What's your worship style? Do you prefer hymns or praise songs and choruses? Or perhaps a blend of the two? Do you have a favorite hymn or two that uplifts you? How about praise songs? Do you have any favorites?

My answer:

Uplifting praise music would be my favorite, but I like all forms of worship music. I have so many "favorites", I couldn't possibly list them all. I think my top hymn would be "Amazing Grace". The words say all there is to say. When I fell and broke my ankle (June 2004), I sang this hymn in my head for over an hour to keep my mind off the pain. I can't tell you how much of my sanity that saved!

I also sing when I have trouble going to sleep (again, in my head). Usually short choruses. "Shout to the Lord" comes to mind as well as "Awesome God". "I like Majesty as well as "I Lift Your Name on High"

Some other miscellaneous songs: "You are Everything", "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus", "Majesty (Here I Am)", and "Give Us Clean Hands"

Of course, my favorite would be from Casting Crowns. I'll post a video below.
Please visit Becky at Operation Actually Read Bible and join in with us!

All About You - Letter D

Today's letter is D

• My hubby's first name is DAVID
• I love DONUTS
• Sadly, I don't eat many, because I'm DIABETIC
• Which means I see my DOCTOR way too much!
• I've never eaten DUCK
• Our yard is becoming a DANDELION farm
• I have a huge fear of going to the DENTIST
• I really want a DISHWASHER
• For those that don't know, my DAD stopped DRINKING
• I DIVORCED my first husband in 1989
• I fight DEPRESSION most days
• My DAD built me a DOLLHOUSE as part of my high school graduation gift
• I love wearing DRESSES
• I love DOGWOODS
• I like to play DOMINOES
• I flew to DENVER with two friends many years ago
• My oldest son was born in DALLAS
• My first new car was a DODGE colt
• I dislike DRIVING anywhere
• My oldest (step)DAUGHTER is DIANA
• I have four (step)DAUGHTERS (still counting ex's daughter)
• I was once hospitalized for a week with DIVERTICULITIS
  
• I cannot call my Heavenly Father DADDY
• Jesus (my Savior) is from the line of DAVID

Thankful Thursday - Courage

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

Today Laurie at Women Taking A Stand talked about courage. I, too, had the same thought. Me, courageous? No way! My husband likes to tease me because I'm afraid of birds. (more so than spiders!)

But, honestly, looking back, I've been through some scary stuff. Husband #1 hit me hard enough to break my glasses, give me a bloody nose and fat lip, not to mention the bruises up and down my back. I was brave enough to pick up my son and walk out.
I was brave enough to drive from Missouri to California with two small boys (in a Chevette), just the three of us, and try to start new. (with the help of a very dear friend, thanks Wendy!) I was also brave enough to admit I made a mistake and pack us up a year later and move back to Missouri because I needed my families help.
I was brave enough to handle a robbery at a fast food place I was managing, identify the thief, and testify against him in court. (though I did quit my job several months later to start babysitting at home)
I was brave enough to stand up to a school principal and tell him one teacher was not grading my sons papers properly and he did not deserve the good grades he was getting. I stood up to a second principal when she told me I should put my other son in a home and leave him there. (he's Bipolar) Even though it broke my heart, I had the courage to commit the same son to mental inpatient stays four times in his life.
I had the courage to move on when our house burnt and my sons and I had nothing but the clothes on our backs.

So, I guess I'm not so bad.
But, my Lord is my Courage. Would I have the courage to send my only Son to die for the world? No, sadly, I wouldn't. Would I have the courage to be the one to be beaten and then nailed to a cross? No, sadly I would not.

So, I thank my Lord for His courage!

Please join us in sharing what you are thankful for this week!

All About You - Letter C

• My last name is CREMER
• I have two CATS
• I love my CHURCH family
• I lived in in CALIFORNIA several years as a CHILD
  
• I have two biological CHILDREN
• I have four (step)CHILDREN
• I have a sister named CYNTHIA
• My (step)daughter is CHARLOTTE
• I really dislike COMMERCIALS
• I'm hooked on CSI (mostly miami)
• We really need a new COUCH
• I love CELERY even though my hubby hates it
• I've never been to CANADA or CHINA
• I'm a proud born-again CHRISTIAN
  

All About You - Letter B

Lots more things come to mind for the letter B

• I have Brown eyes
• I like to Bake
• I love Bananas
• I do not like Baseball or Basketball
• I have two Boys
• I really like Bacon
• I love Beaches and would live near one if I could
• I love and collect all types of Books
• I'm fairly new at Blogging
• I've been Bought by Jesus' Blood
  

All about you A to Z

Heart of the Matter is having a fun meme:
All about you from A to Z. Though I'm not a homeschooler (no kiddos at home), I receive their newsletter because I get lots of good info for Sunday School and just fun information as well.

So today's letter is A

• I love Apples
• I've ridden in an Airplane several times
• I do not like Asparagus
• Nor do I like Avocados
• I've never made a homemade Apple pie
• I am terrible with any form of Art
• I once lived in Alameda, California
• I love April, even though my Allergies go crazy
• I dislike August because of the heat

Praises!

For quite some time now, I've been whining to the Lord: "I'm burnt out Lord, I need to be fed." You see, I teach Sunday School and Children's Church. Due to transportation problems, I'm not able to attend Wednesday night study, and our church is so small we have not had a Sunday evening service for some time.

Our God is alive and faithful! We had our first Sunday evening service in over two years tonight. Other than our Wednesday morning prayer service, this is the first time in months I've felt open enough to allow the Holy Spirit envelop me and refresh me. (I've always felt it "my duty" to keep an eye on any kids in the worship service to know when to take them out if necessary) I can't tell you how excited and refreshed I feel today! Hallelu Yah!

TSMSS - Whom Am I by Casting Crowns

To celebrate the fact that my favorite group, Casting Crowns received the Group of the Year Dove Award, I'm posting the first song I ever heard from them: Who Am I. Please stop and think about the lyrics to this one. Whenever I think I'm not good enough to do (insert your own phrase here), I remember this song.

Thankful Thursday - Provision

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.

~Romans 5:17-18 NIV

What greater provision can be provided than that of eternal life? I'm SO thankful to my Savior for His sacrifice that provides eternal life to all whom believe in Him.

My Lord provides all I need in life:

• I have a home to live in
• We have cars that are paid for
• We have food to eat
• Plenty of clothes to wear
• Air to breathe
• Water to drink

So, while I've spent a great deal of time whining this week, I offer my praises to my Lord and, again, beg His forgiveness. I am truly thankful that I have all I need to survive, the rest is never guaranteed, and, in the end, is just worthless stuff we cannot take with us.

Question of the Week #16

This one may seem a bit out of place, but I'm going for it anyway. Do you participate in reading challenges? Why or why not? Would you be interested in participating in more reading challenges? Perhaps Christian-related reading challenges. Perhaps Bible-related reading challenges. I've been contemplating having mini-challenges--nothing certain, nothing planned out yet. And I was curious if they'd be any interest. If there's not that's fine :) Do you have any ideas of what you'd want to see in a mini-reading challenge?

My answer:

I have never participated in a reading challenge, because I've never had the opportunity. I'd love to give it a try though!

TSMSS - The Word is Alive by Casting Crowns

Today I've chosen "The Word is Alive" by Casting Crowns. This one reflects how I've felt this week. So many things change day to day in our world, but The Word stands yesterday, today and tomorrow. No matter what this world throws at us, God will get us through it, Hallelu Yah!

Question of the Week #15

Do you listen to the Bible on audio? Why? Why not? Do you have a favorite audio edition? Do you prefer dramatized editions or voice only editions? Do you have any you'd recommend?

My answer:
I have yet to find one that could hold my attention. I'm not sure why. I guess because when I'm reading the Bible I have a tendency to stop and reread sections, or just stop and focus on them. With an audio version that's a little more difficult.

How about you? Join us at Operation Actually Read Bible!

Calling for Prayer Warriors

Rather than rewrite a post, I'm just posting the link to the one I received in my email. Please pray for this family! Click here!

Did the world stop where you are?

Sorry, I just couldn't resist the question.
Those that know me, know I don't cook very often. My hubby and I agreed before we got married that he would cook, I would clean. (It works for us!)
I just couldn't let two pounds of hamburger go bad. Especially with our finances as bad as they are. (we pulled it out of the freezer sunday to make dinner that night and ended up just snacking because we were feeling lazy) So, I hunted down a recipe, followed directions I remembered from a post at A Call to Higher Places.

Here's the recipe I followed:
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
8 oz cheddar cheese
1 c. quick oats
1 med onion chopped finely
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 lbs ground beef
1 1/3 c ketchup
1 c packed brown sugar
3 tsp prepared mustard

In a large bowl beat eggs and milk. Stir in cheese, oats, onion, salt and garlic powder. Add beef and mix well. Shape into balls and place in greased muffin tins. (I placed tins on baking sheets to catch any run off grease or glaze). Combine ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Spoon over each loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Let cool and then place in freezer bags according to serving sizes for your family.

Another family needs our prayers

I received this prayer request in my email through one of the blogs I follow.

Please pray for the Spohr family who lost their little one Madeline Alice Spohr on April 7th.

Click on her name to be directed to the family's blog for details.

Quetion of the week #14

Do you have a favorite biblical film? If you don't have a favorite film, do you have a least favorite?

My answer:

I agree with Becky on this one. The Gospel of John is my absolute favorite. John is also my favorite of the Gospels, so, as Becky said, that could be an influence. If you've seen the movie, you know that this film is very well done. It follows the text, as well as quotes the text, from the book itself. I do not see how a person could not like this film. (unless of course they are a nonbeliever and fell under conviction.)

I also enjoy:
The Passion of the Christ
The Nativity Story
The Greatest Story Ever Told


Those are a few. I don't think I have a least favorite, but then, I haven't seen many of those out there.
How about you? Do you have a favorite or least favorite? Why not hop on over to Operation Actually Read Bible and share with us?

TSMSS - Only Hope by Switchfoot

This week I've chosen "Only Hope" by Switchfoot. This goes with my thoughts for Thankful Thursday, Hope in my Lord. Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday - Late Again

I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.

~Psalm 16:8-9

Once again life took over and I'm behind in my posting. Praise be to the Lord that I have a job to get in the way, and a different one as of tomorrow, but that is a different post!

So, let's talk about hope. The great Hope we have in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
That is what I'm thankful for this week. Without the great hope my Saviour provides, this life would seem absolutely worthless to me. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband, my parents, my children and my friends. But, lets face it. Life can down right stink! Some days I get so darn tired of figuring out which bills I can pay, and which ones have to wait. So tired of trying to explain that to the bill collectors, that I want to just go to bed and hide.

But, Jesus' life, death, and resurrection give us hope. Hope for a better day, a better world. Until then, I will keep trudging along. He gives me Hope!

Do you listen to Christian music? Why or why not? Do you only listen to Christian music? Do you have any favorite artists? A favorite album? A favorite song? Which artist(s) would you recommend to others? Why?



My answer:
Yes, definitely listen to Christian music. Why? It can lift me when I'm feeling down or blue.

No, I don't listen to Christian music only. I enjoy many different types of music. Oldies, classic rock, and country for some. Just like I don't enjoy all Christian music, I don't enjoy all rock or all country.

My favorite artist is definitely Casting Crowns. My favorite song is "East to West" by Casting Crowns, and my favorite album is also Casting Crowns Their 2003 "Casting Crowns".

I would not try to convince another that they should listen to a particular artist. We all have different tastes and therefore enjoy different genres. Even hubby and I don't agree when it comes to music.

So. what are your thoughts?
Head on over to Becky's spot for more answers or to join in.