Dec 22, 2011

Why go to the trouble?

Ask Yourself:

"Why would God go to the trouble of sending His Son all the way to earth to endure the life He lived and die the death He died--if all we had to do to get to Heaven was 'be good?'

" He sure went to a lot of trouble for nothing. Either that, or we're missing the point.

 - Joe McKeever

     

Dec 20, 2011

Where's the Line to See Jesus?



A homeschooling Mom that I know sent me this song.  I told her that I am not a fan of what I call 'story songs'  but this song is more than that.  Its message is true and calls us to question our Christmas celebrations.

Another thought that I had today while I was running errands.  "Why do we put so much into Christmas, even as believers, but the death and resurrection of our Lord are much quieter.

I have no problem telling perfect strangers "Merry Christmas", even if it is NOT politically correct.  But around Easter I have a real difficult time saying "He is alive!".

Something to think about.

Another thing to ponder...churches put on a big, often expensive production for Christmas.  But I am aware of fewer and fewer celebrations for His resurrection.

It's sad,

Dec 19, 2011

The trouble with 'Small Groups'



First read the blog at this website:  Deeper Story.com
This is my response:

My husband and I also have the problem with ‘small groups’. They are too often NOT a welcoming, healing place to be. We have both been emotionally and verbally attacked because the "leader" did not think what we believed, said, did was up to their standards.
He fortunately has a Bible Study group with several men at the office that has been meeting for several years. Not a ‘you have to join a small group’ group but a group in which they can be real. Where they genuinely care about each other. A group that has developed trust and love for each other over time. Something that CANNOT be forced.

I have never experienced the close care and friendship that should be a part of my walk with Christ.

Maybe I am too broken to fix. Maybe there is something wrong with me that I cannot ‘fit in’.

What ever the reason I hunger for the type of fellowship that the early Christ Followers had. A community that loves each other, that bore the burdens, mourned with those in mourning and rejoiced with those rejoicing. O how I long for that…

Dec 11, 2011

Quotes that hit home

"One of the biggest problems in the Church today is that we are so full of everything the world has to offer, we have nothing to offer a starving world." - Jentezen Franklin


FYI Jentezen Franklin is the senior pastor of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, and Free Chapel OC (Orange County) in Irvine, California.





Dec 9, 2011

Another post on Migraine Disease

Are you tired of hearing about migraines yet? I'm sure tired of having them. (I did backtrack on the blog and don't see a migraine post for a while).


What's new? Well my neurologist says I am the most difficult case she has ever seen. (She is the 3rd Neurologist to tell me this). The next step Dr H. wants to take is botox injections. Botox has helped some patients but is not a guarantee. I am not ready to do something that seems so drastic but I will be meeting with another Dr in the practice to learn more about this procedure.

If I want the Dr to listen to me I should at least give her the same consideration. Meanwhile I am studying and researching as much as possible to educate myself on the options for preventing as well as treating migraine.

With that in mind, I just found a new website that looks very promising. I googled (actually I swagbucked but googled sounds better) low-tyramine diet and found this Relieve Migraine Headache .

It is a lot of stuff to read but I'm going to plow through with my trusty pen and notepad by my side and learn as much as I can.

One thing I did learn today...

Cheddar cheese triggers migraine.

I ate what I thought was a healthy breakfast. Good for my blood sugar, having protein and carbs, natural not processed... I ate an apple, cheddar cheese and a cup of green tea.

Within 2 hours I was slammed. I took my meds right away and within 10 minutes I was vomiting. So I think I probably did not get any meds into my system. I had Daniel call the pharmacist to see if I could safely take another dose of meds. She said it would not be wise, wait 4 hours. So now I;m sitting here typing because I have some spaghetti squash in the oven and need to wait about 35 minutes more to take it out. Then I'm going to surround my head with ice packs, put blinders over my eyes and try to break this headache.

Note to self, print out the list of tyramine containing foods and put it front and center on the fridge AND put a copy in my wallet.

Another thing I am going to do is investigate acupuncture and seeing a naturopathic doctor. I just want to get some personal recommendations.

SO...this is where I am. Still fighting and often feeling like I am losing the battle. I know I am going through this for a reason. Maybe the reason is to teach my children how to care for and have empathy for someone with a chronic illness. I don't know.

I do know that I am in control of my attitude and how I respond to people in the midst of all of this.

So I will continue to learn and to wait upon the LORD and to learn to be content in the midst of pain.



Nov 12, 2011

It's Unlike Me






The Isaacs, "It's Unlike Me, Just Like Him"

A wonderful reminder that no matter what I think I am suffering, Christ suffered infinitely more and yet He forgave.



A reminder that only Christ can bring the peace and comfort the we are searching for.

Oct 28, 2011

Waiting

On Tuesday, October 4, I saw my endocrinologist. During his exam he found that my thyroid was enlarged. After confirming that I had never been told that I had this enlargement he decided to check it with an ultrasound.

The following Tuesday I had the ultrasound. What follows is how the events played out.

October 14,

Susan's Endocrinologist called her today. The results of her ultrasound were a 1.6-cm nodule on her Thyroid Gland. Now they want to perform a biopsy to determine whether it is malignant or benign.

If you would pray

(1) for Susan to have peace about this,
(2) that the doctor would be able to perform this biopsy with as little pain as is possible,
(3) that the Doctor would have wisdom in what to do going forward, and
(4) that if this is a malignant mass, the Doctor would be able to treat it effectively.

Thanks!
David


Susan had a Thyroid Biopsy on Monday, October 24, to check a 1.67-cm nodule that was found on the left side of her Thyroid. Usually they can get enough cells from 2 needle sticks to determine whether there was any malignancy in the nodule.

They had to stick Susan 4 times just to get enough cells to tell…NOTHING. The first two needle sticks (and they don't just stick you: They move the needle around!) got nothing but blood. The third stick they got "blood and collagen." On the fourth needle stick, they got too few cells to be conclusive.

We found out yesterday, that the few cells they got on the fourth needle stick were "inconclusive." But, Susan's Endocrinologist, told us that actually that is a very good sign. Apparently, picking up a lot of cells immediately is usually a sign of cancer. So based on the report, there is nothing to worry about.

They will perform another sonogram in about 8 months (June 2012) to see if this nodule has grown any. According to Dr. Holt, between 40 - 60% of women will have nodules on their Thyroid glands by age 60 (Susan is 47).

So, thanks be to our merciful Heavenly Father, Maker and Creator for allowing Susan's health to continue to be normal, for allowing us (my family, especially Sarah) to remain calm through this ordeal, and for increasing our faith through this trial.

Thank you for your prayers,
David



To all of David's friends who prayed for me.

I am in tears today as I just now start to comprehend how many of my dear husbands friends and business associates have been praying for me over this past month. It truly is by God's grace alone that I was able to wait on tests to be done, wait for pain to be over, and wait for results to be given.

Yesterday as the nurse finished checking my blood pressure, which I told her would be high, (it wasn't!), and went back over all the usual vitals I was numb. Then as she was leaving she said, "I'll leave you alone to talk but if you need me just call. I'll be right outside." To me that was code for, "Prepare yourselves, Dr Holt has bad news."

I won't repeat what David has already told you about the biopsy results but do want to add that I went through the rest of yesterday numb emotionally. I had thought when I received good news that I would feel as if the weight of the world had been removed from my shoulders. But between a terrible migraine which I had not yet been able to treat effectively, and the tiredness of the previous days in which I was deliberately avoiding learning anything about any type of thyroid problems I was just numb.

So today as he forwards every response to me, I am overwhelmed to know that God has placed people in David's life who will pray for us and encourage him.

Thank you for your prayers and love,
Susan





Sep 20, 2011

Pictures for EVERYONE who loves us!

I do NOT know how Sarah got Oscar to hold still for a picture let alone wear a hat!



Taking inventory of the supplies loaned by Speed Stacks for her library program

Like my earrings?  Daniel and Sarah made them for me from spent casings.

Sep 18, 2011

Why Me?



A few days ago I pulled up some music on YouTube to listen and worship as I worked on some items for the craft fair.
I chose several songs sung by The Gaither Vocal Band and one by The Isaacs.
   
 I Heard a great voice out of heaven saying
Behold the tabernacle of God is with men (He dwells with and in His chosen)
He shall dwell with them and they shall be His people (Christ came to earth)
And Almighty God will be with them

He shall wipe away all tears from their eyes
There shall be no more death
Neither sorrow, nor crying, and no more pain
The former things are all passed away (things to come in heaven)

He that sat upon the throne said,
"Behold, I make all things new"
He said unto me, "Write these words
For they are faithful and true"

And it is done
It is done
It is done
It is done
(IT IS DONE, Once, for all, the perfect sacrifice)

He is the Alpha and Omega
The Beginning and the End
The Son of God, the King of Kings
Lord of lords, He's Everything
Messiah, Jehovah
The Prince of Peace is He
The Son of Man, Seed of Abraham
Second Person in the Trinity
(Some of the Sons names and attributes)

He is the Alpha and Omega
The Son of God, the King of Kings
The Messiah, Jehovah
The Great I Am seed of Abraham
He is the Alpha and Omega
The beginning and the end
Son of God, the King of Kings
The Lord of everything
He is Lord

How many times have I asked , 'Why me?'...
Why do I have these constant headaches?  Why do they get better for a few days then go back to the same horrid cycle.  Why GOD, Why?  Am I not faithful enough?  Am I not _____ enough?
Too many times my first response is, “Why Me? Why am I not healed?
Why do 'bad' things happen to good people? Shouldn't the question be, “why do good things happen to sinners?”
What have I ever done?
To deserve even one
Of the blessings I've known,
(This is the good things to sinners part & the different perspective)

Why me Lord?
What did I ever do?
That was worth love from You
And the kindness You've shown,
( The words 'Love' and 'kindness' can't begin to express what Christ did on the cross)

Lord help me, Jesus
I've wasted it
So help me Jesus
I know what I am,
(This is a hard one, to admit, to confess something I know to be true. Remember that GOD already knows it all).

Now that I know
That I've needed You
So help me Jesus
My soul's in Your hand
(Here's another toughie, admitting that I need Him).

Try me Lord
If You think there's a way
That I can repay
What I've taken from You
(Be sure to understand, nobody, NOBODY can EVER repay Him. If we could there would have been no need at all for Christs sacrifice.)

Maybe Lord
I could show someone else
What I've been through myself
On my way back to You
( The great commission in action, being a real person who is a Christ Follower, allowing others to see the real me with all my weaknesses.)

Lord help me, Jesus
I've wasted it
So help me Jesus
I know what I am

Now that I know
That I've needed You
So help me Jesus
My soul's in Your hand
Jesus, my soul's in Your hand

Then I am reminded that IT IS FINISHED!!!
Christ did what no mortal man, no animal sacrifice could do. He conquered sin and death

It Is Finished

There's a line that is drawn through the ages

On that line stands an old rugged cross
On that cross, a battle is raging
To gain a man's soul or it's loss

On one side, march the forces of evil
All the demons, all the devils of hell
On the other, the angels of glory
And they meet on Golgotha's hill

The earth shakes with the force of the conflict
And the sun refuses to shine
For there hangs God's son, in the balance
And then through the darkness he cries

It is finished, the battle is over
It is finished, there'll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict
It is finished and Jesus is Lord

Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging
Not all prisoners of war had come home
These were battlefields of my own making
I didn't know that the war had been won

Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages
Had fought all the battles for me
And that victory was mine for the claiming
And now praise his name, I am free.

It is finished, the battle is over

It is finished, there'll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict
It is finished and Jesus is Lord



I am no longer bound to sin. I am free from sin's curse.
Does that mean that I am suddenly perfect.
Not by any means.
BUT as a child of GOD, as a Christ Follower I
have the power through the Spirit of God to turn from sin.
 I have a great High Priest sitting on the right hand of Father who interecedes for me.

The righteousness I do not deserve was given to my by Christ who bore the sin that He did not deserve.
Christ took my penalty and gave me His righteousness.
And now I can truly  say,


 When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
(do you feel like you are drowning in problems too big to surmount?)
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

(Paul teaches this in Philippians 4:11... I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:)

Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Refrain

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain




Sep 6, 2011

More Pictures

Sarah getting ready to teach the 3-3-3 stack at the library.  she did a program at the library with the help of her team members.  She has been asked to do another program this fall.

This is 1 of 3 relay teams for our club.  This team took 2nd.  From left to right Sara, Joesy, Daniel, Sarah

Sarah & Sara doing the doubles stacking.  In doubles the 2 stackers work as 1. Sarah is the right hand and Sara is the left hand.  They  took 2nd place in their division at the Central Piedmont Sport Stacking Invitational, March 2011 in the 18  and up age division.







Part of the CCHSA Sports Stacking Team.
Joesy & Savannah (siblings), Daniel & Sarah (siblings), Coach Rhonda (grey shirt) Emily & Chelsey (Rhondas daughters), Sara (curly hair)
 

Sep 5, 2011

Happy Birthday

Daniel has been fascinated with guns as long as we can remember.  He has had a BB gun and then an air rifle.  He has practiced with the air rifle for at least 2 years.  He is the guy that can name a gun he sees on TV and tell me all about it.  (Just like his Dad can do with cars and trains)
What better present than a lesson in gun safety and a trip to the rifle range?

Here he is shooting his Granddad's (David's Dad, John Gibson) Marlin 57M Micro Groove .22 Magnum Rifle at 25 yards.  David learned to shoot about 37 years ago using this same gun.  Both Dads were very impressed with his marksmanship. David says 'he appears to be a natural'.  I guess that all of that practice with his .177 caliber Daisy Powerline 880 Air Rifle has paid off!
 He and his Grandpa, (my Dad) and David went and shot for an hour after viewing a mandatory safety video.



Not a bad shot for a first timer.

 

Look at that shot pattern.  Decent shot accuracy at 25 yards.



Daniel and his Dad

My Dad, (Susan) Jack Monette, shooting his 38 caliber pistol.


Daniel, David & Jack After a couple of hours at the shooting Range. 
Saturday, September 3rd, we had both sets of Grand Parents (John and Grace  and Jack and Judy) over for grilled hamburgers and french fries, cake and ice cream or peach pie.

Sep 1, 2011

Pictures for Aunt Celeste

Throwing pizza crust
Sarah and her Snow Wheel  12/26/2010

Oscar aka Monster Dog

Aug 31, 2011

Good Food


Pork Chops with Savannah Style rice and gravy




This recipe came from David's family. I learned to make it after we were married then forgot about it and in the past year have started making it again.





Ingredients:



Pork Chops * I use bone-in chops and debone myself*

Canned tomatoes or stewed tomatoes *I use plain tomatoes and season myself* DO NOT DRAIN

Chopped Celery

Chopped Onion

Seasoned Flour to bread chops

Salt, pepper, oregano, basil, pinch of brown sugar

Cooked Rice



1. Debone and dredge the chops in the seasoned flour.

2. Preheat a skillet with about 3 TBSP of oil

3. Fry the chops until golden on 1 side, turn and continue cooking until golden

4. While chops are cooking:

Prepare the onions and celery,

open the tomatoes and break them up into small pieces,

start rice cooking.

5. When all chops are cooked, remove from pan and keep warm

6. add the onion and celery to the pan and cook until onions are translucent

7. Add tomatoes and spices, bring to a boil

8. Add seasoning to tomato mixture and taste, adjust seasoning to your preference

9. Add chops to sauce mixture and simmer for about 15 minutes

10. Serve over the cooked rice





Aug 30, 2011

Summer is over...

and school has begun.

Our first "field trip" was to the James K Polk Historic Site.  While this is a very small museum, it is very family friendly.  The staff are very accomadating and we have never felt rushed as we meander around. 

On this trip demonstrations were going on for black smithing and pottery.  These are currently 2 of the many interests that Daniel and Sarah have.

Here is Sarah at the wheel.  This was her first time working clay on a wheel and she seemed to pick it up quickly.  The man doing the demo recommends that we start with slab work first.
This is most definately a 'not-in-the-house' activity.

This is  Daniel working the forge.




Jul 27, 2011

Update on saving money, new celluar service


So we switched to common cents cellular which is now virgin mobile paylo. David & I got identical Kyocera phones. He likes his, I hated mine. He does a lot of texting with work and it IS a good phone to text with. It does take good photos as well. BUT you have to purchase a MINIMUM of $20 every 90 days or loose them. If you make the purchase they do roll over but I cannot use that much in the allotted time.

$20 = 285 minutes =4.76 hours

I just do not use a cell phone that much. So it was NOT a good deal for me.

So I used up the time left by sending a bunch of photos, then we just let the phone expire. The good thing is we have an extra phone in the event that David's phone dies.

So I took back the tracfone that was lost and replaced. (Did I tell you that story?). The replacement tracfone is now the kids dedicated phone for when they do riding or whatever.

The moral of the story? Investigate thoroughly. Don't be swayed by the 'flashy' new gadget. Newer is not always better; in fact you may like newer worse than you like older. (How's that for a wonky sentence?)



Jul 26, 2011

Youth Group is TOO MUCH FUN??

Youth Group is too much fun.  We should have more teaching and less fun.  We should focus on God and how God is in our life.  Fun's OK but I think that we should be told how we can see God's work in our life.

NO MORE FUN & GAMES


Forget the food.
                                 Forget the fun.


Church is to learn and not socialize.

                                                     To learn and grow.


                                                    We need to be different.
                                        We need to be grounded (BIBLICALLY)


   WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT WE BELIEVE




As you look on the church landscape, youth are leaving the faith in droves.


The modern church, overall, is struggling to reach the next generation with the gospel.



What has happened?

Whether for good or bad, men, for many years, have been inventing solutions or brainstorming ideas without fully relying upon the foundation of God’s Word.

God, however, is greater than man, and as the heavens are above the earth, so are His ways higher than ours and His thoughts than our thoughts (Is. 55:8-9).

We have substituted the greater for the lesser – God’s wisdom for man’s ideas.

Jesus said that he who hears His Word and does it, is like a man that built his house upon a rock, and when the storm came, it stood firm.

On the other hand, he who rejects His Word, is like a man who built on the sand and when the storm came, the house fell (Matt. 7:24-25).

Shouldn’t the church, as a whole, abandon the sandy ideas of man and shamelessly return to the firm rock of the Word of God?

God’s Word sufficiently identifies how youth are to be reached.



For more information on this issue, please see the film Divided, which is a documentary on age-segregated youth ministry in America. Watch it for free (for a limited time) at www.dividedthemovie.com.

For an in-depth study, the book A Weed in the Church delves into the topic and more thoroughly handles the Scripture passages that address ministry to young people.



For other details or to help spread the message, visit http://www.dividedthemovie.com/.



Jun 15, 2011

Have YOU signed up for the Summer Reading Program??

Our library, which just a hop, skip and a jump up the road has a summer reading program.  Even the oldsters like me can join in.

This year I am helping with a T-Shirt Bag class for the teens, not limited to girls but I imagine that most teen guys won't want to make a 'purse'. 

So...in preparation for the class, Sarah made a bag following my directions and we took over 50 photos to document the steps.  I made a bag for myself the next day and added pockets to mine and made my straps different.  I've been using mine for several days and while there are more ways I could personalize it to my criteria, it is doing very well.

The whole bag is made using  duct tape, staples and the Tee.



Supplies all laid out.


Sleeves removed.

Tee folded in half, neckline marked.
The sleeve and neckline openings will become the straps.
Everything cut away.  If you want to add an iron-on or other decorative touches, do it now.
Once the duct tape is on it is very hard to sew through and you can't iron duct tape with good results.

Laying down the duct tape bag lining.

Stapling the bottom seam.

Stapling the side seam at the bottom.  This will give the bag a flat bottom, but is something you can skip if you like.  I like my bags with flat bottoms and lots of pockets.

Inside view of the finished bag.

Outside view.

For size comparison.  Sarah is about 5'8" and she used a lg Tee.



Jun 14, 2011

Music

My son is an avid Star Wars fan..He also plays the guitar and some piano. Even if you don't like Star Wars I think you will probably appreciate the unique ways different musicians bring a work of music to life.

Quite a while back we discovered a YouTube video by 'Moose Butter' that is a compilation of several theme songs written by John Williams. 


Today Daniel discovered what I consider a very unusual performance of the piece which is titled "John Williams is the Man'

Enjoy

May 10, 2011

Money Savers part 2

As we continue to search for ways to cut expenses we have found that sometimes you have to spend some money, upfront, to save money.

This was true of our  change in ISP's and is also true in our mobile phones.

Common Cents Mobile is a prepaid cellular service with the low per minute price of $0.07, (7 cents) per minute AND the round down.  So if I use my cell phone for 1 minute 59 seconds I have only used 7 cents!!

To be totally honest, we did have to purchase a new phone when we had a perfectly good phone already. The old phone will be used by the kids until the minutes are all gone and then, well I don't know what then.

Davids phone came today.  It is a Kyocera with a qwerty keyboard.  Since he actually uses his mobile and texts quite often for work, this was the best way to go.  He should be able to port his number and then we can transfer any remaining tracfone minutes to one of our other tracfones. 

Seven cents per minute vs 25 cents per minutes is a big savings.  I have always been able to find promo codes to use with our tracfones, but the lowest price I can remember paying was 9 cents.  And since I cannot guarantee 9 cents per minute every time I need to purchase minutes, the change in providers was worth it.


Leave a comment and let me know how you are cutting expenses.

Apr 27, 2011

Money Savers we are doing

The budget is tight and our kids are growing.  Groceries are going higher and gas is, well gas is awful.

So where can we cut spending?  This month we have dropped our land line and changed ISP providers  cutting this bill in HALF.

And we did not sacrifice speed or quality. 

How can this be?

We tried Magic Jack  http://www.magicjack.com/1/step2.asp on a 30 day trial and liked it so much that we bought the equipment and paid ahead for 5 years of service.  If we move it all goes with us and we don't have to change phone numbers. 

We brought our unlimited phone service down to about $2 a month.

So far so good...

Then this past weekend after we had trouble with TWC's internet service, we bought Clear internet service. http://www.clear.com/ The modem arrived to day and we got it hooked up to 2 pc's and ran some speed tests and even on the voip phone, downloading a large file and looking up info on the 2nd pc, our speeds were wonderful.

The ISP service is about $45 a month.

Now if we could just spend less on groceries.

That is my goal for May.  Cut way back on food expenditures.  I have a real problem with grabbing fast food.  So this will take some planning.

Plan meals at home.
Use leftovers better
Plan for snacks
Plan for meals taken with us for running errands etc.

I also want to try to drink nothing but water for the month of May.  That will be hard especially when I am nauseous with a headache.

I'm going to take it 1 day at a time.

Apr 24, 2011

Apr 22, 2011

Good? Friday

Good Friday.

How can this day of remembering the crucifixion of our Lord be called good?

What is good about the murder of an innocent man?

And make no mistake, this man was truly innocent.  He was perfect.  He had never and  could never sin. 

And because He was perfect, He alone could satisfy the Father's wrath.

We often wonder, and books have been written wondering 'Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?'   We should be asking "Why do good things happen to bad people?

Good Friday.  Good for us sinners of whom I am one.

The populace meant it for evil.  God used it for good.

Apr 21, 2011

Maundy Thursday

Today is Maundy Thursday.  What does this mean?  Why do Christians remember this day?  Isn't Easter Sunday what it's all about?

I believe that the events on Maundy Thursday are extremely important to remember and ponder.  This was no ordinary Thursday.  It was Passover, the time for the Jewish people to remember their flight from Egypt.

This was no ordinary Passover.  Known to the world as the 'Last Supper', immortalized by da Vinci, brought to life in the film 'The Passion of the Christ' this was one more step in the road to the cross.

A step which brought our Savior into the merciless hands of the Roman soldiers.  He suffered torture that few survived.

We need to remember the agony, the emotional torture, the mocking...  Every little detail was

Without the Last Supper,  the crucifixion and ultimately the resurrection might not be as heart-wrenching and then joyous.

So this week do not forget our Lord's suffering and sacrifice that had to be endured before the resurrection could occur.

And remember the the resurrection proved that Christs offering was acceptable to the Father.  And ONCE and for ALL IT. IS. FINISHED!

Apr 19, 2011

What God is teaching me

Why do I post publicly about my spiritual life?  Accountability and prayer.  Even if only the ten people that I send my post to read this post, I can be pretty sure that they will pray for me, maybe even ask me how I am doing.

This past Sunday was a very honest day for me.  It was Palm Sunday, and a few of the kids in church joined the choir for the anthem.  We had a full choir loft.  My two, the pastors youngest, and 3 younger kiddos.

We were dressed in our robes, the littlest 3 wore angel robes minus wings and halos.  We entered the sanctuary from the main entrance of the church instead of coming in behind the pulpit.

The kids  and adults(?) carried palm branches.  It was wonderful to have the children participating and they did very well.

After the anthem the choir filed out and to their seats.  The service proceeded as normal. Opening prayer, announcements, the singing of hymns etc.

Something 'new' that has been added to the service in the past weeks has been an opportunity to pray as individuals.  The pastor opens this time up and closes this time when he feels the time is right.  We usually have several people pray out loud each Sunday and I have been truly blessed by this addition to the service.

This Sunday someone new was sitting in the pew in front of me.  I hadn't spoken to him, and unfortunately didn't have the opportunity after the service.  I hope and pray that he returns.

Three or so people had prayed when this gentleman broke into prayer and tears,  confessing a wrong he had done someone.  He didn't go into a lot of detail, but he didn't need to, the Father already knew.

This man was honest before God and the entire congregation.  He didn't try to hide his sin and be something he was not.  He respond to Gods work in his heart and came to the Saviour just as he was. 

I hope he returns, I want to speak to him and tell him that his prayer and honesty sparked a change in me.  I hope that others will be encouraged and freed from the need to appear perfect.  We need to be open, God already knows everything so we're not hiding from Him.  The scripture tells that we are not to be afraid of people, but fear Him who can harm both body and soul. As he prayed my heart was broken over the sin in my life.  After he finished I started to pray and soon was sobbing over my sin. 

You must understand that I generally do not pray out loud in a mixed congregation.  But this time I had no choice.  I was drawn irresistibly and my words were straight from my heart to His ears.  It did NOT matter that there were many others hearing my voice, and my tears.  This was between me and my Saviour and nothing could stop it.

Have I been challenged in the 48 hours since?  Very much so, but praise goes to my Saviour, I have recognized where I was headed and allowed Him to lead me instead of doing it my way.

This is real.  My prayer was not planned, rehearsed, phony.  I was in the presence of God and I came to Him humbly and in tears.

The words to "I Can Only Imagine"  ask

 "Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still? 
Will I stand in Your presence, to my knees will I fall,
will I sing Hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?  I can only imagine"


I don't know how I will respond in heaven.  I do know how I responded to my Saviour as He pointed out my sin.

How will you respond?

Don't try to hide your imperfections.  Instead choose to be open about your struggles. 

When you read this, leave a comment and let me know how I can pray for you.  We will stregthen each other.

Apr 13, 2011

Things I've Learned

1.  I cannot go get my hair done without getting a terrible migraine from the associated fumes that have been accumulating all day.

2.  My hair does best fairly short.

3.  My hairdresser does a fantastic job with my fine, thin, curls.  Thanks Shannon, you're a true blessing to me.

4.  I have 1 product that works really in my hair. Sunsilk hydra tlc, this is a leave in conditioner that defines the curl without giving me crunchy hair.

5.  I have 1 shampoo that works for me.  JR Ligett's Old-Fashioned Bar Shampoo, Tea Tree & Hemp.

6.  I really like the makeup that Aldi carries.

7.  I need to include more variety in our dinner menu.

8.  My sweet husband can eat slaw, then kind my daughter makes, every day.

9.  My kids like fresh spinach, in salad, on sandwiches.  So does the dog.  Like spinach, and broccoli, but not carrots.

10.  I'm good at organizing, but often don't finish well.

11.  I am enjoying non-fiction books much more lately. 

12.  I want people to read my mind, and see what I see that needs to be done.

13.  I can get pretty ugly when I don't get things my way.

14.  I need to structure our day.

15.  When the kids know ahead of time what I expect of them in their book lessons each day, they do it.  And they do well.  And they fight less.  And they work together.

16.  It is true that the mom sets the tone for the day.  At least when she is home.  Like I am.  All day.

Even when I think I am failing God shows me that he is at work in my life.  In all our lives.

I can not type well with a migraine.



Mar 15, 2011

Photos from WSSA Competition


Sarah G @ judges table for a singles event

Sarah G & Sarah S doubles event, 2nd place in 15+ division
Daniel with relay team
Sarah & Sarah switching out in the relay, this team came in 2nd in the 15+ division

Coach Rhonda (black Shirt), Sarah S, Sarah G, Chelsey, Kyle, Emily, Kim, Christian, Kimberly, Joesy, Savannah, Abby, Daniel


Christian & Kyle, doubles event



Abby, singles event





 

Mar 14, 2011

WSSA Piedmont Triad Sport Stacking Competition Results

These are the times for the CCHSA Stackers.
CCHSA = Cabarrus County Homeschool Association

INDIVIDUAL EVENTS:


10 yr. old division:

Christian Valle, 4th place, 3-6-3 event

11 yr. old division:

Emily Barber, 3rd place 3-3-3, 4th place 3-6-3, 2nd place Cycle

12 yr. old division:

Sarah Gibson, 5th place in both 3-3-3 and 3-6-3, and 4th place Cycle

13-14 yr. old division:

Daniel Gibson, 5th place 3-3-3

Kyle King, 2nd place 3-3-3, 3rd place 3-6-3

15-open division:

Sarah Snipes, 2nd place 3-3-3, 3rd place 3-6-3, 4th place Cycle

Chelsey Barber, 3rd place 3-3-3, 5th place 3-6-3, 2nd place Cycle

"Coach" Rhonda, 5th place 3-3-3, 1st place 3-6-3, 3rd place Cycle

DOUBLES:   2 people stack as one person

14u:

Kyle and Christian, 2nd place

15-open:

Kim Dean & Coach Rhonda, 3rd place

Sarah Gibson & Sarah Snipes, 2nd place

Chelsey & Emily Barber, 1st place

TEAM RELAYS:

***Savannah Lemmond participated with another team that was at the tournament and helped them get a 2nd place finish in the 8u division!!!

15-open:

CCHSA Team 1: Chelsey, Kyle, Emily and Christian: 1st Place

CCHSA Team 2: Sarah S., Daniel, Sarah G. and Josey: 2nd Place

CCHSA Team 3: Kim, Abby, Kimberly and Rhonda: 3rd Place

Feb 4, 2011

Going Bald...


...for a cause.

Davids office was going bald today to raise $$$ for cancer research.  So, David joined in the 'fun'.  He had been considering this for a while and had told me earlier today that he HAD to get his hair cut this weekend.  Since we already cut it using a 3/8" guard, it wasn't too difficult to shave it all off.  He likes it.  I'm okay with it, but Daniel was really shocked! 

Looks like he will be shaving it from now on.   At least he hasn't been doing a comb-over, or spray on hair!

Jan 29, 2011

It Is Finished, my Coat that is...

The coat is finished.  It is a very simple wrap style coat with a stand-up collar. 

I learned a lot while sewing this coat.

Things such as:

  • patterns are not always written so the everyday seamstress can understand them,  (AND I had help from Mom who taught me to sew and is a very talented seamstress.  She LOVES to do wedding dresses.  She made hers not quite 50 years ago and she made mine 21+ years ago.)  { Mom agreed that some of the instructions and diagrams were not very clear}  And remember, SHE. Is. A. PRO!!

  • Patterns often tell you to do things (in my humble opinion) in a wonky order.

  • Don't try to hem the sleeve linings whilst sitting in a big comfy chair AND watching TV.  I got my seams all twisted around. 

  • Dont try to trim the excess lining without marking, marking, marking....

  • It is a GOOD idea to try a pattern like this in a less expensive fabric for your (my?) first go.

  • Belt loop placement should be higher than you think, AND on the right edge of the piece of fabric, It took me THREE tries to get them right.




So,for your viewing pleasure I present "THE COAT"

PS  I also made the scarf using Caron Simply Soft paints, in color Harlequin 0007

Jan 27, 2011

Where has all the time gone??

Christmas has come and gone...
The thank you notes have been written (but not mailed yet),

Christmas $$ has been spent
  • I bought fabric for a dress coat
  • D bought a put it together yourself pc kit, and by put it together, it really is put it together, vs hook up all the wires and turn the power on
  • S bought her own DS and a game
The coat is finished, almost, I need to reposition the belt loops and give it the final pressing

Everything for the pc arrived today EXCEPT the external box, kinda critical 'cause where do you put all the components if not inside the box?

DS and game arrived and have been played and played and pla....you get the picture


So what is next???

Right now get a sick child and hubby feeling better without getting sick myself.

Get back on track with 'book learnin'.

etc...