Hi - I have a new address for my blog - it's now officially attached to my website. Tim Joiner fixed it all up for me and redesigned my website. We're very excited about it, but we've been so swamped with orders and other activities I haven't had a chance to blog about it!!!
Here's my new blog address:
www.kapandpen.com/blog
See you there!!!!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ah Parenthood
I was emailing my mother-in-law yesterday, bringing her up to date on the antics of my youngest, and I realized after reviewing what I wrote that others might find it a comfort to know they are not alone in the Terrible Twos.
Gideon, as many of you know, is our precocious caboose. Each of my children has had an area in which they excelled at a very early age. With Ginni, it was learning - she could recite boatloads of information when she was three. With Elly, it was obedience - she has always been the one to obey right away. CJ was the handyman - taking the half door of his room off its hinges when he was barely two feet tall, while Elly looked on in awe. Alyssa grasped reading at a very early age. Isaiah was a comedian from the time he could crawl. Phoebe has proven to have an incredible imagination since she could put two words together. And now we have Gideon.
Ah yes, Gideon. The child that God could have given me when I was 25 and fit and instead I have him when I am 45 and fat. He is the most incredible child! Before he was a year, he figured out how to climb over baby gates and climb out of his crib. Spankings were useless - he was going to do it anyway. At 18 months he was letting himself out of the house and running across the backyard. So we put on a different doorknob. That lasted less than 6 months. We put on a lock after that. He turned two in February. We put doorknob covers on the doorknobs...the kind you have to squeeze together at opposing sides in order to open the door. No problem for Gideon. He can now unsnap the things and simply remove them. He is lightning fast - capable of standing next to me one minute and being halfway to the dog yard the next. Obviously, he requires constant supervision.
Gideon is currently sporting a very contemporary neo-Picasso haircut because he found the clippers just minutes after I finished cutting his hair. I'm washing my hands at the kitchen sink when I hear "WHIRRRRRRRR" in the next room. Yep. Nice "W" carved just above his ear. I remove the clippers from his grasp. Next day, I go to check on him while he is napping. I notice my bed is covered in hair. I think, "Wow...how did that get here? Did I wipe up the stuff on the floor last night with a towel and drop it here by accident?" Hmm...not too far away are Curt's mustache clippers. Odd. Where did those come from? Well...after Gideon wakes up from his nap, I immediately see where the mustache clippers did their work and why there is hair on my bed. Gideon is sporting three new "stripes" of near-baldness...right through my fantastic haircut of the previous evening. Apparently carving the "W" was not sufficient. He had to come back for seconds. I refused to make it all the same length because he would have been almost completely bald.
He has figured out he can stand on his potty chair and turn on the water faucet in the bathroom and that he can turn on the water in the bathtub and have it running at the same time. This was discovered within two minutes of the haircutting discoveries. While I was sweeping up the hair he had just removed from his pate, the water began running in the bathroom.
He knows the toilet bowl brush is for scrubbing the toilet, and once he's done with that, it must be used for brushing his hair while walking through the living room. (I was turning off the water in the bathroom when he came through the living room with the toilet brush.)
I have to buy organic household cleaners because he can climb on anything and grabs whatever he can. Upon more than one occasion we have discovered him "cleaning" the sink, the bathroom, the toilet, his hair, the cat...basically whatever doesn't move away from him quickly enough.
He has figured out screwdrivers and tries to take things apart. After watching Daddy and CJ put his motorized car together for his birthday, instead of taking it for a spin, he immediately sought out the screwdriver and inserted it into the proper holes, trying to take it apart. He now knows how to remove the seat.
He learned about unscrewing the tops on things like the salt and pepper shakers and spices...oh yes I've been sweeping up all sorts of lovely stuff recently!
He discovered permanent markers work great on his skin, the couch cushions, and the front glass window. Lovely designs. Very chic.
He learned that dominoes fit quite snugly into the vent grates in the t.v. room. We've noticed a distinct drop in air circulation in that room since his discoveries.
He has learned that headphones, headbands, and sunglasses are quite easily snapped into two pieces.
Oh yes, this child is quite the entertainer.
Gideon, as many of you know, is our precocious caboose. Each of my children has had an area in which they excelled at a very early age. With Ginni, it was learning - she could recite boatloads of information when she was three. With Elly, it was obedience - she has always been the one to obey right away. CJ was the handyman - taking the half door of his room off its hinges when he was barely two feet tall, while Elly looked on in awe. Alyssa grasped reading at a very early age. Isaiah was a comedian from the time he could crawl. Phoebe has proven to have an incredible imagination since she could put two words together. And now we have Gideon.
Ah yes, Gideon. The child that God could have given me when I was 25 and fit and instead I have him when I am 45 and fat. He is the most incredible child! Before he was a year, he figured out how to climb over baby gates and climb out of his crib. Spankings were useless - he was going to do it anyway. At 18 months he was letting himself out of the house and running across the backyard. So we put on a different doorknob. That lasted less than 6 months. We put on a lock after that. He turned two in February. We put doorknob covers on the doorknobs...the kind you have to squeeze together at opposing sides in order to open the door. No problem for Gideon. He can now unsnap the things and simply remove them. He is lightning fast - capable of standing next to me one minute and being halfway to the dog yard the next. Obviously, he requires constant supervision.
Gideon is currently sporting a very contemporary neo-Picasso haircut because he found the clippers just minutes after I finished cutting his hair. I'm washing my hands at the kitchen sink when I hear "WHIRRRRRRRR" in the next room. Yep. Nice "W" carved just above his ear. I remove the clippers from his grasp. Next day, I go to check on him while he is napping. I notice my bed is covered in hair. I think, "Wow...how did that get here? Did I wipe up the stuff on the floor last night with a towel and drop it here by accident?" Hmm...not too far away are Curt's mustache clippers. Odd. Where did those come from? Well...after Gideon wakes up from his nap, I immediately see where the mustache clippers did their work and why there is hair on my bed. Gideon is sporting three new "stripes" of near-baldness...right through my fantastic haircut of the previous evening. Apparently carving the "W" was not sufficient. He had to come back for seconds. I refused to make it all the same length because he would have been almost completely bald.
He has figured out he can stand on his potty chair and turn on the water faucet in the bathroom and that he can turn on the water in the bathtub and have it running at the same time. This was discovered within two minutes of the haircutting discoveries. While I was sweeping up the hair he had just removed from his pate, the water began running in the bathroom.
He knows the toilet bowl brush is for scrubbing the toilet, and once he's done with that, it must be used for brushing his hair while walking through the living room. (I was turning off the water in the bathroom when he came through the living room with the toilet brush.)
I have to buy organic household cleaners because he can climb on anything and grabs whatever he can. Upon more than one occasion we have discovered him "cleaning" the sink, the bathroom, the toilet, his hair, the cat...basically whatever doesn't move away from him quickly enough.
He has figured out screwdrivers and tries to take things apart. After watching Daddy and CJ put his motorized car together for his birthday, instead of taking it for a spin, he immediately sought out the screwdriver and inserted it into the proper holes, trying to take it apart. He now knows how to remove the seat.
He learned about unscrewing the tops on things like the salt and pepper shakers and spices...oh yes I've been sweeping up all sorts of lovely stuff recently!
He discovered permanent markers work great on his skin, the couch cushions, and the front glass window. Lovely designs. Very chic.
He learned that dominoes fit quite snugly into the vent grates in the t.v. room. We've noticed a distinct drop in air circulation in that room since his discoveries.
He has learned that headphones, headbands, and sunglasses are quite easily snapped into two pieces.
Oh yes, this child is quite the entertainer.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Montana Gun Law & State Sovereignty
Well, May is starting off to be a politically interesting month!
Montana passed a new gun law which protects the rights of its citizens to own and operate guns which are purchased in Montana - regardless of Federal law!! Go Montana!! They are prepared to consider secession if necessary.
Utah is seriously considering doing the same, according to an article on ksl.com news. One of Utah's congressmen plans to submit a piece of legislation similar to Montana's early next year.
Tennessee's State Senate voted unanimously supporting a resolution which tells the federal government it has "overstepped its Constitutional bounds" and that the fed is violating the 10th Amendment. (www.tenthamendmentcenter.com)
Oklahoma's House passed HCR-1028 for State Sovereignty 73-22. From www.tenthamendmentcenter.com: "Introduced on April 29, 2009, HCR1028 is “A Concurrent Resolution claiming sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over certain powers; serving notice to the federal government to cease and desist certain mandates; providing that certain federal legislation be prohibited or repealed; and directing distribution.” (h/t AxXiom for Liberty)"
Other states in various stages of sovereignty resolutions include Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Indiana, Wyoming, Oregon, Minnesota, Arkansas, and Maine. It is estimated at least 25 states will have similar resolutions up for voting this year. Some states are focusing on specific issues, like abortion or gun rights, in a similar manner that Montana did with gun rights.
Governors Mark Sanford (SC) and Rick Perry (TX) have taken a lot of heat for turning down the stimulus money from the Federal government. I think both of them deserve a large round of applause for taking a stand like that - it obviously is a highly controversial issue. However, I think more governors need to have the courage to see beyond their own political picture and see the national picture. This incredible spending is bound to bankrupt the nation, yet so many leaders don't seem to care. I'm glad to see some leaders stepping out and trying to do something!
Well...I have to sign off - we have severe thunderstorms heading this way, so I'll have to unplug the computer....
Montana passed a new gun law which protects the rights of its citizens to own and operate guns which are purchased in Montana - regardless of Federal law!! Go Montana!! They are prepared to consider secession if necessary.
Utah is seriously considering doing the same, according to an article on ksl.com news. One of Utah's congressmen plans to submit a piece of legislation similar to Montana's early next year.
Tennessee's State Senate voted unanimously supporting a resolution which tells the federal government it has "overstepped its Constitutional bounds" and that the fed is violating the 10th Amendment. (www.tenthamendmentcenter.com)
Oklahoma's House passed HCR-1028 for State Sovereignty 73-22. From www.tenthamendmentcenter.com: "Introduced on April 29, 2009, HCR1028 is “A Concurrent Resolution claiming sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over certain powers; serving notice to the federal government to cease and desist certain mandates; providing that certain federal legislation be prohibited or repealed; and directing distribution.” (h/t AxXiom for Liberty)"
Other states in various stages of sovereignty resolutions include Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Indiana, Wyoming, Oregon, Minnesota, Arkansas, and Maine. It is estimated at least 25 states will have similar resolutions up for voting this year. Some states are focusing on specific issues, like abortion or gun rights, in a similar manner that Montana did with gun rights.
Governors Mark Sanford (SC) and Rick Perry (TX) have taken a lot of heat for turning down the stimulus money from the Federal government. I think both of them deserve a large round of applause for taking a stand like that - it obviously is a highly controversial issue. However, I think more governors need to have the courage to see beyond their own political picture and see the national picture. This incredible spending is bound to bankrupt the nation, yet so many leaders don't seem to care. I'm glad to see some leaders stepping out and trying to do something!
Well...I have to sign off - we have severe thunderstorms heading this way, so I'll have to unplug the computer....
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Looking for Viewpoints
It seems to me that as I get older, I meet more and more folks who grew up in a fundamental Christian home but now embrace much more contemporory church settings in their adulthood.
Conversely, I meet a lot of folks who were not raised in a Christian home at all, got saved in their late teens or early 20's, and they are seeking to establish traditional fundamental Christian homes.
I find these two situations intriguing, perhaps because they represent opposite ends of a pendulum.
I would be interested to hear the whys and wherefores of these decisions from people in both camps.
I've already begun doing some research into this topic, but I imagine this is going to be a while in the works. Depending upon what my research finds and what responses I get to my questions, I may at some point compile my findings into a book format. Any and all comments would be kept anonymous - I wouldn't want to use anything that could in any way be attributed to a specific person or be hurtful to anyone. But I think knowing why people make the decisions they do could prove useful to church leaders trying to reach their communities.
It's just an idea.
Certainly, you do not have to post anything on here if you do not want to. You may email me at kapandpen@bellsouth.net. I am very interested in your opinions and comments.
Thanks!
Conversely, I meet a lot of folks who were not raised in a Christian home at all, got saved in their late teens or early 20's, and they are seeking to establish traditional fundamental Christian homes.
I find these two situations intriguing, perhaps because they represent opposite ends of a pendulum.
I would be interested to hear the whys and wherefores of these decisions from people in both camps.
I've already begun doing some research into this topic, but I imagine this is going to be a while in the works. Depending upon what my research finds and what responses I get to my questions, I may at some point compile my findings into a book format. Any and all comments would be kept anonymous - I wouldn't want to use anything that could in any way be attributed to a specific person or be hurtful to anyone. But I think knowing why people make the decisions they do could prove useful to church leaders trying to reach their communities.
It's just an idea.
Certainly, you do not have to post anything on here if you do not want to. You may email me at kapandpen@bellsouth.net. I am very interested in your opinions and comments.
Thanks!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Susan Boyle and Paul Potts...Beauty Where It Counts
If you haven't heard the incredible vocal abilities of Susan Boyle or Paul Potts, you should google their names and get an earful. Paul Potts won Britain's Got Talent a couple of years ago, and has since produced two CD's. He has a superb voice, gifted for opera.
Susan Boyle is the most recent hit from Britain's Got Talent. Within hours of her flawless performance, web sites and fan clubs were bursting from internetland. She sang "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables.
What do these two talented and previously "unknown" people have in common? They have both been gifted by God with absolutely incredible, beautiful voices. They both led normal, fame-free, neighbor-next-door existences until their talents were recognized. They were both bullied in school. They have both been portrayed as, how can I say this politely, less than model-perfect in their physical appearance. This is my subject matter for this post.
When is our infatuation with beauty ever going to reach further than the surface of one's physical make-up? I have read so many articles about Susan Boyle...referring to her as the "ugly duckling" making it big. Why do writers have to use such words when describing another human? Why does it matter what a talented person looks like? When someone like Paul or Susan has such a beautiful, awe-inspiring voice, why do writers focus on what they look like? Hello? Their talent, the part of them that they are choosing to share with the rest of the world, is their voice, not their body or their smile or their hair or whatever other feature critics choose to attack. None of the other stuff is important anyway - beauty is fleeting.
Has anyone noticed that the once incredibly good-looking male actors and singers of the 1950's and 1960's are aging, getting fatter, getting greyer, getting balder, getting "wrinklier," getting old? Their female counterparts pay gross sums of money to have their bodies sucked and tucked and plumped and filled in order to stay looking "young." For what purpose? Does the exterior make the interior? Of course not. There is SO MUCH MORE to a human being than their looks! When the book of Genesis says God created man in His image, it does not say He only creates the "pretty" people in His image. We need to learn to see past the physical - to see the real person. Sometimes the "pretty" people have ugly personalities: they are selfish, cruel, unfeeling, haughty, shallow, and filled with pride. So what if they are handsome or gorgeous? Yet we continue to judge a person by their exterior, without taking the time to know their inner person.
I, for one, hope many things for Susan Boyle. I hope she wins Britain's Got Talent, I hope she makes a ton of money from CD's (I'll buy some!), I hope she travels and enjoys the blessings God bestows on her, and I hope God protects her from miscreant suitors who would have never given her a second look before her fame. I hope she remains the obviously caring person she has been; she looked after her mother until her death two years ago. She volunteers with her church. She's done things for charity. This is Susan Boyle's beauty. This is her character. I hope God protects her from those that would use her for their own fame and rank. I hope Susan Boyle recognizes that her talent comes from the Lord, Who loves her and gave Himself for her. I hope He gives her wisdom and true friends and the ability to judge rightly and not be hurt or used.
True beauty stems from within a person. It is their character, their moral standard, their kindness, their compassion, their ability to feel and help their fellow man. For those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it is His beauty that flows and reaches out to others, spreading the Gospel and reconciling sinful man to their Holy Creator.
Are we not yet filled to overflowing with fake beauties who live for their next hair appointment and wouldn't consider a humanitarian task which might cause them to break a nail?
I have told my children for years, and will continue to do so until they are all married, that beauty is fleeting. The Bible says beauty is short-lived. The book of Ecclesiastes says all is vanity, and truly we are a people obsessed with vanity.
When you find someone to marry, do it for the person inside, not the outside. We live in a sin-cursed world, which is why God the Creator had to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die and pay for our sins. Because of the nature of man and the curse of sin, bad things happen. The Scriptures say that it rains on the just and on the unjust. Accidents, birth defects, illness, and disease happen to people of all races, ages, nationalities, denominations, color, and financial position. If you marry a woman because she is beautiful, and then she suffers an accident and her beauty is gone, does that change who she is? No. Yet so many men will divorce or obtain a mistress because "the wife" is no longer lovely to behold. The same is true of women when a husband loses his looks. What that really reveals is the extreme shallow character of the one who was not marred.
God has made each and every human being on the planet. The Bible says He knew us before we were formed. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says He hath made every thing beautiful in his time. Why then do we stand and judge that which God has created? Yes, some of us are not "lovely" by a dictionary definition to look upon while others are exceedingly beautiful. Most of us are average. Sorry to burst anyone's bubble. But does it matter? God says we are created in His image. Is that not beauty enough? We are to live for Him, to bring honor and glory to Him. A beautiful voice can be a tremendous way to bring honor and glory to the Creator.
I hope that many people will see Susan Boyle and Paul Potts and see that there is so much more to behold than just the outward appearance. Scripture says man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart. May our hearts be right before God.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Susan Boyle is the most recent hit from Britain's Got Talent. Within hours of her flawless performance, web sites and fan clubs were bursting from internetland. She sang "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables.
What do these two talented and previously "unknown" people have in common? They have both been gifted by God with absolutely incredible, beautiful voices. They both led normal, fame-free, neighbor-next-door existences until their talents were recognized. They were both bullied in school. They have both been portrayed as, how can I say this politely, less than model-perfect in their physical appearance. This is my subject matter for this post.
When is our infatuation with beauty ever going to reach further than the surface of one's physical make-up? I have read so many articles about Susan Boyle...referring to her as the "ugly duckling" making it big. Why do writers have to use such words when describing another human? Why does it matter what a talented person looks like? When someone like Paul or Susan has such a beautiful, awe-inspiring voice, why do writers focus on what they look like? Hello? Their talent, the part of them that they are choosing to share with the rest of the world, is their voice, not their body or their smile or their hair or whatever other feature critics choose to attack. None of the other stuff is important anyway - beauty is fleeting.
Has anyone noticed that the once incredibly good-looking male actors and singers of the 1950's and 1960's are aging, getting fatter, getting greyer, getting balder, getting "wrinklier," getting old? Their female counterparts pay gross sums of money to have their bodies sucked and tucked and plumped and filled in order to stay looking "young." For what purpose? Does the exterior make the interior? Of course not. There is SO MUCH MORE to a human being than their looks! When the book of Genesis says God created man in His image, it does not say He only creates the "pretty" people in His image. We need to learn to see past the physical - to see the real person. Sometimes the "pretty" people have ugly personalities: they are selfish, cruel, unfeeling, haughty, shallow, and filled with pride. So what if they are handsome or gorgeous? Yet we continue to judge a person by their exterior, without taking the time to know their inner person.
I, for one, hope many things for Susan Boyle. I hope she wins Britain's Got Talent, I hope she makes a ton of money from CD's (I'll buy some!), I hope she travels and enjoys the blessings God bestows on her, and I hope God protects her from miscreant suitors who would have never given her a second look before her fame. I hope she remains the obviously caring person she has been; she looked after her mother until her death two years ago. She volunteers with her church. She's done things for charity. This is Susan Boyle's beauty. This is her character. I hope God protects her from those that would use her for their own fame and rank. I hope Susan Boyle recognizes that her talent comes from the Lord, Who loves her and gave Himself for her. I hope He gives her wisdom and true friends and the ability to judge rightly and not be hurt or used.
True beauty stems from within a person. It is their character, their moral standard, their kindness, their compassion, their ability to feel and help their fellow man. For those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it is His beauty that flows and reaches out to others, spreading the Gospel and reconciling sinful man to their Holy Creator.
Are we not yet filled to overflowing with fake beauties who live for their next hair appointment and wouldn't consider a humanitarian task which might cause them to break a nail?
I have told my children for years, and will continue to do so until they are all married, that beauty is fleeting. The Bible says beauty is short-lived. The book of Ecclesiastes says all is vanity, and truly we are a people obsessed with vanity.
When you find someone to marry, do it for the person inside, not the outside. We live in a sin-cursed world, which is why God the Creator had to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die and pay for our sins. Because of the nature of man and the curse of sin, bad things happen. The Scriptures say that it rains on the just and on the unjust. Accidents, birth defects, illness, and disease happen to people of all races, ages, nationalities, denominations, color, and financial position. If you marry a woman because she is beautiful, and then she suffers an accident and her beauty is gone, does that change who she is? No. Yet so many men will divorce or obtain a mistress because "the wife" is no longer lovely to behold. The same is true of women when a husband loses his looks. What that really reveals is the extreme shallow character of the one who was not marred.
God has made each and every human being on the planet. The Bible says He knew us before we were formed. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says He hath made every thing beautiful in his time. Why then do we stand and judge that which God has created? Yes, some of us are not "lovely" by a dictionary definition to look upon while others are exceedingly beautiful. Most of us are average. Sorry to burst anyone's bubble. But does it matter? God says we are created in His image. Is that not beauty enough? We are to live for Him, to bring honor and glory to Him. A beautiful voice can be a tremendous way to bring honor and glory to the Creator.
I hope that many people will see Susan Boyle and Paul Potts and see that there is so much more to behold than just the outward appearance. Scripture says man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart. May our hearts be right before God.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
TEA PARTY DAY TODAY!!!!
Attend a tea party rally near you, if you can!!! This report from AFA Action Alert:
Mainstream media say TEA Party Day rallies in over 2,014 cities not worthy of coverage!
Take the pledge not to vote for any politician who votes to raise taxes or increase spending.
April 15, 2009
Dear Curt,
The mainstream media have not covered today's TEA Party rallies because they are fearful that coverage would hurt President Obama and the liberals' chances of getting a $1 trillion tax increase passed.
Despite the fact that AFA-sponsored TEA Party Day rallies are being held in more than 2,014 cities, the mainstream media have ignored it. Why? Let a member of the media tell you.
Leslie Marshall, a nationally syndicated liberal radio host, said the mainstream media are not covering the rallies because they're not worthy of coverage.
How about that! Small rallies in 10 cities protesting the war get extensive coverage, but the biggest tax protest in the history of America is ignored! If you are against higher taxes and increased spending, apparently your views are not important! But you can bet your bottom dollar (before taxes get it) that the mainstream will do all they can to get Congress to pass President Obama's trillion dollar tax raise.
Mainstream media say TEA Party Day rallies in over 2,014 cities not worthy of coverage!
Take the pledge not to vote for any politician who votes to raise taxes or increase spending.
April 15, 2009
Dear Curt,
The mainstream media have not covered today's TEA Party rallies because they are fearful that coverage would hurt President Obama and the liberals' chances of getting a $1 trillion tax increase passed.
Despite the fact that AFA-sponsored TEA Party Day rallies are being held in more than 2,014 cities, the mainstream media have ignored it. Why? Let a member of the media tell you.
Leslie Marshall, a nationally syndicated liberal radio host, said the mainstream media are not covering the rallies because they're not worthy of coverage.
How about that! Small rallies in 10 cities protesting the war get extensive coverage, but the biggest tax protest in the history of America is ignored! If you are against higher taxes and increased spending, apparently your views are not important! But you can bet your bottom dollar (before taxes get it) that the mainstream will do all they can to get Congress to pass President Obama's trillion dollar tax raise.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Obama's ideas are not original to him - see this political cartoon from 1934!
In case you can't read all the tiny print, here's what everything says:
The little character of Stalin on the bottom right corner is saying "How red the sunrise is getting!"
The wagon says, "Depleting the resources of the soundest government in the world"
Prominent political figures are dumping dollars out of the wagon as fast as they can shovel.
The little guy in the bottom left is saying, "It worked in Russia!" and he's writing out the plan of action for the U.S. "Spend! Spend! Spend: Under the guise of recovery - bust the government - blame the capitalists for the failure - junk the Constitution and declare a dictatorship"
The Young Pinkies from Columbia and Harvard are the guys in black graduation gowns and motorboards, getting drunk on a bottle that says "power."
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Great Lunch or Dinner Idea
Soups/Stews
We are huge fans of soups and stews. I could eat them all year ‘round, but my family prefers them in the cooler months. I have a vegetable beef soup base to which I add any number of items I have on hand. So far, no combination has been rejected. Every time I make a pot of soup, the kids say, “Oh, Mamma, that looks/smells GOOD! When’s dinner?”
The beauty of the soup/stew base is that it is SO EASY to use and add to! You do not have to spend hours chopping and dicing vegetables!
Base: Campbell’s Vegetable Beef condensed soup, either 2 small cans or 1 large family-size can. To this I add any combination of the following:
1 can blackeyed peas, not drained
1 can whole kernel corn, not drained
1 can carrots, not drained
1 can kidney beans (any color), drained
1 can peas, not drained
1-2 cans diced potatoes, not drained
1 large or 2 small cubes of beef builllon
(frozen peas, carrots, corn, or green beans can be substituted for the canned items)
1 can corned beef hash or about 1 cup of cooked ground beef
Seasoning to taste
You can add 1-2 cups of water for a soupier consistency, or drain some of the vegetables before adding for a more stew-like consistency.
Serve with crackers. The soup costs about 75 cents a can. The veggies are usually about 50 cents a can in my area. The corned beef is about $1 a can. Ground beef is generally $2.25 a pound. I can make a huge pot of soup that will feed 8-10 people or more for about $6.00. Crackers are $2.00/box, and we would use ½ box. Total cost: $7.00 (88 cpp if serving 8 people)
If you prefer a stew, you can serve it over rice.
Of course, if you have special dietary needs which require less fat or sodium, you can buy the healthier soup versions and canned vegetables which are available. The price will go up some, but it is still cheaper than eating out!
We are huge fans of soups and stews. I could eat them all year ‘round, but my family prefers them in the cooler months. I have a vegetable beef soup base to which I add any number of items I have on hand. So far, no combination has been rejected. Every time I make a pot of soup, the kids say, “Oh, Mamma, that looks/smells GOOD! When’s dinner?”
The beauty of the soup/stew base is that it is SO EASY to use and add to! You do not have to spend hours chopping and dicing vegetables!
Base: Campbell’s Vegetable Beef condensed soup, either 2 small cans or 1 large family-size can. To this I add any combination of the following:
1 can blackeyed peas, not drained
1 can whole kernel corn, not drained
1 can carrots, not drained
1 can kidney beans (any color), drained
1 can peas, not drained
1-2 cans diced potatoes, not drained
1 large or 2 small cubes of beef builllon
(frozen peas, carrots, corn, or green beans can be substituted for the canned items)
1 can corned beef hash or about 1 cup of cooked ground beef
Seasoning to taste
You can add 1-2 cups of water for a soupier consistency, or drain some of the vegetables before adding for a more stew-like consistency.
Serve with crackers. The soup costs about 75 cents a can. The veggies are usually about 50 cents a can in my area. The corned beef is about $1 a can. Ground beef is generally $2.25 a pound. I can make a huge pot of soup that will feed 8-10 people or more for about $6.00. Crackers are $2.00/box, and we would use ½ box. Total cost: $7.00 (88 cpp if serving 8 people)
If you prefer a stew, you can serve it over rice.
Of course, if you have special dietary needs which require less fat or sodium, you can buy the healthier soup versions and canned vegetables which are available. The price will go up some, but it is still cheaper than eating out!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Eating Better Than Beans! Sneak Preview of My New ebook
I'm putting together a new freebie (well - it will be free for a limited time!). It's an ebook on how we feed our family of 8 for about $600 a month.
I realize $600 is not record-breaking cheap - I've read many articles on families who only spend $30-$50 a week on food, but that's because they eat a TON of dried beans and cornbread. $600 is cheap for a huge portion of the population. Statistics for average spending for a family of four range from $560 to a whopping $1100 per month! So $600 is pretty good!
We eat a wide variety of food around here, and we eat meat. We are not vegetarians and I make no apology for that. I do like dried beans; I use beans several times a month. But I don't use them 3-4 times a week. I also don't make pan after pan of cornbread and biscuits.
Anyway, I thought I would share some recipes with my faithful readers over the next few days. I'll start with Breakfast Items:
cpp = cents per person
Apple Raisin Oatmeal
Prepare oatmeal for 8 people as directed on the package. Add 1 small jar applesauce, ½ box raisins, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon. Stir well. Serve.
Costs: ¼ lg. round container of oatmeal ~ 50 cents) + 1 sm. jar applesauce ~ $1.00 + ½ box raisins ~ $1.00 + .20 (sugar) + .10 (cinnamon) = $2.80 (35 cpp)
Pancakes
I used to make my own mix. Now I buy a box mix. There are several brands, and they all work about the same. Just add water, mix well, and pour onto a hot griddle. It’s a fast and simple hot breakfast. Serve with butter, jam, peanut butter, or syrup.
Box mixes usually cost ~ $2.00 and last my family for 2 breakfasts.
1 Bottle of maple syrup ~ $2.00 and lasts about 4 breakfasts.
Butter costs ~ $2.39 for 4 sticks
Jam ~ $1.50 a jar, lasts for 4 breakfasts
peanut butter ~ $3 a jar. lasts for many breakfasts
Costs: ½ box mix + ¼ bottle syrup + ¼ box butter = $2.10 to make enough pancakes for 8 people. (26 cpp)
Waffles
Usually the pancake mixes will also be used for making waffles, simply by adding an egg or two and by substituting milk for water. This may increase the above cost of pancakes by about 25 cents, or .03 cpp.
Kielbasa Toss with Scrambled Eggs
Fry together:
One pound sliced kielbasa sausage
1 diced onion
1 diced green pepper
In another frying pan, fry up scrambled eggs, using 12 eggs and ½ cup milk, whisked together. Salt and pepper to taste.
Costs: Kielbasa ~ $2.60 + Onion ~ .30 + Bell pepper ~ .60 + Dozen eggs ~ 1.25 + Milk ~ .13 = $4.88. Serves 8. (61 cpp)
I realize $600 is not record-breaking cheap - I've read many articles on families who only spend $30-$50 a week on food, but that's because they eat a TON of dried beans and cornbread. $600 is cheap for a huge portion of the population. Statistics for average spending for a family of four range from $560 to a whopping $1100 per month! So $600 is pretty good!
We eat a wide variety of food around here, and we eat meat. We are not vegetarians and I make no apology for that. I do like dried beans; I use beans several times a month. But I don't use them 3-4 times a week. I also don't make pan after pan of cornbread and biscuits.
Anyway, I thought I would share some recipes with my faithful readers over the next few days. I'll start with Breakfast Items:
cpp = cents per person
Apple Raisin Oatmeal
Prepare oatmeal for 8 people as directed on the package. Add 1 small jar applesauce, ½ box raisins, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon. Stir well. Serve.
Costs: ¼ lg. round container of oatmeal ~ 50 cents) + 1 sm. jar applesauce ~ $1.00 + ½ box raisins ~ $1.00 + .20 (sugar) + .10 (cinnamon) = $2.80 (35 cpp)
Pancakes
I used to make my own mix. Now I buy a box mix. There are several brands, and they all work about the same. Just add water, mix well, and pour onto a hot griddle. It’s a fast and simple hot breakfast. Serve with butter, jam, peanut butter, or syrup.
Box mixes usually cost ~ $2.00 and last my family for 2 breakfasts.
1 Bottle of maple syrup ~ $2.00 and lasts about 4 breakfasts.
Butter costs ~ $2.39 for 4 sticks
Jam ~ $1.50 a jar, lasts for 4 breakfasts
peanut butter ~ $3 a jar. lasts for many breakfasts
Costs: ½ box mix + ¼ bottle syrup + ¼ box butter = $2.10 to make enough pancakes for 8 people. (26 cpp)
Waffles
Usually the pancake mixes will also be used for making waffles, simply by adding an egg or two and by substituting milk for water. This may increase the above cost of pancakes by about 25 cents, or .03 cpp.
Kielbasa Toss with Scrambled Eggs
Fry together:
One pound sliced kielbasa sausage
1 diced onion
1 diced green pepper
In another frying pan, fry up scrambled eggs, using 12 eggs and ½ cup milk, whisked together. Salt and pepper to taste.
Costs: Kielbasa ~ $2.60 + Onion ~ .30 + Bell pepper ~ .60 + Dozen eggs ~ 1.25 + Milk ~ .13 = $4.88. Serves 8. (61 cpp)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Facebook homeschooling page
From a fellow self-publsiher:
I'd like to invite you all to the new "Homeschooling" Facebook page (4817
fans now).
Here's the URL of the page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Homeschooling/45899427713
Discuss homeschooling with like-minded families, post family photos and
homeschool videos, and read posts from numerous publishers who write about
their materials. Homeschooling sends out freebies every Friday to all the
fans - they go out as Updates and arrive in the fan's Update box.
I'd love to have your input on the page.
Laurie Bluedorn
I'd like to invite you all to the new "Homeschooling" Facebook page (4817
fans now).
Here's the URL of the page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Homeschooling/45899427713
Discuss homeschooling with like-minded families, post family photos and
homeschool videos, and read posts from numerous publishers who write about
their materials. Homeschooling sends out freebies every Friday to all the
fans - they go out as Updates and arrive in the fan's Update box.
I'd love to have your input on the page.
Laurie Bluedorn
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Ebook Review: EXCELLENT Resource for Audio Learning by Amy Blevins
Amy Blevins is the creative author of a fantastic ebook called Listening to Learn! Using Audio Files in Your Homeschool.
Due to a breathing disorder, this homeschooling mom was forced to find a way to teach her children in a wide variety of subjects without having to do a lot of reading out loud. She discovered the wonderful world of audio files!
Listening to Learn! is written in a simple, “coffee table” format which is easy to understand. The author begins with an introduction of what audio files are and how they can be used. She also provides detailed graphics and information for using a wide variety of electronic devices, such as mp3 players, speakers, car audio cassette adaptors, and FM transmitters. Amy provides charts and logs for keeping track of files which a family desires to listen to.
One of the things I liked best was that she includes actual graphics of computer screens when explaining how to download items. The colors are great and the clarity is quite good.
She explains how to use your local library’s audio files and lending procedures, including information on Overdrive – a great way to download files in your own home.
Probably the most outstanding feature of the book is the extensive list of resources which Amy provides. Each resource is listed with a brief description. She also describes the benefits of podcasts for homeschoolers, explains how to use them, and lists 16 of her recommendations.
Listening to Learn! covers free music files, poetry files, Scripture memory, math memory, several pages of history files, holiday files, speech and communication files, children’s books, and classical books. She also has a section devoted to encouraging homeschooling moms. This sections lists several on-line places moms can go for help and tips, listen to homeschool conferences, and more.
To summarize: If you have been wondering how to get more school time into your busy day, you should really consider audio learning. Amy brings out how to jam-pack your children’s lives with interesting stories, facts, history, music, great literature, and more – all while doing chores or driving to appointments. “Down” time can be learning time – and it’s fun! Children won’t even realize they’re learning, it’ll be so much fun!
To order a copy of her book, go to:
http://bowofbronze.com/listeningtolearn.html
Due to a breathing disorder, this homeschooling mom was forced to find a way to teach her children in a wide variety of subjects without having to do a lot of reading out loud. She discovered the wonderful world of audio files!
Listening to Learn! is written in a simple, “coffee table” format which is easy to understand. The author begins with an introduction of what audio files are and how they can be used. She also provides detailed graphics and information for using a wide variety of electronic devices, such as mp3 players, speakers, car audio cassette adaptors, and FM transmitters. Amy provides charts and logs for keeping track of files which a family desires to listen to.
One of the things I liked best was that she includes actual graphics of computer screens when explaining how to download items. The colors are great and the clarity is quite good.
She explains how to use your local library’s audio files and lending procedures, including information on Overdrive – a great way to download files in your own home.
Probably the most outstanding feature of the book is the extensive list of resources which Amy provides. Each resource is listed with a brief description. She also describes the benefits of podcasts for homeschoolers, explains how to use them, and lists 16 of her recommendations.
Listening to Learn! covers free music files, poetry files, Scripture memory, math memory, several pages of history files, holiday files, speech and communication files, children’s books, and classical books. She also has a section devoted to encouraging homeschooling moms. This sections lists several on-line places moms can go for help and tips, listen to homeschool conferences, and more.
To summarize: If you have been wondering how to get more school time into your busy day, you should really consider audio learning. Amy brings out how to jam-pack your children’s lives with interesting stories, facts, history, music, great literature, and more – all while doing chores or driving to appointments. “Down” time can be learning time – and it’s fun! Children won’t even realize they’re learning, it’ll be so much fun!
To order a copy of her book, go to:
http://bowofbronze.com/listeningtolearn.html
Monday, March 30, 2009
Mt. Sinai Revival (Pickens, SC) Going into 9th Week!
Hey everyone!
So many folks have been able to attend one or more of these wonderful meetings! I just wanted to let you all know that they are in their 9th week this week! I have received a few notes from some of the members (they've seen my blog). Each one is so excited to be a part of this moving of the Holy Spirit! Here's a portion of today's email, from a member who has been at Mt. Sinai for 20 years:
"This is the most amazing Revival I have ever been in.. we have had many, but we have never seen God settle in like this... We are more than Honored. For the first 4 weeks it was like we were all just in a daze. Now we are going into our 9th week and its like we just started. Everyone is just so excited to get to Church and after the service is over no one wants to go leave.. I have heard and read about those kind of Revivals but never thought I would be in the middle of one. This far 109 souls have been saved, 8 called to preach, 1 to the mission field. and countless folks have got help. I run into people everywhere who tell me how the Lord has just revived their soul. praise God. One of our young men was reading in pslams and God gave him this verse.
Psalms:118:23: This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."
The theme song they've been using for their revival services is "God's Been Good" and these are the words, in case you've never heard it:
God's Been Good!
Verse 1
Lately I've been looking back, along this winding road
To the old familiar markers of the mercies I have known
I know it may sound simple but it's more than a cliche
There's no better way to tell you, than to say
Chorus
God's been good in my life
I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night
And though I've had my share of hard times, I wouldn't change them if I could
'Cause through it all, God's been good
Verse 2
Times replay and I can see that I've cried some bitter tears
But I felt His arms around me, as I faced my greatest fears
You see I've had more gains than losses and I've known more joy than hurt
As His grace rolled down upon me undeserved
Bridge
For God has been my Father, my Savior and my Friend
His love was my beginning, and His love will be my end
I could spend forever trying to tell you everything He is
But the best that I can say it is this
Chorus
God's been good in my life
I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night
And though I've had my share of hard times, I wouldn't change them if I could
'Cause through it all, God's been good.
So many folks have been able to attend one or more of these wonderful meetings! I just wanted to let you all know that they are in their 9th week this week! I have received a few notes from some of the members (they've seen my blog). Each one is so excited to be a part of this moving of the Holy Spirit! Here's a portion of today's email, from a member who has been at Mt. Sinai for 20 years:
"This is the most amazing Revival I have ever been in.. we have had many, but we have never seen God settle in like this... We are more than Honored. For the first 4 weeks it was like we were all just in a daze. Now we are going into our 9th week and its like we just started. Everyone is just so excited to get to Church and after the service is over no one wants to go leave.. I have heard and read about those kind of Revivals but never thought I would be in the middle of one. This far 109 souls have been saved, 8 called to preach, 1 to the mission field. and countless folks have got help. I run into people everywhere who tell me how the Lord has just revived their soul. praise God. One of our young men was reading in pslams and God gave him this verse.
Psalms:118:23: This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."
The theme song they've been using for their revival services is "God's Been Good" and these are the words, in case you've never heard it:
God's Been Good!
Verse 1
Lately I've been looking back, along this winding road
To the old familiar markers of the mercies I have known
I know it may sound simple but it's more than a cliche
There's no better way to tell you, than to say
Chorus
God's been good in my life
I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night
And though I've had my share of hard times, I wouldn't change them if I could
'Cause through it all, God's been good
Verse 2
Times replay and I can see that I've cried some bitter tears
But I felt His arms around me, as I faced my greatest fears
You see I've had more gains than losses and I've known more joy than hurt
As His grace rolled down upon me undeserved
Bridge
For God has been my Father, my Savior and my Friend
His love was my beginning, and His love will be my end
I could spend forever trying to tell you everything He is
But the best that I can say it is this
Chorus
God's been good in my life
I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night
And though I've had my share of hard times, I wouldn't change them if I could
'Cause through it all, God's been good.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Rainy Days - Beautiful Days!
Yes, it is still raining here in SC. I love to say those words. I love to write those words. I love to read those words. It's raining in SC!!! To those of you suffering from the swollen rivers in the Northwest, I'm sure you cannot appreciate the thrill in my saying, "It's raining!" But to all of us living through this multi-year drought in the Southeast, this is an incredible blessing from Heaven.
For instance - there is actually water running more than an ankle deep in the local Reedy River. That's a miracle! A few years after moving here, my husband and I canoed down part of the Reedy, not too far from our home. We haven't been able to do that for years, the water has been so low. Maybe, just maybe, a canoe will be seen again soon...
Small creeks and springs have been drying up all over the South. There is a pond on our way to Simpsonville which used to be quite large and beautiful. For the past five years the water level has continued to drop. The farmer finally had to put a fence around the pond because the bacteria level was so high and the water level so low, he was losing cattle. Now, the water level is actually rising! What a blessing!
Many homeowners here in SC have had to drill new wells because the old ones dried up. Folks on city water may think, "Okay, what's the big deal about drilling a new well?" I know one family that paid over $6,000 to finally reach water; then discovered it was unsuitable for drinking because the parts per million of a certain metal were too high. Drilling a new well is an expensive gamble, but one many families have no choice but to do. Having it rain and rain and rain will slowly bring up the underground water levels and probably spare hundreds from having to re-drill this summer.
I am praising the Lord for the rain!!! May He let it continue to rain and bring up our lake levels. May He bless us with good crops this year. Praise the Lord and pass the rain barrels!!!
For instance - there is actually water running more than an ankle deep in the local Reedy River. That's a miracle! A few years after moving here, my husband and I canoed down part of the Reedy, not too far from our home. We haven't been able to do that for years, the water has been so low. Maybe, just maybe, a canoe will be seen again soon...
Small creeks and springs have been drying up all over the South. There is a pond on our way to Simpsonville which used to be quite large and beautiful. For the past five years the water level has continued to drop. The farmer finally had to put a fence around the pond because the bacteria level was so high and the water level so low, he was losing cattle. Now, the water level is actually rising! What a blessing!
Many homeowners here in SC have had to drill new wells because the old ones dried up. Folks on city water may think, "Okay, what's the big deal about drilling a new well?" I know one family that paid over $6,000 to finally reach water; then discovered it was unsuitable for drinking because the parts per million of a certain metal were too high. Drilling a new well is an expensive gamble, but one many families have no choice but to do. Having it rain and rain and rain will slowly bring up the underground water levels and probably spare hundreds from having to re-drill this summer.
I am praising the Lord for the rain!!! May He let it continue to rain and bring up our lake levels. May He bless us with good crops this year. Praise the Lord and pass the rain barrels!!!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Seventh Week of Revival at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Pickens, SC
This is the seventh straight week of services at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church and they've had 5 saved so far this week. Since the revival began: almost 90 salvations, 4 men called to preach, 1 person surrendered for the mission field.
For the 2nd time since their revival begain, our Pastor moved our Wednesday night service to Mt. Sinai. The first time, there were 7 other churches present that Wed. eve. Tonight, only 3 churches did, so there was more seating space. We got there 30 minutes early, giving me a little more time to count. There were at least 120 in the pews and about 50 in the choir. My guess is that on Mon, Tue, Thur, and Fri they are averaging 275-300 people in their sanctuary.
Tonight, the pastor mentioned a church called State Line that's been holding week long revival services since the beginning of the year! Last night they had standing room only! And the pastor there told the pastor at Mt. Sinai that their church had been praying for the revival going on at Mt. Sinai! Isn't that GOOD! That's the way sister churches are supposed to be - not worrying about sheep-stealing but playing on the same team!! Wahoo!
I love to watch the choir sing. First, though, you need an understanding of what's been going on there. Every week night for 7 weeks they've been at church. Saturday night the teens have a special time of prayer for revival. Sunday they have services and their own pastor preaches, while Mark Stroud preaches in his own church. (Yes, I finally learned his last name!) The choir sings anywhere from 2-4 songs when we've been there. I assume they are singing as usual on Sundays. That means the choir is singing 15-25 songs a WEEK. Then there are folks doing specials. Then part of the regular choir is also part of the teen choir, and they sing every night. The theme song is "God's Been Good" and He sure has! He's been sustaining the choir, the choir director, and all the folks from Mt. Sinai who have been present for some 33 revival services, plus regular services on Sundays, and he's sustaining the preacher. Folks, these people have got to be getting tired physically, but you can't tell it when you see them sing and testify!
And I have to point out here that these are not professional singers - this is not what they do for a living. This is just a regular church choir. They are also not enticing people to attend services because they have a "rocking praise and worship team" complete with blaring rock music. This is South Carolina, these are Southern people, and they sing Southern, Gospel, Christ-centered hymns. The kind of songs that reach down and touch your heart and leave your toes alone!
In the back row of the choir, there's an older gentleman near the end. That man smiles through most every song he sings. Tonight they are singing a song in which we are compelled to lean on Christ, and he periodically raises his hand for a couple seconds, signifying "AMEN" to a particular phrase he's singing. I'm guessing he's seen enough of life to know there's no Other One to lean on. There are a lot of choir members smiling tonight. Tired? They have to be. But they are electrified and upheld by the Spirit of God, rejoicing that the Lord has chosen this church in this sleepy hollow of SC to bless with a revival.
As they begin a second song, I notice hands around the sanctuary are briefly lifted from time to time in testimony of God's promises, which the choir sings about. One line says something like, "we've often failed the Lord but He's never failed us" and many raise their hand or say "Amen." But it's not loud and distracting or confusing. It's simply a testimony of truth and faithfulness.
Before the preacher comes, I'm struck with this thought: Revival has not come to this church because they have a multi-million dollar campus, although they do have a beautiful sanctuary. Revival has not come because they have hired in professional singers or a nationally known preacher, although the singing is whole and true and the preacher is without question being used by God. Revival didn't come to this church because the members are all rich; indeed, I do not feel out of place at all, and folks who know us know we are far from being considered "rich." It's "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." (Zec.4:6) This is not of man. This is not manufactured or faked or put on for television. This is God moving in the hearts of His people. And it all started because the teens started praying some 9 or 10 weeks ago.
The atmosphere is more quiet tonight than in some of the other services we've attended, some 4-5 by now. But God speaks in a still small voice when He speaks to your heart. The preacher chose as his text Isaiah 6:1-11. When King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw God high and lifted up and he saw himself as a man of unclean lips, unworthy. In spite of our current national needs, of which there are many, we can still see God high and lifted up.
He talked about the Glory of God and what it can do in our hearts and lives, and how it should be evident on our faces. He said we need glory and not T-shirts and bracelets! I loved that.
What will fix our country? 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
This is revival. I'm watching a true revival. Not something faked for attention. Oh I've been in enough services where the hootin' and hollerin' brought lots of attention on the hooter and hollerer, but not to God. This is not like that. Yes, some of the services have had some shouting, but it's never drowned out the preaching of the Word of God.
Here's something else: The preacher does not demand the babies be removed from the sanctuary. As a matter of fact, I didn't realize until a week or so ago they even had a nursery available because there are many children in the service. For the most part, they are quiet. If they become loud, the parent steps into the foyer with them, but they can still hear the message. These little ones are experiencing a great moving of God. Will they remember this? Maybe, maybe not. But I'm going to remind my 2-yr-old of the revival services he was in when he grows old enough to understand. He sits with us. Only once have I had to take him out.
Also, the preachers aren't following a formal "program." They follow the leading of the Lord. The pastor of the church opens the services, and the order from there has been different every time. Sometimes the youth choir sings, then there's handshaking, sometimes not, sometimes the youth choir sings last, sometimes the specials come before the offering sometimes not, sometimes Bro. Stroud preaches and sometimes he just talks... Can you picture too many churches today doing that? But every time, the Lord is using the service to reach hearts.
One couple was close to divorce. They came to a service and got saved and their marriage is restored. One girl was ready to give up on life, but decided to give God her final try. He saved her - He not only spared her physical life, but He's granted her eternal life. Teens who've grown up in church are getting saved. Couples are getting right - women are submitting to their husbands, husbands are loving their wives, children and parents are setting things right. Teens are being called to be faithful in prayer and witnessing and devotions. They are expressing genuine concern over the souls of their family members. Grown men are crying and giving public testimonies of what God has done in their lives. I guess that last one impresses me a lot. I often wonder "where are the men in America's churches?" So many of them stay home, watching football or whatever. Our nation is falling apart and they'd rather be cushy couch potatoes than get right before God and beg God to right our country and save their neighbors and family members. But in this revival I'm watching the Spirit of God move on men - MEN! - and draw them to Him. Boy is that exciting!!!
I guess the only thing that's more exciting than that is watching the number of teens that seem completely sold out for God in this revival. Folks, this is the next generation. If God doesn't draw them to Himself, we're going to lose an entire generation. That's the future of the church. I'm so excited to see these young people on fire, having the incredible privilege of watching a moving of God in their midst.
If they go for an eighth week I hope to be able to attend another service. I would love to live closer. I would love even more for this to spread throughout the upstate of South Carolina, across the southeast, and across the country.
God offers Himself to us freely. Why are we settling for the world's fake copies? Our churches are becoming impotent against the floods of sin and immorality. We need revival to sweep our country. We need to pray. To seek God. I mean really seek God. Not just say it. God's stirring up our country for a reason. We better get on board.
For the 2nd time since their revival begain, our Pastor moved our Wednesday night service to Mt. Sinai. The first time, there were 7 other churches present that Wed. eve. Tonight, only 3 churches did, so there was more seating space. We got there 30 minutes early, giving me a little more time to count. There were at least 120 in the pews and about 50 in the choir. My guess is that on Mon, Tue, Thur, and Fri they are averaging 275-300 people in their sanctuary.
Tonight, the pastor mentioned a church called State Line that's been holding week long revival services since the beginning of the year! Last night they had standing room only! And the pastor there told the pastor at Mt. Sinai that their church had been praying for the revival going on at Mt. Sinai! Isn't that GOOD! That's the way sister churches are supposed to be - not worrying about sheep-stealing but playing on the same team!! Wahoo!
I love to watch the choir sing. First, though, you need an understanding of what's been going on there. Every week night for 7 weeks they've been at church. Saturday night the teens have a special time of prayer for revival. Sunday they have services and their own pastor preaches, while Mark Stroud preaches in his own church. (Yes, I finally learned his last name!) The choir sings anywhere from 2-4 songs when we've been there. I assume they are singing as usual on Sundays. That means the choir is singing 15-25 songs a WEEK. Then there are folks doing specials. Then part of the regular choir is also part of the teen choir, and they sing every night. The theme song is "God's Been Good" and He sure has! He's been sustaining the choir, the choir director, and all the folks from Mt. Sinai who have been present for some 33 revival services, plus regular services on Sundays, and he's sustaining the preacher. Folks, these people have got to be getting tired physically, but you can't tell it when you see them sing and testify!
And I have to point out here that these are not professional singers - this is not what they do for a living. This is just a regular church choir. They are also not enticing people to attend services because they have a "rocking praise and worship team" complete with blaring rock music. This is South Carolina, these are Southern people, and they sing Southern, Gospel, Christ-centered hymns. The kind of songs that reach down and touch your heart and leave your toes alone!
In the back row of the choir, there's an older gentleman near the end. That man smiles through most every song he sings. Tonight they are singing a song in which we are compelled to lean on Christ, and he periodically raises his hand for a couple seconds, signifying "AMEN" to a particular phrase he's singing. I'm guessing he's seen enough of life to know there's no Other One to lean on. There are a lot of choir members smiling tonight. Tired? They have to be. But they are electrified and upheld by the Spirit of God, rejoicing that the Lord has chosen this church in this sleepy hollow of SC to bless with a revival.
As they begin a second song, I notice hands around the sanctuary are briefly lifted from time to time in testimony of God's promises, which the choir sings about. One line says something like, "we've often failed the Lord but He's never failed us" and many raise their hand or say "Amen." But it's not loud and distracting or confusing. It's simply a testimony of truth and faithfulness.
Before the preacher comes, I'm struck with this thought: Revival has not come to this church because they have a multi-million dollar campus, although they do have a beautiful sanctuary. Revival has not come because they have hired in professional singers or a nationally known preacher, although the singing is whole and true and the preacher is without question being used by God. Revival didn't come to this church because the members are all rich; indeed, I do not feel out of place at all, and folks who know us know we are far from being considered "rich." It's "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." (Zec.4:6) This is not of man. This is not manufactured or faked or put on for television. This is God moving in the hearts of His people. And it all started because the teens started praying some 9 or 10 weeks ago.
The atmosphere is more quiet tonight than in some of the other services we've attended, some 4-5 by now. But God speaks in a still small voice when He speaks to your heart. The preacher chose as his text Isaiah 6:1-11. When King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw God high and lifted up and he saw himself as a man of unclean lips, unworthy. In spite of our current national needs, of which there are many, we can still see God high and lifted up.
He talked about the Glory of God and what it can do in our hearts and lives, and how it should be evident on our faces. He said we need glory and not T-shirts and bracelets! I loved that.
What will fix our country? 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
This is revival. I'm watching a true revival. Not something faked for attention. Oh I've been in enough services where the hootin' and hollerin' brought lots of attention on the hooter and hollerer, but not to God. This is not like that. Yes, some of the services have had some shouting, but it's never drowned out the preaching of the Word of God.
Here's something else: The preacher does not demand the babies be removed from the sanctuary. As a matter of fact, I didn't realize until a week or so ago they even had a nursery available because there are many children in the service. For the most part, they are quiet. If they become loud, the parent steps into the foyer with them, but they can still hear the message. These little ones are experiencing a great moving of God. Will they remember this? Maybe, maybe not. But I'm going to remind my 2-yr-old of the revival services he was in when he grows old enough to understand. He sits with us. Only once have I had to take him out.
Also, the preachers aren't following a formal "program." They follow the leading of the Lord. The pastor of the church opens the services, and the order from there has been different every time. Sometimes the youth choir sings, then there's handshaking, sometimes not, sometimes the youth choir sings last, sometimes the specials come before the offering sometimes not, sometimes Bro. Stroud preaches and sometimes he just talks... Can you picture too many churches today doing that? But every time, the Lord is using the service to reach hearts.
One couple was close to divorce. They came to a service and got saved and their marriage is restored. One girl was ready to give up on life, but decided to give God her final try. He saved her - He not only spared her physical life, but He's granted her eternal life. Teens who've grown up in church are getting saved. Couples are getting right - women are submitting to their husbands, husbands are loving their wives, children and parents are setting things right. Teens are being called to be faithful in prayer and witnessing and devotions. They are expressing genuine concern over the souls of their family members. Grown men are crying and giving public testimonies of what God has done in their lives. I guess that last one impresses me a lot. I often wonder "where are the men in America's churches?" So many of them stay home, watching football or whatever. Our nation is falling apart and they'd rather be cushy couch potatoes than get right before God and beg God to right our country and save their neighbors and family members. But in this revival I'm watching the Spirit of God move on men - MEN! - and draw them to Him. Boy is that exciting!!!
I guess the only thing that's more exciting than that is watching the number of teens that seem completely sold out for God in this revival. Folks, this is the next generation. If God doesn't draw them to Himself, we're going to lose an entire generation. That's the future of the church. I'm so excited to see these young people on fire, having the incredible privilege of watching a moving of God in their midst.
If they go for an eighth week I hope to be able to attend another service. I would love to live closer. I would love even more for this to spread throughout the upstate of South Carolina, across the southeast, and across the country.
God offers Himself to us freely. Why are we settling for the world's fake copies? Our churches are becoming impotent against the floods of sin and immorality. We need revival to sweep our country. We need to pray. To seek God. I mean really seek God. Not just say it. God's stirring up our country for a reason. We better get on board.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Ammunition Costs Will Be Sky-high Soon
I realize not everyone reading this post is a gun-enthusiast. However, I think most of you will agree that the Constitution protects our rights to own weapons. Obama obviously disagrees with this opinion. Of course! Why would someone who wants socialism to be the "New Deal" be interested in arming his citizens?! This article came to me today via an email. I have to share it. If you think you might EVER need a gun and ammunition, you better run as fast as you can to buy all you will ever need...at least until we get some conservatives in office to right all these wrongs.
We went to a gun show earlier this year - prices for regular handguns and rifles had already doubled from the previous year. It's only going to get worse, folks.
*********************************************************
Obama Administration policy to force ammo prices through the roof
Defense Dept. to stop sale of once-fired brass
March 17, 2009 - We have verified through multiple sources that the Department of Defense is suspending the sale of all once-fired brass cartridge cases.
This will drastically reduce the availability of inexpensive ammunition, and is bound to drive up the already rising cost of ammunition.
From Georgia Arms:
"Effective immediately DOD Surplus, LLC, will be implementing new requirements for mutilation of fired shell casings. The new DRMS requirement calls for DOD Surplus personnel to witness the mutilation of the property and sign the Certificate of Destruction. Mutilation of the property can be done at the DRMO, if permitted by the Government, or it may be mutilated at a site chosen by the buyer. Mutilation means that the property will be destroyed to the extent prevents its reuse or reconstruction. DOD Surplus personnel will determine when property has been sufficiently mutilated to meet the requirements of the Government. "
What's at stake?
The price of target ammunition is not the only issue at stake. By mutilating once-fired brass cartridge cases, the government will lose 80% of the value of the cartridge cases as a commodity.
According to Denver Bullet, a company that reloads once-fired military brass, a pound of once-fired government brass runs around $2.00, while that same pound of scrap brass sells for $0.35. With international commodity prices falling, the price of scrap brass could fall even lower. In addition to the loss of value of brass cartridge cases as a commodity, the government will pay to ship and melt the mutilated once-fired brass to smelting furnaces in places like Alabama.
This massive mismanagement of taxpayer funds is clearly a policy decision driven by the Obama Administration's war on gun owners, rather than sound fiscal policy.
What you can do?
Contact your member of congress and members of the Armed Services Committee.
Congressional Democrats are very conscious of their position with gun owners. This makes them even more conscious of the demands and desires of their constituents. Many attribute the 1994 Republican take over of Congress to gun owners outrage over the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban.
From the New York Times:
But there is one issue that retains the power to leave Democrats quivering: gun rights. Gun issues still persistently tie the party in knots and have been used by Republicans to stall two major bills this year, with more likely to come.
“It is a hot-button issue,” said Representative Allen Boyd, Democrat of Florida, a longtime hunter and one of the moderates who typically split from the more liberal wing of the party to support the rights of gun owners. “Some people around here know they can use it as a wedge issue, and they try to do that.”
It is a particularly hot-button topic with veteran Congressional Democrats who believe the party's strong support for a 1994 assault weapons ban was the real reason they lost control of the House that year — not the House bank scandal, the failed health care initiative, the Contract with America or Newt Gingrich.
When you contact your member of Congress, tell them that taxpayers and gun owners deserve more than platitudes and policy driven grudges from the Obama Administration.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado's Congressional Delegation
Senators:
Senator Mark Udall
Party: Democrat
Address: B40E Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5941
Fax: (202) 224-6471
Senator Mike Bennett
Party: Democrat
Address: 702 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5852
Fax: (202) 224-5036
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. House of Representatives:
Representative Diana DeGette
District: 1
Party: Democrat
Address: 2421 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4431
Fax: (202) 225-5657
Representative Jared Polis
District: 2
Party: Democrat
Address: 501 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2161
Fax: (202) 226-7840
Representative John Salazar
District: 3
Party: Democrat
Address: 326 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4761
Fax: (202) 226-9669
Representative Betsy Markey
District: 4
Party: Democrat
Address: 1229 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4676
Fax: (202) 225-5870
Representative Doug Lamborn (a member of Armed Services)
District: 5
Party: Republican
Address: 437 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4422
Fax: (202) 226-2638
Representative Mike Coffman
District: 6
Party: Republican
Address: 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-7882
Fax: (202) 226-4623
Representative Ed Perlmutter
District: 7
Party: Democrat
Address: 415 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2645
Fax: (202) 225-5278
We went to a gun show earlier this year - prices for regular handguns and rifles had already doubled from the previous year. It's only going to get worse, folks.
*********************************************************
Obama Administration policy to force ammo prices through the roof
Defense Dept. to stop sale of once-fired brass
March 17, 2009 - We have verified through multiple sources that the Department of Defense is suspending the sale of all once-fired brass cartridge cases.
This will drastically reduce the availability of inexpensive ammunition, and is bound to drive up the already rising cost of ammunition.
From Georgia Arms:
"Effective immediately DOD Surplus, LLC, will be implementing new requirements for mutilation of fired shell casings. The new DRMS requirement calls for DOD Surplus personnel to witness the mutilation of the property and sign the Certificate of Destruction. Mutilation of the property can be done at the DRMO, if permitted by the Government, or it may be mutilated at a site chosen by the buyer. Mutilation means that the property will be destroyed to the extent prevents its reuse or reconstruction. DOD Surplus personnel will determine when property has been sufficiently mutilated to meet the requirements of the Government. "
What's at stake?
The price of target ammunition is not the only issue at stake. By mutilating once-fired brass cartridge cases, the government will lose 80% of the value of the cartridge cases as a commodity.
According to Denver Bullet, a company that reloads once-fired military brass, a pound of once-fired government brass runs around $2.00, while that same pound of scrap brass sells for $0.35. With international commodity prices falling, the price of scrap brass could fall even lower. In addition to the loss of value of brass cartridge cases as a commodity, the government will pay to ship and melt the mutilated once-fired brass to smelting furnaces in places like Alabama.
This massive mismanagement of taxpayer funds is clearly a policy decision driven by the Obama Administration's war on gun owners, rather than sound fiscal policy.
What you can do?
Contact your member of congress and members of the Armed Services Committee.
Congressional Democrats are very conscious of their position with gun owners. This makes them even more conscious of the demands and desires of their constituents. Many attribute the 1994 Republican take over of Congress to gun owners outrage over the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban.
From the New York Times:
But there is one issue that retains the power to leave Democrats quivering: gun rights. Gun issues still persistently tie the party in knots and have been used by Republicans to stall two major bills this year, with more likely to come.
“It is a hot-button issue,” said Representative Allen Boyd, Democrat of Florida, a longtime hunter and one of the moderates who typically split from the more liberal wing of the party to support the rights of gun owners. “Some people around here know they can use it as a wedge issue, and they try to do that.”
It is a particularly hot-button topic with veteran Congressional Democrats who believe the party's strong support for a 1994 assault weapons ban was the real reason they lost control of the House that year — not the House bank scandal, the failed health care initiative, the Contract with America or Newt Gingrich.
When you contact your member of Congress, tell them that taxpayers and gun owners deserve more than platitudes and policy driven grudges from the Obama Administration.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado's Congressional Delegation
Senators:
Senator Mark Udall
Party: Democrat
Address: B40E Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5941
Fax: (202) 224-6471
Senator Mike Bennett
Party: Democrat
Address: 702 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5852
Fax: (202) 224-5036
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. House of Representatives:
Representative Diana DeGette
District: 1
Party: Democrat
Address: 2421 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4431
Fax: (202) 225-5657
Representative Jared Polis
District: 2
Party: Democrat
Address: 501 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2161
Fax: (202) 226-7840
Representative John Salazar
District: 3
Party: Democrat
Address: 326 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4761
Fax: (202) 226-9669
Representative Betsy Markey
District: 4
Party: Democrat
Address: 1229 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4676
Fax: (202) 225-5870
Representative Doug Lamborn (a member of Armed Services)
District: 5
Party: Republican
Address: 437 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4422
Fax: (202) 226-2638
Representative Mike Coffman
District: 6
Party: Republican
Address: 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-7882
Fax: (202) 226-4623
Representative Ed Perlmutter
District: 7
Party: Democrat
Address: 415 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2645
Fax: (202) 225-5278
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Cleaning Up
Cleaning Up My Pantry:
Everything is organized again! I can find the food again, and the containers, and the glass jars, and the coffee. My kitchen is happy, I'm happy, my family is happy. This will last less than one week.
Cleaning Up My Chickens:
Oh yes-all 18 of them. I have chicks in my bathtub. Well, they've outgrown the box...and it's too cold to put them outside yet-so where else can they go? The tub is kind of convenient anyway. I can take them out and rinse out the tub and put them back after it's dry.
Cleaning Up My Time:
Spring cleaning...ah, yes. There's nothing like the scent of fresh air, disinfectant, and warm computer cables. Wait - what was that? Warm computer cables? Well, yes. See, I've been wasting entirely too much time on facebook applications. I love facebook - I have nothing against it as a means of keeping in touch with folks. But all the applications...well...let's just say I spent more time on them than was necessary. So I deleted them today. It's actually quite a liberating feeling. Now I can just go check updates and photos and see what's new with family and friends-and be off!
Cleaning Up Facebook for Employment:
Speaking of facebook, I am continually amazed at what some people will post, either as a status, a comment, or in photo format. The photos really scare me. What goes on in the heads of folks that post embarassing or exceedingly immodest photos? (Fortunately, I don't have a lot of friends on facebook with that problem, but I know others who do.) Employers are starting to look at facebook to see what a potential employee is really like. Not fair? Well, perhaps. But look at it from the employer's point of view: Do I want to hire this well-dressed, professional lady or gentleman...who blatantly advertises her/his use of drugs, alcohol, or worse, on facebook? Probably not. If I'm an employer, I'm going to be looking for someone with character and at least some standards. If a potential employee is going to advertise publicly what he or she does in his or her private life, then I'm as entitled as anyone else to view what is posted and make my decision from there. Let the potential employees out there beware - if you make yourself look foolish or irresponsible on facebook, myspace, youtube, etc., don't be surprised when the best jobs pass you by.
Everything is organized again! I can find the food again, and the containers, and the glass jars, and the coffee. My kitchen is happy, I'm happy, my family is happy. This will last less than one week.
Cleaning Up My Chickens:
Oh yes-all 18 of them. I have chicks in my bathtub. Well, they've outgrown the box...and it's too cold to put them outside yet-so where else can they go? The tub is kind of convenient anyway. I can take them out and rinse out the tub and put them back after it's dry.
Cleaning Up My Time:
Spring cleaning...ah, yes. There's nothing like the scent of fresh air, disinfectant, and warm computer cables. Wait - what was that? Warm computer cables? Well, yes. See, I've been wasting entirely too much time on facebook applications. I love facebook - I have nothing against it as a means of keeping in touch with folks. But all the applications...well...let's just say I spent more time on them than was necessary. So I deleted them today. It's actually quite a liberating feeling. Now I can just go check updates and photos and see what's new with family and friends-and be off!
Cleaning Up Facebook for Employment:
Speaking of facebook, I am continually amazed at what some people will post, either as a status, a comment, or in photo format. The photos really scare me. What goes on in the heads of folks that post embarassing or exceedingly immodest photos? (Fortunately, I don't have a lot of friends on facebook with that problem, but I know others who do.) Employers are starting to look at facebook to see what a potential employee is really like. Not fair? Well, perhaps. But look at it from the employer's point of view: Do I want to hire this well-dressed, professional lady or gentleman...who blatantly advertises her/his use of drugs, alcohol, or worse, on facebook? Probably not. If I'm an employer, I'm going to be looking for someone with character and at least some standards. If a potential employee is going to advertise publicly what he or she does in his or her private life, then I'm as entitled as anyone else to view what is posted and make my decision from there. Let the potential employees out there beware - if you make yourself look foolish or irresponsible on facebook, myspace, youtube, etc., don't be surprised when the best jobs pass you by.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
BOSTON TEA PARTY - Parties Across the USA
Okay - we had a "Boston" Tea Party in Greenville, SC, a few weeks ago. This is a great uprising of taxpayers who are demanding accountability from our federal government. Rallies were held in dozens of US cities. Now, here's something more - what a neat idea! I'm doing this! I received this email this week...
For more information on this topic, Google: The New American Tea Party.
On April 1, 2009, all Americans are asked to send ONE TEABAG to Washington, D.C. You do not have to enclose a note or any other information unless you so desire. Just a TEABAG. Your one voice will become a roar when joined with millions of others that feel the same way.
'New American Tea Pary' site survey showed over 90% of thousands said they would send the teabag on April 1. Why, April 1?? We want them to reach Washington by April 15. Will you do it? I will. Send it to: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C. 20500.
Ha ha ha - what a great idea. No, I did NOT check this on snopes to see if it was valid - I think it's a great idea, regardless!
For more information on this topic, Google: The New American Tea Party.
On April 1, 2009, all Americans are asked to send ONE TEABAG to Washington, D.C. You do not have to enclose a note or any other information unless you so desire. Just a TEABAG. Your one voice will become a roar when joined with millions of others that feel the same way.
'New American Tea Pary' site survey showed over 90% of thousands said they would send the teabag on April 1. Why, April 1?? We want them to reach Washington by April 15. Will you do it? I will. Send it to: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C. 20500.
Ha ha ha - what a great idea. No, I did NOT check this on snopes to see if it was valid - I think it's a great idea, regardless!
Friday, February 27, 2009
REVIVAL IN PICKENS, SC - MT. SINAI BAPTIST CHURCH
I have a TON of editing waiting for me to finish - but I HAVE to write about this NOW!
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Pickens, SC (not too far from Easley if you are looking at a map), is experiencing a true revival. I cannot explain it, but the presence of God is very real in these services. Over 60 people have been saved thus far.
They started having a regular revival meeting for their church of about 140 people...4 weeks ago! The Lord started moving and people were getting saved and attendance kept climbing, new folks were coming...so they extended it a week. Then another, then another - they announced yesterday they will start a 5th week on Monday.
We attended a Monday night service there last week. There were probably 240 people present. This isn't about some big name preacher they've paid big bucks to bring in (They pass an offering plate quickly, but there's no emphasis on giving money) - I can't even recall the preacher's last name. His first name is Mark and he pastors a church in NC. He's married and he has two (?) little kids. That's all I know about him. He doesn't talk about himself much - he just preaches. Nothing "new" or "enlightening" - just the simple truths of the Word of God. But the power of the Lord is at work all over the building. That night we were there we saw 6 teens and adults get saved, including a grandpa! One man came up to me and said, "I can't remember the last time I couldn't wait for work to be over so I could get to church!" These folks are really excited about what's happening.
We went again last night, partly because CJ asked if we could go again. I had wanted to attend another meeting there, but it's an hour drive for us. But if you have a teenager who is ASKING to attend a revival service, parent, you better make time to go!
Parking was everywhere! On the grass across from the church, down the road - I'm telling you, that building cannot hold all the people who are coming. We arrived 30 minutes ahead of service, and the sanctuary was packed! There were about 50 people who raised their hands as having never been there before. One lady said she'd arrived at 6:35 (services start at 7:30) and she had trouble finding seating. We can't all sit together - our teens sat in chairs set up in the vestibule and Curt and I sat in chairs along the back wall of the sanctuary. At a rough guess, I'd say there were close to 300 there last night.
Now I've been to tent meetings and I attended a Nazarene college and they get a little "active" -- but I've never seen what I saw last night. Folks were going forward and getting saved during the song service! All night long, people were popping up and getting right with God or their fellow Christians, rededicating their lives to Christ - and the preacher never even ended up preaching his message. He talked a lot about the Lord and what He's been doing, there were some testimonies of God's goodness, good music, a psalm (46 I think) was quoted by one gentleman and Scripture verses were quoted, but it was the Spirit of God moving in people's hearts. I felt transported in time, as if I could close my eyes and picture myself at an old-time revival - one where folks got up and got saved without needing an invitation.
Pastor Stafford and Jan attended a meeting last night in Landrum, SC, and they are apparently witnessing a similar moving of the Spirit.
Wouldn't it be awesome if this is just the beginning - perhaps we can see true revival spread through our land once again!
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Pickens, SC (not too far from Easley if you are looking at a map), is experiencing a true revival. I cannot explain it, but the presence of God is very real in these services. Over 60 people have been saved thus far.
They started having a regular revival meeting for their church of about 140 people...4 weeks ago! The Lord started moving and people were getting saved and attendance kept climbing, new folks were coming...so they extended it a week. Then another, then another - they announced yesterday they will start a 5th week on Monday.
We attended a Monday night service there last week. There were probably 240 people present. This isn't about some big name preacher they've paid big bucks to bring in (They pass an offering plate quickly, but there's no emphasis on giving money) - I can't even recall the preacher's last name. His first name is Mark and he pastors a church in NC. He's married and he has two (?) little kids. That's all I know about him. He doesn't talk about himself much - he just preaches. Nothing "new" or "enlightening" - just the simple truths of the Word of God. But the power of the Lord is at work all over the building. That night we were there we saw 6 teens and adults get saved, including a grandpa! One man came up to me and said, "I can't remember the last time I couldn't wait for work to be over so I could get to church!" These folks are really excited about what's happening.
We went again last night, partly because CJ asked if we could go again. I had wanted to attend another meeting there, but it's an hour drive for us. But if you have a teenager who is ASKING to attend a revival service, parent, you better make time to go!
Parking was everywhere! On the grass across from the church, down the road - I'm telling you, that building cannot hold all the people who are coming. We arrived 30 minutes ahead of service, and the sanctuary was packed! There were about 50 people who raised their hands as having never been there before. One lady said she'd arrived at 6:35 (services start at 7:30) and she had trouble finding seating. We can't all sit together - our teens sat in chairs set up in the vestibule and Curt and I sat in chairs along the back wall of the sanctuary. At a rough guess, I'd say there were close to 300 there last night.
Now I've been to tent meetings and I attended a Nazarene college and they get a little "active" -- but I've never seen what I saw last night. Folks were going forward and getting saved during the song service! All night long, people were popping up and getting right with God or their fellow Christians, rededicating their lives to Christ - and the preacher never even ended up preaching his message. He talked a lot about the Lord and what He's been doing, there were some testimonies of God's goodness, good music, a psalm (46 I think) was quoted by one gentleman and Scripture verses were quoted, but it was the Spirit of God moving in people's hearts. I felt transported in time, as if I could close my eyes and picture myself at an old-time revival - one where folks got up and got saved without needing an invitation.
Pastor Stafford and Jan attended a meeting last night in Landrum, SC, and they are apparently witnessing a similar moving of the Spirit.
Wouldn't it be awesome if this is just the beginning - perhaps we can see true revival spread through our land once again!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Great Raffle Going on at HomeschoolChristian.com
Hey folks - all you homeschoolers - the above site is having a raffle and they are giving away the neatest things! I had not seen this website before, but Martha Robinson of HomeschoolChristian.com is on my Christian Self-Publishing Loop. She sent out an invite to all of us self-publishers, asking us if we'd like to contribute something for the raffle. Of course, I said yes! So, among the vast array of items are two of my own - the Grains Unit Study and the Kitchen and Cooking Terminology Study. Everything she is raffling off is either individually worth about $20 or more, or she has "packages" of two or more items, totaling $20 or more. In any event - the values are fantastic and it's a fun way to try and win a bunch of cool stuff. Thought I would let you all know!
Gail
Gail
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Christian Work at Home
CWAHM.com Announces Work At Home 101 Most people are curious about working from home. We know others do it, but aren't sure how they do it. CWAHM.com's Work at Home 101 is designed to give you an overview of the choices available that will allow you to work from home. This online course will give you the starting place you've been searching for. Best of all - it's completely free! CLICK HERE! Some of the things covered during Work at Home 101: * Where to Start
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Monday, February 16, 2009
Jesus Loves Me
This was good. Got it today in an email:
JESUS LOVES ME:
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
Have no fear, for I am near.
(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love
(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
A 92-year old retired preacher was asked to speak to the congregation and tell them what the greatest lesson was that he'd learned after 50+ years of preaching. This is what he said:
Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
We are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me...
The Bible tells me so.'
A pastor once stated he'd noticed it was the adults who sing "Jesus Loves Me" the loudest because they
knew it the best.
Senior version of Jesus Loves Me:
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
We are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me...
The Bible tells me so.'
A pastor once stated he'd noticed it was the adults who sing "Jesus Loves Me" the loudest because they
knew it the best.
Senior version of Jesus Loves Me:
JESUS LOVES ME:
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
Have no fear, for I am near.
(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love
(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Random Thoughts on Valentine's Day
Last night was the Valentine Banquet at our church. We decorated (I'll post pictures as soon as I find the cable for my photo card reader!) and it was lovely! We all enjoyed sitting down in the candlelit atmosphere, chatting with good friends and enjoying one another's company. My wonderful hubby bought me a dozen roses, a super-soft teddy bear, and a helium balloon!
Eleonore and Willie attended, too. That was the first time Elly has had a date for a Valentine Banquet - and she's attending one with him tonight at his church, too! They sure are enjoying each other's company! Curt and I are very happy the Lord has brought them together and that they are taking their time getting to know each other. Willie is great about spending time with our family and all the kids really like having him around.
Tim Joiner brought a great devotional for the group. He recommended a book by a man whose first name escapes me, but his last name is Vinney. He wrote a book on the ministry of marriage - looks like a great book, and I'm anxious to read it. He brought out some very great points. As most of know, marriage is a symbol of Christ's relationship for the church. Our marriages are to bring honor and glory to God. This can be extremely difficult at times, but our heart's desire should always be to honor and glorify God. Does this desire begin at the marraige altar? It shouldn't. It should begin when a young man or a young woman first begins to seek a mate.
This is one of the reasons Curt and I now promote courtship and not traditional dating. On some points, the two may seem very similar, causing some to say, "So what's the big difference?" However, there is a big difference, starting from the very beginning. Our oldest child did not wish to have any of our involvement in her dating relationships, but the next three have expressed a desire to comply with our ideas of courtship and marriage. Consequently, they are watching Elly very closely.
Traditional dating, which many parents allow to begin at age 13 or 14, is not best on a variety of levels. First, you begin an endless stream of "falling in love" and "breaking up" - practice runs for multiple marriages and divorces. We believe there is no point in "dating" unless you are of an age to consider marriage. Why allow children to have all the emotional ups and downs associated with traditional dating, when they shouldn't even consider marriage until they are finished with high school? When you really stop to consider it, young teen dating is very irresponsible - it does nothing to benefit the teen, and many times only causes hurt, grief, regret, and sorrow over lost emotional and/or physical purity.
Some folks criticize courtship, saying, "Oh - I'm not having my parents pick who I'm going to marry!" We don't "pick" who our children will marry. But we do offer advice, concerns about someone's character, point out positives or negatives, etc. We've learned a lot about Willie. So far, we approve of all his answers and his character seems to bear out his beliefs. So, we have approved of him seeing our daughter. If at any point along the way, Elly had said, "Mom, I'm not really interested in him that way," we would simply have told him that, relieving Elly of any emotional burdens. But, she has been as interested in him as he is in her. We want what is best for both of them - we want each to know God's will for their lives. I think Willie has a lot of character because he is willing to come to my husband and talk. So many young men today wouldn't dream of such a thing. Yet it shows incredible respect for both Elly and her familiy! Why wouldn't parents want that? Why wouldn't wouldn't a girl want that?
Well, I'm sure there will be more to post on this topic as time progresses. But for now, I'm glad Elly sees the importance of honoring God in her relationship with Willie. If more young couples would seek to honor Christ while "dating" or "courting" then there would be more young married couples doing likewise.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Sue's Wedding Quilt Pictures
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Here are some close-ups of some of the squares. Like a dunce - I didn't take a single photo of this before we gave it to her. These were taken at the reception. As you can see, it was used to display the gift table, so some of the squares are not visible on the photos. There were a total of 25 squares. Susan is supposed to be taking pictures of all of them and giving them to me. I'll add those to this post whenever I get them.
Thanks to all our friends who participated!!! She got squares from folks here in SC as well as some from Illionois and Louisiana!
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Thursday, January 22, 2009
FINALLY - Sue's wedding pictures!!!!
Sorry - these loaded out of order and I don't know how to fix that!
Curt gives Susan away
Announcing Mr. and Mrs. Joey Curado!
The flower girls in sepia photo shot.
waiting for the bride's entrance
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lighting the unity candle
looking on....from left to right: Rachel Curado, Hannah (Curado) don't know her married name, Tamatha Redmond, me, Phoebe. (Hannah's daughter had already sat down by this point).
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exchanging vows
the entrance
the quilt
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the happy couple just after the ceremony, ready to greet guests
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Susan
the quilt
feeding cake
Susan with Joey and Auntie Zena
Joey with some of his children. His oldest daughter, Hanna is on the far left, then Sue, then Joey, then Hanna's hubby, then Rachel.
Elizabeth and Paul were at the wedding but for some reason, we didn't get a shot of them. Oldest son Adam was unable to attend.
Happy couple!
Attendants
Tamatha, Phoebe, Gail, Susan, Hannah, Grace, Rachel
Detailed quilt photos will be in next posting!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
CINNAMON & HONEY FOR YOUR HEALTH
I have no idea how accurate this is, but I thought it was interesting.... I plan to try using this combination and see what happens!
Cinnamon & Honey
I received all this information in an anonymous email - so if I'm plaigerizing, it's not intentional.
I am reticent to say any of these below suggestions are actually "cures" but they may very well help the ailments they are reported to "cure." It is certainly worth a try!
Facts on honey and cinnamon:
It is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a "Ram Ban" (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.
Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.
ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.
TOOTHACHE: Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied three times a day until the tooth stops aching.
CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey wit h 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root. GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural Ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
PIMPLES: Three tablespoon s of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root. SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.
FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than! than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week
BAD BREATH: People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing.
Cinnamon & Honey
I received all this information in an anonymous email - so if I'm plaigerizing, it's not intentional.
I am reticent to say any of these below suggestions are actually "cures" but they may very well help the ailments they are reported to "cure." It is certainly worth a try!
Facts on honey and cinnamon:
It is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a "Ram Ban" (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.
Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.
ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.
TOOTHACHE: Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied three times a day until the tooth stops aching.
CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey wit h 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root. GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural Ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
PIMPLES: Three tablespoon s of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root. SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.
FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than! than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week
BAD BREATH: People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Miscellaneous Events.....Plus an Announcement!
That's where I'm at - I'm miscellaneous today! Hahahaha
Hmm ... I have a lot of editing I need to get caught up on. Must get to that.
Helping Phoebe finish up a math book - yeah!!! 6 weeks early! That's my Phoebe!
Watching Jo and CJ clean up the dog yard. Nothing like shoveling dog manure....
Keeping track of Gideon, my almost-two-year-old son, and Austin, my almost three-year-old grandson. He's here for a visit - we sure enjoy having him come over!!! They are so adorable together. Austin has a 5-month-old sister and he's expecting a new sibling this coming September!!! Wahoo!!! That's the announcement, in case you didn't guess!!
We attended the wedding of Marywhite Smith and Walter Griffith on Saturday. It was quite beautiful. The bride entered from an upstairs hallway off an addition to the historic church, so you could watch her walk the hall then down the stairs and up the aisle. It was a beautiful wedding, attended by at least 400 people, most of whom I had never met. But I was very glad we were able to attend.
Elly is happy these days....she's keeping busy working two days at GBS, helping me keep the house clean, .............. visiting and texting................ ;-)
Isaiah is enjoying the microscope we FINALLY received for his birthday. We bid on a billion before we finally won one. (Okay. I tend to exaggerate. But it seemed like a billion!)
Well, just wanted to pop on a post ...
Oh - I have a sale coming up on TOS on the 23rd - it's a buy one get one. Anyone who buys a Bible Journal receives a free Geography ebook!!! I'm so excited - the Bible Journals are Elly's, so I hope she sells a whole bunch!!!!
Okay - that's all for today!
Hmm ... I have a lot of editing I need to get caught up on. Must get to that.
Helping Phoebe finish up a math book - yeah!!! 6 weeks early! That's my Phoebe!
Watching Jo and CJ clean up the dog yard. Nothing like shoveling dog manure....
Keeping track of Gideon, my almost-two-year-old son, and Austin, my almost three-year-old grandson. He's here for a visit - we sure enjoy having him come over!!! They are so adorable together. Austin has a 5-month-old sister and he's expecting a new sibling this coming September!!! Wahoo!!! That's the announcement, in case you didn't guess!!
We attended the wedding of Marywhite Smith and Walter Griffith on Saturday. It was quite beautiful. The bride entered from an upstairs hallway off an addition to the historic church, so you could watch her walk the hall then down the stairs and up the aisle. It was a beautiful wedding, attended by at least 400 people, most of whom I had never met. But I was very glad we were able to attend.
Elly is happy these days....she's keeping busy working two days at GBS, helping me keep the house clean, .............. visiting and texting..........
Isaiah is enjoying the microscope we FINALLY received for his birthday. We bid on a billion before we finally won one. (Okay. I tend to exaggerate. But it seemed like a billion!)
Well, just wanted to pop on a post ...
Oh - I have a sale coming up on TOS on the 23rd - it's a buy one get one. Anyone who buys a Bible Journal receives a free Geography ebook!!! I'm so excited - the Bible Journals are Elly's, so I hope she sells a whole bunch!!!!
Okay - that's all for today!
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