Butterfly Acres

An Abraham issue

2012-01-15T13:45:00.005-05:00

Friends I need your prayers that I would make the right decisions in my life. I find myself acting like Abraham. Not the up on the mountain trusting God to provide Abraham but the down in the valley thinking God needs my help to fulfill His promise to me. Looking at all the trouble in the Middle East that is a direct result of the conflicts between Ishmeal and Isreal, I see what happens when we don't wait on God's timing. But I am tired and discouraged. Every day someone is on my case about moving on and when I tell them that I feel and believe in my soul that God is going to work a miracle, I get more grief. Then I start to think maybe I am fooling myself and God really does want me to move on. I need help.
On that note here is a favorite song of mine that is about Abraham and choosing God.

Building 429- "Where I belong"

2012-01-15T01:04:00.002-05:00

Sometimes it feels like I have no clue where I belong, its nice to be reminded where I belong and Who I belong to. I try to always only listen to christian music in the car and in my life. I figure if you only dwell on good thoughts it has to help you get closer to God. One of the 2 stations I listen to is KLove. I love that they offer free song downloads. Here is this week's offering song by one a my new favorite groups. Its called Where I belong by Building 429.

Sometimes it feels like I'm watching
From the outside
Sometimes it feels like I'm breathing
But am I alive?
I will keep searching for answers
That aren't here to find

(Chorus)
All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong

So when the walls come falling down on me
And when I'm lost in the current of a raging sea
I have this blessed assurance holding me.

Chorus

When the earth shakes
I wanna be found in You
When the lights fade
I wanna be found in You

Chorus (X2)

Where I belong (X4)

Then Sings my Soul- Nothing Greater than Grace

2012-01-14T06:26:00.004-05:00

So far this is a wonderful year for me. I made my last car payment yesterday so thats $240 a month I can start saving, I now live 8.5 miles from work so my fuel costs have been cut by 3/4 and my rent is lower. I am so loving having a dishwasher, my frig got fixed finally yesterday. I just feel that my life is going so well now and want to give God all the praise for that. I really feel this is the best my life has been in a long time. I can't honestly say I am happy but things are on an even keel. I miss seeing my daughters and grandchildren. I still am in love with someone who no longer wants to be with me but I am working on getting over that. More importantly, I feel closer to God every day and am so blessed. Here is one of my favorite songs right now that I keep hearing on the radio. I bought the mp3 from Amazon yesterday because I love it so much. Sometimes when you are in the midst of the storms its hard to remember that nothing that comes against us is greater than the grace of God but I am so glad when Jesus reminds me of that and holds me in His arms to shield me from the blows.

Back in the saddle

2012-01-09T13:15:00.003-05:00

Well I am finally living in a new apartment in Winston Salem. I actually have internet for the first time in almost 2 months. I really like this apartment. Now I would to start getting my act together in 2012. Sadly I feel that God isn't calling me home to WV any time soon so for whatever reason He want me here in NC, I am going to do my best here. I think part of it is He is wanting me to get over Junior. I guess when the thought of not being with him stops bringing me to my knees sobbing hysterically I might get to go home. So on that note here are some goals for the years.

1. Lose weight (always on the list but I would like this to be the last year its on here)

2. save some money to buy a place of my own

3. get more fiscally stable.

4. Draw closer to God and spend more time with Him.

5. Be happy

This is my wonderful porch. Its huge and I love sitting at the table watching the birds. I am going to buy some feeders.

Love the alcove above my stove and I seriously love the dishwasher.

cute little woodstove sitting in its own alcove. I dont use it but its cute. I think I might get some wood and keep on hand just in case since I heat with electricity.

This place was meant for me. It has built in bookcases on both sides of the living room and over my bed.

I just like this fan and the wood ceilings.

Soul Searching Questions for the New Year

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

Soul Searching Questions for the New Year
Last year while blog surfing I found this on a blog. The owner's pastor had posed these questions to the church and I found them very inspiring so I wanted to share them with you this year. I am posting a couple days early to give you time to think of your answers and see how you can work them out.

1. What's one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?

2. What the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?

3. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?

4. What one Biblical doctrine do you most want to understand this year and what will you do about it?

5. What's the single biggest time-waster in your life and what will you do about it?

6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church this year?

7. For whose salvation will you most fervently pray this year?

8. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?

9. What single thing do you plan to do this year that will matter most in ten years? In eternity?

10. What area of your life needs simplifying and what can you do to simplify it?

11. What habit would you most like to establish this year? What will you do about it?

12. Which person would you most like to encourage this year? How will you do it?

13. What is your most important financial goal this year and what specific steps will you take to work toward it?

14. What skill do you most want to learn or improve this year?

15. What one thing could you do this year to enrich the spiritual legacy you will leave to your children or grandchildren?

24 Songs of Christmas- Going Home for Christmas

2011-12-21T05:00:00.001-05:00

I heard this song while I was driving from home to NC and just loved it. I know its talking about going to Heaven but I would love to be home for Christmas. I so want to move back to WV.

24 Songs of Christmas- Forgotten Christmas

2011-12-20T03:13:00.000-05:00

This isn't a song so much as a video about not forgetting what Christmas is all about and why we celebrate our Savior's birth.

24 Songs of Christmas- It's about the Cross

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

Today is day 19 in 24 songs of Christmas. Sometimes when thinking about Christmas and the coming of the new baby, we don't consider the whole purpose of His coming was to go to the Cross. Imagine being born just for the purpose of dying. How much He loves us that He not only thought about it but actually did it for each and every one of us.

24 Songs of Christmas- When Love Was Born

2011-12-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is day 18 in the 24 songs of Christmas. I just found this song and its just so sweet and wonderful I had to share with you.

24 Songs of Christmas- While you were sleeping

2011-12-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is day 17 in my songs of Christmas postings.

Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you're lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping
Will we be sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night

24 Songs of Christmas- On that not so silent night

2011-12-16T05:00:00.001-05:00

This one is brand new to me.

24 Songs of Christmas- Mary's Boy Child

2011-12-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

Mary's Boy Child (Harry Belafonte)

24 Songs of Christmas- What a Strange Way to Save the World

2011-12-14T05:00:00.002-05:00

What a strange way to save the world

24 Songs of Christmas- Mary was the First One.

2011-12-13T05:30:00.002-05:00

We are more than halfway to Christmas. Today is day 13 in our 24 songs of Christmas countdown. I thought I would share an oldie with you today. I just love the Gaither Vocal Band. So many talented people have passed through the Gospel Hour.

24 Songs of Christmas- O Holy Night, We Three Kings Of Orient Are

2011-12-12T00:45:00.003-05:00

Found this on another blog. I haven't ever heard of Ray Conniff.

24 Songs of Christmas- Christmas Shines

2011-12-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

I found this one on another blog and really enjoyed it.

24 Songs of Christmas-Where's the Line to See Jesus

2011-12-10T05:00:00.003-05:00

FIRST CORINTHIANS CHRISTMAS

2011-12-10T05:00:00.002-05:00

FIRST CORINTHIANS CHRISTMAS

IF I DECORATE MY HOUSE PERFECTLY WITH PLAID BOWS,
STRANDS OF TWINKLING LIGHTS AND SHINY BALLS,
BUT DO NOT SHOW LOVE TO MY FAMILY,
I'M JUST ANOTHER DECORATOR.
IF I SLAVE AWAY IN THE KITCHEN,
BAKING DOZENS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES,
PREPARING GOURMET MEALS,
ARRANGING A BEAUTIFULLY ADORNED TABLE ,
BUT DO NOT SHOW LOVE TO MY FAMILY, I'M JUST ANOTHER COOK.
IF I WORK AT THE SOUP KITCHEN, CAROL IN THE NURSING HOME
AND GIVE ALL THAT I HAVE TO CHARITY,
BUT DO NOT SHOW LOVE TO MY FAMILY, IT PROFITS ME NOTHING.
IF I TRIM THE SPRUCE WITH SHIMMERING ANGELS
AND CROCHETED SNOWFLAKES,
ATTEND MYRIAD HOLIDAY PARTIES
AND SING IN THE CHOIR'S CANTATA
BUT DO NOT FOCUS ON CHRIST,
I HAVE MISSED THE POINT.
LOVE STOPS COOKING TO HUG THE CHILD.
LOVE SETS ASIDE DECORATING TO KISS THE HUSBAND.
LOVE IS KIND, THOUGH HARRIED AND TIRED.
LOVE DOESN'T ENVY ANOTHER'S HOME
THAT HAS COORDINATED CHRISTMAS CHINA AND TABLE LINENS.
LOVE DOESN'T YELL AT THE KIDS TO GET OUT OF THE WAY,
BUT IS THANKFUL THEY ARE THERE TO BE IN THE WAY.
LOVE DOESN'T GIVE ONLY TO THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO GIVE IN RETURN
BUT REJOICES IN GIVING TO THOSE WHO CAN'T.
LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS,
BELIEVES ALL THINGS,
HOPES ALL THINGS,
ENDURES ALL THINGS.
LOVE NEVER FAILS.
VIDEO GAMES WILL BREAK,
PEARL NECKLACES WILL BE LOST,
GOLF CLUBS WILL RUST.
BUT THE GIFT OF LOVE WILL ENDURE.

24 Songs of Christmas- What is Christmas About

2011-12-09T05:00:00.001-05:00

Growing up, I don't think there was a year I missed watching A Charlie Brown Christmas. This has been on every year since 1965.

24 Songs of Christmas- A Social Network Christmas

2011-12-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

Not exactly a song but I thought it was sort of cute considering the world today.

24 Songs of Christmas- Jesus, Light of the World

2011-12-07T05:00:00.002-05:00

We have made it to day 7 in the 24 songs of Christmas. I found this song and since I just love Third Day, I wanted to share with you.

24 Songs of Christmas- Christmas Makes Me Cry

2011-12-06T00:57:00.002-05:00

24 Songs of Christmas- How Many Kings

2011-12-05T00:09:00.007-05:00

This is day 5 in my 24 songs of Christmas postings.

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we've projected,
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -
Just a child -
Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe.
Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he will suffer
Do you believe?
Is this who we've waited for?

All for me...
All for you...

24 Songs of Christmas- What Child is this

2011-12-04T05:00:00.006-05:00

This is day 4 in my 24 songs of Christmas postings. Third Day is such an awesome and inspiring group. I could listen to them all day every day.

What Child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
* This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
[ Find more Lyrics on http://mp3lyrics.org/aOp ]
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.
* Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,
The Cross be borne, for me, for you.
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh;
Come peasant, king, to own Him.
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
* Raise, raise, the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

24 Songs of Christmas-Mary Did You Know

2011-12-03T05:00:00.005-05:00

My friend MaryAnn sings this song. I just think its so wonderful. Have you ever considered Mary's point of view. I mean even though she knew what a miracle her son was, do you think it ever occurred to her all that he was meant to do and go through.

"Mary Did You Know"

[Originally written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene]

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

24 Songs of Christmas- Come Now Our King

2011-12-02T05:00:00.008-05:00

Bethlehem turns in tonight
A town led up by candle light
All the children tuck in tight
Bethlehem turns in tonight

The angels start their whispering
About the one they're welcoming
No one knows what's soon to be
As the angels start their whispering

Chorus
They sing glory
In the highest
Come now our King
We've been
Waiting
Come now our King

Silence falls
Yet once again
The shepherds leave for Bethlehem
Baby's cry soon welcomes them
Silence falls yet once again

They sing glory ( glory in the.. 2x )
In the highest
Come now our King, yeah
We've been ( we've been waiting 2x )
Waiting
Come now our King

Ooooh

Glory, Oh glory
You came here to save
Ooh Lord, we've been waiting so
Come now our King

Now my night has turned today
An empty manger, empty grave
Baby born so I could say
Now my night has turned today

Ooh, We sing glory ( glory in the.. 2x )
In the highest
Come now our King, oh ooh
We've been ( we've been waiting 2x )
Waiting ( waiting for you 2x )
Come now our king
Ooh ooh, Come now our King.

24 Songs of Christmas- This is Christmas- Kutless

2011-12-01T05:00:00.005-05:00

I found this song after Christmas had already past last year and thought it was lovely.

Do you find it hard to sleep til' night,
Resting by the Christmas lights?
Could there be something you forgot?
Beyond the bows, and mistletoes,
The tree with presents wrapped below,
There's more to this than you had ever thought?
Have we lost the reason that we celebrate each year?

Chorus:
What is Christmas?
If there never was a Savior wrapped in a manger.
What is Christmas without Christ?

Remember how the story goes,
God's gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes,
Beneath the star, one great and holy night.
The shepherds heard the angels sing,
The wise man brought an offering,
Peace on Earth began in Bethelethm
Have we lost the reason that we celebrate each year?

Twas the month before Christmas

2011-11-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

I found this online but it wasn't attributed to anyone. I liked it so wanted to share. Sometimes it feels like this is how life is but I know there is and always will be a remnant dedicated to Jesus. Since this is Black Friday I thought it appropriate.

Twas the month before Christmas

Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.

Why the PC Police
had taken away,
The reason for Christmas -
no one could say.

The children were told
by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men
and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings,
the teachers would say
December 25th
is just a "Holiday".

Yet the shoppers were ready
with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down
to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna,
an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing,
something quite odd!

Retailers promoted
Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by
Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging
their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas -
was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples
and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas;
it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive,
Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used
to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden,
Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather,
on Kerry, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate,
there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus,
in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word,
as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak
of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas
was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season,
stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate "Winter Break"
under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks,
listen to me.

Choose your words carefully,
choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,
not Happy Holiday!

Cats and pumpkins

2011-10-24T11:47:00.000-04:00

Who would have ever thought cats would enjoy playing with pumpkins so much.

An Irish Ghost Story

2011-10-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

This story happened a while ago in Dublin , and even though it sounds like an Alfred Hitchcock tale, it's true.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
John Bradford, a Dublin University student, was on the side of the road hitchhiking on a very dark night and in the midst of a big storm. The night was rolling on and no car went by. The storm was so strong he could hardly see a few feet ahead of him.

Suddenly, he saw a car slowly coming towards him and stopped.

John, desperate for shelter and without thinking about it, got into the car and closed the door.... only to realize there was nobody behind the wheel and the engine wasn't on.

The car started moving slowly.. John looked at the road ahead and saw a curve approaching. Scared, he started to pray, begging for his life. Then, just before the car hit the curve, a hand appeared out of nowhere through the window, and turned the wheel. John, paralyzed with terror, watched as the hand came through the window, but never touched or harmed him.

Shortly thereafter, John saw the lights of a pub appear down the road,
so, gathering strength; he jumped out of the car and ran to it. Wet
and out of breath, he rushed inside and started telling everybody about the horrible experience he had just had.

A silence enveloped the pub when everybody realized he was
crying... and wasn't drunk.

Suddenly, the door opened, and two other people walked in from the dark
and stormy night. They, like John , were also soaked and out of breath. Looking around, and seeing John Bradford sobbing at the bar, one said to the other....

Look Paddy....there's that idiot that got in the car while we were pushing it!!!!'

National Breast Cancer Month

2011-10-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

October is National Breast Cancer Month and sadly I am sure everyone out there has been touched by breast cancer somehow in their lives. Lets keep praying for a cure and even better a prevention.

MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL

2011-09-11T05:00:00.002-04:00

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do... However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you . But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.
God

Earthquakes in Divers places

2011-08-27T00:15:00.002-04:00

Its been over a month since I blogged. I thought I would force myself to start back. I hope how soon open enrollment is for insurance at work. I really need to go to the doctor I think to get some meds for depression. I can't seem to win this one on my own.

Anyhow the point to this blog is to tell about the earthquake we had on Tuesday, August 23rd 2011. It happened about 3 minutes or so before 2:oo pm. I had just went to lay down trying to get some sleep before I had to go into work at 6:00pm. I sleep on an air mattress and about as soon as I got into bed, it was like a wave on a waterbed happened. It dipped and I felt the ripples. I was like what in the world so I got up and came into the living room where I saw my knick knacks on the entertainment center waving back and forth. I went outside and saw people standing around. I thought perhaps there had been an explosion here in Mount Airy. I called my aunt to see if she felt it and she had so then I got on facebook and saw everyone posting that there had just been a quake in Mineral, VA measuring 5.8. It was felt as far north as Ontario Canada and as far south as Florida. An earthquake never crossed my mind because we just don't have them here on the east coast.

The day before on the 22nd there had been an earthquake measuring 5.3 in Colorado. That was the largest earthquake there in over 40 years. Then on Tuesday night there was a small earthquake measuring 3.6 in San Francisco, CA. Some people say that its just nature, some say its global warming but I personally look to the Bible where in Matthew 24:7 it says "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." Divers means many. I honestly believe Jesus is getting ready to step out of Heaven and call His followers home. I actually feel physically sick from being surrounded by sin so much and that's never happened before. I long for the day when all the saints are gathered into Heaven to spend eternity worshipping and praising Christ.

I found there were 7 references to events that could be called earthquakes in the Bible.

1. Exodus 19:18: And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

2. 1 Kings 19:11: And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

3. Zechariah 14:5: And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.

4. Matthew 27:54: Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

5. Matthew 28:2: And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

6. Acts 16:26: And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

7. Revelations 6:12: And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

I say read the Bible and come to your own conclusions but as for me, my soul is saying the end draws near. I am ready to move on. If you aren't ready please think about it and make a choice to spend eternity in Heaven.

Skin Softening Sugar Scrub

2011-07-25T06:27:00.001-04:00

I am so in love with this craft idea I found here. As soon as I read it I had to try it out and made a trial batch just to see if I liked it. You take a jar ( I used a plastic bowl because I don't like glass near the tub) fill it almost all the way to the top with sugar, add a layer (just a layer not top off the container) of dish liquid ( I used Dawn Botanicals in jasmine and lavender, it made such a lovely shade of lavender and smelled awesome) stir the dish liquid in with a case knife (easier than a spoon). I had to add a bit more dish liquid to get it the right consistancy. I went to take a bath and used it. My skin is super soft and the tub is so clean since there was dish liquid in the mix. I love bath products and have used the kind with oils in the mix but then the tub is a little slippery and you have to scrub it out afterwards. This was wonderful, easy to mix with ingredients you already have at the house. The original blog poster said she had made it and it was still good months later. I am going to make some of this for all the ladies on my Christmas list since its so easy and I just love it. I love the way my skin feels now. Its so silky soft.

Good bye Pikie

2011-07-24T04:05:00.003-04:00

I have been to WV this week. My step-grandfather passed away so I took off and went up there. He was 85 and had been married 62 years to the same woman. They had 10 children. I remember being a little girl watching the Cowboys play on tv with him. He had me convinced for years he was Tom Landry :). He could be so funny but was so quiet you might miss it. Rest in Peace Pikie.

Catching up

2011-07-16T23:25:00.002-04:00

I have been so busy with work, I have barely been online. The last 2 or 3 posts were actually ones that I had prescheduled. With all the summer vacations and stuff, we have been working 10-12 hours a day and since I drive almost an hour each way thats a large part of my day. By the time I work then get home, I just don't feel like being online. I have to work 3 12 shifts this week, then next week is a normal week then back to the 12 hour shifts for the 1st week of August then hopefully it will settle down for a while. Everyone at work seems to be arguing and tempers are real short. I think its just that everyone is so tired and its been so hot. Thankfully its been real cool the past 2 days so that might help some. We did all get $60 gift cards for Wal-Mart for meeting the quarterly safety goal. I used mine to buy a mini boom box. I haven't had one and really wanted one so got it and some blank cds so I could burn some songs to listen to at work.
Not much has really been happening. I started a new diet on June 15th and so far I have lost 19 lbs (go me). Basically I cut out Coke and have been drinking Minute Maid light lemonade. I haven't really been exercising or watching what I eat. I am trying to do it in baby steps. Once I am not so tired I am going to get more into it.
I haven't hardly been entering any contests but I did get a surprise win. I opened my door one evening to go to work and there was a box. I opened it up and I had won a Jensen JISS-85 iPod MP3 Docking AM FM Shower Radio Stereo w/LCD Clock as a second prize winner in the Dirty Dilemmas Sweepstakes from Axe. This is going in the gift box for someone's Christmas present.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T04:31:00.000-04:00

Contrary to some people's opinion, American was founded and considered a Christian nation.

Here is quiz about the founding fathers and their beliefs.

A Letter from Your Father

2011-06-19T05:00:00.002-04:00

My Child ~

You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-3

Love, Your Dad, Almighty God

Dadsense

2011-06-19T05:00:00.000-04:00

Since I posted one for Moms here is one for Dads.

Songs for the dads

2011-06-18T06:03:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is Father's day so I thought I would post a few songs to honor dads everywhere. I don't have a terribly close relationship with my dad but it is what it is. We are closer now that I am adult.

It doesn't take a blood tie to be a real dad.

I just love Conway Twitty.

June 16th- National Fudge Day

2011-06-16T05:00:00.000-04:00

* National Fudge Day- What can you say about a day to honor fudge. We love fudge in this family.

This one is in honor of my oldest daughter because she doesn't really like chocolate.
Peanut Butter Fudge:
3 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 tsp.vanilla
1(7oz,)jar marshmallow cream
1 small jar peanut butter
Combine sugar and milk in a saucepan. Boil over med.heat or med.-high until
it forms a soft ball.Take off burner. Add vanilla,marshmallow cream and peanut
butter. Mix well.Pour on wax paper and cool. Cut in square.

One of the managers at a gas station I did accounting for gave me this recipe. I love this stuff.
DREAMSICLE FUDGE

1 lb. cream cheese, room temp.
6 cups powdered sugar
2 lbs. white chocolate
2 T. orange extract

Melt chocolate. Mix with cheese, then mix in powdered sugar and flavoring. Spread in pan to set up. Refrigerate because of cream cheese!

My youngest loves this and so did an ex-boyfriend.
Fantasy Fudge
3 c SUGAR
3/4 c MARGARINE
2/3 c EVAPORATED MILK
12 oz CHOCOLATE CHIPS
7 oz MARSHMALLOW CREAM
1 c CHOPPED NUTS
1 t VANILLA

COMBINE SUGAR, MILK AND MARGARINE IN A HEAVY SAUCE PAN AND BRING TO A BOIL. STIR CONSTANTLY. CONTINUE TO BOIL FOR 5 MINUTES OVER MEDIUM HEAT. REMOVE FROM HEAT AND STIR IN CHOCOLATE CHIPS. ADD MARSHMALLOW CREAM AND VANILLA EXTRACT. BEAT UNTIL WELL BLENDED. POUR INTO A WELL BUTTERED 9 X 13" PAN. COOL AT ROOM TEMPERATURE UNTIL FIRM. CUT INTO SQUARES.

Answers to Flag day Quiz

2011-06-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

Here are the answers:

Q: What are the meanings of the colors on the flag?
A: Red - Stands for hardiness and courage.
White - Is the symbol of purity and innocence.
Blue - Is the color of vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Q: What is the Pledge of Allegiance?
A: I Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Q: How should one stand when saying the pledge?
A: You should stand facing the flag with your right hand placed over your heart.

Q: How many stripes appear on the flag?
A: Thirteen horizontal stripes

Q: Of that number, how many are red and how many white?
A: Seven red alternating with 6 white stripes.

Q: What do the stripes represent?
A: The original 13 colonies

Q: How many stars appear on the flag?
A: 50 stars

Q: What do the stars represent?
A: The 50 states of the Union

Flag Day Quiz

2011-06-14T05:00:00.001-04:00

I remember flag day every year because a boy I had a crush on for years has his birthday that day :). So happy birthday to Jamey Cullop and the U.S. flag. Here is a little quiz about the US Flag. I will post the answers tomorrow morning.

What are the meanings of the colors on the flag?
What is the Pledge of Allegiance?
How should one stand when saying the Pledge?
How many stripes appear on the flag?
Of that number, how many are red and how many white?
What do the stripes represent?
How many stars appear on the flag?
What do the stars represent?

TSMS-Sometimes I cry

2011-06-11T05:00:00.005-04:00

I was so blessed last year to hear Jason Crabb in person, at the WV Church of God campmeeting in Princeton WV. He is such a sweet and humble person when you meet him although just listening to him talk on tv, that same spirit comes through. I love his voice and pray that God blesses him abundantly in his ministry with all that he tries to do. He will again be at the WV state campmeeting on Friday June 17th at the Church of God Princeton WV. If you are ever in an area where you can hear Jason, I promise you will be wonderfully blessed to go see him. He is one of my all time favorite singers, in case you couldn't guess from this post :).

Sometimes I Cry lyrics

I look the part
blend in with the rest of the church crowd
I know the routine
I could list all the bible studies in town
watch christian TV
I know all the preachers...their cliches
been born again, without a doubt I know I'm saved

Chorus
But sometimes I hurt and sometimes I cry
sometimes I can't get it right
no matter how hard I seem to try
sometimes I fall down
stumble over my own disguise
I try to look strong
as the whole world looks on
but sometimes alone I cry

I try to speak faith
never give the devil one inch to get in
I do worship and praise
let everybody know just where that I stand
on the back of my ride is a fish and a cross
for the world to see
I know God is good, all of the time
yes there's no doubt for me

Chorus
But sometimes I hurt and sometimes I cry
sometimes I can't get it right
no matter how hard I seem to try
sometimes I fall down
stumble over my own disguise
I try to look strong
as the whole world looks on
but sometimes alone I cry

Bridge
Sometimes I fall down
stumble over my own disguise
I try to look strong as the whole world looks on
but sometimes alone I cry

Tag
I try to look strong as the whole world looks on
but sometimes alone I cry

June 10th- Ice Tea day and Judy Garland's birthday

2011-06-10T05:00:00.001-04:00

I dont' know if its because I am southern or not but I love tea and could drink it all day every day. Well with some Coke once in a while.

When I used to make ice tea it was hit or miss if it was going to be bitter or not until I found Southern Plate and tried Christy's recipe. I make perfect tea every time now.

Today is the birthday of the star of one of my very favorite movies of all time. Judy Garland.

June 6th

2011-06-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

Today is
* First Drive-in Movie Theater Opens In New Jersey in 1933.
The drive in theater here in Mount Airy recently closed. It was so sad that no one with money wanted to keep it open. I used to love going to the drive in. This site lists local drive ins for NC but its not up to date since it still shows the one here in Mt Airy being open. If you go to the main menu you can check out your state.

* National Applesauce Cake Day
Here is a recipe I found over 10 years ago online. At the time I wasn't expecting to ever post stuff online so I don't have the credit information. Its really good though. Esp topped with ice cream while warm.

Applesauce Cake (1942)
½ C margarine
1C sugar
2 egg whites
1 ½ C applesauce
2 C flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
½ C raisins

Cream margarine with sugar until fluffy.
Add egg whites and beat well. Add applesauce and beat.
Sift dry ingredients together. Add to margarine mixture and mix well.
Stir in raisins. Pour into lightly oiled 9-inch square pan.
Bake in 350° oven for 45 minutes.

June 5th- National Gingerbread Day and Richard Scarry's birthday

2011-06-05T05:00:00.001-04:00

I love gingerbread.

Here is a web site of recipes.

the girls loved Richard Scarry's busy world.

June 4th- Aesop's Birthday

2011-06-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Growing up I was fascinated by fables. Since today is Aesop's Birthday I thought I would share a few of my favorites.

The ant and the grasshopper this link has an mp3 so you can hear it as you read it.

Crow and the pitcher also has a sound clip

Hare and the tortoise this is probably the most famous fable.

TSMS- Prayer Bells of Heaven.

2011-06-04T05:00:00.002-04:00

I am not much into bluegrass but it seems like the old hymns online are always done in a bluegrass style. This is my favorite song in our church hymnal. My favorite line is about the 3 Hebrew children. That's my favorite story in the bible because that's the God I want, one who will be in the fire with me even while delivering me.

1. While we are living in this world of care,
Many the burdens that we have to bear;
But there's a prayer-bell at the Lord's right hand,
Give it a ring and He will understand.

CHORUS:

Prayer-bells of heaven, oh, how sweetly they ring (keep ringing)
Bearing our message unto Jesus the King; (of glory)
When you are burdened down with trouble and care, (My brother)
Ring on and on for God will answer your prayer (ev'ry prayer).

2. Three Hebrew children to the flames were thrown,
Because a mortal king they would not own;
Jesus delivered and the King then saw,
Prayer-bells of heaven beats a manmade law.

CHORUS:

3. When Paul and Silas both were thrown in jail,
They did not worry who would go their bail;
But on the prayer-bells they began to ring,
Off fell the stocks and they began to sing.

CHORUS:

4. Into the garden Jesus went to pray,
Until His sweat became as blood, they say;
Ringing the prayer-bells there in agony,
Bringing salvation that we might be free.

CHORUS:

As long as I am playing bluegrass I will play another favorite of mine. This one has a very special meaning to my life.

Chorus-
Crying holy unto my lord
Crying holy unto my lord
Oh, if i could i surely would
Stand on the rock where Moses stood

Sinners run and hide your face
Sinners run and hide your face
Go and run into the rocks and hide your face
'Cause i ain't no stranger now

(Repeat chorus)

Lord, I ani't no stranger now
Lord, I ani't no stranger now
I've been introduced to the Father and the Son
And, I ain't no stranger now

(Repeat Chorus 2x)

Let it go.

2011-06-03T22:29:00.001-04:00

I saw this on another blog and it really spoke to my heart. I have been so down and just don't know how I can deal with some things in my life and this really spoke to me.

LETTING GO

by T. D Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you.

And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. When people can walk away from you let them walk.

Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

The Bible says, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (I John 2:19)

People leave you because they are not joined to you.

And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.

Let them go!!

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's dead. You've got to know when it's over.
Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ......

LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth.....

LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you....

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge.....

LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents.....

LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude.....

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......

LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him.......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship.....

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves.....

LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed ........

LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it"....then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!
The Battle is the Lord's!!!

Messages from God

2011-06-01T12:17:00.003-04:00

If you have been reading you saw my post about the engine going out in my car. I have also been having some struggles in my personal live. There are a couple of cool apps that friends usually post on Facebook but I dont normally even go see what mine are. Today I did and here are the two messages I got from them. I have really been struggling trying to understand but somethings we just won't understand until we are in Heaven.

On this day, God wants you to know
... that the weight you carry on your shoulders is much too heavy for one human being. Give some of that weight where it belongs, - to God, and have faith that what happens is for the best, whether you understand it or not.

My Daily Verse
Here is your Verse of the Day:
Psalm 34:19-20 (NIV). A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken....... Thoughts on This Verse... We know that the righteous can have troubles, but how do we understand that God delivers us from them all? How do we understand that he protects all our bones, especially in light of recent tragedies and the persecution of believers in many places in the world? Paul demonstrates the answer: whatever happens to him will turn out for his deliverance -- whether it is through his death to be with God or whether it is through his release from prison to continue ministry (Phil. 1:19-23). Our deliverance is secure. We are conquerors in Christ. Nothing Satan can do to us can steal us away from God's love, not even death (Romans 8:32-39).

I just want to praise and thank God for sending me these reminders that the circumstances of my life are just that. Circumstances and not my life.

June 1st- National Donut Day

2011-06-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

Since this is national donut day I thought I would post some of my favorite donut recipes from around the web. Its hard to top a fresh donut with a glass of ice cold milk.

Apple Cider donuts

Krispy Kreme clone- Since I work right outside Winston-Salem, how could I leave out this one. Krispy Kreme was first opened in Winston-Salem NC.

Down in the dumps

2011-05-31T13:00:00.002-04:00

I know that when you are on the mountain top you can't stay there but it just seems like everytime I make the long climb up instead of a trek down from the high, I get shoved off the cliff. I had such a good weekend and studied the word and was feeling good then yesterday on the way home from doing laundry, the engine blew up in my car. Cracked head. Too much to fix so now I am without a car again. I can't seem to win for losing. Its so discouraging trying so hard and never getting anywhere. I work every day, don't spend money on cigs or alcohol, am not a shopper who wastes money left and right and yet I can't ever get ahead. I know this world isn't my home and that it rains on the just as well as the unjust but can't seem to feel it today. Today is not a good feeling day.

Facts about June

2011-05-31T05:21:00.003-04:00

I found a new web site that lists unique holidays and observances for each month. I thought it would be fun to post some of the ones I find most interesting.

June
Month Long Observances

* Dairy Month

* Great Outdoors Month

* National Adopt-A-Cat Month

* National Iced Tea Month - find out how to make perfect southern tea here.

June 1st

* Donut Day

* Oscar the Grouch's Birthday
Sesame Street Character

* Stand For Children Day

June 2nd

* Radio Was Patented
In 1896.

June 3rd

* Egg Day

* First U.S. Spacewalk
By Ed White in 1965.

June 4th

* Aesop's Birthday

* Cheese Day

* First Ford Made
Henry Ford made his first operational car in 1896.

June 5th

* First Hot Air Balloon Flight
By the Montgolfier brothers in 1783.

* National Gingerbread Day

* Richard Scarry's Birthday
Author of children's books, born in 1919.

* World Environment Day

June 6th

* D-Day

* First Drive-in Movie Theater Opens
In New Jersey in 1933.

* National Applesauce Cake Day

* National Yo-Yo Day

June 7th

* The Amazing Mumford's Birthday
Sesame Street Character.

June 8th

* Frank Lloyd Wright's Birthday In 1867.

June 9th

* Donald Duck's Birthday In 1934.

June 10th

* Ball Point Pen Day

* Iced Tea Day

* Judy Garland's Birthday
Singer and acctress born in 1922. Started in the Wizard of Oz.

June 11th

* E.T. Movie Premiered
In 1982.

June 12th

* Anne Frank's Birthday
Born in 1929 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

* The Baseball was Invented In 1839.
* Magic Day

* Race Unity Day
Second Sunday in June.

June 13th

* Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's Birthday

* Weed Your Garden Day

June 14th

* Caldecott Medal First Awarded
In 1937.

* Flag Day

* "Pop Goes the Weasel" Day

* Sand Paper Invented
Invented by I. Fischer Jr. in 1834.

* World Juggling Day

June 15th

* Fly A Kite Day
Ben Franklin's Kite Experiment in 1752.
* Power of a Smile Day

June 16th

* National Fudge Day

June 17th

* Eat Your Vegetables Day

June 18th

* International Picnic Day

June 19th

* Father's Day
Third Sunday of June. Check out my page for this special day!

* Garfield's Birthday
Debuted in 1978.

* Juneteenth

* Tasmanian Devil's Birthday
Debuted in 1954.

June 20th

* Bald Eagle Day

* Ice Cream Soda Day

June 21st

* First Day of Summer

June 22nd

* US Department of Justice Established

June 23rd

* Edward VIII - King of England's Birthday
Born in 1894.

* Johannes Gutenberg's Birthday
Born in 1400.

* June Carter-Cash's Birthday
Born in 1929.

* National Pecan Sandies Day

* National Pink Day

* Soap Opera Day

* Typewriter Patented
In 1868.

* United Nations Public Service Day

June 24th

* U.F.O. Day
First documented UFO sighting on this day.

* My pretty pretty princess granddaughter's 4th birthday.

June 25th

* Eric Carle's Birthday
Author of several children's books.

* LEON Day
Shared by Cindy - LEON is NOEL spelled backwards. It means six months until Christmas.

June 26th

* Bicycle Patented
In 1819.

* National Chocolate Pudding Day

* Toothbrush Invented

June 27th

* Captain Kangaroo's Birthday
Bob Keeshan.

* Helen Keller's Birthday
Born in 1880.

* Melody for Happy Birthday Song
Written in 1859.

June 28th

* Paul Bunyan Day

June 29th

* Camera Day

June 30th

* Meteor Day

* Superman's Birthday

Week in review

2011-05-30T13:12:00.007-04:00

I had a wonderful week last week. I won 3 giveaway prizes.

copy of Beth Kendrick's book, The Bake Off from Debbie's Book Bag. If you love books I recommend Debbie's blog.

A copy of the Magic Warble from One Crazy Cookie. Tiffanee has some awesome recipes on her site.

A ruffled kitchen towel from FrouFrouBritches. The picture is just lovely and I can't wait to get it in the mail.

I also bought myself some things this week. I went to Lowe's Foods and they had some hanging plants on clearance for $3 each. I don't have anywhere to hang them but I set them on each side of my balcony. They are perking up nicely with deheading and water. Also in the picture is a little tool I bought on clearance at Wal-Mart not knowing what I would use it for. Its a sonic scrubber pro detailer. I have rheumatoid arthritis and my hands aren't what they used to be. I have used this detailer for doing dishes. Its amazing for scrubbing. It gets in all the little tiny cracks and its better than a brillo pad for cleaning pots and pans plus it doesn't take the coating off pans. Its battery powered so it does the work for me. I wish I had bought way more of them. I don't keep it on the porch but I was trying for just one picture :)

This purchase here is the one that means the most to me. Growing up we had a little plastic ball that you plugged up and it chirped like a bird. I always got to be the one to plug it up and when I was an adult my grandmother gave it to me. 11 years ago someone in a fit of pique gave all my christmas stuff away. I had a lot of keepsake items in there but that ball was the most meaningful for me. I haven't really been in the christmas spirit since. I have seached antique shops, thrift stores, Ebay, Amazon, googled and never saw anything like it. Out of the blue God told me to google one more time and up popped this link. The reviews weren't very good but it was exactly what I was looking for and exactly what I was expecting. Shipping was almost as much as the item but $15 for something that means so much to me wasn't too much and I used my gift cards I earned at Swagbucks This video isn't very good quality but it works.

TSMS- Some Gave All

2011-05-28T05:43:00.001-04:00

This weekend is Memorial Day, when we are supposed to honor those who died defending our country and our rights. America may not be perfect but its the best country I have ever lived in. I am very grateful for those who have fought to protect my rights and the rights of those around the world. A lot of my uncles fought in Vietnam.
A few years back I had the privilege of seeing the traveling Vietnam Wall and as I traced the names of those who died or were missing in action, I was amazed at how I felt. Until I actually stood there the wall meant nothing to me but seeing those names and knowing they were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters overwhelmed me. I can't find my pictures of the wall currently.
Here is a song from a few years back that really says it all.

Here is a good tribute video

Thankfully, none of my family died while serving but please never forget those who did.

Can God use You?

2011-05-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you....
....just remember....

Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
John the Baptist ate bugs
Peter denied Christ
The disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer...
AND Lazarus was dead!

No more excuses now.
God can use you to your full potential.
Besides you aren't the message,
you are the messenger.
~~~Author Unknown~~~

then sings my soul- Carman

2011-05-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

I am feeling nostalgic and I just love Carman and he is one of my oldest's favorite gospel singers. Here are some of my favorites of his songs.

The ending to this song always causes me to lift my hands in prayer. There is so much power.

The girls club won at teen talent with this song. They were so cute singing this song.

I just can't pick one.

I don't really like this one but my oldest loves it.

Cold Wednesday.

2011-05-18T15:15:00.000-04:00

I am really starting to wonder if its ever going to be pretty again. Its rainy and cold yet another day here in North Carolina. I still am not feeling that great. I appear to have some odd reaction to the Prednisone and my back is all bruised and hurting. I am tired of being cold so I have the heat on for a just a little bit to take the chill out. I did have some happy news today. My aunt and her husband are trying to work their marriage out. I am thrilled with that since my uncle has been in the family for so long, I can't imagine life without him as part of our family. Plus he is a good man and I know that God had no part in her wanting to move on.

I have been planning some weekend shopping deals since this is payday. Plus Harris Teeter is having triples this week so I can't wait to see what I can find for free.
Since its so cold I wanted something warm to eat and whipped up a quick cream of potato soup and some no bake cookies. I like potato soup but my oldest could live off of it. All we do is boil some potatoes until they are soft, drain the water add butter, milk and salt and thats it.

Here is the recipe for the no bake cookies.
Small Batch No Bake Cookies

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.

Yield: 18 cookies

Here is a picture of some things I got in the mail this week.

I got a full size correcting primer from Physician's Formula, coupon for a free pint of Breve Creme creamer, coupon for a free Suave Professionals product (this was from a Facebook offer) and the cutest little art kit. I can't remember the site I was on but I entered a giveaway and part of the prize was an art kit but they also had a link that the first 5 people to sign up got a mini art kit. The contest had been posted for over a week but I figured what the heck and signed up and I was one of the 5. Its just adorable with the mini colored pencils, crayons and chalk. Also I got a reusable tote shopping bag from Sea Pak but it wasn't in the picture. I apparently one this on facebook.

Facing your giants- Book Review

2011-05-17T13:38:00.000-04:00

I got Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado from Book Sneeze last year but then things just went badly in my life and it ended up getting packed up. I finally have everything unpacked and finished the book. I loved this book and how much it has helped me deal with issues in my life. This book is about the life of David. God called David a man after his own heart and yet when you read the life of David you see that he wasn't perfect. I find this encourages me that if I will just keep striving to put God first and do repent then He will always be willing to meet me and forgive me. Every time David took his eyes off God then the giants in his life would attack him. I love how Lucado can take words that we have read a thousand times and yet show us what they mean to our lifes and how to use them to draw closer to God. I really enjoyed the key points that were brought out such as "Focus on giants - you stumble. Focus on God - your giants tumble" One of the early points that was brought out and really meant something to me is that the giants we face are often things we should have been over but we tried to keep in our lives. For example if the Isrealites would have done as God commanded, and eradicated the Philistins then all the troubles would have been avoided. When we try to hang onto things of this world, it ends up being a stumbling point for us again and again.

All in all, I would recommend this book and its one that I will read again when I need encouraged.

A couple of recipes

2011-05-16T18:41:00.000-04:00

Since I have been on steriods for my breathing the past couple days, my joints feel great. Its a rare day that someone with RA can move pain free. I thought I would take advantage of it even though I still can't breathe :).
I wanted something but wasn't sure what. I made this pasta mix.

1 16 oz box elbow macaroni
2 tbsp philadelphia cooking creme ( I used 1 of italian herb and one regular)
8 oz tomato sauce
salt.

Boiled the pasta and drained then I just stirred in the other ingredients and added a salad and that was dinner. It was quick and simple and actually pretty good. I have so much cooking creme due to recent sales with coupons.

For dessert my daughter has been bugging wanting my grandmother's sea foam candy.

My great-grandmother made this for years. I have talked to people who used to buy it from her. They still miss the taste of it.

Sea Foam Candy

1 3/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. white sugar
pinch of salt
2 egg whites
1/2 c. hot water
1/4 c. corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugars, water, corn syrup, pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil
until syrup spins threads. Stir often. Takes around 5 minutes on high heat (use a heavy pan) In the meantime, beat egg whites until foamy. Once the syrup starts spinning threads, mix into whites. Add vanilla. Mix with mixer 5 minutes until it holds it's shape. Be sure that you mix it alot or it won't set. Spoon by spoonful onto wax paper: let cool. This will
not set in high humidity.

COVERGIRL NatureLuxe review

2011-05-15T12:01:00.000-04:00

Everyone who knows me knows I love to try new makeup. BzzAgent recently asked me to review the new Covergirl Natureluxe line. I had seen this on tv and magazines with Taylor Swift but hadn't tried it.

When 3 out of 4 professional make-up artists would recommend the NatureLuxe Collection to their clients, you start to listen — that's some serious support! But it's really no surprise: COVERGIRL's new luxury line exchanges select heavy synthetics for carefully-chosen natural ingredients. For a polished make-up look with a lightweight feel, every time, it's what COVERGIRL likes to call “luxury touched by nature”.

This smooth silk foundation trades in a heavier emollient for a touch of cucumber water and a hint of natural jojoba and rosehip extracts. It provides a flawless coverage and a silky lightweight feel. In fact, 8 out of 10 professional make-up artists agree it provides a luxurious skin finish and light, luxurious feel!

But the NatureLuxe love doesn't end there — new COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Gloss Balm contains a lightweight blend of mango, shea and other natural butters that 9 out of 10 make-up artists would recommend to clients for a sheer color with a non-sticky, lightweight feel.

I have to say that thus far in life this is the best foundation I have ever tried. Most people know I have a low self esteem but there wasn't a time that I put this on that I didn't absolutely love how my skin looked. It felt great going on and I just felt pretty wearing it. My favorite thing though was the gloss balm. I put it on and immediately told my oldest to try it out. Then I went to work and bragged to everyone about it. It went on and made my lips feel so silky I kept rubbing them together just to feel it. I loved the way my lips shined. Growing up my lips were always super red but as I have gotten older they have paled some. This balm made them shiny and red again. Simply put, I love both products but can't make it without the balm now. Its a very rare product that I will buy without waiting on a clearance sale but this is it.

Disclosure: I'm a BzzAgent and received free products to review from Covergirl. The opinions are my own. If you like to review new products become a BzzAgent.

TSMS- When Dust Shall Sing

2011-05-14T09:31:00.000-04:00

I heard this while blog surfing and since I had just found out that an old school friend had passed on and I had just spend 6 hours in the ER with heart issues, I was especially moved by it.

WHEN DUST SHALL SING

I stood beside the graveside of a loved one
Like planting seed to watch and wait for spring
That’s when He returns with all His power and glory
He’ll call for death to come to life and dust shall sing

When dust shall sing on resurrection morning
The saints will rise and let their voices ring
Those who remain will be changed in a moment
We’ll hear the shout and trumpet sound when dust shall sing

Since Jesus died the grave has lost its victory
And if you’re in Christ death has lost its sting
Christ conquered death so He’ll conduct the chorus
With voices raised and shouts of praise dust shall sing

We’ll hear the shout and trumpet sound
We’ll leave the ground when dust shall sing

Help out a woman with cancer

2011-05-13T21:12:00.002-04:00

If you know a woman who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care.

Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along. Go to Cleaning for a Reason for more information

Free Downloads- To Teach What is Good (Titus 2) and more

2011-05-11T14:14:00.000-04:00

To Teach What is Good (Titus 2) mp3s and outline guides. Eight messages and accompanying outlines in one zip file. The updated series from Carolyn's classic messages to women based on Titus 2. Topics include self-control, purity, kindness, having a love for husbands and a tender affection for children, making your home your center of ministry—and more. Carolyn teaches about how these qualities in women glorify God and draw others to the gospel. I burn these type messages to cd's and listen to them in the car while driving. This offer is from Sovereign Grace Ministry.

I found a number of free offers from Sovereign Grace
New Attitude 2007 MP3 DOWNLOAD Set Item # A2270-00-51
Eight MP3 files in one convenient place for downloading
At the 2007 New Attitude conference, almost 3,000 singles and young married couples spent four days studying biblical discernment and its effect on every area of life.

A whole slew of freebies from Sovereign Grace.

WHAT IS A HOME?

2011-05-11T11:58:00.002-04:00

I saw this poem on another blog and liked it.

WHAT IS A HOME?

A roof to keep out the rain.
Four walls to keep out the wind.
Floors to keep out the cold.
Yes, but home is more than that.
It is the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strength of a father.
Warmth of living hearts, light from happy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship.
Home is first school and first church for young ones,
where they learn what is right, what is good, and what is kind.
Where they go for comfort when they are hurt or sick.
Where joy is shared and sorrow eased.
Where fathers and mothers are respected and loved.
Where children are wanted.
Where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned.
Where money is not as important as lovingkindness.
Where even the tea kettle sings from happiness.
Thatis home. God bless it.
~Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink

Words of Wisdom from Mom

2011-05-08T05:00:00.000-04:00

Saw this video and thought it was funny.

2nd graders ideas about Mom

2011-05-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2.. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring..
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot
2.. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball..
2. Mom.. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long...

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Happy Cinco De Mayo and a great photo deal

2011-05-05T18:28:00.000-04:00

May 5th is Cinco De Mayo, I dont know why its really celebrated since its not the independence day but regardless it is. I made a new recipe in honor of it. We don't really like spicy food so this was sort of a mild lasagna type taco.

Taco Bake

Ingredients:
1 lb. hamburger
1 pkg. taco seasoning (I used El Paso cheesy taco)
8 oz. Philly Cooking Creme (got it on sale with coupon cose .50)
1 pkg. crescent rolls (8)
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes (we used petite cut)
1 c. shredded cheese (got on sale at Lowe's food with coupon for $1)
Dorito chips -crushed

1. Brown hamburger and drain.
2. Add taco seasoning, tomato sauce, tiny bit of water, and diced tomatoes. Simmer about 10-15 minutes
3. In 9x13 dish, press out crescent rolls and roll them to form crust.
4. Layer hamburger mixture, cooking cream and then cheese.
5. Crush about 3/4 of a bag of Doritos and put them on top. Bake at 350 for 30 min.

Walgreens is offering two FREE 8x10 Photo Collages (ARV $3.99 ea.) with in-store pickup! You'll need to place two separate orders using the codes FREECOLLAGE and FORMOM at checkout. Expires Saturday 5/7/11.

A few deals for Tuesday

2011-05-03T15:34:00.000-04:00

Going through some of my blogs that I follow I found the following deals.

While surfing my facebook pages I found this free Kindle book offer on the Smart Couponing blog. I downloaded it for my computer since I don't have a kindle.

Sweet Pennies from Heaven tells you how to get a free 10 pack of Breathe Right Strips.

Death of Bin Laden

2011-05-02T08:13:00.000-04:00

The big news around the world today is the supposed death of Osama bin Laden. Navy Seals supposedly shot him and he has been buried at sea. I am a doubting Thomas since he has already supposedly been buried at sea. I would be more trusting with an actual body. Assuming its true, on one hand I am glad that such a terrible person is dead but on the other hand I am sad that someone has died lost and undone. Its been almost 10 years since the terrible tragedy of Sept 11, 2011 and the loss of so many innocent lives but there have been so many more lives lost since then in the pursuit of Osama bin Laden. I refer back to the Bible "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles" (Proverbs 24:17).
"Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his way and live? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore, turn yourselves, and live ye."--Ezek. 18:23, 32

If bin Laden is truly dead, there are already people waiting to fill the spot. Evil runs wild in this world and the middle east has been a feuding ground since the days of Ishmal and Isaac. I pray that those who are lost will come to know the truth of Jesus Christ as their Savior before its too late. I long for the day when Jesus returns and we can leave this evil world for good. Evil seems to be making me more and more homesick as the days go by.

Revelation 21
1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Heads Up- Free Admission May 6th

2011-05-01T07:35:00.000-04:00

Better Homes and Gardens is teaming up with botanical gardens across the nation to offer free admission to dozens of botanical gardens on May 6, 2011 to celebrate National Public Gardens Day. Check and see if there’s a participating garden near you and then sign up for a free admission pass. One pass will allow 10 people in free!

Invisible by Disciple

2011-05-01T03:17:00.000-04:00

One of the lovely visitors to my blog yesterday had this song posted on her blog and I just loved it so much I wanted to share it with you. While searching for the lyrics, I found a great site for downloading free Christian music legally. Its called FreeCCM.

Verse 1
You’ve got my attention
There’s no need to hurt your self this way
You think no one will notice you’re feeling
When you cry yourself to sleep

You feel stuck on the outside looking inside
Wishing this life wasn’t your life
And you think you’re damaged way beyond repair
Well you’re not so far that I can’t get to where you are

Chorus
You wish you were someone else
Every night you fall to pieces
Knowing you can’t save yourself
I can see you, I can hear you
There’s a place where the broken go
There’s a room full of second chances
You’re not stranded on your own
You’re not invisible

Verse 2
I’m ready to listen
There’s no need to hold it all inside
The smallest whisper
I hear it when your strength has all but died

I need you to believe me, can you trust me
That what you see, is not what I see
The reflection in the mirror’s telling lies
Cause nothing you have done could change how much I love you

Bridge
You’re not invisible
I can see you as you’re falling on your knees
You’re not invisible to Me

Psalm 139:1-18

TSMS- Beautiful Things

2011-04-30T05:48:00.000-04:00

I found this while surfing around this morning. I hadn't ever heard it but I like how the words spoke to me. Only God can take the ugliness of our lives and make them beautiful for His glory. Even once we are saved, there are still times when we feel ugly and overwhelmed by life. I try to remember that everyday we are one day closer to Glory.

"All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us
All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You
You make me new, You are making me new"

Free Downloads

2011-04-25T08:58:00.000-04:00

Both of these downloads expire at the end of April.

Christian Audio has 1 free download book a month. I just that this month's book is the Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. Normally this book is $14.98 This is one of my favorite books. Corrie was a POW during the Holocaust although she and her family were Dutch. They were Christians led to help Jews escape and they were caught. Love this book. I read this book years ago and then went on to read all Corrie's books.

K-Love is giving away The Generous Mr. Lovewell by MercyMe. I just love MercyMe.

Easy way to peel potatoes

2011-04-24T07:50:00.000-04:00

Saw this while surfing around and can't seem to stop watching. I did love Gilligan's Island but this seems dumb to me. But being who I am, I can't stop thinking about it and now I have to buy some potatoes to see if it works.

Ok, I bought some potatoes and have to say I was disappointed. Mine did not peel like the video. I will admit that they started to peel but then it was stuck all over. I had to skin it off with a knife to finish. It did peel a lot easier.

Samples

2011-04-23T09:43:00.000-04:00

Wal-Mart has a sample of Garnier Pure Clean

U by Kotex free sample.

I used the coupons in last Sunday's papers and got 2 Nivea body washes for women for free at Wal-Mart. The coupons were for $3 off and thats the price at WalMart. I also got some Reach dental floss that earned me .12 cents on each one. Coupons.com has the printable right now for $1 off and its .88 cents there. Btw there won't be any coupons in this Sunday's paper since its Easter.

giveaways

2011-04-22T01:30:00.000-04:00

I felt like entering some giveaways today and wanted to share with you.

1. One of my favorite things to try out is bath products. Even when I was a little girl I loved to soak in the tub. Connected2Christ is having a giveaway for bath salts in one of my favorite scents at that. It ends on April 24th so enter fast though.

2. Here is another giveaway from Connected2Christ that lasts a little longer. Its for 3 products from Honey Bee Holistics. I really want to win, I love trying out new products. This one ends on May 4th.

3. Be a fan of Melvita USA on Facebook and win Treasures of the Beehive Gift Set ends April 23, 2011 @ 12:00 pm (EDT)

4. Moana Saves has a giveaway for a Captain Planet dvd. I loved watching Captain Planet with my daughter and I still yet say "knowing is half the battle" :) Ends 4/22

5. Moana Saves is also giving away a book called Don't throw those coupons away. Being the coupon fanatic that I am, this book would be so awesome to read. Ends 4/28

G.O.S.P.E.L

2011-04-21T23:55:00.000-04:00

Reading one of the blogs I follow tonight (Forever n Ever n Always) I saw this video. I wanted to share it with you.

cool win

2011-04-19T09:04:00.000-04:00

Checking my email this morning I saw this email.

Penguin Group (USA) wants to let you know that you are the lucky winner of
our What the World Is Reading Sweepstakes!

Congratulations! You are the winner of the What the World Is Reading sweepstakes and won a sampler of selections from new books!

I thought that was pretty cool considering how much I love books and I love winnning :). This was a Facebook contest I am pretty sure. Thats about the 3rd one I have one on Facebook so you can win those.

Gum Soft-Pick Review

2011-04-16T09:10:00.000-04:00

GUM Soft-Picks feature 76 soft, rubber bristles that easily slide between teeth to remove food. They clean deep and are more gentle on gums than wooden or plastic picks. They come with a portable carrying case so throw them in your purse, car, or desk to use whenever you need a quick way to clean your teeth!

I must be the last person on Earth who has tried the various toothpick alternatives but I just loved these. I was imaging something like a hard toothpick but they were very soft and worked great. I loved how they just slid between my teeth and the little bristles were like massaging fingers. It was pretty neat. (yes it does take little to amuse me :)) These were perfect for taking to work in my purse. I hate when it feels like something is stuck in my teeth and I can't brush.

Buy it here: You can find GUM products in your local store's tooth aisle. Click here for a printable $0.55 coupon good toward your next purchase!

Sweepstakes alert! Join Soft-Picks on Facebook and visit the special offers tab to enter to win $1000 in the "Get Social with Soft-Picks" sweepstakes. ( you know how I love sweepstakes so naturally I am entered)

I was provided a free sample from smile.ly 360 for the purpose of facilitating this review. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own.

TSMS- I'll Pray for You.

2011-04-16T07:39:00.000-04:00

The last night of Jubilee was awesome. This group is the one I wanted to see more than any others. I know I posted this song within the past month but I truly love it. I first heard it on my way to work one night and wrote the radio station to find out who the singers where. The message last night was about intercessors that we have.
1. other Christians- 1 Tim 2:1- I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2. Holy Spirit- Romans 8:26-27
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

3. Jesus Christ himself- Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Praying for another is the greatest thing you can do help someone. When we approach the throne room of God on someone's behalf, we are full of power. You will never know the disasters, demon attacks and heartache you have been spared because of someone interceding on your behalf until you get to Heaven. Pray for someone today and lift them up before God.

Spring Jubilee-Wednesday Night

2011-04-14T13:06:00.000-04:00

Yet another amazing night. I love how much Spring Jubilee is helping draw me nearer to God. Last night's singers are known to everyone in southern gospel. The Primitives call themselves a quartet although there are 6 of them. :)

The preacher's name was Larry Brown and it took a lot for me to find him online :). He was incredibly funny but yet while you were laughing you got closer to God. His message was about how appealing God is to him.

Wee bit Wednesday v41

2011-04-13T17:49:00.001-04:00

{one} have you ever fainted?
yes, I am always anemic and have fainted as a result

{two} what is your favorite casino game?
the closest I have ever been to a casino was I went on a gambling boat years ago and played the slot machines.

{three} do you have a good sense of direction?
I have an excellent sense of direction. Even if I make a wrong turn I know the direction I should go in and end up back at the right place.

{four} laptop or desktop?
desktop but I want a laptop badly

{five} what is your go-to hair style when having a bad hair day?
pony tail

{six} do you read the newspaper on a daily basis?
nope nor do I watch tv

{seven} do you have a favorite celebrity chef?
I am not wildly into celebrity chefs but I do like Paula Deen.

{eight} what tv show would you like to make a guest appearance on?
House

{nine} do you have satellite radio in your car?
Nope. I listen to K-Love on regular radio.

{ten} what was the last movie that made you cry?
I can't think of one. I lean towards being depressed so I don't watch sad shows.

Spring Jubilee- Tuesday night

2011-04-13T17:38:00.000-04:00

It was another incredible night at church last night. The singers were Wilburn & Wilburn from Oaklahoma. They are a father son singing group. The dad, Jonathan was the lead singer for Gold City. Man they were great and God started moving while they were singing. Here is a song they sang last night.

They ended their singing with this song and it was totally amazing.

Brother Ralph Sexton from Trinity Baptist Church was the preacher. He preached about sheep and the good Shepherd. He brought out so many things that I hadn't considered. I love a preacher who helps understand and implement what I have learned. He compared Psalm 23 and John 10. Sheep are always someone's property, they can't survive on their own. So who's property are you? I am inspired to write a Christmas play based on what he spoke of. I am going to let that idea brew in my head a bit. I honestly believe that Jesus stands ready to come back for His people any moment now.
“When you see these things…”
“All these are the beginning…”
“Watch and be ready…”
“In the last days perilous times will come…”
Now, even people that do not attend church are having second thoughts.
“Something is about to happen!”

The bible tells us that as the end gets closer we should be together in church even more.

Hebrews 10:25 says Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Spring Jubilee

2011-04-12T17:27:00.000-04:00

Thankfully I am finally back online. I had to switch from dsl to cable modem. I don't care what anyone says, DSL can't compare. Upload speeds were too slow for me.

This week is Spring Jubilee at church and last night was the first night. I had a wonderful time and was so blessed by God.

Archie Watkins was the singer. He used to sing with the Inspirations. Here is a song he sang last night. This song was written based on the email that went around about the old man who still goes and visits his wife even though she has Alzheimer's and hasn't remembered him in years.

The message was preached by Phil Hoskins from Higher Ground Baptist Church.

2011-04-10T03:28:00.000-04:00

Here is a really cool idea that I think I will do for my grandchildren this Easter just because its different. Instead of that horrible plastic grass that gets everywhere and is such a problem, how about growing Easter grass! Isn't that a neat idea. It takes about 10-14 days to grow so I am posting now so you can get a head start since Easter is April 24th this year.

ATHEIST HOLY DAY

2011-04-01T05:56:00.000-04:00

Before you get your panties in a bunch, I am aware this isn't true. Doesn't make the punch line any less accurate though. The great thing about this being my page is I can post want I want and you don't have to read if you don't like it.

Subject: Florida court rules on Atheist Holy day
FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY

In Florida , an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor,how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists." The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April
Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."

Meet me on Monday

2011-03-28T17:44:00.000-04:00

I have been MIA this weekend so figured I best get back at it.

Question #2 (Do you scrapbook) compliments of Helen at
A Crafty kind of Truffle Thanks Helen!!!

If you have a question suggestion please email me at: nevergrowingold@hotmail.com and if I use your question I will give you a shout out!

Questions:

1. Crunchy or soft tacos?
2. Do you scrapbook?
3. Do you take any daily medications?
4. What is your favorite sound?
5. Where were you born?

Answers:
1. I don't eat actual taco's. I eat a sort of salad on a soft taco wrap. We take cream cheese, spread it like mayo on the taco, add some lettuce, tomatoes ,cukes and sprinkle with cheese, roll it up and bake until melted. We just love those.

2. no although I keep buying stuff and planning to, I just never seem to get started.

3. only vitamins and ibuprofen

4. silence :)

5. Georgia

A win and a song.

2011-03-28T17:20:00.000-04:00

I got an email from Thrift Store Confidential that I had won 16-piece set of Rubbermaid Premier Easy Find Lids Storage Containers set. I am so thrilled and can't wait to get my win. :) I needed this since I have been having such a horrible month.

Here is a song that I heard on the way to work one night and just fell in love with. This song makes me ache to be able to sing :(

Freebies and a contest

2011-03-24T18:16:00.000-04:00

We had a lot of ugly thunderstorms yesterday evening here in Mount Airy NC. I actually love storms normally and like lightning but I hate having to drive in them especially at night. It was scary going to work because it was so nasty. I made it by the grace of God. I am home from work now and here are some quick offers I had in my email this morning from various companies. Plus UPS brought me a book to read and review this weekend.

Get a free pouch of Uncle Ben's. I don't know if its the actual pouch mailed to you or a coupon for a free pouch though. 1 per household

I can't remember if I posted this one or not. Get a Shout color catcher sample from Shout's Facebook page.

Not sure how long this one will last since it says first 200000 but you can get a full size product coupon in the mail from Suave here on Facebook. I actually just got mine and it has been 5 hours since Suave posted the link. BTW its under the giveaway tab.

I love reading magazines and I get a ton free online. Here are two that I just signed up for.

3 months People magazine I have gotten a lot of subscriptions from Free Biz Mags and they are very easy once you sign up.

A free year of Working Mother magazine This was easy but you had to say no to a lot of various offers first.

Win a free handbag. Take a survey and tweet your answers for a chance to win a handbag between March 20, 2011 to March 27, 2011

Wee bit Wednesday v38

2011-03-23T14:24:00.001-04:00

{one} what was your first job?
I worked as a part time cook in a retirement home. I was so excited to get the job that I forgot to ask how much I got paid even.

{two} have you ever seen a stand up comedian?
Yes, I went to a comedy club a few years back but don't really remember who it was. It was just a local person not someone famous.

{three} when was the last time you played mini golf?
I took an old boyfriend to Newport News to see his kids and we took the kids out for putt putt. That was around 2003?

{four} what was the last picture you took?
I took over 320 on Saturday while walking around town. This is the last picture I took that day, its of some very weird chairs that these people had sitting beside their hot tub. I haven't ever seen chairs like these. It made me wonder if she was a manicurist or something.

{five} burnt food: yes or no?
no… yuck.

{six} if you have a pocket full of change, what do you do with it?
the quarters go to the laundry mat or else for a Sunday paper.

{seven} can you touch your tongue to your nose?
no

{eight} do you scrapbook?
no but I keep buying supplies and saying I am going to

{nine} do you buy lottery tickets?
once in a blue moon when I am feeling daring and lucky.

{ten} do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind it?
behind it… no doubt. I hate having my picture taken.

RIP Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T14:05:00.000-04:00

Sadly one of the last true Hollywood legends has died today. Elizabeth Taylor died of congestive heart failure. She was a woman who truly lived her life to the fullest. I always thought she was one of the most beautiful women ever. In some ways she always seemed to live both a charmed and a cursed life. I have no idea of where she stood in view of eternity but I hope she was ready for the next world.

Samples, coupons and giveaways

2011-03-22T17:49:00.000-04:00

I was reading emails and surfing Facebook so I thought I would share some of the offers I have found.

Shout has a free sample and a coupon offer on their Facebook page.

Airwick has a coupon on their page for $4 off the ultra automatic spray starter kit. You can print this 2 times and either use it at Target where they are on sale for $4.99 and get one for .99 or else save them for next week when Walgreen's will have them b1g1 and not pay anything.

My oldest needs new glasses so Friday I am getting her a prescription from the optometrist but I plan to get the glasses from Coastal Contacts. They offer free glass and you just pay shipping. This is an offer for Friday only. I have seen a lot of good posts on this company so can't wait to try them out. # "Like" Coastal Contacts on their Facebook page. Click on the "Free Glasses" tab and follow the directions where it says, "get code now." Code will not be valid until 3/25/11 at 12:00pm (EST).
# Obtain your eyeglasses prescription from your Eye Doctor.
# Browse the eyeglass frames selection at coastalcontacts.com
# Make final eyeglass selection at coastalcontacts.com on March 25th starting at 12:00pm EST and use code USAFREE at check-out. You will receive the eyeglasses for FREE, but will need to pay for shipping and handling.

Here is a daily contest I have been entering on Facebook for a chance at a @25 Wal-Mart gift card. Ends 4/1/11

Enter at Batteries Plus for a chance to win an Xbox 360, ends 4/4/11.

My computer keeps locking up so thats all for now. I am so going to have to save up for a laptop.

Earthquake in South Carolina and North Carolina

2011-03-22T07:55:00.000-04:00

Yesterday evening, I was in the kitchen when suddenly a bookcase in the corner toppled over and dumped all the books out. I told my oldest, "I wonder what caused it to fall since its been there for 5 months now." Today I get the news email letter and see that there was a small earthquake at the same time so I am thinking that even though it was quite a ways off that there were possible small tremors that shook the apt complex and caused this to happen. Otherwise I can't see why this bookcase would suddenly fall over when it hasn't been touched in months even.

2.9 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles SC, NC

Meet me on Monday

2011-03-21T14:08:00.001-04:00

Questions:

1. What jewelry do you wear 24/7?
2. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
3. How many siblings do you have?
4. Were you named after anyone?
5. Coke or Pepsi?

Answers:
1. I don't wear any jewelry all the time. I am so absent minded I tend to lose it. I play with it and then end up laying it down and don't remember where its at. I had been married less than a day and thought my wedding ring was lost. After my husband took the drains and stuff apart, we found it stuck to the bottom of the bar of soap.

2. I am a twirler although I break it in half when cooking it so its not as long of a twirl.

3. Lordy this is complicated in my family. I have 1 brother on my mom's side that got adopted out and I didn't find out about until I was 15. I now know who he is but havne't met him since he isn't interested in his birth family. I have one sister on my mom's side who for whatever reason has chosen to ignore me. I have a sister on my dad's side who is addicted to drugs and I haven't seen in at least 15 years. I have one normal brother who I share a relationship with on my dad's side :). And people wonder why I am so different.

4. I wasn't named after anyone. I was named for a song. Lady Madonna by the Beatles was a hit the week I was born and my mother's cousin picked that for my name.

5. I live and breathe Coke. Our family is a coke family. Growing up, no matter what was wrong with you, my grandmother gave you Coke and now its so ingrained that I think the power of suggestion is what makes it work. I wasn't feeling well one day and my oldest told me that I needed some Coke to feel better :). We even have a ton of recipes using Coke as a ingredient.

Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake
like Cracker Barrel's®
Rich, delectable cake with Coke® and plenty of chocolate,
topped with an icing of more Coke® and chocolate.

Prep. Time: 1:25
Serves: 18

1 cup real butter - divided
1 1/4 cup Coca-Cola® - divided
1 oz. square semi-sweet baking chocolate
3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - divided
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tsp. vanilla extract - divided
2 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
3 cups powdered sugar

-In a saucepan, bring 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup cola, and chocolate to a boil.
-Remove from heat and stir in marshmallows until dissolved.
-Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
-In a bowl, Combine flour, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
-With an electric mixer, beat together sugar, shortening, oil, and 2 tsp. vanilla until fluffy; beat in eggs and buttermilk.
-Beat in 1/2 of the dry mixture, scraping the sides of the bowl often.
-Beat in cooled cola mixture.
-Add remaining dry mixture and beat for 4 minutes; batter will be thick.
-Pour batter into a greased and floured 13" X 9" X 2" baking pan.
-Bake on top rack of a 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
-Cream butter with an electric mixer.
-Beat in 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup cola, chocolate syrup, and 1 tsp. vanilla.
-Slowly add powdered sugar, scraping the sides of the bowl often, while beating with the mixer.
-If frosting seems dry, add small amounts of cola until you reach desired consistency.
-Frost cake while warm.

Notes: Serve topped with natural vanilla bean ice cream.

Spring in Mayberry and a giveaway

2011-03-20T11:15:00.001-04:00

I haven't posted any giveaways lately although I have entered some. I havne't been entering that many since I have mostly been reading other blogs and working. Yesterday was such a beautiful day that we walked along Main St in Mount Airy and took a ton of pictures. Went to the Mt Airy museum and took a bunch more. We went to Snappy's for lunch because I have been wanting to since we moved here. Its a lunch place thats mentioned on the Andy Griffith show a lot. We walked for 3 hours and I was tired when we got back home.

I ordered the pork chop sandwich thats their speciality but it just wasn't something I liked. I don't hardly ever eat fried food and am not that fond of pork chops so should have known but it was a great experience to say that I got the pork chop sandwich at Snappy's. The sandwich in the foreground is the pork chop sandwich, the other one is just ham and cheese.

This is the main giveaway I entered for today. A mom's take on things is providing the giveaway. Its for a Kodiak Pulse Digital Frame. I love taking pictures and showing them off and this would be such an awesome prize. Its actually a pretty amazing frame when you read all it can do. The giveaway ends March 31st.

TSMS- Give me your eyes

2011-03-19T11:21:00.001-04:00

I have been hearing this song on the way to work and I just love it. Listen to the words and use it in your life to view others as Jesus would. This is such a wonderful day here in NC that I am going out to take pictures of all the beautiful trees and flowers of spring. I hope where ever you are that you will have a wonderful day and enjoy God's blessings. Remember "the joy of the Lord is my strength"

March is National Nutrition Month from Yoplait

2011-03-19T10:30:00.001-04:00

Since yogurt is so healthy and this is national nutrition month I am participating in a spark from myblogspark. We love yogurt here and I actually just bought about $10 worth on sale so the frig is full of yogurt for my new diet. I keep hearing how it helps lose weight so giving it a go. One of my new favorite ways to eat yogurt, that I hadn't ever tried before doing a spark a year or so ago, is to put the container of yogurt in the freeze and eat it like ice cream. Here are some facts about Yoplait that were providing for me from Yoplait. Btw way the absolute best yogurt I have ever eaten in my life is from the Yoplait whip line, its the vanilla creme. I buy at least $5 a week of just that flavor, its so sinfully rich and delicious that you eat it and don't even know how healthy it is.

Explore the many nourishing options that Yoplait has to offer - with varieties like Yoplait Light, Yoplait Original, Yoplait Fiber One, Yoplait Kids and Yoplait Delight Parfaits. Each product offers different benefits, and loads of variety, to make eating well a no-brainer. Here are five great ways to ‘get your snack on’ with Yoplait this March!

1. Start spring off right with Yoplait Light’s Two Week Tune Up Plan – Replace breakfast and lunch with a cup of your favorite flavor of Yoplait Light, a whole grain and a piece of fruit and you could lose 5 pounds in two weeks. Go to Yoplait.com for full diet details. (btw there is a coupon offer on this page and you know how I love coupons)

2. Get more calcium with Yoplait Original style yogurt - Now with two times the calcium of the leading yogurt (50 percent of the Recommended Daily Value) in one convenient 6-ounce cup*, Yoplait Original style yogurt is committed to women’s health, offering a product that has even more of the calcium women need for strong, healthy bodies. Grab a free cup while supplies last during the Million Cup Giveaway on Yoplait on Facebook!

3. Try the newest flavor from Yoplait Fiber One – Yoplait Fiber One’s new Blueberry flavor yogurt is packed with filling fiber, calcium, vitamins A and D, real fruit and the great taste of blueberries. With only 50 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat, this deliciously creamy yogurt won’t break your calorie bank.

4. Stress less over snack time with Yoplait Kids yogurt – With a wholesome and fun snack like Yoplait Kids yogurt in the fridge, you can feel good about what your children are eating at snack time. Yoplait Kids provides an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, and has 25% less sugar than the leading kids’ yogurt**. With yummy flavors, and favorite friends like Dora and Lightning McQueen on the packages, Yoplait Kids is a hit with moms and children alike. (my grandkids think yogurt is pudding because thats what they get as snacks here so often)

5. End the day with a Delight Parfait from Yoplait – Even with two luscious layers providing a double shot of rich and creamy yogurt, these 100 calorie indulgences from Yoplait contain only 1.5 grams of fat per serving. Now available in two new flavors, Chocolate Éclair and Cherry Cheesecake, you can enjoy a dessert that’s 100 percent guilt-free.

*Leading yogurt has less than 25% Daily Value calcium per 6 oz.

**Yoplait kids has 9 grams of sugar per 3oz. the leading kids' yogurt has 13 grams of sugar per 3oz.

“Like” Yoplait on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and great opportunities to save on your favorite products from Yoplait yogurt.***

***Coupon offers for Yoplait yogurt are not valid in all states.

“I was provided with product information and the opportunity to win a Yoplait prize pack, courtesy of Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.”

Friday Memes

2011-03-18T09:37:00.004-04:00

I am combining 2 meme's on one post. I worked 8 hours and got off and now they call wanting me to come work another 5 so time is short. I will try to visit the other bloggers as soon as I can.

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what? nope

2. Do you still have your wedding dress? yes, I keep wanting to make pillows or something out of it for my girls since they don't want to wear it.

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed, etc.? walking in nature is my special place. I especially like it near the water of some kind be it river, creek, lake

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them? my girls are grown and they only slept with me if sick but I let the grandkids sleep with me when they stay over :)

5. Do you watch late night TV? I don't watch any tv at all.

This week’s statements:

1. I have got to be the worst singer in the world. I absolutely love it and when I get to heaven I plan on singing for several thousand years to make up for it. I can't carry a tune in a bucket even.

2. Although for the most part I love it, sometimes I wish I could just get rid of my_____ computer. I can't imagine not being online but this computer is starting to age and doesn't quite meet the needs anymore.

3. The best thing about where I live is ________ I have 2 wonderful balconies. One at the front and one at the back

4. Aside from a new house, car or big vacation, the first luxury I would buy myself if I won the lottery is __________ a state of the art laptop computer. I want one so badly.