Sunday Sing-Along

I am so glad to be able to participate again in Sunday Sing-Along!!! I picked this song, because yesterday when I was thinking about a song, I wanted to pick something about friends. I miss my friends. :( I thought about Michael W. Smith's song, "Friends" but then I decided to go with this instead....Because no matter where I am GOD is with me. AMEN!!! and not only that...but I am a friend of GOD!!! Hallelujah!!!

BFS #18

I thought this week we could write something fun or just take a look back at our lives and what we wanted to do when we were so young!

when I was a kid, my dad was in the Air Force and we moved a lot. I use to wonder what it would be like to live in the same place for a while.

When I was in 4th grade, I wanted to be a teacher!

I remember when I was in about 6th grade, I remember my sister and I would go to the swing set across the street at the Elementary school and we would tlak about how we wanted to get married and live in a huge house with our cousin and our husbands and children-LOL!!! I can't even imagien living with my sister now!!! My sister designed this huge house and we would spend hours tweeking it.

When I was in highschool, I seriously thought of becoming a nun. I was brought up devout Catholic, and the only way I knew to serve GOD was to become a nun. I didn't have a desire to get married, so I thought this would be a good idea. I don't really know what changed my mind...now when I tell people they just laugh!

A month after I graduated highschool my mother past away. She and I talked about taking a year off before going to college. Then my dad talked me into going...I ended up dropping out for the fall semester. I just wasn't ready! I went back in the spring and I had my heart set on becoming a social statistican...I really liked sociology, and I had looked into the future. During this time I met my dh. We planned on waiting at least 5 years before having kids...but GOD had other plans for us. Three months after we got married, we got pregnant with our oldest child...that was almost 21 years ago...I'm glad GOD knew and designed my life! It's more than I could have ever asked or expected!!! Thank YOU, LORD!!!

My verse is...

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

BFS#17

ASSIGNMENT:
I want everyone to do is to go to this Wall of Prayer and either list someone you know to pray for or just pledge to pray for anyone or any family...especially for WIVES and FAMILY MEMBERS of service people.

Here's mine...

Andy Sutter

Serving in the Navy

Currently in the US (at least I think)

Andy is my cousin. I haven't seen him much since we were kids. He's not a Christian to my knowledge. Currently he is serving in the US, but has gone over to the Mideast several times. My prayer is that GOD will protect him and he will come to know JESUS as LORD.

Thank you to all the men and women willing to give up there todays so we can have our tomorrows! my family and I appreciate it!!!

John 15:13KJV

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

BFS #16

This assignment I hope proves to fun and exciting! This week you are given $1000 PRETEND online spending money! The rules are simple for this assignment. Using ANY online store…write out a shopping list of what you would buy! You can even post pictures of the items you're buying, if you want, it's not required. These things should be things for YOURself ONLY! List the name of the website with a link and include product item # and cost…you must use all your $1000 without going over! As a bonus every commentator will have their name put in a basket and I will draw three names of people who have signed the Linky and commented to receive a special prize in the mail from me! Have fun and my assignment is below as well.

Not trying to get techinical or legalistic here...I've done my assignment 2 different ways...one is if the money was given to me...and one if it was money I earned...because I wouldn't tithe on money given to me. It's a gift...the money I earned, I would tithe on...

$1000 GIVEN to me...

I'd buy a dining room table and chairs...because our family likes to entertain and it usually is around food. :) I don't need anything for myself and really, really want a dining room table...so

I found this table and chairs at JCPenney for $799 on sale, regular $2019.00

I would buy paint for my dining room in this color...Sherwin Williams Exclusive Plum 4 gallons...Price wasn't on site...but It's usually about $25 a gallon with dh's discount...

$100

I would probably want some flowers and candles or perhaps this pretty bowl from Southern Living...It's $27.95, perhaps I could win it on Ebay for $14.99...It's listed...

I probably would get some artificial flowers for my wall sconces...(I got the sconces at Costco on clearance for $5.99 a couple years ago, picture of those below)
I found some here for $5.00 each...I would get two so that's $10.00


Year before last, I got the Chandelier I wanted for Christmas...so I don't have to buy that...It looks similar to this, only 5 bulbs...

And I already have the picture and sconces I want on the wall...here's a pic of those...




So my TOTAL would be:

• Table and Chairs on sale $799
• Paint with contractors discount $100
• Southern Living Ruffled Glass Bowl $27.95
• Silk Flowers on sale $10.00

My TOTAL...$936.95

BUT if I earned the money...I would tithe, buy paint and get the table and chairs.

• Tithe 10% $100
• Paint with Contractors discount $100
• Table and Chairs on sale $799

My TOTAL would be...$999.00

Of course neither of these include tax...didn't see that as part of the assignment ;) This was a very fun assignment!!! Thanks Nancy!!!

And my verse is...Psalm 34:15 (King James Version)
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Happy Valentine's Day!!! and BFS#14

My plan today is to go see Flower at the vacation home, (dh at RV)...the kids and I are making one of our favorites...well everyone except Joe Bug's (ds) and Belle's (lil dd). It Rouladan...it's German-round steak with dill pickle and bacon, wrapped together and baked until bacon is crispy. I also got Joe Bug a heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's-it's his favorite food...I've baked a heart shape cake and going to make some chocolate dipped strawberries. We'll do all that before heading to the bank to finish some business there and then off to see dh...where we will finish up dinner when we get there.

Here's a song I thought would be great for my BFS #14...but didn't get around to posting it...When we were up in Seattle, we were going jto Casey Treat's church for a while. We where there on Easter...and one of the musicians/singers sang this song. It was changed I think a little...but in the background they showed pics of the life of Jesus and at the end 3 crosses...the song had a whole other meaning from that point on. I know this isn't a love letter to Jesus...but more like a love letter from Jesus...but I really want everything I do to glorify the LORD...I know I'm not even close...but isn't it a great feeling to know we are loved, forgiven, and free when we have JESUS as our LORD and SAVIOUR?

Yea!!! BFS is back!!!! BFS #13

Tamara is having computer problems, but Nancy is taking over! So we have a new assignment. Here's mine:

BFS Assignment #13

"Meet My Bible"

1.How old is your Bible?
Which one? My oldest Bible was a Bible that my dh gave me, he didn't use it...I've had it for about 16 years. My next Bible is the one I carry in my car and usually use at church...it's about 13 years old. I have some other Bibles that are different translations, and my current Bible that I use for my daily reading is about 2 years old-I got it for Christmas from my dh...I told him I wanted it because it has 4 different versions in one.

2.Why did you chose this Bible?
The Bible I use for everyday reading I picked because it has 4 different versions.

3.Do you highlight/mark passages in your Bible?
Yes

4.If so, what is your system for marking passages?
I don't really have asystem...I mark things that stand out or speak to my heart, passages that our pastor explains...

5.Do you have notebooks to record things?
Yes

6.If so, how many and what do you record?
I don't know how many, and I record our Pastor's teachings, things GOD reveals to me...

7.Where is your favorite spot to read your Bible?
In my chair in the living room next to the fireplace and the back window.

8.Are there any special thoughts about your Bible you want to share?
hmm...I had to think about this for a minute. I feel so blessed to have the freedom to read the WORD of GOD and I remember reading or hearing a story about there was a Bible full of money, but because no one ever opened it they never found it...I know it probably doesn't make any sense...because I don't remember the whole story, but I remember that it touched me because the BIBLE is so full of riches that are far more than we can even realize sometimes...

BFS #11

The assignment this week is to visit your classmates blogs and leave them a comment to let them know that you are praying for them. There are over 200 classmates that have signed up now!

As many of you know I'm praying for my friend Mary...that's my prayer request...I'm asking for a miracle. If you don't know or would like to read more you may click HERE. Thank you all for your faithfulness. Also, I have a personal, unspoken prayer request. Thanks again!

I thought this would be a great video to put along with this assignment. I really like both videos...same song...just differnet versions (the kids are so precious)As always, please don't forget to turn off my playlist below so you can hear the videos.
Blessings!

***UPDATE***12:10 am Tonight I went over to HSC and read an update from Mary's dad and one from her aunt. Here they both are...
(from...http://www.homeschoolchristian.com/cgi-bin/fellowship.cgi?read=254255)
Re: How is our dear sweet Mary today? Anyone know?My sister Mary (Mary's aunt) called to say the things are about the same. Mary is alert and understands questions, with nodded answers. She had 5 hours of Dialysis this morning.Mary's younger brother and his wife (of 2 years) visited last night. Mary did not recognize Lisa at first, but finally nodded and smiled.Sue and I will visit tomorrow about 5PMJohn (Mary's father)
***
(from...http://www.homeschoolchristian.com/cgi-bin/fellowship.cgi?read=254283)
Update on Mary, 6 pm Calif timeI've been with Mary in the hospital since Monday at 10 am. It's been a joy to be with her. I've shared my Ipod music through a speaker pillow, including lots of different kinds of music, even Christmas music.The current protocol is continuing every measure including dialysis and antibiotics. Her blood count has been stable so she has not needed a transfusion. Everything seems to be steady right now, fever is very low and not concerning, rash is a little better, wounds are stable. Potassium is normal which is a protection to her heart.Even though they tried a half-way wean from the ventilator last Saturday and a few times before that, they have decided she is not a candidate for weaning, she is not strong enough.I think her mental status is holding steady. I told her I was hoping she could learn to talk again, and encourage her to move her mouth. I told her I could imagine her giving her children and her husband a blessing with a simple prayer or more.I think, just my amateur opinion, that Mary has a lot of reserves and stamina yet, as well as a terrific will to live, and with the help of all the supports she is getting, if she holds steady or the decline is slow and gentle, she could be with us for a few weeks yet. Of course we will hope for a miracle up to the very last minute before her takeoff. But we want a gentle takeoff, with lots of good closure and blessing. and all God's purposes for these days fulfilled first.I told Mary I believe God is giving her more time with us, and that God is going to do more good things in the midst of her suffering. She understood. But it has been difficult because we have to be on 2 tracks at the same time, ready for a miracle AND ready to help her over the River Jordan.So today it helped me, and I think it will help all of us, to start looking forward to Christmas with her. She responded when I told her there were 20 days til Christmas and we'd have a big party in her room, and I made a Christmas list for her of what she might want, and she liked it. I teased her that she wouldn't have to shop this year! I put up some Christmas phrases like "God bless us everyone!" on the walls and made a snowflake, but others are going to bring Christmas decorations for her room.Some nurses came in today and moved her limbs a little, which was a bit painful for her but gave her something to work on and hope for, regaining some muscle control. One of them was a little crass, and after they left, Mary was able to communicate to me her reaction to that comment, and I stood with her in understanding and rejecting it. :)Mary also teased me with good humor after I couldn't get her to say yes to any kind of music she might want. So I gave up and said, "I'll just put on Christmas music for a little while and you can decide later." With a mischevious look in her eye, she started nodding yes and then no and then yes and then no, and I said, "Are you teasing me?" She she nodded yes!When a friend came in and prayed with her, we called her a Proverbs 31 woman, so I played Chonda Pierce's version of "I'm a Woman!" Mary smiled and smiled.I'll try to write another update after I'm with her tomorrow and Friday, from home Friday night.Meanwhile, keep praying for Mary to have good days, as many as God will give her.Aunt Mary :)
***
me- 12:18 am TX time...Thank You all for faithfully praying. I ask that you would continue!!! Thank YOU JESUS!!!!
***

BFS #10

Part A: Please share your Favorite Christmas/Holiday Cookie Recipe(s)!
Part B: Share a memory, story or tradition about baking any Christmas/Holiday goodies.
Part C: Share a verse that is upon your heart this week.


PART A:
My FAVORITE Christmas/Holiday Cookie Recipe would be a recipe I found off of Allrecipes
several years ago...and that would be... (I try to make some soon and post a pic)
BEST EVER SOFT GINGERSNAP COOKIES
1 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup molasses
2 eggs
4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon*
2 teaspoons cloves*
2 teaspoons ginger*

Cream together butter, sugar, and molasses. Add eggs and mix again. Add the dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Roll into small balls and then roll in sugar. Bake at 375*F for 10-12 minutes. Makes about 6 dozen.

*Can add more to your desired taste

These are great dipped in white almond bark!


PART B:
I have two memories...One memory I have is about those cookies above...When we lived up in WA I made goodie bags for everyone that worked with my dh...one of the things I put in the bag was those cookies. Our friend, Jesse, liked them and I can't remember if he asked for more and I made them a bag full or exactly what...but I remember that somehow Jesse got more...he and Adrienne car pooled to work together and one evening they got stuck in traffic. Adrienne was really hungry and happen to have received a batch of my cookies that day...Mr. Jesse didn't even have a chance...Adrienne ate them all!!! LOL!!!

A FAVORITE Christmas baking memory is when we were living in our RV for a time, and came back to TX while dh had to work in AZ (or was it WA? LOL!!!) We stayed in our RV down the road from some dear friends (the one's I wrote about the other day in Houston). My friend, M, and I decided we would have a baking day. It was SO much fun...we made sure we made lots of cookies and I took lots of pictures! I even threw flour on everyone to make it look like we were hard at work (you know like the old Rice Krispies Treat commercial)

PART C:
A Verse...

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

BFS#9

Make a slide show, scrapbook or ecard

Part A: Share at least 3 “Bountiful Blessings” that the Lord has abundantly provided. WOW! This one is tough...so very many things to be thankful for. A beautiful and loving family...great and caring friends...a beautiful home, my dh's great job, we are blessed to be a blessing...a wonderful church and pastor, a blessed summer filled with great memories of places we hadn't seen before...so very many things...returning home and being back with my oldest dd, whom I missed dearly over the summer...I could just go on and on...great health...clothes, food, the opportunity to homeschool my children in the land of the free and the home of the brave...and that's just to name a few!!!

Part B: Share your Thanksgiving Feast {past or present} You may use Photos, menus, recipes, activities, traditions…Be creative! –”Who carves the turky?”, “Do you save the wishbone?”, “What do you serve for dessert?”, “Who hosts the Thanksgiving dinner in your family” ….my favorite…”What do you do with all those leftovers?”

Thanksgiving is usually different every year...last year we went to my brother and sil's...I've never seen so much food for Thanksgiving in my life! (and I usually cook quite a bit!LOL) Here's a pic of my bro and sil at Christmas a few years ago...(just sharing a pic of them)

Before that we had Thanksgiving at my house for a year or two and before that we went over to my dad and A's (my step mom) for Thanksgiving for about 3-4 years...Here's a pic of all together.

I think this wasThanksgiving 2001...that was the same year my grandma past away a few weeks before Thanksgiving...so I'm posting a pic of her too...(we weren't that close, but I am reminded of her at this time of the year)

One Thanksgiving we spent on the road in Las Vegas! I got prime rib that year! That year I learned you could walk through a casino with kids to get to a restaurant!

My dh use to work shift work and often times we weren't together for Thanksgiving...that was so long ago now, I really don't remember what dd and I use to do.

If I cook we usually have...Veggie Tray, Raspberry Chipotle with Crackers, Turkey, Mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, green beans, creamed peas or broccoli (at least 2 of the 3), stuffing, cranberries, rolls, Pecan pie, Pumpkin pie, and Pumpkin cheesecake...My dh usually carves the turkey.

We don't usually save the wishbone...I think my kids use to break it...but I really don't remember...when I was a kid I remember my mom would dry it out and if I remember correctly one year she put silver glitter on it to put on the Christmas tree-weird...but I could be wrong...LOL!

LEFTOVERS...some usually get sent home and we keep some for ourselves...I tried to get rid of most of them by giving them away though...and I've learned over the years not to cook as much so we don't end up throwing tons away, after tiring from eating them for days...this year I look forward to trying to make one of the most delicious sandwiches I had when we were up in WA state. It was a turkey sandwich with cream cheese, cranberry sauce, I can't think of what kind of cheese right now and red onions! It was the best sandwich I've ever had...so I'm anxious to try it!!! YUM!!!
I always make sure to get the Thanksgiving Day paper so I can get up early the next day and go shopping! I love to shop on Black Friday!!!

Part C: Post a Scripture that reminds you of your blessings!
1 Chronicles 16:8Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done

and

1 Chronicles 16:34Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever