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!