This and That

Today is a gorgeous day!  The sun is shining.  The snow is glistening on the ground. 
We were snowed in for Christmas.  We were going to have company, but because of the blizzard the interstates were closed and most of the roads were closed as well.  We finally were dug out on Sunday.  :D  Our neighbor came with his tractor and HUGE snow blower and cleared the snow away and pulled dh's truck out of the snow.  YAY!!!

Although we were snowed in the blizzard itself wasn't that impressive.  Actually it looked like a normal snow day in Alaska.  I think the reason for the shut downs etc, were because here the wind blows the snow up under the overpasses.  The country roads actually stay pretty clear because of the openness of the prairies.  The wind blows the snow right off the road. 

Dh and I have started remodeling this old house-mostly out of necessity.  The house is so drafty and wastes so much heat, that we've decided to take it upon  ourselves to start fixing it up...whether we end up staying or not.  So yesterday,  dh ripped the subceiling down from the bathroom, where he found gaping holes to the outside.  No wonder it's so cold and drafty!  The person that either designed or remodeled this house...did not know what they were doing!  So now I might record video...hello HGTV or PBS...lol.  We have started taking pictures and I'll be posting them up as the work progresses. 

Today would have been my mom's 71st birthday.  Wow...she past away when she was 44 1/2.  I remember several of her birthdays.  One year we were in New Orleans, another year we were in Colorado with my dad's mom...I hope someday I can say we got to celebrate together in Heaven!

Blessings until next time!   

Sunday Sing-Along

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009!!!

May the you seek the truth of this beautiful holiday season. 

A Week Of Christmas Songs

Love this version of this song!  :D

A Week Of Christmas Songs

I love Third Day, and when I was a kid, this was probably my most favorite Christmas song. What a perfect marriage. =)

A Week of some of my Favorite Christmas songs

I love this song!  They don't have the Christmas version on YouTube, so I've posted this one instead!

Sunday Sing-Along

If you know me...you know Steven Curtis Chapman is my all time favorite male artist...so what would sunday sing-along be without him singing Christmas...and my favorite of his is this one!
Blessings!

Silliness...

Well today I'm in one of my silly moods.  :P  And as usual, I'm going to share it with you all!  (won't that just make your day?  LOL)

You know what one of my favorite things about the ND cold is?  Frozen nose hairs!  Yep, it's true!  It's like a little York Peppermint Pattie for your nose...that cool sensation!  roflol

And on that note...one of my favorite York Peppermint Pattie commercials:


************************************************

Now on to another subject of silliness, in a way...
This is a beauty tragedy.  sigh...
How will I ever know how much marcara to stock up on????
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/news/0912/gallery.brands_we_lost/6.html
ACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blessings until next time!

Well done thy good and faithful servant, well done!

Yesterday, Brother Oral Roberts, went to be with the LORD!  Dh called me to tell me.  Of course I was a little sad, and yet suprisingly my words were something like, "YAY for him.  How exciting! That's awesome!"  He is with JESUS!  He's walking on streets of gold.  He got to hear the LORD say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant!  Well done!" 


If you know JESUS, you'll hear those words someday too.  If you don't, I encourage you today to ask HIM into your heart and confess your sins.  It's that simple.  It's not religion.  It's a relationship!  If you're unsure about how to do it, contact me.  I want to see you in Heaven someday.  :D


Blessings until next time!

Fresh, new snow

I went outside yesterday to throw some old apples out in the field.  When I came in and got busy I was admiring  out the window, the fresh, new snow that had fallen all over the ground yesterday.  We already had snow, so this was a fresh, new layer.  It reminded me of the verse:

Isaiah 1:18 (King James Version)

18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

But it also reminded me that each layer of dirty, trotted snow is covered and you can't see what was there before.  That's a lot like us too, as Christians.  We sin, but if we ask for forgiveness, GOD is faithful and just to cleanse us of all unrighteousness and forgive us our sins.  (1 John 1:9)

HIS love is unfailing.  HIS forgiveness is unfailing.  I encourage you to seek HIS face today. You can be white as a fresh, new layer of snow.  All that old snow is covered up and no one sees it, not even GOD himself, because HE chooses not to when we ask for forgiveness and seek HIM.  What a wonderful and beautiful promise...just like the picture out my window of fresh snow!

Blessings until next time!

Drumroll please...

From the HBA prize committee...

Attached is a Graphic that my children and I made when we did the stuffed animal drawing for the Homeschool Blog Awards. Each blogger was assigned an animal to represent them and we wrote out the prizes on slips of paper and drew for the animals. The kids enjoyed taking photos of the animals and watching mom create graphics. We would love it if you would use the graphic in your post when you get your prizes or just telling about what you won. It would make my kids feel special. :)

HERE IS WHAT WAS DRAWN FOR YOU:

Nothing New Press (2 Books)

Red River Paper 40$

Safekids Software

Hexbugs

20$ in MindBites Lessons

Heart of the Matter Online Homeschool Conference Tickets for 2010

The Old Schoolhouse - 1 Year Magazine Subscription

Sunday Sing-Along

I love this song-not only as a Christmas song, but I think I relate to it everyday in some ways. 

JESUS, YA got mail!

Today dh got paid...which means I get to deal with bills. YUCK!  It's so not fun dealing with bills, when the finances aren't there.  Last week we were even in the negative. (keep reading...this actually turns out good-lol)

 The other day my dd reminded me of something we've heard Jesse DuPlantis say.  When the bills come in, he holds them up and says, "JESUS, YA got mail!"  LOL....as funny as that sounds, if we are a child of the KING, he's right. 

Today, while chatting with my url friend, Heather, I was telling her I was paying bills.  I told her that story.  She laughed.  We continued to chat, and then I said, "Well I need to go be JESUS' accountant."  Just then....REVELATION hit!!!!  Don't ya love when that happens????

I am JESUS' accountant...YEP, I am!  AND I should be HONORED! 

So, as I was figuring out the bills, etc., I don't know how, (well I do know how, supernatural increase, because of faith and trusting) but I know it happened, we have more than we should.  I had to balance the checkbook like 4 times, just to make sure.  :)  It's amazing how attitude is a huge part of HIS supernatural increase!!!  So between realizing I'm JESUS' accountant and that I need to have cheerful endurance....um things are changing!  PTL!!!  (I'm sure it's also having great friends praying too.  Thank you!)

Now aren't you glad you kept reading????  LOL!
Blessings until next time!

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Today I am 45!  Happy Birthday to me. AND I've decided, after listening to Pastor Hallam, from our home church, last night,  to have cheerful endurance aka patience.  :) 

so....

Support

As I sit and ponder what I should blog about, I went to stop by THL chat and asked the gals what I should blog about.  Anne said, "How encouraging it is to be up late and laugh with invisible people on line?"  I replied, "But you all are not invisible, so I can't blog about that. You all are incredible, you're my support during a difficult time." 

I haven't gone through many difficult times in my life.  I can probably count them all on one hand.  For that I am thankful for.  On the otherhand, maybe what I may think of as difficult, may not be to the next person. 
Losing my mom, that was difficult.
Moving to RI/MA and living in a tent and with folks without being able to cook or take care of my family properly, that was difficult.
Moving to Alaska, that was difficult...
Moving to North Dakota...yes, this has been difficult.

I'm not even sure how to express why or how it's been difficult.  I think it's all the uncertaincy in it all.  I think it's because we thought for sure this is where GOD wanted us, and yet, we are struggling financially, the job my dh was brought in and up for has been dissolved and he's been put into a entry level designer making senior designer wages...we don't expect to be here much longer....many layoffs a few months ago, and the company is still in the red.  We thought if GOD wanted us here, our house would sell, our finances would be okay, that the company would be blessed....none of which took place.  Now we are at the point...did we miss GOD?  Are we really here for a purpose?  We've been obedient...what are we doing wrong? 

Emotionally, I miss my friends and family, but it's not something I can't handle.  I've met a few nice people here, but they aren't very social here.  Something I miss terribly.

Spiritually, I think GOD is stretching me (us) in a greater way. Is it fun?  NO, it never is...but I know down the road I will find it very rewarding and will be able to look back and see another piece of the great puzzle.

Physically, Praise GOD we are all healthy.  We like seeing the snow...but it gets quite chilly out.  We have been dealing with single or below zero temps for a week now.  We moved into the icky house.  I think GOD promises us food and shelter...we have food and shelter...the shelter is icky, and needs work.  It could be a very cute house if we had the finances.  We don't. 

Financially, We are confessing HIS word, but in the naturally, we are sinking and sinking fast.  Yes, GOD can supernaturally step in.  Will HE?  I don't know at this point. I know if HE does, it's in HIS timing and HIS timing is never late. 

There are worse things than where we are at.  I try to focus on those things when I get blue.  It's hard some days.  That's why I appreciate my support over at THL.  Many of those gals don't know what I'm going through, but they are there listening and supporting me, by encouraging me.  It reminds of my url and then became my irl friend, Dadia,  When I moved to Alaska she was there to help me through it.  She would always say something encouraging and say something like, "We'd love to see the TX bluebonnets and Indian paint brushes with you.  Hopefully you'll be home soon."  (Dadia's with the LORD now, but I still think of her.)

So I guess this post is to all my friends at THL and those encouraging me with your kind words and thoughts.  Thank you.  Thank you for taking the time to say something.  Thank you for the encouraging words and allowing JESUS work through you.  Thank you that you take the time to care. 

Blessings until next time!

The Invisible Woman

My girlfriend, and one of my dearest friends called me today and said, "You have to watch this!"  I didn't know why she thought so, but she did.  So I turned it on, and watched. My friend obviously knew I needed a boost today!  Do you have about 5 minutes to watch too? 

Sunday Sing-Along

Yet another one of those that I can relate to in this period of my life...
video with lyrics...


live...

Glistening Trees

Here's some pictures of what the trees looked like today. It's been in the teens and single digits for at least the last 36 hours...brrrrrrrrrrrrr!

The obvious....

WARNING:  THIS is a MAJOR GRIPE POST!!!

Why are people compelled to tell me the obvious?  It drives me nuts....maybe they forgot (and yes, I told them) that I grew up where it was cold, and have lived in cold as an adult.  It's not winter yet...that doesn't take place for another few weeks...so the obvious, "It's going to get colder"  umm, yeah, is the obvious!


Also, why are people compelled to tell me, "I understand".  You do?  Really?  Do you?  Have you lived in a tent for a summer?  or a motel for months, cooking out of a crock pot and trying to homeschool your kids?  Have you moved 25+ times? Have you lived on the road for the past 10 years, doing what GOD tells you , and yet because of other people's disobedience you are to shake the dust off your shoes and move on?   You understand how I miss my friends?  How I have to go through the process of being friendly and social, even when the rest of you aren't?  How my family has to make new friends and then leave?  Have you had your children rejected by other kids, because the kids are little self righteous brats?  YOU understand?  REALLY??? ARE YOU SURE???????????

Because I don't think you do!!!!  Really I don't...not when you've lived in the same place for the past 20+ years, have friends where you live, etc...I don't think you do, so give me a break!!!

I can understand that you don't understand...but don't say you do, when clearly you don't.  And don't go around and tell people (namely my dh) well she needs to get over it, and it's her fault why things haven't come together for you all yet...because you don't know me well enough to make that judgement call! 

I have been friendly, I have walked in love, yes, I complained (only minor about living here), yes, I have gone the extra mile, so instead of judging me,  will you pray for me? I thought that's what we are suppose to do for one another, lift them up, bear one another's burdens, encourage and help where we can...at least that was my impression of GOD's word...maybe I'm wrong???? and NO, I will not confront this person's ignorance.  I will pray for them, but needed to get this out of my system!

(Climbing off my soap box now)

I'm so honored! I'd like to thank the academy....

oh wait, wrong nomination!  LOL 
The long awaited HBA have been announced!  I'm happy, um no, I'm thrilled to announce that my blog, Great Adventure, won!  What an honor. 

Thank you to all of you that voted for me, especially those that actually read my blog!  :D  Of course I couldn't have done it without everyone's help, those that nominated me-thank you...I only know of one-Jenileigh-thank you!!!  Thank you to the other two nominators-I wish I knew who you were...thank you none the less!  I would love to give the 3 of you a great big hug...maybe in Heaven!  :D 

 I would like to thank all of you that voted!!!  It wouldn't have been possible without your votes-so thank you very, very much!  I would like to thank all of you that read my blog.  Words can't express how much it means to me when you all comment on something that I wrote from the heart-so thank you! 

 I would like to thank HBA for allowing me to participate and consider my blog as one worthy of even being nominated and I also would like to thank the other blog participants in my category.  There are a lot of great blogs out there.  Lots of great reading, lots of great opinions!  lol!!!

 I would like to thank my daddy, who, whether he realizes it or not, taught me it's okay to express your opinion, even if when you're little, you get in trouble a lot for expressing it...lol...and my mom, though she's passed on, for putting up with my opinion often...lol...and my family, including my siblings, who have to hear me get on my soap box far more than they bargin for! 

 But most of all, Thank YOU FATHER GOD, for giving me the convictions, the love, the truth to share. 

Blessings to you all, and again thank you everyone!  :D

Something I've really come to appreciate while being here in North Dakota

I guess, maybe, I've taken things for granted, or never really thought of how grateful I am for some things in life.  Really it's the basics...food and clothing.  But every time I drive by a farmer, plowing his field, or gathering his harvest, I am so thankful for him and his hard work, and I say a little prayer for him and the many farmers in the world.  Often we see the farmer still out in his fields well after dark, often into the middle of the night, up the next morning when it's still not light. 

Since we've moved here, our family has had many discussions of the farmer, and his hard work. How he works long hours, probably a pretty lonely life, how he provides for so many, etc. Yesterday, when we were driving by, a farmer was plowing his field to prepare the land for next spring.  I said to my kids, "Can you imagine what it would be like back when they didn't have tractors?  Having to plow with horse and oxen?" ( It was a convienent 29*F out...brrrrrrrrrrrrr, and due to the bad weather here on and off all year, the farmers are still plowing and harvesting, etc.)   

Can you even imagine what it would be like without them?  No conveinent trip to the grocery store to pick up that gallon of milk!  We would still be all planting farms and raising our own animals.  We would still be weaving and sewing our own clothes...NO, I can not fathom the thought, to be honest.  So many things stem on GOD's provision through the farmer that I'm so thankful for!

LORD, I thank YOU for the men and women that have dedicated their lives as farmers and ranchers.  I imagine that life can be quite lonely and much hard work, but I thank YOU that YOU provide food and clothing material through them.  Please remind me to be thankful for that and other things that I would generally take for granted or not thing about.  Help us all to be grateful for them and remember that YOU provide through them.  Amen

Sunday Sing-Along

I heard this song for the first time this morning....and I thought, as I teared up, this describes my life perfectly at the moment. 

Thanksgiving 2009

This year Thanksgiving is different-of course. Usually, I am the one hosting and cooking and baking.  I usually start on Tuesday, and make as many things as I can in advance.  Normally, my dad and his wife, my sister, my brothers, and maybe some friends come over.  This year, we are going to dd's co-workers.  I still made pies, rolls, cornbread stuffing, green beans, and broccoli.  I even made a turkey...but that was on Sunday, and we've almost finished it.  :)

I was kinda hoping this year, we would be on the road to some new destination...but it's not meant to be, maybe next year....

Wishing all of you faithful readers a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time!

Too Long?

We were at a birthday party last week,  for one of my dd's co-workers.  I overheard a couple of women chatting about church.  One of the women annoyingly said, "I can't wait to get out of church after an hour, after the singing and announments they are just getting started."  I didn't hear the rest of the conversation...noisy party and my mind was reeling. All I could think of was "You're complaining about an hour?!"  So here's some thoughts....  :)  (hey I didn't get nominated for best opinionated blog for nothing-lol)


There's many ways of looking at this. 
1. An hour of your time, once a week to come together as a body
Isn't that the least you can do?  I mean hey JESUS was on the cross for you for more than one!


2. I would be ready to get out of church after an hour too, if I'm going to a dead church!
What's a dead church?  Religion vs Relationship!  There's no worshipping or ushering in the HOLY SPIRIT. There's no movement of GOD.  There is however, tradition and legalism week after week.


I loved going to church at home.  Often times we would be there 3 to 4 hours or even longer.  We would worship and praise the LORD sometimes for a few minutes or sometimes a few hours in song.  Many Christains do not understand the importance of praise and worship.  It's not about how long you sing or pray, it's about a relationship, humbling yourself to GOD, seeking HIS presence, thanking HIM for what HE has done and knowing (having the revelation) of the great things HE has done. It's welcoming  the HOLY SPIRIT.  Why would you want to go to a church where the HOLY SPIRIT isn't there?  sigh...I want to feel the presence of GOD!  I want to see miracles and signs and wonders!!!  Those things aren't going to take place, if the HOLY SPIRIT hasn't been ushered in.  (AND NO, those things didn't die with the saints of old-GOD is the same yesterday, today, and forever!) 

I encourage you if you're one of those people that just want to get in and out of church, to re-evaluate your purpose in going.  Why are you going?  What's the purpose and point?  Are you going to ease the guilt from the night before?  Are you going because it makes you feel good?  Are you going because you think this is what is required to enter into Heaven?  Are you going because the WORD says to "Not forsaking the assembly of the brethren"?  I assure you, none of these are the right reasons, and if you are going for  any of these only, you will never be satisified in going to church!

Go to church to worship and praise GOD for the great things HE has done!  Go to church to learn how to walk better as a Christian and to learn to grow in GOD's truth!  Go because HE loves you so much, and you want to show HIM love back. BUT by all means do NOT feel like you are forced to go- That is condemnation and then you'll end up hating going!  GO because you want and desire a more personal relationship with GOD-the creator of the universe, HIS SON, JESUS, and the HOLY SPIRIT, who comforts us until JESUS returns. 

Blessings until next time!

Sunday Sing-Along

Have you voted yet

I asked my dear friend C~ to interview me for my campaign.  :)  Instead of just interviewing me, she has written this beautiful intoduction about me.  Words can't express how much I love C~ and her family.  She lives in TX and was ALWAYS there to help me and my family out!  I'm so grateful for our meeting. 




************************************************************************
WiredSafety.org says, "NEVER agree to meet someone you have only met online unless you have a mutual friend that could possibly vouch for them."






In 2004*, I broke that rule. I was innocently perusing an online homeschool support forum that I spent way too much time on. A lady wanted to know if there was anyone in the miniscule town next to us. I was so shocked, I answered in the affirmative. The next thing I knew I was inviting the lady and her family to a minor league baseball game. An event I will never forget as long as I live. If I end up with dementia at 98, I will be apologizing to Mrs. Bobbi for bringing the wrong tickets with me.






That fall, we joined a local homeschool co-op together. Over the years, I have grown to love this generous, funny lady and her family. She loves to cook and entertain and she is not shy with her opinions. Which brings me to the purpose of this post. She has been nominated in the "Best Current Events, Politics or Opinions" category of the annual Home School Blog Awards.

Wouldn't you like to get to know her? Now, you can. Here is my interview with her.

Tell us about yourself.


My name is Bobbi. I am a christian homeschooling mom and wife. I've been married to my giving husband for 23 years. We have 3 loving children. DD-22, DS-13, DD-12. Family is extremely important to me. We travel around a great deal with dh's job, together as a family, because it's that important to me to be together.






When did you start homeschooling?


I officially started homeschooling my oldest in 1992. She was in a Christian school, and I was her Kindergarten teacher. After she completed her first year, we began to homeschool.






Why did you decide to homeschool?


Dh and I knew we didn't want our dd in public school. We were going to a church that had a christian school. I asked the pastor about homeschooling. He was looking for a Kindergarten teacher, so I started there. At the end of the school year, through a series of events we decided homeschooling would be best.






Tell us about the name of your blog.


The name of my blog is Great Adventures II. It's named after Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Great Adventure". Life with JESUS is a greatest journey (adventure) the human heart can go through! In addition, we travel frequently with dh's job, moving from location to location. It fits perfect! I hope that I reflect JESUS in most of my posts and point the reader to HIM. :)






Why do you think you were nominated for the political/opinion category of the HSB Awards?


:) Honestly, I have no idea why, other than I like to express my convictions with others. I can think of other categories that I probably would have fit in better. Apparently, those that nominated me, thought I was deserving of the nomination. And well I can be quite opinionated...but I think almost anyone is!






And since you are being recognized as an opinionated homeschooler, what is your opinion on homeschooling?


My opinion on homeschooling is similar to my opinion of life! It's one of the greatest journeys that a family can adventure out on. I believe that the BIBLE is the infallable word of GOD, and because of that, I'm convinced that We are to "train our children in the way the should go" (Proverbs 22:6) and "And thou shalt teach them (God’s Statutes) diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (Deut. 6:6-7, 11:19)






The best advice I can give to any homeschooler is some of the best advice that some of my dear sisters in the LORD and fellow homeschool moms gave me. That is...


1. When my children go to Heaven and stand before the LORD, HE isn't going to ask them, "What did you make in English, etc?" HE's going to ask them, "What did you do for ME?" I want to know that they can pass that test with flying colors! :)






2. If your child/ren can read they have the ability to learn anything.






In addition, remember "All things are possible with GOD" (Matthew 19:26) and "I (You) can do all things through CHRIST which strengthens me." (Philipians 4:13)






Some of my favorite homeschool resources are:


1. the internet of course!


2. http://www.pearables.com/truth_about.htm


3. www.moorefoundation.com/


4. Cynthia Tobias' site http://applest.com/


5. life :)






Any Accomplishments/Mistakes you'd like to share:


My greatest accomplishment so far, is my oldest daughter graduated from homeschooling. Although, I would say some mistakes, I feel have been trying to do traditional school. I think that many homeschoolers start out this way, because they were psed kids and haven't thought outside of the box yet. I made that mistake to some degree too. Over the past 17 years, I realize homeschooling isn't just about reading and writing. It's experiencing all kinds of things-traveling, field trips, cooking, daily chores, etc.






Any Likes/Dislikes you'd like to share:


I love spending time with my kids! My only dislike I have to admit is, scoring school work! :P






Blessings until next time!
*Actually it was May of 2003  :P

MY Opinion on opinions!!!

Yep, everybody's got an opinion. There's lots of sayings about opinions-maybe as many sayings as there are opinions! LOL Have you ever noticed that most opinions don't really matter or count? Well I want my opinion to matter and count. As I reflect on that, I realize my opinion or matter isn't going to count unless it lines up with the Word of GOD. Maybe people of the world won't see it as mattering or counting, but GOD will. HE knows my heart, HE knows I long to live for HIM and delight in HIM. HE knows I want to honor HIM. So even though my opinion might not matter to the world, as long as my opinion lines up with the Word of GOD, I'm lined up with GOD.

Does that mean I should go around and bonk people over the head with my opinion? Well I think it probably depends on the issue. There are things that are clearly wrong with the world-but when we start attacking the sinner instead of the sin, what are we really doing? Are we walking in love as CHRIST walked in love? Are we showing the sinner forgiveness and truth?

How do we share our opinion in love? Do we go out petitioning, yelling and screaming, carrying signs of anti-our opinion? I think not....

I think this is when we need to get on our knees and pray and seek GOD. Seek forgiveness for our nation, seek forgiveness for ourselves, seek forgiveness for the sinner. We should pray that GOD will send loving Christians in the path of the sinner, to show them the love of JESUS, that will share the truth with them in a kind and loving way, not condemning, but by example.

Ephesians 6:12 (King James) says:
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

II Chronicles 7:14 (King James) says:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I shall hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

So unless our opinion lines up to GOD's word...we are just airing OUR opinion! So what does HIS Word say about my opinion?

Proverbs 18:2 (New International Version)
"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."

OUCH!!! Yep, I've been a fool before, even often! sigh, but thank GOD for HIS forgiveness and grace! Thank GOD that we can ask for HIS forgiveness when we are HIS children and HE is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness! (I John 1:9) Oh Hallelujah!!! Thank YOU, LORD!!!! HE knows we fall short. HE knows we're a work in progress, that's why HE continues to extend HIS grace, love, and forgiveness to us! (and that's why we should also to everyone)

If you're in need of HIS forgiveness today, just simply ask. HE's there with open arms, waiting. Don't be like the prodigal son that had to live with the pigs first, before he humbly asked for forgiveness. GOD didn't want that for the prodigal son and HE doesn't want that for us either! (just because HE doesn't want that for us, doesn't mean we won't get that if we're not willing to humble ourselves)

Blessings until next time!

The Grass is always Greener

As many of you know, we've been trying to sell our house in TX for over a year. :( The realtor that is in charge now, has a site to get feedback from other realtors showing the house and what the potential buyers think. The other day we got feedback from someone that says the house looks abandoned and that it needs yardwork...HELLO!!!! We invested a ton of money...painting, cleaning the carpet, stretching the carpet, cleaning and maintaining the yard. We don't have any more money!!! Not to mention the fact that there has been a drought in TX all summer and we've lowered the price well below the market value! Oh and not to mention the fact, we haven't lived there since May!!!! (I think the realtor should send someone out to take care of the yard if it looks that bad. I thought that was part of their job....but that's a whole nuther matter and topic)

We've also got people saying the house doesn't have the upgrades they are looking for....um the house is 6 years old. I'm not putting in upgrades, when there is NOTHING wrong with the house now! Come on, people....for the price we are selling you could put in upgrades and a built in swimming pool in the back yard!!! GIVE ME a BREAK!!!

Hmmm...is that expressing my opinion or what? LOL....don't forget to vote for me at....
http://hsbapost.com/2009/11/get-your-vote-on/ category 12...Great Adventures II!

Thanks and blessings until next time!

Nominated????

ME???? I didn't even know until my friend C~ told me this morning on FB...

I've been nominated for the most opinionated blog...LOL Imagine that?

Would you all mind going over there and voting for me? :P

Catagory #12 http://hsbapost.com/2009/11/get-your-vote-on/

Thanks and blessings!

and I don't know who elected me, so I'm not sure if I should feel honored or not. :P

Please sign my guest book below or leave a comment so I can thank you for your vote!!!

Veteran's Day 2009

Thank you to all the veterans that serve, will serve, and have served. Thank you for giving up your todays so that we can have our tomorrows. GOD bless you all. And GOD bless my daddy...

Here's a pic of him back in the day:

And here's a picture taken last year of him holding a certificate and flag that they flew on July 4th over in Afghanistan dedicated to my dad, by my step mom's son, Colonel Mark Kelly, USAF. (Thank you, Mark, for your service as well!)

Sunday Sing-Along

This is dedicated to the men and women that lost their lives at Fort Hood this week, the men and women serving around the world, those that have served and those that will serve . Wednesday is Veteran's Day. Thank you to all who are willing to lay down your life for a friend. May GOD bless you abundantly. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Bake-Off

Tonight we participated in a bake off with the home school group. Bella made vanilla cupcakes from scratch and got the idea to decorate them like popcorn, from our "Hello Cupcake" book. She did most of the preparation herself. Joe Bug on the other hand, made my Apple Cheese Crumble Pie. I helped him out a lot. The recipe for the pie is on the bottom of the page. 

Guess who got a ribbon? Joe Bug! Needless to say, Bella was upset!

Here's pics of each, I know the Apple Pie pic is horrible.  Wish I had taken one at home. :(

Apple Cheese Crumble Pie

Pie Crust

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon

¾ Crisco vegetable shortening

4-8 Tablespoons ice cold water

Blend flour and salt together. Cut in shortening, until pea sized pieces are formed. Add water one Tablespoon at a time, until dough forms. Roll dough out. Place in pie dish. Crinkle top.

Pie Filling

4 cups baking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 medium apples)

2/3 cup sugar

2 Tablespoons flour

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

.

Put apples in bowl. Mix sugar, flour and cinnamon together. Blend together with apples. Pour into pie shell

Cheese Crumble

½ cup flour

¼ cup butter (1 stick)

¼ cup brown sugar

2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Blend flour, butter, and cheese together. Cut in butter. Pour over apples.

Bake at 375*F for 1 hour or until browned.

What do you think about this?

Around this time last year, the electorial vote elected Obama into office. sigh...Do you think we are better now than we were last year at this time?

Watch this and see if it seems familiar...

Isaiah 40:31

The other day I was down in the dumps. It had been raining for two weeks, I had PMS, and I'm just tired of the some of the struggles that the LORD is allowing us to go through. I was frustrated, and while taking DD to work, I saw a huge bald eagle sitting on the side of the freeway and I was reminded of this verse. :D


Isaiah 40:31 (King James Version)
31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

LORD, I thank YOU for YOUR promises. I thank YOU that even when I don't understand what YOU are doing, YOU still are here. YOU never leave me or forsake me. I thank YOU that YOU give me strength and that I will mount up with wings as an eagle, and I shall run and not be weary, and I shall walk and faint not. amen.

Sunday Sing-Along

I haven't done a sing-along in awhile. My friend Stacey quit doing it, but it was one of my favorite things on my blog. So this week, I'm posting this song, because I've been dealing with stuff...and this is the song I keep thinking of when I get frustrated with the stuff of life.

Food for thought Part 6

So in closing, I say stay prayed up, be thankful for what He has done and don’t get comfy. What I said above does not mean you will be perfect. What it means is that being human, you and I will (until we are made whole), make mistakes. It is a juncture that “Fear God” comes into play. For years I always thought that that meant if God got peeved that he was going to kill us all. Not the case. In reality “Fear God” means to reverence him. He knows that we are going to fail. He should he created us, so with that in mind, the reverence comes by way of knowing what “He” is capable of doing, and knowing that when we fail, we can come to him for forgiveness, hoping that some day we will no longer fall into that thing that so easily besets us. This gives a whole new meaning to “Love God hate sin”. Instead of just going through the motions we really mean it. Funny thing is that God is the only one that can decipher the true heart from the one that is just playing games. I have known many “arm chair “people that play church. I am saddened that they do what they do, because their actions affect not only themselves but others around them. The picture they paint gives some the ability to hate Christ even more because for most of the lost, the only Christ they see is what we show as Christians. All I can do is pray for them and if I find I am at fault, I ask God to forgive me in my follies and to help me to not do the things that cause me to fail (SIN) But to do the things I am supposed to do. Doesn’t mean I will but I know the struggle, and hope that “Plan A” would complete itself in me some day. Thank you Jesus.
Henry Santana Jr.

Food for thought Part 5

Remember I said that I would discuss the word “dynamis” later, this is why I waited. Read below.

Eph 6: 19
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.

This my friends is part of the armour that has been least used and most controversial. Without communication, we cannot know what the Father wants, and more importantly cannot know where the direction of attack is coming from. Over the years I have heard many excuses as to what Paul was talking about when he spoke here of the word Utterance. The list goes from foreign language to speaking in an unknown tongue. I know what you are thinking and you are sort of right, but before you close this page out please allow me to explain a few things about this.

In the book of Romans Paul teaches about the “Power” of God. These Scriptures speak of the same word in Acts 1:8, 4:33, Rom 1:16, for Just a few. This word “Power,” used here is the word “dynamis” where we get our English word today being Dynamic. This word also has a duel meaning and in this text, is used both ways, from the excitement or enthusiasm of the situation, to the core structure of the science that it defines. The reality if you will.

For years, even though I never served, I have enjoyed the conversations with those that have served in the military. One of the things that I have learned, is the order and structure that the military uses for combat. A part of a soldiers training is that they use coded messages during battle. During a fire fight, if the enemy has moved positions, an order to shift fire is given. Two things take place at this point. The battle perimeter has changed as does the direction of fire, and the soldier is made aware of the enemies’ position. If a soldier does not hear the order, he stands a chance of killing one of his own, (the term used is Friendly fire), or worse he is flanked by the enemy and his line of defense is compromised. The same is for a Christian. When we pray, we are in communication with the Heavenly Father, but there are times he needs to give “special orders” that only you should be made aware of. This is where praying in the spirit comes in. Remember when I said there is a structure and way about God that does not change, this is part of that structure. Unfortunately over the years, a miss teaching or half truth, (BTW a half truth is a lie) has been slammed into the church. Trust me I have heard it all from every denomination, but I am convinced that as I dig deeper into the word, I find that praying in the spirit is a viable part of a Christians walk. For myself, I have had more prayers answered, more blessings bestowed, and more “Supernatural interventions” than I will ever know. The sadness that I have is that (because of not knowing what I know now), I have wounded or even destroyed some of my fellow brethren because I was not in tune to the coded messages that God was trying to send me. You may think it to be weird or from the devil, but the scriptures (Jesus statement) say a “house divided cannot stand”. And if this was of Satan then why did I get the “Supernatural Intervention”. Every time I have a need, I will get an answer by praying in the spirit. Sometimes it is the most unique answer that gives me victory. Sometimes I hear that “My Grace is sufficient”. It may not be the answer I wanted but that is why He is God and I am not. Another reason I know this is from God, is because the enemy hates to see Gods children prosper and be in health. He Satan will never help us get to health and prosperity. That too is another “Rule” that will not change. He was accursed forever. Think about it. Satans deployment is to “kill Steal and destroy” not to bless and prosper. What is also humbling to me is the anointing that flows with the prayer language. I have seen things and have been part of things that would rattle the “arm chair” Christians life. Are you going to die and go to hell if you don’t speak in tongues? No. Did this thing die with the saints of old? No. Should this be a part of a Christian’s life, I certainly think so because it is a covenant between you and the Holy Spirit, but that is your choice. Can God still use you? Yes. The question I would ask is to what degree, will He be able to use you. Do signs and wonders follow you as the word teaches or is there a blank on that page of your life? When hands are laid, do the sick recover? As a Christian, I choose not to compromise the work of God in my life. By not wearing the “Whole armour of God”, I allow myself the chance for disaster that I know is displeasing to God. In doing so, this becomes one of those perplexing things of a Christians life that has chosen to “walk in righteousness” It is our choice to wear what we wear, and what we leave off. I have learned when I get beat up by the enemy, I forgot one or more parts of my armour. I made the choice and suffered the concequnce.

Food for thought Part 4

Working all over the country I have met more than my share of what I call “arm chair” Christians. They quote scripture, go to church, and do everything on the surface that looks right. They pray those “King James” prayers that sound like this “ Oh Lordeth blessedeth beith thy nameth” until the winds of change blow in. Then boom ,they get a disease that is life threatening, finances go to the birds, you know what I mean, and then their prayers sound like this “ GOOOOOOOOOD--- WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME”.

This is all too common. When I stated earlier that my armour was on wrong, really what I was saying was that the foundation to do battle was wrong. Just like the “arm chair” Christian. I had what I needed to go into battle, but I wore it incorrectly, with the breastplate tucked into my pants. My pant legs thrown over my boots, (In my defense I am from Texas), causing my feet to get blisters, that blasted breastplate dug into my belly, I was miserable. I also began to hate the very thing that was made to protect me. With failure after failure, it took my ability to stand away as well.

This is how the battle armour can hurt you. The worst part of this uncomfortable battle armour, is that you want to sit down. Sitting down is no different than becoming complacent. Being complacent causes a person to get lazy. Getting lazy (well you get the picture). The problem with sitting while wearing the armour is that you can’t. This armour is designed to be worn standing up. To sit down you must remove pieces of your armour, (more than likely the breastplate) to become comfortable. When your armour is removed it is the state of complacency. (53rd state near Hawaii) I know a bad joke. Joking aside no armour means no protection; no protection will end in failure. Also without the foundation of the armour, the other 3 pieces are useless. I bet you thought I forgot didn’t you.

With a solid foundation to go into battle, the soldier would then put on his brain bucket, Grab his sword and shield and look for nothing less than victory because of the confidence that he had in what he wore. It is the same for you and I. The sword is used to be a threat, not a device used to help protect a uncovered part of the body. The shield was the only part of the armour that was to be used in a defensive posture, and the helmet to protect the head from flying objects.

When David had observed the Philistine, (while giving his brothers food), he saw a giant. The only trouble that the giant had was that he wore his armour wrong. With a battle plan set, David chose the only weapon that he could use to defeat his foe. A simple sling and stone. Knowing that the giant had removed his helmet, the weakness was exploited and David was given victory. After killing Goliath with the stone, David then took Goliaths sword and beheaded him. This should also be a lesson to us. The enemy knows the weaknesses, and sometimes the most simple mistake on our part can become devastating. Satan will exploit every piece of our armour, and if he finds a weakness will attack, and if our armour is off he will use it against us. For the Christians, the example of the soldier and his armour that Paul wrote, would be to storm head on into battle against the enemy. Move forward, using the five of the six pieces of armour for offensive force, having the knowledge that we have the victory because of Jesus. God never intended for us to sit around, He gave us the ability to have life and with more abundance. Defeat should not be in our vocabulary. I realize that we do fail but remember the word and how things spoken come to existence, the less advantage we give to the enemy the better.

Food for Thought Part 3

Keep in mind, the things that I am about to share, are only a portion of a teaching that has aided me to gain a walk with God that is victorious.

In Ephesians Paul teaches about wearing the armour of God, and for the most part we all can pretty much quote the Verses below.

Eph 6:10 – Eph 6:18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

When read, we find that there are 6 main elements that the armour covers. In full dress, If we were to see a picture of a Roman Soldier, we would know what Paul was looking at when he put these words into his letter. Each piece covering the other, to protect the soldier within. It is the same for the Christian, except we need to wear a spiritual armour. Next, notice the order to which Paul speaks of when he describes how we are to wear the armour. This is one of those “Rules” again that can be applied to our lives. If the armour was placed on out of sequence, the pieces would not overlap like they should, making it difficult for the soldier to walk. The same is for us. The more revealing issue is that in some cases the armour would become an instrument against the soldier’s body, that would cause injuries that would take time to heal. These are illustrations that I hope can be understood, so that you don’t make the same mistake I did and blame God when it really wasn’t his fault. My armour was on wrong and it hurt me rather than being a tool to help me. This why it is necessary to keep things in order.

Remember rules of God do not deviate nor does the order to which He laid them out. He made them, so it is to our best interest to learn to follow them.

Now to get us dressed for battle. First we have to put on the protection for our loin. This is a covering or pair of steel meshed pants that protects us from our ankles to our waist, or our lower extremities.

Note, Isn’t it funny how satan loves to get a cheap shot in. He is the master of the “ Low Blow”. The next piece to be placed is the breast plate, which covers the “Vital organs” of the chest. Notice that it will overlap the loin protection. Then we step into the boots, which overlap the loin protection as well. At this point, we are now ready for battle.
Blessings until next time!

Food for thought Part 2

This is part 2 continued from yesterday, that my dh wrote to explain the armor of GOD.

In Genesis the word said “God said”. And it came to pass. This is one of many important “Rules” of God that need to be learned. I will be speaking of more “Rules” during this teaching. If you read the word, you will find that throughout the scriptures that when someone “of God” spoke, or said something, that it came to pass. Hannah went to the priest Eli, for a son. She 1st made a commitment to God, then asked for her desire. Eli spoke and Samuel was conceived. Was it an accident this took place, no, It was word becoming flesh. See the picture starting to develop. We need to recognize that our words have power. This word “Power” has many meanings, but for this discussion, I would like to focus on one meaning in particular, and that definition in the Greek is dynamis. I will deal more on this later.

Like many, I find it is always a challenge to walk with God. To please him, even more difficult. What most people want is an easy chair to sit in while God does the rest. Well that is not the case. That is a comfort zone that can collapse at any time. To walk with God means (I hate to say it) that life will change daily with your faith, and that with this walk, you will live on the edge, no more comfort zone. For years I was taught that if you walked with God, that there would be an increase to your faith and a resting time on a plateau, but what I have found is that there are “Rules” that govern the earth and the heavens. One of those rules is that, God made them we didn’t. Another “Rule” is there is a precise order or sequence; a structure if you will that repeats itself over and over that God or his word will not deviate from. And the most important “Rule” is that, God is God and I am not. With that in mind, I found that what I had been taught about increase to plateau was a half truth. As I have grown to know God, I have found that He is an ever increasing God. He never stops to walk on a level plane. As I applied this to my life, I began to increase with him, meaning yesterday’s faith will not help me today, nor will today’s faith help me tomorrow. This is why we need to stay focused on where we are today, walking on an ever increase with him. Anything else brings worry, which is a seed to Fear, which is a bastardized faith. Just ask “Job”, in his words, “The thing I feared the most has come upon me” he lost everything because of his fear. He had been speaking death in his prayers (not realizing it), Satan attacked, and he got what he asked for. By staying focused on the “NOW”, we will find that the winds of change always blow. When we are faced with the trial, if we have walked with Christ, we will find ourselves on the top of the mountain. Then we can say “Mountain be thou removed”, because the mountain is under our feet where it belongs.

When I faultered, it was because of the increase to plateau teaching. Somewhere along the way I would let go of Gods hand and when the trial came I was looking up at the mountain with no way to “make it move”. Faith is for today, and should ever increase. Which brings me to the heart of the teaching.

Blessings until next time!