Much to the delight of my husband, he came home to a warm and (if I do say so myself) tasty meal. I've been off to a pretty good start today, but I make no promises for tomorrow.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Home-made supper!
Much to the delight of my husband, he came home to a warm and (if I do say so myself) tasty meal. I've been off to a pretty good start today, but I make no promises for tomorrow.
Success!
Well after several hours, I finally managed to get one pillow done. Ok, stop laughing. If you were as bad at math as I was it would have taken you a while too. All in all I was pretty proud of myself, I only had to recut the flap 3 times!
Dinner is next. The menu is Hickory smoked ham, potato salad, fresh garden salad (really, most of the veggies are straight from Fay's garden), and biscuits. It's not really the "scratch" meal I had pictured in my head...but it least it'll be warm and filling.
Shamed
I have just returned from our family reunion in Kentucky and my cousin LeAnna has shamed me because I have not been posting on my blog. So here I am, head hung low, trying to come up with something especially witty to make up for the past months....and since that obviously isn't going to work (lol) I'll just say whatever pops in my mind.
Chuck and I found out several weeks ago that after years of trying (and even longer of me being told that children were never going to happen) God is blessing us with a child. I am 8 weeks into my pregnancy. Because of some scary incidents that we've endured, I'm on semi-bed rest. While I am THRILLED to be pregnant, the thought of 7 1/2 more months of sitting around is a bit overwhelming. To combat this I've decided to challenge myself. I'm going to work on my sewing and cooking skills (please take a moment to pray for Chuck and Mandy as they endure the next 71/2 months).
When I run to Walmart, here in a bit, I'm going to pick up some batteries for my camera so that I can post the results (good or bad). Today I'm going to start with making some pillows that Chuck bought me material for 2 months ago, and look up some recipes online that sound simple (key word there). Hopefully, not only will I pass the time I'll be able to save money (I'm taking inspiration from LeAnna and Brent and their journey here).
To most people this may sound like a pretty easy challenge, but then again most people aren't talented enough to make crunchy spaghetti!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Pride's Fall
I grew up in a home where the Bible and church were integrated from the very beginning. It was much more likely that we could con a sick day for school, than church. For this foundation, I am very thankful to my parents. However, a couple of years ago I began to feel myself in a bit of a dilemma. I began to get the sinking feeling that I had never really been saved. I knew the Bible inside and out, because my parents had taught me it. I followed the morals set forth in the Bible, because I was told to.
I slowly began to realize that everything I was doing, I was doing because it was expected of me. If I got out of graces with the family, the quickest way back in was to throw myself into church and the Word. As the realization began to hit, panicking thoughts flowed through as well.
"I can't tell anyone I'm not saved, I'm the preacher's kid; what would they think?
I can't admit the truth and stand in front of the church singing of God's grace; how would they respond?
I cannot go forward and teach a Bible class; what would they say?"
Sunday after Sunday I fought that battle. Week after week, year after year I stood firmly in my pew.
As time went on, I got pretty good at ignoring that inner voice. I looked through the signs God sent me, seeing only what I wanted to. Then last week I slowly began to lose my fight. God spoke to me hard, not only as that still small voice but through the words and actions of others. I talked to Chuck, mulling over the situation; telling him that I was afraid I wasn't saved. I was afraid that I knew the Bible in my head, but not in my heart.
During invitation, Sunday night I bowed my head and prayed to the Lord. "Dear God, I'm so confused as to what to do. Please, God, just show me what you want. Make it clear God. Let somebody say something to show me what you want."
Slowly I lifted my head, peeking around at the pastor as if he could hear my prayer. The song slowly ended without another word from him and invitation came to an end. Part of me sighed in relief and the other in disappointment. A testimony time was called for as the pastor prepared for the baptisms that night. I waited with breath held as several people stood and thanked the Lord for the different blessings in their life. I sat on edge as I watched the four baptisms that night, envious of the obvious joy on their faces. After the conclusions I began gathering my stuff, sure now that everything had been in my head and the grief I had put myself through was all for naught. Then Jerry stood. He stood and made a comment that sent chills down my spine and caused an automatic elbowing of Chuck in the ribs. He said, "I think that there are some people that know the Bible in their head, but not in their heart." I know there was more to his testimony than that, but that was all I heard.
Could God have made His position any more clear? He used my own words against me! I knew now what I needed to do but the old fears of my pride kept coming forth. Finally, long after the sun had set and we should have gone to bed Chuck called Jerry to ask if we could come over. That night I sat cross-legged and tear-stained on the couch in Jerry's house and asked the Lord to come into my life. Not because it was something that someone else wanted me to do, or because I wanted someone to be proud of me; no I asked the Lord into my heart because I wanted to.
The fear still possesses me as I anticipate the responses, and shock of others. I cringe at the thought of walking forward on Sunday and announcing to the church the decision I have made. I know who gives me this fear, that stalks my every move; but still it is real. I hear whispered comments in my head, I imagine the looks and I shiver. The difference now is that fear no longer owns me. Despite the apprehension, I am filled with an everlasting joy because I serve the one who loves me most.
I slowly began to realize that everything I was doing, I was doing because it was expected of me. If I got out of graces with the family, the quickest way back in was to throw myself into church and the Word. As the realization began to hit, panicking thoughts flowed through as well.
"I can't tell anyone I'm not saved, I'm the preacher's kid; what would they think?
I can't admit the truth and stand in front of the church singing of God's grace; how would they respond?
I cannot go forward and teach a Bible class; what would they say?"
Sunday after Sunday I fought that battle. Week after week, year after year I stood firmly in my pew.
As time went on, I got pretty good at ignoring that inner voice. I looked through the signs God sent me, seeing only what I wanted to. Then last week I slowly began to lose my fight. God spoke to me hard, not only as that still small voice but through the words and actions of others. I talked to Chuck, mulling over the situation; telling him that I was afraid I wasn't saved. I was afraid that I knew the Bible in my head, but not in my heart.
During invitation, Sunday night I bowed my head and prayed to the Lord. "Dear God, I'm so confused as to what to do. Please, God, just show me what you want. Make it clear God. Let somebody say something to show me what you want."
Slowly I lifted my head, peeking around at the pastor as if he could hear my prayer. The song slowly ended without another word from him and invitation came to an end. Part of me sighed in relief and the other in disappointment. A testimony time was called for as the pastor prepared for the baptisms that night. I waited with breath held as several people stood and thanked the Lord for the different blessings in their life. I sat on edge as I watched the four baptisms that night, envious of the obvious joy on their faces. After the conclusions I began gathering my stuff, sure now that everything had been in my head and the grief I had put myself through was all for naught. Then Jerry stood. He stood and made a comment that sent chills down my spine and caused an automatic elbowing of Chuck in the ribs. He said, "I think that there are some people that know the Bible in their head, but not in their heart." I know there was more to his testimony than that, but that was all I heard.
Could God have made His position any more clear? He used my own words against me! I knew now what I needed to do but the old fears of my pride kept coming forth. Finally, long after the sun had set and we should have gone to bed Chuck called Jerry to ask if we could come over. That night I sat cross-legged and tear-stained on the couch in Jerry's house and asked the Lord to come into my life. Not because it was something that someone else wanted me to do, or because I wanted someone to be proud of me; no I asked the Lord into my heart because I wanted to.
The fear still possesses me as I anticipate the responses, and shock of others. I cringe at the thought of walking forward on Sunday and announcing to the church the decision I have made. I know who gives me this fear, that stalks my every move; but still it is real. I hear whispered comments in my head, I imagine the looks and I shiver. The difference now is that fear no longer owns me. Despite the apprehension, I am filled with an everlasting joy because I serve the one who loves me most.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
A Poem
When going through some old stuff of mine I came across a poem I wrote about five years ago. It was inspired when Chuck I drove past a harvested field. It was night-time, and the crescent moon was high in the sky, as we drove past the field we saw the most beautiful sight. Millions of fire-flies danced about. Never before have I seen such a sight, and never since. Later, I got to thinking about all the living that happens when the sun goes down. How the setting sun, which typically announces an end is really a beginning. Not only is there a whole world of beautiful, nocturnal elements; but it also ushers in our dreams and the adventures we lead, even while we sleep. This poem was a tribute to all adventures, real and imagined, that come out with the moon.
Full Cycle
A midnight hue, of darkest blue
with legends in the air.
Field aglow with lights below
a dance of love so rare.
Full-moons and night-time blooms,
nocturnal elements.
The setting sun has unknowingly begun
a cycle of events.
Wishes and walks and whispered talks
float on an unseen breeze.
Night-time prayers and covered layers
unlock the fantasies.
Sword fights and distant kites;
heroes, wars, and love.
The light ebbs in, calling to an end
what it unknowingly begun.
A midnight hue, of darkest blue
with legends in the air.
Field aglow with lights below
a dance of love so rare.
Full-moons and night-time blooms,
nocturnal elements.
The setting sun has unknowingly begun
a cycle of events.
Wishes and walks and whispered talks
float on an unseen breeze.
Night-time prayers and covered layers
unlock the fantasies.
Sword fights and distant kites;
heroes, wars, and love.
The light ebbs in, calling to an end
what it unknowingly begun.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Garden Plans
Well many months have passed since I first created this blog, and it would take WAY too long to catch ya'll up on everything, so we'll start fresh.
Today is a beautiful day! It is in the 70's here and Chuck and I have spent most of the day outside working on the yard. This is the time of year that I spend plotting, planning, and dreaming about my beautiful flower gardens and my vegetable garden that I just know I'll actually plant this year! Sometimes, when Carla comes over and makes me, I actually get a small flower garden or two planted. The only problem is that by mid-August I've usually given up the battle with the morning glories and let them claim their invaded territory.
This year I have a new game plan. I'll not plant my flowers beside the house and tempt the morning glories anymore...no, I'm telling Chuck on the morning glories and their death will be a horrible and painful death. So "Na-Na!"
This year I'm going to make a new flower bed. It will be in the front yard (far, far away from those stupid vines). I keep threatening mom that I'm going to use an old claw bathtub and an old toilet to decorate it with and since Chuck put a new toilet in my bathroom and I actually have one to use I think I might follow through! Whatever I do I will use perennials and I will invest HEAVILY in mulch!
I'm hoping to actually plant a vegetable garden this year and not just say that I am. I know I want green beans and tomatoes and corn, but am not sure what else to plant at this point. I've been telling myself for so long that I'm going to plant a veggie garden that I don't even trust myself anymore, so we'll all be kept in suspense with this one.
Today is a beautiful day! It is in the 70's here and Chuck and I have spent most of the day outside working on the yard. This is the time of year that I spend plotting, planning, and dreaming about my beautiful flower gardens and my vegetable garden that I just know I'll actually plant this year! Sometimes, when Carla comes over and makes me, I actually get a small flower garden or two planted. The only problem is that by mid-August I've usually given up the battle with the morning glories and let them claim their invaded territory.
This year I have a new game plan. I'll not plant my flowers beside the house and tempt the morning glories anymore...no, I'm telling Chuck on the morning glories and their death will be a horrible and painful death. So "Na-Na!"
This year I'm going to make a new flower bed. It will be in the front yard (far, far away from those stupid vines). I keep threatening mom that I'm going to use an old claw bathtub and an old toilet to decorate it with and since Chuck put a new toilet in my bathroom and I actually have one to use I think I might follow through! Whatever I do I will use perennials and I will invest HEAVILY in mulch!
I'm hoping to actually plant a vegetable garden this year and not just say that I am. I know I want green beans and tomatoes and corn, but am not sure what else to plant at this point. I've been telling myself for so long that I'm going to plant a veggie garden that I don't even trust myself anymore, so we'll all be kept in suspense with this one.
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