Weapon

I was minding my own business when Ed came in the bedroom opened the window and grabbed this................

I'm not sure what he was doing but Cole and Chopper enjoyed it!

Question of the day..........

Why do we feel that when we do not have good service on our cellphones we need to hold them over our head toward the sky????

Snow Pictures

Chopper checking it out

My car covered

Aimee's car even more covered!

Trees

Chang's snowman.... he had 2, named them Alexandra and Alexander lol

Icicles

Cole "cleaning" my car off


Aimee "cleaning" (actually making snowballs!!!)

Chang sledding

Chang's wipe out!

Another Snow Day

I got up this morning same time as yesterday, looked out thought yea I can make it. I got ready left the house, realized going up the hill that the roads were horrible... still ice at that point. I got by the highway garage, began to get real personal with a ditch and that was when I turned around and headed home.



Once home I was wide awake so I did my disciple Bible study. It was in Genesis, going through Abraham and Sarah to Lot and his family to Issac and Rebecca to Jacob and Esau. Let me tell you there was a lot of disturbing stuff in those passages. The topic for this week is "covenant". There were a lot of covenants made in these passages as well as some questionable actions!



I did lay back down for a while after I got my study done. The kids have been outside off and on all day. They have sledded, built snowmen, a snow fort and just played in the snow. I did get a few pictures that I will post tomorrow. I haven't been feeling well today, I think it's just a cold with a sore throat. We have had lots of good yummy hot chocolate today so that has helped sooth the throat some.



I was waiting for American Idol to come on but our Fox Network is out!!! Andrea text me and so is hers. I'm gonna see if I can watch it online (a hint from my sister Andi).


Enjoy the snow!!!

Snow Day

I woke up at 4:00 this morning looked outside and called work and said I wasn't going to risk it. Around 6:00 Ed got up and received a call that they weren't working either. So, we went back to bed, only to get up not much before 11! I couldn't believe it. Everyone was still asleep.


The kids got up, bundled up and went outside for a while. After they came in we ate lunch then went for a drive in the country. It was pretty but the roads were horrible!


We made it back home and are just lounging around. I love days like these, just hanging out as a family and relaxing. I wonder if we will get to do it again tomorrow!!

Milk and Bread

How come when we hear the weather forecast and it is going to be nasty do we all head to the store for milk and bread??


I mean is that all we are going to eat is milk and bread????

Tubby

We made it to Assembly Hall about an hour early. Got through the front doors and a 8 year old kid started mouthing me cause of course I had to be loyal and wear my Blue Kentucky shirt! I was shocked that this little kid was mouthing me... I just looked at him and said It's all about Tubby.

We got through the turnstile and they were handing out free t-shirts. I already promised mine to a guy at work. I was also the ONLY person cheering for Tubby when they announced him.

It was a great game though. The atmosphere was great and believe it or not IU just about won it!

Mixed Emotions

As I was getting ready to leave for the game tonight Cole came in and said Mom you need to come out here cause Dad wont answer his phone. I said well he is on his way home from work and doesn't have service. I went out to see what they had done and there lay Soupy, Ed's old coon dog. She has had reoccurring cancer, we have had tumors removed but they just kept coming back worse and worse. In the courses of 2 days she declined drastically. I got in the pin with her and she was convulsing and couldn't stand up. I got down with her and held her and just talked to her and petted her. She was in really bad shape. The kids, like me are huge dog lovers. They were pretty upset. I finally got a old of Ed and he said he was just about home. He arrived not 5 minutes later and that is when I lost it. I can be strong with the kids but not with Ed. He picked her up and carried her to the barn, where she lived most of the time. We knew she was in a lot of pain and it wouldn't be long. I said my goodbyes and left the barn. Cole probably took it the worst. He has such a tender heart. I didn't spend the time with Soupy like Ed and Cole did but she was a great dog. Writing this even makes me tear up. Let's just say Chopper & I had some quality time together this morning.

We did get to go the game however, we didn't get to go out to eat with the Jones'. We got to the game early and got seats until I looked down and notices Andrea and I both had on red sweaters...Princeton colors and we were in their section. I opted to move and everyone followed. The atmosphere was great. It was a packed house. Hoosier Hysteria at its best.

The game was awesome. This Princeton team is phenomenal. Washington is good, but they couldn't hit anything and Princeton did a good job shutting Zeller down, although he had a double double. It was a fun game to watch. Princeton has this one guy Rontrey Chavis....WOW! Only a sophomore and he is so good. This team will be fun to watch for a couple years along with Washington since Cody Zeller is only a sophomore as well. There was also an awesome 80Ft, one handed shot from Dontray Chavis (Ron's twin brother). Never seen that happen!

Also in attendance was Tom Crean. I am no IU fan, but that was pretty cool and the man is pretty good looking in person, I must say, and it made ESPN's #2 play of the week today. Here is the video...

Basketball filled weekend!

We have just that, a basketball filled weekend.


Aaron Jones scored us tickets to the Washington/Princeton game tonight. The #2 & #3 ranked teams in 2A. Should be a great game. I am a Washington fan. Might have something to do with those Zeller boys!! They are picking us up & we are going to eat then to game. Can't wait! I just hope we get a seat this time as opposed to last Washington game we went with them to last year!!


Tomorrow Cole has a game at South Knox at 1 then there is a Varsity boys game at home at 6.


Then on Sunday, Tim (Cole's coach) bought 35 tickets to the IU/Minnesota game at noon. He gave us 3 since I keep the book for the Junior High team!! SO I GET TO GO SEE TUBBY!!! I think I will wear my "It's Tubby time" shirt too!!!

The Bird

I got home from work yesterday to find the back door locked, which is odd. So, I had to go around with my arms full of groceries to the front door. I throw it open and for once hate my dreaded take your shoes off at the door rule as I see this....

(Doesn't it look mean?!?!)

Now, a little history on this. This weekend Chang said he saw a bird downstairs. Ed & I thought he had been smoking a little wacky weed because how in the world would a bird get it the house?!?!?!

Ed went downstairs and didn't see anything so we left it at that.

Well, I found it! Chopper was just sitting there looking at it like he was fascinated. While Luci was chasing it around the house! I got the groceries put down and wielded the broom (only after calling Ed and getting my camera...lol)

Then my cellphone rang....and I answered it.... why in the world would I answer it now?!?! Cause it was Tams that's why. Here was the conversation:

Me: HELLO!

Tams: Hey whatcha doing?

Me: Uhhhh... there is a bird in AHHH my house!

Tams: (laughing hysterically)

....not too funny on this end.....

Me: Ahhhh (screaming like a girl.... I was so embarrassed)

Tams: Were you listening to 88.7

Me: well... not exactly

Tams: well the Old Rugged Cross was on (Ed's favorite song, which I am not fond of)

Me: Oh

Tams: OK (still laughing hysterically) open your doors.

Me: uhhh AHHHH ok

Tams: STILL laughing.... I'll let you go

Me: OK!

Back to the living room after getting the broom again. I thought how in the world am I gonna get this thing out of here. As I thought I snapped some more pictures. lol

I put Chopper in my room and opened the doors up. I went for it.... I started for the bird with the broom and the stupid thing flogged me!! Not once but half a dozen times. Well, that was it. It was all out war now! I went full force after it and got it to fly out the door.

Today when I got home I cautiously opened the door!!

Tuesday Tunes

FRIENDS by Michael W Smith

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Cant believe the hopes hes granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But well keep you close as always
It wont even seem youve gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong


Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the lords the lord of them
And a friend will not say never
cause the welcome will not end
Though its hard to let you go
In the fathers hands we know
That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.


With the faith and love gods given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy youll live in
Is the strength that now you show


But well keep you close as always
It wont even seem youve gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong


Chorus
And friends are friends forever
If the lords the lord of them
And a friend will not say never
cause the welcome will not end
Though its hard to let you go
In the fathers hands we know
That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.

Eyes on the Father

Eyes on the Father
by Max Lucado

When the restaurant waiter brings you a cold hamburger and a hot soda, you want to know who is in charge. When a young fellow wants to impress his girlfriend, he takes her down to the convenience store where he works and boasts, "Every night from five to ten o’clock, I’m in charge." We know what it means to be in charge of a restaurant or a store, but to be in charge of the universe? This is the claim of Jesus.

There are many examples of Jesus’ authority, but I’ll just mention one of my favorites. Jesus and the disciples are in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. A storm arises suddenly, and what was placid becomes violent—monstrous waves rise out of the sea and slap the boat. Mark describes it clearly: "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped" (Mark 4:37 NIV).

It’s very important that you get an accurate picture, so I’m going to ask you to imagine yourself in the boat. It’s a sturdy vessel but no match for these ten-foot waves. It plunges nose first into the wall of water. The force of the waves dangerously tips the boat until the bow seems to be pointing straight at the sky, and just when you fear flipping over backward, the vessel pitches forward into the valley of another wave. A dozen sets of hands join yours in clutching the mast. All your shipmates have wet heads and wide eyes. You tune your ear for a calming voice, but all you hear are screams and prayers. All of a sudden it hits you—someone is missing. Where is Jesus? He’s not at the mast. He’s not grabbing the edge. Where is he? Then you hear something—a noise … a displaced sound … as if someone is snoring. You turn and look, and there curled in the stern of the boat is Jesus, sleeping!

You don’t know whether to be amazed or angry, so you’re both. How can he sleep at a time like this? Or as the disciples asked, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38 NIV).

The very storm that made the disciples panic made him drowsy. What put fear in their eyes put him to sleep. The boat was a tomb to the followers and a cradle to Christ. How could he sleep through the storm? Simple—he was in charge of it.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:39–40 NIV)

Incredible…Is it any wonder the disciples were willing to die for Jesus? Never had they seen such power; never had they seen such glory. It was like, well, like the whole universe was his kingdom.

It’s only right that they declare his authority. It’s only right that we do the same. And when we do, we state without question: The ruler of the universe rules our hearts.

Does that sound familiar to what we do in a storm? Do we have the faith that God will see us through no matter what the outcome??

Most Wanted List

Back in November or maybe even in October our Sunday School class brought a list of people we wanted to see in church. We were to have a dinner and invite them to it and go from there.


We decided the first thing we need to do is pray for them. Each person brought a name to the class and we each wrote them down. We have been praying ever since. There have been 2 of the people on the list come to church. Ed's name was one of them.


We are still planning to have a get together dinner at Sandy Haseman's house. We are just letting God lead it. Today Sandy called it the "Most Wanted List" which I thought was cute.


Who is on your most wanted list and what are your doing to get them in church (weather it be your church or another one)?

Texting

Got this from Tami on Wednesday:


ireallyenjoyedtheyahwehgrouplastnight


I had to look at it forever to get it. Then I literally laughed out loud! I love my Tams and she has just sent I think a total of 3 texts in her life. She cracks me up!!

Last night I saw the best UK game I have seen all year.



Jodie Meeks went 15-22 Field Goals, 10-15 3 Pointers, and 14-14 Free Throws for a total of 54 points, yep that's right 54 points! He also had 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. The 54 points was also the biggest individual SEC performance since Chris Jackson's 55 for LSU against Mississippi in 1989.



Not only did he break the school record for most 3's in a game he also broke Dan Issel's most points in a game record set on 1970. I'd say that's a pretty darn good night.



When asked how he seemed to break Tennessee's defense he simply said "I give credit to my teammates for finding me when I was open". When he had every right to be cocky, he couldn't do it. I like that, not only is he a good player he is a good kid as well.

Assignments in Heaven??

The Ya Ya's are back!



We had our first grouping last night since the Holidays. We continued our 3:16 study. This weeks lesson was titled "What makes Heaven



We watched the DVD clip and Max Lucado said something about having assignments in Heaven. We got to talking about what it will be like and Tami and I being the "hand raising worshipers" that we are, said it would be great to worship all the time. I even added and our arms won't get tired and Tami said yea we won't have to switch from arm to arm. My sister said she wasn't sure she liked the idea of having assignments. We had never thought of that. Then we got to talking about what our assignments would be.



Annette said it will probably be something we aren't good at here. With that she then said I'll be the hand raising singer! We all busted out laughing. To know Annette, she is the quiet reserved one! Tami then said she would be the quiet one! Andi said she would play the Harp. I don;t have a clue what mine would be, but I am sure like Tami it would be a silent job as I have a hard time being quiet!



What would your assignment in Heaven be??

Tuesday Tunes

I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save:

I who made the stars and night
I will make the darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

I the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people's pain,
I have wept for love of them,
They turn away...

I will break their hearts of stone
Fill their hearts with love alone
I will speak my word to them
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save:

Finest bread I will provide
Till their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

Jealous

Yep, you got it I am jealous. Cole is going to an IU game. Now that is not way I am jealous cause most people that know me know that I am NOT an IU fan. However, the game he is going to is IU and Minnesota! My ole' Tubby Smith. It's a beautiful thing he has done at Minnesota.

Needed: A Godly Mind

A lesson by Chuck Swindoll (paraphrased by me) that I found to be so needed.


The mind is the battlefield where God and Satan square off. It is the war-torn territory where good and evil face each other. It is here that conscience unsheathes its sword to clash against expedience, that conviction bares its arm against temptation, and that character raises its flag against corruption. Every important battle is first fought in the mind. And it is a battle we dare not lose if we wish to be godly.



1. The Battle for the Mind (Ephesians 6:10 – 13)
In the battle for the mind, we must be prepared. Paul described the battlefield and offered a battle cry and a basic strategy.


Ephesians 6:10-13 (New International Version)
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.


The mind is a battle ground and the mind is the place where decisions are made for or against the truth. Verse 10 says "Be strong in the Lord and in his might". You say why in the Lord. Well, simply because we do not have it in ourselves to do it on our own.


The battlefield is engaged EVERY conscience moment of our lives. There is one battle cry repeated in these verses. Put on the FULL armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm.

You and I, when we gave ourselves to the Lord, were given the gift of the Holy Spirit. It came not only to reside or for a ticket for eternity BUT to control us.

2. The Strategy of Our Enemy In the battle for the mind, we must know the strategy of our enemy, the Devil.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (New International Version)
10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.


Verse 11 tells us to forgive in order that Satan cannot take advantage of us. It is important or Paul wouldn't have said it. It is the idea of an open door or entrance. Your mind is Satan's territory. Embrace that before you reject it, probably never thought of it before now. We were under iniquity from birth right up to conversion our minds were under the domination of Satan. He doesn't wish for control, or harass our minds. He wants to KEEP control. So when the Holy Spirit comes he begins the work to transform our minds and capture the territory that has always belonged to the enemy. How else can we explain the degrading thoughts that we can have as children of God.



3. Storming the Fortress of the Mind
In the battle for the mind, we must breach the walls of speculations, tear down the lofty towers of knowledge, and capture every thought for Christ.

Lighthouse

I received this devotional from Max Lucado and thought it was too good not to share. Enjoy!


Laws of the Lighthouse
by Max Lucado


The first of the year is known for three things: black-eyed peas, bowl games, and lists. Some don’t eat black-eyed peas. Others hate football. But everybody likes lists.

The Bible certainly has its share of lists. Moses brought one down from the mountain.

There are lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Lists of good fruit and bad. Lists of salutations and greetings. Even the disciples’ boat got into the action as it listed in the stormy Sea of Galilee. (If you smiled at that, then I’ve got a list of puns you’d enjoy.)

But the greatest day of lists is still New Year’s Day. And the number one list is the list I call the Laws of the Lighthouse.

The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality.

Smart move. The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.

Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:

– Love God more than you fear hell.
– Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
– Make major decisions in a cemetery.
– When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
– Succeed at home first.
– Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today.
– Pray twice as much as you fret.
– Listen twice as much as you speak.
– Only harbor a grudge when God does.
– Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
– Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
– ‘Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
– God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
– When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart.
– Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
– Don’t feel guilty for God’s goodness.
– The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
– Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
– Live your liturgy.

To sum it all up:
Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.

I dare you to read this post and see if it doesn't change you.

Dreary Day

I am VERY ready for summer!!



I got home from work around 1:30 and went right in and put on my jammies! I plan to fix supper then get out the heating pad for my aching back and wrap up in my happy blanket and just plain ole veg out!



We are getting busy busy again. We have 4 ballgames this week. Aimee has 2 and Chang has 2. We are one down, and 3 to go. Then the next 3 weeks we have 4-5 games per week, including sometimes 2 on Saturdays to tie up our day in gyms and driving. I enjoy watching my kids play though. Next year is a big year, with Aimee being a senior and Cole entering high school. AHHHHH!!



I am on day 3 of the Disciple Bible Study and I can say that I am thoroughly enjoying it!! Home work and all!! Ed even thought he would quiz me on scripture last night (guess he thought I hadn't done mine for the day). I played along and let him ask me where a certain verse was then I went for the jugular and crushed him like a merciless tyrant! He was less than impressed, rolled eyes and walked off talking to himself.



Cole is really taking an interest in the whole Israel situation. He brought his Bible to Ed the other day and said Dad can you find a verse in Revelation for me. I was a proud mama at that point. Then today as I checked the mail I received a magazine from The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. So I think I will let him read it.



Well I am off for the day. Enjoy this wonderful Indiana weather!!

Tuesday Tunes

Ok, I know you can clasify this as a Christmas song and I went on and on and on about how I didn't care that much for Christmas music BUT...Pastor Jeanne played this Sunday as part of her sermon. I had heard it before but never really paid that close attention to it. Which is odd for me because I usually listen close to the workds of songs. Anyway here it is.


How Many Kings by Downhere


Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger


Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?


Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?


Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for


How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me


All for me
All for you
All for me
All for you

Chang's American Haircut

Ed was cutting his hair last night with the clippers and Chang was mesmerized. After Ed was finished Chang said I want my hair cut like that. Ed & I looked at each other a little puzzled because the first haircut he received here he thought was too short. However, when a 16 year old Asian boy decided he wants his hair cut there is no stopping him.

So what did I do.... got the camera!

He LOVED it!!

Disciple Bible Study

Ed & I were sent a letter from our Pastor about a month ago asking us to participate in the Discipleship Bible Study. We decided that it sounded good so we signed up. We had our first class yesterday. We did not know the huge commitment that it is. Not that it would have changed our minds but....




The classes are 34 weeks long. 34 WEEKS! It is held on Sundays from 2-4:30 for 34 weeks. Plus there is daily homework, at least 30 min to an hour. She said it was an intense Bible study and that she would be checking to make sure we wrote something down on the questions in the book. There are 15 people in the class.




I am sure it will be rewarding but after looking at the book last night, I feel my brain already hurting! At least I have Ed to work through it with, although he is pretty knowledgeable when it comes to the Bible and this study really digs deep into it. I feel that being in a Bible Study is important.




The Ya Ya's have 2 more lessons to finish on the Max Lucado 3:16 study. I think we may do a Beth Moore study next.....

Communication

Well, I mulled & mulled over what to blog about. I couldn't think of anything brilliant or fascinating so I thought I would write about something I struggle with.


Communication


Mind you, I have no trouble communicating. I do that fine. It's just the method in which I communicate that I can struggle with.


Often times the way we communicate our thoughts & feelings can be misinterpretated. As well as we can misinterpret what others are trying to convey to us. Often times Ed will say something to me not meaning anything by what he has said but the woman in me will over think it & usually turn it into an insult, when it was not meant that way.


That ole verse in James hit me between the eyes as James often does.


My dear brothers, take note of this:Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.


Yep, that sums it up. What that tells me is this. Shut up & listen, not taking everything so personal.


I think I'll try to work on that one!