Simple Joys

Our family has this tradition of going around on Christmas Eve and look at Christmas lights. This year was extra special. We had my sister and her son from FL and my brother and his family from CA with us, all here enjoying our well-below-zero temps.

It has been several years since my 7 year old nephew had seen snow, and all the kids were very excited to play in the snow and build snowmen.

Our first stop was this house:



My little nephew stood in front of the house and exclaimed: "Who ever lives here is SO LUCKY!" I asked if they were lucky because of all the lights..."NO" he exclaimed "They have REAL SNOW". LOL

108,000 lights on this property and my little Mickey Mouse was excited about the snow. ha ha

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

A Thousand Words Thursday

Want to play along visit Jen at Cheaper Than Therapy.

P.S. Thanks for my Nativity Set, B!! I LOVE IT!!

Manic Monday

Have you ever returned an item to a store for a refund after having used it? -- Nope...you can do that??

You are going out for the evening. If your partner objects to what you are wearing, would you change your clothing? -- Hmmmmm....DH doesn't usually have an opinion on what I am wearing. Yes, I would probably change.

What item that you don’t currently possess would you most like to have in your home? -- I really want, more than ANYTHING, an Amazon Kindle, but there is no way I can afford it. Sigh...a girl can dream, can't she?

Join in the fun!

Save 30-50% on All Gifts, Bath & Body

Orders placed by the end of the day TODAY will be delivered in time for Christmas!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - BarlowGirl

This song has helped me through many valleys. An excellent reminder.

Get in the spirit...

THIS IS FUN AND GETS YOU IN THE SPIRIT!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. For every other gift giving occasion, I'm all about the bag...but there is just something about wrapping Christmas presents.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, we got a new pre-lit one after Christmas last year! I do miss having a real tree though.

3. When do you put up the tree? Thanksgiving weekend.

4. When do you take the tree down? Mid January. I love having it up...I hate to take it down

5. Do you like eggnog? Not a huge fan...my husband LOVES it. We start buying it early November.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I can't remember Santa was always so generous.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My Grandpa, the man buys everything he wants when he wants it.

8. Easiest person to buy for? My sister...I guess because I know if I love it, she will.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, I need one.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither...I always have good intentions...but I'm not good at getting them out...at all

11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Oh I don't know...ok...I'm not gonna say...I'm not here to hurt feelings. :)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for
Christmas? I try to start early fall.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Do White Elephant gifts count?

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fudge

16. Lights on the tree? Yes - lots.

17. Favorite Christmas song? I have to pick just one?? Probably Little Drummer Boy

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? not a chance.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A Dalmation Dog Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning.
Both, we open one on Christmas Eve.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the
year? All the commercialism

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have ornaments from when I was a kid and they are treasured keepsakes.

Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey, Sweet Potatoes and Green Bean casserole...yeah baby

25. What do you want for Christmas this
year? I really want an Amazon Kindle..but since that is not going to happpen...I don't know...I have enough stuff. My twin brother and his family, who I haven't seen in like 5 years, are going to be here...that is a present enough for me.

Tag you are it now, go ahead and grab it and answer the questions at your blog.

A Thousand Words Thursday

Best Buddies

Want to see more Click Me



Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Friend Test

Hey, I got this today from Brenda.

The instructions read:
Place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X
from the ones you have not. Answer the 30 questions at the end and send it to
your friends (including me).

Well, I don't follow instructions well. ha ha Instead of sending it to my friends, I figured I'd just post it on my blog. Here you go. Happy reading!

This is for your entire life!

(x) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped school
(x) Watched someone die
(x) Been to Canada
() Been scared in a third world country
(x) Been to Mexico
(x) Been to Florida
(x) Been on a plane
(x) Been lost
(x) Been on the opposite side of the country
(x) Own a passport
() Been to Washington , DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robbers
(x) recently colored with crayons
(x) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only?
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
(x) Made prank phone calls
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) Danced in the rain
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sunrise with someone you cared about
(x) Blown bubbles
(x) gone ice-skating
(x) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(x) Gone to the movies
(x) Got a speeding ticket

1. Any nickname? A-Lo, Blondie, Apie

2. Favorite drink? coffee

3. Mother's name? Pauletta

4. Tattoo? no

5. Body Piercing? no

6. How much do you love your job? Depends on the day, LOL. I like my job, always something different

7. Birthplace? Albion, NE

8. Favorite vacation spot? Hawaii

9. Ever been to Africa ? no

10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? no..I have eaten popcorn for dinner

11. Ever been on TV? Do parades count? Oh, I had a news interview once.

12. Ever stolen any traffic sign? no

13. Ever been in a car accident? yes

14. Drive a 2 door or 4 door car? 4 door car

15. Favorite salad dressing? Ranch

16. Favorite pie? pecan

17. Favorite number? 8

18. Favorite movie? How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

19. Favorite holiday? Christmas - not the commercialized part

20. Favorite dessert? pie

21. Favorite food? Chicken

22. Favorite day of the week? Sunday

23. Favorite body wash? Whatever is on sale

24. Favorite toothpaste? whatever is on sale!

25. Favorite smell? oh, toss up between rain and fresh cut grass

26. What do you do to relax? crochet, make jewelry, blog, watch a movie, read

27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? slimmer and more fit , hopefully a mommy

28. Furthest place you will send this message? Sending to bloggie land, so anywhere is possible

29. Who will respond to this the fastest? ??

30. Who won't bother to respond? ??

OK If you read this, you've been tagged. Fess up and play along. :) Let me know if you add to your blog.

Manic Monday

Do you ever talk to yourself out loud? What do you talk about? Not really, only when I'm really annoyed myself. Ha ha...usually when I do something stupid and I'm scolding myself.

What stresses you out? Hmmmm....Everything and nothing. Explain that! It totally depends on the day. Something that would roll off my shoulders one day has the complete potential to completely stress me out the next day. Usually depends on how much sleep I've had and how much overtime I am working.

What are your secret talents? Well if I tell you, they wouldn't be very secret now would they? ha ha....I really don't know. Many people don't know I can play the bagpipes or that I am a really good cook. I like to think I can sing...other people probably don't agree. ha ha

Want to visit other Manic Monday's? Click here.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Amy Grant

I believe there is something really powerful about praying the different name of God. Because of that this song has always touched me, and will continue to be a favorite for a long time. I hope it blesses you as much as it has blessed me.



Want to see more? Visit Amy over at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Friday Fragments

I am so excited to go see Twilight tonight!!! I cannot wait to see it, and I'm incredibly happy that hubby as graciously agreed to take me. Has anyone else seen it?
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I was online super late last night looking for ideas for my blog. I really want to start blogging more regularly again. If you have ideas I can steal...er...use...please let me know!!

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We just hired an amazing new house cleaner. I'm in heaven!!! She not only cleans, she organizes. Oh do I need her to do that. I feel like I walked into a strangers house, it looks so good and so different. If you know you live near me...let me know, and I'll hook you up. I would show you before and after pictures...but I'm WAY to embarrassed to do that. ha ha

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Who has their Christmas decorations up?? I have really wanted to get my decorations up, but I've been restraining myself to wait until after Thanksgiving. Speaking of...once upon a time, I used to have my Christmas shopping DONE before Thanksgiving. What happened to me? How has Christmas snuck up so fast the past couple years, and WHY does no one warn me that it is coming??? LOL

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Need Christmas ideas? I am starting to sell Body Shop at Home. Once I get a website up I'll link to it here. Talk to me if you want to host a party!!

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Want more Friday Fragments or want to play along? Go visit Mrs444 at Half-Past Kissin' Time.

A Thousand Words Thursday

Me and my beautiful friend BW. I count my blessings when I think of you. I am so greatful you are a part of my life, and I love you SOOOOOO much!!

Now I just need a picture of me and my Brenda...hmmm... ROAD TRIP!!

I'm blessed with great friends!

Join in the fun! Click here:

100 Random Things About Me

I love people with all my heart. If you are my friend or my family, you are stuck with me and I will love you with all the love I can give.
Sometimes I don't have a lot to give.
I am trusting. I will always take you at your word.
Because I'm so trusting, it kills me when that trust is broken and it takes awhile for it to be rebuilt.
I get over things quickly. When I am mad at you…watch out…wait it out…I'll be over it soon.
I am an eternal optimist.
I believe in and will always be searching for the good in people.
I love the mountains…I need the mountains…nothing centers me more than the smell of fresh mountain air and a whisper in the wind. Nobody around just me and my God. Peace.
I am stubborn.
I don't like to be wrong.
I will always say I'm sorry.
I will not give up until all is forgiven.
Hallmark commercials sometimes make me cry.
I love to travel.
I love to cook.
I use a recipe only once, and then I change it up and make it my own.
I love to dance.
I love to sing loud…in the car, in the shower, at my desk, anywhere. I don't care who is listening.
I am shy.
The thought that I will never have children kills me. I cry when I hear a friend is pregnant and rejoice with them the next day.
I love the sound of gravel under my tires, with the windows down and the wind blowing through my hair.
I love music. I live music. I feel music. Sad songs make me cry. Happy songs make me dance. You get the point.
I just read the above….I really don't cry all that much. HA
I like to dance in the rain.
Winter is my favorite season.
I love the snow.
I love to read.
I love when people read to me.
An ideal night: Cold winter night, fire in the fireplace, a soft blanket. My head on my loves lap as he reads to me. Anything just to listen to the sound of his voice.
Wishing a night like that could happen.
My grandpa is one of my most favorite people.
I love family.
I love to play cards…especially if I'm winning. Ha ha
I miss my sister.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about my grandmother.
I want to be loved the way I need to be loved and not necessarily the way you want to love me. (figure that one out, ha ha)
I love to laugh.
I am always smiling…even when I'm sad.
I love to teach
I love to learn
I love the smell of library books.
I love the smell of the changing seasons.
I love hot tea.
I both love and hate politics.
I think everyone should vote.
I'm very conservative.
I am very proud of my brother who is serving our country in the US Navy.
I do not like war.
I love to watch football.
My favorite football team is the Kansas City Chiefs.
I really don't care if you don't like them.
My favorite sport to watch is Lacrosse.
I love theatre.
My favorite opera is "Carmen"
I have always wanted to see a Broadway show.
I have always secretly wished I was a singer.
I don't really like watching TV.
I would almost always rather be reading or with someone I love.
I hate shopping.
I love weddings.
There is no better sound than the sound of a child's laughter.
The sound of a nighttime rain storm can lull me to sleep.
I am a hugger.
I love simplicity.
Clutter drives me crazy.
I love to go fishing with my grandpa.
I can gut/clean my own fish and I'm not afraid of worms.
I am afraid of slugs and snails and spiders and snakes and…I think that's it.
I don't like guns.
I will try anything once.
I will do anything for love.
If I am not at work, I'm probably barefoot.
I hate when I let people down. It makes me feel icky.
I try too hard to make people happy.
I sacrifice my happiness for others often.
I love to watch people.
I am one of those annoying people who is almost always happy.
It breaks my heart to see people hurting. I always want to make it better, and it frustrates me greatly when I can't.
I'm a great listener.
I want to leave this earth knowing I made an impact in making this world a better place.
I wish I was a better person.
I will never again beg someone to love me. I refuse to be that girl.
I am worthy of your love. Take it or leave it. If you leave it…it's your loss.
I am not afraid to tell you I don't know.
I am often too proud to ask for help.
When I am mad I cry, when I am sad I can be mean.
I am very protective over people I care about.
I love poetry. I used to write poetry. I should start writing again.
Daisies are my favorite flower. They always make smile. I think roses are over rated.
I think making jewelry is cheaper than therapy.
I care what people think…even though I say I don't.
I love photography, especially when I can really capture a person.
I worry too much.
I like to get my nails done; I don't care if it's girly.
I love hanging out with my girlfriends.
I make the best out of every situation.
I'm grouchy if I don't get 8 hours of sleep.
I lollygag way too much in the morning and then rush to get ready for work.
A hot bath makes everything better.
I believe in miracles.

Nothing to Write About

I had this email conversation today with my sister...and it struck me is funny.

Me:
Happy almost birthday!
LOVE U SIS! (side note...sent 2 days before her birthday just in case I forget to send a note on her actual birthday)

Sis:
Thank you sister. How are things with you?

Me:
Good. How are you?

Sis:
I’m bored at work and want to go home to my sick baby so I can take care of him.

Me:
I have so much to do right now, I don't have time to get bored. I'm sorry D is sick. :( What does he have?

Sis:
JUST A STOMACH BUG I THINK HE JUST KEEPS THROWING UP.

Me:
Poor baby. :(

Sis:
I DON’T KNOW WHO TO FEEL MORE SORRY FOR D OR M. D KEEPS THROWING UP, BUT WE ALL KNOW HOW MEN ARE WHEN IT COMES TO HAVING TO CLEANING IT UP. HE CALLED ME EARLIER GAGGING ON THE PHONE CAUSE D HAS JUST THROWN UP.

Me:

LOL see that just makes me laugh. J would be totally gagging, too. And I would be laughing at him.

Yes...I would. I've come to the conclusion that I'm just not a very nice or sympathetic person. Nope, I'm not. I probably should be more sympathetic and for sure more nice....I need to work on that.

Sis:
Lol, Your way too funny. M called me for sympathy and I just kept laughing. Men are such babies. Oh well at least he didn’t get mad at me for laughing at him. HE HE HE and you say you are evil.

That's it...ok maybe not as funny as I thought. On that note:

My apologies to J, M, men in general, and to anyone else who may have been offended. We love you and cherish you.

D, Get well soon buddy...Auntie loves you tons n bunches

What Brady Are You?

You Are Marcia Brady

Confident yet kind. Popular yet down to earth. You're a total dream girl. You've got the total package - no wonder everyone's a little jealous of you.

What Brady Are You?

Easy to Please

I got this text message from my dear husband while I was at work today:

"I am at McDonalds watching SpongeBob and eating chicken nuggets...this is so awesome!!!"

Some of you may be thinking my hubby's text message is dripping with sarcasm. Oh no, my man was in hog heaven. In fact, I think if there is no McDonalds or SpongeBob in heaven, he might not want to go. (kidding)

I am blessed that my husband is easy to please in the food department. Our first year of marriage, I worked so hard to put a really good meal on the table. I'll never forget the first night I was in a hurry and just threw together mac and cheese, tuna, and a can of mixed veggies. Oh, yeah...we're talking world class meal... He LOVED it. Every other meal he would eat, no complaints. But this he complemented every bite.

Gotta love him. :}

Blessings!

Grandma Would Have Been Laughing

I couldn't let this moment move past my life without posting it here. So while I was on here Thursday night having a good go-through-an-entire-box-of-tissue cry, my sweet little queen of destruction was having her way with my brand new shoes!!

Oh yes. I had worn them once, and owned them for 24 hours. Apparently she was thinking the money would have been better spent on some new chewies for her.



Oh yeah. If Grandma would have been here....she would have loved it. I couldn't help but laugh.

Blessings!

This is My Prayer today

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Tonight I'm Melancholy

It is 11:30 at night on July 31st.

I cannot get it out of my head that in 30 minutes it will be August 1st, 2008.

I'm not looking forward to it.

I'm loosing sleep over it.

I wish I could sleep through it. In fact, who could I write to get the date forever removed from the calendar??

I can't believe it's been 10 years.

August 1, 1998 was the worst day of my life. It's a day that I'm sure started out just like any other day. It was a day I had promised my grandma I would take her to Black Hawk. I didn't want to go. I had a bad feeling about it. It was like God was whispering in my ear to not go. Why didn't I listen? My grandma was so excited to go that's why I didn't listen. Oh who am I kidding? I still don't listen all that well...anyway... She had been talking about it all morning. I loved to see her smile. She was the most beautiful woman in the world. How could I say no to that?

So up the mountain we went. We had a fun afternoon. My grandma saved every nickle, dime, and quarter in a jar. She loved slot machines, and looked forward to any chance she got to go. We laughed a lot, and we talked. We at lunch at the restaurant I used to work at. I really hope she had a great time.

Then it started raining. Grandma didn't want to go yet. She thought we should wait the rain out. Another chance I had to listen...God was speaking louder now. I was worried the weather would get worse though, and so I wanted to get down the canyon.

I wasn't driving fast. You didn't dare drive crazy with Grandma in the car. I don't even really know how it happened. They say I hydroplaned. I hit a bus head on. A really big bus. The bus won. You know that bus barely had a scratch???

Then she was gone. The most beautiful woman in the world opened her eyes, closed them, and she was gone. A witness did CPR, and she lived for 3 more months. She was never able to leave the hospital though. She hated hospitals.

I miss her so much. My back and neck have been killing me this week. It's like even my body remembers. It's been 10 years and still I cry. I wish I could hear her voice.

She loved Jesus. For the months after the accident she was begging Him to take her home. I know she is there Him now.

The song Homesick by Mercy Me always makes me think of her. Here it is:

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now



I miss you Grandma.

Erin aka psycho dog

Don't let her fool you. She isn't as sweet and innocent as she looks in this picture. I should be posting pictures of her destruction. ha ha



Blessings!

What Condiment Are You?

Thought I would post something silly today. Play along!

Blessings!

You Are Barbeque Sauce

You are a social person. You enjoy cooking for other people. You are both skillful and competitive. You enjoy mastering hard tasks. You appreciate complexity more than simplicity. Your taste in food tends to lean toward interesting flavors. You appreciate exotic spice combinations. You tend to like cutting edge, fusion cuisine. You get along with all personalities from a distance. Except salsa personalities, who always seem to annoy you.

What Condiment Are You?

My Love and I

I found this cool website and had to play. :) I might actually get pictures in some sort of scrapbooks this way.

Blessings!

The Slow, Fat...What???

When I tell people I am training for a triathlon...I generally get looked up and down with an expression that says: "Are you CRAZY???" Well, yes, I probably am certifiably insane, but I have to tell you: I LOVE IT!

So, because I'm so excited about this next adventure in my life, I have to share with you the book that inspired me.

Slow Fat Triathlete: Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body You Have Now by Jayne Williams

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book!! It was so inspirational. I recommend to anyone who wants to get off the couch and get moving.


View all my reviews.

Blessings,

Thank You God for Girlfriends!!!

Have you ever had one of those friends that knows you far better than you will probably ever know yourself? The kind of friend who looks in your eyes and asks what is wrong, while you are smiling, laughing, saying everything is "fine". I love those friends. Too often I (and I think I'm not alone here...) don't tell friends what is going on with my life. I mean why burden them when I can totally handle it by myself?!? (HA!!!) How freeing it is when B looks at me and knows I need to talk. Life was never meant to be lived alone. I think God knew we needed girlfriends to keep us real, too keep us balanced, and tell funny stories with until we are laughing so hard our iced, non-fat, sugar-free vanilla, lattes come out of our nose.

Thanks B I LOVE YOU!!

I met Jesus in Dallas

Is it possible to both look forward to and dread an event at the same time? That is how I felt before leaving for Dallas. See, last week we took 7 teens down to Dallas, TX for a CIY Know Sweat Mission trip. What is that you might ask? Well it's mission trip by day and conference(worship/speaker)by night. For the mission part we had the opportunity to fix up two elderly people's houses.

I was excited for the opportunity to get my hands dirty and serve God's people. I was dreading how the kids might react and wondering who might do what to get in trouble.

So what happened? The kids blew me away, they were simply AMAZING. Sure there was drama (I mentioned they were teenagers, right?), but they worked it out. They were totally into the service project, and I was blown away by the amount of love they were putting into it. One of the kids even asked if we could do more projects like this at home. Wow! I am so incredibly proud of them; God is good!

I praise God for the chance to see Jesus through the eyes of the people we served, and even through the eyes of our teens. It was an incredible experience, and one I truely will never forget.



Blessings,

Cardboard Testimonies

I stumbled upon this video today. Sometimes we (I) forget just how big and amazing our God is. He has the power of transforming lives!!! He's been in the people changing business from the beginning. Look at Paul. He went from Saul: hater of Christians to Paul: Sold out to Jesus.

"Soon he began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "Jesus is the Son of God." All the people who heard him were amazed. They said, "This is the man who was in Jerusalem trying to destroy those who trust in this name!" Acts 9:20-21

I think back to my BC days. I was lonely, empty, searching for anything and willing to try anything to fill the void in my life. How wonderful the day I realized all I needed was God. Now instead of an empty void, my cup overflows. Thank you, Jesus!

Check out this video.



What is your cardboard testimony?

Blessings!

A day with my Father(s)

Wow, today has been an amazing day.

It started out with a delicious breakfast with my husband, Mom, Dad, Grandfather, and my Grandpa's BFF John. My mom made a traditional Scottish breakfast (something which is an expected occurrence on any holiday in my family). The meal consists of bangers (a type of sausage), bacon (more like Canadian bacon than "regular" bacon), sauteed mushrooms, friend tomatoes, scones, and (of course) lots of tea. If it was truly a Scottish breakfast, we would also include fried bread and Heinz Beans. We skip that part. It was a morning of stories and laughter.

Then off to church I go. It was a Spirit filled morning of worship with my Heavenly Father. The air was electric, energy was high. You can see and feel the Holy Spirit working through Journey, and I'm so excited to see what God has in store for our church and our community.

I spent the afternoon back with my family. We had light lunch. My mom had purchased a kiddie pool for the dogs. Our little Erin LOVED the pool. She had a wonderful time diving, sliding, and splashing in the water. We had so much fun watching her. It was just a great peaceful time together with family. Enjoying each others company.

This evening we went to my cousins house for a BBQ. I expected having a great time hanging out with my family. I didn't expect having a great time in worship with my Father. I have cousins who are missionaries in Israel. They are in the states for a short period of time, and I had the opportunity to spend the evening talking to them. Listening to their stories about people on fire for Jesus, about their life of service. Then I had an experience I never thought I would experience. My cousin leads worship at the church they've helped establish in Israel. I was sitting there humming an old hymn I had stuck in my head. Some one else heard me and started humming a long. It turned into an impromptu worship service. My cousin went and got his guitar and started playing worship songs. You'll never guess what happened next! We started singing...in HEBREW! It was so awesome. Mind you, I don't speak a lick of Hebrew. With the help of my cousins music, and his wife telling us what we were singing in English we had an amazing time praising the Lord. It was an amazing experience, one I'm not likely to ever forget. I now eagerly anticipate the day I can go spend some time with them in Israel, walking the streets Jesus walked on, and serving His Church.

Thank you, my Precious Lord, for an amazing day with you and the family you've blessed me with. Thank for fathers, and for my wonderful dad and Grandpa. I think back to a song we sang this morning in church: "All of You is more than enough for all of me, for every thirst and every need, You satisfy me with Your love, And all I have in You is more than enough." (Enough by Chris Tomlin) So true, thank you, Jesus.

Blessings!

Happy Birthday, Jeffrey!

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.1 Thessalonians 3:12

Happy Birthday, my love!!! Have a wonderful day, don't work too hard. Remember today and always that you are loved.

I BELIEVE

Today we sang my all time favorite Christian song at church. It's Creation Calls by Brian Doerksen. It amazes me how people can spend time on this earth and not believe in God. We are surrounded by evidence of his existence. We are especially blessed in CO, were all we have to do is look West to marvel at God's magnificent creation...the Rocky Mountains.

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Or as Brian says in his song "How can I say there is no God, when all around Creation calls"

I found this video set to the song on You Tube. Enjoy!



Blessings!

A Day of Good Bye's

Or maybe I should say "A day of see-ya-later's".

Today my family and I said "see ya later" to an old family friend. I have known Don since I was a young girl, and I'm blessed to have had him in my life. Don defined Carpe Diem. Because he was diagnosed with Diabetes as a young boy and was told by Dr's he wasn't going to live past 21...he treated every day as if it was his last. He was always full of life, laughter, and love. His granddaughter said she knows today her grandpa is dancing in heaven. I am sure it's true! So, see you later, Don. We love you! Save a dance for me!! I know I have pictures of my friend, so when I find them I'll post one here.

Today is also the day we said "see you later" to my sister and her family as they return home to Florida. We have been blessed to have them visiting for the last week. Last night, her son D even had the chance to spend the night at Auntie's house! (Side note...how does someone so small take up an ENTIRE bed???) Here is the superstar who can't stand having his picture taken: ha ha



We have so much fun with Bugs, M, and D when they are here, it's always sad to see them go back home to Florida. To them I say "Have a safe trip home; I love you tremendously; come home again soon." Who knows...maybe I'll even get to make it down to FL again this year.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

Blessings,

Lessons in Faith - Feeding Jesus

It's obvious I've been consumed with tornados the past couple days. Every time the wind gusts I'm diving for cover. OK...maybe not that bad, but close.

I've also been consumed with the thought of having to buy a new car. Wondering if we'll be able to afford the downpayment and a car payment. To put it bluntly, I've only been thinking of myself.

Yesterday I was talking to a friend about feeding the homeless this Sunday afternoon. The food bank usually provides the meat, but they are unable to this month. SO (since I was still thinking about myself) I was instantly worried about how i was going to afford to feed 150 homeless people when I need to buy a new car.

So I started talking to my dear husband about it last night and he very sternly (but sweetly) reminded me how blessed we are that all we lost in the tornado was a car, when so many lost all they had. Then he reminded me how all we have isn't ours and if God wants us to put $100 less down on a car so some homeless people can eat, then I shouldn't be getting in the way of God. I don't know what I was so worried about.

I know that once we get there on Sunday, it will be such a blessing. I just need to stop "freaking out" and keep putting my faith where it belongs...with our precious Heavenly Father.

So the lesson for today. In stead of keeping my thoughts on myself...I need to be focusing on Jesus, and in stead of worrying about a car...I should be making some time to feed Jesus.

Blessings.

I don't care to visit Oz

Here is a video of the tornado hitting the building I work. Thanks to all those who called me with your thoughts and prayers during all this. While it was frightening to experience, it's almost worse to watch it from the videos. We received little damage compaired to our neighboring community of Windsor. My heart and prayers go out to the Windsor community.

In this video after the tornado crosses the highway you see a couple buildings on the left side of the screen. I am in the taller building on the right.



The next video is taken from the security cameras on our building.

To my Mom

To my mom: The most amazing, kind, beautiful, strong, compassionate, fun mother in the world. Thank you for everything you've done for me and continue to do. I never want to imagine a world without you in it. I love you more and more every day.

Blessings!

Sleepless nights

The time is 12:48am. Why am I awake when I have to be at work early tomorrow morning? Good questions :o) It started out because I am downloading new songs onto my mp3 player and it is taking FOREVER. I actually kinda feel bad for all the times I've had my husband download songs for me. I had no idea it would take HOURS.

Now I'm just restless. I'm excited for this weekend. I am working , so it will be nice to get some hours at Suppers. I'm excited that Arron, our new senior minister, will be in town this weekend house hunting. I'm hoping I'll get go hang out with Rhonda a little bit. Rhonda is Arron's wife. We only met her over one weekend, but I already like her a lot and hope we can become friends. On top of that I've been worrying about my dear husband. He hasn't been himself for a few weeks but doesn't want to talk about why. Naturally...being the complete woman that I am...I feel like we HAVE to talk about it. ha ha. It's funny though, usually he is Mr. Talkative and has to get all his words in...now I'm complaining that he's not talking. It's funny how in the middle of the night we get our brains all in a tizzy over little things. Thinking through every possible senario and situation. My youth group is on my mind, too. They are a pretty great group of kids. I love them completely and would probably do just about anything (within reason) for any of them. So what's bugging me? I can't help but wonder how many of them actually have a true relationship with Jesus. I think a lot of them simply believe because their parents do. Or are there because they have to be. Sometimes I wonder if I'm really even making a difference, and if I am...is that a difference that is leading them towards the loving arms of Jesus Christ??

It's nights like this I think I'm just really needing to sit down and pray. Maybe I'm awake because I'm needing some one on one time w/ God. So why am I still on the computer? My songs are almost finished downloading. YEAH!!!

I'm thinking I really shouldn't be blogging in the middle of the night because my thoughts are random. Sleep is a beautiful thing...and I apparently don't function well without it. So...while I'm waiting for my last song to download. I'm going to log off and pray. Pray for peace and sleep. :)

Blessings.