Last night I went to see "The Blind Side." It was great! I was challenged to think about how I live in this suburban lifestyle I have come to be so comfortable with. This has been a theme this past year in my heart. I find myself desiring to let go of the things of this world and live more for the World that will be my home for much longer than this earth ever will be. I remember someone likening Heaven to an airport. You are just passing through, it has a purpose but you are not at your final destination so don't expect it to feel like home. Anyway, as I watched the movie, I felt the stirring again. I was aware that though I was in "unplug" mode, God was not and He was stirring away. I found myself being challenged to think about what I would have done in the situation Sandra Bullock was in. Am I willing to care for strangers and open my home to those in need? Do I sacrifice my own comfort or conveniences for the sake of someone else? Would I be willing to part with earthly things for the benefit of others, not just give out of my surplus, but really sacrifice and do without so that someone else doesn't have to? How far am I willing to allow God to use me? My path in life doesn't seem to bring me to places where people are in great need, after all, I live in Frisco, Texas, but I am convinced that is only how it seems. I am sure that if I were to really look I could find many who are needing something I can offer. I am not sure what God is up to here, but I know I want to be found faithful. While I live here I want to have my gaze on the Kingdom that will not fade , making sure that I don't miss the opportunity to entertain angels unaware.

Catch-Up

Here is the run down of our crazy life. We took some time to go to Denver in August to attend Marybeth Longtine's wedding. While we were there we spent some time at a condo in Breckenridge. Did I already blog about that trip? I don't think so, if I did skip ahead...anyway. Steve and Janis met us in the mountains for a few days of fun and wonderful conversation. It was not enough time to talk about all I wanted to, but a true gift from God just the same. Then, when they left for home, Fred and I had a couple of days of relaxing together before we headed to Tyler and Mindy's house. Once we were back in Denver we hit the ground running. We were busy, busy and then we watched in awe as beautiful Marybeth vowed to love Ben for her whole life! What a privilege to watch. We have known MB since she was 2. Feel like she is one of ours. After all the festivities it was home again.

In coming home, we began a crazy schedule where we had committed to something 5 out of the 7 days of the week. We are in nonstop mode!! One thing we added was the Dave Ramsey class. (Actually, I now dropped out, but Fred is continuing.) It has been great and I recommend everyone take it. I also had the pleasure of going to Phoenix in Sept. for 5 days. It was great to see Janis AGAIN!! We shopped and ate and laughed and cried and just thanked God for the gift of friendships!

Then, in October, I went to Minneapolis, see earlier blog, and now I am staying home until Erin's baby comes,which is very soon now!!!

This weekend Meg gets her wisdom teeth pulled and my mother in law and sisters in law come to visit!!!!!

Looking forward..the new baby is due in 11 days! Thanksgiving will be very traditional here including the girls tradition of Black Friday shopping! Annie will have her first birthday and then Tyler and Mindy come for Christmas!!

Ok, now that we are caught up we can dig in next time!!

100th Birthday!!!!

Last weekend I had the joy of going to Minneapolis with Callie and Annie to celebrate my Grandma's 100th birthday! 100 years old! Isn't that amazing? My Grandma Frances still lives on her own and is of sound mind! It was so great to see her play with Annie and sing a little rhyme to her that I remember from my own childhood! Every time I leave Minnesota I think "I will probably never see Grandma again" yet, I am always wrong! What a gift to me from God that my grandma gets to see her great, great grand kids!

A Praying Life

Wow! Blogs seem to be being ignored these days! I guess FB is taking over,but I like blogs better! I am going to try to keep up better. I wanted to recommend a book I have been reading over and over since June. It is "A Praying Life" by Paul Miller. I cannot tell you how much this book has helped me, it has become one of my top 3 books of all time!! I have never found myself praying so much and with such freedom and joy. I am more aware of God's presence through out the day and more aware of His power. Everyday I have a new quote from the book, here is today's..."When Jesus tells us to believe, he isn't asking us to wok up some spiritual energy. He is telling us to realize that we don't have the resources to do life. When you know that you can't do life on your own, then prayer makes complete sense." It is an easy read, short chapters and truly life changing. I find myself praying through out the day and the result of that is a calmer, less anxious heart. Grab the book and start it now and let me know what you think.

In other news, I leave today to go see my Grandma who is turning 100 on Friday. She has not met Annie yet, so so Callie and the baby are going too! I am so looking forward to seeing my parents and some of my family.

This fall has been crazy, we took on more than we should have, but we are surviving. Fred is building a roof over our patio, we got some new furniture for the family room, we are doing the Dave Ramsey thing, we have had company and more to come and of course, Erin's baby is due in a month!! Then, the holidays and then in January I think I need to go to Hawaii!

Off I go to the Arctic cold after wearing shorts yesterday.....

We WON!!!

Today Violet, Meg and I went to Alex's Luau! Violet and I won the best dressed contest! Violet loved her "party dress." Though, she let me know that Crocs are NOT glass swippers!

My Sweet Annie

This is one joy I experienced this week!!!! Isn't she so sweet!!

Good Morning!!

Wow, summer is almost gone. It seems like it was just May and now I am already thinking about autumn! We were really busy this summer with two long trips, a bit of company and of course, softball. I am looking forward to the fall. Even though I no longer home school, the fall is the "get back in the groove" season for me,

The first place I am going to get back to a routine is in meal planning and cooking. The summer gave way to lots of grilling and simple meals, but often they were made from whatever was around. I recently watched the movie "Julie & Julia" and decided to get back on track. So, here is the deal. I am going to plan my September menu to include 16 new meals. I have a pile of recipes I have been wanting to try so this is a great opportunity. I will blog my progress, though not daily like the girl in the movie!

Another way that I think I will have more order is in my budget. Fred and I are going to the Dave Ramsey "Financial Peace University" seminar each week. Actually, it starts tonight. (so, I am going shopping today before I turn over a new leaf ;) ). I am sure this material will be provoking.

Well, look for some new recipes to be posted and maybe a few bargain ideas!

Psalms for July 13th

Wow, my blog needs some updating. The picture looks like winter! Maybe I will get to it soon!

This morning I was reading the Psalms for the day 13, 43, 73, 103, 133. I felt as though the Lord came and sat with me and chatted. I slowly read each Psalm and felt His nudge and tried to apply what I was learning...

Ps. 13:6 "I will sing to the Lord, because He had dealt bountifully with me." Yes, I will sing. Regardless of how things look or feel, the Lord HAS dealt bountifully with me. He has traded my ashes in for beauty. He is always near and hears me. He causes all things, even my sins and other's sins to work for my good. He knows the future and He gives me peace to trust His plan.

Ps. 43:5 "Why are you downcast, oh my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me? HOPE IN GOD!!!" Yes, when confusion and turmoil surround me I must stop and declare the attributes of God and put my hope there. This is something I must discipline myself to do many times a day since I have an overactive mind and a worrisome heart. As I hope in God, and again I have to keep going back to this, the turmoil ceases and peace comes and then hope follows again.

Ps. 73:26 "My heart and my flesh may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." My heart and my flesh have failed many times, left to me it will continue, but it is not left to me. God is a Redeemer, He rescues by heart from this trap and gives me strength to fight the good fight. He is enough for me. He is all I need.

Ps. 103:8 "The Lord is merciful and gracious" Yes, He is. He continues to forgive me, uphold me, comfort me, encourage me, teach me, help me, carry me and lavish His affection on me regardless of my failures. His mercy cheers my heart each morning, fresh and new it pours down from Him to me. His mercy grants me rest from turmoil and strength to serve Him.

I am more aware today of how much I need my Savior than I was yesterday. Each new day I am one day closer to seeing Him and each new day I am more aware of how much more I want to see Him. What an incredible God we get to worship and serve!


P.S. had time to change my template!!

Gimme It!!!!

"And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." Mark 10:35

I laughed out loud! Imagine the thoughts Jesus must have had. Did he smirk and feel like I have when the kids would say "Mom do you promise to say "yes" to what we are going to ask you??" Every mom knows that they are for sure going to say "no" to whatever it is, if we were going to say "yes" we wouldn't have to make the promise to say "yes."

So, I was chuckling at these 2 guys and then of course, I begin to see myself in them. Though I do not actually use those same words, I think it is often the posture of my heart. I want what I want, what I think is best. I want my prayers answered now and in the manner I find most pleasing. How many times have I prayed "Lord, Please just do this......(fill in the blank)"? Oh, the gentle sting comes and I realize that I think I know what is best. I am reminded, again, that His will is perfect and so is His timing. That I really want His will, not what I think will work. I realize how often my prayers are self-centered and narrow. I trade God's big, great, amazing Kingdom for my tiny, narrow wish. I think God has so much more for us than we could ever ask or imagine, why would I try to limit that by deciding what I think I want. I think I would be much better off to pray "Lord, because you love me so much and desire to pour out your kindness to me, take this situation and do as you please. I know you have a great plan, better than any plan I can conjure up. I can't wait to see what you do!!"

Where is my Sweet Annie??

Callie and Tim had the nerve to go on vacation shortly after we were on vacation and they will be gone for about a week and a half only to return for a couple days and go again! So, that means that for a month or so I will hardly get to see my Sweet Annie. It took her a bit of time to remember who we were after our trip. Dang, I should have sent some photos of myself along for Callie use as flashcards to help Annie remember me every now and again!




Anyway, on Thursday I babysat Annie for a bit and she was so cheery the whole time. Big wide grins and all sorts of vocals! I think she will be a singer and an athlete. She is so amazingly strong!!



Anyway, on Thursday we just played together and I am so grateful for those few hours I had with her before they left. I have looked at my pictures a gazillion times since then! But, oh do I miss her!

I realize how blessed I am to have both Annie and Violet here. I cannot imagine how hard it will be to be apart from Tyler and Mindy's baby. I am sure we will make many more trips to Denver!

Well, enjoy the pics of our Annie! I sure will!

They Really Work!

Ok, I am not usually one to try things that are on infomercials, but I did. Actually, I first heard about Green Bags from a friend. She raved about how long her produce lasted in these bags, I was not convinced. Then one day, I was roaming Target and saw the bags on an endcap. HHMM, $10 for a few plastic bags. Not a bargain in my eyes, but for some reason I bought them. I figured I could bring them back if I didn't think they worked. Well, they work marvelously! I could do the infomercial. My romaine lettuce is over 2 weeks old and it is still as fresh as the day I bought it. My strawberries have lasted forever. These bags work and they are reusable! I think everyone should run out to Target!!! Wish I owned stock in this company!

God is My Helper!!

This last Sunday I missed church. Fred had taken me away for a night to celebrate my birthday. It is my practice to listen to several messages each week, usually Driscoll, Piper and Keller, but sometimes others, but I wanted to hear what Craig preached so I went there first. It was amazing, I listened to it twice in a row!! His message was not just for moms, though many of the examples were mother related, but Craig taught out of Psalm 121 (one of my favs). I was so encouraged by his 3 points...

1. My "helper" is the CREATOR of the earth, if He was able to create everything then He can handle my situation

2. My Helper will keep me and my children at all times

3. He is my Helper in ALL circumstances

At all times, in all places and in all circumstances God keeps us.



I want to ask you to please listen to this message(click on the word "message"). It is filled with hope and truly is one of the best mother/parent/women messages I have ever heard. I plan on listening to it again today!

I encourage you today to lift your eyes to the hills, for that is where our help comes from, the MAKER of Heaven and earth!! Let me know what you think after you listen!!!!

It has been so long...and I still have very little to interest you with. I will fill you in on what has been going on and then you will agree.

We did go to Denver for Easter. I was great having all of our kids and grandkids together for a few days. We just hung around for 4 days at Tyler and Mindy's house and they feed us! Mindy did an incredible job in the food prep arena and stayg relaxed as we trash her home and even pulled off an amazing Easter feast. The time went way too fast and then we had to say goodbye again..I hate that part of loving people so much. I hate being so far away from them.

Fred and I drove to Denver. We were making our way along just fine except that I was complaining about the lack of bathrooms along the route we took. (If you know me you know this is important!! haha) We finally came to a rest area that looked from the untrained eye to be just fine....until we got closer....there were signs posted reading "Warning, Beware of Snakes!!!" I decided that I am never drinking anything in the car ever again and then we will never need to stop! I, also, decided at that point that I like flying better. I flew home.

The rest of the month has been quiet. We are busy with our care group that has grown to be quite large now. Meg is going back to school in the fall. Fred is busy making our back yard gorgeous and it really is so beautiful. Violet comes regularly to entertain us and play in the yard. Annie is just so sweet. She had really become her own little person, making noises, laughing etc. The girls are so cute..just go to Erin and Callie's blogs to confirm.

We went camping with some families from our church and it was wonderful. We camped up at a lake close to home and got to kayak a bit though it was windy on the water and you really had to work hard. The weather was perfect camping weather, warm during the day and cool at night. Next time I will remember to close all the valves on the air mattress and I bet we will like it even better :).

We are looking forward to a DC trip for a wedding and then down to Virginia Beach for another wedding. Then, to Colorado for the long awaited wedding of Mary Beth Longtine! It will be fun to be able to attend all of these occasions and celebrate with these girls that we love so much. Meg will be with us for all of them, which is always a treat for me as she is busy and I often don't get to see her as much as I would like.

Ok, now that you now agree that my life is lacking in interest, I will end. I hope to have something exciting to write about soon!! :)

"Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you....
In the cover of your presence you hide them
from the plots of men;
you store them in your shelter
from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me" Ps. 31

I have spent the day going back to Ps.31 over and over. I have found great comfort in these truths of scripture, but tonight as I was listening to my audio guy read this Psalm I felt faith rising up in me as these verses were read and reread. God's goodness is abundant (present in great quantity, fully sufficient; plentiful; in copious supply), and He stores His goodnesses up for us and protects them with His presence and no one and no thing can change the good things God has for us. No failure on my part or someone else's, no plans or schemes of men can change the goodness God has already planned for me. Isn't that an amazingly comforting truth???!!! It silences all the what ifs and all the if onlys and it takes my eyes off of the situations and places them on the Lord. There are many twists and turns in this life that we never would have expected, but they cannot and will not prevent the Lord's goodness from overflowing to us and nothing can stop Him from being steadfast with His love toward us. Nothing.

Help!!

I need your help!! I used to have a computer program entitled "Mangia" (eat in Italian) that I had my recipes in. With this program I could plan my meals and print out my grocery list. But, that was over 10 years ago and I no longer have it and it is not made anymore. Does anyone use a program where you can input your recipes, plan meals and have it generate your grocery list?

Also, just 9 more days till we get to see Tyler and Mindy!!! WOOHOO!!

This past month has been fun for us due to a steady rotation of company. I love having people come stay with us and so I have been really enjoying the past weeks as one guest after another arrives. In February the Shanks came for a real visit, no work involved!!! We just hung out, shopped, ate, played and chatted. They got to meet our sweet Annie and got to know Violet better. It is always so great to have someone stay with you who knows you well. I love coffee in the morning just sitting in PJ's visiting with a dear, lifelong friend. Here is Janis with my baby girls:
After the Shanks left, we had several different waves of singles come for various reasons. Then My mom and dad came at the same time that our niece Becca came to visit. The weather had been gorgeous for about 2 weeks and then it rained and was cold the whole time they were here! But, they came for family fun and that is what they got. we all hung out everyday enjoying the little girls. It was their first time seeing Annie! Violet warmed up right away which was a huge treat. Mom and Dad took her to ride the carousel and to the Disney Store. It was so cute to see how excited a 21 month old can get over horsies and Mookey House (mickey mouse). We hung out and had dinner together every night and played lots of games. I loved having them here. Now, we have a 10 day break and then more guests! It is truly a delight to be able to have people come and enter into our lives with us. Beeeeg Papa and Annie


Becca and V

Relentless Grace

Since the middle of January, our church (Grace Church of Frisco), has been in a series on the relentless grace of God. We are studying the the book of Genesis, the lives of the patriarchs. Over and over we are seeing how, regardless of human failure, God's grace triumphs and accomplishes the will of God. Every week the main message is the same and yet every week I am freshly aware of God's grace as if it is all new to me. Week after week I am awed that in spite of me, God's will will continue to be accomplished in my life and the lives of others and even my sin will not thwart His plan.

Here are 2 thoughts I have meditated on that were in my notes:
"No sin can stop the grace of God. He works through the sinful choices of man. The way of God will not be explained, it is to make us marvel at God's plan."
"God uses sinful man to fulfill His redemptive purpose. Mercy triumphs over sin."

My thinking says "You erred and so now things will not go according to the good plan of God."
God's character says "I knew you would sin, my will goes forth in spite of it. I am good and powerful and I will have my way."

God's grace IS relentless (persistent, never ceasing). He never stops working and acting on our behalf. He knows we are frail and weak and yet, He still delights to carry about His good plan for us. Isn't it so reassuring to know that we are not as powerful as we thought and we don't have to rely on our own successes and isn't it comforting to be reminded of how incredibly amazing God's grace is?

Springtime work!

It has been a very mild winter this year and I think spring is almost here! We have enjoyed getting the yard cleaned up a bit and ready for us to be out there more often. Today we had our helper Violet over to help plat some new pansies. She loves to smell the flowers and play in the dirt. I just love her!


On Fridays I have Annie Kate for most of the day. She is so sweet with her smiles and her giggles that require so much work! Friday she was especially cute as she tried to spit at us!! Her tongue is sticking out as she imitates me doing raspberries!!! I could not imagine life without her!!!

Swagbucks

I have been using Swagbucks as my search on the internet lately. You earn points for using them. After 50 or so points you cash them in for gift cards or items. In a week I earned a Starbucks gift card. If you want to earn something for your time online use the link I have here to learn more!


http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=329815

Just Another Day for an Old Mimi!!

So, this morning I woke before the Fred's alarm went off and while it was still dark. I quietly got out of bed, grabbed my glasses off the night stand, put on my slippers and headed to make the coffee. I slipped into the kitchen and turned on the pendant lights that are over the island and the first thought that comes to me is "Ahh, soft lighting is so nice in the morning." I, then, proceed to make the coffee. Then, I decide to load a few dishes and clean up from our family night the night before....second thought "Did I forget to take my contacts out last night? My vision is so blurring (happens if you wear your glasses and your contacts at the same time). No, I remember taking them out. Boy, I need to get new glasses, I cannot see." I, then, head to grab my Bible, sit down and open....I can't see, it is blurry and dark....yes folks for 10 minutes I walked around wearing regular, old, Walmart sunglasses!! I laughed so hard at myself...just wish someone was awake to have seen it all.....

Oh, and by the way, if you are doing the the fighter verse for this week, it is Deut. 6:4-5, a basic one that we probably already know..but maybe simple is good for me this week!!

Fighter Verse

Romans 14:13

"Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide to never put a
stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother."

I decided to use Tim Challies' fighter verses for my memorization this year. He emails it on Monday. You can choose either a verse a week program or one that memorizes larger pieces of Scripture over a longer period of time. I am a wimp, I chose the short ones, but I will not despise the day of small beginnings! If you want to join me, let me know. It would be fun to know who is doing it!

Thy Word Have I (want to have) Hid In My Heart

As I began this New Year, I listened to some teachings on basic biblical disciplines. Piper is a great source, at the end and beginning of each year, for teaching on prayer and the Word. I was freshly provoked to pray more by his teaching on Dec. 28th and then very provoked to work on scripture memorization on the following week's teaching. In it, John Piper recites Scripture by memory for probably 20 minutes maybe more! Amazing! I am sure he could have gone on longer. I would have lasted about 90 seconds and all of mine would have been like "children obey your parents.." I recently studied Ps. 119. There are many verses in this one chapter, that teach the importance of and power in knowing God's word.

I, also, have often recalled a story my dear friend Arlynn told me many years ago. She shared with me that as her grandma's health was declining and her mind fading, the word of God was coming forth from her grandma's mouth. Arlynn challenged me to consider the thought that some day we may not have full control of what we say (as if I do now!) and what is in our hearts will surely come out. I shutter to think of every thought of mine being laid bare for all to hear. But, if it is God's word that is stored in our hearts, then what a blessed time that will be. For when I can no longer think clear enough to watch my words and my thoughts flow into words regardless of what they are, I want my words to honor the Lord.

I, also, think of the great benefit it would be to me right now to have God's word ever with me to equip, guide, comfort and defend. If every time I had a condemning thought, a worry, and unkind judgment etc. I faced it with the Word, think of the victories that would occur. Sin would be stopped dead in its tracks. Instead of all the things I could think about, I would think of how great and mighty my God is. How kind and sovereign He is. How He has given me everything I need for life and godliness. How He delights in me, loves me and empowers me. There is so much I could say here.

So, I am looking into a memorization program. I think I might use Piper's Fighter Verses, but I am not sure. Any suggestions? What have you found helpful?

Retreating

This Thursday I will get to go on a personal retreat. I will have 3 days to myself to pray and read and worship and plan. The Lord has given me a sense of anticipation as this year begins and I want to really seek Him for what He has for me this year. I have a couple of books I am taking and some teachings on my Ipod to listen to. I want to download some new worship music to take with me so that is where I need your help. Do any of you have a favorite worship CD or two that you could recommend? I have one I am leaning toward, but I thought I would ask. Also, if you have any recommendations of teachings or reading material that has really served you lately, I would love to hear about it. What is life to you right now?

Just Wait!

That has been the theme since the beginning of this year. It seems that every morning the Lord is reminding me to wait on Him. In my pride, I usually think I should do something about situations that don't seem right or situations I don't like. (notice these are situations I thing need to change, not the Lord). Like maybe I should mention them to someone involved..or someone not involved...or maybe I should fix it or share my keen insight and then surely it will be fixed...or maybe I should encourage someone along in something so it all happens quicker, after all isn't sooner better than later? I am amazed at how fast my mind works to "figure out" how to get things to go how I think they should, yet I can't remember where I slipped my keys! Yet, even with all my wisdom :) the Lord tells me to WAIT!

If you have known me very long you know that I am not one to relax and let things go. Sitting still is hard for me, I don't even like to sit through a movie. But, it would seem those days are ending. I think the Lord is really after me to just wait on Him in everything do, but especially in the areas that are bothering me that I want to somehow fix. It is so funny because I know I really can't change the things that mean the most to me, but I am so tempted to try.

Yet, each morning the Lord has told me to wait. Wait for him to do it all. Wait for him to accomplish His purpose in my life and those around me. Wait for strength. Wait for deliverance. Wait for resolution and an end to contempt. Wait for His action. Wait and sit back and watch Him work His amazing, perfect will. Wait in anticipation of the wonderful things He has for us. Wait with joy. This is all so hard for me, but I so want to do it right and honor the Lord and I can so look back and see how my trying to make things better often doesn't. Ultimately, it comes down to who do I trust? Myself or my amazing God who reigns over every single situation and circumstance and never allows anything to thwart His will for me? (the answer sounds so obvious, but is so hard) Anyway, that is the beginning of my year. I sure would appreciate your prayers if I come to your mind. I really want to sit still and just trust God. And I really do look forward to seeing what He does this year in our lives!

New Year"s Eve

Happy New Year!! This year Megan and Hosanna decided to host a party at our house for all their single friends and a few married couples. Our home was transformed with metallic stars, tulle, twinkle lights and all sorts of festive decor for about 50 people. It was beautiful! One of the evening's events was a talent/no talent show. I thought you would enjoy Meg, Hosanna and Erin's talent!