just a quick hey...

hey! Lol!

on my way out the door... holding down the pharmacy for the next few days ...some of my coworkers are out til next year.... i.e. Monday....


work, work, work......

Wednesday's Word ~ God's Word

Rom 15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me." 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

You know, I often hear people saying that they wished there was an instruction book for life... I have even been known to let it slip from my lips as well.... but it is wonderful that we do have a perfect instruction book for life. The Word of God! God knew that we would need guidance and encouragement here in this life and so He gave us one! But the Bible is so much more than a book of instructions.... it is a wonderful book of encouragement, love and hope. God knew that we would need something we could draw upon in dark times, something we could study and learn from daily.... a resource that would stand throughout time and culture to show us an everlasting hope.

I think that in this season of Christmas one of the best gifts we can give is a look of that hope in us.... something we do or say in just the next few days may change a life. Many times we are the only representation of God's Word that some will ever see. What do our lives reflect?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wonderful Word. I pray that I will ever use it to reflect Your will in my life. Lord, grant that I may be a living example of Your love each day and that I will ever look for the opportunities You present me with to spread Your Word. Thank you Lord, for Your Son, Jesus, that during this Christmas season the world is more open to hear of His birth. Thank you God, for sending Christ to us, to live among us and to become our Savior through His life, death and resurrection. In His most precious Name, Amen.

Store Christmas Party!

Tonight was our Christmas Party for the store.... Rick & Ann (the boss and his wife) usually reserve us a dinner party each year for Christmas... this year we were able to enjoy the new room at our local favorite restaurant (The Junkyard Dog) and lets just say... YuM!!! Prime Rib... cooked to order.... baked potato ... choice of sides.... and chocolate cheesecake for dessert! Wow.... some great eating tonight! Thanks again to the Jones' for a wonderful dinner tonight!

Well, it has been a long time stranger....

Goodness! The time sure has flown since my last post. I have spent the majority of my time at the pharmacy getting ready, training and now working hard on the new computer system we had installed mid-October. (can we say OVERTIME!!!) It sure is different that the old system. I like it! Now that we are getting used to the new computer and starting to get all of it under control, I am now able to get home on time most nights and the schedule is starting to look normal again. I have practically lived at the pharmacy for the last 3 months. I believe the kids had actually forgot that I was a part of the family..... lol.

Now, the holidays are here! We are getting the house all decorated up.... found out most of my lights (they are like 10 years old) have decided not to work this year.... so we have budgeted for a few strands. Jed is so excited this year about Christmas. He saw that many people had their Christmas lights up right after Thanksgiving and he was ready to put them up that night!

We have been so blessed this year! We have paid off several of our bills over the last year! God has been so good to us. Our garden was a blessing this year to us and we have been blessed with so many finds at the thrift shops and hand-me-downs for clothes that were needed. Our life may be simple, we may not have much by the worlds standards but we feel so very blessed!

Wednesday's Word ~ Fooled by the bait????

Oh, don't worry no one will bother to notice..... just this once you can get away with it..... come on live a little..... don't you deserve a bit of fun???? Satan's temptation tools sound so good at times, don't they? As far back as Eve in the Garden, Satan has been telling people the same old things.... and all of them are lies. But the bait he uses sounds and looks so good...... we are like fish swimming around that fish-hooked worm until sometimes we just have to take a bite! Then we are caught up in sin! Is there a way out?!?!?

Paul tells us in 1Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Is that wonderful or what? God gives a way of escape to the bait! We have the choice to say yes, or we can say no and build faith and choose obedience to God and His Word. Thinking of temptation as a faith-builder can turn one of Satan's most used tools into an opportunity to glorify God!

Lord, help me at each temptation to see it as a chance to glorify You in my life. Help me to choose to always follow Your will for my life and to remember that You always provide a means of escaping the bait laid out by the evil one. Thank You for verses in Your Word that remind me that You are faithful and hold me in the palm of Your hand. Lord, remind me that each of my choices are noticed by the One that sees all and that the only thing I am deserving of without Your Grace is death. Help me daily Lord, to make the right choices. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Homeschooling 3 teens....

Boy oh boy.... 3 teens in the house! The up side is that everyone is old enough to get going on chores, schoolwork, and other things to be done throughout the day..... the downside..... arguments about who, why and what is going on..... and drama....ughh.... teen drama! LOL!

We have had a pretty good start this year with school..... Travis is a senior, Mia is a sophomore, and Amaris is in 8th grade. And this year we have started working with Jed in some pre-school time and work...... Eric is doing a super great job! He is such a great dad and I am so happy that one of us can be home with the kids!

Travis has started working during the day and then doing his schoolwork and chores in the afternoon..... it has been a shaky start but I think that he will get his schedule under control. He is learning what its like out in the real world a bit.....

Mia has started to embrace the home school life more so this year.... I'm hoping she is learning to enjoy it better. I know she appreciates the freedom... just misses seeing all the people daily.

Amaris has truly adjusted to home schooling. She is doing well on her studies and she even has a friend that has started homeschooling this past year.

Jed is starting his preschool studies this year... he feels like a big boy doing school work like his big brother and sisters!

ahhh....

Sitting here after another busy weekend.... work, Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes Kickoff Banquet, and today I finally got the kid's paperwork finished to register them for this year's school....gonna fax that in tomorrow! Whew, this is the earliest I've gotten it all done.... kinda proud that I am getting it done before the deadline...lol.

I didn't get all the chores done today that I wanted, but I did get enough done today that I don't feel completely lazy..... I did work.... but I also got to visit with our good friends David and Heather today.... love to do that! And, we found Eric about 3-4 more pair of pants at Treasures today...yipee!!! So I did get a good amount of things done.

The next few days will see me working at the pharmacy just about opening to close each day and I am working this Saturday so that I can be off for the Saturday of our Kid's Rally!

Well, I'm off to get Jed in the bed.... until next time....

friends, family and new stuff

Hey there all blogland gogglers..LOL! I have had a great weekend! I got to catch up with my best friend from high school (So way gonna have to do that again Tanya!) this weekend, see Brianne & Austin (Eric's sis and bro-in-law), found a great deal on a ton of books (Thanks April!) and got me a new dining room set! Busy weekend for sure and a busy Monday to boot! Now, the rest of the week I work opening to closing until Saturday. I MUST finish the paperwork to send in to get the kids registered for school! And my nephew and his family are having a housewarming party on Saturday! Goodness you should see my pocket calendar!!

Homeschooling

Well, this is our 3 rd year to be homeschooling... Travis is a senior, Mia a sophomore, Amaris is an 8th grader and Jed is starting some pre-school type learning... it will be a busy year for us!

Just wanted to post a link too! We use the Robinson Curriculum as a base and use other resources for the kids electives. We were given the discs from another homeschooling family to review it .... as parents we fell in love with it.... so much so that we bought our own copies of the discs! We have really enjoyed the older books that the kids use with this curriculum!

Good Harvest....

this year Eric put in 3 garden spots... our normal 2 here behind the house and then he also put in more veggies up at his grandmother's house... (their old garden spot) and I have to say we have been blessed with a good sized harvest! So far we have put up 24 quarts of bread & butter pickles (doing the dills tonight), 12 small jelly jars of blackberry jam, about 35 gallons of green beans, about 45 gallons of cob corn and 4-5 quarts of cream corn, 6 quarts of fresh salsa (it gets eaten fast) about a dozen quarts of tomatoes put up, I don't even remember how much sqwash and zucchini we put up and still have more veggies coming in...cantaloupe, more corn, okra is just now starting to come in good.... we have been so blessed! And so busy!

Goodness but....

I can't seem to keep on track with my blog here..... I really *want* to write daily..... but just don't feel like finding the time (cause that would mean getting up earlier than I already do...) for now know that I'm posting whenever I'm up to it.... been getting overtime pretty much each week this summer break so far and then with everything else on top of that I pretty much fall asleep before my head hits the pillows each night....seriously I fell asleep in about 30 seconds last night!!!!

I have some great stuff in my head to put down (or on rather) here but the motivation wagon has not stopped by here in a bit! Hoping that the motivation will come!

Be back soon!

Time, Time, Who has the Time.....

Ecc 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:




Last night our topic for Monday Night Matters (our Monday night teen devo and fun nights this summer) was on Time. You know, how we fill up our time, spend our time, use our time... however you want to say it.... and how being busy and keeping a hectic schedule just to stay busy can sometimes lead us away from the life God has planned for us. We also played a game called Destination.... we had everyone pick a spot in the parking lot... it was their choice where to stand.... we then told them this was their starting point ... just like in life we all have different starting points. Then we blindfolded everyone and told them that their final destination in life was Heaven... so their destination in this game was to reach the doors of the church building, however they couldn't just walk they had "little detours" along the way depending on how busy they were.... examples.... take 5 steps foward if you read your Bible each day(we only had one teen move forward on that one by the way) ..... turn around 3 times and then take 2 steps forward if you have a job.... being blindfolded they then did not know if they were still headed in the right direction... and so forth.... at about mid-way through the game we let them 'peek' to see if they were still on track some were surprised to see where they were standing .... it was a good time.

Next week we are going to talk about Heroes. Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Busy Weekend!

Yesterday we had a bit of a work day around the house. Travis sanded, primed and painted the new T-posts for our laundry lines.... we did have a disagreement over the paint color.... I wanted something that would stand out.... like fire-engine red or even UT orange..... but Eric wanted something that would blend in .... black, green.... anything neutral..... we decided on silver. Its bright enough to stand out for me and classic enough for Eric. ..... Amaris spent part of her day weeding in the smaller garden spot..... it sure was hot work for my baby girl!

For me, I took Jed yesterday morning to the local Library to see "Safari Greg" .... he talks to kids about animals ... even brings a few to show and also does a few magic tricks to keep little ones laughing. Mia went along with us to help.... I think she had more fun that Jed did ...lol. Then I re-potted some of my house plants.... one had been looking rather pitiful... no wonder... it was terribly root bound. Now it has a nice big pot to stretch out in and I am hoping it will perk back up!

Eric mowed the yard yesterday afternoon and Mia cleaned up the cars a bit.... the Suburban had a bad smell due to a leaky cooler Eric's mom had put in the back when they went swimming on Friday.... So, Mia cleaned out the inside and sprayed deodorizer inside and we left windows open for a big part of the day to let it air out! Then she took my mom's car (the Impala) that she is letting me drive a bit and washed it.

Today we plan on being just as busy.... after services Eric and I plan on getting the lines up between the post! I will have nearly 200 ft of hanging space! The post have 4 lines! I am so excited about having my own laundry lines up! Then to hang out laundry!

This afternoon also is the car wash for the Youth Group. They didn't want to just ask for help with the cost to cover camps, so they will have a car wash this afternoon for anyone that wants to help donate to the cost of camp.

Tomorrow I have the day off of work.... I plan on getting my hair cut first thing in the morning then coming back home and working on getting more laundry done..lol. I am also hoping that I will have a closet system in ... if not fully then hopefully by the end of the week... it is coming along beautifully! I will put pics up as soon as we have everything in place! I am so tired of having everything from out closet all spread out all over the house.... clothes... Jeds room... shoes... not sure.... I didn't realize how much stuff we had packed in that little room!

Then tomorrow night we have our Monday Night Matters Devo and fun night at the church building.... tomorrow's Topic... TIME. Come out and join us for a fun time!

That about wraps up things going on around the Amacher house this weekend and the beginning of the new week..... I will be working everyday after Monday but I hope to be here each day for at least a few lines! God Bless!

Good Friday Morning...

Just a quick note this morning.... I'm off to work for another full day at the big "D" .... and while I am doing that... Eric and the kids will be pool side for most of the day.... how fair is that?LOL. I do hope they have fun!

Counting Blessing

Have you ever just stopped and started with the simplest blessings in you life (which is a blessing in itself) and grow the list as you think of bigger blessings? When you do, it is like a game to see what else God has blessed you with. And at the end of your list how can you not feel the overwhelming need to thank and praise God for the wonders he has done for you! (I often stop well short of the end of the list to do just that!) All of the hard times, hurts and disappointments of life start looking very small in the big picture! I urge everyone today to make a list...starting with the very simplest of blessings and keep it going throughout the day....you will be amazed at how even things you once thought of as hardships and trials have really been a blessing or have lead to a blessing! Trusting God because He knows what is best for us really will lead to blessings in abundance!

Wednesday's Word ~

Psa 66:1-20 (ESV) To the choirmaster. A Song. A Psalm. Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name." Selah Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him, who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations-- let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard, who has kept our soul among the living and has not let our feet slip. For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance. I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will perform my vows to you, that which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble. I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals, with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!




Praising God Today. All Day. Everyday. Amen!

Good Morning Everyone

I've noticed I'm letting my blog posts lag again..... working on it! LOL....

Yesterday was a wonderful day for us! First, Eric and I had the honor of taking our good friends Erik and Adrianne to the airport in Nashville yesterday. We are going to miss them for the next few months as they continue the work in Russia. After we got home from Nashville we packed up a nice little picnic and headed off to the Natchez Trace park for a bit of family fun! There is a creek at the picnic area and getting wet was great for the kids and Eric (I only waded a bit). Then as we were leaving the park I got a text message that one in our congregation was ready to make his decision to become a Christian and would we be at the church building as he was baptized ....... whoohoo you bet! Congrats to Blake! You have made the best decision you will ever make! I pray that we as a family are a support to you and your family!

Then, last night was our first Monday Night Matters for our 7th thru 12th graders..... I hope everyone had as much fun and we did! Eric did such a great job with the Devo and discussion time. The topic last night was What Matters to Jesus! Then we had snacks and then a game of Spoons with a twist* ... the twist was we didn't have a table and we played it on the grass...there was no dealer because we gave out all the cards and everyone passed the cards at the same time...then everyone had to dive for the spoon! Congrats to Morgan ... our Spoons Champ! We picked the game of Spoons because it related to the topic.... getting the spoon in the game of Spoons is what matters most in the game.... following Jesus and His commands is what matters most! I'm so glad we had a great first M-N-M night with the teens and looking forward to next week! --- oh, and for anyone coming wear something you don't mind getting dirty! LOL


That about sums up our day yesterday. We are such a blessed family!

Hello there...

Well, I was going to start the week out by blogging every day.... however I didn't get to post yesterday because I spent a big part of my day in the ER with my brother. The clinic here thought he was having a heart attack (he was in lots of pain in the chest and abdomen areas that they sent him by ambulance on to the hospital - a 40 minute drive) once in the ambulance the EMT's also coded him as possible heart attack) By the time my sister and mother and myself get to the ER (of course mom would not let me or my sister drive.... we thought we might crash a time or two on the way..... and why don't people pull over when they see someone with their flashing lights on any more?) they had given him something for pain and the MD wanted to talk with mom about any medical history.... The MD ruled out heart attack but wants to scan him for gall stones instead.... so they take him down to do an x-ray to check for anything..... at the same time they had drawn lots of blood to do some other tests..... in the end it seems my brother has a very NASTY virus that caused him to cramp up so badly and was causing so much pain that it shot his blood pressure up so high that he could have had a heart attack...... praying no one else gets this one! He is home and on a liquid diet for the first day and only bland foods for the rest of the week.

Other news in the Amacher life is that.... this week is Mission Trip week. This year the elders decided that since there was so much flood damage in our own area that the Mission work would better be served right here. So each day (Wed thru Sat) everyone will meet at the church building and go out into the area (a lot of this will be in the next county over) and help with demolition, repairs and encouragement to those hit hard by the flooding. We have had so many sign up to help this year! Travis and Mia will be out each day doing something .... Mia even asked to be given some of the harder work ...she likes to prove she is as good as the boys in stuff like that..... and its good motivation for the boys when some of the adults comment on how much harder Mia works than them. I have to work most days ... I do have Thursday off so I may get to help with some things that day. All in all a busy week ahead!

Wednesday's Word ~ Servants for Christ

1Pe 4:10-11 (NIV) Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (11) If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.


We have tried to teach our children to be servants. Knowing that God will be glorified in all that we do. With the floods from the last couple of weeks in the area, our congregation has decided that instead of going somewhere for the mission trip this year we will be meeting daily that week and working in our own area... there were parts of our county and the next county over that were hit very hard by flooding and tornadoes. We have started gathering supplies to distribute to those in need. Yesterday, Travis traveled with others to pick up soaps, detergents and such to give out to anyone in need .... this afternoon there are several of our teens that will gather and sort through the different products and get them ready to hand out. There is so much to do and so many things that can be done to help out. We are so blessed to have children that are willing to be servants for the cause of Christ.

Please add our work in your prayers.

Monday's Musings

Hello everyone! Today has been a good day! Eric and I went out today and got the seeds and seedlings for the gardens today.... he and the kids will be planting this week! Three garden spots this year! I am hoping for a great year for our gardens and for a good harvest! This really helps us throughout the whole year!

Then tonight we cooked a nice dinner and had my mom over for the evening. I did not get to see her yesterday since we were traveling back from Eric's sister graduation this weekend. (She graduated from Pharmacy School- whoohoo Brianne) We had a great time visiting with her, she is such a wonderful mom! I am so blessed!

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing the best of wishes and blessings for all the wonderful mothers out there!

And a special Mother's Day wish to my mom.... I love you!

Monday News and a word of encouragement.

Well we survived the storms over the weekend. We were very blessed to not have suffered much as far as damage. However, many here in Lewis Co and in the surrounding counties there have been many losses of homes, property damage, roads that have washed out and deaths. And other parts of the state have been hit worse. School was out today and is again tomorrow due to many roads in the county still not passable - or just not there anymore.

You know our ladies class has been studying about crisis and how Christians should deal with a crisis. Today I thought of how when we are found in the swirling waters of troubles that I am so encouraged by just knowing that God never leaves my side! I can call out to Him in times of crisis and know that He is there. And God does an amazing thing.... not only does He comfort me but He sends people my way that can help/comfort/ encourage me throughout the crisis! God is wonderful to us, His children! All we have to do is trust that God will bring us through any crisis we may face. We don't have to fear the flood waters of life... for we know that God is always there to hold us above the waters.

Thankful Thursday - Describing God

Have you ever thought about the words used to describe God? Last night during our Ladies Bible class we looked at some passages that describe God..... here is just a few words we found...

shelter
dwelling place
shield and buckler
shadow
refuge
fortress

Don't you get a feeling of safety and awe of God's mightiness just looking at these few words...He is all these and more! We are told not to have fear in the midst of crisis for God is there to deliver us out whatever difficulties we find ourselves in. He is going to be right there to be our protector and our refuge!




Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. (2) I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (3) For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. (4) He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. (5) You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, (6) nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. (7) A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. (8) You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. (9) Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-- the Most High, who is my refuge-- (10) no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. (11) For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (12)On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. (13) You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. (14) "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. (15) When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. (16) With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." (ESV)


I truly love verse 4 .... the writer says God will cover us with His pinions .... ever thought about what a pinion is? ... simply put its a feather.... God will cover us with His feathers .... and under His wings we can find refuge... but at the same time God will be our shield and buckler. For His children are found in the comfort and the tenderness of God's wing while he is a mighty defender of us outwardly protecting us as a shield and buckler. Is that not wonderful! God grants us so many blessing each moment and even when we face turmoil and crisis He is there to tenderly and lovingly protect us and fiercely defend us all at the same time! God never leaves us... we are always in His thoughts, He is ever ready to be what we need, a tender and loving refuge, a mighty shield and defender..... a deliverer. How great is God's love!

Today and every day I am thankful I can call upon God!

Okay..... here is my new project

......... making Books! Yes, I just had to try!




getting the supplies together....




then cutting the paper to size...





gluing the decorative paper for the cover....



and folding down the outer paper...




this is it! my first book! A cute little notebook.... It's made from recycled paper and cardboard inserts from the pharmacy.... so what do you think???

Friday's Fixins ~ Roast Beef

Okay, so I just had to have the 10lb beef roast on sale at the grocery store last week.... it had been so long since I had cooked a good roast.... here is how I decided to fix it.....

Turned to oven on to 250* then got out the roast and put in my roasting pan. Poured 1 can of beef broth over it and let it fill the bottom of the pan. Then I added some left over chopped onion (about 1 good cupful ... ya'll should know by now I wing it and don't really measure, right?), then sprinkled on some seasonings .... garlic pepper, season salt, and actually some veggie grill mix. Put the top on the roasting pan and popped it in the oven .... leaving it there for about 6-7 hours at 250*. I did not sear it first, not did I start it out at 400* then bring down the temp... just left it at 250 all day... I did pull it out every couple of hours to dowse the meat with the broth mix from the bottom of the pan to help keep it nice and moist. And when I pulled it out to cut ... it was so tender and just fell apart...mmmmmmm! I gathered up the broth mix and made a nice gravy to go with the roast... had some homemade mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet carrots, sqwash casserole, and of course no meal around my house is complete with out some sweet tea according to my family! I had enough that we were able to eat on the left overs for a day or two! Nothing like homemade!

Good Thursday Morning

I do want to post a quick Thankful Thursday note....

I am so thankful for our children! Our kids amaze me sometimes. They have such servant hearts.

This week they have been volunteering for the District Senior Games .... you know, doing judging, score keeping .... encouraging the seniors in the surrounding areas in sports like shuffleboard, horse shoes, basketball free throw..etc... Well, this morning I got news from the Senior Center Director here in Lewis County (aka... my mom..lol) and she was telling me how the whole crowd of seniors ... not just the ones they see here in the county but those from all over just love it when my children volunteer. She also told me that the other judges (some that have been helping for 30 years) are so impressed with my children and have begged mom to have them at the State Senior Games in July this year! Goodness.... makes a momma not just thankful but a bit on the proud side too!

And what has our little Jed been up to this week while his brother and sisters have been gone... well, yesterday he spent the afternoon in the back fields with Momma Sue and Papa Rich as they were clearing out some brush .... and he even got to drive the truck in the field! He sure was excited about that!

Wednesday's Word ~

Romans 5:2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Is this not just a wonderful verse! If you have become a child of God then you stand in the grace of God (through Christ Jesus)..... it does not say we have stood or will stand but that we are standing... it is a perpetual present tense.... as a child of God we can continually stand in God's grace ... Jesus' sacrifice did that for us! We are able to rejoice in hope of the glory of God.... that makes me want to shout for joy... sing out loud... stand in awe of God's love.

Pics from Convention

Here are a few pics from Convention..... we had such a great time!





Here we are awaiting awards on Saturday night...... this is after a full day of competitions in Bible Bowl, Speech, and Song Leading/Songs of Praise





Jed and his buddies keeping themselves busy before and during Awards ......






Mia and one of her awards....




Travis placed First! in Song Leading! Whoohoo!








Mia and Amaris along with the other girls that got bronze in Second Language.... Russian!



We were so very blessed by the whole weekend! Thanks to Trent and Lori Hill (our leaders) who make this weekend and the whole Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program such a wonderful and uplifting program!

Good Morning ....

Hello Blog friends! Our weekend was great! The kids won several awards and had a great time..... I will give details and pics tomorrow! Just wanted everyone to know that I'm back and ready to blog!

Good Sunday to everyone! Hope you have had a chance to worship with a congregation of the Lord's Church today! We enjoy meeting with our congregation at each opportunity! This morning was no exception.... good class time.... great sermon!

We are also looking forward to listening to all our youth do the services tonight with their song leading, bible reading and speeches that they have been working on for Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes this coming weekend! They have all worked so very hard to get prepared this year for convention! Tonight is the night that they get to share what they have been working on with the entire congregation.

Well, I'm off.... lunch is cooking and I have so much to get done this afternoon!

A quick hello...

Hey there! Just wanted to pop by with a quick hello... between working overtime this week, getting ready for LLL Convention and now a sick little one (Jed is croupy) I may not have much time to get here and post until after Easter. Just wanted to let everyone know I am going to continue to post but the next couple of weeks may find my post short!

Tuesday's Tips

Here are a few tips about using wax paper and coffee filters:

Rubbing a shower curtain rod with wax paper helps keep the metal hooks sliding without loud squeaks.

Rubbing those garden tools (or any tool really) with a bit of wax paper can help prevent rust spots from forming.

Using coffee filters to wipe down the glass and chrome in the bathroom will cut down on streaks.

Wrap baking soda in a couple of coffee filters and tie with a garbage tie to use as a deodorizer in closets, drawers and even the fridge in a pinch. ........ oh goodness, I just had a thought.... I need to try this on Travis' shoes.... place one in each of his shoes at night.... that would cut down on a lot of that smell!!! I'm so excited! Gonna try it tonight!

Busy in the Lord's work....

Ahhhh, the Youth Rally was such hard work .... but so worth it!!! I love the blessing I get to see that many people (esp. young people) together for fellowship, worship and praise!!! All wanting to learn more from God's Word. We had great speakers and teachers ... not to mention song leaders! We will have the singing and the keynotes up on our website in the next few days for anyone who wishes to listen.


I love how our congregation gets together and really works to make Youth Rally weekend so successful. Everyone pitching in to make sure even the smallest or dirtiest of jobs get done.
We are so blessed by our church family!

Now that the Youth Rally is behind us we are now focused on the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes
Convention that is coming up in less than 2 weeks. The kids have all worked so hard on their speeches, song leading, art work and bible knowledge. We are looking forward to enjoying a weekend focused on our younger generation and them learning to step into roles for the future.

Please pray for us as we continue to seek out ways for service in the Lord's work!

Well, I'm off to catch up on some work around here today....

Wenesday's Word ~ A quiet spirit

1Peter 3:4-6 (ESV) but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

I have often heard stories of my Grandmother (my dad's mother) and her gentle and quiet spirit.... how she submitted to my Grandfather in matters and how she was seen as a wonderful example to her children and grandchildren..... I loved to sit at her feet as a young person and listen to her stories of growing up, meeting my Grandfather, and having children. And although many people would have passed her stories up as boring, or menial I found myself transfixed by the way she looked at even the simplest of things. Even years after my Grandfather had passed away she was completely devoted in heart to him and that came out each and every time she spoke about him. Her love of God was such a pillar that is shone through everything she did. Her home was a place of peace and was always full of welcoming love. Her simple dress and simple lifestyle is such a blessed memory.

Its Youth Rally time!

This Friday and Saturday will be our 14th annual Lomax Youth Rally! We have been so very blessed to be a part of this work. This year's theme is Transform to Royalty. We are hoping for a good crowd of around 700 this year!

I am looking forward to be a part of this ministry once again this year. Our children look forward to this event each year! It is such a blessing to see so many youth gather to hear God's word. Travis will be taking on new responsibility this year as he has been asked to help with the men that oversee the parking lot. I think its great that he is stepping into responsible roles. Mia and Amaris will help with greeting everyone. I have also been blessed with being able to be off work for the Youth Rally.... its my weekend off and my boss let me off the second half of the day on Friday to help prepare for it!

This is a big rally... we start feeding everyone at 6PM on Friday then after supper and fellowship we have a wonderful time of singing and a devotional. Several congregations stay overnight (we have a campground that we use close by.) Then Saturday morning we feed everyone a big breakfast (yes, including Chocolate Gravy!) and then have classes, singings, and devotionals throughout the day... we feed them a good lunch and an afternoon snack before the final session and send everyone off hoping they have been blessed. I know I get a blessing from it!

Please pray for our Youth Rally ... that souls will be reached, touched and that we are a blessing to all that come!

Looking forward to company!

Tonight we are looking forward to spending time with Erik and Adrianne. They are the young couple that Travis and Mia joined in mission work in Russia with this past winter. They have made the trip back to the States for the required 3 months they must be out of the country. We are looking forward to visiting with them and hearing their part of some stories we have heard from Travis and Mia.

Busy Sunday...

I am so glad I'm an early riser.... my alarm clock (which happens to be my cell phone) did not auto change the time .... I woke on time but not by the alarm!!! Yeah! for an internal clock!

I'm teaching Sunday Morning Bible Class this quarter ... I have the 5th and 6th graders... great bunch of kids! So we try to get to the building early so I have time to set up the class from Wednesday night. Services were good. And we had the adult leaders pictures this morning after services for our Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes scrap book to take. We decided to take Amaris out for an early Birthday lunch so we headed to the Junkyard Dog (local .... and great food!) Then I ran to the store to pick up a few things I've been needing to organize my desk and files. I have worked on that some and thought I might stop to visit the blogland. ...... Later, while the kids are at practice for LLL speeches I will be moving tables & chairs in our Christian Service center to do a good clean tomorrow. Busy, busy, busy......

Heart's Garden

Any fool can count the seeds in an apple. Only God can count all the apples in one seed. ~ Robert H. Schuller

You know, the last couple of harvest seasons I have had the opportunity to work apples and pears. Just one tree gives such a bountiful harvest of fruit. And it always amazes me that the whole tree full of apples/pears came from a tiny seed. Eric's grandfather didn't really know how much fruit would come from those seeds...but he had faith enough to plant them, work them, and hope for a good harvest. And year after year..... harvest after harvest the trees bear fruit...... all from one seed.

Our lives are that way too. God's Word is that seed... and if we plant it, work it and let it bear the fruit in our lives..... what a wonderful harvest! God sees the fruit our lives bear in His name... our children.... our children's children... or that person who has watched us in silence... or a chance encounter that we may not think much about... but God can use us to bear fruit and in turn... that fruit can bear more fruit. How awesome it is to know that He sees all the fruit from one seed.

2Cor 9:10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Friday's Fixins ~ Cucumber Salad

Here is an easy summer side dish.... (I know its early but... looking forward to Eric's garden this year!)

1 cup mayo or salad dressing
1/4 cup sugar
4 tsp vinegar
1/2 tsp dill weed
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
4 medium cucumbers
3 green onions - chopped

Peel and slice cucumbers. Mix with the chopped onions and set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine the rest of the ingredients mixing well. Toss in the cucumbers and onions. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Serve cold.


My kiddos love this! Thanks to my cousin Jalana over at A Writer's Garden Spot for this recipe years ago! (And glad you have started blogging too my dear!)

Thankful Thursday

God has so richly blessed our family. I could sit here all day and list so many things.... but I am going to limit myself (for time) to 3 things I am thankful for today.

1. The sounds and sights that Spring is upon us... I sit here listening to the songs of various birds in the early morning.... such a wonderful sound!

2. The thoughfulness of my mom.... who is letting me use her new car to drive for a while.... since the weather has been wet, cold or unpredictable... and the truck was in the shop... it was nice not to either get Eric up early or catch a ride to work.

3. Jed, who every time I come through the door ... at lunch or at the end of the day... runs to greet me with a giant hug!

Thank You, Lord for blessing my life!

Wednesday's Word ~

Psalm 107:9 (ESV) For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Thank You, Lord for going to great lengths to let us know Your will.

Where is the Kleenex???

Well, it happened... I got the sniffles. Now to ensure that it doesn't turn into anything more!I think it is the weather at this time of year .... not that I really caught anything. We have a warm day of 70* then the next its 50* and raining. So going to medicate myself and pray that it doesn't turn into something else!

The work week calleth...

Hey there everyone... I had a great day off yesterday. I re-organized and cleaned the laundry room, caught back up on the never ending piles of dirty laundry, checked up on my mom (who is doing fine.... looks like it was just a pulled leg muscle), worked on my bedroom (goodness I had let it get right horrid!), was able to visit with a wonderful couple from our congregation yesterday with Eric while he was answering questions about their computer, printed the kid's speeches on index cards, cooked dinner, played with Jed some... and even had time to sit at the computer....whew! I think sometimes I still work more on my days off from the pharmacy.

However, now the work week is calling.... I will work the next 5 days at the pharmacy and I am hoping and praying that this week will be a much calmer week at work than last week was! Whew, didn't know everyone in town last week either had some stomach virus, the flu or this sinus mess with the weather changing around on us but it seemed that way with how busy we were!

Well, I best get off of here so I can get my socks and shoes on and be ready for my day at the pharmacy! Until my next post.....

Monday's Musings ~ What is a Soul-Mate?

I just read a great article in our Think magazine from Focus Press by Sharon Simmons titled "They Can't All Be Edward Cullen." In it she cautions us about the dangers of what she refers to "soul-mate-ism". She points out that a majority of young single women are so determined to find first and for-most their soul-mate and that when a marriage becomes distressed for any reason they simply move on because this one may not be their soul-mate after all. How discouraging this can be to women (and men) everywhere that are not taught that marriage is hard work.

This really made me step back and think about my marriage and what I am teaching my daughters... and sons (who by the way have read and re-read the Twilight series too) about what it takes to really make a marriage work. I mean, I often refer to Eric as my soul-mate. And he is. I truly believe that God sent Eric to me. But I had very realistic views of what my soul-mate would be. I mean, lets face it.... at the time God put Eric in my life I was totally NOT looking for my soul's mate. ( I am always amazed at God's timing!) You see, my version of a soul-mate has always been someone that was beside you no matter what.... always helping you in your own struggles in life and in faith. Someone you knew that you could argue something out.... get mad at... or have mad at you over something big or small ... but never doubt their commitment to you and you to them. My soul's mate is the man God put in my life to be my best friend, to be my lover, and to strive to help me and our family to reach our ultimate goal to serve God and to reach Heaven.

I want to teach my children that first you must find someone who is good for your soul... someone who will put your relationship with God as top priority to them and you should have their relationship with God as your own top priority as well. Don't rush into a relationship with expectations that are unrealistic. ...... such as thinking you can change that person.... if they are not a believer don't think that your relationship with them will bring them to Christ. Pray. Start praying right now for your mate... whether you think you will marry soon or not for years... start praying for your mate. Don't set unrealistic expectations for what marriage is..... because the true reality of marriage is that it is hard work. But when a marriage has God as its focus it is the most rewarding relationship God created between men and women!

Mal 2:15 (ESV) Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.

Friday's Fixin's ~ Chocolate Peanut Cake

Okay... this is the most scrumptious homemade cake! I have not made it in years but came across the recipe and had to add it.... perhaps I will make it soon too!

Cake:

2cups All-purpose flour

1&1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup unsweet cocoa

1/2 cup butter

1 cup water

3 eggs

1/4tsp. baking powder

1tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup mini semi-sweet choc. chips

In a large mixing bowl combine all cake ingredients. Beat at low speed until well mixed. Pour batter into a well greased and floured 13x9 cake pan. Bake 30 to 40 min at 350* or until done. Let the cake cool.

Frosting:

2/3 cup softened butter

1/3cup peanut butter

4 cups powdered sugar

4-5tblsp. half/half or milk

1 cup mini semi-sweet choc. chips

1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts

In medium mixing bowl combine butter and peanut butter. beat until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and continue beating - adding milk or half/half as needed until creamy. Frost the top of cake then sprinkle with the choc. chips and peanuts.

This cake is amazing!!!

Thankful Thursday

But I will trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the LORD because he has been so good to me. Psalm 13:5-6 (NLT)

Each and every time I take the time to step back and really look at my life I cannot help but think how much God has done for me. I have been in the lowest pits of despair and God has rescued me... I can bask in His unfailing love because of salvation. I can rejoice in uncertain times because God is good to me!

Wednesday's Word ~ His Will in our lives.

For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him. Romans 12:6 (Amplified Bible)

You know there are many things I have dreamed of doing..... most I will never accomplish.... some are things that I am just not proficient at. I think Paul is giving such good advice in the above verse (and I love how the Amplified Bible reads this verse) ..... we should not have a exaggerated opinion of our own importance... and we should rate our own abilities with sober judgement. Will I ever be a famous artist.... a much sought after author and speaker ... probably not. I do enjoy artwork and I love to write. But, where am I most productive... is it to be the person that can be called in the middle of the day or night when there is an emergency? Or how about just comforting someone when they come into the pharmacy. God calls us to many tasks in our lives... by failing to focus on His will for us ..... and failing to take the opportunities He presents to us moment by moment... day by day... we may prevent ourselves from accomplishing the unique works that He has called for each of us to do.

Monday's Musings....

The strength of a man consists in finding out the way God is going, and going that way. -- Henry Ward Beecher


God is dealing with me on this.... you know.... following His will for my life. Being obedient to Him... serving Him where He puts me. But I grumble... I argue .... I say to God... are you sure you really want me for this???? Sounds like I've been taking lessons from Jonah.... huh?

I was so happy where I was... content to go along with my days. But perhaps God wanted more from me than just contentment. God wants me on His schedule...... doing His deeds..... learning to overcome the challenges He allows to cross my path by trusting in Him to see me through. Learning to be patient with my situation and humbling myself to Him and His calling on my life. I think that is one of the reasons that our life can seem to get "turned upside down".... and everything can seem to "pour right into our laps" ..... God is waiting for us to call out to Him to right our world and to take the burden from us.

You know there are some days ... some weeks even that I wonder why God wanted me back into the workforce.... I was so happy to be a stay at home mom.... I loved being here with the kids, cooking, taking care of the house.... having freedom in my schedule. And then there are days I have to thank the Lord for putting me in that pharmacy to reach out to those who may be hurting when a loved one is hurt or sick. I am able to stop and speak with someone who may be headed for surgery... or rejoice with them over a successful procedure....... I have found the blessings in my workplace and I am so humbled that God would ask this of me.

I am grateful for the time God allowed me to be home with the kids. I am also grateful that Eric is home with them now... and that we are able to live off of just the one salary. God has blessed us with a wonderful church family and great friends... we are blessed to be a part of many works for the Church and for new opportunities that come our way to work in new areas for Him. I am so blessed that our children are learning to be servants as well. God is so good to us in so many different ways!

Working on Saturdays...

So, one of the agreements that I made with my boss was to work every other Saturday. Now, I really like my Saturday's free and when I worked before had them off unless something came up and I helped to cover once in a while... but the new schedule is that I work every other Saturday.... let me say... he is great at letting me have most Mondays off so I still get a 2 day weekend... it works out fine. And the other thing is that I mostly only have to work a half day on my Saturdays to work... usually because if I work any longer I'll rack up some big overtime..LOL. So its not all bad. And.. on the Saturdays that I work... since there really are no extra workers to cover lunches well, most everyone takes only a half hour lunch.... with me leaving at 1.....so to help with lunches we usually plan and bring something to put a meal together... tacos, soups, etc....

And today its Lasagna. I'm making the bread, Emily is bringing the lasagna, Brandy is bringing salad... and Kim is bringing dessert. Not at all bad... and the boss man.... lets just say.. Rick eats good on my Saturdays...lol

Friday's Fixin's ~ Cooking with no Refrigerator

Two days after Eric filed our taxes he called me at work to let me know that the refrigerator when out.... we unplugged it let it "thaw" the rest of the way...cleaned the coils and such...and plugged it back in hoping that it would reset.... no such luck. Well, we are looking at it as a blessing that it went out before we could use our refund for something else and that we can put money aside for a new one before we had spent the refund on something else (such as paying off the Suburban). Let me just tell you that going with only a dorm sized refrigerator for the last couple of weeks has been difficult (we are having the new one delivered tomorrow)...we have never had a brand new refrigerator so we bought one and paid for an extended warranty...... So our menus for the last couple of weeks have been drastically different than they would have been had we been able to cook and keep left overs as normal..... Mia has done great about cooking and judging the fewest remaining leftovers possible so we would not have much to store. We also have had to do without some things like relish, or salad dressings because everything is either up at Granny's house in her refrige.... or it went bad and we have not replaced it.

The Latest Family Picures

These are pictures from just a couple of weeks before Travis and Mia left for Russia.



All of us together.... these were taken at the Natchez Trace park.


This one is taken outside the Grinder House at the Meriwether Lewis Monument.




I love this one of Travis and Jed....



The girls .... these were taken at the Monument itself.



We had planned to go out for these pictures and the morning of we woke to much colder temps than what had been during the week.... we just about froze taking these pics!!
We kept the Suburban going .... got out took a few pictures ... got back in to warm up and then back out to take a few more. It was funny!


I am planning on taking more in a few more weeks..... just before the weather warms enough for snakes and such to start creeping out..... I will post them when we get them made.

Date Night

A few weeks ago Eric received an email about an upcoming movie from David Nixon (one of the Producers of Facing the Giants and Fireproof) and was invited to a pre-view screening of the movie.... we talked about it and thought it would be something we would like to see and so Eric responded that yes, we would be there and we would like 4 seats.... we immediately thought of our good friends David and Heather to go with us!

So yesterday was our double date.... we left around 3:30 and had a great time. Dinner was great. And when we got to the theater and before the movie started we found out that the director (David Nixon) was there along with the family that inspired the movie. There were also music artists there that had written a song for the movie and sound track... way cool! The movie was heart touching and I encourage everyone to go see it when it comes out. ...... Letters to God in theaters April 9th.

Thanks again to David and Heather for going with us.... we had so much fun!

Monday Musings...

Ah, the weekend was busy but fun.... we had the Bible Bowl written test for Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes on Saturday morning and then Saturday evening we honored (and jested) our wonderful older generations with the 60+ Banquet... everyone had a blast! Sunday we had LLL Practice for song leading and regular services too..... Blessed weekend!

Friday's Fixin's

Okay, I say I'm gonna post more and then I miss several days... sorry... this week has been a very busy week not only at the pharmacy but with preparations for LLL Bible Bowl and our 60 + Banquet for our "Golden Aged" members. We have both events tomorrow morning with the written exam for Bible Bowl and tomorrow night the banquet.... and we are part of the entertainment. So... busy... busy... busy...lol.

For my Friday's Fixn's post I wanted to tell all about a system here at the house that we are working on... since I now work until 6 (sometimes after) I'm not much for cooking dinner after a long day... Eric and Mia have been the main cooks the last year ... with occasional help from Travis and Amaris... but we are using the Google Calendar to set up a menu plan that we can use to help .... Eric and Mia are good cooks but often have a problem deciding what to fix so this way they can have it planned out. First I asked everyone to list some of their favorite dinners (both favorite to eat and to fix because everyone is going to be helping more) and I am trying to get the recipes/tips for the meal in the description area of the calendar event. They may not always use it but they will have something that they can fall back on if they cannot think of anything to fix. This should also help Eric out with the grocery shopping as well since he now does most of that too! We can set the menu to repeat monthly so I only really had to come up with 31 meals to begin with but on some days there are 2 meals listed so that they can take their pick. This is still in the works for us but I thought it might be a good tip.

Goodness....It really has been a while!

Well, a lot has gone on in the last few months since my last post. To tell the truth I have been avoiding the blog... I guess I just really needed the break! (not to mention all the overtime I have been working at the pharmacy the last few months) So now to play catch up with news....

My last post was pretty much about Travis and Mia getting ready to head off to Russia... well they have been and are back! I believe the trip was a success in many ways (I know it really had a profound effect on them and on their faith) and they are already talking about going back! (During a warmer part of the year! LOL!!!)Thank You, Erik and Adrianne for opening up not only your home, but your lives to them for this opportunity! They have had so many stories to tell and so much to share about their trip it has been wonderful to hear about it all...

They also have been invited to join another missionary family in American Samoa. My children, the world travelers for Christ!


Our lives around here have gotten in pretty much a routine after me being a work for nearly a year now... I tend to come home exhausted after a long day and I have to thank my husband and children for taking such great care of me! Eric is now in charge of the house and I have to say that he does a pretty good job! I really have not had to worry about much at all since I've gone back to work. I miss being able to be at home .... coming up with menus, daily tasks to be done, and being with the kids ..... but it all has worked out and I have found contentment in being outside the home too! I have to say that I have been blessed in that area... working in a field that I love... I have a good boss... I'm a ten minute walk to work......need I say more?

The new year has come and gone and we are looking forward to what God has in store for us this year. We are getting ready for the Youth Rally at Lomax in just a few weeks and are getting prepared for the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes Convention coming up on Easter weekend. This year we know God's blessings are just raining down on our family!

Well, I know this is not that detailed or long, but I must get back to making lunch (we are celebrating my mother's birthday today).

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

(I do plan on being back here more often now!)