Safe Blogging

Here is an excellent article on safe blogging.

I had entered into this blog with the understanding that it is available to ANYONE, ANYWHERE in the world. Including those with ill intentions. I have made it my personal choice to refrain from using our last name, phone number and address. Using caution on what information I do post. Please read the link above, it has valuable information. Blog on, blog safe.

Upon further review I have decided to drop my first name. I will probably refer to my dear husband as DH, dear son as DS and dear daughter as DD. A shortened version of myself MTF (momteacherfriend) I may go back and alter past post. Please don't be offended if I edit comments as well. We shall see how this goes. Better safe than sorry.

Work In Progress

This post could go so many ways...lets see where it leads.

I am not by nature a good housekeeper. Quite the contrary I am a horrible housekeeper. If left to my flesh our house would be in a perpetual state of disorder and uncleanliness. Which it spends it's fair share of time in.

I want my house to be clean. I want order. I want things to stay in there place. I want things to have a place. I want to not struggle through this everyday of my life. My husband would like all that and more.

I think over the last two days I have come to a point that I realize without the help of the Holy Spirit I will always and forever be in this cycle. That this IS a weakness for me. I alone CAN NOT keep my house clean. It is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that I am going to have victory in this area.

Now, I can see improvement. Progress. Thankfully.

But I want more progress. I really would like Him to send forth angels and walla. Clean house, in perfect order. I am still praying for this.

He has sent me one angel, a dear friend. Who has committed to helping me through this process. But unfortunately he has called me to do the work. And hard work it is.

The house has not gotten to where it is at overnight. It's revival won't be overnight either. PLEASE LORD??? So I am embracing each step. Completing one project at a time. Yes it will take time. Is it worth it......ok yes it is. The excitement comes and goes so sometimes I have to convince myself.

One of these days I will look back and see it come full circle. In the meantime you are still welcome in my home. Just don't do any white glove test and we will get along just fine.

Just Found

Thanks to bloglines I just found this cool blog.
dot.moms a blog with 40 contributing writers.
On their site they list moms that blog, so if your looking for interseting reading I recommend checking out this listing.

Fer Unki Mike

Mixing It Up

The last couple of weeks schooling has been out of whack. DD has become more resistant of her nap. I have found it is easier to settle her if DS and I are settling as well. So as an answer to prayer I am going to mix up the daily schedule. Instead of doing school at naptime we are going to try the morning after breakfast. I know the organization of a schedule can improve my effeciancy. So starting Monday I am going to give it a try. We will stick to the new routine for the whole month of March then evaluate. Please pray for the transition as DD will now be included in school time. Which I see many benefits to. But will require some attentiveness and creativity on my part.

I will continue to blog but it may take a couple days to find a rhythm on when it will work best.
I am hoping I will be able to have quiet time early then still have time to blog before school. We shall see.

Updates to come.

March Ladies Night

The next ladies night will be March 11! It will be dinner and a movie in. I need some feed back on time to begin; I was thinking 5:30. Also what kind of food do we want to do? Potluck? Mexican? Taco bar? Other? Let me know. As for the movie I was thinking the Anne of Avonlee.

Vicki and Sooze you ladies in?

Choppers

Ordered YESTERDAY arrived TODAY! Woohoo


Wacky Wigglers-Assembly required.


The finished product. DS's very own robot!

Spend Yourself

I received some excellent teaching last night on doing good. As part of Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore we are covering the fruits of the spirit. Kindness and goodness. Ladies, I highly recommend looking into this study, it is available online.

So what stuck out to me comes from Isaiah 58:6-11 particularily verse 10
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

The idea of spending yourself. Actively doing good for another. The hungry, the oppressed is what the verse says but I believe the spectrum is vast. Wherever, whenever and however we can help someone else. The idea of helping others is not a new one. People have been meeting others needs for a long time. What Beth said was our culture perpetrates self-absorbtion. (No kidding) Depression is on the rise, it is showing up in believers and our young people. (Those who should be filled with hope.) The verse says if you spend yourself (on the behalf of others) you light will shine in the darkness. Could it be an antidote for depression. This idea of helping others, pouring ourselves out. I believe Beth has it right on for this one. Helping others takes the focus off of ourselves. Helping others feels good. Meeting needs are rewarding. It brings light to the darkness. She challenged us to get up, get out and help someone.

On the way home I asked DS what is something you can do for someone? He answered share my toys. I asked what about people we may not know, how could we help them? Share a token with them. (Chuck E Cheese) Interesting. DDs response was give candy. Their ideas were possesions, things. That is the tangible for them. I am hoping to broaden this idea for my kids. I want them to pour out for others. Giving their time, talents and possesions to benefit others. So any ideas?

Robot Money

I am so proud of my son! He has saved all the money he needed to make his first BIG purchase. Back in November he made a goal to save his money for buying a robot. He has been very diligent in setting aside the cash for his robot. He used his commision (aka allowance) to make it happen. He has the potential of earning $5 a week by completing his work (aka chores) sometimes he earned all $5 other weeks less. He is required to give the first $1 back to God (tithe) then can choose what to do with the remainder. He usually takes one dollar out for spending at Wal-Mart (candy or small toy) Then sets the rest aside in his save envelope which we have been calling his robot money. Today he received $5 ( I was late on last weeks payment) and after he tithed he had $4 to determine what to do with it. With $32 in the envelope he put all $4 towards the robot. A big choice seeings that we are going to Wal-Mart today. So we called daddy and asked if he could take the rest out of his piggy bank. Which we decided was a-ok. So YIPPEE, he did it! Even greater, he did it all by himself!

It will be fun to see what his next goal will be. Aunt Mindy I know you are proud. So are we!

Additional Note: For more financial information check out daveramsey.com. We used the Financial Peace JR. program for teaching DS about money.

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 23 has much to say on parent/child relationships. Yesterday I had a frustrating afternoon. DD's emotions were on overdrive. DS was on the look out for mom to be distracted (which I was.) Neither wanted to take a nap. It was not necessarily a Momzilla day. But it was not a fun day. It was the kind of day where you think to yourself....if everyday were like this I would surely rather be working. And let someone else deal with them. (wink) So I found it interesting that this morning I was led to Proverbs 23.
12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
14 Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death. [c]
15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad;
16 my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
18 There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,
21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
24 The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.
25 May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!
26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways,

What I took from it: Keep in the Word and listen to it.(vs 12) Don't give up disciplining them, mold them, guide them. It will not hurt them to be firm.(vs13) It will save them from worse consequences and/or death.(vs14) Encourage them to listen, to make wise choices.(vs19) Listen to my dad...(Hey pops any words for me?) and respect my mother. (vs22) Pursue wisdom, discipline and understanding (whatever the cost) and then hold on to it. (vs23) Hopefully I am making my parents glad and give them great joy.(vs24,25) It is back to the issues of the heart. Keeping your eyes on Christ. (vs26)

So these precious ones ARE my responsibilty! I am to stay at home and rasie them. Not go out and get a job. LOL

Bloglines?

Sooze...please share...bloglines? Where? and How?
Thanks for enlightning me!

Check It Out

My girlfriend has begun her blog on surrogacy. You can check it out at http://onewomansjourneyintime.blogspot.com/

To continue to follow her story you can find her link on the sidebar under Bridget.

My Family

Feb 19 2006

DS Said

"Hey I just hatched an idea!"

Missed Church

I didn't miss church yesterday but I missed my church. Enough said.

Hotel

The kids and I stayed at a hotel last night. My aunt and uncle from Maryland were up visiting for the weekend. (My cousin's kids were baptized.) So we decided to make the most of their visit we would get a room at the same hotel they were at. We spent the afternoon swimming and chatting. The kids had a blast. DS loves to swim so any chance he can get to be by the water....he's there. We got THE LAST ROOM in a three story hotel. I was going to make reservations last week but decided to hold of to make sure my aunt made it up. Since the snow storms would be the only thing to keep her from coming, and snow was possible. Anyway, we were told there were no more rooms and I left. I came back a few minutes later to see if there was a waiting list. We could hang out with my aunt until we knew wether or not there was a room for us. She did have one room so we took it. It was a single bed handicap room. We made it work. I know some people don't like to spend time with family. I love to spend time with family. I am refreshed by it. I enjoyed our conversation. I won Apples to Apples! (Smiling) Other's got some great pictures (my battery pooped on me.) It was a day well spent.

Like Grandma

Cool glasses DD!
Her reply: "Like Grandma!"

A Time to Throw Away

This morning we took some monumental steps! My girlfriend came over and helped sort, organize and pitch our overwhelming amount of toys. We made huge progress. We threw away 3 garbage bags of trash, set aside 3 bins to give away plus 2 oversized items in bags. That was the basement. After she left DS was motivated to clean his room. Very exciting! It was to the point of non-functional. Toys scattered everywhere on the floor. We have already thrown away a bag from his room. He is putting puzzle pieces back in the puzzles where they belong. Other items are finding a home so they will not be thrown wherever. Still some work to be done. But it feels great to have made it this far. I am proud of myself and of DS. I am telling HUGE STEPS.
Thanks Jenny!

Computer Timeout

Due to unreasonable amount of time spent on the computer I have declared a computer timeout. Be back tomorrow.

Pop-up Ads

I have been getting pop-up ads when I entered this site. I am not a fan of pop-up ads. I heard that others were experiencing them as well. I think this may be a result of adding the bravenet poll on the side bar so I have chose to remove it at this time. Hopefully this corrects the issue. Sorry for any irritation it may have caused.

Green Bean Routine

One of my families favorite memories from my childhood is what we jokingly refer to as "The green bean routine!" My mother had prepared dinner and it included green beans. I hated green beans! I do not like them Sam I am! My mother in her wisdom required that we at least try everything on our plate. So there I sat with three grean beans on my plate. The rest of the table was excused. I sat there. OK OK! I complained and I whined; pretended to throw up, pushed them around my plate and cried. They have an audio tape to prove it. I tried everything to get out of eating those three now mushed and mutilated beans. But my parents held their ground. I would NOT be excused until I ate them! So I held my breath and choked them down in horror. Moment over. Done. Excused. My dislike for green vegtables confirmed. I decided that all green vegtables must be horrible so I fought eating them. Spinach, peas, green beans...nope didn't like them. Then I became a vegetarian. My dad thinks it is hilarious that I actually became a vegitarian disliking vegtables. I liked carrots, potatoes, corn and hmmmm? I think that becoming a vegetarian was good for me (Note: I am no longer a vegetarian, although I was for nearly two years.) It taught me to at least try those things I had despised. I found I actually did like green beans, spinach, lettuce, artichoke and many others but I still don't like peas. So the other night I made green bean casserole, YES I actually made it in my own home. And the funny thing is I enjoyed it, immensly. I could have ate the whole pan by myself. There was some leftover. I just finished them off. DD just came over and asked for one, took one bite and spit them out. I just had to laugh.

Battleship

Today the truck is in the shop getting a new fuel pump. It has been shuttering and acting weird for a while. So while I am homebound waiting for it to be done I have been playing games. Battleship is the same game from our childhood. You sunk my battleship.

I suppose I should do more than play games today. Perhaps the laundry. After I play one more.

Hallmark Holiday

I love you all, and I don't need a day to say it. DH and I don't really consider today a holiday. OK OK we call it the Hallmark Holiday! But we don't give each other cards or candy or flowers. With that said...this is your card. Much love!

My sis sent me these links last night. I stayed up too late playing. Translation: they are good and addicting.

This has to be the wierdest game EVER. Scores in the thousands are possible. Grid game.

Guess the google! In this game images come up and you must identify the word used for the search. Suprisingly difficult at times. They do not give you the word if you don't get it. I had bling last night and got it right. Thanks Pastor Brad. lol

Would you have invested?

That's Bill on the bottom left.

Thanks Marcy!

So Many Thoughts

The fence is complete! The guys came back out of Thursday. Piece by piece it came together. DS was fascinated by the process. He job shadowed for a bit, while he was making the gate. The guys were great, they didn't mind DS. He watched and asked questions. When I checked on him the worked told me he was learning how to make gates and that he would be able to make our next fence. (Smile) DS told me when he came in. "He asked me what I was going to be when I grow up. I told him I am going to be a daddy!"

Friday night after DH and I went on our date, DS and him went on a date of their own. We had left the vehicle at the bowling alley and I dropped the boys off so they could bring it home. They went in so DS could watch some bowlers. He wanted to play so they ended up playing. The bumper's in place, DH and DS played game one. Then DS played two more. He was so excited when he came home. It sounds like he has a good idea of the game. It also sounds like in a year or so, my son will be able to beat me without the bumpers. (sigh) His scores for the night. 72, 87 and 84.

Saturday I had the last team meeting for the Chrysalis. We reviewed the remaining talks. Things are in place. I rode with Mindy on the way there and back. She waited patiently for me; her meeting was done before mine. On the way back we discussed some deep thoughts. I love it that we can talk about things that are deep. We discussed lies Satan tells us; some that are so engrained in our minds. If you hear something long enough, we can begin to believe it is so. For me it is my house. If you have known me at all, you know house cleaning is a major weakness. It is hard for me. The desire to clean is not natural. I have grown TREMENDOUSLY in the past couple years but I don't know that I will ever have the perfect "clean" home. Satan tries to discourage me from having anyone over. Fear of judgement perhaps. In the last few months I have come to realize that people are not as interested in how my house looks as much as they are about relationship. They care more about me and how I treat them. I have made a commitment to have the ladies over each month. While sometimes I spend hours cleaning to prepare, I think I have freed myself in that things don't have to be perfect. It is not me. Every Tuesday bible study is at our house. The reality is things will not always be as clean as I like. But I have gotten to the point that it matters more that they are here, in relationship.

Speaking of the ladies coming over, we got together on Saturday night with Hobbies in mind. We looked at pictures, made cards, talked, laughed, wrote down recipes (??) laughed tried to do album pages, talked, ate food and laughed some more.

Sunday, the sermon was titled "Where is your heart beat? Meeting the needs of the community around us. I love that my church is a church that makes a point of making a difference. Needs are everywhere, we need to be meeting them.

There is so much I am studying right now. Beth Jones Getting a Grip on Prosperous Living. Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself. The teaching of Sunday sermon's and the experience of Chrysalis. It is all very different at times and at others very much the same. This is the result of those teachings:
Know the motives of your heart, for out of it flows your actions. God wants us to yeild to Him so that he can work mightily through us. That our heart beat with His and His will. So that we may affect the community around us. Bringing glory to him! My life is a testimony of God's faithfulness and I can't keep that to myself. It must be shared.

So many thoughts! Understatement.

Our Date

Tonight was good! Our church had free childcare for the parents to go out on a date. So we dropped off the kids and went bowling with our best friends. I have never been a great bowler. NOPE NEVER! My high score in all my life I believe is 117. So my first ball I line myself all serious (keep in mind I had NOT bowled in at least 5 years) I release the ball and STRIKE! WOOHOO. I am feeling good, this is the first ball. Game one not too bad I ended up with a 103. I broke 100, very pleased! I ordered a hamburger, fries and a (virgin) strawberry daiqari. It was REALLY good...all of it. Game 2 I had many gutters. Many! And I was not discriminatory, I hit the gutter on the left and then the right, then the left, then some pins. I think my score was 54, not to sure though I was to embaressed to take careful note on that one. DH had not bowled in 2 years and started game 2 with a turkey. That's my guy! We had a fabulous time. Something about bowling makes you laugh. We wrapped up our dates with a trip to speedway, I know not romantic but the coffee house by the church was closed. I got a 20oz hot chocolate with a super dose of vanilla creamer. YUM!

It was funny because when we picked up the kids I could not help but notice all the smiles. Parents refreshed! Surrounded by "happy couples."

Finding Life Behind Bars

“The woman that went into prison never came out. She died. My arrogance, my lack of concern, lack of compassion, independence, self-righteous attitude, mixed in with the pain, the torment, and the curses – everything that composed me got totally rearranged and transformed. It wasn’t just a restoration -- it was a transformation." -Mary Forsythe

The whole story....Finding Life Behind Bars

A Moment In Court

Today I accompianied a friend to court. On the way we got rear ended by a 17 year old unliscenced driver. In the officers words "she will be getting a slew of tickets." All was well for me and my friend; we proceeded downtown for the hearing. I got to listen in on four cases total. Two of which had attorneys presenting the case; two did not. Interesting stuff that whole court scene; two parties, judge, testimonies and rulings. In my study of patience we touched on judgement. Good stuff!
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way

There are many reasons why it wise and good for us to not pass judgement on others. One we don't know what people are going through, what makes them tick. We don't know their past nor their present or future. Sometimes I think "but by the grace of God, there be I!" I see people in all sorts of walks of life, making all sorts of choices; some good, others well...not so good. I am learning that it is not for me to place judgement. That it is in my best interest NOT to place judgement. Romans 2:1-4

I rather liked the judge that was ruling today. He was no nonsense. Smirked when he saw fault in their testimony. I could not help thinking...he hears it all. This man listens to this all day, every working day! Some where indeed guilty, evidence to rule on. Others not enough evidence to uphold. The judge in his wisdom could see through false pretenses. Through blatent lies.
How much more my heavenly Father, who knows me completely? He knows where I have been, what I have done, what I have thought, down to my motives. He doesn't need a long account of witnesses to stand before him and say...on such and such date at this time...Sarah was_____doing____. HE KNOWS! The only one who will stand and testify on my final day is Christ. And he will stand and say "Father she is mine, she's with me!" "I stand on her behalf." Innocent by the blood.

I hope you don't have to court to learn these things. But it is very interesting sitting in and observing. This I would recommend. A moment in court...things learned.

Awaiting Release

Yesterday as I did my daily bible study the spirit shook within me. A trembling that I have learned it is best to not ignore. I responded in the way the spirit was leading, made the calls I needed to make, finished my study and revamped my talk to fit His purpose for sharing with the ladies. He called me to share my testimony to the 100+ women that attend my bible study. The trembling of the spirit continued throughout the day. Knowing the Holy Spirit was with me I was able to give the message that needed to be given. Obedience. I awaited the release. A release from this call. A purpose complete. I am still waiting.
Most of the night I thought and dreamt of the women that I am yet to give this message. Specfic faces and a specific place. Not a specific time. Upon talking to the lady in charge of this group it was concluded to trust and wait. Today is not that time.!? I am left on the verge of tears. I so desperately WANT RELEASE! I want this to be done, over, complete. I don't want to wait! I am called to trust, I do trust but I am struggling. I fear that the timing is today and that I may miss it. I can understand that this may not be the time. I can understand that the time may come. I can understand that God put us together as a body to work together for his Glory. For the wise seek the counsel of many. It is now taking that counsel and waiting. Patience waits.
So I await. Awaiting release.

Penny

Last night I was looking at a penny. Turning it over in my hand. The words In God We Trust. The year on the coin 1978. It was banged up, dicolored. A dark brown showing signs of it's use. I reached in my pocket and pulled out a "new" coin it's year was 2005. It was shiny and perfect. I began to think about how life has a way of marking us; tainting us in some regards. And I remembered how you can make an old penny new by putting it in a solution of vinegar and salt. When emersed in the solution it comes out clean; like new. It's shine is back! It may still have dings in it; marks of where it has been. I couldn't help thinking when we put our trust in God, when we hand things over to him; he makes us new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
The things you can learn from a penny!

Check This Out

Today I discovered a dear friends website. And if this post doesn't captivate you...I don't know what will.

• Sexual abuse, physical abuse, mental abuse, marriage, miscarriage, abortion, childhood, parenthood, rape, prostitution, homosexuality, physical illness, mental illness, addiction to cigarettes, drug addiction, and alcoholism have all taught me very valuable lessons which I would like to share with you. I have lived a full spectrum of life - weight struggles and self-esteem issues - from Sunday school to street corners - from singing in church to being professionally recorded on a CD - from having my own ministry to having tattoos and piercings - and from jail back to Jesus.

Her testimony of God's faithfulness is incredible...WOW! Go check it out and if you know someone who may identify with any or all of her life, spread the word.

Click link here. I have also added her to the sidebar.

Kasi Info

Today Kasi went in for her first visit to the vet. She weighed 22.5 lbs. While there the vet suspect she was younger than we originally thought; looking at her teeth she was aged at 16 weeks. Our understanding was she was closer to 19-20 weeks. So I called the previous owners for her birth records. (lol) She was born on October 16th 2005. She was the runt of 7 while one did not make it past the first day. So three boys, three girls. The father was NOT a black lab (gasp) he was a long haired terrier. We had always thought he was a black lab. The mother is a pure bred yellow lab but ironically all the puppies were black. Even though Kasi started out the littlest she quickly grew to be the biggest. (She likes to eat.) So the vet was right 16 weeks! And now you know the rest of the story.

Fence Day

With the arrival of puppy and the growing freedom of our children it was time for a fence. Today is the day. The guys are here in freezing weather and have begun clearing some bushes and digging post holes. I had mercy on them and took them out chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate. To which they were thankful. I remember the days when I worked on the barns! There was one winter we worked through in conditions much like today. BRRR. The lady of the house made us cookies; a simple gesture but much appreciated. So a favor returned; paid forward. By the end of the week our yard will be enclosed. I took before pictures so I am sure there will be some photos of the work being done and finished result. Hello fence....goodbye tax return!

Great is our God

I went out and bought the CD Chris Tomlin's Arriving. My current favorite on the CD is Great is our God but they are all so good.

Last night I headed out for the overnight meeting. I was filled with joy to be there and serving. I am reminded again and again just how GREAT our God really is! He has formed an incredible team for this upcoming flight. As the talks were being shared I began to see how God has brought each person with their strengths and their testimony together for such a time as this.

Friday night I did present my talk. I was full of energy and excitement. The delivery went well. I did get blotchy and cried at one of the more emotional parts of the talk. No worry. I was able to communicate what it was that God needed to say (Thanks to the Holy Spirit, who was kickin!) It is such an awesome feeling to know in that moment you are in the very center of God's will for your life. And that past experiences both good and bad are being used for God's glory.

My kiddos were great for their dad. DS said he watched tv a long time. DD said she had macaroni and cheese. What I noticed most, things seemed peaceful when I came home.

This evening, DH and DS are off to the Monster Truck show and DD and I will hang out and have some girl time. Go shopping with Aunt S; maybe paint our nails. Fun stuff!

Thanks to all who prayed! Prayers answered!

Big Night

Current listening: Chris Tomlin (Arriving)
Song: How Great is our God

I am borrowing this CD from my brother-in-law. I love it! I think it will be be buying it very soon.

Tonight is the overnight meeting. It will be my first night away from DD. A bit overdo I believe. She will be in great care; the capable hands of her daddy! Please pray for my family that they would have a blessed time together. That the children would obey their father and all would go well for them in my absence. Also pray for me as the Faith talk is complete and I should be presenting it this weekend for review and constructive criticism. I love Chrysalis; the ministry is amazing. It has had a profound and life altering affect on my life. I look forward "without anticipation" but with participation and great hope to what God will do.

Be blessed! Talk again soon.

In The Midst of a Fit

Last night DD was overtired and emotional. Now I need you to understand that that statement is an UNDERSTATEMENT. I began to get her undresed for bed and she begins to protest. "Shirt on, mommy!" The further I got in undressing her. The more intense her plea to be clothed became. She was crying and repeating "Dress and shirt on." Over and over. I tried reasoning. Do you like your shirt? It's time for bed. It's time for jammies. I know your sad. I tried calm responses. It was not working. I struggled to get every limb into her pajamas, the whole time she is insisting on getting dressed again. It was an hour and a half past her bedtime. It was not an issue of was she tired; the girl was overtired! With jammies on I tried to sing to her to calm her. "I don't like that song, mommy!" I tried another and another. "I don't like that song, mommy!" Do you want mommy to sing to you? "No!" I had just returned from bible study and the topic of the evening had been and I know you are going to smile....patience. By this time DS was ready for bed and about to climb up in his bunk. I stood in the doorway of his room, still holding DD who is still wanting to be dressed. I said let's pray, now I didn't go into DS's room I kind of stood there in the doorway. DS sitting on the floor, DD on my left hip. And I prayed. "Lord, please send forth your Holy Spirit to us. Help us Lord to have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness and self control. Lord Bring peace to our home. Help me to have patience. Help us to sleep well and draw near to you. In Jesus name Amen."

The fussing continued on for a bit. I put DD to bed. She got out. I disciplined. I put DS to bed. Returning to DD's room I went and sat on her bed. She looked at me with sad eyes and said "You make me sad!" I know. I took her hand and held it. She began to relax. The whining ceased; the crying stopped. Her face changed to contentment. I held her hand! I had to get up for a moment and I knew she didn't want me to go. I told her I would be right back. I went back in and held her hand some more. Her eyes fluttered. The rambunctious puppy joined us. And with one hand I held onto her and the other petted the dog and tried to calm her as well. It was a challenge but I stayed. I laid my head on her chest and listened to her heartbeat. The beat was fast. I kissed her cheek. Moments later; sleep cometh! Peace in the home.

This study is doing some refining in me. On Monday I had one of those days; days I refer to as Momzilla Days. The kind of day that brings out the worst in me! Frustration, lacking in patience, short in my tones and words. Momzilla! Then yesterday I lose my keys for what seemed like an eternity. Again frustration! The phrase this is driving me crazy kept coming to mind and out of my lips. I tried on my own for about 20 minutes to find them. Then I prayed. Then it took a whole hour longer to find them. After going to the bible study last night and receiving the teaching we did I can realize God is refining me. He is bringing out the worst to show me I am still capable of being ugly. There is still much to be improved. These trails are suppose to be there! They are revealing in me what needs to be changed. Ridding me of pretenses that I have it all together all the time. Keeping me humble? Beth Moore brought up the concept that those hard to deal with people are there for a reason. They are suppose to be! That it is not only for their benefit that we are in relationship. It is not just for the mature to teach the immaure. But God uses them in our lives to smooth out some of our rough edges. That we need these people in our lives. As she said and I quote "I need you to frustrate the devil out of me." There is conflict in relationships and this is a good thing. "Conflict plus commitment promts change."-Beth Moore We need that change. I need that change.

Thanks God for holding my hand when I am in the midst of a fit and bringing calm to my life.

URGH!!!

I have looked for over an hour for my keys. I can not find them anywhere. I have looked everywhere! Under the stove (which was extremely disgusting) under the couch , in chairs, inside, under and on the refridgerator. Kids rooms. My room. Bathroom. They are NO WHERE to be found. At this point I am beginning to wonder if my hubby took them with him by accident this morning. (SIGH) Anybody know where they are? Help....anyone....PLEASE!

Calling All Ladies

Ladies Night will be Febuary 11th at 7pm. This month's theme is Hobbies. Bring whatever it is you want to work on or as one dear friend said "My hobby is gabbing." If you choose bring nothing and just enjoy the company of the other women. I know my photo albums are severly behind..."sorry little girl."

Bring a snack to share. See you there. If you have any further questions, please call.

All ladies are welcome...this means you Vicki!