Joke: Dieting New Year's Resolution

2006: I will get my weight down below 180 pounds.

2007: I will follow my new diet diligently until I get below 200 pounds.

2008: I will develop a realistic attitude about my weight.

2009: I will work out 3 days a week.

2010: I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

We didn't send out Christmas cards this year (trying to save some $$$). But that doesn't mean that we don't love and appreciate you all. God has blessed us with a wonderful family and friends. So from our house to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed 2010!







And we didn't forget whose birthday we were celebrating...Happy Birthday Jesus!

Little Germ Carriers

Last week I volunteered to help out with my son's Christmas party at school. The entire 2nd grade rotated through the classroom, and we helped them decorate sugar cookies. This sounded like a fun thing to do...until I saw something that made my skin crawl.

First, let me point out that I tease my husband ALL the time about his "germaphobic" ways. I call him "Monk", for those of you who have seen that t.v. show, you know what I'm talking about. I'm sad to say that after 13 years of marriage to this man...he's rubbing off on me! But, in my defense, what I saw while decorating sugar cookies in my son's class, would gross out any parent.

Okay, here goes - there was a whole plate of cookies on each table. Of course the teacher explained that with the flu going around, and in order to not spread germs, you should take the first, and only, cookie you touch. How many know that just because you explain this, doesn't mean that there weren't several kids who had to pick up every single cookie to examine which one was the BIGGEST? So at this point, I'm already grossed out.

Then, they were to spread the icing on their own cookie. They should have each been given their own plastic knife. But no, they used a knife, and put it back in the icing jar. What's the problem with that? Some of the kids decided to lick the extra frosting off of the knife and then stick it back in the icing! There were sprinkles everywhere, icing all over the place, kids licking their hands, licking the knives, licking, licking, licking EVERYWHERE! This was almost too much for me to handle.

Could things get worse? Yes, because unfortunately, my son wasn't in the first class that came through. No, that would have been too good to be true. He wasn't even in the second class to rotate. You guessed it...he was the LAST class to come through. By this time, I'm wanting to go to him quietly and say "whatever you do, DON'T EAT THAT COOKIE!"

After all this turmoil, I mean volunteering, I was convinced that my son would be sick within a couple of days. Not that I'm wishing anything on him - but seriously, every time I ever took my kids to the play areas in the mall, or Chick-fil-a/McDonalds, they were sick within two days - despite washing their hands or showering them down with hand-sanitizer. We finish out the week, and no sickness. I'm thinking, we've dodged the bullet this time.

Then, out of no where, my husband's throat gets scratchy. I play it off and say it's sinuses from the unpredictable weather. A few days later, he's added a stuffy nose & headache to the mix. Today I get a call from him at work asking if I would please bring him some medicine because he can't take it anymore. It's 3 days until Christmas and he has a full blown cold.

How does this all tie in? I'll tell you...

sugar cookies = gross behavior = germs = little germ carriers = give it to my husband = acts like a BIG baby = headache for ME!


It's not that I'm unsympathetic to his feeling bad...it's just that he's a man, who is sick...need I say more? If you don't understand what I'm talking about, consider yourself blessed.

Thanks a lot little 2nd Graders & have a Merry Christmas!

Disclaimer: This was all written in jist...of course I am nurturing my husband back to health with the greatest of love & care. And, I hold no ill will toward my son's 2nd grade class, or their germy little school projects.

Hard Holidays

For years I've heard the statistics about how difficult the holidays are for some people, and I never quite understood it. Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. However, this will be my third Christmas my family will celebrate without my Mom, who passed away in June of 2007. Yesterday my dad hosted her side of the family's Christmas party at his house, in honor of my Mom. She always loved this time of year, and looked so forward to seeing her whole family. We had a great time, watching the kids play, opening presents, and catching up. We even found a bunch of old pictures and passed them around, laughing at how we've all changed and old hair doos that we now regret. Still, I know for myself, and I heard my brother say also, that even with all the laughter and fun times to be shared, it was still a reminder of our loss. I've come to completely understand how this time of year can be very hard.

My father-in-law lost his sister a couple of days ago. They had her funeral yesterday. My Dad's uncle, who was 88 yrs. old, also passed away two days ago. He will have to make a trip to Alabama for the funeral between now & Christmas. There is no "good" time to mourn the loss of a loved one; but somehow it seems to hit a little harder when it comes right before Christmas. I guess it's because we have a "picture perfect" idea of what Christmas should look like. Everyone happy, no one lonely, hurting, hungry, or without family. Unfortunately this is not reality for many people all over the world. I do praise God that it will be a reality one day for all of us who have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

So for all the single people, waiting for that special someone, for all those who
have endured financial, physical or emotional hardship throughout the year, and for those who have lost a loved one who will be greatly missed this Christmas - I pray that the words spoken by the angels when God gave us the greatest gift of all, through the birth of His Son, will gird you up with great grace & strength this Christmas..."glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and good will toward men" (Luke 2:14)

From Barrenness to Birth

This Christmas season I have been to two different churches, and heard two messages on the same topic. Only to come home and read an article on the same message, and then to hear it again for the fourth time. Have you ever had the Lord speak to you in such an obvious way? He is definitely trying to get my attention. Each message brings the same stirring in my spirit that God is wanting to teach me something BIG so I can move from this place I'm at, to a higher level in my walk with Him.

So what's the message? It's the story of Elizabeth going from barrenness to being the mother of John the Baptist. It's also the story of Mary being a virgin and becoming pregnant with the Son of God. Without going through the stories, let me point out that both women were given a promise, both women believed the Word and both women received the blessing of the thing that was promised, the birth of a child. While one was barren and had waited a very long time, and the other was young, these two ladies had one BIG thing in common...they were both willing to accept that God can do the impossible.

Our Pastor pointed out in his sermon that it doesn't matter how long you've been barren & waiting on God to fulfill a promise, He has heard your prayers, and He's still at work. It was important to point out that barrenness was considered a punishment from God back in those days. It came with great shame & disgrace. It's easy to think that when God tarries concerning our prayers or a promise, that we have sinned or failed in some way. The enemy comes to deceive us into thinking that God has passed us by. But he said that often times, the answer is delayed because God's timing is waiting on something bigger than just our prayer. In Elizabeth's case, God was waiting for Mary to reach a certain age, so that John the Baptist would be the forerunner for Jesus. It's easy to see in hindsight, much harder to recognize when you're in the midst of a trial and you're waiting for your break through.

Or maybe you're young and like Mary, you don't have a clue what destiny lies ahead of you, but you're a willing vessel. The key to going from barrenness to birthing something great for the Lord's glory is found in Luke 1:34-35 when Mary said to the angel "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" "And the angel answered and said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.'" Our Pastor said we all need the power of the Most High to overshadow us and plant the seed of destiny, so that we will give birth to God's will for our lives.

This Christmas season, I am praying that every area of my life that is barren and unfruitful, that the Holy Spirit will overshadow me and plant the seed of destiny. Then I will guard and ponder it, like Mary did, and I will be obedient to the very end, until I receive the birth of God's ultimate will for me.

Merry Christmas to all my bloggy friends! I pray it will be a blessed & peaceful time with family & friends.

Praise Report

Last week I posted a prayer request for a fellow blogger's daughter, Katie. Jackie at Fresh oil Today gave an awesome testimony of what God has done for Katie over the past 5 days. If you want to be encouraged today that God is STILL in the miracle working business, go check out her blog. Thanks to all of you who prayed.

Worst Gifts to Buy a Women

1. Never give a woman any kind of household appliance or something that is going to make "housework" easier. For instance, a blender, a toaster, a new vacuum, one of those mops they advertise on tv, anything in a informercial.

2. Any bulk cleaning supplies, "honey, I got you that large box of Tide you have been wanting." "This Windex should last you a while." "I got a good deal on the industrial strength toilet bowl cleaner." All I can say is, be prepared to run.

3. Any sharp objects made by Ronco which slices or dices, or a set of ginsu knives. These may one day be used as a weapon against you in a heated argument.

4. Do not buy gifts for yourself and pretend they are for her. "Honey, I'm sure you'll get a lot of use out of the new drill I bought you." By then she will have put it to good use by drilling a quarter inch hole into the side of your skull for even thinking she would accept such a lame gift. After a gift like this, you probably won't be around for NEXT Christmas.

5. Any lingerie made of flannel, such as a pair of feet pajamas with a trap door in back. A Little Mermaid or Barney cartoon character nightgown. It gives her the idea that you do not consider her the beautiful woman that she is. On the other hand, if you get sexy lingerie, she will think it's a present more for YOU than her, so just stay away from the lingerie gifts.

6. No name perfume which costs you $1.99, such as Eu de Toilet, which actually smells like the bathroom, moldy fruit, or your dirty socks. If you are going to buy her perfume, spring for the brand names.

7. Any type of cubic zirconia jewelry you see on the Home Shopping Network. It will be quite embarrassing when she is showing off that fabulous diamond to her friends and tries to cut glass with it. (We actually test them you know.)

8. Do not give her a gift certificate to Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. Most men would know better, especially the ones who have learned the correct response to "do these pants make me look fat." If you are one of the poor souls who still doesn't get it and purchased a gift like this, be prepared for the silent treatment for a month.

9. Last but not least, never buy a woman anti-wrinkle cream, or a book on "How to Control PMS." These are not considered gifts, they are considered reasons for seriously injuring the person who bought it and just may stand up in court of law.


(the above jokes came from Aha! Jokes)

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!Today I'm linking with my friend Erica at Scottsville with a "Walk Down Memory Lane". I recently posted about Past Christmases, so I thought I would post something else today.

I talk a lot about my husband & kids on my blog, so today, I thought I would pay respect to my first "baby" BEFORE the kids! This is a walk down memory lane that only true animal lovers will appreciate.

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Thanks for the Award!

Thank you Andrea at Arise 2 Write for including me in the "Lemonade Award." I gratefully accept it. That is, after all, my very hope...that I am taking the challenges life throws my way, and making lemonade! I lean on the Scripture in Rom. 8:28 "and we know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." There is nothing that happens in my life that if I give it back to God, He can't use somehow for His glory!

I'll pass this award along to all my bloging friends who have posted about your difficulties, and yet have held on to the promises of God and maintained your joy. Without naming any names, I can think of so many of you right now. I hope you'll receive this award and pass it on as well. God bless you all & keep persevering!

Thanks for your prayers

I wanted to thank all of you who prayed for my cousin Hunters' little girl, Sophia. She had her heart surgery yesterday, and they have already sent her home - can you believe it? They will know in 8 days, after the EKG if the surgery was successful. I know that it will be, with all the prayers that have gone up to our Heavenly Father on her behalf. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

Family Christmas' Past

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Prayer request for my cousin's daughter

Please pray for my cousin Hunter's 9 yr. old daughter, Sophia. She has to have surgery on Monday. She has a heart defect called Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT). Please pray for her protection, healing, wisdom for the doctors and peace for the family.

Prayer Request for a blogging friend's daughter

Please be in prayer for Jackie at Fresh Oil Today - her daughter was in a car accident.

Circle of Friends Award

Hi my blogging friends

I received this "Circle of Friends" award from Andrea at Arise2write. I would like to pass it along to ALL of my blogging friends! You guys are awesome...you always encourage me by leaving your comments and cheering me on when I share my heart, or laugh with me when I post a ridiculous video or joke. Please keep the circle going by passing this award along to your 'circle of friends.'

I guess the rules of the award are that you share 5 things that you love to do. So here goes:

1. I LOVE to spend time with my family (especially when we have "Family Movie Night".

2. I LOVE to go out to eat. Food taste better when I don't have to cook it. My favorite place to eat is Burro Loco at Myrtle Beach, SC.

3. I LOVE to ride around and look at Christmas lights. Something about the decorations at Christmas make me happy.

4. I LOVE to go on Women's Retreats with my "girlfriends" and have fun with no responsibilities.

5. I LOVE to sing. I don't know if anyone loves to hear me, but I do love to sing.

There you have it, 5 things I LOVE to do. I can't wait to hear what things you love to do.

Giving Him My All

I was thinking the other day about how often I do things "half way" or just enough to get by. This has always been a problem of mine, especially when it came to doing my school work. I would procrastinate until something was due, then I would pull an "all nighter" and complete the assignment that I should have done a month ago. I'm not proud of this behavior, and over the years, I've tried to correct it, but I usually procrastinate getting started, and then I don't finish the job.

Why am I bringing this up? Well, the Lord started dealing with me on this very subject the other day. Just like He did with the parables in the Bible, He uses our everyday language & experiences to teach us a valuable lesson. My three lessons were in these areas, 1) cleaning, 2) exercise, 3) worship. How do they all tie in? Glad you asked (if you didn't ask, pretend you did).

1. Cleaning - I HATE cleaning my house and my family knows it. It's something that
must be done, but I have to admit, I only do it well when I know I have guests coming over. The rest of the time, I do just enough to get by. I let things go until I can't stand it anymore and then I get in the "cleaning mode" and go to town. The problem is, I want acknowledgement for a job well done and no one seems to notice when I've done anything. Probably because no matter how much I do, there is always something else they can point to that I didn't do. To make matters worse, my 9 yr. old talks about my friend's house and notices how clean it is. He said her house was the cleanest house he's ever seen. I thought, of course it is, she spends time everyday cleaning it.

2. Exercise - I HATE exercise! I usually stop when it gets uncomfortable. Just at the moment when it is about to do some good, I start sweating and I quit. I look at
people who enjoy running, walking on the treadmill, or going to the gym, and I wish I could join them in their enthusiasm, or at least their discipline. The worst part about it is, exercise actually makes me hungry! How's that for backfiring? So I watch as others achieve the goal of losing weight, something I desperately want but don't push for. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about how I NEED to lose this extra weight, but I feel like a mouse on a wheel, I am stuck in the same cycle of wishing, but never doing.

3. Worship - I LOVE to worship the Lord! However, I must confess, I get busy and I end up worshipping when I want, how I want, and as long as I want. Then I heard that still, small voice say "you stop too
short when you worship Me". I began to explore this thought, and He made it clear to me. You worship until you feel good again, until any heaviness is lifted, until you feel My presence, and then you quit. You don't wait around and quiet yourself to see what I might have to say. Wow! What a revelation. He's exactly right, I get what I need, and I'm on my way. Whoever thought that I should stay around long enough to see how I can bless my Lord?

So, now do you see the pattern of all three things? It's a pattern of selfishness, a pattern of mediocrity. It's a "I'll do just enough, I'll squeak by with the bare minimum" attitude, and yet I still expect great rewards. I want a clean house, but I don't want to work for it. I want to lose weight and get in shape but I don't push myself. I want to know the Lord in a deeper way, hear His voice and know His will, the way some others who I admire do. Those who have payed the price of time, who have learned to discipline themselves to read the Bible daily and to persevere in their quiet time. But I want the "drive through" worship experience, the quick revelation and then I'm off to start my day. I'm not beating myself up, I felt no condemnation or self-loathing. I did feel the conviction of God nudging me to give Him more than "just enough" - for two reasons, 1) because He's worthy of it, and 2) He loves me, and has so much more for my life than just getting by.

My prayer is this, that I would be disciplined in all things, excellent in everything I put my hands to (because I do it all unto the Lord) and I would allow the Holy Spirit to work in me with the fruit of self-control.

I will let these Scriptures be reminders of my new motto in life:

Hebrews 12:1 - "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which
so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance, the race that is set before us."

Phil. 3:13-14 - "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

2nd Tim. 2:4-6 - "No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also, if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops." (The NKJ commentary says that the hardworking farmer must first plow the ground before he reaps a crop, but if he does, he receives the reward of a bountiful harvest.)

I will attempt to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and body. This is my reasonable act of worship.

Random Thoughts from Larry, The Cable Guy

1. A day without sunshine is like night.

2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.

3. 52.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.

4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

5. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

6. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

7. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.

8. Support bacteria. They're the only culture most people have.

9. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

10. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.

11. OK, so what's the speed of dark?

12. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

13. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

14. What happens if you get "scared half to death", twice?

15. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, what happened?