Delight Thyself in the Lord

My poor neglected blog...

2012-01-21T10:25:00.000-06:00

I was a little ashamed to see I haven't posted since August!!!

September--We went camping up on the Iron Range for Labor day. The kids got to ride in a friend's boat, go canoeing, and fishing. They even caught a couple of fish. :)

October--we found out hubby's job as it was would be changing. There was a strong possibility we would have to move, so far his company has decided he can work from home and travel to the nearest office once a week so we've been able to stay put.

November--we enjoyed a four day Thanksgiving weekend, complete with Turkey, soap making, crafts, and Christmas candy making. Skipped Black Friday, though.

December-we traveled back home for Christmas. We enjoyed see our new niece and visiting with family.

January--the kids have been enjoying skiing

A Homegoing

2011-08-22T19:20:00.000-05:00

A dear friend went home to Heaven. He was diagnosed with brain cancer about 5 years ago and has in many ways struggled since. Brain cancer tends to change a person's personality and even their ability to think clearly. The medications also have an affect on the brain.
Ed was a special person. He was quiet,wise and kind, yet had a great sense of humor. He was a wonderful dad as evidenced by the three wonderful kids he has. I truyly don't know that I know of a more godly family. It has been amazing to see their testimony through these last difficult years.

There will still be difficult months ahead. I know that everyone is happy Ed has gone home to Heaven, but there is still a hole left in many hearts that time will make less painful. I am thankful God saw fit to take Ed home quickly after he started to decline. It was only a few short weeks ago that Ed was sitting in church. God has great timing. He also took Ed home in time to make his oldest son's decision to go back to college easier. I will be praying for his wife Barb and his children: Seth, Luke, and Courtney.

II Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

We never know what life will bring and in many ways that is a blessing. It should also challenge us to live life to the fullest and to always be ready to meet the Lord should he call us home.

E's first youth group slumber party

2011-08-20T16:29:00.001-05:00

The guys went on a camp out with some men from our church for a couple of days so we had a slumber party at our house for the youth group girls. Complete with decorating flip-flops and toes!!! We also had a great time playing crazy uno, eating homemade icecream, and chatting. Duke (our dog)-the only guy allowed provided entertainment. He tried to eat a cotton ball I threw up in the air and he caught in his mouth, was terrified of the nail polish remover and would run frantically away from it. He also would rub his nose and face on his bed if he smell the nail polish. Duke did end up with pink and green front toe nails and pink and silver back toe nails. It only took 3 people to accomplish this, largely due to attention span more than due to having to wrestle him. :)

Pics below:

Emily's toes

My toes

Emily's flip flops

My flip flops turned into a fun summer decoration :)

I hot glued them together and then glued a ribbon on the back to hang them.

Valley Fair

2011-06-25T19:18:00.000-05:00

I took the day off yesterday, didn't look at or read a single e-mail from work. Kind of proud of myself for that!!! First time I've been "off" and completely ignored e-mail. :)

The kids and I went with a friend and three of her boys to Valley Fair, an amusement park similar to Six Flags. We had a great time. This was the first time the kids went to an amusement park. They've been to a couple of carnivals. At first they weren't all real adventurous, but as the day went on they got braver. :) The High Roller roller coaster was their collective favorite ride. My dad would have been proud of them, the Screaming Eagle at Six Flags was his favorite ride. We didn't get everyone to ride some of the upside down rides, but all in all we rode about everything.
Favorite rides:

T--Wild Thing
E--Scrambler, High Roller
K--Ship that when all the way around
Z--High Roller

Z isn't real sure about the Corkscrew. T and Z wouldn't ride Steel Venom or the ship that goes upside down or the Power Tower. The girls were the most adventerous, suprisingly. :) The kids have decided we should go back at least yearly.

Gardening

2011-06-06T22:09:00.000-05:00

I was able to get my garden in before Memorial Day. A friend brought me some fresh asparagus and I got to thinking that asparagus would be a nice addition to my garden. I asked if they knew where I could buy some. I couldn't recall seeing it anywhere to buy. They told me to come over and dig some up. I couldn't find my shovel so I headed out with a trowel, garden gloves and a prayer that if needed they'd let me borrow a shovel.

Let me tell you, aparagus is some tough stuff with HUGE root systems that are pretty thick and deep. I won the battle, but it was a fight!!! Asparagus is a worthy opponent. I had sweat dripping off my forhead and I honestly can't tell you the last time that happened up here! I got is home and got it planted in a nice sunny spot. Can't wait to pick some next spring!

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-06-06T22:03:00.000-05:00

We were able to go camping this year. Can't say the weather was beautiful, but it did only rain at night (thunderstorm night before we're going to leave so everything is soaked to pack up!--gotta love the adventure!) We went to Charles Lindbergh State Park. It is a lovely park with lots of wild flowers, which I love. Charles Lindbergh's mom's house is in the park and was donated to the Park Service. It was interesting to relearn about him and learn some new things also. We toured his house. It was a nice farm house. He was basically responsible for the farm during his High School years.

We also took the kids fishing and the closest we came to catching one was to have the bait stolen!

Duke enjoyed camping but was pretty exhausted by the time we got and just flopped on the couch and didn't stir again until about 10am the next morning!

Couldn't resist...

2011-05-31T19:23:00.000-05:00

PLEASE understand. I am NOT a birther, I think that President Obama IS a US citizen and therefore a legitimate president. I think that he deserves the respect due his office. However I do enjoy the humor of the letter a friend posted on her facebook account.

Dear President Obama,
I am writing today with a somewhat unusual request. First and foremost, I will be asking that you return the United States to its August 20th, 1959 borders so that Hawaii is no longer a state and you are no longer a citizen.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel

I think that while this is truly ludicrous, if serious, I think it is equally as ludicrous to expect Isreal to return to it's pre-1967 borders. While Hawaii is a nice state, it would not drastically affect our national security to give it back. Returning to pre 1967 borders would drastically affect Isreal's security!!!

A day off--or maybe not

2011-05-27T18:04:00.000-05:00

Wal-mart trip complete. Plants were crazy expensive, so I bought seeds. I'm going to make my flower boxes out front work this year and I'm planting vegetables in there also. I saw a sign for plants at a little house and stopped, I was able to buy healthier plants for about 1/2 the price!!! Garden weeded (REALLY hate dandelions and hope my neighbor mows soon to cut down the ones all over his yard so they don't end up in mine!!!) and planted--We have tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, squash, lettuce, radishes, cantaloupe and cucumbers planted. Will be interesting to see what actually comes up!!! :) It is a great feeling to have accomplished so much today. I only have a couple more food prep things for the trip and then need to pack. I must say it has been fun, the kids were helpful most of the day. Think I may go to bed early!!!

A day off!

2011-05-27T12:25:00.001-05:00

Today I get a day off!! We have been pretty productive--we did the grocery shopping, fixed 2 loaves of banana bread, 2 pans of granola bars, tuna pasta salad, potato salad and jello. We also got the house cleaned and the piano tuned. We are currently taking a break, will go to Wal-mart to get our garden plant and the rest of the stuff I need for camping. Out to the garden this afternoon. :)

Think On These Things Thursday

2011-05-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

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.

Frustration

Matthew 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I seem to be frustrated with circustances out of my control frequently--whether it is work, home, or just people. I often find myself wishing I had more time, wishing those around me were a bit more....well perfect. :) This often leads to a frustration.

When I get frustrated, I need to realize that I am taking on the difficulties of life instead of leaving them with the Lord. He has promised us rest in Matthew 11:28-30 if we will come to Him--not once, but twice!!! We have to come to Him, though and give our burdens to Him! Also, praying for the person or situation is a great way to give your burden to the Lord and helps to decrease frustrations with others. I also often ask God to help me to remember to give the burden back to Him if I take it back from Him!!! We can also ask Him for wisdom or to change our hearts or another's heart. I also need to remember that the world is in His hands, not mine, so it is not my responsibility to solve the world's problems! (Thankfully!!!) Really, none of us would want the responsibility of the world in our hands so why do we walk around with the weight of the world's problem weighing us down? Pretty silly when you think about it. Kind of like the child struggling with the bag of potatoes who insists on carrying it, even when a parent offers and ultimately ends us falling or dropping the potatoes!

I also need to remember that frustration is really a sin because I am not leaving things to the Lord. I also tend to be short tempered and complain when I am frustrated. Also, it is not worth the guilt to be short tempered!

Remeber, if we have given our burdens to Him your burden will be light, not heavy. Heavy means you have not given them to Him because His burden is light!

Israel

2011-05-24T19:30:00.020-05:00

Psalm 122:6-9

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

Isreal is in the news again. Having visited Israel, I have seen first hand the foolishness returning to pre-1967 borders would be. We visited a kibbutz in Galilee and one of the ladies told us about how they had to farm with armor plated tractors because the Syrians were constantly shooting at them and we walked through a bomb shelter and passed many more on the kibbutz, they frequently had to use them also. We really cannot imagine what this kind of life would be. They were simply going about their everyday business, but being shot at! You see, the Golan Heights are large hills and the Israelis were living in the valley, at a huge tactical disadvantage. Can you imagine with the advanced weaponry available now, they type of damage they would be able to inflict?

It seems that most people forget that Israel was attacked without provocation and in my opinion, won the land they now claim more than fairly. They thing that was so sad to me when we were visiting is that many Israelis would willingly give the land back for peace. They are tired of living in a state of unrest/war. They are tired of seeing their sons and daughters serve in the military. Everyone, male and female serve in the Israeli army when they turn 18. They are tired of never being able to let their guard down. There are metal detectors for you to go through in many public places, including the mall.

The big problem, though is that really only one side wants peace. The terrorists really don't want peace and because they are terrorists, who do you negotiate with???????? The only thing that will "bring peace" in the terrorist eyes is the annihilation of Israel. No land swaps will bring peace because that will mean Israel still exists. Gaza is a prime example of the "peace" Israel will get for any land they give up. They will simply have an enemy closer to their door. An enemy I might add that is willing to blow up school buses and innocent people!!!!

Please pray for the peace of Israel and for wisdom for our leaders!!!

Gardening

2011-05-23T20:38:00.001-05:00

I admit I am a fair weather gardener. I don't enjoy gardening in the cold or rain, so I just got out and started weeding tonight. Unfortunately, the weeds appear to adore poor weather and got quite the head start. I must say, though that they still aren't any match for my pitch fork. Another discovery was that my garden gloves have seen better days!! I decided to be a grown up and wear them, only to discover that my fingers were poking through the ends and my nails were caked with dirt!!! The good news is they came clean--almost. Hope nobody notices at our Leadership conference tomorrow for work.

Speaking of gardens, we were driving and I saw some purple tulips that I admit I was envious of. Look what I found in my yard.

I had COMPLETELY forgotten that I had planted tulips that I got on sale last year!!! I hadn't been to that part of my yard lately to see them! It was like Christmas. I was so excited. The kids thought I was rather silly for forgetting I had planted them. I'm kind of glad I did, it made the surprise so much fun!!!

HMMMM... I wonder if envying the corvette down the street would work the same....

Rummage Saling

2011-05-21T16:04:00.001-05:00

So, I've been a little date challenged this month and I gave our kid watcher the day off yesterday, thinking it was next week when I am taking to day off. Mike and I halved the day, he went to work in the morning, and I in the afternoon. This gave the kids and I a chance to go to a friend's rummage sale. I found several kitchen items, including tupperware canisters and a couple of Christmas gifts.

Today, the kids and I hit the jackpot!!! We went to a Friends of Animals (not sure why but I always giggle at that name and kind of makes me want to open a Butcher shop across the street named Enemies of Animals...) rummage sale. We got for $5--Me--2 pair of brand new shoes and two sweaters, Z--Spill the Beans, shirt and a movie, E--Nancy Drew Book and a pair of shoes, K--shirt and Junior Apples to Apples. Not bad for $5!!!!!!!!!!!!! --As E just reminded me, we did throw in an extra quarter--it was really on $4.75. :)

Think on These Things Thursday

2011-05-19T20:19:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8

Salt
Matthew 5:13--Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

We often take salt for granted. It's cheap and always available. We really don't think about how useful it is. We use it all the time without realizing how important it is. It helps to flavor foods and we really don't think about what food would taste like without it. We also don't often think about how many foods it is protecting from spoiling. It is also important in baking. In the north, it helps to thaw ice!!!

Christians are also the salt of the earth. Yet we don't realize how important we are in preserving/keeping the world as a decent place to live. Can you imagine what the world would be like without a Christian presence. We may not realize the difference we make when around others. If we have a good testimony, just our presence can help to keep the bad joke from being told, the expletive from flying, etc. Maybe we help to thaw an ice cold heart! We can also make the world a better place by the example we lead and the kindness we show to others. We need to make sure we are salt whereever we are! If the salt loses it's savor, it is good for nothing!!!

Old Stomping Grounds

2011-05-07T20:14:00.001-05:00

The kids and I traveled back to IL yesterday. I have to admit that 72 and sunny yesterday was quite blissful. We stopped at a rest area in northern IL and took some time to soak up some rays. Today I did some shopping and really enjoyed getting back into the van and the van was hot!!! I realize I would get tired of this but it was nice for today. Tonight we drove through the country and past where I grew up. It was fun but also a little sad to see all the changes and "missing" houses or houses/barns that are in disrepair. I know that everything changes, but just miss the "comfort" of old memories matching the present.

We went to dinner at DiCarlos which is a wonderful pizza place. Best pizza ever! We started going there when I was a little girl and the owner's little girl would come eat pizza with us. The owner remembered us also. Too bad my sis couldn't be here!

First Flowers of Spring

2011-05-03T20:50:00.001-05:00

Z and K brought these in for me today. Aren't they fun and adorable!!!

Mom Moment

2011-05-03T20:43:00.002-05:00

Soooooo. I took Z, T, and K to get their hair cut. After we get there, I realize that Z has a huge hole in the front of his pants, he turns around and I realize he has a HUGE "L" shaped rip in the seat of his pants showing off his scooby undies!!! THEN I look down and see that he has mismatched socks and lavendar crocks on! HOW did he get out of the house without me noticing???????????? I'm quite sure that before I became a mom, I never would have been very understanding of someone who told me this could happen. I admit that even as a mom I don't understand how this happens!!!

Osama's Death

2011-05-02T18:49:00.003-05:00

I'm still not quite sure how I feel about his death. I realize that it is a huge political and military victory and that I am grateful for. I am also glad our military personnel won't be endangering their lives looking for him any more. I am also extremely grateful that this seems to have been handled very intelligently by our officials. I would love to be able to agree with a rather naive journalist who stated that this ends the war on terror. I suppose the war on terror will need a new "face." However, I don't really think the war on terror will ever end this side of Heaven. My hubby thinks this is a huge psychological victory, I feel that it will only incite more anger and retaliation against the US.

There is also a part of me that really can't be happy about anyone's death, particularly someone so obviously deceived throughout his life and someone so godless. I can't imagine what it must have been for him to wake up in Hell. How surprised he must have been after living his whole life thinking he was earning his way to the Seventh Heaven.

Even sadder is the thought of how many more young Muslims will be manipulated into joining radical groups due to his death.

I guess after putting this in writing, I really just feel sadness for all those who have been deceived by any religion. I am relieved that this man hunt has been put to rest and people will not be risking their lives searching for him. Just wish this really ended the war on terror and that no more lives on either side would be lost.

Royal Wedding Fun

2011-04-29T19:46:00.001-05:00

First of all, I DID NOT get up to watch the wedding. I admit I did just look up pictures to see her dress, which if modest, would be beautiful. We did have some fun at work today. One of my coworkers came in wearing a tierra. One of the docs saw her, did a double take and then shook his head and walked into his office mumbling. He also said he looked at the tivo this morning and saw it was almost full, his wife was recording ten hours of prewedding shows as well as the wedding. He looked at her and said, "Please tell me we aren't one of THOSE families!" I bought him popcorn to enjoy while watching the royal wedding with his wife. :) The tierra wearing employee offered to rent him her tierra to wear for a mear $25/hr and he would need to settle up with the Duchess of EH Palace, better known as Lady Diana.

Pea Soup

2011-04-28T20:20:00.000-05:00

Tonight was "T's" Pea Soup supper for Boy Scouts. It is suprisingly delicious, tastes more like ham'n bean soup. "T" made cookies all by himself, including picking out the recipe and making sure we had all the ingredients! "T" stayed busy cleaning tables. We met some nice people. All in all a nice night.

Free Audio Book

2011-04-26T04:55:00.000-05:00

Christian Audio is giving away a free audible book of The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. The link to their website is below. You do need to make an account which requires your full name and e-mail. It did not need any type of payment information. :) It looks like they give away a free book every month. I am not sure that all would be this good since "Christian" can mean many different things, so please use discernment.

Link: http://christianaudio.com/

I am looking forward to listening to this on my trip to Illinois in a couple of weeks.

Why I no longer do sad...

2011-04-25T18:34:00.003-05:00

Wow posts two days in a row.....

I really enjoy my job, though it seems there is never enough time in the day... Today I went to our tumor board meeting and we talked about several patients diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully in ENT, most cancers are fairly responsive to treatment. Hearing the stories, seeing the people affected and just seeing the sad things that go on around me has really taken away any desire I had to read a sad book or cry at a sad movie, especially if it is fiction!!! Life is just too short for sad movies and books. All I have to do is look around me to see all the people whose lives could BE the sad book/movie. It breaks my heart to see all the tragedy in this world.

Thankfully, though we serve a risen Lord who is able to heal and to comfort those in need!

Happy Resurrection Day!

2011-04-24T20:59:00.003-05:00

Happy Resurrection Day! It is so wonderful to know that God loved us so much that He sacrified His only Son so that us sinners could go to Heaven to live with Him. I think the thing that has most amazed me is that Jesus was willing to leave the luxuries of Heaven, come to an imperfect world, knowing He would be mistreated, doubted, mocked and hated. Then He would die the most horrible death known to man. It is one thing to agree to something when you don't know what is ahead, but HE DID! Still He loved us that mouch! What a wonderful Savior we have.

Below is one of my favorite poems.

"My Advocate"
(by Martha Snell Nicholson)

I sinned. And straightway, post-haste, Satan flew

Before the presence of the most high God,

And made a railing accusation there.

He said, "This soul, this thing of clay and sod,

Has sinned. 'Tis true that he has named Thy name,

But I demand his death, for Thou hast said,

'The soul that sinneth, it shall die.'

Shall not Thy sentence be fulfilled?

Is justice dead?

Send now this wretched sinner to his doom.

What other thing can righteous ruler do?

"And thus he did accuse me day and night,

And every word he spoke, O God, was true!

Then quickly One rose up from God's right hand,

Before Whose glory angels veiled their eyes. He spoke,

"Each jot and tittle of the law

Must be fulfilled; the guilty sinner dies!

But wait -- suppose his guilt were all transferred

To Me, and that I paid his penalty!

Behold My hands, My side, My feet! One day

I was made sin for him, and died that he

Might be presented, faultless, at Thy throne!"

And Satan flew away. Full well he knew

That he could not prevail against such love,

For every word my dear Lord spoke was true!

Random Brain Cell Firings

2011-04-20T22:08:00.000-05:00

Today was an incredibly busy day at work. I felt like the longer I stayed, the farther behind I got!!! That said I am still thankful for my job. It can be frustrating and I think part of my issue has been that in 3 weeks, I will be there for one year and I feel like I have just barely touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning what I need to know!!! In the past by this point in a job I have felt really comfortable. Sure I learned new things, but didn't feel like I had miles to go! Working for a large company has been quite interesting also. All this said, I am SO thankful the Lord gave me this job. I really enjoy going to work, may want to go home after I see what the day brings, but that is pretty rare. :o) I am sure that at some point I will stop feeling like my brain is going to come out of my ears. :)

The above is a big part of why my poor blog has been so neglected. I don't have the time or brain power to think of a post.

From the mouth of babes

2011-04-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

Today we went out and were placing fliers on doors for a new website our church has created. We were in a rather wealthy section of town with HUGE houses. My girls were pretty amazed at the houses. They kept asking "does one family live in this house." I would say yes, and then we would go to an even bigger one and once again, they'd ask and I'd say "yes." You could tell they were trying to wrap their brains around living in a house as big as these. I said, "I guess you are thinking you were born into the wrong family." "K" said, "they probably don't get to go to church." "E" said "and it is often hard for rich people to get saved because they don't think they need God." Needless to say, I was pretty happy with the way they handled this. We also saw 3 deer crossing the road while we were out. We also met our goal of 50+ houses. :)

Wednesday-Sunday, October 6-10, 2010

2010-11-02T19:37:00.000-05:00

We left the hotel and drove by hubby's old house and neighborhood. We then ate breakfast at Fritz's restaurant where Mike ate as a kid. It has a train that runs on a track and brings your food to your table. The kids really enjoyed that! We then drove to my Aunt and Uncle's in Missouri.

We spent the next several day there. They live on a farm, so the kids enjoyed riding paddle boats on their pond, driving their gater, and catching bull frogs in the pond. We also had a big family get together and we got to see cousins and aunts we haven't seen in some time. It was great to catch up with them. The kids were also able to ride in a combine and tractor and see all the machinery. We also went to a homecoming parade. It was great to just relax for awhile with family.

We drove to Minneapolis on Saturday, ate dinner with some friends while the kids and my sister swam. We dropped my sister off at the airport on Sunday and headed home.
Overall, a wonderful vacation, but still nice to be home!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

2010-11-02T19:30:00.000-05:00

We ate breakfast at the hotel which had better waffles than the waffle house and they were even shaped like Texas! We drove through Oklahoma and up to Kansas. We spent the night in Kansas City at a hotel with a water park!!! The kids and adults really enjoyed the slides.

Monday, October 4, 2010

2010-11-02T19:27:00.000-05:00

We packed up our rather wet tent and headed out across New Mexico. We went through Albuquerque and saw the Rio Grande. We stayed the night in Amarillo Texas. We ate dinner at a Waffle House, which really didn't make very good waffles. However, hubby enjoyed the bacon cheese burger--ironic, huh!

This day was mainly driving.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

2010-11-02T19:24:00.001-05:00

We started off the day at the Grand Canyon Baptist Church that meets in one of the buildings at the Grand Canyon. There were several Mule deer that walked across our path right in front of us. We then went out to the west again and stopped at several stops along the way. Again, it was amazing to see the beauty of each spot and the ways the canyon is so different from each spot.

We went to Flagstaff for church and we went to a church that is just starting. We found kindred spirits at this church and really enjoyed meeting the people and the service was great. On our way to and from Flagstaff, we drove through the Coconino national forest and through some mountains.

There was quite a thunder storm in the middle of the night. We also heard coyotes and elk calls.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

2010-11-02T19:17:00.001-05:00

Hubby, "Z," and my sister hiked down about 1.5 miles into the canyon on the "Bright Angel Trail." They had a nice time. The rest of us took a shuttle out west. I didn't think "E" would be up to serious hiking after her bout with the stomach flu. We hiked along the rim and got some great pictures.

We met up after lunch and took the shuttle out to the West and stopped at several points along the way. It is amazing to see all the different ways the canyon can look.

We also had a huge elk herd come through our campground, literally across the road from our campsite. There were probably 30+ elk, including one huge buck with a huge rack. We also saw a stellar jay, dessert spiny lizard. We also got to watch the sunset.

Friday, October 1, 2010

2010-10-16T21:17:00.001-05:00

We started the morning watching the sunrise over the Grand Canyon.

We were going to go hiking, but Emily decide to redecorate the van with stomach contents. So we took turns hikind and chilling with Emily.

Mule deer buck

Friendly squirrel

Thursday, September 30, 2010

2010-10-16T20:55:00.001-05:00

We woke up to our first day at the Grand Canyon and discovered that the Grand Canyon had a lot of bees that seem to like the dead bugs on our van and the dish washing sink. We also found out that there are lots of Ravens that are basically flying rats and eat anything!

Mike headed off to Flagstaff to get the brakes on the van checked out since they were making some horrible noises! The rest of us set off to do our laundry at the camper services building, we took a rather scenic route back, but were never lost--of course. We also figured out how to ride the Grand Canyon Buses, we rode a bit further than we planned, but got to see more of the park that way. :o) We god to see the Grand Canyon at dusk and even saw our first tarantula--YUCK!!! We ended the night with smores around the campfire.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

2010-10-16T20:39:00.001-05:00

We started off the morning enjoying the scenery around the KOA and saw the obligatory KOA bunny (we saw one at every KOA :o)).

We then went to Arches National Park.

We also saw a couple of large lizards, we drove through Kaibob National Forest and then reached the Grand Canyon, and saw 10 Elk near the entrance of the park!!!

Tuesday, September 28

2010-10-16T19:58:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday morning, we spent part of the morning in Estes Park, CO taking pics and walking around. The kids found a playground.

We then drove through the Rocky Mountain National Park where we saw Elk, the Alpine Tundra, Lava Cliffs, reached the highest point of 12, 183 feet, saw the continental divide and the beginnings of the Colorado River. We reached Moab, Utah where we stayed at a KOA.

A thought provoking poem

2010-10-16T14:45:00.002-05:00

Myself

Written by Edgar Guest

I have to live with myself, and so,

I want to be fit for myself to know;

I want to be able as days go by,

Always to look myself straight in the eye;

I don't want to stand with the setting sun

And hate myself for the things I've done.

I don't want to keep on a closet shelf

A lot of secrets about myself,

And fool myself as I come and go

Into thinking that nobody else will know

The kind of man I really am;

I don't want to dress myself up in sham.

I want to go out with my head erect,

I want to deserve all men's respect;

But here in this struggle for fame and pelf,

I want to be able to like myself.

I don't want to think as I come and go

That I'm bluster and bluff and empty show.

I never can hide myself from me,

I see what others may never see,

I know what others may never know,

I never can fool myself- and so,

Whatever happens, I want to be

Self-respecting and conscience free.

I thought this was very thought provoking. If only we would think before we act, we would save ourselves a lot of grief. I can't think of anything wrong that I have done that was worth the guilt. If only I was smart enough to remember that BEFORE acting on my impulse!

Travels so far...Saturday and Sunday--Sept. 25-26

2010-09-27T22:33:00.006-05:00

We left our home on Saturday morning after literally stuffing everything except the cooler and grill into the van. These were to ride on one of those shelf gadgets that go into your hitch. Oh yeah, we also had the car top carrier on top with the kids luggage squished into it! We set off to pick up my sister, but quickly realized the shelf that held the cooler was not going to work out since it was scraping every time we hit a bump!!! We went and got our small trailer, put the cooler and car top carrier on it and finally headed out of town!!

God has been good, He has kept us safe and reminded us often of His handiwork.

Saturday took us through Minnesota into the badlands of South Dakota and some of the Black Hills.

Sunday, we saw Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills National Forest, and Crazy Horse. We were also blessed to find two good churches to go to.

Monday, we started the day bright and early with a Buffalo Round Up at Custer State Park--where we also saw prairie dogs--a couple villages of them, wild turkey, wild donkeys, and antelope. The Round up was a lot of fun. We saw the Buffalo in their natural habitat and then watched the Cowboys round them up and stampeded them into the corrals. This was a bonus because we had no idea this was even going on until we got to the campground on Sunday! We also got to see the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and mountains in Wyoming and ended the day in the Rocky Mountains driving through the Roosevelt National Forest! We stayed at a KOA in Estes Park, CO after driving through Fort Collins. I never cease to be amazed at the many beautiful things God created. We have already seen so many different landscapes and we are only on Day 3!

Buffalo Round Up at Custer State Park

Wyoming

Estes Park, CO in the evening

Stay tuned for more updates. I am not sure how often we will have an internet connection!

A sweet kid

2010-08-21T19:57:00.000-05:00

On Friday it was raining pretty hard, T came down stairs and asked me for my car keys. He wanted them so he could go out to the van and get my umbrella and bring it in so I wouldn't get wet. He also started the van for me since it was "kind of nippy" in the van. I think he's a keeper!

Weekends recap

2010-08-21T19:05:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, the kids got to go to our small airport here and go on a 30 minute flight. The pilots volunteer once a year to take kids up to get them interested in flying. The kids, needless to say really enjoyed it. :o)

We then went and played tennis and then grilled out and had dinner on our deck.

This weekend, we celebrated Z's birthday, we got him a new bike. His birthday dinner was: ravioli, cheesesticks, french bread, peas, strawberries, and chocolate cherry cheesecake. He was quite happy with his choices. :o) He also got a new camera, clothers, a remote control care and a gadget that shoots an air plane into the air.

Busy

2010-08-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

I know my blog has become very neglected. At some point, life may slow down enough that I can think of posts again! The kids are enjoying soccer. Emily's team is undefeated. The others are still enjoying soccer in spite of losses.

Work is going really well, but incredibly busy. I don't know if I'll ever be caught up. I had a conversation with a co-worker about how my dream job when I retire from nursing will be to have that job of a runner or transport person. You get your exercise, and every day is a brand new day, nothing left over from the day, week, month before! I feel very blessed to work with such great people, though. They are truly a great bunch of hard working people.

Soccer Mom

2010-08-04T17:55:00.000-05:00

The kids are back from Illinois after a month away. I am happy to say that children and grandparents all survived and still claim each other as relatives!!!

Three of them are now in soccer, so I suppose I am officially soccer mom! I have to say, it is going to be a busy 6 weeks. We have soccer at least Monday through Thursday. "E" and "Z" have something going on at the same time in different locations almost every Tuesday and Thursday. I guess it's a good thing we have two cars and can each take a different kid somewhere. Oh, yeah, just remembered, "K" and "E" both have soccer on Monday nights too! Crazy!!!

Recap

2010-06-27T20:51:00.000-05:00

I know that this seems to be all I post anymore. I just don't seem to have a whole of creative juice lately, could be the reading about ENT things--like ethmoid sinuses, olfactory nerves and all kinds of diseases that has done this to me! There is just so much to learn at my new job that my brain is full of all that!!!

I am still enjoying my job and feeling really blessed that God gave it to me. It is just enough challenge and very interesting. :o) I work with a great bunch of people, but really miss my old coworkers still.

We had a quiet week here on the home front. Last graduation party of the year was yesterday. We also went to a nearby state park with some friends and made Smores. :o)

Timothy mowed the grass again--all by himself, even started the mower himself.

We also planned Kaitlyn's birthday meal--Macaroni and Cheese, corn on the cob, mozarrella cheese sticks--the kind you bake and carmel/shortbread/chocolate dessert with Neopolatin icecream. Hope the nutrition police are not nearby on Wednesday night!!!

Have a great week!

Recap

2010-06-20T15:40:00.000-05:00

This past week was a busy one. We had Vacation Bible School at church. We had a great time with the kids and quite a few decisions for Christ!

We had only one day that it rained during Bible School, but it threatened several others, but God kept the rain away.

Speaking of storms, Thursday night there were tornado and severe weather warnings for our area. My kids decided it would be fine if a tornado hit our house because then we could move out in the country! They were nice enough to be concerned about the dog and thought we should maybe bring him with us in case a tornado hit. Kids!!!

Really haven't forgotten my blog!

2010-06-05T17:48:00.001-05:00

So sorry to have neglected my blog lately. It seems that my brain is having a hard time coming up with posts of late. I think that I have been using all its energy to learn my new job and there is very little left for posting. My schedule has also changed in that I leave for work over an hour earlier, so I no longer have time in the morning to post and by the time I get home, my brain is just too tired!

To catch up:

Work:
Work is going really well. I am really enjoying my new job. The people have been very kind and understanding about all I have to learn! The doctors are not only nice, but also very smart and caring. It is pretty difficult to work with doctors that are either difficult to get along with or that you can't recommend whole heartedly! I feel amazingly blessed that God saw fit to give me this job. It is neat to look back and see how He HAS been answering my prayer regarding finding a new job over the past year, He was preparing just the job for me. At times when I feel a little overwhelmed with all I need to learn, I remind myself that God clearly gave me this job and He doesn't call someone to something they are going to fail in! He will and has given me the wisdom I need when I needed it. How great to serve a God who helps us when we need it. It has also been really nice to enjoy going to work again. The days are flying by, I've even a couple of time stayed later than I meant to without realizing the time! It is kind of amazing to realize how much less stressed I am, even with learning a new job and field of medicine than at my old job. I miss the people I used to work with, but not the job itself.

Family life:
We had a nice Memorial Day weekend--
On Saturday, hubby and I got to go out for out 12th anniversary. We went to a nice, authentic Italian restaurant with great food, then for a walk along the Lake Walk and for icecream.
On Memorial Day, we had a picnic with friends in a beautiful park that has a river running through it, so the kids were able to catch cray fish and tadpoles. We also had a nice time hiking. We also got the vegetable garden planted. (For those of you who live south of us, we are not procrastinators, you just can't trust is not to frost until now!!!)

Today we went to the open house for our pastor and his wife for their 40th anniversary. What a testimony they have been over the years!

Hopefully, I can pay a bit more attention to my blog, but have decided not to stress about it. :o)

I haven't forgotten...

2010-05-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

I haven't forgotten about my blog. I just have been pretty busy and my schedule has changed with my new job. I also have had so much to learn (and still have A LOT more) that thinking of a post has been almost impossible. I figure it's all okay until my brain get so big from all the new knowledge it starts coming out of my ears!!!

ENT and Audiology are two totally new worlds for me. My new employer's way of doing things is also new. Not to mention, this is a totally new position so we are all kind of learning as we go along.

It has been nice, though to really enjoy going to work. I no longer have the sick feeling in my stomach as I get close to work and am looking forward to going to work every day. :o) I have to say that everyone has been incredibly nice and patient. The Lord truly gave me a nice group of people to work with!

If anyone from my old work is reading this, I still miss you and I'm praying for you every day!

Think On These Things Thursday

2010-05-13T18:18:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:8

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Psalm 37:4

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

I've been away from blogging for awhile due to all the busyness related to: Tying up lots of loose ends at my old job, including two nights out of town, revival meeting at my church, my sister-in-law coming to town, and starting a new job!

I started by new job on Monday. I had been praying I would be able to get ramp parking (parking tends to be difficult at my new employer). I was offered the ramp without even asking! God also answered a desire before I even though to ask Him! I wanted my office to be IN the department I'll be working instead of nearby. When I got to the department, they had already moved my office to inside the department!!! I also had flowers and a mug from the department. :o)

It's great to serve a God who answers the prayers you pray and the desires of your heart!!!

Weekend Recap

2010-05-01T21:13:00.000-05:00

The girls had their piano recital last night. They both did a really nice job. "K" played her song really fast so she would get done sooner. :o)

"T" had a Boyscout pea soup dinner. The soup was really pretty good. His job was to clean off the tables, chich I think he enjoyed because he got to push a cart. :o)

Trouble Brewing???

2010-05-01T08:08:00.000-05:00

Do you have trouble deciding who brews the coffee in your house? You can let your hubby know that the Bible specifically says that he is responsible for brewing the coffee. The Bible is quite specific--Hebrews!

Thought this was cute. After the crazy week--which included a trip to the twin cities and one to the FAR north, a little humor was welcome. Only one more week at my current job. Praying I can leave everything in the best possible shape for my nurses! It looks like their jobs are being redefined yet again!

A good reminder!

2010-04-23T07:53:00.000-05:00

A good reminder about the importance of manners! It's easy to get frustrated, but really good manners starts with each of us. If you give a rude person a smile and gracious response, you may save another from the same rude response. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!

www.hillbillyhousewife.com/blog/?p=3325

Think On These Things Thursday

2010-04-22T18:04:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:8

I Peter 3:16--Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

I Peter 3:8-16 talks about doing what you are supposed to do and not rendering evil for evil. Then is talks about having a good conscience. It struck me that it is so easy to "get back" at others or to be unkind and really, we not only hurt others but ourselves as well! When we are unkind, we will have that on our conscience and it really isn't worth it to have to remember how you were unkind. The moment's satisfaction you may get by snapping at somone is going to be spoiled by the guilty conscience.

Now to remember this ALL the time!!!

A New Job--the novel

2010-04-21T17:38:00.054-05:00

My job has been becoming increasingly difficult, largely due to budget cuts that have affected our business, causing lay offs and an increase in patient loads. We have seen our nursing department cut by 34% since November. This has been pretty difficult on my heart. I have been praying about finding another job, even begged God to give me peace about changing jobs and cried more than a few tears over my job--largely for the people whose lives have been/will be affected.

About a month ago, God gave me peace to look for another job. I put in a couple of applications, one I was really interested in, the other not so much. I prayed that I would only get called to interview for the job that God would give me. It became apparent that I probably wasn't going to get either job, so I went ahead and applied for another one that would be a nurse manager over ENT and Audiology. I really didn't think I was very interested--after all, all they do is take out tonsils and put tubes in ears. Not to mention, snot and spit aren't all that appealing! The more I prayed about it, though, the more I felt I should apply, so I did. I put my application in a week ago Thursday.

On Monday, I got a call for an interview. We set it up for Wednesday at 9am. On Monday and Tuesday night, I did some research and discovered ENTs do everything from tonsils to face and neck reconstructive surgery to cosmetic surgery to treating cancers. Audiology also works with people with balance problems. I also enjoy working with deaf people. This was sounding a lot more interesting!

On Wednesday, I had to go to Human Resources first to meet with the recruiter. When I got there, they handed me a ten page job description written in legalize to read. This wouldn't have been so bad, but they had me sit in the lobby area with three people talking rather loudly about their home renovations and all the difficulties they had and how mean the electrical inspector was, but how nice the building inspector was. It is not easy job to read and comprehend legalize when you are nervous and have people rather loudly carrying on a conversation! Next, I went over to interview with the gentleman who would be my boss and the recruiter and didn't really feel like my answers were all that great. I answered their questions honestly. It was rather nerve racking. I don't know if I've just blocked out other interviews, but they asked questions like "What is your management style", "If you get this position, what will be your first priority?" They also asked questions that were really three parts in one! I remember my brain hurting. They were really impressed that I had done some research. They told me they had another interview after mine and that they were planning to set up some more interviews for Friday, so I would hear the beginning of this week if I was a "final candidate."

In the mean time I had really been praying about whether I should tell my boss I was looking for another job. I knew that conventional wisdom is not to, but felt deceitful a little selfish not letting her know. I didn't have peace about not letting her know, so when I got back to the office, let her know that I was looking for another job largely due to the insecurity of my current job. She understood and told me that I had her permission to do what I need to do to get the job, including not giving a four week notice (I had been concerned about needing to give a four week notice because they currently don't have anyone in this position and are anxious to get someone.)

I went back to my office and my phone rang, it was the clinic calling to see if I could come in on Friday to meet with the doctors because they had liked me at the interview. Of course, I said yes.

On Friday, I met with the doctors. The gentlemand who would be my boss introduced me to them and others (telling on of the docs they had found me "delightful" at the interview--think he must have been at a different interview because I certainly didn't feel delightful--I did pray afterward that God would allow them to only remember the good things I said and forget the other things) as if I was going to get the position and let me know that I was the only applicant they had brought back. I was pretty excited.
On Monday afternoon they offered me the job. I asked about going to the Grand Canyon this fall and they are fine with that. :o)

God answered my prayers in so many ways. I had prayed that God would give me a job making at least a dollar less than I do now, He gave me a pay raise! I also prayed that I would get at least 3 weeks vactation, but really didn't think I would get it--He gave me 18 days!!! I also have benefits including: health insurance, dental insurance (totally paid by employer), life insurance (totally paid by the employer), long term disability insurance (totally paid by the employer), continuing education budget for myself, the option of tuition reimbursement, and 7 paid holidays. I also won't be putting all the miles on my car for work driving around to client's houses and branch office. :o)

I still have a lot to accomplish at my current job before May10! I am really going to miss the people I have worked with.

Think On These Things Thursday

2010-04-15T17:56:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:8

Following God's Leading

Proverbs 3:5-6--Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I have been praying about finding a new job for about a year. God has not given me peace about moving on, so I have stayed put. Last month, He gave me peace about pursuing other jobs. I had an interview this week and that is a whole other story, which I will tell you if I get the job. :o) I have been praying about whether to tell my boss or not. I have worked at my current job for over seven years, we've been through some pretty interesting times together and there is the possibility that decisions could be made that would be made differently if she knew I was looking for another job. I know that conventional wisdom is not to let your employer know, but I didn't have peace about following this. I told her and she was sad, but understanding and told me she would do whatever she could to help me get the job, including not having to give a four week notice. Giving a four week notice has been a big concern for me because I know they want to get this position filled ASAP. I am so happy I followed God's leading. I have much more peace of mind and no longer feel deceitful. I am in no way saying you should always let your employer know that you are looking for another job, however you SHOULD follow God's leading.

I think it is wonderful to be able to leave God in charge of our lives and leave the worries to Him!!!

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

2010-04-13T05:48:00.006-05:00

How to Make Your Dog a "Helper" in the Kitchen/Free Dog Treat

We have a rather spoiled, VERY well loved dog who allows us to live in "his" house. :o) He enjoys being in the kitchen when I cook, I'm sure to keep me "company."

I hate cleaning out cans/jars so they can be recycled. He enjoys cleaning out cans for me. A win, win. I have a can opener that does not leave any sharp edges. When I have a can or a jar that needs to be cleaned out and the contents are safe for dogs, I give him the can or jar and he very cheerfully cleans it out for me, then I just pick it up when he is done and put it in the recycling.

Ways this is a helpful:

I don't have to do a chore I don't like.
I'm saving water.
It keeps my dog busy and out from under my feet.
I hate having anything left in the jar, now I can feel less guilty because I am providing nutrition to my dog. (I still get as much out as I can with a spatula)
I often get my feet warmed up in return.

Now I just need to teach him to take the can/jar TO the recycling!

Here is a link to a website that has a list of not safe foods for dogs: www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030

For more great Kitchen Tips, visit: www.tammysrecipes.com/easy_avocado_dicing

Our crazy dog, Duke:

Prayer Request

2010-04-12T18:16:00.000-05:00

Please pray for me on Wednesday morning. I have been praying about making a major change in a certain area of my life and I have to meet some people to see if they would be willing to allow me to do that. Sorry for the "code". I'm not sure who all reads this and those who know about this will understand and hopefully those I would rather not know right now hopefully won't. :o)

Early Morning Walk

2010-04-12T08:29:00.001-05:00

"T" decided last night that he would like to start going for walks in the morning. Something that I've been "meaning" to do. I had to run to the store last night to get an essential item. He went to bed before we could discuss it further. When hubby and I went to bed, there was a note on our alarm clock from "T", letting me know he had set his alarm clock for 0630 so we could get in a 20 minute walk. :o) We went for our walk the dog even behaved, only needing to be reminded twice to walk nicely (NO pulling) on the leash. It was a nice time together. Now to stay motivated to keep this up!

P.S. I'm torn between being ashamed of myself for not doing this before and being proud of "T" for motivating me.

Think On These Things Thursday

2010-04-08T18:21:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8

There are times when it is difficult to wait on the Lord. We just want to have that answer NOW! Waiting on the Lord, though will save us much heartache and difficulties. If we try to run ahead of Him, we will end up without His protection and blessing. How much better to put our lives in His hands and remove the worries of trying to live our life on our own.

I am so thankful for God's promises below:

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Proverbs 3:5-7

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

These are pictures of Ma'Ayon Harod or Gideon's Spring. This is where God narrowed down the number of soldiers from 10,000 to 300 by the way they drank the water. Gideon's story reminds us of the importance of waiting on God and following his guidance. Gideon could have easily tried to do things on his own and what a disaster and missed blessing that would have been.

*I'm going to try to post pictures of Israel as I think of one that is applicable and maybe just for fun. :o)

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

2010-04-06T08:15:00.001-05:00

Quicker Cutting Up Celery

I used to hate cutting up celery because it took so long to cut up each individual stalk. Now, I keep the celery bunch together and use a sharp, large knife to cut the whole bunch at the same time. I basically cut off the very tops, because the ends are all dried out, then I cut off the bottom portion that is unusable, then I cut the rest of the bunch into as large of pieces as I want. Then I wash the celery. Yay! Celery ready to go in about 2 minutes! You can freeze the leaves to use in soups.

For more great Kitchen Tips, visit: http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3811

Happy Resurrection Day!

2010-04-04T12:59:00.016-05:00

Okay, I'm going to admit that the whole Easter bunny and eggs thing has never made any sense to me. I am not going to say that I am anti-Easter bunny, etc. However, it does make me a little sad that to many people the Easter bunny and getting candy, etc. is all they know of Easter. I was really excited to have 54 kids in Junior Church today. We had quite a few new kids that may have never heard the truth about this day before. We had 6 people total get saved, three in Junior Church and 3 in the main church service!!!

Have a great Resurrection Day! Don't forget all that Jesus did on the cross for us and that He rose again so we can have eternal life!

Here are some pics from out trip to Israel in 2007.

Gethsemane--where Jesus prayed right before He was betrayed and taken away to "trial".

We think this is Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified.

The Garden Tomb. This is where we think the Garden Tomb is. No one really knows for sure where Jesus was buried, but this tomb would make sense.

The empty tomb.

This is a picture of the garden around the tomb. It is beautiful and well kept by a group of British Christians. It is a wonderful place. They have areas where you can sit as a group and sing hymns, discuss Christ's resurrection. Our guide was a retired Baptist pastor.

Thoughts on Politics

2010-04-02T20:28:00.002-05:00

As I posted earlier today, I think that God is still in charge. However, I do have a few other thoughts that are keeping me sane.

We don't have to watch or listen to the news if it is stressing us out, go on a news fast--listen to good music or sermons.
The USA IS the best country on the earth, however there are many other countries in which people not only survive, but love their country and are happy--with out the perks of living in our country. If our way of life changes somewhat, we WILL survive and even be happy here still.
I think that the current political climate has awakened the American people to pay more attention to who they vote for. Hopefully people will start paying more attention and not just vote for someone because of their party affiliation, good looks, or persuasive speaking manner.
Never fear, if you should lose your job or have you income drastically reduced due to new legislation, there's a new government program for that! ;o)
Remember to pray for our government officials. I pray that God will:

Save those who are unsaved
Give them the desire to do what is right
Help them to make decisions that are best for our country
Give them the desire to put our country first, not their political careers or pocket book!
I have at times asked God to keep them awake with all the ways their bad decision will affect others.

Again, I cannot stress enough the importance of remembering God is in charge. Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Think On These Things--Belated

2010-04-02T08:27:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:8

Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

This has always been one of my favorite verses. As a young kid, I was scared that the Russians would come and kidnap me. I realize as an adult this was a little silly, but there were times I couldn't sleep because I was terrified they would come through my window and kidnap me. After I learned this verse, it really helped--when I was afraid, I would quote this verse over and over.

I know that a lot of people are scared and worried about the political decisions that are being made-- AND they are scary. HOWEVER, God is still in charge. He has also promised never to leave us or forsake us. Furthermore in Isaiah 41:10, He tell us not only to not be afraid, but also not to be dismayed because He is with us and our God! He also promises to help us and uphold us. I love that He says He will uphold us with His righteousness. What a contrast to the evil currently going on around us. God's righteousness will win in the end. Every person making decisions in Washington D.C. and around our country will some day answer to God. They may have power and fun for a few decades on earth, but we have an eternity of bliss to look forward to!

Recipe Request

2010-03-30T19:13:00.014-05:00

Multigrain Waffles or Pancakes

Yield: 6-8 servings

3 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or whole wheat flour)

1 cup rolled oats

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

3 1/3 c. skim milk

2 eggs*

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. ground flax seed or 1/8 c. oil

1 tsp. almond extract (optional)

1 cup fresh or frozen fruit (optional)

In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder and baking soda

In a medium bowl, combine milk, brown sugar, eggs*, and flax or oil.

Stir into dry mixture until blended. (There will be lumps in the batter.)

Pour batter into waffle iron or onto hot griddle or skillet if making pancakes. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

* You can separate the eggs--add the yolks to the liquid mixture, beat the egg whites to soft peaks, then fold into entire mixture. I have found that I can't tell much difference in the waffles or pancakes and it saves time and dirty dishes. My mom never did this, so maybe I don't have a discerning enough palate, but I've never had complaints because I skip this step.

**Warning--these pancakes/waffles are much more filling than those made from white flour. :o)

***One of my favorite fruits to add is bananas, I will often then cut the oil in half. You can also add some cinnamon and you will have waffles or pancakes that taste a lot like banana bread! Yum!!! :o)

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

2010-03-30T06:04:00.001-05:00

Iced Tea

Now that Spring is in the air, my hubby started wanting tea. Not being a huge fan of all that sugar in my tea, I usually make mine with Stevia and add some lemon juice.

I usually use 4 tea bags (black tea) for two quarts of iced tea.

Here are some ideas:

I heat up the water for the tea in my tea kettle and throw the tea bags in a glass 2 cup measuring cup. I add the hot water, let it steep about ten minutes, pour the tea into the pitcher add any other ingredients, stir, and fill the pitcher the rest of the way up.
Heating the water in the tea kettle allows me to make iced tea for hubby and myself. I can also get a cup of hot tea out of it, so I am able to get two chores and a treat done all at once. ;O)
If you have some flavored tea you bought and it is flavorful, but not to your liking, throw one of those tea bags in with your others. You won't be able to taste the not-to-your-liking tea hardly at all and it beats throwing the tea out.
Instead of Stevia, which is rather spendy, I've been experimenting with fruit juice to sweeten my tea. Fresh pineapple juice and orance juice have been quite tasty. Make sure you aren't using juice with sugar added to it!

"T" saves the day!

2010-03-25T17:23:00.001-05:00

Today, I jumped into the car to head off to work. I got about a block from home and my phone rang, it was home. "T" was calling me to let me know that my front passenger side tire was almost flat. I decided to head back home and just as I reached the driveway, I heard the "thump, thump, thump" of tire death. I parked the car and drove the van to work.

A couple of ways God was watching out for me:

I usually turn the other way when going to work so "T" wouldn't have seen the tire. In the spur of the moment, I decided to take the back way into work.
"T" happened to be watching out the window to see the tire. (When I called him back to let him know how thankful I was, he said, "I'm just glad I was watching you leave!"--Me too!)
Mike had taken the company van to the cities, so our van was still at home, so I could still get to work "on time"--I was one minute late. :o)
I have a husband to deal with the tire. :o)

Think On These Things Thursday

2010-03-25T08:28:00.001-05:00

John 17:13-17

And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

I read this passage this morning and was struck with the way Jesus prayed for His disciples right before He knew that He was going to be taken and suffer many things for us. He could have prayed for strength for Himself, but He was more concerned about those around Him.

John 20:20-23

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Then I read this passage and realized that He also prayed for everyone who would believe in Him and trust Him as Savior. I may have known this at one point, but how neat to know that Jesus prayed for each one of His children who currently were His children and who would later become His children! Jesus said a prayer for me and for you if you are a child of His!

The other thing I wanted to point out is that in todays world of twisted ideologies and everyone doing what "they" think is best or "feels right", the only place to truly find the Truth is in the Bible. Not from philosphy books or even Pastors. We need to make sure that what we are believing and see as Truth lines up with the Bible.

Z's trip to the Dentist

2010-03-23T18:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm going to admit a failure as a mom. I do not nag my kids about brushing their teeth. Apparently Z had not been so good about brushing his in the morning. At least he was honest with the hygienist. When she asked if he brushed his teeth, he told her only at night. She asked why he didn't brush them in the morning and he replied, "I'd rather cuddle on the couch with Duke (our 80 lb. boxer), neither one of us are morning people."

Duke Update

2010-03-23T08:11:00.002-05:00

Duke went to the vet on Monday. He was declared healthy and was a pretty good boy. He was pretty excited about seeing a cat, but he sat well, except for the shaking with excitement over the thought of "greeting" the cat. We found out he now weighs 82.5 pounds. He insists the vet scale adds 5 pounds and his winter coat adds a couple more. ;o)

Here he is asleep with his "chewy." Must have taken a lot of effort to chew on it!

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

2010-03-23T07:46:00.002-05:00

Quicker Grilling

I don't know about you all, but my hubby is the grill king in our family. I think he would be very offended if I touched the grill. Last night we had planned to grill boneless ribs. I didn't have anything else set out and he ended up at the vet (check up only--Duke is healthy) longer than planned. I already had potatoes in the oven, so I put the ribs in a casserole dish with lid and threw some marinade over them and let them cook at 350 for about 30 minutes, then he transferred them to the grill when it was ready. They cooked much faster and we were able to eat much sooner. They were tender and quite yummy!

For more great kitchen tips, visit: http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3792

Thought for the day

2010-03-22T08:23:00.000-05:00

I know that many people are rather discouraged by the passage of the health care bill in the House yesterday. Which brings up--does anyone know when they started passing legislation on Sundays. I don't recall it happening until recently. It really annoys me that they work on Sundays. Anyway, I digress.

A couple of thoughts:

It is not signed into law yet and God can still put a stop to it if that is His will. God is still on the throne and NO government entity can "sneak" anything by Him. I admit I am not a fan AT ALL of this legislation, however, God is still in control. Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
If this does eventually pass, God will still take care of us. Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
God can work even through bad things to bring about good. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
God does not want us fretting and upset about things that happen in our lives. He wants us to give our worries and concerns to Him. He is much smarter than us and can take care of our problems much better than we can. Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Pinewood Derby 2010

2010-03-19T20:28:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts. This is "T's" last. He'll be a Boy Scout soon.

Both boys were happy with their design. "T" took second place in his den. "Z" got a pat on the back for his effort.

Here are some pics:

Z's car

T's car

T's car and trophy

Happy St. Patrick's Day--The truth about Patrick

2010-03-17T04:00:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had someone say something untrue about you, something that could really damage your reputation? That is exactly what has been done to Patrick. I think that the true Patrick for which this holiday has been named would be horrified to see what is done in his "honor".

"Patrick", (real name Sucat) was born around 389 AD in Britain, not Ireland. His father was a deacon and his grandfather a pastor. This is before Catholocism even reached Britain, so it would have been rather difficult for him to be a Catholic!

Patrick actually went to Ireland from England on two different occassions. First, unwillingly, he was captured by Scottish pirates at age 16 who sold him to a Druid chieftain in northern Ireland. He herded cattle for him. He remembered his father and grandfather's teachings about God (a sure contrast from the things he observed in the Druids, I'm sure) and turned to God.

After 6 years, he was able to escape and after a difficult trip, made it back to Britain. His parents begged him to never leave Britian again. However he would go to Ireland again this time willingly after he heard the call of God to go as a missionary.

He was not sent by the Catholic Church. There is no record of Patrick in Catholic records until Patrick has been dead for 175 years.

At 40, he went to Ireland to begin his mission work. The work was not easy. The people sacrificed their own children on alters to false gods. He came into notoriety when he lit a fire on the Eve of Easter, when it was forbidden to light a fire. The king sent for him. He and his fellow missionaries went to see him under threat of their lives by the Druids. They preached the gospel to the king. The king believed and was baptized. After this, he went on to win thousands to Christ during his 33 year ministry. By the end of his ministry, the entire country of Ireland had been evangelized and many churches were started. The Catholic church, though very influential was not able to sink its roots into Ireland until 1172AD, 700 years after Patrick had gone there. This is amazing when you consider how far Catholocism had reached long before this time.

I have decided not to wear green for St. Patricks day, since the day in no way honors the person it is supposed to be honoring. It has become an excuse to get drunk and pinch people. Instead it should be a day to remember our job to be missionaries wherever we are!

For more information, visit: http://www.reformedreader.org/history/patrick.htm
*I have not read everything on this site. What I have read seems to be good, but I am in no way endorsing everything on the site. Please read any information you find anywhere except the Bible with great discernment.

2010-03-13T11:38:00.002-06:00

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Joseph M. Scriven

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

"W" and I are singing this song in church on Sunday night. It is always amazing to see how God lays a song on your heart to sing and then as you practice it and it goes through your mind throughout the day you realize you really needed the song in your life during this time! Even more special is that "E" asked to sing this song, but it has been a HUGE blessing to me this week! I am so thankful that I have Jesus as my friend, I don't know how people live without Him in their life!

Think on These Things

2010-03-12T22:42:00.000-06:00

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.

I must apologize for totally missing Think on These Things Thursday. I'm afraid that my work life has been pretty hard on my heart this week, and my brain hasn't been functioning at full throttle.

I am so glad that when things get tough, though that we can know that God is in charge. We can't always control what happens to us or those around us, but we can control our reactions. I am afraid mine have not always been the best this week. Until I spent a lot of time in prayer and I know had many people praying for me, my main reaction was anger. Anger can be right, but usually isn't. Even if you are angry for the right reasons, it is very easy to say and do things that are not right or to have a bad attitude.

I am glad though for all the blessings God has given me. Really, my life is blessed in so many ways. I have a wonderful family, God who takes care of me and loves me, and a great church family and many wonderful Christian friends. My work life has been pretty stressful for awhile, but I know that God has me there for a reason. I will continue there until He gives me the green light to move on. There are many people who have lost their jobs, have stressful work lives and then they go home to a stressful home life and don't have faith in a God who cares for them. It breaks my heart and terrifies me to think of life without a God who loves me, takes care of me, and works everything together for good!

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I originally put this verse in a card for a friend who was told her job will end next week. It struck me today, though that this verse while mainly applied to supplying our monetary/physical needs can also be applied to God supplying whatever we need, be it spiritual, physical, strength, wisdom, control over our emotions, etc. How often, though we run about, wearing ourselves out trying to provide all those things ourselves, instead of going to the One who has already promised these things to us through HIS RICHES!!!

Crock Pot Pizza Sauce

2010-03-09T18:05:00.000-06:00

In reply to Sarah's question--I kind of combine the two recipes. The main difference in my recipes is that the spaghetti sauce has more basil and garlic and the pizza sauce has fennel and more oregano. Basically to make your own sauce, I do something along these lines--sorry I can't give you an exact recipe since I tend to guess when cooking.

3 cans (15oz each) of tomato sauce, you could use also use crushed tomatoes for part or all of this
2 tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 tbsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. fennel
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. basil
2 tsp. oregano

You would need to season it to your taste. I really am not sure about amounts of seasonings, I don't measure and will sometimes throw in other seasoning that catch my fancy. :o) Basil and garlic are the most important, though. :o)

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!! part 2

2010-03-09T08:15:00.001-06:00

It looks like the "Cutest Blog on the Block" is now fixed and so is my blog. :o) I was even able to get a few more toys for my blog this time. I must say, it feels great to have my blog back to rights after its winter wear.

Recipe Request

2010-03-08T19:39:00.002-06:00

Crock Pot Pizza

Ingredients:

12 oz. Kluski Egg noodles*

1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained

1 medium onion, chopped**

14 oz. jar pizza sauce (I make my own)

28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce (I make my own or buy when cheap)

1/2-1 cup fresh mushroom, sliced thin**

1/2-1 cup green pepper, diced**

8oz. grated parmesan cheese

8oz. shredded mozarella cheese

1 pkg. (4oz) pepperoni

*these are not regular egg noodles, they are more like Reames' noodles when cooked

**You can change these up, even add olives, other toppings you would put on pizza.

Directions:

Cook noodles til "al dente".
Add sauces and vegetables (onion, green pepper, mushrooms, etc) to ground beef.
Layer in crockpot or 9x13 pan as follows: 1/2 beef mixture, 1/2 noodles, 1/2 cheese, rest of meat, noodles,then cheese.
Cook in crock pot 2 hours or until cheese is melted. If in pan, cook in oven at 350 for 30 minutes.

Tips:

This can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the fridge overnight. Don't put the top layer of cheese on until right before you are going to cook it to prevent the cheese from becoming discolored. You will also need to add cook time due to the crock pot being being cold.
I like to cook the pepperoni on a couple layers of paper towels in the microwave for about 45 seconds to get rid of a lot of the grease.

YEAH!!!!!

2010-03-07T22:00:00.003-06:00

I just discovered that "Cutest Blog on the Block" is temporarily gone due to server issues, so I'll be able to get my old template and buttons back. :o) :o) :o) I had no idea how much I enjoyed their site until I thought it was gone forever.

A New Look

2010-03-07T21:33:00.001-06:00

I decided it was time to do away with the snow flakes, optimist that I am. :o) Being one to not really like to change things once I have what I like, I went to look for my old blog background, only to discover that "Cutest Blog on the Block" where I got my last one seems to have disappeared!!! The website and blog are no longer there. Apparently they no longer have the cutest blog on the block, so I guess I won't have the cutest blog on my block anymore, either!!! I have chosen this current background, but am not quite convinced I really like it, so more changes may be afoot. That'll learn me to change things for the season!!! My new philosophy is going to be if it ain't broke don't fix it. OR I might just decide to change the background more often so I don't get so attached to a particular background!!! Guess you'll have to stick around and see...

Think on These Things Thursday

2010-03-05T08:30:00.000-06:00

I haven't forgotten about Thinking Thursdays! Last week I was out of town until after 9:30pm. Yesterday, hubby called me at work and said we were going over to have dinner with and help some friends with the beginning of their move to the cities, so once again I did not get home until late. I am working on a post I hope to get finished tonight. :o)

Think On These Things Thursday

2010-03-05T08:13:00.001-06:00

Psalm 119:89-104

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 90Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. 92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.98 ¶ Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.101 ¶ I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.102 ¶ I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.103 ¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

God's Word:

Is settled, perfect, needs no changes.
Reminds us of God's faithfulness to us.
Is pur guidebook.
Protects us from trouble if we follow it.
Is an encouragement.
Gives us wisdom.
Gives us understanding.
Gives us peace in the troubles of life.

I loved this passage and how it reminds us of how powerful and helpful God's Word is!

Recipe Request

2010-03-01T20:09:00.001-06:00

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I like to make the powdered laundry detergent. I have made the liquid, but I think that this is easier to make and use.

Here is my recipe:

1 bar of ivory soap
3 cups washing soda
3 cups Borax

I usually double it. I grate the 1 bar of soap in my food processor, then add a cup each of the washing soda and borax and process with the blad, then dump it in my pail, then repeat with the second bar. I then add the remaining cup of washing soda and Borax to the pail. I shake it up well. I use about 1 1/2 tablespoon of detergent in each load. It is a good idea to give the pail a shake before using. This has worked well for us.

Here is a link to a website with more laundry detergent information:

http://tipnut.com/homemade-laundry-detergent/

Weekend Recap

2010-02-28T08:02:00.000-06:00

On Friday I was able to get off work at noon since I already had my 40 hours for the week in. (Due to a trip to Roosevelt, MN which means 8 hours of driving--if you only stop for about 10 minutes each way on the trip.)

I got home and we took the kids ice skating. We ate supper and then began marathon Castle Risk. I am happy to say that I was the winner. Hubby was the first to fall (to "Z" on advice from another shrewd player.) Then I took out "Z" then "T" then "E". "K" was smart enough to have joined the winning team from the beginning. :o) The kids played really well and are beginning to learn strategy. A lot of the game is in the way the dice fall.

On Saturday, we took the kids skiing. Let me preface this with the facts that none of the kids had ever been skiing and I have only gone skiing once in my life when I was 16! Mike has gone skiing about 6 times. The kids did really well. It took some extra work with a couple of them. I skied for about 2 1/2 hours, then put my boots back on and was able to work with "K" better and she really took off. We were at the hill for 6 hours. "E" and "Z" went up the ski lift with Mike and came down the big hill to my complete terror. They both fell rather hard, but don't seem to have any injuries! The kids are wanting to go back again soon. If not this year, we will probably get a family pass next year for Christmas for every one.

It was a truly beautiful day weather wise. Blue sky and about 34 degrees. There was one kid snowboarding in shorts and a long sleeved shirt!!! There was also a bald eagle that kept flying over the ski hill!

Weekend Recap

2010-02-23T19:16:00.000-06:00

We had a nice weekend. On Friday, my furniture arrived. The furniture store had told me it would arrive at between 9am and noon. It arrived promptly at 9am and was set up by 9:30. I was then able to get the room set up and all the clothes put away before going to work at noon. :o)

Friday night, I got most of the food ready for Saturday and started getting the house in order. Fixing the food led to a great "Z" quote. I was making chocolate cookies and put chocolate chips in half and peanut butter chips in half. "Z" asked me why I was making two kinds, I said, "Some people don't like peanut butter chips." "Z" replied, "Teenagers aren't people, they're just scary." (Apparently there are a couple of teens that tend to pick on him a bit, so he finds them a little scary.)

Saturday, we went snow tubing. NO injuries. The teens had a nice time and then came over for refreshments and Pastor Steve had a message on Salvation.

On Saturday night, we introduced the kids to Castle Risk, which is similar to regular Risk, only you don't have to conquer the whole world, just capture the other people's castles so the game is shorter. They enjoyed it. We are going to play again this weekend.

Think on These Things Thursday

2010-02-18T17:45:00.000-06:00

Philippians 4:8

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and to end up feeling stressed. Instead, we need to Be still and remember who is in control. If we are stressed we have either taken on too much and/or are not relying on His wisdom and guidance. Be still and pray!

Weekend Recap

2010-02-15T08:11:00.000-06:00

This weekend was spent switching rooms with the girls. I never cease to be amazed at all the stuff and JUNK that can be acculmulated. We have about 7 garbage bags of garbage and 8 bags of stuff to be given away. All I have left to do for the switch is curtains and changing the stuff on the walls around. The rest of my house ended up being rather neglected, though. Not to mention there is a headboard and bunch of bags of stuff to give away in my living room!

This will be a busy week. Blue/gold banquet for Cub Scouts. "T" becomes a Boy Scout tonight. Tomorrow night is Ladies' Meeting at Church. Wednesday night--Church. Thursday--get groceries for people coming over on Saturday. Friday--new bedroom set arrives--get food ready/clean. Saturday AM--get food ready/clean/snow tubing in afternoon/people come over after for refreshments. I think I should be able to stay busy enough to stay out of trouble. :o)

New Bedroom Set

2010-02-13T10:30:00.000-06:00

We bought a bedroom set last night. We had been looking and ready to buy back in October and then the car died in the furniture parking lot and the money to spend on the bedroom furniture went into the steering column of my car.

My favorite part of the whole buying process was when the saleman was trying to get us to buy a warranty and he basically told us we were buying the cheapest thing in the store by hinting that something could go wrong because "You know that set isn't top of the line."

Gotta love salesmen.

So, off to clean my room and get ready to switch rooms with the girls. They are quite excited to get our blue bedroom since theirs is a rather boring white. Hopefully nothing in the girls room will attack us. It is looking rather scary in there. I had no idea how much stuff can "fall" behind a dresser!!!

Just a quick thought

2010-02-12T16:44:00.000-06:00

Psalm37:1-6

1. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Sometimes it seems like people who have very little thought for others are the most prosperous. They make all the money while "good" people aren't as prosperous. These verses remind us that God takes care of them in the end. If we trust in Him and realize that He is in control, He will take care of the rest. :o)

Think On These Things Thursday

2010-02-11T17:56:00.001-06:00

Philippians 4:8

Philippians 2:3--Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

It is so easy to get caught up in ourselves and to forget about this verse. Really, we are nothing special. And we are certainly not more important than those around us. Sometimes we can get caught up in what is "their" responsibility and spend more time fussing and getting annoyed than the time it would take to just pick up the socks, take out the trash, etc.

If we get caught up in the trap of thinking we are better than someone else, so we should be treated special, we should think of the God of Heaven who came to earth to be born in a manger and basically live a poor man's life and THEN died a criminal's death for us. Jesus was certainly better than each of us, yet He humbled Himself to save a bunch of sinners--sinners who seldom do as He asks or appreciate His sacrifice!

If we would remember that we are not better than others AND in humility put others first, think of all the fighting, annoyance and hurt feelings we would avoid. We also just might have a great testimony for Christ as others see the difference in our life.

A very silly dog

2010-02-09T18:03:00.000-06:00

The family my sister is a nanny for sent a Duke ornament. Here is his response.

For those of you who are friends with me on facebook, I will post another video with "Z" in it. I don't want to post it here since I don't put pictures of my kids on my blog.

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

2010-02-09T17:15:00.000-06:00

Easy egg chopping

I'm not sure where I read this, but it works great. If you need to chop boiled eggs for salad, put them in a round dish and use a pastry cutter to chop them up. SO quick and easy, wonder why I used a knife for all those years!!!

For more great kitchen tips visit: http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3751#comments

Trip to the cities

2010-02-06T16:32:00.001-06:00

We got to go on an unexpected trip to the twin cities area. My husband "got to" donate some more time to his company by working today. The rest of us got to tag along. We go to the hotel around 6 pm last night and the we swam for an hour--I sat in the hot tub--the pool was not warm enough for me. This morning hubby went to work and after a hotel breakfast in which the kids got to make waffles and cover them with:
"T"--syrup, chocolate chips and cool whip
"K"--chocolate chips, syrup and cool whip
"Z"--strawberries, syrup, cool whip, chocolate chips and coolwhip
"E"--syrup, stawberries, coolwhip

The kids then swam and played hard in the pool for 3 hours--I had prunes instead of kids. They were able to play with a couple of other kids who were there.

We then had lunch at Chili's. The kids now want to know every place that has a Chili's they were so impressed. (Mainly by the endless chips and salsa.)

We are now back home and the grocery list is calling.

Think on These Things Thursday

2010-02-04T17:44:00.001-06:00

On my travels this week, I listened to sermons. Most of them were about Baptist Heritage and were really interesting and eye opening. One was on prayer. Isn't it amazing how prayer is really such a simple thing, talking to God. Yet it is easy to neglect. The pastor went through a list of things we often do that we could replace with prayer.

Here are a few:

Worry--instead, pray about the situation
Frustration--pray about the situation or for the person who is frustrating you.
Gossip--pray for the person instead of gossiping.
Discouragement--pray about the situation.
Anger at/Dislike of others--pray for the person.
Conflict with authority--pray that God will change your heart or their heart.
Unable to sleep--pray
Difficult time making a decision--pray about it
Temptation--pray God will show you a way of deliverance!

Work has been difficult at times lately, so I am making it a point to pray for each person in our company every day, at least once. Now that I say that, though I realized I forgot our owner--will need to add him. It was amazing how much better today was--much less frustrating.

Isn't it so simple! Bring our difficulties to God instead of trying to handle things ourselves--what a concept! I am also praying that God will remind me to pray!

One other thought--If we are getting frustrated or worrying, it is because we are trying to handle things ourselves instead of trusting God--the all-knowing, all-powerful One who has promised to take care of us!!! How silly! Now to remember this all the time!!!

I'm back

2010-02-04T17:43:00.001-06:00

I was off to the far reaches of Minnesota. Put over 600 miles on a rental car since Monday. Had a nice time visiting my coworkers. Nice to get back home, though.

Think On These Things Thursday

2010-01-28T17:57:00.001-06:00

Philippians 4:8

Matthew 5:13-16

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

These verses tell us of the importance to be a good testimony. It is so easy to let down our guard and to ruin our testimony. We need to make sure that our life is different than unsaved people so they see a difference for the better in our lives. If we live, talk, worry, etc. like them, then they will see no need for Christ in their life. We should be the salt in the world that keeps the places we are in from rotting and we should be the light that shows others to Christ.

Weekend Recap

2010-01-26T08:02:00.000-06:00

We had a nice, quiet weekend. I introduced the kids to "The Farming Game". It is kind of like Monopoly, but with farming twist. I've had this game since I was a kid and have spent many an hour playing it. It is nice because though you can count up the worth of someone when you finish playing, there really aren't any losers. You buy farmland and cows, then travel around the board and when you land on a spot to harvest, you roll the die to find out how "good" of a harvest you had. The kids have played it every day since.

We also tackled the boys' room and reaaranged it so we could fit a big table in it for their train set. It feels great to know their room is really clean, nothing hiding behind anything. I must say, though that it was pretty impressive to see all that could fit behind and under one small dresser!!! We got rid of a lot of stuff also. :O)

Think on These Things Thursday

2010-01-21T19:36:00.000-06:00

Philippians 4:8

Matthew 5:38-42

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

It is so easy to get frustrated with people and to be unkind to them. However, if we remember that we are nothing by servants of God and put away our pride, we would probably be less likely to get bent out of shape. If someone truly is unkind, we are to take the high rode, and NOT stoop to their level.

The portion of this passage that talks about if you are compelled to go a mile, go with him two is referring to when Roman soldiers would tell a Jew to carry their belongings. By law they only had to carry it one mile. Jesus is saying to love our neighbor (even if they are occupying your country) and to go the extra mile, literally. This would be quite a sacrifice. Instead of going two miles out of your way (one with the soldier, then returning), you would now have to go 4 miles out of your way. If Jesus told the Jewish people to do this for a Roman soldier, I think that He would expect us to be kind and go the extra mile for others in our lives.

We also need to remember that anything we have belongs to the Lord, so if someone needs to borrow it, we should allow them to. After all, our belongings are God's. He will take care of it. If He doesn't, then we either didn't need it or He has something better in store for us. Having said that, I DO think that we should be good stewards of our belongings. I don't volunteer my belongings to others who do not take care of their own things or tend to lose their belongings like I would someone who takes care of their belongings. I do usually loan things to people if they have a true need, even if I don't really trust them and count on God to take care of it. :o)

God Answers Prayer

2010-01-20T08:23:00.001-06:00

I have been praying a lot about the Massachusettes senatorial special election and asking God to allow the republican to be elected. I don't agree with all that Republicans do, but do feel they keep our country headed in a better way that it is currently headed.

Hello, Scott Brown, goodbye Democrats' Super Majority.

Cub Scout Cake Auction 2010

2010-01-19T08:16:00.000-06:00

"T"'s Car--Blue Racer

We had fun with this one. It almost out ran us though. The coconut is a point of contention with some family members, but that just leaves more cake for those of us who aren't so picky! :o)

" Z"'s cake--Black Forest Torte--turned into--Death by Chocolate Tarantula!!!

This cake started out as a black forest torte because the chocolate and cherries looked so yummy. We then decided to turn it into a tarantula so we changed the icing to chocolate and added the "decorations." By the end of the night it was beginning to ooze guts which made it an even better tarantula cake. It was still quite yummy. :o)

As always there were lots of fancy cakes at the cake auctions. Cakes that are far above my ability. The boys bought back their own cakes and are happy with them. Such sweet kids! "T" got his for a bargain $10. "Z" bid $22 for his first bid, the auctioneer said $20, "Z" said no, $22 so he got his cake for $22 (the most he was allowed to bid). The money goes back to the Cub Scouts and they will give part to the Haitian relief fund also.

A Praise

2010-01-18T18:07:00.000-06:00

We have some family friends that are missionaries to Haiti. After the earthquake, I tried to find out online if they were okay. Their mission board page said they were on furlough, so I was relieved and figured they were safe, but being a curious mind, I thought I'd see if I could find anymore information. This led me to a blog where family members had posted saying they were in Haiti and hadn't been heard from since the quake, as well as a couple other sources with the same general information. Tonight I found a blog of one of their daughters saying that her parents were okay, even had an e-mail from her mom. They are in an area of Haiti that just felt tremors, and didn't really have any damage!!!

Think on These Things Thursday

2010-01-15T01:10:00.000-06:00

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

Have you ever noticed that we always expect God to be faithful to us, but often don't think a lot about it we are not faithful to Him? We think so little of not following His commandments, but get bent out of shape if something goes wrong in our life.

First, trials come in our lives so that we can grow spiritually, God can get our attention, and/or so that He might be glorified through our testimony. NOT because God is not faithful.

1Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.

Deuteronomy 31:8 And the LORD, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Second, we need to search our hearts and life to make sure we are being faithful to God. He sacrificed His only Son for us and cares about us so much that He knows how many hairs are on our head. Some people treat God almost like a vending machine, they only go to Him when they want something and think that saying a couple of words in prayer or acknowledging Him for a moment should get their needs taken care of. God asks us to be faithful to Him. While it is true that God will forgive us when we are not, we will miss many blessings along the way if we are not faithful to Him. We may never know the blessings we missed because of our unfaithfulness. Lets strive to be faithful to Him by reading our Bibles, spending time in prayer, being in church every service, having a good testimony, etc.

Think about your walk with God--how faithful are you to Him? Would you be happy if your spouse/best friend was just that faithful to you?

An encouraging song

2010-01-12T08:01:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite songs. It is a reminder of God's love and grace. I could also be a prayer.

"Grace"

by Carolyn Hamlin

Lord, as I seek your guidance for the day, I find my thoughts unyielding, confusion clouds my way. But then when I bow to You, the challenges You guide me through, Your promises are ever new, I claim them for today.

Your will cannot lead me where Your grace will not keep me, Your hand will protect me, I rest in Your care. Your eyes will watch over me, Your love will forgive me, and when I am faltering, I still will find you there.

Each new days design is charted by Your hand and graciously revealed as I seek Your Master plan. Keep my footsteps faithful when from You I go. Return me to the joy that Your blessings can bestow.

Your will cannot lead me where Your grace will not keep me, Your hand will protect me, I rest in Your care. Your eyes will watch over me, Your love will forgive me, and when I am faltering, I still will find you there.

Goodbye to a lovely lady

2010-01-10T20:17:00.000-06:00

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death , neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

A week ago today, heaven received a new tenant. I can't be sad for her because she is walking, picking up things, doing as SHE wishes WITHOUT any help, something she has not been able to do for about twenty years. If there is a piano in heaven there are probably people gathered around as she plays, something she hasn't been able to do in years. My friend suffered from MS for over thirty years. I only had the privilege of knowing her for about 6 1/2, yet she had a huge impact on my life and on the lives of nearly everyone who knew her.

I went to her Memorial service yesterday, it was amazing to hear person after person tell of the impact she had on their life. You see, not one of us can recall ever hearing her complain about her illness or say, "if only". Before MS, she was an active person and accomplished musician. She played for ballet companies and large choirs as an accompaniest and also for church. She rode and showed horses, graduated from college and had good jobs.

We would have all understood if she HAD said she didn't think it was fair that God allowed her to have MS. In the time I knew her, she was never able to even sign her own name. She could guide her electric wheel chair and that was about the extent of her abilities. She relied on others to take care of her every need. How tough that alone would be! Not to mention the memories of what she used to be able to do and the thoughts of "what might have been." She had great peace that God knew what He was doing in her life and faith that He didn't make mistakes. I truly can't think of a stronger person or someone with stronger faith. I think of the times I have complained and am pretty ashamed of myself. She had such an impact on others because of her inner joy, peace, and lack of complaint. She was also a testimony to others of God's love.

She was such an example to me and to others. I think that she would have been shocked had she been in the Memorial service to hear of the impact she made on everyone's life. She thought that she was a pretty ordinary person. She was an ordinary person that allowed God to do extraordinary things in her life because she relied on Him.

I can't sorrow for my friend; she is in a much better place! The tears I have shed are really shelfish ones, for me and how I will miss her. It is wonderful, though to know that we will meet again in Heaven some day. I am thankful that God brought her into my life. I learned many things from her.

*I wanted to add that MS treatment has come a long way in the past decade. There are now treatments that slow the progression considerably and allow people to live more normal lives with MS much longer.