Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Week before Christmas

Boaz's last year in the Jr. Christmas Cantata is over, the band concert is done, the decorations are all up and my Christmas shopping is coming to and end. My Sailor is home!! I am so happy, I have two days off my full time job to spend with my hubby and son. Tonight, I'll be going out with the family shopping trying to finish up that last bit of shopping. I really need to spend a bit of time wrapping presents but that will just have to wait.

My house is so full of fun and laughter right now! All my children will be together again this year for Christmas. I can't wait to hear all of them raze each other about silly things. The boy's have already wrestled each other to see how much stronger they are since the last time Aaron was home.

I'm having a good day!

Friday, December 04, 2009

Who Started Christmas

A woman was Christmas shopping with her two children.. After many hours of walking down row after row of toys and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the store elevator with her two children in hand.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened revealing a crowd in the elevator. She pushed her way in and dragged her two kids and all her bags of stuff in with her.


As the door's closed she couldn't take it anymore and blurted out,


"Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot."


From the back of the car, a quiet calm voice responded,


"Don't worry, we've already crucified Him."


The rest of the trip down was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.


Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word.


If we all would, just think how much better this world would be.


Jesus is the reason for the season


Wise men still seek Him

Saturday, July 18, 2009

It's been a while but I'm still alive!!

I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged. I'm really doing great! This is my last week of 7 day delivery of the Ann Arbor News paper. I did sign on the with the new company so I will be delivering a Thursday and Sunday paper. I will have roughly around 400 customers. I might even be able to sleep in on Saturday mornings if we are not working over-time at my U of M job. I'm still working at the U of M in the Laundry service department. I am a feeder folder! Lets just say, I work hard all day. LOL!! I am also still cleaning our church...But I love that job. Really, I do. Cleaning is my thing!

My family is doing great! My twins just turned 15 last Sunday. I can't even believe it. I just turned 46 on Wednesday! Man am I getting old. Bret, my oldest is still as busy as ever. Jess and my Grandbabies are leaving me for a month to go with my son to open yet another Auto ports in the U.S. Becca is working two jobs until she can build her clients up now that she has moved back home. I love having her home! We have been exercising together for the last month or so. We are doing Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. It really works!! Aaron is in the U.S. now. Seems like I still don't get to talk to him as often as I would like but he is doing well. Then, there is my youngest son Bo. He is taking a little break from everything right now. He will start up fall soccer pretty soon.

Well, I can't think of anything else to write so I'll leave it by saying "HI" to all.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

New and exciting thing are happening in my Life

Wow! Where do I begin? For starters, I'm doing great! Lots of changes have been going on in my life. The company I have worked for for the last 21 years is closing down. It has been a part-time job for my husband and I since that time. I quit my accounts payable job 15 years ago this month, to stay home and raise my children. The route is something that I could do and take my children with me. Plus, it allowed me to home school my children. My three youngest children have never know anything different than mom doing the paper route and cleaning the church. I praise God that at least my children are now at the age where they don't need me to be home. Monday started a new chapter in my life. I started a full-time job at the U. I'm excited to see what new and exciting things God has in store for my life. I have seen God's hand in my life since the AA news said they were closing their doors. Even the timing of all this is great!


I'll try and keep this blog posted with what is going on in my life.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day, MOM!!



I want to introduce you to my mom, her name is Diane.












Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Thank you for all of your love and support the past year.


A little about my Mom; she is 62 years old, she has been married to my step-dad since 1977, she has 4 children, 28 grandchildren, 10 or is it 11 great grandchildren, she adopted two little girls, one is 11 (From China) and the other is 6 (from Cambodia), she home schools both girls, she works at home as a secretary for my brother's carpet cleaning business.


I love you very much!

Friday, May 08, 2009

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in
the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in th e world. And my Mom eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.


Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.


What's the difference between moms & dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.


What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that .
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Monday, May 04, 2009

Preparing my heart for Worship

No matter how important all of the external things are in our worship, the biggest obstacle in worship is what God has to deal with in us. The biggest problem in worship is our heart. I was sitting at the computer printing out the words for our worship team practice tonight and one of the songs we will be singing next Sunday is "Heart of Worship." As I sit and prepare my own heart for worship, I am reminded of these words in Matthew. I am going to sit and meditate on these words to prepare my heart for worship.

Matthew 15:1-20

1Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2"Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!" 3Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4For God said, 'Honor your father and mother'[a] and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.'[b] 5But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,' 6he is not to 'honor his father[c]' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8" 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'[d]" 10Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand. 11What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.' " 12Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?" 13He replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14Leave them; they are blind guides.[e] If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." 15Peter said, "Explain the parable to us."
16"Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.' "



Lord, I admit right now that worship is all about you. There are so many ways that I have made it in to something else because of my sin, because of my failures and so now as I think about this issue of worship as I look in to your Word, I pray that all of this might honor You, all of this might be part of my worship and all of this might draw me closer to You my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lord may the reading of your Word, may the the worship of my heart, be holy and pleasing to you. Sunday as I sit under your Word help me to be alert and learn truths that I might grow in You. As I prepare to lead Your people into worship, may the meditation that I do to prepare my heart be pleasing in your sight because you are my God, my creator, my rock, my redeemer. Amen

This is one of the worship songs we will be singing this coming Sunday.

Heart of Worship

when the music fades
all is stripped away
and i simply come
longing just to bring
something that's of worth
that will bless your heart

i bring you more than a song
for a song in itself
is not what you have required
you search much deeper within
through the way things appear
you're looking into my heart

chorus
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
and it's all about you
It's all about you, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing i've made it
when it's all about you
it's all about you, Jesus

King of endless worth
no one could express
how much you deserve
though i'm weak and poor
all i have is yours
every single breath

chorus

Thursday, April 23, 2009

I'm Home!!

We made it back to MI safe and sound and with my Sailor. : ) As soon as I have a minute, I'll post our pictures and tell you all about our trip. I WILL, tell you all this!! It was GREAT!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

To my dear Blogging Friends

As most of you know, my son, is in the Navy and has been out to sea for the last seven months. For those of you that didn't know, you know now. (Just Kidding) Finally, his ship is coming home and I get to see it all happen. I'll be away from blogging for a few days because we are making a little vacation out of it. I get to leave right after work today. I'm so excited! I'll take lots of pictures!!

See ya all when I get back!!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Wishing you all a very Happy Resurrection Day!

Easter is a holiday when most people think of the Easter bunny, decorating eggs, dressing up in your best Sunday outfit and going to church.

Easter should be more than just another holiday to a Christian. It's the Sunday set aside to recognize the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. GOD sent his WORD in the form of a child, being born to Mary the Virgin as God's only Begotten Son. He lived a very short time on earth, having been a carpenter and then God's messenger the last three years or so of his life. He was crucified, nailing all our sins to the cross, covering them with his precious blood. If we believe on him, accept his free gift of salvation, then we too will see him in all his Glory one day!

Jesus was compelled to bear his own cross, to travel to Golgotha, where they placed upon his head a crown of thorns and proclaimed him "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS!". They placed him between two thieves hanging on a cross, drove nails through his hands and feet, later piercing his side to make sure he was dead. They took his garments to draw lots to see who would get them.

Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? "

He was mocked and given vinegar to drink instead of water.

John 19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Mark15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Mark 16:2 And very early in the morning the first [day] of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Mark 16:3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Alleluia He Has Risen

They came to see His body in the tomb
With spices all prepared.
When they arrived no one was in the room
They were full of despair.

He has risen from the dead
Alleluia, Alleluia
He is living now instead.
Alleluia, Alleluia
He has risen from the dead.

Now they came to see Jesus On the way.
They didn't know He was the same
When He spoke it was early in the day.
Then He called Mary's name.
He has risen form the dead
Alleluia, Alleluia
He is living now instead
Alleluia, Alleluia
He has risen from the dead.

They ran to tell the news,
Jesus is alive to the disciples there.
In joy they told the rest,
Jesus is alive ~
It was alleluia square!

He has risen from the dead
Alleluia, Alleluia
He is living now instead
Alleluia, Alleluia
He has risen from the dead

Poem written by: Lena Ayer Kittrell ©

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Broken Radius and Ulna

My life is as exciting as ever. This week, (Spring Break) I thought we would have a little fun. Have the kids friends spend the night or hang out at friends. My kids did both! On Thursday, Boaz (My youngest son) was at his best friend's house. He spent the night on Wednesday and was going to hang out their until his soccer practice at 5:30 p.m. Well, between the time I left 11:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. he was riding on a gator with my grandson. (Boaz' best friend) The two of them had built a ramp and was going to go over it. I'll show you the little ramp! (OMG) Boaz said, he got scared that the gator was going to tip over so he jumped off of it. The gator only goes about 15 mph but Boaz landed on his wrist and broke his radius and his ulna bones.

We spent most of Thursday evening at the hospital but they think the break missed his growth plate. (Pray) They put him to sleep and put it back in place the best they could. We will see a specialist on Tuesday, when he should get his cast. Right now he is in a splint up to his shoulder. The only thing he can do is relax in a chair. The break was pretty bad so they don't want the bone to slide out of place. Very boring times for a 12 year old, very active boy.

Boaz was suppose to leave for a little trip on April 14th but I think that trip isn't going to happen now for Boaz. : (

I'll give more info next week!
The Ramp

Thursday, March 05, 2009

A Christian Marriage

A Christian Marriage

The Bible teaches us that God is the Creator of marriage. As the Designer of marriage, God can best teach us how a husband and wife should live together

Ephesians 5:22-25 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.

I Corinthians 7:3-4 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

God's plan for marriage is to provide companionship, to prevent sexual immorality, and to provide children with loving parents.

Marriage can provide a home where Christianity is practiced. In the Christian home God is considered in every decision. The husband, wife, and children are encouraged to live as Jesus wants us to live. The Christian home serves as an example to non-Christians who want the same kind of happiness they see in the home of Christians. If you want a better home, then learn to live as Jesus means for us to live.

If we are going to have a Christian marriage, I think the key word here is “CHRISTian”. The Bible tells the husband to love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. (Eph. 5:25). The key here is to love her as Christ loved the church. This is the way Christian men should love their wives.

In the same way, you wives, need to be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior 1 Peter 3:1-2

To keep our marriage strong we have to keep Christ in the center of it. We need to pray together, respect and honor one another, we need to be slow to speak and quick to listen, COMMUNICATION, we need to choose to love our mate each and every day.


When I think of my husband I think of this;

He works long hours, with little or no time for himself. He puts up with my mood swings even when I can hardly stand myself. He is full of energy, he has a great imagination, he is very intelligent, he’s understanding and very flexible. My husband is the leader in our home, he leads with love and kindness. He is my protector, supporter, provider.

1 Corinthians 11:3 “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."

If we want a Christian marriage, Christ must be the center point in our lives!
Plus, lots of hugs and kisses doesn't hurt! : )

Thursday, February 26, 2009

My diet and exercise Program

I started my diet and exercise program about a month ago. I want to get to 115 pounds before April. I'm doing this because I feel really good at that weight. Plus, I'm taking a trip in April but I can't say a whole lot about that right now.

It will be hard but I know I can lose the 15 pounds. I am going to hold myself accountable by posting my weight loss and daily exercise program on the right hand side of my blog, daily.

This is all the blogging I have time for right now. I have to run! I have to get my babies up for school and call and get Boaz's shot records so he can go on his 6th grade trip with his class. I'll be off to Bo's last indoor soccer game this evening and we will then be going out with the team for pizza and fun.

This morning I ran for 45 minutes. I'll be fasting for the next three days to get the ball rolling. This evening I'll finish up with a 30 minute speed walk on the treadmill at 4.0. Plus, I'm doing leg work and I'm working on my Abs. If you think this sounds painful, you should be in my body right now. : ) As soon as the weather gets nicer, my huaband and I will be working out in our weight room upstairs in our garage.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Spring is Coming!


Is there any better time of the year than spring? Not for me. I only have to wait another month!

It was such a beautiful day yesterday! I enjoyed my paper route so much, it didn't feel like work but a day to enjoy what God has given us.

The things I love most about Spring coming is the sun comes out from hiding, the snow melts, the grass changes from brown to green, and you can feel the air getting warmer as each day passes. I love the smell of Spring, it has smells that are like no other season. If you look around at people, they seem happier and more up-beat during the spring. I know I am more upbeat in the Spring. Spring brings new life!

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

When Jesus Christ comes to us he says, "It is time for something new." He does not say that it is time to shed certain practices from your life or to add religion to your life. It is time for a totally new beginning, new life, new hope, new strength and a new vision. It is time to be made a new creation. That is what the gospel says.
This verse reminds me of spring, the old dead leaves, flowers and grass have died and in spring we see a new life.

Spring brings weddings, graduation parties, picnics in the park ANDF my boy will be home for a few weeks after his 7 month tour on the Navy ship.


Spring is my favorite time of year for sports. For one reason only: I love being outdoors in the fresh air and in the bright morning sun. This Spring Boaz, Josh and Ethan will be playing soccer. I love being a a soccer Mom and Grandma. I have been a mom of many sports; Baseball, Football, Wrestling and Soccer. I have to say I really don't have a favorite. Baseball was always one that I loved because I got to be outside in the sun, now soccer has taken the place of baseball.

Another great sporting event during the spring is The Masters, the greatest golf tournament in the world. It’s a beautiful golf club that hosts an amazing tournament every year. Every pro golfer’s dream is to win at Augusta National some day. My husband and I use to watch golf on T.V. every year when we first got married. I just loved watching Greg Norman play golf. (I loved his accent as well: ) Greg Norman came close to winning The Masters but could never pull it off. I guess for me I loved his aggressive golf game, and charismatic demeanour. I remember they called him "The great white shark."

This Spring I want to be out golfing, or at least going to the range to hit some balls. I might even be able to talk my husband into going golfing with me. Before our twins were born, each Spring my husband and I would be out on the golf course golfing. I can't golf very well but I love being outside in the fresh air and the sunny weather.

Did I mention that I love spring?

Sunday, February 08, 2009

My Sailor in the News...Letter

After not seeing my boy since last July, I was so blessed by this picture and article about what Aaron does in the Navy. I'll never forget asking, Aaron, on him entering the 9th grade what he wanted to be when he grew up. It makes me laugh to think about his response now. He said, "Hmmmmm, let me see, what does every 8th grade boy want to be? How about a Fireman." Hey, six years later and he is now a Electrician's Mate Fireman Recruit. LOL!

Engineering’s E division maintain the spark of life
By MC3 John Suits
Electrician’s Mate Fireman Recruit Aaron Householder and Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Terry Cool, both of Engineering Department’s Electrical division, perform maintenance on a ventilation vacuum in the electrical tool issue office.


“We ensure TR’s electrical distribution is intact and all electrical loads work,” said Chief Electrician’s Mate (SW/AW) Pamela Patterson, E division leading chief petty officer. “Ninety-eight percent of E division Sailors are qualified to handle any electrical equipment on the ship. The reason we take qualifications seriously is because electricity will cause harm to Sailors and the ship. We train our Sailors to have enough knowledge to handle equipment to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”


E division Sailors play a role in ensuring every electrical aspect of the ship is in working order.


“We’re in charge of the electricity in the air conditioning ventilation systems, aircraft elevators, deck edge elevators, hangar bay doors, sound-powered phones and 1MC (ship’s general announcement system),” said Patterson.


Sailors are required to obtain numerous qualifications to become certified in repairing electrical systems and equipment.


“Once Sailors report to TR from ‘A’ School, they start working on their basic qualifications, such as load center rover,” said Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class (SW/AW) Kevin Robinson, E division lighting shop work center supervisor. “Another basic qualification Sailors have to get is electrical safety inspector to check for any potential electrical hazards and any electrical equipment not safety checked.”


E division is also responsible for operating load centers, which distribute power to several sections throughout the ship.


“Load centers are main distribution panels designed to send electricity to different sectors of the ship,” said Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Terry Cool, electrical tool issue leading petty officer. “We currently have 32 load centers located throughout the ship to power TR’s nine electrical zones.”


Cool says E division gets more requests to repair electrical equipment than any other division in Engineering Department.


“Any time an electrical casualty is called away over the 1MC, an electrician responds by securing power to the space so that nobody gets electrocuted trying to extinguish a fire,” said Cool. “When we had a fire in the incinerator, the vent fan for the incinerator broke down and the Electrician’s Mates in the motor rewind shop rewound the motor as fast as they could to get the incinerator working again.”


From primary flight control to the flight deck, the hangar bays to the reactor spaces, electricity flows all around the ship. E division Sailors play a large role in keeping electrical power up and running to support TR’s mission while on deployment.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Our weekly cleaning Lists

Each week we set aside time for our weekly cleaning. We picked Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. We stop what we are doing so we can get our weekly cleaning out of the way. At Boaz Birthday party on Monday I was showing my mom our cleaning list. She asked if I would send her a copy. I thought perhaps this might help someone else so I decided to post our cleaning list.

FLOATER CLEANING CHECKLIST

JIMMY AND BO

o DUST SHELVES IN KITCHEN
o ORGANIZE SHOES
o CLEAN KIDS BEDROOM
o DUST KIDS BEDROOM
o VACUUM KIDS BEDROOM
o CLEAN FRONT ROOM – VACUUM FLOOR, ORGANIZE SHOES, CLEAN WINDOW DOOR, CLEAN BENCH
o CLEAN GAME ROOM DOWNSTAIRS

o GET MOM FOR INSPECTION

o Dads ultimate inspection

LIVING ROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST

JOHN

o DUST ALL TABLES
o DUST BANISTER
o DUST OVER FIREPLACE
o CLEAN, DUST, AND ORGANIZE TV AREA
o DUST ALL PICTURES
o CLEAN TV TRAYS AND PUT AWAY
o CHECK FOR COBWEBS
o VACUUM FLOOR – VACUUM UNDER COUCHES, CHAIRS, TABLES
o MOP FLOOR WITH WOOD CLEANER

o GET MOM FOR INSPECTION

o Dads ultimate inspection

KITCHEN CLEANING CHECKLIST

MOM

o CLEAN ALL DISHES
o ORGANIZE COUNTERS
o CLEAN WINDOW OVER SINK
o DUST FOR COBWEBS
o CLEAN APPLIANCES: Microwave, Oven, Stove, Dishwasher, Refrigerator
o CLEAN COUNTERS AND TABLES
o SWEEP ALL CORNERS AND CREVICES - vacuum doesn’t clean corners
o VACUUM FLOOR
o MOP FLOOR


o Dads ultimate inspection

Bathroom

Becca

Clean shower/tub
Clean toilet
Clean sink
Wipe down walls
Wipe down cupboards
Sweep and mop floor

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Hurtful Words Repost from January 3rd, 2007

I have been blogging now for over three years. I did this devotional back on Wednesday January 3rd, 2007. Over the years it has had the most hits on my blog so I thought I would re post it.

Please forgive me. I never meant to hurt your feelings.

Why are these words so hard to say and hurtful words fly out of our mouths like gushing waters.

My Devotional for Wednesday January 3rd, 2007

I find myself at times trying to defend myself when people attack me for no reason, with not so nice words. When I get hurt, I want to hurt others; I need to learn to be slow to speak. If I am tempted to fight back with hurtful words, I need to be the person that walks away. If it is someone in my family, I need to be the one that closes my mouth and stops the hurt. If it is someone outside my family, it is best for me to not be around the person causing me pain. This will help me from saying things that I guess, are true, but really don't have to be said. I was reminded of these passages today.

James 3:5-6 - It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.

Proverbs 10:21–"The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment."–Lord, may my lips nourish people today.

Psalm 17:3–Today I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.

Philippians 4:8–Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, may I think on these things today.

James 1:19–Help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Our tongue can do so much damage. It can ruin friendships, cause misunderstandings, put a wall between brothers and sisters. I have been guilty of saying hurtful things. I must be ever mindful that what I say can damage and cause divisions – and therefore not to speak critically. A lot of what I say is probably best left unsaid.

I have also been hurt by hurtful words – some more than others. In many cases the damage is so deep that it takes a long time to heal – in some cases I don't know if I will ever heal. But I know that if I belong to Jesus, He can heal me as I surrender it to Him. Nothing is impossible for Him to heal – if I allow Him too. I know of many adults that are caring around scares from childhood. We need to deal with these things. The hurt gets buried deep, but God has a way of bringing it to the surface. These people turn around and hurt the people that love them the most. They build a wall around themselves so people can't get close to them. I just know that I need to free my own mouth from hurtful and damaging words. It’s painful, to rid ourselves of people like this but needful to truly be healed and set free from the affects of negative, hateful words.

The saying ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me’, is not true, and in-fact it’s quite the opposite. Bones can heal a whole lot faster than words spoken over us. I just need to work on this for the coming year.

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. - Psalm 141:3

Heal us, Lord, from painful words
That was spoken in the past
Let your love replace the hurt
And overflow our hearts.

-M.S.Lowndes

Thursday, January 29, 2009

So much to Share!

I have so much to blog about but no time right now. I'm done with my Cancer treatments and I'm really ready to enjoy life. I'm laughing all the time again plus I'm feeling good enough to exercise everyday. My hair is growing back very fast now. I had my first hair cut last week. I'll that nasty fuzz is gone! I have a date in my head to take off the wig and put it away. It will be February 14th, 2009 our 23rd wedding anniversary. I've never had short hair before in my life but I will now. I took my life for grated! I didn't think it would be any big deal if I weren't here. I've learned so much this last year... I want to share it all and will real soon.

Right now, I'm off to work and then off to my son's soccer game.

Life is fun again!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Wives respect your Husband's

I think one of the top problems in a marriage is the wife showing respect to her husband. Over and over I hear how woman talk to there husband's and disrepect them. Even belittle them to others! I believe if we want a healthy marriage, we need to set aside selfishness and live for the other person. Do I always feel like sacrificing for my husband? No, I would love to be selfish at times and only think about myself. That is not really even what I want to write about today. I want to write about the way I hear woman talk to their husband's or disrespect their husband's.

These are a few things I have picked up from from the Scriptures today.
Characteristics of love listed in I Corinthians 13.

Not provoked--not responding in irritation but self-control realizing God will not give more then we can bear

Not taking into account a wrong suffered--not bringing up past failings but instead forgiving and forgetting as Christ has forgiven us 1

Not rejoicing in unrighteousness but rejoicing in truth --not enticing her husband to sin but "stimulating to love and good deeds"

Bearing all things -- sacrificing self and committing to your husband

Believing all things -- believing the best and holding to God's promise "that all things work together for good..."

Hoping all things -- having firm hope in God and trusting "all things" to the hand of God including her husband and marriage and

Enduring all things -- seeing trials as opportunity to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ We saw that these things do not come naturally to us but instead we must diligently work at "putting on love" in our lives.

Let’s see what the wife is being called to.

1. The wife is responsible to take action. Some people subtly criticize the command to submission by wrongly interpreting it to mean ‘to lose motivation and sense of purpose.’ It is the other way around. She is to be full of attention and action. She is alert respecting her husband. At the end of the age every wife will be asked to whether she respected her husband. Responsibility means accountability. The husband will be responsible for how the home went because he is head. But she will be responsible for how she respected her husband.

2. The wife might seem surprised at her prime focus to fear or respect her husband. She might wonder how can a great marriage be built on a command to fear her husband. Part of the confusion is what fear means. Part of it is what the world nonstop keeps saying.

The Chinese have two words for fear. One is afraid and the other is ‘in awe of.’ I think the later sense is much more proper. The wife needs to realize no matter how foolish her husband is and how much he focuses on fulfilling his own lusts, he is still her head. Marriage defines the context in which men and women grow. If a women does well in this area, then she will do well in lots of areas. If she does poorly here, then she will have trouble with all things.

I pray this will touch your heart if you find that you are a woman who doesn't "respect your husband". I fear too many women would call themselves respectful but if their husbands were asked to honestly answer this questions, they would have to deny her reverence. Perhaps we are submissive but not reverent or respectful. Even a child can obey because he knows the consequences of disobedience but show by attitudes and actions that it was not from a heart of love. Do we submit begrudgingly or do we lovingly submit showing respect and honor for the position God has given our husbands as head of the home?

Have you ever made your husband feel foolish? I want to write down an example that I heard of how we can make our husband's feel foolish. There was a lady that told of a time when her husband was getting ready to go to church planning to wear a shirt and tie that didn't match. She sarcastically said, "You're not going to wear that tie are you?" He told her he was and wanted to know what was wrong with it. Upon reflection later she realized that her question had made him feel foolish because obviously, he had planned to wear that outfit.

The wife is to "see to it that she respect her husband" (Ephesians 5:33). She should be a "helper suitable" (Genesis 2:20) offering helpful suggestions instead of "put-downs". Scripture gives numerous examples of wives showing disrepect to their husband. Job's wife told him to "curse God and die!" (Job 2:9) instead of supporting him in his time of trial. When she saw King David dancing for joy, his wife, Michal, made fun of David instead of rejoicing with him that the ark was being returned to Jerusalem.

But Scripture does also give us some postive examples of those who did show respect to their husbands. Bathsheba "bowed with her face to the ground, and prostrated herself before the king and said, May my lord king David live forever" (I Kings 1:31) Queen Esther approached King Ahasuerus with respect saying "...if it please the king...my petition and my request is if I have found favor in the King's sight..." (Esther 5:4). Sarah is commended in I Peter 3:6 for she "obeyed Abraham, calling him lord" . We are told in this same passage that we can be like the holy women of old by practicing this same attitude. Ephesians 5:33 says "....let the wife see to it that she respects her husband." It doesn't matter that this goes completely contrary to what is being taught by the world today. This is what God requires of us.

Here are five Biblical Principles for Respecting our Husbands.

They are:

1. The wife is to respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33

2. The wife is to respect his position. I Corinthians 11:3

3. The wife is to act in a respectful manner. Proverbs 31:23

4. The wife is to reprove her husband respectfully. Colossians 4:6

5. The wife who is disrespectful may experience severe consequences. Galatians 6:1

I challenge you to listen to the tone of voice you answer your husband in, listen to how you talk about your husband to others, listen to the words you use to respond to his questions, even evaluate your body language.

Are we showing true "reverence' for our husbands or deceiving ourselves?

How do others evaluate the relationship they see between us and our husbands?

Can we repair the damage done by our disrespectful attitudes in the past?

What are some practical things we can do to show our husbands respect?

I hope we will all honestly search our hearts and see if we are obeying God's command to respect our husbands.

Friday, January 23, 2009

A heathly, happy Marriage!

My husband's big saying is "Don't they say romance always starts in the kitchen". This is where we spend most of our time. Cooking together and talking while we cook, seems to keep that spark going. Oh, I might get a kiss on the back of my neck as he passes by to get something out of the refrigerator. The mood just seems to carry us through the evening. I love that our children see us enjoying one another. It has kept the "SPICE" in our marriage for over 23 years. Hee, Hee

We don't go on a lot of dates. We still have 3 children at home (and one that just moved back home) that takes up much of our time. What we do is; each Saturday morning we set aside time to run errands together. We go to Whole foods, or Krogers, the bank and sometimes even out to lunch...You get the point. We just make sure we set this time aside for one another. I have to say, it really is a time that I have come to look forward to. We normally let the kids sleep-in and it is just the hubby and I.

I think another part to keeping your marriage alive is giving up those little things that don't really matter. Sometimes it means listening to my husband rather than reading or going to sleep. I stopped harping about who is going to take the garbage out. Nagging will take all the romance and fun out of your marriage. My husband likes to know that I think about him when he is not around. Little acts of kindness helps and keeps that spark going. The way I respond to my husband can kill the romantic mood. I really do try to think before I speak.


I also look for ways to serve my husband, not be served. These things I'm mentioning go both ways.


Keep the "FUN" in your marriage. Be silly. Write each other notes or poems, buy little gifts, call just to say I love you, give many hugs and kisses, and consistently encourage each other. A fellow my husband works with divorced his wife after many years of marriage. My husband asked him why? He said, "I wasn't having fun any more". I'm not saying run out and get a divorce if your not having fun. What I am saying is get that fun back in your marriage.

My husband and I have a daily sharing time. We get up early before my husband leaves for work (15 minutes) and just talk. We laugh together, mainly because my eye-balls are hardly open when he wakes me at 5:00 a.m. it is still a time we cherish.

Finally, keep God at the center of your marriage. Read Scripture together. Talk about how God has answered your prayers. How God is working in each of your lives, your families, and how He is working in your marriage. We also like to discuss what we learned from our Pastor's sermon on Sunday. It keeps us close and the conversations flowing.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Three Men

Three men were hiking through a forest when they came upon a large, raging, violent river.

Needing to get on the other side, the first man prayed, "God, please Give me the strength to cross the river."

Poof! God gave him big arms and strong legs and he was able to swim across in about 2 hours, having almost drowned twice.

After witnessing that, the second man prayed, "God, please give me strength and the tools to cross the river."

Poof! God gave him a rowboat and strong arms and strong legs and he was able to row across in about an hour after almost capsizing once.

Seeing what happened to the first two men, the third man prayed, "God, please give me the strength, the tools and the intelligence to cross this river."

Poof! He was turned into a woman. She checked the map, hiked one hundred yards up stream and walked across the bridge.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

A little Laughter

Q. What does HMO stand for?

A. This is actually a variation of the phrase , "HEY MOE." Its roots go back to a concept pioneered by Moe of the Three Stooges, who discovered that a patient could be made to forget the pain in his foot if he was poked hard enough in the eye.

Q. I just joined an HMO . How difficult will it be to choose the doctor I want?

A. Just slightly more difficult than choosing your parents. Your insurer will provide you with a book listing all the doctors in the plan. The doctors basically fall into two categories: those who are no longer accepting new patients, and those who will see you but are no longer participating in the plan. But don't worry, the remaining doctor who is still in the plan and accepting new patients has an office just a half-day's drive away and a diploma from a third world country.

Q. Do all diagnostic procedures require pre-certification?

A. No. Only those you need.

Q. Can I get coverage for my preexisting conditions?

A. Certainly, as long as they don't require any treatment.

Q. What happens if I want to try alternative forms of medicine?

A. You'll need to find alternative forms of payment.

Q. My pharmacy plan only covers generic drugs, but I need the name brand . I tried the generic medication, but it gave me a stomachache. What should I do?

A. Poke yourself in the eye.

Q. What if I'm away from home and I get sick?

A. You really shouldn't do that.

Q. I think I need to see a specialist, but my doctor insists he can handle my problem. Can a general practitioner really perform a heart transplant right in his/her office?

A. Hard to say, but considering that all you're risking is the $20 co-payment, there's no harm in giving it a shot.

Q. Will health care be different in the next decade?

A. No, but if you call right now, you might get an appointment by then.

To Your Good Health (because as you'll see, you'll need it!)

Health Question and Answer Session

with Dr. Kenmiester:

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longe r? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: N o, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good !

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE N OT LISTENING !!! ... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you cra zy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

Friday, January 02, 2009

Happy New Year! Things I'll be working on in 2009

My New Years resolutions:

1. I really want to make sure I'm reading the "WORD" daily.

2. This one is very exciting!

Grow in Christ; I can't wait to see what God has planned for me in 2009.

3. Keep exercising daily; I've slacked off a little since my radiation treatments started.

4. Keep laughing—it's contagious, ya know. Just ask my family, or my grandchildren. They say I laugh too much!

5. Slow down and enjoy my family.

6. Start blogging again.

7. Make sure I keep at least one of these New Year Resolutions. (Hee, Hee)

I think I might be able to keep the blog posting one or the laughing to much.

8. Last but not least, I want to remember the 4 L's.

Let (L)ove cover a multitude of sins.

Laugh (O)ut loud often.

Live (R)emembering today may be my last day.

Love ( I)s 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.
I Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

Happy New Year to Ya'll



Happy New Year to all of you