Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Wednesday's Word
Psa 37:18-24 Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent, and they will receive a reward that lasts forever. They will survive through hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. But the wicked will perish. The LORD'S enemies are like flowers in a field- they will disappear like smoke. The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. Those blessed by the LORD will inherit the land, but those cursed by him will die. The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Tuesday's .....In Other Words....
"Lower your expectations of earth. This isn't heaven, so don't expect it to be."
~ Max Lucado~
Are our views of heaven so skewed that we think that it may be anything like the most perfect day here? We all have been guilty of saying ..... just heavenly..... a little piece of heaven..... or other sayings to describe something here on earth.....we want to compare something that is so vastly different that nothing could ever compare......The world we live in is full of disappointment.... this is just not the same place that God designed in the beginning..... man's sin has brought all sorts of calamities upon this world. It has been made desolate and has been laid to waste by God's judgments. Period. Trials, heartache, pain, suffering, weeping, death...... the list could go on..... all exist because of sin. So why do we (even as Christians) want to expect this world to be “ a little piece of heaven”? The answer...... we desire heaven so desperately we want it in the here and now.
Speaking to my father-in-law about this .... he said that he felt that C.S. Lewis put it best when he spoke of joy being the economy of heaven..... that heaven will be nothing but pure joy. And we as Christians know a piece of that joy through Christ. And in knowing even just a faint reflection of that pure joy from heaven through Christ in us, we want to have the full experience of it here and now.
Oh how like little children we are....... have you ever heard of the marshmallow test? I saw it several years ago..... some study on how children related or some such..... a child was sat in a room at a table.... it had a large marshmallow in the middle of it and an adult was speaking with the child..... then the adult left telling the child they could eat the marshmallow but if they would wait until they got back that the child could have 2 large marshmallows instead of just the one..... well and overwhelming amount of the children ate the marshmallow before the adult got back in the room..... they needed that joy right then.... sound familiar?
Let us not get so wrapped up in this world (and wanting that “ little piece of heaven” here and now) that we forget to keep our eyes on the prize......
Php 3:14 I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day Remembered....
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
by John McCrae
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Thankful Thursday
Well, today is going to be my last day to post before we move.... I know I won't have time to touch the computer tomorrow or Saturday..... so this is my last post until we get settled at Eric's parent's house. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I will post again as soon as I am able!
1Th 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
As I thought to join in on this Thankful Thursday (my first) I sat thinking of all I could write.... the little things, the everyday things, my children, my husband, but I kept coming back to this verse.... and my heart was pricked and tears began to flow.... see, as many of you know, we have been having a difficult time these last few months..... Eric lost his job, and now has been without work for the past 6 months.... and this is the thing God keeps showing me to be thankful for. How, you may ask, can you be thankful for something like that.... easy..... it is commanded. My eyes are more open today to this verse (and others like it) so much more clearly than ever before. Oh, its easy to say it when you are not the one going through troubles.... it is another thing entirely when you are the one in the valley. I can name so many things I am thankful about during this time ....
First, I am thankful that God provided a way that Eric could be home to enjoy the first months of our new baby Jed's life.... seeing the pure joy on Eric's face as he plays, cuddles and just being a dad over again has been priceless.
Second, we have been so blessed by family and friends. You really can tell who is pulling for you in this life when you have gotten into a trial... we have had so many prayers, thoughts and well wishes sent our way (as well as other blessings too) that we have been overwhelmed by LOVE.
Third, it has been a great teaching tool for the children. Although they have never asked for much, they have learned in these last few months that happiness really does not mean having lots of things or money to do stuff with..... we have spent more time together as a family doing nothing more than throwing a frisbee or ball and it has brought us so much closer together as a family.
I could name so many more things I can honestly say I am thankful for even while in the midst of this valley..... God knows what we need in life...... and He allows what we need even if we don't really fully understand why we have to go through something...... God is so very good!
1Th 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
As I thought to join in on this Thankful Thursday (my first) I sat thinking of all I could write.... the little things, the everyday things, my children, my husband, but I kept coming back to this verse.... and my heart was pricked and tears began to flow.... see, as many of you know, we have been having a difficult time these last few months..... Eric lost his job, and now has been without work for the past 6 months.... and this is the thing God keeps showing me to be thankful for. How, you may ask, can you be thankful for something like that.... easy..... it is commanded. My eyes are more open today to this verse (and others like it) so much more clearly than ever before. Oh, its easy to say it when you are not the one going through troubles.... it is another thing entirely when you are the one in the valley. I can name so many things I am thankful about during this time ....
First, I am thankful that God provided a way that Eric could be home to enjoy the first months of our new baby Jed's life.... seeing the pure joy on Eric's face as he plays, cuddles and just being a dad over again has been priceless.
Second, we have been so blessed by family and friends. You really can tell who is pulling for you in this life when you have gotten into a trial... we have had so many prayers, thoughts and well wishes sent our way (as well as other blessings too) that we have been overwhelmed by LOVE.
Third, it has been a great teaching tool for the children. Although they have never asked for much, they have learned in these last few months that happiness really does not mean having lots of things or money to do stuff with..... we have spent more time together as a family doing nothing more than throwing a frisbee or ball and it has brought us so much closer together as a family.
I could name so many more things I can honestly say I am thankful for even while in the midst of this valley..... God knows what we need in life...... and He allows what we need even if we don't really fully understand why we have to go through something...... God is so very good!
Proud Mommy Moment....
Sneaking a look at mom during the presentation.
A Signature Ribbon is presented to all of the class to remember this special occasion.
First in Line for the food at the reception ...... "I am a growing boy, mom."Wow.... my Travis is growing so fast! What happened to that sweet bundle that I brought home from the hospital.... he has turned into a half-grown young man now getting ready to enter his first year of high school. Now I have to look up to see into his eyes (which by the way are still my favorite color of blue) and I marvel at how proud of him I am each day.
Congratulations to a job well done, son!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Wednesday's Word
Psalms 16:5 -11 (NLT) LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your godly one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Wordless Wednesday ~ Birthday Wishes
**not sure what I did that made it so that there could be no comments....... a glitch perhaps..... this is Eric's grandmother (his mother's mother)....... oh, found it.... and fixed it!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Christian One-liners
"Don't let your worries get the best of you. Remember, Moses started out as a basket case"
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited -- until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes and sand gnats come close.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?
A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your Co-Pilot -- swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
"Dear Heavenly Father, Bless the person reading this in whatever it is that You know they need." Amen!
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited -- until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes and sand gnats come close.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?
A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your Co-Pilot -- swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
"Dear Heavenly Father, Bless the person reading this in whatever it is that You know they need." Amen!
Monday, May 21, 2007
to pack or not to pack....
How is it that we have so much stuff!!! I moved last year and thought I had really parred down on things.... but alas, it seems that we really can do without more.... so in this jaunt we are really, really getting rid of many things..... a new start ....... and I for one am really enjoying the process! Seems to me that I will have so much more freedom from clutter and disorganization..... yippee!!!
Well, back to working more on it!
Well, back to working more on it!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Another Contest!
Wow, the ladies at 5 minutes for mom have a great new contest! Check it out here . Its for some great Nexcare Bandages. The winner gets 45.... yes count them.... 45 boxes of bandages! And if you have kids like mine.... well you go through bandages lots! This will come in so handy!!!!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Friday's Fixin's....
Pepperoni Bites
This is a great little snack I make for the kids (Eric and I like them too) that can be made well in advance or right on the spot .... eat them hot or cold its all good! Oh, and I cheat on this... I use bought refridge biscuits..... heehee.
Okay... since I have already confessed to buying the biscuits let me tell which ones I buy.... I buy the cheapies... yep the ones that is store brand and cost me around 25 to 29 cents for a "roll" of 10.... works for us!
What you need...
Refidge Biscuits
Pepperoni
Block of cheese
Take your block of cheese and cut it in half.... long ways... then cut small "squared" slices off each half of the block... I can get about 40 to 50 of these little slices from one block of cheese. Get the pepperoni out of the package and your biscuits out of the 'roll'.... preheat oven to 350 and you are ready!
Flatten each biscuit and take a slice (or two) of pepperoni and place in the center of the flattened biscuit then place a slice of the cheese on top of the pepperoni and fold and pinch the edges of the biscuit together. Its that simple! Line them up on a baking sheet and bake. (If you want a pretty Pepperoni Bite then brush with butter and sprinkle with some Parmesan Cheese before baking) They are done when the biscuits are golden.
We use this little snack lots.... and I love to take these to church dinners and see them get gone fast.
These come out to be about 10-11cents each made.... so for about 6 dollars I can make a batch of 50 Pepperoni Bites ...... not bad.
This is a great little snack I make for the kids (Eric and I like them too) that can be made well in advance or right on the spot .... eat them hot or cold its all good! Oh, and I cheat on this... I use bought refridge biscuits..... heehee.
Okay... since I have already confessed to buying the biscuits let me tell which ones I buy.... I buy the cheapies... yep the ones that is store brand and cost me around 25 to 29 cents for a "roll" of 10.... works for us!
What you need...
Refidge Biscuits
Pepperoni
Block of cheese
Take your block of cheese and cut it in half.... long ways... then cut small "squared" slices off each half of the block... I can get about 40 to 50 of these little slices from one block of cheese. Get the pepperoni out of the package and your biscuits out of the 'roll'.... preheat oven to 350 and you are ready!
Flatten each biscuit and take a slice (or two) of pepperoni and place in the center of the flattened biscuit then place a slice of the cheese on top of the pepperoni and fold and pinch the edges of the biscuit together. Its that simple! Line them up on a baking sheet and bake. (If you want a pretty Pepperoni Bite then brush with butter and sprinkle with some Parmesan Cheese before baking) They are done when the biscuits are golden.
We use this little snack lots.... and I love to take these to church dinners and see them get gone fast.
These come out to be about 10-11cents each made.... so for about 6 dollars I can make a batch of 50 Pepperoni Bites ...... not bad.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Wonders of Vinegar
I love vinegar... it really is great for so many different things around the house.... I use it daily.
Laundry:
Vinegar does wonders for laundry....
~ Works great as a fabric softener.... use in the final rinse and not only will your clothes be soft but there will be no film left in your lint trap of the dryer. ( I use about 1/2 cup for a med/large load.)
~Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle also helps with odors in clothes.
~ Vinegar helps to remove soap scum from towels, kitchen rags, and after you notice you put a bit too much soap or detergent in the wash!
~ Soaking garments in a vinegar bath will help remove many types of stains. After the vinegar bath just launder as usual.
~Adding a cup of vinegar to the last rinse of fabric you are dyeing it will help set the color.
Bathroom:
Bye, Bye Scum....Soap Scum that is!
~ Vinegar will help you get that pesky soap scum off your glass shower door....heat vinegar in a microwave safe dish and then pour the warm vinegar in a clean spray bottle.... spray down that shower glass.....soap scum will vanish....(Go ahead and use it on that shower too..... cleans so well.... make sure the area is vented.)
~Go ahead and use that spray bottle on the rest of the bathroom too.... vinegar is a great natural disinfectant!
~ Hard to clean mildew in the corners of the shower or bathtub? Sprinkle the area down with Baking Soda.... followed by vinegar.... the "foam" will eat away the mildew!
~ Clear that showerhead of hard water corrosion by soaking in equal parts of vinegar and water overnight.
Kitchen:
Cooking, cleaning.... its ALL good!
~Vinegar is a great meat tenderizer.... add a fourth cup of vinegar with your spices and marinate overnight.
~Add a couple of teaspoons to cold water and soak wilted veggies.... freshens those veggies right up!
~To keep hard boiled eggs from cracking .... add a couple of teaspoons of vinegar to the water.
~Out of buttermilk... make your own.... just add a tablespoonful of vinegar to a cup of milk and let sit for a few minutes.... use in any recipe that calls for buttermilk.
~Run straight vinegar through the coffee maker to clean it good.... simply run water back through it to rinse.
~Run dishwasher empty with a cup of vinegar (about once monthly) to help break down soap buildup inside of machine.
~Unclog a slow drain by first pouring a half cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of vinegar down the drain... let foam for a few minutes then follow it with boiling water.
~Still have some vinegar left from spraying down the bathroom.... spray down the refridge.
~Filmy dishes.... add a half cup of vinegar to your wash water. (this cuts grease too!)
~ Mix 2 teaspoons of salt in a cup of vinegar to clean copper, brass and pewter.
Other uses:
Just a few more things ....... this is not all .... there is still more I know!
~ Clean glass with straight vinegar..... wipe with a unused coffee filter. (this works great for your glasses too!)
~To deodorize a room add a favorite spice to a small bowl of vinegar and place in the corner of the room.
~ To remove rust from tools sit in straight vinegar overnight.
~Pour full strength on any unwanted weeds or grass coming up through cracks in the sidewalk or in driveways.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
I've been tagged..... Eight Things
Eight Things About Me Tagg
I have been tagged by my sweet friend Angel. Here are the rules :
Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules.
At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names.
Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
Well, here goes... as you will see.... I'm not very interesting....
1. I have convinced my children that those cheap 25 cent boxes of Mac and Cheese are the best and most wonderful Mac and Cheese on the market......
2. I talk in my sleep.... Eric says we had some really good conversations the first year or so of our marriage.... yep, spill my guts in my sleep............... I can have no secrets from my husband.
3. I've been banned from the garden.... see a couple of years ago while working on bringing in some cucumbers with Eric I broke out in a bad allergic reaction to something in the garden.... and I am highly allergic to all things that sting (bees, hornets, wasps....) so I get to walk the perimeter of the garden and tell everyone how wonderful it all is .... but Eric forbids me entering it ever again.
4. I love to throw the baseball with Eric..... (and the kids) ..... but it is a great way for us to talk about things or discuss something that needs to be done.
5. When I get upset or mad .... I stamp my foot... yes, just like a temper tantrum torn two year old I stamp my foot when I don't get my way ......
6. I'm a bookaholic..... I love to read.... and I have been blessed to have passed the love of reading to the kids (for the most part anyway)
7. When I was 4 I sang in front of 50 thousand people at the Annual Walking Horse Festival in Shelbyville, TN
8. I could eat myself sick on meringue cookies....... I just love how they melt in your mouth!
Well, there ya have it ....... my simple self. Now I am going to tag Mrs. Gaylynn and Merideth and then consider all who read this to be tagged because I just don't read many blogs and Angel already tagged just about everyone else I would have tagged......
I have been tagged by my sweet friend Angel. Here are the rules :
Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules.
At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names.
Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
Well, here goes... as you will see.... I'm not very interesting....
1. I have convinced my children that those cheap 25 cent boxes of Mac and Cheese are the best and most wonderful Mac and Cheese on the market......
2. I talk in my sleep.... Eric says we had some really good conversations the first year or so of our marriage.... yep, spill my guts in my sleep............... I can have no secrets from my husband.
3. I've been banned from the garden.... see a couple of years ago while working on bringing in some cucumbers with Eric I broke out in a bad allergic reaction to something in the garden.... and I am highly allergic to all things that sting (bees, hornets, wasps....) so I get to walk the perimeter of the garden and tell everyone how wonderful it all is .... but Eric forbids me entering it ever again.
4. I love to throw the baseball with Eric..... (and the kids) ..... but it is a great way for us to talk about things or discuss something that needs to be done.
5. When I get upset or mad .... I stamp my foot... yes, just like a temper tantrum torn two year old I stamp my foot when I don't get my way ......
6. I'm a bookaholic..... I love to read.... and I have been blessed to have passed the love of reading to the kids (for the most part anyway)
7. When I was 4 I sang in front of 50 thousand people at the Annual Walking Horse Festival in Shelbyville, TN
8. I could eat myself sick on meringue cookies....... I just love how they melt in your mouth!
Well, there ya have it ....... my simple self. Now I am going to tag Mrs. Gaylynn and Merideth and then consider all who read this to be tagged because I just don't read many blogs and Angel already tagged just about everyone else I would have tagged......
Boxes to MoveWednesday's Word
Jude 1:10 - 25 (NLT) But these people mock and curse the things they do not understand. Like animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and they bring about their own destruction. How terrible it will be for them! For they follow the evil example of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they will do anything for money. And like Korah, they will perish because of their rebellion. When these people join you in fellowship meals celebrating the love of the Lord, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are shameless in the way they care only about themselves. They are like clouds blowing over dry land without giving rain, promising much but producing nothing. They are like trees without fruit at harvesttime. They are not only dead but doubly dead, for they have been pulled out by the roots. They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the dirty foam of their shameful deeds. They are wandering stars, heading for everlasting gloom and darkness. Now Enoch, who lived seven generations after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, "Look, the Lord is coming with thousands of his holy ones. He will bring the people of the world to judgment. He will convict the ungodly of all the evil things they have done in rebellion and of all the insults that godless sinners have spoken against him." These people are grumblers and complainers, doing whatever evil they feel like. They are loudmouthed braggarts, and they flatter others to get favors in return. But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you, that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. Now they are here, and they are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They live by natural instinct because they do not have God's Spirit living in them. But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. Live in such a way that God's love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins. And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
A Husband's Love
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
I thought I would give you a better look into my life, my marriage and how God is working daily on me....
Eric is my second husband. He has truly been the embodiment of that verse to me. Let me explain...this will be long......
Some background:
My first husband turned into a stranger to me shortly after we married...he became abusive, controlling, and was addicted to drugs....flaunted affairs while I was pregnant....you get the picture? So I moved me and my son, Travis, out of the house and begged for us to go to counseling because I really wanted to save my marriage... he would not have it...it was to be his way or nothing...he even told me that since he was the husband and “king of his castle” that if he felt that I needed to be hit it was his right to do so (how many men today have this wrong thinking.... sad)....I filed for divorce..... two weeks later I found out I was expecting my oldest daughter..... so the divorce was postponed until after the birth (state law) .... during this time he left the state and had several more affairs (he called me once just to flaunt them) .... my divorce was granted a month after my Mia was born. Because my now ex-husband could not be found, I got left with all the debt that he ran up ( my name was on there too because he had bullied me into it) and now I was a single mother of 2 babies, a low paying job, and more debt than I realized I would have on my own.... and was a very bitter woman!
A year after my divorce I met Eric...I was set up on a blind date by my cousin and was not happy about it at all.... I told God if He really wanted me to have another husband he would have to give me a big sign... Well, GOD DELIVERS!!! I got my sign with bells and whistles and Eric and I were married 3 months later....see, what I didn't know until a couple of years into our marriage was that Eric had been praying for a FAMILY....not just a wife but a family from the beginning......now you know why I say I would not change anything, even all the pain, because God was using all the suffering to make something beautiful out of my life............
Now here is the part where I must hang my head.... remember I said I was a very bitter woman....God did not take that right away...yes I was in love, I was happy, but I was still very bitter and untrusting..........and Eric has loved me through it all.... I refused to submit to his authority for years, ( he told me recently it was like making a mule do something she does not wish to do.... he told me that for every step we made forward in our relationship I would drag us back 3 or more and he felt he was always having to pay for something he never did) .... as I think back on how it was, how hard I made things for him ...I feel tears welling up....how could I have treated such a Gift from God.... this wonderful man God had sent to me and my children to be a provider, a father, a lover and a best friend and I treated him so badly.... yet, Eric loved me through it all and would quietly guide me by his loving example each day....oh how I tested that man....I was sure that he would turn out to be the same as my first husband so I tested him...really without even thinking about it.... not even realizing that it was what I was doing.... and it took its toll on my wonderful man... how ashamed I feel at the damage I did during those first years of our marriage. And how grateful that God sent me a man to really show me how a husband is to love a wife....just as Christ loves the church.... how in that love he tenderly yet firmly helped me to come closer to the woman God planed for me to be.... how he put me first, even when I did not realize it.... how he suffered so much for my benefit..... Just as Jesus did so long ago..... it is a humbling thing to realize just how much Eric has done for me... I work so hard now to be the best wife to him.... knowing that he loved me so much, even before I truly knew how much, that he would let himself be 'broken' just for me....to this day I see a shadow of the pain it cost him to love me as he does.....
I see God still working in our marriage... I have learned so much and even still I can feel His loving hands still molding me into what I am meant to be ..... I truly know that Eric was sent to me by God to show me just how much He loves me by Eric's wonderful example....
See this verse is a very personal eye-opening verse as to how much Christ loves us .....His bride.... how He was willing to suffer for her because of that love......
I thought I would give you a better look into my life, my marriage and how God is working daily on me....
Eric is my second husband. He has truly been the embodiment of that verse to me. Let me explain...this will be long......
Some background:
My first husband turned into a stranger to me shortly after we married...he became abusive, controlling, and was addicted to drugs....flaunted affairs while I was pregnant....you get the picture? So I moved me and my son, Travis, out of the house and begged for us to go to counseling because I really wanted to save my marriage... he would not have it...it was to be his way or nothing...he even told me that since he was the husband and “king of his castle” that if he felt that I needed to be hit it was his right to do so (how many men today have this wrong thinking.... sad)....I filed for divorce..... two weeks later I found out I was expecting my oldest daughter..... so the divorce was postponed until after the birth (state law) .... during this time he left the state and had several more affairs (he called me once just to flaunt them) .... my divorce was granted a month after my Mia was born. Because my now ex-husband could not be found, I got left with all the debt that he ran up ( my name was on there too because he had bullied me into it) and now I was a single mother of 2 babies, a low paying job, and more debt than I realized I would have on my own.... and was a very bitter woman!
A year after my divorce I met Eric...I was set up on a blind date by my cousin and was not happy about it at all.... I told God if He really wanted me to have another husband he would have to give me a big sign... Well, GOD DELIVERS!!! I got my sign with bells and whistles and Eric and I were married 3 months later....see, what I didn't know until a couple of years into our marriage was that Eric had been praying for a FAMILY....not just a wife but a family from the beginning......now you know why I say I would not change anything, even all the pain, because God was using all the suffering to make something beautiful out of my life............
Now here is the part where I must hang my head.... remember I said I was a very bitter woman....God did not take that right away...yes I was in love, I was happy, but I was still very bitter and untrusting..........and Eric has loved me through it all.... I refused to submit to his authority for years, ( he told me recently it was like making a mule do something she does not wish to do.... he told me that for every step we made forward in our relationship I would drag us back 3 or more and he felt he was always having to pay for something he never did) .... as I think back on how it was, how hard I made things for him ...I feel tears welling up....how could I have treated such a Gift from God.... this wonderful man God had sent to me and my children to be a provider, a father, a lover and a best friend and I treated him so badly.... yet, Eric loved me through it all and would quietly guide me by his loving example each day....oh how I tested that man....I was sure that he would turn out to be the same as my first husband so I tested him...really without even thinking about it.... not even realizing that it was what I was doing.... and it took its toll on my wonderful man... how ashamed I feel at the damage I did during those first years of our marriage. And how grateful that God sent me a man to really show me how a husband is to love a wife....just as Christ loves the church.... how in that love he tenderly yet firmly helped me to come closer to the woman God planed for me to be.... how he put me first, even when I did not realize it.... how he suffered so much for my benefit..... Just as Jesus did so long ago..... it is a humbling thing to realize just how much Eric has done for me... I work so hard now to be the best wife to him.... knowing that he loved me so much, even before I truly knew how much, that he would let himself be 'broken' just for me....to this day I see a shadow of the pain it cost him to love me as he does.....
I see God still working in our marriage... I have learned so much and even still I can feel His loving hands still molding me into what I am meant to be ..... I truly know that Eric was sent to me by God to show me just how much He loves me by Eric's wonderful example....
See this verse is a very personal eye-opening verse as to how much Christ loves us .....His bride.... how He was willing to suffer for her because of that love......
Monday, May 14, 2007
Well, I did get lots done today..... I've packed up a few more things, did some laundry (and sorted through a few more clothes), cleaned out one of the desks for the yard sale, and cooked a huge dinner tonight! ~Chicken and Rice with Mushroom Soup Sauce, sweetened carrots, corn and some fresh veggies.~ My mom came to get some of the furniture she will be using for a while so I fed her, my nephew and one of his friends too..... those boys can eat!!!
Well, my list for tomorrow is even longer than todays .... I hope I can get many things accompished! Tomorrow I also plan on making Pepperoni Bites (my family loves these) so that we can snack on these tomorrow afternoon instead of sitting down to eat a "proper" dinner.... I'm hoping to get the kids going on a few projects for tomorrow afternoon as far as packing and such..... they have been great helpers!
Well, I'm off to get a bit of rest..... Jed is still teething and some nights he is just not sleeping through the night..... hoping tonight he will!
Well, my list for tomorrow is even longer than todays .... I hope I can get many things accompished! Tomorrow I also plan on making Pepperoni Bites (my family loves these) so that we can snack on these tomorrow afternoon instead of sitting down to eat a "proper" dinner.... I'm hoping to get the kids going on a few projects for tomorrow afternoon as far as packing and such..... they have been great helpers!
Well, I'm off to get a bit of rest..... Jed is still teething and some nights he is just not sleeping through the night..... hoping tonight he will!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Happy Mother's Day.... from Our Family to Yours!
Psalms 144:12-15 (NLT) May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace. May our farms be filled with crops of every kind. May the flocks in our fields multiply by the thousands, even tens of thousands, and may our oxen be loaded down with produce. May there be no breached walls, no forced exile, no cries of distress in our squares. Yes, happy are those who have it like this! Happy indeed are those whose God is the LORD.
Friday, May 11, 2007
I found this and thought it great!
REFLECTIONS OF A MOTHER
( What a mother would say )
I GAVE YOU LIFE BUT CANNOT LIVE IT FOR YOU
I CAN TEACH YOU THINGS BUT I CANNOT MAKE YOU LEARN.
I CAN GIVE YOU DIRECTIONS BUT I CANNOT BE THERE TO LEAD YOU
I CAN ALLOW YOU FREEDOM BUT I CANNOT ACCOUNT FOR IT
I CAN TAKE YOU TO TEMPLE BUT I CANNOT MAKE YOU BELIEVE
I CAN TEACH YOU RIGHT FROM WRONG BUT I CANNOT ALWAYS DECIDE FOR YOU
I CAN BUY YOU BEAUTIFUL CLOTHS BUT I CANNOT MAKE YOU BEAUTIFUL INSIDE
I CAN OFFER YOU ADVICE BUT I CANNOT ACCEPT IT FOR YOU
I CAN GIVE YOU LOVE BUT I CANNOT FORCE IT UPON YOU
I CAN TEACH YOU TO SHARE BUT I CANNOT MAKE YOU UNSELFISH
I CAN TEACH YOU RESPECT BUT I CANNOT FORCE YOU TO SHOW HONOR
I CAN ADVICE YOU ABOUT FRIENDS BUT CANNOT CHOOSE THEM FOR YOU
I CAN ADVISE YOU ABOUT SEX BUT I CANNOT KEEP YOU PURE
I CAN TELL YOU THE FACTS OF LIFE BUT I CANNOT BUILD YOUR REPUTATION
I CAN TELL YOU ABOUT DRINKS BUT I CAN’T SAY “NO” FOR YOU
I CAN WARN YOU ABOUT DRUGS BUT I CAN’T PREVENT YOU FROM USING THEM
I CAN TELL YOU ABOUT LOFTY GOALS BUT I CAN’T ACHIEVE THEM FOR YOU.
I CAN TEACH YOU KINDNESS BUT I CAN’T FORCE YOU TO BE GRACIOUS.
I CAN WARN YOU ABOUT SINS BUT I CANNOT MAKE YOU MORAL.
I CAN LOVE YOU AS A CHILD BUT I CANNOT PLACE YOU IN GOD’S FAMILY.
I CAN PRAY FOR YOU BUT I CANNOT MAKE YOU WALK WITH GOD.
I CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT GOD BUT I CANNOT MAKE GOD YOUR LORD.
I CAN TELL YOU HOW TO LIVE BUT I CANNOT GIVE YOU ETERNAL LIFE.
I CAN LOVE YOU WITH UNCONDITIONAL LOVE ALL OF MY LIFE AND I WILL ALWAYS..
Our mother is truly a Gift of God
Thursday, May 10, 2007
A Step towards Simplicity
AS many of you know, we are moving (21 days now) in with Eric's parents on the farm. And we are taking this time to simplify our lives! We decided that we were going to start over ...... a new start is not always bad. In doing this we are having a large moving sale and will be getting rid of most of our things. I have about 8 pieces of furniture I am keeping and we are keeping some clothes (I purged many of them) and a few sentimental items ..... and of course our books.....but the majority of our stuff is leaving. And the looks we have received when this is told is amazing.... everything from horror to dumbfounded stares.... Why is it so hard to believe in this day and time that someone would want to start over .... begin again.... simplify their life. We have prayed, discussed and prayed again about this decision ...... and we came to the same conclusion time and time again..... its just stuff!
"But you won't live with Eric's parents forever.... what will you do then?" we have been asked over and over.... yes, we KNOW we won't be living with Eric's parents forever.... we hope it will be for a very short time..... we are hoping to have our own place on the farm before too long..... and when we do get our own place we will do what others years ago did..... make or acquire things on an as NEEDED basis..... "But you won't have a couch, table and chairs, and all that..... what will you DO????" Let me say again.... we will acquire things as we need them.... but we don't need to just store everything ...... we are wanting to CHANGE our lifestyle.... live a more simple life...... and a simple life is our dream. So out with everything that is not NEEDED for now and when the time comes to replace you can believe it will be done with simplicity in mind!
"But you won't live with Eric's parents forever.... what will you do then?" we have been asked over and over.... yes, we KNOW we won't be living with Eric's parents forever.... we hope it will be for a very short time..... we are hoping to have our own place on the farm before too long..... and when we do get our own place we will do what others years ago did..... make or acquire things on an as NEEDED basis..... "But you won't have a couch, table and chairs, and all that..... what will you DO????" Let me say again.... we will acquire things as we need them.... but we don't need to just store everything ...... we are wanting to CHANGE our lifestyle.... live a more simple life...... and a simple life is our dream. So out with everything that is not NEEDED for now and when the time comes to replace you can believe it will be done with simplicity in mind!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Wednesday's Word
Proverbs 20:10 -11 (NLT) The LORD despises double standards of every kind. Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and right.
A child is known by his/her childish things and as a whole, children (at an early age) have not learned to conceal tendencies as adults do..... So it is an essential necessity that we as parents diligently observe our children and to help direct even those earliest tendencies - to lead them on the path of righteousness. For even a young tree is know by its first fruits.
A child is known by his/her childish things and as a whole, children (at an early age) have not learned to conceal tendencies as adults do..... So it is an essential necessity that we as parents diligently observe our children and to help direct even those earliest tendencies - to lead them on the path of righteousness. For even a young tree is know by its first fruits.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Mean Mom Title.....
I am a mean mom. There I said it. Its true. I don't let my kids run around without supervision. I don't give them each and every thing that they want. And I make them obey rules! Wow! And to top it all off.... they are to say "Sir" and "Ma'am" when addressing adults! But the funny thing is..... they love me anyway! I get hugs, kisses and lots of precious time with my children. Now, that is not to say we don't have days when they are not at all happy with something they have to do or for the fact they don't get to have something 'just because they want it"...... but, they understand that we (Eric and me) have set rules down that we see for the best of the entire family. We all work, we all help each other out and we all follow the rules. Period. And by making my children obey set rules I get the wonderful privilege of Mean Mom Title.
Mean Mom Title.....
I wear this title every day and everywhere I go-
Ever since I won it, so many years ago.
My oldest son gave it to me one day when he was mad-
I must admit that first day it made me kinda sad.
Didn't he realize, oh why couldn't he understand-
It was not meanness, but love that held his little hand.
Now many years later and my title still going strong-
I smile now at my title, when my children think I'm wrong.
For I see it more and more with each passing year-
Seeds of understanding and knowing how much I hold them dear.
Author~ Traci A
Proverbs 29:15 (NLT) To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
Mean Mom Title.....
I wear this title every day and everywhere I go-
Ever since I won it, so many years ago.
My oldest son gave it to me one day when he was mad-
I must admit that first day it made me kinda sad.
Didn't he realize, oh why couldn't he understand-
It was not meanness, but love that held his little hand.
Now many years later and my title still going strong-
I smile now at my title, when my children think I'm wrong.
For I see it more and more with each passing year-
Seeds of understanding and knowing how much I hold them dear.
Author~ Traci A
Proverbs 29:15 (NLT) To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Busy Weekend....
Well, we were in Hohenwald once again this past weekend.... getting things ready for the move (24 days...oh, my!) and having a great time with family and friends! The church at Lomax sponsor a Fish Fry each year for a scholarship program at Freed-Hardeman University and it was this past Saturday!....Oh my the food was SOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOODDDDDD!!! Catfish, Chicken Strips (for those that don't like fish) Shrimp, and Frog Legs along with French Fries, Slaw, Gumbo, White Beans, Onions, Tea/Lemonade, and the biggest variety of Pies anywhere around! MMMMMM....MMMMMMM GOOD!!!!!!! And the best part is .... Its all you can eat!!! that's right.... after you get your plate and sit down ... servers come around with Huge hot trays of more fish, chicken, shrimp and frog legs!! They also have a drive thru if you don't want to stay! Its amazing!
Then after the fish fry we went to Eric's sister, Sioban's (Sha-von is how it sounds) house for a birthday party for our nephew that turned a year old this past week. Happy Birthday Keegan!!!
And then yesterday I went with my good friend Denita to Homestead Hollow for their Springfest. It was so much fun!!!
Here are a few Pics from our weekend!!!
I got his shoe mom!!! Jed pulled off Keegan's shoe.
PlayTime Playing before the cake and ice cream!
Double Trouble Travis and Braden are so funny!
Birthday Boy His own personal cake!
And Homestead Hollow.....
Pump Organ Just Beautiful!
Spinning Wheel I want to learn!
Back Poarch Can you just imagine?
Then after the fish fry we went to Eric's sister, Sioban's (Sha-von is how it sounds) house for a birthday party for our nephew that turned a year old this past week. Happy Birthday Keegan!!!
And then yesterday I went with my good friend Denita to Homestead Hollow for their Springfest. It was so much fun!!!
Here are a few Pics from our weekend!!!
I got his shoe mom!!! Jed pulled off Keegan's shoe.
PlayTime Playing before the cake and ice cream!
Double Trouble Travis and Braden are so funny!
Birthday Boy His own personal cake!And Homestead Hollow.....
Pump Organ Just Beautiful!
Spinning Wheel I want to learn!
Back Poarch Can you just imagine?
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Having a great time.....
As you all know we are getting ready to move back to Hohenwald.... well, we are so excited to be joining the Lomax Church once more! We were there this past Saturday and were invited to watch as the "younger" members honored those 60years and older with a fine dinner and entertainment!
This year it was a Hee Haw Show...... oh, my the laughs!!!
Mother's Day Contest!
The ladies at 5 Minutes for Mom are doing it again... another great contest! A Mother's Day give-away of a Apple Ipod Nano (with its own box of chocolate!!!)
A BIG thanks to Best Buy for donating such a wonderful gift!
Wednesday's Word
Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Gal 6:3 For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Gal 6:4 But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor.
Gal 6:5 For each man shall bear his own burden.
Gal 6:6 But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.
Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Gal 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
Gal 6:3 For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Gal 6:4 But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor.
Gal 6:5 For each man shall bear his own burden.
Gal 6:6 But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.
Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Gal 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
As Christians we should take care not to boast of knowledge and wisdom – holding others in contempt for the sin in their lives - and then turn from the truth ourselves to sink deeper and deeper into error. For if we do ... in the end we will reap the consequences of our actions.
Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Nothing is hidden from God.... our secret thoughts are as an open book to Him.
Psa 94:11 Jehovah knoweth the thoughts of man, That they are vanity.
The truth is the truth.... you cannot speak out about something and then turn into your closet and do the same thing without some recompense ...... sin is sin..... whether you are doing it in public or in a private situation...... for example .....speaking out in a "public" room against gossip and then going into a “private” room to do just what you have spoken against is SIN.
Eph 5:11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;
Eph 5:12 for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of.
I have no problem with calling sin a sin.... never have. My understanding of the TRUTH is clear...... and I have no fear in calling out who is doing wrong. As Christians we are called to be a beacon of light to a sinful world...... and to be that beacon we MUST strive for a righteous life.
Rom 6:17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;
Rom 6:18 and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.
Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Nothing is hidden from God.... our secret thoughts are as an open book to Him.
Psa 94:11 Jehovah knoweth the thoughts of man, That they are vanity.
The truth is the truth.... you cannot speak out about something and then turn into your closet and do the same thing without some recompense ...... sin is sin..... whether you are doing it in public or in a private situation...... for example .....speaking out in a "public" room against gossip and then going into a “private” room to do just what you have spoken against is SIN.
Eph 5:11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;
Eph 5:12 for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of.
I have no problem with calling sin a sin.... never have. My understanding of the TRUTH is clear...... and I have no fear in calling out who is doing wrong. As Christians we are called to be a beacon of light to a sinful world...... and to be that beacon we MUST strive for a righteous life.
Rom 6:17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;
Rom 6:18 and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.
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