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.

3 on Thursday- May 24th 2012

What are 3 things you would never do? This is my first time doing the 3 on Thursday and its a doozy :)

1. I can't imagine any circumstances under which I would fly. I am terrified of heights and at amusement parks they have stopped the rides to let me off, I don't think they will stop the plane to let me off and if they do, I am sure there will be some uniformed officers waiting on me.

2. I would never quit church and give up on God. I did that once and thankfully He forgave me and allowed me to come back to the fold. He has done too much for me to ever turn back again.

3. Own a snake or a pet spider. I just can't imagine why anyone would do such a thing and I think the best way for them to be is dead.

Hodgepodge Wednesday-05232012

1. What's something you miss about the 80's? If you're too young to miss the 80's how about the 90's? my youth. I miss being young and feeling good. Rheumatoid Arthritis is really getting me down this week and I regret all the days I didn't appreciate being young.

2. Do you have a library card? If so, how often do you visit? I have a library card but I seldom use it anymore. I used to read all the time but I honestly think its s combination of being online too much and needing glasses. My insurance has kicked in so that I can get glasses but I haven't made an appointment yet. I used to read all the time even when I was online daily but now my eyes have gotten so I can't read and I haven't done anything about it. Next pay day for sure I am going to the dr.

3. What's the secret to success? I haven't made any success in the life so far so I have no clue

4. This is National Backyard Games week...what's your favorite backyard game? Badmiten and on that note I just thought this was such a cute graphic

5. If I dropped by today what would I find on your coffee table? a mess. I always hate a coffee table because for whatever reason its always the spot every one piles stuff on but my ex made our oldest a coffee table and now it sits in my living room and once again collects stuff.

6. Do you own a bicycle? When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Is that something you enjoy? I do not own a bike and probably never will again. The last time I rode a back was way back in Feb of 1992. I wrecked the bike by flipping over the handles and broke my knee and never got on one again. It was almost a year before I was able to walk without a limp.

7. What's your favorite cheese? My girls and I love cheese in all forms. I can't decide if my favorite is muenster cheese or string cheese, but I will eat about any kind of cheese

8. Insert your own random thought here. I want to go see this movie so bad. I used to watch the tv show years ago and I know this will be so funny. I love Johnny Depp and Tim Burton pair ups.

Healer of My Heart

It seems like its one step forward and 2 steps back. I just can't seem to bounce back. These past 70 days have been so horrible and trying to move forward is hard. Only one thing helps, spending time with God. Listen and let the words minister to your heart.

May 16th Interesting Pins

While surfing blogs the other day I came across the coolest meme. I am so addicted to Pinterest and this meme is all about the most interesting pins you have seen that week. So here goes my first entries.

1. I love these heads and think they would be so neat in the garden when I finally get a garden. My daughter said they were too freaky.

via

2. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I am always reading about how wonderful ginger is for arthritis and I can't seem to find any candied ginger around here so I thought I would try to make my own.

via

3 I have been going to a bunch of baby showers lately and we made diaper trikes for them but I thought this was super cute also.

via

4 All my facebook friends have been talking about this pie and I have had it before but didn't have the recipes. I make one similar only I use yogurt instead of condensed milk. Less calories and more like chiffon.

via

5. Yes I can understand this funny.

via

Homemade powdered detergent- UPDATED

Today I mixed up a batch of powdered laundry detergent. I got the recipe from here. I have read about homemade detergents for years, both in books and online but haven't ever managed to make it. Before I left NC, I had bought all the ingredients and finally today got around to mixing it up. Normally all you read about is liquid detergents but I didn't feel like spending that much time on it so decided to try powdered out. I will let you know how I like it and how it worked for me in a couple of weeks after I have time to really test it. Here is the recipe: Powdered Laundry Detergent I doubled the batch. 2 cups Fels Naptha soap, finely grated. (for me 1 bar of Fels Naptha made right at 4 cups) 1 Cup washing soda (not baking soda) 1 Cup Borax Mix well & store in an airtight plastic container. Use 2 Tablespoons per load. Here is what mine looked like. I probably will try to do the liquid next time but we shall see how this works first. See update below

UPDATE
I love it and now this is all we use. I found a way to make it a bit easier though, instead of grating the soap, I cut it into small chunks (about 5-6 per bar) and microwave the chunks for 3 minutes. The soap will swell up. I let it cool completely (otherwise it goos up on you) and once its cool, I just crush the chunks in my hand. The grandkids love this part since they get to help crush :). now I mix it a big batch at a time so it lasts for several months.

3 bars Fels-Naptha laundry soap, crushed to a powder
1 Box of Borax
1 Box of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
3 Containers of powdered Awesome Oxygen Cleaner ( I get this at the Dollar tree for $1 a container)
1 container of Purex Crystals (this isn't necessary but I like the scent it adds) I get the ones for Babies.

mix it all in a bucket ( I have a 5 gallon bucket with lid) and just shake it all together. I put it in a smaller container by the washer and just refill the container as needed. Each time I give the bucket a shake before refilling just in case it settles. I have given samples to friends and family and every one loves it and raves on its cleaning power.

Things I learned from my Mom.

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
" Because I said so, that's why."
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.."
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA ..
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.."
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."
16.. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."
19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."
23.. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
And my favorite:
25.. My mother taught me about JUSTICE .

"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you !"

Didn't I walk on water

Well, I won't lie and say it hasn't been a rough 8 weeks. This has been the hardest time in my whole life but with God's mercy and the prayers of friends and guidance of a wonderful preacher, I think I am have finally made it through this valley. Still missing my brother every day but trusting in God's divine grace and mercy. Here is my latest favorite song. I play it over and over in the car so I thought I would share with all of you. I pray it blesses you as much as it does me.

A-Z Scripture Memorization - H

Time for another memory challenge.




A - As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15b

B - Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Acts 16:31

C - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

D - Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. ~ Colossians 4:2

E - Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

F - For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

G - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

This week's verse is
How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth. Psalm 47:2

He's alive

This is my favorite Easter song. It never fails to bring me to my feet in awe and worship. I have a video of one of my best friends singing this at church but she would kill me for showing it so I am going with my second favorite singer of the song :).

Looking at the Cross

John Newton- was the writer of one of the greatest hymns ever "Amazing Grace". Here is a poem he wrote that


Looking At the Cross

In evil long I took delight,
Unawed by shame or fear,
Till a new object struck my sight
And stopped my wild career.

I saw One hanging on a tree,
In agony and blood,
Who fixed His languid eyes on me,
As near His cross I stood.

Sure, never to my latest breath,
Can I forget that look;
It seemed to charge me with His death,
Though not a word He spoke.

My conscience felt and owned the guilt,
And plunged me in despair,
I saw my sins His blood had spilt,
And helped to nail Him there.

Alas, I knew not what I did
But now my tears are vain;
Where shall my trembling soul be hid?
For I the Lord have slain.

A second look He gave, which said,
“I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom paid;
I die that thou mayest live.”

Thus, while His death my sin displays
In all its blackest hue,
Such is the mystery of grace,
It seals my pardon too.

With pleasing grief and mournful joy
My spirit now is filled;
That I should such a life destroy
Yet live by Him I killed

-by John Newton

Here is a song that reminds me of this poem.

Sunday's coming

This year Easter is on my birthday. I found this video online from a church play. We have a church back home that does a wonderful production of the life of Jesus but my video turned out dark so I looked online for this one.

Crucifiction Scene from Christ Chapel Video Ministry on Vimeo.

Here are some more crafts to do this week leading up to Easter.

I love this one that I found on a number of blogs but picked this one.
Resurrection Rolls

Really cute printable jokes

At Focus on the Family I saw the cutest Easter Bunny posting
Here is a drawing depicting this that I found.

Palm Sunday

The Bible tells us that the wages of sin are death and that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. In the old testament, every year there was a feast of Passover to remember how the Hand of God passed over the Israelites in the land of Egypt and there was a yearly sacrifice of the best gift the family could afford.

Exodus 12- you can read about the first Passover.


What difference a week can make. Today we see the Savior riding into Jerusalem to the praises of the people. We are leading up to God's sacrifice of His best so that we might be able to be in Heaven with Him.



Mark 11:1-11 (King James Version)

1And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

2And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.

3And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

4And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

5And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

6And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

7And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

8And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

9And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

10Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

11And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.


Make your own palm branches here.