24 Songs of Christmas- Baby Boy

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

HPW-12-5-12

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

1. .  Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. For me the sound of childhood is______________________.

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

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

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

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

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

8. Insert your own random thought here.

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

24 Songs of Christmas- God With Us

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

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 71

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

Questions

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


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


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


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


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

24 Songs of Christmas- You're here

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

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

Noel, Noel
Jesus our Emmanuel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December 2nd 2012 Photo Project

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

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

24 Songs of Christmas- About The Cross

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

December 1st 2012 Photo Project

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

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

24 Songs of Christmas- Breathe of Heaven

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

Ten Commandments for the Christmas Season

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

Ten Commandments for the Christmas Season 

1. Thou shalt remember to keep Christ in Christmas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Savings

I don't remember if I posted it or not but I quit my job at the prison. They wanted to lock me in a room with 5 convicted felons behind me that I would not be in a position to watch. I felt this wasn't safe and went to management with my concerns, basically they blew me off so I did a Johnny Paycheck and walked out. Actually I am so glad to be done with them. My stress levels stayed up and I was in constant physical pain.  Since quitting, I have went off all my meds with only an occasional pain pill. But because I quit, I am not eligible for unemployment. Right now I just don't want to find another full time job. I only have to pay electricity so I am looking for something part time. In the meantime I am working on stretching what few dollars I have left.

I finally went to Rite Aid to pick up the photo cards I posted about last week. They turned out awesome. I love them.

Bought 3 Sunday papers because today was the day for the P&G coupsons but that was the only packet in there so not a good deal.  I then went to Lowe's Hardware to pick up a 30 pack of AA batteries I ordered online for $4 with free instore pickup. We use a lot of AA since thats what my mouse requires. One day I may look into a rechargeable mouse or batteries instead. 

My next stop was CVS, I didn't really see anything that I had to have on sale today other than cereal. They had selected Kellogg's cereals for 1.99 a box and I had some coupons I printed from Kellogs Family Rewards for 1.50 off each box making them .49 each. I got Apple Jack's. Kelloggs Family Rewards is a really nice reward program where  you enter codes from the Kellogg products and also codes they offer online and you can get a wide variety of stuff. I choose the coupons because we needed cereal and it was a great deal. Each coupon printed 2 times.  Right now they have a daily spin thing on their facebook page where you can win codes. You might win other stuff but I have only won codes but you can win up to 3 times daily.

Finally I ended the day by going and signing up for some mystery shopping/ merchandising jobs. I used to do a lot of those years ago and I think if I can get back in the groove I can get enough of these so that I don't have to get an actual 9-5 job again.

As I come across any good savings I will be postings so we can all save a dollar or 2.

TSMS- I Just Came To Talk With You, Lord

It seems like its been forever since I have participated in TSMS. 2012 has honestly been the hardest year of my entire life. I have been shaken to the core. I have felt so lost and undone.  I have cried more than I would have thought possible, there have been way to many times that I thought of ending it all. Like an alcoholic craves that drink I craved death. I wanted it. I was just so tired and overwhelmed by pain and daily life. I have been in the darkest and longest valley I ever known since March 10th yet in the wee morning hours today God started speaking to me. I guess it would be truer to say I started hearing because God is always speaking to our hearts. Anyway I was reminded that even though this has been such a horrible year for me, I have actually seen some of the greatest miracles of my life this year also. In late April I had an aunt who suffered complete liver failure and was being put in hospice care. I prayed to God for her healing because as I told God, I just couldn't take another loss. It would have just pushed me over the edge. 2 days later God gave the victory and my aunt came out of her coma and went home from the hospital. She is still alive today.  2 times in my life and in 2 different states I have had doctors do bloodwork and tell me I had rheumatoid arthritis, in June I had new bloodwork done and not one sign of rheumatoid arthritis was to be found,  then at the end of October another aunt was put in the hospital and they were sure it was advanced liver cancer or a slew of other fatal diseases. Once again God moved and brought healing.  I have read the footprints poem many times of the years and I always asked God why I was always alone in my darkest hours, I never saw the footprints. This time He showed me exactly when He was carrying me. I feel so loved and blessed. I am sure the dark days aren't just over but I'm just going to rest here in God's hands for a while. And while I am here I just want to talk to Him and spend some love time with Him.

I hope you enjoy this song as much as I have.

Deals and ramblings

I haven't posted in so long I almost forgot how. Anyway, I thought I would put up a few of the deals I am doing today.


Get 5 FREE 4×8 photo greeting cards at RiteAid.com when you use the code 5FREECARDS at checkout. Choose in-store pickup to avoid a shipping charge. Offer is good through 11/17/12. I picked 3 cards with individual pictures of the granny babies and one card that had 3 pictures on it. I ordered 2 of that one so I can give my ex one with all the grand babies.  My cards won't be ready for about 5 days but thats ok. I am keeping these cards and not mailing them. 


Also I went to coupons.com and printed 2 coupons for $1 off eco tools and am planning on using this at walmart to get 2 poufs for free. We make a lot of gift baskets and these are great in them.

Walgreen's also has a photo deal.  I never pay for photo development. I wait on these deals and use them.
8×10 Photo Enlargement from Walgreens with code FREE2THANK (through 11/24)

TSMS- You don't owe me anything

A friend on facebook posted this song. I hadn't ever heard it but love it now that I know it. I so often expect things to happen a certain way just because I am a christian. Truly if Christ never does another thing for me, He has already done more than I can ever thank Him for.  I wanted to post the words but couldn't find them anywhere. Such a wonderful song though. I hope you get a blessing from it.

TSMS- I've Won

I just love the McKamey's. So many of their songs are on my favorites list and this one is a new one to me and I wanted to share it with you this week. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me. No matter what satan throws at us, we have to remember that the victory was won 2000 years ago on Calvery. Everything is just smoke and mirrors.  As you celebrate this Labor Day weekend, have fun, stay safe and remember those who labored to bring this holiday to us.

HPW-8-29-12

1. Americans will celebrate Labor Day this coming weekend. Do you know what we're actually celebrating? (without consulting your friends google or wikipedia, ahem) What's a project you're currently 'laboring' over?
 Growing up in a coal town in WV, there was no way to not know what labor day meant. I have seen old pay stubs of my grandfathers and after the company got done taking their part he made $1 or 2 a week raising 11 children. I think sometimes the unions get to picky and want to much stuff now days but there is no way I would ever cross a picket line.


2. Labor Day also signifies the unofficial end of summer for most of us...what summer food will you miss the most? If you live in the Southern hemisphere feel free to substitute winter for summer.  Watermelon and fresh vine ripened tomatoes. The ones they bring in from other places never taste as good.

 3. A well known proverb states, "It's easier to seek forgiveness than ask permission." Your thoughts?
 I hate when people use this excuse because in my opinion are you trying sorry for what you did if you planned it ahead of time. Forgiveness means that you are sorry for doing whatever and I just think you are not really sorry only sorry that you got found out.


4. Food critic, film critic, art critic, book critic...which hat would you most like to wear?
 book critic. I love to read and to get paid for it would be awesome.


5. When you were a kid, (besides your parents) who was your favorite adult?
 my grandmother raised me so I won't name her since she really counts as my parent. It would probably be Herman Williams. He was an old time country preacher and used to come see me every time I was in the hospital. I was so sick growing up that I thought I lived in the hospital and visited home. I so wanted him to be the person to perform my marriage ceremony but my in-laws wouldn't agree and I was way too young and moldable to fight for it. Now he has went on to Heaven.

6. The astronaut Neil Armstrong passed away last week. He was regarded as a hero by many generations of people all around the world. Do we still have modern day heroes? What makes someone a hero?

 

Last night we had a shooting the killed a state trooper. I think the people who lay their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety are the real heroes. Every time they go to work they don't know if they will come home.   I also think that firefighters, EMTs, and school teachers are heroes and don't get the credit they deserve.

 

 

 

 

7. I never get tired of __________________.

 being in the hand of God. I praise Him daily for everything He does that I am not even aware of.

 

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

  Thinking that I am being tested this week. The doctor just told me that my blood pressure was so high she was afraid I was going to have a stroke and to not even exercise because of it. Then today on the way home from the doctors my car broke down. My first thought is a blown engine but I am praying not. My dad is having someone check it out tomorrow to see. I don't know what I will do if it is. I don't make enough to make a car payment and I have no savings.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 8-29-12

 I am a day late with this one but I was just feeling drained yesterday. I am off work today because I have to go to the doctor and getting some x-rays done. It was so nice to wake up with the sun today. The past 2 days I have went into work 1.5 hours early to make up some time so I don't have to use so much sick leave.

 What's the last thing you baked? We are currently remodeling so I don't have an oven so I can't exactly recall what the last thing I baked was but I am thinking it was pizza. I love homemade pizza.

 What's your favorite thing about fall? I love the colors of the leaves and harvest time. I love the smell of bonfires and apples. My favorite holiday happens in the fall, Thanksgiving. I love cooking a huge meal and all the family gathers in.

 What's your favorite room in your home? the kitchen. I love to cook and everyone tends to gather in the kitchen and sit around the table. I love trying new recipes and collect cookbooks.

Who handles bill paying in your house? Since I am divorced and its just me then obviously its me, but when I was married I did all the bill paying. We used to fight about that because he wouldn't participate at all and I had all the stress of stretching funds.

Tell whatever you'd like to share with our chatting friends. Oh how wish I didn't have to work outside the home. I would so love to own a farm and live the farm life. I don't mind working, I just hate leaving home. I have always dreamed of living off the land. I love to can. I would have to work out a swap deal of some kind in order to get meat because I get overly attached to animals and couldn't ever have one I had known killed. I even cry when I drive by a dead animal on the road. :)

TSMS-8-25-12

I heard this song on another blog and loved the song plus I just love to hear Candy Christmas sing. I love her name, its so cute and she is a great singer. I love happy fast paced songs.  I have seen some people who are just so humble and grateful for what God has done for them that they don't have words.

HPW-8-22-12

1. Aloha! On August 21, 1959 Hawaii officially became a US State...have you ever been? Upon arrival would you prefer an orchid or a hibiscus to tuck behind your ear?  Nope never been. I used to always want to go but after the big tsunamia, I realized there isn't enough advance notice for me :).  If I had still been going I would have preferred an orchid

2. Since we're talking tropical...what's your favorite food or beverage made with pineapple? I love about anything with pineapple, but what really pops in my mind is a pineapple stuffing (its really more of a bread pudding) that my girls insist on for every holiday. I found the recipe about 12-15 years ago and have made it ever since for all holidays. They pitch a fit otherwise.

3. Do you believe in soul mates? Explain.  I believe in being faithful and doing everything you can to make it work once married. I think that if we are following God's will that he will lead us in the direction that we could meet that one person who just fits for us but I don't think there is only one person in the entire world that is your dream. Because free will means that not only you but the other person can accept or deny the relationship.

4. Share a memory about the house you grew up in. 
My older cousin and I were playing with fire (big no no ) in a plastic bowl. All the adults were playing cards in the kitchen. We heard them coming to check on us and we hid the bowl under the porch. Yup, you guessed it porch caught on fire and so did our behinds once it was all said and done. (the house was fine, they put it out really fast)

5. Are you comfortable with silence? If I am home alone you will most likely not hear any sound at all. I don't play the radio or tv. I will occasionally get in a music mood but not often. I like silence as long as its not an icy cold silence where you know someone is mad and brooding.

6. You spot a giant spider on your bedroom wall...what's your next move? (all spiders are giant, right?) squeal then squish or run depending on size and location

7. My idea of fun does NOT include_____________. Drinking or drugs

8. Insert your own random thought here.  This one is a debbie downer but its bugging me. I was upset at work today because my upper supervisor flat out lied to my immediate supervisor and he sold out my coworker. He helped her do something and then he didn't have her back with the immediate supervisor and lied about his involvement in it. He outranks the immediate supervisor and it really bothered me on so many levels. 1. He lied 2. He sold out my coworker 3. and the biggest problem is he is a pastor. Thats the part that really gets me. I think all christians should stand by their words and certainly shouldn't lie. He did so much damage to his witness to 4 people that were there I know.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch-8-21-12

Its time for another chat on the farmhouse porch. Hope you are having a good week.

1. Are you a list maker? (grocery, to-do, goals, etc.)  I make lists all the time but I am forced to admit that I don't stick to them. I appear to just like making them.
2. Do you have overnight guests often? I don't have extra room in my current residence for guests. I wish I did.
3. Where is your laundry room, or the area that you keep your washer and dryer? Its not a separate area but a section off the hall that is wider than the rest just outside the bathroom.
4. How are you with tools? Power tools? I would probably lose a limb or a digit with power tools. I can't even hit a nail on the head most time. I do own my hand dandy multi ended screwdriver that I use for about everything but thats pretty much all.
5. Tell me something that will make me smile. Please.  Well since you talked about your dog, I will too. My oldest likes the song "I'm sexy and I know it" and she has taught our dog Maxine to dance to it. So now when Maxine hears the music even if its a parody she comes running to do her little dance because she's sexy and she knows it :).  Girl look at that body :)

 

Dear Child

Here is my thought for the day and then I have to go do some errands. Most parents are going to get this one. How many times do your children blame you for the bad stuff in their lives or mistakes they have made. And sometimes it really is the mistakes or bad decisions we have made the cause these things in our children's lives. But we do that too. When bad stuff happens to us, we blame God. Yet t

hat is never true. God is not capable of causing bad things in our lives, He is pure love and can only send good things to us. Bad stuff happens because we live in a sinful world and sometimes we make bad choices, someone else makes bad choices or satan is doing it to us. Stop blaming God and see how much He loves you. He loves you so very much that He sent His only Son to die so that we can have fellowship with Him. Spend your day thinking about that love.

Dear 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 received 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 29:1)
Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalms 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 (Ephesians3:20)
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 17:23)
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 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 2:33)
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 I always will be Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is...will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)

Your Heavenly Father

TSMS= Redeemed

A really good friend I found through a savings blog a long time ago who is now my facebook friend posted this song on Wednesday. I hadn't heard it before but it took only one time for it to be on my favorites list. It feels like I spend my life with the ghosts of my pasts haunting me. I need to stop fighting a battle that's already won.

Tribute to the King of Rock and Roll

35 years ago today, I was swinging in the backyard in the sunshine and the radio was in the kitchen window. The announcer came on and said he had just gotten word that the King of Rock and Roll had been found dead at his home in Memphis Tn. I was 9 years old and my heart broke. I remember crying and crying. Growing up you could watch Elvis all the time on tv, they were always playing his movies. Now you can't hardly see one except on August 16th and January 8th.  One of his favorite foods was a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. I usually eat it every year on this day.

Ingredients

• 2 slices white bread
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Directions

Place 2 pieces of white bread in the toaster on a light setting. Heat skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons butter. While the bread is toasting, in a small bowl, using a fork mash the ripe banana until it reaches a smooth consistency. Using a knife, take both pieces of the toasted bread and spread 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, topping 1 side with the mashed banana. Place 1 slice of bread on top of the other forming a sandwich. Place sandwich in hot skillet browning each side, flipping with a spatual, about 2 minutes per side. Take out of skillet, slice on a diagonal and serve on a plate.

Here are a few of my very favorite Elvis songs

Most people don't associate Elvis with gospel but thats where he started and he always remember his roots.


I just love this song.


This is probably my favorite of all his songs.


This one shows why he was known as Elvis the Pelvis


For some reason this one always caught me and I have sang it to my daughter for years.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch-8-15-12

Oh, I found a new meme and thought I would share the questions today. I loved the name of the meme, chats from the farmhouse porch.  I came across it while reading another blog and liked the questions and the blog they come from. I have always wanted to live a farm life. Can't wait to read the whole blog.

1. What was your biggest fear as a child?    
  I always thought there was someone hiding under my bed and was terrified to let my hand hang over the side in case they would grab me.

 2. Who taught you to cook? Betty Crocker, I wasn't allowed in the kitchen growing up except to do dishes so when I got married my ex husband almost starved before I learned to cook. Fortunately if its in a book I can usually do it. I still have that cookbook 28 years later.




3.  Do you have a lot of books in your home? There are probably some small libraries that have fewer books than I do. I have honestly given about 30 boxes of books away in the past 2 years but its just so hard to not have them. Some of them are such good friends that I have to keep them and then I find new ones that are so interesting.

4.  Do you like carrot cake? Patrice says frosting is good on top. If you like that cake, what kind of frosting do you like best? On top? Hmm. I guess you wear it like a hat.  I love carrot cake and it has to have cream cheese icing. Funny story about carrot cake. One year I moved in with my cousin and her girls for a while, it was just a couple days before the youngest's 3rd birthday and I had bought a carrot cake the day I moved in. Taylor thought it was for her birthday and for about 3 years after that she thought all birthday cakes had to have carrots on them.
 
5.  What's did the last funny t-shirt you read say? (It doesn't have to reflect your personal feeling about the topic, just be funny and family friendly.) My sister just posted a picture on facebook of my nephew and his girl friend. His shirt says "I'm right 97% of the time, Who cares about the other 4%", it just hit my funny bone.

HPW- 8-15-12

Its been a while since I posted a HodgePodge Wednesday but here goes.

1. When was the last time you 'disturbed your routine' and how'd you do it?
 Last Thursday and Friday, I went walking with a friend and then we sat on a bench and just waved at everyone driving by. We laughed until we had tears rolling and everyone else walking by was laughing. It was the most fun I have had in a long time.

2.What's your favorite fried food indulgence?
  shrimp fried rice no veggies or fried eggs, I just love to have them with biscuits to sop up the yolk :)

3. Did you have an allowance as a kid? What did you do with it? Do you give your own kids an allowance?
 I got a weekly allowance when  I was in high school. I used it for snacks, assorted school expenses. I didn't really stick with the allowance for my daughter, It was more hit or miss. Mostly she just asked for money and I would try to get some work out of her to earn it.

4. What's something you wish you knew more about?
God, men, romance, life in general. Jesus' life on Earth, cars since mine is always broken down, why things happen the way they do.

5.  Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore? If so, what?
 Lately my RA has been acting up so everything feels like I am too old to do.

6. What's a song you think has a great first line?
 Heard a new song for the first time today and loved it, its Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave
"Seems like all I can see was the struggle, haunted by ghosts in my past"

7. Who are you writing to/for when you create a blog post. In other words...as you write, who is the audience in your head?
 I think I mostly write it for my girls and grandchildren to read in the future to know me better if anything should happen to me. My family that doesn't live close so they can keep up with our lives but lately I haven't done that great. I originially started my blog as a deals and contest blog for my coworkers and friends. Then there got to be so many that it wasn't that big a deal.  Sometimes I just write because no one else is listening so at least I can say it to someone.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today is one of my cousin's birthday. Growing up we were best friends but as we got older we just didn't spend anytime together.  We talk on facebook but thats about it. I wish we could stay close to people we love but I guess life is all about moving on and making room for new things and people.

TSMS-Citizen Way

I heard this song for the first time this week and I just really liked the upbeat music of it and the words are so meaningful. It really should have been each and every one of us but Jesus doesn't want us to be apart from him and our dying wouldn't have paid the sin price so He choose to suffer and die so that we might be called sons and daughters of God and be considering real brothers and sisters of Jesus.  Its been a pretty good week here and I wanted something that sounded happy. I hope you have had a wonderful week also.

Weekly update for August 6th

Since I am trying to post more often I thought I would do a weekly catch up of the past week.

1. Wednesday I was extremely grateful for God's protecting power. I was stung by a swarm of wasps at work and got stung 8-10 times. The last time I was stung by a wasp I had to go to the e.r. because I couldn't breathe. I had no reaction other than one of the stings swelling.

2. Mandi made a diaper gift for a friend of mine to take to her niece's shower.

3. I did manage to walk a couple of days and I started taking green coffee beans. I found them at Wal-Mart and read about them on Dr Oz. I am taking 4 pills a day. I will let you know how they work out.

4. I made a big batch of laundry detergent. I posted a while back about making it and forgot to let you know how it turned out. It is awesome for removing stains and odors. We love it and I have made a number of batches. I was just making small batches but this time I made a triple batch.

5. I also read on line about having silky smooth legs and tried it out.
Super Silky Summer Legs
Next time you are feeling down, about to binge, going on a date, or just need to pamper yourself, do this. I just did it and I can not stop rubbing my legs together. It feels like I paid for that over expensive pedicure at the salon.
Ingredients

• 1 1/4 C Sugar (Yup, plain, good-ol’ white sugar)
• 1/2 C Oil (I used olive oil, but you can use any oil, coconut oil, baby oil, canola oil)
• 3 tablespoons Citrus (Lime or lemon)
• 1-2 Razors

  I used a rubbermaid bowl to store it in the bathroom.  I loved how it made my legs feel. I actually used it all over like a body scrub. My arms are so smooth.

6. Was a bit upset becauseof the lies told by someone who not only claims to be a christian but is also a pastor's wife. If you aren't honest enough to stand by your words than you had no business saying them. That just makes all christians look bad especially when its someone not saved looking at your actions. This was a woman I worked with until she quit a couple weeks ago. As time goes on I find more and more lies she told. I am not perfect but I do try and I never go around bragging what a good christian I am. I am so glad she isn't part of my life but I pray that God will give her a real experience with him.

7. We ordered tickets to the Elton John concert in Wheeling next month. This is Mandi's dream come true.

45 by 45

Some of you may remember my 101 in 1001 blog posting. My life has done a 180 since than and I keep meaning to do a new one to reflect my different life direction but haven't managed it yet. I love the idea of setting goals though. I am always doing new year resolution and such. While I was blog surfing today I saw someone who sets new goals for each of their birthdays. I am about 3 months late but going to set some anyway. This was insanely hard, part of the reason being that I really only have 9 months to get all this done by. Much easier to make a list when you are younger because its less stuff to do haha.  Here are my 45 goals by age 45.

1. Get the trailer rewired. 
2. New siding on the trailer
3. Get a generator.
4. Lose 90 lbs. I need to lose more than that but thats 10 lbs a month so surely I can get that done.
5. Reduce my triglycerides down to normal.
6. Exercise 4x a week.
7. Get the grandbabies for a vacation.
8. Start a treatment regime for my RA.
9. Start dating again.
10. Get a job that I enjoy.
11. Get my car fixed.
12. Go camping
13. Get my student loans in hand.
14. Get Mandi some glasses and driver's license.
15. Get WV tags on the car.
16. Go to Busch Garden's, Williamsburg.
17. Write a magazine article.
18. Get started writing a book.
19. Go to Bridge Day
20. Stay at the Greenbrier.
21. Ride a sternwheel boat. 
22. Go to Blennerhasset Island.
23. Go to the State Fair.
24. Put blonde streaks in my hair.
25. Think ONLY positive thoughts and say positive things for 3 days straight
26. Work out three times in one week  
27. Work out 3x/week for 4 consecutive weeks 
28. Reconnect with an old friend I've lost touch with  
29.  Go fishing
30. Get a massage
31. Get a storage shed 
32. Purge the house of all junk and put in storage (see #31)
33. Go out with a different friend 4x
34. Go gluten free for 30 days
35. Get an oven put in again. I miss cooking.
36. Plant some bulbs around the trailer so they show up in the spring.
37. Repot Ethel and split her into new plants
38. Organize my couponing
39. Start a real savings account
40. 12 crafty gifts made for Christmas presents
41.  Make a 2 week menu plan and stick with it. 
42. 30 days of pictures
43. Start project 365. I have wanted to do this for ages and ages.
44. Go swimming. I love to swim and its been so long I don't even remember the last time I swam. 
45. Make a new list by my next birthday. :)

5 Question Friday- July 27, 2012

1. What is the funniest thing you saw on Facebook/twitter this week? ok this one is a toss up. I made the following post last night as a joke

"anyone know what store has a sale on lives? I need one"     What made it so funny was my sister's reaction "I have been reading this for about 10 minutes trying to figure out what you was talking about. Serious dumb moment(or 10) lol."
You just have to know us to really get the whole picture. 
 


I saw this graphic and it made me laugh because of some old jokes we used to tell about guys I liked.

2. What is your favorite Olympic event? I haven't ever really been big on Olympics but I would have to say my favorite event is part of the winter olympics- ice skating.  I grew up watching old Sonja Henie movies and just loved ice skating


3. Do your kids to chores around the house? If so, what are they and how old are the children? Do they get paid for them? my children are grown and I have grand kids now. I made a serious mistake with my oldest and over compensated for the fact my mother was so hard on me and now my oldest is lazy as all get out. I would certainly redo that and I think children need chores and I think they should get an allowance but it should not be because of the chores. I think chores should be a requirement as part of the family unit.


4. If you get bad service/food do you complain or keep quiet? It has to be really really bad before I complain but when I do I make sure that I distinguish whether it was the food or the service. You can't blame one person for both situations in most cases.


5. If you could pick ONE frivolous item for your home, what would it be? (massive room sized closet? swimming pool? greenhouse? etc...) heated indoor pool. I love to swim and would do it year round if I could plus with my arthritis, cold water is too hard so it has to be heated.

TSMS- Lord God of Abraham

While I was surfing around Pinterest today I found this song. I hadn't heard it before but the 3 minutes of scripture prior to the song really lifted me up. I hope you like it to and remember who God is today. One of the thing I miss most since moving back to WV are my gospel stations. My car doesn't seem to pick up the radio stations here so I hardly hear any new music these days.





 

5 Question Friday- July 20th 2012

1} What do you call them- flip flops, sandals, thongs, or slippers?

I call them flop flops because my oldest granddaughter when she was a toddler always called them that. My daughter gets so mad but I don't care, it makes me remember my babies.

2} Are you a "my kids can do no wrong" kind of mom or a "Johnny punched you? Well what did you do to him first?!" kind of mom?

I am always on my child's side but I also look for the truth and try to resolve the issue. But I can be a real bear about my children and their lives.

3} Would you confront a good friend that looked/looks down on your husband/significant other?

Yes and if it kept on it would probably end our friendship.

4} Biggest pet peeve?

I hate when people use incorrect wording, such as loose when they mean lose or pacific when they mean specific.

5} What's your favorite take out meal?

Papa John's ham and cheese pizza. 

3 on Thursday July 19th 2012

This week's question is What three celebrities would you most like to be BFF’s with?
This topic was a lot harder than I thought it would be for me. Most of the people that came to mind just weren't people I would choose to know in real life due. I had to spend almost an hour trying to come up with choices.
1. Jennifer Aniston- I just think she is so sweet and so full of class. She is beautiful and I love the way she has rose above the set backs in her life. 

2. Beth Moore-  I have listened to so many of her bible studies and she is so funny and so many of the things that I thought I alone felt she has also felt or been through. One of the biggest examples that I didn't think other people went through was fear- in one bible study she talked about how if people were really late she already had them dead and buried and was already crying by the time they got home. I have that exact same reaction and had never known anyone else like that. I just think it would be so cool to be her friend and I am sure I could get some much closer to God with her help. 

3. Sandra Bullock- I think she is smart, funny and beautiful. Another classy lady who has manged to rise about the drama in her life. I love a lot of her films with Lake House and Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood being my favorites.

Hodgepodge Wednesday-7/11/12

 

1. How often do you check the weather? How do you check the weather?

 I used to check it all the time and now I seem to only check it if someone else comments about the weather.

2. Since this is Volume 84 of the Wednesday Hodgepodge, and since I got married in 1984, and since I'm attending a wedding this weekend, it only seems right to post something related here.

I also got married in 1984 but sadly we divorced 17 years later. I wish I would have been following God's plan for my life as a teenager and would have waited to marry the person God chose for me.

3. Do you like to dance? Have you ever taken dance lessons?

I have no rhythm whatsoever but I do love to dance. One of my best friends and I once took line dance classes. I just can't get it though. As a little girl I just loved to watch Shirley Temple movies and would go around tapping everywhere. 

4. Fresh from the oven peach pie or homemade peach ice cream. Pick one.

absolutely neither. I hate everything peach except the color. My girls love peach stuff but not me. I joke and tell people thats why I had to move from Georgia because they wouldn't let me live there since I hated peaches.

5. Should people accept unfairness and learn to make the best of it?

I think it depends on what the unfairness is. Somethings are always going to be unfair and we just have to deal with it but some issues have to change. Example being slavery. That had to go.

6. The top five all time summer blockbuster movies (released between May and August and grossing at least 100 million dollars) are Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars (the original), Ghostbusters, and E.T. Which one's your favorite?

I liked Star Wars and ET. ET was my favorite. At the time I liked Ghostbusters but I have reached a point that it just seems silly to me.  Hated Jaws because it scared me. No feelings whatsoever on Raiders of the Lost Ark but my oldest loves Harrison Ford so naturally have seen all the Indy series several times.

7. If given the chance, would you like to visit the moon?

I can't say that I have any desire to go to the moon. I am terrified of heights. But given my sci fi obsesssion I have had dreams of space exploration.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Feeling grateful for all God's blessings in my life today. Most especially electricity, running water, a/c and indomethacin.

Derecho-June 29th 2012

I finally got power again after the Derecho storm of last Friday June 29th 2012. We were without power for 8 long hot humid days. The storm came suddenly and just ripped trees out of the ground by the roots. I haven't ever seen anything like it and I hope to never again. You couldn't buy gas or anything for 3 days because we were completely without power everywhere. We drove for hours searching for ice. I missed 2 days of work and then finally made it the last two hoping that there was power and water at work. Wrong. Every day was hotter and more humid than the day before. Some days it was over 117 degrees in the trailer. We started staying out all the time until we were all sunburnt. I would try to sleep only to wake up with my hair soaking wet with sweat. We would go to the cooling shelter for a few hours a day so we could breathe for a bit and charge cell phones. Maybe this will help people be more grateful for the small blessings but I doubt it.  The storm traveled close to 700 miles in 10 hours, devastating 10 states and leaving more than 4.3 million customers without electric service.  I am so grateful that we have water, power and internet again.
  Here are a few pictures I took before my camera died and I wasn't able to charge it up again.
                      This was the storm beginning for me.

Trees down near my home.

Power lines down so thats why no power for so long

Using the snow plows to help get trees out of the road.

Sick and tired of weight obsession

      I have seen the above picture so many times posted on Facebook and for most people, yes being overweight is the worst thing they can be. You are looked at with less disdain if you are a drug user, murderer or even a child molester. I have spent the past 2.5 months since moving from NC trying to find a decent dr. I have been no less than 5 times and my whole purpose was to get a referral to the rheumatologist. The drs have said they aren't certain I have RA even though they are the ones who first diagnosed me. I finally went to an urgent care place and they did nothing to help my pain either but at least they did give me a referral for 2 months from now. I have never had so much pain in my life and can't even stand upright. My hands and shoulders, back and hips are so sore. I went to see the actual medical doctor this week and while I am telling him that I am in so much pain that I can't even get up and down without my daughter's help all he is talking about is my weight and diabetes. Yes I am way way overweight but I wasn't there for that. This dr has tested me no less than 3 times for diabetes and you can actually see the disappointment on his face when it shows up low blood sugar every time. It has reached the point that if you go to the dr anymore with an ear ache they are going to blame it on your weight. I honestly wanted to just punch him. My daughter went with me so she could see what I was dealing with. She was like "does he even hear you at all". No matter what I said about pain, he talked weight. 

     Now I am determined to lose weight and prove everyone wrong. I am well aware that I would feel much better if I were thinner but its pretty hard to think of dieting when you are in too much pain to move. I am tired of being judged all the time because of my weight. I made it pretty successfully through yesterday so now onto day 2. I made a gallon of the apple cinnamon water from here and spent the day reading weight loss blogs. I have to be immersed in something for it to work for me. Here is so good old music from Rocky to inspire me.

    

1 Peter 1:7

     During this valley, I have just kept telling myself over and over again that all things happen for the glory of God and somehow someway there will be glory brought from this. I will be honest that it hasn't done much for me to lessen the pain but at least I haven't been bitter or blamed God. I don't expect this side of Heaven to understand why but I am trusting God.
     Here are a couple of scripture verses that I have found helpful right now.  I heard the first one in a Beth Moore bible study and it really stuck with me. I know we have a very real enemy who wants to hurt us and destroy us. Satan wants to inflict pain and cause us to turn from God. So I think he meant to cause me to give up on God during this trial but God is somehow using it for good. I can't see the good right now but I am depending on it. I may have posted the song below already but I am really depending on the words in the song.

Genesis 50:20

King James Version (KJV)

²⁰ But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

1 Peter 1:7

King James Version (KJV)

⁷ That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

New Living Translation (©2007)
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Valley of Sadness

Have you ever been in a valley of sadness? I am currently in the lowest and longest valley of my life. I can't seem to find the way out. I can't seem to stop crying and everything upsets me. I can be working or driving and out of nowhere thoughts of my brother and how he died just crash into me. I know this whole thing isn't just because of Chad but a combination of many things from my past. I have been doing a different bible study every day and I have prayed and prayed but am still stuck in the valley. Its like for every step forward, Satan pushes me back 3. I know that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world but I can't help how I feel. If I am alone for any length of time, my thoughts go toward oblivion. Some days its like a drug that I crave and its all I can do to not kill myself. I have went through seasons of depression before but this is just horrible. I tried 2 times to get a dr's appointment since I think I need medication of some sort at this point and both times the drs weren't accepting new patients. Its like something just wants to do me in. I know the devil has come to seek whom he might devour and right now I feel like its me. I had a break down in church last Sunday so now I am sure they all think I am crazy. I would go to the mental hospital but honestly I am afraid that I am so crazy, they won't let me back out. And since I am suicidal they can keep me as being a danger to myself. I have no way to turn but up and yet I am not getting anything that way. I know in my head that God is there and loves me but my heart honestly feels dead inside. At this point I am not even sure how to get better.

I just feel so overwhelmed. I am in constant pain from the RA and the stupid practioner I was assigned refuses to believe I have RA even though its in my chart and that clinic is the first place to diagnose me over 20 years ago. I think that is really what pushed me over the edge because I had such hopes after the dr in NC told me that with all the new meds out that I would feel like a normal person again. Yet without a referral I can't see the rheumatoidologist.  I am 44 and I feel 94.  I barely manage to work because the job in the post office is too hard for me physically. A friend told me there was an opening in another dept at work so I applied for a lateral transfer and the assistant to the ops manager looked me in the face and flat out lied and said there was no opening. I had already been told if you are a good worker you can't get a better job there because they won't let you change so that you have to stay where you are. Then I had a really stressful event today and I have just cried and cried at work. I am a nervous wreck. I feel so trapped by life. :(

Wednesday Hodgepodge-053012

1. What can the average citizen do to honor a military veteran and/or those currently serving?

 I think you can pray for those currently serving, buy their meal if you see them out at a restaurant, value our freedom and rights that they have fought to defend.

 2. Besides a flag, what is something you own that is red, white, and blue?
offhand I can't think of a single thing

3. Does love really conquer all?
only God's love can do that.

 4. Strawberry shortcake or blueberry pie?
I will eat just about anything that is strawberry flavored so I pick the shortcake for sure.

 5. Do you share personal stuff with your hairdresser?
I don't have a hairdresser but if I did I probably would

 6. Does money lead to selfishness?
 no I think thats a weakness that comes from inside and I have seen people with almost nothing be completely selfish. I think the natural self wants to keep and have everything and we have to work to overcome that.

7. What piece of furniture in your home most needs replacing or refinishing?
I bought a trailer that completely needs repairing so everything would be the answer but the most pressing would be the kitchen stove right now.

 8. Insert your own random thought here.
I hope today is a good day.