I'm annb . . . and This Is My life!

I Had My Blog Reviewed!

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I recently submitted my blog to http://critiquemyblog.blogspot.com for review by Billy Mac! He did indeed review my blog and here are his comments:

"Here is a blog that shows how blogging can become a part of your life for some. Ann started this blog as a way to chronicle the day to day in taking care of her mother who suffered from dementia. I had an aunt who suffered from the same thing and it is a struggle and a joy all rolled up into one. After her mom moved onto a better place she kept her blog going. I enjoyed reading through it and congrats to being chosen in the "Fab five" thinking blogers award. Very nice blog and think it is definitely worth a visit to learn that each day is indeed a gift."

You too can submit your blog for review by visiting his site and completing a submission form listed on the right sidebar of his site! I found a review by Billy Mac on another blog that I visit and thought it would be fun to get his idea on mine!

Now, http://critiquemyblog.blogspot.com is a regular read of mine and I have found other blogs that are of interest to me and I am adding to my regular list of "reads"!

Thanks, Billy Mac, for the review and for your other blog reviews which are a great way to "meet" other people with which a read may find a shared interest!

Skateboards - Who Needs 'Em?

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Today starts another week and I'm glad for the opportunity to "begin" again! Last week and the week before were a bit more than I had hoped they would be.

Chance, in the last few months, has taken up skateboarding! Yes, that's right - skateboarding! I'm learning a lot of terms and descriptions that I never really cared to know in relation to my children. Chance has decided his "longboard" is his joy and is on it - with his buddies - every opportunity afforded him!

I can't say that I allow him to do it because it's "harmless", nor because I think it must be great enjoyment for him! My real thoughts about the whole idea of skateboarding are screaming inside my head, "No, Stop Him - this is not good! This could be very bad! He's my only son!" I have tried to get him to wear a helmet - to no avail! I want to tell him to stick with computers (which he absolutely loves!), and to give up the "thrill of the board!"

Now, of course I know there are worse things for teenagers than skateboarding - but right now, skateboarding is providing my almost 50-year-old hair more gray than I think I gained in all the other 49 years of my life! I look at Chance and can't deny the fact that he is no longer a child that I can steer in another direction . . . away from danger! He'll be 18 in two months - 2 months! I now do the only thing (and really the most important) that will make any difference in his life whatsoever! I pray - daily - for God to watch over him, protect him and guide him in the choices he makes in every aspect of his life!

He's such a great kid! Even though I miss the wonderful little boy that he was, I am enjoying getting to know the man he is quickly becoming before my eyes. I thank God for our son and our daughters as well.

The last couple of weeks, as I stated, have been a little more than I hoped they would be because of a "little" accident on the longboard! It was one week ago last Wednesday as I left from work at 5:00 pm, two blocks into my trip home - I get "the" phone call! Chance had called me at 3:30 asking permission to go with his buddies to one of their skateboarding spots and I had given him permission to go. When I answer the phone I hear, "Mom, I think I broke my wrist!"

I told him I was just leaving work and would be there as fast as I could and sweet guy that he is he said, "Don't drive too fast! I don't want you to have an accident on the way!" I wasn't sure if his statement was because he was concerned about my state of mind and therefore, my driving - or if he thought that an accident would delay his trip to the ER thus prolonging the intense pain he was in!

My normal drive home is about 40-45 minutes. It took me 30 minutes to get to him and we headed straight to the ER as I called our doctor to let her know what was going on with him and to get the approval to go to the ER! You know, if you don't have permission to go to the ER from your primary care physician - insurance don't pay!

This is what I saw when I picked Chance up:

Yeah, I was pretty sure it was broken, too!

Chance is a very confident, secure guy and doesn't really care what other people think about him, the way he dresses or anything else about his person! I love that he is strong in that way, although at times I am surprised at how confident he really is!

About halfway to the ER as I was calming down a bit, I notice what he is wearing! When I look at him, really look at him, I crack up! I am laughing so hard I have tears running down my face, blurring my vision and totally breaking up the tension I had been feeling about the whole situation. I've included the picture below to help you understand why:

Great look, wouldn't you agree?

Chance doesn't own a pair of colored socks to his name! He wears - normally wears the white no-show socks with his shoes! To see him wearing those socks was absolutely the highlight of my day! You should have seen the many looks he got while we were in the ER and then when we went to WalMart to get his prescription for pain medication! The looks never bothered him at all! They don't bother me either, so it was fun to watch people as they noticed him.

Anyway, to make an already long story a little shorter - they x-rayed his arm and discovered that he had broken the "growth plate". Broke what?

I was in the Air National Guard when I was - much - younger and my job in the guard, after completing Tech School, was as an X-ray Tech. In all of my training, part of which consisted of learning all of the bones in the body and their structure, I never heard of a "growth plate"! Maybe that really shows how old I am!

The ER doctor on call told me to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor the following week and he would probably put a cast on Chance's arm, then. She put him in a splint and a sling(for support) until we could get to the Ortho doc. The sling lasted about half an hour!

We saw the Ortho doc, Dr M, last Tuesday and instead of him putting Chance in a cast, he explained that not only had he broken the growth plate - transversely - but he had also dislocated some of the bony structure in his hand! So much for that cast!

They scheduled him for surgery on Friday, the 16th!

Thursday morning at work, right before 8:00 am, I got a call from Dr M's nurse saying that she had just received a call from the hospital and Chance was not there! Of course, he wasn't there - he had been scheduled for Friday - OOPs! There was no way I could pick him up from school and get him back to the hospital in less than an hour, so they rescheduled his surgery - for this coming Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

Dr M explained that it will be a 2 1/2 to 3 hour surgery and that Chance messed up his wrist "pretty bad"! He most likely will have permanent loss of some of the range motion in his left hand!

What a couple of weeks we've had! But, there is good news - Dr M said no skateboarding for at least 3 months, the time that his hand will be out of commission! Chance also, in his cute little way, made the statement to Dr M that he guessed now he would not be a concert pianist! Dr M asked him if he played the piano before and Chance replied, "No, just Guitar Hero"! Dr M then said none of that, either. Sometimes Chance opens his mouth and finds that his foot has fallen into it! I was really glad he said it, because I would never have thought of asking about that!

Even in light of the accident and the drama following it, I have so many things to be thankful for today! I'm thankful that Chance only broke his wrist! He also hit his head, but thankfully, he has a hard head! The ER doc checked it and it seemed fine, so that's a big Thank You, God!

I'm thankful for Cheryl, the speaker at the ladies retreat I attended with Elizabeth! I have communicated, by email, with Cheryl since the retreat and she is such a wise, Godly woman and I am just so appreciative of the "truths" she is showing me about so many things. She has suggested a study for me and I'm excited to get started on it. Elizabeth and I are going to work the study together!

I have so much more to be thankful for and will share more at a later time. This post has almost gotten out of hand and if you stayed to the end . . . I'm thankful for your friendship, too!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Thursday Thirteen #3

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Thirteen Things about My Son, Chance

1…. He is my baby - When Jody and I married, Jody had two daughters from a previous marriage and I had one daughter from another marriage. Chance is our child together.

2....He was our last chance for a boy - which is how we came up with his name! We knew we wanted a child - one child - together and since we already had three girls, this would be the only opportunity for us to have a son!

3....He is 16 - will be 17 next month!

4....He is a great kid! He has strong values and doesn't give in to peer pressure to smoke, drink or get involved with drugs!

5....He is very loving and kind! He doesn't mind getting and giving hugs and affection (as long as we're at home!)

6....He is very artistic!

7....He is so intelligent! He was tested and placed in a gifted program during grade school.

8....He talks to me - if we have a problem that needs to be addressed, he is able to talk to me and share his opinions on any subject and usually, after some negotiation, we are able to come to a resolution.

9....He is his own person - sometimes to his own detriment. He tends to overthink things, such as school work, and decides whether or not it is worth his time to complete it. This has probably been our biggest problem, but I have had several of his teachers tell me that it's not unusual for many of their gifted students to have this problem! This is one issue I definitely would not have missed!

10...He is respectful! I am proud of the way he treats others!

11...He is very much like his Dad! He looks a lot like him and many of his mannerisms are the same! Most of the time, that's a good thing!

12...He's good with my Mom! Even as frustrating as it can be to care for her, he never is disrespectful to her. (Sometimes, he would like to tease her, though, because of the, seemingly, exciting life she lives now - the many trips she takes, the hallucinations she has, etc.)

13...He completed our family! It was great having three daughters, but I'm glad I have been able to experience being a mother to my son! It's been a different experience - and it's been wonderful!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

http://www.chelleyoung.com

http://fourbzboysmom.blogspot.com

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

September 2 - Honor Thy Father and Mother

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Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise),that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Ephesians 6:2,3

I was taught my whole life the words of Ephesians 6:1, but of course the true meaning escaped me until my own chldren came along. I went through the usual teenage years, believing that I knew more than my parents could ever know! Wow, what an eye opener to be on the other side of that tumultuous time of life!

I am so thankful that my Mom is back home! I remember growing up, seeing my Mom and Dad helping care for their parents - never realizing the sacrifices they made in order to care for them. They never complained - we just knew that one weekend out of every month, we would take a trip to either my Dad's parents or my Mom's mother's house to visit and help out if they needed anything. Both of my parents worked full time, had six children and still taught us the value of love through actions and deeds.

When my Dad died eleven years ago, he seemed to stay long enough to express his love for our Mother and needed to know that, all of their children, would help care for her for the rest of her life. Once we all assured him that we would, it seemed he was then able to go - and left this life believing that we would always take care of our Mother because he would no longer be here to care for her himself.

We had a pretty rough time the first day Mother was home. Yesterday and today have both been better. She has slept a lot, but during her waking times has not been sick at her stomach nor has she had an anxiety attack. I talked, yesterday, with Hospice and asked permission to discontinue one of the medications she had been taking - Depakote. I'm not really sure why she was even put on it - there was never an explanation from the PA who was "taking care" of her before we fired the doctor from my Mom's case. The Hospice nurse told me that normally the drug is given to people with a history of seizures and can not be stopped cold turkey for fear of seizures returning. My Mom has never had a seizure in her life! Elizabeth looked up the drug on the internet and found where the drug was also prescribed for people with ADHD - sometimes with good results, but some times with results like those like Mother was experiencing. We have now stopped the Depakote, with Hospice approval, and I am anxiously waiting - and praying - that we will have positive results once the drug is out of her system! I will be good to have Mom back again.

We had a frightening incident during the night last night - Mom fell out of bed. I was awakened at about 1:00 am and knew immediately that she had fallen out of bed! I quickly went to her room and sure enough she was on the floor! Hospice brought out a bed with rails, but Mom asked me to put up the rail only on one side - which I did! I was so upset at myself and checked her over completely, but did not find any injury. She said she wasn't hurt and Jody got her up and back to bed and we then put up the rails on both sides of the bed. I told her - rails from now on, no matter what!

I was upset and crying and Jody said we will get a video monitor and put in her room in order to keep a better eye on her. I'm so thankful to have Jody - he's such a caring and loving man! I know God brought him into my life and I am truly blessed!

Another Day for Thanksgiving

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Another week is ending and what a week! Today was good! I cooked the meal – turkey, ham, dressing and all the goodies! I had a couple of new recipes I really wanted to try, but most of my family doesn’t take well to new foods. Toni, Elizabeth, Candace, Mom and I are the ones who will try about anything. One of the recipes was for Brussels sprouts, which I love! Since Toni, Elizabeth and Candace were all unable to be here today, I decided to wait until another time to try the new recipe. Michael called this evening and said they would be here tomorrow, so I think I will try out the recipe then.

Only a few of us able to get together today, but I’ll take any of them I can get! Toni, Jeff and Blake were going to a friend’s today – Jeff’s best friend from high school had recently been involved in a car accident and after being in the hospital, then a rehab center, he is now mending at home.

Elizabeth and Michael were going to his parents for the day. I’m so thankful she has such great in-laws. She loves them and feels very comfortable with them and I think they feel the same way about her. Candace had to work today, but Nick and the boys came for lunch. Chance is a picky eater, so he didn’t enjoy the meal with us.

Charlie (my oldest brother) and Summer (his daughter) came over for a bit. It’s always good to see Charlie and I really enjoyed seeing Summer. It’s been a while since I last saw her. It was a good day.
Mom continues to sleep most of the time now. When she is awake, she’s confused. Elizabeth, Michael and Addy came out Tuesday and spent the night and most of yesterday here. Mom didn’t know Elizabeth part of the time she was here. Elizabeth handled it really well. Many times when Candace comes over, she gets caught up in Mom’s fantasy world. Mom asks her questions, which, of course, Candace has no way of knowing what the answer should be. She handles it well, also.
Jody’s grandmother died this week. He and Toni went to the funeral yesterday. I am not really close to Jody’s family and only met his grandmother once. I asked Jody if he wanted me to go with him, but knowing how hard it would be for me to get someone to sit with Mom, he said he would be fine to go alone.
I woke up this morning before everyone else and was having my coffee and watching TV. I found a Hallmark movie titled, “A Time To Remember” and started watching it. It was about a woman who comes back to visit her mother and finds her mother is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Of course I got caught up in the story because the mom in the story mirrored my Mom. The plot really was about mending fences and treasuring whatever time the mother and daughter had left – before the disease took over. It’s amazing how cleansing and refreshing a good cry can be. Those Hallmark movies really get to me!

Each and every day is Thanksgiving for me! I know how blessed I am and thank God for all the blessings! Every day brings something new and I look forward to discovering whatever comes next!

"Each moment is a place you've never been."

mark strand

Memories

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I was looking back on my blog this morning for one of my posts regarding my mom and found the post below. I thought it was great time to post it again - 2 years later. Each Blessing that I've listed still applies and I thought it an appropriate time for these memories!

I've Been Tagged!

Tag. . . I’m it! Thankful Meme Annie has tagged me – the theme is three (3) things for which I am thankful. I have to say that three of the many blessings I have received will hardly even begin to touch my lengthy list, but here are three.

1… I am thankful for my husband, Jody. Jody came into my life at a time when, after being a single mom for almost eight years, I truly felt that my life was complete! I was not looking for, nor did I think I ever wanted to be married – after two failed marriages. My first two marriages were filled with abuse – emotional and extreme physical abuse. The abuse was so severe and I had come to believe that marriage and torture were one and the same – at least for me! Jody showed me that love is not painful or unkind! I believe that God brought Jody into my life and led me to accept Jody as my husband for the rest of my life. Jody loves me unconditionally for the person that I am – even with my faults. His expectations of me are realistic and don’t involve punishment if I’m unable to meet those expectations! Jody helped me become a better, more tolerable and more trusting person by loving me. I will thank God, for the rest of my life, for bringing Jody into my life.

2… I am thankful for my children and grandchildren. Elizabeth is my first-born child. She is 26 years old, a wife, a mother and a sister to our other children. Elizabeth and I have a very close relationship – she is not only my daughter, but also one of my best friends. She is a great mom to my only granddaughter. She has a strong faith in God, which is shared by her husband, Michael. She and Michael make a great team – a union formed under the leadership of our Lord. I know that whatever Elizabeth does in this life will be great because she allows God to lead her decisions.

Chance is my baby (even at 17 years of age), born to Jody and me after only 11 months of marriage. We knew that we wanted a child together after we married and were doubly blessed – becoming pregnant so quickly and having a boy – after having three girls in our family already. Chance is very loving and very sensitive. He has an amazing sense of humor and shares it with his family and friends! He is very intelligent and after being tested in while in grade school, was placed in the gifted program! He retains information without much study, but doesn’t always apply himself to schoolwork! He is in the process of learning to drive – even though he really doesn’t care whether he drives or not. He’s not in a hurry to drive and that’s okay with me.

Candace is one of my “instant’ children, becoming mine to share when Jody and I married. She is 24 years old, is a wife and a mother and a great sister to her our other children. She helps me a lot – always ready and willing if she’s needed. Candace is strong, even though she doesn’t know it always. She is a good mom to my two youngest grandsons and loves her boys over everything else. She doesn’t mind hard work and is a great housekeeper. Candace and I are close and I hope that never changes.

Toni is my other “instant” daughter – also becoming mine to share when Jody and I married. Toni is 27, is a wife and a mother to my oldest grandson. She takes her job as wife and mother very seriously and loves her family dearly. Toni was nine (9) when we married and she and I went through a lot of trials together. Toni loved her mom very much and wanted, of course, for her mom and dad to be together always. Toni’s mom died when Toni was 16 and that has been hard for her. I know that she would have loved for her mom to be around to see her as she is now and to have been there for her to share in her special moments – high school graduation, her marriage and the birth of her son. I love Toni and I will always.

3… I am thankful for my “other” family – my siblings, aunts and uncles and cousins. I grew up in a wonderful family in which we were very close to both my Dad’s family and my Mom’s family. We had great reunions – and still do – getting together often and therefore knowing each other well. My parents taught us – their children – to love God above all else and to live our lives according to His will. They taught us love and kindness and the importance of family. Both extended families are made up of Christians and that was evident in every aspect of our lives. When we all met together there was never drinking, distasteful language or mistreatment of each other. We always knew, and still know today, that each member of the families would do anything for any other member of the family – no matter what! My parents are both gone now – but we are still a family - They taught us that!

My thankful list is long – these are only three of my great blessings - as requested!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Thursday Thunks! September 15, 2008

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Hosted by Motherhood with Teenagers

I found this meme and thought it might be fun! Here's this week's "Thunk"

"Candy Bars and you.Think of yourself... then think of a candy bar. What comes to mind? Is it all chocolate? Is it sweet? Salty? If you had to describe yourself & your personality by creating a "you" candy bar, what would it be?"

Ferrero Rocher Chocolates - Rocher choclates are a tempting combination of luscious, creamy, chocolatey filling surrounding a whole hazelnut, within a delicate crisp wafer, all enveloped in creamy milk chocolate and finely chopped hazelnut.

I would like to think of myself as a Ferrero Rocher Chocolate. On the outside you "get what you see"! You either want to experience who I am or you don't - it's pretty simple. I'm pretty down to earth, honest and "nutty" in bits (finely chopped bits!). Once you reach the inside - if I ever let you past my crispy wafer walls - you find the real treat, the best nut of all!

Sometimes I'm hard to get to know because I "guard" myself closely, but if I find true friendship - then, slowly, the inside becomes a part of the "bar"!

Okay, so the gold wrapping may not really apply - but I do "clean up" pretty good!

What kind of candy bar are you? Visit Motherhood with Teenagers and share your thoughts!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Addy in Disneyland

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Elizabeth, Michael and Addy are at Disneyland this week! They left last Friday afternoon and, of course, report back each day. Yesterday was especially fun for Addy because the performers of "High School Musical" selected her to come on stage to dance and sing with them. They threw a feather boa around her neck and she was set to go! She was so excited when she called to tell me about it.

I've posted a picture below of her on stage. If you want to read more about their trip visit Elizabeth's blog here.

Out of HUNDREDS of people, Addyson was one of the handful picked to dance on stage with High School Musical 3. You KNOW she was stoked!!!! She played the part VERY well. People around us kept saying things like, "She's not shy, is she?" and "She's perfect for that part!" They announced her name and that she is from Oklahoma. They also said she's the next star of HSM. She will never forget that!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

You Can Run, But You Can't Hide!

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Have you ever studied the book of Jonah in the Old Testament of the Bible? We have started a new study at church on Sunday morning and that's the book we are studying. Yesterday was the first day of the study so, of course, we started with chapter 1.

Jonah was a man who was given a mission from God to go and preach His word in Nineveh, but instead Jonah tried to run from God and left in the opposite direction. He boarded a boat upon which were many sailors - experienced sailors - who because of Jonah experienced the power of God for the first time!

While they sailed a great storm came upon them and the men were afraid! Each man called out to his own god, but to no avail. The storm roared on! When they looked for Jonah, they found him - below deck, sound asleep! They awakened him and began to question him,

" 4) Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5) All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6) The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish." Jonah 1

The sailors questioned Jonah, asking who he was, where he came from,his country and what people he came from. They wanted to know who was making all this trouble for them.

Jonah answered and said, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land." Jonah 1:9

The men were terrified and asked Jonah what he had done - they knew that he was running from the Lord, because he had told them. They asked Jonah what they should do to him to make the sea calm and Jonah told them to throw him overboard!

The men obviously had more compassion for Jonah than Jonah had for all the people in Ninevah - the town God had told him to go to preach and, therefore, they tried everything they knew to keep the boat afloat - without throwing him overboard. They threw cargo (their very livelihood) overboard to lighten the boat and tried to row back to land. The sea just got rougher and rougher.

13) Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14) Then they cried to the LORD, "O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased." 15) Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16) At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him. Jonah 1

Have you ever tried to "run" from God? I can remember times in my life - not really running, but definitely avoiding God! When the spirit lives in you and you know God's word, it is impossible to have peace when your actions are in direct opposition to His teachings.

Jonah tried to run from God but the mighty God of Heaven knew where he was and knew his heart. God caused the storm, not as punishment to Jonah, but as a "recovery" - to bring Jonah back to Him! And in the midst of the storm, brought many others unto Himself as well!

When I look at the "stormy" times in my life - they always coincide with a time in which I have not put God first in all that I do! My life and my choices have not been in line with His Word. Instead, I have allowed my priorities to become skewed - moved my relationship with God down on my list of "Things To Do"!

I know the only way to calm the "storms" in my life is to put Him back at the top of my "To Do" list by getting back into the Word, making prayer, worship and Bible study my focus. God is ever present and He loves me. Storms may come, but I can call upon God and know that the "sea" will be calm once again! My God is awesome and I'm thankful for His faithfulness and His love for me!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Fight FOCA

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BREAKING: Obama Checks First Task Off Abortion Agenda, Overturns Mexico City Policy
Obama waited until after 5:00PM on a Friday to hold a "quiet ceremony" to repeal an important pro-life policy established by President Reagan. He hoped no one would notice, but you can read all about it here on the SBA List website. From: Susan B. Anthony List

One of the regular blogs I read - I Am Heading Towards My Destiny - is the site of Beth of NC. When I visited her site today, I found this and knew that I wanted to sign the petition and also pass on the information. This is important information to anyone who is pro-life and I hope you will visit Beth and the other sites listed and maybe, if you feel led to do so, sign the petition.

Sign the Fight FOCA Petition

Barack Obama is now the incoming President.

And he made a promise to Planned Parenthood last year they expect him to keep.

"The first thing I’d do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing I’d do." (You can see the video here!)

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would eliminate every restriction on abortion nationwide.
. . . FOCA will do away with state laws on parental involvement, on partial birth abortion, and on all other protections.
. . . FOCA will compel taxpayer funding of abortions.
. . . FOCA will force faith-based hospitals and healthcare facilities to perform abortions.

Barack Obama believes this legislation will "end the culture wars." To him, "ending the culture wars" means eradicating every state and federal law on abortion — laws that the majority of Americans support.

Americans United for Life (AUL), a pro-life law and policy organization, has prepared an analysis of the "Freedom of Choice Act." Please click here to read AUL Vice President & Legal Director Denise Burke’s analysis of this horrendous legislation.

The time to Fight FOCA is now. With Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid in charge of Congress, we can expect a fight over FOCA to begin as soon as the next Congress begins.

Please add your name to the Fight FOCA petition and let your friends know about President-Elect Barack Obama’s promise to expand abortion throughout the country.

Beth posted a letter (which is worth reading) she received from
Marjorie Dannenfelser
Susan B. Anthony List President
703-875-3370www.sba-list.org
Check out the SBA blog: http://www.suzyb.org/

It's a great post and I know that you'll be blessed when you visit Beth and read all the information she is sharing.

What Would You Do?

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August 7, 2008

If you were walking down the street and found a $10.00 bill lying on the ground - would you pick it up? Would you keep it? Okay, what if you were in the checkout line and the checker gave you too much change - would you keep it or return it? What if you “accidentally” took something, along with things honestly given to you, that you knew was not for you - would you keep it anyway?

I think sometimes it’s easy to say we would do the right thing - but would we, really?

I was brought up in a family that had little - little money, few “extras” and I never knew that we had so little - until I was grown! My family was never materialistic. We never were in competition to have the best or “keep up with the Joneses”. I’m so thankful for that.

When someone generously gives me something, I want people to know where it came from and how I received it. I want them to know that nothing in this life comes from me - it all comes from God. It all comes from God, whether it is purchased by money I earn working or from the generosity of others! I believe that to accept a gift without that spirit of thankfulness is wrong!

I can’t imagine accepting something, erroneously, that was not meant for me but still keeping it and using it as if it was intended for me! If we know that a mistake has been made - no matter how small we perceive it to be - shouldn’t we make it right? Shouldn’t we make sure that we’ve done what needs to be done to ensure that the rightful owner has what was intended for him?

I don’t understand when people make excuses for things they do and believe those excuses make it right. I don’t understand why the feelings of other people mean nothing! I don’t understand where love plays into a situation in which respect, loyalty and love are thrown out the window - because the “things” are more important!

I’m thankful to God for each and everything I have in this life. I’m owed nothing and deserve even less - but God blesses me over and over! I pray that I never take this for granted. I pray that I always remember why I have the things that I have! I pray that my heart and my conscience are never at a place where I think “things” are more important than people!

Thank you, God, for all the blessings in my life.

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Find The Difference!

2011-05-12T11:44:00.283-05:00

What is the Difference Between a Pathological, a Compulsive, a Chronic, and a Habitual Liar?

Pathological Liar
A pathological liar is usually defined as someone who lies incessantly to get their way and does so with little concern for others. Pathological lying is often viewed as coping mechanism developed in early childhood and it is often associated with some other type of mental health disorder. A pathological liar is often goal-oriented (i.e., lying is focused - it is done to get one's way). Pathological liars have little regard or respect for the rights and feelings of others. A pathological liar often comes across as being manipulative, cunning and self-centered.

Compulsive Liar
A compulsive liar is defined as someone who lies out of habit. Lying is their normal and reflexive way of responding to questions. Compulsive liars bend the truth about everything, large and small. For a compulsive liar, telling the truth is very awkward and uncomfortable while lying feels right. Compulsive lying is usually thought to develop in early childhood, due to being placed in an environment where lying was necessary. For the most part, compulsive liars are not overly manipulative and cunning (see, Pathological Liar), rather they simply lie out of habit - an automatic response which is hard to break and one that takes its toll on a relationship (see, how to cope with a compulsive liar).

The terms Habitual Liar and Chronic Liar are often used to refer to a Compulsive Liar.

Take a quick survey and see how your lying compares with others - compulsive lying quiz

Above information Found at Truth About Deception

Mythomania is a condition involving compulsive lying by a person with no obvious motivation.The affected person might believe their lies to be truth, and may have to create elaborate myths to reconcile them with other facts.

The definition of Mythomania from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Did you know there was a difference between the types of people who lie? Honestly, I had no idea!

When I was growing up, I was taught that a lie - is a lie - is a lie! Whether it is committed by commission or by omission, it is still a lie! It's a little frightening to think that it is so rampant in our society that they have actually catagorized the people who lie! Mythomania? They even have a medical term to deal with people who lie so much they believe their own lies! Scary!!

I can't honestly say that I have not told a few white lies. You know, the kind most people excuse. Why do we excuse them? I think it's become such a common practice to tell a white lie when you really need to - for practical purposes, you know!

Lying is something that really bothers me. Lying is, of course, done to cover up some action or to make yourself look better in other people's eyes. I'm not really sure why people believe that they need to look better to other's to be accepted. God accepts as we are and wants truth from us - always.

Psalm 101 (New Life Version)
A Song Of Praise
1) I will sing of loving-kindness and of what is right and fair. I will sing praises to You, O Lord.

2) I will be careful to live a life without blame. When will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a right and good heart.

3) I will set no sinful thing in front of my eyes. I hate the work of those who are not faithful. It will not get hold of me.

4)A sinful heart will be far from me. I will have nothing to do with sin.

5)I will stop whoever talks against his neighbor in secret. I will not listen to anyone who has a proud look and a proud heart.

6)My eyes will look with favor on the faithful in the land, so they may serve me. He who walks without blame will help me.

7)He whose ways are false will not live in my house. He who tells lies will not stand in front of me.

8)I will destroy all the sinful in the land every morning. I will cut off all those who do wrong from the city of the Lord.

Sinful man tends to give preference to models that rationalize his lawlessness and desire for absolute self-sovereignty (what feels right), rather than on the basis of a transcendent moral order that enables the human soul. The goal is truth, not excuse.
Found at Faith Facts

I have found that the worst hurt, at least to me, comes from being lied to by people who profess to be followers of Christ. When they continually embellish or excuse their untruths, it is a deeper scar that remains. We should be able to trust those in the body of Christ - especially those who know God's word and speak it publicly. But you know, just because someone can cite scripture doesn't mean they live it!

I try to pray daily for the Holy Spirit to speak through me and when I allow that to happen - I know the Holy Spirit doesn't lie!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

It's a Giveaway!

2011-05-12T11:44:00.282-05:00

I was "making my Bloggyville rounds" this morning and among my regular blog reads is a site called Princess Hadley. Hadley is a very special little girl going through something that I can't even imagine.

This is Hadley's diagnosis -
Frontal Lobe Brain Damage
Hemiplegia
Diffuse Bilateral Thalamic Glioma (Brain Tumor).
Terminal Diagnosis: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)-a grade 4 highly malignant tumor.

Treatment has been stopped and now the Lord will heal her completely and she will be with Him! She and her family are on my prayer list!

I also regularly visit her family site, The Fox Family Five and found this message posted by her mom:
"Hadley and I love us some funky cuteness. One of my cousin's fave designers is having a giveaway that I would love to win. =)

Go...post a reply to enter yourself...and let her know that I sent you. =)"

I love giveaways (who doesn't?), so of course I followed the link to calico., and found this note: "she's a maniac. it's a giveaway". I left a comment and I am now entered in the give-away.

Sounds easy, right? Just follow the link to calico., and you can enter that easily, too!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Who Are You - Really?

2011-05-12T11:44:00.281-05:00

Blogs, chat rooms, online dating sites. Each of these things has made it easy to keep in touch, pray for others, update special news events . . . but, they have also made it easy to take on an “alternate” persona. Speaking, through your writing, as if you are someone that doesn’t relate to your real life persona.

Do you know anyone like this? Are you, perhaps, guilty yourself? Are you really who you say you are?

I’ve been blogging now for a couple of years and like to visit my “regular read” blogs, plus new blogs that I find through searches or other blogs. I sometimes read about people who are dealing with trials in their lives, and yet maintain – as written on their blogs – a happy-go-lucky attitude, never ever showing the slightest crack under pressure. I wondered how they could be so nonchalant about events that would cause many people worry, sadness, questioning “why” or even true depression. Even Christ Jesus was sorrowful and troubled over his impending death on the cross.

Matthew 26:

36) Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them,

"Sit here while I go over there and pray."

37) He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him,

and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.

38) Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.

Stay here and keep watch with me."

39) Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed,

"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.

Yet not as I will, but as you will."

I finally came to the realization that it’s easy to be that way with people that don’t know you, have never met you and don’t know your real life and attitudes.

I have had struggles in my life and sometimes found “Christians” to be the most difficult to deal with because of the beliefs they held that Christians should never be depressed or unhappy. That if I had true faith in God, I would not experience negative emotions. I know that is not true. I know that I serve a loving God and that my faith is strong and that I am blessed beyond measure. I know that God loves me, knows my heart and wants me to love others, being real and sharing His love with them. I know that when I experience troubling feelings and emotions, my responsibility is to look to my Lord for comfort and peace.

Philippians 2:

(1) “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,

if any comfort from his love,

if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,

(2) then make my joy complete by being like-minded,

having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

(3) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

(4) Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

but also to the interests of others.”

I know, from my blogging and blog reading that there are many inspirational and Godly bloggers online and feel honored each time that I learn of someone who needs prayer and I am able to do my part in lifting them before God for healing, direction or anything troubling them in their life.

Carry each other's burdens,

and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

One of my goals for 2009 – and beyond – is to be “real” in person and online. To be the person that I say I am – both in speaking and in writing. To understand that every day and every experience is different and that as long as I seek God’s direction in all things, it’s okay to feel whatever it is I am feeling!

Thank you, God, for love, mercy and grace. Thank you, God, for loving me when I feel unlovable. Thank you for forgiveness in my life – both given and received.

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Thursday Thirteen #10

2011-05-12T11:44:00.280-05:00

Thirteen of the Greatest Promises I have been given!

1…. The promise of eternal life! What greater promise could ever be - than a life without sorrow or pain, only pleasure and happiness and the joy of seeing the face of God! I John 2: 24) See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25) And this is what he promised us—even eternal life.

2.... The promise of "peace" on this earth - even in the midst of turmoil, we are assured peace through our Lord. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds." --Philippians 4:6-7

3.... The promise that our Lord and Savior never changes - even with everyone and everything in our lives constantly shifts and changes - He remains the same. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

4.... The promise of the power of prayer. "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:19,20

5.... The promise that we can "know" we are truly living in the Lord. “Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” I John 3:24

6.... The promise that true justice will be known by all! In this world where sometimes it seems there is no justice, the time approaches when we will all know the power of the Almighty Judge! "God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed." Ecclesiastes 3:17

7.... The promise of equality among men. On this earth, where there is prejudice and hatred among people, we know that God puts no man above another - all people are equal in His eyes. Ecclesiastes 3: 19) "Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. 20) All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return."

8.... The promise that our needs will be met while living on this earth. Luke 12: 29) "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30) For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31) But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

9.... The promises made on the day Jody and I married and took our vows together - to love, honor and cherish each other as long as we both shall live! God brought us together and what an amazing journey we share!

10... The promise my parents made to me that they would always love and care for their children - never forsaking any part of the responsibility God gave them when He brought us together.

11... The promise of family - brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, aunts and uncles - knowing that we will always love and be available to each other.

12... The promises made by my children - each and every time they fulfill a promise they've made, showing to everyone they meet that they are full of integrity and the love of the Lord.

13... Last but not least - the promise of "double coupon" day at the grocery store! Any time a dollar is worth two - that's a promise I hold dear to my heart!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

2011-05-12T11:44:00.279-05:00

"fce703b6"

Happy New Year!

2011-05-12T11:44:00.278-05:00

It’s that time again . . . the beginning of a new year. The time when so many are making New Year’s resolutions they may or may not keep over the next year. I’ve never been one to make New Year’s Resolutions – just a couple of times during my life. Usually by the end of the first week of the new year, I’m through with them!

2008 brought many changes to my life – some good – some bad! One of the good things is that I have strengthened my relationship with God and have spent more time in His Word – always a good thing. I will not be doing a list of New Year’s resolutions this year, but instead will be resolving each and every day to spend time in The Word, spend time in prayer, recommit to my marriage, be a better friend and spend more time time with friends and family!

For those who feel the need to make their “list” – I’ve included the most popular goals that make New Year’s resolution lists each year, plus Bible scripture that I feel is good instruction for each category.

New Year's resolution
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Most Popular Goals[1]

. . . Lose Weight
. . . Gain Weight
. . . Get Fit
. . . Eat Right
. . . Drink less Alcohol
. . . Quit Smoking

I Corinthians 6:
19) Do you not know that your body
is a temple of the Holy Spirit,
who is in you,
whom you have received from God?
You are not your own;
20) you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your body

. . . Get out of Debt
. . . Save Money
. . . Get a Better Job
. . . Get a Better Education
Jeremiah 29: 11) For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
12) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,
and I will listen to you.
13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

. . . Reduce Stress

Matthew 6:25

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,

what you will eat or drink;

or about your body, what you will wear.

Is not life more important than food,

and the body more important than clothes?

. . . Take a Trip

Mark 16:15
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Romans 10:15
And how can they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
2 Corinthains10:15[b]
Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow,
our area of activity among you will greatly expand,
16) so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.

. . . Volunteer to Help Others

Romans 12:7
7) If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8) if it is encouraging, let him encourage;
if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;
if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
I Corinthians 10:
23) "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial.
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.
24) Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way
you will fulfill the law of Christ.

. . . Be Less Grumpy

I Peter 4:
9) Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
10) Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
11) If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

. . . Be more independent

John 7:18
He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself,
but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him
is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

. . . Watch less violence

Proverbs 13:2
From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things,
but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.

Success Rate
Recent research shows that the New Year’s resolution starts the day of new years (January 1st) and ends the first day of the next year .While 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, a system where small measurable goals are used (lose a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends. [2]

References
^ http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/New_Years_Resolutions.shtml [1]
^ Quirkology Study: [2]

One of my daily "recommitments" will be towards loving my family and friends in a more open and constructive way. I want them, especially my family members, to know by my words and my actions they that are important to me – an intricate part of my life.

I want also to be able to listen if someone comes to me with a problem – especially a problem they may be having with me. I want to pray about it, consider that it may very well be true (even if I’ve never thought I was wrong in a particular situation) and resolve any/all problems with mercy and grace, honoring God with my response.

I know that God wants peace and harmony between us on this earth and when there are unresolved issues between a family member, friend or acquaintance – it is a sin against our Heavenly Father and I have to know if I’ve offended someone or I will not be able to resolve the issue.

Matthew 18:
15) "If your brother sins against you,[a]
go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.
If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
16) But if he will not listen, take one or two others along,
so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'[b]

Romans 12:
9) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.

Proverbs 12
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates correction is stupid.

15 The way of a fool seems right to him,
but a wise man listens to advice.

16 A fool shows his annoyance at once,
but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony,
but a false witness tells lies.

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

22 The LORD detests lying lips,
but he delights in men who are truthful.

25 An anxious heart weighs a man down,
but a kind word cheers him up.

This year, I will daily make choices and I pray that each of the choices I make will reflect my love and my faith in God and bring honor and glory to His Name.

In His Love and Blessings
annb

I've nothing to hide!!

2011-05-12T11:44:00.277-05:00

If you have visited my blog recently, you noticed that I had changed it from Public to Private. I will not go into the reasons why, but have decided that my blog will again be public. I have nothing to hide and enjoy blogging and don’t feel the need to hide my thoughts!

I will, however, no longer be mentioning Jody’s daughters or their families on my blog – by request! I won’t go into detail about that, but I am respecting the wishes of the one who made that request.

With that said, I also want to state that: I am not a liar! I am not a thief! Jody and I – together – raised the three children we brought into our marriage and the child that we had together! We made all decisions together, we loved them together, we cared for them the best we knew how and thought we did a good job! Every childhood toy that belonged to any one of our children is stored in a storage room in Jody’s shop - because I could never get rid of them! I thought they might want them someday and the toys are there whenever, if ever they choose to take them.

I was never a perfect mother – still working on it – but I loved our children. I worked very hard to maintain a balance of equality, individuality and separate personality for each one of our children. I made mistakes and for those I have apologized and don’t know what else to do to make things better. Jody and I are both sorry for the decisions that have been made, but we are trying to deal with things in an adult and loving way. We still have two of our children who want us both in their lives and we will be there – both of us – for them!

With that being said, I will continue to blog about my life, about my two biological children – their accomplishments and all the reasons I love them and am so proud of the adults they have become!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

"Spa Day"

2011-05-12T11:44:00.276-05:00

Today Michael and Elizabeth (and of course, Ava) had some shopping to do and Addy decided she wanted to stay home with me. We decided it would be a perfect day for the two of us to share a "Spa Day"!

We gave each other shoulder massages, manicures, pedicures and fixed each other's hair and did each other's make-up! As you can see from the picture, we had a great time and don't we look great!

I'm so thankful that I am able to spend time with Elizabeth's girls. Grandkids are a special gift from God and I cherish each moment I have with them.

A Great Example of a Teen Today

2011-05-12T11:44:00.275-05:00

I have been "blog-traveling" today and I found an amazing post by Debra at http://momof12andlovingit.blogspot.com/2007/03/high-school-students-speech.html . I was truly touched by the post and I think you will be, too. When you're out traveling next time, take a moment and vist Debra.

Thank you, God, that I am ENOUGH!!

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Mark 10
1-2 From there he(Jesus) went to the area of Judea across the Jordan.

A crowd of people, as was so often the case, went along,

and he, as he so often did, taught them.

Pharisees came up, intending to give him a hard time. They asked,

"Is it legal for a man to divorce his wife?"

3 Jesus said, "What did Moses command?"
4 They answered, "Moses gave permission
to fill out a certificate of dismissal and divorce her."
5-9 Jesus said, "Moses wrote this command only as a concession
to your hardhearted ways.
In the original creation, God made male and female to be together.
Because of this, a man leaves father and mother,
and in marriage he becomes one flesh with a woman
—no longer two individuals, but forming a new unity.

Yesterday, I had a comment on a blog post from “anonymous”! It was unbelievable to me – the names I was called and the things said in the comment by someone who doesn’t even know me! We traced the comment and knew where it came from and discovered who the person was that wrote it.

I have met this person twice and I don’t know her - at all – and she does not know me – at all! The only things she knows about me are what she has been told – by someone I love - which made the comment hurt that much more. Things that are not even the truth, have been told to this person and I cannot even wrap my mind around why this would happen.

I know that the person telling these things is angry with me. I know this person has been hurt and for that I am truly sorry. I would never want to cause pain to this person. I have been praying that this relationship, as well as another, would be healed.

Jody and I talked, about these relationships, last night after a lot of drama had taken place. He said it doesn’t appear that things will change and that I probably should just be prepared for that very result. I don’t know how to give up on it. I don’t know how to turn off the love that I have for those from which I am estranged, although for now I will try not to dwell on the way things are, but I will continue praying - asking God to heal the wounds.

Ephesians 5:24-26 (The Message)

22-24 Wives, understand and support your husbands

in ways that show your support for Christ.

The husband provides leadership to his wife

the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing.

So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership,

wives should likewise submit to their husbands.

Jody has become my rock since we came back together after the separation. We had so many problems in our marriage before the separation, but the commitment we made when we came back together has made us closer than we have been in 20 years of marriage! We are putting a high priority on our marriage - a marriage that glorifies God! We're putting each other over all others on this earth to make our marriage strong! Jody is my focus and I believe that I am his!

Ephesians 5:24-26 (The Message)

25-28 Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives,

exactly as Christ did for the church

—a love marked by giving, not getting.

Christ's love makes the church whole.

His words evoke her beauty.

Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her,

dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness.

And that is how husbands ought to love their wives.

They're really doing themselves a favor

—since they're already "one" in marriage.

I am thankful that our marriage is on the right course. I am thankful that we chose to re-commit to our marriage rather than just throw it away. I am thankful that he loves me and I thank God that I am enough!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Sunday Grains of Gratitude 07/10

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Hosted by Christine at Brady's Bunch!

Today I'm grateful for many things, but today some of those things mean more to me than some of the others! I am so thankful for the church that I am now attending. I always leave the assembly enriched by both the praise and the worship services!

At church today it seemed like Pastor Craig could have been speaking to me alone! I always get a lot out of his sermons and this morning was no exception. We are doing a study on Jonah and how he tried to run from God rather than choosing to obey Him. Craig pointed out that many of us are the same way - that sometimes we decide that we know best rather than allowing ourselves to be led by God! Craig also said that even though we may not be running from God and his commandments, we may be "drifters" - discovering one day that we have drifted far from God and his teachings and wonder how we got so far away from Him!

I'm thankful that Jody and Chance are going to church with me. For quite some time, even when I attended Sunday morning worship, they chose not to attend with me - I would go alone. I feel blessed that they are attending with me and that we have been going together as a family for about two months! I know that we've needed to worship together for a long time, but we had not made it a priority. I pray that we can grow in our spiritual lives together and in, everything we do, may we glorify God!

I'm thankful for my family. Michael, Elizabeth and Addy came and spent the weekend with us, which always makes me happy. I talked to Candace on the phone this weekend and I enjoy talking to her and Toni and getting updates on their lives and on their children! I enjoy the time we spend together and am a little sad when it ends. Before I went back to work, it was fun to see Candace and the boys or to have Blake and the other grandkids over to the house to play together or to spend the day at Elizabeth's - spending time with her and Addy, but also spending time with her daycare kids! They are all so sweet and I love seeing them.

I'm thankful for the rain we've been getting. It has really done a job on our driveway (very rough and washed out), but it's also done a job on my flower beds and they are beautiful with all the flowers blooming and growing like crazy! I also have some tomato plants and they are covered with little green tomatoes - Yum!

I'm blessed and very thankful for my job and the group of women I work with each day! They are all so kind and caring and I believe any one of them would give anything to anyone in need and never think twice about it! I knew when I met them the day I was interviewed for the position, that they would be good to work with and I was certainly right!

I'm thankful for each day the Lord gives me - another opportunity to share His love with others and hopefully to make a difference in my corner of the world!

This is the day which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

I love it when Christine asks each week
"What are you thankful for today?"

Friday's Feast October 5

2011-05-12T11:44:00.272-05:00

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you look forward to your birthday?
My birthday is a milestone this year – 50! I have never had a birthday yet that was traumatic to me other than when I turned 25! At that time, I was divorced, a single mom to a 2-yr old daughter that I had to leave with a sitter every weekday while I went to work! That was a tough one! I am looking forward to my birthday this year! AARP – here I come! Gotta love those discounts!

Soup
What is one word you don’t like the sound, spelling, or meaning of?
The one word that I can think of is “uvula”. It’s that little hangy down thing in the back of your throat, but I think the name sounds like a word that shouldn’t be available for public use!

Salad
Do you wear sunglasses when you’re outside? If so, what does your current pair look like?
I wear sunglasses in the sun always when I’m driving! I leave them in the car so that I won’t forget them so, of course when I need them at other times I don’t have them – they’re in the car!

Main Course
If you were to write a book, to whom would you dedicate it?
I would definitely dedicate it to my family and to my Mom, especially. She was such a wonderful lady who taught me to love the Lord and put family at the top of my priority list – just below God!

Dessert
Name a beverage that you enjoy.
I love unsweetened iced tea! My tea is not like everyone else’s tea – it’s very weak! I like just enough to color the water! That’s my favorite!

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One of My Darling Daughters

2011-05-12T11:44:00.271-05:00

Hey, It's Friday and I'm at home! I have the best boss! I have a great job! My family is wonderful and I wouldn't trade them for anything on this earth!

Addy spent the night last night and she and I, after doctor's appointments this morning will be on the road! I'm anxious to see my brother and his family - I know the boys will be bigger already! If I had my choice, my siblings, their families and my family would all live in our own little community - able to walk out the front door and see each other's houses! Time passes so quickly and I miss being able to see them often!

I am so blessed in my life and I'm greatly appreciative and thankful that God has blessed me in all areas. One of my greatest blessings is my relationship in the Lord. I can't imagine a life outside of God's family.

Elizabeth's faith and strength of character is also one of my greatest blessings. Knowing that she and Michael work together in their walk with God and are teaching Addy to walk in that path as well. There was a great discussion posted on a blog that I regularly visit (Elizabeth also visits this same blog) started as the result of Michael and Amy's visit to a new church. Anytime I read something Elizabeth has written that shows her passion for her beliefs, I am extremely proud to claim her as mine - at least mine to share!

If you'd like to read the post and see the comments you can read it here at Michael's blog. His post encouraged some great comments and I really just wanted to share Elizabeth's comments showing one of the reasons I am so proud of her. Elizabeth doesn't back down or shy away from talking about her love of the Lord and is, as I said, so passionate about it. I'm not going to share the post, only her comments - there is a link provided above for the post.

Here are the comments Elizabeth left describing her beliefs:

HomeSchool Mommy said...
I guess everyone has a different view on church...different preferences. I grew up in the Church of Christ and I now worship with Life Church.

LifeChurch.tv is DEFINITELY a multi-media church, as were your words. When people talk badly about a church because of its practices or how they deliver a certain message or whatever, I tend to wonder who's speaking to them...the Holy Spirit or Satan.

Does it matter HOW its delivered if its drawing people to Him? How big is your God? Mine is BIG! My God can do anything and He IS working in churches...big and small...money and no money. As far as the video for the people being baptized....how big is the church? I would guess that their intent was to introduce these new believers to the church because not everyone would have a chance to know them.

And, for the volunteer opportunity...the praise and worship band works really hard. If its anything like a lot of big churches these days (including ours), there are multiple services offered. I can't imagine why anyone would scoff at the opportunity to help out our brothers and sisters. Its just a nice thing to do.

For me, it all boils down to this: Is the thought that I'm thinking right now a good one or a bad one? Is it something that will bless others or is it belittling their efforts? Is the thing that I'm upset about something that is adding to a Godly experience for someone or is it something that will turn them away from God? I think the answers to those questions will tell you whether or not your thoughts are from God or Satan. Satan is always trying to give us thoughts that what God is doing is not good...for whatever reason...it's too new/contemporary...it's too big...it's too loud...it's too fun...it's too whatever.

I say God can, will, and does use many methods to bring His people back to Him.Let's quit worrying about the little things and just celebrate that these people are finding God...and if it weren't for this place (wherever it is that you happen to see them coming to Christ), they may never have found Him.

This is 2007. Not everyone wants to worship in a contemporary church and that's fine. It's a great thing that there are still traditional churches around. BUT, this generation LIVES on the media. Our kids play video games, computer games, watch MTV, carry around IPODS, etc. As a church, would we not be stupid NOT to use those tools to bring in this new generation? If it's not relevant, you will not reach people...if we're not reaching people, what are we doing?
Jesus said, "GO! Into the world" He did NOT say, "Build a building and hope they will come to you."

HomeSchool Mommy said...
I actually came back over to apologize if I sounded like 1) I was attacking you and/or 2) Like I felt offended by your post. When I came over, I saw that you had responded to my comment.

Anyway...the point of my second visit was to clarify that I didn't mean to be harsh. I wasn't offended at all and I wouldn't want to offend you, either. Everyone has their own preferences for worship and I think that's AWESOME. The Church of Christ (where I grew up), does not use musical instruments. Their worship is VERY traditional! My husband grew up in a Baptist church, so it was very close to my childhood experience (I think they only had a piano).

We often talk about how much we miss our youth experiences/devos because we would sing a capella youth songs...the harmony was awesome. It was great to hear everyone's voices so well without the interruption of instruments. I can see how some would feel like the multimedia is from the devil...although, I whole-heartedly disagree. Everything good comes from God. He tells us this over and over. If something good is being heard/seen/etc. via multimedia, then it IS from God.

A lot of my extended family is still worshipping with the Church of Christ and I often hear some of them say that they're appalled that churches are changing so much these days. I say, reach the people. However you can...REACH the people. I know a woman who worships with the Church of Christ who said that the only reason she started going to church was because her neighbor would take her to eat pizza every Sunday after church. She said for two years, that was the ONLY reason she went. Over time, her motive was no longer pizza, but instead, God. No matter how sad, the fact is...a LOT of people will never step foot into a church building...they will never hear the story of Jesus...they will never experience His salvation. WHY? Because they don't want the "church" experience.

I'm glad there are traditional churches (as I said in my last comment) because many people WANT that type of community. But, I'm also glad that there are churches reaching out in a different way (like mine) because we need to do whatever it takes to bring people in...then, they can experience the love of God. If it takes a worship band, lights, free coffee and donuts, a moon bounce for the kids, etc...we'll do it...because you wouldn't believe how many HUNDREDS of people have come to know Christ BECAUSE we got them in the door by offering those things.

Anyway...I can really ramble. I just want you to know that I completely respect your preferences and I would never ask anyone to go against their comfort level. I just don't want anyone to think something is bad just because it's not their preference. God can, will, and does work in many ways...He is MUCH bigger than we will ever know.

See what I mean?! I'm thankful that she has amazing faith and is not afraid to share her faith with others. I'm thankful that she has a husband who shares that passion. She helps me stay strong and she and I share many discussions that involve God and ways to increase our service to Him in our daily lives!

I love each of my children so much and they each possess such amazing qualities! I can't imagine my life without even one of them! I sometimes have to pinch myself to know that this great life is mine!

Great Weekend

2011-05-12T11:44:00.270-05:00

My weekend has been wonderful – especially that I have had four days off! My office closed down on Friday after we all decided we wouldn’t mind taking the day off! Can you imagine anyone declining that offer?!

Friday Addy and I both had doctor’s appointments with Dr L, so I took her and then went to mine. My appointment turned out well and I was encouraged by the results! When we left the doctor’s office, we headed to my brother’s house.

The drive was about three hours, but it was a nice drive. We didn’t encounter much traffic since it was the middle of the day. I thought Addy might take a nap on the way but she was too excited! It had been about a month since we had last seen my brother and his family. Addy and I were both anxious to get there!

I miss them since they moved, but I really think it was a good decision for them. My sister-in-law has a job she loves. She actually knew she had the job before they even moved. The boys, ages 4 and three months, are staying with the same daycare provider that kept my sister-in-law when she was a child! My oldest nephew loves her and she loves the boys, too. They have a nice house and are now living in the same town where my sister-in-law’s parents live. Her parents are really good to her and to my brother and the kids! My brother is very blessed to have them as his in-laws!

The town where they live is really small! Everybody knows everybody else and as you drive around the town everyone you meet waves at you as if they had known you your whole life. One of my brother’s days off was Friday, so I was able to visit with him on Friday. He had to go back to work on Saturday, but it was nice to be able to visit with my sister-in-law then. The boys had really grown! I hardly put the baby down the entire time I was there! I slept in the boys’ room with the baby, but he didn’t peep all night! Evidently he sleeps through the night every night! My sister-in-law took us to breakfast on Saturday morning at her favorite little restaurant. She and her family meet every Saturday morning for breakfast at this same restaurant. The food was really good - home cooking! And you won't believe this, but the four of us ate for just over $10.00! The food, as I said, was great and they didn't skimp on the servings!

Addy and I came back on Saturday. She wasn’t happy about leaving and cried because she knew she would be missing them again. We got about 12 miles out of town when I remembered I had left my medicine there. We turned around and went back to the house because I couldn’t be without it. Addy then had to go through leaving them again! I took some pictures of the kids while I was there (imagine that!).

Sunday after church Michael and Elizabeth came to the house and Jody cooked out and we enjoyed a great meal together. We were all tired, so they left pretty early. I was so tired from the trip that I don’t think I moved until bedtime – when I got up and got ready for bed. Today’s been a day of rest, thank goodness. I’m always glad to be home and I’m now rested and ready for my new week!