Love.......

Why is it so hard to to truly love our neighbors and family. Pastor talked about how if we would truly love others the world really would be a different place. It is way easier to hold hurts and unforgiveness but it so much more devastating in our lives and when we do hold those things we just spill that out of us instead of the Love that God commands of Us and ultimately turns to sin because we are deliberately disobeying.
Matthew 20:37-40
37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

It is especially hard at least for me to love to really reach to people who intimidate me or have a tendency to be challenging. I really try to turn the other cheek and give the benefit of the doubt.
It really takes a lot for me to get upset or mad (except when its my own family--- i seem to lately have real short fuse) I am so guilty of taking things personal and really pulling away instead of taking those things to God and immediately taking those things to Him and killing the roots at the source. If i really would do that I would to be able Love my neighbors and family more effectively. I am so Thankful for a pastor who does not beat around the bush and really challenges us to truly "Be the Church" to live a life that truly shows Jesus. It is not easy.
Thank you Pastor Jim for your obedience. God Bless.

remembering.............

Here are a couple videos i discovered of Noah when he was about a year old. I think I knew he was gonna be a charcter. Boy, how time flies.

some ideas needed...

I have a few housekeeping things i am trying to come up with and since i dont have a creative bone in my body I need some ideas.
1. chore chart ideas and motivations
2. rule chart and creative discipline
3. 3 year old tantrum remedies
4. good grade motivations (this is a real issue with Nick- mostly a responsibility
issue)
5. free time activity ideas
6. sibling argument remedies.

I know I have some creative people out there with some fresh ideas. cuz I am just short of calling supernanny. lol

learning.....

I am really struggling with a few issues. I believe I have talked about this a little bit before. I am really struggling with feeling a sense of belonging. I know that i need to overcome this and that I have the Lord but I really just need some prayer to really push through this emptiness.
I have tried to hang out with different groups but always up feeling like the third wheel or I say or do something that makes me the outcast. I also think that this stems from being a social outcast as a teenager and younger. I know that Joyce meyer has a book called approval addiction and would love to get my hands on the audio version. I just thought I would share this because its on my heart and now i have daughters and I really am starting to see some of what i went through starting to develope in very subtle ways not as severe as what i had though.

On the Bright side i have been really working on being purposeful or intentional in what i say and trying to really take things to prayer instead to others. i feel I have been a burden to some people with my issues and it seems like the last couple years there have been ALOT of issues.

these videos really struck a cord in me:

im catcing on:

Im catching on to the coupon thing, i think. I went to Kroger twice this week and both times did very good. They some VERY good deals going on.
My first trip: My total was about $280 and after sales, instore coupons and my coupons my total was about $153.00. savings of $122. Yes!!!!
my second trip i dont remember totals off hand but my savings were something in the neighbrhood of $75. not bad. I know I have a lot to learn but im catching the coupon bug and its a great bug to have.:)

New Pictures

A good friend of mine who happens to be a photographer blessed me with taking pics of the kids and family pics on Saturday. We had a great time and we really needed them done. Noah was an infant when we got them done last time. Anyway I really want to thank Megan cuz I really was BLESSED by getting them done. I changed our individual pics on the blog to the ones just taken and I thought I show you what a ham Noah is Below:

Has it really been a week?

Wow i guess i am slacking. maybe not I have been super busy.
lets see there is....
5 messy kids
a mountian of laundry
a house to keep clean
college classes
parent teacher conferences
youth leader meetings
youth on wednesdays
Whitney dance on Mondays
coupon clipping and hunting
Family pictures
i know there is more and i just cant think of what.
sometimes i wish there were more hours in a day or i had a personal assistant.
(wait I have 5) lol jk
anyway God is good and I am learning to really prioritize and not sweat the small stuff.

I am a little disappointed in the decision to elect Obama for president. I dont know what God has planned but i know i can trust Him in know that He is really all i need. I dont understand but I dont have to. I was browsing on God tube and came across this video and it really spoke to me.

on my heart.

When we lived in Swartz Creek, my kids went to school with a little girl named Payton Cram.
Last year this sweet little girl (11) found out that she is a cancer patient. She loves Jesus with all of her heart. Her aunt goes to our church and is in my Tuesday Bible Study. She is fighting and is in a lot of pain. She is currently trying a new experimental treatment.
Below is a link to a news story they did about her.
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=5869245

She also has a website:
http://www.caringbridge.org/
enter in: paytoncram
Please pray for this sweet little girl.
I dont know every detail about her cancer but im sure the website will explain.

Thank You.

I just want to thank everyone who helped me with Light the Night!!!! You were truly a blessing and helped love our community who Jesus really is.
God Bless You.

childlike faith.

On Saturday Kelsey was playing a game on the computer and in the background i had music playing. She was so sweet singing the song We fall down (Chris Tomlin). I was almost in tears listening to her sing it word for word and all i could think is i wanted that child like faith. To be able not to worry about what others around me were thinking and to be able to focus on him without limits.
i found myself praying for that.
Here is a video with that song included.

just remember.....

in light of the election tomorrow i thought i would repost this again. i found myself gatting anxious watching the tv and all the polls and stuff. I really do not want a certain obama to be pesident but its not all about me. i am one vote. I reread this and had to remind myself of who is in control...... God.
I got this email and thought it was good so.....I got this email and thought it was good so.....
TEN PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL? AMEN!!!

things still needed for Light the Night..........

Hi everyone,
I am making one final plea for items needed for light the night.


6-8 white or light colored flat sheets (double or larger)
commercial size coffe maker
cups small for cider and medium for coffee (Themed if possible.)
napkins
lawn chairs
a bubble machine
Prayer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
christmas lights
tent
Anything to work with the theme.......

Thank you in advance!!!!

Eph. 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
www.shaklee.net/psalm121
www.myspace.com/child_of_god1975

bearing your cross.......

I got this emailed to me and i thought it was so good i had to pass it on. Thanks Agi:)

Awesome!! We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot. Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain....
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle!

Our new Family Member

Hi my name is Oreo and I am a 2 year shih tzu. I love my new family member. I get lots of attention and i think i am a favorite!!!!

Go Blue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am sooooooooooooooooo Cute!!!!!

some more political stuff...

Am I the only one that is nervous?


ISSUE
JOHN McCAIN BARACK OBAMA

Favors new drilling offshore in USA
Yes No
Appoint conservative Supreme Court Judges who interpret the law only
Yes No
Military Service (Active and/or Inactive)
Yes No
Time in US Senate
22 YEARS 173 DAYS
Advocates Socialized Medicine
No Yes
Supports abortion (including 'partial birth')
No Yes
Troops out of Iraq now
No Yes
Supports 2nd Amendment Gun Rights
Yes No
Supports homosexual marriage
No Yes
Overall programs require large tax increases
No Yes
Supports English as the official language
Yes No
Social Security benefits to illegal felons?
No Yes
HOME SALES TAX

MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples) and no tax increase for all other existing home sales.
OBAMA
28% on profit from all home sales, a MAJOR 'hit' affecting retirees downsizing for equity transfer to retirement.
STOCK DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN
15% (no change)
OBAMA
24.6% increase to 39.6%
GENERAL INCOME TAX

MCCAIN(no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500Single making 50K - tax $12,500Single making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 60K- tax $9,000Married making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion back to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400Single making 50K - tax $14,000Single making 75K - tax $23,250Married making 60K - tax $16,800Married making 75K - tax $21,000Married making 125K - tax $38,750Under Obama, taxes almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN
0% (No change to previous Bush repeal of Inheritance Tax
OBAMA
Wants to restore the inheritance tax, a HUGE hit to long-term family held business and properties lost due to inability to pay exorbitant inheritance taxes. Multiple properties going into receivership, often sell for 50 cents on the dollar.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA

New federal 'luxury' tax proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet.
Additional federal gasoline tax.
New federal tax on natural gas, water and electricity.
New tax on retirement accounts.
New, across the board general taxes to pay for socialized medical benefits, including to illegals.



Above information may be verified at the following sites:http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.htmlhttp://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxeshttp://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.htmlhttp://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/

websites

ok i know im chatty tonite... lol i guess im making up for neglecting my blog the last couple weeks.
i was looking at some cool sites about voting your values and thought i would share...
www.wallywonderswhy.com
http://ivotevalues.com/
www.ivotevalues.org/

thankful.

Today, We (terry, me,Whitney,Nick, and Haley) attended wrap the homeless with the church. Wow, what a wake yp call. the next time i complain about something stupid, Slap me!!!! I am so thankful for all that i have. i know we have struggled but i guess i take for granted that we have so much more than others and i nedd to really be Thankful for it. It was such a blessing to love on people that have nothing and to really share hope with others.

political joke.

I thought this was funny.............My stepmom sent this to me.

Getting A Parking Ticket The other day I went downtown to run a few errands. I went Into the local coffee shop for a snack. I was only there for about 5 minutes, and when I came out, There was this cop writing out a parking ticket. I said to him, 'Come on, man, how about giving a Retired person a break'? He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. His Insensitivity annoyed me, so I called him a 'Nazi.' He glared at me and then wrote out another ticket for Having worn tires. So I proceeded to call him a 'doughnut eating Gestapo.' He finished the second ticket and put it on The windshield with the first. Then he wrote a third ticket when I called him a moron in Blue. This went on for about 20 minutes. The more I talked back To him the more tickets he wrote. Personally, I didn't really care. I came downtown on The bus, and the car that he was putting the tickets on had One of those bumper stickers that said, 'Obama in '08.' I try to have a little fun each day now that I'm Retired. The doctor tells me that it's important to my health

confessions.......

ok so i have to get a few things off my my chest. and i only do so because i need the prayers of my readers and i just need to be real about my feelings. I want you to know this is very general and has happened over my lifetime and i do still struggle with this today. Thank God that i can know that i dont have to impress him. Just love Him.
I know that i dont have the best personality, i have a had a lot of issues this last year , tend to say the wrong things and have horrible timing. I have always been the person who has the ignore me, unpopular or tease me target on my head. I feel like have a lot of friends but i also feel like i am just a face in the crowd and if I leave town or something no one would notice or miss me. I have tried to fit into so many different "cliques" only to feel like the outsider. I have felt snubbed on different occasions and just clearly left out. I was always the unpopular one and the one teased about everything. I hung out with people a lot older or younger than myself, because im not sure why but i was just not accepted by my own piers. I am not trying to be negative, I just thought i would be real in figuring out who i really am and what my real purpose is. I have been praying through a lot of issues in my life in trying to get closer to Jesus. This one of my bigger ones i am working on. Thanks for listening.

pandora

ok so i was told about a cool website. its called pandora.com. all it is is streaming music and its free. the cool part about it is you put your favorite artist or song it will stream the that type of music. www.pandora.com just thought i would pass that along.

is it so hard?

I wrote this a while ago when i attempted to blog on myspace.
I just read it and i dont remeber what was going on when i wrote it but it sure did inspire me today so here it is.



is it so hard to live a life of worship? is it so hard to realize that we are loved beyond comprehension? Is it so hard to not only know who we are but whose we are? I we purpose in our hearts to stand on the Word of God and use it, No devil in Hell can defeat us. We can stomp on his ugly head and command him to flee. God loves us sent His Son to die in our place. He is the King of Kings so that makes us an hier to the throne. 1 peter 2: 9-10 We are to walk in that power use our sword and live a life worships him. Think of the Power in that. It is hard because we are in a war. (3For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.4For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 2 corinthians 10: 3-4)Satan is a liar, He wants us to get our idenity from anything but Christ. so to combat him and war against when we study the word, live in an attitude of worship and take every thought that comes to our head captive and make obedient to Christ( 2 Corinthians 10:5) and listening to the Holy Spirit> Its not easy to live in that. it is spiritual warfare. it i s a consious eveday minute by minute choice we make! I pray peace strength and love over each one that reads this!God Bless~

waiting.

Ok well i mentioned before that terry fnally got a job. things are getting better and things are still looking up. But please pray for us that we will have wisdom in our finances and are able to catch up on things and spend wisely. We are still waiting on his first check to come and i praying that we can get things back to normal soon.

Our biggest concerns at the moment are
rent (continued grace and good relationship with our landlord)
phone and internet (i go to school online)
Light the Night Outreach.

thanks for the prayers God Bess.
Proverbs 3:5-7 (New King James Version)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

little tornadoes.

i have such a hard time keeping anything clean with this little tornado. lol :)

I thought the tornadao in august 07 was bad but it was nothing compared to my little tornadoes i deal with daily.

yes this is there room but when it is this messy all time it spills into the rest of the house.

thank you for letting me vent. :)

priceless artwork....

i love it when my kids draw me a picture... just not so nuch on my walls.....

Hmmmmm i wonder if might get some good ideas of how to remove it.