It went great!

Thank you so much for the prayers - it went great!  I am moving on to the next step and should have more details tomorrow. 
Charles is having fun learning about the different camera settings and capturing different features.
Major was in trouble when I got home - he thought he could help himself to the cornbread - that naughty little boy! 
Yeah - the kids are home safe from a great night at church!
Got to speak with Gramma for a minute tonight - hope she gets over her cold very soon.
American Idol and then sleep - not sure why I'm so sleepy tonight!

Full Night of Tests

Thorns part three will have to wait until tomorrow.  My evening was spent with exercise, dinner then completing all my tests on computer skills. I did better than I thought on some and ok on others.  Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint and Typing.  It took most of the evening to complete the tests.  Hopefully it is going to help seal the deal somewhere soon.
We're gonna watch a few minutes of American Idol and then off to bed.  Don't forget Wed night is the next face to face - and would appreciate prayers.
BTW - Chuck still hasn't heard - pray he gets a big YES this week.
Becca's working on the most beautiful painting - pictures coming soon
Charles has taken some amazing pictures - I will see if he will let me post a few!
Nite guys!  I'll be back tomorrow!

Thorns Part Two

This verse really made me think a little more about those old thorns.

Proverbs 24:31

And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof,

and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

It made me picture in my mind a run down home, covered by brush and thorns.  It is neglected and uncared for, but the beauty is there, buried beneath the overgrown thorns, weeds and brush.  Looking a little closer, I could see beautiful flowers trying to peek out, fruit hidden beneath the growth and such hidden potential.  The lack of care may have been due to many reasons.  Maybe the home was vacant, maybe the resident was old or ill, maybe they were too busy to keep it up, maybe they were too lazy, the reasons could be one of many.

 Thorns grow where the land is not tended.  There are areas in life that can be "overrun with thorns" if we don't tend them.  An area of my life that I have not tended properly is my health.  I have neglected a balanced diet with everyday fitness causing me to be overweight.  The longer I put it off, and the more it is neglected the deeper the thorns grow and the harder it is to clear those thorns.  If it would have been tended to the "growth" years ago, the thorns would not be as deep, the weight wouldn't be as much and healthy eating habits would have been established long ago.  It is more difficult and will take more time from the years of neglect - but with the Lord's help - this untended body will become healthier and more fit every day.

Some people neglect their finances and quickly become overwhelmed by the lack of funds.  Neglect or misuse of their money soon finds them in the middle of the briar patch.  It is painful and difficult to find the way back to that clearing, but it can be done.  Try to stop grabbing the thorns - avoid them - make the right choices and soon you will be back on that clear path that is so easy to walk.  Praying for those in the middle of that patch - the Lord will help you out of the mess - follow His lead.

Our christian walk sometimes suffers from the other habits or thorns that dig into our time.  The wasted hours on bad or even good habits that drew us back time after time.  So many things can hold us and pull us away from our daily time with the Lord.  Our talents become dull and fruits start to dry up from the lack of energy applied.  Those moments with the Lord will help to enhance and grow our talents.  Let your time with Him improve your hobby and talent, instead of letting your gift choke Him out.

Sometimes people are just  flat out lazy, not working and then wondering how to get out of their sticky mess, wondering why they are homeless and jobless - but still not wanting to work.  They get themselves in a terrible situation and become so hopeless. 

Proverbs 15:19

The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

Pride and disobedience will throw us head first into the briars.

Proverbs 22:5

Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

I don't know about you - but I have been pricked by thorns before and they hurt.  I don't like it and don't want to repeat it.  So many areas of our lives can get jabbed with "other types" of thorns.  Sometimes we grab the barbs ourselves and other times they are shoved into us.  I'm praying for each of us today, if we are in the middle of a patch of thorns that we begin climbing out of the patch and make it to a clear path. 

Sometimes the thorns are not of our choosing, praying for these to be removed too. 

Thorns Part One

When I saw this thorn growing, I knew I wanted to write about it; but I was not sure exactly what I was going to say.  My original thoughts were like the photos.  From a distance, it isn't very clear. 

It looks like a branch or vine growing up the side of the tree, one that you could go and grab hold of to help you climb right up the tree.  It looks like something that could support you as you use it to swing from one tree to another.  The closer you get to it, you realize it wasn't what it seemed.  It has sharp, pointed barbs that will prick through your flesh.  If you didn't look closely before grabbing hold of it, you would definitely feel a sting from the thorn piercing through you.  You might think you can still use it to get to the top of that tree, grabbing the vine between the thorns - but using the wrong means will always cause suffering and pain.  As you can see in the third photo, the thorns are actually growing vines that are wrapping around the tree.  As the vine grows and wraps itself around the tree, it is pulling the barbs through the bark and boring itself into that tree with all its might, getting such a hold that it isn't easily pulled away. 

The Bible is clear on things that we should steer clear of and things to which we should draw close. 

Be careful what gets a hold on you because it can choke the very life out of you.

Mark 4:7

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

Luke 8:14

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

.

A Walk on a Beautiful Day

Here are just a few of the pictures from our walk! 

The weather was perfect and there were so many beautiful things to capture today. 

Charles, Becca and I shot hundreds of pictures today while Chuck was off fulfilling his duties elsewhere.

I can't wait until we head off on another adventure very soon!

More pictures to come...These were taken at Audubon Park.

Serving

The day started with yummy breakfast with Collette at Panera.  Then off to work, run at lunch to get Becca a clip for tonight.  She served at the mission banquet  along with others from the youth group.  

There were 535 people that came.  

Thank you Chuck for being the taxi driver today!  

Tonight for dinner, Charles made his famous chili.  We also made cornbread and threw in a little twist!  Bacon! - yum it was good

The Way

The Way Lyrics by Jeremy Camp

All Creation cries out with longing

With groans only you can comprehend

And with wisdom you always answer

And give the word of life

So unfailing

And you glory shines all around us

Your faithfulness shown for all to see

When we think of all Your wonders

The beauty of your plan that's been revealed

When we walk in Your light

When we walk in it

Shine bright

Let Your glory fill this land

Lift high

The King of Kings and great I AM

Jesus You are The Way

We can see the works of Your loving hands

With the hope and peace not made by man

When You poured out Your grace and mercy

And You held out Your arms

So we can see

And bled for all mankind

Set the captives free

Jesus, You are The Way, Jesus

Jesus You are The Way, You are The Way

You are The Way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q6o4sbndVE&ob=av2e

I like this song!

Hope he hears something in a few days!

Well, it went well and I'm on to the next round.  A face to face next week.
Chuck went for an interview today and he sounded very positive about it.  He will hopefully hear something in the next few days.
Becca was in the processional tonight for the GIC kickoff - and I didn't get to see it this time. boo! 
I know it was great!
Charles had a good day and made himself a grilled cheese especial for dinner.  He said it was his best grilled cheese ever. 
Anne Marie and I are really enjoying the lose it app that Collette told us about and being a good encouragement to each other during the day.  Thanks for sharing Collette.
Jan shared something she saw on tv this week - one of the things she heard was...did you know if you feel bloated that a handful of caraway seeds should help take that feeling away?!?! 

Pinterest Poppers Take One and Two

Pinterest "Popper" take one...one of my friends posted a recipe on pinterest for jalapeño poppers.  We love them, so thought I would give it a try.  They were ok - just not what we had in mind.  Some of my northern friends and family will like them.  It is basically a popover with cheese and jalapeños.  My family is just not the biggest fan of popovers.

 Pinterest poppers take two... I substituted 1/3 of the flour with cornmeal and 1/3 of the milk for sour cream.  We liked these better, but I still think it needs a little tweaking.  Becca said to lower the amount of eggs, and I think she is correct.  I will mess around with it more on the weekend.  Once I get it mastered I will post a recipe.  If y'all want either of the first two recipes just let me know.

 Chuck -messing around on his phone - not the most photogenic tonight!

Becca - I caught her - looking this way and that!

I guess she thought if she closed her eyes the camera would disappear. - What a nut!

Tonight we had homemade soup and the biggest, fluffiest cornbread to sop it up.  It was good - I always love homemade soup on a cold day.  It's not Charles' favorite but he will eat it every now and then.

Kick Off Preparation

Here is the little set-up they put together to blow up 7500 balloons last night for the big celebration when we welcome the missionaries for our conference this week.

Just a few of the balloons being taken to the sanctuary.

Here they are putting the finishing touches on part of the balloon drop.  It's always a fun way to kick off the week.  I can't wait to see which missionaries will be here this week.

We recently tried buffalo/bison meat.  It is leaner and healthier than beef and is very good.  We had buffalo burgers and buffalo sausage.  We all liked it.  Tonight I put on a crockpot of beef stew - yum! 

Protection from such men

The more I get into the Word the more it comes to life!  I'm sure that I have read this verse before, but today it jumped right off the page.  Do you ever have that happen to you? 

"O Lord, by Your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life...." - Psalm 17:14

You see I was recently in a little accident - Praise the Lord - it was a fender bender and not a fatal crash.  We were all able to drive away, no one seemed to be hurt and it seems that the only damage was both cars  will need a new bumper.  I hope and pray that is all that comes from it.  I don't like accidents...but who does?!?    It seemed that the other person in the accident was a good person with character and integrity.  I'm praying that the Lord will save me from the type of men described in Psalm 17:14.  You see, there are people who do want their reward on this earth.  I know you have heard about people that get in accidents (sometimes intentionally for this purpose) to get as much money from someone else as they can.  There are people that will use you, scheme, conive, trick and do what ever they can to get something from everybody and everything.
I am praying that the people in this recent accident are christians and seeking their reward in Heaven not here on earth.  
I'm praying blessings for the driver of the other car. Certainly we carry insurance, both cars for this very purpose - to put ourselves and/or our vehicles back into the same shape they were in before an accident. 
     This recent circumstance made me stop when I read this verse.  It made me stop and pray immediately for protection from this.  I realized this is something that I need to pray specifically when I pray for protection and even other areas of life.  There are so many areas where this could apply.  When we are dealing with a salesman, pray the Lord takes you to the one that is honest and not seeking to get all of his "reward" in this life from you - that he will be fair and a person of integrity.  When you are in an accident, pray that other person isn't going to go to the doctor unnecessarily making up injuries or trying sue you for their "reward" in this life.  When you need something repaired on your car or home, pray that the craftsman is beyond reproach and doesn't add this and that to pad his own pocket for a "reward" in this life.  Pray protection around your family and your home.  There are those who will steal what is not theirs.  We had a sweet friend who had their lawn mower in their gated and locked back yard and someone came and stole it in broad daylight - probably to pawn - which was for a little "reward" in this life, definitely not a reward in Heaven.  I'm sure your mind is thinking of several other examples right now where this prayer would be beneficial.
     My next prayer is that I not be one of these men, and that those I love not be one of these men. It is so easy to let things of this earth overtake us.  Our vision is often horizontal instead of vertical.  Our circumstances can overwhelm us, scare us, anger us and more.  I pray my reactions will be pleasing to God.  Let me tell you a little story that not only was just right - it also was a learning lesson for Becca.  Several years ago, our washing machine was out of commission, therefore we had to go to the laundry mat for a few weeks.  Becca always went with me.  We were sitting there waiting for the machines to finish when I saw Becca watching something intently.  Then she ran over and picked up several coins.  There was a man who dropped some change, unknowingly and was busy moving his clothes from the washer to the dryer.  She was excited about her "find", and was telling me all about it.  I said, well you know what you need to do, right?  She did, but wasn't immediately gung ho about it.  She knew she needed to return it to him.  She wanted me to take it to him, but I said no, you need to go take it to him and tell him he dropped it.  She headed in his direction as slowly as she could, got his attention, returning his money while explaining that he had dropped it on the floor.  He just stood their, dumbfounded and shocked.  He couldn't believe it.  Really?, this little kid, really brought back this handful of change to me?  It wasn't five minutes later he came back over to Becca and in the best English he could muster, said thank you for being honest and gave her a crisp dollar bill!  Oh, pleased as punch - she was - she got that money back plus more - way more!  You see the money really didn't matter, not really.  That was just her little reward on earth.  She learned a huge lesson that day on honesty, integrity and doing the right thing even when you don't want to do it!  I believe she will have a reward in Heaven too for doing what pleased God.  I pray that we all have rewards beyond our wildest dreams on the other side.  Keep lookin up!

South of the Border Pie

2 slices of bacon
1 pound of ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can tomatoes (about 1 lb.)
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 package corn-muffin mix

     Saute bacon until crisp; drain on paper towel, then crumble.  Pour off all drippings; measure 2 tablespoons and return to pan.
     Mix ground beef lightly with onion.  Brown meat. Stir in crumbled bacon, tomatoes, tomato sauce and seasonings; heat to boiling.
     Prepare corn-muffin mix, following label directions for muffins.  Spread half of batter evenly over bottom of a greased shallow 6-cup baking dish; spoon hot meat mixture over; drop remaining batter by tablespoonfuls on top.
    Bake at 375* for 35 minutes or until top is puffed and golden brown.
Yield:  6 servings

Recipe is from Gramma's sweet friend Nelda

*We used sausage instead of ground beef, rotel instead of tomatoes and added a few other spices!
Everyone loved it and decided it is one of those "keeper" recipes!

The Day

Busy Day
Woke
Went to Breakfast
Ran back home to wake a sick college student and motivate him to head to class
Run to Work
Schedule next phone meeting - class will be later
Give Bec the key
Lunch
More Work
Another phone discussion maybe a meeting with someone else
Head Home
Talk to MaMaw
Taco Bell for Dinner
Chuck got the low-down on openings
Go to jewelry party with Becca
Visit
Back Home
Talk to Gramma
A little TV
Read
Put my blog off until tomorrow (but here it is...lol)
Sleep

...today not tomorrow

...you see these little dots...that meant I got to busy, couldn't think of what to write or simply didn't do it!

It allows me to "save the date" where I can go back and post something for that date - either what happened or some other little thought.  You may or may not know that posting daily is a goal that I set for the year.

Well - as you can see I didn't post on the actual date - but actually posted the next day.
Sometimes we get in the mindset of, I will do it later or I will do it tomorrow.  One day I will accomplish or finish that, go there, visit there, make that, clean this, fix that, on and on it goes.

It is great to have goals for the future - we absolutely should.  There are things that take work and are not going to be accomplished right now.  But there are things that we can take care of when we think about them.  As I get older, I realize this more and more.  The chores aren't going away- might as well do them, the weight isn't going to disappear - might as well eat right - right now, the phone call or letter you need to make or write will probably be forgotten if you don't stop and take care of it as soon as you think it.

I'm telling on myself a little here - when you see the ... it means I didn't write my blog today.  I put it off until tomorrow.  If I didn't write daily - the world is not going to come to an end, it is simply my little goal.  Procrastination can be a problem though, if you are facing something you can deal with today, finish today, make today, see today - then do it - don't wait till tomorrow.  We never know what tomorrow will bring.

Proverbs 27:1

English Standard Version (ESV)

Do not boast about tomorrow,for you do not know what a day may bring. 

Uplift your 'Tude

I didn't realize it but, Becca woke up in one of those moods this morning and was trying to fight it.  She was in the kitchen making a little breakfast and said - "please turn on some praise music".  "I can just feel that I'm in one of those irritable moods and I don't want to feel this way."
Ok,  I have just the song to pick you up.  Any ideas on what I picked? - yep - who can't resist pepping up a little with Mandisa's Good Morning Song.
Once it was over, Becca requested http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKyY8zfjBMQ&ob=av2e Remind Me Who I Am by Jason Gray.  It is one of her favorites right now.
By the time both of these songs were over, she said everyone should do that when they are feeling annoyed - pop in some praise music because it will uplift your 'tude.

Praying for Collette - So Proud of You

I'm so proud of Collette she is being Brave!  I will show you why instead of trying to say it, here is her recent blog... http://moments-of-orange.blogspot.com/2012/02/from-my-very-heart-of-hearts.html .

This is something all of us are struggling with too.
I've recently started reading an excellent book by Beth Moore called Praying God's Word - Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds.  I have not finished it yet, but highly recommend it.  It seems to be one of those books that you can read over and over.  I'm praying for you Collette and for each of you struggling with this same thing which definitely includes me.

Here are a few prayers I want to share today from her book...

     "Lord, according to Your Word, if I wholeheartedly commit whatever I do to You, my plans will succeed. (Prov 16:3)  Lord, I acknowledge that the heart of committing any plan to You is seeking Your plan.  Show me the right path, Father!"

     "Everything is permissible for me" - but not everything is beneficial.  "Everything is permissible for me" - but I desire not to be mastered by anything.  (1 Cor. 6:12)  Lord God, help me to recognize and discern what is not beneficial for me.  Help me to see that authentic liberty is being free to do certain things and free not to do others.

 
     "Lord, I pray You will give me the desire of my heart - which at this moment is to be free - and make all my plans succeed. (Ps. 20:4)"

Love - Never Deserved it Simply IS!

I am so thankful to be in a family that loves each other.  I grew up in a loving christian home.  I married a wonderful christian man with whom we have made a loving home  for our children.  We have been so blessed to love and be loved.  It is almost always easy to love our family and our friends.  This is especially true on Valentines Day when the entire day is focused on love.  Did you know? We are commanded to show love and that God in His perfect ways, doesn't just command it but models it.

 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  John 15:12

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16 - The core of the Bible not only focuses on His love but is overflowing with it!

God loves us without condition.  He knows we are not always sweet, sometimes we are just down right rotten.  Yet He loves us anyway.  There are times when we get it in our heads that we don't need to show love to someone because they don't show it to us. I sure am glad that God doesn't love us conditionally by the way we act.   Our love from Him is never deserved, it simply IS!

Corny Dog Muffins

Corny Dog Muffins

Got this idea from pinterest and tried it for dinner.  It was a hit!  Becca and I made mini muffins, regular sized muffins and a mini loaf.  I think we all agreed - we liked the mini muffins the best.  I'm not the biggest fan of corny dogs but this was good.  I used my own cornbread recipe which includes onions, jalapenos and cheese.  We simply chopped up several hot dogs and added it to the batter. 

Charles surprised me with my Valentine's gift.  He found me a kitchen magician!  Yeah  - what a great gift!

Thank you sweetheart I love it!

I see scalloped potatoes in our near future!

Love in Action

Recently, it seems that almost every Bible study has touched on  learning more and more about the Spirit.  This is an area where I definitely feel I'm lacking in knowledge and I am finding myself drawn with a desire to learn more about.  I found a book at the garage sale this past weekend that teaches on the fruit of the Spirit.  I began reading it yesterday and the first fruit mentioned is love.  Isn't that fitting for Valentine's Week!?! ;0) One of the points mentioned is that love is not just words but that it is an action.  It made me think back to my first week at DBU.  They have S.W.A.T. week for freshman or new students and my swat week theme was LOVE IN ACTION.  My sweet Becca demonstrated love in action this morning.  I was in my room getting ready for work and thought I smelled something delicious baking.  I thought, no you are just imaging things - it must be the aroma from the coffee.  After I finished getting ready (and without a lot of time to spare) - I headed out of the bedroom and was pleasantly surprised.  My litte sweetheart not only baked up a batch of chocolate chunk mini muffins- she had prepared a delicious salad for my lunch.  She was a perfect example for love in action not just in her words but she actually showed her love to me by her thoughtfulness.  I love my sweet little Midge and thank you, thank you for the yummy treats today.

Chocolate Chunk Mini Muffins with Sprinkles

Thank you Lord for Your Provision

Final mission trip money was due today...and we are so thankful that the Lord has provided for Becca to go again.  Becca is so very thankful that her account is paid in full.  Some of you sacrificed and gave and we want to say thank you one more time.  Our associate pastor spoke about giving a while back and said something pretty cool.  I know y'all know this but just wanted to share what he said.  He mentioned what we give to missions or any other program at church is not just a monetary gift here on earth.  He explained it is also a treasure in Heaven...we really have  know idea  what effect that money does overall here on earth  and can't even fathom the results in the eternal sense.   I pray your gifts will produce a huge heavenly reward to each of you, and that this mission trip has a huge impact on those they reach in the Dominican.  We have a great bunch of kids and wonderful leaders that love the Lord and are eager and ready to go serve.  Thank you Lord for all you have done, are doing and will do!

⁴Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  ⁵For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

 Psalm 100:4-5

Charles made a fire in the woodstove today, the first one of the year.  It felt good, nice and toasty taking the bite out of the chill in the air.  Tonight we made the South of the Border Pie with a few adjustments making it a little spicier, YUM!  Thanks Gramma and Nelda for sharing that delicious recipe with us - it is definitely a keeper!

Productive Day

We woke up early and headed to the church for the garage sale fundraiser for the upcoming mission trip.  I'm not sure why I didn't get a picture but the entire gymnasium was full!  The prices were excellent too - I couldn't resist - so yep we bought a few odds and ends.  Praise the Lord it was in the gym because it was freeeeeeezzzing today!  Chuck and Becca stayed out there and I headed back just before noon.  Charles and I ran around and got our supplies.  By the time we returned to the house the kids were back and we all headed to Tim's.  Again - my head was in the clouds - no pictures of Charles, Chuck and Tim working away on the car and the truck.  Two oil changes and a window fixed - they were very productive.  Becca and Misti decided they needed girl time - so Becca spent the night at their house.  The boys and I decided it was a good night for fried chicken and a movie.

Pizza and Iron Man

We opted for homemade pizza tonight.  It was delicious...we made two scrumptious white pizza's and two supremes.  We loaded that first supreme up with jalapeños - wow - it was blazing hot!  I didn't think my tongue and lips were going to cool off - needless to say the jalapeños came off my second piece.  The boys have this extreme tolerance to the heat and were not bothered at all.  Becca and I don't have that type of tolerance - ouch!  Ha -we watched Iron Man then headed to bed to wake early for the mission trip garage sale fundraiser.

Revision Complete!

Finished the resume and had my sweet hubby review it- he had one suggestion that was excellent.  It has been fixed and has already been sent to the temp agency along with one more company.  This weekend's goal will be to get my profiles updated on other boards. 
We had a good exercise session tonight - I thought my hips and legs were going to turn to rubber.  Dinner was a delicious salad with cottage cheese.  Yum! 
We have been eating nuts as a snack - including pistachios.  I was surprised to learn that Chuck and Charles have never had pistachios until recently and both discovered that they like them very much. 
                                                           
     

Did you know this about pistachios???

The Weight Wise Nut: Pistachios are one of the lowest fat, lowest calorie and highest fiber nuts and they offer the most nuts per serving compared to any other snack nut – 49 to be exact.

Offering antioxidants, phytosterols, healthy fats and more, pistachios are nature's heart healthy snack. Being good to your heart has never tasted so good.

Pistachios are more than just delicious, they’re also seriously nutritious.  Just one serving offers a variety of different vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.


The Skinny on Fat

Almost 90% of the fat found in pistachios is the healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats.+

Full of Fiber

Pistachios are a good source of fiber providing 3 grams per serving, that’s more than many types of whole fruit.

Nuts Over Fiber

You would have to eat three plums to get the same amount of fiber found in one serving of pistachios.

The Original Prehistoric Snack

Pistachios are one of the oldest flowering nut trees, and are one of the only two nuts mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 43:11). Humans have eaten pistachio nuts for at least 9,000 years.

There's Gold in Them Hills!
Pistachios are a relatively new U.S. crop. Until the 1970's, no domestic pistachio industry existed. Now, California produces upwards 300 million pounds of pistachios, about 98 percent of the domestic crop.

Opening Up is a Good Thing
Pistachios grow in heavy grape-like clusters surrounded by a fleshy hull. When they ripen in late summer or early autumn, the pistachio kernel fills inside the shell so vigorously that it splits the shell.

24 Hour Harvest

At harvest, mechanical tree shakers knock pistachios onto a catching frame, from which they are loaded onto containers and rushed to the processing plant. Pistachios must be hulled and dried immediately to preserve their delicate quality.

facts above are from http://www.pistachiohealth.com/

Revising

ré·su·mé

   [rez-oo-mey, rez-oo-mey]  Show IPA

noun

1.

a summing up; summary.

2.

a brief written account of personal, educational, andprofessional qualifications and experience, as thatprepared by an applicant for a job.

I'm working on it tonight trying to revamp and revise!

It was a good day for all of us today.  Bible study this week had a great topic that hits most of us - I am undisciplined.  It was very good - even talked about how Paul struggled with this.  I will try to tell you more about this soon - but as for now - I must be disciplined and complete this revision!

Keep Going

Becca wanted me to post this.  We are all trying to change our eating habits and exercise habits.  We could all stand to lose weight and get healthy.  We are making several changes.  We are lowering and eventually eliminating sodas.  We are drinking more water.  We are trying to select healthier options for meals and snacks.  We are also adding exercise to our daily routines.  Hopefully - we will find this true at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks and beyond.  Tim mentioned that he now runs 3 miles 3 times a week - who knows maybe next year we will be running right along side him!

I took my first step on that other issue today - it was a good experience - I will keep going and hopefully see some excellent results before long.

Going, Asking and Taking that Step

Ok guys - I need your prayers. 

It is exciting and a little scary, but I'm taking a step.

Super Bowl Sunday

We always watch the Super Bowl.  It is a big event and something we look forward to each year, some years more than others depending on who is playing.  Part of our celebration is the food.  Yummy snacky not so good for you, high fat good tasting food.  Our menus in years past might consist of mexican fair - taquitos, mini tacos, chips, salsa, queso, seven layer dip and more.  Some years it was pizza or little smokies -just yummy but less than healthy food.  This year, however we have made a few adjustments.  We are still snacking but tried to pick things we like that are actually healthy too.
Here is what we selected:

Veggie Tray - with Homemade Ranch Dipping Sauce

Pita Pockets for our Sandwiches

Tuna Salad - Charles' Recipe

Sushi!!!!

Shrimp Ring

 Who are we routing for this year?!?- NEVER the Giants - so we will go with the Patriots!

The day

Woke up early
Chuck did his thing
Grits and eggs for breakfast
Found an interview jacket/cami
Charles made a delicious beef/almond stir fry for lunch
Charles and I went shopping at Sam's - went to new one - it is actually under the Walmart
Chicken Salad for dinner
Watched Limitless with the fam

The Glad Game

One of my favorite movies is Pollyanna.  It's about a sweet little orphan girl who went to live with her wealthy aunt after her missionary parents passed away.  Her aunt is cold and bossy and most people in the town are unfriendly and distant.  Pollyanna brings up the "glad game" in one of the scenes.  The house staff is grumbling and complaining about how horrible Sunday's are and how much they dread them.  After explaining their reasons for complaint, they very sarcastically ask Pollyanna - "Ok, now what can you possibly find to be glad about that?!?"  She is quiet for a moment, thinking very intently then suddenly replies - "It's six whole days until it comes around again!"   She encourages and uplifts those around her in the movie.  She is positive and looks for the good in everything.  Her attitudes in this movie make me think of this.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-24

 ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

 ¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²²reject every kind of evil.

 ²³ May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

I woke up this morning, knowing this is what I wanted to write about.  Guess what? - I had a very hard time following this today!  It was ONE of THOSE days today.  I am thankful, I am glad - just completely overwhelmed.  Praise the Lord for my sweet husband, kids, parents, and friends that are encouragers.  Sorry if you suffered my moments of "non-gladness" today - the discussions and rantings of my frustrations.  As my sweet Charles pointed out - there are times when you must change your circumstances due to abuse, being taken advantage of, or most importantly God's leading.  I am on the hunt and praying God will open that exact door which is going to be so extremely amazing and make me glad!  I appreciate and treasure your encouragement and prayers!  Many blessing and much love to all of you!

The Breakfast Club

I love our breakfast club.  I've been missing it the past few weeks and glad we decided to get together today.  We often go to a local McDonalds - it makes it more fun for the younger kiddos.  Today, however a couple of the bigger "kids" had to explore the new play place.

Great Night

Wednesday's are always a favorite.  Becca wore her cute little top she bought in FL to youth group and they had a great night discussing Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  Chuck enjoyed his college Bible study led by a guest speaker.  They talked a lot about work.  He and I also had a long discussion about work that began due to the little old man that decided he must carry on a conversation with him at Jack in the Box earlier.  Chuck wasn't too fond of some of his advice.  I told him maybe it was an angel sent his way. 
My study was good - we discussed thorns.  It was very interesting and always refreshing.  The ladies in our prayer group are growing closer, learning and sharing more with each other each week- it's sweet getting to know the other ladies a little better.  There are so many thorns, so many burdens that each shared - thankful for El Shaddai and his sufficiency!  It's amazing when we open up, when we expose ourselves and become transparent -  what a blessing we can become to others.  Don't hide because you suffer a thorn - allow God to use it to show off His Glory!  This is an area we can boast and delight that HE is ENOUGH!