Monday, August 28, 2006

My daughter turns 19

My daughter turns 19 today. We are going to have a little party for her tonight! I have tons to do to get ready. I worked until 1:30 a.m. last night, I had to get up at 6:00 a.m. to get the kids off to schoo. I feel a little on the tired side today. It might take me extra time to clean and get ready. I have to run to the mall to get her presents before I go to work today. She told me last week she just wanted money. She spent a great deal of money on her Florida trip last week. Last night she changed her mind! Wonderful, why do we change our minds at the last minute? I won't go into that right now.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

My Weekend

It's really "FAMILY PICNIC"





My children had a wonderful first week of school. Bo had a rough first day; he had a little episode of crying before he went to school. He came home after school very happy and content with his teacher and classmates. My little niece is in his class this year, I think that will be nice.

My twin twelve year old boys said things went really well for them as well. They started football the second day of school. Both the boys are really excited to play football. They play with all the neighbor kids, when they were younger they were in flag football. My husband had the kids work out with him all summer so they could get stronger for Football and wrestling. We haven't gotten into the homework scene yet, we will see how things go after a couple of weeks of ball and school.

Aaron (My 16 year old) adapts to everything. I asked him how his last year in school was going for him. He said things were great, he was excited to have two pretty teachers; I don't think he cares if the classes are hard or not. Hormones!

It is another busy weekend; Last night I went up to the hospital to see my niece, (My sister’s daughter) she was in a very bad car accident last Sunday. She broke her leg in many places, she broke her finger, she has staples in her head, and the skin is off a great deal of her body. (She had to have knee surgery twice this week) They had finally gotten the pain under control yesterday, so I was able to go up and see her last night.

This morning I had to do my motor route and clean the church (I am a Janitor their) there is a wedding this afternoon. At 4:00 p.m. we are going to a cookout at my Aunts house. A lot of my dads relatives (Many I don't know) are going to be their. I really wanted my brother and his family to come so I didn't have to go a lone, with just my kids. (My husband works a second job on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings) My dad really wants me to come meet them, so I will.

Tomorrow of course I have church in the morning and evening. (I sing on a worship team, and I am singing with the Trio I am in)

I really can't think of a time lately that I can say I have been board and had nothing to do.

Friday, August 25, 2006

Disappointments

I talked to my brother yesterday, my dad did call him. He said that dad told him he would like to sit down and talk to him, if my brother thought he could have a civil conversation. Oh boy, did this set my brother off. I guess to me you just don't say that to someone that you want to reconcile with. Maybe, it is too late for them to have a relationship. I really don't know? I have just given it over to the Lord.

After talking to by brother, I can understand now what is going on. I wrote about my brother’s daughter being in the hospital. I guess before all of that took place, my brother and my dad talked about going Up North together and going to Mackinaw Island. My Niece got out of the hospital, I think on a Friday. On Sunday my dad informed my brother that he was going to go Up North with his brother. (My uncle) My brother was upset but didn't say anything. The next weekend my brother headed Up North to meet my dad and step-mom. Through a lot of misunderstanding, I guess my dad left to come home. (Back to my brothers) My brother returned home and my dad and him worked side by side for a week working to remodel my brother’s rental home. My brother said my dad knew he was upset about the trip but my dad never approached him about it. (Bad mistake) My dad than without any warning to my brother at all packed up and told my brother he was moving out to my Uncles house. (He came in an RV) He told him he wanted to spend time with him but he would be around for a while still.

This brought back some very bad memories with my brother. He said, he remembered my dad taking him hunting and sitting him down and telling him he wouldn't be around much longer and that he didn't know when he would see him again. (My brother was 7 at the time)I understand now why he was so upset. It was the disappointment, the fear of not seeing him for a long time.

I thought about this last night at work. I related all of this to a dad that would tell his son on Friday, son I am going to take you to a baseball game. Friday came and the boy was real excited to spend some time with his dad. The boy asked when they were going to leave, and the dad told him he was sorry, but he wouldn't be able to take him, because he was in a golf tournament. I understand my brother just can't take the disappointment anymore. He would rather cut ties than to keep going through all the disappointment my dad has put him through. My dad on the other hand thinks he should be able to leave when he wants to without having to tell anyone anything. His wife told me he was tied to a job for 30 years. We bought this RV so we could come and go as we please.

I told my brother I wouldn't call and bother him again about all of this. I told him he would have to make up his mind, if this is really what he wants. I have done all I can, it is in the Lord's hands.

I will remember to be responsible with my words and vows! I know things are going to happen, and try as we might, we can't always follow through with what we say we are going to do. I just don't want it to be a pattern in my life.

Titus 2:7-8 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

God desires us to be moral witness in our daily walk and that includes our morals. The words that we speak and the promises that we make demonstrate our Christian values. This is because of the people around us watching. (Like my brother) We must value our words as if they were gold. People might see Jesus through our eyes if we are honest with our words. I'm going to avoid criticism and hurt by listening before I speak and honoring what I commit to do. I am going to try and e sound of speech and honest with my promises!

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

My children have all left for their first day of School


I just got the last of my children off to school. Bo cried! How sad that makes me. He will be o.k. he will get use to it again and love it. I thought he was too old to be crying over going to school, but there were other children around his age crying as well. The twins were o.k. just nervous about finding their classes. Aaron (The big senior) was just tired. I'll blog later about their day.

Monday, August 21, 2006

All ready for school

I have been working all day getting school clothes ready for all my boys. I have them all hanging up in their closet ready for them to pull them out and put them on. I have 5 outfits all put together and ready for each of the boys. I took Bo to school tonight to find his class room and meet his teacher. Bo is a very friendly boy, he said hi too many teacher and students. I think he is happy to be going back to school. I picked up my daughter-in-law and grandson to go with us. Josh and Bo are in the same hall. I am so very excited about that. I posted what good friends they are. Bo got to spend the night at Josh’s tonight. It will be a treat right before school starts.

My weekend was packed with wonderful Events





Saturday we went bowling for the first time. My son and daughter-in-law went with us. We meant for dinner at 5:00. Can you believe my kids had their choice of restaurants to each at, and they wanted Taco bell? I must have a made a bad face, (This was funny) they said, "if you didn't want us to pick the restaurant, why did you ask us" This was a good point, so we ate at Taco Bell. After dinner we all went bowling. My daughter-in-laws mom came with us. It was fun to watch all of the kids (and myself) trying to bowl. We finished up with ice cream at the Dairy Barn by my house.

On Sunday we visited our friend’s church. It is about 30 minutes from our house. It was o.k. It was so nice to see all of our friends. We went out to lunch with them after church. It was a great time of fellowshipping. (Lot of laughter) One of the families we went with is our Twins best friends. We planned ahead for them to come over and spend the night.

Sunday evening I had my Dad and my Step-mom over for more getting to know you time. It was nice. We continued to just talk and ask questions. My brother is still not coming around very well. I think he just needs time.

It was a very busy and rewarding weekend

Chicken Casserole

I had my Dad and step-mom over last night for dinner. I make this dish often when we have people over. It is easy and it goes along way.


Chicken Casserole

5 Chicken breast
Cream of Chicken soup
Stuffing
Cheese of your choice (I like Swiss)

Cut the chicken up into cubs, Sauté the chicken in butter. After the chicken is Sautéed place it on the bottom of a baking dish. Put the cheese on top of the chicken, follow with the soup. I use 3 small cans, than put the prepared stuffing on top of the soup. (I use stovetop) Place in the oven or microwave on 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the soup is bubbling up into the stuffing. This is very easy and very good.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

I received the Blessing

I posted on Thursday that I was going to go help a family on Friday make meals for the month due to the mom having MS. I have to say, I received such a blessing by doing this.

I got their around 6:00 p.m. Karen (woman with MS) was sitting in a chair. (Her husband gets her dressed and puts her in a chair before he leaves for work in the morning). Karen's parents are home on leave as missionary right now, so they have been sitting with her and the girls during the day while David is at work.

David and Karen have three children; two little girls, a five year old adopted little girl and a 4 year old little girl, plus one 11 year old son.

After Karen had Devin, they told her she could no longer have any more children. They adopted Morgan 5 years ago. Doctors can be wrong, at the time the adoption was going through they found out Karen was pregnant with Megan. This caused Karen's MS to really get a lot worse.

Back to my blessing; as I was preparing the food, David came home from work. This was the sweetest thing I have every saw. He went up to Karen and greeted her with a kiss and stood close and held her hands, he talked to her for a while. After a little bit David put her in the wheel chair and brought her into the kitchen with us. (There were 5 of us ladies making the meals) As I was preparing the second dish, their son and two daughters came up and we all started talking. I asked Devin if he would like to help me. His parents said he loved to cook and did some cooking for them.

He didn’t treat her like she had a handicap. You could see how much he loved her in how he interacted with her. It truly blessed my heart. What an example this family is to me.

My 28 year old son would do the same thing when he was Devin’s age. He still loves to cook. He watches the cooking shows on T.V. and comes up with wonderful things to make.

Devin helped me with the next two dishes. I got to goof with the two little girls the whole time, and make Karen and David laugh. I told the little ones not to tell my husband that I was following a recipe. I told them my husband thinks I can't cook. Little Morgan looked at me and said; "I won't even tell my Grandma and Grandpa". I got a real chuckle out of the girls.

The interaction between Karen and David was just so sweet. He would rub her neck and would hold her hand. He treated her with so much love. It truly blessed my heart to be able to help this family.

The girls asked me if I could spend the night, but I told them I had to go home to my family.

Sometimes when you think you are doing the ministering, you are really being ministered to.

You will like this if you were born before the 1980's

A friend of mine sent me this via email. I tried to fix the line breaks and not retype the whole thing. I could relate to a lot of this. I got a good chuckle out of it. My children would survive some of these.

CONGRATULATIONS
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE
1920 and 1930's
40's, 50's, 60 's and 70's !!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.

Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because......WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendos, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones,
no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms........WE
HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! (NO BLOGGING, YIKES)

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no
lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!

This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers
and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we
learned....HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!!!

And YOU are one of them!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Friday, August 18, 2006

It turned out to be a good Day!

My breakfast with my dad and step-mom went well. We sat at the restaurant for 2 1/2 hours talking. We talked a lot about my growing up years. My dad wanted to know just how much I remembered about my childhood before he moved out.

My parents separated when I was 6 years old. I would go see my dad every other weekend. When I was 13 years old, my parents divorced and my dad moved to Texas. I have seen him a little over a hand full of times since than. He asked a lot of questions about my brother. I wanted him to understand him. My brother was 4 years old when my dad moved out. When we would come back from seeing my dad, my brother would cry so very hard. It still brings tears to my eyes all these years latter. My brother never had the father role model. There was no one to play ball with him or go fishing. No one to just do the things dads and sons would do together. I tried to always protect my brother from harm. I still get broken hearted when something goes wrong in his family or with him. I asked my dad to please give him extra attention. I told him I was at the point in my life I don't need the attention, but my brother does. I think I got my dad to understand. Divorce is so very hard on the children. I don't want to make excuses for my brother; we all have to make a choice how we are going to live. My brother is a successful business man, but I can still see and hear the affects of the divorce.

I finished all the school shopping for my boy’s tonight, except for school supplies. We have open houses on Monday so we will find out what they need.

Shopping ended up being so much fun. I told the kids we were going to split up. 2 boys would go with dad and 2 boys would go with me. My twelve year old boy (one of the twins) asked me if I was kidding. He said "Does dad really know how to pick out school close"? My husband was right in the front seat, but it was as if he wasn't with us. I informed him that dad was a good dresser and he would be able to pick out some good clothes, John looked at me and asked if he could please go with me. It was pretty funny! His dad said we would all shop together!

The exciting thing is I am done!
Clap hands, jump up and down, and do a little cart wheel.

Corn Casserole

My sister-in-law made this corn casserole for my nieces wedding. Everyone loved it including my children.

1 can whole kernel corn
1 can cream style corn
1 box Jiffy corn bread mix
1 stick melted butter
1 cup sour cream

Bread crumbs & parmesan cheese for the topping.

Mix ingredients together in a 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle top with bread crumbs & parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes.

This is a great side dish for any occasion. This would be a great dish to make for a pot luck dinners.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Light and Easy Chocolate Cake

I am sorry it has taken me so long to post this. Thank you for the emails requesting a copy of my husband's Chocolate cake recipe.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease bundt pan

In a blender, mix until very smooth:
1 (10 oz.) pkg. reduced-fat firm silken tofu
1 cup sugar or Sucanat
1/2 cup water, coffee, or coffee substitute
6 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1 Tbsp. vanilla

In a medium bowl, mix together:
1 1/4 cups unbleached flour or whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Pour the contents of the blender into the bowl, and mix together briefly but thoroughly. Scrape into prepared bundt pan.
Bake about 45 minutes, do not over bake. Cool on a rack.

Thank you for your emailing asking for this recipe

Lean Cocoa Frosting

Mix together in a blender:
1 cup soy milk
3/4 cup Sucanat
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/3 cup cornstarch

Pour into a heavy, medium saucepan, and stir constantly over medium eat with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom and sides often, for about 7 minutes until thick and glossy,

Remove the pan from the heat, and add
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Beat the mixture with a wire whisk to remove any lumps.
Cool the mixture completely, stirring occasionally. You can refrigerate it if it's made ahead of time, but bring it to room temperature before frosting the cake. Beat until smooth again.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Rejoice in the Lord Always

There is a lady at my church, she has MS. I have known this woman for 13 years. When she first started attending our church she could walk. She than got pregnant with her son 2 years later and was falling all the time. This is how they found out she had MS. During her pregnancy they had to put her in a wheel chair so she would not hurt herself or the baby. (She never complained, never asked why me) after the birth of her son, she never walked again. She has been in a wheel chair now for 11 years. This woman is only 40. I have never heard this woman every say "why me". She is now at the point; her husband has to have someone come in to talk care of her and her children. This woman always has a smile on her face. She is not robbed of joy. She told me she is willing to go through whatever the Lord has for her. She doesn't worry about it or complain.

I complain because I am getting old and I can't see my caller ID on my cell phone. All I have to do is go get glasses. This woman is bound to this wheel chair, not only that she can't take care of herself or her family. Yet she is always full of joy not worry for what will happen to her.

I am going to go help This family on Friday prepare enough meals to get them through a month. this helps her husband to be able to come home from work and just heat something up for the family.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with
you.
Phillippians 4:4-9

Spiritually, worry is Wrong Thinking of the Mind and Wrong Feeling of the Heart. The heart and the mind are the two areas that create worry. It's wrong thinking and wrong feeling about circumstances, people and things... These things can rob us of joy.


I love Philippians 4. It has to be my favorite chapter in all the Bible. It is so upbeat and positive. Paul is rejoicing all over the place. Even when Paul addresses a problem in verses 2 and 3 between two ladies, Euodia and Syntyche, he does it so lovingly. Don't you wish everyone would learn to correct our mistakes this lovingly? Paul "entreats" these ladies to agree in the Lord and he asks the church to help them. I suspect these women were missing out on right prayer, right thinking and/or right living. They were robbing themselves of a Secure mind. And they weren't ready to Rejoice.

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:2-3

Philippians 4 is often called the PEACE chapter. James 4 is called the WAR chapter. If you look in James 4 you'll see the contrast. He explains the causes of war are: 1) Wrong PRAYING (verse 3), 2)Wrong THINKING (verse 8), and 3) Wrong LIVING (verse 7). That's not too surprising is it? If right praying, right thinking and right living are going to bring about peace and security of mind, then it's not surprising that the opposite would bring about war and unrest and fightings among us.

As I come to the end of this post. I want to remember, I need to have right thinking, and right praying. (Not selfish) I want to live my life the right way. I want and need victory over worry and the lack of joy that goes along with it.

Time with the Kids


I spent the evening grocery shopping, once a month I travel to Ohio to grocery shop. They have a store called Aldis were I can get a lot more for my money. With 5 children in the home I try to shop wisely.

After I got home we all (the boy's and my husband and I) put the grocery's up, and sat down to watch RV (It just came out on DVD) Robin Williams is a funny guy. I always enjoy the movies he is in.

Today I am taking the kids to Jungle Java for a little fun. This is a big play area the boys like to go to. (Like McDonald land for bigger kids)Us mom's can sit and drink coffee and chat while the kids play. We are going out to breakfast at Bob Evans and off to play for the morning before I have to go to work.

Does God need us?

God doesn't need us, but He does give us examples in the Bible that we should follow. He created us to Glorify Him, to love Him and enjoy Him forever. If we trust God and follow Him, by accepting His gift of salvation, we will spend eternity in Paradise with Him. We can and will delight in the wonders He is preparing for us there.

God wants each of us to...

Believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him (John 6:28-29), and tell others about Him (Psalm 96:2-3; Proverbs 11:30; Ezekiel 3:18).

Obey His commands, avoiding all sin. God knows everything we do, and He will judge us for everything that we do, and everything we fail to do (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Love God and each other. "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:37-39).

Be humble in our attitude and actions toward God and others, not proud (Micah 6:6-8; Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 22:4; Isaiah 2:12-17; Matthew 5:5, 20:26-28; james 4:10).

God tells us in the Bible, His Word, what He wants us to do, how He wants us to live our lives. He provides for us valuable information about how to live our lives, what to do and what not to do. He gave us the ten commandments for a basic rules to follow including "do not lie," "do not steal," honor your father and mother, and more (Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 19:19).

If we all follow God's rules, this world would be a much better place to live.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

My Evening


My children all went to the circus last night with their Grandma. They had a great time seeing all of the circus acts, eating popcorn and cotton candy. It took them about an hour after getting home to tell me all about their evening, even down to what each of them had to eat. I love listening to them talk.

My husband and I were taken out to dinner at Mac's restaurant last night. We had a great time with these people. We are just getting to know them; I am really enjoying their friendship. I Grilled chicken with a basil sauce with wild rice, Ice tea to drink and a wonderful dinner salad with Raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

We closed the restaurant talking and laughing.

Monday, August 14, 2006

Living for the simple things in life: A possible Terrorist plot



Click to view story!
Living for the simple things in life: Mackinac Bridge

Three men are being held in connection with a terrorist plot involving the Mackinac Bridge. As I have stated in my past post, this is my favorite vaction spot. This is very upsetting.

No Mackinac Plot after all

You can read more information about this at

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060815/METRO/608150349

Sunday, August 13, 2006




This is my 16 year old son; He has a wonderful sense of humor. (Just like his mom)

He will be a senior in high school this year. He has many interest. He likes to read, play video games, computer games, board games. I guess he likes to play.

He is a wrestler, and a football player; I wrote earlier this summer about the camp we sent him to.

Aaron has become a good student. He received a 3.38 grade point average on his last report card.

He will be going into the Navy after High School next summer

Saturday, August 12, 2006

My daughter is safe and sound!

My daughter made it to her destination safely. Thanks for praying!

Praise Adonai From the rising of the sun
‘Til the end of every day
Praise Adonai all the nations of the earth
All the angels and the saints sing praise

Grandma Joke's



Grandma's Home
When I stopped the bus to pick up Chris for preschool, I noticed an older woman hugging him as he left the house. "Is that your
grandmother?" I asked.

"Yes," Chris said. "She's come to visit us for Christmas."

"How nice," I said. "Where does she live?"

"At the airport," Chris replied. "Whenever we want her, we just go out there and get her."

Grandma's Colors

I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me, and she was always correct, but it was fun
for me, so I continued.

At last, she headed for the door, saying sagely, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these yourself!"

Freckles

An elderly woman and her little grandson, whose face was sprinkled with bright freckles, spent the day at the zoo. Lots of children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws. "You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint!" a girl in the line said to the little fella.

Embarrassed, the little boy dropped his head. His grandmother knelt down next to him. "I love your freckles. When I was a little girl I always wanted freckles," she said, while tracing her finger across the child's cheek. "Freckles are beautiful."

The boy looked up, "Really?"

"Of course," said the grandmother. "Why, just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles."

The little boy thought for a moment, peered intensely into his grandma's face, and softly whispered, "Wrinkles."

Water Gun

When my three-year-old son opened the birthday gift from his grandmother, he discovered a water pistol. He squealed with delight and headed for the nearest sink. I was not so pleased. I turned to Mom and said, "I'm surprised at you. Don't you remember how we used to drive you crazy with water guns?"

Mom smiled and then replied....."I remember."

All my Grandchildren



I was blessed to be able to watch my grandchildren last night so my son and daughter-in-law could go to dinner and the movies.

If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have had them first.

My granddaughter is 5 months old. My goodness is she a little doll. (I know I am bias)I have a funny little story about Jenna-benna. A few months back I went with my daughter-in-law to her orthodontist appointment, they wanted to see Jenna. The orthodontist was saying how beautiful she was... She than asked me who she took after. (I knew she meant my son or my daughter-in-law) I said me!! She wasn't laughing and said I meant your son or daughter-in-law? I thought I was funny!!!


I have a three year old grandson; He kept me laughing all night. He told how dad grounded him and his brother for fighting. I got all the details. He loves gum a lot!! I love gum a lot too! I was setting at the kitchen table holding Jenna and talking to my grandson and our neighbor girl. Ethan said, "Na Na, if my Gram chews gum she has to take her teeth out. He pulled on his teeth like he was trying to take them out. I don't think Gram would like for him to share such stories, but I thought it was very funny." I couldn’t help but laugh.



We had a wonderful Friday evening together!

God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

This post is for greenspot or anyone else wondering about the Trinity.

I am going to try to explain this to you as clearly as I can. I am not a Bible scholar by any step of the imagination. I want to answer your questions with Scripture.

The Trinity is the hardest thing for people to understand. I have put together some verses on this subject. It is crucial for us to properly understand what God is like, how He relates to us, and how we should relate to Him. But it is also something that raises many difficult questions. How can God be both one and three? Is the Trinity a contradiction? If Jesus is God, why do the Gospels record instances where He prayed to God?

While we cannot fully understand everything about the Trinity (or anything else), it is possible to answer questions like these and come to a solid grasp of what it means for God to be three in one. My goal is for you to understand what the Bible says about this.


John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."

John 5:18 - "For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God."

John 8:24 - "I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins."

Note: In the Greek, "He" is not there.

John 8:58 - "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.'"

Exodus 3:14 - "And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'; and He said, Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’’

John 10:30-33 - "I and the Father are one." 31The Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32Jesus answered them, "I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?" 33The Jews answered Him, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God."

John 20:28 - "Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

Phil. 2:5-8 - "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Heb. 1:8 - "But of the Son He says, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom."

Quoted from Psalm 45:6, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Thy kingdom."

Jesus is worshipped - Jesus said to worship God only, yet He receives worship.

Matt. 4:10 - "Then Jesus *said to him, 'Begone, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only."’"


Matt. 2:2 - "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him."

Matt. 2:11 - "And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh."

Matt. 14:33 - "And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God’s Son!"

Matt. 28:9 - "And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him."

John 9:35-38 - "Jesus heard that they had put him out; and finding him, He said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" 36He answered and said, "And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" 37Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you." 38 And he said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped Him."

Heb. 1:6 - "And when He again brings the first-born into the world, He says, 'And let all the angels of God worship Him.'"

Jesus is prayed to

Acts 7:55-60 - "But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56 and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens penned up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 57But hey cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears, and they rushed upon him with one impulse. 58And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" 60And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" And having said this, he fell asleep."


1 Cor. 1:1-2 - "Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours." (The phrase, "to call upon the name of the Lord" is a phrase used to designate prayer.)

1 Kings 18:24 - "Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, He is God." And all the people answered and said, "That is a good idea."


Zech. 13:9 - "And I will bring the third part through the fire, refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’"

Rom. 10:13-14 - "for 'whoever will call upon the name of the Lord' will be saved." 14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?" (Paul is speaking of calling upon Jesus. (The phrase "Call upon the name of the Lord" is a quote from Joel 2:32).

Joel 2:32 - "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." (LORD here is YHWH, the name of God as revealed in Exodus 3:14. Therefore, this quote, dealing with God Himself is attributed to Jesus.)

First and Last

Isaiah 44:6 - "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me."

Rev. 1:17 - "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

The doctrine of the Trinity -- that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are each equally and eternally the one true God -- this is very difficult to comprehend, and yet is the very foundation of Christian truth.

Both Old and New Testaments teach the Unity and the Trinity of the Godhead. The idea that there is only one God, who created all things, is repeatedly emphasized in such Scriptures as Isaiah 45:18:

"For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; ...I am the Lord; and there is none else."

A New Testament example is James 2:19:

"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well; the devils also believe, and tremble."

The three persons of the Godhead are, at the same time, noted in such Scriptures as Isaiah 48:16:

"I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I; and now the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me."

The speaker in this verse is obviously God, and yet He says He has been sent both by The Lord God (that is, the Father) and by His Spirit (that is, the Holy Spirit).

The New Testament doctrine of the Trinity is evident in such a verse as John 15:26, where the Lord Jesus said:

"But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father, He shall testify of me."

Then there is the baptismal formula:

"Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19).

One name (God) -- yet three names!

JESUS -- That Jesus, as the only-begotten Son of God, actually claimed to be God, equal with the Father, is clear from numerous Scriptures. For example, He said:

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty" (Revelation 1:8).

HOLY SPIRIT -- Some cults falsely teach that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal divine influence of some kind, but the Bible teaches that He is a real person, just as are the Father and the Son. Jesus said:

"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come" (John 16:13).

The Trinity is important because God is important. To understand more fully what God is like is a way of honoring God. Further, we should allow the fact that God is triune to deepen our worship. We exist to worship God. And God seeks people to worship Him in “spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Therefore we must always endeavor to deepen our worship of God—in truth as well as in our hearts.

I'll let you read through these verses and ask question that you would like to.

I really don't have all the answer's so I thought maybe the Bible could help you understand.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Life Under the Sun: UK Terrorist Plot

Life Under the Sun: UK Terrorist Plot

This women has a very nice blog site. Very helpful information.

More Work Hours

My new employer just emailed me and asked if I could work every Friday cleaning his house, instead of every other Friday. This might help fill my time when my children go back to school. He is very flexible, so I can really work any day I wish.

I have spent all morning looking for my insurance certificate for our vehicles. We have four vehicles. I finally found them,(or should I say I requested copies from my insurance agent) when I got to the Secretary of States office they said they didn't need them. On the left bottom corner of the registration it has a pin number on it. They said; that pin number tells them we have insurance. LOL!! Oh well, I needed to put them in our vehicles anyway.

Oh Brother, what a long morning.

Today's events








My daughter leaves for Florida today, I'm not going to worry or fret over all of the new things they have found out about the terrorist. I will make myself go half crazy if I don't just leave it in the Lord's hands. I'll miss Becca! She will be gone a week.
My boy's are having friends over tonight; I'm picking them up after work.
Not much planned this weekend

You can tell I am totally worried about my daughter; I usually have a lot of things to blog about. It's going to be a long week. She doesn’t come back until next Sunday. : (

Thursday, August 10, 2006

What has God done for Me

My quiet time thoughts~

He has only saved me from torment in hell because of my sins...
He has only sent His SON to die a horrible death for my sins...
He has only conquered death by rising from the dead...
He has only forgiven me for practially putting His Son on a cross...
He has only given me a new heart...
He has only cleansed me...
He has only given me new desires...
He has only given me a testimony...
He has only put me with a family that tests me, encourages me, and lifts me up...
He has only given me Godly friends to have sweet fellowship with...
He has only given me a letter 66 books long...
He has only let me experience true joy that only comes from fellowship with Him...

This list could go on forever...

Scripture I was in today!

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:12-14 NIV)

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:12 NIV)

in whom [Christ] we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:14 NIV)

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness… (Colossians 1:13a NIV)

…and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves… (Colossians 1:13b NIV)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13b-14 NIV)

What has God done for you? Great things already!

My Husband's Birthday Party



I almost thought my husband’s party would not go on. My little guy (Bo) got sick after I left for work. I didn’t really know what to do besides call all the people to inform them so they could make the decision to come over or not. My granddaughter is only 5 months old, so I didn’t want her to get the flu if that is what Boaz was sick with.
Everyone decided to still come over for the party.

We had a great time! My husband received some very nice gifts.
He received a heart monitor for exercising, a Bible cover, 3 Michael Card CD’s, (We already have tickets for his upcoming concert in September) A travel mug for his hot tea, A meat thermometer, (this is for his grill, it sits inside the meat and reads outside the grill so he doesn’t have to keep opening up the lid and letting the heat out) A vegetable chopper, (My husband is a vegan, this means he doesn’t eat meat, eggs, or dairy products) and a gift card to Barnes and Nobles. (He loves to read)

For his birthday meal, he wanted Vegan burgers, (everyone else had real meat) cucumber cut up from our garden, Corn on the cob, Chips and dip, (for the guest, my husband doesn’t eat junk foods) and Vegan bake beans.

He wanted a homemade Chocolate Vegan cake
I made a confetti cake with white frosting for the guest

That just about covers the party

All in all I think the party went well.

Cleaning for the Party



Yesterday was a very busy day! I spent a great deal of the morning baking and cleaning for my husband's birthday party. I guess because I clean for a living, I feel the need to have my house spotless when we have people over. I'm not sure, but I did give my house a good cleaning yesterday. It took me until I had to go to work before I felt it was good enough.

More to come about the party in the next blog.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

My Husband turns 40


My husband turns 40 on Saturday! We are having a party for him tonight because my daughter leaves for Florida on Friday. I couldn't sleep last night for some unknown reason. At 2:00 a.m. my daughter and her friend came in and brought (39, one popped) balloons in and put them all over the floor and in her dads van. She wanted to make his 40th birthday special. She is a sweet young woman! (O.k. I am a little bias)

I will blog about the party tomorrow, right now I have to go bake his cake, clean the house, and sign my children up for school.

BTW- Yes, I did marry a younger man. : )

Women quotes


“Nobody objects to a woman being a good writer or sculptor or geneticist if at the same time she manages to be a good wife, good mother, good looking, good tempered, well groomed and unaggressive”

“How can a woman be expected to be happy with a man who insists on treating her as if she were a perfectly normal human being.”

“Woman was taken out of man; not out of his head to top him, nor out of his feet to be trampled underfoot; but out of his side to be equal to him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved”

“A foolish man tells a woman to stop talking, but a wise man tells her that her mouth is extremely beautiful when her lips are closed”

The gift of Love


This Sunset reminds me of God's love for us
While We Were Still Sinners, Christ Died for us.
Mark 14:32-52

Today I was reminded of what love really is. It is giving of ourselves for someone else. God showed us this example when He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

A good friend of mine has been trying for the past month to take me out for my birthday. I had no idea what she was planning. We had a day scheduled last month but I cancelled due to my husband taking the day off.

It finally happened today. I got up this morning and was suppose to meet her at her house at 9:00 a.m. I had "NO" idea where we were going. I didn't know how to dress, how to do my hair. I was pretty sure at 9:00 a.m. it wouldn't be to fancy. I dressed in a cream colored skort with a silky black shirt. I put my hair up in a clip. I thought I look casual, good for any setting.

I got to my friends house and she was already in her car. We drove into town, to the salon my daughter works at. I was pampered with a pedicure and a manicure. I have never had either; it was really a lovely morning. After that, we went to breakfast. I felt much love today!

My friend was on vacation from her job and had tons to do, but she gave me a whole morning so I would feel special. For me it wasn't the fact that she spent her money on me. It was the time that she sacrificed for me; it was the giving of herself. That is love!!!

I am not a material person; I could careless if I have a fancy car to drive. I am blessed if I get up and it starts and makes me through my day. I'm not into jewelry, if I get it I wear it, but it is not something I have to have. I love the simple gifts, the simple acts of love. How often do we sacrifice for other people?

I love the gifts my children make me at school. They come home hiding it from me so I don't see it until they want me to. Half the time I haven't a clue what it is, but they took their time out of their day to think of me. They sacrificed their time at school to draw me a picture or write me a poem. I love those gifts!!!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
—1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
—1 John 4:7-12

Monday, August 07, 2006

Mackinac Bridge




This is my favorite vacation spot; I have never found a more peaceful place.


Click this bar for information on ordering Third day music


When I think of this place, I am reminded of the Lord's love for us. This song came to mind.

Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide
I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Walking in the Valley of the Shadow of Death














MY PURPOSE IN THIS MESSAGE



Since we are destined to spend most of our life down in the valley of the shadow of death, I want to do it joyfully and successfully in the midst of my never-ending problems and pressures. In other words, we must learn that God is not nearly as interested in getting us out of trouble as teaching us how to live with contentment while in trouble. And, more than that, He wants us to learn to bear the maximum fruit while in the maximum crisis.


Psalm 23 "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

Phil 4:11-13 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be CONTENT. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

I'll take the Heat














This picture of snow covered trees reminds me not to complain about the very hot days of summer.

Red Necks Storm Shelter















A friend that attends my church is from the South. He receives a lot of these Red Neck pictures.

I thought this one was funny!

I told him I thought I saw his eyes peeking out of the bus window. (HEE, HEE, HEE)

Content in all Things

Lord help me to be content in all things
To be satisfied with what Your hand brings to me
Keep me from grumbling, envying, stumbling
May I in Jesus find all that I need


I was asked to sing at Immanuel Baptist Church today. I am nervous and need strength from the Lord. I feel unworthy to be asked to bring them several songs for special music. I want to be fully committed to what the Lord has for me to do.

Friday, August 04, 2006

My Niece is finally Home

Please continue to pray for my niece. (Erica) She is now at home. The doctors diagnosed Meningitis. Erica has intravenous access (I.V.) in her neck for continued antibiotic therapy at home. She is doing much better. However, please continue to pray. Thank you

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Evening at the Hospital

I spent the evening at the hospital last night with my niece. When I walked in, she was having another back headache. They were trying to cut back on the medication they were giving her through the I.V. so she could maybe go home soon. Her headache got pretty bad; they had to give her something strong. I could tell my brother and sister-in-law had just about had it. After the nurses got the headache under control things were a lot better. We got to play around with all the people that called up to see how she was doing. When my brother and I get together we get a little silly. At least they all got to laugh a little. The doctor came in and said "if" they can get the headaches under control she might get to go home tonight (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday). They said she still had a spot on the bottom of her lung they were concerned about. The kidney infection is under control now.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Update on my Niece

My niece remains in the hospital. She has pneumonia, a partially clasp lung, a bad kidney infection, and she is still getting very severe headaches. They need to get her oxygen levels up before they will send her home. They took more x-rays of her chest late last night. Her mom and dad are not doing well. It has been a long few weeks with their oldest daughter getting married on Saturday, and now Erica being in ICU.

Please continue to pray for my niece (Erica) and her family.