I don't understand why good people who serve you faithfully are eatten up with cancer. I don't understand why teenagers are eatten up with cancer.
I know You say in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
But God, I don't get it. I don't see what good there is in babies losing their mom or moms losing their babies.
God help me to understand or at least to have peace. Help me to give comfort to others during this time.
Friday, January 19, 2007
crafting...
crafting...
This is the easy entry. I have another post to make that is much deeper and so wanted to do them separately.
Last Saturday, a couple friends and I went to Joanns. I have a gift card that one of them gave me that was burning a hole in my pocket. I figured paper is sale so I could get some more. (Like I needed it? Right?)
Anyway, while I was there, I was wandering the stamp pad aisle and came upon a salesperson and a lady who was trying to find an "embossing buddy." The salesperson didn't know what it was but I did. I explained to them that several companies carried different versions of it and what it was used for. Also that Hobby Lobby (HL) might carry one.
After the salesperson excused herself, I stood and talked with the lady for about 10 minutes or so. She was also looking for an embossing pad. I recommended a different type than what she had and told her that she could probably check HL for that one as well. She asked if I would mind if she called me some time about stamping and maybe we could get together. I told her yes and gave her my number and she gave me hers. I also said maybe I'll see you at HL as well because we were headed there next.
It was nearly an hour before we got to HL. I was wandering through the paint section when she came up and asked me if I would help her with the ink. I pointed out a VersaMark pad which is what I use for embossing and watermark type stamping. (They were on sale! Yah!)
Anyway, I talked to her for a bit more and said goodbye and finished my shopping.
Note to self: I managed to make it through 2 craft stores and spent less than 10 bucks. Now how strange is that but exciting at the same time to exercise that much restraint. *s*
I called my new friend on Tuesday to see how things went with her embossing. She said she had some trouble. I told her that maybe we could get together in a couple weeks maybe we could get together.
Tuesday, I recieved an invite to a new military web site called TogetherWeServed. Absolutely the best. Ever. In less than 24 hours, I located people who I have wondered about for years. The members names are sorted alphabetically or you can search just through your rating, by NEC or duty station. There are forums and messaging available. The traffic is high it appears because the site is having a bit of difficulty keeping up this morning. But as soon as I can afford it, I'm sending them a donation. Best thing I've found for finding people in the military yet. Yah!
Monday, January 08, 2007
My mom is out of surgery. She has about a 6" incision along her right shoulder. The doctor says she did well and she should be able to move her arm a little very soon. It took a plate and 4 screws to fix it.
When I walked in the room after she got out of recovery, she looked so bad. It scared me pretty bad. In fact, I'm pretty sure that she looked better after the heart attack and having a pacemaker put in!
Anyway, I am so grateful that she made it out of the surgery ok. She will stay overnight at the medical center and go home tomorrow. She'll be out of work for 6 weeks and then have to do physical therapy for a while.
Lord, thank you for my Mom and thank you for keeping her safe.
When I walked in the room after she got out of recovery, she looked so bad. It scared me pretty bad. In fact, I'm pretty sure that she looked better after the heart attack and having a pacemaker put in!
Anyway, I am so grateful that she made it out of the surgery ok. She will stay overnight at the medical center and go home tomorrow. She'll be out of work for 6 weeks and then have to do physical therapy for a while.
Lord, thank you for my Mom and thank you for keeping her safe.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
There is a God who loves me...
who wraps me in His arms...
that is the place where I'm changed
and that's where I belong
take me to that place, Lord
to that secret place where
I can be with You
You can make me like You
wrap me in Your arms
wrap me in Your arms
And he's changing me. From glory to glory.
I realized this week that the kids and I have been back in the states for nearly 7 years even.
7 is a number of completion. A moving into new things.
I believe God is moving us to a new place, a new level of maturity, a new thing.
It is good. God is good!
-
Friday night was our first night to stay at our new home. As I crawled into bed, I looked at the wall opposite my bed and was startled. One of the kids had hung up a cross stitched picture I did for my Daddy before he passed away. It is a beautiful piece and has a short little poem about Dads. I'll have to write it down to put it here.
Also, my friend, Amanda, called. She said she had something she wanted to drop off at the house. The beautiful shelf that I had asked her to hold on Monday, then called earlier in the day to tell her to take off hold because I couldn't afford, she brought to me. She said she felt she was supposed to bless us. Blessed I am. She and I unloaded it and put it in the hallway. It's lovely.
After CR, the kids and I went to Walmart to buy food. There was only a turkey and a lasagna in the refrigerator/freezer.
And how did we inaugrate our new home? I picked up the bag holding the gallon of kosher dill pickles and promptly the bottom fell out of the bag. The jar shattered all over the kitchen/dining room floor. I didn't think I would ever get all the pickle juice and glass up.
Yesterday was the first day that we have spent at home for over 24 hours without leaving in over a year and a half. All day in the same place. Breezy and Chaz were not fighting. It was peaceful.
My sister and her two sons came to visit as well. We had fajitas for a late lunch and cheeseball and crackers for a snack.
We also had our first overnight guest. Chaz was so psyched. One of his best friends stayed with us and it was also one of the few times he got to spend the night somewhere other than home.
Today, we'll go home and cook that lasagna for lunch (Breezy will have chicken nuggets).
that is the place where I'm changed
and that's where I belong
take me to that place, Lord
to that secret place where
I can be with You
You can make me like You
wrap me in Your arms
wrap me in Your arms
And he's changing me. From glory to glory.
I realized this week that the kids and I have been back in the states for nearly 7 years even.
7 is a number of completion. A moving into new things.
I believe God is moving us to a new place, a new level of maturity, a new thing.
It is good. God is good!
-
Friday night was our first night to stay at our new home. As I crawled into bed, I looked at the wall opposite my bed and was startled. One of the kids had hung up a cross stitched picture I did for my Daddy before he passed away. It is a beautiful piece and has a short little poem about Dads. I'll have to write it down to put it here.
Also, my friend, Amanda, called. She said she had something she wanted to drop off at the house. The beautiful shelf that I had asked her to hold on Monday, then called earlier in the day to tell her to take off hold because I couldn't afford, she brought to me. She said she felt she was supposed to bless us. Blessed I am. She and I unloaded it and put it in the hallway. It's lovely.
After CR, the kids and I went to Walmart to buy food. There was only a turkey and a lasagna in the refrigerator/freezer.
And how did we inaugrate our new home? I picked up the bag holding the gallon of kosher dill pickles and promptly the bottom fell out of the bag. The jar shattered all over the kitchen/dining room floor. I didn't think I would ever get all the pickle juice and glass up.
Yesterday was the first day that we have spent at home for over 24 hours without leaving in over a year and a half. All day in the same place. Breezy and Chaz were not fighting. It was peaceful.
My sister and her two sons came to visit as well. We had fajitas for a late lunch and cheeseball and crackers for a snack.
We also had our first overnight guest. Chaz was so psyched. One of his best friends stayed with us and it was also one of the few times he got to spend the night somewhere other than home.
Today, we'll go home and cook that lasagna for lunch (Breezy will have chicken nuggets).
Thursday, January 04, 2007
I was thinking and reading my Bible this morning as I waited for the kids to wake up. And I realized that for the past several years, I've been living as if I don't deserve anything. I bought cheap plastic shelves to hold the vhs/dvd collection because I was living in a slum trailer and thought it (and I) didn't deserve any better.
A lot of the motions I've been going through and the things I've been doing have been because I didn't feel I was good enough.
Yesterday morning, Chaz, Breezy, and I went to visit a friend at the flea market/antique shop she works at part time. I found a fabulous shelf thingie in her booth and a beautiful retro table in another booth. I asked her to hold the shelf thingie and talked with the owner about the table. I've no idea how I'll afford it but I'm definitely thinking about it. We've not had a kitchen table in nearly 4 years. Tv trays have been the order of business at our house.
And we are not preparing a house, we are preparing a home.
Just a few thoughts to go with everything else that is running through my mind this morning.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15
A lot of the motions I've been going through and the things I've been doing have been because I didn't feel I was good enough.
Yesterday morning, Chaz, Breezy, and I went to visit a friend at the flea market/antique shop she works at part time. I found a fabulous shelf thingie in her booth and a beautiful retro table in another booth. I asked her to hold the shelf thingie and talked with the owner about the table. I've no idea how I'll afford it but I'm definitely thinking about it. We've not had a kitchen table in nearly 4 years. Tv trays have been the order of business at our house.
And we are not preparing a house, we are preparing a home.
Just a few thoughts to go with everything else that is running through my mind this morning.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15
I was thinking and reading my Bible this morning as I waited for the kids to wake up. And I realized that for the past several years, I've been living as if I don't deserve anything. I bought cheap plastic shelves to hold the vhs/dvd collection because I was living in a slum trailer and thought it (and I) didn't deserve any better.
A lot of the motions I've been going through and the things I've been doing have been because I didn't feel I was good enough.
Yesterday morning, Chaz, Breezy, and I went to visit a friend at the flea market/antique shop she works at part time. I found a fabulous shelf thingie in her booth and a beautiful retro table in another booth. I asked her to hold the shelf thingie and talked with the owner about the table. I've no idea how I'll afford it but I'm definitely thinking about it. We've not had a kitchen table in nearly 4 years. Tv trays have been the order of business at our house.
And we are not preparing a house, we are preparing a home.
Just a few thoughts to go with everything else that is running through my mind this morning.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15
A lot of the motions I've been going through and the things I've been doing have been because I didn't feel I was good enough.
Yesterday morning, Chaz, Breezy, and I went to visit a friend at the flea market/antique shop she works at part time. I found a fabulous shelf thingie in her booth and a beautiful retro table in another booth. I asked her to hold the shelf thingie and talked with the owner about the table. I've no idea how I'll afford it but I'm definitely thinking about it. We've not had a kitchen table in nearly 4 years. Tv trays have been the order of business at our house.
And we are not preparing a house, we are preparing a home.
Just a few thoughts to go with everything else that is running through my mind this morning.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15
no nails...
My fingernails are soft because I've been doing dishes constantly for four days at the new place. I realized just how soft when they started shredding this morning. I've managed to shred all but the thumbs. Those are still thick and healthy. The worse part about shredding them is the tips of my fingers hurt where they are normally covered by the nail. duh.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
insert foot here....
Located: all of the missing Japanese bowls/dishes.
Foot? I talked to M today. He asked if I was flirting with him. I told him no, if I was I would tell him.
The conversation ends. And as I'm thinking about the conversation afterwards, I realized I wasn't quite truthful. And so...
I called him back. And said...
I may not have been at that point flirting but it has definitely crossed my mind.
And he said...
"I'm flattered." And that was about it.
Insert foot, move over, make room for other foot.
I feel so stupid. What a way to start the new year. I feel like a fool.
And so... worship was good. And pastor stood up to pray afterward and said...
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2
The sermon is on "New Season." I could use a new season already. I know God is bigger than my mouth. I know He gives grace. I could use an extra dose today.
Foot? I talked to M today. He asked if I was flirting with him. I told him no, if I was I would tell him.
The conversation ends. And as I'm thinking about the conversation afterwards, I realized I wasn't quite truthful. And so...
I called him back. And said...
I may not have been at that point flirting but it has definitely crossed my mind.
And he said...
"I'm flattered." And that was about it.
Insert foot, move over, make room for other foot.
I feel so stupid. What a way to start the new year. I feel like a fool.
And so... worship was good. And pastor stood up to pray afterward and said...
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2
The sermon is on "New Season." I could use a new season already. I know God is bigger than my mouth. I know He gives grace. I could use an extra dose today.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
New Year Fun!
For New Year's Day, I did something I've never done before.... Got stuck in the mud. Up to the front axle of my van. In my sister's driveway!
It was a first for her as well. She says she's lived there for 14 years and no one has ever been stuck before. *sigh*
She had to have the neighbor bring his truck over and pull the van out using the rear bumper. It seems my van has nothing to hook a chain onto in the front. I'm grateful that her neighbor had a truck that was big enough to pull the van out!
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. Standard black-eyed peas for "luck" with pork chops, rice, and corn bread. Yummy! Some cheese dip with chips. What more do you need to eat? Oh yeah, dessert. Tasty chocolate cake with chocolate icing and more chocolate for topping!
Sis and I played 13 games of 313. She stomped me 9 games. I don't think I've ever lost so bad at cards in my life.
Today we popped by the new house and I did a few dishes.
A trip by the Navy Exchange to exchange Breezy's shoes for the right size. After we left she discovered that she has two left shoes. I get to take that pair back. I must remind her that she needs to try on both shoes to ensure that this doesn't happen. Oh well.
I've managed to get an email out with our new mailing address. Updated our addy at the bank, Paypal, amazon, and ebay. Ordered an updated driver's license. oh yeah, my military pay thingie also. I need to contact everyone else to finish that up. The post office would be a good place to have started.
Drove by the old place. The former landlord, it appears, plans to rent it out again!!!! DMV says they can't do anything about it.
Anyway, guess I need to start figuring out what to feed the kids before they are starving.
Tomorrow's agenda? Unpacking!
It was a first for her as well. She says she's lived there for 14 years and no one has ever been stuck before. *sigh*
She had to have the neighbor bring his truck over and pull the van out using the rear bumper. It seems my van has nothing to hook a chain onto in the front. I'm grateful that her neighbor had a truck that was big enough to pull the van out!
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. Standard black-eyed peas for "luck" with pork chops, rice, and corn bread. Yummy! Some cheese dip with chips. What more do you need to eat? Oh yeah, dessert. Tasty chocolate cake with chocolate icing and more chocolate for topping!
Sis and I played 13 games of 313. She stomped me 9 games. I don't think I've ever lost so bad at cards in my life.
Today we popped by the new house and I did a few dishes.
A trip by the Navy Exchange to exchange Breezy's shoes for the right size. After we left she discovered that she has two left shoes. I get to take that pair back. I must remind her that she needs to try on both shoes to ensure that this doesn't happen. Oh well.
I've managed to get an email out with our new mailing address. Updated our addy at the bank, Paypal, amazon, and ebay. Ordered an updated driver's license. oh yeah, my military pay thingie also. I need to contact everyone else to finish that up. The post office would be a good place to have started.
Drove by the old place. The former landlord, it appears, plans to rent it out again!!!! DMV says they can't do anything about it.
Anyway, guess I need to start figuring out what to feed the kids before they are starving.
Tomorrow's agenda? Unpacking!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy New Year!
The kids had a New Year's Eve party hosted by a couple who work the youth at church. There were about 12 kids. After midnight, they gave the boys a ride home and the girls got to spend the night.
I popped in to say hi, left with one of the other adults who picked up the college length twin bed that I had left beside the trailer when I moved out. Helped her get it loaded at the old place and unloaded it at her place.
Had dinner at Ruby Tuesday's. It's so nice to have a decent restaurant on this side of town. The soup and salad were great as always and the blondie brownie with coffee was yummy!
We finished getting moved out of the other place today. My neighbor who also goes to church with us took pictures of it in the event the landlord wants to be difficult. When we moved my bed frame, we discovered an opening about a foot long in the corner of the room that lets you see the siding from the trailer!!
I also walked around the trailer for the first time in forever. It's seriously leaning to the back left corner. I didn't even realize just how much until I started cleaning about 3 weeks ago and noticed a slant to the floor. But after getting the furniture out, it's like WHOA!
I plan on calling the DMV on Tuesday/Wednesday to report it. Did ya know that the DMV handles regulation of mobile homes? Neither did I until Friday.
As of today the kids will have new nicknames. Talia becomes Breezy and Skif becomes Chaz. Talia and Skif were names from my favorite books and as I no longer read the books and have gotten rid of them, I felt it was time for the kids to get new nicknames. Now all I have to do is remember them!
Later today, we'll be back at our new home unpacking. I'm so excited about finally being unpacked. I still can't get over the fact that I've not been completely unpacked since 1989!!! Mind boggling to say the least.
And did I say how grateful I am??? I am so grateful to the Lord for this new place and for my amazing children.
Happy New Year!
I popped in to say hi, left with one of the other adults who picked up the college length twin bed that I had left beside the trailer when I moved out. Helped her get it loaded at the old place and unloaded it at her place.
Had dinner at Ruby Tuesday's. It's so nice to have a decent restaurant on this side of town. The soup and salad were great as always and the blondie brownie with coffee was yummy!
We finished getting moved out of the other place today. My neighbor who also goes to church with us took pictures of it in the event the landlord wants to be difficult. When we moved my bed frame, we discovered an opening about a foot long in the corner of the room that lets you see the siding from the trailer!!
I also walked around the trailer for the first time in forever. It's seriously leaning to the back left corner. I didn't even realize just how much until I started cleaning about 3 weeks ago and noticed a slant to the floor. But after getting the furniture out, it's like WHOA!
I plan on calling the DMV on Tuesday/Wednesday to report it. Did ya know that the DMV handles regulation of mobile homes? Neither did I until Friday.
As of today the kids will have new nicknames. Talia becomes Breezy and Skif becomes Chaz. Talia and Skif were names from my favorite books and as I no longer read the books and have gotten rid of them, I felt it was time for the kids to get new nicknames. Now all I have to do is remember them!
Later today, we'll be back at our new home unpacking. I'm so excited about finally being unpacked. I still can't get over the fact that I've not been completely unpacked since 1989!!! Mind boggling to say the least.
And did I say how grateful I am??? I am so grateful to the Lord for this new place and for my amazing children.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
moving...
Moving. Wow. It's going well. God sent an angel to help me!! RF is fabulous. No judging. Just asked what needed to be done and started. Phenomenal attitude about moving and straightening things out. She asked me about zones and I sort of looked at her like "huh?" Zones, you know that you want to use for certain things... books, music, crafts, games, linens, etc. Oh, those. Um.. books over there and dvd's over there! She's going to help me get it all set up.
As I was thinking about this yesterday, I realized that I have not been completely unpacked since 1989. I have had stuff in boxes or shoved in closets in some form or the other since 1990!! And I wonder why it's so hard.
I am really excited though. I know God is preparing us for the future, whatever it may hold.
And while at times I would like to have a husband in the picture, what kind of wife would I make when 3/4 of our meals were eatten out or on the run? When my home looks like a bomb dropped on it?
I am grateful that He is faithful and this is being revealed to me. I have spent most of my life running from the home and lately, I have felt as if I belonged at home but where we were was so bad that I couldn't force myself to be there for anything other than to sleep and even that was difficult at times.
On other notes, I am beginning PRISM again in January. Starting with the first lesson again. This time, I intend to actually follow through with the lessons that go with the program.
Also plan on making time for the kids and I to have Bible study time together. And for me to have more quiet time. We'll actually have a place where we can be comfortable as we study.
And lastly, I plan on praying "Surprise Me God" as much as possible. I know there are days that I may forget but God showed me so much in the last 30 days that I might have missed or not been open to.
As I was thinking about this yesterday, I realized that I have not been completely unpacked since 1989. I have had stuff in boxes or shoved in closets in some form or the other since 1990!! And I wonder why it's so hard.
I am really excited though. I know God is preparing us for the future, whatever it may hold.
And while at times I would like to have a husband in the picture, what kind of wife would I make when 3/4 of our meals were eatten out or on the run? When my home looks like a bomb dropped on it?
I am grateful that He is faithful and this is being revealed to me. I have spent most of my life running from the home and lately, I have felt as if I belonged at home but where we were was so bad that I couldn't force myself to be there for anything other than to sleep and even that was difficult at times.
On other notes, I am beginning PRISM again in January. Starting with the first lesson again. This time, I intend to actually follow through with the lessons that go with the program.
Also plan on making time for the kids and I to have Bible study time together. And for me to have more quiet time. We'll actually have a place where we can be comfortable as we study.
And lastly, I plan on praying "Surprise Me God" as much as possible. I know there are days that I may forget but God showed me so much in the last 30 days that I might have missed or not been open to.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Christmas was good. The kids got what they wanted for Christmas. Between gifts from "Santa" (via the angel tree), mom (me), and aunts and uncles, they were happy. I'm glad. I was really afraid that they would actually be without for a while.
Our family (my mom and her husband, my three sisters, one of my two brothers, and two spouses) were together for Christmas. It was good. We spent alot of time playing cards and talking.
And for the big Christmas present? I've been talking about it for months. I've been dreaming about it for longer.... Huh, what are you talking about?
A new home!!!
I signed a lease today on the new place. And got a key. Tomorrow, a friend, R, is coming to help me get packed and start moving stuff. K is going to go with me to pick up my new bed, dresser, and nightstand that I was given.
I'm dreading telling the landlord as I'm sure he will notice we're packing and want to know why I didn't give him notice. But I absolutely do not want anything to do with him at this point after the year we've had where we are. From the front door that will not seal completely to the broken window that has been broken for two years to the fact the trailer is not level and has not been level since a tree hit the back of it during Ivan, to the guy he was renting to who was breaking in our house stealing our food and stuff that he wouldn't press charges against. (I'm thinking I might have a forgiveness issue to deal with)
Anyway, we are moving. New carpet, new windows, new appliances and all that. We will have fish instead of cats. Talia is content with that. Skif wants a dog but understands we need to wait a bit. I'll be happy not to be feeding an entire neighborhood of cats! 20 pounds of cat food every couple weeks is alot (and expensive)!
I am so grateful for a new place. We are going to pray over it and anoint it before moving in as well. I've got to take over a cd player and start playing music as well.
Guess I should get some sleep so I can get up early and pack. Say a prayer for us!
Our family (my mom and her husband, my three sisters, one of my two brothers, and two spouses) were together for Christmas. It was good. We spent alot of time playing cards and talking.
And for the big Christmas present? I've been talking about it for months. I've been dreaming about it for longer.... Huh, what are you talking about?
A new home!!!
I signed a lease today on the new place. And got a key. Tomorrow, a friend, R, is coming to help me get packed and start moving stuff. K is going to go with me to pick up my new bed, dresser, and nightstand that I was given.
I'm dreading telling the landlord as I'm sure he will notice we're packing and want to know why I didn't give him notice. But I absolutely do not want anything to do with him at this point after the year we've had where we are. From the front door that will not seal completely to the broken window that has been broken for two years to the fact the trailer is not level and has not been level since a tree hit the back of it during Ivan, to the guy he was renting to who was breaking in our house stealing our food and stuff that he wouldn't press charges against. (I'm thinking I might have a forgiveness issue to deal with)
Anyway, we are moving. New carpet, new windows, new appliances and all that. We will have fish instead of cats. Talia is content with that. Skif wants a dog but understands we need to wait a bit. I'll be happy not to be feeding an entire neighborhood of cats! 20 pounds of cat food every couple weeks is alot (and expensive)!
I am so grateful for a new place. We are going to pray over it and anoint it before moving in as well. I've got to take over a cd player and start playing music as well.
Guess I should get some sleep so I can get up early and pack. Say a prayer for us!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14 (KJV)
I am grateful for a God who loves me enough to send His only Sonto earth for our salvation.
This was also our sermon today. A Christmas Story. (It will be able to be viewed on the church web site soon.)
Today, I am grateful for my children, Skif and Talia. I am grateful for my family who we will share the day with. I am grateful for the friends God has put into our lives who put up with us, mentor us, correct us, and love us.
As for Surprise Me God, today is day 28. God showed me today and all these past days how many people He put in our lives who truly care for us.
Merry Christmas to all who pass by this way!
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14 (KJV)
I am grateful for a God who loves me enough to send His only Sonto earth for our salvation.
This was also our sermon today. A Christmas Story. (It will be able to be viewed on the church web site soon.)
Today, I am grateful for my children, Skif and Talia. I am grateful for my family who we will share the day with. I am grateful for the friends God has put into our lives who put up with us, mentor us, correct us, and love us.
As for Surprise Me God, today is day 28. God showed me today and all these past days how many people He put in our lives who truly care for us.
Merry Christmas to all who pass by this way!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Surprise Me God, Christmas
I can barely believe that it is day 26 of Surprise Me God. God has surprised me all over the place. From revelation, spiritual growth, a place to live, Christmas presents for the kids.
We haven't started moving yet. Everything isn't finished on the house. But it's ok. We'll move.
I took the kids to the mall today. I figured I'd let them pick out their gifts for each other. Talia found her gift for Skif but Skif couldn't find what he wanted to give Talia. She ended up with a fish tank and Skif ended up with 2 Alabama Crimson Tide t-shirts.
Skif and Talia are getting skateboards for Christmas. Skif will get Legos, a shirt, game for his Game cube and a watch. Talia will get a game, a cd player for her bedroom, earrings, journal and jeans. They are both getting music cd's as well.
A friend asked me if I would put some songs on her daughter's mp3 player that she is getting for Christmas. So here I sit, ripping music to the hard drive of my friend's computer to transfer over. Of course, when I'm through, I'll have to delete everything off the computer. She gave me 10 or eleven cd's to transfer to it. It's a 2 gig mp3 player so it will hold all the songs. I'm thinking I need an mp3 player too!
I cooked dinner for she and her husband and kids tonight. One of the only meals I've cooked in months. 2006 has been the year of eatting out. We probably ate out for over 1/2 of our dinners this year. Not expensive places, but out. I hated going home for any reason and to cook there was even less desirable. I told the kids to enjoy their meals out. Starting next week, we eat at home! Yah!
I have Christmas presents to wrap tomorrow. We'll open them on Christmas morning then drive to my sister's house to spend the day with family.
I'm scooting for now. I know it wasn't much of an update but it's been a good week.
We haven't started moving yet. Everything isn't finished on the house. But it's ok. We'll move.
I took the kids to the mall today. I figured I'd let them pick out their gifts for each other. Talia found her gift for Skif but Skif couldn't find what he wanted to give Talia. She ended up with a fish tank and Skif ended up with 2 Alabama Crimson Tide t-shirts.
Skif and Talia are getting skateboards for Christmas. Skif will get Legos, a shirt, game for his Game cube and a watch. Talia will get a game, a cd player for her bedroom, earrings, journal and jeans. They are both getting music cd's as well.
A friend asked me if I would put some songs on her daughter's mp3 player that she is getting for Christmas. So here I sit, ripping music to the hard drive of my friend's computer to transfer over. Of course, when I'm through, I'll have to delete everything off the computer. She gave me 10 or eleven cd's to transfer to it. It's a 2 gig mp3 player so it will hold all the songs. I'm thinking I need an mp3 player too!
I cooked dinner for she and her husband and kids tonight. One of the only meals I've cooked in months. 2006 has been the year of eatting out. We probably ate out for over 1/2 of our dinners this year. Not expensive places, but out. I hated going home for any reason and to cook there was even less desirable. I told the kids to enjoy their meals out. Starting next week, we eat at home! Yah!
I have Christmas presents to wrap tomorrow. We'll open them on Christmas morning then drive to my sister's house to spend the day with family.
I'm scooting for now. I know it wasn't much of an update but it's been a good week.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Surprise Me God
The weekend has flown by. We are tremendously blessed. Every time I come to church I am amazed by the people God has put into our lives to encourage us.
I made a comment about this to my nurse (the 1st one) that before we joined the church, we might have had 10 people we associated with. Of those, I would only have considered one a friend. The rest were acquitances.
God has give me a brother who I consider to be closer to Skif and Talia than their real uncles. He's definitely closer to me than my brothers.
I also, for the first time in about three years, chose to share my blog with 2 people here at church. When I moved it last (October 2003), it was because I was angry with a friend who had the url and I didn't feel free to vent although it was and is my blog.
We went to the children's workers Christmas party last night. Our children's pastors have such a heart for children. It shows in everything they do. I think one of my favorite stories to come out of children's church this year was the one of the man who gave his life to Jesus in children's church.
We should be able to start moving this Thursday. YAH! It hasn't come soon enough.
Also, while talking to a friend about recently discovering IKEA catalogs, she said she made a trip to Atlanta to the IKEA store there. We are planning a trip after tax refund time. I'd really like to own this couch. No clue how but boy that orange is the bomb diggity! And this chair is swuft! LOL I know, strange colors for a living room but hey, my tastes are changing. A few years ago, I would never have considered orange or red as an option in my house. Now, I can't wait to try it!
The kids are doing winter wonderland in Youth tonight. The gym is set for around 55 degrees or so. I think the fog machine is going too! Dude was it cold in there!
Today was our Christmas play. Talia had a small role. All the kids from children's church came in for one section of it. They put so many hours working and videoing different sections. It really turned out nice.
I am thankful for a heavenly Father who cares for us and blesses us through the people He surrounds us with.
I made a comment about this to my nurse (the 1st one) that before we joined the church, we might have had 10 people we associated with. Of those, I would only have considered one a friend. The rest were acquitances.
God has give me a brother who I consider to be closer to Skif and Talia than their real uncles. He's definitely closer to me than my brothers.
I also, for the first time in about three years, chose to share my blog with 2 people here at church. When I moved it last (October 2003), it was because I was angry with a friend who had the url and I didn't feel free to vent although it was and is my blog.
We went to the children's workers Christmas party last night. Our children's pastors have such a heart for children. It shows in everything they do. I think one of my favorite stories to come out of children's church this year was the one of the man who gave his life to Jesus in children's church.
We should be able to start moving this Thursday. YAH! It hasn't come soon enough.
Also, while talking to a friend about recently discovering IKEA catalogs, she said she made a trip to Atlanta to the IKEA store there. We are planning a trip after tax refund time. I'd really like to own this couch. No clue how but boy that orange is the bomb diggity! And this chair is swuft! LOL I know, strange colors for a living room but hey, my tastes are changing. A few years ago, I would never have considered orange or red as an option in my house. Now, I can't wait to try it!
The kids are doing winter wonderland in Youth tonight. The gym is set for around 55 degrees or so. I think the fog machine is going too! Dude was it cold in there!
Today was our Christmas play. Talia had a small role. All the kids from children's church came in for one section of it. They put so many hours working and videoing different sections. It really turned out nice.
I am thankful for a heavenly Father who cares for us and blesses us through the people He surrounds us with.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Surprise Me God! 15, 16, 17
God is so good. Even when I don't understand all that is going on around me.
Monday night, we got to watch a Class 3 wrecker assist an 18 wheeler next to Walmart. The driver had not swung the rig wide enough for the turn and the trailer ended up coming lose from the 5th pin on the rig. It was neat to watch how the driver of the Class 3 wrecker hooked up the trailer and lifted it enough that the rig driver could reposition his truck under the trailer. It took nearly an hour but it was something new.
For some reason, my memory of Tuesday is near non-existent. I know it was a good day. I am just foggy at the moment.
Wednesday, I was asked to help prepare a bulletin for a funeral service. The worship was excellent as always.
Today was just emotional. One of our guidance counselors came and asked me to pray with a grandparent about a former student who is in the hospital. Somehow in the midst of my tears, I was able to say something. When I finished, the grandma told me she was more at peace. I'm glad I had the opportunity to pray with her.
The rest of the day was tough. I felt like I had been drained of all my energy. It was strange.
After work, the kids and I went to visit the couple who brought me all the handmade paper. Their home is amazing!!! The colors are bright and beautiful. Much different than anything I would put in a house but they work so well. T asked me if we wanted to join them for dinner. I said sure. And then...
I got to see the machine. DUDE! Whoa! I want one of those! My head is spinning from all the possibilities!
After looking around, C showed me some of the board/materials he uses to make picture frames. Some of this stuff is 60 bucks a foot! That's some expensive picture frames!
Dinner was excellent. T made spaghetti and homemade flat bread to go with it. I really need to get that recipe.
I think the thing that makes me saddest though, is they will be moving soon. Headed to Ohio. I wish I had met them sooner and gotten to know them better. We met during the S.H.A.P.E. class and I have been tremendously blessed by them. And not just because of the paper. They are just wonderful people who love God and it reflects in everything they say and do.
I was actually sad we had to leave to come to church for the drama practice.
Drama practice. If you're in my neck of the woods, stop in around 8:30 or 10:30 and enjoy the drama and say hi. We're always here.
Monday night, we got to watch a Class 3 wrecker assist an 18 wheeler next to Walmart. The driver had not swung the rig wide enough for the turn and the trailer ended up coming lose from the 5th pin on the rig. It was neat to watch how the driver of the Class 3 wrecker hooked up the trailer and lifted it enough that the rig driver could reposition his truck under the trailer. It took nearly an hour but it was something new.
For some reason, my memory of Tuesday is near non-existent. I know it was a good day. I am just foggy at the moment.
Wednesday, I was asked to help prepare a bulletin for a funeral service. The worship was excellent as always.
Today was just emotional. One of our guidance counselors came and asked me to pray with a grandparent about a former student who is in the hospital. Somehow in the midst of my tears, I was able to say something. When I finished, the grandma told me she was more at peace. I'm glad I had the opportunity to pray with her.
The rest of the day was tough. I felt like I had been drained of all my energy. It was strange.
After work, the kids and I went to visit the couple who brought me all the handmade paper. Their home is amazing!!! The colors are bright and beautiful. Much different than anything I would put in a house but they work so well. T asked me if we wanted to join them for dinner. I said sure. And then...
I got to see the machine. DUDE! Whoa! I want one of those! My head is spinning from all the possibilities!
After looking around, C showed me some of the board/materials he uses to make picture frames. Some of this stuff is 60 bucks a foot! That's some expensive picture frames!
Dinner was excellent. T made spaghetti and homemade flat bread to go with it. I really need to get that recipe.
I think the thing that makes me saddest though, is they will be moving soon. Headed to Ohio. I wish I had met them sooner and gotten to know them better. We met during the S.H.A.P.E. class and I have been tremendously blessed by them. And not just because of the paper. They are just wonderful people who love God and it reflects in everything they say and do.
I was actually sad we had to leave to come to church for the drama practice.
Drama practice. If you're in my neck of the woods, stop in around 8:30 or 10:30 and enjoy the drama and say hi. We're always here.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Surprise Me God #14 & 15
Surprise Me God #14
God is so good. He gave me an opportunity to share the things He is doing in my life and the changes he is making.
We also finished the S.H.A.P.E. small group that I have been part of. It was good. I've been absolutely blessed through this class and the people I have met.
I found out that another lady in the church blogs and we're going to swap blog urls. This will be the first person I've shared my blog with in the church.
Surprise Me God #15
Busy day. My poor nurse was out half the day again. She has an upper respiratory infection.
I managed to do most of my statistics for last month and have only a couple forms left to finish.
Finished the last of my Christmas cards. I made 211 + 32 (my nurse's cards). Now all I have to do is write in them and address them.
I also paid my electric bill. Anyone attempted to do this in Pensacola lately? You know... Bill Matrix? Or better yet... attempted to use the new Gulf Power telephone line? Yeah, you know what I mean.
The following is my email to Gulf Power concerning their new "voice" activated system (submitted through their web page as the phone number I was given was disconnected).
I have used the "new" voice activated telephone number for Pensacola (969-3111).
It is absolutely without a doubt the most non-user friendly telephone service I have ever used.
I would prefer NOT to share any of my information regarding my electric bill in public. Speaking to the phone is ridiculous unless I am speaking to a real person which in the case of your new phone system is next to impossible.
Furthermore, when I requested an address where I could file my complaint, the customer service representative who I finally got on the phone gave me a disconnected phone number!
This is unacceptable. Surely, there must be a better solution for your customer service line.
Note: Glad I checked that before sending. Heh, I'd have posted my name and phone number to the internet! EEK!
My surprise? God lets me work where I do and minister to kids. Also, I'm at a point that if He wants me to stay at the school for another year, I'm ok with that. I did plan on leaving the end of the year.
Oh yeah, I have a beautiful visual for a wall hanging thanks to the people who gave me the gorgeous handmade papers. The wife said "Even the most beautiful flower has to go through some dirt to bloom." She didn't know where the quote came from but God gave me an awesome visual last night. I'm going to try to make it out of paper this week. Like that's any surprise! LOL
God is so good. He gave me an opportunity to share the things He is doing in my life and the changes he is making.
We also finished the S.H.A.P.E. small group that I have been part of. It was good. I've been absolutely blessed through this class and the people I have met.
I found out that another lady in the church blogs and we're going to swap blog urls. This will be the first person I've shared my blog with in the church.
Surprise Me God #15
Busy day. My poor nurse was out half the day again. She has an upper respiratory infection.
I managed to do most of my statistics for last month and have only a couple forms left to finish.
Finished the last of my Christmas cards. I made 211 + 32 (my nurse's cards). Now all I have to do is write in them and address them.
I also paid my electric bill. Anyone attempted to do this in Pensacola lately? You know... Bill Matrix? Or better yet... attempted to use the new Gulf Power telephone line? Yeah, you know what I mean.
The following is my email to Gulf Power concerning their new "voice" activated system (submitted through their web page as the phone number I was given was disconnected).
I have used the "new" voice activated telephone number for Pensacola (969-3111).
It is absolutely without a doubt the most non-user friendly telephone service I have ever used.
I would prefer NOT to share any of my information regarding my electric bill in public. Speaking to the phone is ridiculous unless I am speaking to a real person which in the case of your new phone system is next to impossible.
Furthermore, when I requested an address where I could file my complaint, the customer service representative who I finally got on the phone gave me a disconnected phone number!
This is unacceptable. Surely, there must be a better solution for your customer service line.
Note: Glad I checked that before sending. Heh, I'd have posted my name and phone number to the internet! EEK!
My surprise? God lets me work where I do and minister to kids. Also, I'm at a point that if He wants me to stay at the school for another year, I'm ok with that. I did plan on leaving the end of the year.
Oh yeah, I have a beautiful visual for a wall hanging thanks to the people who gave me the gorgeous handmade papers. The wife said "Even the most beautiful flower has to go through some dirt to bloom." She didn't know where the quote came from but God gave me an awesome visual last night. I'm going to try to make it out of paper this week. Like that's any surprise! LOL
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Surprise Me God #12 & 13
I've not had access to make a post but here goes.
Friday. We went and looked at a place to rent. The previous tenant had completely trashed the house and that was the state it was in when I first looked at it (a week earlier). It's a lovely little three bedroom/one bath house. Low roof. All the walls are freshly painted. There will be new carpet through the entire thing. New stove and refrigerator. It has central heat and did have window ac's. But the owner is having it converted to central air as well. He is willing to work with me to pay a deposit and is going to let us start moving in as soon as it's finished being fixed. He believes that will be Friday the 15th. Yah!
There was a party for the worship team as well. It was nice to see everyone who is part of the media team and worship team in one place. There were behind the scene people I had never met.
Saturday. We got to sleep in. Always a pleasure to sleep late.
We finally got out of the house around 12 so we could visit a girl from school who has been in the hospital for nearly two weeks. We took her a Switchfoot cd and book.
Last night was the Singles' Christmas party. There were about 30 people there. Skif went with me since Talia spent the night at a friend's. We had a really good time. We played the "Dirty Santa" game. (It really needs a different name) Lots of laughter over the cooler and the "gremlin" car.
As for Surprise Me God. I'm still surprised every day. Things I'm not expecting happen. One of the ladies from the church offered to give me a full size antique bed with a dresser and nightstand when I was working on buying a house. She told me yesterday she still has it and I can still have it. Thank you Lord! My friend Nancy has been holding a bookcase for me for over a year!
So, that's Friday and Saturday. More later.
Friday. We went and looked at a place to rent. The previous tenant had completely trashed the house and that was the state it was in when I first looked at it (a week earlier). It's a lovely little three bedroom/one bath house. Low roof. All the walls are freshly painted. There will be new carpet through the entire thing. New stove and refrigerator. It has central heat and did have window ac's. But the owner is having it converted to central air as well. He is willing to work with me to pay a deposit and is going to let us start moving in as soon as it's finished being fixed. He believes that will be Friday the 15th. Yah!
There was a party for the worship team as well. It was nice to see everyone who is part of the media team and worship team in one place. There were behind the scene people I had never met.
Saturday. We got to sleep in. Always a pleasure to sleep late.
We finally got out of the house around 12 so we could visit a girl from school who has been in the hospital for nearly two weeks. We took her a Switchfoot cd and book.
Last night was the Singles' Christmas party. There were about 30 people there. Skif went with me since Talia spent the night at a friend's. We had a really good time. We played the "Dirty Santa" game. (It really needs a different name) Lots of laughter over the cooler and the "gremlin" car.
As for Surprise Me God. I'm still surprised every day. Things I'm not expecting happen. One of the ladies from the church offered to give me a full size antique bed with a dresser and nightstand when I was working on buying a house. She told me yesterday she still has it and I can still have it. Thank you Lord! My friend Nancy has been holding a bookcase for me for over a year!
So, that's Friday and Saturday. More later.
Friday, December 08, 2006
30 books of the Bible
30 books of the Bible
I found this puzzle on my travels through the web this morning. I managed to find 22 of the 30. I'm going to try to find the rest before the day is up. Good luck.
~~~~
There are 30 books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can you find them?
This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much; he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo, Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it, she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficult y we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have been shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found. God Bless!
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