Wednesday, December 31, 2008

2008

I have given my kids an assignment. See if you can do the same.


When I get home they will have a list of 5 things that God has blessed them with for the year 2008.


Here is mine (in no certain order):


1) Health

2) Freedom in many things but mainly to be able to worship in an assembly with no threat of persecution.

3) Family - kids that seem to be understanding the greatness of our God. As well as good respectful kids at that.

4) In a time with a shaky economy I am blessed with a good job. Ed was blessed with a new job opportunity that has proven to be a very wise move. We have a good house, mind you it's nothing fancy but it is home in every sense of the word that I am very happy to open up to not only one wonderful Asain boy 2 years ago but the opportunity to open it up again to Chang this year.

5) Great friends who have time & time again proven to be my strength & always there. I am also thankful for healed friendships =)


See if you can come up with AT LEAST 5 things of your own!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tuesday Tunes

By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North


Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away


Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run


And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you


Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life


And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you


Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go


And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Prayers

Last night in Bedford there was a fatal wreck. Killing 3 teenagers from what I understand. Another girl Jessica Pruett is brain dead. We played AAU against her for many years. I went to school with her mother & my mom knows her grandmother pretty well. This will be tough on a lot of people. Prayers are much appreciated. I know I will hug my kids extra tight tonight. You never know what tomorrow holds so don't take friends & family for granted.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Infomercials

I am going to be one of those little old ladies who sits arounds and spends their life savings on junk sold on infomercials.


There I said it....


Saturday mornings are infamous for those things that you watch one minute of and it never fails they always draw me in. It is ridiculous, I know. I have only bought one thing in my life from an infomercial but I could have boxes stacked in my closet if I didn't know better!


Is there a 12 step program to break the habit?

Friday, December 26, 2008

Christmas

Here are a few pictures taken from our Christmas Holiday.



Cole with his new paintball gun

Aimee's favorite present!

Chopper says "where's mine"

Chang and his new PSP

I LOVE pink..... can't you tell lol

My lil bro. He is SO cool hehe

John with a new knife

The kids!

Aimee showing off new clothes

Not sure he should be doing this....

Dad being Dad

Chad

Mom & Johnna
Guitar Hero World Tour...

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Comfort and Joy

Ok, so by now you all know how much I really don't like Christmas music too much. I know, I know that just isn't right is it?!?! (I don't mind it now that it is so close to the big day).


Anyway, I couldn't even tell you what song it is in (again I know...) but the words comfort and joy have been stuck in my head. I wish I could tell you why. I am sure there is a lesson in them for me but I have yet to find it.


What does "comfort and joy" mean to you?



This is probably my favortire Christmas song by Ray Boltz


The Perfect Tree

The ornaments are ready
The place has been prepared
Strings of lights and holly
Are draped across the chair

The family's all together
I know where they must be
Everyone is searching
For the perfect tree


CHORUS:
The perfect tree
Grew very long ago
And it was not decked with silver
Or with ornaments of gold
But hanging from its branches
Was a gift for you and me
Jesus laid His life down
On the perfect tree


Mother wants a straight one
The children want it tall
Dad just hopes that somehow
He can get it down the hall
Soon they'll gather round it
As proud as they can be
But when they're looking at it
I wonder if they see


CHORUS:
The perfect tree
Grew very long ago
And it was not decked with silver
Or with ornaments of gold
But hanging from its branches
Was a gift for you and me
Jesus laid His life down
On the perfect tree


With all the celebrations
Sometimes the truth is lost
That every step this baby took
Brought Him closer to the cross

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Christmas Cards

Well I had every intention of sending our Christmas Cards but nope I didn't get it done so here it is!



Friday, December 19, 2008

is it an omen?

Yesterday on my way to the doctor for my yearly check up for my Asthma I went to JCPenneys to pick up a dress shirt for Ed. So, I call him and said what size do you need. He says large. Uh, neck size silly. He said I have no clue. Shows you how much he shops. I threatened to get a pink one!


After I got it I decide to look around. I spotted what I thought to be a cute top. I was making my approach to the rack when this lady picked up the same shirt. Now mind you I wasn't mad. I was like you have got to be kidding me. She was this adorable (probably 85+) gal. To myself I think great the ONE shirt I like it the same style an 85 year old would wear. So with that I chuckled & moved on. Left the store with ...yep you got it Ed's shirt.



I am not fond of shopping AT ALL. It may be because I have totally no sense of style. I'm telling you Stacy & Clinton would die! Poor Annette is shopping with me on Sunday.


So I go to the doctor. First thing I sit & sit & sit. Watching everyone go in before me. I wandered what was going on when I heard one of the nurses say where is Christy's chart & how long has she been sitting there. Yep, they forgot me. Just great. She came & got me & I said since you forgot me can we just skip that whole weighing thing. She laughed & said step on. Nothing more embarrassing then telling them to move the big bar up more. Ugh!


Finally the doctor comes in & says how are ya Christy. I said well I'm tired all the time, I pee when I laugh, sneeze, cough, or run & I'm fat. She chuckled & said well if you would lose 20-30 pounds that would help with the second issue. I said well yea ok and she said so are you going to work on it? To which I replied nope. She said well at least you are honest.


I am not blind I know I have packed the pounds on but really I'm pretty content & not unhealthy so here I am.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Beloved

“And he called her beloved when there was nothing lovely about her” (Romans 9:25).


He called her beloved.


How many times have there been "nothing lovely about you"? I am sure too many times to count. Sin is an ugly, detestable thing that grabs a hold of us and doesn't want to let go. We can get so quickly drawn into sin that is is terrifying. We let ourselves go to the things of the world. We become the one thing we say we have overcome. . . .


Sinners


Now we have all fallen short of from the glory of God. But look at the other part of that verse.



He called her beloved


He sees our sin and yet he still calls us beloved.



I'm going to end with a good statement I heard today that said “Why don’t you quit telling God what you want and tell Him that Jesus is all you need?”






Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Tuesday Tunes

MercyMe - Bring The Rain


I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that
I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You



Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray



Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there'll
be days when this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain



I am yours regardless of the clouds that may
loom above because you are much greater than
my pain you who made a way for me suffering
your destiny so tell me whats a little rain



So I pray



Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there'll
be days when this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain


Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
is the lord God almighty
is the lord God almighty
I'm forever singing


everybody singing
Holy holy holy
you are holy
you are holy

Monday, December 15, 2008

The Arrival

I read this devotional today that I get from Max Lucado and it was really good and right on so I wanted to share it.








The Arrival by Max Lucado


God had entered the world as a baby.


Yet, were someone to chance upon the sheep stable on the outskirts of Bethlehem that morning, what a peculiar scene they would behold.


The stable stinks like all stables do. The stench of urine, dung, and sheep reeks pungently in the air. The ground is hard, the hay scarce. Cobwebs cling to the ceiling and a mouse scurries across the dirt floor.


A more lowly place of birth could not exist.

Off to one side sit a group of shepherds. They sit silently on the floor; perhaps perplexed, perhaps in awe, no doubt in amazement. Their night watch had been interrupted by an explosion of light from heaven and a symphony of angels. God goes to those who have time to hear him—so on this cloudless night he went to simple shepherds.


Near the young mother sits the weary father. If anyone is dozing, he is. He can’t remember the last time he sat down. And now that the excitement has subsided a bit, now that Mary and the baby are comfortable, he leans against the wall of the stable and feels his eyes grow heavy. He still hasn’t figured it all out. The mystery of the event puzzles him. But he hasn’t the energy to wrestle with the questions. What’s important is that the baby is fine and that Mary is safe. As sleep comes he remembers the name the angel told him to use … Jesus. “We will call him Jesus.”



Wide awake is Mary. My, how young she looks! Her head rests on the soft leather of Joseph’s saddle. The pain has been eclipsed by wonder. She looks into the face of the baby. Her son. Her Lord. His Majesty. At this point in history, the human being who best understands who God is and what he is doing is a teenage girl in a smelly stable. She can’t take her eyes off him. Somehow Mary knows she is holding God. So this is he. She remembers the words of the angel. “His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:33)



He looks like anything but a king. His face is prunish and red. His cry, though strong and healthy, is still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby. And he is absolutely dependent upon Mary for his well-being.



Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.



She touches the face of the infant-God. How long was your journey!



This baby had overlooked the universe. These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen. And worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.



Meanwhile, the city hums. The merchants are unaware that God has visited their planet. The innkeeper would never believe that he had just sent God into the cold. And the people would scoff at anyone who told them the Messiah lay in the arms of a teenager on the outskirts of their village. They were all too busy to consider the possibility.



Those who missed His Majesty’s arrival that night missed it not because of evil acts or malice; no, they missed it because they simply weren’t looking.



Little has changed in the last two thousand years, has it?


Sunday, December 14, 2008

Weekend Wrap Up

What a busy weekend as usual. Cole had a tournament at Oolitic yesterday with 2 games. One at 9 and one at 10:45. He was excited cause the got a double foul. I say he is easily amused.



From there I went to Linton to Aimee's game. It was a heartbreaker. We were up by 1 and with 11 seconds to go a girl hit a 3 to win it. We listened to the Kentucky game on the way home. UK whipped up on IU. Last night Ed & I went to Barr Reeve to scout Wood Memorial. I laughed when we got there cause there we were, Ed in his IU sweatshirt and me in my UK sweatshirt.



Today I had to work overtime. I hate overtime but the money is good and no one else wanted to work so here I am. I hate missing church. Our Sunday School is just amazing. We get deep at times but still have a good time.I did however get to listen to Pastor Jeanne's sermon on 94.5 at 11:15.



From here Ed & I will go grocery shopping then on to get Cole. Tonight is the Survivor Finale so I am all pumped up for it!!



Christmas is quickly approaching and I am SO NOT READY. With the finances being tight this year I have put it off and put it off. My kids are a little spoiled anyway but they are always very thankful for anything they get so it will all be good.


Friday, December 12, 2008

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You....





...over at the "That Girl"


for this FABULOUS BLOGGER AWARD



Here are the rules if you are playing along at home....
Here are the rules to receiving this award:


1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous bloggers in a post.

2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.

3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.Instructions: On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.


I am going to nominate five Fabulous Blogs! I would like to nominate more but I am trying NOT to use ones I have already seen used but I do love them all!!


1. Andrea @ Finding Myself at 40
Andrea is a great mother, FAB-U-LOUS friend and business woman!! Love her precious family =)

2. Leslie @ Scripted Notions
I LOVE this girl, she holds a special place in my heart!


3. Misty @ Fairytale Princesses
Misty is a photographer, a proud mother and a hoot with THE cutest kids!!


4. Ashley @ Almost Divine
Although I don't know Ashley very well, she is a super sweet girl!!


5. Auna @ Auna's Angels
Auna is such a supportive person and always cracks me up with her pictures!



Now Five Fab Facts:


1. I absolutely LOVE Kentucky Basketball.... did you all know this already???


2. I am a total Dog lover. All dogs... I do not discriminate


3. I love watching "What Not to Wear". Someone needs to nominate me UNLESS they make me buy a dress!!


4. I love my Blackberry--it goes where I go. Period. If it dies I will have to be treated at a mental health facility near you. Had to steal this one from Lauren but it is OH SO TRUE!! I have a serious problem!


5. I LOVE books... I am addicted to them. I always have AT LEAST one with me at all times.



Have a FABULOUS weekend, and thanks again to Martin County's own THAT GIRL, who I LOVE LOVE LOVE for this special honor!







Thursday, December 11, 2008

Chopper


That is my dog, Chopper. He is a 100 lb. Boxer and the most loving dog I have ever had. That is unless you knock on the front door. He gets really unhappy when anyone knocks on the door. If you were to just walk in he would be fine.



Every day when I get home from work he is waiting at the door for me. He jumps up and puts his paws on my shoulders and lays his head on my chest like he is hugging me, then if I sit down he thinks he is a lap dog. We have had him since he was weened and he is just like one of the kids. He is very protective, lazy and hates hot weather.



Who else could you wake up in the middle of the night that would lick you and wag their tail. Come on can it get any better than that?!?!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Peace

I heard a message today from John McCarthur on one of my favorite verses that has meant so much to my life.


John 14:27 Peace I give to you, my peace I leave with you. I do not give as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled.


For many years I have struggled with anxiety & anger. At one point many years ago I was on Paxil for it. I was on it for about a year & to be quite honestly I felt ok, sometimes a little too numb. I went off the medicine & turned into a very bitter & angry person. Many times I heard about the peace of God. Often I thought yea yea..blah blah.


So it was fitting that when I made my Walk to Emmaus (after a few years of Tami's persistence, thanks Tami!) that the theme verse was John 14:27. I have been in church all my life but I just didn't "get it" a lot of the time. I honestly do not know how Ed lived with me. I am sure I wasn't pleasent to be around.


I can say that God has blessed me with His peace that passes ALL understanding. I know it was an offer all along but I was too stubborn to let him in. I wanted to do it all by myself. I was a big girl right?!?!


Well I miserably failed. The good thing is that God doesn't give us what we deserve. Jesus took it all for us when he laid his life down on Calvary.

Now there are times when I feel the knot in my stomach & feel it all crashing down but in those times I know that all I need to do it give it to God.


I am very thankful today to not be the person I was years ago.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Tuesday Tunes

Point of Grace - Blue Skies

On days of gray
When doubt clouds my view
It's so hard to see past my fears
My strength seems to fade
And it's all I can do
To hold on, 'til the light reappears
Still, I believe though some rain's bound to fall
That you're here next to me
And you're over it all


(chorus)
Lord, the sky's still blue
For my hope is in you
You're my joy
You're the dream that's still alive
Like the wind at my back
And the sun on my face
You are life
You're grace
You are blue skies
You're my blue skies
When nights are long
Seems the dark has no end
Still we walk on in light of the truth
For waiting beyond
Where the morning begins
Is the dawn, and you're mercy anew
Oh, to believe we're alive in you're love
There is so much to see
If we keep looking up


You fill the heavens with hope and a higher love
A picture, a promise for life


Monday, December 8, 2008

Busy Busy

Ok, I have to admit I am a little behind. We have been SO busy with basketball etc.. that it has been too easy to get behind. We don't have games until Saturday this week so I hope to catch up.


A pet peeve of mine it Christmas music. I know you are thinking I am a scrooge but let me say this. I do not mind it a week or so before Christmas but starting right after Thanksgiving it drives me crazy. I am not ready for Christmas yet but I will get there. I do have a few presents bought and wrapped.


Aimee is all released and back to playing. She still has a little soreness and we did find out that her rotator cuff is a little messed up but nothing too serious as of yet. She is already complaining about the Sully Brace so it will be a long year for that! Cole is busy with basketball, band, and being anal about his grades. Chang is just enjoying the USA, he really has a great personality and fits in very well.


I do have to admit I have been lacking in my bible reading. I have done my usual 3 daily devotionals that has scripture readings with them but as far as getting in and studying I have been lacking. The Ya Ya's meet again tomorrow night for our 3:16 Lucado bible study so I am looking forward to that.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Birthday Boy!






Random Thoughts...

Today is Chang's birthday. 16 today, can you imagine sending your kid thousands of miles away for 9 months at 15!!



I have self diagnosed myself with bronchitis yet again. With my asthma I have chronic bronchitis, every winter I get sick and pretty much stay that way all winter long. So I ask..can you overdose on Robitussin? Because in 3 days I have went through 2 bottles because I couldn't get a hold of my doctor. I finally heard from them today and they called me in a Z-Pack and a cough syrup. That over the counter junk just doesn't work for me. They laughed and said I should be able to diagnose myself since I get it at least 3 times a year. You should see Chopper when I get the ole breathing machine out! Hello my name is Christy and I am addicted to Halls cough drops. You can ask anyone that knows me, I always have some in my pockets. I wonder if you can overdose on halls.....



I digress. .



Anyway, I am getting ready to take Aimee back to Dr. Love in about an hour to see if she will be released to play. The therapist said her strength was good but her rotation wasn't where it should be yet. So, we are praying that she can play with the sully brace (after the remedial training that is). If he is unsure then we will sit out longer. After we get back I have to go to Springs Valley for Cole's game. Run, run, run..... no wonder I am sick!!



I'll post birthday pictures later of Chang!!



Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Brrr




I was driving around on jeep trails today at work. My most favorite thing to do at work! I came across this tree, it was shaking in the wind. It struck me as odd because it shook so that to me it looked as if it was saying brrrrr.



I hate winter, I think the guys at work have heard me say that a hundred times so far. I do not like cold, dreary days. I want sunshine and lots of it! I know we need winter for some reason that I cannot fathom what other than to kill off the bugs. I know I am getting scientific on you all!!



Anyway, I cannot believe Christmas is almost here. I am not ready nor am I ever ready this early anyway. I am sure I will get there....eventually.


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Tuesday Tunes

This is one of Ed's favorites so here it is:










Unfailing Love by Chris Tomlin

You have my heart
And I am Yours forever
You are my strength
God of grace and power

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My unfailing love
Unfailing love

You are my rock
The one I hold on to
You are my song
And I sing for You

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still you make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love

I will praise You
Praise you God of earth and sky
How beautiful is your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love

Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love

Monday, December 1, 2008

Oh Christmas Tree

Each year the kids decorate the tree by themselves. Cole is quite the organizer, he has all the decoration separated in boxes. Our tree is very simple, decorated with white lights and ornaments that either the kids made or that were bought for them.




Luci


Aimee


Cole hugging the tree =)


He is SO picky!

Aimee


Cole


Chang


Aimee

Chang

Finished

Chopper helped!!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

OOPS!

I have just realized that I haven't blogged since Thursday!! Yesterday was such a great day, I know this may sound strange but I didn't get out of my jammies all day! It was wonderful, I did a little cleaning then just chilled the rest of the day.



I honestly do not get the "Black Friday" shopping day. I hate to shop #1, #2 why would you put yourself through that! That is not to say that I haven't done it. I have went with my mom but not for the last couple of years. I do most of my shopping online and I am just fine with that! I read on Kent's blog that a shopper in New York was trampled to death in WalMart!



We had a great church service today. Pastor Dan preached on Revelation 3:14-22 and Revelation 21. He talked about the church of Laodicea being lukewarm and how we today as the church are the same way. He talked about how God would spew us out of his mouth. It was a TOE STEPPING sermon. Just the kind I like! Brimstone and fire. Too many people go to church today to "feel good". It's time to get busy church!!



Revelation 3:14-22
To the Church in Laodicea

14"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."



Revelation 21
The New Jerusalem

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb."

10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west.
14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls.

16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long.
17 He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man's measurement, which the angel was using.
18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,
20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.
25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.
26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.
27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

My Crazy Family

Wasn't it a beautiful Thanksgiving day? Here are a few pictures from the day.


Mom & Dad and their kids.... I did learn that my family doesn't fake smile very well.... lol


a semi-normal family picture

Not sure what was so funny
My sisters & I
My lil bro Jordan and I. He is too cool
Cole & Daniel


The quote of the day from from my Uncle Danny. Here is the conversation:
Me: My eyes are screwed up and it's your fault Jane.
Aunt Jane: what is wrong with your eyes?
Me: They are always dry and itch constantly.
Aunt Jane: At least you don't have glaucoma and cataracts
.....about 10 minutes later
Uncle Danny: Yep...eyeballs are important things
uhhhh yes they are. We all laughed and laughed!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thankful!

A- America
B- Blessings of God
C- Church
D- ok I have to say Dogs even though I am getting made fun of from Garry at work! I love my Dog Chopper!
E- Ed, I am very blessed to have my lil Ed
F- Family, I have a WONDERFUL family, very diverse and well... crazy

G- God
H- Health and Home
I- Independence
J- little Joys in life
K- Kids, I have great kids
L- Love
M- Music
N- Nature
O- Opportunities
P- Parents, I am fortunate to have parents that have never divorced and are still with us.
Q- Quiet Times
R- Reading
S- Salvation
T- Terrific Friends, I have THE BEST friends who accept me for who and what I am.
U- Unity between my husband my family and I
V- Virtue
W- Work because Garry is there ( had to put that.. lol)
X- Xrays.... I'm having trouble now....
Y- Yo Mamma, to all the mammas out there (I'm grasping here......)
Z- Zeal (look up the definition)



I wish you could just hear some of the answers (maybe lol) I have heard from my co-workers. It has been comical to say the least!




Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Blogger Block

I am having a case of the good ole writers block. Annette always reminds me that I haven't blogged for the day! I went to work out an Andrea's tonight to help her out some. I enjoyed it! She has the sweetest family!



Basketball is in full swing. I love it! I like nothing better than watching a good ole basketball game either High School or College. Can't stand the NBA! This is a crazy week with Thanksgiving just 2 days away. Although I don;t cook it still seems really busy. My mom and Aunt do most all of the cooking. Man they can cook! I can't wait to see my little brothers and sisters too!! I miss them, Johnna, Daniel and Jordan. I was always like their protector, you don't mess with my family!



Cole's team won their last game in double overtime! It was a stressful game. They play again on December 6. Aimee's team is 3-2 so far. They have been playing well. We go back to Dr. Love on December 4 to see if she is released to play. Their next game is December 6 as well. We got her sully brace today and tried to put it on... got it halfway on but we seemed to have forgotten how to put the straps on. I guess we will take it with us to the doctor and get a remedial course!



Well that is it for now. Find something to be thankful for this week! Try to go through the alphabet and think of something for each letter you are thankful for!!


Monday, November 24, 2008

Hanging of the Greens




Last night we attended the hanging of the Greens ceremony at church. It was a good way to usher in the holiday season. We listened to many ways in which Christmas in celebrated around the world as well as sang Christmas songs, heard the bell choir, listened to the youth group sing and decorated the church for the upcoming first Advent Sunday. Mom & Dad came down and we really had a good time. It was a beautiful service.




We can get so wrapped up in the holidays with all their is to do that often times we forget just how many people are hurting. There are those that this will be their first holiday season without a loved one. Those dealing with family crises, financial strain, diseases etc... There is a multitude of things that can really cause the holidays to be sad for many people.




While we are enjoying our holidays let's stop and think about those that aren't as privileged as we are.


Saturday, November 22, 2008

Busy Saturday

Last night we played Loogootee at home. It was such a good game. We won!! That is the first time in a long time we have beaten Loogootee in high school. The Junior girls Aimee, Ashley, and Dani always beat them until we reached H.S. So it was sweet to repeat the performance. It was like we won Sectional.



Today the boys & I went to His & hers to get haircuts. I always just let Amy do whatever she wants to mine. I know that is a brave thing. I now have auburn colored hair with some highlights. It is dark but I like it. It will take some getting used to. Then I went and picked up Andrea and went to a candle open house. Annette couldn't go.... boo!!



Getting ready to go to the movies to see Twilight with Aimee. We both read all the books and while the movies never compare to the books I just hope it is good entertainment. I learned a long time ago to go not expecting them to resemble the books too close and it usually works out for me that way!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Off Track

Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? —2 Samuel 12:9

When I sat in my car at the start of the automatic car wash, I didn’t know that my left front tire was not properly lined up with the track. The car wash started but my car wasn’t moving, so I accelerated. That caused my tire to jump the track.


Now I was stuck—I couldn’t move forward or backward. The car wash continued through its cycle without my car. Meanwhile, cars began lining up and waiting for me. I was glad when two workers at the station helped me get my car back on the track.


Sometimes in our Christian lives we get off track too. King David did in a big way. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and later ordered that her husband be put "in the forefront of the hottest battle" and left there to be killed (2 Sam. 11:3-4,15-17). David’s actions were way out of line with how God wanted him to behave as His chosen king.


David needed help to get back on track. The Bible says that "the Lord sent Nathan to David" (12:1). He confronted him about stealing another man’s wife, and David wisely repented (v.13). Nathan took a risk to help David get right with God, even though his sin still had dire consequences.


Does someone you know need your help to get back on track? —Anne Cetas


Fellowship with other Christians
Strengthens us when we are weak,
Reprimands when we are sinning,
Helps us when God’s will we seek. —Sper


True love dares to confront.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Blessed

Can you even believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner? Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, right after Easter. I'm not sure why I like it so well though because I hate cold, not fond of Turkey or Football....




I do remember as a kid though, waking up to the smell of Thanksgiving dinner cooking and watching the Macy's Day Parade every year. It's the little, simple things that made things special in our house. It didn't have to be fancy or elaborate as long as it was family. We still look at it that way.



We all have so many things to be thankful for. Even in today's world where nothing is guaranteed. I am so thankful that I live in a free country where I have the freedom to worship openly without thought of persecution. That is something that I feel many, including myself, take for granted. The church is still being heavily persecuted in many places around the world, and it is just as prevalent today as in years past.



Let's not forget today to be thankful to be able to open our Bible anywhere and read it. There have been a lot or rights taken away for Christians but we are still much more blessed than most places. This is something that we all need to be praying for especially for the next generation to stand firm in their faith.


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The dreaded license branch

So yesterday I had to get my license renewed. I hate going to the license branch for many reasons!

I was in a little bit of a hurry. Never a wise thing when visiting the license branch. Of course it was busy. I did get to visit with an older gentleman that goes to our church, Joe Haseman. He is such a neat man! Let alone he is married to the great Sandy!

There was also a mennonite couple in there getting an Id card for their middle aged down syndrome son. Let me tell you I fell in love with this little guy. He was so adorable & just had that innocence about him.


They all finished up & it was my turn. I approached the desk not really thrilled about getting my picture taken. We got all the info put in, paid the outrageous 19.00 & went to stand in front of "the" curtain. They snapped the picture & said it didn't work. You have to take off your glasses. (Tell me now). Took it again. You were smiling. Well excuse me. Another flash. Your teeth are showing. You gotta be kidding me. Anyone who knows me also knows I have limited patience. I was over it. However, I tried again. Nope still not good, move forward. Ok, snap. Still not good.They went on the reassure me it wasn't me. That made me feel better...not! Finally they said this is the first day for this machine & there are things you can't do or it will not work. Whatever! By this time there was a crowd. Finally I snapped my jaws shut have the most stupid look on my face & it worked. Let me tell you it is AWFUL. I laughed so hard when I saw it. I didn't care though. I do still weigh the same as I did in 1992 though!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tuesday Tunes

Chris Tomlin - How great is our God


The splendor of a King,
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice,
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice,
And trembles at his voice


How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great, How great
Is our God


Age to age he stands
And time is in His Hands
Beginning and the End,
Beginning and the End
The Godhead, Three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb,
The Lion and the Lamb


How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great, How great
Is our God


Name above all names
You are Worthy of all praise
and My heart will sing how great
Is our God
(x2)


How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great, How great
Is our God



How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great, How great
Is our God

Monday, November 17, 2008

Kicked in the gut again....

I was reading James today and as usual I got a whammy again.....


James 3:3-10

3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.
4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.
5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish,

8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!



This seems to be one of my hardest things to control. Surprise Surprise! It is so true though we sing God's praises one minute then "curse" others the next. I do not necessarily curse people but anger in God's eyes is the same as murder. Ouch! That is why we must guard our hearts against evil and clothe ourselves with righteousness. What we feed our hearts and minds is what we will put off.


What are you emitting to others' today??


Friday, November 14, 2008

Here we go again....



The picture above has some girls that don't play anymore and some that have moved. Ah, those were the days. Some of our best memories come from AAU.
L to R: Heather Tinkle, Danielle Turpin, Shaelin Adams, Ashley Taylor, Aimee, (behind Aimee) Whitney Allbright, Paige Dobson, Maggie Sanders, Mandi Witt, Sarah Richardson and Rachel Harder.



This picture was taken February of 2006. We were in Salem for an AAU basketball tournament. Aimee fell and fully dislocated her shoulder. It was the most painful thing without blood that I have ever seen. We went next door to the emergency room. They reset it then we went on that Monday to Dr. Love in Jasper. (I do believe he has a wing in his house named the Farhar wing). She was out for several weeks and had a lot of therapy and had to wear a sully brace for a year. Which is not comfortable. She even tried to protest after about 6 months of it!





Well last night at Bloomfield you guess it... Aimee was on the floor going after a loose ball and she dislocated it again. It was only partial this time but still bad enough. We went to see Dr. Love today. They took xrays and examined it. He came in and said it was dislocated (duh) but there are no tears. Then the next question out of his mouth was "Do you intend to give up sports?" I laughed out loud (don't think he appreciated that) she looked at him with a puzzled look on her face and said no. He said well in that case if it happens again, surgery is imminent. The end verdict is that she has to do therapy 2 times a week, play no sports for at least 3 weeks, and wear the sully for another year! She was bummed because we play Loogootee this week. But with Thanksgiving right around the corner this makes her only miss 3 games. Coach Sowders was less than thrilled and her travel softball coach was even less thrilled. Actually his comment was this is why I hate basketball. He takes softball VERY serious.





We are home now and just hanging loose. Got the sully out and it was way small so they will have to order a new one. However, it could be worse. That was the saga of this week!!