Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for the warmer temperatures we had today.  It's been below freezing with wind chills in the -temps lately.

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who loves me, spoils me, but loves God even more.  I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have a husband that follows the Lord instead of drinking and using drugs!

I'm thankful for internet friends.  It's so nice to have Christian women to talk to and ask for advice from.  

I'm thankful for the study we are doing at Christain Homekeepers. learning of God's Grace.

Homekeeper’s Journal ~ 2/8/11

This week’s Homekeeper’s Journal is a Hodgepodge of Thoughts and Ideas!
In My Kitchen this week ………Two batches of brownies, homemade pizza, and chili.
Foremost in my thoughts this week ……..is my family.  My biological children, parents, and siblings live 1-2 hours south and I miss them terribly!  My oldest (step) daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids live in Arizona, and I've yet to met them face to face. *sigh*  Sometimes I wonder if it will happen at all.  Next (step)daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids live in Dallas.  Just saw them Thanksgiving, but miss them so.  The babies are growing so quickly!
I’ve been so busy with ……..working.  I'm thankful to have a job, especially in this day and age, and in our small town, but I need something less stressful and less physical.
Could someone please ……..point me in the direction of a car that I can afford, and actually runs?  I'm about to pull my hair out with the two we have.
I’ve been wanting to do this for so long …….. See above....I want to meet Diana, Loyd, Miss M, and Mr B!!!  Please send me to Arizona!!
If I manage things just right ……..We might be able to get our bills caught up in the next two months.  Hallelujah!!

Now it is your turn! Visit Christian HomeKeeper Network to link up!

Then Sings My Soul

Homekeeper’s Journal ~ 2/2

This week’s Homekeeper’s Journal is all about crafting and creating ……….
In My Kitchen this week ……
My hubby did most of the work...he made a wonderful chocolate cake, fresh bread, and fried potatoes with eggs.  Yummy!

When I think about Crafting/Sewing/Making Things, I want to …
Run out to the craft store.  I've got to get started on a project I want to do for my Mother-In-Law.

My favorite creative outlet it ……..
Making cards.  I'm really not very good at it, but it's so much fun to put together something personal for another.

A Craft that I’d like to learn is ….
Knitting.I keep trying, but my fingers just won't cooperate!  I would love to make warm scarves, hats, and blankets for the grandkids!
One Craft that I can do but don’t do much is ….
Scrapbooking.  Too expensive for my budget right now.
An unusual Craft that I can do or would like to do is ….
Nothing really comes to mind right now

Another Craft that I secretly long to do but don’t right now is ….
Candle and soap making

The Craft/Creative Work that I have no desire whatsoever to do ……
Painting


Please visit Sylvia for more Homekeeper's Journals at Christian Homkeepers

Homekeeper’s Journal ~ 1/12

 

This week’s Homekeeper’s Journal is about TIME……

In My Winter Kitchen its time to ……….

 Clean and organize the few cabinets I have.  Five to be exact!  With so few cabinets I have to keep them organized and clean.  We have adjusted by putting up four shelves in the laundry room for cleaning supplies, storage containers, and over-stock goods.  I'm also fortunate to have a china cabinet to keep my dishes (since I don't own china).

My biggest Time-Waster seems to be ……..
 Playing games.  I've cut down the number I play so I can get things done.  Otherwise I would probably spend all the time I have between getting home and hubby getting up doing silly things.

I do/do not view Time as a gift from God and here is why……
I definitely do view it as a gift from God. At the time I came back to the Lord, I lost everything in my house (and the house) to a fire.  My youngest son was 15 years old, and home alone on a school break.  If not for our animals, he may have perished in that fire too.  Time is a very precious gift.  We do not know how much we have here and need to use it wisely.

When others are slow or dawdle I ………
try to show patience.  I will admit it actually depends on the situation (and, a lot, on my mood).  I try to have patience with older people, or those with a disability.  However, if it is just rude people hogging an aisle, I can loose my patience easily.
One way that I make good use of time in my household is …..
 Making a do-able, but flexible list of daily "duties", or schedule.  I have to be flexible, because I never know when I'll get off work on time.  Since there are other days when I may be sent home early, I try to be available, without letting go of the important things.  I also try to do most of my housework while my husband is at work, or sleeping.  We have so little time together, I don't want to spend that time doing things that do not involve him.

For more HomeKeeper’s Journals, please visit The Christian HomeKeeper.

Homekeeper's Journal 01/03/2011

In my Winter Kitchen…
Sadly, just a nice smelling kitchen.  I thought about some gingerbread, but we already have bread pudding and eggnog custard pie my wonderful husband made. : )

The hardest part about Winter for my household is ….
Adjusting to the cold weather.  My husband was raised in Arizona, and I'm a Navy brat...having moved to the midwest in my junior high years.  (Of course that was ages ago, but it's still my excuse)  After a month or so, we both get adjusted. 

My favorite Winter time meal is….
A good thick soup (such as taco soup or chicken tortilla soup) or a good bowl of chili.
I Do/Do Not (choose one) tend to be depressed in the Winter…..
I do tend to be depressed in the Winter and I believe its because of the lack of sunlight.I try to keep the curtains open during the day, and make sure I get out on my days off.
A favorite Winter time activity my family enjoys is ….
Since it's just the two of us, and we don't have much time together, anytime together is special.  My favorite is snuggling under a warm blanket and watching a movie.
To help my home look and feel inviting in the Winter….
I like to keep candles going in each room when I'm home.  I like a lot of color in each room, with curtains open while hubby is sleeping to keep things inviting.

How I dress to stay warm ……
Since I'm about menopausal age, I don't get cold as easy as my hubby.  I dress in layers around the house...t-shirt under a fleece shirt with knit pants.  I try to stay away from sweats, since they are not attractive at all.  The one thing that gets cold on me is my feet.  I wear slipper socks around the house and two pairs of knit socks outside.

One really important health rule for the Winter time I’d like to share ….
  To drink plenty of water in the Winter time. You can get dehydrated in the Winter as easily as in the Summer and lots of water can help your skin not to get so dry.

Please visit Christian HomeKeeper Network for more...

Scenic Sunday

This is my first participation in this meme, which I found at Christian Women Take Root, check them out!




This was taken during one of our many winter storms this year here in the midwest. This storm was supposed to leave us with 2-3 inches. I believe at this point we had already received 4 inches and it was still snowing. We received a total of 8 inches in this particular storm.


For more Scenic Sunday's click here.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

This week I've chosen "Until the Whole World Hears" by Casting Crowns. I, personally, feel this should be a life song for all Christians. We should not give up until the whole world hears or our last breath. Christ is the only hope we (and the rest of the world) have.

Please head over to Amy's spot - Signs, Wonders, and Miracles for more Then Sings My Soul Saturdays.

Update

I can't believe I've been absent for over a month! Time has really gotten away from me.
The day after my last post, my father-in-law passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack. Needles to say, our world was turned upside down. We had to find a way for my honey to get back to Arizona. He spent a week there with his family, trying to grieve and settle some issues. Having this happen has changed so much. Some for the good, some not. But, as always, we know God is in control! While George will be missed here on this earth, we know that he is in Heaven, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. George loved the Lord with all his heart. I look forward to the day I can see him again.

Eddie was able to stay with his oldest daughter and family while in Kingman and the Lord worked a miracle in their relationship. He and his daughter now have a good relationship, and he has met his grandchildren, whom adore him. God is good!

Other issues still remain, be we are leaving those with the Lord. He works out all things for His glory. I will rely on that alone. Eddie and I are finally getting back on our schedule, such as it is. It's hard when you work opposite shifts. He comes home from work, and I'm heading out the door. When I get home, he's asleep, then when he gets up, I'm off to bed. I pray some day the Lord will give me different job so that I can see Eddie more. I miss him so much of the time!

Hopefully, I'll be back and blogging this week.
God Bless!!!!!!

The Bible in 90 Days - Chec k in Day 39

If you are participating in the Bible in 90 Days challenge, today you are on Day 39 and should have read through the end of page 468 in the Bible in 90 Days Bible or through Psalms 24:10.

I'm actually a day behind because I have not done today's reading. I was terribly bad and finished the fiction book I was reading this afternoon, instead of doing my daily Bible reading. *blushing and giving you the "I've been caught with my hand in the cookie jar look* I will have plenty of time to catch up here in just a few minutes. I'm about to start my dish water and then settle on the couch with my Bible and a tall glass of sugar free Hawaiian Punch. : )

I admit I had a few rough days with the reading this week. I really struggle over the names in the Bible. I have to force myself to slow down and not skim those sections. I have always enjoyed the book of Esther, so that was a treat! When I first started reading the Bible I had a rough time with Job, but have come to understand it better each time.

How about you? How are you doing with your reading? Any high points, or rough spots for you?

I'm looking forward to jumping in the the Psalms and Proverbs, love those!

Weekly prayer - Peace and Comfort

This week my prayer for my husband is for peace and comfort. Tomorrow is the anniversary of the most painful day in his life. His dear son, Cole, was born asleep.

Father,

I lift Eddie to You. You know the pain of loosing a child, while I do not. I cannot share in Eddie's pain, only be here when he needs me. Please touch him and fill him with Your Peace and Comfort during this difficult time. Give me wisdom to know when to speak, and when to just be here for him. I pray that while Eddie will find some comfort in knowing that Cole is with You, and they will be united one glorious day.

Father, I also ask that you touch Cole's mother, during this time.
In Jesus' most precious name, Amen.

TSMSS - Glorious Day

All week long I've had this song from the new "Until The Whole World Hears" album by Casting Crowns on my heart and mind. Thank You , Jesus, for taking the nails for me! I'm so looking forward to that Glorious Day when the Trumpet with sound!

Again, please read and really hear the words!





One day when heaven
Is filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to
Be born of a virgin
He dwelt among men, my example is He

[Chorus:]

Living He loved me
Dying He saved me
Buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified
Freely forever
One day He's coming
Oh, Glorious Day
Oh, Glorious Day

One day they led Him
Up calvary's mountain
One day they nailed Him
To die on a tree
Suffering anguish
Despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose o'er
Death He had conquered
Now is ascended
My lord evermore

[Chorus]
Oh, Glorious Day
Oh, Glorious Day

One day the trumpet will
Sound for His coming
One day the skies with His
Glories will shine
Wonderful day
My beloved was bringing
Glorious Savior this Jesus is mine

[Chorus]

Weekly prayer - Relationship

This week's prayer is for understanding what it means to your husband to be a good wife to him. Remember, each person is different, and therefore each marriage has unique needs.

Father,

I come to You today to ask You to open my heart and mind. Speak to me, tell me what it means to Eddie to be a good wife. Have I missed something? Please give me wisdom in this area and a receiving spirit to hear You. In Jesus' most precious name. Amen.

Bible in 90 days - Day 25 check in

Today is day 25 of Read the Bible in 90 Days. Except for today's reading, I'm totally caught up. I did have a couple of days this week where I fell behind due to, well, laziness. But, this week's reading was easy to catch up. David happens to be one of my favorite Bible heroes. Oh, to have a heart like his! Wouldn't you like to be known as a person after God's heart? I know I do.

Where do you do your reading? For me, I like to settle in on my sofa with a glass of water (or whatever), my new kitty on my side, blanket on my lap and jump in. I usually do this in the morning, unless it's one of my days to work. Then I wait until about seven o'clock and relax with the Good Book.

I pray everyone is finding time to read The Word each day and not only enjoying it, but learning as well!

TSMSS - Feel The Nails

This week I've chosen "Feel The Nails" by Ray Boltz. This has been done as a special during our worship service several times and it always makes me think and cry. What do you think? Does Jesus feel the nails each time we fail? Oh, how I hope not. I don't know about you, but I fail several times a day. The thought of hurting my Lord and Savior so many times a day brings tears to my eyes.

1st verse

They tell me Jesus died

For my transgressions

That he paid that price a long, long time ago

When he gave his life for me On a hill called Calvary

But there's something else I want to know

Chorus

Does he still feel the nails

Every time I fail

Can he hear the crowd cry "Crucify" again

Am I causing him pain

Then I know I've got to change

I just can't bear the thought of hurting him.

2nd verse

It seems that I'm so good at breaking promises

And I treat his precious grace so carelessly

But each time he forgives

What if he re-lives The agony

He felt on that tree

Chorus 1x

Holy, holy Holy is the Lord

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord

Do you still feel the nails

Every time I fail

Have I crucified you Jesus with my sins

Oh I'm tired of playing games

I really want to change

I never want to hurt you again

Holy, Holy Holy is the Lord

Holy, Holy Holy is the Lord

Weekly prayer

This week, Lori with The Generous Wife, is encouraging us to grab our spouses and hug them and pray for them, especially when we sense a need.

Father,

I pray that you will send Your Holy Spirit down and remind me to pray for Eddie more often. Help me sense his needs, his moods, better. I know that the next few weeks will be difficult for him, and I pray that you will send your peace, comfort, and gentleness upon him. Give me a spirit of understanding and comfort that I may help him during this difficult period. In Jesus' most precious name. Amen.

Thankful Thursday

Jumping back into Thankful Thursday!

It's been a very long time. Seems I just can't keep up these days, yet I really don't know why. (okay, I have ideas, but you really don't want to hear them, now do you? LOL )

I really don't have a theme or long list today.
I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, my family, and most of all, my wonderful savior, Jesus Christ.

I'm thankful I live in a country where (for now) I'm free to worship Jesus and still pray in His name. I'm thankful to Him for His Love, Mercy, and Grace. Without those, this life would be nothing and worthless!

For more Thankful Thursdays, click here.

Bible in 90 days - where are you?

In this post Mom's Toolbox asks these two questions:

1. Why did you decide to read the Bible in 90 days and why are you sticking to it?

2. Have you seen any change in your life as a result of this commitment? If so, what?

My answers:

I originally decided to take the Read the Bible in 90 days challenge because I wanted to be held accountable for my reading/study periods. I enjoy reading the Bible - most of it. I admit there are parts I just don't enjoy - you know, the names I cannot pronounce, all the numbers and lineage. But, it is God's Word, and everything is in this Book for a reason. One of my goals this year is to work harder on my relationship with my Savior, and reading His Book is one very good way to do that (prayer being number two). I'm sticking with this, because this is my top priority now, and always. Without Jesus' love and sacrifice, this life is nothing!

I've seen subtle changes in my life, as a result of the work Jesus is doing in me. Most of the time I am happier (I do battle depression daily). I want to represent the Love of Christ to each person I meet. I am more patient and not as quick to react to outside struggles. The place I work is stressful at times, and more than ninety percent of my coworkers are not believers. I need the Lord's help just to get through the day without throwing things! I have found that each day I'm feeling a little better about things.

If you are one that is struggling, please let me know. I'll add your name to my prayer list. Please do not give up. I've done that in the past. While it's a struggle to fit in the time to read this much material each day, you will find it worth it in the long run. The only idea I have for you is try breaking up the reading into smaller sections, especially when you get to those dry parts. When I find my mind wandering, I get up and get a fresh glass of water (or something), and send up a small prayer. This helps me quite a bit.

Read the Bible in 90 Days - Update

As you can probably tell, I have given up trying to post my thoughts about each days reading. I'm more worried about keeping up with the daily reading. Some days I do real well, and other days I'm just too tired (or whatever is my excuse) to stay on top of things. I have found on those days that the reading is a little "dry", if I read in stages I get more done. Other days I just can't seem to stop. But, thanks be to Jesus, I'm up to date on my reading!

I seem to have the same thought through much of my reading - thank You Jesus for willingly shedding your blood and dying on the Cross for a sinner like me. Without His sacrifice, life would be oh so different!

What are your thoughts on this? Aren't you excited that Jesus became the perfect Lamb for us? I know I am!

Weekly prayer - Sleep

This week's prayer theme is sleep. Please pray that your spouse will have restful sleep and pleasant dreams.

Father,
I lift Eddie to You. I ask that you provide him with restful sleep periods, allowing him to wake rested and refreshed, ready for a new day. I pray he will be free bad dreams and that You would speak to his heart and mind during these rest periods. Thank You again for bringing such a God-fearing man into my life! In Jesus' most precious name, Amen.