Worth It All

In my previous posts, I alluded to the busyness and chaos that this season and time in our life has brought us. Christmas was becoming a list of chores and things to do and check off from a list of the scatterbrained and overtaxed workaholics in this family. I was pretty discouraged by it all, and my heart was crying for some moment in time where I could enjoy what Christmas was really about. I just did not see how it was going to happen, and I feared it would soon be past and I would be left wishing I could have enjoyed it.
Tonight our church put on a Christmas program called The Cradle to the Crown. Words can't describe the depth of meaning and emotion that poured out of me tonight as I sat there in that hushed audience and watched the plot and storyline unfold. God heard my heart's cry and tonight I was able to capture that meaning and spirit of Christmas. It will make the actual day worth it all now that I have had this time of worship and praise to my Heavenly Father for His wondrous gift of salvation encased in the God-man, Jesus.
After coming home, James and I had our chance finally to share in our special tradition of blaring out our favorite Christmas carols and instrumentals and it just never seems complete without sharing that special quirk of ours. :)

My Christmas is already complete even before December 25th arrives.
It will be worth is all when we see Jesus...
What is it worth to you?

day by day

Gooood morning! There is an old hymn that really applies to this time of year for us.

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.


The rest of the hymn is great, and I hope you will look the rest of the words up for "Day by Day".

Each day, Ted and I sync up and make a list of everything that we need to take care of for work or Christmas. He is in a situation right now with one of his stores that is keeping him away from the family except for a few days here and there until after Christmas. Today, we are trying to finish the last of the shopping as one more thing to mark off our list. With my new job and his busy one there has really been no time to even reflect, relax, or relish the season this year. It has made this Christmas more of a chore then a pleasure, but there has been no other way. God knows this situation and is working it out in His good pleasure to bring glory to Himself.

On a great note of praise, the court case against James was dropped last weekend! He was to meet with an arbitrator today, but the plaintiffs have dropped their case. Praise our Wonderful Lord, each step of the way through this whole situation has shown forth God's mysterious ways of working.

Taking each day at a time...

Superhero Soliloquy

Making History

OK so this title is about the only salute to the date or at least it was the date yesterday. I just realized that it's no longer 12/12/12. Oh well....
What am I doing up at this time of the night? I don't know either, I fully expected to be drooling and snoring by now.
My job- actually enjoying it for the most part, still challenging and always learning something new each time. Being on my feet for 5 hours straight is an adjustment physically. I thank God for my job, and my boss says she thinks I am the answer to her prayer. We are both cautiously taking that at face value since I am so new to this type of work. One of the other jobs I applied for earlier sent me the nicest rejection email. I think I should frame it!

Last Saturday I had my assistant teach our teen class about Cain and Abel. I left them with the thought -if God is still talking to us about Abel after 6000 years.... what would He tell others about Us?? How are we going down in history? Are we an example of Christ shining out to others, or are we nobodys that just wasted our days like a vapor? Then, our Preacher even mentioned Cain and Abel in his Sunday message.

My job allows me to be an active example of Christ to a lost world... I try to be very mindful of it. Then tonight, I was thinking back on all the people that I used to chat with online and wondered, after all this time, what sort of memory do they have of my testimony. Our Pastor talked about justification tonight and the thought struck me again, people remember every little wrong done to them, myself included... but when God justifies us through the blood of Jesus it's not just forgiven--its like it never happened! So many times I wonder if things could have been said or done differently for different situations throughout my life,but then I remember Jesus has buried my past.... it's time to let it go.
So, yesterday is now officially history, today is here, tomorrow may dawn in Heaven.... is our life something that God will mention in "His Story"?

Green Christmas

Living in North Carolina especially during the Christmas and winter seasons, one would think global warming was a real problem. I just took a moment to gaze out my front window and realized the grass really should be mowed. Today is December 1st and my yard needs mowing.... in NY that would have been unbelievable! A heavy frost is usually the extent of what Carolina snow looks like in our region. Occasionally, we will get some snow or ice, but it never sticks around very long.

Today is the day I usually start decorating the house and yard for Christmas. I must confess that with 2 sick boys and a wore out husband it doesn't motivate me to start decorating.

This morning, I finished the preliminary computer work necessary to start my new job. Yes! God answered my prayers and I have a part time job!!! It will be revisiting a skill set that I haven't used in many years! So our Christmas season will be a little "greener" then we had hoped.

Well, before I start a mini project that has been nagging to be finished, let me leave you a sneak peak of my Sweet 16 niece from the photo shoot we did for her birthday.

Butterfly Vomit

What a "lovely" title to this post, eh? I have been sort of dragging my feet about job hunting. In the past, it seemed that God just dropped a job into my lap. I have been spoiled in the sense that I haven't had to go out and hunt a job like most people do at frequent points in their lives. I put in some applications online, with hopes and a prayer, but it seems God is testing my trust even further.
Tuesday, I climbed into my truck and headed for south of the border. At my first stop, I was so scared, that my butterflies started vomiting in my stomach. I walked into the place and nearly panicked, after wandering around trying to gather courage and failing miserably I found a familiar face from church. This unexpected surprise calmed me enough to ask for an application from her. I went back out to the truck to fill it out. The butterflies in my stomach "ramped up" full force again, and bile rose in my mouth. I was scared sick! I finished by sheer will power and walked back in and turned my application into the office. Then I drove as fast as I could to a nearby shop where a friend works. I sorely needed another friendly face. My stop there lead to putting in an application with her and having an interview! I knew I couldn't handle any more, and I went home where I spent the rest of that day and night wishing that the butterflies in my stomach would migrate to the tropics! Wednesday, I cowardly spent the day at home until church time.

Today, I girded my loins and went to the places that I had still on my list. The first place wants someone for breakfast hostess at 4:30am!!!!! I probably would have had an interview there but the inspector was coming and everyone was in panic mode. Oddly enough, I think my butterflies metamorphosed into them instead. I then stopped at my next place. I was greeted so pleasantly and the atmosphere was very calming and pleasant. While there, God sent another unexpected employee that I knew to chat with me, and she was thrilled to see me! I had prayed for her for years, and she finally got back into church. Now it seems that maybe she needs my prayers again. She was verbally recommending me to her manager as he walked by us. I finished the application and was able to have a brief interview with another manager standing there who was going to pass it along to the department I applied for. I might have to get a job the normal way, but through it all God has given me friendly faces to make things easier. I don't know what job He wants me to have, and I earnestly desire to do His will.

I think they should bottle butterfly vomit and sell it as a home defense weapon. That stuff is debilitating and toxic!

His Life for Mine

Many thoughts have run through my mind for this blog post. This is a month of Thanksgiving where we emphasize the blessings that God has provided and bestowed. Due to a strange turn of events that still leaves me baffled, I resigned from my job. This spiritual journey of totally trusting God is even more amplified as now I seek another job- one that He wants me to have. The weeks spent agonizing over this decision brought Ted and I so close to the Lord. Now, it seems we are just waiting to see what else He will do in our lives. I find myself distracted but eagerly anticipating each new day, wondering if this will be the day He shows me the job where He wants me to serve Him.

We spent Thanksgiving with Tim and Jen and our Kountry Kudzu family vine. What a blessing each family member is as we draw closer to each other. Black Friday was spent moving Mark and Amy and Ronn and Gayle as they switched houses. Saturday was a special day devoted to my niece who turned Sweet Sixteen. Every year since she turned 13, I have made it a point to take her out for a special day for her birthday. She looks forward to it all year long, and I put alot of effort into it each year to make it memorable. What a sweet girl she is and yearns to serve our Lord. What alot of fun and laughs we had yesterday as we got her hair done, had a mini photo shoot, and then went out for supper together. It's hard to believe that the little tot that Ted's sister adopted so many years ago is now 16!!!
Today, our Sunday school class gathered for a lunch of yummy crockpot soups and a time spent making old fashioned Christmas decorations for the upcoming season.

James is hoping to hear tomorrow if he was hired for a second job in the same plaza that he works in now. Justin is doing well on his third shift job. Ted stays busy with his position for his company.

We are so blessed, but more so because without Christ giving His life for ours, we wouldn't even be able to face another day.

Will you pray with us that God will show me the job He wants me to have and still be able to be the wife and mother that He wants me to be?

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Stand our Ground

Ted and I have been going through a tough spiritual journey right now, and we yearn to do only what the Lord tells us. That doesn't mean our flesh doesn't want to raise up and confound the issues. I went to bed in the wee hours of this morning with the turmoil hovering under the thin veil of peace. When I awoke these few hours later, I woke to a song ringing forth in my head and heart. The strong peace was there and I thought I would share the words that were resounding through my head and heart.

Are you going through a valley, one like you have never known before? With so many songs of encouragement to help, I am glad God chose this chorus to wake me up this morning.


There are things we won't give over.
There are things worth fightin' for.
The book and the blood and the rugged cross
One faith, one way, one Lord.
When the world, and the flesh, and the devil press on,
And try to tear our strongholds down,
We will stand our ground.

Read more: http://artists.letssingit.com/kingdom-heirs-lyrics-we-will-stand-our-ground-xbk96hf#ixzz2C6nkLGRI
LetsSingIt - Your favorite Music Community

Happy Birthday

Today is an extremely special day for me. Today I turn 36 years old!!! For those of you who know me you are already questioning my sanity as I just celebrated my 40th birthday a little more then a week ago.
Thirty-six years ago some time before noon on this date, I gave my heart to Jesus. As I sit here and think of the various milestones and the mountains and valleys in my walk with Jesus, I realize just how hard it is to put into words, that is unless you know Him you can't begin to understand how precious a relationship with the Lord truly is.

This year has been quite the exercise in trust. I think of all the various trials and tribulations that have transpired this year, and then before I can begin to feel overwhelmed, God reminds me how He has been taking care of each circumstance.... I just have to trust Him.
Although His main lesson has been to trust Him more this year, there have been secondary lessons. For example, many times I have been on what seems to be autopilot, and He has to grab my attention and focus back on Him. Another lesson has been having a thankful heart, when someone wrongs me or irritates me, I need to pray a prayer of thanksgiving for them. God is teaching me to keep a thankful spirit even when people including(especially) believers wrong me. The more you pray for someone, the less you desire ill will towards them.

This week has been physically difficult as I fell last Tuesday and mashed my knees up really bad. There is nearly constant pain, but what I have struggled with the most is that it's nearly impossible to kneel at the altar to pray. The very position of kneeling at the altar is one of humility,repentance, and submission. I will be so thankful when my knees heal so that I can bow all of me in reverence and honor to my Lord and Savior.

Thank You Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank You Lord, for making me whole,
Thank You Lord, for giving to me, They great salvation so rich and Free
Thank You Lord, for your blessings on me

The Sound of His Coming

VERSE 1
I can hear the sound of His coming everywhere
In the headlines resounding by the score
It may be another earthquake or just another war
But to every child of God it's something more
And when I hear the sound of marching
Hear the song of battle cry
Then I know my Lord is coming
Even now it may be nigh

CHORUS
And I can hear the sound of His coming everywhere
They're getting louder and louder each day
And they'll crescendo until that great and final sound
When the trumpet shall call me away

VERSE 2
I can hear the sound of fig leaves
Rustling in the summer breeze
As I see the Lord restore Jerusalem
And I can hear a sound from heaven
As a rushing mighty wind
As God pours His spirit out upon all men
And when I hear revival sounds
Not just here but everywhere
Then I know it's almost over
I can feel it in the air

CHORUS
And I can hear the sound of His coming everywhere
They're getting louder and louder each day
And they'll crescendo until that great and final sound
When the trumpet shall call me away

TAG
And they'll crescendo until that great and final sound
When the trumpet shall call me away

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yesterday our services were geared to Going Home to Heaven... I love my church and pastor and just praising God... I want to be praising Him the very moment He comes for His bride. Today, I was feeling tired and trying to remember to be thankful, and along comes this old song on the radio that I haven't heard since I was up north. I just had to make sure I shared it.
I am still expecting.... are you???

Are you Expecting?

Reading my devotions this morning, keeping track of the latest news in the Middle East, and meditating on our Pastor's current message theme of the Rapture has me in a spirit of expectation. We focus so much on being watchful and ready for when the Lord shall come. It truly is exciting, but this morning in my devotions I realized that Christ is so excited about this too! We are HIS Bride!!! He can't wait for us to come be with Him either!!!! It doesn't stop there with the Rapture though. He is expecting the time when He will be King of all the earth and the devil will be in his eternal torment.

Hebrews 10:12 "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.




Are you expecting His return??? HE IS!!!!

The bigger picture

http://www.shelbystar.com/lifestyles/faith/faith-columns/column-if-you-are-grieving-look-outside-of-the-dot-1.23581

Not Just Another Manic Monday

Friday started off a series of good days for me. Today is Monday on the calendar, but it was a very productive uneventful day for once. Justin has a fire started in the fireplace, and I finished a book and am thinking about a cup of coffee. God knew that I needed to have a few peaceful days to counteract the stressed feeling I was carrying around with me lately.
"Ain't God good to give us so many blessings,
Undeserving, that's what we are.
We ought to thank Him, love and praise Him,
A little more today, and a whole lot more tomorrow."

The Weight that so easily besets us

What a rollercoaster this week has been for me. By Friday evening I made a very emotional decision and the finality of it was a relief. The problem was - God did not seem to agree with my decision and my prayers and angst hit the proverbial but literal brick wall. I was more upset by not being in fellowship with my Heavenly Father then by what brought this whole issue to it's climatic "end". I cried, I ranted, I raved, I came pretty close to a pity party rolled up into a tantrum. Ted and I talked through the whole weekend about this situation. He supported me, but when the dust started to settle he started to speak words of wisdom and spiritual guidance. He began listing all the things that God might be teaching me... and he started naming the very lessons that God had in fact been showing me the past year. I calmed down and realized that maybe the situation I was in was difficult, but that God wanted me in it for HIS reasons. The brick wall started dissolving, and although I did not like that God was still telling me to continue onward and trust Him, I knew that was the best decision.

I still didn't feel like the fellowship was completely restored, and I was concerned about entering God's House today and not being able to worship or that my struggle would keep someone else from being able to worship. I had to apologize to God for having an emotional melt down and making a decision without His guidance. I kept seeking peace and not quite finding it.
After lunch today, Ted made some cookies and I went to take a nap. I had the sweetest dream, something I haven't had in a very long time. I woke up thanking God for family, and praying for the various members that I had encountered in my dream. Moving forward, I am going to totally trust God even when I am emotional. It doesn't matter whether I am in the right or not, what matters is- if I have put God first and let Him take care of those situations in life.
Life is but a vapor, don't let it become a weight that keeps you from serving the Lord.

The Land of the Living

Yesterday began very early for me, and I am NOT a morning person. I knew I needed to start the very long, busy day with a spiritual energy boost from the Word of God. Whenever I need something strong and quick, I go straight to the Psalms. I opened it up to Psalm 116 and began reading and absorbing the mirrored expression of how I felt. When I got to verse 15 I understood why the Lord had me read this passage.
I then got ready for a special 75th birthday breakfast for a lady who faithfully volunteers at the Mission Agency. At the end of July she suffered a heart attack, and it's been a very slow recovery for her. She kept saying how thankful she was to be alive.
Psalm 116:9 made me think of her - "I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living."

After work, I ate a short meal and got ready to go with Gayle(second mother in love) and other special family/friends to a Taste of Home cooking show. We had alot of fun, but it kept reminding me of Momma and her tips and recipes. You see, today is Momma's birthday. If I have my years correct, she turns 60 today. I can't celebrate her birthday with her today, but God gave me verse 15 to remind me that she is not just another face in the sea of saints in Heaven. Verse 15 says "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." God knows my name and He knows hers and counts us both precious.
So, although I still walk in the land of the living, I pray that I will walk before the Lord, so that should I pass from this life to the next, God will comfort others with verse 15 of Psalm 116.

Happy Birthday, Momma, we love you and will see you very soon!

More Monday Musings

Why is it that I seem to post more on Mondays then any other day of the week? Probably because I am still meditating on the lessons of the past week and the message from church the day before.
Things get really hectic especially if I don't stop and decide what is important and what can wait until later. You can call this procrastination or prioritizing depends on how you value your time and your worth.
Today, I earnestly desired to do first what I knew was most important, and God made it happen for me. I thanked Him for helping me to stay sane today, in spite of how busy it was projected to be.

I came home with the beginnings of a migraine though, and the need for a nap. Many of you know that my surgery 2 years ago decreased the major migraines I used to suffer from due to abnormal hormone levels. Every once in awhile I will get a migraine again, and as they have recalled the medicine I used to take, I have to nearly overdose on something that just takes forever to work. This leaves me feeling ill and even more sleepy and just rough! I did manage to get alot of laundry started and finally was able to get off the couch to eat some supper. My headache is back down to a dull roar although the nausea hasn't gone away yet.

James is at college tonight working on his Associates in Bible degree. Justin mowed the yard, grilled his own supper, and is now watching a funny movie(he is laughing alot and exclaiming over different parts, so it must be good). Please pray that both will follow God's leading in jobs and decisions. James is hoping for more hours on his job, and Justin is trying so hard to just get a job!
Ted is working hard as usual and is fighting the respiratory infection that is sweeping across the community.

The Lord has directed my devotional time to the book of Daniel... I am looking forward to what He wants to show me. I normally start at the beginning of the book, but so far He has had me skipping around in the chapters. It's intriguing!

Our Super Teens class is starting at the Beginning, I can't believe how much I am learning. It feels as if I had somehow just skimmed through Creation without realizing just how much I seemed to have missed over all these years of "knowing all about it".

Well, this seems to be the extent of my mostly coherent thought process.
See you next time... probably on a Monday, months later LOL.

"Labor" Day

Today is Labor Day, which has put me in a quandary of sorts. As it's my only day off for the next while, I need to rest and relax. Resting, though, makes me feel guilty with so much housework to do.

After discussing it with Ted, he insisted I needed the day off. I was able to sleep in, and get alot of my laundry started. All the guys slept in and have the day off from their jobs too.

The boys received their chore list so that the house will get clean. Ted is making lunch and baking cookies, and I am trying very hard to take it easy. I am trying NOT to work on Labor Day, by letting everyone else do some work around me.
Well, it's lunch time and I am going to have to force myself to relax and not feel guilty about it either.
Hope y'all have a great Labor Day, whether you labor or not.

'Bout to Burst!

Have you ever had so many thoughts running through your head, or so much you want to say but don't know where to start?
The entire focus of our church and family discussions right now is the Rapture. Yeh, you know that event where if you don't have an RSVP written across your heart - you won't get to go?

Time is so short you can feel it! Jesus is Coming!!! I look around at all the people who just don't care that their entire lives will be lost forever and ever! Then, I look at all those who say they are saved by the blood of the Lamb, and yet don't want to leave the "party" here on earth.


I am so excited about going that I am "bout to burst", but then I see all those who are choosing not to go with us, and it makes me so sad I want to burst into tears instead.

Are you bursting full of joy at going to Heaven? Or are you going to burst Hell wide open because you ignored or rejected the invitation to Heaven?

We Salute...

Not too long ago our local news shared how one of our local soldier boys was killed in action in Afghanistan. He is connected to a family in our church, even attended our church years ago when he was younger. From all accounts he is now in Heaven, but today, we said our farewells throughout the county to one of our fallen heroes.

The funeral procession came down the road where I work, and we all stood out as they passed with salutes and hands over our hearts honoring our soldiers and military. Tears ran down my face as I thought again of the price he paid to keep us free.

I hope I see this young man in Heaven, with thousands of others soldiers who fought to keep America free. Most of all, I can't wait to see my greatest Hero Who died on the cross to give me eternal freedom.


All gave some.... but some have given all.... what have you given to share Christ with others?

August Awes

Alot of what I have posted lately has been spiritual, but not necessarily personal.


I would be remiss if I didn't extend Birthday Greetings to those in my family who are celebrating.

From July, we wish to say Happy Birthday to my brother David, my sister-in-love Amy, and my niece Emily.


For August, we celebrated Ted's birthday with a huge feast at Maggianos.

Today is my father's birthday - Happy Birthday, Dad.

Tomorrow is my nephew Luke's 16th birthday, we celebrated tonight with a surprise birthday party for him.

And Mark and Amy had their 20th Anniversary, while my parents will celebrate their anniversary later this month.

Congratulations on Dad(Ted's Dad) and Annette's anniversary as well.


We love you all and pray God's blessings upon each of you.

"Post" It

As teacher of our Super Teen Class in our bus ministry at church I am always looking for ways to help our youth learn about God and also share Him with others. This year's theme has been about telling others about Christ. We have done various projects and challenges to help them to witness. In this digital age with all sorts of social networking sites along with texting capabilities by phone, it's paramount that we utilize these resources when we witness. One of my prayer captains had posted on her blog a special card she had made for her father's birthday. It used various candy to spell out words in her message. The idea inspired me, and God finally let me use it yesterday in our class.

Each prayer group had to make a poster using candy wrappers to spell out a message that could be used as a witness tool. The added challenge wasn't to see who could get sick on all the candy, but who would be willing enough to "POST" their posters on their social networks, or send the picture by phone to someone else. They had alot of fun eating candy and creating their own team messages with the candy wrappers. I took a picture of each one and will post it here as my way of helping them get their message about Christ out to my own sphere of the world.

First we have the boys and their short sweet message:

Next we have the poster that was created by our first group of girls(their prayer captain is the one who planted the idea in my head).

Thirdly, the second group of girls went straight for the Scripture and spelled out this verse using letters from all the candy wrappers. The last part " It's up 2 U" reminds us all that it's a choice to accept or reject Christ, to Live for Him or not, and to tell others about Him.

It's up to us to witness... are you "Posting" about Christ?

Leaping Lizards? Lying Lobsters? No, it's the Liebster Award

My wonderful friend Kristi of Thimble Thoughts has awarded me with the Liebster Award.

Rules for the Liebster Award are as follows: (1) Post 11 things about yourself, (2) Answer the questions that your nominating blogger has set for you and then create 11 questions for your nominees, (3) choose up to 11 blogs to nominate and link them in your post, (4) go to their respective blogs and let them know, and (5) no tag backs!

Here are 11 random things about myself- I love the color blue, I can't swim, spiders are creepy except writing spiders, sleeping in and then enjoying a great cup of coffee is like a mini vacation. My heart still leaps in my chest when my husband calls me or comes through the door. Reading a good book is better to me even then enjoying an amazing Italian dinner. My husband's affirmation and confidence in me makes me feel like I can slay giants. I hate talking on the phone. I am partially deaf, and for years I had lost my sense of smell. Last random quirk about me at least for this list -I have a huge imagination and write books in my head(putting it all on paper or computer is too time consuming).
This passing along of the blogging award comes with the responsibility of answering some personal questions. Here are the questions that Kristi has asked of me.


1) What was the most significant event that happened in your life to lead you where you are today?
I can honestly say it was when Jesus saved me at the age of 4. Without His loving, strong guidance I do not know where I would be today or if I would even be alive. I can think of some other stepping stones along the way, but I know they were orchestrated by God as He was molding me for His glory.

2) What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?
Wow, as I think of this question, so many verses from various parts of Scripture pop into my head, but I really think the Book of Psalms speaks to every aspect of our human soul. Suffering, praise, meditating on God's work in our lives, and the pouring out our angst and human uncertainty to our Creator Father. Psalms teaches us how we can be human with our Maker, and that in spite of our weak, frail flesh He loves us any way.

3) What is it about your husband that first caught your attention? And how has he kept it through the years?
I think what caught my attention is that he seemed comfortable in his own skin, meaning that he didn't care about popular fads or what the crowd was doing. He exuded confidence in who he was and how he carried himself. The first time I saw him he was walking down to receive an award during a talent competition. The next time he really caught my eye was when he was walking down the sidewalk at college, and he didn't swagger or strut as many young men like to do. He just seemed at peace with who he was, and that caught my eye. This was appealing because I am rarely comfortable in my own skin. After all these years, I know that he is just as insecure at times as I am, but his strength and personal acceptance of who he is reminds me that I don't have to be like someone else. I love so many things about him, but the way he loves me for who I am and accepts that I am a work in progress is paramount even after all these years together. I need to just be myself and let God mold me into His image.

4) What is your favorite style of shoe and why?
Ok, this question is funny because I actually despise shoes or at least the wearing of shoes. I am a sock person, a fluffy soft sock is my preference, but I adore knee high socks especially ones with different designs on them. So I would have to say the shoe that is my favorite is one that fits me, feels comfortable and looks attractive all at the same time... if you find this rare commodity let me know!

5) If you could become a new character in your favorite book, what book would it be and what would your name be?
I am a bookworm! My name would be Cassandra, Cassie to those who love me, and I would have to find a spot in one of Lori Wick's or Dee Henderson's books.

6) Have you pinned any DIY projects to pinterest and if so, how many have you done?
Well, I rarely have looked at Pinterest, but I saw someone do something they saw on it, and I am going to do my variation of it with my Super Teen Class on Saturday. I think that sort of qualifies as "1".

7) What is your favorite thing to do when you find yourself alone in your clean, quiet house?
A clean, quiet house is so rare, but I would probably do a range of things like listen to praise music, read a favorite book, or watch a favorite movie, if I wasn't in the mood for any of those and hadn't already fallen asleep, then I would be daydreaming.
8) If you could tell a brand new mother one thing, what would it be?
Love your children fiercely, but don't be afraid to use the word "NO" and use necessary discipline right from the start. Babies are extremely intelligent and can understand when they do something they shouldn't.

9) I give you a thousand dollars. What will you do with it?
Sigh, this is hard for me because first of all Kristi did NOT give me $1,000. Secondly, although I want to pay my bills, and give to missions, this imaginary $1,000 doesn't go very far anymore. Between wanting to help my boys get through college, or put it towards a house or vehicle it all seems so little in those aspects. I think I would buy 1 special gift for all my family and friends as a token of my appreciation for them.

10) A thief breaks into your house in the middle of the night. Where will you hide?
I am laughing at this question, because a year ago I would have hoped I could slide under my bed fast enough, and then pray a loved one would be able to pull me back out later. This year though, I think the intruder will wish he had chosen to walk the straight and narrow and stayed out of my house. If I hide, it will be on the floor where he can't see me, but where I can "pray and spray, or aim and maim".

11) What is your favorite time of day and why?
I have two favorite times, one is where I get the chance to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning with my husband, we do try to do this as often as we can. The second would be that time of night where it's not quite bedtime, but everything is done and we are relaxing and settling down from the stresses of the day. This usually settles me down enough so that I can have quiet time with my Heavenly Father. Both times are so precious to me, that I never feel quite right unless I have been able to enjoy both ends of the day.
The Liebster Award is a pass-it-along award. I really do not know of too many other bloggers these days who are active. The blogs I follow are of missionaries or something I stumble across. The only blog that I faithfully follow is Thimble Thoughts and she said no "tag-backs".
Thanks Kristi, for wanting me to participate in this and the questions you picked to ask were very contemplative. You are my Sunshine.

Pssst!

Guess What?! It's Monday again.... but I won't tell anyone if you don't!.

Work for nearly all week, along with VBS, but Friday is a special day for the love of my life. Services again helped me yesterday, reminding me to give my basket to the Lord and let Him use it. God reminded me to trust Him, draw close to Him, and watch the pride that often creeps in before I even realize it's there.


I do have a couple of prayer requests:
Ted's job has become even more stressful with some new hiring standards or lack thereof that have been implemented. His stress tends to bleed off on me even when he tries not to, so we both go around feeling stressed or doubly so. Good reminder to let God have the reins and stop worrying so much.


James got laid off from his job, he thought it was going to be temp-to-hire based on all the remarks they made to him. They really seemed to like his work and commitment, but they decided it would just stay temporary. He is between jobs right now and is feeling the financial pressure and the urge to get a job. I am glad he has a good work ethic and feels the God given need to be working.


Justin needs a job, but no one has called him back on his applications. We aren't sure how the transportation will work out, we are hoping he gets a job somewhere on the route to my work or something.


Personally, I just want to be the wife and mother that my family needs, and that is someone who is serving the Lord faithfully and wholeheartedly. The teen class in our bus ministry has been such a blessing to me as I try to follow God's leading, and guide that class to a closer walk with the Lord. Sometimes you wonder if anything is getting through and then God tips the basket just enough for you to see the abundance of bread inside.

So yeh it's Monday, but it is the day which the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Monday, but Someday...

You know it's Monday when:

All the vehicles you own including the weedeater and lawn mower have major issues

You want to choke someone

When your fingers don't hit the right keys

Your cat has worms... again

You realize that all the food you bought over the weekend is nearly gone

You aren't sure what to make for supper

You can't decide if screaming is worth the trouble

You really want to just strangle something

You have mounds of clean laundry only slightly higher then the mounds of dirty laundry, and no energy to balance the equation

Your child covers the car in mowed grass

Your child smacks the newly filled hummingbird feeder and dumps its entire contents into the grass

You try to mash potatoes and only end up with a mess to clean up on the floor

Throwing the cat off the porch didn't relieve the stress

Hours later and you still haven't touched the laundry

BUT.......

Monday comes AFTER Sunday for a reason...
Yesterday's services were wonderful, and I felt very close to Heaven as if I had a jump start on the Rapture. I can't wait to get to Heaven where every day will be a GREAT DAY!! SOMEDAY soon!!! What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see....

Tomorrow is Tuesday, and hence I can't repeat today even if I tried.

I saw a church sign that said "Get Rich - Count your Blessings!"

I have far more blessings to count then my "Monday Miseries".....

Oh, and since I proof read for a living, I had to snicker at someone's typo today online "Kill the dog with rabbis." Hmmmmm?

Anyway, a good book and a cool bath after working in the yard finally calmed my need to annihilate something.... for now....off to read my Bible, thank God for my blessings, try to laugh over today's comedy of errors part 2(yesterday had it's fair share), and get some sleep.

Now What?

Wow, so I was sitting here voraciously reading everything online that I could think of that would interest me. I have rotated the laundry, ate an early lunch, and meditated over one of my favorite authors and the book I just finished reading last night. As I sat here thinking about what to do next, I realized I was actually bored! How Exciting!! I so rarely get bored as I am always busy doing something or going somewhere. I love it when I get bored because of the odd rarity of it. It means I have finally slowed down enough to relax and have nothing pressing to do. Sure I have laundry to fold and put away, but as I have plenty more to wash I am not planning on doing that until later tonight.
Ted went to get Justin from Leadership Camp and plans to stop in at one of his stores to work on the way back. James isn't out of bed, the hummingbirds are still fighting over who gets to drink(such lessons you can learn by watching hummingbirds), and I blessedly have nothing to do.
I could shout and dance!!! I often pray for days like this, so - today I am so utterly grateful to be bored!!!! Now, let's see how long it lasts.....




PS. a couple of hours later an emu showed up slurping out of our fast drying mud puddle... aren't boring days cool?

Skip That!

Sitting here on a quiet Saturday morning, listening to the various hum of appliances and the skittering of our pets, I had to take a break from reading the news.

Last night in my devotional time I was reading God's promises of the Millennial reign to His chosen nation of Israel. This morning I am reading the news of massacres, uprisings, horrid abuse cases, diseases, politics, abductions, and general carnal mayhem. If you think this is bad, have you made plans to skip the Tribulation?
God's promises will all be fulfilled from beginning to end, and that includes the Tribulation- God's judgement on Israel and the earth for rejecting Him....
If you think this is pretty bad you ain't seen nothin' yet!!!

"This" is leading to "That" - Don't miss the Rapture, or you will not be skipping the Tribulation.

Onward Christian Soldiers!

This week will commemorate our beloved country's birthday. Last month we had the pleasure of being in Washington DC for a special Marine concert at a historic marine base in the heart of the Capitol. I have not written about that event, but thought it most appropriate to share some of that with you all today.
Ted hasn't had the chance to upload any of our personal pictures of that special evening, so I will post the link to the Marine base website and you can read the history with all it's pomp and circumstance.
http://www.marines.mil/unit/barracks/Pages/welcome.aspx
(Blogger is not letting me post this as a link so just copy and paste it into your browser search engine.)

I had never heard of this marine barracks in our nation's capitol, and being from a family of Marines it was such an honor to get to be there for that evening concert.

We met Ted's friend at the front gate, bypassed security check lines due to his rank and status and headed to the grandstand seating. After obtaining our seats in the farthest end of the VIP section, we headed to the lavoratory so as not to miss anything when the show began. As we went back to our original seating area, we could not locate Ted or his friend. After searching further down the stands, we found them in the VIP section closest to the center of the field, right next to the seating area for all of the elected officials and military elite.

Words can not express the atmosphere and the patriotism that permeated that parade ground that evening. The respect and honor given to our military, flag, country, and heroes was something we will never forget.
http://www.marines.mil/unit/barracks/Pages/eveningparade.aspx
(Remember you will need to copy and paste this link into your browser search bar)

At the closing of the concert, they lowered the flag and played TAPS..... I was struck by such a solemn, horrendous thought. Are they playing TAPS for our country????

I have pondered that sorrowful thought as I see the politics and media sending our nation into a spiritual abyss. This morning our Pastor made another illustration that pounded the same thought home. It's as if we as Christians here in the US are watching our beloved country go by in a funeral procession--and it means NOTHING to us.

Soldiers! awake.... it's time to fight for our country, our freedoms, our Faith, don't give in to defeat and enemy propaganda!!
ONWARD Christian Soldiers!!!

As I was doing a search for this picture posted below I accidentally typed " the Untied States of America" ..... Let's stay UNITED.... and never become "untied".

Born Tired

Morning.... well ok it's really evening, but I don't think I have woken up yet. I slept really hard last night, woke up normal time this morning. The plumber came long enough to get scared away by all the work that has to be done under the kitchen sink.

Ted tried really hard to take a day off with me. He ended up having to work alot from home, but he tried to imitate a couch potato in the meantime. I ate an early lunch and went to take a nap. Woke up because I felt guilty, but have no energy to do a single thing. Literally, total fatigue has been my overshadowing cloud all day. Ted isn't much better, it feels like a chore just to get up and move.
Are we sick??? I don't think so, I do think that we have just gone non-stop for so long that our bodies are giving out finally. Thinking of crawling back into bed and imitating Rip Van Winkle.... ok seriously, maybe I am getting sick... just want to crawl back into bed again.... not sure why I should feel guilty about that.

Father's Day 2012

Faithful




Affirming




Trustworthy




Helpful




Enduring




Respected




I am sooo blessed to have so many fathers in my life. First, my Heavenly Father Who is the Pure and Holy Example of what a father is. Then my earthly father who nurtured and loved me and took me to church and encouraged me to live for God. As I became an adult, I married a loving man who in turn became a father to our two boys. He has been a great dad! His father has been like a father to me as well, and I am thankful for that. Life brings triumphs and trials and God blessed us with Ronn who is another father to us as well! It is not often you get 4 godly fathers in your life at the same time.
To all my fathers, but most of all to my Heavenly Father I love You and bless You all on this day of remembrance.

Bits and Pieces

What a week!!! Let's go on a fast trip through time, shall we? Last weekend, Ted and I went on a "mini-cation" to Fredericksburg, VA. That actual time capsule I will blog about later, probably in segments. Today, a week later, I have much to be thankful for to God. James was involved in a vehicle accident this morning on his way to work. He is fine, but will have to go to traffic court as he was found at fault. He is hoping to be hired on full time at the plant he is working at in Gaffney, SC. Stay tuned for updates on that. Justin came home from his first week of camp full of stories and spiritual decisions. My niece also called to tell me that she had gotten saved and wanted to give her testimony in teen class tomorrow at Super Church. God answered many prayers in just a few short days. So, you are saying "well, that wasn't much", no, when put into words it does not begin to describe every day and every prayer and each moment of uncertainty. Neither does it give acclaim to every victorious triumph as God shows forth His plan on a daily basis. Nothing is left to chance, there are no coincidences. These few paragraphs are just a hint of a week's worth of events.... Fredericksburg in the next saga....

Da Blues

Wow, so I have officially finished homeschooling!!! What a long journey it has been, but we have never regretted the decision to do that even after all the long nights of pushing them through their math homework. Justin had a beautiful graduation ceremony, I can't wait to get the DVD. The message was very poignant and one of those memories you will always hang onto. The reception was great and the moment was still all too fleeting. Last night as I laid in bed, I couldn't sleep and I just started crying... My stress was finally at its leaking point. We have been going non-stop since April, and I was just plain overwhelmed. After a long day at work today, I came home to a gorgeous bouquet of yellow roses, a lovely bag of chocolate truffles , and a very sweet love letter from my husband thanking me for all my hard work as a mother and wife, etc. That stopped the leaky dam and I was finally able to let it all go! I started packing for my mini celebration that starts Thursday. I am so excited! I can't wait to zip my suitcase and take off with my husband for a couple of days of fun, relaxation, fellowship, and laughter with friends. Justin will get a few weeks at camp this summer as well, then he will say "goodbye to childhood" and "hello" to gainful employment. James was able to switch from the tree service company to a great temp. job with the employment agency. He is also gainfully employed and loving it. Ted stays very busy with work, but that's job security. Now, I just have to find time to finish my flower beds that we started back in April. It will be winter again before I get them finished! Well, back to laundry, and some new found relaxation and peace, and then finish packing my suitcase before another full day of work.

A day in the life...

In just a few short days, I will officially close Southern Eagle Academy forever. The process of final grades, transcripts, diplomas, etc. has been a bit frustrating this week. I knew I would be busy, but I did not expect some of the wrinkles that hiccupped into the process of it all. Ted has another business trip coming up and decided he wanted to spend the day with me. I love that man for oh so many reasons, but most of all for wanting to be with me and knowing when I need some extra special attention. We prioritized my day to accommodate being out of town for a few hours. I love the word "prioritize" it sounds so organized instead of saying "procrastinate". I came home feeling much better and less stressed. Even though we accomplished nearly everything on my list, I did not feel like I had run a marathon to do it.

I have enjoyed the beautiful weather and the vistas of nature just bursting around me. That reminds me, I had a wonderful time reading God's Word last night, God started showing me all sorts of things and halfway through my thoughts and contemplation I thought I should blog about it. I did not want to forget it!! It was almost like I had put a damper on the conversation! God basically told me that although it was definitely food for thought, it was between me and Him. So today as I sit here, I can't even tell you what it was about, but it was just so wonderful to have that one on One time with my Lord and Savior.

Well, I have a few minutes to study the insides of my eyelids before I skip off to church. Have I mentioned I love my church???? Just wanted to make sure y'all remembered that ;) See you there???!!!

'S About Time

Finally, a day "off". I say that with tongue in cheek, because after this post I have to run off to a cleaning job that will take me about 2 hours. Then there have been hints of our typical Saturday afternoon stress relief activity. No, I won't tell you what that is.... but let's just say it's a current family and friend activity that only practice makes better. Then there have been rumblings of planning a Memorial Day cookout, or even going out on a date. Whooohooo!!! If you read my comment under my last post, you will see that James decided to continue his Bible Institute education. Last night instead of going to his graduation service, we went to the commencement exercises and watched him receive a certificate denoting his progress so far in the course. He will continue his Associates in Bible for another year and then graduate. It was good to meet his professors and classmates and to see how they strive to put forth the Word of God earnestly in these last days. Justin's last day of class was yesterday. He had a flurry of extra projects to get some extra credit, but managed to pull that through at the last minute. You can see his senior pictures at this link http://justpictureitklm.blogspot.com/ If you can't spot him front and center then look on the right menu bar for Justin C senior session. He graduates June 3rd. I have to finish up his grades, and diploma and transcripts this week. Well, just repeating all of that reminds me of how tired I am even though I got to sleep in for once. Well, it's time for Cinderella to grab her cleaning buddy and take off. See you another time when I have a moment to breathe!

Say What??

So, if you read my last post it sounded like things were calming down, and I was able to take a breath. I would love to recapture that feeling again! "Chuckle". This is Justin's last week of high school with final exams, James' last night of Bible College is tonight and he graduates Friday evening. Justin takes his SAT's June 2, and will graduate June 3. In the meantime, I am training a new office worker to help me, and doing the regular end of the month projects before the looming deadline. Next week after work I will have to finish tallying up Justin's grades, create his transcript, total his GPA, and design and print his diploma. Fortunately, Ted is whisking me away the weekend after Justin's graduation for a short "minication"(yes, I made up that word) to celebrate the end of home-school!! YEAH!!! I need another stay-cation at home just to do all the projects around the house that are begging to be completed. Sigh, I think I need some Tums and a nap! Anyway, commercial break is over, I am off to design Justin's graduation invitation so that the photographer can get his invitations to the developer sometime before June 3rd! If anyone sees me spinning out of control please feel free to remind me to take a breath and enjoy these "lasts".

Contentment Revisited

Our vacation was a real eye opener for us as a married couple. For years we have extended ourselves to everyone and everything and often felt nearly burned out. I know personally I was getting seriously overwhelmed and stressed, often feeling like I couldn't say "no" to someone who expected me to do something. It seemed so "un-Christian" not to do every last thing that was expected of me by anyone. Stepping back from some of the ministry activities helped, along with the anticipation of Justin finishing home school this year. Learning to discern what God was actually expecting me to be involved in for His glory and not just being a part of everything because it was expected of me was a hard lesson that took way too many years to learn. Taking a week to just enjoy ourselves, strengthen our loving bonds and work together as a family was such a boost to our fragile psyches so to speak. Since then I have learned the importance of not being available to everyone at the "brring" of the phone. I had not realized how that jangled my nerves and heightened my stress levels almost unconsciously every time the phone would sound off. Ted finally learned that lesson as well with his busy work requirements. I am learning to sit and be still and appreciate the beauty of God's creation around me without feeling like I have be on the moment's ready to jump at someone's beck and call. I am actually able to spend more conscious time praying and praising God. The spirit of contentment is starting to seep back into my soul. I am such a simple, country girl at heart and the hustle and bustle and busyness of modern life has always been taxing for me. Sometimes, I have wondered if I was born in the wrong era :). Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I have enjoyed the special things that the menfolk have done for me. The yard is mowed, my car is washed and cleaned, the boys scrubbed their bathroom floor. James helped me make supper tonight after Ted and I spent the day together. We even enjoyed a long nap together. Wow, that hasn't happened in a very long time. Tonight, Ted and I will work together to fix the Mother's Day dinner that he wants to make for me. I am so glad to be the mother of his children even when they leave us scratching our heads in wonder. God has blessed me abundantly with a super loving husband and 2 great sons. We are all far from perfect, but are definitely a family held together by God. James graduates with a 1 year Bible Diploma from Bible college, and Justin will graduate from High School. At the moment, James is working for CTS tree service, and Justin will get a job as soon as he has diploma in hand :). Ted is working hard so that in a couple of months we can again take a mini-vacation. We really love spending time together and have learned just how precious that is to us. Now, we are going to make it a priority to take time to get away. This is a bit more then just the 'date" days we would try to take. Usually, our dates were just local outings that would last a couple of hours, and then it was hurrying to get back to work and responsibilities. With our vacation, we found that we yearn for more then just dinner out once a week or every two weeks. I spent all of this monologue to state how I have just recently regained that feeling of contentment and the alleviation of stress that was overwhelming me. I can be a better child of God, wife of Ted, and mother of James and Justin if I can remember contentment with thanksgiving.

Weird and Wacky Day

Yesterday was Monday on the calendar, but it was a very mild day. Today I woke up and after a series of bizarre events felt like I should have been in a comic strip or at least been able to blame it on a Monday! I had a really hard time waking up, but Ted's alarm clock from the abyss which goes off without being plugged in decided to wake me again. This time I removed the batteries too!! If it goes off tomorrow, I am imprisoning it in my son's tornado alley that he calls a room. Fumbling around in the kitchen, I spied a suspicious arachnid of good proportion slipping into the window frame.

Now just looking this picture up for you has creeped me out, and I am itching all over. I took the pest control spray and drowned the window frame repeatedly. It peeked out once and I blasted it again. Of course, the spray says it does NOT kill black widows or brown recluses... the two spiders you NEED it to kill! Now, I do not know for sure that it was one of these poisonous spiders, but I wasn't going to take the chance. Ted came out and helped me dismantle the whole window even the part of the inner workings of the frame and mechanisms. We did NOT find the spider. I left late for work and put the boys on poison spider watch for the day. Then, as I was pulling into the drive at work something slammed into my leg and dropped to the floor. I came to a quick stop and hunted around for whatever exploded off the under panel of my car. Sure enough there was a good size plastic cover that goes somewhere and used to be glued to something no longer guarding whatever it was meant to shield. I think I am going to keep a basket in the seat of my car and collect all the things that fall off this poor thing and then present the puzzle pieces to someone to put back together. As long as it keeps going I am not complaining.... just thinking that soon I will look like I am driving a dunebuggy instead of a Buick.

A couple of hours into the work day and we had a unexpected large delivery arrive a week early by a driver who supposedly couldn't speak English. He sounded like he came from a former Iron Curtain country. Finally, things calmed down, well at least until we went to vote. My little "booth" could barely stand on it's legs and I had to hold the stand while I voted FOR the marriage ammendment. My sons both voted for the first time in their lives, and Justin nearly took out a whole voting "booth" on his way out the door.

So, sitting here thinking of food,scratching imaginary creepy itches and waiting for my husband to come home leaves me wondering if I should have worn plaid and polka dots today with odd socks????

Decade Deux

"The vacation may be over, but the honeymoon is not"-Ted. Our last day of vacation we did a special photo shoot to commemorate our love for each other and our marriage for the past 20 years. It was such a beautiful expression of our love and friendship. Our abundant thanks to Kristi at KLM Photography and also to our StepMom Gayle for helping with some of the scenery and props. It is hard to find words to express the many wonderful ways my husband loves me and demonstrates it on a daily basis. I am so honored and humbled that he is madly in love with me and I with him two decades later! God knew what He was doing when He put the two of us together, for we would have never done it on our own. Ted, I thank God for you, and I thank you for all your love. To the next two decades of love, laughter, and "looks".

Morning Strength

This week is unique in so many ways: Ted and I took a vacation at the same time for a whole week. Our original and supplemental plans did not work out for many reasons. We really wanted to get away for a few days alone and do "Something". With much deliberation and trepidation we finally headed back to Gatlinburg, TN. This has been a typical vacationing spot for us over the years and we thought that boredom or disappointment might prevail. Blessedly this was not to be. We enjoyed a beautiful celebration of our 20th wedding anniversary alone together in the beauty of the mountains. The rest of the week we are working on family projects, both physical and spiritual. Sprucing up the house and yard Putting the boys to work assisting us in the various projects Revamping our Family Altar time to be active, interactive, and pro-active, keeping the blood on the doorposts of our home. My devotional time has been extremely poignant during this time of valleys in my life. The Word of God is so personal, and I am humbled that God would choose to speak with me. I always put a date at the end of each passage I read, and this month I have been going through the book of Isaiah.... the previous dates match this same month 20 years ago as I was getting ready to be married. I look back at all God has taught me, and how much He has been my strength every morning. I honestly never expected to be married, and I could not fathom what 20 years later would look like. I am so glad that I did not know back then, because now I can lean on Him every morning for strength and thank Him for my wonderful husband that He gave me 20 years ago.

Grace One More Time

My heart is heavy and my words are labored. All week it seems I have only heard the bad stuff about people, and I was ready to turn into a hermit. Then I heard something that would directly affect our family. I was numb and searching for wisdom. Fortunately, it was the message time at church, and as I opened the pages to the place our Asst. Pastor was preaching from my hungry eyes fell upon verses that God meant for me. So I had two sermons last night... one that helped me from a church perspective, and one that God delivered personally to me for my desperate need. After a night of prayer, I am still saddened by events and choices, but there is a powerful song sung at our church called Grace One More Time. I was hoping to find a video or audio clip of it, but I have to get off to work this morning. Walking through yet another valley with a giant looming and taunting us, I am so thankful to know I have victory in Jesus Who gives Grace for every mile..... even when we fall. There is devastation and things will never be the same, and although my heart is heavy, I am soooo thankful to have My Best Friend, Lord and Savior right with me.

The Old Paths

The youth group went to Murfreesboro, TN as they do annually with great fervency. Upon their return the messages were about sticking to the Old Paths and not compromising our faith on the world's road to emptiness. The past couple of days at work, I have listened to Ted sing with an former group about sticking to the Old Paths, the ones Jeremiah wrote about. See the picture below to read the verse, the old Path points to Jesus who is the ONLY WAY(singular) to Heaven.

Then in today's email I got this well traveled poem written by a then 15 yr old. I have seen it before, but it's worth sharing again.

BY a 15 yr. OLD SCHOOL KID who got an A+ for this entry
(TOTALLY AWESOME)!

Since the Pledge of Allegiance And
The Lord's Prayer
Are not allowed in most
Public schools anymore
Because the word 'God' is mentioned.....
A kid in Arizona wrote the attached
NEW School prayer:


"New Pledge of Allegiance"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks...
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles..
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

I'll just stick with the old paths, thank you very much!

To go or Not to go that is the question....

God carried us through Ted's trial, and then almost immediately we were faced with a huge tax debt. God provided a way to pay for it, but it raised some valid questions as to how spend our upcoming vacation it without the emphasis on the word "spend". We had talked of a family vacation to Washington, DC, but then we realized that was not going to work. We then almost settled on a fishing trip to North Myrtle Beach, but Ted's mental calculator is feeling the proverbial pinch of the pennies.

Today, Ted helped me do some work at the office for which I am soo grateful for his help, and then we headed to Wadesboro. Had a pleasant service experience at a McDonald's in Indian Trail, NC, then onward. After he was finished in Wadesboro, we had a lovely dinner at one of our most favorite restaurants, Fontanella's.

After arriving home, Ted took me for more range practice and I did very well this time!!

Justin is on his way home from a Youth Revival, and James is spending the weekend at his grandparents doing alot of outside work for them.

So, do we go on vacation? Do we have a stay-cation and just putter around the house doing things that we can't seem to get caught up with and then eat out? Do we take simple day trips to places? I don't think this will save us any money, but it might be a better way to spend it???
To go or not to go... ??????

Because HE Lives....

Happy Resurrection Day from the Corriveau Family

Do You Remember?

Do you remember the day Jesus saved your soul; The day He found you wandering out in sin; The day He picked you up in His strong gentle arms, pulled you close, and whispered in your ear "it's gonna be ok. I'm still here"?

Then just remember; "This same Jesus"- Acts 1:11, is coming back to take us home! I can't wait! Praise His Name!

~~~Br. Ted

Do You Believe in Easter?

THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS...

Happy Easter!

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio , Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly . Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure.

Edith began by saying, “My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, " Beverly , don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. W hy are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just
told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started call ing her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot.

When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work.. I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and curtly walke d out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, an d I do want Jesus in my life "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Fath er's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."

Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"


Thanks to Alexandria Caldwell for sharing this story with me.

NOT GUILTY!!!!

I so enjoy the song "God will make this trial a blessing" but sometimes it's hard to believe God meant it to be a REAL trial in my life. The words "I've just come into a valley" reverberated in my mind back in January, when I was charged falsely for actions I did not do; and I found myself in a whirlwind of storms with battles raging around me as I walked through this valley. At times I didn't believe (and still don't really) that my lawyer even believed that I was telling the truth, even through the testimonies of the 4 false witnesses that testified during the actual trial which took place yesterday.

I had been given 3 choices:

1-Run away; sign an agreement that I DID what I was accused of with no assurance of protection from civil recourse (personal lawsuit) against myself in order to avoid having a criminal record, which would then cause me to give up certain rights provided by the constitution.

2-Give Up/Hide; squeeze myself under the "no contest" plea hoping that the Judge would take lenience in the case since I had no real evidence to the contrary aside from my own testimony. Even though this would not be considered admission of guilt, it WOULD be considered a guilty verdict and subject to the punishments of the court. This verdict would also give me no protection from further civil lawsuits.

3-Trust God (Proverbs 3:5,6); I was helpless.. like David with a sling and 5 stones facing a Giant with sword and shield. There was only ONE place on Goliath's body that he could be defeated, and God knew just where that place was. Expecting the worst, I submitted my course to My Father, who knows my every need... and waited.

After the accuser and his 3 conspirators (witnesses) had finished their lavish tail of woe, my attorney attempted feebly to motion for dismissal, which the Judge flat-out denied. She (my attorney) was preparing to close when I guess God must have nudged her to ask me "do you want to testify?" Up until then, she hasn't wanted me to testify because she thought I'd look too intimidating to the Judge, but I calmly replied "Yes.. I believe I can tell the truth".

After my testimony, the Judge was talking.. I came back and sat down, but my lawyer said "Stand up".. so I stood and looked at the Judge. Expecting to hear the words of my sentence, my knees became weak as the judge explained his position, then said these words "I found you NOT GUILTY" ... HALLELUJAH! PRAISE GOD!!

It was as if God had shut the Lion's Mouths, or as Psalm 63:11 "..but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped." AMEN! God doesn't lead us through valleys just to make us stronger; He does it so we can help others as they walk through that same valley; So we can be an encouragement to them, as others encouraged us.

Paul said in Hebrews 12:1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about by so great a cloud of witnesses," I thank God for those who prayed a host of angels down around me, the court room, and the Judge yesterday. Thank You. And may God make me as much a blessing to others as they face their Goliath's in the valley.-----Ted

Promises Fullfilled!!!

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Revelation 15:3


Psalm 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Muddy Waters

I mentioned some time ago that we are going through a valley here in our lives. It's an ongoing battle of truth and justice. I will not go into the details, but suffice to say God has been so visible and verbal in His love towards us personally. Today is a rough day and as I had my devotions last night, I wasn't sure if I should use the devotional book that has so greatly helped me or stick with God's Precious Word. I grabbed my much loved blue Bible and opened to the very next chapter in the book I am reading through. The words of promise leaped off the page and burned into my soul.
How I love the Lord and the way He speaks to His children.

Isaiah 25
King James Version (KJV)


1 Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

2For thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.

3Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.

4For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

5Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.

6And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

7And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.

8He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

9And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

10For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.

11And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.

12And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.