Sprigglet

A welcome relief. . .

2011-03-10T08:43:00.002-06:00

They say you should use your brain - stay busy - stay active - do mentally challenging tasks - to help keep alzheimer's from taking over in your old age. I don't know if that's accurate or not, but at this point in my life, a little alzheimer's would be a welcome relief . . .

I'm so vain. . .

2011-02-28T13:16:00.001-06:00

So last Thursday, David emails me toward the end of the day to let me know that we were invited to a fundraising event on Saturday evening for the Paris YMCA. I replied right back saying ‘What’s the dress code – and be sure to ask someone who actually knows!”. His reply was semi-formal. So I did the semi-formal thing – black cocktail dress, stockings (and that's another whole story), black shoes, pearl necklace, etc. The whole 9-yards so to speak. I wanted to do my nails too, but rather than go spend the money (AND take the time) for a manicure, I went to Wal-Mart and bought these fake French-manicure nail tips. Just getting them on was comical, but I will say that they looked REALLY nice. And all day yesterday, I had compliments about how nice my nails looked! I was feeling a little special (translated - VAIN!!!) I’ve never had nail tips like this before, and typically when my nails get very long I clip them back because they interfere with typing, writing, picking my nose, etc.!!

At any rate, I come to work this morning and open the drawer to get the orientation laptop out and popped a nail off. THAT ticked me off because now my nails don't look so nice. Tough luck, must proceed with the day and laugh, right?! Orientation goes well, and I return to my desk. I open a drawer to get something, and POP goes another nail and I laughed out loud. By this time, I had told Twon and Tonya that ‘vanity has its price’ and was laughing about my poor fingernails.

Just a few minutes ago, the office is full of people because there are two interviews going on at the moment, and I went to get something out of my purse. . . POP goes the third nail and by this time, I’m just thankful that I wear glasses so that I don’t blind myself as the fake nail tips go flying about the room!!!

So much for vanity. I’ve tried to pop the rest of them off (so that my hands don’t look so. . . STRANGE), but of course now that I WANT them off I’ll need a pry bar and gasoline, turpentine, or some other highly flammable solvent to dissolve the glue. Glad I didn’t spend a lot of money on THIS manicure!!!

A Quiet Week. . . OR QUITE a Week . . . :)

2011-02-19T19:56:00.008-06:00

In the past week, I've been :

on an airplane (with my 'not-so-very-nice thoughts' toward those people who bring carry-on luggage that is WAY too big to fit in the overhead bin)
ridden in a 15- passenger van (whose driver was in a REALLY big hurry!!)
in a taxi cab (whose driver was in an even bigger hurry and drove with the windows down for some odd reason)
on 4 different train trips (with my newfound friends!)
crammed in a mini van taxi with 10 other people (how long has it been since you said 'How many people can we get in a . . . . ? This was for a 5-minute/$30 ride to the hotel after midnight, and when we asked the driver how much to take us to China Town - ~1.5 hour ride - the next night, he cracked up and said NO WAY!! Go figure!!)
on the subway (VERY scary - not to mention dirty, smelly AND frightening)
in a limo with 11 other people (EVEN scarier - I seriously doubted the wisdom of this decision but it's a loooong story!!)
on top of the Empire State Building (AWESOME - thanks Katie for being our tour guide!)
to Italy (Little that is. . . and had the most awesome Chicken Marsala for dinner - REAL Itlalian food - quite possibly "THE best thing I ever ate" and I took a picture so that David could see it!!!)
almost to China (Town that is . . . I chose NOT to go the additional 2-3 blocks just to buy a cheap 'knockoff' Coach bag from a trailer down a dark alley)

Many of these antics happened after spending most of the day safely 'otherwise engaged' at the Adecco Training Center!! It was a great week that I'll never forget, spent with some awesome and incredible people who were total strangers on Tuesday afternoon, but who turned out to be great friends!!!

On Wednesday evening, I told the group that I'd like to split off from them and have dinner with Kate who lives in NY, and had agreed to get me back to the train station and safely on the right train. These 'total-strangers-turned-friends' informed me - NO WAY are we leaving you. We came together, we leave together!!! I was secretly very glad, because the experience later that evening of 10 people trying to find the right train 'home' was quite intimidating and the hour-long ride back to Long Island (and the taxi-ride to the hotel) would have been a.) VERY scary; b.) VERY scary; and c.) VERY scary without my friends!!

A Loooooooong Day. . . .

2010-11-26T16:27:00.003-06:00

Never ever ever have I gotten (grammar??) out of my warm cozy bed at 4:30 a.m. when it's 16 degrees outside to go shopping. . . until today! What fun! We left the house at about 5:00 and shopped until I couldn't take it any longer. The girls would have continued, but when I looked through the doors at Target and saw only a sea of people I said, 'Girls, I've got nothin' left' and I went to the car. OK OK OK - so I went to the food court instead and watched the people while, the rest of the group finished their shopping.

Then we went home (back to Paul and Marcia's) and had left over dressing and corn bake for breakfast. THEN a nap - and ah say ah say - aaahhhhhhhh!!!

Happy Black Friday!

'Deer' Ella. . .

2010-11-24T08:46:00.003-06:00

I'm sorry that your 'deer' Grammy won't see you this Thanksgiving. Grammy went deer hunting last night and the hunt was successful (unfortunately). I got an 8-point buck. Grammy's 'weapon of choice'. . . ??? A '2-doubleaught-8 Saturn Aura' . That 'deer' little mishap, combined with the bad winter weather that Old Man Winter is sending to Minot has caused Grammy to change her plans my 'deer' little sweet girl.

I hope you have a wonderful first Thanksgiving 'deer' little Ella. Give Mommy and Daddy hugs from Grammy, Grampy, and Uncle Caleb! We love you Sweet Baby Girl! NOTHING will keep us apart for Christmas! Stay safe and warm this weekend. XXXOOOXXXOOO to all of you!

(We love you too, Nathan and Ruthie!!!)

How NOT to hunt deer. . .

2010-11-24T08:30:00.004-06:00

Pictures of my deer . . .

Pictures of my car. . .

I'm Perplexed. . . and Scared!!

2010-09-23T05:47:00.004-05:00

I think one post every 5 months is sufficient. Isn't it? For some reason lately, posting on my blog has been on my mind a lot. I think I'm going to take the advice of a new friend, and break up with Facebook, and focus on my blog. I might stay friends with Facebook, but only to post a link to my blog 'ramblings'.

At any rate, I am starting a new study called 'Perplexing Proverbs' by Susanne Scheppmann from Proverbs 31 Ministries. The first day introduces the study with Proverbs 1:1-6 - "The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young - let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance - for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise."

All these years, I've been perplexed by trying to gain knowledge and finally I learn that all I had to do was look to the Book of Proverbs. WOW!

Proverbs 1:7 - "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

I think I'm going to like this study!

I can see clearly now. . . (the rain is gone!)

2010-04-14T20:57:00.004-05:00

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God!" Psalms 31:14

Awhile back, less than 2 months ago, I started a new job. And I hated it. That's right, I hated it. I know that's a fairly strong word, and if Caleb were to say he hated something I'd probably have some stern words for him. In fact, one day I sent DSH (Dear Sweet Husband) a brief email message that said, "Loathe! 'Nuff said!" That's how I felt about my new job.

My heart was set on teaching, and while I knew that I lacked any significant classroom experience I needed to do something besides sit at home waiting on the phone to ring for the occasional substitute teaching job. So I took a job. And I learned a LOT, but I wasn't very happy. I had applied for a teaching position, and was hopeful! VERY hopeful! And I prayed since January, "God if you want me to teach, please make my lack of actual classroom experience irrelevant. Just put me where you want me, God!"

Several weeks passed, and one day my phone rang. Believe it or not, I got an interview for the teaching position. I went for the interview, and felt really good about how it all went. I was absolutely certain that God was working everything out for me. In the meantime, a friend recommended me to a recruiter for a HR position. The recruiter called me, I went for an interview, and I received a job offer. Still certain that God was taking care of that teaching position for me, I took the HR job knowing that it would get me out of what I considered a bad situation, and also knowing that I loved HR for several years and could see myself working HR again!

One day my phone rang. And when I answered, I was notified that the teaching position that I wanted with my entire being was offered to someone else. And they told me that while I had nterviewed well and my references spoke well of me, it boiled down to. . .

Wait. . .

Wait for it. . .

Classroom experience!!!

WOW! Did I hear that right? Well, I could certainly apply for another open position because after all God surely hadn't gotten that right, had He? And so for just a few days, I struggled with the rejection and the death of a dream!! (Yes, I'm getting a little dramatic here!) But then, I began to pray again - thinking of that scripture that suggests we praise God in ALL things. And I praised God for taking care of me. I thanked Him, but I was honest and told Him that I was a little sad at how it had all turned out - forgetting that I was about to start a great job in a field that I love. (Honestly??? I cried! But I think/hope God was OK with that!!)

And then I began to think about what I had prayed for several weeks - If you want me to teach, I know that you'll make the lack of actual classroom experience irrelevant. I TRUSTED God to do what He knows best - to put me where He wanted me.

Could it be that the lack of substitute teaching jobs was God's way of pushing me back into the work force?

Could it be that the reason I was so unhappy in the first position was that God was nudging me towards, and preparing me for the position that He'd had in mind for me all along?

Could it be that God really DOES know what He's doing? Hmmmmmm. . . There's a thought!

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy, and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalms 28:7

I may not actually give thanks to Him in song, because even though I really like to sing and I sing really loud when I'm in my car (alone), I'm fairly certain that DSH and Caleb probably get tired of hearing me sing! But my heart truly does leap for joy, and I will praise Him for answered prayers and for allowing me to see it so clearly!

In The Beginning, God created . . .

2010-03-30T05:24:00.002-05:00

". . . And God said, "Let there be lights. Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them mark off the seasons, days, and years. Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened. God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And evening passed and morning came, marking the fourth day. " Genesis 1:14-19

Last night David called me on his way home from town to tell me look out at the moon as it was just coming up. I stepped out on the back deck to see an absolutely gorgeous, orange, full moon shining through the trees. I stepped out again later and it was coming over the the tree tops - full, bright and incredibly beautiful. At midnight, I woke up and noticed how bright the bedroom was, so I decided to step out the front door. As I stood there in the crisp cold air, it was so peaceful and quiet, and I marveled at the beauty of God's beatiful handiwork!

And He did it just because He loves us! Thank you God!

I Wanna Thank You . . .

2010-03-20T06:05:00.007-05:00

. . . thank you for bein' a friend. . . I wanna thank you . . . Thank you for bein' a friend!!!

We all have friends. We all - more than likely - have many friends. We go to dinner, play cards, take walks, go to the movies, go on vacations . . . I think you get the point . . . we spend time with our friends.

I know that some of your friends, are those whom you can call - in the middle of the night if necessary - to pray with you when something terrible has happened. Or perhaps they pray for you when you are so burdened that you simply cannot pray. Those are the friends who know your plans - they know what you're doing throughout the week (and feed your cat when you're gone), they know what your kids are doing (and would spank them for you if it was necessary), they know what you're having for dinner tonight (which is good 'cause often times even I don't know that!), they know your deepest, darkest secrets (and you know they won't judge you). They know what makes you laugh, what makes you cry, what makes you do the 'happy dance', what you like for dessert (anything wth cherries)!

Good friends will come to your house, sit at your kitchen table, and share their hopes and dreams with you. They might even ask for your opinion now and then! And once they've asked, they'll take the time to listen. They seek, listen to, and (sometimes) even take your advice when given humbly, and with compassion and genuine concern. They don't stomp their foot, and go away mad. They may have to ponder your words for a time, or they they may never see your point of view at all. But the sweet thing about that true friendship is that you know they still love you no matter what! True friendship begins with the journey of "Give-and-Take" on "Two-Way Street".

Abraham had a relationship with God that was just like the one I've described above. But it didn't happen without Abraham putting some effort into it - without taking the time to know God. Of course, God knows everything there is to know about us - the aches, pains, joys, and sorrows - the number of hairs on our head - the number of days in our life. Even so, He created us to be in a relationship with Him and He wants us to know Him.

Abraham knew God so intimately, that 'God convened His heavenly council at Abraham's tent and shared His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah with him.' WOW - God actually came and had coffee with Abraham. And then, God actually listened to Abraham and . . . well, you know the story about how Abraham proceeded to argue with God about sparing Sodom and Gomorrah if 'so many' righteous people could be found. Abraham had the audacity to ask God not once, not twice, but SIX times to spare the cities from complete destruction.

Abraham knew that he risked God's anger by continuing to ask, but he also knew that they were good enough friends that he could beg forgiveness for his brazen behavior, and approach God with humility, and genuine concern and compassion for the people. Abraham and God knew one another. They talked together. Abraham listened to and obeyed God, and consequently God shared his plans with Abraham (and I like to believe it was over a cup of coffee or possibly a glass of iced tea!) And then God spared the lives of a few righteous people from the destruction of Sodom.

I don't mean to imply that we can change God's plans. But we might find it easier to hear Him and obey his will for our lives, if we knew Him better. I think I'll fix another pot of coffee this morning, and spend some time getting to know my Friend better!!!

A Very Special Blessing . . . and Bittersweet News. . .

2010-03-12T05:14:00.004-06:00

The Special Blessing: On Wednesday night, I was sitting in the Fellowship Hall at church telling some friends about Nathan who is now stationed in Minot, North Dakota. The way I understand it, he had a conversation with a female officer on Tuesday morning that went something like this:

Her - 'Aren't you the Airman with the wife and new baby?'
Him - 'Yes, Ma'am.'
Her - 'Have you seen that baby yet?'
Him - 'No Ma'am'.
Her - 'Here are some papers. Fill them out, and get out of here.'

(It took a woman to make that happen!! Sorry guys!)

He told us later that it took him about 15 minutes to complete that paperwork, pack up his car, and hit the road. He drove 18 hours, and arrived in the wee hours of the morning to see his favorite girls - Ruthie and Ella. I heard that reunion was very special.

As I told this story though, Simon Wood ran over to me, and wanted me to pick him up - which I did. He threw his arms around my neck, laid his head on my shoulder, and hugged me as if we were the best of friends. It made me think of our Little Ella doing the same thing someday, and I nearly cried.

The Bittersweet News: When I was talking with Nathan on the phone an hour or so before all of this, in addition to telling me how sweet it was to finally see his Baby Girl, he also said that they were all leaving on Saturday to return to Minot. And while we knew Ruthie and Ella would join him there soon, it's all happening so fast. Rather than fly up to meet him after they've found housing, she's going to drive back with him on Saturday. (I honestly don't think they can stand being apart any longer!)

And so here they are this morning. Asleep in the spare bedroom. They came for dinner last night, and were too tired to drive back to Alton so they spent the night. Ruth said, 'That's OK, isn't it?' OF COURSE it's OK!!!

But it just delayed the inevitable departure. And I'm very sad this morning because in just a couple of hours (or less) we'll tell them all goodbye for awhile. And now I can't type for the tears. . .

Complaining. . .

2010-03-03T20:34:00.002-06:00

Do you have pet peeves? Well, I do. One of my pet peeves is a messy bed. I make the bed every morning before I leave the house, and I generally insist that Caleb make his bed too. When the bed is not made right or rumpled up, I will ALWAYS straighten it out, sometimes even going so far as to re-make it before I get in it to go to sleep. There have been times, when my DSH (Dear Sweet Husband) has gone to bed before me (and might even possibly be asleep before I come to bed) and I will make the bed over him just to get everything straightened out before I can get in! He's really good at putting up with me during those times!

Do you have little things in life that irritate the . . . well, irritate you a LOT? I do! People who tailgate me when I'm driving the speed limit - or faster - get on my nerves! People who insist on inflicting their opinions on me make me crazy (possibly because it conflicts with my own opinion!)

Do you find yourself venting to your friends about something that's really bugging you? I do! In fact, just this evening at church, I vented to a good friend about . . . well, about something that I probably shouldn't post on my blog for the whole world to see! Suffice it to say, that I was fairly animated in my description of this particular problem.

And then we went to our Wednesday night Bible study group - Cultivating Contentment. The focus of this evenings lesson was - yup! You you guessed it - COMPLAINING. It really hit me hard tonight. I've spent my entire day complaining - mostly to myself because I was stuck in my little office (which really isn't little at all) trying to get some things figured out. I even talked to myself today - frequently! And then I went to church, and continued to complain about things to my good friend, which could be considered 'inflicting my opinion on others. . . ' (see irritations mentioned above.) UGH!

And as we finished our lesson tonight, I suggested that we take time this week to be more grateful and content because things could be so much worse! If we take time to consider someone else's circumstances, we might find it easier and more gratifying if we attempt to lift another person up to the Lord, instead of complaining and whining because things don't seem to be going our way!

I'm thanking God tonight for a good outcome - a not guilty verdict - for a friends son whose been on trial this week. I'm thankful that God heard the prayers of many people on behalf of the England family. I'm very thankful that many people took the time to lift them up to our Heavenly Father, asking him to watch over them and to give them peace and comfort during these past tough weeks and months. I'm thankful for a great big wonderful God who loves us!

And I'm complaining less as I head off to my nice neat bed! Good night!!

Acid is . . .

2010-02-09T08:16:00.003-06:00

. . . caustic, corrosive; it cuts; perhaps if we tasted it, we would find that it is bitter.

I looked up sarcasm in the thesaurus and I found the following words:

corrosiveness, causticness, cut, bitterness

The definition of SARCASM:

a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed at or against another individual (Webster)

a form of 'wit' that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule (dictionary.com)

Under the guise of humor and camaraderie - or just plain ignorance - we use various forms of sarcasm with our friends and nearly always get a laugh. And our kids are watching and listening. We often laugh when we hear a small child say some 'off-color' word because it's 'cute' coming out of their mouths. We ignore the horrible truth that more than likely they heard it first from an adults mouth. And our kids are watching and listening!

We're even sarcastic in our remarks and comments on Face Book because it's funny and it makes people laugh. And comment. And if we get lots of comments, we REALLY think it's funny. But in reality, all we're doing is mocking some-thing or some-one. I'm as guilty as the next person!

But then we send our kids off to school or out with friends, and we implore them to be polite, respectful, nice. "Behave, and mind your manners," we say as they walk out the door! And then we get angry when we learn that our child delivered some remark that was filled with 'acid' - delivered to cause pain or humility to someone else.

What I find most disturbing though, is that our kids often don't even understand how their remarks can be hurtful to others because they hear it so often from the adults in their lives (who laugh at one another), and they do what they've learned because they were watching and listening! Today, I am angry with myself for my own bad behavior, and for the sarcastic remarks that I use routinely not only to my friends, but also to family.

I looked up sarcasm in the concordance of my NIV Bible, and found scripture references to the mockery of Jesus during his trial. It makes me feel sick that my mocking words and remarks are no better than those used on my Saviour before he was killed.

I also found a blog post title The need for Christian Civility that was very interesting and worth some thought. Starting today, I'm on a mission to remove the 'acid' from my voice, to be civil or be still, and HOPE that my kids are still watching and listening!

I'm an addict . . .

2010-01-17T08:46:00.003-06:00

I can't quit looking at pictures of our Sweet Little Baby Ella.

I've decided to inflict my addiction on all of you . . .

Now Starring. . .

2010-01-16T16:19:00.006-06:00

. . . the One . . .

. . . the Only. . .

Ella Renae Sprigg

6 lbs 3 oz

20 inches long

I've posted some pictures below of the newest member of our family.

She is positively adorable.

. . . her Momma is beautiful too!!!

And her proud Pappa (even though he can't be here right now!)

Whooo Whoooo Whooooo . . .

2010-01-10T20:22:00.008-06:00

I love to stand at the patio door and watch the birds. Sunday afternoon, as I stood in my favorite spot, I saw Kim the Cat stalking something in the woods. He ran up a tree, and something flew away. It was a strange looking bird and blended in with the trees reallly well. It flew to 3 different trees before landing far enough away from Kim, but within easy range of my camera. This is what I saw..........

I couldn't believe he looked right at me!

He blends in so well with the tree that it's hard to see him.

You can see how close he was to the deck in this picture - he's clinging to the tree right in the center of the frame.

And then, he was tired of me.....

And these are only a few of the pictures that I took! This was so awesome.

Saying Goodbye.......

2010-01-01T09:29:00.004-06:00

.... to 2009 was easy.

... to Nathan was hard.

TEN 'Positive-ly' Random Thoughts........

2009-10-21T14:21:00.003-05:00

The leaves outside my patio door, are just beautiful!
I have 3 batches of cookie dough in my fridge!
October is going by at a nice, slow pace!
I have 17 dozen cookies in my freezer (and the 3 dozen mentioned above will soon join them!)
Tomorrow (Thursday, October 22) is Paul Boyer's 50th birthday!!
The day after tomorrow (Friday, October 23) is Marsha Loftis' 40th birthday!!
Caleb still has his tonsils today - OK maybe this one wasn't so positive, but we had to reschedule because the flu bug has been so terrible. Doc didn't want to take any chances.
The ladybuygs are swarming... which means it's a warm day outside.
The apple and pumpkin pies that I made yesterday are 1/2 gone - which means my family loved them.
I have a wonderful family!

Finding your Wings

2009-09-16T07:35:00.005-05:00

I was driving home from an awesome 'closing' of a Great Banquet weekend on Sunday evening and reflecting on how God can do so many amazing things in our lives when my phone rang. It was 'My Boy' - Nathan! He called to tell me how excited he was about leaving the next day for the Air Force. His words......... 'Mom, I can't tell you how excited I am. I am beyond excited - I'm ecstatic. This has been my dream for years, and I'm finally seeing it fulfilled.'

So it took him a few years to get to this point, and I am a very proud momma today! For many years, I've prayed for my boy to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. He's married now, and they're expecting their first child - a GIRL!!! - in January. A baby that he may not see born because he'll be gone to Tech School. I know, I know - this happens in the military ALL the time. But knowing that doesn't make it any easier.

There is a song by Mark Harris on the radio called 'Find Your Wings', and every time I hear that song, I think of Nathan. (We could apply this thought process to any of our children!) I've pasted some of the lyrics below.....

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold.

The plans that heaven has for you, will all too soon unfold.

So many different prayers I'll pray, for all that you might do.

But most of all I'll want to know, you're walking in the truth.

And if I never told you, I want you to know, as I watch you grow...

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams.

And that faith gives you the courage, to dare to do great things.

I'm here for you whatever this life brings.

So let my love give you roots, and help you find your wings.

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky.

I'll have tears as you take off, but I'll cheer as you fly.

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams.
And that faith gives you the courage, to dare to do great things.
I'm here for you whatever this life brings.
So let my love give you roots, and help you find your wings

So many times I've heard this song, and thought about Nate and how I hoped that one day he would find his wings, and follow the plan that God has for him. I know that he did that when he married Ruthie, and I know that God has a very special plan for that little baby girl that will be born in January.

I've always known that God has a special plan for Nate - as he does for each one of us. And it makes me so proud to hear Nathan say that he is finally fulfilling a dream that he's had for many years.

Not long after we ended our call on Sunday night, this song played on the radio. And I thought that it must be that God was smiling on us at that moment, and confirming that His plan too, was being fulfilled!

To the tune of 'Where, oh where has my little dog gone..... (sort of!!)

2009-09-14T08:15:00.001-05:00

Why oh why can’t I sleep at night? Why oh sleep, can’t I find?
It’s only because I am all ‘ate up’ – with all that’s been on my mind.

The oldest is off to the ‘ole Air Force, his wife is shedding a tear.
Their baby is due in late January – will Nate, or won’t Nate be here???

Husband is off to work at his job, youngest is off to his school...
I’m looking for jobs, I work on projects, I scurry about like a fool….

The economy stinks, the job market is down
I think I’ll just go and lay down………..

My mind just swirls the whole night through, it swirls and goes round and round
And then that darned clock goes beep beep beep beep
And suddenly I’m sleeping quite sound.

But the coffee is brewing, and my Bible is calling….
And so starts another great day!!!

The end of civilization........ as I knew it!

2009-09-01T08:39:00.008-05:00

This is QUITE long!!

We went to Canada on a fishing trip the first week in August with my 'little' brother and his family (Steve is 6' 6" and there's really nothing 'little' about him!) It was a fun trip, but we were 1.5 hours from civilization.... we WERE in the middle of NO WHERE. It was beautiful..... but it was NO WHERE!!! In fact, 50 minutes of the 1.5 hours from town was down a 10-mile dirt road that was curvy, hilly, rocky, and full of holes.

The road into the camp looked something like this picture. We passed a sign not a little further along that said, 'ATTENTION: The road is no longer maintained beyond this point", and we laughed!! You can see that the weather is nearly as bad as the road - even though it looks bright out, it was very gloomy and rainy. That's my brother and his family in the truck ahead of us pulling a fishing boat.

And even though we were travelling VERY slowly, and being VERY careful, we dropped the trailer with the 4-wheelers in the road, when the hitch pin broke because the road was so rough. Thank goodness for safety chains, and the fact that we were only creeping along on a dirt road instead of the highway just a short time earlier. When we got out to see what was wrong, the Canadian National Bird (mosquitos) descended like starved, crazed, maniacs.

Steve was already around another bend in the road, and didn't realize for some time that we were no longer following. There was nothing that we could do alone, as it was a very heavy trailer, and the tools were with Steve. So we left the trailer in the middle of this narrow, hilly, curvy, rocky, holey road, and went to catch Steve. We found them trying to back up to find us which was complicated by the rather long fishing boat that he was pulling. Steve hopped in the truck with us, Caleb went with Aunt Honey, they went to camp, and we went back to see if we could fix the trailer/hitch. We were able to fight off the crazed blood-sucking mosquitos, rig the hitch, re-hook the trailer, and continue the trip to camp - still about 5 miles away.

It was late Saturday evening when we finally got in, and we immediately began to realize that the supplies we picked up earier - before we left civilization - were not going to last until the end of the week. Plus there were other things that we realized we needed - maybe I should say WANTED. SO, late Sunday afternoon when we finished supper, David, Steve, and 2 of the 3 kids (Bonnie and Boyd) went fishing. Aunt Honey, Caleb, and I decided to make a run for supplies thinking that after this we'd be set for the week - except for a trip to town to fix the hitch for the trip home. No one wanted to miss out on the fishing for the rest of the week, so we left the camp at 7:50 p.m. - daylight - gorgeous weather. Bill, the camp owner was outside as we drove away from the camp, and I thought he gave us a strange look, but didn't really think too much about it.

It took us almost an hour to get to the main highway to Dryden (aka Civilization) another 40 miles away. We got to town about 9:30 and soon realized that Wal-Mart was closed.... Safeway was closed...... and another grocery store that I can't remember the name was closed. We found a store called 'Extra Foods' which sort of reminded me of Sam's Wholesale in a way. By now it is full dark... and pouring down rain... We couldn't find any shopping carts - just the baskets that you use when you only need a few small items - but certainly not potatoes, produce, 2 cases of COKE, bottled water, large quantities of bug spray in addition to what I already had, etc. - much too bulky AND heavy to carry in one of those small baskets. Having been to Canada (aka the Wilderness) before, DSH (David) tried to get me to buy some of these items the previous day, but I really thought we were getting enough to carry us through the week. For instance, he suggested that I buy 2-3 cases of bottled water instead of one, but I assured him that I wouldn't have a problem drinking the filtered lake water at our cabin. HAHAHAHAA!!! It was yellowish, and cloudy........ and I couldn't hardly drink it. I hate it when that happens!!

Anyway, come to find out, carts are for 'rent' at the 'cart corral'.... outside...... in the dark... in the pouring rain.... Not wanting to pay for a cart, Aunt Honey grabbed a basket, and said she'd just fill it up, set it next to the check-out counter, and then grab another basekt. I needed - I WANTED a cart..... I found the cart corral ..... in the dark.... in the rain....and tried putting my coin in the slot sort of like the strollers at the mall which are generally inside.... in the light... where it isn't raining.... Alas, I only had a 'toonie' which is a $2 Canadian coin and the cart corral only takes a 'loonie' - which is $1 Canadian coin. Back into the store.... change for my 'toonie'...... back to the cart corral.... in the dark... in the rain........ can't figure out the stupid coin slot.... in the dark... in the rain... I might add here, that Canadian parking lots are NOT well-lit like American parking lots. I was afraid - very, very afraid - SERIOUSLY - and wanted to ask that guy in the car that just pulled up how to make the stupid cart corral release it's captives, when I spied an escaped cart - NOT in the cart corral, took it captive, and ran to the light........ (I'm not very good with strangers, and I don't much care for dark parking lots..... Yes, I have issues.)

Remainder of shopping is rather uneventful, except for the freak who was following me in the grocery store (the guy in the car who just pulled up in the dark and rainy parking lot who I considered asking for help). At last, our shopping adventure is complete....... but we still have to drive back to camp, and we have absolutely NO way to call the guys because there is NO cell service. HA - and we thought we'd returned to civilization. So we head back out of town for the 30 mile trek to our favorite dirt road... in the dark.... in the rain! We drove.... in the dark.... in the rain.... for what seemed like an eternity until I wondered out loud if we'd missed that dirt road.

Before we left camp - almost 3 hours ago - I had noted the time and the mileage, and then again when we reached the road to civilation.... you know - pavement! What I did NOT do was note the mileage when we LEFT town to return to the wilderness. We had driven a few miles around town trying to find an open grocery store so I had a general idea, but wasn't exactly sure how far we had come from town, and so I wasn't sure how close we were to our road. Of course, in the dark.... in the rain... everything looked VERY different from our trip in the previous day. We originally (about 3 hours ago) thought this was going to be an uneventful drive to and from town. After all, it was quite simple - drive out to the paved road (Canada 17).... turn left.... go to town.... get groceries.... Dadgummit - WHERE IS THAT ROAD??? (REMEMBER - DARK - RAINY)

We agreed to go 10 more miles and then turn around, when suddenly we began to see signs for 'Melgund Road 9' and 'Melgund Road 5' - roads that we recognized, and knew paralleled our dirt road so we knew we were OK. Have I mentioned that we did NOT have cell service, so we couldn't call our husbands, NOR could we call the camp office to have them relay to the guys that we were OK. By this time it's about 10:30.... and it's dark.... and it's raining.... and I have to admit.... I was just a LITTLE BIT nervous. Just then we saw the sign for 'Borups Road' - OUR dirt road!!! Ahhhhh - back to the wilderness!

I told Aunt Honey to drive slowly (as if telling her was even necessary), because we certainly didn't want to find ourselves off the road, or hitting a moose, or messing up a tire, etc. We agreed that should any of that happen, we were not leaving the vehicle.... because it was dark... and it was raining... and because we knew eventually SOMEONE would come looking for us. When we finally made it back to the camp at 11:45, there were 2 husbands and 1 Camp Owner VERY happy to see us, and happier still that they didn't have to come look for us. It was VERY dark..... and it was STILL raining.... but quite honestly, I was VERY happy to be safely back in the wilderness!!!

Come to find out, had we stopped to inquire, we would have learned that Dryen, Ontario rolls up the sidewalks about 4:00 on Sunday afternoons! UGH!

Hornets & Cats ..... OR Hornets & Just about anything else they don't like........

2009-08-25T08:40:00.002-05:00

We were out in the yard the other evening about dusk. Kim the Cat was acting like his usual crazy self - running around here and there, climbing this tree, jumping down, running across the yard and climbing that tree. When he gets like this, he looks like a psycho kitty running around. I saw him ran up the tree and 'land' on the branch with the hornets nest. I was saying to Caleb that this wasn't going to be good, when suddenly he jumped out of the tree, shot across the yard as fast as lightening with his ears laid flat on his head, and disappeared around the corner of the tree.

Honestly??? I cracked up. I know that doesn't sound very compassionate, but honestly....... it was hilarious!! He was no where to be found until sometime later when I saw him on the deck acting as if nothing had happened.

Even though he didn't appear to be bothered, I have to wonder if the hornets fought back! He likes to TRY and mess with the hummingbirds too - but they can't sting!!

The Birds & The Bees..... and the Cat!!!

2009-07-21T08:56:00.013-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, Caleb came running into the house to tell me that he'd found a baby bird in the yard that had fallen out of its nest - he could hop, he could chirp, he couldn't fly. His life was in grave danger from Kim the Cat (who by the way thinks he's a mighty hunter but we all know differently.)

Caleb asked me if we could put it back in the nest. So, being the good Mom that I am I ventured out to see what I could do! We soon discovered that the nest Baby Bird appeared to have fallen from - the same nest where a Robin was hovering and anxiously chirping - was approximately...... ummmmm..... 20..... 30....... feet up in the tree - WAY out on a limb that we could never get to. I might add that not only did Caleb want to keep the bird, but he wanted me to take it to the vet. That's where I drew the line........ sorry, but that's just a little over the top and it was at that point that I tried to explain the 'circle of life' to Caleb. Work with me here.... after all, it's just the nature of 'things' to fall out of nests, and get eaten.... by a cat, or a snake, or any other manner of critter that might venture out of the woods. I mean - seriously!!!

I recalled seeing an empty nest in one of our smaller trees, and also recalled that we had baby birds in one of our pine trees a couple of years ago. In fact, I saw an empty nest in the pine tree not too long ago. Instead of going straight to the pine tree though, I began to search through our smaller trees where I thought I might find another nest within reach.

This is the tree where I hoped I could find an empty nest in which to place "Baby Bird-with-a-broken-wing-can't-fly-but-only-chirp' bird. (The same bird that I WON'T take to the vet.) There's an empty nest in there somewhere, I just know it. As I searched, I found yet another somewhat 'small-ish' surprise!!!

I found a nest....... but it wasn't empty. It was small-'ish'...... but it was most definitely NOT empty.

YES, Dear Friends, THAT is a H-O-R-N-E-T-'s nest........ in our FRONT yard. The same yard where our grass grows, and we mow it occasionally. The same yard where the previously mentioned kid (Caleb) and friends play FREQUENTLY - DAILY!!! The same front yard where there were 6 kids played last week, in and around said tree playing baseball, hillbilly golf, swinging from the branches (or trying to). SCARY!!!

If you look closely, you can see a couple of the little 'bees' swarming in and out. I tried not to get too close, but I had to get some pictures. I've hopefully got a better picture with the telephoto lens on my 35 mm camera...... (Yes, Chris - the one that I still have to get the film developed!!) I'll share better pictures later.

Baby Bird now resides in THIS tree! Just a few feet away from the Hornet's, but probably not nearly high enough to protect him from snakes, cats, and any other manner of critter that may venture out of the woods.

Oh, and here is a picture of the 'mighty hunter' - Kim the Cat, lounging on a concrete ledge that drops approximately 20 feet just behind him. Just 'hangin' around mind you!!!

It's really quite simple....

2009-07-11T07:21:00.002-05:00

Psalms 147:10-11 - He takes no pelasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord's delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.

On Sunday night, I was praying with Caleb before bedtime and then just like every other night, I prayed for all of our kids - for health, protection, for all that they need. And I prayed, 'God please provide a job for Nathan. Please??' Nothing more - just that simple prayer. Because I've felt so discouraged recently for him.

The phone rang about noon on Monday. It was Nathan. We hadn't talked in a few days, and I knew that Ruthie had her first 'official' doctor's appointment that day. So when I heard his voice on the other end, I was certain that he was going to tell me something about the baby. I can always tell in the tone of his 'hey Mom' what his mood is like and this time was no different. He was excited!! He called to say that he had a job.

'But let me tell you the rest of the story, Mom! Last night I was praying and telling God that I had tried to do too much on my own and I was sorry for not looking to him for that guidance and direction that I needed. I asked him to please help me find a job. And this morning, a company that I had interviewed with called to offer me a position!'

He was so excited about it, and he called to share that with me. And then we praised God!! He did call me later to say that they had been to their doctor appointment, but couldn't hear the baby's heartbeat yet because it's too early. Rats!

The verse from Psalms is a good reminder of how much God loves us - not for anything that we do - in fact nothing we do can make him love us any more than he already does! Simple childlike faith and hope..... it really is quite simple, and yet we make it so difficult.

I hope and pray that you have an awesome day.

'Cat-birds' and cars.......

2009-06-17T08:24:00.008-05:00

I love my cat. 'Kim the cat' is very loveable, he's a great mouser, he's very loveable, he's a great mouser.... Sounds like I am trying to convince myself.

Seriously, I love my cat because most of the time, he makes me laugh when I see him climb a tree after something that caught his eye - a bug, a leaf blowing, not necessarily a bird.

He's just a little freaky sometimes though, and I get so cracked up watching him. I took a picture of him a week or so ago with my 'old-fashioned' camera - the kind that you have to take the film to be developed. I love that old camera. He was sitting on top of a blue-bird house that we have in the yard. (I'll scan and post it later.)

Unfortunately, the blue-birds no longer use it because the squirrels chewed the opening out so that they could take up residence, and then a huge black snake took up residence. David opened the door of the birdhouse one day to see if there might be a blue-bird nest, and the snake fell out on him. Good thing it happened to David, because I wouldn't have lived to tell that story.

Anyway, I love my cat. Until he does something like this.......

In this photo, he almost looks proud of himself. I wanted to throw a bucket of water on him, but that would have created the need to wash the car, and I wasn't really that motivated. Besides that, when he saw me coming he would have jumped off and ran away. In truth, I wasn't really motivated enough to try to sneak up on him to throw water.

Oh well, another day maybe! I looked a lot like the cat soon enough..... but only in my recliner!!

It runs deep......

2009-06-16T10:29:00.018-05:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again....... the men in my family are fisherman. They love to fish, and nights like last night make it worthwhile.

As they headed to the lake, I said I'd be there shortly. Then the phone rang, and I was distracted briefly. Caleb came running back to the house yelling at me to bring the camera. This is what he wanted me to see - and show!!

It appeared to be huge!

Wait a minute..... It WAS huge........ and strange looking. It's called an Albino Catfish (I think!) That's what we called it. We've seen them in the lake for a couple of years now.

The 'excitement meter' just got pegged. This was serious business.... and so they fished... (this is Austin)...

.... and fished....

... and caught a small one.......... but THEN...

... Caleb caught this 'big Daddy'......

...using this little hook called a 'midget hook' which I've just learned from Caleb is about 1.5 inches long. (The picture is blurry, but I think you can tell how small the hook really is.)

This catfish was 5.2 lbs.... and 21 inches long..... I'd call that a keeper.

While they fished, I entertained myself by taking pictures of others things like this goose feather .... which was really quite large, but since there's no perspective in my picture,you can't really tell ....

... and this wildflower ...

... and this foot..... and it's BIG!! REALLY BIG, but since there's no perspective in the photo, and you can't see the entire foot, you can't really tell. But take my word for it - that's a BIG foot!!

Here they are side-by-side (the fish that is.... )

And here are the 'men' returning from their journey...

And that's the end to a perfect fishing trip....... well, all except the 'cleaning' which made me queasy and so I ran to the house and took my camera with me!!

Random Summer Fun

2009-06-09T11:14:00.004-05:00

We' (Caleb, Ruth, and I) have been in a Missouri for a few days while David and Nate went fishing and had some 'guy time'. We left Saturday, so the guys have been in and out for the past few days going fishing. I heard they went to Gander Mountain and bought some new fishing tackle. Imagine that!! Nate's comment to Ruth - Dad said don't tell Mom 'cause we bought a ton of new fishing 'stuff'. David's comment to me - Nate said we didn't have enough fishing 'stuff'. I'm not sure who I should believe but it's become obvious that we can't leave the two of them home alone. David told me last night that he had to clean up the house because between the two of them, they'd had every tackle box he owns - and he owns a few - scattered across the living room and kitchen and 'gone through all of it.' My dear sweet husband is 'hard-core' when it comes to fishing and I'm afraid he may have corrupted Nate. Sorry Ruth!We've had some fun here in Missouri. We went to a rodeo on Saturday night, and I'm sorry that I didn't take any pictures - at least I can't find them on the camera. But we had a great time - we all decided that the Bull-riding was our favorite part of the rodeo. Then on Sunday, we went to the pool, Monday was a completely LAZY day...... I'm not even sure we left the house until we went to Gage's baseball game. Today, we're sitting here watching the storm clouds roll in and ruin our plans to go to Arrow Rock for a hike and picnic and then to the pool later in the day. Possibly a movie........ hmmm?

I've posted some random pictures below... The cat was about arm's length above my head in a tree.... Caleb at Track Day - one of the last day's before summer break... Caleb's cousin Gage - a little cutie....... Caleb and his other cousin Ryan - they are the same age and they go for months without seeing one another, but always pick up right where they left off and have so much fun together..... the boys at the pool 'warming up'.........

Trusting in.......... WHO????

2009-06-05T08:36:00.002-05:00

I've read Proverbs before, but always thought that most of them were just strange little sayings that didn't make much sense. There are so many other things in the Bible that are easier to understand. Proverbs for instance, that are more straightforward (see June 2 post). I have found many that are quite interesting… and really good advice. Some are quite humorous to me, still others make good perfect sense while being easy to understand if given just a small amount of thought!

I don't know about you, but I've often had trouble with that 'trust' thing. I'm not a very trustworthy person…… Whoa… wait a minute. I think that should say I'm not a very trusting person. (I actually am a very trustworthy person!!) But seriously, it takes me some time to put my trust in something. I'm always a little skeptical. David likes to say that he's from the 'show-me' state of Missouri, and so I guess I'm often like that - 'SHOW ME' before I'll believe what you're telling me. I've reached a point in my life though, where I really do trust God whole heartedly. I know that He is sovereign - in total control. I trust Him, but it took me some years to come to that reality. I've always held back just a little, Because I, like so many others want to make my own plans, and then ask God to come alongside and help me go along that path. But I have come to a new understanding about God and 'my' plans from the following Proverbs.

Proverbs 16:9 - We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Proverbs 19:21- You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail.
Proverbs 20:24 - The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

Hmmmm, it seems that they're not really my plans after all. They're HIS plans. And what's that?? HIS purpose will prevail despite the fact that I've made all of these plans. UGH. I guess my time and energy is being wasted with all of the planning. OK, so I'll let him make the plans, but I'll keep a tight rein on things so that I'm aware of all that's going on just in case any changes need to be made. Ohhh WAIT a minute… He directs my steps too? I suppose it's useless for me to try and understand. OK, I've got it now. According to Proverbs 3:5, I'm supposed to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways acknowledge him, and he will make my paths straight.

WOW!! That's pretty exciting to know that my life will be less difficult, when I trust Him to take care of the details! Someone said to me recently, 'Let go and let God.' Pretty good advice, huh?!

My heart is heavy...

2009-06-03T06:19:00.003-05:00

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT) There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 12:26 (NLT) The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

Proverbs 17:17 (NLT) A friend is always loyal, and a brother was born to help in time of need.

In Ruth 1:16 we read that Ruth tells Naomi, 'Wherever you go, I will go also. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.'

In 1 Cor 13:4-7, we learn that 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.'

Seriously - my heart is heavy for 3 teenagers with whom I've recently become acquainted. All struggle with their value and self-worth.

For two of the three, failure is met with yelling, screaming and ugly words. Success is most often met with complacency - ignored because whatever is going on at the moment - TV, friends, drugs, alcohol - is more important than the success... No praise, no 'attaboy' just complacency - 'SO WHAT.' Both are now living away from their families, in a Christian home where there is love, genuine concern about a failure, and praise for success.

The third teen lives in a good Christian home, but for whatever reason struggles with her self-worth and believes that she can never measure up. She told me that she has no real close friends that she can count on in the tough times. All of these kids have friends, but it seems that those 'friends' are not closer than a brother; not giving good advice; nor are they sticking around when the tough times come along.

I pray that these teenagers, and others like them will find the type of friends talked about in Proverbs, or someone like Ruth who will go with them wherever they go. I pray that they will be surrounded by people who will show genuine love and concern as in Corinthians, and learn to trust, and have hope in God's love. In the meantime, I pray also that they will trust the adults who've been placed in their lives, and trust in the peace and love that Jesus gives ALWAYS.

Proverbs and more...

2009-06-02T08:59:00.002-05:00

I've been reading through Proverbs these past few days and some mornings I have to admit that I just chuckle at some of the things I read. It's been very thought-provoking.

My One-Year Chronological Bible is in the NLT and I really like that translation. But sometimes I refer back to my NIV just so that I can see the difference in wording. Like many other people, sometimes I like - appreciate - understand - one translation better than the other.

Proverbs 10:19 (NIV) When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his toungue is wise. WOW - that is very good advice. But I have to admit that my blunt, straightforward nature likes the way the NLT says this particular Proverbs much better.

Proverbs 10:19 (NLT) Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut!

Ummm - I think I've said enough!

Summer Is…….

2009-05-07T09:00:00.002-05:00

Cleaning the house - like Spring Cleaning (before Caleb gets out of school).
Gardening – tomatoes, green beans, green peppers, lettuce, GIANT pumpkins.
Fishing – Caleb said he’d teach me how to take my own fish off the hook. Baiting the hook doesn’t bother me so much, although David does it for me when he’s around.
Ska-nooing (it’s a type of canoe that can have a small motor attached to the back.) It’s been in our garage for a few years, and Caleb and I are going to learn how to use it this summer paddling around our cove! And if paddling doesn’t go well, maybe we can put the trolling motor on it!! HAHA
Swimming – Caleb can swim, I can relax!!
Skiing……. Maybe David will let me get the skis on this summer…. Maybe my back will cooperate a little….. !!
Bikeriding – I could use some good exercise!
Movies – I’ve got a list already made up for rainy days!
Me learning to like all of the critters that Caleb is bound to drag in from the woods!
Church Camp (Caleb doesn’t believe that I can handle a week of camp. He thinks I’m too old! I’ll show him!)
VBS – we’re hosting the missionary family who will be here for VBS this year. I can’t wait. Last time they were with us, they had 3 kids. Now they have 5 ….. or is it 6? It’ll be crazy-fun!
Spending time with my family…….. Caleb is very excited to have me home this summer, Nathan and Ruth are making some plans that will have Nathan off on his own big adventure soon enough, and David is worried that I'll never want to go back to work!!

For now, I’m fortunate to have this summer to enjoy the family!

It really is amazing!

2009-04-24T07:52:00.002-05:00

I mentioned in a previous post about something that I felt God was telling me to do, and that it might be a LONG time before I had an answer. The answer came yesterday, though not the answer I had hoped to get. The door has been effectively shut. For now....

I know that God used this experience to stretch me and prepare me for something. I love the way He strengthened my relationship with Him and created a desire in me to lean on Him for everything - even the mundane that I tend to think I can handle myself!

I have a mission.... I'm just waiting for God to tell me (and my Dear Sweet Husband)!

Make it an awesome Day!

Carhartts...... Again

2009-04-22T08:46:00.006-05:00

In my last post, I referred to Carhartts, but forgot what I was doing and didn't tell the whole story. The boys got up one morning and put on their swimsuits with high hopes of being in the water at some point. Once they stepped outside though, they quickly realized that the day might not go as planned. They didn't exactly give up on the swimsuits though - they just add a few layers!

It was about 62 with a 25 mph wind, so it was quite chilly out. From the kids perspective, we (as parents) did NOT win any parenting awards that day.

Sunshine, Sand, Waves....... and Carhartts???

2009-04-21T10:22:00.005-05:00

We recently went to the 'sunny-south' for Spring Break. Note that I said sunny, not warm! The boys were so eager to get in the water, that we went to the beach on the afternoon that we got there just so they could get their toes in the water.

As you can see, they chose to do more than just 'toes in the water'. Let me just add that the picture on top is deceving because it appears that it was nice and warm. The water temp though, was probably around 65-70 degrees, and the air temperature wasn't much better! But you know how kids are - they just don't seem to notice that they've turned blue from the cold air, and we soon had to take them back to the house to get ward off the hypothermia!!

The next day was a bit better, and you can see they preprared to go to the beach once again!

Sometimes I think my feet are ugly, and then......

2009-04-21T08:43:00.001-05:00

In my reading today, I read about Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, and the next in line to be King of Israel. He was killed while he napped in his own house in the heat of the day by two men who were known to be leaders of raiding parties. When the deed was done, they took his head to David to show him that they had eliminated the one person who could stand in the way of David becoming King.

Because they had acted outside the will of God, David condemned their act, and he commanded his men to kill them. Their hands and feet were cut off – to symbolize the punishment for the hands who did the act, and for the feet who carried the news.

I was immediately struck by another verse that starts, ‘How beautiful are the feet…..’ but I couldn’t remember all of the verse so I looked it up. It is a beautiful contrast to the passage in Samuel. Isaiah 52:7 says, How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!”

How much better off we are when we not only follow God’s will, but we carry good news rather than bad.

I've decided my feet aren't so bad after all!!!

Isn't it Amazing....

2009-04-14T08:48:00.003-05:00

…..when we PRAY for, or about something and God SPEAKS?

…..when we ask for CONFIRMATION about what we’ve heard Him say, and he GIVES it to us?

…..how we sometimes DOUBT or question what we’ve heard, but he CONFIRMS it again and again?

I have been praying earnestly about something that I believe God is telling me to do. And while I’m fairly certain that I’ve heard God correctly, I don’t believe that God will call me and not my Dear Sweet Husband (DSH) – or at least give him some sense of purpose for the same thing. And since I am committed to David's leadership of our family, and had confirmation of that from a communion meditation recently, I am waiting patiently to see how God works. DSH hasn’t felt the same strong calling, but he hasn’t completely disregarded the idea either. He is praying, and listening.

After a few days of some more doubt, and asking God for more confirmation (specifically a sign……. which suggests my doubt and a serious lack of faith - Forgive me - I'm only human!!) I came to work this morning and there’s an email update from someone directly involved but who only sends occasional emails to friends. That might not seem so strange to most, but this person hasn’t emailed in months…. I mean like FOREVER. So I forwarded it to DSH, and then realized that he’d received the original message as well. He replied to me that he hadn’t heard from his friend in months, and I answered ‘hmmmmmm???’ . He took that just as I intended….. Strange – Weird……… and he said, ‘Yea – I thought the same thing….’

What I'm trying to say is that God works even when we don’t think anything is happening……

God is working, and it may be a VERY long time, or even years before I see the result or get the final answer. In the meantime, I will be patient, continue to seek God's will, spend more time studying His word, praying, and hopefully living as a good example to others.

Please God, help me to be patient. It’s not one of my greater virtues, and you know my tendency to run ahead and plan…. I’m a planner, God and I like to know the details and the ‘big picture’, but I am trusting in You to do what You do best. Help me to rest in your arms, and leave the planning to you. For once God, help me to just enjoy the ride! More of YOU - less of me! Amen.

More complete randomness....

2009-04-02T11:35:00.003-05:00

I plan to begin updating this blog more than just once a quarter….. because my neice has threatened to take it off of her ‘favorites’ list. I couldn’t stand that, because then she might ban me from her site, which would then prevent me from seeing the precious updates on my little Great-neice who happens to be the sweetest thing since toast and jam.
My stomach is growling even though I had breakfast a mere 3 ½ hours ago……. oatmeal with raisins and pecans – YUMMY!
New furniture being delivered tomorrow! YEA. We’ve only been sleeping on the floor (sort of on the floor – on a new king-sized mattress set without the bedroom suite) for about 3 months now.
My back hurts today, and if ‘My Buddy Bill’ was in the office today, I’d make an appointment to go and see him. As it is, I have to wait until 10:30 tomorrow morning.
Spring Break starts tomorrow right after school (for us!) YIPPEE !!! Sun, sand, seafood, friends… what more could a person want?
I LOVE my chronological bible…. Right now I’m reading in Judges about Gideon and his extraordinary accomplishments through the power of, and his obedience to God. Amazing story!
Our ‘kids’ were home this past weekend - they are so happy and in love!! Pretty cool to see them together!
It's been so long since I started this post, that it's now time for lunch! YIPPEE.

God is so good….. and I didn’t want to put that in a list of randomness, because His goodness is NEVER random – but instead, it is COMPLETELY AMAZING!

Complete Randomness......

2009-01-13T08:01:00.002-06:00

Randomness - is that a word? Anyway, here is a list of random things that are going through my mind right now:

1. I'm reading through the One Year Chronological Bible this year, and when I read Missy's blog this morning about Chronicles, I had to laugh because last night I laid in bed and read a list of begats and begots that I think was in Chronicles but I'm not sure because I didn't really want to read it, so I skimmed right through it, and read the next day. Now I'm ahead - but that won't last long!

2. It is very cold today.

3. We're going to the ISU basketball game this evening - GO SYCAMORES!!

4. The cold weather makes my joints hurt.

5. Only 11 weeks until SPRING BREAK...... warmth, sunshine, sand in my toes, salt spray on my face... aaahhhhhhh - is it time yet?

2009-01-09T10:33:00.003-06:00

1.What is your occupation right now?
HR Assistant - but not for much longer!!

2.What color are your socks right now?
VERY Faded blue.... As I searched for socks this morning, I thought to myself 'I need some new socks.'

3. What are you listening to right now?
tick-tock - tick-tock - tick-tock

4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Oatmeal with raisins and pecans and a piece of toast - Yummy. David is concerned that I'll start whinny-ing - like a horse.

5. Can you drive a stick shift?
I learned on country roads, but I perfected my skills on the freeways of Los Angeles!!!

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Lisa

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yup!!

8. How old are you today?
45

9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Bull-riding - is that a sport?

10.What is your favorite drink?
Coke - very cold - out of a can

11.Have you ever dyed your hair ?
No - I get highlights, lo-lights, and foils....... never heard of dye..... nope not me....... no artifical color in this girls hair.....

12.Favorite food?
Mexican......... spicy!

13. last movie you watched?
Bucket List (actually it was Nemo last Friday night - pathetic I know, but David and I watched Bucket List recently and it was VERY good.

14.Favorite day of the year?
Any day that is sunny and hot.........

15.How do you vent anger?
Stomp my foot, yell, throw a fit - and I wonder where the kids get it!!

16.What was your favorite toy as a child?
Kiddles (Don't know too many people who've ever heard of them! They were SO cool - I still have them in fact.)

17.What is your favorite season?
Spring and THEN summer !

18.Cherries or Blueberries?
Definitely cherries

19. Do you want your friends to e-mail or blog you back?
doesn't matter

20.Who is the most likely to respond??
NO clue!

21. Who is least likely to respond??
Lisa

22. Living arrangements?
We live in a barn....... or so the kids think!!

23. When was the last time you cried?
New Year's Day when I hit the back of my arm so hard on the door that I thought it was broken - my arm not the door! It still hurts.

24.What is on the floor of your closet?
Carpet....... I think, and probably some dust bunnies.......

25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
Not sure.

26. What did you do last night?
I just got a new phone, and I sat for nearly two hours just listening to the stupid ring-tones that I could download. It was hilarious.......... but it's tough to find the one that is 'you' - know what I mean?

27.What are you most afraid of?
Gretchen said snakes, and I echo that emotion........... but drowning comes in as a close second, although I am not afraid of the water or to go out on the boat.

28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Spicy..........

29.Favorite dog breed?
Labrador...... we've had three - they've all died on our stupid road - can't do it anymore. But they are the most beautiful dogs.

30. Favorite day of the week?
Any day that I can stay at home!

31.How many states have you lived in?
2
32.Diamonds or pearls?
I'm a pearl-girl

Angels all around us.....

2009-01-08T08:26:00.004-06:00

Caleb has not been sleeping very good. To make a long story short, we've been rearranging our sleeping habits for several weeks now to help him get past this situation. David or I one prays with him every night before bed. And because I've only recently discovered what is bothering him at night, I've added some things to the prayer time.

On Sunday, Missy and Denny sang a beautiful song. I don't know the name of the song, but the words just leapt out to me as something that Caleb could relate to. So I got a copy and read them to Caleb that night, and then we prayed for angels to surround our home. On Monday night, I read something else to him that was scriptural even though at this moment, I can’t recall what it was, and then we prayed again that the angels would surround our home.

On Tuesday night, I read Psalms 91:9-16 to him. I love the part that says the 'His angels will lift you up in their hands and protect you from striking your foot against a rock.' I love that He will protect us, if we acknowledge his name. This scripture is SO comforting. And then we prayed that the angels would surround our house!

Last night, when I went to pray with him I went with no scripture, no reading, nothing but prayers – not intentionally, but I just didn’t have anything that I felt led to share with him – except the prayers! And he said to me, ‘Don’t you have anything for me tonight?’ And I was immediately sorry that I hadn’t found something to give him comfort again. But I had to be honest and tell him that I didn’t have anything tonight except my prayers. And we prayed that the angels would surround our house – again! And we talked about how it felt to have that many angels surrounding us and standing guard as we slept.

He’s slept very good the past four nights and I am very grateful to God - AND to the angels for taking the night shift for us!! I'm thankful that he takes care of us in times of urgent need, and also for the way he strengthens the faith of my little guy. God is SO good, isn’t He?

To continue a trend with him though, does anyone recommend or suggest a good devo book for kids? I'd love to start doing something with him every night, because honestly this isn't something we do very good together as a family. Maybe we can start something new in 2009!

I can't help myself........

2009-01-07T16:08:00.004-06:00

Based on a comment that I made on Kathy's blog, she challenged me in a comment on my own last post (Yakkity Yak), to create a ditty. You can read all about it on her blog and/or the comments on both of our posts. Anyway, since none of that really made any sense..... here's my next post.

It's a little slick out - Yes, indeed!

Gotta get my Yak Trax® on my feet....

Soon the ice will all melt, and I'll trade......

My Yak Trax® for my old flip-flops!

KATHY - You didn't think I could do it, did you? (BTW, rhyming is NEVER a requirement for my little ditty's.)

Yakkity YAK........ Yakkity Yak

2009-01-07T08:57:00.002-06:00

On the Tuesday before Christmas - the day of the Big ICE storm - I almost left work about 10:00 because when I stepped outside, the sidewalk was covered with ice even though it hadn’t been just a short time earlier. The ice was coming down fast, and making a huge mess. So I interrupted my manager from a meeting to let her know that I thought ‘minutes were important’ and I was heading home. Before I could get my computer shut down and head out the door, someone else suggested that we wait awhile to give the snowplows and salt trucks time to treat the roads. The remark that I kept hearing was ‘it will surely be better in a couple of hours.’ HA! Those were the famous last words of the day – but I actually LISTENED to those ‘words of wisdom’ instead of using my own little noggin’ for something besides a place to set my earmuffs, and decided to stay at work for a couple more hours.

Shortly after lunch – translated about 2 hours later – my brain kicked into gear, and I decided it was time to pack up my laptop and head home. I left the building via the southwest door which would take me across a narrow parking lot and then to a large grassy area which would make walking MUCH easier. I got about two-thirds of the way across that parking lot by making short, sliding steps with my feet. Keep in mind that the wind was blowing very hard from the south – straight into my face, and the rain/sleet/snow coming down from the heavens was pelting me in the face. At one point, I was on all fours – hands and feet with my bag flopping off my shoulder and hitting the ground. As I continued to try to make my way across this parking lot, I would gain an inch or two and the wind would blow me back – gain an inch, lose a mile (or so it felt!) I should also mention that I REALLY needed to use the bathroom too and was very afraid that I would soon have wet britches that would probably freeze on contact.

I suddenly had the bright idea that if I could just inch my way closer to the grass at the edge of the pavement, I could toss my laptop bag onto the grass to serve as my anchor! I might also mention at this point, that I was sure there had to be someone from one of the buildings having their afternoon laugh at my expense, but I really didn’t care anymore. All I wanted was to get to the grass. Ahhhh – at last, I was close enough to throw out the anchor and drag myself the rest of the way to the grass. I ran across a large grassy area, gingerly made my way across a road, ran across another grassy area, through a small ditch that had water in it, jumped a row of bushes (more like gingerly stepped over the bushes), held onto the railing that led up the small ramp into the gatehouse and went inside. Inside this building is the turnstile where we badge in and out each day. I stood inside for a few seconds contemplating my wet coat, gloves, pants (No I did not wet my pants – this was all from the rain/sleet/snow mixture pelting down from the heavens). I started to call David to discuss my plight with him, and almost started crying, then decided that he would probably just say ‘what do you want me to do from 30 miles away?’ So I left the building, and found myself in another parking lot where my car was solidly frozen shut.

I managed to get into my car, start it, and turn the defroster on high. I briefly sat inside the car wishing that I at least had dry gloves, and hoping that I could find my scraper. Fortunately, David put a scraper in my car several months ago so I was in good shape. So while the defroster was doing it’s job from the inside, I ventured out again, and began to chip away at the layers of ice on my windows all while I continued to get wet from the rain/sleet/snow coming down from the heavens.

Several minutes later, I got back into my car, backed out of my parking spot only to realize that I couldn’t see out of the side windows because I had only scraped the front and back windows – NOT the side windows. Emerging once more from my car, I proceeded to scrape a large enough hole to see out of on the drivers side window so that I could leave. Then I drove across the parking lot to help Kathy scrape her windows, wished her a safe trip home and a Merry Christmas, and sincerely hoped that I would see her again this side of Heaven!!

I wanted to cry……….. but I knew that I had to get home. I wanted to call David……… but I knew I had to get home. I wanted to go to Sullivan and pick up Caleb from Grandma and Grandpa’s house……. But I really just wanted to get home and Sullivan was the wrong direction ………. I chose to go home and leave my child stranded at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. (No parenting awards for me this year, huh?)

On Friday (the day after Christmas), a package came in the mail. I thought they were the back-ordered pocket knives that David had ordered for the boys for Christmas. When I gave him the package – after all it was addressed to him – he said “WOW – it’s the Yak Trax® I ordered for you just two days ago!”

YAK Trax®???

YAK Trax® you ask??? Check out the pictures below…….. They would probably look much better on a more athletic or rugged type shoe, but you get the idea!

A good picture of me trying to slide across the parking lot might be more entertaining, but I had to show you these things because they are hilarious. Side note: I have not had an opportunity to wear them yet..... just 'style' them around at work and provide entertainment for my co-workers. They ARE in my car though..... just in case!!

Snow Days.... Foggy Days.... Right before Christmas Days...

2008-12-19T09:24:00.002-06:00

I don't know who (Caleb or me) was more bummed today that school was back in session..... Wait a minute..... I'm pretty sure it was Caleb. I kissed my family goodbye about 6:45 this morning, and took off for work in a thick pea-soup-like fog (I'm not real sure what pea-soup looks like because it sounds nasty, and I've never had it, but it must be thick). The fog was SO thick, that I could barely see from one utility pole to the next. I got to the south side of Terre Haute and the fog disappeared. It was very cloudy and windy, but I could actually see a small piece of blue sky here and there. As I looked in the rear-veiw mirror, I could see a wall of fog..... it was VERY strange.

I called David to tell him about the strange phenomon and learned that they were still sitting at the bus stop at 7:35 and my wonderful husband was not very happy - the bus was VERY late at this point. Our neighbor, Bob-the-school-teacher, was nice enough to have called earlier to let him know the buses were late but that knowledge did nothing to improve his humor at having to wait so long. David is NOT a very good wait-er..... Glad I made the sacrifice of leaving for work early...... someone has to make a sacrifice now and then, right?

Snow Days... Snow Days... Cold and Treacherous Snow Days...

2008-12-18T09:32:00.004-06:00

I don't know who (Caleb or me!) was excited more yesterday when our friendly neighbor (Bob - the school teacher) called to let us know that school was cancelled due to the weather. In fact, about a 1/2 hour after Bob called, I had to call him back to apologize because it occurred to me that I hung up on him. He said - Yep, you yelled WOO-HOO and slammed the phone down. How rude...... but I really DID have good news to spread!

Needless to say, Caleb ran and jumped in our bed, snuggled into the covers, turned the TV on and stayed there for a LONG time. I logged onto work for a few hours, and after lunch we made cookies and cinnamon rolls......... YUMMY!! It was a supreme sacrifice for me to stay home so that David could get out and go to work, but I didn't mind making that sacrifice for my beloved husband. I know he really wanted to go out yesterday.

Sadly, I had to call on some good friends (THANKS Chris and Sherri) to keep Caleb today so that I could drag myself out of the house, and go back to work today. Guess that's what I get.

Being obvious about it......

2008-11-27T06:16:00.004-06:00

I'm up early this morning, because later today there will be a crowd of hungry people at my door. The turkey is in the oven, and I'm getting ready to go make bread, and dressing, and green beans, and other things........ though not the noodles. I relied on the good Amish folks to make those for me (thank goodness!)

Anyway, once I got the turkey in the oven and a cup of coffee in my hand, I decided to sit down and read my devotion for the day. It came from Zechariah 8:23 where it talks about 10 men from every nation grasping the sleeve of a Jewish man because they've heard that God is with him. Ahhhhh..... to be like the Jewish man in that scripture - with others holding on to me because they've heard that I know God and He is with me. I hope that I live my life so that others can tell that I know God. I hope that I live my life as if it were my last day! As Missy mentioned in her blog earlier this week, she heard Ed Duke say at an invitation after a service, "you never know when it will be your last day" - and then he passed away the next day. (I didn't know Ed real well, but I'm certain that he was living his life as though it might be his last day - and because of that I'm certain he's having a feast with God today!)

So this Thanksgiving Day, I am giving Thanks that I can live as though it might be my last day, which hopefully in turn will show people WHO I live for...... I am so thankful to live here and now, with the ability and right to love and serve God and be obvious about it!!

Black or White.......... NO Gray Area

2008-11-21T09:38:00.002-06:00

I have been asked to participate in an event this Spring. I’ve known for a couple of months that this event was going to take place, and have said that I would ‘attend’ and ‘help’ but not REALLY participate. And then I was asked to be ON the team again - REALLY participate. So, I said that I would pray about it and let them know by the end of the week. So here it is the end of the week, and I’ve received no real clarification with regard to my prayers.

Am I praying enough? Earnest enough? Is my heart truly in it?

I read a devotion this week on obedience that was based on Deuteronomy 28:2 – “All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.” I wondered why I was reading about obedience when I haven’t really received any clear guidance yet on WHAT to obey. So I read further, and read about the consequences of obedience – Blessings or Curses. Still no real clarification on my participation level in the event next spring, but definitely some clarification on the consequences!

Blessings – Deuteronomy 28:2-12 OR Curses – Deuteronomy 28:13-19

So with regard to obedience..... it’s either Black or White….. there’s no gray area.

Post-Election.... prayers and concerns

2008-11-05T08:01:00.009-06:00

Last night, Caleb was glued to the TV watching the election results. In fact, David and I were doing other things but he just wouldn't leave the TV. Occasionally, he would yell out the results of various races, and I was amazed at his commitment to follow them. I don't know to many kids who gave a rip about the election much less spend time watching the results.

So, when I told him it was time for bed at 9:00, he was honked off because he couldn't finish watching the results, even though I told him it was FAR from over and it would be several hours before we knew anything (although at that point in time, we had a pretty good inkling of the outcome). David promised him he would get him up early so that he could check the news before breakfast. Unfortunately for all of us.... he forgot!

Each night when Caleb goes to bed, one or the other of us prays with him - we pray, and then he prays - pretty simple, huh? When I prayed last night, I asked that God would work the election according to His plan and purpose.

This morning when Caleb got up, he immediately went to the TV to see what was happening, and to learn the outcome. With tears in his eyes, his first question was, 'Dad, WHY didn't you get me up early like you promised?" His next comment was, 'Mom, you prayed last night that God would work the election to his plan and purpose. He's done just that, and this must be what God wants for us at this time.'

And to that, we both said, 'Yes, Caleb. We may not agree with some of the views or ideals held by our new President, but sometimes God uses these things to grow us, and make us stronger and no matter how we feel, we should be respectful of our leaders.' And so my prayer now is......

Dear God - Grow us like never before and if takes making us weak to make us strong, then break us down God. Help us to keep our focus on You! Help us to honor and respect our leaders which ultimately, honors Your plan and purpose for our lives. I believe that you have guided us here because it's where you want us to be. I continue to pray God that you would protect our leaders from Satan, and that you would create in them the desire to seek your guidance and direction. I continue to thank you for a country in which we can worship freely and express our opinions, and I pray that you would cause us to be in a constant state of prayer for our leaders so that we continue to enjoy those freedoms. In all that we do, may we be a Godly example not only to our children, but to others who may have different ideals and beliefs than our own.

I pray that we WOULD worship freely - holding nothing back - giving our best - giving our all. Create in us a hunger and a yearning for you God, and help us to be obedient and pliable so that we become the people you desire us to be. You are the potter - we are the clay. Mold us, dear God.

Amen.

Election Day Prayer

2008-11-04T12:39:00.001-06:00

Dear God – I pray that you will guide our country today. At the end of this election day, I pray that the leaders that you want and need in place are right where you want them to be. I pray that you would protect them from Satan, and I pray that you would create in them, the desire to look to you for guidance and direction. I thank you Dear God for allowing us to live in a country in which we can vote freely for our leaders, and speak openly about our hopes and dreams for the future. I thank you for the right to worship freely and openly, and pray that you would enable me to be bolder and more convicted in my faith and in sharing it with others. Bless this country today, God and at the end of the day, let all that we’ve said and done glorify You.

In Your name I pray, Amen.

This Lovely Young Lady...

2008-10-27T13:42:00.003-05:00

.... happens to be my new Daughter-in-Law.... !

What a Beautiful Weekend

2008-10-26T20:34:00.003-05:00

I don't have many pictures yet.... actually, it's amazing that we have ANY pictures yet. But thanks to technology, we do have a few already!! I was excited! I'll post some more later, but for now....... 'The Kiss' and 'The Departure'....

Post #2 - Brings a little tear to my eye.......

2008-10-22T20:52:00.004-05:00

Let me introduce you to my son Nate and his new wife Ruthie. Well, they're not exactly married yet, but they will be in about 3 days...... on Saturday at 4:00 CST. I've decided I'm going to make myself cry starting tomorrow (Thursday) and not stop until Friday so that by the time Saturday rolls around, there'll be no more tears left in my body and I can hopefully keep my composure. I can't believe my 'little boy' is getting married. It doesn't seem possible, and I cannot seem to figure out where the time has gone.

I hope someday that I can have a picture similar to this one, of them when they're about 80 sitting on a bench watching their grand children play in the yard!!

Next week, I'll post some more pictures of the wedding!

QEII (Random Post #1 - See today's earlier post)

2008-10-22T20:20:00.004-05:00

I mentioned in my post on October 13 in my list of 'six interesting things that you might not know about me' that I am completely fascinated by the Royal Family. So I was searching (or should I say surfing) the internet today and came across this picture of Queen Elizabeth II. And I just couldn't resist posting a picture (I hope I don't get in trouble for this - are there royalties or anything associated with these things?? No Pun intended!!! HAHA)

Seriously.......

I just think this is the prettiest picture. Check out the tiara....... beautiful!! Someday, if I ever make it to Great Britain, maybe I'll get to see her.

My next two posts - Complete Randomness, and yet not really!

2008-10-22T20:17:00.003-05:00

OK - so my next two posts will be completely unrelated to one another. The first one will be SO irrelevant that you'll probably just wonder 'where did she come up with that one?' But the next one will be SO relevant to my life right now that it might even bring a little tear to your eye..... at least it does to mine.

Post number one - the irrelevant post - coming up next.

Did you know..........?

2008-10-13T09:05:00.005-05:00

My neice (Lynsey) tagged me on this in her blog, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Six interesting facts that you may not know about me.......

I love to take pictures of flowers, spiders, bugs, leaves, sunsets, sunrises, the moon, anything that is unusual. I’m not very good yet, but hope to take a photography class soon to improve my skills. I can take 10 pictures of the same garden spider sitting in his web outside my window, or 7 pictures of a rose from the bush in our yard that produced MORE THAN 80 blooms this summer!
I love to camp, although we don’t very often – in fact we haven’t been camping in a couple of years. But there’s just something fun about sleeping in a tent, and hearing all the night-time noises in the woods – bugs, crickets, owls, etc. However, I find that as I get older, my poor old bones don’t like sleeping on the ground so much anymore and that’s why IF and WHEN we camp, we take along this really big air mattress!!!
I am fascinated by Princess Diana (even though she is gone), and the Royal Family. I love to read the history about the Royals. I’ve just recently been reading about Henry VIII and all of his wives, mistresses, and the way he ‘put them aside’ to satisfy his whims.
I love liver and onions............ liver that is literally smothered in onions......... but only the way my Mom fixes it. I would never order this at a restaurant or eat liver that wasn't fixed by my Mom. I feel the same way about meatloaf (I generally only eat meatloaf that I've made myself) and fried chicken. I will eat fried chicken that someone else has fixed, but I'm partial to the way my Mom fixes it. Now I've gone and myself hungry, and it's only 10:30 in the morning.
I love to fish. I CAN bait my own hook, but my wonderful adoring husband usually does that for me. I CAN take them off the hook too, but he does that for me too. He’s so good to me……. I went deep-sea fishing this summer on our vacation to Dauphin Island on a ½ day trip. The captain was talking about a 3-day trip that they were leaving on later that afternoon. They were traveling all night to get to the fishing spot, and they talked about the gorgeous blue water, the various types of fish, etc. And I was ‘hooked’ – no pun intended. That is my next goal……….. a 3-day deep-sea fishing trip with husband. How soon can I make that happen???? Hmmmmmmmm……..
Lynsey talked about her pearl ring that she wears that was given to her by her grandma (my Mom) that she received from Lynsey’s grandpa (my Dad) when she was pregnant with Lynsey’s Dad (my brother). I like to wear a jade ring that my grandpa gave to my grandma when she was pregnant with my Dad!! It must be a tradition.....

I'd love to read something interesting about you that others may not know. Care to give it a whirl???

Kids.......

2008-10-08T08:36:00.013-05:00

I love these kids!!! I love that when storm clouds gather, God does miraculous things if we're obedient! God does miraculous things even when we're NOT obedient, but when we obey Him and see the results of that obedience, it is quite humbling!!

Don't Panic.......

2008-09-23T08:21:00.007-05:00

I had the opportunity to work at a 'Great Banquet' this past weekend. It's sort of like being faculty at church camp (Rewarding and Fun!) Great Banquet, is the same thing as a 'Walk to Emmaus'. And for those who are unfamiliar, it is a spiritual journey in which Guests spend 72-hours completely separated from the world so that they can spend time focusing on their relationship with God - growing in their faith, renewing their faith, and seeing the love of Jesus in a very special way. There are no cell phones, watches, tv's, radio's........... I don't know about you, but I call that being TRULY separated from the world and it is well worth the time. In fact, there is no contact with your family........ outside of an extreme emergency. Once you've experienced this 72-hour journey, you may find that you can't wait to 'help with' or 'work' the next one because it's so much fun to show Jesus Love to others in the same way that it was shown to you.

I can almost guarantee that if you commit to going on this journey, you will not regret the time that you spend. (If you'd like to know more, please ask me. There are weekends planned for March!!!)

Now that I've tried to explain this - sort of - I would like to tell you about an interesting talk that I heard this past weekend while I worked the Great Banquet. I can’t give the entire scope of the talk here without referring to my notes, but the speaker made a very good point.

*** When things seem to be spiralling out of control, ‘DON’T PANIC’. Don't lose sight of God, and fall into Satan's trap. ***

I’ve decided to make that my new motto – DON’T PANIC. Because I tend to do just that – PANIC – when things begin to go wrong and I feel like I'm losing control. Aren't we all like that to some degree?

We feel like we’re sinking, gasping for air, falling out of control….. it’s a very scary feeling, and so we fall into ‘human-mode’ and PANIC. The rush of air that we feel is the rest of the world causing a whirlwind around us. What we should do is reach for God’s Hand that is safely wrapped around us and take comfort in the fact that we are safe and secure in His Hand.

Consider some 'greats' from the Bible........

Noah didn't panic - he built an ark.
Moses didn't panic - he delivered God's people from the bondage of slavery.
David didn't panic - he faced (and killed!) a giant.
Daniel didn't panic - he prayed to his God (and lived to tell about it!!)
Saul/Paul didn't panic - he preached God's word far and wide.
Jesus didn't panic - he died for you and me.

Dear Friends - DON’T PANIC……… Reach out your hand and feel God's hands firmly holding onto you!

Thank you God...........

2008-08-26T11:07:00.002-05:00

………for new babies, relationships, kids who need their parents, parents who need their kids, kids going to college, in-laws, out-laws (!?), missionaries, church families, Your confirmation, Jesus, parents, kids, tears, happiness, joy, sadness, thanksgiving, humility, peace, anxiety, heartache, restoration.

Thank you God for the myriad of emotions that we experience at any given moment in time. Thank you for the times that you send to us that make us who we are, that strengthen our faith in You. Thank you for your sweet peace that lets me know you are there in all things, at all times. Help me Dear God, to remember the words of Isaiah 12 – and praise you – Always!

1 In that day you will say: "I will praise you, O LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.

2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

4 In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

We're MOVING......... !!! Maybe........

2008-08-07T15:27:00.003-05:00

It's something I've decided just today. I've decided that I want to quit taking the fish oil and glucosamine tablets that I take each day to keep my joints from hurting so bad. But in order to do that, I think that I must eat LOTS of fish each day (nothing scientific here - purely speculation). In order to do that, we must move closer to the ocean ...... uhhhhhh, to the beach in fact. (I love the beach!)

Of course, David isn't aware of this change in zip code just yet....... Maybe I'll just have to make a change in my diet without the stress of packing and moving....... After all, we do live near a lake.

Catfish, bluegill, crappie....... Well, alright. I guess that will have to do........ :{

God@Work.Heaven

2008-08-04T09:38:00.005-05:00

Amazing................

Sittin' on the dock of the bay............

Moonscape............

David's neice, Rachel sent me these pictures from our vacation and is letting me 'borrow' them for my blog because.........

1.) I didn't have my camera with me for these photo-ops; or

2.) My pictures didn't turn out as good as hers!

Thanks Rachel!!

Summer Fun!

2008-08-01T10:37:00.005-05:00

We recently went to Dauphin Island for vacation. I LOVE the Gulf Coast, the ocean, the waves, the sand....... wait, maybe not so much the sand but I could adjust easily enough.

I love the fact that nearly the entire Sprigg clan was on the same piece of sand for 7 days. And boy did we have fun!!!

Sadly, this picture is the day after some of the kids had to leave. Why is it the 'family picture' is such a dreaded event...... it looks to me like we were all having some fun!! It's actually our last night on the beach, and NO ONE wanted to leave. The games of geezer golf just kept going and going and going ......

In response to a fellow blogger......

2008-06-26T10:23:00.003-05:00

When I read my friend Missy's blog today, I had a comment to post but as I typed, it got a little long and so I decided to post it on my own blog. Here ya go.......

My mom and Dad have Nate's first christmas tree in their yard. It was a live tree that we planted shortly after Christmas 1987 in our own yard. A couple of years later, after a lengthy battle - over a tree! - it was transplanted to my Mom and Dad's yard. That's another, and entirely different story. The tree is now a beautiful 40+ foot tree that is absolutely beautiful, and is home to an owl which is really cool. Owls eat mice and other creatures during the night (they're nocturnal of course), and then as they sit in the tree and digest the evening's meal, they 'drop' the undigestables to the ground below.

Bones are not so easy to digest - or so it's been noticed (and I've been told) from what's left in the 'droppings' underneath the tree. Once the droppings have been exposed to the weather for a period of time, the bones seem to lose their 'nasty' factor ('nasty' coming from the fact they've come out the OTHER end from where they went in) and the bones that remain become quite interesting - rather FASCINATING - to a 9-year old boy and his grandfather. Grandpa then comes up with an unused pill bottle, and boy brings 'former owl droppings' home in 'specimen jar'.

I wouldn't trade my boys for anything.

Things I've Noticed

2008-06-19T14:25:00.003-05:00

I've noticed at approximately 5:30 a.m. (yes that's the morning 5:30) that as I'm riding my bike with David and Lisa, the sunrise is absolutely, positively beautiful. I'd take pictures and post them for you to see if I could find my darned digital camera.

(And if I hadn't lost the camera, you would already have seen pictures of my Dearly Beloved pulling his fishing boat behind his John Deere lawnmower. He threatened bodily harm if I took pictures, but of course he was too busy pulling it through the yard as I clicked the pictures.) I just love that man!

Lost..... and not yet found!

2008-06-18T08:11:00.001-05:00

Where oh where are my bloooooooggin friends
Where oh where have the goooooone???????

I have searched and searched, and I've found not one…….

Where oh where are my friends????

Counting the Days................

2008-06-16T09:20:00.006-05:00

The Sprigg family gets together every couple of years for a BIG family vacation. The picture here is several years ago (1995'ish) when 'brother' Mark had to take a shift at one of the hospitals in St. Louis during our vacation. So David and I took all of the kids and went to the zoo - what better way to keep them busy all day! The looks we got were amazing because the kids are pretty much 'stair-stepped' in age with the exception of Hanna who is 3 years younger than Nate. Some people actually asked "Are they ALL yours?" We finally got tired of trying to explain and began to say "Why Yes, they are!" which generated even stranger looks - more like looks of pity!! It was fun!

At any rate, the kids now range in age from early- to late-20's and oddly enough still want to go on vacation with the 'old folks'! We'll all converge on Dauphin Island, Alabama in a few weeks! We've heard it's a fairly quiet island, but I'm not so sure that will hold true after the Sprigg Family! They're now bringing their own families - husbands, kids of their own, girlfriends, boyfriends......... Paul and Marcia who weren't with us on the trip to St. Louis have added 2 more to their family, and we've added Caleb, so all 20 of us should have an awesome time. We're counting the days...........

Things I’ve learned.........

2008-06-16T08:59:00.003-05:00

I’ve learned that …….

even though I may not have had the mower in the correct gear, David is very grateful when I mow the yard unexpectedly.
even though he knew it was going to make me late for church (which was really my own fault for not getting up earlier) David really appreciates when I fix breakfast (he normally does that!)
refrigerated pie crusts shrink when you pre-bake them.
you can use 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips in place of 2 squares of unsweetened chocolate for a chocolate cream pie.
David likes - rather LOVES - chocolate cream pie SO much that he didn’t mind a bit about the ‘small’ pie-crust.
unless you follow the recipe closely and ‘cook until very thick’, the lemon pie filling won’t get as thick as it should.
frozen pie crusts do NOT shrink when you pre-bake them.
my dad really appreciates lemon meringue pie even if it is a little ‘soupy’ - hey at least the crust was normal size!!
the smoke alarm will go off when you try to make meringue 'cookies' with the left over meringue and leave them in the oven too long!
I have a really good friend who's going to teach me how to make a good crust because no matter how hard I try they always turn out bad which is why I bought them this weekend.
it really doesn’t take a lot of money, just a little time, effort, and love to make the men in our lives feel really special and loved!! (This of course, wasn't something I learned just this weekend.)

Happy Fathers Day – to my Dad and my husband!

Through the eyes of a child........

2008-03-13T10:00:00.014-05:00

We were sitting in the airport in Indianpolis recently waiting for our flight to California, when Caleb and I had an interesting conversation - it went something like this:

Caleb: Hey Mom - there's our plane! (He was actually looking at the wrong gate.)

Me: No, Caleb our plane is that one. (And I pointed towards our gate which was behind me but I didn't bother to turn around and actually look at the plane.)

Caleb: Wow, we get a new plane.

Me: What???

Caleb: Well, it's just coming out of the box.

At this point, I turned around to look at the plane and took a picture of what he saw. The picture isn't very good because I didn't get the light settings correct and the glare on the window was bad, but what he saw was the plane pulled up to the 'gangway' and it really did look like it was 'backing out of the box.'

A picture is worth a thousand words........

2008-02-19T09:45:00.009-06:00

There are few moments that have as much affect on a parent as the birth of their children. I've posted some 'birth' pictures below that record some very profound moments in my life - the birth(s) of my boys. Obviously, I had a part in the physical birth but I must thank God for the many people who've influenced their lives to the point of their spiritual birth. And I pray for God's hand to continue to be evident in their lives as they seek His will in their lives.

Thank you God for allowing me to be a part of their lives.

Earnestly, Tenderly - Jesus is Calling

2008-02-15T08:05:00.003-06:00

(This is rather long - so bear with me.) Lately, I've been feeling a strong call to prayer and I know it's the voice of God calling to me. On a couple of different occasions, Satan has thwarted our attempts to gather and pray. You've probably read the scripture in Matthew 26:41 - Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak' and most of us can relate to that at one time or another.

Often times we receive an email that says bad things will happen to us for the next 'x' number of years if we don't stop, drop, and pray (and/or forward) immediately. And I don't know about you, but I rarely finish reading them before I've pressed the delete key knowing full well that bad things may in fact happen not because I've failed to mass-email a message, but rather because I'm not spending the time that I should in prayer.

I received the daily devotion from P31 yesterday in which Lysa TerKeurst, at one point in the devo, encouraged us to 'thank God - right now - at this moment'. And so I stopped and considered the few lines that I had just read and prayed the following prayer (that I'm feeling compelled to share) in which Lysa's comments are in bold and my prayer follows:

Breathe in every moment of your day today. Thank you God for the very breath that I have and when I breathe deep, I breathe YOUR breath!

Recognize what a gift today is. Thank you for the gift of life – today and everyday.

Grab someone you love and let your embrace linger just a moment longer. Thank you God that I have someone to grab (as soon as I get home tonight) and hug them with all that I have – and thanks especially for the hugs that I'll receive!! Sweet!

Take mental pictures of the toothless grin of your baby, the tousled hair of your toddler, the crooked smile of your teenager. Thank you God for the crooked-toothed smile of the 9-year old boy who jumps out from around the corner to scare the wits out of me. Thanks for the bungling actions of the 20-something young man who lives at our house and eats our food and is trying to make sense of things. Thanks for the 20-something young man who calls his Dad from Michigan to tell him how his business is going and to share the events of his life. Thank you for the lovely young lady in NYC who has ventured to the big city to make her way in life. God - please protect their steps and guard their ways every moment of their days. And thank you for the peace that YOU give!

Hold your husband's hand. Thank you God for the husband that uses his hands to do many things for me to make life easier.

Look past the dirty dishes in the sink, the laundry piled high, the stuff the kids left out and see the beauty entangled in all this evidence of life. Thank you God that because of my husband, there ARE NO dirty dishes in my kitchen sink. Because of my husband and kids, there IS laundry piling up in (and running over) the hamper. But thank you for the eyes that I have that can look past all of THAT – the good, the bad, and the dirty!….. and see the family that you have blessed me with.

And thank God for it all. Right now, in this second, see the blessing. Thank you God – for my family, and would you please remind me not to take them for granted. Help me to remember that my words and actions (especially those that are hurtful) – could be the last that my loved ones hear or see from me. I praise you mightily for the family that I have and pray that you will hold them in your hands and keep them safe. I thank you for the trials and struggles that we have – those things that build character in us, and help us to keep our focus on you – Jehovah Jireh (our provider); Jehovah Shalom (God of Peace.)

Lysa's devo went on to tell about a young family who, in the blink of an eye, lost their husband and father in a freak and devastating accident. And when I realized how fortunate I was to have the family that God gave to me - safe, sound, healthy - I felt compelled to pray - at this moment - right now - and praise God for all that I have because of his mercy and grace.

I'm reading a book right now called 'Discover the Power in the Prayers of Paul' and it says that prayer was woven into the very fabric of Paul's life. I Thess 5:16-18 says 'Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ.'

Paul was so accustomed to praying for the churches to whom he was writing that the prayers were woven into the dialogue of his letter. He prayed ALL the time. It (the book) asks the question - How would our world change if we offered up a 'breath' prayer everytime a prayer concern crossed our mind? We're not able to pray long prayers everytime a concern is on our hearts/minds, but rather if we just offer up a quick prayer to God, he'll hear us - and he'll know our concern. And then, how will our world be changed? How will our missions be changed? How will it change our lives? I challenge you to offer up a quick, one-line prayer today EVERY TIME a concern crosses your mind. And then praise God for how your life is changed!!!

Sinus Congestion

2008-02-05T13:24:00.000-06:00

I heard of a new remedy..... read it on a blog somewhere...... if you put just a few sprinkles of pepper in your hand, hold your hand just under your nose, and snort really hard it clears out your sinuses. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but I've heard it works really well.

I'd like for all of my blogging buddies to try this new remedy and let me know how it works!!!

We're leaving - on a jet plane........ (Again!)

2008-01-17T13:00:00.000-06:00

Seems the only time that I update my blog these days is when I'm getting ready to leave. This time though, my wonderful husband is going along - as opposed to my Hawaii trip in December!

We're off to Indy tonight to leave VERY early in the morning for Puerto Vallarta for a few days of sun and sand. Caleb, our youngest is very accustomed to going with us wherever we go, however he is NOT going on this particular trip. (We're celebrating our 15th anniversary a little early!) Nathan was different - he couldn't wait for us to leave whether it was just for a date-night, or for a few days, he was always ready for us to go away (this should have been an indication of the future). At any rate, the other night when Caleb was saying his prayers, he said - "God, I thank you for this opportunity that Mom and Dad have to go to Mexico and I'm glad they can go and have a good time. God, it's always been a dream of mine to go to Mexico but I know I can't go this time!" Now, I don't mean to blasphemous (spelling?) or anything like that, but I nearly laughed out loud when he prayed that because he's been giving us all kinds of grief for leaving him.

In fact, one other time when we left him and Nate (we were actually celebrating our 10th anniversary that time) with Sandra and Larry, Caleb (who was 4) wouldn't talk to us on the telephone for the entire time that we were gone which was 4 or 5 days. Nathan would try and try to get him to come to the phone, but we could hear him in the background saying 'No - I don't want to talk to them.' It nearly killed me.

Caleb is staying with Sandra and Larry again; we won't have much phone access (it costs a lot!) so talking to him on the phone won't be an issue, and we're dashing the life-time dreams of our 9-year old son. Ahhhhhhh - bring on the margaritas!!!

The Simple and The Unbelievable

2007-12-22T09:06:00.000-06:00

I was reading Luke's account of Jesus birth this morning and began to consider some things that previously, I've never really given much attention.

I thought about how the shepherds were lowly people. The shepherds spent most of their time away from people, and they were probably dirty, smelly, disheveled, and not really 'presentable' to anyone - let alone Jesus. But isn't it just like God to allow us to present ourselves to Him even when we're dirty, smelly, disheveled, and not really presentable to anyone - especially Jesus!!

I thought about the shepherds and how they were terrified of the angelic appearance. Their reaction to the angels was pure fear, which is very much the way that we react when God speaks to us or nudges us into an area in which we're unsure. We react with fear - possibly because we're dirty, smelly, disheveled and unpresentable - unworthy! We tend to rationalize what we've heard and attempt to put some type of human perspective on the situation. How sweet it is though, to know that when we obey He will help us to face the unknown. It's precisely what the shepherds did - 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. Luke 2:15' Rather than run from their fear or disregard the message, they decided to go into the unknown and find out what it is that God was telling them to do. And then they praised God and gave him the glory for all that they had heard and seen! It's so simple.

I thought about the Star of Bethlehem. We all know the story of how Mary and Joseph were denied a comfy hotel room upon their arrival in Bethlehem because the place was completely filled. It's hard to believe that the inn keeper could turn away a very young, very pregnant woman rather than help her find a room. Instead, she gave birth to her baby with the cattle - the lowly, dirty, smelly, disheveled animals.

The Star led not only the shepherds to the stable, but others from far away regions. I think about how bright and bold the light must have been to allow them to find a simple stable in a very crowded city. And then I have to wonder - did others see the light? It's hard to believe that anyone could have missed something so bright. Did they seek it out? If they found the 'light' and understood, did they bother to tell anyone else or try to explain it? Or did they ignore the 'light' and go about their busy lives - too busy to notice a very young, very pregnant woman about to give birth to the 'Light of the World'?

Dear God - Thank you for sending Jesus to everyone - including common people just like me! The angel said - 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy - Luke 2:10!' Today 'I will fear no evil, for you are with me.... Psalms 23:4' Thank you for welcoming us into your presence despite our appearance. Thank you for making it so simple. God, help me to slow down, and take time to shine your light on others so that they may know the same Peace that you've given to me! Amen.

Merry Christmas.

What's Up...........??? Surf's Up!!!

2007-11-28T20:53:00.000-06:00

I've been told that I need to update my blog, and since it's been SO long since I've updated it there probably won't be anyone check it to see if anything's different. At any rate, I'm just here to let you know that I won't be updating it until I return from vacation.

Where am I going, you ask?

I'll be doing the Hula next week.......... I'll be sure to update it when I return!! Have a great week - see ya soon!

Maple Nut Goodies (I'm a Time Traveler)

2007-10-10T09:43:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or does anyone else love these as much as I do? I'm transported back to my Great-Grandmother's house when I eat these (or chocolate stars, or chocolate covered raisins, or butterscotch disks ...... or a whole host of other goodies!)

I bought a bag yesterday and just finished it today - all by myself. UGH. (I'm back in the present now - 40-something and not able to eat all of that stuff without gaining a few pounds!)

Hurricane David and .... Do they name Tornadoes?

2007-10-02T14:54:00.000-05:00

Weekends are great. In fact, this past weekend was probably one of the most relaxing and awesome weekends that we've had in quite awhile. It didn't seem as though it was starting off too great, when my cell phone rang during my drive back to Marshall on Friday. As I was headed back to Marshall, David called to tell me that our 'Little Darling' had been involved in a 'glass-breaking' incident at Homework & Hangout. Now when I hear those words together - 'Little Darling' and 'glass-breaking' - my initial reaction was OMG is he OK? Was he hurt? But David put my worst (or what I thought were my worst) fears to rest by letting me know that Caleb was ok, but there was a broken window at church. YIKES. I was actually headed to see 'My Buddy Bill' because my shoulder/neck/arm were hurting really bad and I knew that if I didn't keep that 4:30 appointment I wouldn't get back into see him until early this week. So I decided to let Caleb 'sit and stew' awhile and go to my chiropractor appointment.

While he waited on one or the other of his parents to show up, Caleb looked through a book and showed the H&H staff a picture of some tornado damage. He told them that 'Mom is a tornado and Dad is a hurricane, and this is what my house will look like when they get finished with me tonight!' I've never been described as a tornado, so I'm not real sure what to think about that, but I can say that we didn't have quite the 'weather alerts' at our house on Friday as was anticipated!

We left H&H to go to soccer practice, and strict instructions were given to go straight to the field and start practicing (because we were late and I was NOT very happy at this point) - no stunts, no showing off, nothing silly - just GO PRACTICE. Shortly after we got there, 2 other kids had to be pulled apart and removed from the soccer field by one of the coaches - kicking and screaming after a real knock-down, kickin' fight. And yet another teammate had a meltdown for some other reason.

They went on to kick butt at the tournament on Saturday morning - two games - back to back! Go Arsenal...... (Hmmmmmm ..... something about that name!) And then the rest of the weekend passed by really quiet and calm! Ahhhhhhhh (And Caleb survived the 'weekend weather' quite nicely!)

Humble Pie - Again - or was it just plain Crow??? !!

2007-09-17T10:26:00.000-05:00

I have issues…….. do any of you recognize that in me?? It’s true – I really do have issues.

David was out of town this past weekend, and Caleb had a friend spend the night Friday night. This little guy has never spent the night away from home before (that’s another story) and in order to keep them busy, I checked out PPV and there was absolutely NOTHING worth watching – at least not that I wanted to pay $4 to rent. Knowing that the friend loved dinosaurs as much as Caleb, I decided to rent Jurassic Park and Madagascar…… opposite ends of the spectrum in the movie world, but I digress. When I went to pay for the movies that I had selected I was informed that I had a $12 late fee. I haven’t even been to this store in years because David usually gets the movies in Paris on his way home from work– which is why I was there in the first place since David was out of town. I said, “What?” And she said, ‘You have a $12 late fee due.” I asked again, to be sure I had heard correctly and was assured that there was in fact a $12 late fee due. I told her that I hadn’t rented movies there in years, and so she checked the records and informed me that the $12 late fee was from 2004 for 3 movies that had been left 2 days late in the drop box. It was at this point (since I had already decided that I was NOT paying a late fee for something that Nathan had probably rented because I’m just NOT that nice), that I told her “Fine, if I can’t rent these movies I understand. But I can assure you that I am NOT paying a fine that is 3 years old.” She said, “Well, OK that’ll be $4, and they’re due on Saturday by 4:00 p.m.”. I paid and left – quite happy with my self. (My prayers for humility don’t seem to be working at this point – or maybe they are!)

NOTE TO SELF – Do NOT return these movies late. On Sunday morning when I was getting ready for church, I realized the stupid movies were late. I really thought about leaving them with $4 in the drop box, but decided I’d just take them inside, pay the late fee and vow to NEVER rent movies there again – because of course, it’s all their fault. Sara was with me and as I got out of the car, she said “You’d better hope it’s not the same person working!” And I secretly agreed! When I got inside, it was someone different working, and I was encouraged. I walked up to the counter and said, “These are late. How much do I owe you?” I was thoroughly expecting to pay ALL of my fees, when she very politely said, “Tell you what, I’ll only charge you for one movie since it was a very busy weekend for everyone!”

OMG - I ate Humble Pie AGAIN this weekend. It’s getting REALLY old. You'd think I'd begin to develop a taste for it....... Or wait - maybe I am - maybe that's why I keep eating it... Hmmm?

The Recipe...... for Humble Pie

2007-09-11T10:34:00.000-05:00

I have to explain my blog from yesterday - and while I won't explain everything because I don't want you to think any worse of me than you may already, I will say that I have issues. Of course, many of you may already know that - and I will willingly and freely admit that to anyone! There are times when I get the 'Paula-filter' on my eyes, and fail to see others as Jesus would see them. I've been having some issues lately and had myself a little fit Sunday afternoon. David said something to me that I interpreted to mean - can't you just see this through Jesus' eyes?? (Thanks Dear Husband!! : ) I love that man!) And then Monday morning, I got up to read the study that I've been doing and one of the scripture references was John 15:16 but I also included verse 17!! And it says, 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

And so if God could choose me, in my most unloveable state of being (which is pretty often!), who am I to judge or consider someone else even the least bit critically. God chose each and everyone of us for a very specific purpose, and my purpose is no greater than anyone elses. In fact, without those other people, (all of us working together) God's purpose or design might not come to fruition and someone might miss a blessing. How dare I be so self-assured.

And then I read the next scripture - 17This is my command: Love each other. So, we love each other, just like God loves us. And I am very humbled, and give thanks to God for showing me the recipe.... to humble pie!

Humble Pie (Isn't very good!)

2007-09-10T11:58:00.000-05:00

It's been an ongoing prayer of mine since early summer (maybe early Spring - HA - maybe even longer!) that God would give me a big dose of humble pie. And without going into detail, I will say that the servings of 'pie' haven't necessarily been large, but they've been relentless and I feel as if I'm stuffed. WOW - that didn't sound very humble, did it? I said that too mean that I've had WAY more than enough, and yet I'm still learning the lesson! Huge dose was served just yesterday!

And maybe, just maybe, I've learned now! But I'm sure I'll need a few refresher courses. I found the following scripture when I was searching Bible Gateway for 'humility'. Zephaniah 2:3 says that if I seek righteousness and humilty, perhaps I'll be sheltered from God's anger (that is my paraphrase completely but I think it's close - OOPs - it's that humility thing again). So if any of you see a fierce storm that appears to be quite central to one location, and rather intense, please note that it's probably me and God is angered that I haven't quite learned my lesson yet, and you might want to stay clear.

Please God - remove the 'Paula-filter' from my eyes and replace it with your 'Jesus-filter'. And I will praise you from the highest mountain-top as I learn my lesson. In the meantime, please walk with me and throw up the 'Jesus-filter' when I begin to be judgemental! I DO love you God, and thank you for loving me - even when I'm not very loveable!

Intercession......

2007-08-31T09:35:00.000-05:00

Last night, a group gathered together in our home to intercede on behalf of friends who are going through a VERY difficult time. My mind can't even begin to fathom the horror of losing a child and it has been difficult to concentrate on much of anything. God was with us last night - He says that where two or more are gathered, He will be there. He also tells us that He hears our prayers. We spent time last night just crying out to our God, and He was THERE and He HEARD us. The burden seemed so unbearably heavy last night, and while it continues to be heavy it seems easier to bear in light of God's mercy, grace, peace, and healing. I know that they felt our prayers last night, because God is faithful and will not leave us. We are the ones who leave him - how very sad and frightening.

We serve a mighty, and powerful God who will, when we call on His name, 'tell us marvelous and wonderful things that we could NEVER figure out on our own' .... Jer 33:3 (Msg) Isn't it amazing that He would even be willing to share those things with us - and all we have to do is call His name!

God - I am calling on Your name - Sweet Jesus - crying out to you, begging you for understanding. And I thank you for answering with love, grace, healing, and mercy. I love you God, and I thank you for providing. Humble me God, and use me, as a very willing vessel for your glory.

I love summer, grilling and gardening......

2007-07-23T12:18:00.000-05:00

For those of you who know me very well, you know that I don't cook. I CAN, I just DON'T because David has completely spoiled me by doing all of the cooking. You may also know that I like to eat........ (comes as no big surprise to most of you!!) And in the summertime, there is no better meal than the one cooked on the grill and accompanied by the 'fruit of the garden'.

Now, you may or may not know that each spring my intentions are good and I plant a garden. For the past few years though, that garden has gotten smaller and smaller because David won't till the space for me. That's because I've demonstrated over the past few years that I'm not very good at tending the crop. I have good intentions, but my follow-through isn't so great and the garden suffers greatly by the time the spring rain stops and the summer heat turns up. (There's probably some sort of spiritual lesson here, but my mind is on physical food right now!)

We've found a solution. We now belong to something wonderful called a 'Produce Co-op' in which David pays a sum of money at the beginning of the summer season and each week thereafter brings home a VERY large rubbermaid tote full of produce. So far this summer we've enjoyed rhubarb (actually I threw that away when it became obvious that I was the only one who would eat it and didn't want to spend the time cooking it), beets (yummy), turnips (yummy), kolrahbi (???? - it went the way of the rhubarb), green beans (yummy), tomatoes (yummy), lettuce, lettuce, and more lettuce (yummy), broccoli and cauliflower (yummy)....... Not to mention the fresh eggs (remind me sometime to tell you how we get scrambled eggs - Caleb's version) and the future vegetables that will come throughout the remainder of the summer.

I mentioned that I DON'T cook, but I CAN! And yesterday, I cooked or maybe should say prepared food. Fresh greenbeans with onion and new potatoes (also included in the produce share), broccoli and caulifower (they were small heads that I promptly ate because it was SO good and no one else was around), fresh tomatoes, coleslaw made with homegrown cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes (not the grocery store variety mind you), sweet corn, beets..... David threw some pork burgers on the grill and we had ourselves a swell supper.

Have I mentioned that I love summer???

More Summer Fun

2007-07-19T11:58:00.000-05:00

I love summer!

What IS it that smell????

2007-07-17T12:30:00.000-05:00

We used to have a cat - it died. His name was Bullwinkle and he was long-haired and white - positively beautiful and absolutely rotten. His alter-ego was Garfield. He would sit on the deck rail and pretend that he was a great hunter, but we knew he was too lazy to make a move let alone actually stalk something. He did manage to catch the occasional mouse, and leave it's dead body in the garage floor for me to find. In fact, he was usually sitting near by with a smirk on his fat little face. I loved Bullwinkle. He ventured out to the road.... ;( (Sadness - Tears)

Bullwinkle grew up with the dog - Rocky our black lab. The two of them grew up together, and they had an identity crisis. Neither one ever really knew if they were cat or dog - Honestly! The cat would chase after us like the dog, and the dog would actually stalk rabbits, birds, etc. like a cat. They were NOT right, but they loved one another and it was hilarious to see them together. Rocky too, is gone but we're not sure what happened to him ;( (Sadness - Tears)

We were sitting on the deck a couple of weeks ago (Boyer's were there too!) and I mentioned that I'd like to have another cat. In fact, I'd take two if necessary just to get one. In about two minutes (no joke), we heard a noise in the woods and David went to investigate. Lo and behold, there were two stray kittens coming up from the woods. I think they'd been dumped by someone in the cemetary behind the Baptist church. At any rate, they were hungry and VERY scared, shy, and timid. It took several days for us to get one of them to let us touch him (oops, I should say 'her') and now she's our best friend. (Note to self - take that cat to the vet.) The other kitten was (notice I said WAS) a calico and she never let us get close - let alone physical contact.

I was on the front porch Sunday afternoon and thought to myself - something just doesn't seem right. We'd been missing Calico kitty for a day or so, and I detected a faint odor.

(NEWS BULLETIN: Missing Kitty - FOUND - under front porch - no collar - smelly). EEeeeewwww!

Thank God for lots of rain - because we can't get to 'it' without tearing up the porch.

Summer Is Fun

2007-07-14T21:12:00.000-05:00

I love summer!

She spoke and spoke and spoke......

2007-06-27T17:19:00.000-05:00

Missy and Kathy have both posted about the conference and had very wise words of wisdom to impart. I, on the other hand, feel compelled to mention that we heard SO much that by Sunday afternoon, I didn't think my brain could hold much more. And because 'life' has happened since returning, I've not yet had the opportunity to go through my binder and review all of the good things. I plan to do that real soon though!

It was a great conference, and as we sat around Saturday evening discussing different things we wondered if any of us would return next year. We decided that we really can't say at this point in time - we'll wait to see what God has in store......... 'cause ya know what? He's always up to something - so get ready for the ride!!!

She speaks and writes and leads........

2007-06-20T14:05:00.000-05:00

I'm going to the Proverbs 31 Ministry 'She Speaks' conference this weekend with my dear friend Sara! It should be an interesting weekend since we're going to learn more about starting a women's ministry - something that's been on our heart's for a LONG time.

Isn't it interesting how God works in our lives sometimes? (Who am I kidding - God is ALWAYS working in our lives - it's just that we limit Him to sometimes!) Anyway, for a very long time - probably close to a year now, I've talked about wanting to start a bible study, small group, sunday school class or something for women. I've never really figured out what it's supposed to look like or how it's supposed to work but 'talked' about it for so long that just recently Sara said to me - You need to just quit talking about it and get busy doing it. She says it like it is....... Thanks Sara!!

I'm reading a book called 'Leading Women to the Heart of God' by Lysa Terkuerst which is also the same thing that this conference is about this weekend. It talks about various ways to reach women not only within the community of our church, but also without - outside the brick and mortar of the building.

And then I get a call the other day from Missy asking if I'd be interested in working with her and a few other women to start some kind of class for women and holding it in a neutral location - someplace other than the church building.

Isn't it interesting how God works everything according to His timing!

So, I've said ALL of that to say - please pray for Sara and me this weekend (and Kathy and Missy as well since they're going to the same conference) as we seek God's guidance and direction. I think it's very interesting to see how God works and uses the events in our lives to bring us to the point where He'll use us. I don't know exactly what this WM is going to look like, but I'm VERY excited to see how God is going to put it all together and use us to accomplish His plan.

Talk to you soon.

Do I have friends or what?

2007-06-12T13:17:00.000-05:00

I found this picture while going through some things recently. I just wanted everyone to know who my friends are..........

You might not recognize EVERYone in the picture, but it shouldn't be too difficult. They'll all have some very creative reasons as to why we were dressed so lovely, as well as differing opinions of the events that occurred later but I think we'd all agree the police were involved!!! (Of course, I may not have ANY friends now!) Sorry Girls, but I was just SO proud, my buttons were poppin' off - wait maybe it was something else causin' the buttons to pop.

Being a Mom

2007-06-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

Being a mom is the toughest job on earth and I'm sure there are other mothers who would agree whole-heartedly. During the past few weeks, one of my beloved youngsters has 'left the nest' so to speak (another bird reference - see previous posts) despite the fact that his parents know that he's not fully ready to fly. There are other influences on his life now, and it has big dark eyes, and a lovely smile! I pray each day that God will protect him from physical harm and help him to make good choices and right decisions. I have prayed many times that God would humble me and during these past few weeks, He's done just that - provide a healthy dose of humility. While raising this particular youngster, I always thought that he'd grow up to do what I wanted him to do and I was sure he'd never stray too far. However, I' ve suddenly realized that he is a very unique individual who no longer wants to do what I want him to do, and he's totally and completely in God's hands. And so I give him to God each day (since He already had him) - with open palms facing upward as if to free him from my grasp. And then I pray that God will give him a swift kick in the tail feathers while protecting him from falling. (It's a control thing and I'm working on it.)

An Empty Nest

2007-05-31T20:02:00.000-05:00

The 'men in my life' would laugh if I said that I like birds because too many times they've heard me say - "I don't like birds." In fact, that might be a little mild compared to what I've really said about birds, but that's another story for another time. I really enjoy sitting on the deck and watching the birds at the feeders and listening to the different sounds they make. I really get a kick out of the racket they make first thing in the morning.

You saw my earlier pictures with the 'gouard birdhouse' that Caleb and my Dad made. It's hanging outside my bedroom window and the sweetest little wren lives inside. I'm still trying to snap his picture but I can't seem to get close enough. I did get a few pictures of the baby robins as they grew, but never a picture of their momma. And now, I won't even get anymore pictures of the babies. I made my daily 'bird trek' to snap their daily picture, and found nothing more than an empty nest. I was so sad because I knew I wasn't going to be able to see those birds grow to be big enough to learn to soar through the air. There was one under the tree (dead of course), but the other three were no where to be found. Now, the past couple of weeks, we've also had a couple of black snakes slurking around the house (or should I say yard - because if they were in the house - I wouldn't be). David promised that if they came back, he'd get rid of them - permanently! I'm not sure if the snakes ate my little baby birds, but on Monday when one of the snakes slurked across the back yard, well....... let's just say David kept his part of the bargain and at least one of those snakes is gone. But now all I have is an empty nest.

So much for bird watching!

Like any good parent would do, we've tried (and continue to try) to teach our kids how to soar, while trying to protect them from 'slurking snakes'. It's fun watching them as they grow up, try their wings and leave the nest. And while our 'nest' is only partially empty, I'm excited to see how each one soars, and I pray that they will constantly seek God's protection from the 'slurking snake'!

I Believe I Can Blog!

2007-05-15T08:47:00.000-05:00

HA - I b'lieve I can b'log ..... This might be fun! I've read others (Kathy, Jenn, Missy, Denny) and I think I can keep up with this with a little effort and a few good pictures. So, here we go -

The picture of the birdhouse is actually a gourd that Caleb and Pa-paw (my dad) cleaned out and painted a few weeks ago. The birdhouse is hanging in the magnolia tree just outside of our bedroom window and the wren that now lives within sings his little heart out every morning. Of course, when I took this picture, he was no where to be found - unfortunately!

We have a nest of baby robins that I'm hoping to get pictures of tomorrow night. The momma bird is not too crazy about me getting too close to her babies - she nearly had a fit tonight, and I thought for a minute I'd get her picture as she landed right beside me on the tree. Every feather on the top of her head was standing up!

I'm such a dork though - when I was taking pictures with the 35 mm, I snapped several shots and then looked down to see how many pictures I had left, and discovered that there wasn't any film in the camera. So I went to get the digital camera (thus the gourd bird house), and soon discovered that the battery was dead. We had a camera crisis. Maybe I'll have better luck tomorrow night!

Good night!