ArmyReserveWife

What Harold Camping Got Right

2011-05-23T10:46:00.000-05:00

Ballet Girl's dance recital

2011-05-21T17:24:00.002-05:00

Customize your own free photo slideshow

Life happens, Joshua 1

2011-05-17T06:21:00.000-05:00

I have been lax in my postings. Life happens! Last week was busy, busy!! I was preparing for my man, JTB, to come home for a visit! Plus work, the kids and school! So it has been crazy. JTB got in Saturday early evening! We went to church on Sunday morning, lunch and then went to see NSB in South City Theatre's production of "Wizard of Oz". Yesterday was a school day for the kids and JTB worked on our toilets! Plus we went to Lowe's for some more supplies and dreamed a bit about the stuff we would like to do in our house! Especially the kitchen!

Cast picture from "Wizard of Oz". NSB was Uncle Henry, a flying monkey and a tree!

Today's reading on my You Version reading plan is Joshua 1.

Joshua 1 starts out with God telling Joshua, Moses is dead. It is time to go on with life. How hard that would have been for Joshua. Just think his mentor, Moses, is dead. The responsibility for the spiritual and natural well being of the Israelites was now on his shoulders. He knew what they were like, so I am sure it was a responsibility that he took, but also was on his knees a lot!

God laid a lot on Joshua's shoulders in those first two verses, but then He lays out the plan for Joshua. He tells him that every where the sole of his foot treads, the Lord has given to him, just as he promised Moses. Even when God comes to us with instructions on something he wants us to do, He backs it up. He lays out the plan, but also His promises! Verse 5 attests to that! " No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you." (HCSB) What an absolutely wonderful promise! Yet that promise just wasn't for Joshua! Peter spoke in Acts 10:34 (KJV) "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:" So to me that means that what God did for one person in the Bible He will do for me! Praise God!! God continues to instruct Joshua on what he must do in verses seven and eight. "7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do."

As a good man and leader, Joshua does what the Lord has commanded. He prepares the people. A good leader will always prepare the people for a move of God! So if you are sitting in a church where the Word is not being preached, then your leader is not preparing the people for a move of God! You need to pray and ask God if you should get out and find a Word preaching church!

The people of Israel obeyed the leading of Joshua. Which tells you that they respected the man and that he was a man to be followed! Verse 16 and 17 says "They answered Joshua, "Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. 17 We will obey you, just as we obeyed Moses in everything. And may the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses."

I am sure that it comforted Joshua. The Lord allowed confirmation, by the people, for Joshua! When He calls us, He instructs, equips and confirms! Our God is an awesome God! He loves us and is concerned about every aspect of our lives, including the instructional part of our lives. He wants us to grow, to stretch, to continually trust Him more!

Do you trust? Do you follow His instructions? I am constantly growing in that area, just as you all are! May we all trust and follow His instructions so we can grow to be more mature Christ followers!

God's provisions, Exodus 1

2011-05-09T07:58:00.000-05:00

Good morning! This week is a big week! NSB has tech week for Wizard of Oz. JTB comes home on Saturday! So exciting. Boo Boo comes back from Indiana this weekend. So busy, busy, busy!

Today's reading is in Exodus chapter 1. As I read it, I was trying to grab some wisdom from it. It is a short chapter. (I use the Holman Christian Standard Bible)

1 Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,4 Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.s6 And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.

7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.

8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.s13 And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.

15 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.18 And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.21 And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

So during the famine, Joseph moved his family to Egypt and they prospered. Then the old pharaoh died and a new one came on and he didn't know of Joseph. Which I don't understand how he could not have heard of Joseph. I would think he would have been mentioned in the scrolls.

There arose up a new king—Who this was it is difficult to say. It was probably Ramesses Miamun, or his son Amenophis, who succeeded him in the government of Egypt about A. M. 2400, before Christ 1604.
Which knew not Joseph—The verb ‏ידע‎ yada, which we translate to know, often signifies to acknowledge or approve. See Judges 2:10; Psalm 1:6; 31:7; Hosea 2:8; Amos 3:2. The Greek verbs ειδω and γινωσκω are used precisely in the same sense in the New Testament. See Matthew 25:12, and 1 John 3:1. We may therefore understand by the new king's not knowing Joseph, his disapproving of that system of government which Joseph had established, as well as his haughtily refusing to acknowledge the obligations under which the whole land of Egypt was laid to this eminent prime minister of one of his predecessors.
A Commentary and Critical Notes. Adam Clarke's Commentary

So now you have this new pharaoh who is afraid of the number of Israelites in Egypt. So he tells the midwives to kill all new born baby boys. They disobey that order, why? Because they feared God. So they spared all the new born boys, and God prospered them gave them husbands. The children of Israel grew.

So what is the moral? I guess to me it is that when someone, even someone in power, tells us to do something that we know is wrong, we need to do what is right and trust that God will protect us and provide. These women were not Israelites they were Egyptians, Gentiles! So as in the New Testament, we as Gentiles when doing what we know is right in God's eyes, He will protect and provide.

I find comfort that there are so many examples of that in the Old Testament as well as the new!

May God provide for you today, as you chose to do what is right.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T21:35:00.003-05:00

Today was a good day! I got up this morning and prepared our lunch so that when we got home from church it could go straight into the oven. I got to Skype with my man, JTB, all morning then we got ready and headed to Alabaster Church of God where Pastor Stroup delivered a good old fashioned fire and brimstone preaching on salvation. It was out of II Samuel 21. The story of Rizpah and how she stayed six months with the bodies of her sons that David had killed to avenge the killings that Saul had done.

10 And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.11 And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

12 And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh–gilead, which had stolen them from the street of Beth–shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:13 And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.14 And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.

Rizpah may or may not have been a good mother when her sons were growing up, but she was a good mother at their deaths. She kept the birds and animals away from her sons, she cried out to God for her sons. David heard what she was doing and he went and got the bones of Saul and Jonothan and then came and took the bones of her sons and buried them properly. He gave honor to the King and his descendants. The drought was gone.

How much more should we as mothers be in intercession for our children who do not follow Christ?

Happy Mother's Day!!

Here are my rug rats! My precious children!

ESB, Ballet Girl and NSB at church this morning. The two older ones are in Indiana. So they weren't here for the picture.

Intercede, don't let go until your children know Christ. I know I won't!

Saturday Ramblings

2011-05-07T07:09:00.001-05:00

Well my reading plan on You Version gives me Saturday's and Sunday's off, so today is a catch up day.

What has been going on? Well a lot. Our daughter, Boo Boo, went to visit her grandmother last weekend for two weeks. She just turned 18 in March. She is trying to find herself. I am very concerned about the choices she has been making and I am praying God will open her eyes and she will see that there are some major issues to confront. So while she is gone it is just me, ESB, Ballet Girl and NSB.

Ballet Girl has her first recital coming up on the 21st of May. She is so excited. I am so very excited for her.

Isn't she just gorgeous?!!

Her daddy is taking leave and coming home so we are all excited about that. JTB will be home next Saturday evening! It has been two months since we have seen him. It has just been crazy, between NSB's theater, weather and just life, but we are excited! We miss him so.

NSB has a performance in the South City Theatre workshop "Wizard of Oz". He has three parts, a tree, a monkey and Uncle Henry. We have all costumes, I just need to finish the tree costume. I am not a crafty person, so this is a challenge for me, but it is good to stretch yourself, right?

ESB just did his first audition. He auditioned for the Parnell Memorial Library theater camp. He got a part!! We are just waiting to see what it will be. So I have two children in theater! ESB is quite good. He can do a couple of accents etc.. I am excited to see what he gets. The camp is for 2 weeks in July!

Me, well I have been trying to read more than I have in the past. I am also trying to get on a schedule to help us with our days. Monday, cleaning the house and laundry. Tuesday, change and wash the bedding. Wednesday off day, Thursday and Friday, I work. Plus we do school everyday, and then we fit in theater practice, church and dance class.

Oh back to the reading. I just finished The Pioneer Woman's book "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels". What was so cool was I borrowed it from our library's electronic library. I downloaded it and transferred it along with two books for Ballet Girl to my NookColor. So that was pretty cool. The book is wonderful. It is about Pioneer Woman and Marlboro Man's courtship and first year of marriage! If you are a fan, you will love it.

Well lots to do today, so I better get at it. First, another cup of coffee. There is just something about coffee, a cool morning and all the kids still in bed that just makes it taste better (the coffee)!

Genesis 24 The Arranged Marriage

2011-05-06T06:12:00.000-05:00

An arranged marriage....Can you imagine? Especially in today's society. Yet let's go back about 4000 years.

Abraham was old, getting on in years. (Moses had a sense of humor!) He made his servant swear that he would go to Abraham's relatives to get Isaac and wife. He also made him swear he would not let Isaac return to his relatives. How did they "shake" on it? Well Abraham had his servant put his hand under Abraham's thigh. Weird, but it worked for them.

So you all know the story, the servant left took a lot of gifts and ended up at a well of Abraham's relatives. This is the cool part. He prayed to God asking him to have mercy and favor on his master, Abraham, by sending him a girl for Isaac. He asked God to show him the girl by having her ask to water the camels after she offered him a drink of water.

Rebekah comes along and he asks her for a drink she says, "sure and let me water your camels why you do so" (my paraphrasing). So success! The servant goes with her tells her family all that transpired between him and Abraham, his prayer to God and what Rebekah did. Well then the family said let her stay with us and we will send her in 10 days....the servant was like hold the phone, send her with me now. So they asked Rebekah and she said she would go.

As she was starting to leave the family bestowed upon Rebekah a blessing...it is found in Genesis 24 verse 60
They blessed Rebekah, saying to her:

Our sister, may you become
thousands upon ten thousands.
May your offspring possess
the gates of their enemies.

I want to camp on that for a minute. How many fathers or mothers out there, when their child is getting married bestows a blessing upon their child and future spouse? Not many, but it is biblical. So when your children are old enough for marriage, think about bestowing a blessing upon them. Speak life into that marriage and not death. Even if the marriage is not what you want for them and you know it will happen then stop and think that speaking life and praying for them, will change the situation.

Okay, so they all leave to head back to Isaac. (Interesting that Abraham isn't mentioned) So from a distance Rebekah sees a man walking towards them, it is Isaac. He takes Rebekah into his mother's tent and he loves her and he was comforted after his mother's death. Wow, there are several points in this verse. Let's start with how they didn't know each other. If Abraham was adamant about Isaac not going to his relatives land, we know Rebekah had never met this side of her family. So they were strangers. Secondly, he takes Rebekah into his mother's tent. One it has the ewww factor, but also Isaac is telling his servants, friends etc...this woman is my wife and she is your mistress...Third, Isaac loved her. He wouldn't have loved her with the love that we have after dating our spouses for months or years. He loved her with the love of God. He loved her like God loves. I thought at first it might be because she was beautiful, and that might have had a hand in it, but God said Isaac loved her. God doesn't lie, so Isaac loved Rebekah. Fourth, Rebekah must have loved him back because the Bible says that Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. Rebekah was the right woman for Isaac.

So would you choose an arranged marriage for your child? Maybe not, but there is an example here. I think the number one thing is to pray for the spouse of your child. Two, provide for that child. Three, bless that marriage.

As I look ahead to my children's possible marriages, all I can do, especially in today's society is to pray that God sends them a person who loves God, and will love our children as only a God sent spouse can do. I pray He does the same for yours!

Genesis 22 The sacrifice of Isaac...Parent/Child relationship

2011-05-05T06:38:00.001-05:00

Today in the Major Events reading plan I am on chapter 22 of Genesis. The sacrifice of Issac. When we talk about it we talk about how God provides, but there is another lesson to be learned in this chapter. The lesson is child obedience. Abraham was obedient unto God. He brought wood and his son, Isaac. Now Isaac must have thought, okay dad and I are going to the mountain to sacrifice and worship Yahweh together. They get there, Abraham prepares for the sacrifice....Isaac doesn't see any animal there, so he asks his father where is the animal (Gen 22:7) In verse 8 Abraham tells Isaac God will provide.

Let's look at this. Isaac was a good boy. He followed his father to the mountain and was ready to worship with him. Remember Abraham by this time was older, but Isaac would have been a teen, maybe a young man at this time. He could have ran from his father when he realized he was the sacrifice, but he didn't. He stayed and he allowed his father to tie him up to be the sacrifice. There had to have been more conversation there that Moses didn't record. Isaac would have asked why? He possibly would have begged please no, father, no. Genesis 22 records that it took 3 days for them to reach the mountain. We all know the sacrifice of Isaac is symbolic of the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus knew no sin, so for Him we know how he pleaded with God let this cup pass from me, but not my will, but yours be done. (Matt 26:39) Yet Isaac knew sin, he was born into a sinful world, so he could have ran, fought with Abraham, he was younger, stronger...

The lesson I see in Genesis 22 is the obedient son, Isaac who submitted to his father's will. Just like we are to submit to our heavenly Father. Our Father gives us a commandment, or asks something of us, we are to humbly submit, as Isaac did to his earthly father, Abraham. Was it easy oh heavens, no. It would have been the most excruciating thing either one of them ever did. I wonder was their relationship ever the same? Did Isaac understand? Was he able to hear the voice of the Angel of the Lord (Gen 22:15-18) One think I will assume is that Abraham had taught Isaac the ways of the Lord, and he also had trust and an open line of communication with his son. So will we raise our children in the fear of the Lord and in His ways. Do our children trust us in the way that Isaac had to trust Abraham? I know I need work on myself as a parent.

My prayer for you all today is that God show you how to have that with your children like Abraham and Isaac had. Love, trust and open communication.

You Version, Isaac, and Ishmael

2011-05-04T07:55:00.000-05:00

I have always had an issue with daily Bible reading. I love it, but I had never made it a priority. Along came You Version with their wonderful reading plans. I did a 40 day Lent reading and stuck with it, well after that one I was trying to figure out which one to do next. I stumbled across Major Events a 65 day plan. So I am doing that one. I am on day 10 and read Genesis 21. So I thought I would share my thoughts on each days readings. I know I am starting 10 days into it, but that is okay.

Chapter 21 starts out with Sarah receiving Gods promise of a son. Abraham was 100 and Sarah was probably around 87 years of age. (Gen 23:1, 25:7) It is an interesting story, but one we are all familiar with, at least I hope so. I don't want to stay on Sarah though, I want to focus on Hagar and Ishmael.

Genesis Chapter 21 verse 8 starts with Isaac's feast (I guess it was a weaning celebration) Sarah saw Ishmael mocking Isaac so Sarah went to Abraham and complained. Which as a reminder, it was Sarah that got them all in this mess, well along with Abraham. Sarah, not waiting on God, told Abraham to go and sleep with her handmaiden, Hagar, to get him a son. Well right there Abraham should have said, "no, woman we will wait upon the Lord." Yet he didn't. Ladies, I want to stop right here and remind you (and myself) what power we have as women (wives). Our men want to please us and they will do anything to do that. Look at Adam, there again, he should have put his foot down and didn't. Same as Abraham. So we need to make sure that when we know God has spoken something in our lives we need to stop, and wait. Listen to our man and make sure we stay within the boundaries that God has given us. If we don't, you might not get to stay in your paradise....and there will be trouble. Okay back to Hagar and Ishmael. So Sarah tells Abraham send them away. Verse 11 says this was very difficult for Abraham. It was his first born son, Ishmael at this time would have been between 8-12 years of age. So Abraham had all this time with him and grew to love him as any father would. Imagine your husband having to send his first born son away with the possibility of never seeing him again. I am sure this grieved him terribly. Yet God promised Abraham that Ishmael and Hagar would be okay. (Gen 21:11) He also then promised him that your offspring will go through Isaac. (Gen 21:12)

Genesis 21:13 is where I really want to go. God promised Abraham that He would make a nation of Ishmael's descendants. I have been contemplating what did God mean by a great nation. (Gen 21:13,18) Did he mean great as in good or great as in size....I have been looking and I am by no means a biblical scholar, so looking up Hebrew word meanings well not my forte. I have been reading commentaries and Biblical history and I am leaning towards great meaning large. In my Biblical History: OT on my Bible software it says this, "The lad dwelt in that wide district between Palestine and Mount Horeb, called "the wilderness of Paran," which to this day is the undisputed dominion of his descendants, the Bedouin Arabs.Bible History Old Testament. We all know what a huge nation Islam is...so that is why I tend to lean towards size verses goodness.

I do find it all interesting my questions after reading this, as I am very curious about Bible history etc...did Ishmael follow Jehovah? He married and Egyptian, did she turn his heart from God or had Hagar already done that.? Whatever happened to Ishmael that the Bible doesn't share is a mystery, one I may have to dig deeper into, because I do believe in the Major Events I will run into Ishmael again!

Birthday, birth, exhaustion

2011-03-23T21:41:00.000-05:00

Wow, today was a big day. My second day of work, exhaustion! Today is my daughter's 18th birthday. My cousin, Jackie, had her baby today. A boy, Wyatt Dane, 8lbs 20oz, 21 1/2inches long.

I started a job yesterday. I am cleaning a 5000 sq foot house. I haven't worked since 2000. So this has been quite the experience. I am so tired and sore. It is good though. I am making my own money, but I can't wait to buy stuff for our house.

My daughter, CPB, turned 18 today. I can't believe she is 18. It has been a long road. It still isn't over, but she is now legally an adult. I pray that she will keep God first and follow His lead in all things.

My cousin, Jackie, had her beautiful baby boy, Wyatt Dane, he was born this morning around 6:30 am. Which is funny, CPB was born around 6:30pm on this same day 18 years ago. Mom and baby are doing awesome!

God is good, His Word is true and it works in our lives!!!

What a day!

2011-03-21T19:56:00.000-05:00

I got a job today!

I am cleaning a 5000 sq ft house.

Nice money for a month.

Haven't worked since 2000. So a bit nervous.

Pray!

Moon over Alabama

2011-03-19T21:22:00.000-05:00

Saturday cleaning.....

2011-03-19T11:03:00.000-05:00

Today is a day of cleaning. You know how it is....through the week things are just kind of let go. So today is pick up day, and laundry day!

EAB (our six year old) and I already exercised. We have alot of errands, a few essentials from the grocery, library and then whatever else we can knock out today. Sunday's, I try to make that our total day of rest day, other than going to church.

So what do you do on your Saturday's?

Happy Anniversary to Me!!!

2011-03-18T15:22:00.001-05:00

Well I was just sitting and studying my Bible when the UPS truck pulled up. I knew I hadn't ordered anything. Well I open it up and what do I see, but a brand new Kindle! My sweet husband had bought me a NOOK Color when we got our tax refund. Our six year old had wanted one, plus I had debated back and forth between the two. Well JTB bought the NOOK. Well not to complain, but I have really not liked it. There have been a couple of times when I had it on the charger all night and woke up to it dead. You have to be so particular how you put the charger in there.

Also, I love to sit out and read, but you just can't read it in the sun. It is great at night, but not during the day. I will say the downside to the Kindle is you can't read it at night without a light. I will live with that!

So thank you JTB for blessing me so! I love you and can't imagine my life without you! It isn't because you bless me so, it is because of who you are. You love me so completely, you are my best friend, and the man who loves Jesus! I couldn't ask for more!!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T08:56:00.001-05:00

Today is a traditionally devoted to eating and drinking. Even though I am not Irish, I still have taught my children the true meaning of Saint Patrick's Day. Like Christmas we tend to get away from the true meaning of the day.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick's_Day

Saint Patrick's Day (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig) is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognised of thepatron saints of Ireland. It is observed by the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland),^[1] the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutherans. Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early 17th century, and has gradually become a celebration of Irish culture in general.^[2]

The day is generally characterised by the attendance of church services, wearing of green attire (especially shamrocks), and the lifting of Lenten restrictions on fasting and drinking, which is often proscribed during the rest of the season.^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]

Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland,^[7] Northern Ireland,^[8] Newfoundland and Labrador and in Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.

St. Patrick's Day cake I made today.

So if you are out celebrating the carnal day, be safe and don't drink too much! If you are like my family and celebrating the life of the man who devoted his life to Christ and to proselytizing the Irish people then have fun! It is a great day to learn about a godly man and his people!

Glad to be home!

2011-03-14T20:24:00.000-05:00

The drive from Fort Bragg, North Carolina to Birmingham, Alabama is a tough one. I remember when JTB was stationed in Rochester, NY. It was 1997 and that fall my dad died, so we (the kids and I ) were driving from Rochester to Indiana regularly. I was 28, I could make that drive with no problem. There are differences, then I was 28 and smoked, so that helped with the drive. Today I am a non-smoker and 41. Big difference. The drive will be in our lives a lot.

I am grateful that I am able to make the drive to make it easier on JTB so he isn't burning up any leave time. Plus I get a mini-vacation out of the deal. Other than cooking and cleaning up the dishes, which NSB, our 14 year old, did most of the time for me, I pretty much got 10 days to read books and my bible and play on the computer. I took the kids to the library and to the park. We were able to attend church with JTB at Northwood Temple. So we had a great time. It went way to fast, but praise God we got to spend the time together.

So we patiently await until JTB either comes home or we go back to Bragg for a visit.

A lazy Sunday

2011-03-13T17:31:00.000-05:00

Today is the day the kids and I pack up to go back to our house in Alabama. We leave early in the morning, JTB leaves in the morning as well. A week of TDY (temporary duty) for him. So leaving won't be so hard. I know he has work to go do and he doesn't have to return to an empty apartment.

We have had a lot of fun the past 10 days. Doing the geographical bachelor thing has been hard on us all, but every time I come to Fort Bragg, it is reinforced that this post is just not for us. This is the first assignment where I have looked upon it and said this place is just too dangerous. Others do it, but I just can't. At least not right now.

We are looking forward to the day that we can all be together in Alabama, but then JTB would be out of the Army....so we have a double edged sword and {James 1:8 (KJV) ⁸A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.} It is difficult when you do want two things, but you know you can only have one. So you trust in God and know that He will direct your paths, even if it is down the one you aren't so sure of.

Beside Still Waters: Author Interview

2011-03-12T13:31:00.001-06:00

Need a good book, then check out Tricia Goyer's "Beside Still Waters"!!

Fig Tree, Money Changers and Faith

2011-03-12T07:24:00.000-06:00

Today's reading is from Mark 11:12-26. We start out as Jesus and his disciples are walking and Jesus was hungry. Wow, what a word. Jesus was hungry. Just a quick search, not an exhaustive search, I only found two times that Jesus was hungry. The first was Mark 11:12. Jesus and his disciples were leaving Bethany and the scripture said He was hungry. Let's back up and see what had Jesus been doing? One he had been in Jericho teaching and then walked to Jerusalem, which was not a short walk. It is about 17 miles from Jericho to Jerusalem. They would have arrived in the later afternoon. Jesus sent the disciples to get a donkey for Him to ride into Jerusalem on. So in one day Jesus walked 17 miles, then rode a donkey into Jerusalem, then after all that went into the temple complex, looked around to see what was going on, then He and the disciples walked to Bethany (bible says it was late) which is about two miles. So Jesus had a physically tiring day, He also had an emotionally tiring day.. Yet the scripture waits and says at the beginning of the day the next day, He was hungry. We know Jesus ate, but we don't really know the details. I do like that the times that the Bible talks about Jesus eating it says He was hungry. Gives us true direction on how to eat. Plus what to eat, He was going to eat a fig. Not ice cream, not chocolate, but a fig.

So it is the next morning and Jesus and the disciples are heading back into Jerusalem from Bethany. He walks past the fig tree, He was hungry, and there were no figs on the fig tree. This is from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:

THE BARREN FIG-TREE CURSED, THE TEMPLE CLEANSED. (11:12-18)

Christ looked to find some fruit, for the time of gathering figs, though it was near, was not yet come; but he found none. He made this fig-tree an example, not to the trees, but to the men of that generation. It was a figure of the doom upon the Jewish church, to which he came seeking fruit, but found none. Christ went to the temple, and began to reform the abuses in its courts, to show that when the Redeemer came to Zion, it was to turn away ungodliness from Jacob. The scribes and the chief priests sought, not how they might make their peace with him, but how they might destroy him. A desperate attempt, which they could not but fear was fighting against God.

So is Christ making an example of the tree and what will happen to us all who don't produce fruit? I'll have to let you decide that. We know Jesus was without sin, I had read a comment in YouVersion that lpakele had said that Jesus was upset one because of no figs, but he also made the comment that Jesus had fasted for 40 days and nights and could handle no food. Then he goes to the Temple expecting to see fruit from His people and found none. So I just threw that in as food for thought.

Then we go to the last point. Jesus said, "Have faith in God". So simple, so true. I grew up with Kenneth Hagin talking about Mark 11:23. I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.

So faith is having total trust in God. To know that if we do not doubt in our heart and believe that what God says he will perform it. It goes back to the word I felt God speak to me at the beginning of the year. Expect....Expect me to perform my Word.

Are we expecting from God, are we being fruitful...let us not be like the fig tree, as Christ followers we are to have a fruit producing life, all the time! Go ye and produce!

Lent from a Charismatic view point.

2011-03-11T07:51:00.002-06:00

I started the YouVersion.com bible reading, 40 Days of Lent. It follows the last week of Jesus' life. I cannot imagine what the women who were following Jesus thought. As a woman I know it would have been horrible. My emotions would have been all over the place. Emotional, moody....I can't believe that Mary Magdelene, Joanna, Susanna and the others who supported Jesus in His earthly ministry weren't affected by his upcoming death. (Luke 8:3)

Yet, God was merciful and gracious. He allowed the women who were with Him (Luke 24:10) to be the first to hear the good news. The women had been grieving Him, they had prepared Him for the tomb. He allowed them to know He was alive. What a wonderful God we serve. He knows our nature, He knows our pains and He allowed these precious women to be told the good news first, "He is not here, He is risen!" Wow, to be the first to hear these words.

Lent just started Wednesday, but my thoughts went to these courageous women of faith. To go 40 days watching Jesus fast, go through those days in anguish and to hear Him speak about what will happen. I have such admiration for these women. They sacrificed everything, their homes, marriages and finances to follow the Christ. They weren't concerned with what others would say, they only cared about Him.

To be more like them.....to be willing to sacrifice everything is my prayer today.

over a year ago

2010-08-26T07:09:00.002-05:00

Boy, I am so very bad about posting. Life gets going and between the kids and the hubby, I don't seem to hit the blogging everyday.

What's new? Well tomorrow I get to head to Richmond, VA to see Beth Moore. Nine of us ladies from my church, Faith Fellowship Assembly of God, are leaving for 30+ hours of fun, fellowship and most of all Jesus!!

We have started school back up for the fall, not that we ever really stop, but you know how that is. The kids seem to be enjoying it and we are having a good time. I have a great support system in my husband and two of my lovely girlfriends from high school who also home school!!

I have been very involved in my church! So I am keeping super busy. My intent is to blog about homeschooling, church/God, family and just life. Oh and the Army Reserve!

God bless and maybe I'll see you again this afternoon!

A thought ....

2009-07-28T07:07:00.003-05:00

I have a friend from high school who is a gay man, (came out a few years ago) who is also a pastor of a church, a charasmatic/penecostal church to be exact. (I attend an Assembly of God church so I believe in all the gifts of the Spirit.) My question that I have been wondering, is how he reconciles the Word with his lifestyle. God is very clear on homosexuality, yet he often talks on FB about how God moves mightily in their services.

I have read where people say God doesn't address that issue in the New Testament. It isn't mentioned as much. There is a scripture in I Corinthians 6:9 that addresses that issue.

1 Corinthians 6:9 (AMP)
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, 1 Corinthians 6:10 (AMP)
10 Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.

Just for arguements sake I have added vs 10 which also clarifies who else won't see the kingdom of God. So if that includes most of the world. Unless we have asked God to forgive us all our sins and have accepted Christ.

So I guess my question to him would be is living your life as a gay man, true to the Word of God? I have had my share of gay and lesbian friends over my lifetime, but I don't agree with their choice. I just pray that God shows us all the way to live holy and blameless until the day of judgement.

A New Order...

2009-07-27T06:58:00.002-05:00

Well we had let the children get lazy and they were not keeping up on things as they should. So this morning everyone was up by 6:30am and they have to have rooms picked up, beds made, clothes in dirty hamper ready to go to the laundry room. They also need to be dressed, teeth brushed and ready for school by 8am.

So today, this being the first day so far, we are at 100% compliance!

We are working on some remedial stuff and slowly getting into the new school year for them. It will be a little more difficult for them all, so this year I thought I would start them out a little earlier. One so they won't fall behind, another so their brains don't turn to mush over the summer.

Now if I can keep the four year old and the two year old occupied it will be a good day indeed!

If it ain't broke, it ain't ours!!

2009-07-26T17:28:00.003-05:00

Well last night the 12 year old dropped the dvd/vcr recorder remote on the floor. We were hoping it was just the batteries, but no, sad to say it is not. It is the actual remote. Yes, it is going on four years old, but it still worked. So I google the model number and replacements for this remote run anywhere from $39.95 on eBay to $79.95 from a place on the internet. So I guess we will be going for the middle of the line universal remote.

My husband always tells me if it isn't broke it isn't ours, boy oh boy ain't that the truth.

Estate sales and pies

2009-07-25T11:06:00.005-05:00

We decided to take the kids out to http://oldcountrybuffet.com for breakfast this morning . It is 12 year old son's favorite place for breakfast eating. He just loves their french toast sticks and then he adds cheese sauce, makes me want to gag, but hey he is only 12 and hasn't developed his palate yet (I hope).

We then ran into http://www.shoppersfood.com to pick up some stuff so I can make hubby another chocolate creme pie, since the 16 year old proceeded to dump the first one I made on the floor. It is always something.

Well then on our way home we ran into an estate sale. Over priced as it was, due to the fact it was in the "nice" home area. We found hubby a box of old Life and Time magazines for $20 then he got five Life magazines and one Look magazine for $23. So he is in heaven today. He will be reading and going through all of these all day today and maybe even tomorrow.

So today it is just magazines and pies, a very nice way to spend the day!

Today is the day!!!

2009-07-24T09:56:00.004-05:00

My baby comes home from church camp this afternoon!! I am so excited. I want to hear all about his first experience of being away from home, with no other family members around. I want to hear how many friends he made, how much he loved the food, and activities, but most of all I can't wait to hear how God moved in my boy's life this week.

My son, is only 12, but what an old soul he is when it comes to the Lord. He loves to read the Word, he loves church and all things related to God. I pray that he continues the love affair until the day he dies and that he won't settle for anything but God's best for him.

So I patiently await for 2pm EDT to arrive so I can leave the house to get him, I am sure if you want to hear about it as well you can travel over to his blog and read all about it. I am sure he will have tons to write about and since one of his assignments for school this year is to blog daily, he will save stuff for the blog. http://www.nate-lifeofapre-teenchristiankid.blogspot.com/

God bless!!

School time is soon up on us...

2009-07-23T09:51:00.002-05:00

Here it is 23 July already. The new school year will be upon us soon. As a homeschooling mom I have to start getting ready in the summer for the next year. I have changed curriculums this year so I have more planning to do which is a challenge for me, but also very exhilirating. I am challenging myself more as their teacher and tailoring more to their interests.

When we were in Alabama I went to an Abeka Curriculum Fair, it was interesting the man was a true sales man and unfortunately there were two women who were new or seemed to be new to the it all. You have to know the laws and learn for yourself what homeschooling is all about, or ask other mom's, but never go on the word of a curriculum salesperson.

I know I am all over the board today, just one of those days. I pray this year is a year of great expectations and great explorations for my children. I want them to stretch themselves and to know they are capable of more than what they think they are.

Our four year old is reading already, he started trying to read around December and is now reading the cc/subtitles on movies/tv shows. His two year old sister is wanting to be his little shadow, so that will be my biggest challenge this year.

I love seeing the spark in their eyes when they realize that they are learning something new or that they accomplished that one thing. So I look forward to the new year, not only for them, but me as well.

Half way done

2009-07-22T07:50:00.002-05:00

Well today is Wednesday and my son will be home on Friday afternoon from church camp. I know he is having the time of his life, but I am missing him so! I guess that comes from being a homeschooling family.

My sister and I never went to church camp when we were young. Yet my husband spent his summers at church camp, his mother was the life guard. So our experiences are very different.

Our daughter got back from youth camp at the beginning of July. She had a wonderful time. She also got to experience six teenage girls sharing a room and bath. It was an interesting week for her from that stand point.

I am sure the rest of the week will go very fast, I hope! The other kids and I have been enjoying each others company. The two year old 99% done potty training! Yeah!! She is my last so we are leaving that "baby" stage. It is sad yet freeing in the same breath.

I have the best kids and husband in the whole world. Life is good!

Happy Birthday my love!!

2009-07-21T07:48:00.002-05:00

Today is my man's 45th birthday!! Forty-five years ago the most precious baby boy was born. He has grown into quite the man!! He has been my hero for the past 14 years!! He is a man of integrity, honor and passion. Passion for life, for his work, but most of all for his Savior, Jesus Christ!

I am so very blessed to have been given this gift, even though today is his birthday, I am the one blessed enough to have been given the gift, him!

I love you babe! I pray all of God's blessings over you!

P.S. You are one sexy man!! ;)

Kids Camp

2009-07-20T10:23:00.004-05:00

Today our twelve year old son has gone to camp. It is his first camp exeperience, and mine. He has stayed with family members or with a sitter when DH and I have traveled, but this is the first time he has been the one to go and leave us behind.

I am excited for him. He so loves God and His Word. He is such a sweet boy and I am so proud of him. He has his father's intelligence, he was reading by the age of three and his thought process scares me at times! (in a good way)

Nathaniel, I will miss you terribly, but know how very proud of you I am. I pray God's blessings over you this week and that He will show Himself mightily to you! Have fun, make lots of friends and most of all know how much we love you!

Just a normal Friday

2009-06-19T07:48:00.002-05:00

Well this morning I got up and ran DH to the office early. The Army Birthday was June 15th, so they were having a 3 mile run at Ft. Myer. So it was off to the office at 5:20am.

I came home and was just doing normal housework, then the kids all started getting up. My son, is getting ready for a sleepover tonight after play practice at church. He is sitting with his two year old sister reading to her. My sixteen year old is getting herself around and my 4 yr old son has been up since 6am wanting to do it is a super website for pre/K phonics/reading.

I forget sometimes during all the mess of life that I am so blessed. I have a husband who loves me, children who are my life (even when they are naughty) and a Savior who loves me!

Life is good!

CaringBridge / godhealsme / Welcome

2009-06-17T19:52:00.002-05:00

CaringBridge / godhealsme / Welcome

Shared via AddThis

My friend and sister in Christ, Marnie was diagnosed with breast cancer. The above link is for women with BC to journal their thoughts and journey. She is a very inspirational woman. Please be praying for her and her husband Dan.

I know, I know....

2009-06-17T08:32:00.002-05:00

Time and obligations seem to creep in and if you are not a "serious" blogger like myself. I tend to let life ie...kids, husband, housework, church etc....from keeping up with by blog, not that I have tons of people reading it. Which is fine, it is more for myself than anyone really.

We just got back from our home that we own in Alabama, we were there for two glorious weeks. We didn't want to come back. Alabama is our safe place so to speak. It is the one place that we can truly reset and refresh and energize ourselves. DH still has four to six more years before retirement. Yet my heart yearns to go and live there. Unfortunately that then turns DH into a geographical bachelor, and the children into a situation we don't want. Our two year old is daddy's little princess and oh how she loves him. It would break her heart if she couldn't run to him coming through the door after work, or crawl into bed with us if she has a nightmare. Being together as a family is way more important than to live in a house that we love. These years until retirement will fly by so fast, the others already have!

So until that day when we say good bye to active duty it is pick ourselves up by the boot straps go to Alabama when finances and time allow and enjoy while we can and be grateful for the blessings and the life that God has given us.

STAR TREK

2009-05-13T10:29:00.001-05:00

Happy First Date Anniversary, my love!

2009-04-01T06:55:00.002-05:00

Fourteen years ago, I placed a personal ad in the Kosciusko County edition of The Paper . A very sweet and handsome man answered that ad, and today we are celebrating the anniversary of our first date.

We fell in love almost immediately and it was confirmed to me when I saw him with my daughters, especially Chanel. He was so good to us all.

He has worked hard over the past fourteen years to provide us with all the wordly goods, but he works even harder to show us his love. He is a man after God's own heart, and for that I am so very grateful.

God has blessed this woman more than she ever deserved. So Father God, thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon your handmaiden.

Jim, I love you! I am looking forward to the future.

Graduation

2009-03-09T08:03:00.005-05:00

This past weekend my husband graduated from Seton Hall University with a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership.

It has been a long road, not just for him, but for us all. There have been nights of late night studies, weekends of him having to work on school. Church services and activities that he has had to forgo to accomplish what he has. Has it been worth it. Yes, it has taught our children that with hard work and discipline you can accomplish whatever you have set your mind to.

I am very proud of my husband and I congratulate him on a job well done!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful girl!

2009-02-09T08:00:00.002-06:00

Today is my youngest child's second birthday. She is the youngest of five. We have three daughters and two sons.

Elizabeth Anne was born in New York. She is full of spunk. She is sassy, confident and she knows what she wants and doesn't let anything stand in her way. I pray that she always stays that strong, confident girl.

I, also, pray that she keeps the Lord close to her as she grows, that she will desire the Word of God and she will hunger after the things of God. I know if she will put the Lord first in her life she can achieve all that she wants in life.

Elizabeth-your daddy and I are so proud and honored that God blessed us with being your parents. We won't always make the right decisions and we may blow it, but know that we love you with all our hearts and everything we do is for you and your best interests. You are our precious angel and we love you!

Mommy and Daddy

Pollution....

2009-01-08T11:28:00.002-06:00

My daughter is working on some history schoolwork and she is dealing with pollution. Well she was going for the easy answer and I said to reach and think about all the other types of pollution.

Well that got me to thinking about all the spiritual pollution that we have in our lives. We allow the cares of this world to pollute our time with God. We allow the television, the extracurricular activities, even good things, books, time with our family to use it as an excuse to not to spend that one on one time we need with the Lord. It is a constant struggle to keep things in order. I don't want my relationship with God to be a struggle. I want it to be a joy.

How do you keep from being polluted?

Concentration-The game

2009-01-06T14:40:00.003-06:00

I was in our local AAFES PX and saw for 75% off the computer game of Concentration. So of course I grabbed it. Well DH and I have loved it. Yet being the competitive person I am I get a bit miffed when I lose. Yes, I know not a very admirable thing to do, but yet, I have always been that way. Even as a pre-teen, teenager I was that way. I'd play games with my family, but I played for keeps. LOL, remember the game Pit. Oh, how I loved that game. We always had so much fun with that.

What games do you remember as a child? What were your favorites? Are they still out there?

Please share!!!

Monday and back to the grind

2009-01-05T09:11:00.002-06:00

Well today is the first Monday of the New Year. How are you spending yours? Back at work, at home with the kids etc...

Mine is busy. Took dh to work then came back home and started on my list of to do's which I put on my Outlook as a task. I have so many things I want to do, but I know I need to a list if I will keep it a priority and not spend all day in front of the computer.

The children are all busy with their assigned tasks for the day and then they will get started on their schoolwork.

When we all work together things seem to go more smoothly. Now that doesn't mean that they like it, but it does work.

One thing this new year is I am making a list of what is expected of the children so they can't say they don't know. (and yes, they have used that line)

How do you make sure your family stays functioning? I am all for hearing new ideas, sometimes mine get very old!!

Happy Lord's day to you all!

2009-01-04T14:07:00.003-06:00

Wasn't too sure if I was going to be able to get everyone up and at it for church, but we did, even made it to Sunday School. Pastor has been teaching on the Old Testament in SS so that was good, he didn't make it to Ruth, and of course he will next week, when we are gone.

Our service was wonderful, we took communion and then the Lord just moved through the service. Pastor spoke on Hebrews 13 the first part of the chapter and how that is a wonderful "New Year's Resolution".

Then as we were closing with prayer the Holy Spirit moved and an exhortation to pray for Israel came forth.

The turmoil in Israel is horrible. What other country would allow people to bomb them, yet Israel is chastised for it. God help us all.

I hope this day finds you happy, healthy and wise! And praying for the peace of Israel.

Early morning

2009-01-03T05:08:00.003-06:00

The baby was crying, so we put her in our bed, but then I couldn't go back to sleep. So an early start to my Saturday.

Do you ever look back at pictures and wonder what was I thinking. Or do I really look like that? Urrghh. I have really got to kick it up and get this weight off. I am tired of shopping in the women's section and I want to feel good about myself again. I haven't felt that way in a very long time.

This is something I have to do for myself, not for anyone else. I know everyone else benefits, but I need to do it for me.

So here goes. Back to doing my Leslie Sansone dvd's everyday and pushing myself harder, not doing the bare minimum.

Anyone want to join me!!

Jett Travolta

2009-01-02T17:33:00.001-06:00

I just saw that John Travolta and Kelly Preston's son Jett died this morning after falling and hitting his head.

What a horrible tragedy, rich or poor, celebrity or no body. My condolences go out to his family and they are in my prayers.....

Catching up....

2009-01-02T12:24:00.002-06:00

We today is my day to try to get organized to do what I want to do this year. It seems like it is so overwhelming, but taking one step at a time will make it easier. Keeping a list is what will help me get all my stuff done.

I still have a couple things on my to do list for today, but I know I will get them done.

What goals do you have for the year? For the month?

I pray that God will always show me and that I listen and do what He has called me to do. Some days that is just taking care of my kids and having fun. Others it is more, but I want to always hear Him when He speaks to me!

I am listening to Joyce Meyer right now and she is quoting John Maxwell and how to work on your strengths. www.joycemeyer.org and listen to today's broadcast. "Where are you going in such a hurry today?" It is so timely, at least for me!

God bless!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T20:27:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!

Wow, what a year 2008 was! It was a year of wonderful things that happened to our family, yet a year of sorrows and trials, some of which we are still trying to overcome.

Yet this new year brings a chance of do overs, that is one reason I love to PCS it is a do over!

I have several things I want to do, but the main one is commitment. Committing to doing what God has for me to do, and to finish the commitments from last year. To do only want I can do, and then do it all to the glory of God.

It will be a difficult year for my family and I, but we look forward to it and to the blessings God has for us.

May your new year be a blessing to you and your family and may you make it the best you have ever had.

Wow....It has been a very long time.

2008-10-26T16:17:00.002-05:00

I tell you moving sure can get you out of your rhythm. My life has been so chaotic since we moved.

As a SAHM, you would think that I would have things all done, rooms all put together, everything in its place, decorated beautifully. Well Martha Stewart I am not.

We still have boxes sitting in the hallway downstairs. The storage room is just a mess. (we have way too much stuff)

One of these days I will be all settled, I just hope that day isn't when are moving again.

Moving or as the Army puts it we are PCSing...

2008-08-08T07:57:00.002-05:00

This will be our sixth Army move. You try each move to be organized. Everything has its place, sometimes even its own storage tub. Well to be honest this move is probably the most organized I have ever been, but then I am not where I want to be. Yet you always strive for it.

I have a few rooms ready to go, one bedroom, the storage room, the exercise room is almost done. My big goal this time is the basement. I can deal with the upstairs not getting completely organized, but you can only do so much without losing your mind.

Well this is a short post as I need to get back to it.

If you get a chance head over to www.spousebuzz.com and check out AirforceWife's Fit Club post. I was honored to be able to write this weeks post! Thanks again Airforcewife!

Happy Birthday My love!!

2008-07-21T07:15:00.006-05:00

Today, is the day that my wonderful husband was born. Forty-four years ago, a little baby boy was born. He had a bright future ahead of him. He had loving parents (thank you for the gift!) two great brothers. He knew when he was a little boy what he wanted to do, and he reached up and went after those goals.

He became a journalist while serving as a citizen Soldier in the Army Reserve. He served his community-by giving of himself. He served his country-by giving of himself. Then he met me and we fell in love and got married, he is a wonderful husband-because he gives of himself. He is the best father to our children-because he gives of himself.

After a deployment he decided 11 years ago to go full-time with the Army Reserve, one because he loves the Army Reserve and he desires to serve-giving up his life if necessary.

I admire and respect my husband so much, he lives his life by example, I see Jesus in him everyday. He isn't perfect, but I don't want that. I want a man who strives everyday to do it better, who reaches for the stars and if he doesn't get them, he gets up and tries again the next day.

Honey-thank you for being a true living example of what God created us to be. You are my hero, my best friend. Keep reaching for the stars and I'll keep following you to those stars!!

I love you!

Farewell Tim Russert

2008-06-14T06:47:00.006-05:00

I don't know about all of you, but I was shocked to hear of Tim Russert's passing. You see Tim is the same age as my mom. My dad would have been 58 this year, but he passed away almost 11 years ago at the age of 47, of a massive coronary.

I was fortunate, like Tim's son Luke, to have have been able to spend time with my dad before he died. DH and I had just moved to Rochester, New York and they had come out the weekend before he died (they actually left Monday and Dad died Tuesday in his sleep).

I am not sure which would be worse losing your mom or your dad. Since the only experience I have is with my dad, I can honestly say my dad. He was the rock in our family and when he died, well our family hasn't been the same.

So as we approach this Father's Day, grab a hold of your dad and tell him how much you love him, never let a day go by that you don't. And if your father is already gone or you didn't really have a father, let me introduce you to my other father, my heavenly father, He is the father of the fatherless. He did send His only son to die for you. He loves you! John 3:16 If you would like to make Him your father please contact me and I would be so honored to introduce you.

God bless!

Get rid of belly fat!

2008-06-14T06:40:00.003-05:00

Her walking program really works! I have lost a total of around 5 inches off my waist doing her walking program! Plus she is truly the only exercise program I have stuck with. Eight weeks and counting!! Praise God!!

Forget shooting the moon, stop the mouth!

2008-06-05T13:36:00.004-05:00

Do you ever wake up and just stick your foot straight away into the ole mouth? Me, all the time.
I try so hard to just let things go, and bam I just have the hardest time.

My husband calls me his little firecracker, thank God I have never embarrassed him! There are times I have to bit my tongue from telling someone "blah blah blah".

So how do you keep from shooting off your mouth when it isn't approporiate?

Another day...

2008-06-04T08:08:00.002-05:00

Today is a rainy day. It is cloudy and very dreary. Yet, I am so thankful. I have a wonderful husband, who loves me! Beautiful healthy children. A home, food and my husband has a great job.

Yet there are so many reasons to be ungrateful or depressed. God has given us all choices in our lives. To choose life or death, but it is our choice. He will be grieved if we decide to walk away from him, but He will let us.

Don't ask why I am thinking about all of this today, I just am. Grateful that I know the Lord and that my children and husband are Christ followers! Yet grieved for the family members who are not.

I pray God's blessings on you all today.

God loves you and only wants what is best for you. Trust Him, fall in love with Him and your life will never be the same again!

Weight loss

2008-06-01T07:53:00.003-05:00

Well I started to get serious about losing weight on April 15th. I prayed and really felt the Lord calling me to get consistent with exercise before I tackled the diet. Well I am almost 7 weeks into it and I have worked out 5-6 days a week. I can see a difference. I am down a total of 11.5 lbs and I have lost 13 3/4 inches. I am so very proud of myself. I couldn't have done it without God. He has held my hand everyday and guided me through the rough times. So Father thank you for showing me what is right for me.

Change of Command

2008-05-31T10:56:00.004-05:00

As my husband is set to give up his battalion command this fall, and move on to another assignment. I can truly agree with the feelings this wife had during CSM change of command. The emotions are all over the place, but yet, I still feel relief. Command is a challenging assignment. You have no idea how you feel going in, but by the time it is over there is such an attachment to the Soldiers and their families. You walk away praying your time there was fruitful and that you were able to make an impact into their lives, a good one!

Go check out her blog it is wonderful!

Computers

2008-05-30T06:12:00.002-05:00

Well we had to break down and buy a new laptop yesterday.

Our son was using our Gateway laptop we bought in 2006, it had a cracked case, and for the past year we have been fighting with the power port. Well it just made sense to get a new one after finding out the cost to fix it.

So hubby is getting the new laptop and son is getting the "new" Acer laptop we got a few months ago. Now our 15 year old daughter says when am I getting a laptop. LOL I want to get her a pretty decent one, one that would last her through high school and maybe even into college? LOL I know don't laugh. It was just a thought. With our portable lifestyle it just seems to make more sense for us to have laptops vs desktops. Especially for the kids as they need to be portable for school. Now I just have to pray that our curriculum is compatible with Vista! Urrgh!

Subway apologizes to home school students!

2008-05-29T10:36:00.000-05:00

Subway Apologizes
HSLDA is pleased to pass along the following apology from Subway restaurants.
To HSLDA:
We at SUBWAY restaurants place a high value on education, regardless of the setting, and have initiated a number of programs and promotions aimed at educating our youth in the areas of health and fitness.
We sincerely apologize to anyone who feels excluded by our current essay contest. Our intention was to provide an opportunity for traditional schools, many of which we know have trouble affording athletic equipment, to win equipment. Our intent was certainly not to exclude homeschooled children from the opportunity to win prizes and benefit from better access to fitness equipment.
To address the inadvertent limitation of our current contest and provide an opportunity for even more kids to improve their fitness, we will soon create an additional contest in which homeschooled students will be encouraged to participate. When the kids win, everyone wins!
—Subway restaurants

Children

2008-05-29T07:28:00.000-05:00

You know how you get all ready and excited to go some place-then it happens. Your one year old decides she isn't happy. So she is going to make everyone unhappy. Well that is what happened in our house last night.

Hubby was rushing home to get us to go to the ball game. So we load up and head out, and our little princess decided to grow some horns. She cried and or screamed all the way there. So we were one exit away from the stadium and we decided to abort. So now we decided to take everyone out to dinner, as to not disappoint the boys. Not so good. Instead we disappointed all the folks at Yesterday's Diner, sorry guys! She decided to throw almost every piece of food we gave her on the ground, and continue her screaming. Urrgh

I love my children, yet there is a part of me that wonders, why do we do this to ourselves. I believe we asked this when the three year old did it too. I am sure we will do it with the next if he/she happens. Isn't life great!

Jumping In!

2008-05-28T09:39:00.000-05:00

Well I have thought and thought about starting a blog and today I decided to jump in and just do it.

I am a 38 SAHM, with five children. Our oldest is out on her own, but we have four still at home. Those four are 15, 11, 3 and 1. I home school our 15 and 11 year old. Our three year old is very into Word World and Super Why! Our one year old is into whatever her brother is! I have a wonderful husband, ArmyReserveSoldier!

This blog, is more for our family and friends. We live away from everyone so this is a way for them to keep up on all our doings and as the kids grow up.

God bless and please remember to keep all of our Soldiers and their families in your prayer.