Tea at my Table

There seems to be some confusion

2011-01-13T15:20:00.000-08:00

My dear friends,

Thank you so much for following along on my blogging journey this last year. I have decided to not continue blogging. There are many reasons for this decision, but probably the most important one is I feel God is telling me to focus more on face to face relationships. Your support has been so valuable to me, thank you.

Please know that you are always welcome to knock on my front door and I will invite you in for a cup of tea. Anytime.

The End of the Year

2010-12-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

Oh, my friends, I pray your Christmas was blessed and that you felt the presence of Christ. Our holiday was very good. I especially enjoyed the Christmas Eve service we attended. The music was beautiful and the message was inspiring.

Later today we are headed up to the mountains with my in-laws to enjoy the snow and ring in the new year. We have no snow here in the valley but the mountains received about two feet of snow! That will make for great sledding!

The end of the year has me looking back at 2010 to not only see what all we did this year, but also how was God faithful again to us. I am reminded over and over that He is. Praise you, Father. I've said it before and I'll say it till the day I die: I am nothing without Him. He has pulled me out of more pits than a body has a right to be pulled out of, but then, that's grace, isn't it? So undeserved. He gets all the glory for any good in my life. I believe that I recognize the path that leads to the pit a little quicker at the end of 2010 than I did at the beginning of the year. So I can change lanes sooner. This is the healing power of the Holy Spirit in me.

As I look to 2011, I decided to set some goals for myself. I'm starting small, though, with 60 day goals. When March 1 arrives, I'll do it again. It feels so much more manageable this way. I won't be as tempted to procrastinate with a closer deadline. Do you make new year's resolutions? How are you at keeping them if you do?

One of the changes for next year is this blog. I started this in January as a way to keep accountable with scripture memorization. I've done well with keeping accountable, though the verses aren't as cemented as I'd hoped they'd be by now. I have meditated on all of them quite a bit; I'm just not sure I could give you word for word each verse. But that's okay. Transformation is a life long process, not an overnight accomplishment. I kept the enemy at bay while thinking about those verses and that is a victory! I hope I've challenged you or inspired you to be in the Word this year. That was another of my goals for this blog.

I want to mention here that I had one friend who committed to the scripture memorization and commented on each SMV day. Sherri, I am so proud of you! Way to go! (I took a picture with her, but with my computer gone for most of the month, it didn't get downloaded. Sorry, Sherri.) Also, my faithful Siesta friends I met in Houston, Karlys & Leslie - I looked forward to your emails twice a month. I can't wait to keep going next year and I want to see you in Houston again in 2012!

I will tell you this "blogging thing" is much much harder than I thought it would be. It took discipline, creativity, frustrations at the techno world, getting over disappointment at the lack of comments, and a lot of faith. I've said things I wish I wouldn't have said; I wish I would have said different things this year. But I did learn a lot about myself, my family, my friends, and my faith. It's time, though, to end this chapter. Even though there haven't been comments left here, you've emailed me or talked to me and your support has been so greatly appreciated this year. Your encouragement often came at a time when I was ready to throw in the towel. It was just what I needed to keep going. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You remain dear to me.

My prayer for you for 2011 is what Paul prayed for the Ephesians in chapter 1: I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Amen.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T12:52:00.001-08:00

Well, I still don't have my computer. Apparently the hard drive was bad. Needless to say, it won't be $75 to fix. *sigh* But that's not going to ruin my holiday spirit!

All the presents are purchased and wrapped and under the tree. Our weekend festivities began last night with the watching of the BSU football bowl game. It was a rough start, but in the end, the Broncos shone and came out victorious. Way to go Broncos!

Tonight we celebrate with my niece and sister & family. Brittney is going to Phoenix tomorrow to be with her family for a couple of weeks. She's going to thaw out under the brilliant sunshine and blue sky of Arizona. To say she's not a winter person is an understatement. We are going to miss her and are glad to know she'll be back in January.

Christmas eve will be spent at my in-laws for the traditional soup dinner. We are going to their church for a short service and then open presents. When I was growing up, our family would visit a different denomination every Christmas eve. Our church didn't have a service so it was a great way to experience other church's perspectives. We've been to Lakeview Bible before and really like the pastor, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow's service. It'll be a great way to focus on Christ.

Christmas morning we'll open gifts with the kids and then go to my sister's for the afternoon/evening. My parents and brother & family will be together in Phoenix. We were all together this summer. I'm really really glad my sister lives here.

I ran across this poem this week and thought I'd share it with you.

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

I pray your Christmas is the merriest ever. May you be aware of how much He loves you.

SMV #24!

2010-12-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hey friends! It's been crazy around here since I last posted. My computer got a virus, a bad virus. I took it to a place (shall remain nameless) that fixes sick computers and they wanted to charge me $170 to fix it. Seriously? At Christmas time? No, thanks, I'll try to figure something else out. My brother in law came over and tried to help, but, alas, it's December! I have other things to do this month!

Then, I went to out of town last week with my daughter's school. Steve didn't have time to fix the computer, but did talk to a guy who recommended a guy to fix it, reportedly for less than $100. Well, since it's been over a week since the stinking thing went down, we caved and took it to the guy. $75 flat fee! Blessed news, indeed. It's still in the repair shop (I'm on my niece's laptop) but soon, very soon, I'll be back in business again.

I've realized how dependent on the computer I've become. I've also realized how much I can get done in a day without the computer calling me for interruptions. Amazing. I've gone through some withdrawal symptoms, but I think it's getting out of my system. As with most things in life, I'm going to have to be purposeful about my computer time in the future. Success rarely comes through accident.

On a related note, have you seen the Living Proof Blog on Beth Moore's website? She will be starting scripture memory again in 2011. I will be doing it again, as well. I would love it if you'd join us. The best way to fight the enemy's lies is with the truth of the Word in your hearts & minds. We must be equipped to fight, friends!

The verses that have spoken to me recently are from Romans, chapters 7 & 8. In dealing with regret and guilt, I have found a lot of comfort from Paul's words in verses 7 - 25. I don't do what I want to do. I am a prisoner of the law of sin. What a wretched being I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!

I wanted to do a nice Christmas verse from Luke. End the year with fuzzy warm feelings. But my reality is a little more complicated than that. I am in constant and desperate need of a Savior. I am a wreck without Him. Jesus came to be that Savior. That is what Christmas is to me this year. So here are the last verses for the year 2010:

Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

What does the Christ of Christmas mean to you this year? Let's be purposeful in our celebrating. Remember to leave your verse in the comments.

Vacation & SMV #23

2010-11-30T19:48:00.000-08:00

I've had much to tell you since we've been home from our travels. But I had to conquer Mt. Laundry, restock food supplies, cyber shop on Monday (I missed black Friday, much to my chagrin) and re-enter reality. It's been rough.

Our vacation last week was great. We went to visit Steve's sister and family in Charleston, South Carolina. The weather was warm, there were still leaves on the trees and we got to see the Atlantic Ocean. Here's a brief recap:

We took a tour boat to Caper's Island where we walked on Boneyard Beach. All the dead trees on the beach looked like huge dinosaur bones, thus the name. There were lots of shells, which the kids loved. We were allowed to bring a couple home.

We saw 5 dolphins on our way to Caper's Island. So beautiful!

We toured a plantation. This is the Avenue of Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation. Mr. Boone planted live oaks along 3/4 mile of his driveway. It is stunning!

This is sunset on the beach on Thanksgiving day. We were at Isle of Palms, just 10 minutes from my in-laws home. It was a gorgeous day.

We visited the aquarium in Charleston. Here's a sea turtle. We also saw an albino alligator, sharks, pelicans, starfish, jelly fish and so many amazing creatures.

Here are my three favorite people at Waterfront Park in downtown Charleston. We had such a great week together.

It is good to be home again. Although the temperatures are about 45 degrees colder here. In fact, today is a snow day from school! Only about the third one in my kid's school life! Here's what we woke up to this morning:

That building in the background is my son's elementary school. It started snowing yesterday afternoon and it's still coming down. Big, beautiful flakes. I'd say we've got about 8 inches in our backyard. It drifted a lot last evening and night, so it's a little hard to tell exactly how much is there. The kids are planning fort building, snowman making and possibly sledding. I love free days like this. I think I'll make some Christmas cookies and finish decorating the house for the holiday.

I've been playing Christmas music this week. The one CD I keep playing over and over is Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest. This is a must-buy if you don't have it. One of my favorites is "My soul magnifies the Lord", though it's hard to pick favorites on this CD. This song inspired my memory verse from Luke 2:46-47&49:

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name."

Indeed, He has done great things for me. And for you.

Thank you for stopping by today. I so appreciate your support!

Attitude of Gratitude Day 20

2010-11-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for vacations and airplanes to take us on vacation. We will be gone several days and I may or may not post on here while we are away. My heart is full of thanksgiving at this season.

I pray your holiday is full of joy and peace. May your hearts be full and content. Remember to thank the Giver of all good things.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 19

2010-11-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

TGIF!

I am thankful that I am staying home to watch the BSU Bronco football game. It is cold, wet and there's a chance of snow. Our season seats are in the nose-bleed section and I can't even tell you how it feels when the wind starts blowing up in the stratosphere. But by staying home, we are missing out on the game day spirit. Steve is at the game, though. The bank he works for is sponsoring the tailgating party today. I'm sad to miss that part. But it's nice to be warm & dry.

Attitude of Gratitude Days 17 & 18

2010-11-18T15:04:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post yesterday. I composed it in my head. Just didn't get translated to the keyboard. My brain is tired, that's my excuse.

Yesterday I was so thankful for my bible teachers. The way they explain the scriptures is amazing. I love to learn the original language, how the two testaments correspond to each other and how it relates to my life today. A good teacher is a gift.

Today I am thankful that the weekend is very very near. We are going away for the holiday next week and I can't wait. We all need a break from our routines. We all need to sleep, relax and spend time together. But until then, we are running around like crazy animals trying to get everything done. You know how it is before a trip.

One week from today is Thanksgiving! So looking forward to turkey and all the fixin's. Have a great day!

Attitude of Gratitude Day 16

2010-11-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for the Christian radio station here in the valley. I've been listening since I moved here years ago and they have come a long way since then. It used to be college kids, I think, as DJ's. But the music has always been encouraging, worshipful & full of praise. I'm so glad my kids prefer it, too. In fact, they've received "Adventures in Odyssey" CD's as gifts because we first heard it on the radio. I appreciate that it's family friendly.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 15 & Scripture Memory Verse

2010-11-15T06:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday morning! The verse I picked for today continues with my theme of thanksgiving. It's from Psalm 136, verse 1:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

I really want to meditate on how He is good and how his love endures.

Today I am thankful for the sunrise. The colors this morning were beautiful, pinks, corals, oranges, yellows against the blue of the sky. Fantastic!

I am also thankful for my husband. He has been working so very hard this month. Going in early, staying late, working weekends. He is amazing in so many ways. I'm glad he gets a vacation soon.

Thank you for stopping by today. I appreciate it. Have a really great day!

Attitude of Gratitude Day 13

2010-11-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

Today I was thankful to stay home and work. I made 7 quarts of tomato sauce from my garden tomatoes, I made pumpkin bread, did some laundry, worked in the flower beds and even caught a short nap. I am thankful to have preserved fruits and vegies in my pantry and freezer. So yummy.

I am really thankful tomorrow is a day of rest.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 12

2010-11-12T20:13:00.001-08:00

Friends, I can't make this stuff up.

We had Chinese food for supper tonight. This was my fortune:

Attitude of Gratitude Day 11

2010-11-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you, veterans, for your service and sacrifice. I pray for peace and protection so that all our service men and women can come home safely. Thank you for what you've done for the rest of us.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 10

2010-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

We are one third of the way through the month. Oh my goodness.

I am thankful for my electricity, especially my washing machine, dryer and (gas) fireplace. I push a button and *presto* water, heat, flame! Sweet. These make my life so much easier & more comfortable. I'm just so glad I don't have to cut, haul and stack firewood for our very survival. I used to dream of being a pioneer woman but now, no way. Thank you, Lord, for modern conveniences. Amen.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 9

2010-11-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

If you are stopping by for the first time today, welcome. I'm doing a 30 day project called Attitude of Gratitude. I'm encouraging thankfulness for the whole month instead of just one day. You can tell me what you're grateful for by leaving a comment, emailing me or you can cultivate this attitude in your homes. Talk about what you're thankful for around the dinner table, write in a journal every day, etc. I am posting what I am thankful for here on the blog and we share around the table each evening. I've been blessed this last week and I pray you have too.

Today I am thankful for the sunshine, toffee mocha lattes and a quiet afternoon. Not too deep or spiritual. I'm just appreciating the little things.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 8

2010-11-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful for things that at first glance appear to be opposites. I'm thankful for weekends to relax, watch football, & be with family. I'm also thankful for Monday mornings when we go back to our respective places (work, school). I'm thankful for the end of daylight savings so we get an extra hour of sleep one night a year and an extra hour of daylight in the morning for a few weeks. But I'll be thankful come spring when we turn the clocks ahead again. I'm thankful for the rain yesterday but I'm loving the sunshine this morning. I guess you could say I wouldn't be as appreciative of any of these opposites without the other. Does that even make sense to you? I hope so. Anyways, have a good Monday!

Attitude of Gratitude Day 7

2010-11-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my church today. My pastors seek hard after God and his truth daily. They are messengers of His word. They challenge me, encourage me, teach me, and continually point me to our Savior. I am so grateful they are obedient vessels of the Spirit. And I am grateful they are real with us, we know they are humans also in need of a Savior.

I want to encourage you to express your appreciation for your church leaders this week. Let them know what they mean to you. I once heard someone ask, "have you ever heard of an over-encouraged pastor?" No, often we hear of burn-out, discouragement, etc. Be that voice of gratitude to a leader in your church.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 6

2010-11-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

My heart is full of thanksgiving today. I said it yesterday, but I am so thankful for my parents and my family. We're having a really good time together and I feel I am soaking it in. I'll try to remember to post pictures later.

I'm so glad God made so many colors. All the trees could've been the same, all the landscape one color. We wouldn't have known different if that's the way it always was. But He chose to give us these vibrant colors! Awesome. Each season has it's own colors and this fall in Idaho has been beautiful.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 5

2010-11-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

We've been waiting for this day all week! My parents are coming to town for a long weekend and I am so glad. I'm thankful for my dad and my mom, for the way they raised us, for the foundation they built for our family. I'm so very thankful that my family of origin all get along and like to be together. We are not perfect, by any means. But we've all been saved by the grace of our Lord and we all love Him. I do not take that for granted. That is a GIFT.

Anyways, we've got fun things planned: shopping, football, baking cookies w/Grandma, along with other activities. It's going to go too fast, but we're going to enjoy it while we can.

Have a great Friday!

Attitude of Gratitude Day 4

2010-11-04T06:16:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for our family dinner hour. Now that sports have subsided for us, we are back to a more regular schedule regarding supper. We literally spend an hour at the table, sharing our days with each other, what we're thankful for that day and there has been much laughter. It is my favorite part of the day. My prayer is that my children remember these times as happy memories, too, when they are gone from our house. They are a treasure to this mother.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 3

2010-11-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful that I got to vote yesterday. I'm not the most educated voter and I probably don't take it as seriously as I should. But I'm glad to know my voice is heard. I'm also equally as thankful that the political phone calls and commercials will end now. They were mighty intense and quite frequent in the last two weeks.

I'm thankful that I have the freedom to go to Bible study today at my church. I don't have to be afraid that I'll be arrested for studying the Bible. Many people don't have that freedom. Many people love the Lord as the only member of their family. My whole family loves the Lord and I have a strong Christian heritage and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 2

2010-11-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for my friends: Tiffany, Lorain, Christina, Dawne & my sister, Monica. Together we celebrate birthdays & blessings, study God's word, encourage each other as moms & wives & women. My life is so rich because of you. I love you.

Scripture Memory Verse #21 & a 30 day project

2010-11-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

Ah, sweet November. How glad I am that you are here. The scary decorations come down and the harvest/thanksgiving ones go up - that is if you can find that one shelf in the store that's not red and green yet.

I heard on the radio recently a woman commenting on marriage. She said if your mate is 80% what you hoped for/dreamed of/are happy with, why are you focusing on the 20% that isn't? Wow. Kinda hit me between the eyeballs. I can get so focused on the negative I lose perspective on how great my marriage, let alone my life, really is. I don't think I am alone. That's where my 30 day project comes in. For the month of November, I am going to try to post something everyday that I am thankful for. I first heard of this idea here. Thanksgiving can be a way of life, not just one day we celebrate each year. I want to adopt an attitude of gratitude and I'm challenging you to join me. What do you say? I'd love it if you'd leave me a comment and if you haven't figured out how to do that, email me and I'll try to help you. You could also start a journal of gratitude, or a thanksgiving tree that you add leaves of thanksgiving to, or share around the dinner table every night, or maybe you have another idea. I'd love to hear it.

In light of that, here's my verse from Psalm 118:28 NIV: You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. The bible says that every good and perfect gift is from above. Let's give Him the thanks he is due. Amen? Amen.

Here's what I'm thankful for today. Two things, actually. First, I was barely in my car this weekend. After two months of driving hither and yon with my kids, this is huge in my book. And when I was in the car, I was not driving. I was a passenger. It was sweet. I did go places, but half of them I walked to.

Second, I got to take my son trick-or-treating last night. It was fun to walk with him and his best friend (who were both clone troopers and looked like twins and were both very annoyed with anyone who called them a storm trooper). I confess I was mad at my hubby because he didn't want to take our boy out, but in the end, I was blessed because I did. I am thankful for any time my son wants to spend with me and when we can really communicate, it's a win-win.

So, my friends, will you join me this month in an attitude of gratitude? Thanks so much for stopping by. You are so appreciated.

Pumpkin Bars - yum!

2010-10-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of the Pioneer Woman, I'm giving you a delicious recipe today. A dessert perfect for this time of year. I originally got this recipe from Good Housekeeping several years ago. It's a family favorite.

Here's the line-up of ingredients: (by the way, I doubled the ingredients to bake in a pan measuring 10.5" x 14.75". If you want a 9 x 13, just 1 1/2 the recipe)
Sugar, eggs, flour, pumpkin, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, oil, salt. Easy peasy.

First, cream the sugar and eggs for two minutes. Yes, two whole minutes. Then add the pumpkin and oil. Mix well.

Isn't this a beautiful color? mmmmm....

Next, with the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients. Beat for one minute.

Pour into prepared pan and bake. Cool.

Here's the cast of characters for the frosting: Powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter (not pictured) & vanilla.
Mix for two minutes or until fluffy. Sometimes I add a little milk to thin the frosting, maybe 1 or 2 tablespoons.

Here's the finished cake. Seriously good stuff, friends.
Make it soon! Let me know if you do. Here's the recipe:

Pumpkin Bars

1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9" square pan.

Prepare cake: in bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat sugar and eggs 2 minutes. Beat in pumpkin and oil. At low speed, add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder & salt; beat one minute.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack.

Frosting: 3/4 c. powdered sugar, 1/4 c. cream cheese, 2 Tablespoons butter, soft, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Beat on low for 2 minutes or until fluffy. Spread on cooled cake.

Unashamed

2010-10-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

by Starfield

I have not much to offer You
Not near what You deserve
But still I come because Your cross
Has placed in me my worth

O Christ, my King of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends to call me friend
Your mercy sets me free

And I know I’m weak, I know I’m unworthy
To call upon Your name
But because of grace, because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed

I can’t explain this kind of love
I’m humbled and amazed
That You’d come down from heaven’s heights
And greet me face to face

And I know I’m weak, I know I’m unworthy
To call upon Your name
But because of grace, because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed

Here I am at Your feet in my brokenness complete

from the album Beauty in the Broken, track 7, listen at iTunes.

Scripture Memory Verse #20

2010-10-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

Isn't it cool how God continues to reveal himself through his word? I wish I knew a more profound word than "cool" because He needs a more profound word than that. But I don't, sadly. I'll work on finding one. In the meantime, this is what I've learned this week:

God put a priority on relationship with man, with us. From the very beginning, in the garden of Eden He asked questions of Adam and Eve that he clearly knew the answers to. Chapter 3 of Genesis, verse 9: The Lord God called to Adam, 'Where are you?' Do you think He couldn't see them? We are studying Abraham in Bible Study. In Genesis 18:17-33, God and Abraham are having a discussion about Sodom and Gomorrah. Why would God, creator of the universe, need to have a discussion with anyone? I'd suggest that He wanted to dialogue with man. He wanted to have a relationship with man. He put in us a need for Himself and is waiting patiently for us to discover that He is the ONLY one who can fill that need. I am overwhelmed with the thought that God wants to be in relationship with me. "What is man that you are mindful of me?" I am overwhelmed and so very, very grateful. He is so good.

So, if I carry that thought out further, I can say that relationships should be a priority for me. Not my to-do list, not my activities, not my goals, but people. This often gets lost in our world. And, frankly, relationships are hard work. It is only through the Holy Spirit that I can make this my priority too. Daily surrendering to Him and asking to be filled with his love and great affection for people in my life. This has been my prayer this week and it brings tears to my eyes when I think of how different I "feel" today compared to Monday towards my family. It is only Him. He is the only reason I am not living in a pit of sin and He gets all the glory. I wish I could tell you how many times a day He has worked in me this week alone. I've lost count. He is so amazing.

So my memory verse for this time is to remind me not only to prioritize people, but to love them or it means nothing. From 1Corinthians 13:3 (NLT): If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever. (I love to read familiar verses in a new version, gives a whole new twist, don't ya think?) I could be doing great things, but if I'm not loving people, what is the point? The gospels are full of this concept. 1John is full of this command. In fact, I think it's safe to say, cover to cover, Genesis to Revelation, love is the theme of the Bible. After all, God is love.

I pray love abounds in your life this weekend. I appreciate you and your support. Remember to leave your verse in the comments. Thanks!

Opinionated

2010-10-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

I was going through my kids closets one day this week to make sure they had clothes that fit for fall/winter. I pull a button-down navy w/green & gold plaid long sleeve shirt out of my sons closet. This was the conversation & remember, he's 10:

Me: Here's a great shirt for church and Christmas.

Him: There is NO WAY in the world I will ever wear that shirt.

Me: What? This is a cool shirt.

Him: I will never wear that shirt. NEVER, Mom.

Me (without thinking this all the way through): What about a whole day of video games?

Him (without hesitation): No! I hate plaid. I will never wear that shirt!

Me: stricken speechless

If you were a dwarf frog...

2010-10-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

...where would you hide???

If you remember, we got our son three fish and two frogs for his birthday in April. Read about it here. One more of the fish died this summer so we were left with one fish and two frogs. Until last week. Steve cleaned the tank, I added more water and the next morning the fish was floating belly up. My boy was bummed.

Three days later he comes downstairs and says one of the frogs died. It's upside down on the bottom of the tank. What is happening with these animals in this tank?!? So I asked him to get the net and scoop up the frog and I'd dispose of it. We were running a bit behind schedule to get out the door that morning. He scooped up the frog, put it in a cup and left it in the bathroom. I disposed of it. (blech. Can I just say here that I do not like this part of being an adult?)

Three hours later I was telling Brittney, my niece, and she went in my boy's room to see the tank. She asks me, "how big are the frogs?" Oh, about 1 1/2 inches, I respond. "I don't see the other frog," she says to me.

Wait, what????

I go look in the tank. The ten year old left the top of the tank open and the net sticking out of the water. There was NO frog in the tank. NO. FROG. IN. THE. TANK.

Are you kidding me? Where in the world is the frog? We start looking all over the floor for this creature. Of course, being my son's room, there are legos, clothes, and books all around. We searched that room for 45 minutes looking for a small, slimy, greenish-brown, four-legged, no sound making frog. Nothing. We had to leave for awhile but when we got back, we searched again. Nada. How far could this thing have hopped? And without water? What am I going to tell my son?? How will he take this news? He loves these animals and has been so faithful to care for them. Ugh. How do I tell him this?

When he gets home from school, I broke the news as gently as I could. He was surprised, a little bummed, but not like I thought he'd be. I sent him to look for the frog. But he really wants to watch TV first. (why was I worried??) He looked for 10 minutes but didn't find it. Watched TV and then I went and looked with him. Of course he reminds me, "you know, Mom, that frogs have sticky pads on their feet so they can climb things."

*shudder* Actually, no, I didn't remember that.

Final outcome: I still have NO idea where that frog is and it's been SIX days. Heaven help us.

Scripture Memory Verse #19

2010-10-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

I never meant to go so long without writing. I've written about 15 posts in my head but they never actually made it to the keyboard.

Here's the randomness of our lives the last two weeks:

1. Volleyball is over as of Monday. They were 5-5. My girl misses it already. She's thinking of playing basketball which starts in one week. Last night we went to watch the high school voleyball team play and that was fun. Sad to say, the home team could not jump for some reason. They could block okay, but hitting was such a feeble attempt in regards to jumping. The visitors had one girl who was 6 feet tall. She could jump and it was fun to watch her. My girl only has two inches until she matches that height. Do I wish it on her? I always wanted to be one inch taller than I am. 5'10" is such a nice round number, don't ya think? I know, I'm weird.

2. Football is still going on for my son. They are 1-1-1. Last week's game was exciting as they won. They had an interception and a safety (tackling in the end zone). I've learned quite a bit with my son playing. For instance, did you know that blocking and tackling are two different functions? Blocking is what the offensive line does and tackling is for defense. It is illegal to use your hands in blocking, you can use your arms, but not your hands. I learned this because my boy plays offense and I told him to tackle hard at practice. Duh, mom. I've learned what blitz and quarterback sneak and reverse play means. My son rolls his eyes at me but I figure that's standard for a tween, right?

3. BSU Football has begun and we have season tickets. For all of our Oregon family, sorry for your loss. :) Weekends are crazy with football at our house.

4. Bible study started this week and I'm so excited! I am taking Beth Moore's The Patriarchs and it promises to be a great study, as usual. Are you involved with Bible study? What are you studying?

5. I've been baking this week because fall is here on the calendar. Not outside our doors yet. But I tried a new dinner roll recipe this week and received thumbs up all around the dinner table. I tried Pioneer Woman's flat apple pie and it was yummy. I tweaked it a bit, though. I left out the lemon juice (what's that doing in apple pie?) and added cinnamon (why wasn't it there to begin with?). I wanted to share with you a secret I learned when making pie crust. My recipe is this:
For a two-crust pie: 2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 2/3 cup butter flavor Crisco shortening & 1/4 cup cold water. Stir together the flour and salt and then cut in the Crisco with a pastry blender or fork. Keep blending until all the white of the flour is gone (this is one secret for flaky crust). Sprinkle water over the mixture and mix. Sometimes I have to add a tiny bit more water as it's too dry. Form a ball of dough with your hands. Here's the secret: place half of the dough on clear plastic wrap, flatten with your hands and put another piece of clear plastic wrap on top. Roll the dough out in between the plastic wrap. You will need to take the wrap off occasionally and reposition it as the dough can stick to it. Don't add any flour! Take off the top plastic wrap and pick up the pie dough by sliding your hand under the bottom plastic wrap. You can then flip the dough into your pie pan and if you need to reposition it you can flip it back over and do so. Here's what rolling out looks like:

This makes clean up a breeze! Plus, no dried out crust from too much flour. Practically perfect every time.

Today, I'm making this: http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/amish-cinnamon-rolls-with-caramel-frosting/. Because, hello? Cinnamon rolls - what is better in life than that? I'll take pictures.

6. Memory verse: I'm still working on the one from last time from 1Chronicles 29:11-13. They were longer verses and I'm working on the second half. But, please leave your verse in the comments. Can you believe we are 3/4 of the way through our goal? You, my friends, are doing awesome! Keep going!

7. Many other things have been going on around here, but I'll save that for another day. I've made this as random as is humanly possible, I think. Sports, baking, bible. Thank you so much for following. I appreciate you.

Have a great weekend!

Scripture Memory Verse #18

2010-09-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

I think I will let the words speak for themselves today. Go ahead and leave your verse in the comments. Thanks for stopping by. I love ya.

1 Chronicles 29:11-13 NIV

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.

So Over The Angst

2010-09-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

I had a reality check this morning while reading my daily blog list. I clicked on some links and read about a group visiting Guatemala with Compassion. Here's what I read:

The one question you've got to look in the mirror and really ask

Joy

Lame sponsors of the world unite

While I believe Jesus is about relationships and I need to treat my beautician like I want to be treated, there is no need for the angst I allowed to invade my being (see previous post). So, now that the world is tilted back into proper perspective and I've asked for forgiveness for my selfishness, I'm going to write a letter to Stefanie. (My Compassion girl in Honduras) If you have ever thought about sponsoring a child through Compassion but found lots of reasons not to, please reconsider. They are an amazing organization and the need is great for sponsors. You will be blessed and more importantly, you will be a blessing.

Here's the handy dandy link: Compassion

See you tomorrow for the next memory verse!

Angst

2010-09-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

I am a very loyal person. I use the same brand of anything, over and over. I listen to one radio station. I go to one grocery store, for the most part. I've been going to the same dentist for over 10 years, same doctor for 15 years, same beautician for 11 years.

I am loyal. Loyal am I.

I was not loyal last week and I am in such angst over it, I don't know what to do. I tried a different beautician. (do they even use that term any more? What does one call the person who cuts their hair?) I've been wanting to for a very long time, but after seeing the same person every month for 11 years, how do you stop that? What kind of excuse is there? "Sorry, suddenly I'm not happy, going somewhere else, not going to give you another chance." She knows my hair. Listen, that is important stuff, right there. Not everyone knows my hair, most people don't. A friend once asked how I straighten my waves. hahahahahahahaha. Even today that is funny. My hair is as straight as a board. I've no idea why she thought it was wavy.

I feel such anxiety. What if I see her around town? (never, in 11 years, have I ever seen her around town, but it could happen tomorrow) We're friends and I don't want to be rude or unfeeling or her to feel I was a betrayer. I've been betrayed enough to know that pain. She's going to know I went somewhere else just by looking at me. How do I explain that? Why is this such a big deal to me? Clients come and clients go, it's part of the business.

The stickler is I really like my latest hair cut. So do I go back to the new gal or go back to my original gal and have her trim now that the shape is better?

When I was driving to my appointment last week, it felt like what I remember a first date feeling like. Telling my story, getting her story, would I like her, would she like me, would it be a good cut? All that nervousness on top of the angst over being "unfaithful".

Listen girls, you know how important a good hair cut is but I'm feeling like a drama queen. If you have any advice, please PLEASE tell me! Please help end my angst.

Linky Lou

2010-09-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

I know it's Wednesday, though it feels like Tuesday because Monday was a holiday and it always throws off my whole week but my point is, I'm writing about the weekend. ha. If you followed that, please explain it to me.

We labored over Labor weekend. Well, I did. I dusted blinds and washed windows on the first floor of my house. I usually try to put off dusting the blinds as long as I can. But a certain 10 year old boy who resides in this house put little smiley faces with his finger in the dust on so many of the blind slats that my husband noticed so I knew it was time. I love love love LOVE looking out my windows now. Even on this rainy day. Now I need to do the blinds upstairs. While there are only 2 less windows than downstairs, it feels like a lot less because the bedrooms only have one window each. Not four like the dining room or three like the living room. It's a mental thing that makes sense probably only in my head. Welcome to my world.

I also made chicken spaghetti from Pioneer Woman. It is one of my very favorite comfort foods. How can you go wrong with pasta, cheese, & chicken? I purchased a rotesseire chicken and deboned it instead of boiling chicken pieces. Much simpler. I don't have cayenne pepper in my pantry so I didn't add that either. It is a big recipe so you can freeze half for a later date or give it a neighbor or a friend who's had a long week. It is so very delicious. Make it soon!

I tried a new recipe from Melissa d'Arabian of the Food Network. Grilled potato salad. Steve wasn't too sure when he saw it on TV. But he was agreeable to trying it for our BSU football watching party Monday evening. My mom makes the best potato salad in the world and so I've been spoiled that way. I am a potato salad snob of sorts. Some are too mustard-y or the potatoes are too big. (Although, my friend, Cody, makes a dill potato salad that I do love, too.) Mom shreds hers, not like shredded cheese, more like thinly sliced on a mandolin. If we were the type of people who had such a kitchen tool. We have a slicer from an Amish store in Iowa, so I call it the Iowa slicer. I'm all kinds of classy. All this to say, I tried a potato salad this summer at my favorite lunch restaurant, La Belle Vie, which had a vinaigrette dressing instead of the traditional mayo. It was so yummy! I was pleasantly surprised. By the way, if you haven't been to La Belle Vie, please go. Go tomorrow! Take a girlfriend and go. Take your hubby and go for dinner this weekend. It's a French bistro and suffice it to say, I highly recommend it. I'll even watch your kids so you can go.

Where was I?

Oh, yes, potato salad. Good grief. The grilled salad from Melissa is so yummy. I started it two hours before I needed it because I wanted it to come to room temperature instead of being warm right off the grill. That gives the flavors a little time to get to know one another and they get along so well. I loved what the mayo/mustard did to the potatoes on the grill, gave them a little char. But then you put on a vinaigrette with bacon & bacon grease (don't judge until you try it!). Simply delish.

So my weekend was mostly cleaning, cooking and football watching on TV. It was nice to be home. This is another crazy week. Are you getting tired of hearing that from me? Maybe I'll just tell you when we have a calm week around here. We have two volleyball games, one karate test, & one football game yet this week. I dropped my daughter off at school this morning at 7:30 and realized I won't see her until 13 hours later. She has a game and then youth group and is carpooling with a friend because we're going to the karate test with our son. If you are reading this and you have small children and you wonder how you're going to survive day in and day out with them, please pay attention. Soak them in, soak them up, hug your sweet babies tight. In the blink of an eye, she'll be taller than you and out of your sight for 13 hours a day. Faster than you can sing the clean up song, he'll be putting of football pads and running sprints away from home. Soak them up while you can. Countless women told me this when my kids were swaddled babes in arms. I smiled and nodded at them. Some days were so long when they were little and clammering for attention. When I never got a break. But it is true. It goes so fast.

Okay, one more link for ya. A week from Saturday, Beth Moore is doing a simulcast and if you're in the Nampa area try to go see her at Bethel Church of the Nazarene. She is such a gifted speaker and teacher of the Word. It's only $15! You will be blessed for going.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate you continually checking in on me even when I go quiet for awhile. Just living life here. Have a great week!

Scripture Memory Verse #17

2010-09-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hang on tight, folks, September is here. Next thing you know, it'll be 2011. We are almost 3/4 of the way through the year. How do these things happen? How can the year go so fast when some of the days are so long???

My verses this time are from Zephaniah 3:17 NIV:
The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.

I need to really take those in during this season of my life. I have been under some spiritual warfare lately and the enemy does not want me to believe God period. That is when I need to take up my shield of faith and be strong.

Honestly, somedays are easier than others. I spend too many days in defeat and it's making me angry. The Word of God is full of not only His love for me and you, but also, reminders of His power within us to live victoriously. I need to claim that. But on the days I live in the flesh and not in the spirit, I need to know He loves me and wants me to come back to Him. That's why I picked these verses today. I want to know in the marrow of my bones that He takes great delight in me.

Thank you Father. Thank you.

Leave your verse in the comments. Know He is with you today.

The Finished Yard Project

2010-08-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

The yard project is finished, praise the Lord! We started last fall with creating a garden spot. That became two raised garden boxes which led to taking out more of the grass which led to more landscaping which led to...

well, you get the idea.

Here are the before and after pictures. Let me say up front that I didn't always remember to take the "before picture" until some of the transformation had already occurred. I also didn't take the same angles in the before and after. But for the most part, you can tell how much work we did. (I'm using "we" sorta loosely here. We all did have a part in the transformation, but for the most part, Steve was the visionary, laborer and finisher.)

This is the north side of the yard about halfway through the transformation:

Here's how it looks today:

If you look straight out my back patio door, this is what you used to see:

This is what I see now:

Before the garden boxes:

This is the whole south side, including the garden on the right side of the picture (just left of house):
This is looking towards the elementary school and the gate where my kids walked to school:

Now this is what that area looks like:

My camera does 180 degree pictures so this is the whole of the backyard in two shots (click on the pictures to get the big version):

It took a lot of blood (Steve's finger is mostly healed), sweat and tears to complete this project. We (again, loosely applied) did all of the work except the curbing. It is so beautiful to sit at the picnic table and see what this place turned into. I love that God gave us so many kinds of trees, shrubs, flowers, colors, and textures. He could have made them all the same. But in His beauty and creativity, he graced us with such amazing different details. Praise Him with me! Thanks for your encouragement throughout this whole work. Anytime you want a live tour, come on over. I'll have a glass of iced tea for you.

Scripture Memory Verse #16

2010-08-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

Well I was hoping for a quiet, calm, relaxing last week before school started again. Didn't happen. School starts Wednesday and this week will be busy, too. Fall sports start as well: volleyball for my girl and football for my son. This will be a fun busy and I look forward to their games.

My niece, Brittney, is living with us for awhile. She will be 21 next month and will be doing an internship here in our valley. Brit has brought a lot of fun, smiles and joy to our home these last two weeks. She is also a great and eager worker. It is hard to be miles away from your family and friends but she is being a good sport and is willing to get involved. I pray one day she will look back on her time with us as a great memory and a place where God revealed more of Himself to her.

As I think about how much change we are involved in, it can get overwhelming to me. I don't like to be stagnant, but constant change is stressful. Through it all, though, I know this:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Heb 13:8 NIV

He is the same and always will be. His love for us doesn't change, his message doesn't change, his desire for relationship with us remains his priority and always will. It could be easy to take that for granted and go on day to day doing my own thing. There is great peace, strength, stability and assurance in that verse. That is what I want to focus on these next two weeks. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Praise His Name.

What are you thinking about this week? Thanks for being faithful on your memorization. You will be so blessed, I hope you've felt so already this year. Remember, leave your verse in the comments.

Family, Part 2

2010-08-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

I've been away for a couple of days because our internet service was not connecting with the wireless router and the boys were away at Man Camp so the girls chose to play for the weekend. This evening I spent 39 minutes with a woman at the help desk who had me "kindly open my web browser" and then "kindly type this address in the bar" and "kindly reconnect my modem with my router" followed by "kindly restart your computer". Then, TA-DA! Once again connected with the whole world wide web. bliss.

Here are some more pictures from our family week:

We went to the mountains and did some of this...

a lot of this...

some of this...

and quite a bit of this...

Now, we are all back to our own homes with great memories of another summer week together. Rested, rejuvenated. Our home is resisting the idea of this being our last full week of summer vacation. School starts the 18th. *sigh* It went way too fast.

Kindly press pause.

Family Time

2010-08-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

Hi there! It's me!

Hello?

Is this thing on? (tap, tap)

Remember me? The Idaho mom? The one who's been working on her backyard project for half of forever (we have finished!!!! pictures soon!!!)? The one who went to Mexico in June? The one who is writing this late at night because she has trouble sleeping? Remember? Oh, good.

Hi! Thanks for tuning in. :)

So last week was spent with my family: brother and sis-in-law & nieces from Mexico as well as my parents from Phoenix. Here's some pictures of the first half of our week.

My mom with her granddaughters:

My mom finding her inner child:

We did waaaaay to much of this:

My sister and I were given all the apples we could pick from two different (& awesome) friends so we spent one day making applesauce. I had to use just about every bowl in my kitchen. We ended up with 58 quarts to share between us. Let me just say there is nothing in the world like homemade applesauce. Nothing.

Me, my sister, my mom and my sis-in-law with the fruits of our labor:

There will be more pictures to come from the second half of our week. I promise not to stay away so long next time.

Scripture Memory Verse #15

2010-08-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been hearing about bad things that have happened to good people. I have been overwhelmed with the evil in this world. In my efforts to transform my mind, these circumstances can be too much for my thoughts. I keep going back to this verse from Philippians 4:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. (vs 8)

I've been wanting to commit this verse to memory for quite some time and this is the time. When evil, discouragement, criticism, or any bad thing threatens to overwhelm me, I am to refocus my mind on what is true, lovely, pure, admirable, etc. It has helped me immensely this past week when those horrible stories want to replay in my mind. Focus on what is good, what is truth. He is good. He is truth. Praise His name.

Share your verse in the comments. Come back in a day or two for pictures from our family week!

A Quick Note

2010-07-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hi there.

It's been a big week here. And a big one is coming up. It was my birthday this week and I celebrated for two days with friends and family. Last year was a "big" birthday. You know, one that ends in zero. Never mind what came before the zero. Everyone wanted to make a big deal out of it and I DID NOT. But now that the big fat zero year is out of the way, this birthday this week was quiet and lovely. I was blessed and my heart (& tummy) was happy and full.

Next week my family comes from Phoenix & Mexico. Actually, my brother & fam arrive late today and they are driving. I saw on Facebook that they just got a flat tire. Total bummer. Pray for safety, please. Dad & Mom fly in Monday. It'll be a good week of family time.

I just jumped on to tell you what I've been doing, what I will be doing and why the posts are fewer these two weeks. Thanks for understanding. Can I ask for prayer while I'm here? I haven't been sleeping very well these last two - three weeks and it is affecting my every day functioning. I've tried different meds and they aren't cutting it this time. I am so desperate for a week of good, uninterrupted sleep. So I covet your prayers over this situation. And thank you so very much.

I hope you're having a good middle of summer!

Scripture Memory Verse #14

2010-07-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, friends, based on the response from the last post it seems I am closer to crazy than I realized. lol. I will carry on anyway. :)

The enemy has been throwing my insecurities up in front of my face a little more recently. He can be very subtle and truthfully, I make it pretty easy for him to do so. When I get so focused on my to-do list or my kids (not that there's anything wrong with either of those unless they are out of order on my priority list), I put off getting into the Word or spending time with the Lord. A couple days go by and I feel discouraged quicker or I play the comparison game or I am grouchy to my family. Thankfully, I am recognizing this pattern quicker than I used to. So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore has been instrumental in this. I highly recommend this book if you haven't read it.

One day this week when I was searching for my next verse, these popped out to me:

Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

My footnotes explain it this way: "this should be a picture of our trust - trading all our fears for faith in him, no matter how intense our fears. To do this we must "dwell" and "rest" with him. By entrusting ourselves to his protection and pledging our daily devotion to him, we will be kept safe." The part that stood out to me was pledging our daily devotion to him. It is only when I daily go to the throne to meet with Him that I can be secure. Yesterday's visit won't give me what I need today. It's like taking vitamins. You don't take 7 pills on Sunday morning and say you're good for the week. It's most beneficial to take one pill every day for optimal health. It's most beneficial to take time every day with the Lord for optimal spiritual health.

To dwell means to inhabit or be present in. I dwell in my house every day. I am present here every day. I miss my home when I'm gone for any length of time. I want to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. I want to rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Have you thought about how His shadow doesn't shift? It is constant. I seek the shade in my yard these hot summer days. I have to keep moving the chair to accommodate the shifting shade. We do not have to move our chairs when we are resting in His shadow. Isn't that glorious?

When I am trusting in Him and claiming my strength and dignity (Prov 31:25), my insecurities don't rise up and loom in front of my eyes. It's hard to see clearly when our vision is blocked. I know that's an obvious statement. But have you checked your vision lately? Are you looking through the filter of God's Word or the filter of the enemy's lies?

Stay in the Word, friends. It is the only place where we find what we really need to live this thing out. I'm so honored to walk it with you. Thanks for stopping by. Leave your verse in the comments.

How to Post a Comment

2010-07-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

Hello, my friends. I hope you are having a great weekend. It is very hot here and after the spring we had, I'm enjoying it. Though it's hard to work in the yard when it's 97 degrees. **pant, pant**

Several of you have told me you don't know how to leave a comment here. So, that's what I'm going to attempt to teach you today. 'Cause I'd really like to know that you stopped by and to know I'm not having one-sided conversations. It gives me hope that I'm not crazy. :)

1. At the bottom of each post, you'll see "# comments". (A number beside the word comment.) Roll your mouse over that phrase and click.

2. You can type your comment in the text box.

3. Choose an identity. If you have an account with “Google/Blogger,” then click on that option. (“Blogger” is the free blogging service I use. Blogger.com is part of the “Google” network.) If you have an account with another blog service like Live Journal, WordPress, TypePad, or AIM, click on that choice. If you want to type your name and a web site that is not in one of those categories, choose “Open ID.”

*To set up a profile go to "create an account now" and follow the directions. Or go to www.blogger.com and follow directions on their home page. They ask for your email, a new password and that you agree with their terms. You can add a picture or just use the shadow silhouette.

4. Click “Publish your comment.” Or you can click “Preview” if you’d like to see what your comment will look like when it’s published. If you don’t like it, then you can click “Edit.” If you’re ready, click “Publish.” It will then say “Your comment has been saved and will be visible after blog owner approval” at the top of the page.

5. Wait for your comment to be moderated by me. I do this just for safety from spammers and to know someone came by.

So, if I was the bossy type, I'd say "do it now! Leave me a comment!" But, since I'm an oldest child who is also a wife and mother, I'll just say, leave me a comment. Did you leave me a comment? Were you planning to leave a comment today? Hey, did you leave a comment on the blog? I told you, step-by-step, how to leave a comment, did you? How many times do I have to tell you? LEAVE A COMMENT!

Thank you very much. Let me know (perhaps via email) if you have trouble.

A Good Deal

2010-07-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

Recently, while I was in Mexico helping a homeless, poverty-stricken family get a chance in life, my husband was holding down the economic fort in Idaho by purchasing "good deals". Costco. Need I say more? The bulk warehouse where we're sucked into thinking bigger is better and more is essential by lower cost-per-unit prices. I have a good size house. I do not have a Costco size house. Now, I have some supplies that will probably last until this time two years from now.

I've threatened to take his card away. He cannot go to Costco without me. It's just not prudent. His defense is, "it was such a good deal. Why pay the same price for something from the grocery store that is less than half the size?"

I'll tell you why. I cannot possibly use it up before it goes bad. I do buy some things in bulk at Costco. Toilet paper, dishwasher soap, batteries. Not perishable items, though. Granted, not all he purchased was perishable. But it is not a good deal if after opening, it sits in the fridge (taking up way too much space, by the way) for a month. It is not a good deal if we end up throwing any of it away. But he still thinks it is. Overall he spent less, he says. I don't get this logic. And he's a banker! He's all about value, I'm all about not wasting.

Let me show you:

Recently we got a new grill. They recommended some seasonings. What did I have in the cupboard? That little "Weber" jar in front. Apparently, the saying is "spice is the variety of life."

On the left, the olive can I normally buy from a normal grocery store. Is he wanting a tapas party??

This is delicious barbeque sauce. I had those two little bottles in the pantry (& one in the fridge). Good deal from Costco: two in a package.

I have nothing to compare this to. I don't buy blue cheese, ever. Now we have 504 ounces of the stuff. After tasting it, he decided it was too strong. I'm leaving it in the fridge to mock him. That's how I am.

If you get a gift from me in the next five years, it just may be wrapped in tin foil. In front is the normal size (75 ft) roll. We have seven HUNDRED and fifty feet now. Yes, it's wider and will fit the new grill easily. Where does one store a roll this big???

All I've said to you here, I've said to him. It's another way men and women are different. It has, however, influenced how I tell him I spend money. I compare all the options, citing one of the more expensive ones as my example when I find that good deal of my own. Example: shopping for a new mirror for the bedroom yesterday. I started at the furniture store. $250! I stopped at a couple other places and ended up with a full length one from Ross for $15. He wouldn't have made a big deal about spending $15 for the mirror. But when I said I could've spent $250, he's very happy with my final purchase. I never would've spent $250 for a mirror and he knows that. Remember, he's all about the good deal. It's all in the presentation. I could've spent $250 but actually spent $15. That's a very good deal.

Oh yeah, we're having a party this weekend. Come over for spicy, barbeque, blue-cheese stuffed olives. We'll be eating on tin foil.

Scripture Memory Verse #13

2010-07-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Well, friends, we've passed the half-way mark on the year. I decided that my favorite months are May, June & July. If I could make these months last 6 months of the year, I would. I just love them. The sunshine, warmth, flowers, grass, trees, berries, vegies - it's all good. What's your favorite month(s)?

Two weeks ago we started a summer Bible study, Beth Moore's The Inheritance. It's very good, as I expected. My verse comes from that study:

Psalm 16:6 ESV: The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed I have a beautiful inheritance.

As we've just begun this study, I don't have the full concept of this verse yet. But I want it in my memory when she does explain what the first part of the verse means. I am beginning to understand the inheritance part and it is exciting. God has made me an heir and a co-heir with Christ (Gal 3:26-4:7). In Bible times, the oldest son received a double portion of his father's estate and any other children divided what was left over. God says I am a co-heir with his first born son which means I, even as a woman (vs 28), get a double portion of my Father's estate. How awesome is that?

Please keep learning your verses friends! We are at that half-way point where we can forget why we're started doing this hard thing and the goal seems a long ways off. Persist. A verse from last year comes to mind right now: 1Cor 8:11 Now, finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it is matched by your completion of it, according to your means. Satan wants to distract you, don't let him win.

Have a great holiday weekend! Leave your verses in the comments.

Enough Excitement for One Weekend

2010-06-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

What do these things have in common:
1. gophers & yellow labs
2. dump trucks & doctor's office
3. goats in church
4. numb toes & 100 degrees

Give up? Our weekend. Disclaimer: if you are squeamish, beware of the first two stories.

Number one (gophers & yellow labs) occurred Friday afternoon. All the piles of dirt in our backyard were too hard to resist for one furry creature. The pocket gopher. I found his hole and then I found him. Then our dog, Murphy, found him. She pounced and killed and carried the creature around the yard all the while my son, daughter and I are yelling at the dog, running around in shock and awe at what we'd witnessed. I found the plastic kiddie pool and covered the thing to show Steve when he got home. He, of course, thought it hilarious and was happy to praise the dog for her work. He decided to deal with the thing Saturday morning. But Saturday morning when he lifted the pool (held in place with a brick), the gopher was gone. Yes, it had been dead, very dead. Either Murphy somehow got the thing or...I don't even want to know, really.

Sidenote: curbing completed in backyard project. It is awesome.
Now we are putting down weed paper. The next (and last!!!) step is wood chips.

Number two (dump trucks & dr's office) occurred Saturday afternoon. We needed one more dump truck of dirt for the yard which Steve got from his dad on the farm. As he was dumping it, a chain got stuck in the tailgate and he pulled it out. But he wasn't quick enough to get his hand out of the way and the tailgate came crashing down on his finger, crushing it hard enough to blow the skin open near the nail. I took him to the Quick Care doctor, they took x-rays and Praise the Lord, no broken bones. No stitches even. Because of all the swelling they figured it'd tear any stitching. He is doing much better now, just inconvenienced with a finger wrapped up.

Number three (goats & church)- we are studying Hebrews right now at church. Pastor Jim wanted us really "get" what the role of the high priest was in Israelite times. Once a year they celebrated the Day of Atonement, the covering of sins. Part of this was transferring the sins of the people to a goat which was then led out into the wilderness. So, we had a real live goat at church. We tend to forget or get comfortable with grace and what Jesus did for us. But, we are FORGIVEN by what our high priest did once for all (not yearly like the Hebrews). There is so much more to this story and if you have the time, listen to the message at this link here.

Lastly, it got over 100 degrees here Monday *pant*! So we went to a lake where the water had to be about 65 degrees. My feet went numb as I waded. The kids did go under the water, but it was too breath-taking for me. It did cool a body off though. I didn't really think about how hot the air was.

All in all, that was enough excitement for one weekend. Looking forward to a quiet & calm week.

Second Day of Summer!!!

2010-06-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

Because it's the second day of summer and because I choose to believe it will eventually get hot & stay hot here and because I love dessert...

here's a delicious summer dessert recipe for you to try.

Summer Pie
1 box (0.3oz) sugar-free orange flavor gelatin
1/4 cup boiling water
16 oz orange creme flavor light yogurt
8 oz frozen light whipped topping, thawed
1 prepared 9" reduced fat graham cracker pie crust

1. In large heat-resistant bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. With wire whisk, stir in yogurt; with wooden spoon, fold in whipped topping.
2. Transfer mixture to prepared crust; refrigerate at least 2 hours.

How simple is that? And it is so light and delicious. I've also made this recipe with lime jello & yogurt and raspberry jello & yogurt. It's a perfect ending to a hot summer day. Enjoy!

Vacation with a Purpose

2010-06-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before that my brother and his family moved to Mexico in December. They are there with One Mission, to build relationships with the poverty-stricken locals. The first step in this process is to build them a house. Groups of 20 or more from the U.S. or Canada pay for the supplies and provide some of the labor. One Mission requires the locals wanting a house to work a minimum of 45 hours building houses for others. A group of 26 from my sister's church (plus me) went this past weekend.

Here's how to build a house in the barrios of Rocky Point, Mexico:

1. Mix cement by hand.

2. Saw lumber for the frame.

3. Smooth cement for floor. The structure you see in the background is the beginning of a kitchen/living area that the family began on their own.

4. The next day, put up frame.

5. Put on roof and plywood for walls.

By the way, no prior building skills are required. Even those with manicured nails can do this.

6. Put on paper. That's my brother on the roof in white and my sister in the pink.

7. Apply stucco (which was also mixed by hand in wheel barrows).

8. Ta-Da! A new house!

9. Celebrate with homeowners! (the family we built for is in front - young Samantha in orange, mom Samantha behind her in brown, dad Sergio beside her on the right).

It was a great weekend. It was good to see my brother, sister-in-law and nieces. To see what God is moving them to do there. The people I met in Rocky Point are awesome, warm, friendly, hard working & genuine. They have next to nothing, most don't have running water or electricity. We had extra money and were able to purchase a bed for the couple and one for young Samantha. (Can you imagine sleeping on the ground? They do.) We also bought them a propane stove. Some of them know the Lord, most of them don't. He has not forgotten them, though. That's why One Mission is there. If you would like to change someone's life, get a group to go to Mexico and build a house. Here's the website: www.onemission.us. How's that for a shameless plug? :)

Thank you for your prayers and support while I was in Mexico. I felt it. It's good to be home and yet my mind keeps returning to those beautiful faces I met in a place that was far from beautiful. Please pray for the people in the barrios and for the whole team at One Mission, I know they appreciate it.

Scripture Memory Verse #12

2010-06-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

Hola, amigos! I returned from Mexico this afternoon. I will post pictures and blog about the trip later this week. Today I am soaking up my children. I missed my family more than I can express. They missed me, too. The kiddos keep following me from room to room as if I might disappear if they take their eyes off me. Absence did make our hearts grow fonder.

Because I have a mountain of laundry to do and two children to hug, today's post is short. Here is my verse for the second half of June:
Psalm 145:8 NLT - The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

I hope you've been able to really work on your verses and get them in your brain & heart. Keep going strong! Please leave your verse in the comments.

Upside of all the rain

2010-06-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

Spring flowers, which are my absolute favorites, have lasted extra long this year with all the cool, wet temps we've been experiencing. Here's an example:

The dogwood tree is in full bloom.

The peonies are breathtaking.

The columbine so delicate.

And remember when I said the garden was growing like nobody's business? Here's proof.

Peas, over a yard-stick tall.

Red potato plants almost as tall.

We've been eating lettuce and spinach every day and it just keeps growing. Can't get any fresher than that!

We are to have five days of sun and upper 70's. It will be so lovely. I, however, will be experiencing the blistering hot sun of the south. First in Phoenix and then to Mexico. I doubt we'll feel it much, though. We are looking forward to blessing a family with a new house. I can't wait to share it with you next week.

Have a great weekend!

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

2010-06-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Seriously, could we have any more rain?????

Did you know that in the last 65 days (since April 1) this part of the world has only been above average temps 15 days???? Today we are to get almost an inch of rain. For a so-called desert, that's a lot of water. There is a chance we will all burn our eye balls when/if the sun comes out again.

Today is officially the last day of school. Woot woot! I attended an assembly at my daughter's school where she received two awards, one for 4.0 GPA, the other for her work on National History Day competition (1st place at regionals). She has worked hard this year and we are so proud. Our son was finished yesterday and was very annoyed to get up early to attend his sister's award assembly. He also had straight A's for the whole year. How'd we get such smartical kiddos?? Tell me, do you discuss each siblings grades privately or does everyone know what the others earned? Growing up we didn't discuss it from what I remember. There are quite a few parents who keep this only between them and each child, to prevent a sibling rivalry atmosphere. What are your thoughts on this?

One benefit of the rain, our grass is a beautiful shade of green and the garden is growing like no body's business. I'd show you pictures, but I'm tired of dodging rain drops today. Maybe next week.

How planned is your summer? Do you have lots of activities/camps/etc planned with your children? I know some who have something every week so the kids don't get bored. I'd rather have bored than exhausted. I do have a couple of sport camps spread throughout the summer for both kids.

Are you taking any trips or going camping? We are staying home this summer, mostly because we're spending so much time & money on the back yard but also because we're going to S. Carolina to see Steve's sister in November. I am making a solo trip next week to Mexico to see my brother, sis-in-law, & two nieces who moved there in January. They felt the call of God to help the poverty stricken in the barrios and gave up all comforts of the U.S. I am humbled by their obedience & sacrifice. So I am joining my sister, brother-in-law, their kids and small group from their church and we are going to build a house for a family in Rocky Point, Mexico. We would covet your prayers for traveling mercies and that we can be ministers of God's grace to this family. I ask that you would pray for Scott, Shannon & Ashley as they live every day there. Their oldest daughter, Brittney, is home from college and will be going to Africa soon for a mission trip. Isn't it one of the greatest gifts to be able to go boldly and without shame to the throne of grace for our brothers and sisters in Christ? Thank you, Father, for hearing our prayers.

I've started reading Crazy Love by Frances Chan and I have Louder than Words by Andy Stanley to read next. I'm also reading some fiction: Tamera Alexander, Lori Copeland & Jan Watson. I am always looking for new authors. What or who are you reading now?

Have you heard of the band Fee? We heard them in concert at the Rockin Worship Road Show several months ago. I picked up their latest CD at the concert. I heart their music. It is so worshipful.

My current favorite cookbook is The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond. Seriously delicious food made from every day stuff in my pantry. If you haven't heard of the Pioneer Woman, check out her website (see sidebar for link). I heart PW.

Okay, I believe I rambled enough randomness for today. Have a good weekend & if you live in SW Idaho, stay dry.

Scripture Memory Verse #11

2010-06-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

Friends, it is June 1st! Can you believe it? Are you counting the days until summer vacation? We have this week yet in school, though a lot of friends and family are already finished. It may be harder to believe it's June here in SW Idaho because of the cool, rainy & often windy weather. I will choose to believe hot, dry, & sunny is coming...hopefully by July.

With the end of school in sight, we are taking a big breath. It feels as if we've been running since Spring break in March. We'll take a few days to relax, to catch up on sleep, to just be. All four of us need to breathe deeply and regroup.

As I struggled to find a verse for today, I realized I need to take a deep breath in this area of my life, too. I am not picking a new verse. I am going to focus on the ones I've already chosen this year. They are not as cemented in my mind or spirit as I'd like them to be. So I give you permission today to take a break from a new verse and to review the ones you've already chosen. Get them planted firmly. If you feel you've been doing good on your memorization, then, by all means, choose another verse! I did not intend for this process to become legalistic. It is to get God's word in our hearts & our minds so we can fight the good fight. You are so loved here and you will not be judged here. Do what the Lord is telling you to do. Maybe you'll need a review time later in the year if not now. But, please do stay in His Word. It is life. (Ps 119:92)

This is my prayer for you this week (from a memory verse last year): I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. Eph 3:17

Keep up the good work, friends. Leave a verse if you have one or a comment if you're also reviewing.

She's Gone Wireless!

2010-05-24T11:10:00.001-07:00

After 21 long months, depriving herself of sticky candy, gum, and corn on the cob...my girl is brace-free. I think she is beautiful!

Makeover

2010-05-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Since it's spring and we've been doing a makeover on the yard, I decided to do a mini-makeover on the blog. What do you think? Does it make you want to come over for tea???

In the continuing saga of the backyard, I've got a couple more pictures.
Here's a picture of the North side of the backyard:

Here's Steve and son planting a tree together:

Here are the first fruits of my garden:

Don't they look delicious? They were. They still are, especially now that I can put them on lettuce from the garden.

Have a great weekend. Check back Monday for some exciting news!

Scripture Memory Verse #10

2010-05-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

We are having the best weather this weekend of the year so far and it is hard to be inside. But my to-do list is a least a mile long...sigh. Thankfully, some of those to-do items involve being outside. I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and warm temps, too.

I have been thinking a lot about security, confidence and perseverance lately. About claiming my security in Christ, putting on confidence even when I don't feel it (especially when I don't feel it) and to just keep doing the thing. I've gotten really good at slacking off when I get tired or it gets too hard or there's a blog to read somewhere or well, frankly, there are a thousand distractions to keep me from finishing what I start. I don't like this about myself. I really don't and it's hard to admit. But I've come to the end of my tolerance for pretense and if I start with my own created pretenses and put a stop to them, maybe it will be a step in the right direction. God doesn't like pretense, either, but he can see the heart and knows what's really going on. I want to be free of what's holding me down because it is for freedom that Christ has set us free and I want the abundant life he gives. (Do you see a theme this year??) So when the temptation comes to slack off, these will be my verses to repeat:

Hebrews 10:35 & 36 from the NIV: So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Keep doing the thing, friends. Do it with confidence, yielded to the Spirit and with joy. I am who He says I am and I can do all things through Christ. Believe God today.

Have a great weekend!

Life Lessons

2010-05-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

We gave our son the gift of animals for his birthday. Three glow fish and two dwarf frogs. They are community animals, according to the experts at the pet store, so they NEED to be together. We purchased a small tank and all the gear needed and that's what we wrapped up for the birthday gift. He then got to choose which exact fish and frogs he wanted.

We had to "establish the ecosystem" before introducing the animals to it. So we set up the tank and filled it with water, installed the filter and waited five days. Five, long days, to my son. Finally it was the day to go get the creatures. This time, the expert recommended only purchasing one at a time, either only the fish or only the frogs, and letting them become acclimated to the new ecosystem before getting the other creature. Who knew this would be so complicated? So we got the fish first. They are very tiny fish and they loved their new environment.

My son had the hardest time naming them, though. We had many discussions over the supper table about the subject. I don't think he even decided until after we got the frogs. The frogs were easy to name. This is my son's sense of humor. The smaller one is Tadman and the larger one is Ikroka. They were named after BSU football players, Marty Tadman and George Iloka (play on words, this one). The fish are named Electron (greenish/yellow one), Reflector (orange one) and Bob (red one).

So we brought home the fish and then one week later, brought home the frogs. It was fun to watch them moving around in the tank, which is in my boy's room, by the way. The next day I go to wake up my son and first thing he does is check the animals. There are two frogs and two fish. two. fish. Where is the orange fish? Not hiding in the fake plant, not stuck in the filter, not in the rocks. No evidence he ever existed. Well, I have one bewildered boy on my hands and I was stumped, as well. Steve came home that night and took one look at the tank and declared what a fat tummy Ikroka had. Shock and disbelief. This frog is maybe one and a half inches fully stretched out, probably closer to one inch.

The campaign for a replacement fish began. The parents didn't think they should pay for another fish. The boy didn't think he should pay for another fish. It wasn't his fault his birthday gift was eaten. In the end, though, we split the cost of another fish. It really wasn't anybody's fault. (The frogs have been getting an increase in their regular food supply after this whole incident.) So, Sunday, after lunch, we went and picked out another fish, named Reflector 2. All was right with the world again.

Until Monday morning. I woke up my son for another day and looked in the tank. Two frogs and ...two...fish. Are you kidding me?!? Two fish. The yellow one was gone. My boy was mad and disappointed and said, "I don't want that frog anymore." It never, not once, occurred to Steve or me that this would happen again. Obviously, we wouldn't have purchased another fish if we had thought that. What is up with that Ikroka frog? Steve re-named it "I-make-a-you-a-croak-a." Funny. Not really. But, yes, funny. But, not really.

Life is hard, and kinda funny.

Where's the Pause Button?

2010-05-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Today, according to the calendar, our family begins a new journey. We are entering the teenage years. Do not ask me where the last 13 years have gone. They slipped by while I was doing ... something...I'm sure it was terribly important whatever I've been doing...had to be so important...because ALL OF THE SUDDEN our girl is 13. Steve and I were talking last night that five years ago we moved into this house and in five years our girl will be ready to move out of this house. My heart. It cannot take it. Can Not.

August 1996, we had been living in a rental house downtown. We had just moved from Eastern Idaho in the Spring. Both of us were working. I came home to discover we had been robbed. Someone broke into our house and touched all our stuff and took a lot of our stuff. It is a horrificly violated feeling. Two day later, we were robbed again. I kid you not. We moved out by the next evening. Put our belongings in storage and parked in the last extra bedroom of Steve's parents house. Steve's cousin and wife were in the other extra bedroom for the summer. Full house.

We were ready to start a family and decided this setback wouldn't discourage us from that. Steve told me years later that he didn't think I'd get pregnant so quickly or he would not have agreed so easily. ha. I dreamed of a little girl with dark wavy hair with a specific name. I mean, I literally had a dream of this girl. (Incidentally, same thing happened when I was pregnant with our son. Dreamed of a boy with a specific name.)

This beloved girl has caused my heart to be walking around outside of my body for 13 years now. She is why I am a mother. She is why I am trying to get my act together, so she'll have an example of a woman who continually seeks God, his forgiveness, his mercy, his wisdom, his strength, his security. She is literally why I have not given up on this thing called life. There was a time I was very very tempted to call it quits. Depression is a very dark place to go but God is light and he used the face of my daughter to keep me going day after day after day. Praise Him.

This beloved girl is so smart, funny, fun, sweet, compassionate, and loving. She is becoming a young lady who is all that and so much more. God has a great plan for her and I am excited to see what it's going to be. Happy birthday, daughter. I love you so very much and I am so very proud of you.

I really wanted to post a picture of her as a toddler, but we didn't get a digital camera until 3 years ago. This was her 10th birthday:

P.S. Any of you with daughters may want to check out this post here. I want to encourage us to be aware of our culture so we can talk to our girls about what God values. If we don't tell them, who will?

Scripture Memory Verse #9

2010-05-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

The verses I'm choosing today are from the So Long Insecurity simulcast last weekend. They are from Ephesians 4:22-24:

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put of your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Every day I get dressed on purpose. That means, I make a conscious decision as to what clothes I'm going to wear. These verses can be applied the same way. Every day I need to make a conscious decision to follow the Spirit and to be the new person that I am in Christ. I don't have to continue to do what I've always done. I am clothed in strength and dignity Proverbs 31 says, so I imagine every morning putting those characteristics on as I would a coat. This new self starts in the mind with my attitude and then I am to walk it out daily. I cannot wait until I feel secure to act secure. Heavens knows, I'd never get there if that's what it was dependent upon. This part of the simulcast was a light bulb moment for me. I have a choice here. I don't have to continue being corrupted by my old deceitful desires, I can choose to be a new creation in Christ. That is freedom!

What are you learning about God and his Word right now? There is something for everyone and every situation. All glory to His Name!

Leave your verse in the comment section. Keep up the good work!

Updates

2010-04-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give you an update on the back yard project. I haven't taken many pictures in the last couple of days because, frankly, we are exhausted. This is what I have managed to capture. I'll post more pictures later because we have planted a lot of things. Two weeks ago, Steve and his dad planted a tree:

Last weekend, Steve dug a trench across the whole backyard to bury the sprinkler again.

I did plant a few things in my garden boxes and they are growing so well. It's very fun to see. (This isn't all I've planted, just the first to make their presence known.) (Also, these pictures make our ground look...bad. It's not that bad, really.)

The following pictures are ones that make my heart smile. God's so creative!

Are you in the middle of any projects right now?

Scripture Memory Verse #8

2010-04-15T06:46:00.001-07:00

Well, my week is flying by - how about yours? Thank you for your prayers for our busy schedule. Things have gone well so far; the big stuff on my plate are yet to come. I have every confidence that all will go smoothly because of all the prayers. So, thanks again.

My verse today is from Psalm 119, verse 114: You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. I really like this one. It sums up how I feel. Refuge is defined as a place providing protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship; haven; something to which one may turn for help, relief or escape. The definition of shield is a means of defense as in protective armor. I love the picture of resting in the covering of his mighty right hand while he is shielding me with his left. I know I am safe and secure there.

Hope means to desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment. Putting my hope in His Word is the only true thing. Not in market analysis, forecasts, horoscopes, lucky charms, the Mayan calendar, or even people, including ourselves. The very Word of God is the only sure thing. I'm so glad He left it for us.

Where do you turn when the road gets bumpy? When the news has story after story of bad news and humanity seems bankrupt? Do you believe that He is who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do? He is the one true God; great, glorious, mighty and He loves you as a bridegroom loves his bride. Put your hope in Him alone.

Thanks friends, for going on this journey with me. Keep up the good work on your verses.

On this day in history...

2010-04-14T06:24:00.001-07:00

Here are some interesting facts about this day, April 14:

1860 - First Pony Express rider arrived in San Francisco with mail originating in St. Joseph, Missouri.
1865 - President Lincoln was shot.
1912 - Titanic hit an iceberg and sank.
1981 - First American space shuttle, Columbia, returns to Earth.
1989 - 1,100,000,000th Chinese born.
1994 - Billy Joel & Christy Brinkley announce plans to divorce.

This, though, is what happened on April 14, 2000 that changed my life forever:

My son was born. In ways I couldn't imagine this young man-child has taken my breath away (not always in a good way; you know what I mean), challenged my thinking, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and over all, captured my heart. I see glimpses of his dad in him and I get a window into what Steve was like as a boy. This gives me a deeper love for my son's daddy. I see glimpses of what he'll be like when he's older and I go to my knees in prayer over him. Lately, though, I am just enjoying the boy he is at 10 years old. Funny, ornery, a thinker, creative, loyal and such a gift from God.

Happy birthday, son. I am so thankful you are a part of this family. I love you.

Monday madness

2010-04-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

I never meant to go all of last week without posting. Everyone returned to their schedules after spring break and I took time to get things put in order on the home front. The week flew by. And this week will be one of the busiest of the year so far. Here's what's on deck:

3 tennis matches and 1 practice
2 karate practices
2 birthday parties
1 doctor appt
1 hair cut
1 state history competition
2 volunteer commitments
1 bible study
1 family picture appt
1 baby shower
1 day out of town (120 miles away)

*Deep breath.* One day at a time, sweet Jesus. That's all I'm asking of you.

I would covet your prayers this week so that we can arrive at the end all facing the right direction. I pray your week is filled with joy and peace. Talk with you later.

Scripture Memory Verse #7

2010-04-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have been running behind today. So far behind that I can't find the verse I had picked out for today. HA! But I wanted to get a post up in case you are not as scattered as I am today. I will post my verse later tonight. My sister and family are coming over for supper and to dye eggs. So I gotta run right now. More later, please forgive me! But, please, post your verses!

*******************************

Okay, I'm back. The rule-follower in me HAS to post a verse today, on the 1st. Yes, I know about grace, praise the Lord, I know about grace. But for my own discipline, I'm posting on the 1st. :) I couldn't find the verse I was looking for earlier and because it is Easter weekend, I decided to pick a different verse.

Sometimes I "participate" in the Lenten season, that is, I "give up" something for that time period before Easter on the calendar. In the past I've given up soda (this one has stuck for the past six years), chocolate (very hard to do) and various other items. I wanted to do something this year, I just couldn't decide what would be realistic. I considered sugar, but that is so not do-able right now. Literally the night before Lent was to start I decided I would give up some sleep. I wanted to try the discipline of reading the Word and spending time in prayer. I was nervous as my sleep patterns are not consistent. Would I be able to get up every morning to do this? I did not want to disappoint God by getting lazy half way through. That would be heart wrenching to me. But I decided to try. I am so happy to be able to say I have gotten up early every morning this Lent season and spent time in the Word and in prayer. I have not missed that 45 minutes of sleep one day. There were a couple of nights when I didn't get enough sleep but I was able to get through the day because I was leaning on Him. He has been so faithful in meeting me every morning. It has changed my life in so many ways. I am humbled by it, really. It is a sweet time and so precious to me and I plan to continue after Easter.

I have been reading through the Bible starting in the Old Testament at night time. I've been using a chronological bible for this. I had been doing an OT bible study also, so I was feeling the need for some New Testament reading. So my morning reading has been in those books. I have a book by Tim LaHaye called "How to Study the Bible for Yourself" that I am loosely following. He suggests reading 1John every day for one week (there's only 5 chapters), then move to John and Mark. Read those two times each. If we are to have the mind of Christ, we need to know Christ words and how he acted. These are the two shortest gospels. From there, read the epistles (Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon). Then Read Luke, Acts, Romans. I am up to Luke right now. LaHaye has several different plans for reading through and studying the Bible. I am reading 4 chapters a day. Then I spend time in prayer. Adoring Him; confessing; bringing my concerns; asking to be filled with the Spirit; claiming my forgiveness, purity, peace, & security in Him, remembering His sacrifice and telling Him I love him, too. I don't want my description to become a prescription for everyone. But I can tell you, this has worked for me. Lord willing, I can continue. I want to encourage you to have quiet time with the Lord in his Word and in prayer. That time is never wasted and you will reap benefits ten-fold.

(This is what happens when it's late...I get a long winded.) I have been reminded over and over in the last six weeks just what a sacrifice Christ gave for me, for us. And I have learned that he did that so I could be free, be healed, live in joy and abundance and in relationship with Him. That is what I am celebrating this Easter. That is what calls me to Praise.

Isaiah 53:5 NIV:
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

He is risen! Alleluia!

I feel the earth move under my feet

2010-03-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what 6 tons of rock looks like? Here's what we've been working on at our house over Spring Break:

These two rocks are 3 tons together:

Steve borrowed his dad's skid-steer to unload and move the rocks.

Here's another 3 tons of rock:

King and Queen of the mountain!

We took a break from the work to go bowling at Boise State Univ with cousins. My son & cousin C.

My daughter with cousin E:

After a big weekend of work it was great to have some fun. Project: closet is up next on the to-do list.

What You May Not Know

2010-03-24T20:54:00.001-07:00

Okay, I'm totally copying this idea from the Living Proof blog (see here). But it's such a fun idea and tomorrow is the first day of Spring Break so I'm ready for fun. Even though we are staying home and doing some deep cleaning and most of you think this is so not fun - I am glad to be home this year. I know the kiddos will be bored by day 2, so I'm breaking up the work with some fun activities...more on that another day.

Here are ten random things you might not know about me.

1. I don't like to drink out of plastic cups. Like the tupperware kind, the Solo kind is okay.
2. I love to write with a pencil.
3. My spices are alphabetized.
4. I love laundry dried outside, especially sheets.
5. I gave up soda 6 years ago at Lent and haven't had any since.
6. I like to collect and try new recipes.
7. I played volleyball in college and dreamed of being an Olympian.
8. I notice license plates.
9. I read the comics first before any articles in the newspaper.
10. I was 30 when I received my first and only speeding ticket.

Leave a comment and tell me 10 things about yourself that I may not know. Don't think too hard on it, just 10 things off the top of your head. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Dessert Heaven

2010-03-18T15:28:00.001-07:00

Have you discovered these treats from Betty Crocker yet? Oh.my.word. They are so yummy!

It's like the best of two desserts in one pan. Try it soon!

Scripture Memory Verse #6

2010-03-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday morning! The weather forecast in SW Idaho is bea.u.ti.ful. for the whole week - sunny, upper 50's - it's going to be fabulous! That combined with the extra hour of daylight in the evenings...we will be getting our required daily allotment of vitamin D. woohoo!

I hope you had a great weekend. Ours was good. Saturday was National History Day regional competition. My daughter participated in this through school. She was in a group with two other girls and they made a documentary film. The topic was something along the lines of "innovation and how it changed the world". The girls chose "Sputnik: the beginning of the space race" as their topic. They worked so very hard for two months on this project. They had difficulties with equipment, forgot to save their info before the computers at school crashed and had to re-type, had to re-record the voice-overs several times because they didn't like the way their voice sounded or they were giggling uncontrollably. Truthfully, Steve and I were slightly worried they wouldn't get done in time for the competition. But they did (4:30 Friday afternoon!). There were kids from all over SW Idaho competing in different categories: exhibits, documentaries, performance, websites, written essays. Sputnik/the three girls won first place in their category!!!! They were so excited and we are so proud. Now they go to State competition which is in the middle of April. They have a few adjustments to make as recommended by the judges. I think my daughter is most relieved to just have this project completed.

There are many things in my life that are challenging to me, as this project was for my daughter. Things that push me physically or mentally or emotionally. Things that I feel so inadequate even attempting. Examples? Well, being a mom, for one. In the beginning, moms are required to be present physically. The needs of a baby and young child are great. Most of the time, moms are running on less than adequate sleep. So that's challenging. Now, as my kids are older, they require more of me emotionally and intellectually. Discussing friendships, perseverance when the road gets long, learning life is not fair, pushing the boundaries we've set, etc. It's challenging, too. Another example is leading Bible study. Not something I sought after or feel particularly gifted to do. Even this blog pushes me intellectually. (not always evident by my entries, I know.) But this is what I'm learning: I have the Holy Spirit living in me and if I am yielding to his authority in my life, I am able to do these hard things. He has given me tasks for each day and he will give me what I need to complete those tasks, to his glory. We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to be servants of that same spirit. I am reminded again that I am nothing without Him. But I do believe I can do all things through Christ.

So my verse for this time is from 2Corinthians 3 verses 5 & 6 (NIV): "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

Leave your name, verse and version. Have a great week!

Happy Day

2010-03-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

As I was driving home from Bible Study today (side note: started a new one last week, Living Beyond Yourself: Fruit of the Spirit by Beth Moore - already an excellent study), I realized for the first day in a really long time - I feel happy. The kind of happy that just bubbles from deep down inside a person. The kind of happy that the enemy wants to squelch because my life is far from perfect, I don't have all the answers and this world is in a sad state.

But this is what I know to be true today: God chose me before the creation of the world because it pleased him to do so. (Eph 1:3-6) I have been credited with righteousness because of faith in the risen Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:22-24) When I confess my sins, I am forgiven and purified. (1John 1:9) He has made me competent through his spirit to be his servant. (2Cor 3:5-6) He is teaching me, revealing himself to me, going to great lengths to restore me -- all the time. Today that makes me so happy.

"I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands." Psalm 63:2-4

Are you happy today?

It's a Soup Kind of Day

2010-03-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

It has started raining here so it makes me think of curling up on the couch with a blanket and a book. Since that's not going to happen in my life today, the weather also makes me think of soup. Here's one of my favorite soup recipes. Let me know if you try it.

No Cream Creamy Broccoli Soup

2 medium carrots, peeled, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery stalk, chopped
3 Tbsp oil
2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) chicken broth
2 cups water
2 small bunches fresh broccoli, trimmed, cut into 3-inch lengths (about 4 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup Minute rice (I prefer brown), uncooked
2 cups milk
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook and stir carrots, onion and celery in hot oil in large saucepan on medium-high heat 3 min. Add chicken broth and water; stir. Bring to a boil.
Stir in broccoli and rice. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 10-15 min or until vegies are tender, stirring frequently.
Add soup, in batches, to blender or food processor container; cover. Blend until slightly pureed. Return soup to pot. Add milk and cheese; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Makes 8 servings, 1 cup each.

(This recipe is from Kraft Food & Family magazine.)

Scripture Memory Verse #5

2010-03-01T06:10:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's March 1st? Wow. How was your weekend? Mine ran the whole gamut of emotions. Our anniversary dinner turned our stomachs inside out later that night and the next day. The conversations, however, were much sweeter so I'll dwell on that and not recommend to you Tucan*'s Brazilian Steakhouse. I'm glad if you've had a good experience there. We did not.

Saturday we spent with extended family in the mountains and that was a fun day. Not much snow to play in, so we stayed in and visited and played games. The kids swam in the heated pool; in fact, I think my son was in the water at least 4 hours. No, he's not growing fins or flippers though I checked.

Sunday was a great service at church. We are working through the minor prophets; right now Amos. Judah was in a time of prosperity and had become callous towards God. This shepherd/fig tree caretaker was given a vision to tell the people and he did. Pastor also worked in a lesson on forgiveness, which turned out prophetic in my immediate life. There was a surprise visitor at church, someone who had dealt me a full basket of pain in the not-so-distant past. She managed to open the wound with one innocent question. Praise be to God that I can come to Him with all my emotions - disappointment, pain, anger, despair - and know it is safe, know that He hears me and yesterday especially He met with me in that place. I know He loves me and is healing me and I give Him all honor, glory and praise.

(I apologize if this post is "too much information". I'm just being real here. That's all I know to do.)

All this leads to my verse. 1John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. Have you thought about darkness? In the dark we can feel afraid, depressed, shame, insecure, unhealthy. And I have felt all of them. But that is not God. He is not a God of any of those things in the dark. Those things belong to the prince of darkness. But then I remember that my God is a God of the light, He is the God of pushing back the darkness, even in the corners. I cannot continue to walk in darkness and have fellowship with the God of light without being a liar. The truth will set us free. And the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. We are to walk in the light as He is in the light. Take fear for example. If I am afraid that something bad is going to happen to my children or my husband or even myself and if I live that fear out every day by the thoughts I think, the words I say or the actions I take, I am not walking in the light. He has not given us a spirit of fear 2Timothy says. I'm not saying throw caution to the wind. I'm saying don't let the fear take over. Believe God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. Let His light shine in the darkness of your life and let Him set you free, let Him heal you. That's one of the driving forces behind this scripture memorization. When the truth of His word is in the very core of me, that light will dispel my dark corners and I can live the abundant life he promised in John. Our God is an awesome God! Can I hear an Amen?

Thank you for walking this road with me. I love you. Leave your name, city, verse, & version.

Monday Musings

2010-02-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

I love the sunshine and blue sky. I'm not sure I can stress it enough. I do not care what the temperature is, just give me the sunshine and blue sky. Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of both today!

I love the color pink. Be it on a flower, a purse, a sandal or the new cardigan I bought today. It is such a happy color. I plan to wear the new sweater on the date I have with my husband Friday. We will be celebrating 16 years of marriage. woo-hoo!

I am getting tired of watching the Olympics. Seeing those incredible athletes from all over the world doing things that no one in their right mind does - well, it gets exhausting after awhile. Seriously, I get nervous going 85 mph on the Idaho freeway in my SUV, I would have to be out of my mind to go 85 mph down a mountain on two skinny pieces of wood! And how do they speed skate without falling over??? If I heard once that when the snowboarders fall out of a trick, it's like falling off a 22 foot building - I heard it five times, at least. I'd like to talk to the mothers of these athletes. How did they let go of the fear of their child getting seriously hurt? They are made of stronger stuff than I.

Last fall, Steve and I built a couple of raised garden boxes. They are not huge, but it's going to be fun to grow some vegies. I've been thinking about what to plant. There's so many choices. Do I start the seeds soon so I can plant little plants? Who am I kidding? I doubt I'll do that. When do I plant seeds in the ground? What are your favorite things to grow in a garden?

Have you heard of Aaron Shust? He's a Christian musician. I played his album "Anything Worth Saying" over and over last year. I received his latest album "Take Over" for Christmas and so enjoy it, too. Check it out. I like that he writes little essays to explain where the ideas for each song comes from.

We ate a cool place this weekend. I had seen this place on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives". We were in the big city of Boise on Saturday, literally all over it. Well, Steve remembered this place and so he took us to Pizzal Chick. (They serve pizza, salad & chicken, thus the name.) Quite the eclectic place, but the food was fabulous! There's a big stone fireplace in the middle of the kitchen where they cook the pizzas & chickens. Plus he has a smoker in the alley for smoking meats (he was doing salmon that day). We had pizza - a BBQ chicken/red onion/kalamata olive one, an elk sausage/wild mushroom/sweet pepper one and of course a cheese pizza. Each was so delicious. Next time I will try the roasted chicken. I wish it was closer because it was that good. Idaho friends - you've got to try it. State and Glenwood (just past the fair grounds).

I'm signing off now. Did I mention it's sunshine and blue sky today?

Scripture Memory Verse #4

2010-02-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

I apologize for posting this so late in the day. Everyone was home today and it messed up my "normal" schedule. That's the excuse I'm going with anyways. :)

I hope you all had a happy Valentine's weekend. I am still thinking of love so this is my verse: 1John 4:19 NIV - We love because he first loved us. This verse reminds me that the only reason I can love is because of Him. If He hadn't loved me first, I'd have no idea how to love. Because I am a parent I get the understanding behind this verse. And because I am a parent, I can not begin to fathom the depth of His love for me. I have loved my children since before they were born and were even aware of me. Yes, they are returning that love as they get older but it doesn't affect my love for them if they don't. My heart may ache more, but I still love them. Yet I realize my love for my children is but a drop in the bucket compared to God's love for me. He gave up his Son for me. The thought is overwhelming.

This verse also reminds me that without God I am nothing. If He didn't love me, I'd be returned to dust in a nanosecond. I can do nothing to earn his favor and in fact, the harder I try, the more I mess up. It's a good reminder of my humble status.

I'm so proud of you for doing this challenge! Keep up the good work, friends. The reward is so worth the hard work. Leave your name, verse & version.

Thoughts of Love

2010-02-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

First I want to say Thank You for all your prayers on my behalf regarding sleep. I have had four nights of blissful sleep. Four in a row. blissful. sleep. Those herbal pills were the ticket, I think. They are horse-pill sized and smell horrible, but I don't feel like I'm being pulled up from the underworld when I wake up each morning. I feel like a different person all day long. Sane. There's something to be said for sanity. grin.

It's Valentine's weekend and I'm thinking of all that I love. In no particular order:

**having the house all to myself today with no place I have to go.
**my kids' belly laughs. Lately this has been happening at the dinner table. I smile thinking of it now.
**my husband. I love dreaming with him, cooking for him, his support.
**Spring flowers: tulips, lilacs, peonies. I'd really love to see some soon.
**reading a good book. Just finished Sophie Kinsella's "Twenties Girl". Not a typical book for me, but I enjoyed the movie based on her book "Confessions of a Shopaholic" so I thought I'd try it. Just started Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity, you've been a bad friend to us". After the first chapter, I know it's going to be just what the Physician ordered. Love to read.
**seeing a good movie. We saw "The Blind Side" recently. Highly recommend this one. I've been watching Masterpiece Classic on PBS. I so enjoyed "Emma". This was a different cast and a longer version than last years with Kate Beckinsale. Much preferred this year's. Also a big fan of Pride and Prejudice. So funny.
**Girls night out.
**a tall glass of iced tea.
**watching my daughter grow up into a thoughtful, caring, tender, fun young lady. She is such a delight.
**Sunshine.
**knowing my friends Sandy & Rob got the invitation to go get their adopted son in Kazakhstan this week. I love seeing God's hand in all of this. You can read their story here.
**figuring out small portions of technology. Like installing the wireless router. I only yelled in frustration once, I only called my brother in law once, I only asked Ron at the router company help desk, "say that again, please" twenty times (don't think he was from Idaho...or the US). And I just figured out how to link in this post. These are big things in my world!
**my son's sense of humor. Dry & quick. He loves to read the comics. We fight over who reads first in our house (well, Steve doesn't). The rule is, if you get the paper from outside, you get to read first.
**learning from God's word. This week I learned that the spies who went into Canaan to check out the land came out carrying fruit. A cluster of grapes so big it had to be carried on a pole between two men. (Num 13:23) Now, Costco has some big grapes. But I'd look silly carrying them out on a pole. These spies returned and said, yes, the land is flowing with milk and honey and look at this fruit! (vs27) But the people who live there are powerful...they are stronger than we are...the land devours those living in it...we seemed like grasshoppers. (vs28, 31-33) These were the leaders of the people (vs3) and influential among the Israelites. They were focusing on the wrong things - the obstacles. And they influenced the two million people to grumble and complain and be afraid. As a result, none of those people were to see the promised land. (Num 14:23) Caleb and Joshua focused on what was exceedingly good and were allowed to enter the promised land. (vs30) So the question is this: what kind of influence are you? Do you see the obstacles? Or do you encourage others to expand their view of God's capacity & ability in their lives? Let's be like Caleb and Joshua - one in a million.

Well, there's fourteen of the things I love. Tell me what you love today. Happy Valentine's Day!

Fugitive fish

2010-02-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

Check out my niece's cool blog (she's 16): fugitivefish.wordpress.com. She is doing an awesome challenge for the next couple of weeks. It is so cool to see how the internet can be used to glorify God! You go, Ashley!

Monday Musings

2010-02-08T14:51:00.000-08:00

I have had one good night of sleep since before I went to Houston in January. ONE. No exaggeration. I am desperate for a full night of sleep. Today I feel like my head weighs 25 pounds and it's kinda rummy inside. Ever felt that way? I even purchased a natural sleep aid from the "organic" section in the grocery store because Advil PM and Tylenol PM haven't been working. The days are so long when the nights are so short.

My son has adopted a pet on foopets.com. Have you heard of it? Anyone can go on and "adopt" a pet - they have all kinds. You then get to name it and take care of it. My son adopted a yellow lab puppy, named him Eddie and has been "feeding, watering and playing fetch" with him since before Christmas. Actually, since before Halloween, I think. If you don't feed or play with your pet, he becomes "detached" and the graph on his care page turns from green to yellow to red. When you go online to feed the pet, he even looks like he hasn't eaten in a week. So twice a day, my son goes online to feed and play with Eddie. Every time I get frustrated with the inconvenience of it (when we go out of town, Eddie goes to the kennel) and suggest that my son put Eddie up for adoption again, he gets this panicked look in his eyes and declares he's not doing that. I guess it is teaching him responsibility. Although the REAL LIVE Yellow Lab in our backyard doesn't get the attention Eddie does. For Pete's sake.

I experienced a total of one week of 70 degree weather in January by traveling to Phoenix for the Fiesta Bowl and to Houston for the SMT Celebration. Then I had to come home to gray Idaho. It's about 40 degrees, lots of foggy or overcast days. I don't like the in-between times. Either be winter - snowy & cold or get to spring. We did see the sun this morning but I was so tired it hurt to squint.

I have been experiencing technology frustration maxi mus. First the computer wouldn't work properly. Well, turns out, we had a bad virus. Got that fixed, but still wasn't running the way it should. Brother in law helped out with that. The wireless router hasn't been working, so I bought a new one today. Have yet to install it. The tech guy said it's easy. ha. The car decided to freak out, making weird sounds and then lights came on, power steering stopped working and brakes froze. Water pump replacement. Thankfully, still under warranty from the water pump replacement last year. Drove it two days, heard strange chatterings and it smelled hot. Took it back to the shop where they tightened some belt. I don't know my megabytes from my fan pulleys. Why can't things just work???? As my friend Christina said this weekend, "why do things have to be so fancy?" I just want to turn them on and they work. I guess it's a good thing my technology isn't voice activated. I've told it where to go so many times, it'd all be at the bottom of the lake by now.

Maybe then I could sleep.

Scripture Memory Team Verse 3

2010-01-31T20:36:00.000-08:00

This week, I've been troubled by my own humanity. I'm like the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness. One week God performs 10 miracles to get them out of Egypt and literally, the next week, those people are standing in front of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army fast approaching behind them. What is their response? They grumbled to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?" Ex 14:11 (That, my friends, is biblical sarcasm.) The Lord parts the sea so they could walk through on dry ground. No mud on their sandals.

Three days later, they are in the Desert of Shur and not finding water. The water they do find is bitter. What is their response? They grumbled. (Ex 15:24) God sweetens the water for them in verse 25. He provides an oasis in the wilderness with twelve springs (one for each tribe, perhaps?) and 70 date palm trees.

Couple weeks later they are wandering in the Desert of Sin with no food. Their response? (Say it with me...) They grumbled. The Lord provided manna every day. Ex 16:4 By the way, have you ever picked up on the verses in Exodus 16 that say the taste of manna was like wafers with honey (vs 31) and in Numbers 11:8 where it says "its taste was as the taste of cakes baked with oil." Author Priscilla Shirer writes "it may have looked somewhat like porridge, but it actually tasted more like Krispy Kreme donuts." Forty years of donuts and their clothes never wore out.

The Lord wanted to test them and see whether they would follow his instructions. Would they obey Him no matter how impossible it looked? He led them to the wilderness, just as He allows a wilderness or two in our journeys today. Our job is to yield to the wilderness and learn that He alone is our portion (Ps 119:57). He is faithful and good and kind to those He loves. If the children of Israel had been purposeful about remembering what God had done for them in the past, perhaps they wouldn't have wandered for forty years. Do you remember what God did for you in the past? How about just last week? I want to start a journal specifically for writing down what God has done for me so that I can remember. I'd encourage you to do something similar, maybe a word file on your computer. Then, when we walk into a wilderness, we can grab that journal, remember His faithfulness to us and lean on Him instead of grumbling.

So these are my verses: Psalm 77:11-12 from the NIV. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

Leave your name, city, verse, & version.

Pictures from the Weekend

2010-01-27T15:36:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures from the Houston weekend. Because I am technically challenged they are not included in the post regarding the celebration. Read the next post for all the details.

This is one of five boosters on the Apollo 18. It is mind-boggling how BIG this is.

Astronaut Steve.

Steve attempting to land the space shuttle (video game).

Houston First Baptist Church where the celebration was held.

Amanda Jones, Melissa Fitzpatrick (daughters of Beth) & Beth Moore doing giveaways.

My new friends, Leslie & Karlys.

You know, I have a lot more pictures. I'd really like to say a lot more good pictures. But I can't say it and not be lying. Perhaps a photography class is in my future.

Two Versions of an Awesome Weekend

2010-01-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

For those of you who like a quick wrap-up:

1. The God I serve is so awesome.
2. A weekend with the man I married reminded me why I married him.
3. Beth Moore and the LPM staff are truly servants of God.
4. I'm glad I live in Idaho.

For those of you who need more and have time for the long version, read on.

It was even better than I'd hoped. My weekend in Houston for the SMT Celebration. I don't even know where to begin to tell you about it. Maybe before it even began.

Last January I was so excited to do this memorization challenge on the LPM blog. But I couldn't get any of my friends to join me. I didn't let that discourage me - this was something I wanted to do. It got hard, picking verses, trying to remember the ones from the beginning (although that got easier because I said them so many times by the end of the year). Then, Beth put the dangling carrot out in front of me. Those who finish get to celebrate together in Houston. It renewed my resolve.

I enjoyed reading other ladies verses, sometimes picking theirs for mine the next time. I read a couple of blogs of fellow memorizers. Then I found one that so touched me, so inspired me that I keep going back to it almost daily. Lord, I prayed, if it is at all possible, I want to meet this woman in Houston in January. I just want to hug her. I don't know how many women will be at this celebration, but I'd really like to do this, Lord, if it's possible.

All through the year, I'd keep asking my friends to join me in the memorizing. I'm sure that by August the thought of remembering 24 verses was a bit overwhelming. So I started asking Steve if he'd like to go to Houston. He actually was very excited about going with me. This was before he found out that fishing in January in Houston is about the only off-season. But he said he'd go anyway. I made plans to have my mom stay with the kids (she lives in Phoenix) and got the plane tickets and registered for the celebration.

Fast forward to Thursday, January 21, 2010. Steve and I fly to Houston for the weekend. First impressions: flat, lots of trees, difficult to navigate the roads. Why are all of the traffic lights sideways? Never did find out. The weather was beautiful, sunny, warm. The hotel was gorgeous. We tried to find a BBQ restaurant that first evening, but the conceirge gave us directions to a cafeteria that was closed. We ended up eating at some fancy restaurant at The Galleria, which is a huge mall. It even has an ice skating rink inside! The food was good, but I don't remember the name of the restaurant.

Friday we visited Johnson Space Center. Had a little trouble finding it. We were thinking by this time that the $15/day charge for a GPS would've been a steal. Steve is excellent with directions but something about this city was sooo frustrating. Not enough signs and the ones we did see were poorly placed. Anyways...the Space Center was so cool. I wish the kids could've been there for that. They would've loved it. We spent most of the day there. Oh, we did make a stop at "the world's largest tackle store". Since all/most of the fishing there is salt water, they had lots of tackle we'd never seen before. And it was big. I'd love to see what some of those arm size hooks bring in. We found a BBQ place, but were disappointed. They used a lot more vinegar than we are used to in Idaho.

Then it was time for the celebration. The church was huge and the hospitality was warm and welcoming. There was a celebration banner, a program printed and lots of pink boas. (Someone suggested we wear pink feather boas to recognize each other around town, in the airport, etc.) There were 507 women with index card spirals ready to celebrate. We represented 42 states (even Alaska and Hawaii) and 5 from Canada. We were connected because of the LPM blog and more importantly, God's word. You could feel the excitment in the air.

I've been to two LPM Live conferences in the past. Beth Moore does a great job making it feel smaller than 5,000+ people at those gatherings. But, this. This was special. I felt like we were personal friends of the Moores. Travis Cottrell was there to lead worship music with his iPod band. He is amazingly talented. Then Beth started teaching from Psalm 119. It was hard to tell she had major surgery last month for all her energy. It was a timely teaching. I know I should say more on the teaching, but I am still processing it, sorry. Afterwards, there was a short time of meet and greet in the lobby. And chocolate cake, Texas sheet cake, to be exact. So yummy.

I was talking with some other ladies, waiting in line to meet Beth. I turned around and there she was. No, not Beth. The dear sister whose blog I've been following. She walked right past me and I reached out and said excuse me. I asked her name and her blog and then my memory goes a little blurry with what exactly all else I said. I'm sure I sounded like a complete ninny. I gave her a hug. She walked away with a friend. I turned back around in the "meet Beth" line, OVERWHELMED. My God had done this for me. For me. It was a barely whispered prayer and yet He made it happen. Listen, there were 506 other women there. Only one woman that I talked with Friday night did I see on Saturday morning. And He did that for me. I still tear up at the memory of it.

I'm waiting in line to meet Beth Moore. There are six people in front of me. One of the LPM staffers came to the group of three I was a part of and said, "you get the amazing opportunity to practice grace right now." They were cutting off the line right before us. They were taking care of Beth as she is still technically recovering from surgery. And you know what? I wasn't even upset. Sure, I wanted to meet Beth and tell her thank you for all she's done in her writings. But my God had done this other "meet" for me and I still couldn't get over it. I went back to the hotel and got on my knees and with many many tears gave Him thanks and praise.

Saturday was more singing, teaching and the chance to say our verses to each other. There was a Q & A time with the Moore women and another chance to meet them. By this time I was so emotional (hadn't really slept good for three nights due to my hubby's cold - coughing, snoring, blowing his nose) I couldn't think what to say to these amazing women, (kinda intimidated & insecure - can't wait for Beth's new book, So Long Insecurity!) so I left to find my husband waiting for me. We went to Pappasitas Mexican for lunch. Delish!!! I wish I could go back. Also, I did get to eat at Chick-fil-a. Want one in my town.

It was an awesome weekend. I am still processing much of it. But I can say I am glad I memorized those 24 verses. I am glad I went to the celebration. I am glad my man went with me. I am humbled by God's love. I am glad to be home with my kids, how I missed them. I made new friends who I hope will be signing on to do memory verses with us this year (yes, Leslie and Karlys, I mean you!). It was an awesome weekend.

P.S. I am new, really new, to blogging. That's my disclaimer here. I can't get my pictures to upload where I want them to. I may be putting the pics on a different post. *sigh*

Country Mouse Goes to the City

2010-01-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

Remember when I told you that I did Scripture memorization with the LPM blog last year ? To celebrate a year of good, hard work, Beth Moore is having a weekend conference for those of us who participated & finished this challenge. I get to go!!!!! To say I am excited is an understatement. It is all bubbling up inside me while I try to go about my daily activities.

The celebration is in Houston at Beth's home church. Travis Cottrell will be there to lead us in worship music - and he can LEAD some worship music, that man. There will be about 500 other women there. We will say our verses and hear a word from God through Beth. There is also rumor of chocolate cake.

My hubby is going with me, bless him. He originally wanted to go to Houston to fish. (that's the first thing I think of when I think of Houston...fishing.) Turns out fishing in January in Houston is off season. Now he's being dragged along to site-see and eat yummy Texas barbeque, mexican and hopefully Chick-fil-a with me (I have small dreams). The kids are staying home and my mom is coming tomorrow to stay with them for the weekend. They are so looking forward to spending time with Grandma. Steve and I get 3 1/2 days alone together and that is priceless to me.

I do feel like the country mouse going to the city, though. A lot of insecurities pop up as I prepare to leave my kids and travel to places unknown. But I am learning to walk in faith and trust God for it all. I will keep saying my verses in preparation for the weekend celebration. It's like whipped cream on top of the sundae, this celebration...REAL whipped cream. The true treasure has been those verses coming to me when I need a Word. We'll have to celebrate together when we get THIS year's verses memorized. That'd be fun.

Scripture Memory Team Verse 2

2010-01-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

I started a new Bible study at church this week called One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer. I was a little skeptical at first, but after seeing the first video and reading the first couple of days of homework, I am excited to see what God's gonna do.

Did you know that there were two million Israelites in Egypt as slaves at the time of Moses? Two MILLION. I keep trying to wrap my brain around this number. That's more than the number of people who live in this state I call home. How do you organize that many people? The people at the back of the travelling caravan would end the day where the people at the front of the caravan started the day. And yet, only TWO of those walked into the promised land. That's called one in a million. There has to be a lot of graves between Egypt and Canaan, don't ya think? Has modern day archeology found any of those bones?? If you were told at the beginning of your journey you had a one in a million chance, would you take it? Actually, they all had the same chance at the beginning, they just messed up on the journey.

Two people who walked out of bondage walked into abundant living. I want to live in abundance but, honestly, right now, I'd really love to walk out of bondage. I have accepted God's gift of salvation, so I am free. I'm just not living like it. I keep doing the same things in the same ways and expecting different results every time. How crazy is that? It's time to do things differently. The enemy is on to us, friends, he will do whatever it takes to get you to believe lies. That is the biggest reason for me to do these memory verses. I want my ammunition ready and loaded. We have victory NOW in Christ, not someday in the future, let's live like it!

Galatians 5:1 NIV: It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselved be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Leave your name, city, verse & version in the comment section.

New Beginnings

2010-01-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, 2010, and I'm trying a new thing, blogging. I wanted to start this blog as a way to help my friends (and me) be accountable with Bible verse memorization this year. Last year I joined a couple thousand other women online at the Living Proof Ministries blog twice a month to record a new verse we each had chosen to memorize. It was so cool to see all the verses from all over the world flooding the internet. I believe it was the first time IN MY LIFE that I fulfilled a New Year's resolution! I love having those verses in my head and in my heart.

So this year, I'm challenging anyone who wants to join me to commit God's word to memory. On the 1st and the 15th of each month, I will have a post here with my new verse. Log on and write out the verse you've chosen to memorize. You can certainly chose one I've chosen. But in your quiet time, ask God to give you a verse. Then listen. Listen in those quiet times, to your pastor's sermons, in your Bible studies for verses that really speak to you. You'll most easily memorize the verses that mean the most to you. Then write it down on an index card. (You can find a spiral set of cards at any grocery store or office supply store.) Keep those cards handy - in the car, in the kitchen, near the chair where you have your quiet time. Work on your new verse the first week. The second week refresh your memory with the old verse while also saying the new verse. That's the best way I know to keep those verses in your long term memory - repetition. Two verses a month is very doable. And think, 24 verses by the end of the year! (Well, maybe 23 since I am late getting this on the web.)

For you DOUBTERS who think they cannot memorize verses. I know it's challenging. But how many phone numbers do you have memorized? How many passwords? Birthdays? You CAN do this. Let's put the Word of God in our memory banks and write down the phone numbers and passwords. Maybe it would be easier for you to meditate on the verses. That's okay, at least then the Word of God is rolling around in our heads and not destructive thoughts, even if we don't get it word for word correct. Our brains will be bathed and our ammunition loaded for attack.

Do this only if you want to, not because you need to or "should". We only stay committed to what we want to do. I am thrilled to do this with you. Let's have fun with it!

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

My first verse for 2010 is Psalm 90:12 from the NIV: "Teach me to number my days aright, that I may gain a heart of wisdom." I picked this one because I need a heart of wisdom in regards to my time management. I only have a certain number of days, am I being wise how I spend them? I don't want to waste any more days.

If you want, leave a comment with your name and city, verse reference, which Bible version and write out the verse. Someone else may want to memorize it next time. I'll be back on the 15th with a new verse. Get yourself some index cards and find a verse. Anybody willing to accept the challenge?