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. 




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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.