I will establish his line forever,
his throne as long as the heavens endure.

First Sunday in Advent

2008-11-30T17:05:00.000-08:00

Prophecy Candle Reading Malachi 3:1-4

Malachi 3:1-4 (New International Version)

Malachi 3

1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.

2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.

Daily Reading ~ Isaiah 42:1-9

Isaiah 42:1-9 (New International Version)

Isaiah 42

The Servant of the Lord
1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him
and he will bring justice to the nations.

2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.

3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his law the islands will put their hope."

5 This is what God the LORD says—
he who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:

6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,

7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

8 "I am the LORD; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.

9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Long before He was born, His birth was foretold, His mission explained.

The Saturday after...........

2008-11-29T18:10:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving that is. I spent the day at home. We picked up the living room and vacuumed it, cleaned up the kitchen, did a load of laundry, bagged up two big trash bags of clothes to take to the thrift store and I wrote 3 weeks of lesson plans! I am caught up until Christmas break. I have a few worksheets to print out but that is it. I can now concentrate on writing for my course work. I have a lesson plan to write for that tomorrow. I had hoped to get it written today but I was too lazy to do that. I will probably start the outline tonight.

Tomorrow starts Advent. I have a schedule of readings that we will do at home and at school. Leann has a great schedule on her blog. I am printing it up to use. I want to blog on it as well. I have done Advent Sundays for as long as I can remember. But I have never been very good at doing the daily readings. I hope to change that this year. Keep me honest will you?

Makes you think......

2008-07-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

Stop!!!!

2008-07-10T16:20:00.001-07:00

Right Now! - especially if you are related to me.

grab a tissue -- heck grab a box of them and ---

Go read Shannon!

2008-07-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

I Can Only Imagine

2008-07-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hat Tip - Cheryl

a discussion question for teachers.......

2008-07-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

any teachers - homeschoolers, classroom, Sunday School, music teachers, sports coaches.....
any body who teaches anything........

What keeps you teaching?

Atlanta and Calls

2008-06-09T16:42:00.001-07:00

I am home from an amazing trip to Atlanta. We went down to the Southern Territorial Holiness Congress entitled Go Deeper With God. It was an amazing experience. Our National Commander is an incredible speaker and he was very challenging to all of us. Friday night he spoke on Isaiah chapter 5 and 6 (Isaiah's call) challenging us to move from the despair of chapter 5 into the holiness of chapter 6. Saturday morning he spoke more on chapter six, challenging us to be available to the call of God on our lives, whatever it may be. It was that point that I decided it was time to stop waiting until the time is 'right' and start our paperwork for training. And in confirmation of that, Hubby got the exact same message! So on Sunday morning's call to officership guess who went forward AGAIN! Yes, we are going to start this process AGAIN, but this time we are both determined to go through with it all the way this time. Pray for us as we overcome the obstacles that Satan will throw up. He is already working on us.

Daybook

2008-05-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Since I am home this Wednesday morning -- man is that nice -- except for the reason I am home on this particular day (hubby's hurt ankle - got to take him to the doc later) I thought I'd participate in this meme even if it isn't Monday

A Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...are a few clouds and a sun trying to shine

I am thinking...that days off are particularly nice - Just as church wide family picnics are.

I am thankful for...the health and safety of my husband and youngest child. They were playing together in the field last night, Hubby was holding youngest when he stepped into the hole and fell. He dropped the child as he fell and the only injury between the two of them seems to be a bad sprained ankle.

From the kitchen...bowl of Cheerios with vanilla yogurt mixed in - my new morning staple - delish!

I am creating...a clean - uncluttered home - a life long process it seems

I am going..to be going to Atlanta in a little over a week.

I am wearing...blue
jeans and a blue and yellow floral shirt.

I am reading...March by Gwendolyn Brooks

I am hoping...for
lots of sunshine this week.

I am hearing...The sounds of the 'boys' playing a game in the living room.

Around the house...Oldest is still in bed, and youngest are up and playing with Daddy - got to feed them breakfast in a little bit.

One of my favorite things...a good book

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Finish packing my classroom and preping for my part in Summer Care.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... okay there are 2 of them -- both pictures of the stacks of books on my dresser.
I am sorry for the blurry pics they were taken with my camera phone.

2008-05-15T04:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!!!!!!

My Saturday

2008-04-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

They say that they want to spend the night out there -- how long do you think that they will last?

New Hair

2008-04-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

With Hubby home sick this weekend - I talked him into staying home while the boys napped and watching a movie with DD and I went to have my hair cut. I love love love it!!

I am excited again

2008-04-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Guess what showed up in my mailbox today?

I am not sure who sent it to me but whoever did ----

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

The Beauty of Math

2007-10-27T17:31:00.001-07:00

Beauty of Math

Absolutely amazing!

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it?

And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111=12345678987654321

Now, take a look at this...

101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER
100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these
questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will
get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

It's up to you if you share this with your friends & loved ones just
the way I did.

Have a nice day & God bless!!!

Friday Felicities

2007-10-26T18:04:00.001-07:00

* new tastes -- I love my taco salad
* popcorn and movie nights
* books in the mail

New Recipe

2007-07-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

Take 2 weeks of dry days creating a dust bowl under the swing set
Add a 20 minute down pour this afternoon.
Stir until good and muddy.
Add three children, who have been cooped up in house and van for 2 days.

and you get:

America's Got Talent

2007-07-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

so.........

What did you think of the voting tonight?

Thinkerly topics coming ----

2007-07-20T08:43:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking through some things lately -- processing some
thoughts on changes in me lately and having some profound thoughts but
am not very organized in my thoughts to put them down in an organized
readable manner -- So I am just going to start this and see where it
goes.

I
have been proud of myself in the last few days. Two or three times I
have had original thoughts to something that some one said or posted
and have posted them. And have been validated at least once on that.
I am not sure another one has even been seen yet but that is okay too.
Why this is so important to me, is the fact that I tend to react and
maybe agree with what others have said but haven't really thought
through a lot to come up with me. One of the things I haven't liked
about myself is the fact that I know the 'real me' -- my thoughts are
a part of that.

I am also becoming a study of people around
me, especially family members. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone
was the same -- especially if they were all just like you -- you would
know what to expect and they would know how you felt and what you
wanted with having to say a word, because they are the EXACT SAME WAY
-- but the wonderful thing is that God, didn't make us that way. He
made us all unique and different. And the best way to get along with
people is to learn what makes them tick, to appreciate the differences
and figure out ways to work together to enhance those. Getting upset
because of those differences will NOT help, Insisting that others
change to make it 'work' will only serve to make the situation
miserable for someone, Disapproval, or disdain for differences again
will only make some one miserable.

Thank you for reading my
tangle post -- if it doesn't make sense to you don't worry - it
probably won't to me later either. I will probably change this as time
goes on -- or maybe not.....

Trying again

2007-07-17T20:30:00.001-07:00

I will try to revive this blog once again.

God has a positive answer: -- Handy Chart

2007-04-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

After some pretty big downers (is that an oxymoron or what?). I have come to realize that I need to do exactly what Jesus did in the wilderness when He was tempted by the enemy and use the WORD against him. So when my best friend emailed me this list I realized it is exactly what I need and so I printed it out. I am going to work on an inked version of this to keep and maybe share with others. Humm......... a scrapping project maybe........

But alas without further adieu ......

Feeling Negative -- God has a POSITIVE answer.
YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES

"It's impossible" All things are possible Luke 18:27
"I'm too tired" I will give you rest Matthew 11:28-29
"Nobody really loves me" I love you John 3:16 & John 3:34
"I can't go on" My grace is sufficient II Corinthians 12:9 Psalm 91:15
"I can't figure things out" I will direct your steps Proverbs 3:5- 6
"I can't do it" You can do all things Philippians 4:13
"I'm not able" I am able II Corinthians 9:8
"It's not worth it" It will be worth it Roman 8:28
"I can't forgive myself" I Forgive you I John 1:9 Romans 8:1
"I can't manage" I will supply all your needs Philippians 4:19
"I'm afraid" I have not given you a spirit of fear II Timothy 1:7
"I'm always worried" Cast all your cares on ME I Peter 5:7
"I'm not smart enough" I give you wisdom I Corinthians 1:30
"I feel all alone" I will never leave you or forsake you Hebrews 13:5

Welcome Back

2007-04-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

I realize it has been a month since I posted here. I have been toying around with ideas of what to do with this site. As far as my personal blog, I have gone back to my roots. Those of you who know me. know where that is, if you don't have the link anymore email me and I will send it to you. However, since I use this site for PayPerPost, I need to keep it up and use it effectively so that I can get the opportunities that will enable me to earn the money that I want to. So I have decided to use this site to post things biblical and scriptural that I want to. They may be Bible Studies, Verse references, or questions. I am not sure what all that will entail. But we will see.

Did you know??

2007-02-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

My blog is the #1 hit when you Google the words "haircut style beth moore". Thank you I am flattered! But I don't have hair anywhere near Beth's. It wouldn't stay that high if you glued it straight up! I am also in serious need of a haircut myself.

VENT

2007-02-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

I have read two posts in the past two days written by wives that were offended or upset at something that their husbands did or didn't do for Valentine's Day. Both of these ladies have been married for as long or longer than I have.

The only thing I could think of while reading them was something I learned very early in my marriage. You are NOT going to change your spouse. The ONLY person that can change your spouse (or anyone else for that matter) is GOD. MANY times I have prayed "God, please change him!" Only to have the prayer answered by Him changing ME. And you know I am the better for it.

I by no means have all the answers, I don't have very many. But that truth is one that has stuck out so much over the course of my marriage. Another is this Marriage is a pratnership of two working together -- It isn't a dictatorship written by only one person. For it to work both people have to work together.

Sorry I just had to get that off of my chest.

It is one of those days..........

2007-02-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

I don't know what to do. I am home with the boys -- both are sick -- and I have a ton of things to do -- but am not sure where to start --

Well I HAVE started -- the kitchen is clean -- for the most part -- the floor still isn't -- but we don't eat off of the floor lol!

I have laundry to catch up on and the living room to clean -- I hope to get a lot of work done today around the trip to the doctor that I am sure is coming up -- as soon as the nurse calls me back.

One thing, however, I do know is that I won't get a lot done sitting here so I won't be here for long.

My birthverse

2007-02-01T05:44:00.000-08:00

I got this from my SIL's site, My Birth Verse is:

1 John 5:15 NIV
And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

To get you verse go here: Birthverse.com

2007-01-31T17:16:00.000-08:00

It is snowing!!! It is snowing!! It is snowing!!

Did I mention it is snowing??

Today is better.........

2007-01-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

I want to attribute my mood from the other day to PMS hormones. However, I feel that that is just a cop out. I am not denying that hormones don't play a BIG role in emotions and yes I am experience it as well. However, I am also convinced that there are much larger issues going on here as well - Spiritual warfare issues.

It is one of those days..........

2007-01-25T17:43:00.000-08:00

..........when I just want to run away -- far away

......... curl up and sleep, or read, ........and not worry or be bothered about anything

........ not have everything and everyone weighing in and expecting everything, and being everything from highly disappointed to outright mad when I can't do it.... you know me why did you ever expect I could?

i hate this ... i hate this... i hate this... but there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.

Acid Reflux

2007-01-23T18:20:00.000-08:00

Do you suffer from Acid Reflux like I do? Or maybe Heartburn Ulcers? This site is just for you!

I have suffered from heartburn for many years. Since I was a teenager, really. However, it has only been since my first pregnancy, and the related Pregnancy Heartburn that it was really considered Acid Reflux. So that makes it almost 9 years, I have dealt with it. Now it is in the area typically known as Nighttime Heartburn, as I typically start to feel the effects of it within an hour or two of going to bed at night. Right now a couple of antacids work well and for the time being that is what I do. The information I have read, starts with the common sense suggestions of eating smaller dinners, which makes sense on the weight loss side of things as well. Also avoiding alcohol and or caffeine beverages will also help as they are high in acid. I have been off of carbonated beverages for awhile for this very reason. They actually hurt going down sometimes. Having a longer period of time between eating and sleeping is suggested, 2 hours is recommended.

I was particularly interested in the Herbal Remedies for heartburn. There are three suggestions: chamomile, ginger, and peppermint. Chamomile for its high calcium content, thought to soothe and ease esophageal muscles and help digestion. Ginger because it aids in the proper digestion process by promoting spontaneous intestinal movement. And peppermint because it calms the stomach. All three of these warrant some looking into. I would rather go naturally than chemically.

* this is a sponsored post *

Silly Survey

2007-01-21T17:55:00.000-08:00

Most of these surveys have the same questions over and over again. So when I found one that had something different I thought, "How Fun". So without further ado here is part 1 of the survey I stole from Amanda at her Xanga. I will post the res in stages, as i have time to do these things.

1. Is your second toe longer than your first? nope

2. Do you have a favorite type of pen? fine point liquid ball ink pens

3. Look at your planner for March 14, what are you doing? as of right now nothing is written but parent teacher conferences are that Friday so I will be prepping for them

4. What color are your toenails usually? regular nail color, they are too little to paint.

5. What was the last thing you highlighted? notes on my student's behavior folders

6. What color are your bedroom curtains? green with flowers on them -- I hate them

7. What color are the seats in your car? the official paperwork says spruce green metallic but I don't see it -- looks grayish brown to me.

8. Have you ever had a black and white cat? can't stand cats -- never had one

9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on? a book for Paperbackswap.com

10. Do you know anyone who lives in Wyoming? Heather

More Coupon Sites

2007-01-21T17:35:00.000-08:00

Okay those of you who know me or have read my blog for awhile know I utilized online shopping for Christmas. I have discovered that it works well for much of my shopping and keeps me from having to take 3 young kids around to the store with me as I shop. Saving time and my sanity are of utmost importance for me, but saving money ranks a very close second to that. Finding coupon codes has been a wonderful resource for me.

My favorite store to shop is Target, and one of the coupons for them is 10% off with no minimum.

And to feed my book craves here is Books-A-Million, one is linked to the clearance bin, that I love so much.

* this is a sponsored post.

Did I tell you ........

2007-01-20T19:01:00.000-08:00

..... that my third child is the bossy one?

He is just months shy of his 3rd birthday. And tonight he was sitting in his chair at the table -- a high chair seat without the tray or front brace. He was holding his penguin -- the one he got for Christmas from "his" Ms. Kathy -- and his "Stinky" -- his beloved crochet camouflaged blanket. Doing one thing or another, he dropped both of them in the floor. This is the conversation that ensued.

him -- I dropped my penguin and Stinky.

his daddy -- yeah, so.

him -- I dropped my penguin and Stinky.

his daddy -- yeah so.

He pondered this a few minutes.

him -- Get down and pick up that mess! I am tired of picking up my stuff!

Riotous laughter ensues.........

He got down and picked up his own penguin and Stinky.

I'm dreaming of ......

2007-01-20T17:15:00.000-08:00

.... a new bedroom.

My home is filled with furniture. Much of it is hand-me-down furniture, that we are very grateful to own. My children are growing up using the same couch that we had as I was growing up, it was one of the first pieces of furniture my parents got after they were married. My husband is using the dresser that my grandparents first used right after they married and moved into their own home. My daughter is sleeping on the bed I used all through college -- after I moved out of the dorm. My desk was handmade by my maternal grandfather. The kitchen table and buffet (which is actually in our bedroom currently) comes from my MIL's. Our furniture has a rich history and I love it!

However, our wonderful king sized bed came from our BIL, but we have only the frame, mattress and box springs, no beautiful head and/or foot board to go with it. So if I were able to refurnish my home I'd definitely start in my bedroom and one of my first places to look would be here for beds. This would be my dream, or for something not so heavy this would be wonderful. Oh yeah since, I don't have money now for a new bedroom I am completely ignoring the fact that neither of these have king sizes available.

*this is a sponsored post.

A Somewhat Laidback/ Busy Day

2007-01-20T05:51:00.000-08:00

That is how I am going to describe today. I have several things that HAVE to be done today, like picking up my daughter from a slumber party, taking my eldest son to another birthday party, etc. But other than that I get to stay home. I also have quite a bit to do at home, like laundry, cards to get out, etc. so I guess I better get up and get going.

I spent a little while online to find a hoodwrap like the one I have

1974

2007-01-18T15:26:00.001-08:00

In 1974 (the year you were born)

Gerald Ford becomes president of the US

Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run to beat Babe Ruth's record

Impeachment hearings are opened against President Nixon by the House Judiciary Committee

President Nixon resigns

President Gerald Ford issues an unconditional pardon to ex-President Nixon for all federal crimes

Muhammad Ali knocks out George Foreman in the eighth round to regain the heavyweight crown in Zaire

Heiress Patty Hearst is kidnapped by and eventually joins the Symbionese Liberation Army

Dungeons & Dragons officially released

People magazine is published for the first time

Kate Moss, Alyson Hannigan, Penelope Cruz, Alanis Morissette, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ryan Seacrest are born

Oakland Athletics win the World Series

Miami Dolphins win Superbowl VIII

Philadelphia Flyers win the Stanley Cup

Blazing Saddles is the top grossing film

All the President's Men by Bernstein and Woodward is published

"Killing Me Softly With His Song" wins Grammy for song of the year

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

New Review Site

2007-01-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

I want to let you know about a new and possibly exciting site that will launch in the spring of 2007. It is a site to test and review popular electronics, such as TV's, cell phones, and digital cameras. The site you see now is information on the final product that you will see once the big launch takes place. You can see the beginnings, however, with several reviews in each different category.

The ambition of these site owners is BIG. When they accomplish what they plan it will be a very sophisticated site with an elaborate search engine to find reviews on the products for which you are looking. Right now there is even the opportunity to earn money by sending in review sites all while helping the site owners to build the site.

This post sponsored by TestFreaks.com

Judgement Foe or Friend

2007-01-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

****guest contribution by none other than the hubby******

Judges 2:16-18

Then The Lord Raised up judges who saved them out of the hands of the raiders. Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves themselves to other gods and worshiped them. Unlike their fathers, they quickly turned from the way in which their fathers had walked, the way of obedience to the Lord’s commands. Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them He was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived: for the Lord had compassion on them as they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted them.

Comparison points :

1) Judges led people back to the right way to live.

2) Judges saved the people from their oppressors.

3) The Lord had compassion on them as long as the judge lived.

John 5:22

Moreover, the Father judges no on. But has entrusted all judgement to the Son.

Comparison Points:

1) Jesus was raised up by God to bring us back to the right way .( Back to God)

2) Jesus saves us from our oppressors (Satan, sin , self)

3) Jesus is still alive and will live for ever , therefor God’s compassion is limitless

Why do people say”Don’t judge me.”? Why do people fear judgement?

What does a judge do ? A judge is there to to decide what is right and fair. When an injustice has been done a judge is supposed to make it right. When an injustice has been done to us we want judgement. We scream out “That’s not fair. Make it right,” but when we do something wrong we don’t want to be judged. We want it to go unnoticed and just hope it slides, and if someone says something about it it’s “Hey, don’t judge me..”

People say “don’t judge me “ because if they were they know they would be found guilty. When Jesus said “ Judge not lest ye be judged,” He wasn’t talking about saying “that’s wrong” or “that’s right.” He was talking about the condemnation That follows. Look at the adulteress that the pharisees want to stone. Everyone knew that she had done wrong. They did, She did, Jesus did. Her guilt was not in question. She was wrong. She had sinned. The judgement came when she was dealt out mercy. By law they had the right to stone her. However when Jesus said,” Let he who is with out sin cast the first stone.”, he put it back in them. We are to be careful how we judge because we will be judge in the same manner.

Speaking of mercy and judgement brings on the next point. If we never submit ourselves to judgment then we can never receive mercy. Mercy is given when we are guilty and deserve punishment , the sentence is commuted., and we are given a second chance. You see, we present ourselves before the throne of God for judgement , and God makes it right: not only for the victims but for the condemned(you and me). Instead of an eternity in hell , we get community service with Jesus as our counselor to show us how to do it right It’s kind of like a Judge Hatchet episode. She Tries to point these messed up kids in the right direction with tough love. I.e. She puts them in jail for a day so they know what it’s like and they don’t want to go back. If we had one day in hell just to see what it’s like, would we fail to take advantage of the second chance Jesus offers.

Now if we don’t present ourselves for judgement, that doesn’t mean we get away with our sin. We are enslaved by it. It’s like sitting in a jail cell with a four hundred pound man named Tiny waiting to come to trial. Paul could sympathize, he waited years to plead his case before Ceaser. And the longer we sit in there with Tiny (a.k.a...our sin ) the more comfortable we get with him and the deeper we fall in to sin, and the harder it becomes to hear Jesus. The bible says,” Today if you hear His voice , do not harden your hearts.” ( Heb. 4:7 b) If you harden your heart , you may reach a point where you can’t hear Him at all, and he is the only one who can commute your sentence.

We all need to hear Him and turn our selves in for judgement, because we all need to be shown the way out of sin and how to stay out of the Big House that’s down below.

Stop now......

2007-01-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

............ and go read Jayne. Some really good thoughts to ponder this morning......

Cash Back?

2007-01-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

You have seen a lot of ads for online coupon sites. They are great and I have saved money with them! It was fun doing Christmas shopping with them.

Now I have found something else, dealking.com. With dealking you earn cash back. It is one of only a few sites that offer cash back to you and it is the most aggressive of those few. The best deals they have going right now are the Cingular Go phone or the prepaid T Mobile phone -- absolutely FREE -- neither require a contract either.

There are also other good deals with online retailers such as Buy.com, Barnes and Noble, and Old Navy.

This is a sponsored post.

Getting going

2007-01-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

I am dreaming big after all what are goals but dreams with deadlines?

This year I aspire to accomplish........
in no particular order other than how my mind is working......

-- organized budget, bill paying, debts paid off completely with the only exception being house and van (by the end of 2007 the house and van will take a bit longer lol), bills paid on time, giving on track

-- organized spiritual life, more study, prayer, one on one time with GOD

-- organized home life, clean out clutter, set up home making notebook, get started/ continue with crafting, make many gifts from the heart this year, start scrapping journaling my kids scrap books

-- personal contacts -- I realized with my Christmas Cards this year how many people I have lost contact with and or don't correspond with except at Christmas. I aim to better that this year.

Photos anyone?

2007-01-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

I mentioned earlier that I got a digital camera for Christmas -- I actually have a Christmas photo post in draft form I am working to post sometime. But now I am looking through the pictures I have taken for another reason. I want to enter the 2006 Photograph of the Year contest, sponsored by PhotographyCorner.com. Why not? Not only is there the prestige of winning a national contest, voted on by your peers, there are also $14,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. There are some awesome photography sponsors behind the contest. All offering services and cash to the winners.

Photography Corner is a forum of photographers from brand new newbies, that would be me, to some really excellent experienced people. They will all have help and advice for you at any level .

So if you are thinking of entering go see How It Works. Then check out the rules. Find the one picture of which you are most proud. But don't take too long the TimeLine is running quickly, you only have until the 12th to submit something. Check out How To Submit a Photograph.

I know of several of you that are photographers out there that could join in on the fun. Wouldn't it be great if one of the W@H girls won the big prize?

Sponsored by PhotographyCorner.com

Interactive Faith Builder

2006-12-31T18:22:00.000-08:00

What keeps you from believing that God can restore the parts of your life that feel dead or broken? What is the “something more” that God may be calling you to?

Why is it that every question lately brings me back to myself? I can answer questions that don't have anything to do with me better.

In order to answer the first question, I had to look into my life and decided what exactly feels dead or broken. There are some parts inside of me that I would qualify as dead. I talked a couple of days ago about finding myself. As I sit back and think and look into things I don't think that it isn't that I don't BELIEVE that God can restore me. It is more like WANTING him to. I commented on my weight loss blog that part of my block in weight loss was that if I lost the weight I wouldn't know how to act, would everybody expect something different from me. So I guess the issue for me is -- If I change through this process, how will I act? Will that affect the way the people think of me? Will it be harder?

God is calling me past the easy. He wants me to know myself. He wants me to BE myself.

It is just easier that way...

2006-12-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

One of these changes that I keep talking about is in the way I view myself. All of my life I have been living to please someone else. That is what has been the easiest. I was going to say it was what made me happy, or what was comfortable but those descriptions didn't always fit. It was not necessarily what made me happy all the time. Sometimes it wasn't comfortable. But as long as I could figure out what others wanted I was ready to comply. It was just easier that way.

I say easier because I didn't have to think to hard about what I wanted or too much on how I felt. The result is I didn't know myself very well. Introductions were always hard for me. You know when you have to go around and tell about yourself. When those times came around I would pick a few very generic likes to list. It was just easier that way.

When it came to doing things it was easier to let my mom or dad or whoever, give me the ideas and then do the work. The truth is they probably thought I had no ideas of my own. The truth was I was timid to let anyone know I had a different idea, that person might not accept it and as a result not accept me. I know that is not how it works but you never know, it might be. Go with the other person's ideas. It was just easier that way.

When it came to school, subjects with exact answers were the easiest for me. I loved algebra, geometry, science, chemistry, physics. There were answers there I just had to find them. I didn't have to come up with them on my own. I loved history as well, especially when it was date and event recall. English and writing were harder, because well I had to come up with my own thoughts and answers. I perfected the art of listening carefully in class and regurgitating answers. I made A's that way. That pleased my family and it was just easier that way.

I was always proud of the fact that I made good grades In the classes that I took, that meant I could think for myself. At least that is what the world outside looking in thought. It was fine by me. It was just easier that way.

I find myself still living by that code, trying to discern what other people want and then giving it to them. Coming up with my own ideas and deciding what I really feel and like still often takes a back seat. However, I am slowly learning who I am and it is the hardest thing I have ever done.

More later.

Don't forget....

2006-12-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

.....to go see this post to add money to the total going to ST. Jude's Children's Research Hospital -- the comments have almost doubled in 12 hours -- but she still needs 200 or so to reach her goal.

I was # 294 (yes again -- you can post once a day for credit)

Go Comment!!!

Postie Patrol Strikes Again

2006-12-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

This is hilarious! PayPerPost has the Postie Patrol where various Posties -- that'd be people like me who post ads for companies via PayPerPost -- compete to win various prizes. On this one Robin was on a trek to win Digital Photo Printing gear from HP.

The video was so fun to watch. It had everything from crazy stunts to snow angels in the middle of Chicago -- in windchill of -9* btw -- to my favorite, of course, Salvation Army Bell Ringers. In fact that was the only trademark, besides HP or PayPerPost of course, that I saw in the video.

Would I do something like this? Humm...... I don't know, I am not very outgoing. Of course the motivation of HP gear and a cash prize -- would that be enough to get over my fear? I don't know. Go watch the video and see if you could picture me doing things like that. Let me know.

HP sponsored this post!

Things that maks you go humm..........

2006-12-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

Which Classic Female Literary Character Are you?

You're Anna Karenina of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy!
Take this quiz!

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A Good deed for the day

2006-12-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

Go over to Pass the Torch -- this blogger has a corporate sponsor who will donate $1 for every comment, up to 500, on this post to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. A wonderful way to help. I was # 154 -- help her get to 500.

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