Update on Paw Paw

Many of you have been asking for news on Paw Paw. Some of you knew that we were making visits to the doctor and that he is having problems with his kidneys. His primary care physician said that these problems were because of his age but sent us to a doctor that would get him ready for dialysis. Monday was his surgery to get his veins ready. They put him out and did a procedure that combined a vein and an artery. Something called a fistula.
I think that is spelled right.
He did pretty good but anytime you put someone that old out--there will be lasting effects.
Meanwhile the kidney doctor sent us to a blood specialists because blood work showed that Paw Paw was severely anemic. The results from the lab work let them know that it was all more than just age. This is what the lab work shows he has.

Multiple myeloma (also known as MM, myeloma, plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease after Otto Kahler) is a type of cancer of plasma cells which are immune system cells in bone marrow that produce antibodies. Its prognosis, despite therapy, is generally poor, and treatment may involve chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. It is part of the broad group of diseases called hematological malignancies.

The only cure for this type of cancer is bone marrow transplant. And of course with his age-- 92--that is of course not an option.
I am learning a little more each day about the effects of the cancer. It is in the blood and it attacks the organs.
Now we know why the problem with the kidneys.
They are setting up appointments for a body ex ray and a bone marrow check. Once we find out how advanced it is then Paw Paw can decide if he wants to be treated. We have our own opinions on that but it will be his choice.
One of the doctors today said that he would be surprised if we have three months. But the final say is Gods. He set his days before he was even born.
It hurts my heart. I have never really had much contact with my father in law until these last 7 months. After my mother in laws death he remarried and she did not want to have much to do with our side of the family. So although I knew him I was not really emotionally involved with him.
Now I am.
We have lots of appointments ahead of us. Paw Paw and I are pretty much constant companions. I will try and keep up with everyone. But if I get a little behind it is not by choice. I'll stop in when I can.
Pray for my husband and our family. Pray that we will make the most of the time. Pray that Paw Paw will have some peaceful happy time and not be in pain and misery.
Thank you for your prayers, love and support.
Love you guys.

The Shoeless Manikin

Several months ago we made a trip with our pastor and his wife to a store to look for hunting items. It was a distance from our homes and we enjoyed some good talk on the way. We stopped for barbecue, Keith's favorite, and then headed on to the store. This store is fine for me to visit once in a blue moon-- I am not into hunting. But there is a cooking section and it is fun just to look around and see what is there.
Now I have said before that I am not a girly girl. I don't particularly like to shop. And clothes shopping is not -never has been- on my list of fun things to do. But, when the choice is looking at clothes or looking at camo and deer stands.....please take me to the womens clothing section. So, after quietly following my husband while he checked out every hunting item in the place he said, "let's go check out the womens section".
Me, "Thank you Jesus".
There were really not that many things that I was interested in. But there were a pair of shoes that I liked. Problem was that they were on the manikin. And they were no more to be found. You guys-I love clogs-and these were beau-ti-ful! My husband loved them too.
They were just sexy looking.
We went through the whole thing of asking for other shoes. There were none. Keith suggested that maybe we could buy the shoes on the manikin. But as I looked at the shoes they looked small. I have boats for feet. There was no way they would fit my feet. As I was thinking this- my husband was bent down pulling the shoes off the manikin. Yes, my cheeks were red. Now on his knees he reached over and gently pulled off my clog and replaced it with the one from the manikin. It fit perfectly. I really don't know how.
Keith went through all the hoops to find out how he could purchase them. I loved them but I figured that it was not really worth it. Truth be told I felt like I was not worth it. I was embarrassed at the attention. But, Keith did not listen to any of my protest. He wanted those shoes for me--and he got them.
They were the last pair in the store and now they are mine. I feel great when I wear them. And last night while at group looking down at my shoes- I was again reminded why I love my man.
His heart.

Last night I thought about how Keiths actions had reflected the heart of God.
How God looked down at me and He knew I needed a covering. A robe to cover my sin.
A robe of righteousness.
And He knew what needed to be done to clothe me in His purity and holiness. He decided that He would be willing to pay whatever price had to be paid, to obtain that robe to give me. I am so glad they had my best interest in mind. Jesus was not worried about men embarrassing him on the path to his goal. He was not even concerned when people told Him that what He was trying to do-could not be done. He knew nothing could stop Him.
He was not going to let anything stop Him.
And then He did it. With the goal in sight--He paid the price for that robe for me.
The price. His life.
And then when the price was paid-God handed Him the robe that would be the perfect fit for me. And on His knees, looking lovingly up into my face--He held the robe out to me.
It was a free gift. All I had to do was recognize the price that was paid for it, take it, and wear it.
And I did.
I love my robe of purity and holiness. I am so thankful for the price He was willing to pay.
Such love is kind of embarrassing for me.
I love my robe. And unlike the shoes my husband bought for me---my robe will never be taken away.
Cool.
Thank you Jesus!
The gift that would be born----- so that a gift could be given.

Planning Session

When I was in college I vividly remember the time that God called me to the ministry. Did I know what His plans were? No. I just thought He probably wanted to take me to some far off place as a missionary. And in a silly memory- I remember thinking that I would be afraid to go to far into the outback because I was a glass and contact lens wearer. I remember thinking, What if I lost my glasses and could not see and I got lost. I guess I figured He could get me there but would not be able to keep me safely there.

Now all these years later I realize that I have been living a life of preparation. God's plan was not to send me to live among the cannibals. I am still not really sure what that plan is. But for now I know my ministry is in my own home. Learning to be a merciful, humble servant to the people He brought into my life. Learning to love in deed and not just in word. There are times when I feel like I have been put upon. I didn't ask for this. But maybe I did.

When I finally realized I could not run from the call on my life-I asked God to do what He needed to do to get me ready. Now the events in my life start to take on a reason. And when He thinks His tool is primed and ready-He'll send me out. Out where? Don't know. But I do know that wherever He sends me--He will have prepared me.

And those ramblings are some thoughts after reading this mornings devotions.

A Heavenly Strategic Planning Session
TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

And the Lord said, "Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?" One suggested this, and another that. - 1 Kings 22:20

There are few times we get a glimpse of what goes on in Heaven. Here is one instance when the angels were conferring with the Lord about the judgment of King Ahab for his sin and who was going to set up Ahab for this judgment.

If God wanted to use you to impact your world for Jesus Christ, what circumstances would have to be created in order for you to respond to His call? Would prospering you materially encourage you to this end? Would a major change in what you are presently doing be necessary? What would your response be should God and the angels conclude that the only way to move you into a position of fulfilling God's purposes was to remove some things that might be very dear to you? Would you agree with their plan if you knew this would be the only way you would achieve the purposes for which God made you? Hard questions, aren't they?

This is the very thing God does in many who have been called for a special mission. Moses had to be stripped of his royal position in the family of Egypt and sit in the desert for 40 years. The apostle Paul had to be knocked to the ground, blinded, and receive a personal visitation from Jesus. The 12 disciples had to leave their jobs for three years to follow Christ. Imagine what kind of disruption this had on their lives. There are many examples of God bringing major upheaval in the lives of those He called for His purposes. Why?

........................
Would you be willing to sit in the strategic planning session for your life and agree with the plans God has for your life? Could you give God complete freedom to implement that plan, no matter the cost? Ask God to give you the grace and trust in His love for you to say "yes."

I just have to say how cool it would be to sit in on one of those planning sessions. Can you imagine looking at the face of God as He lays out the events of your life?
Somehow it would seem that life would be a tad easier if I heard from the mouth of God that He was orchestrating certain events. Events that were there to train and equip me.
God---"Now let us have her clean poop off the toilet- so that what will come her way in the future will not seem quite as disgusting."
Me--"Ahhhhhh--now I understand"
\o/ Thank ya Jesus for the poop.

12 Questions

Anni, at Hootin' Anni's has created a Christmas meme. If you would like to participate, just click on the link where you can learn all about the meme and read Anni's wonderful answers. I found about it over at Mary's Writing Nook-I loved hearing about her family and their dinner for 40 around one table. I would love to have that table. And yes, I would love to cook for them too. Here are my answers to the 12 questions.

This is what Anni had to say:

For the holiday season, I've started a meme. "The Twelve Questions of Christmas" If you'd like to participate, I'd be honored to have you join in the fun. If you'd like, you are welcomed to use the meme header graphic!

1. Christmas is Nostalgic [fill in the blank with ONE WORD]

2. In memories, what was the best part of your Christmases past?
I loved Christmas at Grandmas house. The smell of bacon in the morning and besides the fact that we had to eat breakfast before we could open our presents--it was a very special time. Their tree was in the front room. The room you only sat in while in your Sunday best- or if you had visitors. The tree had those huge old bulbs and it was fake as far back as I can remember. But the rest of the ornaments were made by the grandchildren.
My Grandfather used to wear these long silky black socks--they became our stockings each year. Mom and Grandma would fill the bottom with nuts and a tangerine or orange. And then they would fill the socks with goodies and candy. The sock looked like it was then long enough to wear as a womans stocking. Poor Granddad. This was almost my favorite part of the morning. You always knew that once you had opened all your gifts-- there would be one more thing.
It was a good thing that we were all on a friendly basis because the stocking could have been used as lethal weapons while loaded. :)
Today Mom still does stockings for us even though we no longer have granddad's socks-she tried to stop one year and the kids had a fit. Yes, me included. Good memories.


3. Was Santa ever good to you? [describe how and what]-
No. We knew from a very early age that there was no such thing as Santa.

4. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both?
We allow the children to open one (that we pick) present on Christmas Eve and then they open the rest the next morning.
5. Is there something you make each and every year? [craft or recipe]
I usually make fudge-a no bake recipe. And usually pumpkin bread.
6. What is your favorite five[5] Christmas songs/hymns?

1. Do You Hear What I Hear? 2. O' Holy Night 3. Silent Night-------------------------I'll have to agree with Mary on all 5 of these. 4. Little Drummer Boy 5. I'll Be Home for Christmas--I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas?

7. Is there a new tradition for Christmas since your childhood days?
We put up a tree the day after Thanksgiving and take it down the day after Christmas. We open presents as soon as we get up and then eat a big breakfast afterwards.


8. Describe one of your Christmas trips. [whether it's across town or across country]
I think it was a Christmas trip. But, I was pretty young so I am not real sure. We went to visit my Dad's Dad in Michigan. It was snowing and we went tobogganing. I remember the snow flakes hitting me in the eyes. I think I loved it. Grandpa used to smoke a pipe and I loved the smell. I remember sitting on his lap watching him blow smoke rings. I still love that smell and for a short while after we got married Keith smoked a pipe just so I could smell that smell. He no longer smokes-that was years ago.
9. Do you have a special Christmas outfit to wear for the day?
Whatever is going to allow me to be the most comfortable and not look to0 bad in Christmas pictures. A good disguise for the fluctuations each year. You know-- big, small--big, small. My mouth will be sealed until Christmas because I got on the scale this afternoon. Waaaaaaaa!!!!

10. Have YOU or any of your family members sat on Santa's lap?
I am sure I probably have at one time or another. No pictures. I don't think our kids have.
11. What is/or will be on your Christmas tree this year?
Well, all of our decorations are in storage. Last year we had just torn down our house and we were living in our trailer. Interesting days. So we had a little tree in a boot that a friend gave me and I had saved out our stockings. This year we do have a normal size tree and I went and bought some white lights and some gold, red and dark red ornaments. Julia picked out an angel that is outdoorsy and has little pine cones on her dress and wings. Sounds strange but she is pretty.

12. Do you/or have you decorated your yard for Christmas?
No, we don't decorate our house or yard.

Memory Verse Monday

Memory Verse Monday is hosted by Karen of Karen's Ramblings. If you would like to join us read the following points and get your post up. Then go on over to Karen's and add your post to Mr Linky.

The aim of "Memory Verse Monday" is to:

1. Memorise a passage (or passages) of scripture.

2. Share why you have chosen the verse or verses that you have.

3. Encourage one another with God has been saying to you through this verse.

4. Share the ways in which you find remembering verses works for you.

I have just recently started Beth Moore's study-- Stepping Up-a journey through the Psalms of Ascent. This is a portion of scripture that the Jews would recite on their way to the temple for feasts. Beth has asked us to memorize the 121st Psalm as we are going through the six week study. So for this next week I will memorize one and two.

I think it will be good to memorize this. It is so real. These people were on a journey and Beth reminds us that many times their journeys were full of danger and it would only take a small accident out in the middle of no where to end their life. I am reminded that I can call for help at almost anytime if I get in some type of physical danger or trouble. But in times of spiritual trouble there is only ONE who can give us the help we need. How cool would it be, to be so sure that our help comes from THE LORD that we could boldly declare---MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD? Not a friend, nor a bank, nor a credit card, nor some lucky number, not even the love of our life--but THE CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. I pray that sinks into my mind and heart as as I memorize these verses this week.

Psalm 121(HCSB)

The LORD Our Protector

A song of ascents.

1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from? ^(A)

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth. ^(B)

3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
your Protector will not slumber. ^(C)

4 Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep. ^(D)

5 The LORD protects you;
the LORD is a shelter right by your side. ^{(E) [a]}

6 The sun will not strike you by day,
or the moon by night. ^(F)

7 The LORD will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life. ^(G)

8 The LORD will protect your coming and going
both now and forever.

A few pictures

This is bright and early Thanksgiving morning which also happened to be my 19th wedding anniversary. Keith got hunting stuff . Here is Keith trying out his sled that is for bring dead deer out of the woods. Here Keith looks like he is trying some strange form of torture with our youngest. No, she is not dead. ;) I think my present was a success. I got him a deer stand that seats two-but it is already in the woods.
During the night Keith got up and hid several things around the house for me. Well, they were not really hidden but in the bleary eyed moments of early morning they might as well have been. There were at least three cards that I either stepped on or over on my way to the kitchen to make coffee. I got some really sweet things that were very romantic.
And for all of you our there who have husband who have still not figured it out--there is hope. If Keith finally caught on to the romantic stuff----any man can.
It took him awhile but once he caught on-----he's a keeper!
I do love him.

After a quick breakfast we headed out to the church to begin our mission. A mission that went of without a hitch. Here are some pictures of all the people who showed up with food and wanted to help serve meals. Our long table was set up and ready for people to man their stations.

Here is Linda(one of my girls and my pastors wife)--Keith in manning the camera from the top of a chair. To the right is one of our younger members wanting to get involved with the process.

Each tray was marked with a message for the recipient. The box below says, Jesus love you!
Mr Donald and his daughter Sweetie are to the right. Mr Donald makes wooden Ten Commandment signs for people to put at their churches or where ever they want to put them. This ministry has signs all over the United States and a few out of the states.
I loved his tee-shirt that day. It said, God's last name is not Dammit. Pretty good!
Here is the assembly line in motion. Keith again is manning the camera from a chair.



I am the third person in the line. No close ups--it was a rough day. :)
This is our six year I believe-maybe our fifth--doing meals to go on Thanksgiving Day. Usually we have done about 126 but this time we did over 170. Cool huh? We are a small piece of the body of Christ but the word is getting out and we are getting to touch more in His name.
After the meals went out we had most everyone stay to eat dinner. The food was great and I will be starting a diet soon. Or I will be walking around looking for pant extensions. Do they make those? It is time to get serious before Christmas gets here.

After our time at church we spent a few days at the farm. Now it is time to get back to real life.
Joy! Joy!
Please pray for Paw Paw tomorrow morning. He will be going through a small surgery to get his veins ready for dialysis. We have to be there for 6 and his surgery time is 7. Thank you for praying. Talk to ya'll tomorrow afternoon.

How many of ya'll have gotten your Christmas trees already? Our is up but not decorated. We will do that tomorrow when Julia gets home from school.
O.K, now I really have to go.

This is for HalfMoon Girl-:)

Make sure that you notice that at the top of the test it says--
This is the level of education that is required to read your website. So all of you are geniuses!
How about that?

Two family favorites

Well, the last post was silly--- so I thought I would post two of our
favorite family holiday recipes.
They are easy and they always bring rave reviews.
The first is for a sweet potatoe dish. Honestly it is more like a desert. But, once you have had it you will just have to make it again. They will make you!!

Sweet Potato Dish
(this doubles easy)
3 cups mashed sweet potato (canned works great)
1 cup sugar(you can use 3/4 cup)
1/2 t salt
1/3 stick butter
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 t vanilla

Mix ingredients and pour into greased baking dish. Mix together and put on top.
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 flour
1/3 stick butter
Bake for 35 minutes for 350

You can actually cook this off the day before and reheat the day of. Don't be put off if the top does not appear crunchy-it will harden as it cools. The topping will ending up being crunchy a nice combination with the mashed sweet potato. Now the next is a great pie. It is easy and you don't have to bake it. If you love cheese cake you will love this. You can use a preprepared graham cracker crust or buy the crumbs and prepare according to directions on the box. We have used cherry topping, blueberry and strawberry to top this pie. Double the recipe and do one of both.

Berry Cheese Pie

1 (9") graham cracker crumb crust
1 (8oz) package cream cheese softened
1 (14oz) can condensed milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 t vanilla
1 (21oz) cherry pie filling

To make 2 pies, I double everything but the cream cheese. (For the picture I will share-- I doubled everything.) In large mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk until smooth. Stir in lemon juice an vanilla. Pour into crust. Chill at least 3 hours. Top with desired amount of pie filling.


I wanted to do something a little different this time. So I pulled out one of my clear glass dishes and layered the pie. It was very easy. I used graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and a little sugar. I started with that on the bottom, cream cheese mixture and then blueberry pie filling. Then I started the layers all over again and then topped it with strawberry pie filling. I continued the layers and topped it off with one of the fillings.
It is made and in the frig. It will be fine until Thursday.
Don't make the graham cracker mixture to thick or it will be hard to get through.
Cool isn't it?
See Mom, it worked out great.

I will probably be off line for a few days. Tomorrow I will be making trips with Paw Paw to the doctor and then finishing up my cooking.
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving Day.
And for those of you who have already celebrated Thanksgiving--
Have a great blessed day!
See you Sunday or Monday.
Going to spend sometime with my man and children at the farm.
Love you guys!
Look forward to catching up when I get back.

Can I get an AMEN?

The following is a recipe that is tried and true.
We have found that in our neck of the woods
all who have received the finished product have enjoyed it tremendously.

Thanksgiving Dinner

20-- large Turkeys cooked and deboned
8 to 10-- 10 ct cans of sweet potatoes prepared
3--10 ct cans sweet corn
3--10 ct cans of peas
7--large turkey pans of dressing or stuffing
10--bags potato rolls
15- pumpkin pies
8 to 10 families
4 to 6 vehicles

Twenty-four to 48 hours in advance turkeys should be taken out to thaw.
When the cooking begins men should leave the house so that women can lock themselves in the kitchen and not have to worry about another living soul. Ha! Nice thought.
The day before Thanksgiving women should gather at the church to deliver and cut pies and then place pie pieces in individual containers. Tables will be prepared. To go containers will be placed out and extra crock pots will be made ready to keep food ingredients hot till ready to be served.
Once all ingredients are prepared and ready all ingredients should be gathered together at New Hope church just north of Folsom on Thanksgiving morning. All ingredients should arrive early and be warmed in advance. Once ingredients arrive, all ingredients male and all those male or female under the age of about 25 should stay clear of all adult females. Adult females will be overly tired and ready for this fine day to be over with soon. There will be mostly Martha's present--but you might find a few Mary's.
Place food ingredients on two or three long folding tables and make sure there are sufficient spoons for serving. Men should not offer advice at this time. The women have made it thus far and it will be the males turn when it comes time to deliver the meals. Until that time-- Men ingredients should just help adult female ingredients if they ask for additional muscle.
At 10:00 a.m ingredients will be quickly placed in about 125 to go container along with plastic wear and a side dish of pie.
Men ingredients will quickly load all to go trays and disappear into the wild blue yonder. Male ingredients will enjoy visiting and talking as they deliver food in His name.
Back at the church women ingredients will begin to load the long table with the food ingredients lovingly prepared for everyone at the church. Once Men ingredients have been reminded by cell phone that there are hungry child ingredients waiting to eat they will scurry back with bellies ready to be filled.

Prep time--24 to 48 hours for food ingredients
3 years to 70+ years for human ingredients

This recipe will serve 125 to go and 50 or so in church.

*****Disclaimer... ingredients for church dinner are solely decided by human ingredients.

In the land of the living

I hope to be up and about to post soon.
My cold has zapped me and just as soon as it began to ease my schedule zapped me.
I will try and post tomorrow.
And if I can dig real deep it might just be more than my to do list.
Ha, you think I'm joking?
Love you guys.

Seven Random for Bunny Girl

I've been tagged for the above by Bunny Girl of Letters from a Prodigal Daughter!

This is what you should do if you know what you're doing. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.

Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs. (You know you are safe because I don't tend to tag.)
Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here's mine

1. I went to college for 7 and 1/2 years and was one class short of graduating. Three years of the time was culinary school.

2. I have a cold :)--how is that for random?

3. I can not stand beer or even the smell of it.

4. I did not go on my first date until I was about 19--It was while away at Bible College.

5. I had eggnog in my coffee this morning.

6. I don't wear normal perfume . I went to the health food store and bought some orange oil and vanilla oil and I mix and wear them together. I like smelling like something you could eat. ;)

7. For years I journaled. I would find beautiful journals in stores and store them away for later. I have not been doing this lately but I would like to get back to it. The journaling, not the buying. ;)

We will be back for normal broadcasting on Monday--unless of course I have something that I am dying to tell you. :)

This is for Ally

1. Five things found in the front rooms of my house.

This is my man building me the first fire in our fireplace. I was very excited.
Thank you baby.

This is hanging in the dinning room. It was a gift from Linda for my birthday. I love the cabin scene. I have always had a desire to live in the mountains. In the upper corner there is a little red bird. It did not come on the tapestry but it was placed there at the request of my friend because she knows that they are symbolic to me of God's love.
Love you Linda. :)

This is me of course. I have always wanted a house with a real wood burning fireplace. And although this house is not mine--I did get a fireplace for the cold season. Yesterday I got my first fire. I am a very happy woman! See it does not take much to please me. It is a beautiful fireplace--thank you God!

I used to tell people I collected lighthouses. But then I ended up with a massive amount of lighthouse objects. So-- I no longer collect. But I bought this a month or so ago because I just loved it. There is a man standing in the doorway of the lighthouse. The waves are crashing around him but he is safe. I felt like it was very symbolic of my life at this time.

This of course is the place I sit when I talk to you. If I don't watch it, it may end up with a permanent butt imprint. That is o.k--I'll just flip the cushion. ;)

This is a little something sitting on my mantel. I just like the combination of colors and textures.
The cinnamon sticks I just bought yesterday.

2. Five things I have always wanted to do
1. Have a large cabin in the mountains and bring in people who are in ministry to pamper body, soul and spirit.
2. Write a book that would really change the way people think.
3. Travel with no thought of expense
4. Take my Mom and Sister out of the country and pay for it
5. Meet someone here on earth who can tell me what my future is so that I can make sure I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. ;)

3. Five things found in my bag(purse)
1. My wallet
2. A list of all Paw Paw's meds and doctors
3. Altoids
4. Two pens
5. Paw Paw's watch that needs a battery change

4. Five things in my purse (wallet)
1. Discover card
2. Bank card
3. Insurance cards
4. Empty Fresh Market gift card--hint, hint, Mom ;)
5. Copeland's gift card with 10 dollars on it.

5. Five things I'm currently into
1. Blogging--duh!
2. Helping Paw Paw
3. Studying the gift God gave me
4. Beth Moore's study The Psalms of the Ascent
5. Can't think of anything else. God's got me on the basics these days.

5 people I am tagging:hmmmmm.........if you would like to share--I would like to read. Your safe. Relax!
Have a blessed day--because you are you know. Love ya!

Be Alert--watch out for those scams!

She sat at the table of the sidewalk cafe and watched the people scurrying by. Men with briefcases talking business on their cell phones. Women clutching the hands of their children as they rushed to get home to fix dinner and do homework. Taking her cup in hand she took a deep breath and tried to steer her thoughts away from what waited for her at home. But no matter how hard she tried, the scene from that morning loomed dark in her mind and emotions.
Getting ready for work that morning, she decided she had had enough. Her emotions were so close to the surface that she could hardly function. Putting on her mascara was no easy job--as tears kept finding their way down her cheeks. She would tell him today she was leaving. She had had enough. She could not even begin to think of how she would tell her son. He had to know what was going on. All the yelling. How she wished someone could step in and stop what was going to happen. How had they gotten here?
Try as she could- she could not figure out how things had gotten where they were. She had loved him so deeply when they stood at the altar. Never could she have imagined loving someone with so much passion. Even after the honeymoon life had been good. Little calls. Notes left on the mirror. Life had been sweet.
Maybe it began to change with the birth of their first child and the change in jobs. Maybe that was it. She had begun to feel separated. He worked and time at home became a whirlwind of taking care of responsibilities. She had tried to tell him how she felt. How she needed something. She felt disconnected. He did not seem to understand.
The loving thoughts that once filled her head now had been replaced by thoughts that led to frustration and anger. She didn't deserve this. This was not what she had bargained for. Why should she have to live like this? She would just cut her losses and go.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First and very importantly, this woman is not me at this time in my life. She used to be me. When my son was about three, my marriage was in shambles. I was in the restaurant business working ten and sixteen hours days. My husband was working a job that was opposite mine in hours. I was not going to church because I was working so much and going to school. I was so tired. Our son was a handful. We would later find out he had ADHD.
Life and Satan had taken control of my life. I was miserable. My marriage was miserable. My Mom thought I was on the brink of an emotional breakdown. I probably was.
I moved out and lived in an apartment on my own for about a year and a half.
Of course there were many more details than were listed here. Financial situations. Me walking away from the Lord. I got involved with things that I should not have.
What a mess!
Today would the same thing happen? Could the same thing happen?
If Satan had his way--YES!
Am I on the brink of divorce? No. Not even close. Not even thinking about it.
Am I on the brink of a nervous breakdown? No. Not close. No way!
But, I became aware yesterday that my marriage has been under attack. It was a sneaky attack. (And I missed it!) It began simply with the events of my life. A change in home. A change in residents of that home. A testing time from God. Situations with our children.
And, before I knew it, my thoughts began to draw a picture that was not pleasant. A picture that I began to think I did not want to be a part of. Who would?
After the post yesterday on scams and how to react to them--I had an ahaaa! moment.
I had been buying into a scam. A scam that the enemy of my soul had been weaving so carefully.
If he could get my eyes off the truth and focused on me--then I would start to sink. Yes, kind of like Peter walking on the water and then taking his eyes off Jesus.
Last night I looked at my husband and bam!--it hit me like a ton of bricks. Satan had been slipping in and out of my thoughts, weaving all kinds of emotions and events to try and separate my husband and I. I love my man. He is not perfect. Neither am I by the way. (Just in case you were not sure about that) ;)
He is the one God gave me and I am happy, pleased, and eternally grateful for that gift. I would not trade him in and I will not let Satan take him away.
I will not buy the scam that Satan has sent my way.
We need to recognize that when we start to entertain certain thoughts-- we may have begun the process of believing in one of the scams of our enemy. He can touch our thoughts-- but he can not make us believe them. The danger is that so many times we don't even realize that the thoughts we entertain are not our own. We hear, "I'm miserable". And we believe it to be truth. And then down we go.
Let's be alert! Our enemy is on the prowl. He will not approach us face to face on the street corner. He will not walk up to us and point his finger in our face and say, You are going to believe the lies I feed into your mind. He doesn't work that way.
Today let's watch our thoughts. Let's check them against the truth. And then let's fight back!

Again, I love my husband.
I am happily married. Next week we will celebrate 19 years of marriage. I am in for-until death do us part. I just wanted to share this time in my life so that we would be reminded that our marriages are never safe when we allow our minds to be touched and influenced by Satan.

Somebody wants to give me 4 million dollars!

Sure!
How many of ya'll get those emails that tell you you have won the lottery? Me too!

Or the ones where some poor soul needs someone to give all this money too because someone else passed away before they were able to get it into the right hands.
I get at least 3 or 4 of these a day.
I used to just mark them as spam and they would go bye-bye.
But the other day I got one that got my God involved and I got mad. How dare they?
So I decided to at least set them straight on the real story. And this is what I am now doing to all those pesky emails. I am using them as an opportunity to go into all the world. ;)
Have you noticed the red button way down at the bottom of my blog?
If you click on that it will take you to the site that lays out very neatly
the whole plan of salvation.
Hmmmmm.
If they want something back from me-- I decided I'll send them a little truth.
I have started to reply to their schemes with a little truth of His own.
I went to the sight and copied the truth and then hit reply on the email and hit copy and paste.
And bam!-at little good new is on the way back to them. ;)
Maybe they will read it and maybe I'll have the pleasure of meeting them in heaven.
How cool would that be?
If they don't like the message then maybe they will take my email address off their list.
If not--they are going to get the truth as often as I get their emails. :)

Be Still

So--- before we get started I guess I ought to let you know this is probably going to be a ramble. Just some thoughts and things I have been reading.
I have for a long time now identified with our friend Peter from the Bible. I am one of those who enjoy big plans and love to get things up and going. Get people moving. I think it was probably the same way with Peter.
He has fascinated me. His ability to make such a complete fool of himself (in his own eyes) and yet God pulled him out in the end and he became a great pillar of the church.
I was thinking about what was going on in his mind that evening when he became aware that it was Jesus out on the water. Did he look around in the boat and wonder what others were thinking? Did he figure that maybe they expected him to do something first? And then, did he think about what Jesus was expecting? You know the whole idea that God is looking for a few good men.
Maybe was there a little pride that he was willing to take the risk while the others were still cowering in the boat?
Lots of questions going on in my mind and I am sure his at the time.
I wonder once he got out of the boat if the excitement carried him? Carried Him to Jesus until the thoughts of what the others were thinking caught up with him.
Do they see me? Do they wish they were me? Will they think I am a better believer because I was willing to take a risk and get out of the boat? I imagine that his mind was racing. Racing so fast that the one who stood before him soon disappeared into the fog and his thoughts sunk him.
Here is where I start to cringe for him. How embarrassing. Poor Peter. And it is even worse because he was a guy and you know how they are about the image thing. Back from the depths of failure he walks with Jesus to the boat and eyes down cast puts his soaking wet body back in the boat.
I am sure for awhile he was very quiet and not his normal outspoken self. I am sure he pondered the past events and thought he had learned that lesson. After all- who would want to have to go through that in front of anyone again?
Fast forward to the night before Jesus was to die and Peter although not alone- was on his own. Jesus was not in his face and there was no one behind him. It was just him and what was on the inside. God was going to use this time to make Peter face who he was and the depths to which he would sink on his own. All props removed- Peter was going to see just how far he would go without the help of the Father. And we all know he failed miserably. Three times.
All that built up facade was destroyed. All props removed.
Now I don't believe Peter was all fake. I believe he had a good heart. He wanted to please God. He wanted God to be proud of him. Kind of like the teachers pet. He wanted to know that he was special. That there was something different about him. That he would end up being one of those who did "it" right.
Don't we all want that? For someone to look at us and go ---Wow, there is no one like that.
And, in reality--there is no one like us. He planned it that way. He made us unique.
The point is----- our uniqueness came from Him. All that is special about us--came from Him.
I don't have to work it up. I don't have to work it out. He already put it there and set it up to work-- with the help of the Holy Spirit.
An awareness of this ought to bring freedom. Ought to.
Peter finally became aware that he was nothing. That what God was planning to do through him had nothing to do with something Peter was going to be responsible for working up. He could relax.
This is a lesson I have spent many years trying to understand and learn. The art of relaxing in the Holy Spirit. Surely there is something I have to do? Something I need to be busy about?
Some change I need to make? I, I, I, i.........
And then, His response to my hurried heart.
"Be still"
"But God...... I know......"
"Be still"
"But God... I should be...."
"BE STILL...enough".

Love, Your Dad

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad.

Thank you Denise

He understands

My sweet friend Denise from Shorty Bears has been a real inspiration to me lately.
This morning she sent this to me and I just wanted to share it with you.
HE UNDERSTANDS!
Such Wisdom.

Even the men got involved ;)

O.K, I am sure it was just because I needed a good laugh this morning. Or maybe because I know that my brother in law never steps foot in the kitchen except to make a glass of milk. I don't know but this just hit my funny bone this morning. I was emailed a recipe exchange and I participated and got a few in return. The following is from my brother in law. Which I thought was pretty good and pretty cute.
This man is not a kitchen guy. And probably preparing for a meal is him tucking the napkin in his shirt before the people in the drive through give him his meal. Enjoy! Some of you might get an idea your kids will like.

Jeannie told me I had to send you a recipe, because
she sent this to me, and she doesn't have 20 people on
her list.  But what do you tell to a chef that they
don't already know?

So, to boil water, put water into a pot....j/k

Egg-in-a-Hole
Butter bread, place in skillet (low heat) lightly
browning.  Use round shape to cut out center of bread.
Gently crack egg, and set it into center hole,
without breaking yoke. Similar to just frying it
(which I'm sure you know how to do), turn over before
yolk gets too cooked, and make sure the center you cut
out is still being toasted, too (its the best part!)

Use round part of bread to dip in the middle., and cut
off edges if you run out before yolk is gone.

My mom taught me this one, hope it was new to you, but
it probably wasn't...lol

Jay

sticky post**Be A Blessing, Let Your Light Shine

Mary over at Mary’s Writing Nook
and I would like to encourage the women and men in our blogging community to start a sweet tradition. We would like to get everyone involved-even the children. We want to be a blessing in His name this year. We would like you to come up with an idea that will enable you to reach out to someone in need during this Christmas season. If you are already involved in some type of Christmas giving tradition, we would like to hear about that too.
Here are some ideas:
Collect food for a food bank
Shoeboxes by Franklin Graham
Angel Tree-they provide gifts for children with parents in jail
Collect donations for a local charity
Bake cookies for a nursing home
Decorate a room at a nursing home for Christmas
Let your children make Christmas cards for soldiers in Iraq
Send a care package to a soldier

We want your ideas.
On November 12th, we will ask you to post your ideas and link back here so that others can get some ideas. We will give you a month to complete your adventure in giving.
If you have children or grandchildren- please get them involved.
We have been given so much-let’s show them how great it feels to be a blessing during this time of the year. If you have children involved -maybe you could interview them and let the post be about their responses. And , if you can take pictures we would love to see them.. Once your post is up come back here and we will have another Mr linky up so that we can all share in the joy.
Our final post will be on the 10th of December.
After you have your post up come back and add your post to Mr Linky.
Lets be a blessing in His name this year.
Please be thinking-spread the word and come back here on November 12th to join with us.
Let’s choose to reach out in the name of our Lord and be a blessing and a light.
Please feel free to grab the button that Mary has created for us.

It is a pleasure to join arms and work together with you in His name.

Sticky post***Ideas for Be A Blessing This Christmas

******* Sticky post for a few days--scroll down for new post.******

First, I want to thank all of you who choose to participate in this little mission of being a blessing.
I know that some of you have already begun your project of blessing someone this Christmas season. And if so, we would still like you to share. We originally asked that you join with us by reaching out to someone this year at Christmas in the name of Jesus.
We want to be His hands and His feet this year.

Today is a day for you to share with us and everyone else some ideas of things that we can do during this Christmas season. Our purpose is not to draw attention to ourselves and what we will do-but instead to draw attention to those in need. Again, we want to reach out and touch someone in the name of our Lord.

Our family will be participating in Franklin Grahams shoe boxes. The project is called Operation Christmas Child. If you are interested you can go to the Samaritan Purse web site and get more information. The closing for this project is soon, but you can still give on line or go to one of the service centers to help as a volunteer. We are going to do two boxes for girls that are Julias age.
Our boxes are due on the 19th of this month and we have lots of goodies to pack. We will get some pictures of the packed boxes.

Next, I do love to bake. And since we are not in the camper this year I thought I would do some baking. Paw Paws wife is in a nursing home in our area. I thought it would be nice to make some kind of Christmas card --and bake a small loaf of pumpkin bread for some of the staff and probably some of the residents who can have sweets.

Julia school collects food items for a local food bank so we will help with that also.

We would love to hear your ideas.
Please post about them and then come back here and link to us. If you do not know how to do this we will be glad to help.

This will stay up for a few days. Get your post up when you can.
Then lets all gather again on the 10th of December.
We will post our completed blessings project and share how it has effected all those involved.
Again, thank you!

Not to worry.......your safe

I've Been Tagged! 7 Random or Weird Things Meme.

I was tagged by Regina from Regina's Family Seasons to take part in this Meme. I have to share 7 Random or Weird things about myself. I then have to post the rules of this meme on my blog and then tag 7 other unsuspecting bloggers!

So the rules are...
A). Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog...
B). Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself...
C). Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs...(we will pass on this)
D). Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. (and so this is not necessary)

And my 7 random or weird (you decide) facts about myself are...

1. My husband gave me money tonight to go do something and where am I ---- home.
2. If one finger nail breaks I must cut them all
3. I do not like things I think should be salty to taste sweet--example..ham
4. I like crunchy peanut butter on my pancakes
5. I have to shave my legs everyday--a little obsession
6. I also have to wash my hair everyday-ditto
7. I hate DVD's--it never fails, rent a movie and it is bound to be scratched or dirty. It lets you get far enough into the movie to be interested and then it freezes. RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

I got nuthin, so..............

............have a joke and a smile.......

Inspirational Music

The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to, after the worship service, ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play.

"Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances.

During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected, and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up."

At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star-Spangled Banner." And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!

---------------------------------

The preacher was wired for sound with a lapel mike, and as he preached, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again. After several circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her mother and whispered, "If he gets loose, will he hurt us?"

--------------------------------------

LITTLE ALEX AND THE PASTOR

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed that little Alex was staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. The plaque was covered with names, and small American flags were mounted on either side of it. The little seven-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, "Good morning Alex." "Good morning pastor," replied the young man, still focused on the plaque. "Pastor Jamison, what is this?" Alex asked. "Well, Son, it's a Memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service." Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Alex's voice was barely audible when he asked.. "Which service, the 9:00 or the 11:00?"

Happy Veterans day!!!!!!!
Stay away from the 9:00 and the 11:00 service. ;o)

You may have dry skin but hey- i love you anyway ;)

Julia and I finished a project for school this past week.
The picture on top is one that we used. I like it because it reminds me that I am here to love and protect what God has put in my trust.
I do it because He has asked me to be a servant.
And I think it is pretty cool that He asked me to do it and not someone else. That makes me think that He had to have put something special in me that would allow me to successfully complete the assignment.
It's a set up for success for sure!
As you can see I don't have a whole lot to say today. I have some ideas rolling around in my head. But I don't want them to get out until He is finished with them.
Love you guys!

Love

As a young person my Dad started doing something that has stuck in my mind to this day.
He started telling us he loved us. Not so strange huh?
The thing was that he would tell us that we did not have to say it back. It was not that he did not want to hear that we loved him, but he wanted to give us a gift. A gift that was freely given. And he did not want us to feel like we owed him an -I love you too--in return.

For some reason this has come to my mind quite often lately.
This morning as that came to my mind again-- I thought of God. His love for us is so great.
He promises us that He will love us and never stop loving us.
He can't stop. Because He is love by His very nature.
Everything He does is from a heart of love.

So when I look out my back door and see the sun shinning through the trees,
it is because of love.
Love that is given freely without a demand for me to love Him in return.
A gift freely given without expectation.
Does He need my love?
No.
He is not a needy God. He was perfect and complete without any of us.
Does He long for my love?
Yes, my heart tells me He does. He yearns for my gift of love freely given.
For me to take my gift of praise and love and lay them at His feet.

I picture a little girl with a box brightly wrapped. She is dressed in her Sunday best, little patent leather shoes shinning. She has the silliest grin on her face and the glow in her eyes is from the overflow of the excitement in her heart. Her little shoes can't help but make a tapping noise on the polished marble floors of the throne room. She is trying not to run because she has been taught better. But in the end she can not stop her little feet-they have a mind of their own.
Running through the crowd gathered she darts in and out of those standing around.Before the great steps leading up to the throne she stops just for a second to catch the eyes of the King sitting on the throne. Her love for Him takes her breath away. He is glorious!
Racing up the stairs she stops just short of jumping right into His lap. She gently lays her box at His feet.
Stepping back she looks eagerly into His face and waits.
Little hands are clasped tightly behind her back as she rocks excitedly back and forth on feet that can not seem to be still.
Bending low the King bends to retrieve the gift.
She waits with bated breath as He opens the box.
From out of the box He withdraws a colorful note.
It says,
I love you!
With tears in His eyes He lowers the box and opens His arms to welcome her embrace.
And in her ears she hears what her heart longs to hear--
"Thank you my child, this is what I have always wanted".