The Heart of Me

Mom Update

2008-10-11T08:45:00.002-04:00

Here I am. It has been a tough road and the journey is still ahead.

My Mom has been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. She was a smoker for 49 years. She quit when she found out about the cancer. We all wish it would have been sooner. She has started chemo & radiation. She has 13 radiation dates left & 4 months of chemo.

She has been in & out of the hospital since around the middle of August. At one point in time she was staying with me. She can no longer walk & falls all the time, so she can no long be here. This is very heartbreaking to us.

She is currently in the hospital waiting transfer to a long term facility. She will go there first with the hopes of beating this cancer. Then after that go to a rehabilitation center to learn to walk again.

She was 201 lbs and now is 136 lbs in a matter of 3 months. She has lost most of her hair & looks about 80 {she is only 66}...

I will be back to blog more. I just wanted to update my blog, I have not been here in a long time. I miss it here. I just need time to get all my thoughts together.

6 years ago we lost my father to cancer, 5 years ago my aunt, 20 years ago my uncle. This is not something new for us---yet we are raw every time....you never get numb to this kind of stuff.

I will close with some joyous news. The Lord always has something in His plans. During this time, my relationship with my brother has been restored. And.......My Mom accepted Christ!!!!! Can you believe it????? I can't. I have to keep telling myself!

I will be giving this testimony in church on Sunday.

Be back soon. Keep praying for my Mom.

UPDATE

2008-08-19T20:01:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to drop a note to say, everything is ok. I will be back soon, my Mom is in and out of the hospital right now....Be back as soon as I can..Please keep my Mom in your prayers.

Love

2008-07-30T10:06:00.003-04:00

I know I started with the word 'hope', I will go back to that, I think love is needed for right now. Maybe not in your life so much, but, I know I need it in mine & I know there are millions of others who do also...God's love is where I wanted to start....

Tell me if you know this one: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but, to save the world through Him." John 3:16-17

How many times have you heard this Scripture? I, myself, not only hear it all the time but read it all the time, recall it and bring it to memory....why?

It's simple.............Our Lord sent His Son, His begotten, into this chaotic, crazy, fallen, sinful, idolatrous, {need me to keep going?} world---to die for it. Meditate on that for a moment. He died for everyone---everyone. The young, the old, the poor, the rich, the well, the sick, the adulterer, the prostitute, the drug user, the drug dealer, the violated, the violator, the betrayed, the betrayer, the lied to, the liar, the abused, the abuser........the murdered, the murderer...I still can not wrap my mind around how He sees sin. I, myself, have a hard time with God seeing a lie the same sin as a murder. Hard to understand in our mere human minds. I know I can not. I can not fathom what it is like to love and die for everyone.....everyone.

That's how much His love is.........we can not even fathom....we can't. There is no way the human mind or understanding can understand God's love....when Jesus was dying on the cross He said, "Forgive them Father for they don't know what they are doing."....who was He talking about? He was talking about those that had falsely accused Him, arrested Him, spit on Him, mocked Him, stripped Him, slammed a crown of thorns on His head, whipped Him, punched & kicked Him, put a cross on Him to carry, betrayed Him, pounded nails through His hands, pounded nails through His feet, put Him on a cross.....do I need to continue? He loved them that much that He died for them! ....Wow! Doesn't it just blow your mind?

I know it blows mine.....it may be a common Scripture for lack of a better term, but, it is powerful! Powerful! It shows His love and how much more and more He is above us....that we can not figure it out---we need Him....His thoughts are not our thoughts, His ways not our ways....Can you imagine if He left us in charge of being judge and jury.........

Meditate on that Scripture a bit---He loved us enough to die for us!

In Christ,

Lill

Just Thunder & Thunder

2008-07-29T10:00:00.003-04:00

I was just at someone else's blog & they were talking about the hurricane named Dolly. I am happy they made it throught it & I found myself talking about our weather in NY.

I love summer thunderstorms....majestic & powerful, our Lord in His glory. Yet, I have to say this summer has become ho-hum because of them. It does nothing here but rain, rain, rain, thunderstorm after thunderstorm after thunderstorm....then when it's not wet, its extremely hot & muggy. We have been doing nothing because of it! Just sitting in the house, waiting for a small reprieve so we can get to the bus to get to the market or on the hot days we are using them to cram everything we need to do in those couple of days.

Saturday night all it did was thunder & pour....the thunder just rolled and rolled and rolled for hours! I am not exaggerating....upstate New Yorkers support me here....there is just too much wet. Last Friday and today are nice days. So today I have to run to the market because I have to get fresh veggies & a couple of items I forgot on Saturday.

Ok now, forgive me for complaining....

No exciting news to talk about right now. I talked for some time yesterday to Nonny's paternal grandmother & she wants to come get Nonny overnight next week before school starts again which is very soon.

There is a play date down at my friend Dee's house this coming Friday. But it is during the time I am working so I am hoping she can pick up Nonny & then I will come down after work & pick her up.

I am going to pull out my camera & go nutty with it a little later---always fun---and give some pics to you....

Be back soon!

Lill

What I Did On My Birthday

2008-07-27T08:27:00.003-04:00

My birthday went great. Nonny & I did the grocery shopping. We used the bus to go to Hannaford & home. We bought 3 bags of groceries {I use the cloth grocery bags & a hot/cold bag} & cat litter & it cost me $111.67....still trying to figure out why. Then after we arrived home & all the groceries were put away, my friend CR called, she is our church office manager. We talked for 3 hours! It was great....she had called to just say Happy Birthday & we talked about everything....My daughter as I have told you before is a fish and CR has a lake right by her house, so, next Sunday after service we are heading out to her home.

Then Nonny & I headed out to dinner. We go out to dinner 2 times a month. She wanted to go to MJ's which is a nice restaurant a few blocks away. It is a historical building built in the early 1800's & was used for many things & now it is a restaurant. I love it because the inside of the structure has not been altered & when you sit at the table, under the glass are historical newspaper clippings of the town I live in.

Then we went to CVS pharmacy & picked up prescriptions, 3 of them and it came to $75.00!!!! It is amazing how the health care industry has made this our health into a billion dollar business. I could not believe it---one of the medz is new for Nonny's asthma.

After that we went to Stewart's. For those of you who don't know, Stewart's is a convenience store all over upstate New York & I believe there are a couple in neighboring states also. They sell everything. They can be a little pricey.....but being that it was 86 degrees & I didn't want to stand at the bus stop with milk, half & half, eggs & ice cream, I needed to go there & thats what we bought there....Nonny got a pint of ice cream called Monkey Business, it's banana ice cream with chocolate swirls going through it & I bought a pint of Raspberry Fudge Torte, frozen vanilla yogurt w/raspberry swirl & pieces of chocolate.

After we arrived home my friend S showed up with birthday gifts for me! {I love presents & my friend knows this}. She bought 2 towels & a pkg of washcloths & 2 beautiful pictures to hang on my walls {photos later}. Then the rest of the night was relaxation. I had a glass of wine & watched America's Most Wanted {did you know the FBI is now 100 years old---and on my birthday}.

I did a little reading before going to bed & got my next couple of movies set up on Netflix because they will be coming this week. I ordered the first disc, season 2 of Punky Brewster for Nonny & The Golden Compass for myself. We just returned the Spiderwick Chronicles { I didn't like that too much} & The Legend of Waterhorse {which is the legendary story of the Loch Ness Monster--remember him} and this movie was actually pretty good--it was pretty much told thru the eyes of an 8 year old little boy.

I did enjoy my birthday, nice & sweet.

Ok, have to get ready to go to church---be back later to talk again, we are catching the public bus today.

Happy Birthday to Me

2008-07-26T09:20:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me! happy birthday dear Lill...Happy birthday to me!

Thank You Jesus, for a wonderful year. With all the joy & grace, the mercy & love, the correction & discipline, the struggles & victories. Thank You for choosing me out of this world & making me Your own....Thank You Yahweh--for giving me another year & for loving me anyway!!!

Thank You for reaching down from on high and pulling me out of the mirey pit! If I had never met You, I don't know where I would be today--and that is just alright with me! To You is all glory, honor & praise. I love You Jesus!

Lill

Mexico Missionaries

2008-07-25T23:50:00.004-04:00

The missionaries to Mexico left for Mexico this morning out of JFK airport in NYC. The last update is they were flying over the Gulf of Mexico.

Please pray for those who went on this trip. This is a wonderful opportunity to share Christ's love. They will be with the sick, needy, poor & lost. They are definitely out of their comfort zone. Most of them have gone every time there was a missions trip there---a couple of them are new.

This is an exciting time & opportunity for our brothers & sisters in Christ in missions all over the world.

Please keep our church in your prayers when you pray for missionaries, for they are your brothers & sisters too.

In Christ

Lill

No Bake Mac & Cheez

2008-07-25T23:40:00.003-04:00

This recipe is really simple and you can mix up ingredients to your liking. Any pasta will do as will any cheeses. This is easy for kids {use your best judgment because they will be near a stove}.

We enjoyed this recipe tonight with sweet corn & peas, cajun bratwurst & papaya.

Ingredients:

Any pasta. I find that wide egg noodles are to my liking for this recipe & that is what I used tonight. Use the amount you would use for your family.
Butter/margarine. I use I Can't Believe Its Not Butter -Light. It is my favorite spread
Salt & Pepper to taste.
Any cheese. You can use one cheese, 2 cheeses---10 cheeses if you like. I always use what is available in my fridge. Tonight it was American white & Mexicano mixed. I used a half of a slice of American on each plate & then sprinkled the Mexicano cheese on top.

Boil water, cook pasta to al dente, drain pasta {do not rinse}, return pasta to pan and add a tablespoon of butter/margarine for about every 1.5 servings that you are using.

Now I put a serving of pasta on individual plates & let people add their own cheese just because some don't like it really cheezy. Now you can also layer or mix & put in a microwave safe bowl or casserole dish, microwave on high until the cheese melts. Add salt & pepper to taste

This is a great dish for your mac & cheez fans--who don't want to turn on the oven in this sweltering heat & don't want the box mac & cheese & as you see the kids can do it too..............

Have fun!

Ole Faithful

2008-07-25T06:52:00.002-04:00

There are no colors left on this chair, it is full of old stains. It is beaten up, one side I think is broken, not pretty to look at....yet it is the most comfortable chair I have ever sat on in my life. And anyone who sits in it will tell you the same thing. I even sleep in it alot. Nonny & I have made mad dashes to get to it when getting ready to watch a TV show/movie.

It was part of a sectional set, probably mid to late 80's. It was given to me some time ago & it has proved to be faithful. I curl up in it with books, my devotions, pop the legs back & push it back & fall into to lala land in no time. My cat finds her way into this chair & sleeps for hours in it.

It made it through the fire I had in 2006. I lost alot of stuff, but, Ole Faithful stayed true to its name.........It still sits in the corner of my living room & though it does not look attractive---you will melt right into it......I don't know what it is going to take for me to let it go....

Do you have a favorite couch, chair, piece of furniture that no matter how bad it looks or sags, you will not get rid of it? Let me know!

White Picket Fence? .....Maybe

2008-07-24T20:46:00.003-04:00

I think I have made up my mind to go forth & see what is out there for me as far as buying a house. I spoke with some other who went through a federally funded program & were given federal grants so they could have a home. I called that program today & I am eligible.....The money I make is under the limit of what they allow for my household size. In September I will be going to an orientation and then start applying. They have all kinds of classes to take, that I am interested in, such as:home improvement & home repair, principles in landlording, what to look for in a home....Of course I have to find the lender & the house...Their inspectors will go through the house to make sure it is ok for me to buy. I will update as I go.....just the thought of having my own home has kind of made me feel "giggly", like a Princess in His Court---ya know? I spoke with one of our Elders wives today, Dee & she confirmed that this is something she not only sees me doing but is something I should be doing. So I am going for it.....keep me in your prayers as I go on this journey.

This is what I am looking for: 3+ bedrooms {I need one for work}, backyard (fenced, we are animal lovers & we like our privacy), single family, good sound structure {I am so tired of leaking roofs}, has to stay in the city I live in because I don't drive & I need to be near my church, buses & shopping. Oh yeah, the lady I spoke with at the program today said that you can apply for home improvement grants and/or loans also, like, new windows, new roof, new heating system, new hot water heater---anything that will improve the way of life and improve the property....so if I like a home and the only thing that is keeping me from going for it is the water heater---I could get money for that....and on down the line. So fellow bloggers & Brothers & Sisters in Christ, this has been a desire of mine for a long time---I have been pondering & praying for quite some time & I believe that this is something that can be brought into fruition.....and I think Dee helped me make that "final" decision, she was confirmation....

I will let you know how it all goes---I am quite nervous about some things that I won't share here on the blog due to they are private, just please keep us in prayer about this....

Breeding Grounds

2008-07-23T09:01:00.003-04:00

When you give an encouraging hug, a shoulder to lean on, a word that makes someone's day, an encouraging Word from the Scriptures.....this becomes a positive breeding ground. When you help the poor, the needy, respect your leaders, your parents, teach your children the way to go, spread the gospel, lay hands on people, pray & intercede...also a positive breeding ground. When you love someone 'anyway' no matter where they come from, where they are, who they are, what they did to you in the past, what they are doing to you now, what they wear, where they work, where they live, what they say, how they eat, what they eat....this is a positive breeding ground....nothing but good can come out of building each other up, encouraging each other, loving each other, doing the work of the Lord......so what is the opposite of that?

When you don't love, when you cause arguments, you speak gossip, you tear someone down, you sit back & do nothing, you find faults in your leaders {cuz they are supposed to be perfect.}, you look at an outward appearance & judge, you argue, bicker, cause division.....this is a breeding ground for negativity AND a doorway for satan.....the power of the tongue, "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." {James 3:5-6}

Or how about---"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing.My brothers this should not be." {James 3:9-10}

So why do people do this? Here we are saved, Jesus died for us......He gave His life. And His bride is hurting each other, causing strife, bitterness and you know what happens when we allow a brother or sister to gossip to us? tear down someone? do you know what happens....well, the breeding ground starts---and before you know it--you are doing the same thing..............

We need to be an example of Christ.....I remember hearing one my elders say: "If your attitude is bad, if you walk around miserable all the time, if you treat others badly, or snap at them or swear or anything in the matter............how do you bring others to Jesus? How do you do it?"

I think that if we are negative and are not standing out, not the salt of the earth......not loving and kind.............why would they want Jesus? If we are miserable with attitudes....if we are no different then what they already deal with---geez, I could hear myself saying "If that is what happens when you accept Jesus---well, why would I want Him?"

Think about it............if someone is doing something and you see it is hurting others and that person says "hey you should do this, it's the only way you live." hm....well, would you want it?

Meditate on the things that are good, that's what Paul said....think and speak on the things that are pure, right, Godly and just.

Think before you speak AND before you act..............................

Hungry

2008-07-22T06:43:00.002-04:00

Last night at the ministry went great. I spoke with Brenda {Pastor Dave's wife} & she said in children alone was 110 heads. There was turkey w/gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, cranberry sauce, bread, baked beans watermelon,grapes....there were a couple more adults to volunteer. There was beading go on with the kids, that is where Nonny & my friend Brezo jumped in. I got to serve corn & baked beans. The food was great, everything was homemade.

I forgot my camera--it was raining on & off so it was held inside Pastor Dave's church CORE. I am hoping they get more adult volunteers. I hope some people from my church want to jump in & help out.

There were some elderly, homeless.....some of them came for seconds. There was a small group of children who touched my heart there, 4 of them. They come every time there is food and they must come up 3 or 4 times for full plates. We don't know their story--yet, but, Jesus does. We thought at first they might be dropping it or throwing it away or something--so one of the ladies followed them to see what was going on--they were eating all of it. Not only that, but, there were other children that would be getting up to throw their plates away & they would tell them they would take it & they would eat that too.............The community leaders, they need to see that...there are your hungry children--the children they say don't exist. They are little one's too....

We know right now that this ministry will be going on every Monday, Wednesday & Friday all summer--don't know what is happening in the Fall right yet. Pastor Dave also feeds them breakfast on Sundays and then lunch after service, that gets done all year.

They also have a bookbag ministry, where they hand out school supplies to all the children that have a need. They need everything...everything. There are not very many donations for them this year.

It's early in the morning right before I have to start work. I know there is so much more I want to say about this......I hope I remember my camera next time, which is Wednesday.

What Hungry Children?

2008-07-21T16:42:00.005-04:00

Tonight is Monday and it is time for the Feed A Kid Ministry I told you about before, under "Pastor Dave" in my blogging friends list.

I sent a couple of emails to 2 of our Elders and found out that our Senior Elder will be meeting with Pastor Dave this Tuesday to discuss this ministry and a few others and also some long term suggestions.....I am so excited about this---there are already 3 churches involved and now my home church! Jesus is taking over.

Pastor Dave has shared that he has received some resistance from community leaders...they want him to take it inside the church. I told him, well, you know why that is don't you? Because once Jesus takes over the streets, they don't have that title anymore....they have had the opportunity for YEARS to find ways to get the children off the streets, away from gangs, drugs & prostitution, to get guns off the street, to become a part of their lives---and now there is a Bible based church & churches that are doing what the Lord called us to do---and they are a little resistant? hm.....yeah.

Tonight on the menu is supposed to be hot open faced turkey sandwiches {yummy}...I hope some of the people let me take some pics to share with you. Because it has been raining so much here, the ministry might have to be inside tonight. All the news coverage they received the first night has led to much bigger responses. Some community leaders do not believe there are hungry children here---well, I can remember being without work and depending on our government to help me and my daughter and we were at food pantries & soup kitchens and we would not have got through the months without them---AND there are times when we still need them....so if me, a full time working person who makes "okay" money to the US standards, needs help here and there---what about those on the "slim line"??? More children.....how about those children who are not on their parent's priority list?? What about them?? Do we say "NO, your Mom has a job, your Dad gets food stamps" .....

No, we do what Jesus would do.....we preach the gospel. Part of preaching the gospel is doing what He would do if He were here in human form walking the streets......He would be there, right in the midst of the chaos, the drugs, prostitution, gangs...homeless, destitute, pushed aside, walked over....yes that is where He would be.....maybe some of those community leaders have not been exposed to the truth---the truth on the streets & the Truth of our Saviour.....if they did, they would be there, handing out plates, washing dishes, changing the garbage, standing in the trenches, loving them anyway---doing it all for Him........washing feet, yes, that's would they would be doing.

Sometimes people are afraid of the truth, whatever it may be....especially if it is foreign to them...they have never lived it. They have never been addicted to a drug, felt unloved, hungry or been without a home---kind of makes you feel sad for them too--because they are caught up in the same lie as those they claim to be leading.

I know the Lord pricks my heart right there---right in the heart of all the chaos---it's like He calls me---over here Lillian--over there---him right there Lillian--her over there....it's this filling up that makes you want to explode!!! And until you do it ---it fills and fills till it is brimming and bursting ----

Have you ever sat down and had a conversation with someone nobody else "sees"? Laid hands on someone nobody else considers "clean"? Talked to a child whose Mom is home sleeping off a hang over? A little girl whose father is in prison? A prostitute that everybody spits on? An elderly man whose life partner passed away and the family is too busy to see him? A single Mom with 5 kids who works hard and still no getting ahead? Someone who just needed a hug? A smile? A kind word? If you have not....you should come down to this ministry.....come and see what the Lord is doing there. People are coming together....these people who have never even been given a second thought to are being reached out to by Jesus....He calls me there....Come over here Lillian, I am here, in the midst of the chaos.....I am the Calm here, the Calm in the storm....

"Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words." I don't remember exactly who said it, it sits at the bottom of the stairs when you come out of our church's sanctuary to enter the fellowship hall---it always struck me---and it is appropriate right now...................

I am grateful that He pricks my heart there and for other outreaches and missions---I just get my socks blessed right off................

Road Trip!!! Woo Hoo!!!

2008-07-21T06:50:00.002-04:00

I don't know whether I have posted about this or not, my church is going on a missions trip to Mexico. They leave Friday, July 25th and will be returning Aug 4th. They are going to leave JFK Airport in NYC so there are people who are going to drive them down to NYC and then people who are going to go get them. So on Aug 4th, Nonny & I will be riding shotgun with another person from the church to go pick them up! I love road trips & I can not wait! Of course I will be bringing my camera for a picture documentary. We will leave home Aug 4th around 7 pm and then we should get there by 9:30-10:00 pm depending on traffic, the plane arrives at 9:00 pm and they have to go back thru customs and bags and all that, so we will probably be leaving NYC around 11:00-12:00....And arriving back home approx 2:30-3:00 am, again depending on the traffic.

I will keep you updated on all the info as time goes on.

Flea Collar Alert

2008-07-21T06:37:00.004-04:00

For those of you who have been reading my blog you know that my cat, Lilah, has seizures. When we moved down here to the first floor she had not had one in 2 months, so I figured {why? I don't know} that whatever may have been causing the seizures was upstairs....well, I was wrong.

Friday night Lilah had the worst seizure ever. It took a long time for it to go away & I had never seen it that bad before. Guess what? Our local news, http://www.cbsalbany.com/ had coverage on a woman in Ballston Spa who had a cat who had seizures & it died. Cause? Hartz 2-in-1 Flea Collars. Found out alot of kitties are having seizures and every single one of them that has/had them are from the collar.....On Friday night while she was having the seizure, I prayed the Lord would show me what was causing these things so I maybe, could get rid of them......So many people have kitties who are having seizures. A lady at my church told me her cat had them also. If you call the emergency number on the back of the box, noone answers. I called the vet, he told me not to buy any over the counter collars----thing is he told me that before---but me, in all my wisdom {duh} thought that he was saying that because he wanted me to buy what he had......

I have had animals all my life....all kinds and we always used Hartz products. So why would I think any different???? Why would I think something has changed???? Something did, somewhere along the line..............because I have heard & personally spoke with quite a few people whose kitties were affected by these collars, with seizures & sometimes death.....

This Is Going to be Lengthy: Flying Felines, Homeless & Hungry, Dancing and Colds

2008-07-18T06:36:00.006-04:00

So here I am...I have been very busy!

Pastor Dave {he has a blog here, see his link "Pastor Dave" on my Blogging Buddies list on the left hand side of my blog} is a man in my community who has a church right smack dead in the middle of the crime ridden area of our city. He has joined up with 2 other pastors -Pastor Willie and another one, to take back the streets. Our kids, our families are dying out here. They started a feeding children ministry--which they have not given a name to yet....LOL, don't we always look for "names"? On Monday I went there---and wow! Pastor Dave had been given an empty lot right across from his church and here were all these people from all these different churches....from our church was me, Nonny and a friend. There was hot dogs, chicken wings, macaroni & cheese, potato salad, corn on the cob, watermelon, juice, water.....it was great!!! They are doing this every Monday, Wednesday & Friday as long as the Lord allows. I want to be there as much as I can. Pastor Dave is also looking to invest in a building to have a ministry for children. Pastor Charlie over across the river in Albany has a ministry for children to have hot meals and lunches everyday....this is something Pastor Dave is looking to have here in Troy. He wants it so there is clothing, cooking lessons, help with homework, art & crafts, mentoring...........yes how wonderful! Do I want to be a part of that???? Absolutely....I would love to help with the cooking lessons and homework that is a definite....I think this is wonderful and he does have the back up of Pastor Charlie, Pastor Willie and the other Pastor {I keep forgetting his name!}. Oh how the Lord is working....I will keep you updated on this....

Also on Monday we had a fllying feline! Yes you heard me right---I have placed her picture on this post. I found out later her name is Patches. I live on the first floor and there is an addition to this apartment that has 2 rooms. One of them is my bedroom and the other one is the office. Early that morning I heard a thump as I was getting up---we have a neighbor who has a huge SUV and when he shuts the door he shuts hard and sometimes it sounds like something hit the house--that's what I thought it was....until I was bringing Nonny to the boys& girls club, and when I came back I hear meowing but I know it was not my cat---and I look up and right there on my roof {remember it is an addition so it is only one story} is a calico cat---I walk up the back steps leading to the second floor apartment and bring her in my house....I recognize her as a neighbors cat and go to his home next door and find out from others he is at work for the day. I went back outside to try and figure what had happened when an elderly gentleman came to my fence and told me she fell from the 3rd floor window onto the addition.......WHAT?!?!?!?!, He said he saw the whole thing---she was in the window and then all of a sudden on my addition---wow!!! she fell 2 stories!!! she seemed fine. When her owner came home he was very distraught and very worried about her---he said that the screen in the bathroom window had torn and the landlord was replacing it, in the morning he opened it to find out how the weather was and must have forgot to close it and that is how Patches made it to the ledge and fell....his other cat Sasha and his dog Mike however never went to the window....This cat was so happy to see her Daddy and he was so happy to see her---

Wednesday we went to the soup kitchen at my church and it was packed. Seems more and more people are showing up there. Pastor Joe and his wife Donna use our church's fellowship hall to do a soup kitchen every Wednesday {The Lord willing Donna would say}. It has been so hot and muggy that they made a bunch of salads...tuna salad, macaroni salad, toss salad, corn, pickles, bananas and cake....I brought some of my clothes there and the women were so happy to get them.

When we got home Wednesday, Nonny went straight in her room and went to sleep. I knew then that she was getting sick so I prayed. She woke later on with a headache and sore throat, checked, no white patches---thank YOU JESUS. No fever, gave her some ibuprofen, prayer and a freezy pop.

Wednesdays and Thursdays we watch, "So You Think You Can Dance", and we were very please with the show, we love Joshua, Gev, Twitch, Katee, Courtney & Chelsie, yes thats alot but we love them....Yesterday Gev had the least amount of votes so he had to leave. No worries, he is in the top ten and will be in the tour around the world.

As of last night Nonny had a slight fever 99.6, so she took a tepid bath and she felt much better, with some prayer her fever broke before she went to bed. Needless to say she has not been going to the boys & girls club and they won't let her come back till she is fever free 24 hours, so she misses her miniature golf trip today because they said she can come back Monday if she is fever free....she did not seem too disappointed {?} I also think when you are sick you are not thinking of those things.

It has been a busy week....I hope to get here tonight and tell you more and do some posts on Bible study and all that.................also thank you for all your kind comments and for visiting my blog....I have to go to work now....which is next to this computer!!!

What we did Sunday 07/06/2008

2008-07-08T08:57:00.004-04:00

This is my nephew B

This is my nephew O
This is their Mom, BAM my baby sister and my Nonny
Here they are with their new bikes
that is from left, Shir,Keith & our step grand popsy, Nonny's great grand popsy

Sunday was my twin nephews birthday, they turned 2 years old. We had a blast. There was a ton of food: burgers, dogs, potato salad, tuna salad, pasta salad, green salad...chips, dips...The cake was great, it was marble, the frosting was a little too sweet but all in all it was good.

They got new little bikes and helmets and were just having a great time. Nonny and my sister BAM {mom of the twins and my baby sister} had a water fight and they both left having to wear BJ's clothes. BJ is my other sister, where the party was held. We got see my step-grandfather & great Auntie. It was a beautiful day, temps only went to 85 yet it was hot! The twin B went four wheeling where his brother O wanted nothing to do with it at all.

See some pics up top...you can see what a great time we had. I will add some more later. Be back really soon!

Oh yeah, hurt my back, so I walk like a duck!

What We Did Yesterday

2008-07-06T10:36:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I spent the day at my good friends home. Their daughter, HRB, graduated from high school, so yesterday I was at the graduation party. {see slide show in post below}. She is on her way to FIT {Fashion Institute of Technology}in Manhattan. We had a really great time. The food was awesome. There was fruits, veggies, pasta salad, pasta w/pesto, BBQ chicken, burgers & hot dogs, Italian sausage, ziti, baked beans. The cake was great. It just could not have been better, the weather was great also. My Nonny got to go swimming.....so she could grow another fin..lol. That is their house and the graduate on the right.

When I get paid this week I am getting HRB her present. She will be living in a dorm & pretty limited on what she can bring. I am going to get her a laundry bag & stuff it with some towels {thanks for the idea Faith} & her faves of green tea & applesauce. I wish when I was just recently in the City I would have thought to get her some subway tokens. I will also get her some colored pencils and sketch pads.

Today is another fun filled adventure and I will be back to tell you all about it & to upload another slide show.

Have a wonderful day! Talk to you soon.

HRB Graduation 2008...Congrats! Great Job

2008-07-06T08:45:00.002-04:00

Fried Chicken Recipe #1

2008-07-04T18:00:00.003-04:00

I have a few different recipes for fried chicken. One that I will share with you today is simple.

To do 5 whole chicken legs {whole being the thigh & leg as one} I use the following ingredients:

1 egg, beaten
Approx 2 1/2 cups of Italian breadcrumbs w/garlic
Canola or Vegetable oil---enough to cover the chicken half way
5 whole chicken legs

Put the oil in a large frying skillet and set your flame on medium or 6 if you have an electric range.

While the oil is heating: clean & rinse your chicken.

Put beaten egg into a bowl, in a separate large bowl put the breadcrumbs. Dip pieces of chicken one at a time into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs.

When the oil is hot {I take a little dab of water on my fingertips and fling it in the oil, if it responds it is hot enough}

Carefully place chicken into hot oil and then turn your heat UP. Yes, UP. If you have an electric range go to 8 and high on a gas. Reason you are doing this is because when you put the cold chicken in the oil it cools the oil and the chicken will not come out great. Cook until done---yes the oil will be very hot---it will boil like water. I flip every 5 - 7 minutes until it is done { I do cut in to a piece and make sure it is done}

Please note then when frying with breadcrumbs the look of the chicken will be darker than when frying with flours.

While the chicken is cooking line a large bowl with paper towels or napkins {I use a glass mixing bowl}, don't use plastic, when the chicken is done, carefully remove from the oil & set in paper towel lined bowl, the paper towels will soak up the oil.

And then: ENJOY!

We are having this tonight with corn on the cob & left over spanish rice from the taco cafe and macaroni salad left over from the soup kitchen.....no BBQ for me this year, just resting.....fireworks tonight though!

The Call of My Heart

2008-07-04T09:15:00.004-04:00

I have been really trying to "soul" search and "find" my heart. Where is it? I love my Jesus, my Saviour, more than I thought I could love. He has filled my heart with such joy and has given me drive & direction. My heart bursts with love of the poor, needy, homeless, sick............It cries "let me help...." "do you know Jesus?"............I want to wrap my arms and heart around the abused, the hungry, the lost. I want to walk in domestic violence shelters and let these victims know that someone loves them, that Jesus has a plan for them. I want to go to the nursing homes and talk for hours with those who have been forgotten and left alone. I want to go to the homeless and give them love {and of course all the practicals}...I want to go on the streets and let the young man know---gangs is not love, not family, not salvation. I want to go to the hungry and feed them....the sick and lay hands and watch our Healer set them free.....the rape victims, the lonely, the set aside, the abused.....isn't that where Jesus would be?

My heart bursts with this overwhelming need to go and do it.....I want to support missionaries & reach the children......I could go on forever to what I want to do ---but where? how? There are only 24 hours in a day you know...only 7 days in a week and at best 31 days a month.

Our church has another church that comes on Wednesdays and does a soup kitchen. The people who run it are amazing and have the heart to serve the lonely & homeless & lost. Nonny & I went there to eat {cuz the food is always good & these are the times} and then what joy I felt as I saw she needed help---can you believe it? I felt joy to clean tables & put food away....to talk to those who came & get names & hear how much they appreciated coming & being fed.......all different situations...all different reasons why they were there & I needed to hear them.....

My heart was bursting that I could be there. There is a coffee house next to our food pantry ran by another church....I want to be there....serve there...the man who runs it has the heart for the community...the college students....his church is located in a crime ridden neighborhood. He is having a community outreach there & I am going to be there, cooking & serving, my name is on the list---my heart calls me there.

It's like my heart is in all these different places....and it calls me "Lillian, over here" and I get this bursting feeling {best way to describe it} inside me and I go looking for my heart.....

The set aside call my heart, the lonely call my heart....where do I go Lord? What do I do? Where is my heart?

The Fourth of July 2008

2008-07-04T08:58:00.004-04:00

Fireworks!

Today is July 4, 2008. Another celebration of our Independence! This is our day USA. Don't forget your freedoms! Don't forget those who went to war to fight, don't forget those who still are and lets not forget the veterans who, as anyone who has experienced it, came home 'different'......

This excerpt below is from Wikipedia on some history and customs of July 4th and all the pics that will remind you.

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Congress approved the wording of the Declaration on July 4 and then sent it to the printer. Whether John Hancock, as the elected President of the Second Continental Congress, or anyone else signed the document that day is unknown, because that document has been lost — presumably destroyed in the printing process.[1] Hancock's name and that of a witness do appear on the typeset broadside that was published within a few days. On August 2 in the following month, an engrossed document in script form[2] was signed by Hancock and other delegates.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States, but is often also viewed as simply a summer festival, apart from its patriotic overtones.

Independence Day, the only holiday that celebrates the United States, is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society, and people.
Families often celebrate Independence Day with a picnic or barbecue, and take advantage of the day off and in some years, long weekend to gather with relatives. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag. Parades often are in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares.
Independence Day fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the national anthem ("The Star-Spangled Banner"), "God Bless America", "America the Beautiful", "My Country, 'Tis of Thee", "This Land Is Your Land", "Stars and Stripes Forever", and, regionally, "Yankee Doodle" in northeastern states and "Dixie" in southern states. Some of the lyrics recall images of the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812.
Firework shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Safety concerns have led some states to ban fireworks or limit the sizes and types allowed. Illicit traffic transfers many fireworks from less restrictive states.
Major displays are held in New York on the East River, in Chicago on Lake Michigan, Boston on the Charles River, in St. Louis on the Mississippi River, and on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. During the annual Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario host one of the world's largest fireworks displays, over the Detroit River, to celebrate both American Independence Day and Canada Day.
While the official observance always falls on July 4th, participation levels may vary dependent upon which day of the week the 4th falls. If the holiday falls in the middle of the week, some fireworks displays and celebrations may take place during the weekend for convenience, again, varying by region.

Old Glory

Declaration of Independence
This is the fallen soldier war memeorial. when a soldier dies in combat, they put boots, arms, helmet and such for a memorial.
some of our soldiers

Have a blessed 4th--lots of burgers and dogs. fireworks and picnics.....

Report Cards & School Supplies

2008-07-04T08:44:00.002-04:00

I am so proud of my Nonny. She is now well on her way to 5th grade. All year she was on the honor roll--the 3rd quarter she had all straight As, all the others 4 As & 2 Bs. She did not get the teacher she wanted but she got the teacher she needed.

One thing I appreciate about the school in my area is that they send home the school supply list of what the next grade teacher wants when they send home the report card, so you have 2 months to buy the supplies.

I hit WalMart the day of the list. I was somewhat disappointed to see that the 1 subject notebooks were gone---because they sell them for 10 cents there. And do you know how hard it is to find 2 subject notebooks? Last school year I had the same issue and this year not only do I need a 2 subject but it has to be purple! Yes our school coordinates the notebook with the folders! And she is allowed to have 2 folders of her choice this year vs. only the homework folder all the other years. In case you are wondering, they do this because there are alot of children whose families can not afford the fancier stuff so they don't want to the children to feel they are not getting the same as other children AND it does knock down the "stealing" of the child's folders and notebooks because noone's is better than the others.

So anyway her list is {the item with ** means I still have to purchase it}:

Folders: red, green, blue, yellow & purple
1 Subject Notebooks: red, green, blue & yellow **
2 Subject Notebook: purple **
Pencils
1 pkg of loose leaf paper
Pencil case
Blue or Black erasable pens
3 Composition notebooks
Erasers
Crayons or colored pencils
2 low odor Expo markers
2 Folders any design
3 glue sticks
Highlighters
Box of tissues--boys
Ziploc Storage bags--girls
Scissors

So as you see I don't have to get anything but notebooks. Everything else I bought last paycheck.

5th grade is the last grade in elementary here. I remember it was 6th grade when I was growing up. So this is a big year for Nonny. This year she will have a small family birthday celebration vs. a big one which we normally have, because I would like to have a barbecue for her on her moving up day---not a huge thing, but, something where good friends and family can come and celebrate her accomplishments.

I told her the other day "I love you" and she said "Who doesn't?" lol....

Tuckered Out from the Taco's

2008-06-29T22:22:00.005-04:00

I was hoping when I posted today I would be coming to you with a great story about all the money we raised for the Mexico Mission trip, but, unfortunately not.

I need prayer. I am incredibly discouraged. We have members of our church who every other year go to Mexico on missions to help the lost & needy. We do all sorts of fundraiser events. This year alot has not been done at all and the donations are down 3/4 of what they normally are....should I take into consideration the gas prices? food prices? Sure I can do that. Yet, we still, at the Lord's commission need to seek and save the lost--He promises us to take care of us no matter what! He said, don't worry about what you eat and drink, find the lost and needy bring My message of salvation and help them.

Maybe it is just me. We should have made alot more money than we did. We were slightly over what we spent in money. The last time I did a cafe, we made a lot of money and we ran out of food. This time we bought enough food and only 1/3 of it was used.

I don't even know what to say. I am really discouraged. This took a lot of time, planning and work. I guess I just expected more.....this is my place to reveal how I am feeling and I am really discouraged that we put alot of time and effort and money. We busted our butts & sweat our butts off and maybe 25 people ate {not including the missions team}....

I know the Lord will encourage me. I know I will do another one. I am just really discouraged at the moment.

Call Me Superwoman

2008-06-24T21:40:00.003-04:00

Good Tuesday Evening to all of you!

It has been quite the busy two days. I was going to get into something yesterday on here and was side tracked {called housework}. Yesterday was dusting day in the living room and my living room is the biggest room and there is much to dust. Then there was the daily swiffering & vacuuming and such. Dinner yesterday was simple: spicy chicken strips, elbow macaroni & broccoli smothered in Barilla sauce. Nonny is not a sauce fan so she had french fries. Oh and I had washed all the curtains from my other apartment {upstairs} and brought them back upstairs and hung them {they were my landlords}...oh and laundry, Monday is whites.

Today, somewhere, somebody must have taken the kryptonite out of my house because it was like SHAZAM! I had unbelievable drive to do alot. I woke up this morning, did the usual and before I even turned the computer on for work I took all the unpacked boxes out of the office and set them in the kitchen and started going through them. I woke Nonny up {had to do that twice} to get her ready for school {starting the count down, her last day is Thursday and its only an hour!}....Sent her off to school and then on my first break I started laundry {weatherman predicted rain so I hung the clothes in the house--kind of upset because it did not rain until tonight!}. Tuesdays is light colors {2 loads of them}--ok ok I can drive you a little crazy with some of my schedules---but it keeps me on track---it really does. On my lunch break I rearranged my bedroom {after I took everything out of it} and now all the boxes that need to be unpacked are in the spare bedroom! So you can't even get in there now, On my last break I vacuumed both rooms and did dishes. Well...........I did 2 rooms and worked 8 hours! Then Nonny and I had dinner, Kielbasa---Nonny don't believe me when I tell her that it is sausage, she does not believe it she says "Can't be this isn't gross".....The normal chores were done and then the phone rang---uh oh----yeah, you know those family members that call like once or twice a year and tell you about a family event {yeah, today is Tuesday and they were calling for Friday}, it was a paternal cousin saying "Oh we are having a birthday party for _____, and wanted you guys to come" "when is this?" I ask, "Friday" My head started spinning---yes, Friday, this Friday? I have the Taco Cafe coming up, grocery shopping and cooking and.....And I hate to say it but then when you don't bring the best gift, because you had 3 days notice and you don't drive and you follow a strict budget---well, then you are the talk for quite some time {doesn't she work? didn't she know________ don't like that? her daughter has nice clothes...} yeah, yeah, yeah...Yes I work, and I work. No, I don't know _______ don't like that because I see her semi-annually and yes my daughter has nice clothes---because they are budgeted out in the budget way ahead of time---AND most of her clothes come from other people and the Salvation Army & JC Penney 60%-75% off---so I don't spend alot of money there---whew, I really needed to vent and didn't even realize it......so if we don't go it will be chaos, but, I have to grocery shop on Friday--have to. So forgive me for losing it a little....I just get a little annoyed by it all. I don't think we will be going just due to the fact this was really short timing don't you think? I hope they understand that...I really do. Forgive me Jesus for everything above, I do love my family even if I only see them once or twice a year. I do love them. I pray that they come to know You one day---really soon. Amen.

So tomorrow is Word of the Week Wednesday.....I will find one yes I will!

Oh and garbage and recyclables had to be done tonight and we are still breaking down boxes, believe it or not---oh and I was going to change my showerhead {because I bought a nice new waterpik handheld and no I didn't budget for it, President Bush bought it for me in my stimulus check} but my wrench does not have any grips so I can't get the old one off---can you believe it? It just goes round and round...I have a friend who will take care of that for me, he is really good at all that fixer upper---so till tomorrow, love you all, don't forget to leave your comments!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

2008-06-22T20:17:00.002-04:00

Today was Moving Up Day at our church. I am a teacher in the Primary 2 Class {grades 2,3,4} and I only had one of the kids moving up, but, I believe I am getting 2. It was a nice day, my good friend's daughter and another woman's daughter are graduating high school and moving on to college. One will be going to Manhattan and the other to Plattsburgh I believe.

We had an awesome {yes that it was I said} awesome thunderstorm with lightning all during worship & praise this morning and I have to say that it was awesome to have that going on---Knowing the Lord is in control of all things and us worshiping Him while this was going on...just awesome.

Nonny did her bible study, I blogged and blogged surfed a little. My friend Ess, she is on the ministry team for our food pantry and there was work to be done so, Nonny, another lady from our church P and I went to help out. The pantry is in need of a lot of items. We have a toiletry ministry {toilet paper, deodorant, toothpaste, soap, shampoo....} that is suffering and has been for a while. I talked with the Senior Elder at our church today about a Bake 'n Take and a Toiletry drive to do next.

It was a simple dinner, Nonny had her Chicken ala Nonny {see recipe in Recipe Box} and I had some spicy baked chicken strips with linguine and broccoli.

This week is going to be busy, alot going on. I have a Taco Cafe coming up at the church that I am hosting & cooking for on June 29th and all the proceeds will go to the Mexico Mission. They are leaving late July and they need lots of prayer and support. I have involved as many missionaries as possible and have even had a couple of teen volunteers which is awesome! I will shop Thursday for it, my own shopping Friday night and start cooking on Saturday for the Cafe. There is a Christian cafe that just opened next to our food pantry that I just found out about--so I want to check that out Saturday before going to cook.

We played Uno once getting home and both Nonny and I shared doing the dishes. We had another thunderstorm and my step-mother's area was on a tornado warning with actual sitings of funnel clouds....so that was nerve wrecking for a minute.

Oh and my friend who leads a dance ministry at our church, well they did an excellent dance to "Gone" by Switchfoot today at church.

Sorry for jumping around so much!

I will be back tomorrow for listing my chores and getting ready to shop for both the Taco Cafe and my own grocery shopping.

Hope : What Job Did

2008-06-22T19:01:00.005-04:00

I am going to start a word study. I am hoping to do it on Sunday nights. Depending on my schedule it will either be Sunday or Monday nights. I believe the Lord is leading me to do this.I would like to start all the studies in the Old Testament and then move to the New Testament.

The word that will start it all off and we will study it till we can get no more out of it is {drumroll please}

HOPE

So I will start out with a definition from Merriam-Webster {woo hoo} and then starting with a Scripture concerning hope.

Definition:

To desire with expectation.
Trust {there it is}
Desire together with expectation in getting what is wanted.

Scripture concerning hope from the Old Testament:

"Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him" Job 13:15

I must say from my own view that Job does impress me right off. This man had everything and then had everything taken away and no matter what happened and how it happened....he stayed faithful. He is definitely someone who loved the Lord with all his heart, all his mind, all his soul and all his strength. His own wife even told him to "hand in the towel", just give up. Yet he didn't. His friends surrounded him and told him all the reasons why he should just give up, not trust in the Lord, not hope in Him, yet Job continued. He stayed steadfast and faithful, all through it.

So here we have this guy...can you picture him, going about his day, praising the Lord? I can. He is abundantly blessed with family, favor and "things"....then BAM! all gone!!! His children, his animals, his home, his everything just gone....gone. Yet through it all Job had something I am very impressed with---very intrigued by he had: HOPE, hope that His God whom he had been faithfully serving would get everything that the Lord told him to expect. He would get favor, abundant blessings, eternal life, love, forgiveness......all those things the Lord promised, Job held onto during his time of trial & tribulation. Do I hold onto those things? Hm. I don't know if at first I could be as honorable as Job---I think I might have a different attitude, especially in the beginning---but Job taught me something---HANG IN THERE--HOLD ON TO THE PROMISES---this is just a season. No matter what anyone says--stay faithful to the Lord and you will have eternal life, stay faithful to the end--hold on, His promises are true. How about Abraham and Sarah? How about King David? How about Moses? Their hope, in what the Lord promised them, kept them hanging in there? Didn't it? What a wonderful God! He gives us that hope, by following through on His promises. He has showed us what it is like to hope and receive! He promised a Saviour that would overcome the world! That would establish His Kingdom---this is what King David held onto--Isaiah, Jeremiah---the hope they had--it kept them going. Our Lord fulfills His promises.

What do you think about Job and his hope? Blog it to me!

Saturday June 21, 2008

2008-06-21T19:41:00.003-04:00

Today, I must say we did pretty much nothing outside the house. It was really muggy. We stayed in and I finally {I think} got all my clothes hung up in the closet {did I mention I have a huge cedar closet in my bedroom? Oh I do} ...My bed is made, dinner is done {Chicken ala Nonny}, dishes are done, swiffering is done....chores are done.

Nonny has been having pain and swelling in her left knee for some time. Finally, her PCP sent her to an orthopedic specialist. She has something called Osgood Schlatter {sp?} knee---alot of people who play "hard" sports get it. It looks like, in the xray, a tooth growing on her knee--lol, yes giggle. Then because of the swelling he did a lyme screen and that came out normal...so according to his message that he left Friday, we have to go see him again because he said the Osgood would not cause the swelling...Also on Friday was her follow up with her PCP concerning her asthma...the maintenance drugs seem to be doing good work and doc is changing the rhinocort to nasonex --why you ask? Because the copay for the rhinocort was $50!!!! So that with 2 maintenance drugs, albuterol, my 2 medz...two weeks ago in medz alone I spent $140.00--in copays. Not including the PCP & other doc visit copays...

Then after all that we went to Homegroup. Had a good time, we are studying the book of John and have a workbook that goes with it. We discussed chapter 3. It was really good stuff...Nicodemus meeting Jesus at night...John the Baptist telling his disciples, don't get mad at Jesus, did I not tell you that He is the Christ?

My good friend, we will call her, Ess, she had to get 4 teeth pulled so she was in quite a bit of pain when I saw her yesterday...she went to the dentist planning on 2 out and walked out with 4 out.

Work was ok, typical Friday...Nonny had a 1/2 day of school so she was home by noon. I am so happy we did not plan anything for today, it was a nice relaxing day.

I have been blogging my butt off and searching other people's blogs...hope to hear from you soon!

Chicken ala Nonny

2008-06-21T17:57:00.004-04:00

Tonight for dinner was a creation of my daughter's, hence the name Chicken ala Nonny. It's chicken, any type, tonight we used thighs. Poured some chicken broth to cover and cooked in the crock pot on high for 1.5 hours and then low for another hour. In the last half hour we added, frozen broccoli, peas, corn and baby carrots---my Nonny's favorite veggies. Then we had mashed potatoes and gravy on the side.

This is when it is pretty much done:

Chef at work:
Here is the completed dish, on my new dinnerware:
And this is what my Nonny thought about her creation:
Again the recipe is simple:

Chicken thighs {or whatever chicken you like}
Chicken broth
Frozen or fresh veggies {we used broccoli, corn, peas and baby carrots}
Spice to taste, I chopped up some garlic, used onion powder & black pepper.

Clean your chicken, put in the bottom of crock pot, pour chicken broth over chicken till covered. Cook on high for 1.5 hours and then low for 1 hour, in the last 30 minutes add veggies and let cook.

We had mashed potatoes, gravy & applesauce to complete the dinner. You can have whatever you want with it.

I love crock pots, because you can do other things while the food cooks!

Bronx Zoo Pics!

2008-06-21T13:02:00.002-04:00

Here you go! I told you I would post them! Enjoy

Remembering The Things We Take For Granted

2008-06-21T12:32:00.006-04:00

My heart aches every time I look at this picture. This is Kathina Thomas. She is 10 years old and she was murdered by a 15 year old high school student.

I was "surfing" blogs and came across one I enjoyed and added it to my blog list. The blog was things/people we take for granted. The blessings the Lord has given us....

Let's do this: Let's remember to hug those we love and tell them we love them every chance we get. I sit with tears right now running down my cheeks as the thought of the anguish of this young girl, her Mom, her family.....remember those we love---never ever take for granted those the Lord has given us.......

Go right now, this second, right now and hug someone, pick up the phone and tell someone you love them---and thank the Lord above for the blessing of them.

And lets not forget the 15 year old....His Mom, his family, those that love him. This tragedy has effected many lives---2 lives gone and many in anguish.

I think it effects me and those around me a little more....because it happened here. Really close to home. Here.

New Apartment, New Chores, New Organization

2008-06-21T11:56:00.004-04:00

I am still working on organization---I can get better at it now, because I have room to move. There are things I need, shelving units....I also need a new kitchen table. We are using a fold up card table right now as our kitchen table. If we have anything with any kind of sauce on it, it stains the top of the table if we drop something on it.

I have cabinets, cabinets, cabinets. I didn't have cabinets in my last apartment {really I didn't} so this is a huge blessing for me. I have a walk in closet and spare bedroom and full basement and so much to get going on. The walk in closet {which really was the smallest of the 5 bedrooms} has everything in it right now--things that need to be unpacked--things to put away. It also has a linen wardrobe and our former microwave cart that will either be used for tools and arts & crafts or as a start of our "other" pantry {details later}.

The spare bedroom sits with its door closed right now because whatever didn't fit in the walk in closet now sits in the spare bedroom. The desire for this room is not only for overnight guests, but maybe for people who have nowhere to go, missionaries to our country/state {they do come here}. I do also feel that if a parent has a child who will be in college through my church or extended church family and it will be easier for them to commute from my home or the parents now live somewhere else--I will have this room available........

I had a dining room and living room in my last apt. This apt has them combined...I just made it a huge living room.

Then there is my room and Nonny's room and my office. I work out of my office and the home computer is in my office.

whew! Now, the chores are changing here and there. I do know that things that MUST be done daily are:

Bathroom: wipe down sink and toilet with clorox wipes. swiffer floor and vacuum bath rug.
Kitchen: Swiffer the floor, wipe down trash can, empty kitchen recycle bin, dust bust around and under cat dishes and around litter box {empty dust buster}.
Living Room: must be vacuumed everyday and the entrance way swiffered.
Nonny's Room: vacuum rug....she gets these little pieces of paper EVERYWHERE.

Now this list does not include the usual: dishes, countertops, table....etc....These things I have found I need to do due to Nonny's asthma & my own comfortability. I have also found that now that I work from home, the chores are alot easier to accomplish. Now if I can just get the packing done!

I will soon blog my "weekly to do list" when I get it organized.

The Bronx Zoo

2008-06-21T09:53:00.005-04:00

We could not have asked for a better day. The picture above is of the sky when we left our home at 5:15 that morning. It was clear and cool {just the way I like it}. I have ALOT of pictures and I will post a little at a time here and there and let you know all about it {or whatever info I have on it}.

We woke up at 4:00 am, was out of the house at 5:15 am and we walked to the school and made it there by 5:45 am. We were the first to arrive {the middle pic is of my daughter's school, I never saw it that empty}. The buses were supposed to be there at 6:00 but did not get there till 6:15, so needless to say, with the late comers, head counts, pairing up the kids to the chaperones--we left a little after 7:00 am. I was paired up with one of my daugther's friends Dad, and I had one other child besides my daughter and he had one other child besides his daughter, so there was 6 in our group and we had a blast. The tigers are my favorite, the gorillas are my daughter's. She loves the way they ape you. She was having a ball with one as she clapped or made faces the gorilla would do them back. My tigers were in nap time when we arrived there, so I have pics of them sleeping. We did the entire park---the entire zoo, yes, we did....This was not our {Nonny and I} first trip to the zoo, but, it was the rest of our group's---so it was fun telling them all we had experienced on other trips and what was not there before. The Madagascar animals were not supposed to open till Friday June 20th, but, they did open late Thursday afternoon and we were the second group of "first" visitors ever to Madagascar and we had a blast, there were species of monkeys and cats I have never seen in my life---our God has an awesome imagination!

I will keep posting about our trip and putting up pics. The top pic is the girls we had for the day, the first one on the left is my Nonny. This was taken at lunch time at the Pepsi Pavilion by Tiger Mountain.

Getting Ready for the Bronx Zoo

2008-06-18T08:55:00.003-04:00

OH yah! Tomorrow is the big day! I get to be a chaperone with Nonny's school trip to the Bronx Zoo, we love it there! Yes, been there before! And now I have a digital camera, so look out! You know I will be posting pics like crazy!

We have to get up at like 4:00 in the morning because we have to be at the school by 5:30 to do head count and the bus leaves at 6:00. I don't know what movie they will be playing on the bus, but, I am sure at some point I will be dozing off....

I am bringing a book and blanket! My camera and extra batteries, snacks & drinks. Have to make the list!

It will be an adventure! We won't be getting back here till around 8:00 pm and then I have to get up and work and Nonny has to go to school!!! ;o0

It will all be worth it. Pray for us tomorrow that it does not storm! It has been cold and damp lately here. Pray for us for a safe journey and a wonderful time in the Lord!

I will probably be back here tonight putting up my check list so I can make sure I am getting everything!

If you have never been there or have and want to check out the website here it is:

www.bronxzoo.com

Word of the Week: Faith

2008-06-18T05:16:00.002-04:00

I was just thinking that if I got something going here daily or every other day, I would blog more. I want to blog.....

So Wednesday I am choosing as the word of the week and I choose for this week: Faith and what does the Merriam-Webster dictionary define faith as?

1) Loyalty to duty or to a person {being faithful}
2) Belief in God
3)Firm belief even in the absence of proof
4) A system of religious beliefs

I am pretty much concentrating on #3 and my Scripture {one of my favorites} is:

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

Did you read that? Nothing will be impossible for you.

I believe what Jesus is saying is: If you believe in the power of My Name and you have a mountain that is holding you back, tying you down, keeping you from the work He has called you to do---He is saying tell it to go in His Name and it will go. And have faith that it went.

I know mountains I have that need to go---mountains I used to have that went. I had a mountain of addiction, hatred, unforgiveness, betrayal......Do you have a mountain you would like to tell to go.....well tell it to go....

In the might Name of Jesus, Mountain of ___________ move and throw yourself into the sea. Thank You Jesus that it is gone....thank You I no longer have to look at this mountain. Thank You that You live inside me and want the best for me and You have given me guidance and direction and have given me the power by Your Holy Name to remove the mountains in my life that hinder me. Thank You Jesus.

Do you have a mountain you would like to talk about, blog about? A mountain that you have a mustard seed of faith to get rid of?

Faith: hmm, things hoped for but yet unseen, our hoped for eternal life, Heaven, rivers of milk & honey......no more tears, no more worries, no more sickness, no more pain......no more mountains...except the beautiful mountains that are from our Lord....yes, I have that faith. Do you?

Father's Day

2008-06-17T16:20:00.003-04:00

Well.....this is a really, really tough one for me. My earthly Dad is no longer here. He died June 14, 2002.

He was a wonderful provider...it took him to die for me to realize how much I love him. My Dad was just not an emotional person. He was very hard to please and had few words....unlike me of course :O)....wow! Do I miss him. I went up to his gravesite on Saturday, because it was 6 years since he passed and Father's day and well, if he were here he would be 72 years old on the 28th.

He had a laugh that went through the house, and when he laughed, you just laughed, you had to....He worked hard, he was a truck driver for many years, I think he was afraid of money--if you know what I mean--he grew up very poor and I think he was afraid of that happening with us....We were poor in my eyes, but in his eyes we were pretty good. But, he was so good at it, I didn't even realize we were poor till I was an adult. He had some serious ways, traditions---he could make a homemade stuffing that could knock you off your chair--really it could :O) He had a lot of varieties for it too, spicy, sausage, mild, chicken....He always made Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinner. He was the patriarch, he kept us together. The whole family saw each other at least 3 times a year because nobody passed up the invitation of dinner at Dad's, you knew you were in for a treat!

Our family does not do much lately anymore. I don't see them too much at all--except funerals and that's only if my family liked the person--isn't it awful. I try to make ways to bring us together, but, everybody thinks I am wierd and they don't think they can hang out with a holy roller. Well....I just know---I miss my Dad, that's something I know. If my Dad was here, they would be hanging out with this holy roller....yeah, they would.

Lilah-Jayne

2008-06-17T15:53:00.003-04:00

This is our spoiled cat, Lilah-Jayne. She is 3 years old. We have had her a little over a year now. She is very dear to our hearts.

Here I Am Part II ???

2008-06-17T15:33:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Please forgive me. I am so busy with unpacking and rearranging and setting up. My daughter's school year is ending--this coming September she will be in her last year of elementary school! This week we are going on a school field trip to the Bronx Zoo, it will be our second time there. I am one of the chaperone's and I invested in a digital camera, right on time for that.

My new apartment is big. It is 5 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathroom, backyard and big cellar. The smallest bedroom {which was the size of my bedroom upstairs} is now a walk-in closet, then there is an office, Nonny's room and a guest room.

I am working from home now, so, it is easier to get housework done during the day. I have alot and I mean a lot on my mind.....so I will be a blogging away! I have to go check out some friends blogs and I will be back!

Oh and I am working on my family tree which is proving quite interesting also.

And.....for dinner tonight is: Cajun Smothered Chicken and Rice! yummy!

Here I Am

2008-05-03T10:14:00.002-04:00

Sorry folks, know its been a long time, so much going on. I am moving to another apartment come June 1 and all that goes on with that has overtaken me. The apartment is just a floor below me. It is much bigger {which I need} and has alot of storage, access to the backyard....just great. So, I have to curtain shop, blinds shop, figure out everything I need shop....lol

To all of my friends who continue to leave comments and send emails---how great you are!

My daughter's school is planning a trip to the Bronx Zoo in June and I am going with them--can't wait, it will be our second trip there.

I just finished a fundraiser at our church for the crisis pregnancy center....a pancake breakfast and now I am about to jump into a taco cafe for the Mexico missions trip coming up in July.

My house is complete chaos as we go thru things to give away, pack and throw away. There is stuff I never unpacked because there was no room....I have no countertops or cabinets, now downstairs there are tons of that!!!! I use a cutting board set across the stove for a counter and my cabinets well, a friend of mine gave me an old china cabinet to use. So downstairs is a huge blessing from the Lord---and there is washer and dryer hookups.....woo hooo!!!!

Well, right now I am going to check all my friends blogs and then search for new ones, Karen, Tali, Faith and Preacherman, here I come!

Science Fairs & New Family Members

2008-03-30T08:41:00.002-04:00

I don't know about this Science Fair that Nonny wanted to do. It's coming up this Friday and we really have nothing. We made a sun, moon and earth out of clay. We will have a flashlight & mirror to bounce the light off the earth from the sun to hit the moon. We have a wiffle ball that is broken in half so a magnet could be put inside of it and then put on a board w/a magnet underneath so she can show how the moon pulls into the earth by magnetic force. We have a lot of "book" information.

Then last night a friend of mine called me around 8 pm. Her husband wants her to get rid of their pet turtle that she has had for over 5 years {well, its actually her kids, but, you know how that goes}. He was going to take it and put it in the river. She and her kids were upset and she didn't want it to go to the river. I don't blame her there. So, yep, my daughter and I are the proud new owners of Jordan---formerly known as Walter. Nonny changed his name. Uh, I think its a he. He was very nervous and our cat Lilah was watching everything--she doesn't seem too threatened by him at all. It took him a loooooooooooooong time to settle down----but this morning when I got up he was hiding in his log. So today I am hoping to get to a store to get him a new light for his terrarium---because the one they gave me blew out. Sundays are awful with buses, so, I am going to see if I can get a ride after church service. I had to do some reading up on what they need.....not as much as Lilah believe it or not, but, they need it.

Well, off to church I go. Have a blessed time today brothers & sisters. Remember Jesus loves you, love your neighbor and extend your hand and bounty to those who need soul care, salvation and practical things----love you all.

The Only Sinner

2008-03-28T07:15:00.002-04:00

Good Morning,

I woke up this morning thinking about this quote that I read one day. It is not in perfect form, yet, it still gets the point across.....I believe St. Augustine is the one who said it. Sit back and think about this:

If everyone in the world and I mean EVERYONE in the world, were righteous.....and you were the ONLY sinner....Jesus would have still come and died for you.

Let me say that again for you:

If everyone in the world and I mean EVERYONE in the world, were righteous......and you were the ONLY sinner....Jesus would have still come and died for you.

Ponder that abit.

Selah.

So the next time you feel that you are the only sinner in the world, or noone does it worse than you. He still would have come. The next time you think a bad thought, say the wrong thing, hurt someone, act the wrong way, break a commandment, not love your brother.............when you think that noone could be worse than you and Jesus will not and would not forgive the things that you do..............That you are "unforgivable".............He still would have come. I believe that completely.....our Salvation is personal......He died for YOU.

Selah.

Betcha Thought I Was Gone??? Nah, You Didn't

2008-03-26T21:07:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!!!

Forgive me for taking so long to get back here! I have been so busy! It is the end of March! Oh my gosh! Where did March go?????

So, I had been gone doing skit practices for the drama ministry I am in at my church for Resurrection Sunday. And my daughter, she is going to be part of the science fair at her school, she is going to do little simple nuggets about the moon....It has to be simple, I am too busy right now for anything else! lol.

Also, I am preparing to cook and host a fundraising pancake breakfast for our crisis pregnancy center. Now, the decision for my Pastor is, do we do it before or after service? Traditionally we were doing it before service but now, the idea has been put into our heads that more people may stay around AFTER the service and we could get more money!

Then, right after that it is time for a taco cafe---yup, our church is sending a team to Mexico again this year and the taco cafe's raise money to get some things taken care of---so I will jump into that next.....don't worry I am not stressed out---I love this stuff!!!!

Now, let me tell you, that it is planned within the next couple of weeks for me to work from home! woo hoo! I can not wait. My company just sent our local cable company to hook up business client and mine was taken care of Monday!!! woo hoo! lots of woo hoos huh?

Also, we did get our beds that I was talking about---they are wonderful! I have NEVER had a new bed and of course neither has my daughter. I am investing in a digital camera and will put some pics on here soon of all things and people---yes I plan on going crazy with the camera---aren't we supposed to? lol

I missed being here----it is getting late however, and I am not working from home yet so that means I still have to get up early and make the trek to work.

Love you all!!! I will be back really soon---

In Christ!

Two Week Dinner Menu Starting Feb 24,2008

2008-02-23T08:15:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I am putting this on here for me and everyone else! Remember there are only 2 people in my family so there are left overs to consider. This is the dinners I have planned. A couple I will put the recipes on in due time, you will see those in red.

Sunday

Lasagna Rollers
Turkey Meatballs
Green Beans/Mixed Veggies

Monday

Chicken Tacos
Red Beans & Rice

Tuesday

Lasagna Rollers
Turkey Meatballs
Green Beans/Mixed Veggies

Wednesday

Chicken Tacos
Red Beans & Rice

Thursday

Hamburger Helper {this is the last one in my pantry, will not be buying anymore of these}
Corn
Fruit

Friday

Hamburger Helper {last one left overs}
Corn
Fruit

Saturday

I will be having dinner somewhere else, Nonny will have dinner at a friend's home.

Sunday 3/2/2008

Chicken Noodle Soup Express
Crackers
Fruit

Monday

Italian Marinated Chicken
Scalloped Potatoes
Peas

Tuesday

Chicken Noodle Soup Express
Crackers
Fruit

Wednesday

Italian Marinated Chicken
Scalloped Potatoes
Peas

Thursday

Taquitos
Black Eye Peas
Fruit

Friday

Pizza

Then that Saturday there will be a new menu to set up.

Foil Chicken

2008-02-18T09:24:00.002-05:00

My daughter and I love this one! Now, we 'create' our own in separate foil so that the veggies and/or potatoes are what we chose.

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast {half for each person}
1 small potato, peeled and chopped { or not peeled if you prefer}
1 carrot, chopped
red onions { I love onions so I put about a 1/4 cup if I chop them or a layer}
peppers {any kind, I like a variety of peppers & I add a little of all}
broccoli {raw or frozen}
baby spinach {remember it really shrinks so be generous if you like it}
red beans {to taste}
Italian salad dressing { I prefer Wishbone's Italian Robusto, it has a kick}
garlic (whole, powder or minced)
black pepper

Hours before or the night before I marinate the chicken breasts with the salad dressing.

when ready to cook, I preheat the oven 350 degrees. I spread out foil {about the size of a cereal box} and I put the chicken on it {remember I do separate foil for me and my daughter so if you want to do all one kind you need bigger foil!}. I chop all the veggies (the red beans are canned, I rinse them) and layer on top of chicken...add potatoes.

Wrap up the chicken put in a casserole dish or 13x9 baking pan and bake for approx 45 mins until chicken is thoroughly cooked ---veggies are soooooooooo tender. Remember, when you open up that foil, really hot steam is going to be coming out so be careful

Get creative too! We do.

Enjoy!

Baby B Brings My Nonny New Faith

2008-02-17T10:43:00.005-05:00

My baby sister who was born when I was 18, living on my own and working full time {yes I am going to feel old again in a minute}, gave birth to twin boys in June 2006. We will call them B & O. O was born strapping and strong and ready for the world. B however, he was not, he was underweight, he had to be "encouraged" to breathe, he had to be rushed away from his Mom to a hospital specializing in prenatal ICU in a helicopter even before she lay eyes on him. While O was a typical newborn baby boy, his twin was struggling for his life some miles away. B's lungs were not fully developed, there were heart issues, he was "not responding" to noise or anything....pretty much comatose....he was fed IV.

My daughter was very excited about having twin baby boys to play with.....because the prognosis for B was not good, they did not expect him to thrive, my step-mother and sister decided to advise the family. Please note, that my sister had an emergency c-section and still has not lay eyes on her son who she was being told would not live. She was having a difficult time bonding with O and O knew something was wrong---babies know--they know.

Well....as soon as we received the news----I went right to the Throne! As I pulled in friends to join me.....in her bedroom my daughter also was having her conversation at the Throne {she was 8 at the time}....I don't know exactly what was said or done.....but the next day.......

The doctor from the hospital called my stepmother to let her know-------are you ready?

B was responding....he was making 'sucking' motions with his mouth, his eyes had opened, he coughed, he made bowel movements {this is a big deal you know}, he hands were gripping the nurses fingers, his heartbeat was strong.....and you want to know something? The doctor's were completed baffled and speechless {as was my unsaved family}......Bringing that news to us was instant Praise to Jesus----instant!

My Nonny turned to me and said, "I talked to Jesus and I asked Him to keep B alive. And He did." Only you who know, can understand the faith that brought my daughter into....A new level....

You would never know looking at B that he had a death sentence written for him....he strong and your typical little boy....he had no surgeries {which they thought would happen in a last attempt to save him} and his pediatrician stated that you would never know....and you wouldn't...

Thank You Jesus---for showing up---for being the same yesterday, today and forever. For giving me and my daughter a deeper level of faith.....for showing an unsaved family who You are............

Thank You

Miracles

2008-02-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

I have to, must, should have a tag for miracles....Because Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, shouldn't we be expecting the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the mute to speak, the crippled to walk, the cancer to go, the bones to come together, the AIDS to flee, the asthma to go, the thyroid to become new, the MS to go? The dead to rise?

I will be talking about Biblical miracles, yet right now......

I have a couple of miracles I will be talking about when I come back tonight. Miracles I have witnessed myself. Someone walking and functioning perfectly when told they would never walk again, someone cancer free when they were given a death sentence, a baby not given a moments chance by doctors, a set of twins that beat all odds and all human understanding.....yes, brothers & sisters----He still brings miracles, because He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

Birthday Party, Bible Study & Busy--ness

2008-02-15T07:51:00.003-05:00

Last weekend I had Nonny's big birthday bash. She is 10 now, I can't believe it! I think I was in mourning for a few days! When she was 5 I promised her when she turned 2 number she could have a big party---she remembered. There were a lot of people here. My busy--ness, turned into major busy--ness!!!! I had to clean the house, go shopping, order pizza's and wings (2 -24 cut cheese pizzas & 100 wings), potato chips & dip, I made a pasta salad, pretzels, soda, water, coffee, tea----------they played Twister, musical chairs, spoons & speed cup stacking. My daughter giggled all day long....there was so much fun! She had friends from church & school, families....just wonderful....and of course she got a lot of stuff----she loved everything---arts & crafts and games and stuffed animals and jewelry and money and clothes. What a wonderful time we had!!!!

That has been my busy--ness for some time---that week was immensely busy. The Friday before the party I had to go to home group and co-lead with the co-homegroup leader, so I was preparing all week for that, I had a womens group on Monday, prayer on Tuesday--whew--what a weekend!!!

Ahhhhh---my Lord, He stayed faithful....just amazes me sometimes....I am in awe at how smoothly everything went that week despite my anxieties and worries....How I had just enough money to pull it all off...and some left over! How my daughter's laughter and giggles (cuz to me of course, God gave her the best laugh) were worth every moment and every cent. Wow! He is just an amazing God---that even when we are not looking up and counting on Him {cuz I always try to do it myself first} He still comes through....

Master Shopping List Draft

2008-02-14T19:26:00.002-05:00

As part of all my organization, a Sister/friend is helping me out with this and in part gave me a master shopping list she uses....what an amazing idea. So.....I am in the process of mine....almost done, I have not decided if I want the canned veggies I buy under canned goods or veggies :O)....Almost all done and then I get to put it in order and go! This will save money and time, next is the monthly menu {again Karen} and that will help define 90% of the shopping list, I do bring breakfast and lunch and any snacks to work with me---I will soon be working from home PRAISE HIM----so that will save some too.....so off I go again

TURKEY SALSA BURGERS

2008-02-14T19:20:00.002-05:00

These are YUMMY ---with a capital Y and UMMYYYYYYY!!! My daughter loves them too!

1 lb ground turkey
salsa {any kind you like, I used Tostino's the first time}
Breadcrumbs {any kind, I use garlic & herb}
salt
pepper
onion powder or real onions diced to taste
garlic or garlic powder

In medium bowl put turkey, salsa {I use about 1/3 c or more depending}, breadcrumbs {about 1/2 c}, salt & pepper to taste, onion, garlic, mix well, form into burgers {about 4}, spray a frying pan or griddle with fat free canola oil, cook till done, {about 10 mins each side}

Put on hamburg rolls or eat alone, really does not matter---these are magnifico, I was awed on how good they are! ENJOY!!!

Forgiving Me

2008-02-11T07:35:00.000-05:00

Thank You Lord for forgiving me. I thought yesterday and this morning of all the things I used to do, the person I used to be, the way I treated people, the way I treated myself. Just the thoughts that used to pass through my mind. My intentions, my hatred.........and You forgive me? Your Word says yes you do. Thank You for taking my dirty rags and washing them as white as snow. Thank You for being above all and in all. Thank You Lord for holding no charge against me. Thank You for saving me from myself. Thank You for saving me from satan's schemes and plans. Thank You for saving me from the enemies net. Thank You for forgiving me when noone else would {including myself}. Thank You Lord, for being who You are. Thank You for loving me just the way I am. Thank You for forgiving me the words that caused pain, hurt, division and hate that spewed out of my mouth. Oh Lord, thank You for forgiving me for the way I taunted and hated. Lord, thank You.

THANK YOU JESUS FOR BEING WHO YOU ARE

2008-02-05T07:39:00.000-05:00

I have a few minutes this morning and decided to do a little blogging before heading off to work. How about just praising the Lord?

Thank You Jesus for saving me, for calling me unto You, for choosing me before the beginning of the creation of the world and calling me Your own.

Thank You Jesus for loving me when I was unloved & unlovable. When I was doing all the dirty things of this world--thank You Jesus for loving me anyway.

Thank You Jesus for being El Shaddai, The Great I Am, Yahweh, Jehovah Jireh, Elohim, Adonai, Alpha, Omega, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Deliverer, Healer, Mercy, Grace, Joy, Salvation, Life, Eternal, Mediator, Comforter, Counselor, Happiness, Love, Creator, Redeemer, Saviour, Friend, Head of the Body, Foundation, The Rock, woo, I love You Jesus. Thank You Jesus for being freedom, all wisdom, all knowledge, all understanding.

Thank You for being there when noone else was---thank You for coming to get me, when noone else was---thank You for reaching down from on high! Thank You for standing me up and cleaning me out and making me whole. Thank You for bringing me this far and making plans for me.

Thank You Jesus when everyone shook their heads and saw me in certain death---You resurrected me and brought me to LIFE!!!! Thank You Jesus when noone had hope for me, You instilled hope in me and gave me a new life---you wiped the slate clean. Thank You Jesus, when I was at wits end, couldn't take life no more, couldn't bear to keep going as I was---You took me in Your arms and loved me! Lord, thank YOU for being the All in All, The Everything I am not, the purity and grace, the hope and faith of my life---thank You Jesus for loving me when noone else did......

Now thats the way to start a morning!

Thank You for knocking down satan and setting me free---thank You for freedom!

Viruses, Blessings, Furniture & More Blessings

2008-02-03T14:54:00.000-05:00

I know, It has been such a long time! My computer had a virus---thank the Lord that my church has many capable computer geniuses!!! This is wonderful! So my whole hard drive just had to be dumped and all that---so here I am!!

My Nonny just turned 10 years old--2 digits now----boy have I missed this computer! lol

I am so glad to be back.....

So in my organization journey I have found beds for me and Nonny. Her's is a loft bed with a built in dresser and desk with a huge drawer at the bottom to be used for storage or a trundle bed & then on the side there is a door and you open it up and EUREKA! there is tons of storage behind the dresser and desk! Mine is a captain's bed with 5 drawers underneath, 1 really huge one and then in the back of all the drawers EUREKA more storage! Hallelujah!

A friend of mine is building me a closet in my office (need one badly) and I have picked out my new living room set, dining room set---do I deserve them? Absolutely. I have never had anything new as far as house stuff goes. so with my tax returns will be the beds and then some saving for the living room set and then some more for the dining room set and so on.................whew

Then, let me tell you friends. I have bulging disks in my back and neck and there is something wrong with my feet---they don't know what yet---anyway---while I am waiting for my healing---cuz you know its coming right? I have been going to the laundromat 2 times a month and doing all our laundry---so.................I was also spending $80 a month on laundry....not supposed to be lifting and not really having that kind of money, I approached the Lord--and guess what happened???? HE ANSWERED! No I am not surprised---I capitalized it for others who need it! Anyway, a friend and her husband in my church brought me a brand new portable washer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel like dancing!! And I did! No words can express......anyway, seems a couple of people got together and bought it for me----I don't know who they are---but God does and I have asked Him to bless them tremendously, have that generosity come back and bless their socks right off!!!

so now I have to visit some blogs I have not been to in some time---toodles for now---but I will be back!

Just This Simple

2007-12-25T12:28:00.000-05:00

HE BECAME FLESH

2007-12-23T23:03:00.000-05:00

Does that not just completely blow your mind? HE BECAME FLESH! FLESH!

The Sovereign Omnipotent God, Creator, Divine Artist, The Potter of everything that lives and moves and has being----He became flesh! FLESH! Just Boggles the Mind!

Happy Birthday Jesus. Thank You for coming and saving us from our dirtiness, our sin, ourselves......thank You for becoming flesh.

Christmas Stockings

2007-12-22T11:22:00.000-05:00

Another tradition we have is being able to open our stockings the night before we open our gifts. This Christmas Eve we will be opening all our gifts, we have such a busy, blessed day on Christmas that we won't have time. So on Sunday after dinner we will open our stockings. That is why I have to get them all wrapped tonight. Now every year there must be the favorite candies of the person you are giving the stocking to, a lifesavers storybook (which by the way has grown quite smaller since I was a child) and a candy filled candy cane---usually M&Ms. Then whatever else can fit in it--usually a small gift or two.

When I have to work the day after Christmas we usually open gifts on Christmas Eve if I have it off and then Christmas day we get to enjoy them when we can amongst the food, people, love and hugs (which by the way is the best part of Christmas)............

Parties, Teeth & Tests

2007-12-22T11:09:00.000-05:00

Nonny got excited with every passing day this week. We have a chalkboard santa that she counts down on everyday and she started at 40 days this year---lol, she tortured herself with that....she happily displayed 2 this morning. She wrapped my gifts last night and put them under the tree---I am just like a kid at Christmas yet I am trying not to guess what anything is.....

She was not feeling well when she came home last night, little achy and a slight fever....that got knocked out with some prayer and she is looking much better today---she didn't eat much last night but she ate breakfast this morning.

On Tuesday we straightened her hair---oh it is so beautiful--not that it was not beautiful before---it is amazing right now. I had to do the normal stuff of doing her hair and then I had to use a special comb and blow dryer to dry it, then add some thermal lotion and use straightening plates (my daughter's hair is very very thick) layer after layer. We started around 6 and did not get finished until after 8 pm. Yet it is worth all of it....to see the look on her face when she looked in the mirror made every second worth it--she kept saying as she stroked it "I am dreaming or you put a wig on me" lol. Now she swings it about and combs it and all that....it is wonderful.

She had her school Christmas party yesterday and brought in scoops & salsa and chips & dip. She came home with books from her teacher and a bag full of candy (and not feeling well).

Oh yeah and she lost another tooth! I can't take it! lol

She will 10 this coming year and I don't know if I am ready for it. She asked for the "High School Musical" theme for her party. Oriental Trading has a great deal on the theme pack. And then I will just buy more yellow and red plain plates and cups--then I won't spend an arm and a leg on stuff...Oriental Trading is great for stuff like that and keeping it within a means. She also picked out tie dye goody bags there--I don't know why she didn't want the Hight School Musical bags but she didn't.

She asked for the movie Mary Poppins so I will get her that and another board game (because we love those) & something else. She asked for pizza and wings, so we will do that--alot less work for me...last year she wanted fried chicken and macaroni and cheese! Then a cake and ice cream of course!

The state's language arts test is coming up the first week they are back from Christmas vacation, so her teacher sent home a test from some years ago for her to practice---yes I know homework over the holidays--yet I want her to be ready for the state exam.

Whew! Be back with more Nonny adventures.

Munchie Days/Secret Santa/Wrapping Gifts.......

2007-12-22T10:49:00.000-05:00

Well, this week just flew on by! Work was hectic being that we have Monday and Tuesday off. Monday I had the MRI, Tuesday there was a big holiday luncheon at work they served turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and then a variety of sugar food, you know, cookies, cakes, pies, cobblers etc.....Wednesday I finished my shopping --for real this time. Thursday was my departments Christmas munchie day; lasagna, salads and more sugar food--lol. Then this young lady I am doing a bible study with and getting to know came over and we watched Smallville (her new favorite show), exchanged gifts and had left over munchie day dinner (subs, lasagna and salads). We talked so much (haha) that it became late and she spent the night on my couch and left the next day.

We had a secret santa at my job and you write down 3 things you would like, so I asked for photo frames, reeses peanut butter cups and unique Christmas tree ornaments. I received this beautiful snowman photo frame, it is gorgeous. I received a unique ornament, it is a snowman, the bottom of it is a gold ball and then a wooden painted top and where it was put together a little handmade scarf is--it is really cute. Come to find out it was all homemade. My senior at work gave me boxes of chocolates with a father Christmas ornament. I love those. My Dad collected old fashioned santa's and somehow I have now fallen in love with this collection.

Then last night my best friend came over and helped Nonny wrap the gifts for me.I got 11 presents under the tree!!! I feel like a little kid again. I can not wait to invest in a digital camera so I can take quick pics and put them on here so you can see.

Tonight I have to wrap all of Nonny's gifts especially the stocking gifts (there is a reason why, this will go in my "Holidays Traditions and Celebrations" label). Do you know I have already started thinking of next Christmas??? Shame on me! Yet the sales are going to be wonderful! lol

I will be next shopping for Nonny's 10th birthday party (she is going to be 2 numbers now)...which for that day I promised her a small bash-lol. And my best friend's birthday which is the same month's as Nonny's.

And tonight I have drama practice at my church. We are doing a skit called "The Caroler's Rebellion", I am playing the narrator this time. This skit will be quite simple because we have really had no time to practice, so, our 'carol' books will be holding the actual skit....lol. It is going to be so much fun!

Oh yeah and on Monday we had our last women's group before Christmas, the topic was "Moving from Anger to Love"---it was quite eye opening and such a blessing too.....be back

Christmas Shopping & Spoil-Spree

2007-12-16T18:45:00.000-05:00

Nonny is definitely excited about Christmas, she has a little stuffed santa that has a chalkboard that she counts down the days on.

Her paternal grandmother and great aunt took her shopping on Wednesday. They took her on a spoil-spree is what I call it. This is what she received:

1)winter robe--gorgeous powder blue, soft & warm
2)black slippers--they have little 'diamonds' on the top of them
3)brown velour jogging outfit and a khaki shirt to go underneath
4)2 pairs of blue jeans
5)black patent (sp?) leather shoes---you don't want to know the price on them
6)pretty aqua color shirt with little tiny jewels around the cuffs
7)black gloves
8)pocketbook--fatigues
9)black wallet
10)hair dryer
11)black belt
12)shampoo and conditioner that will last a while --Nonny has biracial hair texture so she needs "special" shampoo and conditioner and it can become quite expensive

I believe that is it....can you believe it???? Oh my goodness.....I wanted to go shopping!

Then guess what happened today? She lost another tooth!

She went shopping with my best friend on Saturday to go shopping for me and her best friend. I can't wait to see what she got me!

No Church Today & Still Blessed

2007-12-16T18:30:00.000-05:00

Hi, well, we got a lot of snow and though it tapered off earlier, then it became freezing rain and now it is snow again! Pastor decided to cancel church today and then the lady who was holding the single women's Christmas brunch cancelled also. So, it turned into a really blessed day also.

I played backgammon and hangman with Nonny. She is pretty good (of course she had a great teacher hahaha). Then we watched a movie, have I told you she likes dinosaurs--well, we watched Jurassic Park: The Lost World...you know the second one. We ate chocolate Christmas trees and Lays potato chips (and no, you can not eat just one!) I love them.

I did some cleaning, prepared lunches for tomorrow and had left overs from the Senior Pastor's Christmas party for dinner again (what a blessing) then took a really nice long hot shower and am now relaxing. I don't get to do this often you know, so I am taking a little advantage of it!

Tomorrow is the big MRI day. Almost had to cancel it. The lady who would usually bring me to appointments like this and then to work is now currently having car trouble so I had to shoot an email out and I have a ride to the MRI and to work. How great is our God? I would ask that any of you that is reading this would pray for me....prayer is such a wonderful tool.

So I will be late to work tomorrow and will have to use paid time. That is okay. I need to know what is going on with my feet and arms and hands. For those of you who do not know--it feels like someone has taken a broken bottle and scraped the bottom of my feet and then set them on fire with a blow torch---yeah--the medz I am on are helping and lots of prayer gets me up and out to work everyday.

Also, I know I forgot to blog it or may just so excited I don't remember: I will be working from home soon---yes you read that right! I can not wait! Then I won't have to worry about car pooling or using my vacation time for doctors appts I can make all the time up and I won't have to go to work on someone else's schedule! It is so wonderful I could just shout!!! It is wonderful. I filled out the paperwork on Friday and handed it all in--boss says that I am looking at the date of February 2008 which is great! I am so blessed! So blessed! What a God we have!

Be back soon,

The Lake House

2007-12-16T12:49:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine had told me to watch this movie when I had the chance. It stars Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock---kind of funny how they keep getting hooked up together in movies huh? Just an observation.

I did enjoy it, although rather strange. Sandra Bullock plays a doctor at a Chicago hospital in 2006 and Keanu Reeves plays an architect in 2004. Exactly. They meet up 2 years apart! Kind of hard to explain. The lake house was built by Keanu Reeve's character's Dad and the dog Jack is owned by both Keanu and Sandra.

It is a romantic type movie---there is no gushiness and no sex which automatically gets a thumbs up. There is a couple of kisses but that is it.

I am a stranger than fiction and science fiction fan, so this hit 2 types of interests in me. If you enjoy Sandra and Keanu you will enjoy this movie. Most of the movie is about letters put in a mailbox at the lake house.

Again--if you have nothing to do one day (wow-I know I am pushing it)--lol, when you get the opportunity and you like the actors you should watch it....

I know I may be somewhat late in reviewing it but I just watched it last night on HBO.

Have fun!

Family Traditions Part I

2007-12-15T21:44:00.000-05:00

One family tradition my daughter and I have started is she gets a new ornament for the tree every year and so by the time she will have her own (many many many years from now right?) she will have ornaments to start her tree.

We lost 3 ornaments that were hers in the fire, including 'Baby's 1st Christmas 1998' so I will have to search to find one like that again.

This year it was all about Lucy. I bought her an I Love Lucy ornament. It is heart shaped, red and has Ricky and Lucy on it with Ricky looking up at the ceiling while Lucy is obviously trying to "Splain herself". Nonny loves Lucy and I have over the few years collected some DVD sets for her. I ordered her an I Love Lucy mug for her birthday coming up.....

So that is one family Christmas tradition that is mine and Nonny's. There are more sure to come, hang in there!! hahahha

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2007-12-15T19:31:00.000-05:00

Wow! It is Christmas time is it not??? On Friday our Senior Elder had a party at his home and the food was excellent, stuffed chicken breasts--Italian green beans, salads, garlic mashed potatoes, lasagna--all yummy and all the appetizers and desserts OH MY...Its the most wonderful time of the year.

Today we were up and out of the house before 9:30 am. Hit a huge sale at JC Penney; I would have spent like $400 and only spent $147. Then on to WalMart where I did very well also--which also had some food included I spend $160. Then home for ham and turkey sandwiches for lunch and off to the supermarket where I spent another $80 whew! Then here I am home, just finished wrapping a whole bunch of stuff. Found some really cute tree ornaments for some people at work, my secret santa is a friend of mine who collects fireman memorabalia and I was able to get a collector's fireman santa with the dalmatian dog and all for quite a steal. I picked up some goodies to eat---and had left overs for dinner and now here I am trying to catch up.

We had a blizzard, the first one the other day (Thursday), it started around 10:45 am while we were at work, we left early, 3:00 pm and there was already 6 inches on the ground! Then it was alot of ice the next day. Now late tonight we are expecting what we call a Nor'easter. Probably around 12-16 inches of snow, won't be surprised if there is more! There may be no church tomorrow and I have an MRI appointment on Monday I won't be able to make it to unless I can find a ride to work after the MRI or I will have to take some time from work.

Well, it is off for now...I have to go catch up on some other blogs and see what is going on! Be back later!

Making Time

2007-12-10T18:55:00.000-05:00

It is so busy this time of year and I am really going nutty here! lol. This will be the last check to clean up Christmas---which is good...Nonny's birthday is in February so she will get stuff then too.

I have a few things to buy for her and she loves dinosaurs & bugs (always has) and she lost her entire collection in the fire last February, so I am hoping to get some for her. I have a babysitter to buy for and the lady who rides me to work and back. Nonny will buy for her best friend. I would like to get for a couple of ladies who really helped out at work this year when I was not understanding new programs. Things like that.

I really have not had time to sit down! I had a home group meeting on Friday where we are studying the life of David and it was about his and Bathsheba's first child dying. Then Saturday I had friends over for dinner and Nonny did not come home till after 9 pm. Then yesterday was church and then off to the laundromat--and then boom it is time to get ready for the work week again!!!!

I really have to find some time to blog and get caught up in other labels because I have stuff for them!

I will be back soon---

Christmas, Health......

2007-12-08T09:19:00.000-05:00

It has been a few days since I have been here and I apologize. I have so busy. I had a Womens Group on Monday, Tuesday I was 'rearranging', Wednesday I had received a blessing of clothes for my daughter from this woman at work and wow what a blessing, Thursday I have a young lady that comes to my home that I 'mentor' for lack of a better term, Friday I had Homegroup. Whew! Tonight I am having a few ladies over for dinner. I am serving baked chicken breasts, Mack & Cheez, steamed veggies and rolls.

Alot has been going on in church with people also:

*a woman had knee surgery
*a woman's mother had a stroke
*a man's father was placed in a nursing home and then right after his mother had a stroke
*two sisters father had to have emergency surgery
*one of the above named sisters, while her dad was in surgery her husband was placed in the emergency room----whew!

The devil is trying---but, he did not and will not win. The woman with knee surgery is home recovering, the womans mother who had a stroke (93 by the way) is going home, the two sisters father and the one sisters husband were released from the hospital to go home the same day!!!!!

And for those of you who know I have been experiencing alot of nerve pain--at the womans group on Monday all the women gathered and prayed on me and the pain scale went from 12 to 2 instantaneously! And it has stayed there ever since, not budged--so I am standing firm and believing for a complete healing!!!! Yes I am.

A friend of mine, her animal became seriously ill and had emergency surgery. The animal is coming home today and has to be nursed for the next few months.

Next week I finish off my Christmas shopping, we are doing an ornament swap at a womans home next Sunday after church. She has a single womans brunch every year for Christmas. The ornament swap is new. I want to get something for the lady who rides me to work, my daughters babysitter....there is another lady at work who always assists me with certain things and never grumbles--even if she did, she is very helpful to me--I feel I want to show her how much I appreciate her....she never says no, she never blows anything I ask her to do off---I want her to know how much I appreciate that.....

Hopefully I can get this caught up, I have so much to say. My daughter is at a friends basketball game and I am thinking I might get dressed and walk over to join them-then bring my daughter back with me to help prepare the house for tonight.

I will be back.....more to say

Thankful for Grace

2007-12-01T08:46:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of this holiday season I have noticed that many people are really stressed out. This is the time of year for it. Do you know that the statistics for suicide and attempted suicide is at its highest at this time of year? Depression, anxiety, heart attacks, overdoses, alcohol related incidents--up at this time of year? Yes, sad to say that the time of year that should be reminding of us of Him, well, the world has commercialized it, put it in a place of no direction and have to buy it...bills are not paid, people go in debt, families fight, travel plans hindered, Christmas card lists, pies and cookies.......Have to buy this for them, have to buy that for her....have to have to have to.....ahhhh for those of us who know Him....yes Him....Just to sit in His grace at all times makes this time of year much less stressful.....My daughter does not get many gifts, I do not buy for anyone but her (not because I am some kind of grinch) but because I can not afford to buy for my entire family and I can not buy for one and not the other--so let's keep it simple. My bills are paid in the monthly budget as always....my credit card is not overcharge.....I do enjoy cooking--so I will have some parties and hand out meals and goodies...the point of this holiday is HIM. And His Grace is sufficient for us during all times....we should not be stressing ourselves out over this commercialization....I know families who do not buy no more than one gift for their children--not because they are poor, but, because of the true meaning of this holiday season. This is the time of year to look up, remember God came into the world---for you, for me, for us--to save us from our sins, certain death....to restore the relationship between us and Him and to show us He is tangible and available and with us wherever we go.....His Grace, I am very thankful for His Grace.

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Don't give in or give up....keep the holiday season for what it is....don't become a statistic by being depressed, stressed, broke....Keep it all lined up with HIM.

Amazing Grace

2007-12-01T08:07:00.000-05:00

This is another true story. It is about a man named William Wilberforce played boy Ioan Gruffudd was amazing. He was a member of Parliament in the 18th century who used "back room" politics to end the slave trade in Britain. He was 21 years old when he was elected to the House of Commons and for over two decades he took on the people against abolishing slavery until he succeeded.

This is a wonderful inspiring movie. This man loved the Lord and wanted to do the Lord's work and found a way through politics to get the Lord's work done. It has inspired me to never give up on what your heart, the Lord has put in you to do. Wilberforce was born to do the exact work he did. I recommend this to anyone. As I sat and watched it last night in our Church, I had to keep grabbing tissues to wipe away tears. The movie brings you through a slave ship and shows you how the Africans were treated from Africa to the America's or Jamaica (the Indies)...I cried with sorrow, with joy, with compassion, with watching this man's life battle to get slavery abolished finally break through. This is heartwrenching and inspiring....I recommend it to anyone who again loves history, true stories and the hand of God in people's lives...

It also has its own website: http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/ enjoy! And yes I will be purchasing this film also......

The Pianist

2007-12-01T07:52:00.000-05:00

On Thanksgiving day we watched this movie at my friend's home. This is a film by Roman Polanski. It is the true story of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jew who detailed survival during World War II. He was a composer and pianist who played the last five songs heard over Polish radio before the Nazi's hit. He was not deported from Poland due to someone else's aide but watched his family (parents, brother & sisters) be taken off to their deaths in concentration camps. He stayed in the Warsaw Ghetto. You watch as he tries to stay alive in this ghetto.

I will be purchasing this movie. It is phenomenal and heart wrenching. Adrien Brody who plays Szpilman is fantastic. You watch the hand of God in his life. There were so many tmes that the Nazi's just started picking people and killing them and never killed him----I don't want to tell you everything....but, definitely worth the watch.This movie is very violent, they don't hold back much. Remember it is a true story. There is alot of widespread killing that he witnesses and is shown in the movie. Also, remember that he is in a ghetto and is pretty much being starved so you see this happening.

I recommend this movie to anyone who like history, biographies and seeing the Grace of God in someone's life......

The movie has a website : http://www.thepianistmovie.com/ that has all the cast & crew and the making of it....if you watch it you will find your time spent worth while.

The top left picture is that of Wladyslaw Szpilman.

Trainees, Hurt Feelings & Thankfulness

2007-11-28T19:16:00.001-05:00

Nothing to do after work tonight, just have the Wednesday ho-hums....Work was okay..still helping with mentoring the trainees and so it went kind of quick.

I think one thing the Lord is really helping with is biting me tongue. There were a few times today that I did want to say some things that were not so good. I was allowing my flesh to 'rule' and had to keep capturing those thoughts.....I am of course confessing here. There are certain things that people do that just really tear at me---and I am pretty positive I do things that tear at others too--known and unknown.....But, I think the thing that really bugs me the most is when people are trying to get into a conversation that had started 15 minutes ago and then they want all the details (we were not gossiping) and you know that they just want details to see what they can talk about to someone else later---that just really makes me want to scream....

Also, one of the trainees got so upset and discouraged today that she cried. I felt so bad for her. Our boss pulled her into a separate office and then there went the hens just gossiping away about what made her cry....when they could not figure it out, they started guessing and making up stories....Now these are grown women with husbands and kids, some in college--I just really had to stop myself from saying alot of stuff---walk away and just know that they are lost--they have no Jesus....they are hurting badly too and they just don't want anyone to see.....Yes, sin is sin...gossip is sinning you are not treating your neighbor with too much love are you??? Yet we know that people talk and gossip about others so noone looks at them---sad isn't it?

I am so glad I bit my tongue---I could have said a lot and would have hurt more hurts or made new ones--more to gossip about....I am so glad I have Jesus.....I am so glad that I am still learning yet I know not to do it....I am so glad I have Jesus---and I hope I never cry in front of them---actually do I care? I should not. I saw and heard what happened.....and when this girl came out of the office as I made my way to the fax machine, the clique dispersed and was acting like nothing happened and then later on they were asking her if she wasy okay....was there anything they could do for her....UGH!

I just had to say it....I just had to get it off my chest....Though it is on paper....it is now before my Lord and He will handle it--like He always does....Jesus forgive me for what I wanted to do. Forgive me for judging. Forgive me for anything else today that had me in the need to bite my tongue and capture thoughts....thank You Jesus....

Not All That Bad

2007-11-28T19:13:00.000-05:00

ok, so, I didn't do all my chores today---because you know it is a Wednesday and that something just comes with that day. I did do my dusting and left overs for dinner and can you believe Nonny is still doing homework? She is a turtle today too.

Nonny's dishes are still waiting for her in the kitchen and she has to dust the computer----that means I will have to leave it soon....

We are still pretty much on track....just been a tiring day....

Something Beautiful

2007-11-27T21:53:00.000-05:00

I wanna start it over
I wanna start again
I want a new a new beginning
One without any end
I feel it inside
Calling out to me

CHORUS
It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful

I've heard it in the silence
Seen it on a face
I've felt it in a long hour
Like a sweet embrace
I know this is true
It's calling out to me

CHORUS
It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful

It's the child on her wedding day
It's the daddy that gives her away--
Father Something beautiful
When we laugh so hard we cry
It's the love between you and I

Something beautiful

by the Newsboys

Believe, Believe, Believe

2007-11-27T21:29:00.000-05:00

One aspect of Christianity that I am very 'interested' in (for lack of a better term) is spiritual warfare, prophecy and intercessory prayer....one of the issues I struggle with daily is prayer. I don't know how many others do, but, I do, so is it not the Lord's humor that I would be hungry for that? I love to pray for others and lay hands and wait on the Lord to see if He has an encouraging word. I love to do intercessory prayer because you have the honor of standing on someone's else's behalf...I love spiritual warfare because--well you know!

I am sure you may be scratching your head going, "if she is hungry for all that and loves doing it, how does she struggle with prayer?" I struggle starting it....well, I should say I used to struggle starting it...I believe the Lord has delivered me from such things. I used to look at the clock and say, "I know once I start I am not going to stop for a while and I don't have enough time." Well....I have learned to start putting aside time specifically for prayer. Because I enjoy intercession & warfare and praying for others---this consumes alot of my time in prayer (which is ok) and I write down alot of stuff during the day ---i.e. Jane's Mom was admitted to the hospital over the weekend....John's wife just found out she has breast cancer...Mary's daughter is addicted to drugs....Joe's niece is taking a state board exam...etc......well, then I want to fight the good fight---I want to make sure I have a part in knocking down the enemy who may try to hinder all these people's lives......this is why it can take some serious time and I would struggle with time in doing it...I say prayers in the morning yes, but, nothing like I wanted and nothing like I was doing when I came home from work---see what I mean???

So I am hoping to put alot on this post about prayer, interecession and warfare...in the trenches. I am praying the Lord just fills me up and gives me wisdom, understanding and knowledge concerning it all and be able to blog it all here and all the outcomes too...

Just remember with faith the size of a mustard seed you can say to a mountain move and it moves and where 2 or 3 are gathered together there He is or ask for it so you can receive it (you don't have because you don't ask--read James), believe, believe, believe....whatever we bind on earth is bound in Heaven and whatever is loosed on earth is loosed in Heaven.....keep the faith and stand firm---His Word will not return void (empty)--it is impossible for Him to lie because He is truth!!!! believe believe believe ......

See you soon....

Keeping On.....

2007-11-27T19:41:00.000-05:00

Today we kept right on schedule again! I came home and vacuumed the front hallway and cleaned the toilet. Nonny is out doing the dishes and then she will vacuum the living room. It is trash night so she already took care of the recyclables and trash....I get to hold the flashlight for her while she does it all because I have yet to buy a motion light for the back of the house and it is dark here now at like 5 o'clock.

I also had to clear and set the table and of course cook dinner....My next encounter will be to finish up with the floor of "what are you doing"...the 'wall of what" is gone! What a relief.....

Another thing I need to conquer is the armoire that holds the linens...I have a wicker basket all set aside for the washcloths---it is almost guaranteed in my house that if you reach into the armoire you don't know if you are going to pull out a hand towel, bath towel or wash cloth....so that is another event that will be taken in....

Ok so now....off to take care of other things, see you soon.....

Homework & Christmas Trees

2007-11-27T19:33:00.000-05:00

Nonny's homework tonight is putting her spelling words in alphabetical order. Word problems for math....teaching her how to label them and 'showing' their work. My daughter does a lot of her math work in her head---so this is a great challenge for her to have to show her work and label it---they are asking quite alot from the daughter who does not like to show you how she got her answer. Another thing my daughter does not like is to read anymore than she find absolutely necessary to do....she is a really bright child...just has her ways...she didn't get on the honor roll by NOT doing her work, she does it, she will just want you to pull out YOUR hair while the work is in process....lol

She is reading The Secret of the Old Clock - A Nancy Drew Mystery right now.....she seems to be enjoying this book. She finished a Little House on the Prairie Book 1 and that is longer, I told her she should be proud of herself.

She helped decorate the Christmas tree at church Sunday during class (that is what their class did) and got a big thank you email from her teacher today because even after class was done she and a few others continued to help--ahh, she makes a Mom proud.

Trainees & Womens Group

2007-11-27T19:12:00.000-05:00

There are some new trainees at my job. I am part of the support team to answer alot of questions and such. It made the day fly by--which is fantastic. I am still sweating I think though.

I always worried I am going to tell them the wrong thing. I pray to the Lord and just ask Him to make sure I don't tell them something wrong. I did ok today. There are 6 new trainees. They all seem to be doing well....some a little bit more anxious than others but for the most part well.

I am working 9-5:30 right now until my car pool can find another ride for her son to school in the morning.....it is great to be sleeping a little later or even staying up a little later, but, when we get out of work it looks like it is 9 pm! Crazy. Things are going just the way He planned and that is the way I have to look at it.

We had Bachelor(ette) lasagna (see Yummies:Meals) for dinner. It was yummy. Definitely enough to have for tomorrow night.

Last night's women's meeting was great. We watched a video, did the study and prayed and some prayed on me--which was great. We listened to Consume Me by DC Talk...the goodies were yummy too and I had a nice hot cup of tea--warms you up in the winter. We are doing a study from the book Counseled by God by Mark & Patti Virkler...Mark has quite the sense of humor! If you ever get the chance you should check it out.

One of these days, I am going to get my Christmas tree up!!!

Another Tooth

2007-11-26T21:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, my Nonny lost another tooth last night. A back one. Her teeth are way ahead of time, if you get what I mean....The dentist had sent us to the orthodontist and the orthodontist stated that her mouth was that of an eleven year old....(if he only knew--hahaha) Anyway, she is nine and is losing back teeth has lost all of her front teeth---hope she wont need braces---obviously that is the reason for going to the orthodontist in the first place!!!

It was back to school for her today too....she is learning quickly about managing her time...The teacher had given her a science project 2 weeks ago that was not due till tomorrow, so guess who is sitting in the living room right now doing her project??? Yup you guessed it!!!

She will learn eventually, there are so many things I want to do "for" her or always remind her--and I am learning too that she needs to find out these things on her own and what the consequences are for managing time properly/not paying attention....etc....

Anyway, I had a womens meeting at church tonight and am pooped. Need to read a little of the Word before retiring.....will hit the Coffee House Chatter tomorrow--maybe....I have more chores listed for tomorrow because there are no meetings....:O)

see you soon,
Lill

We Fall Down

2007-11-26T18:17:00.000-05:00

We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb

We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of
Mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb

We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb
My Jesus, I love you
I know thou are mine
To thee all the follies of sin I resent
My gracious redeemer
My savior, art thou
If ever I'll love you
My Jesus tis now

Bachelor(ette) Lasagna

2007-11-26T18:05:00.000-05:00

This recipe was given to a friend of mine by a college student and I had it for the first time about 2 weeks ago....my daughter loves it.

1 bag of frozen ravioli (any kind, we had the cheese one first , tomorrow we will have the beef)
1 jar/can of your favorite spaghetti sauce (we will be using Ragu tomorrow)
variety of cheeses (we will be using mozzarella, mexican mix and cheddar)
Olive oil and/or butter--your preference, I use a tiny dab of one of them to keep the noodles from sticking together too much. I also put the olive oil (about a tablespoon) in the pasta during boiling.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook the frozen ravioli per the package directions.
Drain (don't rinse) the ravioli, mix a dab of butter or olive oil with pasta in bowl.
Add sauce mix.
Then layer in 13x9 baking pan or a casserole dish. Layer of ravioli then layer of cheese, layer of ravioli then layer of cheese....

The first time I had this--there was zucchini in the layers too---mahvelous dahling, simply mahvelous.....

Give it a try. Serve with a nice green salad or steamed green beans with some Italian or garlic bread.
Very good, fast & easy....

See you with another recipe soon!!!

Day One of new Chore Schedule

2007-11-26T18:01:00.000-05:00

So here I sit day one with my new chore schedule for me and my daughter and guess what??? It worked marvelous....we actually accomplished everything!!!

I had dishes, sweep the kitchen floor, clean the bathroom sink. Of course with the dishes comes wiping down the stove and cleaning the table. Nonny had vacuuming the living room and she did fantabulous!!! No complaints, she also had to set up and clean up the table...everything was done wonderfully and in a timely manner and I just can't believe how short of a time it really took!!!

We have our everyday chores too, such as cleaning the litter box, getting out the recyclables, getting clothes and lunches ready for tomorrow.

Dinner was easy it was leftovers. Tomorrow night we will be having Bachelorette Lasagna (I will be putting that on my Yummies: Meals tonight).

I am very happy with this list of chores so far...well, that's it for organization...next topic...

Lill

Refrigerator, Turkey and Jesus

2007-11-25T21:34:00.000-05:00

Well another great day from the Lord. Church was great, I taught today so I ordered a CD of the sermon...I will listen to it tomorrow at work....

Came home and did some organizing and lists, and hey while I was cooking I cleaned out the refrigerator....was not too bad, the drawers did need some cleaning so I took care of that.

We had hot Italian turkey sausage, homemade mack & cheez (see Yummies: side dishes), corn on the cob and green beans. After dinner, did dishes, made sure everything was ready for tomorrow and then my daughter and I sat down and watched Passion of the Christ...Does not matter how many times I watch this movie---I always want to jump through the TV and grab them to tell them to stop hitting Him....and I cry....Nonny was very touched by this movie....she is starting to grasp the whole point, if you get me....she is really starting to understand what has happened and what had to happen.

I have a few more things to do before signing off---I am waiting for my babysitter's husband to call to let me know what time he is going to work so I can catch a ride---double check Nonny's back pack and lunches....she is going to bed now...so I will catch up with you maybe tomorrow but most likely Tuesday....I have a Women's Group @ church tomorrow so I will running in from work---dinner--homework---chores--out the door type of thing and maybe getting home in time enough to blog and watch Heroes :O)

God bless all of you,

Lill

Another One Bites The Dust

2007-11-25T17:58:00.000-05:00

In my journey to organization come some more issues that are being accomplished---you can now walk through my living room and I am almost ready to get up the tree!!! Woo hoo!!!

I have dared, in my journey to organization to start paying attention to what I am doing.....that would help heh???? See my daughter and I have 'random' chores, so this and this can get done any day of the week or when we feel like it and there is a few set chores for my daughter yet the only one's she seems to keep track of is trash and recyclables (I am not complaining). So, I have made a list---a chore list---finished it today!!! From the help of a friend (you know who you are :O) ) , I have a set list.....now Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays seem to be our 'busiest' days so the least amount of chores will be done those days....I do work and my daughter is at school, so running home and getting dinner and then doing a simple chore and then be able to get where we need to--and still get a chore accomplished???? I can do that! My daughter is even happy with the list!! She is excited to be vacuuming! She has done it a few times so she is happy she gets to do it more often now and at a more set pace.....

I also received from my friend :O) a master grocery list---much easier to understand then some I have seen--so I was able to set up mine!!! Another accomplishment today....wow!

Also from her :O) I received a meal planner---this is going to work great for me.....planning meals and money and time all in one!! woo hoo! So we are on the adventure tonight or Tuesday to conquer that list---my next grocery shopping adventure is not until the week of Dec 14th so I have some time to get the list & meals together---I want to introduce a new meal a month, along with a special dessert a month that my daughter and I can do together.....she is also going to be helping prepare dinner on Mondays and Fridays because those are my busiest days---so she will start with some simple things....whew!!

I can't believe how much I have already finished today!!! woo hoo!!!

Onto dinner and I will blog in the Coffee House Chatter to end the night tonight....back to work and school tomorrow!!!

Cleaning & Cats

2007-11-24T22:13:00.000-05:00

Today made for an eventful day. I have to say I was busy and then had the socks knocked off of me.

I was continuing with getting some stuff sorted through and put away from my What are you doing? on the floor....I did get alot put back in the office in a neat and orderly way. I have a friend who is going to help me out with other things (thanks)....I am in the middle of trying to create a 'master' grocery list so I can just make copies and then highlight what I need.....

Tonight was a left overs night for dinner, tomorrow I believe it is back to the stove. Nonny took care of washing the dishes and putting them away tonight and is now in the living room watching the DVD of Peter Pan. I did not get the tree up yet! Tomorrow after church I will be clearing a space in front of the bay window for it.....so that means more of the stuff on the living room floor will get put away (woo hoo)

Alot of sirens tonight in my neighborhood, lots of fire trucks and ambulances, I pray every time they pass.....or I hear one....

Well our cat Lilah scared me to death tonight....she had another seizure. This is the second one, that I know of.....since we had her (since March 2007)....she had ran and tucked herself under the china cabinet this time, so it was very difficult to get to her.....I reached under as best as I could and pet her, holding her head with one hand so she didn't whack it and petting her with the other while I prayed to our dear Lord to take whatever this is out of her......Vet says, believe it or not, this is not so rare.....let me make a foot note that I have talked to many people and they have said their animals (even horses) have them too....I grew up with any kind of animal you can name (okay no chickens or goats) and I have never seen this before....it scares you half to death and the Vets do not recommend any medz unless they are having them frequently and no, 2 (that we know of) in 8 months is not frequently enough to drug her---which is fine with me---she recovers by pacing and eating like a pig (sorry for the pun), I have to move the dish off the floor because she literally eats her dry food whole, just gulps and swallows, and then drinks and drinks and pants and then sleeps and sleeps....right now she is next to me on another folding chair getting ready to attack my feet because they are moving....

It is so scary to watch and be around...she is only 2. According to the humane society she was born in a home and raised there till the owner passed away----I know we had problems with the foods here,yet I brought her home after that---the Vets said that we don't know what she was fed before she came to the humane society---that is kind of unnerving. He said she is in great shape and just the way a cat should be----whew.....well, I will not lay on it too much, I will let my Jesus take it---here You go Jesus, take care of our Lilah-Jayne.....

Well I am now emotionally and physically drained......

See you after church,

Lill

My Meat-uh-balzz

2007-11-24T15:02:00.000-05:00

Again, no measurements really, it is a guess-timate whenever you see a measurement or I know it is that exact measurement....my meat-uh-balzz:
Ground beef
Italian bread crumbs*
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese**
Garlic powder/salt/or cloves***
Onions, diced or powder/salt***
Oregano****
Parsley****

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Add all ingredients in a big bowl to your own liking.....I add alot of garlic and onion...my daughter loves it when I dash in some hot sauce. I make big meatballs, so again do them to your liking....I roll them to desired size by hand (this is a great thing to have your kids join in on, just make sure they wash their hands!), put in baking dish (I use a glass 13x8 usually) and bake approx 30 mins or until fully cooked (browned)---remove from dish, add to sauce or serve plain...enjoy!

*I love the zesty Italian bread crumbs
**I use fresh parmesan cheese whenever I can.I either serve these on torpedo rolls or with pasta and salad.
***I prefer fresh onions and garlic
****I do use oregano and parsley from the "spice rack"

Floor of What Are You Doing?

2007-11-24T12:42:00.000-05:00

So as I told you yesterday the Wall of What?? came down and is now the Floor of What Are You Doing? in the living room. I have made a huge dent in it all---there is room to walk now and sit on the furniture---lol....I may have been tempted to tickle your curiosity with a picture had I a digital camera....but, then I am happy I can not satisfy your curiosity.

I have a bin now that has strictly arts & crafts in it--and we have a lot of it, so if we want something we may have to take everything out of the bin to get to it....maybe a set of plastic drawers instead of the bin will solve that issue.

I have a cardboard box of folders, shoeboxes of letters & cards and photos....whew....but it is getting there....soon it will be the Where Do I Put It? post--lol

I have to invest in some bookends or a small bookcase for the "office" to keep like dictionaries, Bibles and such on. I have a small wicker basket that is right now holding envelopes, index cards, post its, book marks, bus schedules and the like.

A small plastic filing "box" holds important papers and paid bills.....I need something for my yarn, I don't want to put it in the arts & crafts bin because there is alot of paints and glues---I have it in a store plastic bag right now....I would put it in a wicker basket but I have a cat and Lilah would love to get a hold of that!---the images of my house in yarn going through my head now----

Found some cute pictures and a little wood shelf that Nonny painted to hang on the walls in the office.

Oh yeah, for those of you who don't know, I suffered a fire last year and that is why I moved here, it was an electrical fire and seems that I have lost my computer speakers to it....I need new computer speakers now---yes I can do without them---but I like them!!!

Any ideas or suggestions are always appreciated!

Nonny's Christmas List

2007-11-24T10:42:00.001-05:00

I asked my daughter to make me a Christmas list...she didn't put much on it, being that she knows what the true meaning is and I have tried to not "commercialize" it in my home...So on her list she put:

*Baby stroller: a real one, not a toy one toy one's are too low and I am too tall.
*lap-top: I really don't need it.
*Nintendo gameboy DS: I really really really want it.
*Crayola tools for my arts and crafts.
*something for Lilah. ***this is our cat***

Thanks Mom

Day of Re-Blogging and Shuffling

2007-11-24T00:09:00.000-05:00

I have to have some tag that I can let you know what is going on with me daily! So here it is, Coffee House Chatter.

Today, it was so nice not to wake up to an alarm clock, or rush here or there....today it was nice to look at my surroundings and say "I don't have to do anything today, go nowhere, do nothing." It did not stay that way. I have a broken computer desk so I needed to get my computer onto something else....a folding table and then it took me forever to get my mouse to work.....But alot of moving and jostling and fannagaling (not a clue, hope you know what that word is). I didn't cook (oh my) had bagel and cream cheese for breakfast, homemade mac and cheese for lunch and a ham sandwich for dinner---and lots of coffee....lol

Nonny watched movies all day while I configured my "re-blog" and did all kinds of stuff to it....it will always be a work in progress.

It is quite cold here in the 'office'...with the wind chill factor it is probably like 14 degrees outside. I am glad I am inside. I did do some blog surfing and came across some interesting blogs here.

I am really thinking about what else I would like to put here--if anything.....I am going to start a Bible study....maybe the Bible book by book here??? Or a word or subject study??? People study??? Suggestions???

Anyway, that is all I did today....it is amazing. I thought I would put up the Christmas tree but too late for that now....I will put it up tomorrow or maybe Sunday after church....

All of you, my friends that are in warm spots....a friend in Aussie I miss you, write soon...I have a co-worker who took off for Florida for Thanksgiving and another co-worker who relocated back to California....well we are getting ready for the snow (yes I know, sorry, but let's just face the facts) SNOW, it will be coming soon...in fact the weatherman stated there was some flurries out there today.......it is coming....

I am really putting some thought into a digital camera.....and dressers....organizational things....yeah....lots and lots of plans.....

Till later,

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-11-23T23:51:00.001-05:00

Able & Equipped?

2007-11-23T21:06:00.000-05:00

I asked for prayer from one of the elders at my church. I don't remember what exactly the prayer request was for but I do remember him saying:

"The Lord says, 'You lack nothing.' " Of course being the human that I am, and you are, what is the first thing that comes to our minds???? Materials, tangible things.....right? Just give it up---of course that is what I thought for the longest time......I didn't know what to think actually...I am not rich, I am not poor....I have food, shelter and clothing.....I have family and friends.....I have Jesus....Salvation......not for almost a year did I realize the impact of what He told me........You lack nothing......nothing....please take a moment and think about that....Selah.

You are fully equipped to any purpose He has for you---you lack nothing. You have the Armor of God, the Blood of Jesus, Armies of Angels, the Spirit of God, you can stamp on scorpions and snakes, drink poisons, you can tell demons to flee in the Name of Jesus and they HAVE to go.....You, with the faith of a mustard seed, can tell anything to go and it goes...anything, disease, sickness, poverty.....or how about deliverance from drugs, alcohol, lust, sin, sickness, mental illness, bitterness, hatred, abuse, molestation, betrayals, humiliations, gossip-----do you really need me to continue???? I get it, I really get it.....No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand.....none....we are able and equipped because we lack nothing, nothing, nothing.....we have it all, handed to us....out of His grace, mercy, love and abundance, He handed it all to us--victory, healing, love, joy, peace, mercy, grace, power over evil, do you see??? Do you see???? YOU ARE ABLE AND EQUIPPED BECAUSE YOU LACK NOTHING!!!!

Remember Paul? Of course you do. He was content in whatever the Lord gave him, whether poor or rich--why? because he understood it----he understood he was able and equipped because he lacked nothing.....do I need to say it again? Everything is given to you....all you have to do is ask. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:7-11

You lack nothing.

Wall of What?

2007-11-23T18:48:00.000-05:00

I am so proud of myself---I really am trying to get organized. Yet every new undertaking takes---money-yup---I hate money sometimes I really do.....but, I will start saving---yes....I need dressers, a new desk, my Nonny needs a new bed (Nonny is my daughter's nickname), There are other things.....yet I know I can save the money to get some things. Other things well, I just will have to get creative......and I will believe me---one thing my Dad taught me was to be resourceful!!! lol

I have, or shall I say, had this wall of what?? exactly--still trying to figure out what that wall was. It was in a "spare" room I use for storage and makeshift office---shame on me for thinking I could put both in the same room.....I can not believe the things I actually saved....unbelievable. I did however find books I thought long lost and my shredder---lol---I can see your faces now and hear you (oh my goodness--how big was that wall?) HUGE, my friends.....I now have moved this Wall of What? to another room---hahaha----my living room.....It is no longer a wall of what it is now a floor of What Are You Doing? lol----I am sorting it all out people and have thrown alot away. I also found some Christmas tree decorations I thought were long gone too.....so a blessing has come out of my decision to get more organized.....I am inviting you on this journey. The Method in my Madness......I am going to need advice and help.....mind you now, my house is not dirty or unclean----just unorganized--lol for lack of a better term. My dishes are clean, just in all different parts of the cabinet---and I don't have those either, so I shove it where it can fit.....My clothes are clean, just........there and there. So in my cry for trying to get organized comes my confessions of disorganization.........welcome to my reorganization!

Indescribable

2007-11-23T16:37:00.000-05:00

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Source: http://www.christian-lyrics.netChristian Music Lyrics - www.christian-lyrics.net
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Baked Mack n Cheez

2007-11-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

I don't use measurements in too many recipes, I wing it and see how it turns out. With baking (cookies, cakes and such) I do use measurements, so you will have to "play" with the recipes to get them to suit your taste......

1 lb. any elbow pasta*
1 block sharp cheddar cheese
1 bag shredded monterey & colby jack cheese**
1 bag shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup of milk ***this is a "guess"timate***
1/2 stick of butter***
4 slices of American cheese****
black pepper

I use all different size pans depending on how much I need. For just me and my daugher I use a 2 quart casserole dish.

Cook pasta to box directions, al-dente, do not rinse the pasta. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put drained pasta in large mixing bowl with butter, black pepper and milk. Mix together till butter is melted.

Pour a layer of the mixed pasta into casserole dish and cover with layer of the cheeses. (cut up the block of cheddar and I break up the American). Then a layer of pasta again, and then the cheese and keep layering up till the casserole dish is full. I do not cover while baking. I cook in the oven at least 20-25 minutes till the top of the cheese is melted and the corners are turning a golden brown.....

*I prefer using either generic elbows for the pasta or Barilla elbows....you can use whatever you like.

**I use all different types of cheeses here. You can substitute or remove for taste. I sometimes use a Mexican or Italian mix for the cheese.

***I use "I Can't Believe Its Not Butter" or "Land O Lakes" butter.....again if you like margarine better use that.

****The American cheese is optional.

Enjoy

Genesis of my daughters Tag

2007-11-23T15:58:00.000-05:00

I want my daughter on this blog, so I wanted to start out by telling you a little about her and to have a special "tag" all about her.

She is 9 years old and wears a size 7.5 womans shoe! Yes believe it, it is true. She has sparkly brown eyes so full of life and a smile that will melt your heart.

She is honest & sincere, she loves helping out & taking care of people. She is in love with the Lord and has a faith so deep--even I as her Mom can not fathom.

She is a wiz at math, not too happy about reading and can spell her socks off. She is just getting interested in science, loves to play board games and create objects of splendor with the arts & crafts supplies galore that we have.

She has a robust laugh and she giggles uncontrollably when you tickle her. She is the pickiest eater I have ever met in my life yet tells me I am the best cook in the world.

She loves animals & ocean life, space & exploration and can spend hours petting our cat Lilah-Jayne.

She is the joy of my life.

So I will be putting little quips and stories about my daughter here. Hope you enjoy them.

My brag and boast at this time is: She made the honor roll!!!! 4 As and 2 Bs. woo hoo!!!

I remember we did not have an honor roll in elementary school--ours started in 7th grade. But now they start in 4th grade!

I am so proud of her!!

The Re-Blog

2007-11-23T15:54:00.000-05:00

I have decided since I was not keeping up with my "labels" that I needed to start over...so welcome to my re-blog....It's not that I didn't like my blog or enjoy it, it is just that many of my "labels" only had one post....so I started over....new things in mind....hope you enjoy!