I didn't become an avid reader until my mid twenties. I first got started on Danielle Steele novels. They always seemed to have a happy ending. But, I furthered my interests and here's what we've got:
1. One Book That Changed My Life: I don't know if it changed my life so much as it changed the way I think. They are fictional books, but it's one mans way of seeing spiritual warfare. That author is Frank Peretti and his books "This Present Darkness" and "Piercing the Darkness". They give you a visual of how this (invisible to us) spiritual battle is going on around us. I had to really take my time and read these books, that are not speed reading material.
2. One Book That You Have Read More Than Once: I read a Purpose Filled Life by Rick Warren twice. Both times it was a church wide Bible study. It is a good book though. The Black Opal, I don't remember the authors name. Again, Fictional reading and this was a romance, but not the smut filled, clean romance novel set in late 1800's or early 1900's, I dont really remember,(you'd think I would remember given I read it twice) but it started in America and then later moved to Australia.
3. One Book That You Would Want With You On A Deserted Island: I think I would need a "how to" book. Especially if I was alone and not deserted with my husband. I would need a book entitled "HOW TO MAKE A FIRE, BUILD A SHELTER, FIND FOOD, BUILD A BOAT TO GET OFF THIS ISLAND"
4. One Book That Made You Laugh: Most Childrens stories. I was a Preschool Teacher for awhile and a lot of the childrens books will even make adults laugh.
5. One Book That Made You Cry: The Diary of Anne Frank
6. One Book That You Wish Had Been Written: I like Annie's Answer with God's Phone Number. That was good, but you've already got it sister. It's Jeremiah 33:3 Look it up and tell me I'm not right. How about a parents manual. You get an instruction book with everything except for your kids. I know there are a lot of books out there about raising kids, but each child is so different. I have 3 sons and it's been different with each of them. They each needed something different from us.
7. One Book That You Wish Had Not Been Written: I don't like books directed at children that send them messages that it is okay to not believe in God, or that two mommies or two daddies is normal. I'm not a fan of anything Michael Moore either.
8. One Book You Are Currently Reading: Beth Moore: Get Out Of That Pit Frank Peretti: Monster. Sorry, reading more than one book at a time
9. One Book That you've been meaning to Read: That last book in the Left Behind Series. I devoured the first books, but got behind and just haven't picked it up yet. Maybe this will be the year.
10. Now tag 5 people...well, I've recently started this blog and don't know many people who do this so... I'll have to skip this part. Feel free to leave books on the comment page for anyone who might read this.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Best Present Ever....
Christmas was a joy with our family this year. My dad, a long distance truck driver was able to be home. My grandmother from Indiana flew down to Texas for her first visit, and I went out to San Angelo & brought Brian Jr. home for the holiday. That was a trip in itself. If you read the last blog you know it was a turn around trip. We got to San Angelo around 8pm and left again around 9pm. We made it to my mom's south of Livingston around 5am. Oh were we ever tired. We slept about 4 hours, got up again, so that Brian could visit with his Great-Grandma. We stayed until 1, then went home where we thought we were going to get some more sleep. WRONG! Jeremy wanted me to take him to the bank and to the mall. He said Josh was bringing his check and would be there about 3:30. It was then 2:30 and I didn't think one hour would be enough so I waited for Josh to show up. He didn't get there till 5:30.:( I took Jeremy over to the bank and mall, then had to get ready for my husbands work Christmas Party. It was at 7:30. Needless to say, I was more of a zombie than anything else. I ate some, but didn't socialize like I normally would have. I fell into bed, FINALLY, around 10pm. The rest of the weekend was active, but not too bad. I had to work for half day on Christmas Eve. I had been trying to find a puppy for Joseph for Christmas. Since he had lost his lab two weeks ago. I ran into a friend at the mall and she new someone that had one little puppy left. So after work on Christmas Eve, I went and picked him up. Then we had to sneak little puppy in the car all the way to Grandma's house hoping he would make a sound and if he did, Joseph wouldn't hear it. He was a good Christmas Present and stayed quiet the entire trip to Grandma's. We snuck him into Grandma's room where he stayed until the next morning. It was hard staying out of that room too!! He's so cute you can't help but play with him. After all presents were opened, I told Joseph I forgot one of his presents in the bedroom and I didn't wrap it. He was wearing a Santa hat so I asked to borrow it to hide the present in it. I came out with puppy in hat. Joseph looked and instantly had tears in his eyes. (and so did mom and gram and great gram) He didn't hardly put him down the rest of the day. He named him Buddy. Here is a picture of Buddy as we came home from Gram's house. He is a mix of Chihuahua, Beagle and weenie dog.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
And so it begins....
Last night (Wednesday 12/19) My mom and I drove to Hobby Airport to pick up my Grandmother. She was flying in from Indiana. It was her first flight. They left the Louisville airport on time, then went to Birmingham where they were delayed about 40 minutes. Then on in to Houston. This is also her first trip to Texas. After she arrived we made our way through baggage and on the way home. (my house) When we got there, there were several hugs and hellos to be had. Nanny had not seen my boys in awhile. They have grown a lot since then. We ate some pizza, showed her around my house and then off she and my mom went to mom's house. They didn't get home till eleven or so. And now it's my turn to be the traveller. I'm leaving this afternoon to go get Brian from San Angelo. He told me that since he's not the driver, he can leave after classes today. Anyone who is driving their own vehicle, has to wait until 6am Friday. So, 7 hours out there to get him and turn around and drive 7 hours right back. I'm tired just thinking of it, but I'm pretty excited to see him and to have him home for Christmas. And so the journey begins....I'll try to post again before Christmas, but if not Merry Christmas to all who reads this. Here is one of my favorite Christmas cartoons. Enjoy
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
It's Christmas!!!
Here it is, December 18th !!! 6 more days till Christmas!!! I remember being really excited as a child and not being to go to sleep. The excitement is a little different now. Instead of waiting for "Santa" and what I would get in the morning...Now I'm excited about my son coming home, my Grandmother coming down from Indiana, and what I'm giving to the ones I love. To see their faces when they open the gifts. I'm also excited about having a "daughter" for this Christmas. (Brian & Ashlynn are getting engaged!!!) I had so much fun shopping for a girl! I hope she likes what I got for her. I've been trying to pay attention when we've gone shopping. Making mental notes of what she says she likes, wants or needs.
On a sad note, Joseph lost his dog this past Saturday(15th). We were out at my parents house, in the country. All the dogs have the run of the property. Her house is down a dirt road. There are only 7 houses on this long road. Someone drove past and hit Gracie. They didn't even stop to let us know. My dad saw her lying down and the other dogs around her. He told Joseph and they went out to see if it was Gracie, and it was. She was scratched up quite a bit, and she couldn't walk. I didn't think there was anything we could do for her, but Joseph was quite upset and begged us to take her to the vet to check her out. My husband, dad and Joseph went to the vet. They took x-rays and determined that her back legs were both out of the sockets. There was a possible surgery, but no guarantees it would work. Then, if it did work, it would be months of rehab afterwards. The vet recommended that the best for all would be to put her down. Joseph went back in the room with Grace, loved on her for awhile and said his goodbyes to her. It was precious and awful all at the same time. Joseph didn't want to leave her there, so my dad said we'd bring her home to bury her on the property, so he would know where she was. He has asked if he could get another dog. So we've been looking for a small, female puppy. We may have found one. A man here said he had a chihuahua mix at his deer lease, and if one was a female he'd bring it down on Friday. I will take her to my mom's house and she will keep her till Christmas. I really hope he would like a small dog. Gracie was a yellow lab mix. We just really don't want another large dog in the house.
As for now until Christmas....like all of you, I'm going to be really busy. I've got to finish house cleaning, Grandma comes in on Wednesday evening:) Mom and I will be getting her at the airport. Then on Thursday afternoon, Ashlynn and I leave to get Brian Jr. and bring him home. We will get home on Friday afternoon. Saturday I've got baking to do, Sunday we have church and a Christmas party in the evening. Christmas Eve, I'll work half a day and then head to mom and dad's house. Busy Busy...but fun and so looking forward to it.
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas!!! Enjoy the day and the family and Remember that if not for Jesus it would just be a day on the calendar!
On a sad note, Joseph lost his dog this past Saturday(15th). We were out at my parents house, in the country. All the dogs have the run of the property. Her house is down a dirt road. There are only 7 houses on this long road. Someone drove past and hit Gracie. They didn't even stop to let us know. My dad saw her lying down and the other dogs around her. He told Joseph and they went out to see if it was Gracie, and it was. She was scratched up quite a bit, and she couldn't walk. I didn't think there was anything we could do for her, but Joseph was quite upset and begged us to take her to the vet to check her out. My husband, dad and Joseph went to the vet. They took x-rays and determined that her back legs were both out of the sockets. There was a possible surgery, but no guarantees it would work. Then, if it did work, it would be months of rehab afterwards. The vet recommended that the best for all would be to put her down. Joseph went back in the room with Grace, loved on her for awhile and said his goodbyes to her. It was precious and awful all at the same time. Joseph didn't want to leave her there, so my dad said we'd bring her home to bury her on the property, so he would know where she was. He has asked if he could get another dog. So we've been looking for a small, female puppy. We may have found one. A man here said he had a chihuahua mix at his deer lease, and if one was a female he'd bring it down on Friday. I will take her to my mom's house and she will keep her till Christmas. I really hope he would like a small dog. Gracie was a yellow lab mix. We just really don't want another large dog in the house.
As for now until Christmas....like all of you, I'm going to be really busy. I've got to finish house cleaning, Grandma comes in on Wednesday evening:) Mom and I will be getting her at the airport. Then on Thursday afternoon, Ashlynn and I leave to get Brian Jr. and bring him home. We will get home on Friday afternoon. Saturday I've got baking to do, Sunday we have church and a Christmas party in the evening. Christmas Eve, I'll work half a day and then head to mom and dad's house. Busy Busy...but fun and so looking forward to it.
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas!!! Enjoy the day and the family and Remember that if not for Jesus it would just be a day on the calendar!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Battles
"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting."-e e cummingsUS poet (1894 - 1962)
I got this quote from another blog. After recently completing the Daniel Study it seems quite accurate. Here we (christians) are living in "Babylon" and trying not to be of the world. But it's literally surrounding us and bombarding us daily with all its temptations. So what indulgences are off limits? Daniel chose not to eat at the kings banquet table. It was not only the food that was off limits to him, but the idea of eating off the kings table was to accept him and his ways. We don't have food that if off limits to us, but we can eat too much of a good thing. And often do. And it is too easy to just go get what you're wanting. And all the commercials and advertisers play to the sense that "you deserve it". And it's not just food, but stuff. You can never have enough. And if you can't afford something, then it's perfectly acceptable to charge it and pay it off later. But then you fall into debt. The more you do this, the more debt you acquire and the things don't satisfy for long. The bible says this Proverbs 22: 7b ...And the borrower is servant to the lender. As Christmas is approaching, a lot of people go into some major credit card debt to be able to "afford" Christmas. I have fallen into this pit before, but now, we have no credit cards. We set up a budget for Christmas and that's it. Banks have Christmas club accounts that you can start and be able to pay cash for your presents. Then you're not paying interest to someone else for your purchases. There are more trappings that we can fall into other than food and debt...and you know what trappings might be snaring you. I would just like you to keep this in mind...
It's a battle thats never over, a battle we will always fight, and a battle we will lose if we take our eyes off Jesus for one second.
I got this quote from another blog. After recently completing the Daniel Study it seems quite accurate. Here we (christians) are living in "Babylon" and trying not to be of the world. But it's literally surrounding us and bombarding us daily with all its temptations. So what indulgences are off limits? Daniel chose not to eat at the kings banquet table. It was not only the food that was off limits to him, but the idea of eating off the kings table was to accept him and his ways. We don't have food that if off limits to us, but we can eat too much of a good thing. And often do. And it is too easy to just go get what you're wanting. And all the commercials and advertisers play to the sense that "you deserve it". And it's not just food, but stuff. You can never have enough. And if you can't afford something, then it's perfectly acceptable to charge it and pay it off later. But then you fall into debt. The more you do this, the more debt you acquire and the things don't satisfy for long. The bible says this Proverbs 22: 7b ...And the borrower is servant to the lender. As Christmas is approaching, a lot of people go into some major credit card debt to be able to "afford" Christmas. I have fallen into this pit before, but now, we have no credit cards. We set up a budget for Christmas and that's it. Banks have Christmas club accounts that you can start and be able to pay cash for your presents. Then you're not paying interest to someone else for your purchases. There are more trappings that we can fall into other than food and debt...and you know what trappings might be snaring you. I would just like you to keep this in mind...
It's a battle thats never over, a battle we will always fight, and a battle we will lose if we take our eyes off Jesus for one second.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Our Soldiers
Just wanted to let everyone know, that may not know, you can help our troops with morale by sending them letters, cards, and care packages. There are many sites, but the one I chose was http://www.anysoldier.com/ . You can select up to two soldiers per day to receive their address and a lists of needs (most are small) and how many soldiers are in his command. I selected two names. One has 4 men under him and the other has 8. You can choose which branch of the military to send to and select men or women. Mostly they need letters from "home". While on the anysoldier website, I started looking at some of the other soldiers. One of them (and probably more) has his own blog to keep us updated as to some of the things they are able to do. It's very inspiring and humbling. His blog address is http://shazdoc.blogspot.com/ I highly recommend you checking this out. It's amazing! Also, there has been an email going out and most of you probably have gotten it. It is the address to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. To send those recovering a card. I have participated twice now with this. Once with my office, then again with my family. The address is: A Recovering American Soldier
C/O Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001
Since my son is now in service, and most every male relative I have has served or is serving in the military, I know how important it is to these service men and women to know that they are supported, cared for and remembered. Just a thought for today... Think about what you would want if you were the one in their shoes. God Bless You Karen
C/O Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001
Since my son is now in service, and most every male relative I have has served or is serving in the military, I know how important it is to these service men and women to know that they are supported, cared for and remembered. Just a thought for today... Think about what you would want if you were the one in their shoes. God Bless You Karen
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Catch up
Wow! I couldn't hardly believe that it's been almost a month since I posted something. We have been busy. After Brian's graduation we got ready for Thanksgiving. We drove to Lawton, OK. It's about 7 hours from here. It was such a wonderful weekend. They made some good food. John deep fried two turkeys.
I have two brothers. One older, one younger. I have not been close to either of them for some time. Brian and I moved to Texas 10 1/2 years ago from the Chicago area. My younger brother, Bob, still lives there with his family. John moved back to the Chicago area at the same time we moved away. The distance seemed to affect the relationships. The phone calls became less frequent, however unintentional it may have been. John, then rejoined the Army. He is now stationed at Ft Sill in OK. The time spent with my brother John and his wife Lori was good. John married Lori after we moved to Texas, so we've never had a really good chance to know each other. Lori and I went shopping the day after Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time. We did a lot of talking and shopping and just had a fun girl day. I got most of my Christmas shopping done that day. It was such a blessing for me to spend that time with her. The day we left, it started to snow. It was fun to see it again, just glad I don't have to live in it any more. We stopped for the night at my Mom's house in Shepherd, TX. (just south of Livingston) As soon as we got there, I brushed my hair, put on some make-up and went with her to a Christmas ornament exchange with the ladies of her church. That was fun. Some of those ladies are just too much!! We drew numbers and then picked a gift or stole someone else's gift. There were about 30 ladies there. It went on for some time, but oh what fun it was! We spent the night with my parents and on Sunday helped my Mom deck her halls. We put up the tree and decorated it. Since I had helped her, she said she would come to my house and help me with my tree. She came down on Wednesday and we got my tree up and decorated. I think this will be a new tradition with us. It was fun decorating our trees together. We ended the evening with some Mexican food for dinner.
In other news... My oldest son, Brian has proposed to his girlfriend Ashlynn. They plan to be married on May 24, 2008. I am happy for them. They make a good pair. I have from now until then to wrap my brain around the idea of being a "mother-in-law". You never hear good things about a "mother-in-law". I hope to change this with Ashlynn. We have a good friendship so far.
We have joined a new small group at our church. Small group is another name for Bible Study. We do weekly at home bible studies in place of most Sunday school classes. We have gotten into one that really seems to fit us. In previous groups, my husband is usually only one of a couple of men that attend. And he really needed one with more men. Each member of the group has something we can relate with. One mom is starting to home school her boys...been there. Another couple is having real trouble with their son...OH have I been there!! Another has a sibling that will be having a valve replacement on their heart... My niece Ashley has gone through this several times. And yet one more couple has a teenager that has moved in with them and relating with her and her parent...again we've had some teenage boys stay with us when they were having troubles with their parents... Is God all over this or what?!! It has been a blessing to us to get to know these families and to be apart of everything that is going on..good and bad..and to see God work in all situations.
God Bless You
Karen
I have two brothers. One older, one younger. I have not been close to either of them for some time. Brian and I moved to Texas 10 1/2 years ago from the Chicago area. My younger brother, Bob, still lives there with his family. John moved back to the Chicago area at the same time we moved away. The distance seemed to affect the relationships. The phone calls became less frequent, however unintentional it may have been. John, then rejoined the Army. He is now stationed at Ft Sill in OK. The time spent with my brother John and his wife Lori was good. John married Lori after we moved to Texas, so we've never had a really good chance to know each other. Lori and I went shopping the day after Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time. We did a lot of talking and shopping and just had a fun girl day. I got most of my Christmas shopping done that day. It was such a blessing for me to spend that time with her. The day we left, it started to snow. It was fun to see it again, just glad I don't have to live in it any more. We stopped for the night at my Mom's house in Shepherd, TX. (just south of Livingston) As soon as we got there, I brushed my hair, put on some make-up and went with her to a Christmas ornament exchange with the ladies of her church. That was fun. Some of those ladies are just too much!! We drew numbers and then picked a gift or stole someone else's gift. There were about 30 ladies there. It went on for some time, but oh what fun it was! We spent the night with my parents and on Sunday helped my Mom deck her halls. We put up the tree and decorated it. Since I had helped her, she said she would come to my house and help me with my tree. She came down on Wednesday and we got my tree up and decorated. I think this will be a new tradition with us. It was fun decorating our trees together. We ended the evening with some Mexican food for dinner.
In other news... My oldest son, Brian has proposed to his girlfriend Ashlynn. They plan to be married on May 24, 2008. I am happy for them. They make a good pair. I have from now until then to wrap my brain around the idea of being a "mother-in-law". You never hear good things about a "mother-in-law". I hope to change this with Ashlynn. We have a good friendship so far.
We have joined a new small group at our church. Small group is another name for Bible Study. We do weekly at home bible studies in place of most Sunday school classes. We have gotten into one that really seems to fit us. In previous groups, my husband is usually only one of a couple of men that attend. And he really needed one with more men. Each member of the group has something we can relate with. One mom is starting to home school her boys...been there. Another couple is having real trouble with their son...OH have I been there!! Another has a sibling that will be having a valve replacement on their heart... My niece Ashley has gone through this several times. And yet one more couple has a teenager that has moved in with them and relating with her and her parent...again we've had some teenage boys stay with us when they were having troubles with their parents... Is God all over this or what?!! It has been a blessing to us to get to know these families and to be apart of everything that is going on..good and bad..and to see God work in all situations.
God Bless You
Karen
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Graduation
It's been more than a week since I've posted, but I've been enjoying visiting my son for a long weekend in San Antonio. He graduated from Lackland AFB Basic Training on Nov. 2ND. Ashlynn (girlfriend) and I drove out on Halloween night. We got to the motel around 8pm. The morning started at 5:15 am. We got ready and were on base at 7:15 for a family briefing at 7:30. At 9:00 we went outside for the Airman's run. It was a 1.5 mile run that went past the families. We then had time to kill until 1pm when the coin ceremony was to begin. The coin ceremony is where they give the airman a coin that signifies the change from trainee to airman. We had perfect seats in the bleachers. He was directly in front of us. After the ceremony we spent the rest of the day together. We had lunch, went bowling, had supper and just hung out together. Friday morning brought the graduation. 9am we were in the bleachers at the parade field. They were in their dress blues. The marching past the bleachers of people and officers signified their graduation as well as taking their final oath. It was impressive. Friday we were able to go off base. Brian had been so tired from the 6 1/2 weeks we went to the motel and just let him rest, watch TV and talk about his experiences. Saturday we had the entire day from 9-7:30. He's been very hungry, so he asked to go to a buffet. We found a Golden Corral off 410. He ate until he was tired of putting food in his mouth. I don't know where he put it all!!! My husband, Brian, and Sons Jeremy & Joseph came Saturday morning. We visited for awhile, then went to the Alamo and Riverwalk. On Sunday we went to church with him. It was a little different, but we enjoyed it. After church we had to hit the buffet one more time. Later we walked around the Parade field and looked at all the old air planes from times gone by. Joseph really wanted to go bowling, so we did that again too and had a lot of fun. It was really a great family time. It was hard to say goodbye on Sunday evening. We had to say goodbye around 6pm. Then drove home. He left for Goodfellow AFB the next morning at 3:45 am. (yuck) I got a call from him this morning and he loves the routine of the new base. He's says it's so much different than that of basic training. Now just counting down the days until he can come home for Christmas!!! :)
Monday, October 29, 2007
What A Weekend
What a weekend I had!! It was wonderful. I spent saturday with my mom shopping and having a good time at DeerBrook Mall. I was looking for an outfit for my son Brian's Air Force Graduation. Found some good deals at JCPenney. Then went looking for shoes. Payless really didn't have what I was looking for, so on we went. We left the mall and decided it was lunch time. We went over to Red Lobster, mmmmm, the Talapia was excellent, and the lunch portion was just the right amount. After lunch we hit Home Depot and found some beautiful mums. I got 2 yellow, red and orange mums and some Pansies. Now back to the shoe hunt. Oh, but wait, lets run in Wal-mart real quick. We looked at a couple of things and then left. Only bought 2 25cent sodas on the way out. Now over to Kohl's for the shoes. They had several pairs, and most on sale. Got a real cute brown pair, and comfortable too. By then it was close to 6pm, time to end the day.
Sunday I got up and went to church. We were having something different. We have been doing a study on Faith In Action. So to finish up on this study on Sunday, we did service projects in place of regular sunday services. Our group picked up trash, trimmed trees and bushes, mowed and weed eated along one of the city feeder roads. We worked for about 3 hours and picked up loads of trash. It is unbelieveable what people will toss out onto the road. After 3 hours of bending and picking up trash, I was starting to feel it in my legs and back. However, I bought the pretty flowers the day before and they needed to get in the ground. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get to it before wednesday. (We leave for San Antonio for Graduation) So, now I'm already a little sore, so why not make it worse. It wasn't a simple task of just putting some mums in the ground. The flower beds had leaves and pine needles covering them. So get the rake, rake 'em out, pull the little weeds that popped up, then plant the flowers. By the time I was finished (4:30) I was sore everywhere!!! I went and soaked in a hot tub with some lavender bubble bath. ( Best part of the day) Today I can tell you that I'm not moving very quickly. I guess that means I'd better do more exercising so as not to be so sore when doing yard work. Or at least to not do an entire day of yard work. But the bright side is I have some pretty color in the front yard and it was a gorgeous day to be outside. I did enjoy it, even if my muscles are screaming now!!!! Thankfully, with my job, I get to sit at a desk :)
Hope all you had a wonderful Fall weekend too.........
Karen
Sunday I got up and went to church. We were having something different. We have been doing a study on Faith In Action. So to finish up on this study on Sunday, we did service projects in place of regular sunday services. Our group picked up trash, trimmed trees and bushes, mowed and weed eated along one of the city feeder roads. We worked for about 3 hours and picked up loads of trash. It is unbelieveable what people will toss out onto the road. After 3 hours of bending and picking up trash, I was starting to feel it in my legs and back. However, I bought the pretty flowers the day before and they needed to get in the ground. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get to it before wednesday. (We leave for San Antonio for Graduation) So, now I'm already a little sore, so why not make it worse. It wasn't a simple task of just putting some mums in the ground. The flower beds had leaves and pine needles covering them. So get the rake, rake 'em out, pull the little weeds that popped up, then plant the flowers. By the time I was finished (4:30) I was sore everywhere!!! I went and soaked in a hot tub with some lavender bubble bath. ( Best part of the day) Today I can tell you that I'm not moving very quickly. I guess that means I'd better do more exercising so as not to be so sore when doing yard work. Or at least to not do an entire day of yard work. But the bright side is I have some pretty color in the front yard and it was a gorgeous day to be outside. I did enjoy it, even if my muscles are screaming now!!!! Thankfully, with my job, I get to sit at a desk :)
Hope all you had a wonderful Fall weekend too.........
Karen
Monday, October 22, 2007
Grateful
Grateful may sound like an odd title for this post, but it actually fits. Last friday, while no one was home, our house was robbed. "They" broke in from behind the garage, used a screwdriver to wedge open the inside door. Then proceeded to take things from the house that could be easily pawned. They only took about $1000 worth of stuff. Things that can be replaced. We filed a police report, just in case anything were to turn up. I suspended service to my sons' cell phone. Brian had the insurance coverage, so for the $50 deductible, it will be replaced. And, since we reported it stolen, if anyone tries to get new service on it, it will be confiscated. Needless to say, every door is now double checked to make sure all deadbolts are locked before leaving. Yes, I am upset, but also grateful that no one was home and no one came in on anybody while they were there. You never know how an intruder would act if "caught in the act". I am normally home around 2pm, but this day I had a hair appt. My sons got home together around 4:30 and I came in around 5. I do believe God was watching out for us during all this. Please pray for those that did this. That God will meet the need in their lives.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Patience
Who here is patient? Not me... In our instant society patience is not expected. We want everything now. From instant food to instant messaging. Waiting 60 seconds on the microwave, or for our computers to boot up or switch pages, we sit there tapping, saying "you're taking forever!!!!" In our Esther series we are learning that she was patient and waited for just the right time to make her request of the king. At the end of the first banquet, she did not make her request know to the king. She invited them back again for another banquet. Tomorrow, I'll let you know my request. Now, if you had your sworn enemy sitting at your table, and the king asked you what you wanted, would you be able to wait, have patience for the right timing. God had prepared her a table in the presence of her enemy. It would have been so easy for her to ask for Haman's head on a platter. Did she wait because she was suddenly afraid to ask, or did she wait because God told her too, or did she wait because she wasn't sure of what to ask for? It doesn't say why Esther chose to wait for one more day, but she did and it proved advantageous to her. Haman's ego had not reached it's full height at this point and the King still regarded him as a trustworthy man. God tells us to wait for different reasons. Sometimes, the timing isn't right for us. Sometimes, we are ready, for something to happen, but others may not be ready. Patience isn't easily obtained, especially in a "get it now" society, but maybe that's why it is a virtue. It is something we need to seek daily. And if you're a mother of small children or even teenagers, your patience gets tested daily. Do we pass? Some days I would say yes, but most days, probably not. So what's the answer...God, of course. In Isaiah he says he will renew our strength. We lean on Him and He will give us what we need in any situation.
Lessons learned so far from Esther: Make the most of your situation-Being taken from her family to be put in a beauty pagent for the honor of Queen. Do not be afraid- "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?". Courage-" I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Patience - wait till the timing is right.
Lessons learned so far from Esther: Make the most of your situation-Being taken from her family to be put in a beauty pagent for the honor of Queen. Do not be afraid- "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?". Courage-" I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Patience - wait till the timing is right.
Friday, October 12, 2007
A Beautiful Day
I must say, from the moment I went outside today, It was hard pressed to keep me there. It was a gorgeous, Autumn day here in SE Texas. It was about 64 degrees when I left for work. I work in a small office and we left the door open and the window up until about 1pm. That's sayin' something for here. We don't easily turn off our air conditioners! I do have a convertible and as soon as I was off work, the top went down(on the car). It has been a beautiful day to be outside enjoying. And it's not over yet. I'm about to leave for my mom's house, with 2 thirteen year old boys. She's about an hour north of me. It should be fun for the end of a great day.
"This is the day that the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
"This is the day that the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Hungry Hearts
I chose that title because I really believe we need to have a hungry heart. A heart that wants to dig deeper, learn more, love others more...really have a heart for other women and meeting their needs. I have been going to Beth Moore in Houston on tuesday nights and have invited others to go along with me. Some have and for various reasons, some have not been able to come. So, what do we do for those not able to be blessed on tuesdays. My friend and I started a thursday night study for ladies to come and dig a little deeper, to get some knowledge, to get some healing, insight, whatever it is that they are needing. We've got some hungry, hurting and interested-but-don't-know-how-to-get-started, ladies right in our own churches, friendships, workplaces...etc... All it takes is a willing heart to get things started. If you use a dvd formatted study, then the author does the teaching, you facilitate...get things started, keep them on track, and provide a safe environment for women to reach out to each other. We provide coffee, tea and maybe some chocolate and a lot of love. This time around we are using Beth Moore's "When godly people do ungodly things". In January, we plan on doing "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge. Right now we have about 14 ladies participating. Next time, we may have more, may have less. The point is, we are there and will continue to be there as long as we are needed. Space can some times be an issue. Talk to your church if you get to be too big, or break off into smaller groups at homes. There is a real need for women to connect. This past summer, after Beth finished Proverbs, I was not ready to stop Bible Study for the summer. I had her Daniel study, so I invited some friends and ladies at church to join me. We had a wonderful time learning together, but more importantly, we were there for one of the ladies at possibly the worst point in her life. If we had not been meeting in my home, I don't know that she would have called on us at that time. It was summer and you just kind of live in your own moment with your family. ( And that's good, we can't neglect our families either.) But, it is very possible that we would not have known until the entire situation was over. Then we would have lost a very important opportunity to minister to her and her children. It has made us closer and stronger friends. Just wanted to share a little piece of my heart this morning. Hope you all have a God Blessed day.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Refresh
Today, as I was working on my computer, I went to hit the "refresh" button. I began to think about that word "refresh". How often do we have a rough morning, day, week and wish we could hit a button and refresh. I then went to scripture to see what God has to say about refreshing ourselves. I found many!!! Here are just a few:
Jeremiah 31:25 "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
Exodus 23:12"Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.
Psalm 68:9 "You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.
Proverbs 25:13"Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
My favorite place to go to "refresh" is the beach. The sound of the water, the smell of the salt water (sometimes dead fish, not as appealing)just melt away my stresses. My other favorite place, where I can go more often in my mind than in person is the mountains. This summer we went to Silverton, Colorado and spent 10 days in the mountains. It was awesome!!! God's creation!!! I can't always go to one of my favorite places to "refresh" my soul, but God is always with me and His Word is always there for the "refreshment" we need everyday! God Bless you today
Jeremiah 31:25 "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
Exodus 23:12"Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.
Psalm 68:9 "You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.
Proverbs 25:13"Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
My favorite place to go to "refresh" is the beach. The sound of the water, the smell of the salt water (sometimes dead fish, not as appealing)just melt away my stresses. My other favorite place, where I can go more often in my mind than in person is the mountains. This summer we went to Silverton, Colorado and spent 10 days in the mountains. It was awesome!!! God's creation!!! I can't always go to one of my favorite places to "refresh" my soul, but God is always with me and His Word is always there for the "refreshment" we need everyday! God Bless you today
Monday, October 8, 2007
One Proud Mama
Let's start with my oldest son Brian. He graduated h.s. in May 2007. He is now in the Air Force. I can never remember the title of his job, but it is something in communications. He is currently in Basic Training in San Antonio. He is scheduled to graduate from BMT on November 2.
My second son, Jeremy, has been homeschooled since 7th grade.(y'all know different kids need different things) He has been doing so well, that this wonderful 16 year old boy, finished his studies and graduated over the weekend. October 7th to be exact. He got a job over the summer which was originally going to be a summer job. But he excelled so much in this job, they were planning to keep him part time through the school year. Now that he has graduated, he's working full-time. He's doing such things like welding, painting, metal cutting, using a forklift and so on...He plans to save his money to pay for the Tech school. What a kid/Man he has grown up to be!!!
My third son, Joseph, not to be left out, is certainly another source of pride. He is also growing into a special young man. He has become the "bicycle fix-it guy" in the neighborhood. He seems to always be fixing someones bike. Putting chains back on, adding brakes or adjusting brakes. I guess he's got the mechanical gene just like his brothers and dad.
I was told at church the other day in the jr. high youth, that Joseph lifts his brother Brian up in prayer every Sunday, to help him labor through his basic training. I work in the high school group, so I don't know what happens in the jr. high. It's good to know how much they really love and care about each other, even when it's left unsaid most of the time.
On another note... I got a call from Brian on Saturday!!!! It made me feel so good to hear from him. He's doing well, a bit home sick, but good. It's so hard having him gone and not being able to at least call him. Writing letters is okay, but nothing like hearing his voice!!!
My second son, Jeremy, has been homeschooled since 7th grade.(y'all know different kids need different things) He has been doing so well, that this wonderful 16 year old boy, finished his studies and graduated over the weekend. October 7th to be exact. He got a job over the summer which was originally going to be a summer job. But he excelled so much in this job, they were planning to keep him part time through the school year. Now that he has graduated, he's working full-time. He's doing such things like welding, painting, metal cutting, using a forklift and so on...He plans to save his money to pay for the Tech school. What a kid/Man he has grown up to be!!!
My third son, Joseph, not to be left out, is certainly another source of pride. He is also growing into a special young man. He has become the "bicycle fix-it guy" in the neighborhood. He seems to always be fixing someones bike. Putting chains back on, adding brakes or adjusting brakes. I guess he's got the mechanical gene just like his brothers and dad.
I was told at church the other day in the jr. high youth, that Joseph lifts his brother Brian up in prayer every Sunday, to help him labor through his basic training. I work in the high school group, so I don't know what happens in the jr. high. It's good to know how much they really love and care about each other, even when it's left unsaid most of the time.
On another note... I got a call from Brian on Saturday!!!! It made me feel so good to hear from him. He's doing well, a bit home sick, but good. It's so hard having him gone and not being able to at least call him. Writing letters is okay, but nothing like hearing his voice!!!
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