12 in 12- Starting the Year with Good Intentions

There are so many goal oriented posts out there but this one seemed more manageable for me. I am going to pick 12 big goals and plan to achieve them in 12 months. I am doing this on December 31st because for years we always wrote out our New Year's resolutions and would pack them in with the Christmas decorations so that come December we would see how we had done. This way I can check them more often. Hereafter I will be posting about these on the first day of each month.

 1. Lose 96 Pounds Heaven knows I need to lose more than this but its only 8lbs a month and lets face it I haven't lost any pounds in months so I would honestly be thrilled to death to lose 96lbs.

 2. Remodel the Trailer I bought this trailer and it needed a ton of work. Truthfully it was in way worse shape than I even imagined but its mine and its a place to live. I didn't do nearly as much to it last year as I should have done so 2013 is going to be the year I get it at least liveable.

3. Start Dating again since I feel that 2013 is the year that God is going to send me a mate in then it goes to reason I need to date :).

4. Photo A day I love taking pictures but anymore I am so boring that I have not much to take pictures of. I want to get back into taking pictures and I am going to make a post once a week with that weeks pictures.

5. Blog More Often there have been weeks go by and I don't blog anything. I need to do more so I can say more :). Toward that end, I am going to post once a month on the goals.

 6. Coupon More I love couponing and always have. I love to get a deal and I have gotten some awesome deals over the years but not nearly as many as I could have.I need to get organized and save more money.

7. Save more Sadly I think I currently have $9 in savings. I am going to start to refund more and put all of that in a savings account. I have a lot I need to spend money for such as fixing up this place but I want to manage to get some money in savings.

8.Take a trip Last year the only real trip we took was a weekend trip to Wheeling. We had a ton of fun and loved it so much. I want to take a real vacation and go somewhere fun this year too. I would love to be able to go to Dollywood but maybe to Texas to see the grandbabies if I can get the car in decent shape.

 9. Read the Bible more This should have been first. I think growing in grace and knowledge is more important that anything but I haven't been doing a good job of it. I haven't read the Bible as I should have. I haven't done bible studies. I honestly want to grow closer to God and know that His word is one of those ways I need to do this.

 10. Be More Social I have become way more isolated in the past year. I want to get out and do more this year. I want to visit friends and family. I want to go to parties. If I can get the trailer in decent shape so I am not ashamed I will have people over more.

 11. Do more Pinterst I have pinned tons of interesting pins on crafts, cooking and just lots of other fun ideas. I want to start doing more of these pins. At this point even doing one pin a month would be an improvement.

12. TBA Can't think of one currently but will add it as soon as I think of it. :).

FQF- 12/28/12

Here we are down to the last Friday in 2012. I am so excited. I am tired of this year so much. Its been so hard. My life has had a lot of personal tragedies, the state has had a lot of disasters (Dericho, Super Storm in October, lots of fires), the nation has had a lot of disasters (Shooting in Newton, Super Storm Sandy, spawn of tornadoes on Christmas day to name the recent ones). I just know God has a way better 2013 planned for us all. Anyway here is my linkup for the final 5 Question Friday of the year.

 1. If you had to give 1 million dollars to just one person (not your spouse), who would it be and why?  
Well I would say my daughter but I feel that falls in about the same category as spouse so I think I would give it to my preacher Ronnie Persinger. He would put it to use for God and do a lot of good for a lot of people. I know him and I think he would honestly do what he felt God was leading him to do. The church does quite a bit now to help people considering how small it is so I know that if he had more money he would use it wisely.  (My oldest daughter would be my first choice though if allowed, she would make sure my grandbabies were taken care of and she would do a lot of good with it also)

2. What bathroom stall do you typically go to FIRST?
Usually about the 3rd or 4th, I start checking to see if they are clean enough. Statistically most people use the closest ones so they are usually dirtier. 

 3. How do you prefer to shop: In-store or online?  
Depends on my mood and what I am buying. I don't like crowds so try to avoid the malls and superstores but I love love love a small books store. Nothing compares to holding those books in your hand. Electronics and computer stuff I prefer to buy online because I can see all the customer reviews on each item . 

4. What's the weather like in your neck of the woods?
Its been really cold and snowy the past couple of days. Not a lot of accumulation but we are supposed to get another storm this weekend. All this bad weather has made me glad I am not working right now. I hate driving on icy roads. 

5. Do you own a pair of Tom's and what do you think? Overrated, underrated or about right? don't own any. I am not into name brands and am way to frugal to buy these unless I found them on an incredible sale or someone bought them for me. I like that they do the whole donate shoe program for each pair purchased but I think a lot of people overlook or don't realize that there are quite a number of people in American who are doing without. Shoes are just shoes as far as I am concerned. I like them to be comfy and semi cute. My favorite shoes are Earth Shoes that I bought at a thrift shop.

Its been a lovely Christmas update

We had a lovely Christmas this year. Dinner was wonderful. It worked out so peacefully. Had a couple visitors but mostly it was just my daughter, her boyfriend and myself. I wish my youngest had been here with my grandbabies but life is what it is. My oldest and I had a good time fixing dinner and opening gifts. She was absolutely thrilled with her teapot that she got from Janice at Tick Tock My Clock. Janice allowed God to use her to remind us how much God cares about even the little things in our lives by sending this teapot and tea assortment to my daughter. We got stockings for Maxine (our dog) and for the 3 cats. Bless their hearts, the cats never get to play with their stuff because Maxine is greedy and takes all toys. I think this is why the cats won't play with her.

The day after Christmas we had a bad wind storm and the power was out for about 6 hours. I was so thankful for all the AEP workers who managed to get the power back on. We had no heat and it was pretty cold here. I am going to have to get a kerosene heater for backup when the power goes out. We have heated with kerosene in the past and I prefer not to but in an emergency it is a blessing. Then last night it started a lovely white fluffy snow coming down. Its colder than can be today with wind chill temps of 12 degrees but at least we are safely bundled in the house.

24 Songs of Christmas- Happy Birthday Jesus

On this holiest night of the year, I just want to say Happy Birthday and thank you so much Jesus for all you have done for me.  I wish more people would remember exactly what this season is about and why you came. Help me to keep Christ in Christmas and to show you to others all the year long.

A house so quiet, so humble
A child beside her bed
Her hands clasped tightly, it's time to pray
So she bows her little head

Happy Birthday, Jesus
Daddy said that You were near
And that You had a birthday
This time every year

He told me how You listen to
Every word we say
And that You hear us call
In the night or in the day

He explained how bad they hurt You
And made You suffer so
But said, You let them do it
For girls like me, I know

He told me about the manger
They put You in
I'd let You have my blanket
If I was there, back then

He said that, You are watching
Everything we do
Him, mommy, granny
And our new baby too

I like what daddy told me
Of how You healed the lame
And that You don't have to have
Any wealth or fame

And he told me You were so awfully good
And then he made me cry
He said, they nailed You to a cross
They wanted You to die

And then he made me happy
When he said, You came back again
Daddy said, Christmas is what we celebrate
Because on that day, You were born

So I hope I'm not too late to wish You a
Happy Birthday, dear Jesus

24 Songs of Christmas- Leaving Heaven

Well tonight is the night. I know its not really the night that the baby was born but its the night we celebrate His birth. I thought this song was appropriate for today. I pray you and your family take some time to give thanks for the Present that God gave to us.

24 Songs of Christmas- 12 Days of Christmas

Heard this for the first time yesterday and I just really liked it and thought I would share it. I can see this being one of my new favorite Christmas carols.

TSMS- Love Came Down at Christmas

Well we are another week closer to the end of the year. Only one more Saturday left in the year. I am so excited thinking about all the wonderful things that God has in store for all of us in 2013. Almost everyone I know has had a very challenging 2012 but I think those challenges have enabled us to grow both in maturity and closeness to God. Its a lovely 25 degrees and pouring snow her. The wind is blowing so hard that it sounds like Santa has landed on my roof and the reindeer and elves are playing bowling. The world didn't end yet again. I don't know when everyone is going to realize that Jesus was serious when He said in Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Well until the real end of the world comes lets just keep living for Christ and sharing His love with as many people as possible.

24 Songs of Christmas-

I love to hear Alan Jackson so this is the song I am picking for today. I am sure that the angels shake their heads a people to stubborn and blind to acknowledge the most awesome miracle every performed on Earth. Love came down to Earth in the form of a baby so that every one of us might go to Heaven and we have let satan blind us to this miracle.

24 Songs of Christmas- One Last Christmas

I know I am going a strange way with this song but I have always been strange anyway.  I have
I have been thinking (always dangerous I know) and I know it seems odd but I was thinking what a gift it can be when you know someone is terminally ill. Yes you are going to lose a love one but you get a chance to say all the things you need to, you can heal any rifts, take pictures and share stories. I remember years ago when taking care of Mom even while I prayed daily that she would live forever, that at least I could tell her how much I loved her and story memories of those final days. You know its coming and you don't have to spend years thinking of all the things you didn't say because you had an opportunity. I don't think there is ever a point that we can say we have spent enough time with loved ones on Earth, we will always want more. So if you find yourself in this place, say those I love yous, give those hugs, spend time just listening to stories about the past, take those pictures, give kisses and thank God for every minute you have together. I have been on both sides of this situation and I much prefer knowing its coming. But I have learned from the situation to not leave words unsaid and actions undone.

HPW- 12-19-12

 

This is the last hodgepodge of the year. I can honestly say that I am so glad that its almost the end of 2012 but it doesn't seem possible that time has flown by this fast.

1.   How will you spend 'the night before Christmas'?
At our house we open most of the presents on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning was reserved for Santa Stockings and presents. Now that my kids are grown and my grandbabies are in Texas, we still open presents on Christmas eve and only have stockings on Christmas morning.

2. What is something you are not?
Well there are so many things I am not. Thankfully I am not what I once was but I am also not what I want to be yet. Life is about striving to change and in my case trying to be more Christlike.

3. Fudge-are you a fan?  Your favorite flavor?
Oh my goodness this fat chick loves fudge. I love all fudge but probably one of my very favorites is dreamsicle fudge. But other than in cookies I don't honestly like white fudge, its just too sweet tasting if that makes sense.

4.  Did you attend any craft/vendor fairs in the month of December?  Do you prefer homemade goodies or the more professional stalls?  Are you giving any homemade gifts this year
I am not that big on craft vendor fairs. I prefer homemade goodies myself and this year I gave a few homemade goodies away. Pinterest has been awesome for bringing out talent in me. They have so many crafts that even someone as challenged talent wise as myself can find something pretty to make.

5.  What's your favorite type of holiday gathering?
Family dinner on Christmas day. I love to cook and I love for all my friends and family to gather at my house. Nothing brings as much joy to my heart.

6. We're approaching a new year...what's going to be different in 2013?
As I have stated over and over again 2012 has been the worst year of my life. I pray that I never experience another year like this one. I know that 2013 is going to be an awesome year for me. God has sent me signs and confirmations and I am trusting in that for untold blessings to fall next year.  I am thinking of doing a new 101 in 1001 to start the first of the year. I did one a few years ago but was living a different lifestyle and so its not reflective of who I am now.


7.  Share a favorite scripture, quote, saying, or song lyric relating to peace.
It may not be exactly related to peace but Philippeans 4:13 always brings peace to my being because it tells me that I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me. As long as I am in God's will He will help me deal with each and every thing that comes my way.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I guess the biggest thing on most people in America's mind right now is the school shooting in Connetticutt. Everyone wants school shootings to end and our children to be safe. They just all have different ideas in how that can happen. I personally don't feel that taking guns away from responsible law abiding people is the answer but I do think that 2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us an answer. It says "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  I think the only thing that will help America is to turn back to God and turn from sin.

24 Songs of Christmas- New Star is Shining

I just love Guy Penrod. I think he is so handsome and such a wonderful singer. Here is the song of the day.

Freebies

I love getting things free. Especially  now that I am unemployed and have no income.

Sample of Cepacol

Tums Sample

Airborne

Depends- they only have mens available.

Emergen-C

Sample of Clean and Clear at CVS

24 Songs of Christmas- Still the Greatest Story Told

My thrill in Christmas has been overshadowed by the horrific events of last Friday. I just can't get over the deaths of those innocent babies. Hard to be happy but it does make it easy to be thankful for God's mercy and protection daily.  So basically I had no song for today but then as usual God worked His guidance and while doing today's farmhouse chat on the porch, I saw this song on someone's blog and loved it. I just love to hear the Gaither's sing and this song is certainly true. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus are the greatest stories ever told :).

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch -73

  QUESTIONS

1. What would you like to see under your Christmas tree?
2. What is your best color for clothes?
3. Tell me your favorite kind of cookie.
4. What's in the middle of your dining table right now? (flowers, a lazy susan with condiments, Christmas decorations...)
5. Please help me spread Christmas cheer to my buddy, Wendell. Please a wish for him here. :)

Answers:
1. not what but a who :). I have been alone for quite a while now so I would like God to send me a life partner. I feel in my bones that 2013 is going to be the year.

2. I have a preference for browns and blacks but I have been adding a lot of purple because most people say I look best in it. So now when I am buying I am trying to remember that and go with it.

3. My favorite cookies are white chocolate Macadamia cookies. I can remember the first time I ever had them. I was doing a summer internship for a large natural gas company and once a month we had staff meetings. They brought in box lunches from Schlotzsky Deli. It was the first time I had ever heard of them. They made terrific sandwiches and awesome cookies :). (big girls remember good food)

4. I am in the remodeling process and so as a result I don't have a dining table. I have put off buying one because we have to completely gut the kitchen and I don't want to have to move furniture out of the way.  But normally when I have a table there are usually flowers of some sort in the center. I love fabric tableclothes and places mats on the table also.

5. My wish for Wendell is a stocking full of carrots, apples and other yummy crunchy things.

24 Songs of Christmas- Once upon a Christmas

I grew up on country music. I remember watching all the country shows with my grandmother. We used to watch Hee Haw, Porter Wagner, Bobby Goldsberg and of course Dolly. I love to hear Kenny and Dolly sing together. Here is a wonderful old song from them.

TSMS- Fly

Yesterday was a heartbreaking day with the deaths of those poor little babies in Connecticut. I just cried. This world is so full of pain. I just keep picturing the parents. You know those poor people have Christmas trees at home with presents under them for those little angels. I just don't know what causes anyone to want to kill other people. If you want to kill yourself that is one thing but why do they fill the need to do such things. Who wants to be remembered for such evil. Pray for the families, the community and this nation. I am skipping my Christmas song of the day in honor of the babies. I am sure at their age each one of those babies entered into heaven's gates. I don't know why such things happen, all I can say is we live in an evil world and the prince of this world is satan and he is all about pain and suffering.  There were also 6 innocent adults killed in the shooting. Please remember their families at this time also.

Only the power of God can overcome evil. Jesus said in John 16:33  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." There is only one place you can turn when the world is falling apart. Put your trust in the one who holds eternity. Think about how awful this world is and picture one that never ends, nothing but pain and suffering day in and day out. This life ends but the next one won't. Make your decision today. The only thing you have to do is confess you are a sinner (everyone is so no one will judge you) believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised again and tell others you have been saved.

5QF- 12/14/12

1. If you bake during the holidays, what is your favorite thing to make?
My oldest and I have a day where we spend the day making all sorts of different candies. I love it because we get to be together sharing memories,  and we get to bless our neighbors with a gift. This year we made peanut butter fudge, chocolate fudge, dreamsicle fudge, mint patties, oreo balls, butterscotch no bake cookies.

2. Present giving: Gift bag vs wrapped box?
If I am doing it its probably going in a bag and not having the fancy tissue paper. I am challenged when it comes to wrapping. I have my oldest do all my wrapping. She makes it look like Martha Stewart wrapped it with fancy bows and stuff. If I am forced to wrap instead of using a bag it looks like a 3 yr old wrapped it with rounded corners and gobs of tape. Not a pretty picture.

3. What do you keep your thermostat on during the winter/summer in your house?
I like to be warmer so in the winter its pretty warm here but I don't keep it cool during the summer. Probably around 75-78.

4. When thinking of your "Christmas to-do list" what percentage "done" are you? about 55%. My oldest helps with wrapping, cards and candy making. I do all the Christmas dinner, buying and choosing gifts.

5. Do you do the "Elf on a Shelf"? If so, is your Elf naughty and what shenanigans has he gotten into? 
We just haven't ever got into elf on a shelf but I have seen some funny postings. My girls were grown by the time the elf on a shelf came around so we never picked it up as a habit.

24 Songs of Christmas- Joseph's Song

Here is another song I heard at the singing at church. It was so beautiful because the man singing had his son singing with him. I don't know how I have never heard this before. I guess because at my old church mostly women did the singing and this requires a male lead.

Chorus 1
How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be
Lord I know He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love
Chorus 2
Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king
He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be
Chorus 2
Chorus 1

Blogger's Prayer

I know I don't make money from my  blog like a lot of other bloggers but still it is hard to come up with what to post that might be of interest to anyone else. I found this little poem on another blog and thought it was so cute. I am sure you can relate to. :)


The Bloggers Prayer


Lord, help me to learn to spell without spellcheck, 
manage to visit all that visit me and post regularly 
- all in 5 minutes a day, 
so I can clean house 
and take care of my family. 
Help me to not look at every occurrence in my life as a blog post 
and to quit taking pictures of weird things to share as well.
 Please help me to stop talking about my blogging friends
 as though they are next door neighbors or 
someone I have known all my life. 
And - help me to think of something wise and witty to post tomorrow!

24 Songs of Christmas- New Kid in Town

I went to a singing at my church and this was one of the songs. I hadn't ever heard it before and they did such a good job. I wish I had a recording of them because I think their version was much better it was a little faster. But this version by Trisha Yearwood is the best I could find on YouTube.

HPW- 12/12/12

Its time for another meme from across the pond as they say :).

1.  So, when did you last take a walk in the woods? A stroll along the beach? A drive going nowhere in particular in the car?
I love doing all the above. My last walk was one day last week. I love being alone and hearing the sounds of the woods around me. Of course in WV we have a lot of woods to be around :).
 Its been years since I was at the beach but my favorite times are walking while the sun is coming up on and after the moon as come out.  
 My car has some problems and the mechanic can't seem to find whats wrong so I tend to not drive anywhere thats  not necessary just in case.

2. Are you sending Christmas cards this year?  About how many do you send?  Photo card or something more traditional?  How do you display the cards you receive?
I am sending maybe about 15 or so. I am sending traditional cards. We usually hang the cards we get on the door. I am thinking this year that I will by an album and put them in it after the holidays and start saving them that way. 

3.  What's a word you've heard too much of in the past week?
I honestly can't think of a single word.

4. December 13th is National Cocoa Day-are you a fan?  Plain or flavored?  Marshmallows or no marshmallows?
I am the queen of cocoa. I love it anyway you serve it. I love marshmallows and the more the better. My grannybabies love it when I make it from scratch instead of instant.  I love all varieties. I usually have 5-6 kinds on hand at all times. 

5. What is something you do to help alleviate the hectic pace of the Christmas season?
I do most of my shopping before December ever gets here so that helps a lot. My ex-husband was a brick mason's helper when we first got married and he would be on partial unemployment every winter. The difference with partial is you only get a tiny check. So after the first year I learned to shop early. I tend to buy stuff on clearance or if I see a good deal and put it in a storage tote. Then come December we get the tote out and see what fits who and thats how we decide what they are getting.

6. Besides jewelry, what's a favorite sparkly-glittery item in your home or closet?
My house is loaded with glittery objects. I feel that when we die not having worn enough glitter will be one of the things I regret. I own clothes, hair pieces and all kinds of glitter. My new Christmas outfit is my current favorite. Its a 3 piece pant suit and its got glitter stones along the lapels of the jacket and the neckline of the top. 

7. Share a favorite line or two from any Christmas carol.
Right now the one thats been in my head for days is  "Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord" . I just feel there isn't enough time in all of eternity to give Him the praise and honor He deserves as my  Lord and Savior. I can't say enough about all the  blessings He has given me and His mercy and grace that never fail. Like the song says I just adore Him.



8. Insert your own random thought here.
About the only thing I can think of here is how stressed the cat is making me. She is in heat and I can't afford to get her fixed right now. And for some reason she has attached herself to me and wants to be on top of my computer all the time. No matter how many times I shoo her away she keeps on. I tried to pick her up once and she sank her claws into the laptop and tore some of the keys off. I had to reattach them. 
This is her on some of the boxes of Christmas decorations we were putting out. Her name is Aphrodite and she certainly thinks she is.

7 Greatest Gifts

I know this time of year most of us are thinking of gifts and who gets what. I think this list below will help us to remember what the greatest Gift ever was.

1. Gift of service: donate to a cause, as a holiday gift for your best friend.
2. Gift of affection: be generous with hugs, kisses and pats on the back.
3. Gift of laughter: clip cartoons, share funny stories.
4. Gift of a written note: send a 'thank you' note, write a letter to an old friend.
5. Gift of a compliment: a simple 'you look great today', a sincere 'thank you for a wonderful meal'.
6. Gift of listening: no interrupting, no daydreaming, no responding, just listening.
7. Gift of solitude: spend some time in silence, help others spend some time in silence.

(from: helpothers.org)

24 Songs of Christmas- Flash Mob

Today, I didn't choose a traditional song, I choose this video a friend shared with me. I loved that the people all stopped and listened even if they probably thought the singers were insane. I am sure a lot of those people heard more about Jesus that day than in their normal daily lives. It used to be people at least cared where their souls where going, now they just don't think its going anywhere after death. Satan has lied to and blinded so many.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch- 72

 



Its only been a week and I nearly forgot to do this week's meme. I have been so busy the past 2 days making candy. My daughter and I made 2 pans of peanut butter fudge, 1 chocolate fudge, 1 dreamsicle fudge, a pan of oreo balls and 2 pans of mint patties. We didn't have a lot of money for presents so we made up bowls of candy and gave them to neighbors and some of my closest friends.

Questions

1. What's your favorite ornament on your tree? If you have no Christmas tree, please tell me about something pretty in your home that you enjoy.
2. What do you do when a telemarketer calls?
3. What was the last kind of candy you had? Admit it- you had one tiny little bite. We understand:)
4. Do you send out Christmas cards? If not applicable- do you use snail mail?
5. Please finish this. I sometimes wonder___________________________.

1.  What's your favorite ornament on your tree? If you have no Christmas tree, please tell me about something pretty in your home that you enjoy.
 I am sure I have posted this a few times but my favorite ornament is a little silver ball that sings like a bird. ( I wrote about it and posted a little video on this page. ) I love that little singing ball and its so funny watching the cats try to figure out where the sound is coming from and the dog runs around barking at the tree).

2. What do you do when a telemarketer calls? Ususally I try to jump in real fast and tell them politely I am not interested and hang up.

3. What was the last kind of candy you had? Admit it- you had one tiny little bite. We understand:)  Some of the homemade mint patties we made today.  They are awesome and taste just like a york patty.

4. Do you send out Christmas cards? If not applicable- do you use snail mail?  I have always hand delivered cards to the people at the church but mailing cards is a tough one for me. I am doing a little better this year. I had my daughter write the addresses and immediately I sent them out.  I had a mini breakdown several years ago and ever since paperwork has been my downfall. I just can't seem to force myself to deal with it. I pay all my bills online for this reason.

5. Please finish this. I sometimes wonder___________________________.
It probably comes from watching too much It's a Wonderful Life but I have always wondered how my life would have been different if I had just made one or 2 different choices. Guess I will never know so I just deal with the here and now but it does still cross my mind.

24 Songs of Christmas- Strange Way to Save the World

 I hadn't heard this song before but someone on Facebook was talking about it so I googled it. You know God delights in doing things in ways that we don't think of. He is the original thinker outside the box.

24 Songs of Christmas- Something to Shout About

I can't think of a single song that Sheri Easter sings that I don't love. Shes such a blessing to me. Her songs always touch my heart. God truly ministers through her.

24 Songs of Christms- Do you have Room

I saw this song while I was listening to another song and it spoke to my heart. It just astounds me thinking of Jesus coming as a baby, completely dependent upon someone else and trusting they wouldn't hurt him.

TSMS- 24 Songs of Christmas- Christmas in Heaven

 

Sometimes the holidays are so hard when someone you love has went home to Heaven. Its only human nature to miss our loved ones and want to be with them. It is especially hard if you are unsure if your loved one made it through Heaven's gates or not. We should do everything we can do get our families saved. We should live our lives so that others can  be sure of our destination.

24 Songs of Christmas- Grown Up Christmas

Sometimes after you become an adult it seems as though Christmas loses its magic. The magic doesn't come from presents, lights and surprises. The magic comes in that God became a man so that we might live eternally with Him. He left His kingdom to come to Earth as a child. So we should always have Christmas magic even more so once we are grown.

24 Songs of Christmas- Baby Boy

I just loved this song as soon as I heard it. Imagine that when you cry out for help for a desperate situation and the solution is a little baby boy.

HPW-12-5-12

Like all the other memes I haven't participated in this one in ages. This time its all about the holidays.

1. .  Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking.

 We always hang stockings. At our house we always open presents on Christmas Eve then on Christmas morning we open stockings and Santa presents. Thats just how it was when I was growing up and I carried the tradition on. We really don't have any traditions about the stocking itself. Its just small presents and candy inside. 

2. How many hours of sleep do you average at night?  Is it enough? 

I have had sleeping problems for years. Its very hard for me to sleep more than 2-4 hours at a time so I am usually running on fumes. Now that I am unemployed it is actually better because now I have no time constraints and can take a nap or 2 during the day if I feel tired. This is actually the most rested I have felt in years. I have went to the dr and they have done all sorts of things, gave me all sorts of pills but it didnt really help. 

3.  If you had to give up one thing for the remainder of this year, what would it be?

Actually I am working on giving up Coke as we type :).  I am so tired of being overweight and I drink a lot of coke so thats a lot of needless calories. But growing up if you were sick or hurt my grandmother always gave you coke on ice. I am sick right now with stupid sinus congestion  thats doing its best to settle in my chest and in my mind I just have to have the coke on ice to get better :). 

4.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Wills and Kate as I like to call them) have announced they're expecting a baby.  Do you follow news of the Royals? 

I am thrilled for them and wish them all the best. I don't follow the news about the Royals but if I see something I might read it. I was 12 years old when Princess Di came onto the scene and she was my fairy tale princess. I religiously clipped everything I saw about her. I have old tv guide issues and other magazines that featured her. I loved loved loved her.  So I do enjoy hearing good things about her children. 

5. For me the sound of childhood is______________________.

Laughter is what hopped in my mind. There is just not sound like the carefree laugh of a child. It is so pure and innocent in a way that an adult laugh can never be. All children should be blessed with laughter, it hurts me to think of all the poor little ones who aren't so lucky.

6. Fruit cake-yay or boo?  What's your favorite dessert made with fruit?

Growing up, I hated fruit cake but after I got older I had some that was really good. I like one thats got nuts in it. My favorite dessert made with fruit is probably strawberry shortcake. I love anything with strawberries.

7. What is one thing you want to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end?

I don't think I have the energy to accomplish anything but just to make it through. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 One of the most wonderful things in my life right now is God showing me in so many little ways how much He cares for me and thinks of me. This has always been a struggle for me so its a growing experience. Yesterday's meme on my blog had a question about a teapot, as I was putting my answer, God brought to my mind that someone was going to read that post and send me a teapot. I brushed it off because things like that just don't happen to me. This morning I opened my email program and I had a notification about some of the comments from yesterday.  One of the readers read my post and sent me a message offering to send me a teapot and some tea. It just blowed my mind because that is exactly what God had said would happen. I don't know why or how but I just want to praise His name and I want to thank that wonderful woman for listening to God. Yes its just a teapot you say but to me its a message from God Himself. 

24 Songs of Christmas- God With Us

I just love to hear Jeremy Camp. God has truly blessed him and blessed us with him.  I couldn't find the lyrics wrote out anywhere but they are included in the video. I hope it blesses your heart and reminds you of what the Christmas season is all about.  The month is just flying by, its already the 5th, just 20 more days till Christmas.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 71

Its been ages since I have participated. This is one of my favorite memes but its just been a hard year. I think I have finally came out of the valley though so hoping and praying for better times ahead.

Questions

1. Do you have your tree up yet? If not, when will you put it up? If you don't have a tree, please tell me about another tradition you like.    yes we put our tree up the day after Thanksgiving every year.  We listen to carols and drink eggnog as we decorate. 


 2. What was the best job you ever had? The worst? The best job I ever had was a second shift clerk in a warehouse. I had the greatest supervisor ever. It was the first time in my life someone made me feel capable. David acted like if I couldn't do it then it couldn't be done. Naturally this caused me to strive to constant meet and surpass the companies needs. Its a shame more bosses aren't like David.
My worst job was working as a collection agent for a credit card company. One I hate talking on the phone to strangers and 2, I am not very aggressive and felt bad for all the people. Its so easy to get in a place you find it hard to get out of. 3. The company employed so many people that we were able to cycle through the call list fast. The law said that unless we spoke to the card holder personally, we could keep calling. Once we spoke to the cardholder we couldn't call for another 24 hours. People would feel so harassed because we would sometimes call 7-9 times a day. Plus they even worked Christmas Day. Can you imagine bugging people with collections on Christmas Day.


3. Do you drive around and look at Christmas lights? If not applicable, tell me something you like to look at when you go for a drive.  We used to all the time. But now I have such horrible night vision especially when there are lights that I can't drive anymore. If someone else drives then yes we still go. We love lights and the more like the griswals the better as far as we are concerned.


4. Does your tea kettle have a whistle?  I know this is awful but currently we don't have a tea kettle and we love tea. My daughter wants a tea kettle for Christmas but I lost my job and can't get unemployment so right now thats probably not going to happen.


5. Do you like boots?  I love boots but for the most part I only love the ankle boots. I have fat legs and the ones that come up on the calves don't fit usually and if they do they just make fat little legs look even fatter.  :)

24 Songs of Christmas- You're here

I just love to hear Francesca Battistelli sing. She has such a beautiful voice.And for some reason the words to the song Noel have been running in my head over and over again so this song includes the words Noel so thats a plus for me.

Hold on now, got to take a deep breath.
I don't know what to say when I look in your eyes.
You made the world before I was born,
And here I am holding you in my arms tonight.

Noel, Noel
Jesus our Emmanuel.

(Chorus)
You're here.
I'm holding you so near.
I'm staring into the face of my Savior,
King and Creator.
You could of left us on our own.
But you're here.

I don't know how long I'm going to have you for,
But I'll be watching when you change the world.
Look at your hands, they're still so small.
Someday you're going to stretch them out and save us all.
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/f/francesca_battistelli/youre_here.html ]
Noel, Noel
God with us, Emmanuel.

(Chorus)
You're here.
I'm holding you so near. Oh, oh.
I'm staring into the face of my Savior,
King and Creator.
You could of left us on our own.
But you're here.
You're here.

Someday I'm going to look back on this,
The night that God became my baby boy.
Someday you're going to go home again,
But you'll leave your spirit,
And flood the world with joy.

(Chorus)
You'll be here.
I'm holding you so near. Oh, oh.
I'm staring into the face of my Savior,
King and Creator.
You could of left me on my own.
But you're here.
You're here.
Hallelujah, you're here.
Hallelujah, you're here.

Review Capstar Flea Treatment Dog (Blue), 2-25 lbs, 6 tablets

I thought I would review a product I had recently bought. Most people put their disclaimer on the bottom but I am putting my right in the front. I was not paid nor compensated in any form for this review. The company doesn't even know I am writing this review.

My little dog Maxine had such trouble with fleas. We had tried everything you can think of. I tried all the nonchemical ways you can think of such as brewer's yeast, garlic pills, etc. They didn't work. Then we tried an assortment of flea collars. Same result. Next we tried a variety of those drops you run down the animals backs. Once again those didn't work. We had started giving her flea baths every 2 days and about all that was doing was causing poor Maxine to suffer from dry skin. She was just eat up with fleas and I didn't know what to do.

I had bunch of gift certificates on my balance at Amazon so I decided to do some shopping there. I read the reviews of a bunch of different treatments that people had posted and the one that most got my attention was Capstar Flea Treatment Dog (Blue), 2-25 lbs, 6 tablets.  I will admit I was skeptical because let's face it, fleas dead in 15 minutes. And I was a bit afraid because a couple of the reviews  said their dogs had reactions. I love Maxine dearly and she's just the cutest little dog but she was miserable so I gave her the first pill. I admit I watched her like a hawk to make sure she was going to be ok. When I checked her 20 minutes later all the fleas were dead and just needed combed off.  I was a bit disappointed because within a couple days she had a few fleas on her again but the medicine does say it only kills the adults not the eggs.  So when the next week rolled around and I gave her the second pill, once again the fleas were all dead and this time I guess because the eggs had already hatched she has remained flea free for over 2 weeks. I am honestly thrilled with this product. I am saving the rest for the spring. I am hoping that if I get her a good collar and comb her daily to not go through this again but I do have this pills that I will use to keep her flea free and happy. I will buy this pills again.

24 Song of Christmas- Where's the Line to see Jesus

Its day 3 and this song really touched my heart. There are just way to many people (and I am talking about Christian people here) who forget to keep Christ in Christmas. We get so caught up in the decorating, parties, presents and plays that we forget what its all about.

"Where's the Line to See Jesus?"
(An Original Song)
Performed by father and daughter, Steve Haupt and Becky Kelley
Inspired by grandson, Spencer Reijgers
Written by Steve Haupt and Chris Loesch
The story behind the song, as told by Steve Haupt:
“While at the mall last year, my four year old grandson saw kids lined up excitedly to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of God's son; with the innocence of a child, he asked his mom, ‘Where's the line to see Jesus? If Christmas is Jesus' birthday, why don't we see Him more?’ As his grandpa, I was so happy that little Spencer understood the meaning of Christmas at such a tender age, and then the words for
a song were jotted down in just a few minutes. The song was inspired by my grandson, and the message was inspired by my Savior. Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults can not understand. Hopefully Spencer's observation and our song will cause people to reflect on the love of Jesus, and the certainty that one day we will all stand in
line to see Jesus. Merry Christmas everyone.”

Christmas time was approaching,
Snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents,
People filling the mall.
Children waiting for Santa,
With excitement and glee,
A little boy tugged my sweater,
Looked up and asked me.
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents.
But Christ gave His life for me.
As I stood in amazement,
At this message profound,
I looked down to thank him,
he was nowhere around.
Little boy at the mall,
Might as well have had wings,
As the tears filled my eyes,
but I heard him sing.

Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents.
But Christ gave His life for me.
In the blink of an eye,
at the sound of His trump,
We’ll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down,
every tongue will confess,
that Jesus Christ is Lord
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents.
But Christ gave His life for me.

December 2nd 2012 Photo Project

Ok, after viewing all the pictures the other people in the project are doing I am embarrassed by my poor little pictures. These people are some serious picture takers and apparently they all have wonderful cameras. I should have looked before I leaped into this fire haha.  Well regardless here is my offering for day 2.

This is one of our 3 cats. Lady Elain (named for Lady Elain Fairchild from Mr Roger's fame) is supervising the tree trimming process. Now mind you once its all said and done we have almost no decorations on the bottom of the tree because if its not a dog stealing the ornaments, then its a cat swatting them off. 

24 Songs of Christmas- About The Cross

Sometimes we forget the whole point of Christmas. Jesus came with the purpose of dying. Its hard to think of that baby in the manger hanging on the cross for my sins but that's exactly what it is. So today for my second song of the season I am picking a song that reminds us of the cross.

December 1st 2012 Photo Project

You may have noticed the new badge on my page for December photo project I got the link in an email and thought it would be kinda cool. Lets face it anymore its hard to for me to post once a month much less daily so can't wait to see how this works. I do have a lot of posts scheduled already for daily songs so there will be something but I love taking pictures so want to participate in this project.

I was driving home from a friend and past a house with a giant red Santa in the front. He was just so cute that I stopped and snapped a picture so here is the first one. I took it from the middle of the road so its not a great picture but its there and its red :).

24 Songs of Christmas- Breathe of Heaven

I so loved my 24 Songs of Christmas last year that I thought I would do it again. I love finding new Christmas songs and sharing old favorites. I heard this one on another blog way back in February so wanted to share it as my first song of the Christmas season. When I picked this song, the year hadn't turned on me so I was a lot happier. But by God's mercy and grace I have almost made it through this year. Its been a tough one but I got through. Merry Christmas everyone. I hope each of you treasure every single blessing God have given you this season. No matter what happens next year won't be the same as this one. People will come, they will go, they will change and be older. Treasure the moment.

Ten Commandments for the Christmas Season

It seems like so few people remember who the Christmas season is all about. Not only have they taken Christ out of Christmas but anymore they are so busy doing doing doing that its not even about family. Here is a reminder of Who we are celebrating this season.

Ten Commandments for the Christmas Season 

1. Thou shalt remember to keep Christ in Christmas.

 2. Thou shalt pause in thy business to consider the magnitude of God's gift of Christ to mankind.

 3. Remembering that Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn, thou shalt give Christ the chief room in thy heart. 

 4. Thou shalt participate in the Christmas activities sponsored by thy church. 

5. Thou shalt be generous in thy gifts to missions at Christmas. 

 6. Thou shalt take time to plan for the happiness of those outside thine own circle of family and friends. 

7. Thou shalt enjoy, in unhurried calm, the priceless heritage of Christmas music which exalts the Lord Jesus Christ.

 8. Thous shalt give of thyself in all gifts, giving not for duty, for reciprocity, or personal satisfaction--but for the simple joy of sharing.

 9. Thou shalt remember, with great patience and understanding, all those who serve thee: the sales clerk, the postman, the delivery man, and all others who bear the physical burden of the holiday season. 

 10. Thou shalt teach they children the true meaning of Christmas, of the Prince of Peace, who came to give mankind a way to righteousness and true lasting happiness. copied (source unknown)