My sister-in-law posted about the library a couple weeks ago. There are so many resources they offer that I have just not taken advantage of, until now. Silly me.
Our local library is a network of 13 area libraries. All materials can be checked out from any location and they can also be transfered to the location of your choice for pick-up. Which means I have literally thousands of options for books, videos, audio cds and dvds. Add on top of this that it is all FREE! WooHoo! I love free. It used to be that videos and dvds were at a minimal charge but now even these services are free. For a week you can check out any movie(s) of your choice (including new releases) and pay nothing, although small late fees are applied. We are just beginning to take advantage of this.
You can also place holds on books from the internet and have them ready for you when you come. Which makes it nice when you are looking for cirriculm materials. Put in author or subject, pull up what you want and put it on hold. No more searching and searching, only not to find it. Or forgeting the list at home. Or you get there and find out it is at the library 30 miles away, nope the library courier makes many rounds daily so he brings the book to the library closest to ME! Yippee! Homeschooling has never been easier.
Then I found this gem on their site...Great web sites for kids. A list of kid friendly sites recommend by the American Library Association. I have already checked out a few and have not been disappointed.
I love my local library!!!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Verses on Thanks
1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
2 Chronicles 20:21
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever."
Nehemiah 12:46
For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 69:30
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Jeremiah 30:19
From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Ephesians 5:20
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.
Yes indeed I do, giving thanks!
Have a blessed day, counting your blessings and giving thanks to the LORD Most High!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
2 Chronicles 20:21
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever."
Nehemiah 12:46
For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 69:30
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Jeremiah 30:19
From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Ephesians 5:20
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.
Yes indeed I do, giving thanks!
Have a blessed day, counting your blessings and giving thanks to the LORD Most High!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
SCIENCE IS SO COOL!
I do not know how many times we proclaimed that this evening. Many, yes, many times.
Today I ordered my science stuff from Steve Spangler Science, and needless to say I was excited! Very, very excited. Then I reopened an email I got from them today and it had some great ideas in it. And since I was already in a science mood, I decided to try some.
Do you have a potato in your house? How about a drinking straw? Go get them...yes..now. Ok? Ready? Take the straw and stab it through your potato. If you have a bendable straw, it is ok to cut off the bend. Are you amazed yet?
Then I tried to balance two forks on a glass with a toothpick. It can be done but I was unsucessful tonight.
Then we poured some milk onto a plate added food coloring (a drop of each color) near the middle of the plate. Taking a q-tip we put it in the middle and noticed what happened. Then we put dish soap on the q-tip and let out a woohoo.
Not wanting to stop there...we got out an egg from the fridge did a little balancing act on a cardboard circle from a frozen pizza then SMACK dropped the egg into some water. OH YES IT WAS COOL!!!
After all Science is so cool!
Wondering the trick to get that straw to go through the potato? Wonder why the dish soap had the reaction it did? Wondering how to get more information so you can do these experiments yourself and the science behind them? Go here!
Let me know what you think.
Sorry no pictures we were having too much fun to remember that we owned a camara.
Today I ordered my science stuff from Steve Spangler Science, and needless to say I was excited! Very, very excited. Then I reopened an email I got from them today and it had some great ideas in it. And since I was already in a science mood, I decided to try some.
Do you have a potato in your house? How about a drinking straw? Go get them...yes..now. Ok? Ready? Take the straw and stab it through your potato. If you have a bendable straw, it is ok to cut off the bend. Are you amazed yet?
Then I tried to balance two forks on a glass with a toothpick. It can be done but I was unsucessful tonight.
Then we poured some milk onto a plate added food coloring (a drop of each color) near the middle of the plate. Taking a q-tip we put it in the middle and noticed what happened. Then we put dish soap on the q-tip and let out a woohoo.
Not wanting to stop there...we got out an egg from the fridge did a little balancing act on a cardboard circle from a frozen pizza then SMACK dropped the egg into some water. OH YES IT WAS COOL!!!
After all Science is so cool!
Wondering the trick to get that straw to go through the potato? Wonder why the dish soap had the reaction it did? Wondering how to get more information so you can do these experiments yourself and the science behind them? Go here!
Let me know what you think.
Sorry no pictures we were having too much fun to remember that we owned a camara.
Snippets and a Challenge
Last night my kids crashed out in the car as we were running errands. So I came home put them to bed and convinced my hubby to stay with them while I went shopping. It was unbelievable! I do not know how long it has been since I shopped alone. Amazing. I went to three stores in just over an hour and got everything I needed. Woohoo!
This morning I told DS we were going to learn how to count by 5's. I turned around to get something and he starts. 5, 10, 15, 20 , 25, 30 , 35, 40...all the way to 100. My mouth dropped, it took me completely offguard. I had mentioned a month ago counting by 5's, once. And not mentioned it again. That was probably the easiest thing I have taught him yet. He proceeded to do it about 10 more times. Shock value, he got a kick out of it. Of course we had to call dad and grandpa.
When we were out today with my mom, we stopped off at the river. She had been saving all sorts of bread items for the "ducks." There were a few seagulls and geese on the water. We plopped down the grocery bag full and begin to throw stuff out to them. Then literally out of the woodwork came hundreds of birds. Ducks, geese and tons of seagulls. They seemed happy to see us.
Today was a gorgeous day. In the 50's after being in the 30's for a few weeks. We spent a couple hours outside putting things away and throwing away trash. The next couple days are suppose to be nice as well although the night and early morning are below freezing. I will take any warmth we can get.
The other night hubby came across an addicting game, Road Block. The first night we played it we got stuck on level 14 and wondered if the creators of the game had a twisted sense of humor. It did not seem to have any solution so we began to think there was no solution. We went to bed without solving level 14. Then the next night we started at it again and finally figured it out. Well hubby did, he's smart like that. We then continued on until one in the morning playing the game and finally got to the end. Any one up to a challenge? Play this game and let me know when you reach the end. The first to respond with the ending level well earn my respect. Dad you need not apply, I already know you figured it out. And you already have my respect.
Have a great day!
This morning I told DS we were going to learn how to count by 5's. I turned around to get something and he starts. 5, 10, 15, 20 , 25, 30 , 35, 40...all the way to 100. My mouth dropped, it took me completely offguard. I had mentioned a month ago counting by 5's, once. And not mentioned it again. That was probably the easiest thing I have taught him yet. He proceeded to do it about 10 more times. Shock value, he got a kick out of it. Of course we had to call dad and grandpa.
When we were out today with my mom, we stopped off at the river. She had been saving all sorts of bread items for the "ducks." There were a few seagulls and geese on the water. We plopped down the grocery bag full and begin to throw stuff out to them. Then literally out of the woodwork came hundreds of birds. Ducks, geese and tons of seagulls. They seemed happy to see us.
Today was a gorgeous day. In the 50's after being in the 30's for a few weeks. We spent a couple hours outside putting things away and throwing away trash. The next couple days are suppose to be nice as well although the night and early morning are below freezing. I will take any warmth we can get.
The other night hubby came across an addicting game, Road Block. The first night we played it we got stuck on level 14 and wondered if the creators of the game had a twisted sense of humor. It did not seem to have any solution so we began to think there was no solution. We went to bed without solving level 14. Then the next night we started at it again and finally figured it out. Well hubby did, he's smart like that. We then continued on until one in the morning playing the game and finally got to the end. Any one up to a challenge? Play this game and let me know when you reach the end. The first to respond with the ending level well earn my respect. Dad you need not apply, I already know you figured it out. And you already have my respect.
Have a great day!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Santa
I remember the year I found out. You know. The truth about Santa. I remember clearly being "able" to hear the bells from Santa's reindeer on the roof and certain he must be there. I remember the "Yeah RIGHT!" of my sisters. I also remember feeling VERY upset when I was finally told the truth. Angry may be the more appropriate word. I could not understand why my parent's would lie to me. Why my siblings humored me and let me believe something that was not. It distrurbed me. I think I may have been older than normal. I can not remember the exact age, somewhere between 8-10. It so rocked me as a child that when I grew up and had my own kids I did not want to ever dileberately lie to them. Hubby was in agreeance so we decided that we would not do santa with our kids. Nor the Easter bunny or the tooth fairy. We taught them early on the difference between make-believe and truth. And I do not regret it one bit.
Some people begin to get nervous to be around my kids when the holiday season approachs. What if my kids ruin it for theirs? So I complied a little list of do's and don'ts. I hope it helps.
1. Don't ask my kids what they are getting from Santa...
2. Do ask them what would they like for Christmas
3. Don't press them in any discussion about Santa...
4. Do drop the subject after they give you the polite wink
5. Don't try and convince them that Santa only comes to nice kids
6. Do mention that Jesus loves it when they are nice
7. Don't ask if they want to watch Santa is Coming to Town or Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
(They have watched them. That is not the issue, they may open up dialogue that Santa is not real.)
8. Do read stories about Christ birth
9. Don't pity them or think they have missed a part of childhood
10. Do love them and see that they are still very happy kids
They do know that others believe and that their parents will tell them when they choose. That it is not their job to do so. They will usually get a twinkle in their eye and perhaps give you a little wink when you talk about Santa in their presence. They may cast me a glance and shake their heads. They will normally not say anything if it is a brief mention and then dropped. But if you press them, all bets are off. They will more than likely educate you on the truth. And that is Santa is not real. Jesus is.
Hope this helps.
Some people begin to get nervous to be around my kids when the holiday season approachs. What if my kids ruin it for theirs? So I complied a little list of do's and don'ts. I hope it helps.
1. Don't ask my kids what they are getting from Santa...
2. Do ask them what would they like for Christmas
3. Don't press them in any discussion about Santa...
4. Do drop the subject after they give you the polite wink
5. Don't try and convince them that Santa only comes to nice kids
6. Do mention that Jesus loves it when they are nice
7. Don't ask if they want to watch Santa is Coming to Town or Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
(They have watched them. That is not the issue, they may open up dialogue that Santa is not real.)
8. Do read stories about Christ birth
9. Don't pity them or think they have missed a part of childhood
10. Do love them and see that they are still very happy kids
They do know that others believe and that their parents will tell them when they choose. That it is not their job to do so. They will usually get a twinkle in their eye and perhaps give you a little wink when you talk about Santa in their presence. They may cast me a glance and shake their heads. They will normally not say anything if it is a brief mention and then dropped. But if you press them, all bets are off. They will more than likely educate you on the truth. And that is Santa is not real. Jesus is.
Hope this helps.
Splash of Color
A few weeks back I bought a Splash of Color kit from the Steve Spangler Science catalogue. It is the best $6 I have spent in a long time. With the three primary colors, you can make a full array of colors. Then when your done plop in a few super absorbant polymers and you get colorful jelly globs. On the website the polymers are not listed as being in the kits but we did receive a small bag of them in our kit. I also ordered a couple extra mixing trays so that we can all get in on the fun. They have been such a hit. Last night I watched some kids and we got them out, they loved it. The kids were asking each other how they made the different colors.
Red + Blue= Purple
For those looking for great science materials, whether you homeschool or not, Steve Spangler is the way to go. You can ask for a catalogue online (scroll down and it is on the left sidebar), it took a week or two to arrive in the mail, but when it did it came with an offer for free shipping. WooHoo. My mom has made two orders now and the products have arrived earlier than expected. I get to make my next order tomorrow.....(SMILING HUGE) I love science.
I am momteacherfriend and I approve this ad!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Learning the Sabbath
I have heard it many a times, Sabbath rest. The Lord worked 6 days and on the seventh day he rested. So he called his people to a Sabbath rest as well. For years we have set aside Sunday as the Lord's day to go to church. Yet I believe I have sadly missed what he was really calling His people to. Sure at times I would claim my Sabbath right not to do the laundry or dishes. Afterall that is work to me. And other times the busyness would overtake everyday all day including Sundays.
Yesterday I got a glimpse of what he really meant. I think I am learning the Sabbath. It may take a few months, perhaps longer.
Someone my husband and I love and respect have been called to start a home church. They are in the birthing stages. It is all very new. After church, everyone is welcomed to stay all day. Yes, all day. We shared a meal together. We laughed. The kids played. We enjoyed each others company. Some left and returned later in the afternoon. The guys had time for guy stuff and the ladies had time for lady stuff. It was such a relaxing and refreshing day. The Sabbath.
Much to learn.
Yesterday I got a glimpse of what he really meant. I think I am learning the Sabbath. It may take a few months, perhaps longer.
Someone my husband and I love and respect have been called to start a home church. They are in the birthing stages. It is all very new. After church, everyone is welcomed to stay all day. Yes, all day. We shared a meal together. We laughed. The kids played. We enjoyed each others company. Some left and returned later in the afternoon. The guys had time for guy stuff and the ladies had time for lady stuff. It was such a relaxing and refreshing day. The Sabbath.
Much to learn.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Yummy!!!
One of my favorite meals is Applebee's Orange Chicken. Orange chicken PERIOD. I love it. At Wal-Mart I found Asinnovation in the freezer section, it is good stuff. Then I decided to get brave and make it myself. My mom found this recipe Applebees Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl. Y U M M Y!!!! At first glance I wondered what in the world hoisin sauce was, then I found it in our major grocery. It is a red asian sauce and should be available in any international aisle of your large grocery store. Today Mindy came over for lunch and we prepped 4 lbs of chicken and a single serving of sauce. We ate our full and then froze what was left. I froze it as cooked crispy chicken so that I can choose whether I want to prepare it as orange chicken or sweet and sour.
Served over rice then sprinkled with slivered almonds.........so tasty.
If you love orange chicken this recipe is definately worth trying. If I can do it.....anyone can. Seriously!
Served over rice then sprinkled with slivered almonds.........so tasty.
If you love orange chicken this recipe is definately worth trying. If I can do it.....anyone can. Seriously!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Brought To You By the Letter Bb
Some of the greatest moments in learning do not come from the textbook!
As we embark on this new reading journey I have been in search of early readers, such as bob books. I want as many early sucesses in reading so that he is more excited than frustrated in our reading journey. It has been a challenge getting my hands on begginer readers. The library has many early reader books that are one step ahead of where he is. No bob books, no scholastic book sets. I looked through the latest book order and found none there as well. As I searched the library shelves I did find one series that seems to be a good transition, The Sound Box Library by Jane Belk Moncure. They are much longer than those first phonic books so I was concerned that DS would not want to even try. We made a deal, he reads one and I read him two long books. It was a deal. The other night we sat down and he read, there were some words that were just above his level and had some vowel sounds or sound combos we have not covered. I helped him through those. He did it, he read the book. Woohoo. This morning we did the second book My "b" Sound Box. I helped him on the difficult words like carefully, something and bounced. And I gave assistance when he was saying the wrong sound. This all is normal school stuff. Pretty textbook. In the story the girl, little b, goes on a b walk looking for things to put in her box that start with b. DS came up with the idea that we could make a "b" box. So when we finished reading the book, we got out a big box and began to fill it up. DS and DD were running all over the place finding things that started with B, and the majority of the things they found they discovered on their own. It was brillant. Then DS wanted us to write all the words of the things we found. The list kept growing and growing.
Here is the big box with the boy and their "b" belongings.
The "b" list
And my big blue-eyed babe.
Beautiful!!!
As we embark on this new reading journey I have been in search of early readers, such as bob books. I want as many early sucesses in reading so that he is more excited than frustrated in our reading journey. It has been a challenge getting my hands on begginer readers. The library has many early reader books that are one step ahead of where he is. No bob books, no scholastic book sets. I looked through the latest book order and found none there as well. As I searched the library shelves I did find one series that seems to be a good transition, The Sound Box Library by Jane Belk Moncure. They are much longer than those first phonic books so I was concerned that DS would not want to even try. We made a deal, he reads one and I read him two long books. It was a deal. The other night we sat down and he read, there were some words that were just above his level and had some vowel sounds or sound combos we have not covered. I helped him through those. He did it, he read the book. Woohoo. This morning we did the second book My "b" Sound Box. I helped him on the difficult words like carefully, something and bounced. And I gave assistance when he was saying the wrong sound. This all is normal school stuff. Pretty textbook. In the story the girl, little b, goes on a b walk looking for things to put in her box that start with b. DS came up with the idea that we could make a "b" box. So when we finished reading the book, we got out a big box and began to fill it up. DS and DD were running all over the place finding things that started with B, and the majority of the things they found they discovered on their own. It was brillant. Then DS wanted us to write all the words of the things we found. The list kept growing and growing.
Here is the big box with the boy and their "b" belongings.
The "b" list
And my big blue-eyed babe.
Beautiful!!!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Lunch
The Lord is so good. A few months ago I wondered what he was thinking as I looked around the table at the faces of the women in my new small group. No offense here, but I really wondered how these lives meshed together and what His plan for the group was. Our table leader is 3 score and 10 as she would say and I had no clue what that meant until I met her. She is a hoot. Last week I received an invitation to join her for lunch. I gladly accepted. Today was lunch. We met and as we looked over menus it was a bit of an awkward silence. After we placed our orders it quickly turned to chatting. And the awkwardness was gone. I shared about my husband, his employment and blessings in his work and faith. She shared about her faith, how it has grown and how much the Spirit means to her. I fell in love with her as we talked. I found myself getting excited talking about things that have been on my heart. And having someone to share them with that has been there and completely gets it. We bantered back and forth as we shared what the Lord was doing, what He has done and how we want to be used by Him. She shared of her daughters healing. Her belief that gifts are alive and well. And the work of the Spirit in the behind the scenes of my church. I could not help but get excited as things within me were affirmed. It was such an encouraging time and left feeling very blessed.
Thank you Lord for bringing a Titus 2 woman into my life, for such a time as this. Thank you for the work you are doing within my life and the life of your church. I love you!
Thank you Lord for bringing a Titus 2 woman into my life, for such a time as this. Thank you for the work you are doing within my life and the life of your church. I love you!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Box Top
Life has been a whirlwind of God activity lately. Which in itself has been very awesome. I am very thankful to be in a place of growth and life.
On Friday I found myself awaiting news about the upcoming weekend. We were out most of the afternoon and then I returned to wait by the phone for the final call of wether or not this event was going to take place. I watited and waited and waited. I bite off every nail. I waited and waited some more. I had expected the call early evening and as time went on I found it getting later and later. I left a couple messages for the person I was needing to hear from and TRIED to be patient. At eleven I decided it was time for bed, so I moved the phone into the bedroom and went to bed. Morning came and I waited a bit more and then the phone rang. It was THE CALL. And the news was not exactly what I wanted to hear. The weekend was to be canceled.
God has been preparing me for many things. I have pieces to a puzzle, I know certain things about how things will be. But I only have pieces. I can put a few things together and they make sense. There are other things that I know they are a part of the big picture but I have no clue how they play into it or come to be. I just know that they are a part of it. God is good and His plan is best. I am very confident of this. Accepting the fact that the weekend was canceled was not the hard part for me. I could accept it, I waivered over communicating it. How to tell my team, in a way that glorified the Lord and gave hope rather than grumbling and complaining bringing about desenion. In a breif moment on the phone with my hubby I urged him to pray, which he did. Then I went about the task of calling all of the team.
In conversations with my team I saw many times pieces of this puzzle. I know that this weekend is not the end of the journey. We press forward for the spring where we will see the fruit of our labor. Many times as I discussed with various people I thought of all the puzzle pieces. I would say to them "I wish I had the box top and could see how all this comes together, but I do not. I have pieces and have been called to obey with each piece." That's were I find myself. Obedience. Submission on several levels. I know that the big picture is beautiful. I know it is beyond good. It has to be, for I have seen only glimpses and they are GOOD! So VERY GOOD!
Does anyone have the box top?
On Friday I found myself awaiting news about the upcoming weekend. We were out most of the afternoon and then I returned to wait by the phone for the final call of wether or not this event was going to take place. I watited and waited and waited. I bite off every nail. I waited and waited some more. I had expected the call early evening and as time went on I found it getting later and later. I left a couple messages for the person I was needing to hear from and TRIED to be patient. At eleven I decided it was time for bed, so I moved the phone into the bedroom and went to bed. Morning came and I waited a bit more and then the phone rang. It was THE CALL. And the news was not exactly what I wanted to hear. The weekend was to be canceled.
God has been preparing me for many things. I have pieces to a puzzle, I know certain things about how things will be. But I only have pieces. I can put a few things together and they make sense. There are other things that I know they are a part of the big picture but I have no clue how they play into it or come to be. I just know that they are a part of it. God is good and His plan is best. I am very confident of this. Accepting the fact that the weekend was canceled was not the hard part for me. I could accept it, I waivered over communicating it. How to tell my team, in a way that glorified the Lord and gave hope rather than grumbling and complaining bringing about desenion. In a breif moment on the phone with my hubby I urged him to pray, which he did. Then I went about the task of calling all of the team.
In conversations with my team I saw many times pieces of this puzzle. I know that this weekend is not the end of the journey. We press forward for the spring where we will see the fruit of our labor. Many times as I discussed with various people I thought of all the puzzle pieces. I would say to them "I wish I had the box top and could see how all this comes together, but I do not. I have pieces and have been called to obey with each piece." That's were I find myself. Obedience. Submission on several levels. I know that the big picture is beautiful. I know it is beyond good. It has to be, for I have seen only glimpses and they are GOOD! So VERY GOOD!
Does anyone have the box top?
Friday, November 10, 2006
Yesterday
Yesterday began a little early as we got most of school done before I went to my morning bible study. I had missed last week so I was a week behind in my homework. I went, listening to discussion. It is not as strict at some were you can not speak if you have not completed your study but I went in to listen. Interesting chapter and conversation. I will definately need to get caught up on it. I commented once to a personal response. Trembling in the spirit. I love it when I know that I know the spirit is leading me. It feels so much better to speak from the spirit than from the flesh. Just following that, the DVD teaching began. Beth Moore's Daniel, session six. She started off by talking about how we can react in an emergency situation. I will quoted her here in saying, "In a situation I can panic, paralyze or pray." She made us repeat it after her about 5 times. So I will repeat it again here for the fun of it. "In a situation I can panic, paralyze or pray."
It was about that moment that I had a lesson within a lesson. The Lord showed me again the dream I had a few weeks ago. This time I was actually in the room where the dream took place. And I imagined the whole scene play out. I could see the people around me. Some paniced, others paralyzed and some prayed until we were all released to pray the blood of Jesus. Then I went on a spiritual download. The spirit was revealing to me and I wrote at the top of my notebook. "*Spirit says reprograming response, call in the angels, plead the blood of Jesus." I sensed he was saying you are reprogramming your responses. Over the last week I had reactions and stopped and said that is the old response. I am on this whole thought tangent while Beth is still teaching.
Minutes later Beth says in papraphrase according to my notes... changing your old pattern to a new pattern. Wouldn't it be nice to react in the spirit, defaulting into the things of the spirit. Rather than defaulting to old patterns. Our old patterns could be new patterns, they can change.
Wow!
The whole teaching was great and I wrote a whole other tangent of notes as the spirit was really confirming some things he has been showing me all week. Why is it I need to hear both from the spirit and the world to really get it? Maybe this is how God deals with me. Anyway I am to be thankful in everything! And to look for the good to praise...sound familiar J?
The day would have been great if it would have ended there. It got better. I had agreed to go with my mom to a craft show in the afternoon. I was not sure exactly why I was going. Crafts are nice but I really don't get into them all that much. I do enjoy the time with my mom and the kids like to look at different things. So we went. Here in Michigan we have home craft shows were the community has an oppurtunity to open their home and their crafts to the public. There are usually 20 or so that you can drive from one house to another. Mom stopped at one she knew she wanted to see and then it was off to McDs. As we drove I read the brouchere of the other home crafters. There was one in particular that caught my eye. A former teacher, one of my favorite teacher's. Not only that but the VERY DAY BEFORE I was thinking about her. Ironic, ha.
After the main craft show we drove over to her home. Beautiful. Gardens upon gardens. She rememered me. We chatted. It was such an enjoyable conversation. Before we left she invited us to come back in the summer when everything is in full bloom. We will definately be taking her up on that offer. We ended the conversation with a "Toodles." Her trademark good-bye.
In the evening I was left with hope diminishing on an upcoming weekend. I noticed I have an emotional wall up, in regards to that event. I have not given up hope yet, but today will be the final call on wether or not it will happen this fall or be pushed to the spring. Some were speaking in the past tense, as if it were already canceled. It is hard to remain believing when others have already given up. Yet somehow I am still open to God moving mightily TODAY. Even if the numbers do not come in. I am not disappointed in Him. All things for a reason. All things in His time. Yet I would REJOICE, oh how I would REJOICE if it comes back as a go.
Today I await a call. While I mull over everything the Lord was showing me yesterday.
It was about that moment that I had a lesson within a lesson. The Lord showed me again the dream I had a few weeks ago. This time I was actually in the room where the dream took place. And I imagined the whole scene play out. I could see the people around me. Some paniced, others paralyzed and some prayed until we were all released to pray the blood of Jesus. Then I went on a spiritual download. The spirit was revealing to me and I wrote at the top of my notebook. "*Spirit says reprograming response, call in the angels, plead the blood of Jesus." I sensed he was saying you are reprogramming your responses. Over the last week I had reactions and stopped and said that is the old response. I am on this whole thought tangent while Beth is still teaching.
Minutes later Beth says in papraphrase according to my notes... changing your old pattern to a new pattern. Wouldn't it be nice to react in the spirit, defaulting into the things of the spirit. Rather than defaulting to old patterns. Our old patterns could be new patterns, they can change.
Wow!
The whole teaching was great and I wrote a whole other tangent of notes as the spirit was really confirming some things he has been showing me all week. Why is it I need to hear both from the spirit and the world to really get it? Maybe this is how God deals with me. Anyway I am to be thankful in everything! And to look for the good to praise...sound familiar J?
The day would have been great if it would have ended there. It got better. I had agreed to go with my mom to a craft show in the afternoon. I was not sure exactly why I was going. Crafts are nice but I really don't get into them all that much. I do enjoy the time with my mom and the kids like to look at different things. So we went. Here in Michigan we have home craft shows were the community has an oppurtunity to open their home and their crafts to the public. There are usually 20 or so that you can drive from one house to another. Mom stopped at one she knew she wanted to see and then it was off to McDs. As we drove I read the brouchere of the other home crafters. There was one in particular that caught my eye. A former teacher, one of my favorite teacher's. Not only that but the VERY DAY BEFORE I was thinking about her. Ironic, ha.
After the main craft show we drove over to her home. Beautiful. Gardens upon gardens. She rememered me. We chatted. It was such an enjoyable conversation. Before we left she invited us to come back in the summer when everything is in full bloom. We will definately be taking her up on that offer. We ended the conversation with a "Toodles." Her trademark good-bye.
In the evening I was left with hope diminishing on an upcoming weekend. I noticed I have an emotional wall up, in regards to that event. I have not given up hope yet, but today will be the final call on wether or not it will happen this fall or be pushed to the spring. Some were speaking in the past tense, as if it were already canceled. It is hard to remain believing when others have already given up. Yet somehow I am still open to God moving mightily TODAY. Even if the numbers do not come in. I am not disappointed in Him. All things for a reason. All things in His time. Yet I would REJOICE, oh how I would REJOICE if it comes back as a go.
Today I await a call. While I mull over everything the Lord was showing me yesterday.
Humor from Yesterday
DS- "Hey, DD, pretend it's a free sale" as he reached over to steal some of her polymers.
"Ever wonder why in nature it is the guys that are all colorful. With us people it's the ladies. We are the only species where the women and not the men get all fancied up." This male family member may be getting a colorful boa and some costume make-up. The thought of that makes me laugh even more.
"Ever wonder why in nature it is the guys that are all colorful. With us people it's the ladies. We are the only species where the women and not the men get all fancied up." This male family member may be getting a colorful boa and some costume make-up. The thought of that makes me laugh even more.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Anointed Songs
Do you have any songs that whenever you hear them, they bring you into the Lord's presence? Something about them lightens your mood. Something about them stirs your spirit. I now have a list on my media player entitled anointed songs. I love media player in that I can rip my music to the computer. Since having young children, it seems that NONE o our CD's go unscathed. It is now my practice when I get a new CD to immediately rip it to media player. And now that I have most of my music on the computer it makes it super easy to make my play lists. And hence the anointed songs playlist. These songs can take me from a bad day to a day of rejoicing in moments. They get my feet dancing, my voice praising and my hands lifted in worship.
Here's my list: (In no particular order)
Let The Worshipers Arise
I Am Free
Sing For Joy
Days of Elijah
I Will Bow To You
Let The Praises Ring
My Savior My God
How Great Is Our God
Made Me Glad
Friend of God
How about you, what songs carry you into the Lord's presence? Please, do share.
Here's my list: (In no particular order)
Let The Worshipers Arise
I Am Free
Sing For Joy
Days of Elijah
I Will Bow To You
Let The Praises Ring
My Savior My God
How Great Is Our God
Made Me Glad
Friend of God
How about you, what songs carry you into the Lord's presence? Please, do share.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Near Death By Chicken
With 4 lbs of chicken to cook, I layered them in the pressure cooker, covered them with Italian dressing and water. Securing the lid, I placed the pressure cooker on the stove and put the heat to high. Quick and easy. In 20 minutes to a half an hour, dinner would be ready. Right?
After a few minutes I checked the lid to see if it was sealed. Not yet but it was beginning to feel like pressure was building. A few minutes after that I noticed some steam was now coming out of the spout on top. Good. I got the ball that goes on top of the spout, that changes the pressure. I placed it on. Before I did I noticed a bolt on the spout that I didn't recall before. Hmmmm. When I put the ball on it fell right into place. Good, or so I thought.
I knew from the time pressure was established I wanted it to cook for about 20 minutes. So I took note of the time and went about cleaning the house. 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes and I hear a PSSSSSSSS. Note to self, I need to check that out. I enter the kitchen and the pressure cooker is silent. No rat-a-tat or shaking of the ball. Hmmmmm. Not so good. Come to think of it I had not heard that sound at all. Definately not good. So I go over and give the ball a jiggle. PSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Uh oh. There is too much pressure in that baby. Think Sarah think!
Normally I would have turned down the heat once it was pressurized. Normally! That thing was still on high. Quick turn down the temp. Still no rat-a-tat-tat, that ball needs to come off. So I grab hold of it and it easily comes off. I quickly realize it needs to be off the heat. As the spout goes PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
I run to the opposite side of the kitchen and watch as steam turns to liquid that fountains and burst out of the spout. Like a whale it snorted Italian dressing and water onto my ceiling. I could hear the kids on the stairs about to come in to the kitchen."Wait, DO NOT COME IN HERE!" It seemed like the lid was swelling and I was bracing myself for an all out explosion. The spewing onto the ceiling and stove lasted over a minute. Then it simmered down and stopped. I let it sit there. Too afraid to go near it. I am laughing. I call my girlfriend who I knew could laugh with me. She did.
I then worked up enough courage to touch it. Carefully I placed it in the sink and sprayed some cool water on it. A little steam and it was over. The pressure was completely released and I was able to open the lid. There in side was the most beautiful sight. Perfectly cooked chicken, not scarred from it's recent ordeal.
I threw the biscuits in the oven, prepared the sides and all was well. Not to mention scrumpditiliumptious.
If I would have been thinking I would have taken a picture of the Italian snot on my ceiling before I cleaned it off. Sorry no such pictures. Just use your imagination. Or if you are feeling brave you can try it in your own kitchen, then you will understand. I recommend you use you imagination.
After a few minutes I checked the lid to see if it was sealed. Not yet but it was beginning to feel like pressure was building. A few minutes after that I noticed some steam was now coming out of the spout on top. Good. I got the ball that goes on top of the spout, that changes the pressure. I placed it on. Before I did I noticed a bolt on the spout that I didn't recall before. Hmmmm. When I put the ball on it fell right into place. Good, or so I thought.
I knew from the time pressure was established I wanted it to cook for about 20 minutes. So I took note of the time and went about cleaning the house. 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes and I hear a PSSSSSSSS. Note to self, I need to check that out. I enter the kitchen and the pressure cooker is silent. No rat-a-tat or shaking of the ball. Hmmmmm. Not so good. Come to think of it I had not heard that sound at all. Definately not good. So I go over and give the ball a jiggle. PSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Uh oh. There is too much pressure in that baby. Think Sarah think!
Normally I would have turned down the heat once it was pressurized. Normally! That thing was still on high. Quick turn down the temp. Still no rat-a-tat-tat, that ball needs to come off. So I grab hold of it and it easily comes off. I quickly realize it needs to be off the heat. As the spout goes PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
I run to the opposite side of the kitchen and watch as steam turns to liquid that fountains and burst out of the spout. Like a whale it snorted Italian dressing and water onto my ceiling. I could hear the kids on the stairs about to come in to the kitchen."Wait, DO NOT COME IN HERE!" It seemed like the lid was swelling and I was bracing myself for an all out explosion. The spewing onto the ceiling and stove lasted over a minute. Then it simmered down and stopped. I let it sit there. Too afraid to go near it. I am laughing. I call my girlfriend who I knew could laugh with me. She did.
I then worked up enough courage to touch it. Carefully I placed it in the sink and sprayed some cool water on it. A little steam and it was over. The pressure was completely released and I was able to open the lid. There in side was the most beautiful sight. Perfectly cooked chicken, not scarred from it's recent ordeal.
I threw the biscuits in the oven, prepared the sides and all was well. Not to mention scrumpditiliumptious.
If I would have been thinking I would have taken a picture of the Italian snot on my ceiling before I cleaned it off. Sorry no such pictures. Just use your imagination. Or if you are feeling brave you can try it in your own kitchen, then you will understand. I recommend you use you imagination.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Kids and Government
Today during discussion time DS and I talked about presidents, govenors, election day, voting and such. Interesting conversation with a 5 year old.
ME: Who is the president?
DS: I don't know
ME: He is the man that makes desicions for our country, the United States
DS: No, God does
Daniel 2: 20-21
20 "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
emphasis mine.
DS joined me at the voters booth. The system of voting has changed. No more brads. Connect the arrow of your choice and it is digitally read. Interesting.
Go vote! And talk to your kids about what today means. They get more than you think.
ME: Who is the president?
DS: I don't know
ME: He is the man that makes desicions for our country, the United States
DS: No, God does
Daniel 2: 20-21
20 "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
emphasis mine.
DS joined me at the voters booth. The system of voting has changed. No more brads. Connect the arrow of your choice and it is digitally read. Interesting.
Go vote! And talk to your kids about what today means. They get more than you think.
Minor Changes
This week we are making a few minor changes in our school day. I knew many months ago DS was suppose to be listening to the Bible on audio. We did it once and the tapes got set aside. The prodding on my heart has returned. We need to be doing this. So today we begin again. During breakfast, for the 30 minutes before school, we will listen to the KJV. (Scourby) The plan is to continue in this manner every week day for the rest of the year. Starting in Matthew and going through to Revelation and then begin again. He may only catch snippets. He may catch large portions and grab hold of them. He will be hearing the Word. A minor change that may yield major benefits.
Monday, November 06, 2006
The Pro's and Con's of Blogging
It has now officially been a year of blogging. 12 months documented. Written forever in cyberspace. For or against me it is there. Highlights, daily life expressed, my spiritual journey, moments of triumph, moments of struggle. Written, typed. Mostly from the heart. Some for the pure fun of it. Some things shared because they were too good to keep to myself. I love blogging, I really do! Perhaps at times too much.
Here is a list of pro's and con's for me.
Pro's
An outlet to express my thoughts
A place to share pictures
A collection of my favorite pictures
Snippets of life in the moment, that I can look back on and remember
A ministry and light for Christ
Meeting people I would have otherwise never met
Positively influencing others
Thoughts written to reread and gain better understanding of what you are experiencing
Real life people given non-threatening way to understand my stances on life
Comments/ Affrimation
Reading other blogs, gaining knwledge and life expereince through the eyes of another
Being a voice
It is forever recorded
Con's
Too much time on the computer
Seeking others approval
Real life people know what is going on in your life and LESS likely to contact you, be it phone or in person
Vunerable to others opinions of you and their judgments placed on you
My tendancy to place blogging at a higher priority than it should be
Posts can be misinterpreted and cause misunderstandings
Need to protect identity, filtering all info released as it is very public
It is forever recorded
I am sure there are more.
As I enter into my second year of blogging. I will press on. I desire to write more under the anointing. I desire to place God first, then family, then blogging. I desire to honor God in all I say and do. I desire to be a light here in cyberspace. Sharing this life, that is uniquely mine. Thanks for joining me in the journey.
Here is a list of pro's and con's for me.
Pro's
An outlet to express my thoughts
A place to share pictures
A collection of my favorite pictures
Snippets of life in the moment, that I can look back on and remember
A ministry and light for Christ
Meeting people I would have otherwise never met
Positively influencing others
Thoughts written to reread and gain better understanding of what you are experiencing
Real life people given non-threatening way to understand my stances on life
Comments/ Affrimation
Reading other blogs, gaining knwledge and life expereince through the eyes of another
Being a voice
It is forever recorded
Con's
Too much time on the computer
Seeking others approval
Real life people know what is going on in your life and LESS likely to contact you, be it phone or in person
Vunerable to others opinions of you and their judgments placed on you
My tendancy to place blogging at a higher priority than it should be
Posts can be misinterpreted and cause misunderstandings
Need to protect identity, filtering all info released as it is very public
It is forever recorded
I am sure there are more.
As I enter into my second year of blogging. I will press on. I desire to write more under the anointing. I desire to place God first, then family, then blogging. I desire to honor God in all I say and do. I desire to be a light here in cyberspace. Sharing this life, that is uniquely mine. Thanks for joining me in the journey.
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