Out of the Overflow

So, I told you I would post a pic of me and my new specs when I got the nerve. Here they are - notice the picture is kind of distant.....yeah, I meant to do that. Today Lake's school was on a 2 hour delay. Can anyone give me a big fat Ha-Lay-Looo-Yaaaaahhhh?!? Is it wrong of me to wish they went to school at 10 am every morning and still got out at 2:30 like normal? If wishing that is wrong, I don't wanna be right! Just kidding. I took some medicine last night that caused me to have a medicinal hangover today. I have been trying to study for next week's Bible study, but I can't seem to think one cohesive thought. James 1:8 says "A Double-minded man (woman) is unstable in all his/her ways". Well, today, I am quadruple minded and definitely unstable! I cannot seem to concentrate on anything for more than 2 seconds. I thought I would feel better by now - dern those slow-working antibiotics! Have I mentioned that I am terrible at being sick?

Last night, I was worried that no one would show up for Bible study because of the cold weather and snow, but there were 20 women there last night. Not a full house, but I'll take 20 over 0 any day. Everyone brought food since it was our last night.....and there was a lot of food. I've noticed that we women have a need to try to 'outdo' each other when it comes to food. We want people to ask for our recipes and we want to be praised for our prowess in the kitchen (yes, I just used the word prowess - I'm a talking dictionary, I tell ya!). The food was good and recipes were exchanged all to the glory of God (I hope).

I believe that the women who spent the past 7 weeks studying about Discerning the Voice of God left last night with a much better understanding of what it means to have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I believe we all have high expectations that He will/does speak to each of us often. Expectancy is key. We have to read the word and pray expecting that He is going to speak to us. We have to pull God out of the little box we have put Him in and believe that He is big enough and able to do exceedingly and abundantly ALL.........We have to stop being so full of ourselves so we can be full of the Holy Spirit. We have to stop delaying obedience because when we do, we are delaying God's hand and His power in our lives. We have to stop listening to the enemy, because his main job is to make sure we never hear the voice of God.

Okay, sermon's over.......let us all stand and sing invitation hymn #236.

I am curious to see what group the Lord will bring together to start Breaking Free this coming week. If you have done Breaking Free, then you know it is a very personal study. It deals with getting past your past - something that we all need to do in one way or another. There are some tough questions we have to ask ourselves and some things we all have to deal with before we can move ahead to where God wants to take us. I pray that the group will be willing to share their struggles with each other and have open hearts to receive what God wants us to hear. It should be an interesting 11 weeks.

So, I was thinking about what to post today and considering my recent "double-mindedness", I decided to re-post something from one of my very first blog entries. Some of you know that I write articles for our church women's ministry newsletter and my first blog entries consist of many of those short articles (actually some are short and some are not so short). So, I looked back to the beginning and I decided to re-post a short little piece I wrote some time ago. No one commented on it, so you probably haven't read it before. It was written before my blog had such a huge following ;-)



While volunteering in my son’s kindergarten class last year, I overheard a conversation that I thought was very interesting. Two boys were sitting at a table practicing writing the alphabet. One of the boys is known for staying in trouble. One boy asked the other if he goes to church. The boy said yes. Immediately the other child stopped, looked the boy in the eye, and said , “Then why don’t you act like it?” I have to wonder how many people have thought the same of me. Even a five year old knows that Christians should behave differently than the rest of the world. Too many times our words and actions do not bear witness to the Christ that lives within us.I sometimes say hateful things that I should not have even thought much less let spew from my mouth. As a matter of fact, if I had a dollar for every time I said something unGodly, I would be rich. This is not something I am proud of, but something I struggle with and need to keep in check. I daresay that all of us struggle with our words and thoughts from time to time. Have you ever heard someone say, “It’s just my nature to say what I think”? I agree with that statement. It is our nature to say what we think--our sinful, prideful, unholy nature.I am convinced that the hateful things that we say are not a result of what is in our head, but a direct result of what is in our heart. Luke 6:45 says “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks”. I see this verse played out in my own life quite frequently. When I am diligent in prayer and Bible study, the overflow of my heart is much sweeter than when I am not. I call it the “Garbage In/ Garbage Out Theory”. When we continually allow bitterness, jealousy, and all the evil things of the world to corrupt our minds, the result is a heart that is overflowing with unpleasantness and leads to hate-filled words. When we cultivate a close relationship with our Savior, the seeds of discontent that are planted by Satan will never have a chance to grow in our hearts.

Snow Day!

It snowed today and I thought about posting a picture of what we call a 'snow event' here in East Tennessee, but I figured you northerners would just make fun of us, so I didn't. Lake actually got out of school today. He goes to a city school and that NEVER happens. We only have about an inch of snow, but they say more is on the way for this evening. Tonight is the last night of the women's class I am leading (I start leading Breaking Free next Wednesday). I really wish I felt better - my head is cloudy and my voice sounds very much like a man - yikes! Anyway, we will see if the rest of the winter weather gets here within a few hours. If the weather is bad tonight, they will probably cancel church. The boys will be sad because they have worked hard on their AWANAS verses.
I used to make fun of my mom when she said she hated cold weather. I loved to ski and sled - I thought she was such a party pooper for saying she hated winter. The older I get, the more I understand her aversion to winter. The only thing I like about winter is that it is much shorter than it used to be. Our winters only last really for about 4 1/2 months. When I was little, winter was long and we had some big snows. I hate to sound like I'm complaining, but I would love to see some Spring time right about now. I really don't see the point in the whole month of February. I feel sure that at the end of July when we are at DISNEY WORLD standing in long lines in the 100 degree heat, I will be wishing for some of this 30 degree weather, but right now I am looking forward to some tulips, daffodills, and most importantly SOME SUN!!!!

Rainy Days and Tuesdays Always Get Me Down

** UPDATE AT BOTTOM **

Oh wait, it's Rainy Days and Mondays that always get me down - sorry. It is raining here - what we in the great state of Tennessee call a 'gully washer'. Why do we call it that? I dont really know. Several of you have asked about Lake. Sunday, when the invitation was given, he couldnt wait to get out of that pew. We only sit three rows back from the front so it wasnt a far walk. When he got there - hubs and I behind him - he told the preacher that he asked Jesus into his heart. While the preacher was asking him a few questions, Lake realized that there were about a thousand pairs of eyes staring at him and his face turned as red as his hair. He did fine though - kind of like a deer in the headlights. After the service, people who join the church or who have made a profession of faith, stand in front for everyone to come by and encourage them. Again, overwhelmed. Hundreds of people came by to shake his hand and he just kept saying "Thank you" no matter what their comment was. It is really alot for a 6 yr old to take in, but he knows that there are lots of people who support him in his decision. We hope he will be baptized this Sunday night.....hubs had to work this past Sunday night and of course he wants to be there.

Speaking of shaking hands, I came down with some sort of evil sickness on Sunday night after church. I woke up Monday morning at 4 am with a temp of 103. I stayed in bed until 12 noon yesterday and little Kaden was so sweet! He would come in and say "Mama, I'll take care of you" and kiss my hand and go watch cartoons. It feels like someone is taking very large hands and squeezing my head over and over. It also occurred to me that when I cough, there is somewhat of a stabbing sensation in my chest. I thought I was much better today until I got up at 6 am and started getting ready. It was at that time that I realized that I feel like I have been lifting 500 lb weights for three days straight. If you have ever had a virus, you know what I am talking about.....you know when you think you are all better, but drying your hair wears you out? So, I am on my way to the doctor. I hope it is just a sinus infection (I know it probably is more than that, but humor me). Tomorrow night is the last night of the Bible Studay I am leading and we are bringing food - I need to be there. Pray I get some strong antibiotics today and they kick in before 6:30 tomorrow night - all things are possible with God, right?

I am starting a new Wednesday night study - Beth Moore's Breaking Free next Wednesday. Lots of preparation to do - no time to be sick!

*** UPDATE ****
Back from the doctor. They did a flu swab and Praise the Lord - I dont have the flu!!!I do, however, have some sort of respiratory junk that is going around like mad here. Woo-hoo dont have the flu!!! YAYAYAYAYA!

An Award, A Recipe, And It's Official I'm Blind

I just received this from Stephanie. I am so undeserving, but I do love a good award. I tell ya, this blogging thing can create somewhat of a mutual admiration society and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. We all need some Godly encouragement, don't we? There are people out in the world ('of the world' and some 'of the church') that love nothing better than to drag us down, but thankfully here in blogville/blogland - whatever - there are lots of us who love the Lord and sincerely encourage one another in our faith. If you ask me, it's a beautiful thing. I'm not saying that there aren't people who will leave nasty little comments or say hateful things on our blogs, but I believe for the most part anyone who visits our little circle of Christian women bloggers will see that we encourage each other in the Lord and they might just get themselves a heapin' helpin' of Jesus while they are here! Anyway, I thank you Stephanie for the encouragement. I can always count on two things when I visit Stepahnie's blog #1 She is gonna be real - no fake stuff with her #2 I am gonna see her heart for the Lord in her writing.

So, the title says 'A Recipe' and I know it's a little odd for me to post a recipe, but y'all this stuff is good! I have hundreds, nay, thousands of recipes (don't tell my husband he might expect me to cook more). If you are ever in need of a dish to take somewhere, don't hesitate to ask me - did I say I have thousands of recipes? Anyway, a girl in my Sunday School class (I sound like I am in the 5 yr old class) Okay, a lady (are you a lady when you are 40-ish?) in my class brought this stuff to class last week. We are Baptists, we EAT in Sunday School every Sunday morning and we eat GOOD! Can somebody say Hallelujah? When you read the ingredients you are going to say 'gross', but trust me this stuff is off the hook! I will be getting the "Betty Crocker" award after you make this stuff! Here it is:

Strawberry Carter

1 lb. extra sharp shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 scant c. mayonnaise
1 c. minced green onions
1 c. chopped pecans
Cayenne Pepper
Strawberry Jam or Preserves

Place ingredients in mixing bowl and mix well. Sprinkle cayenne pepper (I use ground although the recipe says flakes can be used as well) on top until mixture is solid red (or to your liking). Mix well. Put mixture in spring form pan and allow to set. Refrigerate until time to serve. Remove from pan and cover with strawberry jam. Serve with crackers.

And no I don't know why the stuff is called Strawberry Carter. Dumb name for some good stuff. Did I mention it is good? Yeah, well.......moving right along.

The title also says "It's Official I'm Blind". That may be a slight exaggeration, but I did have to get glasses yesterday. I have noticed for some time that when I read the words seem to jump around on the page resulting in headaches and frustration. So, I made the dreaded appointment. I have had glasses for about 10 years, but have never worn them because I look like Harry Pothead, I mean Harry Potter (I really don't like Harry Potter - go ahead and call me a party pooper, but I just don't like the whole Potter thing). I sat in the waiting room for about an hour and finally got back to the pre-exam room. This lady made me sit with my head in this contraption and then she proceeded to blow puffs of air in my eyes. What in the world?! I forgot that part. So, after I finished with Puff the Magic Dragon Lady I go back and wait another 30 minutes on the Dr. who is removing a piece of steel from a man's eye. Oh goodness gracious! I get weak when it comes to all things doctor-y. While I waited I saw pictures of nasty eyeball diseases on the wall. What would possess any Dr. in their right mind to put that junk out for people to look at while they wait? I thought I might pass out - no really. Did y'all know people can get Herpes in their eyes? Oh just the thought of it makes me want to vomit! And how would one get herpes in their eyes anyway? My guess is you get it from looking at things you ought not be looking at - at least that's what I am gonna tell my boys when they get to be teenagers. I suppose some things should not be spoken of --eye herpes is one of those things.

ANYHOO, the doc came in and I proceeded to tell him that I will not wear glasses or contacts all the time. So, he prescribed some reading glasses. I will post pictures as my vanity permits. Just be prepared - it isn't as bad as the red swollen eyelids, but I am pretty dorky in glasses. What's a 35 year old 1/2 blind woman to do? I cant read Braille, although that day may be coming soon.

I think it is important to note that while I have been typing this post the TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER BASKETBALL TEAM has become the #1 TEAM IN THE NATION!

So, tomorrow is the big day for Lake. He is going to walk that aisle during the invitation - I hope we are singing Just As I Am........although it will probably be Come Just As You Are. I bought him a Bible and a devotional book yesterday to give him tomorrow. He told me today "I hope they let me get baptized tomorrow night". He has been so excited and has told everyone (unsolicited) about his decision - I would say that is a good sign that He means it. I pray that tomorrow is the only time he walks that aisle for salvation......by that I mean I pray that He never doubts and needs to make sure his Baptism is on the right side of his salvation......I pray that his teenage years don't bring guilt and doubt about the decision he made in the car on February 20th, 2008. I pray that all is settled tomorrow for him FOREVER. Amen.

Salvation Comes in the Morning (in the car)

Every Wednesday I work in my son's first grade classrooom. I drop my 4 yr old off at Mammaw's and then Lake and I head to school together. This morning after we dropped Kaden off, Lake said, "Mama, where do you go when you die?". I said, "Well, honey, that depends..... If you are saved and have accepted Jesus into your heart, you will go to heaven because the Bible says 'to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". He said, "What if your not saved? You go to hell, right?" I said, "Yes." He hesitated a minute and said, "I want to ask Jesus into my heart right now". So, I prayed with him and we talked in the car in front of school for about 15 minutes about what it means to be a Christian and how we have to grow in our faith.

He has been asking questions every night before bed for about 3 weeks now. I have not initiated any conversation about 'being saved' because I figured the Holy Spirit didn't really need my help to convict his little heart. After we prayed, he said, "You know I'm gettin' babitized right?" (translation:baptized) I said, "Right, I know". He said, "Will you go with me?" (I thought he meant into the water) I said, "Ummm, where?" He said, "To talk to Pastor Arden!" I said, "Of course!" Lake is not a fan of water. He goes to swimming lessons only because I make him. Being Baptists, we believe in immersion baptism (see Matthew 3:16), so this is a big step for a kid who stays in the shallow end.

Lake is our first child, so we are in uncharted water here. I feel a huge burden to teach him and train him - help him grow in the Lord. What a huge responsibility! It will be a learning process for both of us. I just pray that the decision he made in the car this morning will be one he remembers when he is tempted to turn from what he knows is right. I pray that he will follow unconditionally and never veer off course. I pray that Steve and I will lead by example and he will see Jesus alive and well and living in our home and in our hearts. I pray that when he goes into that water, he will come up a new person and set his eyes on the Prize that is Jesus. I pray that he will not accept the watered-down version of Christianity that the world offers, but Jesus' version offered through the Bible and the Holy Spirit.

Who ARE Oprah's Friends Anyway????

Before I begin this post, I want to thank Jenny for an award (see my side bar). I posted a thank you last week, but apparently it didnt stick. Not sure why (apparently my mad computer skillz arent so mad, huh?). Anyway, Jenny loves the Lord so much and I really appreciate her encouragement (even if the thank you is coming a little late). Thanks, Jenny!

I'll talk about Oprah in a minute, but first I want to catch you up from ourweekend. Our President's Day was spent in Hickory and Lenoir, NorthCarolina looking for furniture. It is so much cheaper there. We found a leather family room suite here in one of our local stores here and itwas over $5,000........the same suite in NC? $3,000. See what I mean? We would be crazy to shop around here! I have looked at literally thousands of fabrics and I am still not sure what I want. I guess this is where a good interior decorator would be helpful, but unfortunately at our house I AM THE INTERIOR DECORATOR! (and the maid and the cook, etc.,etc,). So, the burden rests on me. You can see the sofa that I love here - the only question is what fabric to use on said sofa. When we actually move in (like in 2014?),I will definitely post pics of the finished product at which time you allwill ooh and ahh over what I have done while thinking "She should have hired someone". In any case, in light of eternity, my furniture doesn't mean 'a hill of beans'. (Another TN saying - you can pay me later for the Appalachian education you receive here on my blog). I figure Jesus will come back before we move in anyway, so someone else will be left to decorate the house anyway.

On to Oprah.........If you have read this blog for any length of time, youwill know that I am not an Oprah fan (although I do enjoy Dr. Oz who is on her show on Mondays). I feel like Oprah is the epitomy of a falseprophet. She tells of growing up in church- she talks about God andnew age ideas in the same breath. She is a noted philanthropist, she worksto end the plight of the oppressed, she builds schools in Africa and loves toreward teachers because her own teachers influenced her life sogreatly.To the unsaved person she is a Christian doing God's work. Oprah is an American icon who women and men revere as a hero. The truth is that Oprah is an advocate for gay rights. She is a huge fan ofMarianne Williamson, who is a well known new-ager. She has promoted new age books and conferences on her show. Oprah uses her platform to promote a new pop-culture type of religion where one relies solely on himself, where anything is fine as long as it feels good to you, where everything and everyone should be tolerated (and tolerance has proven to be the downfall of America so far, but don't get me started on that!). In America, Oprah is well-respected and people take her word as law (which is why I fear the Barak Obamanation might be our next Pres).

I think we underestimate the effect that the Oprah's of our world have on lost people. Our world is full of atheists and agnostics who are preaching that we humans are god. People like Oprah do more for the cause of satan that someone who is a self-procalimed satanist because she is seen as someone who does good for others. She is respected and people want to imitate her.

The following article is just another example of why we as Christians must be ready to contend for our faith. If this article is correct, we need to be praying up and studying up preparing to refute any arguments from people who listen to Oprah and her misguided friends.........

Oprah Winfrey will be letting out all the stops on her XM Satellite Radio
program this coming year. Beginning January 1, 2008, “Oprah & Friends” will
offer a year-long course on the New Age teachings of A Course in Miracles.1 A lesson a
day throughout the year will completely cover the 365 lessons from the Course in
Miracles “Workbook.”
For example, Lesson #29 asks you to go through your day
affirming that “God is in everything I see.”2 Lesson #61 tells each person to
repeat the affirmation “I am the light of the world.”3 Lesson #70 teaches the
student to say and believe “My salvation comes from me.”4 By the end of the
year, “Oprah & Friends” listeners will have completed all of the lessons
laid out in the Course in Miracles Workbook. Those who finish the Course will
have a wholly redefined spiritual mindset—a New Age worldview that includes the
belief that there is no sin, no evil, no devil, and that God is “in” everyone
and everything. A Course in Miracles teaches its students to rethink everything they believe
about God and life. The Course Workbook bluntly states: “This is a course in
mind training”5 and is dedicated to “thought reversal.”6Teaching A Course in
Miracles will be Oprah’s longtime friend and special XM Satellite Radio reporter Marianne
Williamson—who also happens to be one of today’s premier New Age leaders.
She and Conversations with God author Neale Donald Walsch
co-founded the American Renaissance Alliance in 1997, that later became the Global
Renaissance Alliance of New Age leaders, that changed its name again in 2005
to the Peace Alliance. This Peace
Alliance seeks to usher in an era of global peace founded on the principles of a
New Age/New Spirituality that they are now referring to as a “civil rights
movement for the soul.”7 They all agree that the principles of this New Age/New
Spirituality are clearly articulated in A Course in Miracles—which is fast
becoming the New Age Bible. So what is A Course in Miracles and what does it
teach?A Course in Miracles is allegedly “new revelation” from “Jesus” to help
humanity work through these troubled times. This “Jesus”—who bears no doctrinal
resemblance to the Bible’s Jesus Christ—began delivering his channeled teachings
in 1965 to a Columbia University Professor of Medical Psychology by the name of
Helen Schucman.
One day Schucman heard an “inner voice” stating, “This is a
course in miracles. Please take notes.”8 For seven years she diligently took
spiritual dictation from this inner voice that described himself as “Jesus.” A
Course in Miracles was quietly published in 1975 by the Foundation for Inner
Peace. For many years “the Course” was an underground cult classic for New Age
seekers who studied “the Course” individually, with friends, or in small study
groups.As a former
New Age follower and devoted student of A Course in Miracles, I eventually
discovered that the Course in Miracles was—in reality—the truth of the Bible
turned upside down. Not having a true understanding of the Bible at the time of
my involvement, I was led to believe that A Course in Miracles was “a gift from
God” to help everyone understand the “real” meaning of the Bible and to help
bring peace to the world. Little did I know that the New Age “Christ” and the
New Age teachings of A Course in Miracles were everything the real Jesus Christ
warned us to watch out for. In Matthew 24 Jesus warned about false teachers,
false teachings and the false “Christs” who would pretend to be Him. When I left
the New Age “Christ” to follow the Bible’s Jesus Christ, I had come to
understand that the “Jesus” of A Course in Miracles was a false “Christ,” and
that his Course in Miracles was dangerously deceptive. Here are some quotes from
the “Jesus” of A Course in Miracles:
“There is no sin. . . " 9 [See note]
A “slain Christ has no meaning.”10
“The journey to the cross
should be the last ‘useless journey.”11
“Do not make the pathetic error of
‘clinging to the old rugged cross.’”12
“The Name of Jesus Christ as such is
but a symbol... It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many
names of all the gods to which you pray.”13
“God is in everything I see.”14
“The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself.”15
“The oneness
of the Creator and the creation is your wholeness, your sanity and your
limitless power.”16
“The Atonement is the final lesson he [man] need learn,
for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation.”17
Most Christians recognize that these teachings are the opposite of what the
Bible teaches. In the Bible, Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the cross of
Calvary was hardly a “useless journey.” His triumph on the cross provides
salvation to all those who confess their sin, accept Him and follow Him as their
Lord and Saviour. His victory on the cross rings throughout the New Testament.
It has been gloriously sung about in beloved hymns through the ages and is at
the heart of our Christian testimony.

Read the rest here.....


"Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints."
Jude 1:3

Snow on Our New House and Some Friday Fun

So, it snowed a little (and I do mean a little) the other day and I took this picture of our new house with snow on the roof. Not that you care about snow on our roof, but I put this picture here anyway. I know even with the snow on the roof the house looks very similar to the last pictures posted back in warm weather. That is because we are trying to break the record for "Slowest House Building". I think we may have already broken it - better call Guiness and find out for sure. There are people there working, but I really don't see much progress...........hopefully, we will move in by 2012. (I'm joking - kinda).

Last night, hubs and I spent a very romantic Valentine's evening. First, there was dinner at a local eatery and then we took in a major sporting event. Actually, we ate at a local drive-thru called Pal's (if you are ever in East TN you need to eat there) and then we went to Lake's basketball game. The good news is that under the expert coaching of hubs, our team only lost to the BEST team by one point. It's the small victories, people.......... the small ones. We have a really good team this year, but the team we played last night is undefeated. We will call them the Green Amazon team because their uniforms are green and they are all three heads taller than our tallest player. Anyway, we gave them a run for their money and they are running scared now that they know we can hang with the best of them (almost). So since last night was a bust in the romance department, hubs and I are going to take the kids to Mammaws and go to dinner. We decided no gifts this year, so hubs will be receiving the joy of my presence for Valentine's Day. YAY for him! hahahaha

Okay, so I got this survey the other day and I am just now getting around to posting it. Not that you care about any of this stuff, but it's Friday and I need something to blog about before the weekend, so here goes.................................................

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Dont know - I was just a baby when I was named

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? couple of weeks ago I think

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not particularly, but it is sufficient

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Sara Lee Peppered Turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 2

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Best Friends

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Ummmm, No! Never! (I dont lie either)

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS ? Last time I checked

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Yep, for the right amount of money

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Kashi Crunch and Frosted Flakes - not together although that might be good

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? nope

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? kinda (well, actually yes, I am freakishly strong, but I dont wanna brag)

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Chocolate or caramel - Anything Graeter's

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? face/clothes/hair - outward appearance and teeth, yeah teeth too......I am very observant!

15. RED OR PINK? I think, pink, I think - I just turned into Dr. Seuss all of the sudden

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? body - weight

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST ? grandparents

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? white hoodie, blue jeans, NB kicks

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? M & M's and Cheez-its ---- see #16

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The Incredibles

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Orange

22. FAVORITE SMELLS? Coffee - cinnamon candles - buttercream candles - my kids when they get out of the bathtub

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Hubs

24. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO you last spoke to ? Yes, most of the time

25. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Basketball (preferably the Roadrunners - my 6 yr olds team)

26. HAIR COLOR? Indescribable (somewhere between red and blonde - let's call it 'ronde' or 'bled')

27. EYE COLOR? Brown

28. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, but I AM blind as a bat

29. FAVORITE FOOD? All - again see #16

30. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings - hate scary movies they are of the devil

31. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Minutemen

32. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White

33. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer

34. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends on who they are from - my kids? both strangers? neither

35. FAVORITE DESSERT? All - again #16

36. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Discerning the Voice of God - Priscilla Shirer and Abraham and Sarah by Roberta Kells Dorr

37. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? some dirt and bits of Cheez its - see #20 then refer to #16 again

38. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T. V. LAST NIGHT? Deal or No Deal, Baby!

39. FAVORITE SOUND? My kids laughing and the sound of my tired body falling into bed

40. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? I am not into rocks and I dont like bugs

41. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN from HOME? Europe

42. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can pick things up with my toes and I have the gift of gab as well - I think I am pretty good at leading women's Bible Study classes - I seem to be great at catching strange diseases and maladies - I also seem to be especially gifted at children's games such as go fish and old maid, but again, I dont like to brag

43. IF YOU COULD BE PRESIDENT HOW WOULD YOU CHANGE THE COUNTRY? Well, if I were president, I would make everything free to all people. There would be no lines at Wal-Mart only signs that say "Take what you need, but need what you take". I could go on and on, but I feel that I will reserve my thoughts for a later post.......However, if the above sounds good to you, please feel free to write my name in on your ballot in November.

Okay, there you have it. Everything you never wanted to know about me - the very unspiritual version. SO, if any of you are looking for blog fodder this weekend, feel free to copy this (in your own words of course - we wouldnt want to bore people).

Time to go and fill up my son's bowl of crackers and pick out something to wear on my date tonight.........................................

First Love, Dove and a Picture

Like many of you, I originally created a blog as a journal of my thoughts for my kids. I wanted to record my thoughts so that one day my boys could read this and really 'know' who their mom is, what she believes, what she stands for. When they are 25 years old, I want them to be able to read this blog and 'get' me - understand what I am about. I don't have any delusions of them actually understanding me until they are older (at least through their teen years). Meeting so many 'bloggy friends' was just the icing on the cake.

I have to admit, Valentine's Day is not really big on my list of favorite holidays. Yes, I love my husband, but to me Valentine's Day is way too commercial and gifts are not my Love Language anyway. Last night, we went (along with every other person in our state) to buy the boys their Valentine's gifts and the store was cram-packed with people. These people were rushing about trying to find the perfect gifts. Candy was flying off the shelves and flowers were everywhere. Lots of money being spent to say "I love you", when just the words would suffice.

Yesterday was our preschool Valentine's party at church (today is the one at Lake's school - can you say 'tired?'). The last preschool Valentine's party I will have to plan - this is my last year to coordinate preschool activities - I have done it for over 4 years. We played games, made a craft, ate cookies and chips, and I read them a story. After the story, I asked the kids to tell me what Valentine's Day is about. Some yelled out 'candy', some said an obligatory "Jesus" because we were at church. I told them Valentine's Day is about people you love and then I asked them "Who loves you most?" Almost all of them answered "Mommy". Mommy loves you most? Really? Well, yes, that is what many of us mommies would like you to think, but there is Another that loves you more--much more.

On the way home, I thought about it and I have to admit that I have stolen some thunder from the Lord in the area of my kids. I have pretended to love them more than Anyone when that just is not possible. I have actually said "Mommy loves you more than anything". I love my children passionately, but I shouldn't love them more than anything. I should love the Lord my God more than anything else. I should make sure my kids know that no one comes before Jesus - no one loves you more than Jesus.

My prayer for my kids is that Jesus will be their first love and that they will never leave Him. I want them to see that He is first in my life- before them, before their father. I want them to grow up to be men who aren't afraid to love Jesus boldly. I want them to speak out against sin and not be wishy-washy in their convictions. I want them to speak the Truth (in love of course:-) without apology. I, of course, want them to marry a good Christian girl who loves the Lord more than anything, but above all I want them to always remember their First Love. I want them to be the ones who don't care to go against popular opinion to stand up for what is right in the eyes of God. I want them to be good kids, but more importantly I want them to grow up to be Godly men. My new prayer for my boys starting today is : "Lord Jesus, be their first love and never let them grow away from You". If I had a dollar for every time I heard my parents say "You will understand when you have kids of your own" I would be rich. Little did I know how true those words are. Until you experience having children of your own, you do not know the full range of emotions that comes along with being a parent.


OK, now on a lighter note. If you had asked me a couple of days ago, "Beth, do you like dark chocolate?" I would have said and emphatic "NO!". That was until last night. While shopping for the boys Valentine's my hubs (a connoisseur of all things sweet - I mean he picked me, right? ;-) picked up some Dove Dark Chocolate Hearts. I had not eaten anything all day and I was starving, so I decided to try one to keep my stomach from growling so loudly. Today I am a changed woman! If you ask me today, I will say emphatically "I love Dove dark Chocolate". So, maybe Valentine's Day isn't such a bad thing after all!

For those of you who asked, here is a picture of how the e*es are doing. Much better!

Weird TLC and Last Week's Class Notes

So, I don't watch much TV at all. I watch American Idol, Life Today, and decorating shows when I do watch. I don't like to sit down long enough to watch TV, but occasionally when Disney Channel isnt on, I will listen to a program while I am doing household chores. Lately, I have noticed a very, dare I say, 'queer' pattern on The Learning Channel. It seems that they are trying (and very hard I might add) to incorporate gay couples on all of their shows. I have seen several shows recently where 'gay partners' are redecorating their homes, looking for vacation homes, or where lesbian couples have undergone in-vitro to have a baby and want to tell the world by going on "A Baby Story". I haven't seen a gay version of a "Wedding Stroy", but I am sure it's only because I don't watch that show anyway. What is up with that?

I, personally, am growing very tired of being bombarded by homosexuality at every turn. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah? Remember Abraham asking God to spare everyone if he could find just 10 righteous people left? Remember the wild men knocking on Lot's door asking to have sex with the men (angels) who had come to visit and Lot offering his virgin daughters instead? There was no such thing as TV in Lot's day, but if there had been, I bet gay couples could have been seen parading their sin on the small screen for all to see. Times have changed, but people haven't. I feel like I am living in the days of Lot OR better yet in the days of Noah........

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left". Matthew 24:36-40


I just realized I forgot to post last week's class notes (from a Bible study class I am leading at church). I don't know if any of you really want to read them, but posting them here ensures that I won't lose them. If you do read them, remember they are just my notes to remind me of what I want to say - they aren't all complete thoughts and some things may not make complete sense outside of the classroom setting.


Fourth Week Notes

Last we talked about the question: “Am I using God for what I want Him to give me or do I really desire to get close to Him?”

I think our relationship with God hinges on that very question.

By that I mean that people who just want the benefits that come with being a child of God are not going to care if they truly KNOW God, KNOW His character, KNOW His will…….There are people who are truly saved (people who admit they are sinners, believe Jesus is God’s son who died for them, and confess their sins, ask Jesus into their heart, etc. etc. etc.) but never grown in their relationship with God.

I was saved at the age of 14 and I hate to think of the years I wasted not growing in my relationship with Jesus.

There are so many people (young people, old people) who are saved and baptized in the church and then forgotten. As a church, we need to make discipling these people a priority.

If you are not growing in God, you are growing away from God - it is like a tug of war - the world on one side and our relationship with God on the other - if we are not in the word, the world will win every time because the word is what keeps us from giving in to our sin nature
John 16:14 says, He (Holy Spirit) will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.

The Holy Spirits goal is to bring glory to the Father and the Son by revealing the Father’s thoughts concerning us.

God the Father wants us to know Him and He wants to share Himself with us.

We can learn the nature of God or the attributes of God by studying His Word.

List some of the attributes of God . Hint: top of page 70 Exodus 34:6-7 and MalachI 3:6-7

Does knowing these characteristics of God make it easier for you to obey Him?

It should. Knowing He has our best interest at heart, knowing He is compassionate, slow to anger, forgiving, just, etc. etc….it should make us more willing and quick to obey what He tells us.

When a person doesn’t understand these things about God, they are less willing to obey…….

How did you come to know personally that God is forgiving, compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love?

On page 70, she tells of a time in college when she was not walking with the Lord. She talks about the guilt that she experienced from her time of ‘straying’.
I daresay there is not one person in this class that has not experienced guilt from a time of past sin. There are people who are so laden with guilt from their pasts they are paralyzed by it.
This is another area where we need to be in the Word in order to know whether God is speaking to us or whether satan is condemning us for our past sins.

Have someone read I Corinthians 13:4-8

If we know God’s love is patient, kind, not envious, doesn’t boast , not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, doesn’t delight in evil, rejoices with truth, protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres then we should be able to easily distinguish God’s voice from satan’s

The voice that tells you that your past sin disqualifies you from doing great things for God or from being called by God or used by Him is the voice of satan because satan keeps all your wrongs recorded and he loves to play them back to you

Romans 8:1 tells us “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus“

So, either the Bible is true or it isn’t. You have to decide if you believe what God has said or not.

If you allow satan to condemn you because of past sins, then you do not truly believe God’s word ---which brings about another sin - unbelief.

Jesus told the woman caught in adultery “I do not condemn you either - go and sin no more”.

This is what He tells us - go and sin no more. He doesn’t want us to dwell on our past, but to go and sin no more.

I believe that God allows us to reflect on times of past sin so that we remember how dark those times were and so that we will never want to go back to those times

In her other study, He Speaks to Me, she calls it having your own personal Schechem. Remember back in Genesis when God told Abram to leave everything and take his wife and all his stuff and go to Canaan. God had to get Abram out of his old lifestyle and away from the evil and idols of his native country so that He could do great things through Abram. Abram was an idol worshipper who turned into a God worshipper. On the way to Canaan Abram stopped to make camp at Schechem and the Lord appeared to him there. Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord. Later, Joshua gathered the people at Schechem and challenged them to give up their idols and turn to the Lord.

By having your own personal Shechem, I mean that there may be a emotional, mental or physical state from your past that God brings you back to in order to get your attention - a place He revealed Himself to you…….a place where you turned from your sin and turned back to Him
I believe He allows us to remember those places, but not because He wants to condemn us, but to remind us of what He delivered us from and also to remind us to continue serving Him

What is your personal Shechem?

Day 3 talks about God’s peace.

Colossians 3:15 says Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

“Let Peace Rule” - I think this is key in discerning if you are truly walking with the Lord.
In my observation, carnal Christians tend to allow circumstances to rule instead of the peace of Christ.

Do you let peace rule or is there always chaos in your life?

Now, I am not saying that a Christians life will always be peaceful and stress free, but someone who truly believes will not live their life in a state of constant alarm and panic.

Do you know anyone who professes to be a Christian, but shows no signs of peace in their heart because they let circumstances rule?

On page 75, she says “When we know the Holy Spirit is leading us in a particular direction, to go against that leading is, in essence, to reject the leading of the Holy Spirit and sin against God”
I kind of disagree with her here, because going against the Holy Spirit’s leading is not ‘in essence’ a sin against God - IT IS DEFINITELY a sin against God.

A simple example of this is when the Spirit tells us to witness to someone and we let our fear stop us - - we are sinning against God by ignoring His voice AND by not fulfilling the Great Commission, not to mention the fact that we are also missing out on the blessing of leading someone to faith in Christ

Day 4 is all about Truth on page 76

Last week I told you about a friend who married a non-believer and always tries to justify her decsion………

Have you ever tried to justify something you knew was contrary to God’s word?

Earlier we talked about the attributes of God and how the Holy Spirits primary goal is to bring glory to the Father

Is it easy for us to mistake satan’s voice for God’s?

Should it be?

We should know by the ‘tone of the talk’. God’s tone is love and satans is guilt and condemnation.
We cannot justify sin because of ‘misunderstanding’ what God is saying to us.
We may misunderstand a word from God spoken to our spirit, but the Bible will not contradict what God is saying -

On page 77, what are some of the things you put that misrepresent God’s truth? (ex. I don’t need to be part of a local church (Hebrews 10:25)

Everything we do must be passed through the filter of the Holy Spirit and the Word. The more acquainted we are with God’s word, the more accurately and often we will be able to hear Him speak.

How many of you believe we are living in the last days?

One of the signs of us living in the end times is the falling away of the church.

There are so many church denominations today that are falling away from the truth of God’s word.

There are churches who are ordaining homosexual women as pastors and condoning homosexual relationships - even “marrying” gay couples

There are churches who used to believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God who now say that the stories in the Bible are not necessarily all true.

I could go on and on with examples, but my point is this: We live in an evil world. We have so many false ideologies coming at us from all angles, if we don’t know what we believe and what the Word says, it would be easy for us to fall victim to false doctrine.

When we ‘hide His word in our hearts” we don’t have to ‘look up’ the answers when faced with difficult decisions or situations
When we “hide His word in our hearts” we can witness and contend for our faith when the opportunity arises
When we read/study the Bible we know the ’tone’ of what God is saying to us so that we are more equipped to share or defend out faith

For example, “What do you say to someone who says you shouldn’t be eating bacon because the Bible says that pork is forbidden? (We don’t live under that law - we live under grace) How did you know that? You studied the Bible enough to find it out!

Rated "E" For Excellent

So, I got this from Fran this morning. When I saw it, I thought she wanted to check to make sure my vision is still in tact (kind of looks like a vision chart - see previous two posts). Thanks to my friend Fran! I appreciate your kind words and encouragement.

(I promise I am working on a post that has nothing to do with my eyes! And I promise no more pictures of my eyes - I won't event type the word eyes if I can help it!)

Another Eye Update

So, I got up this morning with great expectations of having been miraculously and completely healed. I went to the mirror and I have to say that the eyes look MUCH better. So, I decided to wash my face and moisturize a little and I would be fine. Sounded good, until my eyes started swelling and turning fire engine red AGAIN. So, I am here at home with my four year old while hubs and 6 yr old are on their way to revival. Maybe the swelling will go down by tonight and I can sneak in and sit on the back row.
Yesterday, my 4 yr old said, "The Little Mermaid is beautiful and you are too, Mommy." So, that makes me feel a little better.
Anyway, I thank you all for your great advice. Did you see that Lysa Terkeurst (Proverbs 31 Ministries) left me a sweet comment? I thought my vision was going bad when I saw her comment. I listen to her on the radio all the time! Lysa? On my little blog? YAY!!! How fun! Love her. Love you guys too!

MY EYES! MY EYES!!!!!!

***Update on the FREAK Eyes****
They are looking a little better today - less red, more flaky looking though. I am praying that they will be even better tomorrow and that my 'vanity' will not keep me from getting to go to church. Did I mention I love church?!? I also love my makeup and without it I look semi-dead. If they are still no better than they are now by 7 am then Iwill stay home in the morning and hopefully slip in the back pew for tomorrow night........we shall see. Until then, I am spending a beautifully sunny Saturday in my kitchen working on crafts for the Preschool Valentine's party at church on Wednesday and for the Valentine's part at Lake's school on Thursday. Have I mentioned that in our new house I will have my own craft, present wrapping, sewing, card-making room? Hubs just told me this morning that I need to draw out the design so the builder can start building the shelves. Yep, God is good ALL THE TIME (even with my freaky eyes) ALL THE TIME! Can I get an AMEN? Hah---lay---looo--yaaaaaaa!

"Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity". Ecclesiastes 1:2

Okay, so do you guys remember back in college when you were required to take 'Personal Health' class? Remember the book that showed pictures of all sorts of diseases? Those pictures always grossed me out! I could literally throw up at pictures of things like cauliflower ear and other anomalies like that. What in the heck is that junk anyway? YIKES!! There is a reason I am not a nurse - my stomach couldn't handle it. I was a candy striper at a local hospital for about 2 months. That two months as a candy striper brought my future as a nurse to a screeching halt. One of my jobs was to refill water and ice containers for each of the patients. While I was in a 2-person room one day (the room was divided by a curtain) I was filling a water container and a man with a trach-tube grabbed my leg through the curtain - he was yelling at me and I freaked out - I screamed and ran out and never went back. (Give me a break I was 15!). Needless to say I was not called to nursing. The smell of a hospital makes me gag every time.

But you get my point that I have a weak stomach. Right?

So, anyway, this past week I have noticed that the skin on my eyelids was very dry and red. I have used vaseline, neosporin, lotions, etc. etc. in an effort to make the redness and dry skin go away. Yesterday, both my eyes were not only red, they were swollen - alot. I dealt with it and covered it up with makeup (I know not the best idea, but I had places to go, people to see! Like being at my son's school, taking him for a haircut and his basketball game). So, last night, I made the command decsion to take some Benadryl and go to bed. I woke up this morning and my eyes were not only fiery red, they were swollen shut! I am talking "Night of the Living Dead' . Hubs said I looked like Marylin Manson (well he said Charles Manson first - we arent that schooled in freaks, ya know - as I stood there for a minute trying to figure out why I looked like Charles Manson, he said "No, not Charles, ummmmmm that freak that puts red paint on his eyes......). Now I have never seen Marylin Manson, but I know he is not someone who I aspire to look like.

Moving right along................

I went to the doctor and it seems that my skin is so dry that the top layer has come off and I have had an allergic reaction to my makeup or moisturizer. So, three steroid shots and lots of embarrassing 'sunglasses indoors' moments later, I still have swollen red eyes and cannot wear makeup for 5 days (yes FIVE DAYS - guys, I aint pretty without it). I literally wore my sunglasses in the doctors office, in the car, in the drug store, and in my house. I answered the door today with my sunglasses on. Hey, sometimes you gotta weigh your options. It was either scare people to death or make them think I am weird. I chose weird. I talked to my dad on the phone today - yes, he reads this blog (someone help him figure out why he cant post comments). I was telling him that our church is starting revival with Bob Pittman this Sunday thru Wednesday. I told him that I wouldnt be able to go if I wasnt better. He told me that I was being 'vain'. Yep, he went there. Vanity is a strong word, but unfortunately might be fitting in this particular instance, but I am also thinking of the poor people who will be forced to look at my freaky self. Did I mention that my arm where I got the shots feels like I have been holding a 400 lb weight for a week? How anyone could get addicted to steroids, I will never know!

So, against my better judgement, and only because I know you all are my true friends, I am posting a couple of pics of my 'Bride of Frankenstein' face. I have to say these pictures make me look much better than I really look in person. They fail to show the true blood red color on my eyes and they do not do justice to the extreme swelling. I posted a normal pic of me above so you would remember that I dont always look like this and so anyone new to this blog would not be scared to come back. But I am only posting this picture so that you ALL can answer this question:

Should I go to church and endure endless stares and answer everyone's questions or should I stay home until it is less noticeable? What would you do?

This morning

This evening - remember I cant wear makeup for at least 5 days! Help!

Answers

Okay, I know you have been waiting on the edge of your seats to read my answers to your questions (okay maybe not on the very edge), so here they are.................

Stephanie aks "How did you and your man meet?"

Well, Stephanie, long ago and in a land far, far, away......well, not really. It WAS long ago (9 yrs) and in a land about 30 minutes down the road...... I 'll give you the short version :My husband worked with my stepfather. Hubs had just transferred back here (which is also his home) from Chattanooga when my stepdad told me he would like for me to meet him. My mom, my stepdad, hubs and I had dinner together. I had never seen him before - he pulled up in a little sportscar (which we still have). We talked and he took me back to my apartment. We talked there for about an hour and a half. He asked if he could call me and I said yes. He did call me, but it was a year and a half later. Yes, you read that right 18 months later he called. During that time he saw my mom and stepdad often and come to find out he was still 'dating' a girl in Chattanooga. So, 18 months later after they had broken up he decided to call me. When I answered the phone and figured out who it was, at first I decided I would not go out with him if he asked......BUT, he was too nice so I went. We went on our first date on January 12th, 1999 (Outback Steakhouse) and we were married on June 26th of that same year. Short courtship? Yes, but nine years later we are still married, so I guess it is working out AOK.

First date at Outback - $50
Outdoor wedding in Gazebo - $4,000 (not including dress, tuxes, limo, or honeymoon)
Nine years and 2 boys later - Priceless

Kelly S asks :"What is God teaching you right now and what is your favorite scripture?"

Right now God is teaching me to listen and keep my mouth shut in my relationship with Him. He is teaching me that I talk to much and listen way too little. He is also teaching me to listen for and to Him in the everyday things. By that I mean, He is speaking to me through others and through His Word and He is showing me how to expect His presence and His voice.

My favorite scripture is Isaiah 43:1-13
1 But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:Fear not, for I have redeemed you; have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-
7 everyone who is called by my name,whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.
9 All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of them foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, "It is true."
10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.
12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.
13 Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?"


and do you read fiction, if so what??

I love to read fiction, but don't have much time to do it anymore. I love anything Francine Rivers and Angela Elwell Hunt and Roberta Kels-Door (Not sure of that spelling). I used to read at least 3 books per week - love to read!

Fran wants to know: "What is the name of one of your most favorite Bible studies that you have completed???"

Well, Fran, I loved Breaking Free and I also loved He Speaks to Me, but one of my favorites is Priscilla Shirer's Discerning the Voice of God - maybe it is because that is what I am doing now. I have loved every Beth Moore study I have done, but I am trying to branch out and find some new favorties as well.

Jennifer in Japan wants to know:

What is your favorite indulgence?

Graeter's Ice Cream/Homemade Cornflake cookies/Homemade No-Bake Oatmeal cookies --- you did mean food indulgence right? I have no other indulgences other than food!

Do you wear granny panties or bikini cut? Well, depends on what day it is. Some granny/some bikini. And it also depends on what I am wearing that day. I can tell you that I will never wear a thong - why would I buy panties that are intended to creep into places they dont belong? I do my best to keep mine outta there! Don't get me started on women who wear thongs and flash them in our faces all the time --- really, people, no one wants to see your underwear!

How often do you get your hair cut? every 6 weeks

Alana asks:

Have you ever traveled outside of the US? Where?
Yes, France, Spain, Mexico, the Carribean - Bahamas, Castaway Kay (Disney Island)

What are you having for dinner tonight? Good question, I am sorry I dont have an answer for you (not half as sorry as my husband) 6 yr old has a basketball game tonight so probably hot dogs? Sad, I know, but true nonetheless

What is the next fun thing you have on your calendar? Ummmmm, we go to aNashville for a week over my son's spring break - my husband will be working while the b oys and I are at Opry Mills shopping and eating at the Rainforest Cafe. Then in May we are going camping - not sure where yet. Then in July ----- IT'S DISNEY WORLD, BABY!!!!!!

And finally, Anonymous asks:

How do you manage to look so great, keep your house spotless, and stay so skinny?

Well, Anon, it is definitely a challenge, but somehow I manage. :-)


Isn't that anonymous so sweet? (okay its me and my house is a mess, my eyes are all swollen and red for some reason unknown to me or anyone else, and I am nowhere near skinny but whatever!)

So, that ends the question and answer session. Thank you for all your questions - sorry for the boring answers. Come back soon for another exciting post............

Ask Me Anything (A Copycat Post)

Yesterday, after church, I spent three hours working on notes for my Wednesday night class. After I had typed about 7 pages (yes I said seven) a little box popped up on my screen. Want to know what that little box said? It said, "Microsoft has encountered a serious error and needs to shut down". At the bottom of that little box were two buttons - one said "Send Error Report" and the other said "Don't Send Error Report". Okay, I just typed for three hours and lost everything I typed. Are you kidding me? Yes, I want to send an error report. I want it to go directly to Bill Freakin' Gates and I want him to pay me for the three hours work that I lost. As a matter of fact, I want error reports sent to every computer (home and business) in the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Guam! I know what you are thinking ....why didn't you save your work? Well, to that I have one thing to say "Judge not!" Sometimes I am like Paul - "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it". (Romans 7). But enough about that...

I was just over at Stephanie's blog and she is doing an "Ask Me Anything" post. (Did ya'll know her 90 year old grandmother got saved last week?) Anyway, since I will be busy this morning and possibly until late afternoon trying to remember and recreate my notes, I thought I would copycat her idea.

So, ASK ME ANYTHING. I will try to answer your questions to the best of my limited ability.

P.S. If you are reading this and you are a total weirdo, please do not ask me anything - there are plenty of weirdo type blogs for you to read - this isnt one of them. You know who you are. I have read your other comments and deleted them.

Oh yeah! YAY GIANTS! That Tom Brady thinks just a little too highly of himself if you ask me. But I know you didnt ask me - dont worry, I dont charge for opinions - my opinions are always free here (because its my blog)

Whatever......

Hey! Long time - no type. I have been in constant rush for the past several days now. You know the kind of rushing around where you can't think about what you are doing right now because you are thinking about what you have to do next? That has been me this week. What I really need is a vacation, but aside from a week in Nashville coming in March, vacation will not happen until late May. In my life it has always 'feast or famine'. By that I mean that I either have a thousand things to do at once or very little to do at all. I miss the days of having very little to do (I can't even remember what they were like). Hopefully, other than laundry and grocery shopping today will be a little more relaxed.

So, since I have been absent from the blog all week, I thought a random post might be in order, so here goes.........

*In my class this past Wednesday, a woman prayed to receive Christ. The subject matter of that particular week was really convicting and I noticed she had tears in her eyes during the class. Afterward, she voiced concerns about salvation to her friend who was sitting beside her and her friend prayed with her right there in the classroom. I love it!!!!

On a lighter note.....

* Have you been to the mall lately? I mean have you really shopped for clothes in the past month or so? My mom and I went to the mall for a couple of hours on Wednesday. I really need some 'church clothes'. I wear the same 5 or 6 outfits over and over and I am even getting sick of seeing myself in them (so I know everyone else is sick of looking at them! Just kidding, I know people could really care less about my wardrobe). Anyway, I had an amount in mind to spend on some dress clothes (that's what we hillbillies call them 'dress clothes' - hey, it's better than 'Sunday-go-to-meetin' clothes'). I went to our local Belk store and had grand ideas of some wonderful new tailored pieces to add to my wardrobe. Unfortunately, I felt like I had taken a step back in time-- to the 1960's. No, I wasn't alive in the 60's, but I have seen the pictures and they aren't pretty. I am telling you, if I had a pair of white go-go boots, they would have matched any of the outfits I saw fabulously. The dresses are huge wild prints and they are short - very short. They remind me of sacks (not Sak's as in 5th Avenue, but sacks as in potato sacks). They are mostly made out of some sort of polyester (yes, polyester is apparently making a comeback even though it feels like wearing plastic). Some were made out of rayon (I thought we completely stopped making rayon back in the 80's, but whatever). Some of the wild print things were shaped like 'bubbles' - I kid you not! I tried on a top that was black and white print - it had a little puffy 3/4 length sleeve and it tied at the bottom to make you look like you are wearing a sandwich bag or like you are in a bubble. I could go on about this for DAYS and DAYS, but let's just leave it at this........some things are better left in the past.

*My son's team has played 5 basketball games in the last 2 weeks and they have won 3 of them. Our team is the Road Runners (our sponsor is Summers-Taylor, a local paving company). Lake is not really a great shooter, but he can guard the best of them, and you know DEFENSE wins the game! My husband is one of the coaches of the team and you would think that he is back in high school playing basketball again. He is constantly making up plays and thinking of different defenses to use against certain teams. He is having at least as much fun as Lake is.

*Our house is still under construction. We have no sheet rock yet! We may not get to move in until 2012 (okay maybe that is an exaggeration). I am thankful that we are not having to rent until we move or that we arent trying to sell our house (we are probably going to rent it out after we move to the new one). I just wish it were farther along. There are so many decisions to make and I am not very decisive. I will post pictures soon.

*My youngest son, Kaden, might be watching too much tv. He is 4 and every time he looks in the mirror he smiles and says "Lookin' good". He says it in a manly voice too. I am kind of worried. At his birthday party a couple of weeks ago, he made the announcement that "This party's off the hook!" (a line from Madagascar I believe). There are so many more little quotes I could tell you, but there really isnt time to type them all. I think its time to unplug the tv.

*About a week ago Jennifer (notice the linky - mad skillz I tell ya) tagged me to do do a meme where I am supposed to disclose 7 things about myself. As much as this might bore you, here goes.......

~One time I went to a place where you pay money and they wrap you in these cloths that are supposed to make you lose up to 12 inches of fat in one hour. I was desperate, people, desperation causes us to do STUPID things! They measured me after it was over and I had lost a total of 7 inches off my whole body. Sounds good, huh? Well, that meant I lost 1/4 inch off each arm, 1/4 inch off each leg, 1/4 inch off my waist ----do ya smell what I'm cookin' here? Money wasted - lesson learned - whatever.
~My husband and I love the beach and we love Disney World, but two of our other favorite places to visit are: Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland - we had so much fun in both places we always tell people to visit them. (I told you I was boring).
~I went to France and Spain when I got out of high school. One night at a restaraunt in France, they served rabbit. My choices were fish with the bones still in it and eyes or rabbit - I knew I wasnt going to eat either of those things - I was interested in the bread and potatoes - so I figured I would go with the one that smelled least disgusting so I picked rabbit. When they brought it out and sat it in front of me, I nearly died right there on the spot! When I say they served rabbit, I mean it still looked like the rabbit! It was in the shape of a bunny, it still had the eyes. Within three seconds of looking at it, I went to the bathroom and threw up. The only things I ate for the rest of the trip were bread, M&M's and McDonalds fries.
~Hubs and I went on a Disney cruise a few years ago. We met an older couple (in their 70's) from PA. We still keep in touch with them.
~When my husband and I went to get our marriage license, I was so nervous when the woman asked me to raise my right hand to swear to the information, I raised my left. (He will never let me live it down - he tells everyone). I used to have a problem with left/right (judge lest not ye be judged). My first grade teacher had arrows on the wall that said left/right on them. The problem was that I was facing them so it was backwards to me. It took me years (I mean years) to get it straight in my mind.......go ahead and make fun of me at this time when you read the next item, you wont be laughing! Whatever.....
~I graduated from a private college Summa Cum Laude with a 3.98 gpa. HA!
~My first job was at Lenscrafters (I was 16). I worked there all through high school and 2 years of college. I had to wear dresses and shoes with heels. I made really good money because I made commission on glasses that I sold and I spent all my money on clothes, shoes, eating out, gas, and makeup. I really liked working there. My second job was working at Sears Telecatalog - I hated it! I wore a headset and sat in front of a computer ---when you hear a ringing in your ear you say "Thank you for calling Sears Telecatalog, this is Beth, how may I help you today?" Most boring, worst job ever! I might be the reason that Sears does not have a catalog department today.

~ Heres a bonus for ya....I hate to drink after people (yes even family), I drink oolong and green tea everyday - antioxidants ya know, I use Principal Secret skin care stuff that I ordered off TV when I was pregnant with Lake 7 years ago - love it, I shop at Wal-Mart way too much (and I sometimes buy clothes there even though my husband hates it).........

Okay, Jennifer, there you have it.....Jennifer? Jennifer? Wake up! You said you wanted to hear 7 things about me! :-)

*I watched the Obama/Clinton debate last night and laughed my head off. Day before yesterday they were biting wach other's heads off and last night they were almost in love with each other. Funny what a difference a day makes........The Republicans are now cutting each other to the quick.....to be honest, I am really not that impressed with any of them. (Although I do kind of like Huck).

*Have you noticed that people are trying their best to name their kids weird names? We know some people.....well, better shut up on that one. Look up celebrity baby names and you will see what I mean. I am all for different names, but should you really name a little girl Scout? Whatever.

~Have you noticed that people use the word 'whatever' way too much?

~This morning hubs forgot to take the garbage can to the end of the driveway (Friday is garbage day here - told you this would bore you) so when I saw the truck coming, I put on my tennis shoes with my pajamas and ran the garbage out to the road in the rain. I have no makeup on and my hair is a mess. As I was turning the can around and heading back to the house, I noticed hub's old girlfriend driving by (she lives up the road from us - she is really nice). I bet she thinks he got a real prize when he married me, huh?

Well, for the two of you who have read to this point I have to say, "I am truly sorry that you are still awake".