Intentions

MB with the Ladies

2012-01-31T19:57:00.000-04:00

We went to MB for our annual planning retreat. 2nd year at this particular location. It was pretty decent weather and very pleasant. One beach walk, God provided a free skin micro abrasion! The wind was blowing a decent 30mph! But I am thankful, cause I could walk barefoot!

We got a lot accomplished and pray that we serve God and the women at our church sincerely and favorably!

OH MY!

2012-01-23T11:04:00.003-04:00

I have been thinking that it is time for a new post, a few weeks have passed and lots of pondering....
But today-I am not sure which direction to go in.
Yesterday was Sanctity of Life Sunday. All life is precious, and just how ridiculous and convoluted our thinking and reasoning has become. It is okay to kill a baby in the womb-for(actual or possible) birth defects,gender and inconvenience. BUT it is MURDER to kill a wanted fetus (BABY)-WHAT????

Then there is my darling grandbaby, who learned how to smile last week- and I couldn't go and play with her this weekend, cause of the irresponsibility of a boss who doesn't manage money well...booo

Then there is multiple Scripture readings I have been doing, for the congregation-OT (Genesis) , for Sunday School, names of Jehovah, for Women's Ministry, I have been blessed!

So, occasionally I read this very Liberal Christian blogger; their self-named label. Boy, did my mind get boggled. I just don't understand it. This blogger has some beefs about the Church. Okay, I get that. There are some very big issues and hypocrisy there. Today's post was about a previous post they had made. It was made to provoke or prod. I don't believe there was any exhortation in this at all.

- what do you think?

Hate? Hippie?

No, Jesus wasn't political at all.
The blogger continued to blast apologetics and didn't agree with the discipline as a whole. That there is no vocab to explain God, that it is arrogant to think we can, and that a God that needs defending isn't one they are interested in.
Blogger thinks that we are to follow:

Matthew 25:35-36
New International Version (NIV)
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

"But, if you’re out there feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and all that other stuff, people just might think you know what the hell you’re doing and start helping you fix this broken, f*** up world. Which is really the point of the whole thing." (But Not Yet)

I thought it had to do with the fact that SIN has entered in and we as sinners will do anything and everything to kick against God's way?

Romans 8:5-8 NIV

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Spirit,

Please place a hunger in people to Know the Truth! Turn hearts toward our One and Only Redeemer, Jesus Christ!

Amen.

Any thoughts or comments? I would love to hear how some of you react to the image or the blogger's reasoning or mine ! :-)

pet peeves

2012-01-09T12:11:00.000-04:00

I decided that I have a lot of pet peeves. But who I am to be so bothered by others or what they do or don't do? Nobody.

So, I decided to list at list a few pet peeves about myself and see if I can do something about them. (me)

1. Don't like to change.

2.Don't like to finish what I start.

These are pretty big ones, that are going to require an self evaluation and self discipline.

3. I pick at my split ends (trichoptilosis)

4. I don't consider how I look when I go out. (I forget to brush my hair and check my teeth)

These are minor, but very ingrained. I can fix these by just taking a few minutes each day and concentrating on the task at hand and by resisting the urge to look at the ends of my hair and getting regular hair cuts. (although Vince asked me what would I do with all my free time if I stopped picking at those ends?! ;-) )

2011-12-30T21:12:00.001-04:00

I wonder if you can ever be prepared for the things that come at you in life? I am sure you can feel like you have prepared or studied for whatever is expected to happen.School, Career, Love, Marriage, Parenthood, Grandparenthood. Living life the way you wanted....that may not happen unless what you want is to please God and do His Will (which is a hard thing, but the most important)

Here I type and ponder on the fact that I didn't know how things would play out in my life. I prepared as best as I could-but it always has a slight spin on my expectations. I am glad. We face a lot in our walk. I am thankful for all the things that have happened that weren't according to plan.

I pray that Vince is able to get a job that is stable...but when we are a little on the uncertain side-it brings us closer to God. We lean on Him and depend on Him-for He is our Provider.. .

My friends' daughter, a young mother, needs healing. He is our Healer.

My daughter, a new mother,and her husband are separated by miles and months. She is going to be mothering on her own. She will find a powerful strength that she never knew she had. Because He is Mighty and He never leaves us or forsakes us.

My other children, each going through their own journeys realize that He is our Guide.

Praise Him! He is the God of Peace-Shalom!

Happy New Year to you and yours. Our expectations should only be for Christ and his coming again. Last year in church our theme was to Get Ready for Heaven in 2011- This year: Dig and Delve in 2012. I pray you join me!

Baby Love

2011-12-20T15:02:00.000-04:00

When I arrived at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital,(530PM) I found a happy social able Elizabeth.

Since it was getting late, she needed a nap.(about 930PM)

So, a while later, Elizabeth's eyes popped open wide and let the nurse and midwife know that things had changed. 20 min later- (147AM) Scarlett arrives!

She came in at 6lb10oz 20" long

spending time in the warmer

little feet

moved up to Mother and Baby Floor at 630AM

Nana and Scarlett!

Uncle Patrick

Grandpa Vinny

Aunt Michey

And with Mama and Grandma (830PM)
(Elizabeth's Mother-in-law is also Karin and was there for the delivery! Her support and love was so integral to this wonderful story. Luke was able to talk to Elizabeth around 530AM after Scarlett was born and saw pics as well. )

Baby Brain

2011-12-13T10:04:00.002-04:00

I have babies on my brain! ONE in particular! Our little miss is taking her mama through a marvelous journey and we get to tag along! Although the due date isn't until Dec 16, we have been expecting her any day for about 10 days now!
Luke deployed on the 6th and we had hoped he would be present to meet his baby girl. But she has a different birthday and we all have to wait!

Please pray for Luke, Elizabeth and their little girl! This separation is hard in the best of circumstances-but I can't imagine what it is for them and the many others who are serving our country that go through this EVERY day! We all need to be thankful for times spent with our loved ones and also for the times we don't.

May the Lord comfort and guide those together and apart in times of happiness and sorrow.

Psalm 139 (The Message)

A David Psalm

^1-6 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
   I'm an open book to you;
      even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
   You know when I leave and when I get back;
      I'm never out of your sight.
   You know everything I'm going to say
      before I start the first sentence.
   I look behind me and you're there,
      then up ahead and you're there, too—
      your reassuring presence, coming and going.
   This is too much, too wonderful—
      I can't take it all in!

^7-12 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
      to be out of your sight?
   If I climb to the sky, you're there!
      If I go underground, you're there!
   If I flew on morning's wings
      to the far western horizon,
   You'd find me in a minute—
      you're already there waiting!
   Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
      At night I'm immersed in the light!"
   It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
      night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.

^13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
      you formed me in my mother's womb.
   I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
      Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
      I worship in adoration—what a creation!
   You know me inside and out,
      you know every bone in my body;
   You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
      how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
   Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
      all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
   The days of my life all prepared
      before I'd even lived one day.

^17-22 Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
      God, I'll never comprehend them!
   I couldn't even begin to count them—
      any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
   Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
      And please, God, do away with wickedness for good!
   And you murderers—out of here!—
      all the men and women who belittle you, God,
      infatuated with cheap god-imitations.
   See how I hate those who hate you, God,
      see how I loathe all this godless arrogance;
   I hate it with pure, unadulterated hatred.
      Your enemies are my enemies!

^23-24 Investigate my life, O God,
      find out everything about me;
   Cross-examine and test me,
      get a clear picture of what I'm about;
   See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong—
      then guide me on the road to eternal life.

Timely Meditations

2011-12-06T10:13:00.001-04:00

Last time I tried to post it didn't come out right. I wanted to remind myself to remember who is in control. I wanted to renew my mind with Scripture and it wouldn't post correctly.

Psalm 30:4
The Message (MSG)

4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.

Psalm 97:12
The Message (MSG)

12 So, God's people, shout praise to God,
Give thanks to our Holy God!

I wanted to remember to be thankful in ALL circumstances. God is Good ALL the time, and ALL the time He is Good....just something that has sustained me through trials over the years.

I am so very thankful to Him, because all the things that we encounter that make no sense to us- they disappoint, hurt and confuse us- He knows. He cares. He Loves.

I am seeking the Lord this morning especially as Luke sets off this week for his deployment and Elizabeth will be giving birth to their first child soon after.
But I know that although this is not the way they planned it-God did. For we are born and we die on the days He ordains them. So, we will continue to trust and follow the One who is the Truth and the Way.

Looking forward to the days of laughter!

Seppytember

2011-09-27T11:13:00.001-04:00

I am sick. I have been working on this cold thingy for a week and was hoping to have perfected it and moved on by now. bleh :-( ! Oh well. I thought I should update the blog as September is coming to a close.

I feel September just flew by.... seems like I have been busy, but can't remember much of what I did.
Vince got to go to Baltimore with my Dad and brother, Steve. They saw and experienced the Formula 1 race. I didn't realize it at the time, but it was an historical event. First time for Baltimore to have the race.They had a great time and Vince got to see so many cars!

It also caused me to reflect on our trip there long ago. Vince and I had a belated honeymoon there 26years ago. We went in the USS Constellation from Revolutionary times, and it was tiny; we had to crouch through the doorways! The Inner Harbor was pretty new then, and really nice. We took a night sail on a Sloop and it was really quite romantic.

We had a baby shower for a friend and helped move the family from apt to house, the week of their new baby's arrival. It was awesome to see these young Christians, calling on God in praise and prayer to keep their house and family secure in Him!

Attended a wedding that was a lot of fun and got to whoop it up with some celebratory dancing! My Mich is a great dance partner-Vince is choosy about songs, but still my number one partner.

May 1985

Elizabeth's belly is growing, and Luke is off to EMV- where they role play and learn about their duties to come in Afghanistan. 40 days away from home, and then about 3 weeks and off he goes. I think he will miss the birth of his daughter. Breaks my heart, but also helps me to realize just how much our military sacrifices. Praying that God will bring them closer to Him during this time. Praying for a safe return of all of them that deploy. I hope you will join with me in that prayer.

So, in closing- I would like to leave with 1 of the verses I went over with the toddlers this month.

Revelation 21:4-5

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
⁵ Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me,^[a] “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

July/Aug 2011

2011-08-10T14:24:00.000-04:00

Boxes for Military!

Scrabble fun with friends :)

Michelle, Elizabeth and Angela looking at something.

Me and Elizabeth and Baby G!

Happy 20th Birthday Elizabeth!

Yum

A hug for Patrick!

Sun-showers on the way home.

June/July Let Freedom Ring!

2011-07-06T11:53:00.000-04:00

Vince challenges Luke and comes up with 10. Luke 15. Not bad for an guy a half-century old!

June Jordan had a birthday and we helped Elizabeth and Luke move in to their new home in NC!

It is an answer to prayer to have them closer to us. Since she is expecting their first child in Dec and he is scheduled for a January deployment it is nice to know she isn't too far away.

We had a great time when they visited us for the 4th of July weekend.

We went to the museum, the 3rd of July celebration, and to Grandaddy and Betty's for the 4th and a cookout.

We are thankful to all who have had the vision of Freedom here in America, but most thankful

for our freedom in Christ! God Bless America!

Fort Macon

NC Museum of Natural Science

Fuquay's Fireworks!

4th of July cookout and project-bird bath.

life

2011-06-03T08:15:00.000-04:00

May brought a lot of activity to the house. FFA events for Mich, Bible Studies, and meetings.
Studied Holy Spirit, relationships, I AM passages in JOHN, Pentecost, Lame Man, the Eunuch and Philip. I pray that I would be as obedient and responsive as Philip, and listen to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to move in my life!

Baby G is showing up in Dec. We are so excited.

Please pray for our nephew,Derek. He is serving in Afghanistan for a year.

Mich with too much bronzer, but she finishes her freshman year with a great GPA. So proud of her!

“[God Doesn't Miss a Thing] A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.” Proverbs 15:1 MSG

retreat...rest ..relaxation...meditation

2011-04-28T08:22:00.000-04:00

Yep, it is that time of year. We will be heading out, storms are approaching..Tornado watches/warnings. But that is what it sometimes is like..a whirlwind of activity, darkness...making way for the Light!
Studying the Holy Spirit this weekend...not to make light of current events, but if I am too focused on how "bad" things are and getting anxious about them. ie Libya and my gas budget, Obama and his birth certificate, the economy-if we get a paycheck this week, our young people involved in combat in Afghanistan and our young people battling Evil here, I have to remember to check out where my home country is. It should say- HEAVEN! and therefore I will leave it up to Him who is ABLE!

Psalm 121
^1-2 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. (the Message)

some pics

2011-04-12T10:06:00.000-04:00

Gina Mclean Photography did great!

2011-03-22T17:01:00.001-04:00

So, Friday was Rehearsal night. It was kind of warm out but a very nice evening. We got our ducks in a row and figured out everyone's places. Unfortunately, Lukas' groomsmen's leaves got denied. So, Patrick stepped up and covered that base for Luke and Elizabeth. What a blessing it is to have your children ready and willing to serve one another!

The perfect wedding day arrived and we were blessed with all sorts of help. Lilly came and did the girls' hair, my friends and sisters stepped up and served us in a most awesome way. The food was prepared and set up. The finishing touches done to the tables. It was gorgeous. Everyone kept asking if we catered. I give all glory to God for His people who come and bear one another's burdens and joys! My daughter, glowed and my son-in-law to be texted and was so careful not to see her before she walked down the aisle. The ceremony was so personal, and they were joined for life! Vince had a realization of how Elizabeth had grown and what a lovely woman she had become. He missed her as soon as they said their vows. God is Good!

times approaching....

2011-03-14T09:05:00.000-04:00

Sunrise,Sunset From Fiddler on the Roof

(Tevye)
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?

(Golde)
I don't remember growing older
When did they?

(Tevye)
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?

(Golde)
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?

(Men)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze

(Women)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

(Tevye)
What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?

(Golde)
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day

(Perchik)
They look so natural together

(Hodel)
Just like two newlyweds should be

(Perchik & Hodel)
Is there a canopy in store for me?

(All)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

Not that I am Golde or that Vince is Tevye...but it is a contemplation of mine. Soon my little girl, who is now a woman-will be a wife! Oh my! God is Good!

December/January

2011-01-20T09:49:00.000-04:00

December started with us all bundling up and going to downtown...where Elizabeth was surprised with a marriage proposal!
That started the ball rolling for wedding planning, something I know very little about, so I am so thankful for my friends helping me! Trips to the bridal store, trying on dresses, finding bridesmaids dresses- not too difficult. But SHOES! Oh my! My little girl has little feet! She has been a Cinderella, trying on shoes every where. I think we finally found them. :)
I wonder why people spend so much money on all the unnecessary stuff...it is really more about the relationship the couple has with Christ and each other. I am excited to be able to spend time with Elizabeth as she starts her new season...I am so pleased with the woman she is becoming ,it truly has been a blessing to watch her grow and bloom! I am not sure what Vince thinks of all this, it is a process for him. I think when it comes time for him to walk his little girl down the aisle and into Lukas' care..it will hit pretty hard.

Christmas was fun, lots of family. Lukas got to meet them and they got to meet him...so it was all good.My niece's husband, Joe, had a good first deployment and is on his second, and grand niece #2 was present (born 12/23). We have been blessed mightily.

We had three snows in December, which is always exciting!

January brought an ice storm, and the flu to our house. We are all doing well and that seems to have passed.

Baby Emma

all the "kids" minus 2

Snow fun

surprise!

so many to choose from

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; 
praise him, all creatures here below; 
praise him above, ye heavenly host; 
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

October/November

2010-11-16T10:00:00.001-04:00

Amelia Island, FL

Ft. Clinch

My first up-close encounter with an armadillo

NC State Fair

Angela's 17th birthday

Vince turns 50

Christi and Gideon's wedding

photo credit:Jessica Staffan Photography
Elizabeth and Lukas USMC Marine Ball

October and November have been eventful! We have had some great weather to enjoy traveling and just being together! I am thankful.

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

—Psalm 9:1

Nature's forces

2010-09-07T09:08:00.000-04:00

Nahum 1:5 (The Message)

^2-6God is serious business.
   He won't be trifled with.
He avenges his foes.
   He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging.
But God doesn't lose his temper.
   He's powerful, but it's a patient power.
Still, no one gets by with anything.
   Sooner or later, everyone pays.
Tornadoes and hurricanes
   are the wake of his passage,
Storm clouds are the dust
   he shakes off his feet.
He yells at the sea: It dries up.
   All the rivers run dry.
The Bashan and Carmel mountains shrivel,
   the Lebanon orchards shrivel.
Mountains quake in their roots,
   hills dissolve into mud flats.
Earth shakes in fear of God.
   The whole world's in a panic.
Who can face such towering anger?
   Who can stand up to this fierce rage?
His anger spills out like a river of lava,
   his fury shatters boulders

New Zealand's earthquake, and Hurricane Earl on NC coast. Who is the Mighty One?
...and btw Mr Hitchens...God is Great!

August

2010-08-25T09:19:00.000-04:00

Already August is coming to an end. I looked out the window the other evening at Bible Study, and noticed that it was already sunset...........

August has been HOT! I felt very confined this summer, too hot to do anything for so many days. I am so looking forward to the cooler days of September.

School started today for Michelle. She is a Freshman. Wow!
Angela will start her subjects next week, as a Junior. Yikes!

I get to pick Patrick up next week, he will be home from Panama.

It was so good to see Glenn, Charlene and Carrie. She left today.

A couple more deaths...but rejoicing because they are with our Lord.

Finally got a trip in to go to the beach...and it rained.

"Summertime
And the living is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high

Oh, your daddy's rich
And your mama's good lookin'
So hush little baby now
don't you cry

One of these mornin's
You're gonna rise up singin'
Then you'll spread your wings
And take to the sky

But til that mornin'
Ain't nothin' can harm you
With your daddy
And your mammy
standin' by."- George Gershwin and Dubose Heyward, Porgy and Bess

July

2010-07-26T10:10:00.000-04:00

once again celebrated the 3rd at SouthPark, the 4th at Jim and Val's.

Babysitting

Dog sitting and Cat sitting

Baptisms

BBC! (in 95+ degrees)

oil continues to leak in Gulf.

It has been hot and dry. We have done a lot of "sitting", including in our chairs. The heat has kept us inside. Cabin fever! I long for cool nights and mornings, I'd even take some great summer TStorms.

July has been busy, and eventful.

"In lang, lang days o' simmer,
When the clear and cloudless sky
Refuses ae weep drap o' rain
To Nature parched and dry,
The genial night, wi' balmy breath,
Gars verdue, spring anew,
An' ilka blade o' grass
Keps its ain drap o' dew." - James Ballantine

June

2010-06-25T09:22:00.000-04:00

I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.
-- L. M. Montgomery

Luther came to visit.

Michelle had her 8th Grade Formal.

Yates Mill Pond

Harris Lake- on the lake with Super Mabel!

Pat deployed 6-20

Backyard-forest glade

Family wedding

2010-04-20T09:24:00.000-04:00

We went Arizona, to visit Vince's brother and family. Derek and Ashley got married April 9,2010.
Got some hiking in. Went to the mountains and checked out Jerome (mining town) and Sedona. Terrific time spent with great people!

tax time is taxing...

2010-03-27T14:21:00.002-04:00

Well, we are finally finished with taxes...and have a new list of how to make the process easier next year. (Again)

Lots going on...birthing, dying, lying, loving, styling, hurling,praying....

But God is Good!

Just Beachy

2010-02-02T14:28:00.007-04:00

Went to the beach for a planning retreat. Ended up waiting out a winter storm...only got rain and then sunny skies. Great time of fellowship, dolphins put on a show, and Cora supplied great "ice breakers"

resolute

2010-01-06T12:17:00.004-04:00

resolute

1 Tip of a Flat Belly :

Cut down 3 lbs of your belly every week by using this 1 weird tip.

FatBurningFurnace.com

Main Entry: ¹res·o·lute

Pronunciation: \ˈre-zə-ˌlüt, -lət\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin resolutus, past participle of resolvere

Date: 1533

1 : marked by firm determination : resolved 2 : bold, steady

synonyms see faithful

— res·o·lute·ly \-ˌlüt-lē, -lət-; ˌre-zə-ˈlüt-\ adverb

— res·o·lute·ness \-ˌlüt-nəs, -lət-, -ˈlüt-\ noun

I decided I should be at least putting some resolutions on some sort of archive. Black and white.

Resolving to lose weight and belly. Googled the word resolute and thought it apropos that an ad for losing belly fat! I didn't click on the link, though....

Resolving to be more active AND more productive. Now I have to define that...

It sure is nice to have friends that are much better at defining things and eager to start anew.

One day, I will actually be able to put this mind of mine together in a smooth train of thought...right now it is more of a train wreck. Car by car I will start to place them on the track, rehitch them and get them ready for transport!

Watching what I eat, changing bad habits out for good.

Moving my body in more energetic ways that stretch me physically and mentally.

Spiritually appreciating what the Lord has provided, wonderfully unique bodies, food that fuels, walks that inspire and direct me to the Creator.

Got on the scale, weighed in. Now, in 6 months I have a goal to reduce about 20lbs and be able to hike with friends and enjoy my family in a deeper way. I hope you will join me, pray for me, and rejoice with me!

Old to New

2009-12-31T18:33:00.002-04:00

Happy New Year 2010!

Blessings to you all!

New Year's Eve is never dull. But nights like tonight happen just once in a blue moon.
The term "blue moon" now refers to the second full moon in a month, but folklorists say the phrase has a long and rich history.
(Getty Images)
Not only will a full moon light up the festive evening, but a so-called blue moon will help ring in 2010 for revelers in the Western hemisphere.
So while you're out carousing with friends or family, take a break from your champagne and noisemakers to look up at the night sky.
You may see the "blue moon," but you won't see the moon awash in the color blue.
The term "blue moon" generally refers to the second full moon in a month and occurs just once every 2.7 years. The last blue moon to shine on New Year's Eve was 19 years ago, in 1990.

From ABC News

Christmas season

2009-12-23T17:30:00.005-04:00

Christmas parties,Operation Christmas Child, Christmas Caroling, Christmas Cookies and Exchanges, Christmas Trees/Decorations/Shopping/Gifts make for a busy month.

I had the pleasure of leading one of our devotions this week. I got to relate Luke 2:8-20

I often think that we read the story so much that we don't really focus on it. What character are you? I considered the shepherds this year....dirty outcasts...chosen by God to see the angels, hear prophecy , see for themselves the fulfillment and the tell others the Good News. Let us not forget what we are to do..shine!

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:8-20 (The Message)

An Event for Everyone

^8-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."

^13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

^15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

^19-20Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!

brother and sister

2009-10-28T08:43:00.010-04:00

This is my eldest brother; Steven. He is a single Dad and last year became a grandpa. He is supposed to be doing the"c" in YMCA, but as a lifelong dyslexic it is difficult to spell in air. Plus I think he also might think "s" is for Steve.
We stopped in Wilmington to pick up Pat. Here is Omar the pig.
Atalayah in Myrtle Beach, SC(State Park)
Brookgreen Gardens, MB,SC
different approaches
oops some poses are very similar....
same stride
Got him to be silly
we got some BOGO's for Medieval Times...Angela and Vinny went with us.

I haven't spent a week with my brother in a long time. Sometimes, I wonder how much we really retain of our patterns and lifestyle from youth. I find that although life has taken us down some very different roads, we aren't much different 50 and 47 years later. Of course he and I have quite a bit of history together...it is comforting to know that our sibling bonds are still very secure. I had a really good time. Next post will be with brother #2.

Peeved

2009-10-23T07:53:00.002-04:00

I am amazed at our court system. Democracy at its best? I don't think so. I love due process and innocent until proven guilty...really I do. My problem is with the buddy-buddy system. I have been subpoenaed 4 times now for the same case. I get there before 9AM. I sit quietly, waiting for our turn...for justice. First time, defendant's lawyer, out of country-continued, 2nd time- defendant's witness not present, 3rd time- Defense lawyers arrive after 10 and slow court calendar !!! Can't wait for the 4th.

Can't there be a more efficient use of tax payer's money? Can't we charge lawyers late fees? I paid $7 parking, spent 4 hours of my life the other day. I was getting a wee bit hot under the collar.

There really has to be some kind of accountablity here. What if something needs attention promptly... no wonder there are more crimes committed; offenders have more time to be free to do what they want. It will be 6 months since the offense and first court date next time I go.

I have noticed that the judges are getting a little annoyed with their time being wasted as well. How hard can it be to line up the cases, I look at the calendar, I know when to be there. I understand that some lawyers have multiple cases in different courtrooms, but at least sign in and let the court know if you are going to continue or dismiss so people can go to work. If I worked at a 9-5 hourly job, I would have lost $21 to parking and 12 hours of pay. I am only a witness, what about the victim and attaining quick justice? These are misdemeanors for goodness sake!

So, that is my rant for the week!

(also, why would Obama associate himself with Letterman? Why does Michelle O go on Leno? How much are we paying for that security detail and transport?)

Kingdom Come - Hillsong United

2009-10-06T09:17:00.001-04:00

Bible Study

2009-10-06T08:32:00.004-04:00

This year I have been involved in a Bible Study at a drug rehab facility. The women that come, come from all backgrounds. We are different in so many ways, and yet the one way that counts; we are the same. We are all SINNERS. We all have a gift of MERCY and GRACE offered to us. Many have taken up on that, having FAITH in JESUS and HIS work on the CROSS.

This opportunity to serve came up about a year ago. The study group changes, sometimes weekly, it is truly dynamic. Some women graduate, some relocate, some just drop out of the program. God and His SPIRIT are working there in a mighty way.

Some questions that come up:

How do I know when I am saved, I have prayed the salvation prayer many times and then mess up again?

How do I know what pleases God?

What is Faith?

What kind of "soil" am I? How do I know?

How can I surrender fully to God?

How do I NOT put a man in God's place in my heart?

Really good questions, really good conversation. A transparency that sometimes gets lost as we "mature" in Christ and go to Bible Study with other "mature" Christians.

Real struggles, really big life issues, real seeking of answers and deliverance.

Not all are there for a real study, sometimes I am not sure what their motivations are...BUT I don't really care...because we are sharing the Gospel, the GOOD NEWS with these women AND because we are providing child care for their kids....to their children as well! Praise God for the opportunity to serve Him and love others, some who are at their lowest point. We get to point them to a LIGHT that will guide them in LOVE and TRUTH!

So, I am so very thankful this morning. I know is God is working, I know that Satan is working...BUT the VICTORY is in CHRIST, whom I serve!

conversations...

2009-09-22T12:23:00.006-04:00

I have no idea what we talked about, but Irina is certainly more energetic than the rest of us!

Elizabeth's 18!

2009-08-10T08:43:00.003-04:00

Romans 12:1[ Place Your Life Before God ] So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (the Message Bible)

I can't quite grasp the fact that my children grow up so quickly. I am amazed at them and how God has developed them physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Each different, a different paces; predictible yet so individualized! My LizB turned 18, has graduated High School, enrolled in Community college...has goals; is maturing...my heart wonders if we have done our best. Is she prepared? I can only trust in the Lord, ask for wisdom and pray she does the same. There are a lot of distractions in this world...but fixing our eyes on the Lord and His purposes will keep us from veering too far from the course. I am so excited for her;blessed to be part of her life. Thank the Lord for His loving-kindness, grace and mercy!

Summer Weekends

2009-08-04T06:41:00.008-04:00

In July we took a weekend to camp near Kure Beach. We stopped by to see Pat and have Sunday Brunch at Elijah's in Wilmington, NC.

The house he is renting is an old Sear's Roebuck Catalog house. Story is that his daughters fought a lot. To appease them and gain peace; he bought and built 2 houses. They almost touch. I don't know if it worked...

Beautiful day at the beach!

I flew to Portland, ME for the Beach to Beacon 10K race. I had reconnected with a childhood friend.(FACEBOOK!) She was running and I went up to cheer her on.

Guiness Book of Records: Largest Globe. De Lorem Map Store

"Best Lobster Rolls" Red's Lobster Roll. Basically, a whole lobster on a hot dog style roll; mayo or melted butter on the side to dip. Very yummy.

Portland Light.... Amazing difference from NC beach to ME beach. This was a great day; low 80's low humidity!

Freedom from Tyranny (of sin)

2009-07-07T07:37:00.005-04:00

Title: Gaither Vocal Band - Let Freedom Ring lyrics
Artist: Gaither Vocal Band Lyrics

Deep within the heart has always known that there was freedom

Somehow breathed into the very soul alive

The prisoner, the powerless, the saved have always known it

There's something that keeps reaching for the sky

Even life begins because a baby fights for freedom

And songs we love to sing have freedom's theme

Some have walked through fire and flood to find a place of freedom

And some faced hell itself for freedom's dream

Let freedom ring wherever minds know what it means to be in chains

Let freedom ring wherever hearts know pain

Let freedom echo through the lonely streets where prisons have no key

We can be free and we can sing --- let freedom ring

God built freedom into every fiber of creation

And He meant for us to all be free and whole

When my Lord bought freedom with the blood of His redemption

His cross stamped pardon on my very soul

I'll sing it out with every breath, I'll let the whole world hear it

This hallelujah anthem of the free

That iron bars and heavy chains can never hold us captive

The Son has made us free and free indeed

Let freedom ring down through the ages from a hill called Calvary

Let freedom ring wherever hearts know pain

Let freedom echo through the lonely streets where prisons have no key

You can be free and you can sing let freedom ring

Let freedom echo through the lonely streets where prisons have no key

You can be free and you can sing let freedom ringYou can be free and you can sing --- let freedom ring --- let freedom ring

BBC and other happenings

2009-06-30T09:16:00.006-04:00

I get so confused with all the different titles of basically the same thing;but different gatherings.

BBC or Backyard Bible Club is like VBS (Vacation Bible School) but the location is different. One is in the community, the other in the church building.

Flock group, Fellowship Groups, Cell group, Small group; these I don't quite know what the differences are...except perhaps the book read or era. I tend to stay with the one I first learned; so I confuse a lot of people! Most people almost think they know where I am going or have invited them to..

Just a diversion...

I have been busy lately doing things to develop interpersonal relationships, and also to disciple and encourage others and myself to seek the Lord in EVERYTHING! Does anyone else find themselves falling short of that?

Been to Bible Study, helped with a baptism, did some BBC/funfest activity, drove around town,went to visit with a very good friend, stopped by WTCC for guidance(?...) and hopefully all these things will bring Glory to God!

Let us not forget that Nothing is too difficult for our God, nothing is a surprise to Him, and He IS our ALL in ALL! Let us find joy in the JOYGIVER and rejoice for this is the day the Lord has made...BE GLAD!

Graduations

2009-06-18T07:57:00.009-04:00

Honoring the graduate!

2 cakes for 2 grads

All dressed up for Relay for Life

Family

BFFs

Carrying each other's burdens

Pray for our youth!

Elizabeth graduated from Insights School. She is our third to have been homeschooled from start to finish! We are proud of her accomplishments and pray that she will continue to seek the Lord and His favor as she continues in her life journey.

Viktoriya came 5 years ago, speaking little english and graduated an Honor student from Middle Creek. We are so excited for her as well.

Happy Birthday Jordan!

2009-06-10T14:27:00.004-04:00

Today we celebrate the gift of a son given to us 20years ago! How time flies!

We love you!

Mother's Day 09

2009-05-15T08:50:00.006-04:00

Sometimes, I wonder if they ever listen to me...Lunch at Applebee's.
What fun is this? All my "chillins" together again.

Beautiful roses and funny card that Jordan gave me...ahhh :-)

Great Mother's Day! Hope yours were wonderful too! You all are great moms, thanks for all you do.

Prayer

2009-05-12T12:21:00.008-04:00

Friday, I asked Debbie to pray with me. That I would hear from Patrick. She asked the Lord that if it was in His will, that I would get a call, not just a text. I really wanted to hear his voice.

The Lord in His kindness and mercy, answered that prayer soon afterwards! Not only did I get a chance to chat that afternoon, but later on in the evening. Saturday, Vince and I rode up to RDU, and picked him up. He had had some paper work that needed to get done before he could get processed out of the USAF and come back here. Next, he will be living in Wilmington, getting a job....signing with USAF Reserves. He'll get cross-trained, and hopefully get some opportunities that he hasn't had yet.

Ephesians 3:20 NASB

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

the old snapper

2009-05-07T08:06:00.008-04:00

John 4:10 Jesus replied, " If you only knew the gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." NLT

This morning, after dropping Michelle off, I was driving back home. I came upon a snapping turtle crossing the road. He/she was old, its shell cracked and scarred. It was still, and I pulled up to it to see what it would do. As I sat there, it regained its confidence. Its head pulled up and as far out as it could go, eyes searching; finally it saw what it was looking for. It got up and started to move its bulky body across the street to the water in the small brook that ran under the road. I ponder on this, as I had been praying for the young people at school, their teachers, administrators, for the kids I knew personally. I thought about myself, and that in some ways, I was like that snapper. I have a hard heart that God has cracked, and underneath a softening. I prayed then that I would be as determined as that turtle to not stay on dry land, but to continually seek the water, the Living Water. I prayed that he would woo those who have gotten out of the water and are now on the dry land, that they would sense His presence and seek Him as quickly as possible. Once the turtle repositioned itself, it took off at great speed and determination. I was blessed by God and His creation this morning. I praise Him!

I will post retreat photos soon. The weekend was wonderful, full of Light!

Don't forget today is National Day of Prayer! Pray!

April

2009-04-29T08:53:00.007-04:00

A Very Happy Birthday to Charlene! (far away in Singapore, but near to my heart!)

Patrick is out of the AF, but like the USAF song...he is "into the wild blue yonder"!

He has not as of yet showed up here, so I think he must be enjoying his cross country trip back to the east coast.

Swizzle, doing her best at looking somewhat perturbed.

I don't think we had honey in ours...But it needed a clean out...$250 later and we def are better off!

Fun at the Library Park, a little Bingo and some time chillin' together.

Ladies Retreat this weekend! Starts May off nicely; Elizabeth graduates, get to see Patrick and some old friends from Vin's childhood, (maybe even a special trip ....)

Happy Easter!

2009-04-14T08:09:00.011-04:00

A little SonRise service in the park started our Easter off! We all shared in a great breakfast after our Celebration of Christ's Resurrection!

We made babka. I don't like this recipe. ( and it appears to have eyes)

Michelle rolled out some pierogie dough and we made some potato-cheese ones! Yum.

My family helps me celebrate my birthday while we are all together!

Traditional egg cracking contest. Here are the youngest and oldest pitted against each other.

Molly hasn't a clue, but she will learn quickly.

Every year our household hosts the Easter dinner for my family. We have about 20 of us.

This year I decided to go against our tradtional meal of turkey/ham, etc...

I decided to be a little more ethnic. Polish side doesn't have a traditonal Easter meal, aside from getting the food blessed on Sat. (we didn't do that) So, we just had traditional polish food; all homemade except the sausage; kielbasi, pierogi, babka, galumpky(cabbage rolls). For the Italian side, they have a big multi course meal which included a lot of fish; so we nixed that and added lasagna, pasta salad, field green salad, and an anti pasta called "benedetto" or blessing. This is strictly a Battista (Vin's mom's side) dish. Layered orange slices, egg slices, genoa salami, lemon slices and ricotta salata. I didn't remember this dish. I asked Vin's aunt about it, and searched high and low for the ricotta salata (a hard ricotta that you can slice), found it at Whole Foods. Vin was super excited and I am so glad I can bring a favorite taste bud tickler to him. That was fun to see.

What traditions do you all have and do you ever switch it up?

spring break!

2009-04-04T16:30:00.006-04:00

Vince and Girls set out for their annual Spring Break Beach trip. They went after Elizabeth and Angela sat for their ACT exams and headed for Myrtle Beach. So, I am home with Jordan. We get to watch BB and I am painting the living room....

Tea

2009-03-26T15:27:00.014-04:00

We had our annual tea at church. Lots of fun, and very good devotion with the resurrection eggs!
Good news! The Tomb is Empty! He's Alive!

White House

2009-03-19T10:13:00.004-04:00

White House. Ok, so what does the http://www.whitehouse.gov/ have on its front page?

Important items of interest to the American people. We are experiencing a crisis in the economy, health care, security, etc...

The front page #1 item: bold banner is a picture and link to President Obama's picks in the NCAA bracket! Yeah for that, that is a way of getting things done and we'll see if he is better at picking college basketball winners than folks to serve (the American People) in his administration.

I did use the contact form and give a wee bit of a comment...;)

Have a great day.

America the Beautiful

2009-03-11T08:38:00.004-04:00

I have been reading this book by David Jeremiah. So far, it has been interesting. I was reading yesterday in chapter 6 "Does America Have a Role in Prophecy?", about the downfall of civilizations and the 11 signs of decline(p136)

1. No fault divorce
2."Birth Dearth"; increased disrespect for parenthood and parents
3. Meaningless marriage rites/ceremonies
4. Defamation of past national heroes
5. Acceptance of alternative marriage forms
6. Widespread attitudes of feminism, narcissism, hedonism
7.Propagation of antifamily sentiment
8> Acceptance of most forms of adultery
9. Rebellious children
10. Increased juvenile delinquency
11. Common acceptance of all forms of sexual perversion.

( this written by Dr. Carle Zimmerman in a text called Family and Civilization.1947)

I guess we could check that list off.So, it might be said that America is being attacked from the inside out. Kind of like an auto immune disease!
What to do about it?
Trust in the Lord, the good thing about the economy is that we are beginning to relinquish some of our idols. God is being merciful to us!
We need to get the Word out; another interesting fact is that America accounts for 5% of the world population but spends the most on missions and sends out the most missionaries. The majority of the world's population can have access to Christian radio, Scripture in their own language, audio and media, all because of folks answering the call to go and tell others about Jesus! ( Charlene just wrote about the Jesus film she watched at ESL in Japanese)

Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good [things], Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Happy 13th Birthday Michelle!

2009-02-20T09:04:00.012-04:00

Elizabeth is making sure she holds Michelle's head.(2/21/96)
3months
Daddy dancing with Michelle (2yr) at my Dad's wedding reception.
Yeah, that's funny...my little babushka
Just came home from Rex (5/25/99)after getting tonsils out, smart to give her red juice...
Hunting Island, SC 2001
Lake Okeechobee Fl 6/2006
Bermuda Cruise 7/2007

Feb 2009

2Timothy 3: 14-17 NIV

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking , correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We thank God for his blessings upon us, and Michelle is certainly one of them that we continue to Praise Him for! We are grateful to all those who gather around and help her to grow in her knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

change

2009-02-12T08:47:00.002-04:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

For Wikipedia uses, see Wikipedia

Change can mean:

The process of becoming different
the act or process of changing
- Social change
- Biological metamorphosis
- The mathematical study of change

Small denominations of money given in exchange for a larger denomination

Does Change occur without any effort?

What is the Hope for Change that is really necessary? Only in one Man-Jesus Christ!

Williamsburg

2009-02-05T09:02:00.009-04:00

Ferry across James River on way back home.
I can't figure out this sign, I didn't pay for the ticket. It was so cold, not too many folks out on street to ask. I guess meat, fruit and water are available here.
Bruton Anglican Church
This lectern was donated by T. Roosevelt in 1907 for the 300yr anniversary of Jamestown. Original church was founded in Jamestown.
Angel of Peace is standing on earth, one foot in American, one in Great Britain. Eagle and British Lion support the globe. The British Washington's coat of arms in between. Three tablets under that, with the front one saying "To The Glory of God" . It held a Bible given by King Edward. I guess they just recently took the Bible off and put it in the archives. There is a baptismal font that has been in use since they received it from England. George Washington stood there as sponsor for as many as 10 of his slaves. It is still in use today.

We had a great time of fellowship, met up with Debbie's brothers and Patty. Greatest ribs in USA.

We continue to be in prayer for not only our church but for the Church.

"Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place." (2Cor 2:14 NASB)

retreating for the weekend

2009-01-29T08:26:00.006-04:00

Last year, we went here;
so this year, we will be here.
Who knows where we are going?

Debbie, Cora and I are looking forward to spending time with the Lord and one another as we put some plans down on paper. I always enjoy these get aways, not only are they fun and relaxing; they are really focused on the Lord and the women at our church. We get to pray for our church and for the coming year's activities! It is very sweet. Please pray along side us, for us to minister appropriately, for the Glory of our Great God to be magnified!

Vince will be sole manager of the household, watching over all aspects of everyday life....I hope that the cat isn't too picky about her litter box, or the dog doesn't throw up or have his seizures...I hope that they all enjoy one another and have terrific time. (they usually do) I hope I will be home in time by at least half time of the Superbowl! I really hope they take the garbage out and clean up after themselves...:-)

Brain a buzzin'

2009-01-21T14:52:00.007-04:00

Well, my mind is just buzzing with so many different impressions.

Since I promised something on Sanctity of Human Life, I will start with that.
Sunday, we had a presentation, testimonies, and fantastic sermon on God's view on Human life!
What a blessing to all of us who were there, as the DVD starts going around to other homes, I pray that it becomes personal to those viewers as well.

Why we have gotten so far from revering human life and instead are eager to protect animal life, plant life and the earth? I think the obvious answer is that Satan is just so pleased with himself that we have fallen for his lies! People are so easily duped. The illogical reasoning that abounds about protecting the wild river dolphins in NJ, but not the unborn, the ill, the ones who can't speak for themselves is just plain stupid. (there I said it, Diana)

One day we will have a green, healthy planet for the wild beasts. Won't that be nice...but since we have gotten rid of anyone who might not fit the "ideal" mold we will be a bunch of bumbling idiots not enjoying it at all...No, God will intervene, He will judge. Perhaps some of you have noticed the judgements have already begun.

Ok, #2. The new President. Have we ever had such a happy media, that covered any inaugural event for a month? Hail to the Chief and all that, but come on....Obama is a man, Michelle is a woman...not anything more than you or me. Please pray for them. Pray for our government. Pray for all the folks who are effected by policy....Obama is going to "change" a lot of things that as Christians we hold dear. (One of them is Sanctity of Human Life!!!) Pray for our military. A lot of us moms have sons and daughters in the military, or thinking of going in to serve our country.

#3 Although this usually trumps all....it snowed yesterday in NC. We did our usual closing of schools and businesses, stayed off the roads and had fun in the white stuff. This is usually an event that has 24hr coverage from prediction, to every flake and beyond. Obama kind of ruined the tradition for me...

#4 Now this is not number 4 because it is of lesser importance...answer to prayer! God is providing for a friend in need in a very great way!

#5 Most important of all....God is Sovereign, He is in control and nothing I do, Obama does, or even you all do, will change that! AMEN!

#6 I hope the UPS man comes soon, the copier needs to go back and the new one needs to get here sooner than later....

3PM UPS man came and took the copier! Now we only have to wait for the new one, and hope that it will actually work!

Mission Minded?

2009-01-14T11:57:00.003-04:00

Last Sunday, we had a 23rd Anniversary celebration at church. Don spoke. He talked about the fact that God's purpose will be done, He will use us; but it may not be in our timing or our planned ways!

He spoke about a time when he was a youth and their church talked about a woman who had been killed on the mission field. Who would take her place? He determined he would and so would some of the youth that sat with him-and they did! He spoke of a wedge, with one point and then it widens the path for more....

One death= more missionaries=Gospel going to outermost parts of the world!

Reading Tim's blog- (Go Reconcile) he brings up a NY Times article on slavery. He asks,

"This is one cause from the New York Times that we could take up. Church, how can we rest and enjoy all of our material blessings while this sort of slavery goes on and actually increases daily. After seeing this interview and reading this article, how can we today sit in the comfort, warmth and luxury of our church buildings? Excuse me, I am a little upset this morning. Years ago a young Christian women went to India and literally stopped the babies being sacrificed, Amy Carmichael. Are there any Amy’s out there? "

Now, are there? Let's be praying for more Amys, Dons, Beas, Jesses, Bobbies, Judys, Dans, Sams, etc... It might be me, or you or our daughters and sons! Not our will but God's will be done!

Sanctitiy of Human Life Sunday is coming up...this is something we Christians need to be serious about! More later...

Survey of Life Events

2009-01-12T16:29:00.004-04:00

I was needing something to post. So I found this:From Joy at
http://surroundedbymystery.blogspot.com/

Just boldface the items that you HAVE done, and leave the rest normal…. I added asterisks to those that I hope to do before I die.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii*

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity (I’m throwing this question out because I don’t like it)

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain.

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris*

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty-as far as we could go

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb (my mother calls our babies little lambs when they're born)

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29 Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run (can't remember)

32. Been on a cruise

33 Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language*

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41 Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt (as a child)

43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45 Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia*

60 Served at a soup kitchen*

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching*

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64 Donated blood, platelets, or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66 Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67 Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter*

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar ? I may have

72. Pieced a quilt*

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job (let go)

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London*

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79 Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem*

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby (lol)

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a lawsuit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

Let me know if you post it!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2009!

2008-12-31T16:39:00.002-04:00

Another Year Is Dawning

Another year is dawning,
Dear Master, let it be,
In working, or in waiting,
Another year with Thee.

Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness
In the shining of Thy face.

Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.

Another year of service,
Of witness of Thy love,
Another year of training
For holier work above.

Another year is dawning,
Dear Master, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven
Another year for Thee.

--Francis Ridley Havergal (1874)

We'll have to wait a second, but I hope you all have a great year...

Thanks for all you do! Love you all!

Christmas

2008-12-29T09:48:00.012-04:00

Ah, Christmas! Here is a ceramic tree I inherited from my Nana, and a new gift from Terry and Ruby,( the cardinal plate)
Michelle and Jordan opening gifts.
Elizabeth trying to wake up.
Betty, my stepmom, works hard to prepare a bountiful feast on Christmas!
family portrait - one
Jordan snuck into this pic of Dad, and us three kids. I was sad I didn't have a prop or holiday headwear...
stuffing balloons to make reindeer antlers. My brother and his wife bring games to the festivities. (We didn't win, too slow)
the infamous mitten game.
used to be; we would take a traditional grandkids photo on the couch...but seems they'd made a hole in the wall--so they had to get off!
Next favorite photo spot is in front of fireplace! This year we are missing 2 (and a husband, all in the AF) and added little Molly.

Hope your Christmas was fun and full of love and memories. Thank God for sending His Son, Jesus to become man, and our Savior!

Christmas Caroling at Spring Arbor

2008-12-22T15:27:00.010-04:00

Thursday, Debbie, Glenda, Elizabeth and I set out for Boone, NC. Friday we met up with Evans, Dickens,Michael, Angie, Doss's for a workday at the Samaritan's Purse warehouse. The shoeboxes that day were headed for Benin. They had already gone ahead of a previous record of 600,000 boxes the day before! It was a great time, hard work, but worth it. Praying for those children and their families was the best!
Saturday we went to the Spring Arbor where the Dianne and Fran have a ministry. They started last year with 3 or 4 residents. Just look at all the folks in this room. They love to sing songs, have prayer and hear the gospel! On the last pic, enlarge and check out the sweet hug!
The woman near the piano player (David) is in her 100's!

December happenings

2008-12-16T11:13:00.011-04:00

Tie blanket party
Ruby leaves for Marine training in January. We stopped by to let her know we are proud of her and grateful for her service! She will be a great marine, and a great missionary! If you think of it, go ahead a send a prayer up for her! She will graduate from Basic in March and then has several months of school, eventually landing a job in a flight crew.
Christmas party at church, Elvis
American Idols
ZZwerenot and dancing shepherds
Ashley sang
Angie, Dianne, Martha and Rachael sang
youth did hands to a Casting Crown song
Justin read an original poem of his...very good
Vince gets ready for the breakdown and clean up!

short film

2008-12-15T10:36:00.002-04:00

http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/Volition/

this is a 15 min short movie. Subject matter is holocaust, slavery and abortion. Two brothers made the film. More info? Check out Randy Alcorn's blog, link to it through mine!

We need more voices in the arts that will reach out with the truth!

Holidays

2008-12-02T09:35:00.005-04:00

My brother and his wife always put out a great spread!
They bought a rat for their daughter and got 14 extra! ( she looked skinny at the time)
here are the boys , they still have 3 additional girls in another cage. Anybody want a rat?

Of course, weekend is not complete without Jordan and Vin wrestling.
Hope you all had a great time with family and friends.

Happy Thanksgivng

2008-11-27T11:18:00.002-04:00

Don't forget to remember all the great things God has done for us and for how blessed we are!

50 years!

2008-11-19T10:43:00.017-04:00

To celebrate Vin's parent's 50th wedding anniversary, we and his brothers flew to FL. One brother came from NY, another from AZ.
Friday,We had a 6AM flight, and guess who we found? Our neighbors had a 6AM flight to Miami!
little cloudy, and some turbulence ahead of the front.
blurry, but monitor says we are almost to Atlanta.
Oops, we missed connection (or they missed us). We arrived on time, but were seated in the back, then they had changed gates. We got to the door before our 8am flight, BUT they had already boarded the plane.
time to kill in Fort Meyer's airport as we waited for Vin's brother to pick us up. This is Henry Ford. He and Edison had homes in Ft Meyer's.
Saturday Gaspirilla, on Boca Grande.
about an hour later!
Here we all enjoy a lunch at the "Loose Caboose" Boca Grande Island's RR depot in the day...
Tennis on Sunday
Trip to bird sanctuary and park on Monday
plane
departure, connection in Atlanta this time was delayed and we got home about 1 1/2 hrs later than we thought we would.

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T18:23:00.010-04:00

Note to my aunt and mom from their Dad

they copied and shrank notes, I can barely read them without magnifying glasses
My grandfather was in the Army in Normandy, France. He wrote a lot to his girls.
my Dad and brother at base housing in Omaha NE. Air Force

Thank you to all who have served!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-10T12:34:00.009-04:00

November is here and that means the annual Thanksgiving Celebration at church!

PS martha...look at you in the background, you look like you are dancing!

2Cr 4:15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Happy Birthday!

2008-11-06T10:44:00.010-04:00

then

and now

Psa 100:1

A psalm of thanksgiving. Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth!

Psa 100:2

Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.

Psa 100:3

Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Psa 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.

Psa 100:5

For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

We are so blessed to have our angel in our midst. We pray that she would be a proclaimer of the Gospel! She is so integral to our family, she adds what no one can. She is a beautiful young woman, gifted with eyes to see what some can't. We love you Angela!
PS> Pat called this morning (early) and wished you a happy day!

election eve

2008-11-03T19:49:00.003-04:00

This is it. Any way it goes...The Victory is in Jesus!
I went to the Victory Rally at the State fairgrounds. More than "several" thousand were there. It was good to hear Palin and to see her. People were really nice as we walked in line for an hour. Some had been there a lot longer....

Intercollegiate Horse Show

2008-10-27T09:33:00.012-04:00

My niece, Erin, is a NCSU Equestrian. Michelle, Elizabeth and I went up to Hillsborough to the Duke University Horse Farm (Echo Glen) to watch her ride. First they line up by size. Then they draw the horse they will ride. Some of the horses are from the host barn, some are brought in by other Universitys. This is supposed to make it randomly fair, I guess.
Erin drew this sleepy Stormy. This was one relaxed horse.
Her mom says she gets nervous, so I didn't want to bother her. She looked so serious.
Here she is in the "Flat foot" class or something. Rachael can probably correct me. I think they were cantoring.
She ended up with 4th. Erin is not a point rider, so the pressure is much less for her. Placing was pretty nice.
So, after an oatmeal bar, she could relax before next ride.
She was supposed to get a different horse, but ended up with a big horse, Moses. I told her that was good. Moses was winning a lot of 1,2 and 3 rd places.
She jumps! His stride was different then she was used to. I thought it looked great. Lots of things they look at to judge. I was clueless!

So she gets third! She competed against riders from ECU, UNC, Duke, ASU, Intermont, St. Andrews, maybe a VA Tech one too. I think UNC-G , Greensboro A&T, lots of them.A great day except for stupid yellow jackets and getting lost for a little bit. (missed my exit on 85). Next one is in Feb.

2008 NC State Fair

2008-10-22T10:22:00.017-04:00

This year 5 of us went to the fair. So, $30 for admission/$40 rides/$10 food
not bad...but free is always good-we each started with one (1) free hushpuppy.
stopped by to see Martha and Elizabeth's entries...

All of us girls rode the roller coaster...

Michelle took Vince on in bumper cars...

Elizabeth and Angela did this ride....they were "surprised" by the Enterprise...
they didn't watch it to see how it went...

Stopped at John the Greek's for a gyro.
Since some of the poultry was for sale, Elizabeth pondered on whether she could afford these...
They spotted the babies...
and washed their hands thoroughly!
Elizabeth liked this one, until she saw the belties...

As we were rushing out of one building, I saw this. This pig has been on Oprah! I like the lady moving so fast while she tells of how smart her pig is and it just stands there like a statue.

I think we should get our cats to paint...

We enjoyed our day. Vince only had to hold my hand once, when I lost him and he didn't want that to happen again. I have a tendency to wander... I told them I was going this way...he says that I wasn't talking to any of them...;-)

Voting

2008-10-21T08:35:00.003-04:00

I can't help but comment on this year's elections. I am not one to get into all the issues and such. I really think a lot of what is said is just a lot of spin. So, I look not only to issues, character and people who think about our citizens; of course the best candidate is the one who is God-fearing!

Check out my links to Randy Alcorn and Del Tackett. They expose two different men. Obama and Noah Webster. They express themselves so well, and I have to say that I can agree with a lot that they say.

Babies are babies no matter when! There is no way that any one can truly dispute that fact. If you are a Christian...you have no business voting for any pro choice platform.
If the person voted in is pro choice and I vote for them...I am at fault for that. So, I encourage you all to consider that. I don't want to have any blood on my hands! Life is a gift from God, whether it be our physical one or our spiritual one. Embrace it and be a good steward.

I had wanted to post all the fair fun we had yesterday, but felt this to be a definite priority to fun. I want us all to give our all to the Lord. He is in control, He is Sovereign! Fear Him and love Him, for He alone is righteous and the one who loved us first!

a day/evening this week

2008-10-10T08:29:00.008-04:00

Why can't they guess
"Binoculars"? It is so obvious. Look at the attention Jordan gives to it!
(He thought I was a little too fresh, that perhaps I had caffeinated Earl Grey instead of my Peppermint after dinner tea!)

Here Michelle goes off. But really, no one really knows who BO is, do they?
( I think the hagan one is after this, followed by perdue,.....)

Our security system, always at face level on walkways, doors!
Perhaps we should use spider webs for our trip wires...

Early morning, Elizabeth working hard on her school.

Since Katie ended with a cat in the box, I will too.
Of course yesterday, no box...so kitties played with fish food and ripped open a bag of bread...beasts!

PS check out this link on Creation Museum

http://www.ldnews.com/national/ci_10686795

A1C Grassi

2008-10-09T08:43:00.013-04:00

Pat's 1 year anniversary is today. He left for BMT in San Antonio from Fayetteville, a little unsure of what was to come.

Today, he called me as he walked to work at 4:00AM (Las Vegas time).

He is a man who takes on responsibility and has gained respect from his Officers and peers alike. He is serving country, and like so many of our brave men and women in uniform, sometimes gets discouraged with it all. But, still believes in what he is doing and hopes to do his best. We are proud of him!

Hoping to see him in November, this is if he ever gets his tickets...;-)

The one drawing he sent to me. A co-worker draws each new person who comes in. The likeness is incredible...can you find Pat?

The wedding pic is a spoof! ( he tried to fool us with pics and saying he and Amy got married...ha ha)

"Core Values
The Air Force bases these core competencies and distinctive capabilities on a shared commitment to three values: Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do."

Vince and I really liked these values and wished that more people would adhere to them. Sounds like a good thing, doesn't it?

2008-10-02T10:14:00.003-04:00

Please Pray for Ken!
Pray for the infections to clear and enable the healing to begin!
Pray for protection during today's procedure.
Pray for God to be glorified!
Pray for Jeany, Daniel, Matthew, Rachel, Jonathan, and Ruth!
Pray for God's peace to be palpable.
Pray for Doctors and Nurses.
Pray for God's Grace and Mercy to abound.
Pray for His will to be done.

Thank you!
update: Infections clearing!
Procedure went well!
God is being glorified,Grace and Mercy abound, God's peace is felt!
He has a plan and purpose for each one and is working it out!

Hoping to go home very soon, and then after some healing...start up trts.
Praise the Lord! The tumor has slowed its growth during this time...

Sunday with Aubrey

2008-09-29T09:06:00.009-04:00

Panther's football is boring ....iPhone commercials are much more interesting to Aubrey!

Aubrey drooled, cried, walked, ate paper, laughed, played peek-a-boo, crawled, pulled herself up, sneezed, (of course ate in between) and finally gave up after a quick bath and change, to fall into a deep slumber in time to go home and wake up to take her medicine!

We enjoyed her visit!

2008-09-25T09:05:00.007-04:00

I'm reading this book, for the 2nd time. Rachael and I are going through it. It is a very good book, with lots of insight into Christian womanhood, esp for the young women.

I am really hit with the thought that one of the biggest challenges for younger folks is all the Choices.

single/marry, career/stay at home,my glory/God's glory
stuff like that....

But then I read or hear the latest news and it is always about choice and I can really see how having so many is detrimental to our selves and our society.

Crazy thing is our generation really pushed this idea and now it is full steam ahead.

So, I am thinking that we really need to help our sisters/daughters out...re evaluate and act on a moral level. As Fran says, "KISS" (keep it simple, stupid) and return to the characteristics God made women to have. We are in a time where we can have almost all of it...but at what cost to the things that matter most...our souls, our families, our friends, our nation?

This is so obvious with this election season fast approaching. Vote responsibly.

Just pondering...if you have any ideas on how we can work on this together, I would love to hear them.

tea time

2008-09-20T15:24:00.011-04:00

Come Saturday Morning
The Sandpipers
Words by Dory Previn and Music by Fred Carlin

Come Saturday morning
I'm goin' away with my friend
We'll Saturday-spend till the end of the day-ay

Just I and my friend
We'll travel for miles in our Saturday smiles
And then we'll move on
But we will remember long after Saturday's gone
(Come Saturday morning, come Saturday mo-o-rning)

Come Saturday morning
I'm goin' away with my friend
We'll Saturday-laugh more than half of the day (ay-ay-ay)
Just I and my friend (my friend)
Dressed up in our rings and our Saturday things
And then we'll move on
But we will remember long after Saturday's gone
(Come Saturday morning, come Saturday morning)

Come Saturday mo (Saturday) rning

Just I and my friend (my friend)
We'll travel for miles in our Saturday smiles
And then we'll move on
But we will remember long after Saturday's gone

(Come Saturday morning, come Saturday mo-o-rning)
(Come Saturday morning, come Saturday mo-o-rning)
FADE

Last Evening

2008-09-16T08:51:00.010-04:00

Last Evening I took a walk
Nature did I stalk
clouds in the yellow sky
as daylight quickly passed on by

Spiders spun their webs in hope of a great feast,
frogs came forth in search of something yummy,
even the cat comes forth to see,

cicadas who shed their larval state and now sing in communion with one another
grasses stand pompous in guard of the drive,
each of us continue to strive.

God in His infinite wisdom, His Creation abounds.
How beautiful, how great.
The pines stand high above me,
the oak mighty,
the grasses shelter many critters
and I stand in the midst of it.

How Great is our God!
He who is bigger than the sum of it all.
He stands, arms waiting,
knowing each
who will answer the call!

messing with wordle

2008-09-12T11:36:00.006-04:00

http://wordle.net/.

 Click on picture to zoom in. I couldn't figure out how to
 make it bigger.
Pretty neat to see which words I use a lot. Have fun.
 Some have done the Presidential
candidates speeches, very interesting!

muddle mindedness

2008-09-04T07:56:00.006-04:00

I borrowed Joy's pic, no matter how much or how little- we always want "mine"
Last night, Judy shared about how she feels she is "muddle-minded" Interesting things pop up when you google that. Basically, it is a mental exercise in trying to set priorities and having difficulty with it because of distractions of some sort.

Hers, is the things of Heaven vs things of Earth. Mine: Work for the Lord vs Work for Me.

What's yours?

Each one of us has struggles, each one wants to hold on to things that are temporal. Our grasp should be so tight to the Lord, that we desire nothing more than Him.

Judy also spoke on oppression of the spiritual kind. Not just culture shock, but an alertness or awareness of the spiritual battles around us and in us constantly. Here are some verses she referenced.

One way to counter this is to do what the Bible says;

Col 3:1	Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power.
Col 3:2	Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.

Col 3:15	And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Col 3:16	Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Eph 5:16	Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.
Eph 5:17	Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Eph 5:19	Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts.
Eph 5:20	And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I will be praying for my sister Judy as she muddles through- praying for victory!
Also, safe travels back to Bolivia, a thriving ministry at ETNOS, and a grateful heart. ( which she has) Praying also for Dan and thankful that they were able to be here in the States for this season! Onward!

Labor day @Dad's

2008-09-02T08:01:00.006-04:00

Molly posing...funny how they can have "ham" genes.
trying out her super hero power of flying

now I know these are ugly, always have. But, I have had these since college; very sturdy furniture we inherited from my room mate's step dad. (vintage 70) I have had them covered, had pets, kids put them through the test. Finally, springs broke. So, I have retired them. ( I also threw away our first couch we bought before we got married.) They don't make furniture like they used to (that I can justify paying for...:-) )

school days

2008-08-28T09:04:00.002-04:00

school is back in session. This year, we are involved in 3 schools! Middle School, High School and Insights School(homeschool). It is very different being in 3 different places. Last year, my eagles were fledglings, now they are morphing into cats-tigers, and jaguars.

Lots of prayers will be prayed. New friends will be made.
Hoping everyone starting school has a great year!

Tuesday

2008-08-12T08:40:00.004-04:00

This tree was hit by lightning more than 10 yrs ago. It bears the scar of that traumatic event. Since then, it has grown in stature, it has taken hurricane strength winds, drought, heat waves,etc... I am sure one day the weight of the tree will bring it down, but for now it keeps on bearing leaves each spring and nuts each fall.
I have a few friends that are like this tree; they bear scares of their younger lives. Yet, they are strong, beautiful and bearing fruit.
I look out my kitchen window as I do the dishes and I see this tree. It is a reminder to me, to keep bearing fruit regardless, He will strengthen me. I think of my friends, and praise God that He has seen them through and placed them in my life as a blessing.

He is so Good, He takes us as we are and turns even the ugliest scars into something beautiful!

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Birthday!

2008-08-09T12:33:00.002-04:00

Elizabeth celebrates her 17 th birthday today!
Prov 3:5

	Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Pro 3:6	Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.

We love you!

Grace and Mercy

2008-08-08T06:53:00.002-04:00

When I started this blog it was with the INTENT to express what is important to me. Several blogs have been of great encouragement, written by gifted writers. I am not one of those. I lean toward the belief the less I say the better off we all are...

But, here I am this morning. I am on my knees. My heart is full of hope for God's will to be done. I know that my thoughts are not His. I cannot fathom or even touch the surface of how Great is His Love for me and you. His Mercy and Grace, how indescribable. To meditate on the fullness of His Love, His Care, His Sacrifice for someone unworthy as I am. But He reached down and took my hand, and called my name. I answered and I know His voice. No one can snatch me out of His hand.

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
Jhn 10:28	"And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
Jhn 10:29	"My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
Jhn 10:30	"I and My Father are one."

	But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1Jo 1:8	If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1Jo 1:9	If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I am washed by His blood!

This Gift of Salvation is free to anyone who asks. Find a Bible and read it. If you don't know Jesus, know that He knows you. Look Him up.

If you know Jesus, Look up to Him. He is able. Bring your burdens to Him, confess your sins, Praise Him!

This morning a dear, dear Brother is going to have Brain Surgery. It is serious, life threatening. BUT having NO Relationship with Christ is eternal life threatening. My brother has a room in a mansion already prepared for him. Do you?