December 30, 2010.

This is the time period in the Bible when the three wise men came searching for the Christ child. After Jesus birth, a star guided the wise men and they brought the child gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh. The wise men were seeking. One of my favorite quotes that I have heard only recently is, "Wise Men Still Seek Him". I like it so much, I put it on the sign out front of our church.

So many people today are still seeking, though they know not what they are looking for. Some go from job to job...always striving for something better. Others feel they need more money to be happy. Some even bounce from church to church, complaining they can't find one they feel comfortable with. Many people are unhappy with their life and don't really know why. Some turn to drugs or alcohol. Many of these people consider themselves Christians, but many of these same folks don't really have an actual relationship with God. I have some members of my own family who are always claiming to be a Christian and to love Jesus...but, have not been to church since they were kids and have no idea where their Bible is. If they even own one.

There are so many people in this world seeking. It's too bad they don't see the light as the wise men did.

December 30, 2010

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

December 24, 2010. Christmas Eve.

Yes, today is Christmas Eve. We have to head north this evening to spend Christmas Eve with Chris dad. Because of this we will miss the Christmas Eve service at our church this evening. I am pretty sure since we joined Brushwood we have had to miss every Christmas Eve service thus far. Spending the holiday with family is important, but I would so like to attend one of our Eve services just once. Maybe next year.

Chris works until 6PM this evening, so as soon as he gets off we have to head north. Depending on traffic we should get to his sisters house by 7:15 or so. It will be a late Eve celebration because of our late arrival. Then tomorrow on Christmas morning, we may actually head out to church so Chris can fix something I messed up on the churches website and also so we can change the sign out there. We don't have to be anywhere till 1 PM. I think we will get up, make a nice Christmas morning breakfast then head out to do these couple of things. We won't have time on Sunday to do this since he works in the morning...then, we head north again for Christmas with his mom. Christmas for us is usually lots of time spent on the road. And, I hear it's supposed to snow on and off this weekend. Good for a white Christmas...not so good for the driving.

I have also made a pledge to myself to get off this weight I have gained this past year. I would like to blame it on stress...as it has been a stressful year. But, the reality is I have just been plain eating too much...and exercising much less. Time to change that before I hit the big 50 in three years.

A couple days ago I posted about Linus's speech in A Charlie Brown Christmas. Today, I'm' just going to post the dialogue here to be read by anyone who is visiting my blog.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore... afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’

I truly hope that all my friends and family have a Blessed Christmas!!

December 19, 2010.

Today is Sunday and this is Christmas week! There is a children's program today at church and later this afternoon Chris and I are going to ring the bell at Walmart for the Salvation Army. Another fella from church is ringing with us at 3. I actually may send Chris on his own so I can get the dog fed and other things cause at 4 we also have Disciple class at church. So, a pretty busy day.

The New Year is fast approaching and it's at this time so many people try and set resolutions for themselves. I never do this...I never follow through with them, or only keep them for a short time. Instead, I just try to make small changes in my life. One thing I really want to try and do is get myself more organized in my house. Chris and I went from a tiny house in Lansing, Illinois, to a really big old home here in Rensselaer. We definitely bought too big a home, but I love it's old charm. When we bought it, natural gas wasn't to overly expensive and heating the house wasn't too bad. But, the year after we bought it was when natural gas went through the roof in price and now it's become really costly to heat this old house in the winter. To say the least, the thermostat has been turned way down this winter and I am wearing lots of layers. One room of our home is heated with a pellet stove, so it's always warm. We spend 90 percent of our time in that room!

Anyway, I have set a goal for myself to get this house organized next year. The basement and attic really need to be cleaned up and the stuff sorted through. Also, my closets are a disaster and need the same. After 25 years of marriage, you do tend to accumulate lots of stuff...much of what can either be donated, sold in a garage sale or Ebay.

More later....

December 18, 2010.

In my attempt to become very frugal and to also rely less on store brought packaged foods, I have begun expanding my horizons in the kitchen. I have begun baking my own bread. What I once thought to be a difficult thing has turned out to be incredibly easy. I just have to be careful to not eat too much of what I am baking. I made two loaves yesterday and after cooled, promptly put one in the freezer. I'm itching to try cinnamon bread and was going to today, but it requires a lot more rising time so I may not fit it in today. But, we'll see.

Also, we have begun buying more Angel Food boxes from our church. Today is pick-up day which is normally in the morning, but due to a truck breaking down the boxes won't be there until this afternoon. (which is why I may not be able to fit in bread making) Anyway, most of the boxes have been including a package of beans each month. Not being a very well versed cook, I have rarely used dried beans in the past. One thing I do like to use in my kitchen is the crock pot. I follow a blog online called "A Year of Slow Cooking" and I found where this lady will cook whole bags of beans in her crock pot...and then freeze them in smaller containers. They can then be used like canned beans in recipes. And they are better then canned as there is no salt added. So, today I have a whole bag of pinto beans going in my 5 quart crock pot. When I got this bag of beans in my food box last month I had no idea what to do with them. By cooking them and freezing, I can now use them more easily in minestrone soup and other recipes. I think I have another bag of beans in this months box so I plan on doing the same thing.

Chris and I rarely eat out any more. Just too expensive. I now own 3 different sized crock pots and use them several times a week. Yesterday it was crock pot lasagna. A new recipe for me and is fast becoming one of our favorites. I'm not sure if anyone is reading my blog, but I wanted to share that recipe here:

Slow Cooker Lasagna

1 pound uncooked lean ground beef.
1 small onion chopped
1 medium garlic clove, minced (I always forget to buy this and have used powdered)
28 ounce canned crushed tomatoes (I have used the one that comes with Italian seasonings)
15 ounce can of tomato sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil (both times I made this I left it out as I keep forgetting to buy it)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes..or to taste.
1 cup part skim ricotta
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella-divided
6 dry lasagna noodles, no -cook. (I found one company that makes this at my local store)
Parmesan.

Heat large non stick skillet over medium heat. Add beef, onion and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sauce, salt, oregano, basil and red pepper. Simmer 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together ricotta and 1 cup of mozz. Spoon 1/3 beef mixture into a 5 quart crock pot. Break 3 lasagna sheets in half and arrange over beef. Top with half the ricotta/moss mixture. Repeat with another layers and finish with remaining beef mixture.

Cover and cook on low setting 4 to 6 hours. Remove cover, turn off heat and season to taste if desired. Sprinkle remaining mozz over top, cover and set aside until the mozz melts. Add Parmesan also at this time. However much you want.

I have to add...I did add extra mozzarella to the layers as I was putting it in the second time I made this and it was much better. It filled my crock pot about half way, so you could probably double this recipe and fill it all the way. Really good and really easy.

December 18, 2010

"Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near. Matthew 3:2

December 16, 2010.

Next week is Christmas. I just finished watching one of my favorite Christmas shows, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." I will never tire of watching it. I love the story, the music and everything about it. Even though it was made back in the 60's, the story is timeless and has as much meaning today as it did then. In the story, Charlie Brown struggles with the commercialism of Christmas and how it is affecting his friends and the Christmas play they are doing. It take Linus speech on the Biblical Christmas story to make them all realize the true meaning.

Last week there was a program on one of the cable channels about the making of A Charlie Brown Christmas. I did not see all of it, but I did see where the producers did not want Charles Schultz to put in the speech by Linus. Linus speech was taken directly from the Bible. The producers felt by putting this in, it would be a flop on TV. Charles Schultz insisted and not only did it not flop, it has become one of the most watched and beloved Christmas specials ever!

The part of the show where Linus tells the story of Jesus is my favorite part. It just makes me so happy that this humble little cartoon is still shown each year and each year more and more people enjoy and watch it!

December 12, 2010

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

December 9, 2010.

Christmas is almost here! Chris and I have been keeping busy between work, church and other stuff. This Friday evening we are going out to dinner with the vet clinic I work for. They take all the employees and spouses out to a nice dinner for Christmas every year. We are going back to a place we went to a couple years ago, McGraw's Steak House in Lafayette. Surprisingly, I could not find any website for them otherwise I'd post a link. It's located right on the river down there and is very pretty. I believe it is owned by someone affiliated with Purdue University. I will get to eat my once a year fillet Mignon dinner. Yeah!

Saturday evening Chris is singing in a recital put on by his voice teacher. That will be nice, though we are supposed to get a decent snowstorm that day. Hopefully it won't affect the recital. His mom is coming down for that, but she arrives tomorrow.

Other things at church are also keeping me busy. Still continuing through Disciple I class. I am really enjoying this class. I just wish could attend it more regularly, but his job is getting in the way. Also other various meetings and worship team practice.

The close of 2010 is approaching as well. While it has been a difficult year, it has also been a year with many blessings. It is during difficult times you find that you have a lot of great friends who help support you through these times. That and faith in the Lord has helped us make it to the end of 2010.

December 6, 2010

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

December 3, 2010

"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measure to you." Luke 6:38

December 1, 2010.

Wow, it's December 1 today! One more month left in the year and the first full week of Advent. I invite anyone who is reading this blog to check out the website Advent Conspiracy. Read and check out the promo videos. I visited the church of the former pastor of our church on Sunday and he showed the promo video during his sermon. An excellent concept and worth spreading and sharing with others.

November 28, 2010

Sometimes I just forget to thank God for the many blessings in my life.

November 26, 2010

"Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

November 25, 2010. Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is Thanksgiving. Right now I am waiting for my first loaf of homemade bread to rise and we are making biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Chris has to work today from noon till 7, so I will take him dinner from my moms house.

I am thankful for many, many things. It has been a rough year for us, but in retrospect there are others with far worse difficulties in life. It is so easy to fall into the "woe is me" mindset and to feel sorry for yourself. But, if I would just pause and look at the big picture of my life I have so much to be thankful for. I have a loving husband. We have been married for 25 years this year. In today's life, that is an achievement! I have a roof over my head. It's a big, old drafty house, but it has lots of charm and I love the place. (the stairs, I'm sure I might not love in 20 years) I also have many wonderful friends and belong to a really wonderful church here in our community, Brushwood Methodist. I have never met such a wonderful group of people as are the member of my church. I have food in the cabinets and on the table. I work two part-time jobs. They don't pay a whole lot, but they are jobs and with unemployment as it is today I am grateful for them. Chris also has a full-time job. Again, does not pay a lot..but, it's a job!!!!

I am in pretty good health. Could be better as I've put on a lot of weight this year, but despite that I am in good health. I have my family close by me. They are difficult to deal with sometimes, but I am still grateful to have them nearby.

More later....

November 21, 2010.

Ok, I admit. I still hold a little bit of bitterness over what happened with our business. It's something I have been struggling with more lately. I realized this weekend when I was getting out our Christmas decorations that we left a huge chunk of our decorations there. We had taken them in to decorate the restaurant because we could not afford to buy new ones. Except for lights that I have at home for our trees, all other lights are there. Along with a bunch of artificial poinsettia plants I found on sale one year...and I'm sure some other things I cannot think of. It's the lights I'm most disappointed in.

During the time we owned the restaurant we did not have much time to decorate our home for Christmas as we were there so much. This year I wanted to put up some outside lights..but, we don't have any. They got left there.

And we also left our "Life is Good" signs there.

Bitterness is not a nice thing to deal with.

November 20, 2010. Bible Verse.

He said,

“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!” Job 1:21

November 18, 2010.

Boy, are the holiday's approaching fast. Thanksgiving is next week! We are probably staying home Thanksgiving cause Chris is most likely working, but we don't know yet what his hours are. His family is coming down to our home on Saturday for a holiday meal. My family is arguing with each other, so nobody is going anywhere. My mom is staying at home with my younger brother who won't go to my older brothers. These things are typical in my family. If Chris works most of the day, I may drop in at her house and eat dinner with her and younger brother. Then, maybe stop at older brothers and say hi.

I get tired of the family drama each year, but it's gotten to be a regular thing. None of my family are church goers or are even remotely close to being believers in Christ, I'm sure. They may say they are, but none have ever accepted Jesus into their life. And I truly don't see this happening, but it's their choice. My niece and nephew I don't think they have ever attended a church service in their entire life. Very sad.

Gotta go to work...more later.

November 9, 2010.

It's two months today that we lost Rudy. Time does heal wounds, but I still tear up when I think about him. Charlotte is developing a little bit different personality being the "only" dog now. She craves attention more, has become somewhat of a velcro dog...following me around the house wherever I go. She has become more of a cuddle-bug then she used to be. I'm sure she misses him as well.

Life goes on, though. Chris continues working at Family Express. He now works days which is nice because he can attend more evening functions at church. He will be going to his first Emmaus reunion meeting tonight which he is looking forward to.

It's hard to believe the Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. I am so not ready for them to get here that fast!

November 9, 2010. Verse for today.

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." Proverbs 3: 1-2

November 2, 2010. Verse for today.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:19.

November 1, 2010.

Can you believe it's November already! This year is almost over.

It's been a busy past few days. Chris' mom was down over the weekend for a visit. She always cooks a bunch when she visits and my freezer now has three big containers of chicken noodle soup and there is one big blueberry pie in the fridge. She came down because on Sunday morning Chris and I renewed our wedding vows in church. Also down was Chris dad and step-mom and also his sister and her husband. It was really nice to have them all down and attend our church. His sister seemed impressed with the service, commenting about how it will be hard to return to her now boring Lutheran church service. Every denomination is different as is every church. The Lutheran church has a very subdued, serious service. Our services are pretty upbeat, lively and everyone does a lot of talking and sharing. From the few times I attended the church Chris grew up in, I recall things being so somber and nobody talking. What a difference between the two.

Renewing our vows was nice. I was reluctant to participate in this when Chris first asked, but I am very glad I did. It was nice having family and all my new friends there around me. It is so hard to believe that 25 years has passed.

October 28, 2010.

This Sunday Chris and I are renewing our wedding vows in church. He initially asked me to do this on Monday. I said yes, but later got to thinking that I really didn't want to do this. I am uneasy doing things in front of people like this, so I later told him I would rather not. The crushed look on his face immediately made me regret saying that. So, I told him OK, we would do it. Later, I found out his whole family is coming. No wonder he was crushed when I said I would rather not.

So, Sunday during the Celebration Service we will renew our vows. We asked my mom to come, but she is not sure she wants to. She says she cries to easy. I don't know if that is just her excuse to not come, or if she really is afraid she will. I told her Chris' entire family will be there, but she still said she is not sure. Whatever...that is my mom.

I just realized I never actually made a post here about or 25th wedding anniversary. Probably because I was sick earlier this week. But, on Tuesday was our silver anniversary. We did not do anything special, we both had to work. This Sunday will be our something special for the anniversary.

It is truly hard to believe it has been 25 years. There have been good years and bad. Sometimes it seems more bad. I would not trade Chris for anything, but if I could do some of those years over there are some things I would do different. But, I guess that is how we learn and grow together.

October 27, 2010.

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns." Isaiah 52:7


This verse was in my Disciple reading this week. I liked it enough to highlight it so thought I would share it here.

October 25, 2010.

Chris is home from his Emmaus walk. He seems to have had a really, really meaningful time. Like I was when I returned, he has been talking non-stop about everything that took place. We had three guys from our church who went and all three seemed to have brought back experiences that were life-changing.

I made it for the candlelight ceremony and also served in the kitchen that Saturday afternoon. It was so wonderful experiencing some of the events from behind the scenes. The women's walk was canceled so I didn't get to work there. Hopefully in the spring, I look forward to being on the Apage team.

Closing ceremony was last evening. Hearing all the pilgrims testimonies and how the weekend affected them was so cool. During my walk, I was on such an emotional roller coaster I honestly don't remember a lot of the talks given by the other pilgrims.

Last evening towards the end of the closing ceremony I started to not feel so good. I wound up with a stomach flu or food poisoning, not sure which, but either way I was one miserable puppy on the way home. I just pray that if I have something contagious that the others in the van don't catch it. Chris is positive it is the devil working, trying to deflate the wonderful things that happened that weekend for him. He may very well be right!

October 22, 2010.

I'm not sure why I have not been posting in my blog. No reason, really...just haven't take the time and I really need to!

This weekend Chris is at his Walk to Emmaus. I really hope his experience is as meaningful as mine. Only time will tell! I'm going there tomorrow to work behind the scenes. Most likely in the kitchen. I'm looking forward to it. Since the women's walk was canceled I've been itching to experience the "behind the scenes" work at the walks.

I guess they have been having some problems there. A friend of mine called and asked me to pray extra for the guys. They have had a couple of key workers take sick and not able to fulfill their roles at the walk.

The devil just loves making things hard for us at times like this!

Oct. 12, 2010. Verse for today.

Jeremiah, say to the people, "This is what the Lord says: " When people fall down, don't they get up? When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back?" Jeremiah 8: 4




No, not always......

October 9, 2010.

Well, I've been really neglecting this blog! It's so easy to get out of the habit of posting in something like this. My last post I sounded really depressed, but I'm over that depressed hump for now. Today it's actually been one month since we lost Rudy. For some reason, it seems like it's been a lot longer then a month. Not sure why. The first week or so was really hard adjusting, but now we've gotten back into daily routines and things are better. Charlotte seems to be over her initial sadness and is not moping around the house as she was. It doesn't hurt that we have been showering her with a lot more attention..also, Chris' new work schedule means she has one of us at home just about all the time.

Our bankruptcy is finally over, praise the Lord. That went on entirely too long. But now we can begin rebuilding our savings and just getting our finances back into decent order. We have pared things back at home as much as can be done. Reduced our cell phone bill, paid off Chris' car with the money we did get back from the bankruptcy. We now officially have NO car payments! And that is just how it's going to be...forever if we can help it. We have a big stockpile of wood pellets for our stove in the back room. This way we can turn up the wood burner and turn down even more the house furnace. I'm even thinking of buying one of those oil filled space heaters for our bedroom. We kept the thermostat on 62 last year. Downstairs was decent with the wood burner..upstairs was pretty darn chilly. If we buy a little space heater for the bedroom, I'm thinking of even trying to lower the thermostat to 60. We did reduce our heating bill last year, I'm hoping we can reduce it even more. Someday we will have the extra money to invest in having insulation put into this old house.

Been keeping busy with both jobs and lots of events at church. Chris is working full-time at Family Express here in town and seems to enjoy it. I still get worried over things going on in our life, but I am having an easier time letting go of that worry and relying on God to help me through. In two weeks Chris will be going on his Emmaus walk. I truly hope he gets as much out of it as I did. I will be praying for him as well as all the other pilgrims who will be joining him that weekend.

September 28, 2010

Sometimes I wonder if I'm depressed. Like a person with a depression issue. And it's not just because we lost Rudy. Little things upset me...sometimes even sending me into tears. Something which is probably small and insignificant upset me this evening and has gotten me into a funk. Borderline tears and I really shouldn't be crying over this. Especially when I am not even sure about what I'm upset about. I know this doesn't make much sense.

It has been a really bad year for us. I'm not even going to go into everything that has happened. There are others who have had worse events in their life. Plus, I've gained a lot of weight which really gets me down.

I think I'm having a "feel sorry for myself" kind of night. Sometimes a good cry is what one needs in these times. Praying also helps, though I'm still have some difficulty in that department. I am getting better at it. My relationship with the Lord is an ever growing and changing thing and he has helped me weather the storms that this year has brought on.

Maybe my problem is hormonal. Who knows.

September 28, 2010

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

Saw this on Facebook and liked it.

September 25, 2010.

Well, as you can see I am still neglecting my blog. No reason, just have not taken the time. I'm working through my grief over losing Rudy-dog. I'm doing a whole lot better then I was earlier this week. It's weird, it seems like we lost him months ago and it's only been two weeks. Instead of always being sad, I am now just reminiscing on all the fun things he did, funny habits he had. He was a fun dog.

Our other lab Charlotte is getting along much better. She was so lost the first few days, but has gotten much better this week. She is really a different dog when she is the "only" dog. Rudy was very hyper and that triggered some hyperness in her. Since Rudy has been gone, she is a lot calmer. I think she will adjust to being the only dog without any hitches. She's even proving to be a good girl when we are not at home.

My favorite season is here, Autumn. I love the crisp air and the changing leaves. Chris and I were married the end of October for that exact reason. Speaking of marriage...next month we will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary! We are hoping to maybe get away for at least one night. With his new job, that will be about all we can do. We have always enjoyed going to Nashville, Indiana, in the fall. If we can afford it, we are going to go there for a one night stay. The place we always stay at allows dogs. Only hitch is, on weekend they require a two night stay. They told us if we call the Thursday before the weekend we want to come down they will let us stay one night if they are not booked up. So, we'll see. If we can't stay overnight...we may just go down for the day and come home.

Next weekend I am going on a ladies retreat with my best friend from high school. Diane and I have not been in constant contact since high school. It's really only been since the growth of Facebook that we have reconnected. She has invited me to go with her on a retreat sponsored by her church. She lives down by Indy. Next Friday Chris is driving me down to her home, then on Saturday she and I leave for the retreat. It's down near Nashville, Indiana, but I'm not exactly sure where. I guess there is a Christian book author who will be the featured speaker that weekend. Should be fun and I look forwarding to spending time with Diane.

September 20, 2010. Verse for today.

"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them." Joshua 1:6

September 16, 2010.

I've been neglecting my blog this past week. Everything that happened last week...well, I just haven't had the desire to write. But, as time passes the hurt from last week is not quite as bad as it was. Tomorrow my sister-in-law and mother-in-law are driving down with Rudy's ashes. I have decided to place his urn on the piano in the front room. That room was always one of his favorite places. He would sit on the sofa in there and watch out the window. When we were gone, that was his spot. Either sleeping or watching out the window.

I now know what it's like to go through the stages of mourning I hear about. I'm entering into the "why" stage. All day I keep asking, why...why was he taken from us so soon. I know there are a lot of people who just wouldn't understand why Rudy's death has impacted me so much. I truly did not think it would impact me as much as it has. But, then....I have never known a dog quite like Rudy. So far today, we have received eight sympathy cards in the mail.

I'm going to try and get back into my regular posting here including my verse of the day. I'm still involved in Disciple I class at church and have kept up that reading. Taking my verse of the day from my Disciple class was a way to keep myself current in it.

September 11, 2010.

We let Rudy go Thursday morning. I have to say, it has absolutely been one of the most difficult things I have ever done. We went and picked him up at Purdue University Thursday morning and took him to our own vet to be put down. What made it so difficult, when we first saw him at Purdue he was so happy to see us. Wagging his tail, dancing, acting goofy. Through all this ordeal...up until the last couple of weeks Rudy has never acted like a dog sick with cancer. The hardest night for me was Wednesday, knowing what we were going to do the next day and also knowing he was sleeping in a strange place, with strange people...probably wondering where we were. I did not sleep at all that night...I almost made Chris drive me down there so I could see him that evening.

I'm not crying as much as I did Wednesday and Thursday, but I still am finding myself breaking into tears at odd moments. I've been giving our other lab, Charlotte, a lot of extra attention...partly to help her because she is lost, but also I am finding it therapeutic for me.

I just wish I could sleep better. I never, ever in my life imagined losing a pet would be this difficult. But, then, I have never known a dog like Rudy....and I don't think I ever will. He was special and he touched many people in his short life. My mother-in-law has been grieving almost as much as we have. She loved Rudy. My sister-in-law as well and my mom have been crying.

I know it will get easier with time.

September 8, 2010.

My heart is sad tonight. Our dog, Rudy, who has been the kid we never had...has a tumor in his sinus that has already begun to spread to his brain and eye. We are going to see him tomorrow and help him cross over the rainbow bridge so he won't be hurting anymore. I don't think I've ever experienced sadness like I am right now. I know he is just a dog....but, he is something special to us as well. He's only 7 years old.

September 6, 2010. Verse for today.

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8

September 5, 2010. Verse for today.

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

September 4, 2010.

This coming Tuesday we will be taking our dog Rudy to Purdue University to see the vet's at their teaching hospital. We have been battling a problem in his right sinus all summer long. Our vet cannot figure out what is wrong. He has had X-Rays done, been on antibiotics for most of the summer, had cultures done. The X-rays do not show anything definite. There is no definite sign of a tumor...just a cloudy area. Cultures only show some kind of bacterial infection. It is not getting better.

Our vet has sent us to Purdue so they can use an endoscope to look up his nose. This is considerably less invasive then surgery, but a tad more expensive. We had to seek the help of family for this. Borrowing a bit of money from Chris mom and dad.

There is every possibility that Rudy will not be coming home with us. If they find that he does indeed of nasal cancer, the prognosis for this in dogs is very poor. Treatments are expensive and not pleasant for the animal. Chris has already begun his new job, so if decisions have to be made for Rudy...I may need to do them alone or with Chris on the phone. He works 4PM to close..and the afternoon is when Rudy would need to be picked up.

I am not a brave driver so I asked our minister if he can drive me back down there on Tuesday if Rudy gets to come home. Or if I need to go back after all the tests are done....and I need to make a decision.

This whole thing could be something as simple as a foreign object up his nose. (grass, twig) Or, it could be nasal cancer. I called my mom this evening to let her know what was going on. We talked for a bit and I wound up crying and she then was crying. She has Rudy's brother and we have all become very attached to these big, goofy dogs.

September 3, 2010. Verse for today.

"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless of misuses of his name." Exodus 20:7


This is a commandment that many people find hard to follow. I know my dad was one who totally did not follow it!

September 1, 2010. Verse for today.

Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. Exodus 14:13

August 31, 2010.

Well, it's the last day of August! Autumn will be here very soon and it is my favorite season of the year. I am not a fan of hot weather, but just love the cool brisk fall air. Temperatures in the 50's and 60's....just love it! That was one reason Chris and I got married at the end of October. The cool air and the fall colors.

This October it will be our 25th wedding anniversary. Twenty-five years...it just doesn't seem possible. We have had good years and bad years as most couples do, and I wouldn't change any one of them. Sure, you wish the bad times did not happen, but those times are just part of life.

Chris started his new job this week. He is working at a local gas station chain called Family Express. It does not pay a lot, but the job is full-time and I honestly think he is going to really enjoy working there. He loves working with people and at gas/convenience stores you deal with people all the time. Getting used to his new schedule will take some time. It may affect some of our activities at church, but it's just something we are going to have to deal with. The one thing he is really concerned about is the Disciple I class we are involved in. I'm hoping perhaps we can move our class time around whatever times he is working...we'll just have to see.

I bought a new Bible to use in my Disciple I class. I've been wanting to buy a parallel Bible, but really couldn't afford the one that has like 6 versions in it. I was looking around the Christan Book website and found one on sale that had The Message and NIV in it. It is the whole Bible and even states it's in a larger print. (which I can really use since I went to a bifocal) Even though finances are tight right now, I went ahead and ordered it. 19.99 wasn't too bad a price and I'm awaiting it's arrival. I'm familiar with the NIV Bible and am intrigued by The Message so I think this will be a good choice.

Who would know that I would someday be excited at the arrival of a new Bible!!!!

Chris has been using a Bible he had as a kid...The Way. I think all of us who grew up in the 70's had a The Way Bible. He has used his so much, it's falling apart and is even missing the first section of Matthew. I went onto Ebay and found an identical copy of this Bible and bought if for a whole 5.00. He is going to be so surprised when it arrives!!

August 30, 2010. Verse for today.

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." Exodus 4-10

When Moses spoke to God at the burning bush...he sure did doubt his ability to do as the Lord asked him to do!

August 29, 2010.

I haven't been real good about keeping my blog current. Partly cause things have been busy, partly cause just haven't taken the time. The last few nights I have not slept very well and last night was no different. Woke up at 2AM and laid there for the longest time unable to get back to sleep. Now, I'm sitting here feeling slightly brain dead and just have no energy. Ugh...I hate this feeling. And so much to do today. When I feel like this, I just want to stay home, stay in my pajamas and frump in front of the television.

But, today is Celebration Sunday at church. All services are combined into one and then there is a carry-in afterward. It's a wonderful Sunday, I just hope I get some energy to help me enjoy it. Then, this afternoon is our Disciple I class at 4.

Ok...off to take a shower and hopefully that will help to wake me up a bit.

August 24, 2010. Verse for today.

But, Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26.



One of the bad girl's of the Bible. See what happens when you don't listen!!!

August 23, 2010. Verse for today.

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." Genesis 15:1


In my Disciple I class we are in Genesis and the section we are in this week is Covenant. This reading was on the covenant between God and Abraham.

August 21, 2010.

It's been a fairly busy week. Despite losing his job last week, Chris and I have been coping fairly well. He has been sick with a bad bacterial infection in his lungs all week, but yesterday and today has not run a temperature. He's now just coughing, coughing and more coughing. Being sick, plus the losing his job part has made for a very depressed husband..but, he seems to be perking up. He has landed a full-time job at Family Express. It's only a clerk position...paying 8.00 an hour, but it's full-time and after 6 months he will be eligible for benefits. This is the kind of company where you can work your way up. He also has a job interview at the local college here in town. That is the job he really wants, so we are praying that he does well at the interview. But, either way...he does have a job. The power of prayer does work!

I've been busy this week working both my jobs plus a lot of things in the evenings at church. Last night we had our Family Fun Night there. We did have a small turn-out, but we had a great big fun time! Today, it's stuff around the house, errands and we are working the movie at the cinema tonight. Little extra cash there and we get to do it again tomorrow night.

Rudy-dog seems to be doing better. He is still on an antibiotic for the infection in his sinus and he is now on a prescription antihistamine....which is fairly expensive. It seems to be working, so if our vet keeps him on it I will see about buying it through the swine vet clinic I work for. That is one nice perk about working there. I can purchase medications for my dogs and get them for cost. So, if this turns out to be a medicine he is put on for long-term, I will buy it there. This stuff is like a dollar a pill and he is currently taking 4 a day. I should be able to get it for half that cost...I hope.

I've been frustrated with my weight. I am at the heaviest I've been in probably 10 years. I'm frustrated with that, but I'm also tired of dieting! Why does it have to be so hard! I have been walking a ton this summer and my friend who I walk with has the same frustrations that I do. I'm sure it's partly age..being in our 40's I think the hormones are just working against us. It's just not fair.

August 19. 2010. Verse for today.

"O, that my head a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears, so that I might weep day and night for the slain of my poor people! Jeremiah 9:1.


The section read for today in Jeremiah was rather depressing. There was much deceitfulness, lying evil in the world....you could not even trust your own family.

August 18, 2010. Verse for today.

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease." Genesis 8:22

This is what God stated after the great flood was over. He said he would never again curse the ground because of humankind.

August 17, 2010. Verse for today.

Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust on the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person. Genesis 2:7



I am in my second week of Disciple 1 class. As I was out on my walk this morning, I thought it might be neat to try and post a Bible verse from each day's reading. Yesterday I read Genesis 2 and 3.

August 16, 2010.

I haven't posted here in a few days. It's amazing how fast your life can change in just a matter of days. Chris lost his job on Thursday. I guess I've never experienced such a feeling of helplessness when he came and told me that he had been let go. After leaving The Doghouse and everything that happened there, to now him being unemployed. I did have a momentary feeling of panic, but since that day I've just been kind of quiet and trying to sort things out.

The practical side of me is doing the figures in my head with the money we have as to how long we will be OK with our bills if he does not find a job right away. The bummer is, he does not qualify for unemployment. Mainly due to the fact while we owned The Doghouse he was not paying himself a true paycheck. We would right ourselves a check now and then, but it wasn't drawn like a paycheck so consequently the government has no record of him working for the 4 years prior to the radio station job. I always had a feeling that was a bad decision, but he based this on my brother who does the same at his restaurant.

So, anyway....trying to put my faith in God on this situation. I'm better today, not quite as worried. But, the economy and job situation is not good...so just praying right now that he finds some kind of work before the end of September. In my figuring bills and money on hand, I think we'll be OK till then. The one hitch in this will be Rudy and the tests that are waiting to come back on him. At least our vet is working with us on the bill so we don't have to pay everything upfront. More later.....

August 13, 2010. Verse for today.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

A nice scripture during difficult times.

August 11, 2010.

It's been a fairly eventful week. A member of our church passed away unexpectadly on Monday. The whole church was and still is in shock. This family is one of the nicest families there is and they have been through so much in the last year or so. With one daughter fighting breast cancer at a very young age, and the man himself dealing with two knee replacements. It just seemed that they had reached the turning point of things looking up when "BAM' a sudden death.

It's times like these that most folks begin to question their faith and they ask the eternal question..."why?" That has to be one of the hardest questions faced by a minister. I truly would not know how to answer it. Sure, you can say...well, it's the will of God. But, when you are the person who has lost a loved one...that is not what you want to hear.

The only thing I know, it's a true, unfailing faith in God that can get you through these things. While it doesn't seem fair that your loved one was taken from you so abruptly, you also have to remember that they are now walking with the Lord. You can't help but wonder what that will be like. Walking with the Lord and seeing heaven. The words to the song, "I Can Only Imagine" come to mind. I'll have to use that song in a future post here. But, for now....can you just imagine what it will be like! From what I heard, this gentleman simple did not wake up from a nap. At least not in this world...so, can you imagine what it would be like to go to sleep and then wake up in another world. In heaven...where you have Jesus and God welcoming you! Wow.

August 9, 2010. Verse for today.

"He that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat." Proverbs 28:25 KJV


I swiped this from Liz Curtis Higgs Facebook page today. As she says...this explains everything!!!! Haha.

August 7, 2010.

Ok, here is an oldie moldie song to share. I have long been a fan of John Denver. Way back when I was a teenager, I would play and play his songs on a guitar that I taught myself to play. I no longer have a guitar and no longer play. I never played very well, being self taught I did not teach myself very well. But, I played well enough that when nobody was around I could play and sing my favorite John Denver songs. While this song was never really a favorite at that time, I have come to have a new found liking of it. I'm sure many folks have never heard it so I hope I can find a recording on You Tube.

I also have to go on record here and confess...the day I heard John Denver had died I actually cried a little. I was so grateful that two years prior I got to see him in concert in Merrillville. It was a fabulous show, just John and two percussionists. He sang for almost 3 hours. So, anyway...here are the lyrics to Gospel Changes. It is from his album Poems, Prayers and Promises.



The Prodigal Son, he'd been away a while,
he was working his way back home now over many a ragged mile.
When he finally crossed the river and his father saw him near,
there was a joyful sound, for all the world to hear.

I listened to what the Good Book said and it made good sense to me,
talking about reaping what you're sowing, people trying to be free.
Now we've got new names and faces, this time around,
Gospel changes, Lord, still going down.

Jesus, He did not doubt His gifts, though He knew that He had not long to live.
He took care of the business of teaching us how to fly,
then He bowed His head and laid down to die.

I listened to what the Good Book said and it made good sense to me,
talking about reaping what you're sowing, people trying to be free.
Now we've got new names and faces, this time around,
Gospel changes, Lord, still going down.

Jerusalem I see you standing high,
but if you lose your salvation, there'll be no tears left to cry.
Now some men worship a Golden Calf while others are bought and sold,
and if we live like that, brother we'll pay the toll.

I listened to what the Good Book said and it made good sense to me,
talking about reaping what you're sowing, people trying to be free.
Now we've got new names and faces, this time around,
Gospel changes, Lord, still going down.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Gospel changes, Lord, still going down.

Gospel Changes click to listen.

August 7, 2010. Verse for today.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16

August 6, 2010.

Lots going on right now. Tonight our church is having a Spaghetti Dinner as a fund raiser. They are turning the fellowship hall into an Italian Restaurant and Chris and I will be the waiters. It's going to be fun.

This Sunday we begin a class at church called Disciple I. It's quite a long class and will go well into the Spring. It requires a lot of in depth reading of the Bible and meetings once a week. I am very much looking forward to the challenge of this class. I did take a class last summer in which we read the Bible in 90 days. But, this class will be different. I'm hoping to understand things in the Bible more. The other class was pretty much just reading the Bible, Disciple 1 is studying the Bible.

Then, Rudy is not doing well. The bacterial infection we've been battling in his nose just doesn't seem to be improving much. He's been on an antibiotic for over a month. He's sneezing has gotten worse and this morning he began sneezing out blood again. He's also had terrible diarrhea since yesterday...which he had a few weeks ago. I'm beginning to think it's related to the infection. Stuff from your nose does drain down into your stomach. Anyway, the vet wants to do another X-Ray. We just don't have the cash. My mom is loaning us 100.00. The vet is going to work with us as well...allowing us to make payments. But, to help the situation I've again looked at what I can unload here at home. Last month I had a garage sale to raise money. Today I'm going to sell half of my exercise DVD's. There is a lady on Ebay who has bought them from me in the past. I've sent her an email and gotten a list together. Hopefully she'll give me at least 75.00 for them. I even contemplated selling them all, I have probably over 50 DVD's. I'm going to see what she'll give me for the list I sent her. This way I can add some money to the 100.00 my mom is loaning us.

Chris is going to look through his shed tomorrow. I know he has tons of tools out there he never touches. We can start putting these things on Ebay if I can just motivate him to clean things up out there.

Ok...enough babbling........

August 5, 2010. Verse for today.

"Do not merely listen to the word so to deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22.



Good verse...something to challenge us all!

August 2, 2010. Verse for today.

Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

I stole this verse from today's Upper Room. It is one I read quite often...and try to follow it's advice!

August 1, 2010.

Can it really be August already? The summer is almost over. I am someone who does not like very hot weather, so I do welcome the coming of Autumn. Autumn is my favorite season with October my favorite month. I look forward to it every year.

But, it has been a busy summer! And I cannot believe I have kept this blog going since the end of April.

The next Emmaus walks are coming up in October and I have been asked to help on the music committee. I am very much looking forward to this!!! October is going to be a busy month. There is the women's Emmaus walk, the men's Emmaus walk which Chris is attending. Then, the first weekend of the month I will be attending a women's retreat with a long-time friend from high school. Not to mention the preparation for the walks themselves. I hope the retreat I'm attending won't interfere with any of the Emmaus preparations. I didn't even think about the fact that weekend is so close to the walks. It's going to be a busy, busy month.

Our minister this morning preached on taking our given talents and using them to spread the word of God. I have tried doing this, though it is not always easy. We gave our God-daughter her first Bible this past weekend. It was a cute Bible geared towards little girls who are her age. She did seem to like it and I do hope she reads it. Her parents do not attend church regularly...perhaps this might spur them to do so. Whether it does or does not...I at least feel I have planted a small seed in this young girl.

Ok...more later....just some rambling thoughts I wanted to post for today.

July 30, 2010. Verse for today.

"You are the light of my world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5, 14,16

July 28, 2010.

I am the new secretary at my church. It's part-time, about 8 to 10 hours a week. I am really enjoying it except....I am so new to working with some of the computer software that so many others know very well. Case in point today....Power Point. A lot of people know Power Point, but I have never had a need to learn it. Until now. And, boy can it be frustrating to not know what you are doing with programs like this.

So, I was trying to create a new slide for an event at church. Nothing was working, and the more I played with it the worse it got. I finally deleted the slide and decided to start over. Still had problems....I began beating up the poor keyboard. You do know...if you hit the enter key enough times it's suppose to make everything magical work....right???? I kinda felt like this picture from the movie Office Space...but, I didn't think the trustees of the church would like me very much if I did that.

So, before I broke anything that the church really can't afford to fix....I gave my hubby a call. Asked him..."where are you?". Luckily, he was only about 15 minutes away. So, he stopped in to help me fix the slide I was working on. It's all very simple for him.

He wants to help me with these Power Point slides which is fine by me. I am finding this is one program that it's best to have help with then to rather try and figure out on your own. (at least for me)

Giving your life to Christ works in a similar way. Most people go through life searching. They really don't know what they are searching for. Their lives are unfulfilled and they don't even know why. A few of these folks can figure it out on their own...but, the majority of us need help from others. Someone who comes along and introduces us to the Spirit of Christ. Or perhaps it's an event that happens that opens our eyes. Learning about Christ comes easier for some...and others it may take their whole lives to learn and understand. Some folks refuse to listen, others pretend like they are listening. Either way...we can never stop trying to reach out to those who have not found Christ.

July 26, 2010. Verse for today.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

July 25, 2010. Verse for today.

" And my God will satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

I thought this was a fitting verse to go along with my blog post today.

July 25, 2010.

One thing I still wrestle with is putting all my worries and concerns into the hands of the Lord. Does this ever get any easier?? The Bible verse where it says "do not worry", while easy to read is hard to adopt into your life. When you've gone through life worrying about everything, it's hard to lay aside your concerns and let the Lord handle them.

I'm getting better at it, mind you, but sometimes it's hard. We are still struggling financially. It's getting better, but right now the ratio of money coming in to money going out for bills is so close that there is very little leftover. I know over time and with determination, it will get better. This week, it was reaching the point where I was wondering if we were going to make it to the next payday. I had only about 50.00 in the checkbook and payday for either of us is not until next Friday. The cinema is closed for two weeks, so the extra cash coming in there was not happening. Luckily, my new part-time job at the church was picking up for the cinema money that wasn't coming in. This money was filling Chris gas tank. But, this morning there was no paycheck in my little cubby hole at church.

What do I do...I panic! My first thoughts was...Oh, no! What are we going to do! 50.00 was going to be hard to stretch till Friday when 40.00 of that was going to go for gas. I had prescription I needed to pick up at the pharmacy, my van needed gas..heck just buying the gallon of milk we needed was going to be hard. Instead of panicking, I should have calmly called the church treasurer and just asked her if there was a delay for my check or perhaps she forgot.

After I got home, I did calm down and Chris called her. She forgot, as simple as that. I later went to where she works and picked up my check. And to show you how God works in your life....I wasn't even aware she actually owed me two paychecks. She hadn't paid me after the first week I worked there...which for many businesses is common so I never questioned it. She handed me two checks and said she was sorry she had missed one. I thought she had made a mistake until I came home and check my previous stubs and found yes, I did have two coming.

So, now instead of wondering how we were going to make it until the next paycheck...I have a bit more money then I was expecting to have today.

Now...why can't I just let God handle all my worries????? I waste too much of life worrying and stressing over things I shouldn't.

July 24, 2010.

I've gotten lax in posting in my blog. I really want to keep this blog going, so am making a promise to myself to make sure to continue it.

Till later..............

July 22, 2010. Verse for today.

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. James 4:7

Just another random verse found opening up my Bible.

July 20, 2010. Verse for today.

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good, pleasure. Philippians 2 12-13.

I found this verse by just opening up my Bible at random this morning. It is up to us to live a Christian life...with God inside of us.

July 19, 2010.

I haven't posted here in a couple of days. No particular reason, just haven't taken the time. We went to the local county fair Saturday evening and had a nice time. It was fairly crowded, hot and we enjoyed a bit of fair food. Had to look at the pigs in the swine barn since I do work for a swine vet! I was never involved in 4-H when I was a kid, but kind of wished I had been.

On a different topic, I'm a bit concerned about my hubby. So much has changed in our life since the beginning of the year. Lost our business, he started a new job, our finances and the bankruptcy. He changed a bit after his accident in 2002, but since we left The Doghouse his mood swings have gotten a bit worse. I never quite know what to expect each day...as to if he will be having a good mood day or a bad mood day. It doesn't help that I am a moody person...two moody people under the same house...well that can be bad news.

He is also having some physical issues. He's tired all the time, constant headaches, he complains his stomach is often upset/diarrhea. The other day he told me he aches all over all the time. I don't know if he's got something physical wrong...or if it's stress and depression.

I'm going to kind of take it day to day and see how things go with him. Our finances really make it hard for him to go to the doctor to have a lot of tests done. Pray, pray, pray....it's my best support right now for things happening here at home.

July 18, 2010. Verse for today.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20

July 15, 2010. Verse for today.

"Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

July 14, 2010.

We have two yellow labs, Rudy and Charlotte. I've mentioned them in previous postings here. Rudy we have had since he was a puppy. Charlotte, we rescued from the Humane Society. It was actually 3 years ago yesterday that we brought her home. In terms of animal rescue, since you don't know their real birthday...the day you bring them home is called their "Gotcha Day". Yesterday was Charlotte's Gotcha Day. She was a stinker the first year after we brought her home...had very few manners, the only command she knew was sit.

But, one thing the vet who saw her in the beginning told us was that she is a very smart dog. And that she is. Along with the smarts, though came orneriness. One minute you love her cause she is so darn cute..then next minute I just want to drive her back to the pound because she is so frustrating.

Over the last couple of years, though, she has settled down a lot. She and Rudy get along, though that did take some time. Rudy was not to happy with the newcomer. Now,, when we take them to the vet (we usually take both at the same time) if Charlotte gets taken away from Rudy while at the vet he gets very upset.....so he has clearly become attached to the little stinker.

She, in turn, follows Rudy around all the time. If she cannot see him...she will go looking for him. It's very cute.

I'll talk more about Charlotte later....just wanted to say Happy Gotcha Day to her. How we came to have Charlotte deserves a post all by itself.

July 13, 2010.

Sometimes it's hard to allow God to lead you through life. To allow God to help you through difficult times. To allow God to listen when you have things that are bothering you or confusing you.

Lately I have been forgetting that, and not listening to God. And because of that, I've found myself uptight, depressed, very melancholy. And for no reason....no reason at all.

When you try to handle things yourself, and not let the word of God guide you...it really gets you nowhere. And only results in more frustrations then is necessary.

What is the saying I've heard before...Let God, and let go. Seems a small bit of advice everyone can use.

July 13, 2010. Verse for today.

Jesus answered, "It is written, Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

July 9, 2010.

The Bible. How many people actually read it everyday? How many people even know where the Bible in their home is? How many homes do not even have a Bible in it?

This morning at church where I now work part-time as the church secretary, I was getting the slides ready for services on Sunday. Our pastor was helping me as I hadn't gotten the Bible verses up on the screen. The job was taught to me rather quickly when I started and a few things were missed. One was the Bible verses in the computer program that the church uses. Last Sunday during service the verses were not on the screen because I didn't know I was suppose to put them there.

We do this out of courtesy for the congregation, but only for the last service. I asked the Pastor if I am suppose to do that for the traditional service and he said no. He doesn't put the verses on the screen for that service....he hopes people will open a Bible. He would prefer they open their own, but very few folks bring their own Bible to church. He said if it were up to him, the pew Bibles would be removed. I'm assuming that by having them there it makes it to easy for everyone to forget that your are supposed to bring your own Bible to church.

I've never actually sat outside any church and watched to see how many folks carry in a Bible with them. I would guess it is not very many.

A few Sundays ago we had a young man visit our church for the first time and he carried in his own Bible. To understand how rare this is, it stuck out to me and few others. Wow, he brought in his own Bible..and he's a young person!

My husbands God-daughter has a birthday coming up and she is 11. I am going to ask her parents if she has her own Bible yet. If not, I think I will get her one and present it to her on her birthday. While her parents have been regular church goers in the past, they have not been in a long, long time.

As I stated in the first paragraph here...how many households even have a Bible in their home...or know where it is if they do have one?

July 9, 2010. Verse for today.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

Excellent verse everyone should read.

July 7, 2010. Verse for today.

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." - Psalm 18:30

July 7, 2010.

Life goes on....just when you think you are getting ahead financially, you hit a set back. I broke a tooth yesterday. For one thing, I am a very stressed dental patient. So dealing with that was exhausting enough..but, it did hit the pocketbook a tad hard. But, not as hard as it could have. At least not yet. The dentist rebuilt the tooth and said he think it should last a couple years. At some point I will have to deal with either extraction or a crown. It's a molar way in the back, so you won't see it if it's pulled. Crowns are expensive..but, I've had several done and know what to expect with them. Since my wisdom teeth I've never had one pulled and for some reason that scares me.

Hopefully, the work I had done yesterday will give me time to make the decision...and save up the money for whatever needs to be done when this repair gives out.

What was most frustrating, I had a check written to pay of a bill I've been working down for several years. Had the bill down to 60.00 and was going to pay it off. I'm just glad I was out of stamps and didn't get it mailed. Guess that bill will take a little more time.

July 5, 2010. Verse for today.

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34


Swiped this verse from the C28 Facebook page.

July 3, 2010. Verse for today.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

July 3, 2010

Tomorrow is Independence Day. Being that it falls on Sunday, both of us have the day off on Monday. Yeah!!! That is going to be nice. We have no plans and are probably going to stay home on Monday. I learned a new phrase the other day at one of my jobs. The daughter-in-law of my boss calls days at home when you are off work a Staycation. A vacation at home. I think I will adopt that phrase, it's cute. Tomorrow after church we may run out of town to do a little bit of shopping. Nothing exciting, Chris needs undershirts and I would like to go to Super Target or Super Meier because their groceries are much better and cheaper then the store here in town. Guess I better check to make sure these stores are open tomorrow, but these kinds of stores usually are. Anymore, most retailers are open most all holidays...which is kind of sad for the folks who work there.

I've been posting recently on some changes in my life since I accepted Christ as my Savior. One way is I've become more eager to talk about it with people..and to just let everyone know what has happened to me. One way I have done this is buy wearing Christian based T-shirts. I have owned a couple for awhile, but have always been hesitant to wear them. But, not anymore...I have even worn them in front of my mom! *gasp* She has made comments before about people who wear Christian t-shirts...saying they were religious nuts, so I've never worn one around her until recently. I'm eager to buy more as my budget will allow. I found a great Christian clothing company called C28. I love their t-shirts. Very hip and artsy. You can check their site here.

By wearing a t-shirt I can shout it to the world in my own way!

July 2, 2010. Verse for today.

"In my distress I cried to the Lord and He heard me." Psalms 120:1

June 29, 2010. Verse for today.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1

This is actually a fairly well know Psalms verse. I've heard it before. I posted it today because when I opened my Bible just now...this is where it opened to. I think I will add this to my little notebook.

June 29, 2010

As I stated in my previous blog post, I wanted to talk about ways in which my life has changed since accepting Christ. Another thing that has changed within myself is just a new found sense of well-being. It's kind of hard to explain. All my life I been a worrier, a fretter...someone who always felt that if things were going to go wrong...they would. If life was going to poop on me...it would. (that was another thing I've changed..my language. The word poop used to be replaced with something more colorful)

Anyway, in the last couple of months...while life itself has gone on normally, inside me things are different. Chris and I still struggle with finances, we still deal with difficulties within our families, we still have the same things going on in our life...but, it's not freaking me out like it usually does. Sure, I do get stressed a bit...I mean, we all do. But...it's different. I wish I could put it into words better.

I now have the Lord to lean on, to help, to talk to. I can turn to the Bible for comfort, for guidance and to help put things into perspective. I have friends who I can turn to if I feel I need to talk to someone other then my spouse. Instead of keeping all my worries bottled up inside of me....I let them out.

The instance with our van was a good example. My whole reaction to this situation was different.

I have begun a small notebook that I carry in my purse. In it I have jotted down scripture verses that I have found comforting. As I learn new ones, I add them to the notebook. If I need to, I can take it out anytime I want and read a verse if I need to. I find it reassuring and comforting to read these words.

More later....

June 28, 2010. Verse for today.

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." Matthew 16:25.

I found this verse on the C28 Facebook page. I really like it. (C28 is a Christian clothing company)

June 27, 2010.

I wanted to start posting about some changes I've had since I accepted Christ into my life. I've spoke of some of these changes before, but when you sit back and think about it you realize just how much Jesus has affected me.

I have begun to pray. Not the kind of prayer you spout out when you're frustrated with a problem you're having...or the kind of prayer you say when you really want something material. (ya know, like a new car or cell phone) I'm talking serious talking with God. Every once in awhile someone on my friends list on Facebook will ask for prayers for something. It might be for someone who is ill, or for a serious problem in their life. When I read this...I will stop momentarily and say a prayer for that person.

In church during the time when you can ask for prayers for things...I have begun jotting down in a small notebook the different prayers people are asking for. Then, during the week I will periodically take that notebook out and read these requests and say a prayer for them.

We have had a weekly gathering at my church called BUMP. Brushwood United Methodists in Prayer. I've mentioned that here in my blog in the last couple of weeks. Those who feel called gather at the church on Wednesday evenings and for 45 minutes we all sit in silent prayer in the sanctuary. I take my Bible to this along with my little notebook. During that time I say my own prayers...as well as pray for the prayer requests I find in my notebook.

Praying out loud in front of others is still a challenge for me...but, I have done it a couple times in the last month. It still feels a bit awkward and I sometimes find my mind will have trouble connecting to my mouth when I pray out loud...but, I'm getting better.

Two months ago I never voluntarily took it upon myself to pray. I was one of those people who would just pray when it was convenient for me...when I wanted something, or was frustrated with something.

This is one area where I am changing....and it's change I really love!!!!

In upcoming blog posts I'm going to talk about what other ways I have changed.

June 26, 2010.

Well, we have our van back. It was returned to us the next day by order of the court. I'm sure that is something the repo company does not have to do everyday! The lady in their office told us this was only the second time they have ever returned a car they have taken for repossession.

Praise God, prayers are answered. It's funny...when I first found out they had taken our car...I did not spaz out...did not freak...did not have a melt down. Chris even asked me if I was feeling OK. A few months ago, I don't think I would have had the same reaction.

Also, my birthday was Thursday! Another year older and rounding the curve to 50. I turned 46 this year. My older brother does turn 50 this year...boy, how time flies.

June 26, 2010. Verse for today.

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18)

Some advice we all need to read!

June 25, 2010. Verse for today.

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7 13-14

June 23, 2010.

The trials and tribulations of life just keep going. Satan really seems to be throwing a lot of stuff at us lately. Or should I say recently. Things in our life had quieted down, but in the last couple of days he has reared his ugly self.

Funny, though, I am responding to these trials a bit better then before. Chris and I have been involved in a person bankruptcy for what seems like forever. These things usually don't take as long as ours has, but complications with an annuity have made it drag on. Even our attorney said this is the longest one he has dealt with.

That being said, it should be over soon. Money from Chris' annuity has been received by the court to be dispensed amongst our creditors. But, the folks who have our car loan must be tired of waiting. What they have done is really kind of illegal since we are in bankruptcy court...but, they had our van repossessed last night.

It's quite a rude awakening to get up and see your car gone. I was upstairs getting ready for the day, Chris came up the stairs with a funny look on his face. I knew something was wrong and he told me the van was gone. The look of defeat on his face was so overwhelming. But, for me I didn't lose it like I normally would have. Sure, I'm upset and mad that this has happened....but, what can you do? Chris sat down and said a prayer right then and there. He asked me if I was OK....and I said, yes, I'm fine.

We went downstairs then to address the immediate issue of how I was going to get to work, etc. Our Pastor's wife came to our rescue on this one. She is away visiting family right now, and her van is here so we are using it for a few days. Next issue...figuring out how to get the van back. Chris has been on the phone a lot today with our attorney, the annuity people, the courts. It will be a couple days to get this all sorted out.

In the meantime.....I am OK. What happens, happens...I have faith the Lord will see us through this newest trial. I have too many other things going on to let this one thing knock me down. I started my new part-time job as secretary for my church. That presented itself with it's own challenges today. I will face them again on Friday.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I turn 46. It's kind of surreal knowing my next milestone birthday I will be 50. 50!!!!! I just can't believe that! I will begin getting AARP magazines in the mail pretty soon. Ouch!

June 23, 2010. Verse for today.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. (Hebrews 11:1-2)

June 22, 2010

I've gotten out of the habit of posting here in my blog. Life has been going along and things are OK. That is a good thing. I started a new part-time job today as secretary for my church. I am really excited about this and hope I do a good job. I will still be working my other part-time job at the swine vet and also in the evenings at the cinema. It keeps me busy and coming and going from home, but that is OK. Anything to make a little extra money and get our bills caught up.

I'm praying that my position with our church will also help the church. The secretary is instrumental in getting information out to the community about events and happenings at the church. This is so important to help a church grow. Getting information to the newspaper, to the cable company for ads. Also in just keeping in touch with the members about upcoming events is important. Today I placed my first "phone tree" call about an event taking place this evening. There are many different ways to get information to the members and public....probably some ways I didn't list here.

So, my goal as secretary for now is to learn everything I need to learn...but, to also get information to the public about our church.