Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Truck

I overheard a conversation this afternoon, told in a somewhat joking matter, but it is really a little bit sad.  They were talking about their grown son who still lives at home without a job.  This young man wanted a little spending money, but his father told him that he would like him to wash the truck before he would give it the money to him.  He went out to do as he was asked.  He came back in a little while and said he had washed the truck, therefore requested the twenty dollars.  His father gave him the money and thanked him for doing this small job. The next day the parents were out in the driveway and realized what their son had done.  He washed only one side of the vehicle.  He washed the side they would see as they looked out the window.  They were a little bit shocked and disappointed.
I thought about the story after they walked away.  My first thought was in regard to the work.  The Lord wants us to be hard workers, good workers, doing a good job in what we do.

Colossians 3:23-25
23  Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might,


I thought more about this story.  This young man actions were deceitful, dishonest, lazy and lacked integrity.  I'm sure we have all done something similar as a child or maybe as an adult.
Lord, Help us make you glad by living our lives with integrity.

What does the Bible have to say about integrity

 - treating people fairly and honestly. (Leviticus 19:35-36, Deut 25:15, Proverbs 16:11-13)
 - giving your word and keeping it. (Exodus 8:28-32)
 -  will protect you (Psalm 25:21, Proverbs 2:7-8, 10:9, 11:3, 13:6)
 -  more valuable than riches. (Proverbs 28:6)
 - The Lord will test and judge your integrity. (1 Chronicles 29:17, Psalm 7:8)
 - The Lord hates lies and lack of integrity. (Zechariah 8:16-17)
 - may be difficult to maintain your integrity. (Job 2:3, 2:9, Proverbs 29:10)
 - character can be corrupted by bad company. (1 Corinthians 15:33)
 - will be rewarded. (1 Kings 9:4-5, Nehemiah 7:2, Psalm 41:11-12)
  - should set an example. (Titus 2:7)

Saturday, July 28, 2012

DVD and Brisket

Charles made a nice dvd for Max's service today.  He prepared a smoked chicken and brisket for the family.  

Chuck had a good day at work.

Becca got to visit with Aunt Collette and then later with Lindsay.  They worked on painting the boxes for Lindsay's dorm room.


Friday, July 27, 2012

Lunch with Lindsay

was very special.  We had a nice long talk and learned more about each other.  She is a sweet niece to have.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Little Yellow Cupcakes

Becca made lemon cupcakes with made from scratch icing.  They are some of the best I've ever had!  She has a real talent.  Chuck treated us to sodas and even treated himself to some IBC.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

He Knows and He Will

for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.   Matthew 6:8b


pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  Matthew 6:6b


33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Matthew 6:33-34b


The Lord is so amazing.  He knows what we need before we even ask Him.  He know our needs and will provide for them.  We have all had "rough" times in our life where we wondered how we would get through them, but when we think back to that period of struggle in the past - we almost wonder how it all came together.  There have been financial crises, mission trips, school expenses, fights with friends, arguments, disagreements, different opinions, hurt from someone, illness, death, hospital expenses, depression, anger, drama {sometimes from your mama (you know I had to say that little phrase...lol)} - but think back - He saw you through it.  The money came in for that expense or bill, you had food on your table, you got through that terrible tragedy and have been healed and strengthened from it,  you came through it - because He knew the need and He met it.   


Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  I Peter 5:5-11

He cares for you and will give you grace, make you perfect,  stablish, stronger and settled. 
All Glory to God for ever and ever!

grace - Favor; good will; kindness; the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.
perfect - Finished; complete; To finish or complete so as to leave nothing wanting
stablish - To fix; to settle in a state for permanence; to make firm.
strengthen - To make strong or stronger; To cause to increase in power or security.
settle - To place in a permanent condition after wandering or fluctuation; To fix; to establish; to confirm

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Monday, July 23, 2012

Praying for Broken Hearts with a Broken Heart


Psalm 23 (KJV)
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

We are so very sorry for what has happened and are  praying for you. 
Draw your strength from Him, He will comfort and restore you.  

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Butter Dish

I've been on the hunt for that thing I mentioned earlier this week. 
Although we didn't find that, we did have another great find today. 
I found a butter dish to replace the one that broke a few years ago. 
What a deal - it was only one dollar.
It matches our china.
This set is extra special to us.
  It was the set my parents had on their wish list when they were married. 
They received pieces from several family members and friends. 
They have now been married over 50 years. 
We use these dishes for special occasion and often when guests come to dine with us.
It always makes me think of my parents and their marriage when I pull the dishes out of the cabinet.
Charles has had many conversations with co-workers over the years regarding marriage and divorce.  They are shocked when he tells them how long we have been married.  It blows them away when he tells them  how long both of our parents, aunts/uncles and grandparents have been married.  We are so thankful for the examples of committment in marriage that surround us.

Tonight was a great service at church.  The youth had several presentations after an amazing week at camp and Brother D had a great message.  The pizza party in the youth room after service was nice too.  It sounds like an amazing fall is prepared for the youth while praying for the right man of God to fill the new pastoral position. 

Charles made beignets tonight with a hint of orange flavoring - yum!
He also made a huge bowl of guacamole -it was delicious too.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Love those Mara's

Something I read today about love....
   It was a little blurb about the type of love lived out by Ruth.  I have always loved this story.  I do not remember such emphasis being expressed about Naomi in the past when I have read it or listened to the story.   I'm sure this part of it was there, but sometimes we don't grasp certain principles until we experience them or have a personal connection.
   In this explanation they describe her mother-in-law Naomi as a hard-to-love woman.  Naomi went through some major tragedies, losing her husband and two sons.  Her attitudes changed from her circumstances.

Ruth 1:19b they said, Is this Naomi?
20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
21 I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: 

Naomi means pleasant
Mara means bitter

Pleasant -  pleasing, agreeable, grateful to the mind or to the senses, cheerful, enlivening; as pleasant society or company,  merry, lively, humorous, sportive, as a pleasant companion.


Bitter - sharp, cruel, severe, reproachful, sarcastic, piercing, painful, that makes smart, afflicted, distressed, hurtful, very sinful, mournful, distressing, grudge, hatred, keen sorrow, painful affliction

Ruth chose to return to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law.  She had also been through tragedies losing her husband, brother-in-law and father-in-law.  She returned with this woman who was hurting, dried-up and so full of bitterness.   Her mother-in-law was feeling empty.  Yet Ruth would wake early in the morning and go work in the fields all day gathering grain, then beating it to a usable state.  It was not easy work, but she rose and went to gather what they needed.  She sacrificed herself and allowed God to provide for them through her.

You will all have someone like this in your life at one time or another.  Someone that is difficult to love.  They may be angry or bitter about circumstances that they have faced.  They may be sarcastic, piercing with their words and actions.  They are difficult to love and sometimes so unaccepting of what is offered. 

God must be your source of love for these people and self sacrifice will be required. 

Becca mentioned a young girl she has encountered recently that seems to be a Mara.  She appears stone cold and unaccepting of the love that has been extended to her.  This has been going on for a few weeks.  This week, she seemed to crack open her door a little bit to welcome some of the love offered.  It's hard to know what others are going through, continue to pray and to love, you never know the influence and impact you can have on that next "Mara" that you encounter.

Friday, July 20, 2012

She has returned!

Yay!  Becky has returned from camp - she had an amazing time and is already looking forward to going back next year.  One of her favorite groups performed - The Afters.  She enjoyed all the speakers and performances.
So thankful for the showers that came threw this evening - cooled it off a little bit and watered that cracked ground!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Bread or Poverty

"He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty." Proverbs 28:19 NIV

I was reading my devotions this morning and it was in regards to Proverbs 28:19.  They used the NIV version - and I do not ever remember reading this version of this verse before.  The devotion was warning about keeping your relationship vertical, going to God and listening for His direction before acting on a whim.  It talked about hearing what He says - how to proceed - and then actually obeying His instruction.  It is ok to go after opportunities but ONLY when using the Holy Spirt as your filter.  Some of the greatest "dangers" can arise when we engage ourselves in activites in which God never intended us to be involved.  This version of the Proverbs 28:19 made me think of all those get rich schemes that are out there.  Remember to pray and seek wisdom before jumping into something and always be a hard worker!

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
Just in case you were gonna look at it - here is the KJV of this verse


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

A little sign

this is what I did this evening -
felt a little bit crafty
therefore
I made a welcome back sign for Midge when she returns later this week.
It always helps send away the "miss ya bug" to see the pictures they upload each day
but they haven't been able to get a good signal
therefore haven't posted any from there.
Looking forward to her safe return and stories about the week!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

As if dying...


Isn't that powerful?  It sure makes me think about how I treat others - my reactions and attitudes.
You will be seeing more thoughts along these lines in the near future on my blog.
I know this is powerful living not just for those living this way but to those around them too.

One of my favorite country songs is...
Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiOcW_YR1G8

Are you pondering what you would change in your daily life?

What would you do if you knew you only had days,weeks, months left to live?
Wouldn't it be awesome to be able to answer the question like this...
I would do what I do every day!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Chuck's New Ride & Heading to Camp


Chuck's New Ride
Thank you to each of you who made it possible!
He is pleased with his new vehicle.


Preparing to leave for camp


Getting ready to leave for a week of awesomeness!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Good Tired

Do you ever have one of those days that you just drop into bed by the end of the day and literally pass out?  I will be out as soon as I log off of here!
Whew - it was a busy day!
Woke, made breakfast, ate - loaded the dishwasher and got it going.
Becca and I headed to the camp meeting and Sunday School.
The Boys did the same but they headed to take Chuck to work.
On the way back - stopped by the bank, then Walmart to pick up a few last minute items.
Once we were home, we started cleaning again.  The main focus today was the kitchen.
We all headed out to look at a possible car for Chuck.  Yeah - NO - wasn't the one.
We were all hungry, so we swung into Panchos and had lunch.
We saw the Peters and the Woodsons and talked a few minutes before leaving.
The house still required a few more chores.  One of which, was cleaning the deep fryer and adding fresh oil.  I really don't like cleaning that appliance.  Dishes, counters, stove, floors and picked up a bit.  Charles and Becca were a big help.  We then put together the beans, bbque sauce and batter.
Time for Charles' haircut - gave him a quick buzz.
I headed to pick Chuck up, while Charles and Becca got the fish fry going.
Thank you Lord for the rain!  It was POURING almost 1/2 way out there, most of the cars on the highway were going 45 or less.  The ones that still had to fly would throw the water on the windshield blinding those they passed!  The water was high on the roads, until I got to the interchange and went north.  The roads were nearly dry. 
Once Chuck was done we headed home for a dry ride.
We enjoyed conversation with MaMaw and Granddad and a delicious fish/shrimp fry prepared with excellence by my sweet husband.  It was a nice evening of fellowship and delicious dinner.
We cleaned up the kitchen after they headed home, prepared for morning,  and doctored Major's toe a little bit.  He has a sore toe.
Becca's double checking her bag to make sure she has everything for camp.
Charles is organizing his books.
Chuck is playing a game.
I am finishing this and going to bed.
It was a busy day, we are all tired, but it is a good tired.
Good night!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Eye Doctor and Hair Cut

New Tennies
 The typical visit to our eye doctor - He is awesome and his staff is too!
Machine # 1
Machine # 2
(The beloved puff of air!) - She did good - only had to do it once per eye!
Machine #3
preparing the optimap for her yearly x-rays
looked great - she has healthy eyes and no changes from last year
Machine # 4
checking oxygen levels in her eyes
I think? - anyway - also great report!
squinting while she waits - it's official she needs glasses to see - ha ha!
she was summoning the Dr. to come to the room to complete her exam -
it was funny right after she did that - he assistant walked in  - lol!
went to see Claudia for a much needed haircut
lots of dead ends hit the floor
pretty hair is a must for camp, you know!





Friday, July 13, 2012

Birthday Wishes and Being Specific

to your Uncle David and your cousin Andy...

Charles put together the stuffed bacon wrapped chicken for tomorrow - it's gonna be good!

Asking for and looking for something very specific  - can't wait until God answers!
It's a small request but can't wait until He answers to show his power and blessings.
I've been told to ask specifically and with faith when we need or want something.
This prayer is one I KNOW HE is going to answer - just not sure when.  Now if only I would have this mustard seed faith with the every request!

I can't wait to blog when he leads me to it!  ;0)

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Night sky


Trying to capture a bright orange sun sinking on the horizon
The prettiest clouds just behind the trees
A bigger view of the clouds in the night sky
We had a lightning show - so excited when the lightning was finally captured (only took about 50 tries ;0)
  I just logged my steps - finally I reached 750,000 steps - this 250,000 took me 42 days!  
1,000,000 here I come!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Great Evening

What a nice evening!  My husband bought some yummy food to make!  My sister-in-law brought over some sweet treats and then we got to spend a few hours together.  We headed out to see Lindsay at work, and to pick Chuck up.  We grabbed a little snack while we waited for him and enjoyed a little rain shower as we drove. 
My family surprised me with a few more gifts!  I am so blessed!




Monday, July 9, 2012

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Relaxing

We didn't do much today. Everyone was home today which was nice. We watched movies, played games and relaxed. That was a nice way to spend the last day of vacation!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Quit Tripping

Do you ever feel like a clutz? 
Have you been walking along and just fell to the ground?  Maybe your ankle twists and down you go, or an uneven sidewalk brings you to your knees.  The path could be dimly lit and the root protruding from the ground could catch your foot and cause your face to be planted on the earth before you can catch yourself.  I would have to say, I have experienced every type of fall you can think of.  My family even has sound effects that they can share which have resulted from my “graceful” landings. 
Here are a few visuals for fun.


Did you know we can spiritually fall down too?
Guess what - again I'm guilty? - You too?
I was reading in 2 Peter and came across something that can prevent the fall. 
 It is pretty clear in 2 Peter 2: 10.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

What things prevent the fall?  I definitely need this.  Falling down hurts in both regards.  Physically it usually leaves a bruise, scrap or sometimes even a broken bone. 
 Spiritually it can do plenty of damage too.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
Grace and peace be given to you more and more, because now you know God and Jesus our Lord.

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Jesus has the power of God. And his power has given us everything we need to live a life devoted to God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus chose us by his glory and goodness,

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
through which he also gave us the very great and rich gifts that he promised us. With these gifts you can share in being like God. And so you will escape the ruin that comes to people in the world because of the evil things they want.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
 Because you have these blessings, do all you can to add to your life these things: to your faith add goodness; to your goodness add knowledge;

And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
 to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add patience; to your patience add devotion to God;

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
to your devotion add kindness toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, and to this kindness add love.

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 If all these things are in you and growing, you will never fail to be useful to God. You will produce the kind of fruit that should come from your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
 But those who don’t grow in these blessings are blind. They cannot see clearly what they have. They have forgotten that they were cleansed from their past sins.

God Has Given Us Everything We Need

Faith
Virtue or Goodness
Knowledge
Temperance or Self-Control
Patience
Godliness
Brotherly Kindess
Charity or Love

When we do these things we will not fall.

Black Verses - KJV
Blue Verses - Easy to Read Bible


Thursday, July 5, 2012

Accomplished a Few Things

Here are Becca's curtains - I finally finished one window!
The sheer is a pretty shade of dark purple.
The panels are an iridescent purple with black flocking.  

I've done a little mending over the past week.  
Most of Charles and Chuck's pants are hemmed to a better length.
Becca's shorts are hemmed and a few holes patched up.  My jeans have been resized.  We just can't part with them once we break them in!
The quilt has been patched up.

I need to measure the panels for Becca's other window and get those finished up.
I would like to make a scarf or two before heading back to work next week.
I need to pull my quilting projects out again and keep working at them - maybe I will finish them one day!


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to our wonderful Mom/Gramma!
We wish we could be up there to celebrate with you, and wanted you to know that we love you and miss you very much!

Gramma always gets to celebrate with a bang!

Happy 4th - God Bless America!









Uncle Tim, Kim, Misti and Becca and Chico enjoyed some time at the lake today!
I heard that Chico was Captain of the raft - lol!

Major is funny - the garage door was up a little bit when Chuck and I left to pick up dinner.  He was shoving his nose out as far as he could to let us know he wanted to go too.


Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Good Report

Charles got a good report at the Dr. today.  Thank you Lord for your healing hand.  The Dr. was surprised at his progress.  It looks much, much better and in just a weeks time.  He still has to keep it up and apply the ointment and should be good as new very soon!

Monday, July 2, 2012

Fitness Fun

I joined Becca this evening and had some fitness fun.
Biggest Loser on the Wii - Becca is quite the drill sergeant I will have you know!  If my technique is off - she sets me straight.  I am definitely not at her and Misti's fitness level.
I then had some fun on wii fit.  

That obstacle course wears my legs out and that ball sent me flying!



This guy was stocking the cooler with watermelon and as he walked by Becca laughed and said - "There's your buggy!"  I'm not sure why - but I have been addicted to watermelon this summer and have bought it every week.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Get Back to it!

Every Day is a New Beginning!  Take a Deep Breath and Begin Again!



Yesterday you said tomorrow - so guess what - It's time to get back to it today!

Charles' leg is much better - we plan to get steppin together today!  He will take it slow but he is motivated to go! 
It is time for me to reach my million step goal and add another goal or two and get back on track!