Thankful Thursday

Todays topic is Courage.

What does courage actually mean?? I wasn't sure so I looked it up.

This is what I found:

Courage:

*a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

* also known as bravery, will, intrepidity, and fortitude, the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger

*mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

Then I found some synonyms of courage:
*mettle, spirit, resolution, tenacity = mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship.

Courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty .

Mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience .

Spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened . resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends .

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat .

When I think of courage, I think of Anne Frank. And Miep Gies, the brave woman that hid Anne Frank and her family.

I think of Corrie Ten Boom, and her family, who had a strong Christian faith. They had the courage to do what many didn't.

There are thousands upon thousands of examples of people with Courage. I like to study the Holocaust so these are just three examples that come to mind.

The bible talks a lot about being of good cheer and full of courage too.

Today I am thankful for:

* My husband having some time off
* a good pre-school conference!!
* the rain ( not really but we need rain and I am trying to be of good cheer!)


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Philippians 4:20
Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


Psalm 85:6
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

Psalm 121:8
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Steaming.............

The picture above is a steaming pile of manure compost. It's not my picture though.

My pile of steaming compost is much darker.

Today my husband and little guy went to the local dirt place to pickup a pickup full of steaming manure compost to add to my not so steaming compost pile. And for the garden.

The nice part about living in a small town is that he got a whole truck bed full of this gold dirt for TWENTY dollars. I was shocked when he told me that.

Now maybe I will finally have a steaming compost pile. We have never added manure to it but I think that's the key ingredient to make it steam.

And it really really smells.

Memory Verse Week 17

MEMORY VERSE 17:
Proverbs 11:16: "A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth."

Last weeks Memory verse really hit home for me.

I know I have issues with my tongue and what I speak. I think I go through seasons where I am really watchful of what I speak and other times where I am not.

To me, gossip and taming the tongue are very difficult to gain control of.

Sometimes it is so easy to just say something without thinking.

This is definitely an area where I need to work on. And sometimes it's not even gossip, it's just how I say something!!

Thankful Thursday

Today's theme is Provision.

There are plenty of areas in the Bible that God provided for.

What comes to my mind immediately is the provision of food for the Israelites in the desert. They may not have liked or appreciated the manna from heaven but it was indeed Gods provision for them in the wilderness. For forty years they ate manna. Can you imagine that?

As I look back on my life I can often see Gods provision in my life. I have never wanted for anything and that is because God has provided for me in my times of need.

Today I am thankful for:
*not needing anything, I have plenty.
*for my family
*for friends

I am thankful for YOU today!!

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Exodus 16:35 (New King James Version)

35 And the children of Israel ate manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.

Spring cleaning........

It's that time of year again to do my spring cleaning around the house.

This year I am not only doing the house, but some personal spring cleaning because it's time--actually long past time.

I've been spending some time cleaning out my computer.

You know the million bookmarks you have that you rarely visit.

The long list of blogs that you rarely visit. Blogs of people you are not in touch with. I've been deleting a lot the last few days.

The *friends* that aren't really friends on Facebook. I've been cleaning folks.

I've also cleaned up my YIM. There were people on my list that I haven't spoken to in over a year. It's definitely past time.

Sometimes I have a hard time letting go, but it's becoming easier and easier for me.

Cleansing in fact.

Almost a feeling of freedom!! Have you ever felt that freedom from just letting go??

Today is the day!!

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Proverbs 10:12, King James Version

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Philippians 4:23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

April blanket

I finished this blanket today.

It's made with Bernat cotton tots yarn. I love making afghans with cotton yarn. Not everyone likes cotton blankets though.

This blanket is 28 inches wide and 44 inches long.

Taming the tongue...............

The list below comes from This study. I linked because I am not posting the whole study, just the list of 20 verses about taming the tongue.

I thought it was timely given the Memory verse this week. I have posted about taming the tongue before too. Mostly I have an issue with gossip.

People don't realize the power the tongue has when we speak words into existence.

Here, then, is the list of twenty:

1.I resolve to ask God for wisdom to speak out of a single-minded devotion to him. (1:5)
2.I resolve to boast only in the exultation I receive in Jesus Christ and also in the humiliation I receive for Jesus Christ. (1:9-10)
3.I resolve to set a watch over my mouth. (1:13)
4.I resolve to be constantly quick to hear and slow to speak. (1:19)
5.I resolve to learn the gospel way of speaking to both rich and poor. (2:1-4)
6.I resolve to speak in the present consciousness of my final judgment. (2:12)
7.I resolve never to stand on anyone’s face with the words I employ. (2:16)
8.I resolve never to claim as reality in my life what I do not truly experience. (3:14)
9.I resolve to resist quarrelsome words as evidence of a bad heart that needs to be mortified. (4:1)
10.I resolve never to speak decided evil against another out of a heart of antagonism. (4:11)
11.I resolve never to boast in anything but what I will accomplish. (4:13)
12.I resolve to speak as one subject to the providences of God. (4:15)
13.I resolve never to grumble. The judge is at the door. (5:9)
14.I resolve never to allow anything but total integrity in everything I say. (5:12)
15.I resolve to speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer. (5:13)
16.I resolve to sing praises to God whenever I’m cheerful. (5:14)
17.I resolve to ask for the prayers of others when I’m in need. (5:14)
18.I resolve to confess it whenever I have failed. (5:15)
19.I resolve to pray with others for one another whenever I am together with them. (5:15)
20.I resolve to speak words of restoration when I see another wander. (5:19)

Memory Verse Week 16

Thanks to Bethany for the memory verses each week. She can be found here. Her intro for this weeks verse is inspiring.

I really like this weeks verse. It reminds me of taming the tongue.

Proverbs 10:19 (New King James Version)

19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Agnus Dei

Worthy Is the Lamb







Revelation 5:12 (New King James Version)

12 saying with a loud voice:


“ Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

Ten years.............

It's been ten years this month that I quit working--sort of.

The first time I quit working was 1996, it was a week or so after my dad died and I put in my notice to quit at my job. I had worked there eight years. I loved my job. I worked as a lab tech at a clinic. But after I got married, instead of a 10 minute ride to work, I now had a 50 minute drive and it drove me nuts.

So, my husband and I talked it over and decided it was ok to quit.

I stayed home just for six months, because I did not like being home.

Then I got another job at the VA hospital here. the drive was about 40 minutes but it wasn't a bad drive since I had a relatively early starting and quitting time. I worked there for almost three years. My friend Kim worked there too and we worked together for those three year. We had also worked together at the clinic, which is where I met her.

The job I quit was the job at the VA. It's been ten years this month that I quit. I miss working because though I am not a huge people person, I miss the patients at the clinic and I really miss the Vets at the VA. I learned a lot from them all, and they were all very interesting to talk to.

I actually have worked a little bit since I quit working. Kim had a business that I worked at for about a year.

She had a new home cleaning business and I worked with her at that for a while in 2002-2003, before I got pregnant with my boy. We had a lot of fun since she was the boss! But really it was easy to work with her and we both enjoyed cleaning so it didn't seem like a "job".

I am happy to be home this time and I don't foresee going back to work any time soon.

Though right before I got pregnant I was thinking of going back to school. That may yet happen!

Thankful Thursday

Todays theme is "I am God's daughter"

I know that I am a daughter of God by the way God talks to me. Through people, His word, and just the world around me. It's a feeling deep in my soul that I know that I know that God is my father.

I haven't always felt that way. A lot of times I have felt very unworthy of Gods love.

Today I am thankful for:
* my husband. He is off work and we are having some beautiful spring weather after the long winter.
* my son--seeing the world through his eyes! He is such a joy to me.
* my daughter. She is also a daughter of God and for that I am thankful!
* Sunny and warm days!


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John 6:37 (New King James Version)

37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

Lumps, bumps and teeth........

Yeah, this is a dog post. I don't have any lumps or bumps and neither do any of my family.

Several weeks ago, my Louie was very ill. He just wasn't getting any better. I didn't feel the urgency to bring him to the vet like I did his brother Otis last may.

I actually didn't bring Lou to the vet, I made my husband bring him because I didn't want to go to the vet and come home with a dead dog like I did with my Otie.

Come to find out that the vet was actually concerned too and had some of the same thoughts I did about my Lou man. We talked today and I told the vet that I just couldn't bring Lou in after what happened to Otis. He understood perfectly.

The vet ran a bunch of blood work and gave Lou IV fluids and an antibiotic and steroid shots, but never knew what was ailing my Lou. Thankfully the dog recovered and is doing exceptionally well now--for which I am highly relieved. The thought of losing another dog right now is too much.

I know, I know, they are just animals. But you know what?? As pet owners we are obliged to take care of our animals the best we can, otherwise, we shouldn't be pet owners. It's an enormous pet peeve of mine--people that don't properly take care of their pets.

In January I noticed a bump on my female dogs back. I looked at it and it looked like a growth, about the size of a pea. I have kept an eye on it knowing we would be going to the vet in a few months. If it would have changed in any manner I would have brought her in to have it checked. It turns out that with a needle biopsy it is benign and will be removed when she has her teeth cleaned tomorrow.

Earlier this week I noticed that Lou had a bump the size of a marble. I didn't panic knowing we would be going to the vet this week. Turns out his is just a fatty tumor and we will keep an eye on it! YAY.

So, it's that time of year here where our dogs need their shots and heartworm etc. I brought them both in today for their checkups and lump and bump checks. They are healthy (yay) and in good shape. They are both about 7 years old and gray already!

They both need their teeth cleaned and will go in tomorrow for that. Sophie (I didn't name her! She came to us already named and she was 2 yrs old.) will have her growth removed.

Louie also needs more than a teeth cleaning. He has some extra growths on his gums that needs to be removed and the vet will do that while he is cleaning the teeth.

I am glad we have our dogs and both of them are healthy. It's also a good thing we have a vet budget!! Though we have gone way over it with Lou being ill.

Memory Verse Week 15

Proverbs 10:8 (New Living Translation)

8 The wise are glad to be instructed,
but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.


This verse is fitting for the mood I am in today!

April blanket

This is a baby blanket I made for one of my little guys pre school teachers. She is due in June.

It is made with Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn. I used Pastel Green and White mixed together. I think it turned out pretty!! It is so soft looking.

It is 32 inches by 34 inches. I used a shell stitch and the edging is a crab stitch or reverse single crochet.

Handmade soap

My friend Kim (mentioned before in yarn/crochet posts) makes handmade soaps.

I saw her the other day and she gave me these three delicious bars of soap. They aren't ready to use yet, they need to cure for a week or so.

But the fragrance from each bar is heavenly. I wish you could smell these bars of soap. Of all the bars she showed me, there was maybe one fragrance I didn't care for. These are so yummy!!

The square one in the upper left is almond/coconut.

The big yellow round one is lemongrass.

The darker round one is frankincense and myrrh.

My house smells so wonderful right now and I can't wait to use the soaps!!

Sunday Song

Celebrate Jesus Celebrate
Don Moen

Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
He is risen He is risen
And He lives forevermore
He is risen He is risen
Come on and celebrate
The resurrection of our Lord

Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
He is risen He is risen
And He lives forevermore
He is risen He is risen
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
The resurrection of our Lord

He is risen He is risen
And He lives forevermore
He is risen He is risen
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
The resurrection of our Lord.

HE is risen!!

Matthew 28

He Is Risen
1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

The Women Worship the Risen Lord

9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

The Soldiers Are Bribed

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened.
12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’
14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.”
15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Baseball..........

This afternoon we went to a baseball game. It was a noon start today so it was perfect for the drive.

I love baseball and so does my husband and son.

We got there and it was a quick game. Unfortunately my team lost.

The little guy was a bit restless so we left at the seventh inning stretch.

He was very excited because he got a brand new official batting practice baseball.

We were walking to our seats and an official baseball person asked my husband if the little guy would like a batting practice baseball! OF course he said yes!!!

Thankful Thursday

Todays theme for Thankful Thursday is Sacrifice.

There is a lot about sacrificing mentioned in the bible. Of course the greatest sacrifice is the one Jesus gave us--His live for our sin and eternal life.

The men and women of our military also sacrifice their lives for our freedoms.

Sometimes, we as parents sacrifice for the betterment of our families and children.

Today I am thankful for:

* Jesus sacrifice
* my children and husband
* SUN!!
* baseball





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Hebrews 9: 23-28
23 Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
25 not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—
26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

First walk......

It's a cool, sunny spring day here. We decided to go for a walk after lunch.

The little guy is in between stages. He isn't quite ready to walk the 2-3 miles we walk and he isn't quite ready to ride his bike the whole way either.

So, we brought the Burley bike trailer/stroller with us. It was interesting to say the least. He wanted to get out and walk very often but he only wanted to walk for a block or two.

I didn't feel like stopping so much so daddy had little guy duty! I guess it wasn't so bad for a first walk. Maybe next time we will bring something along to entertain him so we can walk our walk.

It was very windy but it felt invigorating to be out of the house, out in the sunshine after a long long winter!

April blankets

Two more small snuggle blankets.

These are also made with Lion Brand Chunky in Lavendar.

They measure 22x21 inches and the stitch is double crochet ripple/chevron.

Memory Verse Week 14

Proverbs 8:32 (New King James Version)

Now therefore, listen to me, my children,
For blessed are those who keep my ways.

Another target.........

Here's a real target from yesterday.

Target Practice....

This is what my little guy and daddy have been doing lately.

Target practice with a BB gun.

The little guy is having fun with it!!

Vitamin dilemma............

I just have not been able to get my little guy to take a multi vitamin at all. I was actually a bit frustrated with the whole situation that I just quit trying.

Until today. The little guy had a doctor appointment yesterday and I asked about it. the nurse told me to try Gummi Vitamins.

Yeah, I know they may not be the best choice according to some dentists, but you know what, HE ATE THEM!!! And didn't say "yuck" and want to spit them out.

So I will take my chances on rotten teeth so he can have a vitamin!!

I would highly recommend these for children who will just not take a regular chewable vitamin. There are several brands at the stores so just try one and see if it works!!

Thankful Thursday

Laurie at Women Taking a Stand is our host for Thankful Thursday this month.

This weeks theme is hope.

Hope can mean many things. To me it means to expect something or trust in something. To have confidence in something.

I have hope for a great many things in my life.

* Hope in my salvation and in God's word
* hope for my family's future
* hope in continuing good health for my family and friends
* hope that spring will soon be here!

Psalm 33:18
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,On those who hope in His mercy

April blankets

These are two small "snuggle" blankets I made.

They are made with Lion Brand Chunky yarn. They measure about 18 x 20

The stitch is a single crochet and the pattern is a simple ripple, or chevron.

Misc...........

* Pray
* Go to bed on time.
* Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
* Simplify and unclutter your life.
* Less is more.. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
* Allow extra time to do things and to get to places
* Pace yourself. Don't lump the hard things all together.
* Take one day at a time.
* Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God
would have you do. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
* Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
* Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key, etc.
* K.M..S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
* Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
* Get enough rest. And eat properly
* Get organized so everything has its place
* Write down thoughts and inspirations.
* Every day, find time to be alone.
* Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
* Make friends with Godly people
* Laugh.
* Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
* Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
* Sit on your ego.
* Talk less; listen more.
* Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?'
Romans 8:31

April 1 2009 Ramblings

Well, it's April 1st already. And it was snowing here last night. That's no April fools joke either.

I am so tired of winter already. I want to see green grass and blooming flowers. I want to plant my veggies and turn my compost pile. I want to clean up the yard from winter dirt. I want to see the sunshine for more than one day!!

Tuesday my bible study ended. We decided to push through and finish a few weeks early so we could all enjoy the outdoor weather when it finally arrives. We will have our end of the year brunch next Tuesday. After that, me and the little guy will have our Tuesdays completely free. Speaking of Bible studies, if you have any ideas for a good bible study, leave a comment for me please. We are looking for ideas for the fall study.

I also was taking an Alpha course through my church and that ended Tuesday night. It will seem odd not to go to church on Tuesdays anymore!!

I am continuing to crochet. I need to start needlepointing again, but whenever I think about it, someone needs an afghan and I get busy crocheting again.

Same with my reading, or lack of it! I still haven't gotten back into reading as much as I used to.

I signed up the little guy for three sessions of swim lessons this summer! He loves swimming and it's a good time to have him take lessons. I was working when my daughter was small so she was a bit older when she took swim lessons. I am blessed to be able to be home with my son! He is also signed up for T ball again this spring/early summer. He likes that too.

My son will be going to kindergarten this fall. All day every day. It will surely be an adjustment for all of us as he transitions into his school days. It makes me sad that this is the last year I have with him when he is home all the time, but I know he will just love school! He is definitely ready!!

My dog Louie was sick recently. I was a little anxious about it since our other dog Otis was sick and never came home. Four hundred dollars later, the vet still doesn't know what the deal is. But treated Louie with antibiotics and a special diet--which Lou just loves! He seems to be on the mend.

The little guy and daddy made two bat houses. The bats aren't here yet but they needed a new house. They are also making a bunch of bluebird houses this year.

All in all things are going very well here. Nothing too exciting going on.