Friday, May 29, 2009

Piano Recital

The girls had their piano recital last night. It was Emily's second and Kaitlyn's first. They both did very well. I am always so thankful that they have a nice teacher who lets them use their music instead of memorizing it! Kaitlyn played "Aire" and "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain" and Emily played "The Chimes" and "Stepping Stones". They didn't seem nervous at all.

It is a little inspiring to hear the kids play different songs. One played "Fur Elise", so I came home and dug out my book and played it as well at "Tocatta". :o) Can't play classical music without playing "Tocatta"! :o)

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Think On These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Psalm 139:1-6
O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

I really don't have a lot to comment on this. I love this passage. Isn't it great to know that God knows us and care about us. He holds us in His hand and guides our lives. It is also a reminder that He knows what we think and do, so we need to be doing what is right!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Our Camping Trip

Duke the lumber jack. He loved to chew on sticks and even broke a few twigs off of bushes to chew on. I told him he was going to be on the Park Rangers Most Wanted list if he didn't behave!
All tuckered out after a weekend camping!

We went to Sibley State Park which is South. We generally try to go South for Memorial Day so it is warmer! This was our first camping trip with NO RAIN!!! It was quite nice to be able to pack up the tent and not worry about unpacking it to let it dry out!
The park was a nice one with bike paths, a swimming beach, hiking trails, and a nice interpretive center. They had fiddlers there on Saturday. It was nice to get the kids "cultured" a bit. They played really old songs. They also had rhythm instruments for the kids. The kids got to play the frog and an egg.
We went to church in Willmar. The pastor was gone and a gentleman that became a pastor at age 62--23 years ago was filling in. He was interesting to listen to. He was a pilot in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He was also a pilot for NW Airlines. He is very studied in the Word.
The kids got to go swimming on Saturday and Sunday. We also hiked to the highest point in the area. We went on a couple of bike rides and the kids rode their bikes around the camp ground a lot. We also met several people with dogs. It's kind of funny how having a dog causes you to meet more people. It is really nice having a dog that you can trust with everyone!
We also enjoyed campfires with Smores, of course. We had to use actual sticks since we forgot our metal ones-so we were REALLY roughing it!




Monday, May 25, 2009

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Making Your Own Creamer

For those of us who are coffee drinkers, there may have been a naughty person who introduced us to coffee creamers. They ARE rather yummy, but expensive and not that great for you! I have started to make my own.
Take whatever milk you typically drink. Then add a sweetener to your taste. (I use Stevia.) Then add extracts, cocoa, whatever you like. I usually make up about 8oz. of creamer at a time. I then add about a teaspoon or so of extracts such as:
Almond
Coconut
Mint
Any Combination of above
I also add cocoa sometimes

Two of my favorite combinations:

Almond and coconut extract and cocoa=Almond Joy

Mint extract and cocoa=Chocolate mint.

For more great Kitchen Tips visit Tammy's Recipes at: http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3388

Memorial Day

Thank you to all those who have served in the armed services. Our country would not be what it is today without their sacrifice. I appreciate each and everyone of those who have served and who continue to serve. Thank you so much.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Stuff

We are going camping this weekend. I figure I'm about ready because I can't get any more food in the fridge. :o)

I got a call from the Bill Rice Ranch (actually, the Ranch is great, but can't make phone calls so I should say someone from the Ranch:), they don't have a nurse for the summer, so are asking voluteers to come in for a week or so. I get to go the last week of June/first week of July. It is a family/Junior week. The oldest kids will go and be in Junior week. Zachary is going to get to spend the week with grandma. I am REALLY excited.

It is at times like these that I am even more thankful for a job that allows me to take time off when I ask. :o)

Think on These Things Thursday



Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Matthew 6:19-34
I hadn't planned to post on contentment this week, but it is kind of a logical continuation of last week and a conversation yesterday got me to thinking about this.
Yesterday I was talking with a lady who is a single mom of two kids with special needs. She works two jobs as a CNA (hard work). In case you think they are both part time, they are not. One is full time, and the other part time. She lives in a small apartment where one the bedrooms is in the dining room. The cars I've known her to own are at least 10 years old. We were talking about flowers which led to her talking about a guy she knows who has big green house on his land. I said that one was attached my "dream house", but never really cared if I got my dream house because stuff doesn't bring happiness. She quickly agreed with me and said, you know I'm happy with what I have. I have what I need and if there is a little money left for something extra, that's nice. This is a lady who by government standards probably lives beneath the "poverty line." However, she is happy. She has decided to bloom where she is planted!
I've really been trying to "bloom where I'm planted" and just be content. Whether it is at work, at home, my physical abilities, talents, etc. She has given me new inspiration.
God has promised to take care of us and to provide our needs. Do you know anyone with more resources to do so? Then why don't we trust Him and His wisdom more?

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Adventures in Dogland

Yesterday I needed to take Duke to the vet for his red eye. I also wanted to make sure his weight was fine now that he has put on some weight.

When I got home, there were little blood spots EVERYWHERE in my house! Duke has cut his back paw somehow. As the vet said, only he knows! Probably on a board in the yard that had a nail in it. I have spent a lot of time cleaning up little spots all over my house, including on my rugs. We now know that he is active while we are gone since he left a nice little trail.

Oh, yeah back to real reason I took him to the vet. There isn't anything wrong with his eye--one has pigment in the third eye lid, the other not. His weight is perfect. :o)

It has/is an adventure taking care of his foot. It has to be soaked three times a day--which he LOVES (I end up getting soaked too!). He also has to take two huge antibiotic pills every morning and evening--You have to bury them in peanut butter or he spits them back out! We then also need to wrap it when he goes outside to keep from getting junk in it. Did I mention we are going camping this weekend?--This should be a fun regimine while camping!



Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Keeping Watermelon Fresh

To keep watermelon fresh longer:
  1. Store it in your salad spinner with lid, then you can lift out the basket with the watermelon and dump out the water in the bottom of the bowl. I try to do this in the morning and at supper time.
  2. If you don't have a salad spinner, you can do the same, just use the lid to keep the watermelon in and dump off the water.
  3. If you won't be able to eat it before it goes bad, you can also throw it in the freezer!

For more great Kitchen Tips Visit: http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3376

Monday, May 18, 2009

Weekend recap

Emily was able to donate 12 inches of her hair to locks of love. Her hair cut is really cute, but it is a little difficult to get used to her having short hair. It is really strange to not be able to braid it, etc. Hopefully by the time it grows out, she'll still let me do fun things with it!

We are redoing the shower in our bathroom and measured and found we have enough room for a 48 inch stall. Unfortunately, the rest of our house was not built so you could get even a 2 piece stall in it!!! After numerous tries, including hefting it up to the roof and attempting to get in the door to no where, it was decided we would put in a NEW door to nowhere that is wider. After taking out the old door, they were able to bring in the shower stall. Then they put in the new one. Won't the next homeowners be surprised when they try to get a new 48 inch stall in--they'll wonder how we got ours in! Gotta love old houses!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Spring is here--Maybe...

    Spring in the North

  1. First tick found on a kid--which brings up-why do they have medication you can put on a dog that last a month and kills a tick if it bites them, but none for humans! Doesn't anyone care if we get Lyme's Disease???

  2. Snow on May 14th in Duluth, MN--unfortunately I am NOT joking. However, it did not stay, it melted as soon as it hit the ground! That's the only kind of snow I can deal with in May!

  3. It is May and Walmart has only had their garden section really open a couple of weeks.

  4. We can still buy tulips. (My mom down south can not!)

  5. Very few brave souls have planted their garden--the rest of us are too chicken due to the chance of frost again!

  6. I painted my toenails and have been able to wear sandals--even if my toes do turn blue due to the cold when it snows in May!

  7. The trees started getting their leaves this week!!!

  8. A few brave and courageous flowers have started blooming that are outside not inside!

  9. Saturday update--Today, I had tentatively planned to be brave and plant my garden, but as of 11am, the temperature was still in the 30's--and oh, yeah, it snowed again today!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Remember Who Your Creator Is!
Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
After reading this, I've been thinking about several things. It is easy, especially as women, to compare ourselves to others. When we do this, one of two things usually happens.
  1. We compare ourselves to someone who is better at something than we are or prettier, or thinner, or better dressed, etc. This just results in us feeling inadequate and sorry for ourselves or even in jealousy. If you think about it, this is really quite pathetic--Poor me, I just don't add up! The antidote for this is to realize that God made each of us. He has a special plan for each of us. He doesn't make mistakes!!! If everyone had the same talents and abilities, what a boring world this would be! Instead of wishing we were more __________. We should spend time asking God to show us the areas of our lives that we can be further developing and using the talents God gave us for Him! I love what one pastor said--if you don't think you have a talent, everyone can be a prayer warrior! We also should be happy for those who have real talent in an area and enjoy their talent, instead of wishing we were more like them. Also, our reasons for wishing we were more talented are generally selfish and not very godly!
  2. We compare ourselves to someone who is worse than us so we can fell superior and better than them. Shame on us for being so prideful! The antidote for this is to realize that pride is a sin. If we are comparing ourselves to another because we think we are more talented, we should spend some time asking God for forgiveness and being thankful for the talents He has given us and finding ways to use them! If we are comparing ourselves to another because we think they are a bigger sinner than us (obviously not!) then we need to worry about the beam in our eye, rather than the mote in someone else's. We need to focus on making sure our life is right with God.

Another thought I had after reading this passage is that there are times when their are difficult people in our lives. Our kids may also try our patience, or even our spouse--not mine, of course :o)--in case he reads this! We need to remember that God is their Creator also! They are just as marvellously made as us. He made every person and doesn't make mistakes. I know that we each have a free will to do as we choose. We can still look for the good in others and there is some! Often times, changing our view and looking at someone as God's special creation can really change our opinion of someone. Also, everyone comes from different backgrounds and many people have never been taught how to be kind or had good examples in their lives. The best thing to do for the difficult people in our life is to pray for them and that God will change our heart about that person and show us the good in them!

Think on These Things Thursday

I will do a post on Think on These Things Thursday tonight when I have more time. I usually post in the morning but due to the "hicupps of life," I am left with precious little time to be coherent. :o)

Ya'll have a great day!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Kids

Our kids are homeschooled, and art is part of their curriculum. They each had a Mother's Day project to do. "T's" was a coupon book, which he tried to get his sister to do instead. He did put thought into the things he filled in, such as a back rub, vacuuming, doing the dishes, etc. He wanted me to know right away, though that the coupons expire in two weeks! I pointed out to him, though that they say "No expiration date". :o) He looked a little disappointed. He really wasn't that excited when I redeemed my "free hug" coupon several times in a row, because it says that it has no expiration date and that is can be redeemed over and over. :o) I think he is starting to want to exert his independence a little, which make me a little sad. However, I also know that kids need to become independent so they can grow into well adjusted adults who can make their own decisions and not need someone else to tell them what they should do. :o)

I had a nice, relaxing Mother's Day. Mike fixed lunch and the kids cleaned up. Then "E" was willing to go with me to the grocery store (I usually try to go on Saturday, but due to a lot going on, I didn't time!), which I love. It is much more fun to shop with someone than by myself. "E" also pushes the cart, so I can keep track of the coupons and grocery list easier and not feel like I need 4 hands! A kind gentleman also told me to go in front of him since I was a mom and this was one of the few days we were honored. :o) I tried to get him to go ahead of me because there was considerably less in his cart!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Butternut bread with Cream Cheese Filling

KITCHEN TIP TUESDAY


INGREDIENTS
2 c. pureed butternut squash*
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
½ cup applesauce
¼ cup ground flaxseed
2/3 cup water
1 tsp. almond extract (optional)
1 1/3 cups white sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*You can use pureed pumpkin in place of the butternut squash.

CREAM CHEESE FILLING
8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
1 tbsp. flour
1 egg
¼ c. sugar
1 tsp. almond extract

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, flour, and egg; beat until smooth and creamy.
5. Pour half of the pumpkin bread batter evenly into the two prepared loaf pans. Spoon cream cheese mixture on top of pumpkin batter layer and then pour on the remaining pumpkin batter.
6. Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

The following was read at our Mother/Daughter Banquet. I thought is was very thought provoking and even "stepped on my toes".
The Invisible Mom

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously not, no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to answer, 'What time is it? I'm a TV guide to answer, 'What channel is the Clifford on? I'm a taxi, 'Take me to Susie’s around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, and she’s gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me. But then I read her inscription: ‘To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
No one knows who the workers were that built the great cathedrals we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it. The workman replied, 'Because God sees it.'
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no button you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building great cathedrals. Right now, you can't see how wonderful they will be in the end.

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. If I keep the right perspective, I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. Someone that no one notices, except God.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. So few people willing to remain nameless; to labor, unrecognized by others.

When I really think about it, I don't want my daughter to tell the friend she's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies. Then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want her to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to her friend, to add, 'you’re gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the lives our children touched. They will then teach their children who will touch even more lives. So the building will go on as long as someone is willing to make the sacrifices needed. As long as someone is willing to give of themselves, to remain unnamed and unnoticed by all but God. Are you willing to make the sacrifices needed?
Thanks to all the wonderful mothers out there who have touched my life in so many ways:
My mom who is one of my dearest friends and all the others who have offered encouragement and been a good example to me.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Why do bad things happen to "Good People" (Part 2)?

Reason #2:
"Because God is trying to get ahold of that sinner" or "God is trying to get their attention" or "God is dealing with them" or "God is giving them a wake up call" or any number of other reasons along this line.

I always get a little perturbed when someone is going through a difficult time and I hear someone say that any of these or similar are the reason why.

It may be true that God is dealing with them or even chastising them. HOWEVER, it is never another person's right to decide that. This is between God and the person suffering. In fact, in Job 42:7-8, God condemns Job's friends for coming to this conclusion and punishes them. We can not know what is in another person's heart or why God sends trials to another person. Often when we are the person going through the trial, we may not understand until after the trial is over or until we get to Heaven (where the answer probably won't matter :o).

There may be times that our bad decisions/sins have consequences that even after confession we have to deal with.

A couple of other thoughts:
Jesus suffered the most horrible death known to man and He was SINLESS.

Jesus did not consider illness to be because of sin, He healed many and had compassion on them.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Why do bad things happen to "Good People" (Part 1)?
If you read my blog on Monday, I told you about a list of people that I know that are going through really difficult times. The list has grown since then. I am happy to say that God has given me comfort and reminded of a study I did years ago. I thought that I would share it. I will be breaking it down into parts.
Reason #1:

1. To test us; help us grow closer to God

Difficulties in the Bible were often a test of our response to them and our faithfulness to God through the difficult times. They also were meant to help us grow closer to God

James 1:2-4--My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

I Peter 1:6-7--Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:35--And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

There is the old saying, what doesn't destroy us makes us stronger. As Christians, we have God's strength on our side and He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He has also promised not to give us more than we can bear. He has also promised to give us the strength we need!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

In conclusion: Difficulties can give us an opportunity to draw closer to God and to learn of His great comfort and strenghth. They also give us an opportunity to be a testimony to others.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Happy Nurse's Day

Today is nurse's day. Here is a tribute to some wonderful nurses I have had the privilege to work with and continue to work with. There have been many nurses that have touched my life and made life a little easier. Thank you!

A Nurse’s Heart

A nurse’s heart is no ordinary heart.
It is a heart that comforts the fearful.
It is a heart that encourages the disheartened.
It is a heart that brings comfort
to those who have suffered the loss of loved ones.
It is a heart that shows the newly diagnosed or injured
that they have the strength to persevere.
It is a heart that brings hope to the hopeless.
It is a heart that helps those in deep anguish
see all the reasons for living.

It is a heart filled with strength, compassion, and love.
It is a heart that jumps for joy at each milestone in healing.
It is a heart that has been broken
time after time by the sorrows witnessed.
It is a heart that will provide strength
and help to those in need day after day with joy and peace,
despite the difficulties that come its way.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Cream of ...........Soup

Kitchen Tip Tuesday
Condensed Cream of Chicken (or whatever) Soup
Thanks to my friend Sarah for this great recipe. I love it!
1 1/2 c. chicken broth
1/4 tsp. each of salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley
1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 c. milk
3/4 c. flour (I used whole wheat pastry flour and it turned out fine)
**You can add mushrooms, celery, etc. to make whatever type of "cream of" soup you like. :o)

  1. Boil broth, 1/2 c. milk, and seasoning for 1-2 minutes.

  2. In bowl (or Tupperware shaker) mix 1 c. milk and flour.

  3. Add flour mixture to boiling mixture and whisk until mixture boils and thickens.
*I tripled this recipe (because that is how much broth I had left after I cooked a chicken). I added 8 oz. of chopped mushrooms and it turned out great! I froze the soup in 2 cup containers and have thawed it out to use in recipes and it worked very well. I'm so excited to have a recipe that doesn't turn out watery! It is a thick soup!
For more great kitchen tips, visit: http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3348

Monday, May 4, 2009

Random brain cell firings...

Please excuse the ramblings...

As I posted on Friday, this has been an interesting couple of weeks. Friday brought three more "bad newses". This morning, I received a phone call from a friend who is in the hospital with kidney stones. I finally sat down and wrote down all the serious illness, tragedy, death, etc. that has happened near me and I counted thirteen instances! My mom always said that these things come in threes, it has been a bit much to deal with. I found myself cranky, with a near constant stomach ache, and just a basic feeling of being overwhelmed. Most of all, I was frustrated with myself for not being able to handle it all better! I would try to give it all to the Lord, but it was kind of hard to keep up with it all. I also find that I do better giving my own stuff to the Lord and trusting Him with my stuff than I do giving other people's difficulties to the Lord. I think part of my frustration is that there seems to be so little you can do for others going through hard times. I am a fixer and there are times that I simply can't fix someone's cancer, heal their kidney stones and ease the worries of no health insurance, etc. I guess really, I don't like to feel inadequate.

Isn't it amazing how there are thousands upon thousands of words in the English language, yet so few that you can say when someone is in crisis! I'm getting better at just telling people I'm thinking of them, praying for them, and PLEASE let me know what I can do to help! And then asking God to fill in the blanks. I also ask God to show me a verse for them.

Another delimna has been that I have rediscovered some of what is in my heart in what I have said to others because little things have really been bugging me and something comes out of my mouth and I'm like--why did I say that!!! The answer unfortunately is because I need to do some housecleaning in my heart!

We are having special meetings at church and the sermon last night was about the "clothes" we need to have on--from Colossians 3--meaning the attributes that we should/should not have in the Christian life. Last night, on the way home, I was still thinking about the sermon and realized that I've been excusing some of my behavior because, it's just too much, I'm only human, etc. However, God is in control and I need to remember that and get through this in HIS strength, not my own! I'm feeling less overwhelmed, God and I had a long talk yesterday afternoon and I've given these back to Him--now I need to leave them with Him!

Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

P.S. My brain my still be processing things a little slow due to all the recent input, so please don't ask me any tough questions in the near future.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Recap

The week that I was away from blogging was a rather busy one. Do you ever have those weeks that when you think back to the beginning, it feels like it was at least a month ago? That is how the week was. Our office moved; we had a busy weekend; I had a three day conference; and we have a rash of very serious illnesses or death in our clients, friends, and coworkers' family or friends. Then there is just every day life. It all seems to add up and make for a long week. I think our brains our only able to process so much, so our time lines get skewed.

It is weeks like this that I am even more thankful for a wonderful family and for the Lord who gives us strength!

Humor?--Some may hit a little too close to home to be humorous, but try to read it light heartedly...
1. I don't suffer from insanity -- I enjoy every minute of it!
2. I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
3. Don't take life too seriously -- no one gets out alive.
4. You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me.
5. Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.
6. I'm not a compete idiot -- some parts are missing!
7. Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.
8. Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.
9. Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?
10. Being "over the hill" is much better than being under it.
11. Wrinkled was not one of the things I wanted to be when I grew up.
12. He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless dead.
13. A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand times the memory.
14. Ham and eggs -- a day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.
15. I smile because I don't know what I’m doing, I laugh because no one else knows!