If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Wednesday Hodgepodge


Click on the above button to join in the Hodgepodge fun.

1. Do you send Christmas cards? If so about how many will you send this year? How do you display the cards you receive? Or don't you? (gasp!)
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't.  Sometimes I buy them and sometimes I make them.  This year, I haven't even really thought about it yet, so probably I won't. The cards we receive are placed in a basket for all to see.

2. When do kids become adults?
Depends on the kid.

3. Does your 'beauty regimen' change with the seasons?
Nope not really.  I may have to use more lotion, but that's about it.

4. What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose?
Can't think of a thing.  I pretty much just like normal kinds of food.

5. Gloves or mittens?
Gloves

6. What's the longest queue you've ever been in? Was it worth it? Queue=line but doesn't queue sound nicer?
We waited to eat at J. Alexander's for a couple of hours one night and yes it was definitely worth the wait.Especially since we were with friends, and just being together was fun.

7. Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to in the month of December?
Tracy, Kerri and I may possibly go to Pigeon Forge for a couple of days and then Kelli will be coming home from school for a month.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
My new header picture for Christmas was drawn by Kelli back in 2009.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Counting One Thousand Gifts

Still counting things I'm thankful for.

31.  Being part of a church who loves to help the community.  Each year, our church serves a free Thanksgiving dinner to anyone in the community who wants to attend, or if they are shut-ins, we deliver lunch to them.  We also serve to our local law enforcement and fire personnel and communications officers who are on duty on Thanksgiving.  I love being part of a caring church family.

32.  I love getting to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family.  There were 19 of us gathered this year.  My sister opened her home to us and everyone brought in food and we had a great time.  Here are a few of us gathered at the table.  The rest of us were probably in the kitchen still filling our plates.  She had a humongous table that fit all of us and still had room for a few more.  (Kelli hopefully you'll get to be there with us soon, maybe next Thanksgiving).

33.  So thankful that my daughter has a wonderful roommate that took her home with her for Thanksgiving since she couldn't come home to us.  Thanks Salina and family!  Love you.
Salina and Kelli
34.  I'm thankful for Skype.  It was so wonderful Friday night to be able to sit and talk for over an hour to Kelli via Skye.  I just love this modern technology sometimes.  :)

35.  Having a job that allows me to spread my vacation time out throughout the year.  It was so nice to be off from Wednesday through Sunday.  Loved the time with my family and friends.

36.  Going out on Black Friday, but not buying one thing from the special sales. haha  Just had fun with my hubby and Kerri.  We bought a few things, but not the special Black Friday sales. 

37.  Naps...I'm thankful that this past weekend I had several opportunities to take a short afternoon nap.  I just love to do this.  Of course now I'm not sure how I'll stay awake all day at work this week.  haha  Thank you Lord for the opportunity to rest in you.


Why don't you click this button and join in with counting your blessings from God.  It really does make a difference in your life when you're looking for all His gifts.


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wednesday HodgePodge



1. Let's start with something controversial...dressing or stuffing? What's it called at your house and what's included in your recipe...cornbread? oysters? sausage? chestnuts?
We call it dressing and we are having White Castle Dressing this year.  My brother makes it and it is delicious. By the way, from the comments I see some of you don't know what White Castle is?  It's a hamburger chain restaurant that sells little squad hamburger sliders that are really good.  Here's a picture below.

2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?
I'm not sure that I do compare myself to anyone, however, my kids say I'm like my sisters.


3. When were you last inside an airport?
Last January when we took my daughter so she could fly back to school after Christmas break.  However, I'll be there next month when we pick her up for Christmas break! Yay!



4. What is one side dish that absolutely must be included in a turkey dinner?
Mashed Potatoes of course!


5. What Christmas song do you dread hearing?
I don't really dread hearing any of them, however, "Little Drummer Boy" is probably one of my least favorite of all.


6. If someone approaches you and asks for money do you give it to them? Do you drop money 'in a tin cup' that belongs to a person on the street? Do you have a specific charity you support during the holiday season and/or year round?
It just depends on the situation as to whether we give or not.  We did the Shoe Box thing this year and we're going to participate (as a church) in Christmas Gift Baskets and also the City Giving Tree.  I also sponsor a child in Ecuador through Compassion. 


7. Share a favorite Thanksgiving memory. If you live in a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving share a favorite memory associated with food.
I remember one year my cousins and I (we were high school age) took off after dinner and hid in our barn so we didn't have to do dishes.  We thought we were so cool.  I really think the adults were just glad to get us out of the house, because no one tried to find us. 


8. Insert your own random thought here.
I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving tomorrow with my family.  There will be 19-20 of us together.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Where I've Been...

I received this in an e-mail from my friend Jan and just had to share it with you.  Thanks for the laugh Jan.

Where Have You Been


I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots.
Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.


I've also never been in Cognito.
I hear no one recognizes you there.


I have, however, been in Sane.
They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there.
I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.


I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump,
and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.


I have also been in Doubt.
That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.


I've been in Flexible,
but only when it was very important to stand firm.


Sometimes I'm in Capable,
and I go there more often as I'm getting older.


One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense!
It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart!
At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!


I may have been in Continent, and I don't remember what country I was in.
It's an age thing. My job is done!

Life is too short for negative drama and petty things. So laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!
I hope everyone is happy in your head - we're all doing pretty good in mine!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Counting One Thousand Gifts

More gifts I'm thankful for:

27. Friends - I'm so thankful for friends who when you tell them you have to go take care of something and you leave work right away and they can tell by your expression that it's serious and they pray for you. When you return they ask if everything is ok and then let you know they prayed for you and still never ask what was wrong. They are content to know you needed prayer and then prayed without needing to know the particulars. Thanks Tom, that meant a lot to me. Your prayers were answered.

28.  A pastor (who just happens to be my husband) who teaches us truth.  Here's a truth he told us Sunday. "When the Lord commands us to do something, we ought to look upon that as a promise because God will not command us to do something that is beyond our capacity by his grace to do."  An example he gave was Lazarus.  When Jesus told him to come forth from the tomb, Lazarus wouldn't have been able to do it if Jesus hadn't given him the ability.  Or when He told the man with the withered hand to stretch forth his hand, he couldn't do that if he hadn't been given the ability.  I love this truth so much.


29.  I love that on the cross Jesus told the thief who asked Him to remember him, not to worry (MSG version).  I love it.  Even on the cross, Jesus told him not to worry.  We don't have to worry when we trust the God of the ages.  He's got it all in His hands, so why do we waste time worrying.  This is a truth I'm trying to learn to follow.  Thank you Jesus.


30.  Christmas movies - I love watching Christmas movies.  Watching one right now.






Saturday, November 19, 2011

Stick With It

"Staying with it-that's what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won't be sorry; you'll be saved." Luke 21:19


This is really what we have to do isn't.  We just have to stay with it.  No matter how tired we get or how worn out we may be.  We just really need to finish the race.  In the end, it will be worth it all.  Thank you Jesus.

Have a blessed weekend.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Ornament Wreath

I made my first Pinterest Craft. I've wanted one of these wreaths for the past couple of years. Who knew I could make one? I saw it on Pinterest and bought the stuff and it was pretty easy too. Now remember before you look at the picture, it's still a work in progress. It's a little lopsided and it needs a bow. But here you go.

Have I mentioned lately that I love Pinterest?

Have a great weekend everyone.


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Wednesday Hodgepodge


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1. What song reminds you of a specific time in your life and what is it about that song that makes you remember?
I remember the songs my dad used to sing to us in the car.  One in particular was about a girl name Sweet Rosie Lavenchy.  I don't know where he got it and I've never heard from anyone but him.  But it reminds me of being a young girl riding in the family car.  He sang it often enough, that I learned it and then sang it to my girls.  However, I don't think they ever learned it. haha  Here are the words:

"Sweet, Rosie Lavenchy
she was a blacksmith by birth
she got tired of living
and wanted to leave this earth
she wanted to die by inches
but this she found very hard
so she went out in the alley
and laid down and died by the yards." 

Rather morbid, isn't it?  lol 

2. What's something you've given up on?
Ever being a size 6 (except maybe when I get to heaven)

3. What's something you'll never give up on?
Loving my Savior.

4. If you had to cook something from scratch in the next hour what would it be?
Lasagna (at least I would if someone makes sure I have all the ingredients)

5. Have you started Christmas shopping? Decorating? Listening to Christmas music?
My husband put up a small blue tree.  He's always wanted a blue tree and bought one after Christmas last year on sale.  I've bought one Christmas gift (but I won't put it on here as someone may read it that shouldn't).  Yes I've been listening to Christmas music.

6. What do you know about your parent's wedding?
They got married in my grandparent's home.  It was my dad's 22nd birthday and my mom's 17th birthday.  When my dad asked if he could marry my mom, grandpa said I'd rather you marry her with my blessing than without it. My mom made her wedding dress.



7. I can't believe I ___________________.
 can't think of a single thing to say here.  Man am I ever boring!  haha

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I'm in the mood to read some Christmas books.  I need to finish a book I have for review and then I'll be free to read all the Christmas books I have on my Kindle...yay! 


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Rainbow

A couple of weeks ago, Tracy, Kerri and I stopped at Taco Bell for supper and noticed some people outside looking at the sky and taking pictures. It was sunny out, but sprinkling too. We figured it was a rainbow and when we left a short time later we actually saw that it was a double rainbow. We headed towards home and kept looking at and talking about the rainbow. One of them was so bright and the other wasn't bad either. My daughter kept asking, Mom do you want me to take a picture and I said no that's ok. But finally I told her yes and to get the camera out of my purse, which she did. Then hubby said you could turn here and get a picture if you want. I decided not to, but then drove just a bit further and turned into a cemetery and that's when we saw the rainbow line up right behind this cross. I parked and jumped out of the car and took a couple of pictures. I'm so glad I did.




When I see a rainbow I always think of the promise of God never to flood the whole earth again. And then the cross reminds me of God's promise to redeem us if we'll just believe in and accept His Son as our Savior. I love these pictures because they have both, God's rainbow and His cross. Thank you Lord for your beautiful creation and for giving your Son for me. Wow! You truly are awesome!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Counting One Thousand Gifts

In my deliberate effort to be more aware of God in my life, here is a continuation of the list of Blessings, Gifts, and God moments in my life this past week:

21. God given time to spend with our oldest daughter on Saturday.  Kelli's college flew her to Columbus to represent the college to the students at their Youth Convention this past weekend.  She was there to tell them about the college and hopefully get them to consider attending there in their future.  Since we're less than 2 hours away, we drove up and got to share several hours with her during the afternoon.  It was so good to see her.  It's been a long time since early September and she won't be until mid-December for Christmas break. So this was awesome.  Thank you God for those hours.



22. Kerri spent the weekend at that Youth Convention with her youth group.  She didn't know her sister was coming in.  Kelli wanted so bad to surprise her.  Well from what we've been told, it worked really well.  Kelli was at her booth when Kerri walked by.  She glanced over and then did a double take and screamed and then ran to her sister and jumped at her and wrapped her arms around her and started bawling.  I think she was very, very happy. ;)  Thank you God for wonderful surprises and sisters who really do love each other (there are days when we wonder. lol).  I wish I had pictures, but that's okay because I have pictures in my mind that are really great.

23.  Thank you God for all our veterans who serve our country.  They are so awesome and I appreciate all they've done.

24. We finished our women's Bible Study Tuesday night.  I am so thankful for each of these women and I'm so grateful to get to learn more about God with them.  This time we did Beth Moore's study, "The Inheritance".  If you've never heard of it and are looking for a good one, you should check it out.  Awesome!!!

25.  Shopping and new clothes.  Thank you God for the opportunity to go shopping and buy some new clothes.  It sure was fun shopping with Kelli Saturday.  Hey and I earned some Kohl's bucks, so Kerri and I will be able to do some shopping soon too.  Yay!!!

26.  A good friend and co-worker who when I worked some overtime with last week, brought us in some wonderful goodies and snacks and she made the time (even though we were really busy) a lot of fun.  Thanks Cathy for being a good friend and sharing with me.



Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Wednesday Hodgepodge



If you haven't done the Wednesday Hodgepodge with us before, you really should consider joining in.  It's always so much fun.  Just click the button above and go on over and see Joyce and join in with us.  Go on..you know you want to.

1. Of all the tools and gadgets you own which do you most enjoy using?
My Kindle and my laptop are my favorites.

2. When (if ever) is impatience a virtue?
I'm not really sure that it ever would be. 

3. What temperature do you keep your thermostat set to in winter? Do you have another way to heat your house besides a furnace of some type?
Around 68 degrees.  No we have no other heat source except to wrap up in a blanket or afghan when watching TV.

4. Do/did you have a close relationship with any of your grandparents?
Not as close as my girls do with their grandparents.  But I was pretty close to my mom's mom.

5. When did you last have a family portrait taken?
Thanksgiving 2 years ago.  It was not a professional photo though.


6. What does the word patriotism mean to you?
I think this video shows patriotism about as well as anything.


7. Do you like to play cards and if so, what's your favorite card game?
I'm not a big card player, but I do like Solitaire (though I usually play it on the computer) and rummy.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I have found so many cute things on Pinterest to make for Christmas.  I love Pinterest and I'm really in the crafting mood.  I bought the stuff this weekend to make a wreath and my daughter is decorating light strands for her room.  I'll take pictures when we get them finished.  I got this idea from Pinterest too. Acorn Cookies.  I made some for Bible Study.  Here are a few of them.



Thanks Joyce for another great week of Hodgepodge questions.


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Changes

Did you notice I have had to change my profile story. It used to say to pray for me because I'm the mother of 2 teenagers. Well, guess what? That's not true anymore. I'm now the mother of 1 teenager and 1 twenty year old. Wow! I cannot believe that's true. But, it is. Oh and by the way, I still need prayer. lol



Where did all the years go?  Sometimes I wish they were little again.  But most days I'm happy with the way things are.  May God continue to bless them in their lives.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Counting One Thousand Gifts

In my deliberate effort to be more aware of God in my life, here is a continuation of the list of Blessings, Gifts, & God moments in my life this past week:

15. The opportunity to Skype with my oldest over the weekend. Also talked with her roommate and met her roommate's mother during this conversation.  So much fun.  Love you Kelli

16. Kelli's roommate's momma who took her in this weekend and fed her real food. Thank you Christy for taking care of my girl.

17. Time crafting Saturday night with my youngest girl. She was making a beautiful light strand with pink tulle and netting for her bedroom and I was knitting the prayer shawl.

18. Time with just hubby and I as my sister had my youngest over Friday night and most of Saturday. They were shopping and cleaning and having fun.  Hubby and I went out to lunch together and went shopping and bought some Christmas decorations.

19. Watching a Beth Moore video with my youngest and another young friend, eating pizza and then talking together until almost midnight Thursday night.

20. Thank you Lord for one of the best weekends we've had in a long time.



Thursday, November 3, 2011

The ABC's of Me

I got this meme from Nina at Portugal Bound. I enjoyed getting to know Nina a little better though this, so I decided to play along too. Click here if you want to go check out what Nina has to say. You'll be glad you checked her out. She's an interesting, fun lady and she takes beautiful pictures on her blog.

So anyway, here's a little bit about me.

A. Age: 54
B. Bed size: King
C. Chore that you hate: All of them. lol No really I hate sweeping.
D. Dogs: Mine is a mutt named Lily. But I love most dogs
E. Essential start to your day: Getting out of bed. Praying and reading the Word
F. Favorite color: blue
G. Gold or Silver: I like both but gold is my favorite
H. Height: 5'4"
I. Instruments you play: Piano
J. Job title: Administrative Assistant to the Police/Wife/Mom/Pastor's Wife
K. Kids: 2 girls
L. Live: Southwest Ohio
M. Make of car: Buick Lacrosse
N. Nicknames: Chatty Cathy and Gigglebox as a kid
O. Overnight hospital stays: when a migraine headache caused the entire right side of my body to go numb.
P. Pet peeves: I hate being lied to
Q. Quote from a movie: "Let me tell you something, Toula. The man is the head, but the woman is the neck. And she can turn the head any way she wants.” from my "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: 1 older brother, 1 older sister, 1 younger sister and 1 younger brother. Yep I'm a middle child.
T. TV Shows: NCIS and Survivor and Once Upon a Time
U. Underwear: Yes
V. Vegetable you hate: brussel sprouts and lima beans
W. What makes you run late: Not wanting to get out of bed
X. X-Rays you’ve had: head, (see hospital stay above), chest, teeth, back
Y. Yummy food that you make: People say I make good lasagna and chocolate chip cookie bars
Z. Zoo animal: seals and penguins

Your turn....and let me know if you post this...I'd love to get to know you better too!


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Wednesday Hodgepodge


Click the button above to join in with all the Hodgepodge Fun

1. Who taught you how to cook?
I guess I learned how to follow a recipe in Home Ec. ClasI s.  My mom gave me some recipes and so did my sister.  Mostly I guess it was Home Ec,  But I really don't do a lot of cooking.  Hubby does most of it.

2. Have you been told you think too much? Are too much of a perfectionist? Are too sensitive? Were they right?
I've been told I'm too sensitive and wear my feelings on my sleeves.  The other two...no.  Am I too sensitive?  Probably, at least sometimes.

3. As a child did you have a favorite blanket or toy? Tell about it.
 I really can't remember, but if so it was probably my Chatty Cathy doll (since that was my nickname), until my dad ran over it with the car.  I must not have like it too much, if I left it on the driveway...huh!

4. What 'institution' do you have the most faith in?
The institution of marriage...at least where hubby and I are concerned.

5. Chrysanthemums-pansies-burning bush-ornamental cabbage...your favorite in an autumn garden?
Pansies and burning bush

6. What superpower do the kids in your neighborhood seem to posses?
The superpower to knockdown or tear-up our mailbox.  Except I don't know if it's kids or who.  The last time they took our reflectors off the posts.  Who knows why?  Not us.

7. Are you a fan of the cranberry?
Not really, but a little bit with the turkey isn't bad.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Well so far I am totally enjoying the new TV show "Once Upon A Time".  How about you?