Sad News - Gonna Miss Them

Brother D announced to the teens in Sunday School that he and his family will be moving.  He will be co-pastoring at a church in Indiana.  There were many tearful eyes yesterday.  He and Mrs. Heather have been such a blessing to us and so many that were around them.  We are going to miss them very much and are so thankful for the years we were blessed personally by their ministry.  We will continue to pray for their ministry once they make their move.  Please pray that the Lord brings another awesome youth pastor to our church.

Golden Toes

Becca was so excited on the way to Sunday School as she shared a story from yesterday. Gramma sent color changing nail polish a while back which Becca recently used to paint her toenails. It is a bluish color when you paint it on your nails. She has worn it before but never remembered seeing th color change. Yesterday she and Misti were off fishing at the lake when she noticed the color. Her toenails were gold. Her initial thoughts were, "I didn't paint them gold!" but then it hit her.... It was the color changing polish! Thank you Gramma - it's pretty cool stuff!

Full

Full Time
Rotel Chicken with Chicken Rice
No Fish - Just Fun, Fun, Fun - and Allergy Attack
Vehicle Maintenance

To God be the Glory

Great things He hath done!  We are all so thankful to see God working.  We all have prayed for quite some time for Chuck to find a job.  It was God's timing and His hand that allowed this recent opportunity.  There is no other way to explain it - other than God!   Chuck has had several interviews over the past year, sometimes multiple interviews but none of them seemed to pan out.  It is amazing to sit back and observe God work things out in a way that only He can do.  One day we will share the details of this blessing the Lord has given Charles.  Several hours of training have been completed and brought an excitement to his eyes and energy to learn more.  He is catching on quickly and eager each thing they are teaching him.  Please continue to pray protection, wisdom, and blessings for him as he begins his new job.

Becca went to Misti's tonight to spend the night.  They are going on another fishing excursion in the morning.  Maybe they will catch our dinner!  ;0)  Praying for protection as they float across the lake!

Sky High Ride

This is similar to what I saw as I walked out the door this afternoon.

I wish I would have had my camera in hand to capture it.  A truck that looked similar to this went flying past.  I was wondering if it could go under street lights and bridges as tall as it was. 

 It gave us all wide eyes and then big hearty laughs.

Later Becca and I were returning from the store and this is something like what we saw on the side of the road. 

A young boy was riding along on a bike that looked kind of like this.  It made us giggle.

The boys watched the draft and the girls watched Anne of Green Gables this evening.

Time

We had a great Bible study tonight. Mrs. Davis shared about striving for Godliness. One thing she talked about was time. We must commit time daily to the Lord to grow closer to him. She shared that years ago she started looking at her day in minutes.
There are 1440 minutes in a day.
If we sleep 8 hours a day we have 960 minutes left. 
She talked about how most of us make excuses about not having our time with the Lord due to lack of time and being too busy.  We often think - I will start tomorrow.

    

Proverbs 27:1

         ¹Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

She pointed out that 10 minutes would only be about 1% of our day. 
She also mentioned that day we stand before the Lord, we will each be accountable for our minutes. 
How will we stand that day? 

    

Psalm 19:14

      ¹⁴Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

I'm going to start today - making the effort to spend more time with Him each day.
She suggested "scheduling" the time - figure out when your mind is most active - morning, noon or night - and make it a point to keep your appointment each day.

    

1 Timothy 4:7-8

       ⁷But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

       ⁸For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Helpful Household Hints

** Instead of throwing away a sponge that has a stale odor, simply toss it in the dishwasher and wash it with the next load of dishes.  It will come out clean and fresh smelling and will kill any bacteria in the sponge, so it's a good idea to toss your sponges into the dishwasher often. ** Keep a bottle of vinegar within easy reach.  When your stove, counter tops, walls or anything else becomes spattered with grease, spray and wipe clean dry rag.  Vinegar cuts the grease and leaves a nice shine. Instead of buying expensive lime removers for the toilet and other bathroom fixtures try hydrogen peroxide first, it can do the job for a fraction of the price.
** When cleaning stainless steel counter tops, ranges or sinks, use club soda.  You can buy a small bottle of generic or store brand club soda for about 50 cents and it cleans like a charm and dries to a gleam without streaks or spots.  Don't throw away flat club soda; even flat, it still  works to clean stainless steel or spots spilled on the carpet.
** To clean up spills in the oven, sprinkle table salt immediately on the spill.  When oven has cooled, brush away the burnt-on food with a damp sponge.  The salt will make the spill much easier to clean up, saving time and money, since you won't have to buy oven cleaner as often!
** To keep lint and dust off glass top tables, wash them in a solution of warm water and fabric softener.  Add one tablespoon of liquid fabric softener to one quart of warm water.  The fabric softener will clean the glass inexpensively and will help keep lint from gathering on the glass.  Also great for computer screens and TV's.
** Good weather sealing around doors and windows not only saves money on heating and cooling, but also cuts down dusting dramatically.
** Don't throw away odd socks or socks with holes in them, use them to make a mop.  Tie several socks (10 -12 works best) to a mop or broom handle and use just like you would a regular mop.  White cotton socks work best for this project and by the time the "sock mop" wears out, you'll probably have plenty more socks to make a new one.
** To get nasty soap scum and dirt off your tub or shower, put a little baby oil in a spray bottle and mix with water (1 part baby oil to 4 parts water).  Spray mixture on a section and wipe off with a sponge. When you're done, spray with a disinfectant cleaner to make sure all germs are killed.
** Save celery leaves.  Spread them out on paper towels or a paper plate and let them dry.  Crumble them into soups, salads and stuffing's. They will add an extra zippy flavor for free.
** Get rid of tarnish on silver the easy way, place a piece of aluminum foil (shiny side up) on the bottom of a glass bowl or pan.  Fill the container with a solution made of 2 cups boiling water and 3 teaspoons of baking soda, and you've made an inexpensive "bath" to soak your silver in.  Your silver will shine like new in no time!
** Get rid of pet hair on upholstery effortlessly by wiping the furniture with a slightly dampened sponge.
** Toss a few old bath towels in the washing machine when you wash your shower curtains The towels will rub back and forth against the curtain, which helps remove all traces of dirt and soap scum.  Hang shower curtains back up right out of the washing machine.  They will dry quickly and the wrinkles will fall right out.  Most have at least some plastic on them that can melt in the dryer.
** You can economically repair any tears on your ironing board cover by attaching iron-on patches.  You don't even have to know how to sew!
** To speed drying time of big bulky items and jeans, add a dry towel to the wet items you're placing in the dryer.  The towel will help absorb some of the excess moisture.
** When you need to touch up a scratch or other type of blemish on a painted wall use a drop of paint on a cotton swab to fix the problem. You won't waste a bunch of paint and you won't have to waste time cleaning a paint brush.
** Don't want to spend a lot time on oven cleaning?  Place ammonia (about 1 cup) in an aluminum pie pan and place it in the oven overnight.  In the morning, simply remove the pan and wipe the oven clean with a damp sponge.  If you do this often (about once a month) you won't have to spend money on harmful chemicals to do the job.
** To help new or just cleaned drapes stay fresh and crisp looking, spray them with a few coats of unscented hair spay before hanging them up. Allow the hair spray to dry between applications.
** When you leave the house put any cut flowers into the refrigerator,
making the flowers last much longer.
** To keep cut flowers fresher longer by mixing up a homemade formula. Mix 1 pint warm water, 1 pint lemonade or a lemon-lime soft drink. Pour enough into the vase to cover the lower three to four inches of the stem.  Here's how this formula works: the sugar in the mixture supplies energy to the flowers and the citric acid in the lemon helps preserve them
.
** Make giant ice cubes in muffin tins or plastic margarine bowls. These are perfect for using in picnic coolers or punch bowls. They look pretty and keep your drinks or food cold longer.
** How about a low cost window cleaner: Add just a drop of Dawn dish liquid to 3 cups of water.
** Don't throw those single serving gelatin plastic cups away, make your own single servings.  Place the cups in a muffin holder, fill the cups and place in the refrigerator.  It only takes a few minutes and no mess.  

Are You Getting Too Big for Your Britches?

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind (see 2 Tim. 1:7).
I recently read a good devotion about this verse. 

What makes us afraid?

Is it the fear of failure? 

Did something alter the outcome you were expecting? 

Losing control of our circumstances can create a fear in us. 

We expect things to go a certain way and sometimes they just don't.

There was an order at work recently that was out of our hands.  It was put into production - but a glitch arose at the last minute causing a defect in the garments.  We could have gotten very angry at our vendor, our vendor could have gotten very angry at her production staff - but the anger would not have helped anything.  We could have been afraid of what might happen...would our client never purchase from us again because of this?  The anger and the fear would not help this matter.  It would not make the garments lose their defects.  We all needed to keep a sound mind to work through the problem and come up with a solution.  A loving attitude with power (or a confidence) along with a sound mind was needed to assure our client that we would do all we could to correct the situation. 

Sometimes we forget that God is in control of everything.  We go along in life thinking "I've got this!"  or that we are in control of this or that.  Every once in a while God will give us a little shake to remind us that it is not us in control of our circumstances.  Be careful that you don't get too big for your britches - or believe me, He will remind you who is in control.

Give up your rights to expectations that God never gave you.

You will find a new freedom in Christ you never knew you could have.

Starbucks

We haven't had Starbucks in a long time and we all got one for breakfast this morning.  It was much better than I remember.  We got a new battery for Dad's truck and he and Chuck got it installed.
The yard is edged, trimmed and mowed and looking nice.  Now we need to go get a few flowers to plant around the tree.
We had our occasional ice cream dinner tonight - it was yummy.
Becca and Misti took a trip to Michaels to buy a new project.  I can't wait to see their completed work.
Major got a few new treats - dentistix and a toy that a treat can be placed in to give him a challenge.
Uncle Tim got back safe and sound.

Beautiful Day

The day began with a nice walk with my sweet Hubby and cooking breakfast together.  Then later went to the park with the girls.  We checked on the puppies and they were just fine, a stop by the dollar store for a project for the girls.  They've been doing crosswords and word searches all afternoon.

Survivor

Marathon
send Tarzan home

Mistletoe

I'm sure she will kill me when she reads this...but I picked up my little Mistletoe to come spend the night!  The kids always have fun together and Major greeted her at the door to let her know he has been missing her. 
I don't know what my problem was today - I didn't get many steps in this morning - didn't think I would ever get to 10,000 - but Yeah - I made it!
Charles made some delicious homemade tacos, spanish rice and refried beans for dinner.
We watched Survivor (we are behind a few episodes) and we were all so excited that Colton was finally gone - he was so mean and manipulative. (do hope he is healed up and well now)

Service Night at Bible Study

We had another service night tonight at Bible Study.  We stuffed and stapled the Jr. Camp literature to help the Children's department with their mailing.  There were about 20 ladies in attendance making the task seem small and quick.  I believe we put together 3000 packets.  It is always easier working as a team.  I'm sure this will be a blessing to our Children's Department secretary saving her hours of work.
I then enjoyed a few laps around the church grounds with Tracey to reach my 10,000, it was a beautiful evening for it.

Chuck starts his training Monday!
Becca is working hard at school and excited about camp.  They passed out the information tonight.  The theme this year is Throw-Back and she can't wait to hear The Afters perform, they are one of her favorite groups.  She is trying to decide what song to sing this year at the talent competition and I know she is going to be amazing!
Charles is looking forward to a weekend of smoking some meat very soon, and to be perfectly honest I am too! ;o)

I have been trying to meditate on various scripture to help in overcoming this food/weight/exercise habit and the one I was reading today was printed in the NIV version...

2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

It is a different version than what I am familiar with.  I'm sure you are singing the song of the KJV as you read it. As I read the NIV it made me pray for my family and I shared with the Lord, the thing most important to me on this earth is my family and that I definitely will entrust them with Him and know that I believe Him and am convinced that He Is Able to Guard them until that day.

2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV)
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Ok, back to the reason this verse was on the print out - I have committed to being healthier and becoming more fit.  I have asked the Lord's help in keeping this committment and know He is able to and will help me stay focused and driven.

Blessings to all you today - Love you all and praying you each have a wonderful day!

HOORAY!! - Congratulations Chuck!

Hooray!  Chuck got the job - he is filling out his paperwork today and will be starting soon!

The Lord is so good to us!  He provided this job - which is a great opportunity not only for gaining experience but also for gaining some amazing skills.  He not only blessed Chuck with a job - he also already received a raise - he is making 75 cents more an hour than he thought he would be making!

Thank you Lord for your mercy, grace and endless blessings!

Blessings

Don't forget to always thank God for the blessings in life. 

It's easy to thank Him for the big things - don't forget to appreciate all the little things too. 

A friend of mine - Mrs. Peggy Sue showed some kindness today and I'm thankful for it and for her.

Please pray for her - she is almost finished with tax season and is quite exhausted.

Have I told each of you lately that....

Busy Day

Running around with the two best kids ever today!  

Sold some books at the 1/2 price book stores - 

freed up some space to start filling our shelves again ;0)!  

We all love books!

Movie and Totinos Pizza

Phone call and little chat with Mom

Sacrifices and Blessings filled this day

New Page for steps

I've added a new page, if you are ever curious about my steppin status.  Hopefully the page will work correctly - it is a clickable link on the top right of the home page.  (It is not updating my totals on the bottom - I will need to do a little research on updatable spreadsheets in the blogger world).  If anyone has tips - I'm eager to hear them. - Thanks!

Steppin'

My goal lately has been to hit 10,000 steps per day as often as possible.

Charles got us some pedometers a few years ago and I've been trying to wear it most days and really reach for this goal.  There have been days I've walked the "circle" in the house to make it before bed, you see, I can be a little bit driven to meet my goals once I put my mind and heart into it. 

Several years ago, I had a blood clot in my leg which would cause swelling and required medication for prevention of future problems.  At the time the Dr. told me to start walking and reach for this goal of 10,000 steps per day.  It would help prevent the clots from reforming and also help in weight loss. 

I've been consistent recently, in meeting this goal about 3 days per week.  My goal now is to bump this up to 4 or 5 days per week and also set a bigger goal.  I'm not sure how long it will take, but here it is - reaching 1,000,000 steps.  If anyone wants to step along let me know and we will find some time to step together!

Goal # 1 - 10,000 steps 4-5 days per week

Goal # 2 - reach 250,000 steps

Goal # 3 - 1,000,000 steps

Cutest Little Tabasco

Don't you just love mini containers of things!  This tiny bottle of tabasco was on the table at work today! 

Bible study was great tonight - Cathy was a great speaker.  The two subjects that jumped out were her explantion of the armor of God and her talk about sheep and our Shepherd.

Keep praying - it's looking good - Chuck should have the official word by the end of the week.

Happy Birthday

It was Dad's Birthday today and he treated us to his homemade tomato soup - yum!

We had cake, ice cream and a nice evening.  He took the day off and enjoyed some relaxation.  

I am thankful the Lord blessed me with a sweet husband and a great dad for you guys!

Chuck went to the porch for worship and Becca hung out with us this evening.  

Thanks for your prayers - the printing has begun on the catalog.

Keep praying for Chuck and this job possibility.

Interview

Chuck had an interview today.  Please pray - he should have word by the end of the week.
The proof of our mini catalog came back at work today - it looks great - pray the printer can get it done quickly - a big conference is coming up.
Becca found a few boxes of memories and enjoyed reminiscing.
Charles created the best dessert!
I'm gonna need to get to stepping or I will be headed in the wrong direction!
It was a good day for all!

Happy Easter

He is Risen!

Happy Easter!

Herb Garden

Charles and I went by Home Depot today and picked up some herbs and a few veggies.  We love fresh herbs and veggies.  He is trying his hand at some jalapeños and tomatoes.  Charles and Becca planted them while Chuck and I raked up a few leaves.

Good Friday

I personally think Friday's are always good, but this one is the best.  Good Friday, the day we remember Jesus dying on the cross for us, the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sins.  I may have posted this song before...but it is one of my fav's!

It's About the Cross by the Ball Brothers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYSJj-EHAAk

Verse 1:

It's not just about the manger
Where the baby lay
It's not all about the angels
Who sang for him that day

It's not just about the shepherds
Or the bright and shining star
It's not all about the wisemen
Who travelled from afar

Chorus:
It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again

It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross
It's about the cross

Verse 2:

It's not just about the presents
Underneath the tree
It's not all about the feeling
That the season brings to me
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/g/go_fish/about_the_cross.html ]
It's not just about coming home
To be with those you love
It's not all about the beauty
In the snow I'm dreaming of

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:

The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again

It's about God's love
Nailed to a tree
It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me

It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross
It's about the cross

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/g/go_fish/#share

Busy Day

So very thankful that Charles and I will both be off tomorrow.  We don't have big plans for the weekend - just spending time as a family.  He and I both had a busy day at work, making sure everything was caught up for our extra day of rest.

Some of the Damage

Here are a few pictures from yesterday's storm - across from work and around the corner

These are minor in comparison to other areas around the metroplex.

God is good - not one fatality in the 12  tornadoes that touched down in the area.

Stormy Day

The weather said rainstorms last night when I checked it - I didn't see anything about tornados and hail.  We are so blessed to have been protected and safe today.  Storms kept popping up all over the area - one not too far from home.  There were several tornados  that touched down and baseball sized hail.  Charles' truck took a pounding - but overall we are so thankful for God's blessing.  He kept all of us safe.  Thankful that our friends and loved ones weathered the storm too.  Praying for those around the area that have suffered tremendous losses.

Contentment

There was a good pin that I saw today about contentment.  It said this...

Someone else is happy

with less than what you have.

April Fool's Day

I really can't believe we didn't play any tricks - not one little spoof!
We used to have a lot of fun making "trick" food when you guys were little!
Here are a few of the meals we had fun with years ago - do you remember?!?

meatloaf with colored mashed potatoes

cashew chicken stir fry -

really fruit roll ups, dried fruit and cashews