Sunday Night Bath
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Friday, September 02, 2005
1 Peter 4:1-11
Oh how I feel guilty for writing my post of complaints the other day. I have an inner struggle with the true emotions and feelings I have about watching the world around me but also the reminder of need to be thankful and compassionate.
I can understand the complaining of people who are still stranded in New Orleans and elsewhere but is it really right for press conferences to be held saying that not enough is being done? Maybe I'm naive but I'm seeing as much effort as could possibly be given to help these destroyed towns. Yes, it seems like we should all be able to do MORE but in reality, it's a TOUGH situation and there is no magic wand that will save everyone at once. I know there must be so much agony hovering in the air over the people southwest of here.
I hurt for the people who are being deceived by the Great Deceiver and who are sinking farther into their misery instead of hanging on to the hope and blessing of the life they still have. I'm sure there are many who wish they had died (suicide already being an issue) but that is such an offense to God. Oh how I hope that we as Christians can do what we are supposed to do to help them. Giving money is important, I know, and is something we all should do ( http://www.samaritanspurse.com/ ) but it's a shame it's so difficult to do much more.
I'd like to go down there to be available if anyone needed anything. I'd like to open my home to someone who needs a place to stay. The reality of these two things seems so difficult, though... But maybe God will show us where we can help more. Obviously, He provides the strength to do whatever He wants us to do and I know that if He wants me/us to do more in our family, He will provide the way.
Here's God's Word 1 Peter 4:1-11
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If 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.
I can understand the complaining of people who are still stranded in New Orleans and elsewhere but is it really right for press conferences to be held saying that not enough is being done? Maybe I'm naive but I'm seeing as much effort as could possibly be given to help these destroyed towns. Yes, it seems like we should all be able to do MORE but in reality, it's a TOUGH situation and there is no magic wand that will save everyone at once. I know there must be so much agony hovering in the air over the people southwest of here.
I hurt for the people who are being deceived by the Great Deceiver and who are sinking farther into their misery instead of hanging on to the hope and blessing of the life they still have. I'm sure there are many who wish they had died (suicide already being an issue) but that is such an offense to God. Oh how I hope that we as Christians can do what we are supposed to do to help them. Giving money is important, I know, and is something we all should do ( http://www.samaritanspurse.com/ ) but it's a shame it's so difficult to do much more.
I'd like to go down there to be available if anyone needed anything. I'd like to open my home to someone who needs a place to stay. The reality of these two things seems so difficult, though... But maybe God will show us where we can help more. Obviously, He provides the strength to do whatever He wants us to do and I know that if He wants me/us to do more in our family, He will provide the way.
Here's God's Word 1 Peter 4:1-11
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If 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.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Happy Birthday!
I love you, Donnie! Thanks for all you do for our family! God has blessed us immeasurably by putting you as the head of our home.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sweetie!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Amazing Rocky Road
I just finished a YUMMY bowl of rocky road ice cream with a teaspoon of natural peanut butter plopped on top. Mmmmmm.
Yes, it's nearly 11PM and yes, that's bad for my gut but I REALLY needed it.
(Marci knows what I'm talking about, right Mjo?)
Let's forget the fact that I often have ice cream & peanut butter for an evening snack and just chat a second about WHY I needed it so badly tonight.
1st phone call of the day. Mom rings to say that she was in a car accident last night and that she's fine except for a few airbag burns and soreness. The person she hit (who cut in front of her to turn left -- coming from the opposite direction) was only slightly injured in her knee. Mom's Sequoia had to be towed but hopefully is repairable.
In the same call, Mr. Morris from EHBC died (grandfather of a boy that I taught in a class at EBC this summer and father of adult friends). He was in a terrible car accident in GA.
ALSO in that call, Big Dog (Mom's Dalmatian) is sick. He hasn't eaten anything for 3 days and is losing weight. They're taking him to the vet.
AND, we had the unspoken acknowledgement that yesterday was one year since Granny died. What a crappy day for Mom.
And all of that is before getting out of bed.
Thankfully I also got the good news about Weezy before getting out of bed so that helped.
Next I realized that I slept/talked on the phone entirely too long for all that needed to be done today.
Big project for the day -- Flea-ridding.
Our second bout with fleas had to be stopped ASAP (our first bout was when we adopted Andy from the wooded kennel home he was being raised in). You see, our new flea treatment for Lucy has sent fleas JUMPING OFF OF HER! She's perfecty fine but our carpets house bugs that DISGUST us on a regular basis. They really love the taste of Shayne so she has sad little bites on her ankles. She looks white-trashy from the knees down. I hate it. So enough was enough and we arranged for the Zap guy to come de-flea the house and yard. This required vacuuming the house (of which I first had to get EVERYTHING off the floor -- easier said than done) and getting Lucy to the groomer for a 'bath & tidy.' She had to be flea-free when she returned.
It was a lot of work to do before 10AM. In fact, it was so much that I didn't finish it until 11 even though I really needed to be out of the house by 10. Oh well.
Next, I had to deal with Hudson SCREAMING-CRYING when we left Lucy at the groomer. It was sad, sweet, and annoying all rolled into one.
Move forward to time to get Lucy picked up and back home. By this time, we're hearing of the problems expected with gasoline. I start looking for the cheapest gas to fillup. I run across several gas stations where the regular unleaded was sold out. I finally did find gas for 2.61 a gallon. I thought it was insane at first because I had seen it for 2.42 that morning but when I rode home later and saw 3.09 on WF Road, I thought I'd croak! What in the world?!? I'm paranoid about this gas stuff now. We are on the road WAY too much for these prices and certainly for a gas shortage.
Bored with my sob story yet?! (And yes, I am quite aware that my moaning and whining is pathetic considering the struggles THOUSANDS (Million?) of other people are struggling with today.)
When I get Lucy home, I do a quick answering machine check before getting back out for church. There are 2 messages that really need my attention yet I knew I'd be unable to call them until at least tomorrow/Thursday afternoon. Ugh.
At church, again reminders of the storm devastation. Also of the struggles of friends of ours whose 14 month old baby just had her 2nd liver transplant (first one she received last week failed her) and of our 19 year old friend who is recovering from paralysis after a 4wheeler accident. Annnnnd we find out that Mr. Morris (see above) had actually BLINKED his desire to be taken off life support! So his family did! AGONY!
Oh, and I agree to teach a women's bible study about the "six myths that rob many Christian women of the abundant life that Christ intends for us to live." Sigh.
Then there is a situation with Shayne and a friend at church that sent my emotions for a spin. I can't get into it here but I had to breathe and count to 10 many times.
Then I get home and watch more Fox News. Then I watch local news. And then I come to the computer totally bummed. I get a few sad emails about different things. A couple stress me out a little further but thankfully one lets me know that a friend from Biloxi is safe.
The ice cream helped :)
And now that I'm a little clearer in my thinking (how addicted to ice cream that I am actually rational now!?) I can cling to this verse: "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." Psalm 119:76
Yes, it's nearly 11PM and yes, that's bad for my gut but I REALLY needed it.
(Marci knows what I'm talking about, right Mjo?)
Let's forget the fact that I often have ice cream & peanut butter for an evening snack and just chat a second about WHY I needed it so badly tonight.
1st phone call of the day. Mom rings to say that she was in a car accident last night and that she's fine except for a few airbag burns and soreness. The person she hit (who cut in front of her to turn left -- coming from the opposite direction) was only slightly injured in her knee. Mom's Sequoia had to be towed but hopefully is repairable.
In the same call, Mr. Morris from EHBC died (grandfather of a boy that I taught in a class at EBC this summer and father of adult friends). He was in a terrible car accident in GA.
ALSO in that call, Big Dog (Mom's Dalmatian) is sick. He hasn't eaten anything for 3 days and is losing weight. They're taking him to the vet.
AND, we had the unspoken acknowledgement that yesterday was one year since Granny died. What a crappy day for Mom.
And all of that is before getting out of bed.
Thankfully I also got the good news about Weezy before getting out of bed so that helped.
Next I realized that I slept/talked on the phone entirely too long for all that needed to be done today.
Big project for the day -- Flea-ridding.
Our second bout with fleas had to be stopped ASAP (our first bout was when we adopted Andy from the wooded kennel home he was being raised in). You see, our new flea treatment for Lucy has sent fleas JUMPING OFF OF HER! She's perfecty fine but our carpets house bugs that DISGUST us on a regular basis. They really love the taste of Shayne so she has sad little bites on her ankles. She looks white-trashy from the knees down. I hate it. So enough was enough and we arranged for the Zap guy to come de-flea the house and yard. This required vacuuming the house (of which I first had to get EVERYTHING off the floor -- easier said than done) and getting Lucy to the groomer for a 'bath & tidy.' She had to be flea-free when she returned.
It was a lot of work to do before 10AM. In fact, it was so much that I didn't finish it until 11 even though I really needed to be out of the house by 10. Oh well.
Next, I had to deal with Hudson SCREAMING-CRYING when we left Lucy at the groomer. It was sad, sweet, and annoying all rolled into one.
Move forward to time to get Lucy picked up and back home. By this time, we're hearing of the problems expected with gasoline. I start looking for the cheapest gas to fillup. I run across several gas stations where the regular unleaded was sold out. I finally did find gas for 2.61 a gallon. I thought it was insane at first because I had seen it for 2.42 that morning but when I rode home later and saw 3.09 on WF Road, I thought I'd croak! What in the world?!? I'm paranoid about this gas stuff now. We are on the road WAY too much for these prices and certainly for a gas shortage.
Bored with my sob story yet?! (And yes, I am quite aware that my moaning and whining is pathetic considering the struggles THOUSANDS (Million?) of other people are struggling with today.)
When I get Lucy home, I do a quick answering machine check before getting back out for church. There are 2 messages that really need my attention yet I knew I'd be unable to call them until at least tomorrow/Thursday afternoon. Ugh.
At church, again reminders of the storm devastation. Also of the struggles of friends of ours whose 14 month old baby just had her 2nd liver transplant (first one she received last week failed her) and of our 19 year old friend who is recovering from paralysis after a 4wheeler accident. Annnnnd we find out that Mr. Morris (see above) had actually BLINKED his desire to be taken off life support! So his family did! AGONY!
Oh, and I agree to teach a women's bible study about the "six myths that rob many Christian women of the abundant life that Christ intends for us to live." Sigh.
Then there is a situation with Shayne and a friend at church that sent my emotions for a spin. I can't get into it here but I had to breathe and count to 10 many times.
Then I get home and watch more Fox News. Then I watch local news. And then I come to the computer totally bummed. I get a few sad emails about different things. A couple stress me out a little further but thankfully one lets me know that a friend from Biloxi is safe.
The ice cream helped :)
And now that I'm a little clearer in my thinking (how addicted to ice cream that I am actually rational now!?) I can cling to this verse: "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." Psalm 119:76
Weezy!
Weezy has been found! Praise God. She and her boys are fine. She has been stranded at her Uncle's house. She hopes to be able to rumble her way to her home today.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Please pray...
A picture from a Biloxi/Gulfport Newspaper...
I have just gotten sicker and sicker about the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. It only takes a few minutes of watching the TV coverage to see that this was a catastrophic storm.
As I mentioned earlier, there are several people that I know in the affected areas that we have been concerned about but we are particularly worried about one specific family. I'm asking you all to please pray for them.
Our friend, Louise ("Weezy") has not been in contact with any friends or family since Sunday night. She lives in an area near Gulfport, MS and last anyone heard, she had moved inland only a couple more miles (like 5 miles from the coast). We're hoping she was able to move farther away before the Hurricane hit. She has her 2 boys with her. Please pray for their safety and for them to be able to contact loved ones soon. Everyone else at her office has been accounted for. We KNOW she would contact someone as soon as she could so we're all very worried.
Weezy is a dear friend of my sister-in-law, Donna and we've known her for many years through their close friendship. Donna is also very, very concerned.
I'll post something here as soon as we hear something.
Thanks for the prayers.
Walking On Sunshine
We're still hearing the wind whip around the house some this morning but things are good here. It is dramatically cooler today than what we've suffered with in the past few weeks. You can still see the direction of the 'feeder bands' when watching the clouds race across the sky. We actually have a few patches of blue in the breaks of the grey, though (see picture attempt).
Yesterday we had the possibility of tornadoes and I actually had my heart racing at one time. I was making some Mannatech-related phone calls when my Mom beeped in to make sure I was watching the news.
When I found my favorite weatherman, Rich, he showed us a radar of a tornado just a few miles away from us and the cell in which it travelled was heading our direction. I told all the kids to get their blankets and sit in the bathroom. We hooked up the small portable DVD player and they watched "Thomas and the Magic Railroad" while I watched Mr. Thomas on TV (for non-locals...Rich Thomas is our weather guy). As I stood watching that cell on TV, I kept one eye out the window. My heart started pumping harder when I saw this crazy black cloud that hung in a V-shape heading over the pine trees in our direction. I decided to change which Thomas I was watching :)
We prayed for safety and everything was fine. A tornado DID cause some damage a few miles from us and I wouldn't be surprised if the clouds I saw held the tornado that hit them.
Here's a picture during one of the calmer gusty times during the day. Our biggest gusts came overnight when I couldn't take a picture.
All is well here, and for that I am grateful. I am trying to find information on some friends in live in Biloxi and am waiting for Donnie to update me on a relative of his that lives in New Orleans. I hope to hear from several others in the coming days (particularly some of my Mannatech friends from Mobile, MS and New Orleans).
Katrina was bad news for so many. I'm sitting here thankful that we didn't have to worry about power outages here (so that I could post in my blog!) yet there are THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS who are grateful for their LIVES and will be worrying about food and shelter! And then there are those who are grieving the loss of loved ones... We need to pray for them all.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Katrina and the Waves
We're gonna be hearing about her a bunch and probably for a long time.
If you've never visited New Orleans, you might have missed your chance.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Tomorrow Is The Big Day
Dream Home Giveaway. 9AM tomorrow morning. Rumor has it only 100 or so people are qualified! It's possible not all of those will even show up!
I know 4 other people who are qualified for the home along with me.
We'll see what happens!
A Gardener I Ain't
Remember that weed? Today was the day it was yanked from the ground. Even its roots are ugly.
I also removed everything else in the little flower bed that thing called home.
It was horrible.
There was ants EVERYwhere....and I mean EVERYWHERE in that flower bed. It was disgusting.
It took me a gazillion trips to get all the tools I needed for this project because my non-gardening mind didn't think of everything I'd need beforehand. My new $0.88 gloves from Wal-Mart got covered in ants early in the game so I did most of the work barehanded. I didn't have a wheelbarrow to load the stuff into so I put it all into an old plastic pool. I then had to drag the pool to the old, white van and loaded it into the back. I took the load to dump around some construction areas.
It was absolutely ZERO fun. I do not understand how someone can enjoy this kind of work.
I then raked the newly naked area and seeded it with some sort of 'coastal' grass that is supposed to be good for really high-sunlit areas. I lightly raked it again and watered it.
Whew.
Hope it does something worthwhile.
There are 4 more beds like this that need to be removed. I will work on them another day.
I also removed everything else in the little flower bed that thing called home.
It was horrible.
There was ants EVERYwhere....and I mean EVERYWHERE in that flower bed. It was disgusting.
It took me a gazillion trips to get all the tools I needed for this project because my non-gardening mind didn't think of everything I'd need beforehand. My new $0.88 gloves from Wal-Mart got covered in ants early in the game so I did most of the work barehanded. I didn't have a wheelbarrow to load the stuff into so I put it all into an old plastic pool. I then had to drag the pool to the old, white van and loaded it into the back. I took the load to dump around some construction areas.
It was absolutely ZERO fun. I do not understand how someone can enjoy this kind of work.
I then raked the newly naked area and seeded it with some sort of 'coastal' grass that is supposed to be good for really high-sunlit areas. I lightly raked it again and watered it.
Whew.
Hope it does something worthwhile.
There are 4 more beds like this that need to be removed. I will work on them another day.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Life Truly Is Sweet!
Worries turned to joy tonight! My Honda Odyssey went on the blink last night when we were going out to dinner. The darn thing just wouldn't start. I had been noticing for the last couple of days that electrical things were going kinda slow (sliding doors mainly). When the van acted up last night, we were REALLY worried. We could tell the battery was OK becuase we were able to turn on the A/C and windshield wipers and lights, etc. while we tried to start the engine but it just never would turn over. It made a yucky 'click click click' sound.
So we were resolved today that we were going to have it towed to our friend to be checked out. He sent his truck up today to tow 'er in but we couldn't even get the doggone thing in neutral so it couldn't be towed. That turned out to be a great blessing.
When Donnie came home (because he had to help me with all the taxi-ing of the day) he tried the van again and IT STARTED!!!
He drove it in and left it. Being so late in the afternoon, we knew it would surely be sometime tomorrow afternoon before we could get it back...and that was IF we were lucky.
Of course, we've been praying about this car. Our minds have been racing as to how expensive our problem was going to be. We've been worried about how long before we could get it back. We had already made arrangements (and even had in our possession) to drive Mom's vehicle until at least tomorrow afternoon. Things were going to be OK and we were grateful for everything working out but we didn't know how quickly God would answer our prayers.
When I got home in Mom's car tonight, I found a message from our friend J saying that the van was fixed and that he left the key in it at his shop so that we could pick it up TONIGHT!!! He said the 'connectors were dirty' so he cleaned them and things are working fine!!!
HALLELUJAH!!!
Donnie went by my parents' house to pick them up, they helped drive the Honda home, got their Toyota back, and went home again.
And guess what.....we don't owe a dime for the van. Our friend said, "Don't worry about it."
I'm working on a 'thank you' gift.
Life truly is SWEET! God answered our prayers SO fast and gave us the encouragement we really needed.
THANK YOU LORD!
So we were resolved today that we were going to have it towed to our friend to be checked out. He sent his truck up today to tow 'er in but we couldn't even get the doggone thing in neutral so it couldn't be towed. That turned out to be a great blessing.
When Donnie came home (because he had to help me with all the taxi-ing of the day) he tried the van again and IT STARTED!!!
He drove it in and left it. Being so late in the afternoon, we knew it would surely be sometime tomorrow afternoon before we could get it back...and that was IF we were lucky.
Of course, we've been praying about this car. Our minds have been racing as to how expensive our problem was going to be. We've been worried about how long before we could get it back. We had already made arrangements (and even had in our possession) to drive Mom's vehicle until at least tomorrow afternoon. Things were going to be OK and we were grateful for everything working out but we didn't know how quickly God would answer our prayers.
When I got home in Mom's car tonight, I found a message from our friend J saying that the van was fixed and that he left the key in it at his shop so that we could pick it up TONIGHT!!! He said the 'connectors were dirty' so he cleaned them and things are working fine!!!
HALLELUJAH!!!
Donnie went by my parents' house to pick them up, they helped drive the Honda home, got their Toyota back, and went home again.
And guess what.....we don't owe a dime for the van. Our friend said, "Don't worry about it."
I'm working on a 'thank you' gift.
Life truly is SWEET! God answered our prayers SO fast and gave us the encouragement we really needed.
THANK YOU LORD!
Monday, August 22, 2005
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Today is better
OK. Yesterday's post was about hearing that a family who needs glyconutrients is having doubts about using it (I'm thinking maybe a doctor discouraged them and possibly even said 'no'). Today I am finding out that it's possible there wasn't the skepticism that I first believed. I might be wrong but I at least have hope that the family is still open to the idea.
In my struggle of wondering "do I continue to emphasize how important glyconutrients are?" or "do I leave it alone?" I prayed and prayed for an answer.
I received an answer by reading Acts 3 & 4. I also received encouragement from a friend through email and then through a phone call today saying, "Keep telling them!" The said friend is also going to be encouraging the family to DO this.
The doctor for this family gave good news tonight. The condition is possibly not as bad as first thought. Therefore, glyconutrients are even MORE likely to be helpful! Now even MORE people are wanting to encourage the family to give it a try! PRAISE GOD!
I don't like telling God what to do but in my prayers these last few days I told Him, "God, if you're going to make me feel so confident in telling them this will be good for them, you're going to HAVE to follow through with this because I really don't want to be seen as a liar when this is said and done. I want you to make sure I'm telling the truth or STOP ME from saying anything! I don't want to offer false hope! So God, if I'm right in thinking you want me to continue with this, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do the healing! I believe you will! Encourage my faith! I'm proclaiming the truth that YOU OFFER HEALING TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS' NAME and that I BELIEVE in Jesus' name! This is for your glory, Lord....I don't want to do anything outside of your will. I know you are faithful....please keep ME faithful!"
God is doing some mighty things! I'm recognizing God's work in SO many areas right now. It's getting exciting!
PRAISE GOD!
"So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NLT
In my struggle of wondering "do I continue to emphasize how important glyconutrients are?" or "do I leave it alone?" I prayed and prayed for an answer.
I received an answer by reading Acts 3 & 4. I also received encouragement from a friend through email and then through a phone call today saying, "Keep telling them!" The said friend is also going to be encouraging the family to DO this.
The doctor for this family gave good news tonight. The condition is possibly not as bad as first thought. Therefore, glyconutrients are even MORE likely to be helpful! Now even MORE people are wanting to encourage the family to give it a try! PRAISE GOD!
I don't like telling God what to do but in my prayers these last few days I told Him, "God, if you're going to make me feel so confident in telling them this will be good for them, you're going to HAVE to follow through with this because I really don't want to be seen as a liar when this is said and done. I want you to make sure I'm telling the truth or STOP ME from saying anything! I don't want to offer false hope! So God, if I'm right in thinking you want me to continue with this, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do the healing! I believe you will! Encourage my faith! I'm proclaiming the truth that YOU OFFER HEALING TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS' NAME and that I BELIEVE in Jesus' name! This is for your glory, Lord....I don't want to do anything outside of your will. I know you are faithful....please keep ME faithful!"
God is doing some mighty things! I'm recognizing God's work in SO many areas right now. It's getting exciting!
PRAISE GOD!
"So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NLT
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
So important...
Y'all. I don't even know how to write about it.
This keeps flashing into the memory of my heart:
So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters. Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT)
This situation is so serious. When has 'conventional' promised anything better? I'm not making promises but it is HOPE and the 'conventional' isn't offering much of that.
Lots of praying going on around here...
This keeps flashing into the memory of my heart:
So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters. Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT)
This situation is so serious. When has 'conventional' promised anything better? I'm not making promises but it is HOPE and the 'conventional' isn't offering much of that.
Lots of praying going on around here...
Monday, August 15, 2005
Recent Snaps
Shayne & Harris Anne rode our "neigh"bors (LOL) horse during her birthday party.
I'm still chuckling over "neigh"bor :)
Hudson is a computer geek, too. It's truly astonishing how well he manuevers the mouse. He can pick colors to 'color' with by clicking on the appropriate crayon at the bottom of the screen and then he can pick which picture he'd like to play with by clicking on the 'library'. David and Hudson both impress us to pieces with their computer skills.
I forgot to take a picture of the girls on their first day of school but this one was taken on the 2nd day ... after getting home and remembering to take it real quick before they changed out of their uniforms. That's why they look so enthusiastic.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Friday, August 12, 2005
Dance Contest
Y'all have seen some of the pictures I've posted of our living room performances but let me share with you a piece of paper I found.
These are exact quotes from Shayne's dance contest score sheet:
David - Wonder Dance David, I love the song so much! My favorite part was when you shaked your bottom so well. I'm going to give you a 9.
Harris - Great job. I like part where there's a big disco part about it. I'm a big fan of Disco. So I'm going to give you a nine.
These are exact quotes from Shayne's dance contest score sheet:
David - Wonder Dance David, I love the song so much! My favorite part was when you shaked your bottom so well. I'm going to give you a 9.
Harris - Great job. I like part where there's a big disco part about it. I'm a big fan of Disco. So I'm going to give you a nine.
No machine?
Why do people in 2005 still not have answering machines or voice mail? (OK Skye, I have forgiven you since you have email and I can drop you a quick line if necessary but it really IS time for a machine!)
My brain is running 90 miles-a-minute and when I get/make the time to call someone to tell the something, I'd like to not have to remember to call them again later. A machine is actually preferable to a live person many times because I'd rather just relay the information and avoid the casual chit-chat that is necessary with most people.
Ugh. I'm off to try calling a non-machine person AGAIN.
My brain is running 90 miles-a-minute and when I get/make the time to call someone to tell the something, I'd like to not have to remember to call them again later. A machine is actually preferable to a live person many times because I'd rather just relay the information and avoid the casual chit-chat that is necessary with most people.
Ugh. I'm off to try calling a non-machine person AGAIN.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Take One Step
It's only one step but every great accomplishment starts with ONE STEP. And that's what we did today. Several of us have been raising funds for today's MannaWalk (still time to donate if you want to! hint hint! www.MannaKids.info ) We know that this effort is going to help change the world. We're doing our part to help the quality of life of AIDS kids around the world and when those positive changes occur, the rest of the world will take notice (they already are!)
So here are a few snapshots from our VERY HUMID and MISTY day at MannaWalk!
So here are a few snapshots from our VERY HUMID and MISTY day at MannaWalk!
Friday, August 05, 2005
Wasting Time
I followed a link from Jen's Magical Website to build this. It's supposed to be me.
You can build your own here.
Snaps from today
Y'all might know these folks.
And here's a picture of the performance held in the living room this afternoon. H.A. is rapping and Shayne is 'scratchin' like a DJ!
David's in the groove...
Hudson doing his daily workout routine :)
(Sorry for the faint fog on the pictures. I had a smudge on the lens and didn't know it until I uploaded these pictures.)
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Some people will be offended...
EDITED - that entry was ENTIRELY too long. I'm sorry. To see what has been removed, click on the "source" link below.
Some of you might know that I'm raising money for www.MannaRelief.org to give nutritional products to children with HIV/AIDS in Africa. The program I am working with is called MannaWalk (and you can donate at www.MannaKids.info PLEASE!!)
This is a program that is not an 'awareness' program and it's not a 'find a cure' program. It is a program that is providing PROVEN RESULTS in quality of life for children with HIV/AIDS. 100% of funds raised goes towards providing nutritional products to children and we've already seen these same nutritional products providing incredibly positive results in sick children. The diplomats of Africa are almost begging us to grow our ministry in their different areas of the continent where the most children are being affected. In fact, the Ugandan Ambassador to the US wants us to expand our provisions to pregnant mothers in hopes of improving babies quality of lives before they are even born! I believe the LORD will answer her prayers for this kind of help one day...
Anyway, in the spirit of fundraising I felt I should share the difference between the kind of fundraising we're doing with MannaWalk versus the fundraising some OTHER organizations are doing. Some people are offended when I don't donate money to certain charities but I feel I must be a good steward of my money and must only give money to the charities that are moving forward with the LORD's work and not the work of businessmen and women.
Who am I to judge the LORD's work versus other charities? I don't want to be a 'judge' but a 'fruit inspector.' The following editorial work conveys many of my opinions and beliefs. Of course, there are points in this article that might stretch to the far side of what I believe but as a whole, I'm on board.
Again, be warned that some of you WILL be offended.
THE CURE CON
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
The Cure Con: how you're being deceived by charities that claim to be racing for the cure for cancer and other chronic diseases
Source: http://www.newstarget.com/009587.html
Some of you might know that I'm raising money for www.MannaRelief.org to give nutritional products to children with HIV/AIDS in Africa. The program I am working with is called MannaWalk (and you can donate at www.MannaKids.info PLEASE!!)
This is a program that is not an 'awareness' program and it's not a 'find a cure' program. It is a program that is providing PROVEN RESULTS in quality of life for children with HIV/AIDS. 100% of funds raised goes towards providing nutritional products to children and we've already seen these same nutritional products providing incredibly positive results in sick children. The diplomats of Africa are almost begging us to grow our ministry in their different areas of the continent where the most children are being affected. In fact, the Ugandan Ambassador to the US wants us to expand our provisions to pregnant mothers in hopes of improving babies quality of lives before they are even born! I believe the LORD will answer her prayers for this kind of help one day...
Anyway, in the spirit of fundraising I felt I should share the difference between the kind of fundraising we're doing with MannaWalk versus the fundraising some OTHER organizations are doing. Some people are offended when I don't donate money to certain charities but I feel I must be a good steward of my money and must only give money to the charities that are moving forward with the LORD's work and not the work of businessmen and women.
Who am I to judge the LORD's work versus other charities? I don't want to be a 'judge' but a 'fruit inspector.' The following editorial work conveys many of my opinions and beliefs. Of course, there are points in this article that might stretch to the far side of what I believe but as a whole, I'm on board.
Again, be warned that some of you WILL be offended.
THE CURE CON
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
The Cure Con: how you're being deceived by charities that claim to be racing for the cure for cancer and other chronic diseases
Source: http://www.newstarget.com/009587.html
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Stir it all up
Dip it all in
Stir it all up
Chomp it all down
And send it to stommmmmmach town.
This is the food mantra invented and chanted by Shayne and now the other kids, whenever they are eating. I'm hearing it now as they eat their PBJ&A in a cup (peanut butter, jelly, and Ambrotose).
Today -- guitar lessons for Shayne, lunch at the Walkers, grocery shopping at Fresh Market & Walmart. The evening is open and will probably be spent lounging around the house and getting an early start on bedtime.
Just thought I'd throw on an entry today while I sat here listening to the kids. Sorry it's not full of excitement and news.
Although there is one TEENY bit of news I would like to talk about.... but since it pertains to a family member that isn't ready for me to publically discuss the issue, I'll just tempt you with the thought that I'll be talking about something exciting in the near future (hopefully!)
One hint... Suzanne came over last night with her sweet Julianna :) That's all I can say!
Oh, and I can say "Happy Anniversary to Donna & Nathan!" 5 years!!!!!! Whoo hoo! We love y'all!
Stir it all up
Chomp it all down
And send it to stommmmmmach town.
This is the food mantra invented and chanted by Shayne and now the other kids, whenever they are eating. I'm hearing it now as they eat their PBJ&A in a cup (peanut butter, jelly, and Ambrotose).
Today -- guitar lessons for Shayne, lunch at the Walkers, grocery shopping at Fresh Market & Walmart. The evening is open and will probably be spent lounging around the house and getting an early start on bedtime.
Just thought I'd throw on an entry today while I sat here listening to the kids. Sorry it's not full of excitement and news.
Although there is one TEENY bit of news I would like to talk about.... but since it pertains to a family member that isn't ready for me to publically discuss the issue, I'll just tempt you with the thought that I'll be talking about something exciting in the near future (hopefully!)
One hint... Suzanne came over last night with her sweet Julianna :) That's all I can say!
Oh, and I can say "Happy Anniversary to Donna & Nathan!" 5 years!!!!!! Whoo hoo! We love y'all!
Monday, July 25, 2005
Just Layla
I am now the proud owner of the painting you see to the right. It is by Layla Palmer and her website is www.JustLayla.com and you should DEFINITELY check out her artwork (and BUY SOME!)
The painting depicts the 3 homes Donnie and I have shared since getting married over 12 years ago. The one on the far right was the home he built "for me" while I was a senior in high school. Of course, I didn't move in with him until we were Mister and Missus but I loved being able to tell friends at school that my Friday nights with my boyfriend were being spent picking out carpet or some other task.
The home in the middle is where we moved when Shayne was only 6 months old. It is also Hudson's birthplace. We told the now-owners of that house that if Hudson ever became President or a famous rock-n-roll star that they could turn it into a tourist attraction!
And finally, the home on the left is where we live now. You see Lucy lounging happily in the front yard. Isn't it the greatest?
The painting isn't in my possesion yet but I should get it this week. It will have a happy showcase in our bright yellow kitchen. I can't wait!
Remember, go to www.JustLayla.com and buy her stuff. She also has paintings for sale at ebay -- sells under name "justlayla". OH, she also has a booth at Eastbrook Flea Market (bottom floor).
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Discussions At Home
Things we're talking about these days...
Disney World. Our Christmas trip to Orlando is getting closer and we're all getting very excited!
Dream Home Giveaway. This will be our 3rd attempt to win a Dream Home given away by the local country radio station. I qualified for a key in 1995 but the house was won before I got a chance to try. Donnie qualified for a key in 2003, got a chance to try it in the door, but didn't win. This year I qualified and we're thinking this could be our year :)
Homeschooling. It's becoming a very real option for me to homeschool Shayne her 5th grade year. H.A. and David would stay in K and 3rd at ECS while we give this a trial for a year. I'm looking at a curriculum called "Switched On Schoolhouse" and would love any feedback from others who are familiar with it. I will be spending time this year doing research and going to lots of homeschool activities. We're praying about this a lot.
Friends and family members with needs. We have several who have job and health needs.
Cleaning up this house. We're in a house that has room for everything to have a "home." That's what I wanted when we were in our other house. I was tired of not being able to clean up because there were so many things that didn't have a 'home' to go to so they just sat around cluttering up space. Now we have a 'home' for everything but things still don't get there. It's frustrating. I'm doing some massive cleaning in preparation of the big consignment sale. LOTS of things will be going out the door for that sale.
We haven't discussed Natalee Holloway lately but I just had thoughts of her and her family. So sad.
Speaking of.... It's time to go watch some Fox News before getting some shut-eye. Night night everyone.
Disney World. Our Christmas trip to Orlando is getting closer and we're all getting very excited!
Dream Home Giveaway. This will be our 3rd attempt to win a Dream Home given away by the local country radio station. I qualified for a key in 1995 but the house was won before I got a chance to try. Donnie qualified for a key in 2003, got a chance to try it in the door, but didn't win. This year I qualified and we're thinking this could be our year :)
Homeschooling. It's becoming a very real option for me to homeschool Shayne her 5th grade year. H.A. and David would stay in K and 3rd at ECS while we give this a trial for a year. I'm looking at a curriculum called "Switched On Schoolhouse" and would love any feedback from others who are familiar with it. I will be spending time this year doing research and going to lots of homeschool activities. We're praying about this a lot.
Friends and family members with needs. We have several who have job and health needs.
Cleaning up this house. We're in a house that has room for everything to have a "home." That's what I wanted when we were in our other house. I was tired of not being able to clean up because there were so many things that didn't have a 'home' to go to so they just sat around cluttering up space. Now we have a 'home' for everything but things still don't get there. It's frustrating. I'm doing some massive cleaning in preparation of the big consignment sale. LOTS of things will be going out the door for that sale.
We haven't discussed Natalee Holloway lately but I just had thoughts of her and her family. So sad.
Speaking of.... It's time to go watch some Fox News before getting some shut-eye. Night night everyone.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Elephants & Kangaroos
It's gone. All gone.
The blog I started a couple of years ago is gone.
I had intentions of printing all of my entries but I never did.
That blog held many very dear entries. It documented a very difficult time in my life and the triumph of Christ leading me through it.
And now it is completely gone.
It makes me sick to my stomach.
I've got to print these pages sometime. Does anyone have any ideas about a way to backup blogs like this other than to print hard copies?
Ugh.
The blog I started a couple of years ago is gone.
I had intentions of printing all of my entries but I never did.
That blog held many very dear entries. It documented a very difficult time in my life and the triumph of Christ leading me through it.
And now it is completely gone.
It makes me sick to my stomach.
I've got to print these pages sometime. Does anyone have any ideas about a way to backup blogs like this other than to print hard copies?
Ugh.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
1 limb down and waiting it out
The wind is WHIPPING big time outside the door as I sit here at my computer. I look over and see the undersides of the leaves and hear a low, human-sounding 'whurrrrr' as the air travels quickly around the corner of our brick house.
LOL....all of that is true but I'm smiling at myself for writing such near-literary sounding descriptions!
We have trees bending in every direction in our front yard but none of them are large enough tht I'm worried about them landing on the house. They're pretty tall, though....taller than the house, but far enough from them that I'm not too concerned. They're being slapped around all over the place so much that I'm unable to tell which direction the wind is blowing. The wind earerli was from north to south but now it seems to start from the south and then swirl around taking the trees in every direction. These trees seem soft and too flexible to snap but since we've already lost one of these limbs, it's certainly possible more will come.
We're waiting for the worst part of our role in the Hurricane Dennis drama. It shouldn't be too bad and hopefully will be done by early morning hours. Of course, we will have rain for several days but the eye of the storm is steadily heading out towards Mississippi. Sorry MS, but I was praying for that!
And I'm in the middle of a confession to God for lack of faith. I'm not sure if my sin of near-faithlessness is even over actually. I have been praying for this Hurricane to not affect us on Monday night because I had a HUGE Mannatech meeting planned with the Senior VP of Sales/Marketing. Talking to him yesterday, I almost begged him to please see about changing his plans so that he could do the meeting Thursday instead. He agreed to try. I moved forward with these changes and even emailed a MASSIVE amount of people and made several phone calls. Now, today as we see the storm's forecast, we're thinking that Monday night should be OK after all. So...we've decided to stick with the original plans. Sigh. LORD, please forgive me for worrying about all this. I trust you that things will be FINE.
Stay safe everyone!
LOL....all of that is true but I'm smiling at myself for writing such near-literary sounding descriptions!
We have trees bending in every direction in our front yard but none of them are large enough tht I'm worried about them landing on the house. They're pretty tall, though....taller than the house, but far enough from them that I'm not too concerned. They're being slapped around all over the place so much that I'm unable to tell which direction the wind is blowing. The wind earerli was from north to south but now it seems to start from the south and then swirl around taking the trees in every direction. These trees seem soft and too flexible to snap but since we've already lost one of these limbs, it's certainly possible more will come.
We're waiting for the worst part of our role in the Hurricane Dennis drama. It shouldn't be too bad and hopefully will be done by early morning hours. Of course, we will have rain for several days but the eye of the storm is steadily heading out towards Mississippi. Sorry MS, but I was praying for that!
And I'm in the middle of a confession to God for lack of faith. I'm not sure if my sin of near-faithlessness is even over actually. I have been praying for this Hurricane to not affect us on Monday night because I had a HUGE Mannatech meeting planned with the Senior VP of Sales/Marketing. Talking to him yesterday, I almost begged him to please see about changing his plans so that he could do the meeting Thursday instead. He agreed to try. I moved forward with these changes and even emailed a MASSIVE amount of people and made several phone calls. Now, today as we see the storm's forecast, we're thinking that Monday night should be OK after all. So...we've decided to stick with the original plans. Sigh. LORD, please forgive me for worrying about all this. I trust you that things will be FINE.
Stay safe everyone!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Ironing Online
I took David's shirt that he was going to wear for his pictures today and told him I needed to iron it. On my trek to the office closet, where I keep my ironing board and iron, I checked to see if an important email that I needed had been sent to me.
David came soon after and said, "Where's my shirt?"
I answered, "I need to iron it, baby."
He asked, "Did you hook it up to the computer?"
Don't I wish!
David came soon after and said, "Where's my shirt?"
I answered, "I need to iron it, baby."
He asked, "Did you hook it up to the computer?"
Don't I wish!
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
HOT HOT HOT
Hope my title for today's blog doesn't put any kind of weird links on my page ;)
The temperature today was brutal. Honestly, I don't even know what it was on a number scale but I can tell you that it was miserable being outside.
I had a very disappointing experience with the kids and a fun activity I had planned for them. We were playing at the Splash Pad near the Amphitheater when a mean old man from a construction crew came and said we couldn't be there because they were working. I couldn't believe he wouldn't let us be there when his workers were nowhere close by. I told him we had checked with the city's Visitor Information Center and were told that the Splash Pad was indeed open and that they even drew us a map on exactly how to walk to it when we went into the visitor's center. I told the dude the web site said it was open and that if it was closed that many city workers were wrong.
He said something snide under his breath and then turned off the water!!!! THEN he sent a Bike-Cop to run us off. Ugh. What a doofus. AND IN 100+ weather!
Anyway....this crankiness leads me to copy/paste a bit of an email I sent tonight describing the importance of something as simple as hydration and behavior. The point of the email was that ANY type of nutritional deficiency can affect behavior. This particular Mom had asked me about the Cellular Restoration Program for children and whether or not it might help her daughter. I hope it makes the point:
(snip) Our child's Cellular Restoration Plan is WONDERFUL. I think you'll see alot of behavioral improvements with it. Nutritional aspects of behavior are huge. Just today I was reminded of how important our nutrients are to our children. We had been playing outside and the water we had in our water bottle had gotten hot and gross so nobody wanted to drink it (even me.) So we had to deal with our thirst for the drive home. Would you believe my daughter Shayne started crying and whining in the car and just couldn't control herself emotionally? It was SO annoying! And then I got cranky with her because I was thirsty, too! But when we pulled into the gas station, bought a couple of Dasanis, it was like a MIRACLE occurred! My children became happy and sociable. I became happy and sociable. We all were able to have a wonderful afternoon at home together. Her behavior wasn't good because she was lacking what her body needed. When our kids lack the nutrition they need from fruits and vegetables, their behavior will be altered. (snip)
The temperature today was brutal. Honestly, I don't even know what it was on a number scale but I can tell you that it was miserable being outside.
I had a very disappointing experience with the kids and a fun activity I had planned for them. We were playing at the Splash Pad near the Amphitheater when a mean old man from a construction crew came and said we couldn't be there because they were working. I couldn't believe he wouldn't let us be there when his workers were nowhere close by. I told him we had checked with the city's Visitor Information Center and were told that the Splash Pad was indeed open and that they even drew us a map on exactly how to walk to it when we went into the visitor's center. I told the dude the web site said it was open and that if it was closed that many city workers were wrong.
He said something snide under his breath and then turned off the water!!!! THEN he sent a Bike-Cop to run us off. Ugh. What a doofus. AND IN 100+ weather!
Anyway....this crankiness leads me to copy/paste a bit of an email I sent tonight describing the importance of something as simple as hydration and behavior. The point of the email was that ANY type of nutritional deficiency can affect behavior. This particular Mom had asked me about the Cellular Restoration Program for children and whether or not it might help her daughter. I hope it makes the point:
(snip) Our child's Cellular Restoration Plan is WONDERFUL. I think you'll see alot of behavioral improvements with it. Nutritional aspects of behavior are huge. Just today I was reminded of how important our nutrients are to our children. We had been playing outside and the water we had in our water bottle had gotten hot and gross so nobody wanted to drink it (even me.) So we had to deal with our thirst for the drive home. Would you believe my daughter Shayne started crying and whining in the car and just couldn't control herself emotionally? It was SO annoying! And then I got cranky with her because I was thirsty, too! But when we pulled into the gas station, bought a couple of Dasanis, it was like a MIRACLE occurred! My children became happy and sociable. I became happy and sociable. We all were able to have a wonderful afternoon at home together. Her behavior wasn't good because she was lacking what her body needed. When our kids lack the nutrition they need from fruits and vegetables, their behavior will be altered. (snip)
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