2nd month of TV free

Today is our 2nd month anniversary of TV freedom in the house! I can't believe it.
Never thought we would make it.

Honestly no one misses it. We mainly have the radio on and on occasion we watch movies.
Hubby just ordered NetFlix so we can watch the Anne of Green Gables series and some other movies. He has to get his U-571 fix if you will ;)

House is still a mess from holiday chaos and still working on a schedule, but it seems there is still so much more TIME without being tied to the TV.

Cell phone vs. Bible

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we flipped through it several time a day? What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of emergency? This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!

Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
M ove out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...

Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

woohoo! love the Rival Company

Hubby bought me a huge crock pot last summer from Fry's. It was red and steel and just lovely. It was the biggest crock pot I have ever had. Oh how I loved that thing. LOL

Well it was used just a few months before our oldest dropped the crock and shattered it. *weeping*

I called Rival this weekend to see if I could purchase a new crock. The very awesome customer service lady took a bunch of info off the remaining pieces (so glad I didn't throw it away!) Sadly, she came back on the phone and said my crock was out of warranty. WHAA! I got that crock for only $20 on sale from over $70!! I can not afford to replace the WHOLE thing. She asked me to hold and came back a few minutes later. She had spoke to her boss and he said that since my crock was just barely out of warranty they would still honor the warranty and REPLACE IT!!! FREE!!!!!!


I will definately be recommending Rival based on their service department. You just can't beat that kind of service. Truely going above and beyond!

Hubby is already dreaming of recipes that will be cooking in the crock pot. :)
My church small group will be happy too as they love my crock pot enchiladas.

Christmas pics!

update on oldest daughter

She had a Meckels scan on Friday to see if she has a 'pocket' in her intestines near the appendix area. It required an IV and contrast dye. Should take about a week or so to come in maybe more. She also had more blood work and they had to dig for veins (and for the IV too) but she was a trooper and never complained.

We saw the GI DR on Thursday and he is at the point of stopping testing. He feels right now we have ruled out anything serious and 'normal' and since the issues are not affecting her height, weight or mental growth that further more invasive testing is not necessary .

Hubby and I are pretty much in agreement with the DR.

Hubby was at church on Sunday and someone mentioned that maybe this could be 'female issues' and it caused Hubby to think. The pain IS coming monthly and about the same time monthly. It is also in sync with my cycles. Maybe what we are seeing is not rectal bleeding at all. He pointed out the pain is in the right place to be female and maybe the vomiting and diarrhea are caused from the cramping. Hmmmm.... I don't know she did just turn 10 in Oct so she is a bit young to be starting. On the other hand in the past two weeks she has 'blossomed' enough the Hubby noticed and instated the 'undershirt' rule for all clothes. :) poor Hubby..he is not ready for this change in daughter yet

So anyways, we are going to watch and see if in January the pain/bleeding comes back. We are not having any more tests done (she has done them all minus exporitory surgery) and we are going to 'play it down' with her...let her know she is not going to die kind of thing


We thank you for all your prayers and well wishes.

New Year's Vacation!

We are going on vacation for hubby's birthday!
His special day is December 31st and we have never really celebrated it aside from going to the early bird dinner to avoid the drunken revelries of the night.

This year we are going to Eureka Springs, AR with hubby's new boss and his family.
We rented a lovely cabin on the waterfront and plan to just veg and enjoy some local scenery.

I can't wait to go!
This will be our first vacation in almost 2 years and we get to enjoy it with friends.

more Christmas pics

oldest in ER. again

we just got home-
long story short is that she woke up vomiting and having diarrhea with stomach pain yesterday. yesterday afternoon she passed something that was about 1-2 in long by 1/2 in wide and look like a piece of flesh. (think chicken breast cut that size floating in water) and a blood clot about a quarter sized

as the day wore on pain got worse.
she can't eat now without pain. she got dehydrated. pain is really bad. tummy is swollen under belly button. her face was swollen


so we went to ER this afternoon after calling the GI Dr.
they gave her IV fluid and her color came back
gave her zofran for tummy

the ER Dr wanted to admit her but the GI (not ours) would not allow it.

hubby is mad. fed up. tired of taking her in PAIN to drs and being blown off...cause they don't have her records, cause her blood work is normal, cause they just can NOT find it quickly, cause (as tonight) he is not her Dr and since she has a standing appt tomorrow there was no reason to keep her

so he is taking tomorrow off work to take her to the GI clinic for her scheduled appt at 8:45am

we ate before we came home. she was in instant pain


ER Dr thinks it is small intestine polyps based on what I saw her pass and the area of pain

500 visitors!

THANK YOU GOD!

The contract came through with the asphalt company!

Hubby has a new job waiting on him!
He is going to give notice tomorrow and most likely will be told to go ahead and leave and not take the 2 wks.

This is such an awesome God thing!

Hubby will be making $18K more a year than he has been.
I am crying. We can afford to fix the house up. We can afford to help more people! We will be able to be DEBT FREE this year!

Thank you God for providing!

Blog Give Away winners!

That is right! BOTH of y'all won!
I will email and call you for info and get your prize in the mail!

CONGRATS!!

Loving those 'end of season' deals!

I went to the mall last night to get our oldest daughter and outfit to wear for her Christmas bell ringing performance. Of course they were sold out of the really cute dresses but I kept looking.

We finally ended up in Dillard's and wow! what a sale!
We picked up turtlenecks and jean skirts for almost 50% off! I didn't pay more than $10 for a shirt and the skirts were $14. Normally we can never find clothes for her on sale...well, normally we can barely find any clothes for her! She is in the in between stage. Too tall and skinny for little girls' clothes. Not 'built' yet for the bigger girls' things. The joys of being a 5'3 10 yr.

But I don't get it...
This is the MIDDLE of December and they were selling all winter clothes and stocking SHORTS and T-SHIRTS! WHAT?!!! Here in North TX is is just starting to get cold. I mean we got ice last night for the first time this year! Makes no sense. They sell winter clothes and it is still 100 degrees outside. It hits 25 degrees and it is shorts time.

ugh

almost time!

January is just around the corner!
That means w2s going out and refund checks coming in!

We always submit our taxes the first day allowed and I think that is like Jan 15th or so.

This year's return will pay for my reversal!!!
Oh I can't wait to be whole again!

I am hoping it will even be enough to carpet the house and remodel the guest bathroom. That is pushing it but still can dream. :)

God's 2x4

As everyone knows I am married to a 'sparky' (electrician to the rest of us)

He has worked for the same company for over 5 yrs and has/had no desire to look for another job. He likes his work, he has a company truck and gas card, he is a supervisor and does awesome running his jobs and crew. His bosses are pleased with his work. :) He has moved up faster than anyone else in company history.

That said God has had other plans it seems.

A few months ago hubby was at the local supply house and while waiting on his order got to talking with another sparky sitting next to him. __we'll call him "K"__ Casual chit chat nothing more. Well, as time goes by hubby keeps running into this sparky everywhere he goes. The supply house, Home Depot, just out and about...there "K" is. They talk more and more.

A job offer is made for hubby to switch companies and come to work with the "K". Hubby declines. He is NOT looking for a new job.

Turns out "K" became a new friend. His family goes to our church. I knew his wife this whole time. Small world. :) Hubby starts to think about the job switch. We all start hanging out after church. "K"'s wife is super nice, they have 2 boys near our son's age, they live like 5 minutes down the road. Hmm, starting to feel God might be working....

This week hubby decided to stay where he has been working for 5 yrs. He was offered a good raise and a highly prized contract he has been wanting for yrs (this offer is totally out of the blue and raises are hard to come by in current company)...just too much to leave especially when the new company of "K" did not have the work to keep hubby paid...yet.

So this morning hubby was going to tell o"K" he would try to help him out part time but he could not accept the job offer. Hubby went to his Saturday morning meeting and planned to make the call when he was done. Instead the phone ringings as they are finishing up. He left the restaurant and returned the call. It was "K" and he needed hubby's help with a job.

Hubby is AWESOME at control work and "K" has not done much of it so he needed him out at the local asphalt plant. They got there, did the walk around with hubby telling the owner of the plant what was wrong and what was needed and yeah they could get them running again but the plant needs major control work. A complete over haul.

The asphalt plant owner turns (God's 2x4) and says "We need a full time electrical company to work our 4 plants. We need someone that will be ready 24/7. We'll pay" YES!


Hubby came home and said "God hit me with a 2x4 today. I have not been listening to Him...you won't believe what just happened..." He tells me the whole story as he is getting dressed to go out and fix the asphalt plant with o"K".

Time to sit and talk and LISTEN to God tonight :) really listen and see what HIS plans are and not what feels 'comfy' and 'normal'

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

11 years ago today I married the love of my life!
We have been through so much that most people never thought we would make it this far. It is only by God's GRACE that we are here. Stronger than ever. Finally building the foundation on The Rock that will last a lifetime.

Mr T, I love you forever and then some.

Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their bibles were laid on the shelf without care
In the hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out to the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
but angels proclaiming that Jesus is here!
With light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book Of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name,
When He said "Its not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names were written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those He had gathered He rose without a sound
While the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees but it was too late,
I had waited to long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight
Oh, if only I'd been ready tonight
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear
The coming of Jesus is coming near
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all



author unknown

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Each year, you really get into the spirit of Christmas. Which is much more important to you than nifty presents.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Oh c'mon, don't be a Scrooge! Take the quiz and report back, letting us all know what movie your Christmas is most like.

Have a Mary Christmas

Have a Mary Christmas!

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to lose focus on the true meaning of Christmas. God never intended for us to race through the holidays at break neck speed. (Ouch, I'm personally convicted!) In Luke, Chapter 10, we hear about two sisters, Mary and Martha who entertained Jesus in their home. Now, if you were feeling a tad stressed over entertaining the family over the holidays, think about the stress Martha must have felt over having Jesus on the guest list. I say Martha because if you remember the story, Mary wasn't exactly stressing out over their special guest.

Here is a recap to refresh your memory:

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)

I can just picture poor Martha racing frantically through the house to get everything just right for Jesus' arrival. Finally, He arrives and her sister Mary occupies herself by sitting at His feet and clinging to His every word. You can imagine this didn't settle well with Martha and if you've ever tried to entertain a large group of people, I'm sure you can relate to her frustration. Finally, Martha can stand it no longer and asks Jesus to tell her sister to help out. I'm sure she never imagined that He would side with Mary, but He does. He gently tells her that she is

"worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

It's important to note that Jesus is not knocking serving, but rather making the point that "sitting" at His feet should precede serving. This Christmas, will you make an effort to slow down and "sit" at the feet of Jesus? Here are a few ideas to help you out:

• Each day, try to kneel and pray and thank God for the gift of His Son, Jesus. It's even better if you can thank Him for other specific blessings you have experienced this past year.

• Listen to Christmas carols that honor God. When you play them, try to concentrate on the words behind the meaning.

• Start in the book of Luke and read a little bit each day. Again, try to imagine yourself in the setting as a bystander. What were they thinking and feeling?

• Have each member of your family write a note to Jesus, telling Him what you each plan to give Him next year. Seal it in an envelope, put a date on the front, and put them on your tree or fireplace mantel. Before you dive into presents or stockings, read the letters to Jesus. (My family has done this off and on through the years and it is so cool!)

• Read the Christmas story out loud to your family on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.


Have a Mary Christmas!
© 2008, Vicki Courtney. Used by Permission. Originally posted at www.virtuealert.com.

Don't blame God

Lately I have been hearing a lot of complaining and blaming God for how our lives are. I have not slept well from the words of this post running through my head all night...I feel it must be said...perhaps not eloquently but this is from my heart

It is not God's fault that things are the way they are!

When we took God from our schools the test and grades dropped, the pregnancy and STD rate soared, teen suicides went through the roof, violence and school shootings became the 'norm' and depression and drug use started creeping into younger and younger children.

When we took God from our courts the criminals got more rights than the victims, sentences became slaps on the wrist for crimes God deems worthy of death, judges started deciding what marriage is and when life begins. Yet we base our laws on His WORD.

When we took God from our government babies became science experiments, life became an issue of whether you are worthy to live based on if you can contribute not just because you are ALIVE, rights became based on race, sex, and religion but only if you are the 'right' one. The minority became the only voice heard. Animal rights and welfare trump human life. And now we are even loosing our property if Big Brother thinks they can use it better.

When we took God from our homes the divorce rate jumped, children stopped being a blessing, having the most 'things' became the goal and the door to horrible abuses was opened.

We have even taken God from the church. We now hear feel good sermons on Sundays. Sermons filled with 'wealth and prosperity' and 'name it and claim it' teaching. We stopped calling sin "sin" and glossed it all over "God is good and forgives so keep living for the now because there really isn't a hell." There are even mainstream churches preaching Jesus is not the "ONLY" way to heaven!

We were told "And Jesus came up and spoke to them saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.' And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ...and make disciples of all the nations..."


We are not doing that if we are removing God from every part of our lives. We have let satan steal our authority and he has kept us cowering in the dark for too long! God has not given up on us. We have given up on God. SO STAND UP! TAKE BACK THE WORLD! PROCLAIM GOD'S TRUTH! PUT HIM BACK IN CHARGE IN ALL AREAS!

questions to ask before surgery

This is a list based on my research and preferences. I am not a doctor nor do I work in the medical field. It is in no particular order of importance. You will have to decide which ones are the most important for you. This is just for information and it is not conclusive. (how is that for a disclaimer?)

- How long has the dr. been performing trs? (more experience = more knowledge)
- How many does he/she do a week or for the year on avg.? (practice makes perfect)
- How old is the doc? How is her/his health?
- Is a microscope used during surgery or are loopes? (my preference is micro.)
- Does the doc. use a dye injected into the newly repaired tubes during surgery? (good for checking potency of tubes)
- How long is the surgery?
- How is the incision closed? (steri-strips, staples, or disolvable sutures. I prefer steri-strips)
- Are post op pain meds included in the price?
- What pre-op tests are required? Are those included in the price?
- Does the doc have additional training in Reproduction and Endocrinology? Do they have additional training in reproductive surgery past ob/gyn degree? (more education = more knowledge)
- Do they sew tubes in 1 layer, 2 outer layers individually or all 3 individually? (sewing outer 2 layers individually is good. If interior lining of tube is not sewn there is less chance for scar tissue to build up. Scar tissue on interior lining of tubes will result in increased chances of an ectopic preg.)
- Does the doc use a stint? (stints are very, very bad. stay away from them like the black plague)
- What type of suture is used for closing the tubes? (Nylon or vicryl are good. Nylon will not dissolve, but it has the least reactionary properties of all the sutures. Vicryl will dissolve, but it does require the body to react to it in order to dissolve.)
- How large is the incision? (smaller the better for recovery, scar tissue build up, and adhesion)
- What type of anesthesia is used?
- Is the procedure done in a surgical center or a hospital? (hospital is better if you have any conditions which may make the surgery a little higher risk, like high bp, heart conditions, etc.)
- What is the infection rate of that center or hospital? (some states require this to be public knowledge)
- Is there any kind of guarantee or refund if the tubes are inoperable or are closed after 1 yr. and no pregnancy? Or is there any kind of additional help (like meds) if having trouble conceiving?
- How long has the surgical assistant been working with the doc? How many yrs. experience do they have?
- What is the soonest apt. available?
- What are the docs surgery days? (if you must go out of town, this may be a deciding factor)
- What is the distance in miles or time to the doc?
- How accessible is the doc? Is he/she willing/able to answer your questions?
- If the doc gets in and finds other problems such as cysts or adhesion, do they address those issues while they are in there?
- After the doc has your op report and pathology report. Ask them what their best guess success rate would be with you?
- How much in total will this cost? Specifically find out the cost for the doc, anesthesia and anesthesiologist,and hospital or surgical center. Some docs have been known to say "full price" or "all-included" and they just meant their fees.


list compiled by Christine (FTBU)

CHRISTMAS GIVE AWAY!!

Well, here it is!

To enter please reply to this thread with your favorite Christmas/holiday memory.

OR

Post your "YEAH! GOD!" moments when He did something most awesome in your life and all you can say it "YEAH! That is my GOD Who brought me through that!"

My 10 and 7 yr old daughters will be picking the winner around the 12th of Dec. :)


THE PRIZE!!! I FORGOT THE PRIZE!!!

A handmade bracelet in red stones!

The Great Christmas Blog Give Away!

in celebration of almost 500 visitors I am going to do a give away!

DETAILS COMING FRIDAY!!!

This will be good!
The winner will get a new pretty just in time for Christmas!

Italian Stew

A good hearty stew for fall and winter. Recipe given to my mom in Chicago

2 links smoked Italian sausage
2 large cans of diced tomatoes
half dozen large potatoes cut in chunks
can of large stew tomatoes
butter
red and green bell pepper chopped
onion diced
Italian seasoning
garlic salt
ground black pepper to taste
I add a large can of mushrooms with stems and juice

butter the bottom of a large roasting pan. layer in potatoes, sausage, and veggies. sprinkle with seasoning. cover with tin foil and bake til potatoes are soft. about 350 degrees for45 min

this feeds our family of 5 for 2 meals
at times we add in other veggies and rice

best after sitting in the fridge overnighte

Mamaw M's "son-in-law" salad

This is Mamaw M's recipe. She was Mamaw S's mother's mother, making her your kids' great-great-grandmother. It was named in honor of "Daddy Bill."

I usually double the pineapple, cherries and marshmallows for my family.

The more marshmallows you put in makes it bigger also.

1 can pineapple tidbits drained

2 small jars of red and green Maraschino cherries drained and cut into fourths

leave out 6 cherries to be cut in half

bag of baby marshmallows

1 bag of crushed pecans or 1 bag of whole pecans to crush and leave about 12 whole

Lg.sour cream

Lg. Cool Whip

Combined pineapples, cherries, marshmallows, & crushed pecans in a mixing bowl

Blend in just enough sour cream so all is covered and pour into a pretty bowl

Spread Cool Whip over complete top of mixture

To decorate the top cut 6 cherries in half and use whole pecans....You can also just sprinkle crushed ones on top

Arrange all in a pretty pattern.

Good News and Bad News

Yesterday we got up and drove the hour into the city before the sun came up for my daughter's EGD and colonoscopy.

It was a quick procedure that lasted about an hour. The dr came out and gave me pictures he had taken of her insides. EWW! HE sat with me to talk about what he had done and what he had found. He said the good news was he found nothing obviously wrong. Her colon, large intestines, throat and stomach are perfect. No signs of Crohn's, cancer, IBD, ulcers or polyps. Nothing life threatening or needing surgical treatment! AWESOME NEWS! But that is also the bad news...he found nothing that is causing the pain and bleeding. He took biopsies just to 100% rule everything out.

So now he is leaning towards a metabolic disorder or a small intestine issue. We go back in 4 wks unless the biopsies come back abnormal. He will do a breath test for the metabolic disorders and he wants her to swallow a camera pill so he can image the small intestine. We talked about how since birth all 3 of my children have had times of 'sweet breath' like someone waking from anesthesia or something fermented. The Dr said that does sound like a metabolic disorder esp since all 3 have it.

It is a load off my mind and heart that the really bad thing are ruled out.
Praise the Lord!

prayers please for my daughter

My 10 yr old daughter has suffered from stomach pain off and on for about 3 yrs. We have seen drs and have gotten a range of reasons from "lady troubles" (at 7 mind you) to constipation to "maybe that is her norm". All the normal lab works always comes back 'normal range' so ERs and drs refused to look into it further.

Well the last few months the pain has been more frequent and is now coming with bloody stoles. We recently switched drs so I was telling the new dr he history. He was quite concerned that our previous dr of 3 yrs had done nothing with this. So he ordered tests and it just happens that she is having the pain and bloody stoles right now so we can hopefully pin point it this time.

We have been to the city everyday this week seeing drs and going to the ER. She has been poked, prodded, scraped and embarrassed. Yesterday she had several rounds of bloodwork and a sweat chloride test. Today we saw the GI specialist and he is ordering a series of tests on Monday.

So this weekend my daughter gets to have a colon cleansing so that come Monday the dr can scope her from the bottom up and the top down and take biopsies as he goes.

We are so ready to know what this is.

Daddy knows best

My hubby has been sharing with me what he and my oldest daughter talked about on their "date" the other night. It is so precious and sweet and personal that I won't go into it all.

I will say my hubby sure knew what he was doing when he decided to have dates with his daughters! With his new found love of Christ he is pouring out his love and heart in new ways to his girls and they are just eating it up.

And our Heavenly Father knew best when He chose the perfect time in our lives to lead my hubby to Him. Just in time for our daughters to start planning futures and asking the hard questions that now don't seem so hard because God is showing us the way forward. The Steven Curtis Chapman song "Cinderella" comes to mind as I watch my girls grow closer to Daddy...but my hubby prefers the Phillips, Craig and Dean song "I wanna be just like You" as he strives to be the Christ the children see in the flesh.

So here is to many more nights sipping hot cocoa and nibbling warm apple fritters with his daughters as he shares his heart and Christ's plans for their journey into womanhood.

first 'date'

Tonight Hubby took our oldest daughter on her first 'date'. She turned 10 last month and the gift she chose was a night with Dad. So they bundled up and headed to town to Starbucks for some hot cocoa and bonding time.

Hubby is hoping they can continue these dates as she gets older so they can talk about important heart matters. He hopes having an active interest in her life she will avoid seeking the wrong sort of attention from men as she grows.

Daughter says she excited to have Daddy all to herself for one night!

Well, they are home.
Time to see how it went.

What if you had 30 days to live?

No, this is not an announcement and I am not being morbid.
This thought comes from listening to a recent radio interview on
Point of View about the book One Month to Live: Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life.





What would I change?

Would I laugh more? Would I dream more? What would I have wish I enjoyed the most? Where would I spend most of my time? Would I share the gospel more? Would I hug my children closer or share my most personal thoughts with my spouse? What would truly matter? What would be the first thing let go of to make more time for important things?

I don't want my life to come down to moments left and I am saying "Wait! I didn't tell them I loved them enough!" I want to live with no regrets. Everyday ready to meet my Maker and hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Child-centered or God-centered home?

The book 'The Heart of Anger' describes two different homes. One is the the Child-centered home and the other is the God-centered home.

Here are some characteristics of the children in the Child-Centered home:

1. Interrupt adults when they are talking.

2. Use manipulation and rebellion to get their way

3. Dictate family schedule (include meal times, bedtimes, etc.)

4. Take precedence over the needs of the spouse.

5. Have an equal or overriding vote in all decision making matters.

6. Demand excessive time and attention from parent to the detriment of the other biblical responsibilities of the parents.

7. Escape the consequences of their sinful and irresponsible behavior

8. Speak to parents as though the were peers.

9. Be the dominant influence in the home.

10. Be entertained and coddled (rather than disciplined) out of a bad mood.

Now contrast that with children in the God-centered home:

1. To joyfully serve others.

2. To cheerfully obey parents the first time.

3. To not interrupt parents who are speaking to eachother.

4. To understand they will not always get their own way.

5. To work their schedule around their parents' schedule.

6. To have input into family decisions but not necessarily an equal vote.

7. To understand that God has given their parents other responsibilities in addition to meeting their needs.

8. To suffer the natural consequences of their sinful and irresponsible behavior.

9. To not speak to parents as though they were peers but honor them as spiritual authorities.

10. To esteem others as more important than themselves.

11. To fulfill various household responsibilities (chores).

12. To protect themselves from certain bad influences.

13. To not divide parents over disciplinary issues.

14. To not be more intimate with either parent than the parents are with each other.


This list was eye opening. I thought I had a God-centered home but now I see that in many ways we are still very child-centered. This is not what Hubby and I want.

Would anyone like to partner with us in accountability?

a prayer

"Almighty God, give to Thy servant a meek and gentle spirit that may be slow to anger and easy to mercy and forgiveness. Give me a wise and constant heart, that I may never be moved to an intemperate anger for any injury that is done or offered. Lord, let me ever be courteous, and easy to be entreated; let me never fall into a peevish or contentious spirit, but follow peace with all men; offering forgiveness, inviting them by courtesies, ready to confess my own errors, apt to make amends, and desirous to be reconciled. Let no sickness or cross accident, no employment or weariness make me angry or ungentle and discontented, or unthankful, or uneasy to them that minister to me, but in all things make me like unto the Holy Jesus. AMEN"
Jeremy Taylor 1613-1667

Baptism Day

Hubby and the girls were baptized today!

There were 9 total baptisms in the church this morning. I cried from the get go as the first one was a dear friend's daughter. The little darling could barely contain her excitement and happiness as the pastor talked her through the process and slipped her under the water. After a few more people it came time for my family.

My youngest daughter was first. She was glowing and content...nothing like I thought she would be. She answered the question and listened intently and was ready. I think she sucked in water but she did her best to come up and out of the baptismal smiling.



Her older sister followed. She was so excited she answered the question before pastor could finish his sentence! She was dunked and bouncing out to the bathroom in record time. I later found her standing in puddles in the bathroom wearing, what used to be her dry church outfit, and was now dripping wet . She was so excited she didn't bother to dry off!



Hubby was next. You really must get this picture... This is a brand new church and baptismal and this was to be the first use of the baptismal. Hubby is 6'8 and 260 lbs. Pastor is maybe 6 ft and around 180 lbs (?) So it was quite the size difference. Hubby was told to kneel down for his dunking and the pastor was not informed...

So here is my big hulking hubby towering over the pastor in water up to his waist. Hubby was asked for his testimony before getting started.

Then pastor did his speech and hubby was trying to kneel down. Pastor was grabbing hubby's hand trying to get him to hold his nose. Hubby who loves to dive and swim is used to water on his face so he keeps dropping his hand down and is still trying to kneel down and pastor is pulling him back to a stand. Suddenly pastor grabs hubby's back and kicks his leg out from under him while pushing backwards....a nice karate move on pastor's part! Hubby goes down fast all the way to the bottom and his feet come up out of the water. Hubby is flailing about trying to get his footing and pastor is doing everything he can to pull him back up (there are no handles in the baptismal) Oh it was hilarious!


I left the chapel and went to help my girls get ready and saw the pastor in the hall. He is handing his hip waders to his helper and drying off as service is starting. Hubby comes out and teases the pastor about trying to drown him and pastor laughs and says hubby is one of the few times he got wet doing a baptism! LOL

Notes were made that handles and maybe a toe brace should be added to the baptismal ;)

who would have thought?!

Last night Hubby had his first of two substitute 'review' class at IEC.

Afterward he stopped by the local Barnes and Noble to pick me up a gift. That in itself is exciting as it is rare for him to buy gifts but the true excitement was what he bought himself. A BIBLE! Yep, my man who was totally against God 5-6 months ago bought a NKJV Bible in large print because he liked mine so well and wanted one of his own!

He was even remarking on how much he has changed. Before this fall he would have never have guessed that *HE* would be buying a Bible for himself. He plans on keeping it in his work truck during the week for reading if he gets a quiet moment and taking it to church on Sundays of course. LOL To add to this change he enjoys listening to Tom Dooly's "The Journey" on the local Christian radio station and is getting quite a few favorite Christian singers he likes.

God has changed his heart so much and our family is truly being blessed!

oh and the gift he got me?
a very nice Bible case with pouches and slots for all my papers! He saw the mess of notes and stuff fall repeatedly from my Bible last week in church and thought I could use some organizational help. gotta love him!

hearty mac casserole

this is one of my childhood fav's.
thick and cheesy on a fall evening

2 lbs ground beef - cooked and drained
1 bag of mac noodles or shells -cooked and drained
1 block of velvetta cheese cut into chunks - the big block
1 family can of cream of mushroom soup
1 lb of corn (frozen or canned)
salt and pepper to taste
milk to make creamy (to taste)

dump cooked noodles and beef in casserole pan
stir in corn and soup
add enough milk to make it creamy
top with the velvetta cubes
cover with tin foil and bake at 350 until corn is hot and cheese is melted

Fear not!

No fears here.

.Psalm 37
1 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;

13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;

17 for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.

19 In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish: The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish—vanish like smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.

23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;

24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.

27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

28 For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

29 the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives;

33 but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

36 but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.

38 But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Granny Miller's apple pie

APPLE PIE
7 - 10 firm apples - peeled, cored and sliced.Cortland and Spy apples are my favorite for pies.
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pastry for a 9" or 10" pie plate or tin
*************************Step 1Make the pastry for a double crust pie. Please check here if you need a crust recipe or don't know how to make one.Wrap the pie pastry in wax paper or plastic wrap and set it in the refrigerator while you work on the apple filling.I like to use butter for my pie crust.But the pie pastry I made the day before yesterday was made with lard.It was wonderful, thin and flaky.But take care, sometimes lard in a pie crust will give some folks heartburn.

Step 2Prepare the apples.Peel, core and thinly slice the apples.I use an apple peeler to do the peeling. It works pretty good most of the time, but I can never get it to core the apples the way that it's supposed to.I usually don't have time to fiddle with kitchen contraptions, but one of these days I'm going to make the time, and see if I can get the apple peeler to work better.The apple peeler leaves grooves in the apples.I used to think that the grooves were unsightly, but I have gotten used to them.Now I think they actually look good once the apples have been cooked in the pie.Kind of like potato chips with ridges. But I have digressed with talk of kitchen gadgets......Let's get back to the recipe.Once all the apples are sliced, place them into a large bowl and sprinkle them with lemon juice so they don't turn brown.But honestly, I don't know why I still do this.I never manage to get all the apples peeled and sprinkled with lemon juice in time before they start turn brown.In fact most of the time the apples are turning brown before I get them off the apple peeler.Not to mention that once they are covered with the sugar,cinnamon and flour mixture and cooked, you can't tell that they ever turned brown.I'm digressing again..........The point of Step 2 is to peel, core and slice the apples.Sprinkle them with lemon juice if you want to and then set them aside.

Step 3Mix the apple coating.In a separate bowl combine the sugar, flour, corn starch, salt, cinnamon and apple cider vinegar.Mix it well with a fork until all the dry ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture will be brown and crumbly.Now, turn the apples into the bowl a few at a time, and mix with a wooden spoon to coat them.

Step 4 Roll out the pastry for the bottom crust.I always use wax paper when rolling out my pie crusts. It's important not to over work the dough and only use enough flour to keep the dough from sticking to the paper or the pastry board.Once you've put the bottom crust into the pie pan - put the apples in.Ignore the pie bird in the picture below - he just happen to be in the picture. Next step - roll out the top crust.Make the top crust a bit wider than the bottom crust.Because the apples will be heaped up in the pie pan, it will take a large top to cover them.Put the top crust on the pie and turn the edges under to seal the pie.You can crimp or flute the edges with you fingers, a spoon or the handle of a butter knife also works very well.I usually cut a few air holes in my pie tops but you really don't have to with this pie if you don't want to.To prevent the edges of the crust from over browning or burning, place thin strips of foil around the crust and remove the foil during the last 10 -15 minutes of baking.

Step 5Bake the pie for 40 - 50 minutes in a hot oven until nicely brown. 400F is just about right.Sometimes a really big apple pie will require more time in the oven.Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a rack to cool.Some cooks will brush the top of the pie with egg white or milk to make the crust soft or shiny.But I don't usually bother.

Softly and tenderly Jesus called

He calls all sinners and those who are weary "come Home." His call was heard and accepted in my house :)

The angels are rejoicing in Heaven today! My hubby, my 10 yr old daughter and my 7.6 yr old daughter made the decision to follow Christ and be baptised. PRAISE THE LORD! Saturday we attended our church's Mission Conference with Ron Cline (HCJB Global Radio) and hubby decided to get off the curb and join the parade so to speak. Mr Cline expressed how when Jesus called His disciples they dropped everything and followed Him. Hubby realized that he was still "holding his nets" and not truly following Christ. Sunday at church our pastor walks by hubby and turns and out of the blue asks "Want baptised?" and hubby about shouted "YES!" They are meeting tomorrow. :)

Hubby was baptised when our oldest was a babe and came under such spiritual attack that he gave up on Christ being the ONLY way and listened to the devil's lies for almost 10 yrs. Some may say he can't or shouldn't be baptised again since he was 'dunked' once already. Some may call this a re-dedication to Christ. But for my hubby he feels this is the first true time he has accepted salvation.

My oldest daughter was baptised at age 5 due to pressure from extended family and has never really understood what it means to be "bought by the Blood". Thanks to our new church she understands fully now and is ready to accept her Saviour.


This Sunday I will sit with dear friends and watch as my family steps into the baptismal and publicly accepts Christ. My heart is full to bursting! Surely my cup runs over!